Monthly Newsletter
June 5, 2020  Issue 90
To the People of the City of Houston and District E,
  
The tragic events which have transpired over the last several weeks have weighed heavily on my heart.

As a native of New Orleans, resident of Houston for over 30 years, and a 60-year-old white man I will never know the pain of my black or brown brothers and sisters. I watched in total disbelief, the video of the Minneapolis Police Department Officer who murdered a man, while other officers watched and did absolutely nothing to help Mr. George Floyd.
 
My wife Julie and I have three children, a daughter and two sons. I never had to prepare them for what could go wrong during a traffic stop, jogging down the street, or how people would perceive them while they are out in public. I never consider that without cause, my children could automatically be deemed a threat just for the color of their skin.
 
As a man who grew up in a racially mixed community in Algiers, Louisiana, I stand with the black community as well as communities of color against intolerance, discrimination, and racism. Houston is the most diverse City in the nation. We as a City are proud of that, we promote and celebrate our diversity, but how can we be proud of that diversity when we are not treating, black lives, brown lives, all communities of color with the dignity they deserve?
 
I am a man of faith and believe these unfortunate events have provided us with an opportunity to grow as a society, embrace this pain together and put a stop to systemic abuse. This is painful, scary, hard, uncomfortable, raw, and a true awakening.
 
We must stand together against what happened to George Floyd and the many other heartbreaking ends to black lives throughout history.
 
I am committed to listening. I am committed to creating awareness among my white peers. I am committed to be an ally of the black community.
 
Together in solidarity.
 
God Bless,

 
Sincerely,



Dave Martin
The District E Office
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
 
Contact Information
  Phone: (832) 393-3008
Fax: (832) 393-3279
 
District E Team

Jessica Beemer
Chief of Staff

Katherine Cunningham
Deputy Chief of Staff

Clarissa Perez
South Sector Manager

Dustin Hodges
North Sector Manager

City of Houston Contacts
 
(713) 837-0311
 
 
Mayor's Citizens
Assistance Office
(832) 393-0955
 
 
 
 

 
Kingwood Community Center
(281) 348-2570
 
 
 
 

 
  
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Hurricane Preparedness

Mayor Pro Tem Martin urges residents to prepare for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began on Monday, June 1 and runs through Monday, November 30, 2020. Planning for hurricane season and other potential disasters can be stressful, and because the 2020 hurricane season comes during the  COVID-19 pandemic, it may be especially so.

The Houston Emergency Center has created a  website with advice to help you safely prepare, evacuate, and shelter for severe storms while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season this year.

Prepare for hurricane season Stay safe after a hurricane 

In addition to following guidance for staying safe and healthy  after a hurricane, note that:
  • You should continue to use preventive actions like washing your hands and wearing a face coveringduring clean up or when returning home.
  • If you are injured or ill, contact your medical provider for treatment recommendations. Keep wounds clean to prevent infection. Remember, accessing medical care may be more difficult than usual during the pandemic.
  • Dealing with disasters can cause stress and strong emotions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is natural to feel anxiety, grief, and worry. Coping with these feelings and getting helpwhen you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover.
Stay Informed
  • Register for AlertHouston, the city's official emergency alert system, to receive real-time weather alerts and post-storm recovery information.
  • More information about how to prepared for this year's hurricane season is available here.
  • Visit www.houstonemergency.org/covid19 for more information about the city's COVID-19 response.
  • Recovery information is available at www.houstonrecovers.org.
Pipers Meadow Storm Line Inspections

Mayor Pro Tem Martin would like to make Pipers Meadow residents aware that Houston Public Works began inspections of the storm water line systems in the neighborhood. These inspections began on Tuesday, May 26 and they are expected to be completed by late-June. These are similar to the inspections done in the Kingwood area following Tropical Storm Imelda. The inspection will take a comprehensive look at the stormwater drainage system and evaluate any choke points or localized debris that needs to be addressed or removed. Please note that this is a standard storm sewer line inspection procedure and does not constitute any type of rehabilitation or reconstruction project.
 
This project became a priority for our office upon receiving feedback from resident related to drainage concerns within the community. Unlike most neighborhoods in the Clear Lake area, this neighborhood is not serviced by the Clear Lake City Water Authority. Therefore, we were glad to partner with Houston Public Works to ensure the city's storm water systems were not adversely impacting surrounding residents.
 
There will be no road closures or disruption to services throughout the duration of these inspections. Once the inspections are completed, we will provide representative images of these inspections on our Facebook page. If you see Houston Public Works crews conducting an inspection please take the time to say "hi" and see what they are working on.
 
The District E office encourages the community to be a part of the solution through participating in the City's  Adopt-A-Drain program. Shout out to those that have already adopted and named their drains in the Kingwood Area that include: Big Bertha, Maleficent, Shrader's Drain, A1 Signs, Lil Bandingo's Drain, Botta Boom Drain and many more! There are lots of drains and plenty of naming opportunities for residents, businesses, and community groups to take advantage of in the area while helping to decrease debris in our drainage system. 
 
Other ways residents can help out are to make sure trash cans don't tip over before they are picked up, ensure that yard clippings and leaves are disposed of properly, gutters are clear before bad weather and never throw trash or other items down drains or inlets.
Harris County Public Health Free COVID-19 Testing Site

Harris County Public Health will be opening a testing site in Precinct 4 at Humble ISD's Turner Stadium on Monday, June 8.
 
Test Dates:  June 8 - 11; 13
Test Times:  8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Complete the online assessment here to schedule your free test. You can also call at (832) 927-7575. Turner Stadium is located at 1700 Wilson Road, Humble, TX, 77396.
Construction Begins on El Dorado Widening Project

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia are proud to announce that construction on the El Dorado Blvd widening project began on Wednesday, May 27. This project includes a new two-lane 150' bridge along Horsepen Bayou, and modification of existing traffic signals at Brook Forrest Drive and Clear Lake City Boulevard.
 
This is a joint project with City of Houston and Harris County Precinct 2, and it's anticipated to cost approximately $8.0 million. Harris County Precinct 2 is the project lead for design and construction. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months, weather permitting.
West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge Repairs Complete

Houston Public Works began a bridge repair project on the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge on Monday, April 27 and completed the repairs late May. The project consisted of replacing fourteen bearing pads. The cost of the project is $307,400 and will be funded through the Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund. The contractor for the project is ISI Contracting, Inc.

This project followed the completion of temporary repairs done by Houston Public Works  last October after three bearing pads slipped from their concrete beams. The work completed this month is similar to  repairs completed in 2015, which included the replacement of deformed or slipped bearing pads.
 
On Wednesday, May 27 City Council awarded the contract for the final repairs to West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge. Our office will provide notification for when the repairs are expected to begin and what the impacts will be as soon as we receive that information.
Center for Houston's Future Leadership Webcast with Marvin Odum

On Wednesday, May 27, the Center for Houston's Future hosted a weekly community webcast featuring Marvin Odum. A respected business and civic leader, Marvin has twice been tapped to help guide Houston through crisis recovery. As the region reeled from the effects of Hurricane Harvey, Marvin was named Harvey Recovery Czar by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Now, as we as a region and a world are facing an unprecedented global health crisis, coupled with tremendous economic impacts, Marvin has once again stepped up to help guide the city as COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Czar.
 
The webcast can be viewed here. 
Kingwood Storm Line Inspections Complete

Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood area residents aware the Kingwood Storm Water Line Inspections have been completed. Most inspections were clear, with only a few spots in need of debris removal. Those areas with debris located within the lines have been addressed by using specialized equipment and confined-space personnel to remove the debris. Nearly 150,000 linear feet, or approximately about 30 miles, of storm water line were inspected.
 
The communities that were inspected are as follows: Elm Grove, Hunter's Ridge, North & South Woodland Hills, Bear Branch, Forest Cove, Greentree Village, Kings Crossing, Kings Forest, Kings Point, Kingwood Lakes, Kingwood Place Village, Lakeshore, Magnolia Point (Huffman), Mills Branch, North Kingwood Forest, Riverchase, Sand Creek Village, Sherwood Trails, Woodspring Village, Woodstream Village and Trailwood Village. Every community's photos from their storm water line inspection can be found in   Council Member Martin's Facebook Photo Albums. 
 
Houston Public Works inspected villages in Kingwood that were impacted by Tropical Storm Imelda and based on the number of reports made to 3-1-1. It is critically important that if you identify areas with drainage issues that you report it to 3-1-1. Larger drainage (or any other infrastructure) projects are derived from 3-1-1 reports and the greater amount of calls about a particular issue will result in higher prioritization of that project.
 
The District E office encourages the community to be a part of the solution through participating in the City's  Adopt-A-Drain  program. Shout out to those that have already adopted and named their drains in the Kingwood Area that include: Big Bertha, Maleficent, Shrader's Drain, A1 Signs, Lil Bandingo's Drain, Botta Boom Drain and many more! There are lots of drains and plenty of naming opportunities for residents, businesses, and community groups to take advantage of in the area while helping to decrease debris in our drainage system. 
 
Other ways residents can help out are to make sure trash cans don't tip over before they are picked up, ensure that yard clippings and leaves are disposed of properly, gutters are clear before bad weather and never throw trash or other items down drains or inlets.
Road Repairs on Market Street

On Thursday, May 28 Houston Public Works' crews began evaluating a sinkhole along Market Street, between Federal Road and Sheffield Boulevard. Road repairs are currently taking place and will continue until mid-July.
 
Please avoid the area as barricades have been place onsite to keep individuals from driving through the collapsed roadway. The District E Office will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Crime Stoppers Virtual Summer Programs

Though COVID-19 has disrupted countless summer plans Crime Stoppers is adapting to fit the needs of the community and  is thrilled to bring you their nationally-recognized programming straight to you through ZOOM.

Summer programs include: Critical Conversations that S.A.V.E Lives in Partnership with The Texas Education Agency (TEA) for educators, administration; law enforcement Safe School Institute (SSI) Summer Camp for kids, tweens and teens; and Safe Community Program (SCP) and Events for parents and community members. 

To participate, browse their calendar here and click the "register here!" button to sign up for the presentation that interests you. If you have any questions please reach out via email. 
Sherwood Trails Sewer Rehabilitation Project

Houston Public Works began a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in Sherwood Trails on Monday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to improve flow and maintain community property. A trenchless method will be used to minimize excavation at the construction site.
 
The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer lines will be done through Sliplining and Pipe Bursting Methods. Pipe bursting is a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines (such as sewer, water, or natural gas pipes) without the need for a traditional construction trench. An expanding device called an expander head, which may be either pneumatic or hydraulic is, introduced into the defective pipeline through a launching pit. As it travels through the pipeline toward the receiving pit it breaks the pipe into many small pieces, pushing the pieces into the surrounding soil. New pipe is attached to the back of the expander head, replacing the line immediately.
 
So far, crews have completed approx. 8,000 linear feet of 8" pipe bursting on Hermitage Hollow Lane, Tinechester Drive, Shadbury Court, Friarwood Trail, Stagdon Drive, and Meandering Trail. Crews have completed all 4,895 linear feet of 21" CIPP. The project is 36% complete to date and is anticipated to take 6-8 months to complete. Construction activities are expected to take place 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday. The contractor will be placing door hangers on each door at least 48 hours prior to construction beginning on the respective street. These door hangers contain important information about what to expect when construction does take place on your street.
 
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected.  Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
HPD Clean Up Under Edgebrook and Gulf Freeway

T hank you to the Houston Police Department Clear Lake Division for assisting with a cleanup on Friday, May 22, at the intersection of Edgebook and the Gulf Freeway.
 
The District E office has been working with HPD over the past several months to complete cleanups along the Gulf Freeway and in various parts of the district. We will continue working with HPD to address health and safety concerns in these areas while also providing information on available resources to these individuals that will help them transition to shelters and permanent supportive housing.
Hamblen Road and Sorters-McClellan Road Overlay Project 

Houston Public Works began the Hamblen Road and Sorters-McClellan Road Asphalt Overlay Rehabilitation Project on March 19, 2020.  The scope of work includes milling off an approximate 2-inch layer of old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack coat and overlaying 2 inches of new asphalt surface pavement. The project is expected to be completed by late June 2020, weather permitting.
 
The project is being completed in 2 phases. Crews have completed the overlay on Sorters-McClellan Road and Hamblen Road in addition to completing the centerline striping. The final portions of asphalt work were completed the last week of May and pavement markings were completed on Sorters-McClellan with only pavement markings remaining to be completed on Hamblen. Construction activities are expected to take place between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
 
Residents and business owners should be aware that individual driveways may be inaccessible for short periods of time at various times throughout the project, however, the Contractor will work with the owners to provide driveway ingress/egress as best possible. Once construction begins on the street, crews will notify residents and business owners 72 hours in advance to ensure they are aware of the changes.
 
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected.  Residents may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
Mouth-Bar Dredging Update

In January, the City of Houston issued a   Notice To Proceed (NTP)   for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits, at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar". The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), began mechanical dredging of the mouth bar in January. The total cost for this project is $40 million dollars, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program.
 
DRC is invoicing the City of Houston in accordance with rates established and approved by the city to include final disposal. DRC must comply with all terms and provisions established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relative to disaster debris collections, temporary storage, and final disposal. The  grant application for this project  was submitted to the TWDB by Harris County Engineer, John Blount. Harris County is collaborating closely with HCFCD, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), and the City of Houston on this crucial project.
 
DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. The first phase will remove accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, and the second phase will remove accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed over twelve months. To date, DRC has removed approximately 180,000 cubic yards of material. 

Phase two of the project will consist of: 1) Harris County completing hydrographic surveys of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, and Lake Houston to determine dredge material volumes 2) the City of Houston advertising and awarding a dredging contract to the lowest responsive bidder 3) Harris County designating the City of Houston as a sub-recipient for the cost of the dredging contract. Phase two will run simultaneously with Phase One to expedite our activity.
 
Additionally, during phase two of the project City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) will develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging operations on Lake Houston. This work effort will include determining funding for the dredging operations in perpetuity. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021. This grant funding was made possible thanks to State Representative Dan Huberty (District 127) through the passage of Senate Bill 500 .
 
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty for his commitment to seeing this project through and his dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston. Representative Huberty has been a champion for his residents and a great ally in seeing these additional dredging efforts come to fruition.
Progress on the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates)

In August of 2019 the clock for Phase I of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates) started with the award of a Hazard Mitigation Grant through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in the amount of $47,170,953 for the City of Houston Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project  (Federal Share $35,378,214.75, Non-Federal Share $11,792,738.25).  This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.
 
The first phase of this project is currently underway. The design contract for Phase I was awarded during the Coastal Water Authority's April 8 meeting. The next step is moving forward with identifying the environmental process as well as to conduct the required environmental assessment and permitting. The first phase of this project is expected to be completed by Fall 2020 but extensions may be necessary depending on results of environmental assessment and impact studies. The City of Houston will front all costs for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project and submit reimbursement requests to the Texas Division of Emergency Management on a monthly basis. 
 
Once Phase I of the project is complete the City of Houston will renew the cost benefit analysis and submit to FEMA for their review. Upon their review of the completed cost benefit analysis after Phase I completion, the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for completion of Phase II construction. The two phases of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project are expected to be completed within 36 months, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
 
As updates for this project become available the District E Office will notify residents utilizing the office newsletter and social media platforms. If you do not already, please follow   @cmdavemartin on Twitter and like   Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Facebook Page.

TIRZ Northpark Drive Overpass Project FAQs Now Available

The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, also known as the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 10 (TIRZ), will be hosted an Open House for Kingwood residents and businesses to learn more about the upcoming construction of the Northpark Drive Overpass Project earlier this year.
 
At the Open House, residents had opportunity to visit information tables addressing specific areas of the project, ask questions of project team members, and submit public comments. Answers to the questions gathered from the Open House have now been posted online on the District E page.
 
The Northpark Drive Overpass Project will reduce congestion, improve mobility and enhance safety in the Kingwood area by expanding Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between I-69 and Russell Palmer Road, and adding a  grade-separation at Texas State Loop 494 and the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. 

This project was identified as a clear priority in the 2015 Kingwood Area Mobility Study commissioned by the Authority.  The project is currently in the design phase and is expected to be completed by 2023.
Summer Boating Safety Tips

Summer is in full swing and boat traffic continues to increase along with the temperature. We would like to share some tips with you to keep in mind over the weekend this summer as you enjoy your time on Lake Houston. Keep in mind that in addition to fellow boaters, there is also ongoing dredging operations on the mouth bar. Dredging operations involves the constant ferrying of dredged silt deposits to/from the mouth bar and collection site.

Here are a few tips from Officer Garcia with the Houston Police Marine Unit:
  • Remember, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence. BUI's are not worth it!
  • Life jackets for everyone. We have loaners, NO EXCUSES!
  • Pay attention to your surrounding such as stumps, boaters, kayakers, and anything else on the water.
  • Know the weather/water report for Lake Houston.
  • Know your location on the water in the event of an emergency.
If you have any questions regarding boater safety, please contact HPD Lake Patrol at 832-394-9854.
District E Meal Programs

Many school districts in District E are continuing their food distribution programs to students and their families through the summer. More information on how each school district is operating their program can be found below.
 
Creek Creek ISD Meals for Students: CCISD is offering multiple day breakfast and lunch pick-up. Drive or walk up to the front entrance to receive a meal for each child that is present. This service is free to any child 18 years and younger. Onsite dining will not be available. To stay updated on the program, please visit their  Meals for Students page and follow their   Facebook. 
 
Service Times:
Monday Pick-Up: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Breakfast & Lunch through Thursday morning
Thursday Pick-Up: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Breakfast & Lunch through Saturday morning
 
District E Service Location:
  Whitcomb Elementary
900 Reseda
Houston, Texas 77062
 
Galena Park ISD: Galena Park I.S.D. is participating in the Summer Meals Program to provide their students with nutritious meals and snacks when school is not in session. The Galena Park I.S.D. Student Nutrition Department will be offering summer meals via curbside service; there will be no need to exit your vehicle. All meals are free to anyone 18 or younger. If students are not enrolled in GPISD, the student(s) must be present in the vehicle to receive meals. To stay updated on the program, please visit their  website and follow their  Facebook.
 
Service Times:
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
 
District E Service Locations:
Green Valley Elementary School
13550 Woodforest Blvd
Houston, TX 77015
 
Woodland Acres Elementary School
12956 Sarahs Ln.
Houston, TX 77015
   
Huffman ISD: Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals will be served once per day to children 18 and under. Child must be present to pick up meals. To stay updated on the program, please visit their  website and follow their   Facebook.
 
Service Times:
Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
 
Service Location:
Huffman Elementary School (Behind Copeland Cafeteria)
24403 E Lake Houston Pkwy
Huffman, TX 77336
 
Humble ISD: Humble ISD will continue providing meals to their students during the summer. Families are invited to pick up two days of breakfast and lunch food starting June 1 and continuing every Monday and Wednesday through June 29. The meals are for children 1-18 years old. Children must be present. Each day there will be one hot lunch entree and one cold lunch entree. Some food may require cooking. Please see Humble ISD Child Nutrition's website for cooking instructions. To stay updated on the program, please visit their  website and follow their   Facebook.
 
Service Times:
Monday and Wednesday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
 
District E Location:
Kingwood Park High School
4015 Woodland Hills Dr
Kingwood, TX, 77339
 
 
Pasadena ISD:  Pasadena ISD is updating their Curbside Grab-And-Go Program weekly. To stay updated on the program, please visit their  website and follow their   Facebook .
 
Additionally, the  Houston Parks and Recreation Department is operating a curbside meal program at 49 parks department community centers around the city, Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Free meals, including a lunch and a snack, are available for youth ages 0 to 18. Only children who come to the site for pickup can receive the meal. Parents are not allowed to take food for a child who is not present at the time of pickup. Families can also visit  HoustonFoodBank.org to see the 250 open partner sites that are located across greater Houston.
Mask Up Houston!

WHAT : Mayor Sylvester Turner created MASK UP!, a grass roots public health information campaign to encourage Houstonians to continue to safeguard themselves from potential exposure to COVID-19. The campaign kicked off with a distribution of 50,000 masks to the senior population in targeted neighborhoods.

WHY : This campaign focuses primarily on the Complete Communities and other at-risk neighborhoods with large percentages of residents, particularly seniors, living with health conditions that make them the most vulnerable to contracting the virus.

WHO : Although seniors are especially vulnerable, we encourage everyone to wear a mask in public spaces.  Many diverse neighborhoods are coping with socio-economic challenges and health disparities, such as high rates of diabetes, heart disease and asthma, that can make a COVID-19 diagnosis a life or death emergency.  MASK UP! protects the entire community.

WHERE : The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing face coverings in grocery stores, drug stores, and other public settings where social distancing measures can be difficult to maintain. The CDC also advises wearing masks to slow the spread of the virus by helping to prevent people who may have the virus, but do not know it, from transmitting it to others.

HOW : Look for MASK UP! reminders or messages throughout the city in grocery and retail stores, on social platforms and outdoor media outlets, such as billboards to help show how to protect yourself.

Simone Biles, the most decorated World Champion in gymnastics and Olympic Gold Medalist is a celebrity ambassador, offering her resources to extend COVID-19 safety information to Houstonians. Simone will be joined by Grammy Award winning rapper Slim Thug who is also a COVID-19 survivor and Houston Astros player, Carlos Correa.

Thank you for considering joining Mayor Turner's effort to keep Houston seniors and the most vulnerable safe during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.

More information about Mask Up can be found here. 
Houston Public Works Sanitary Sewer Overflow Prevention Outreach Program

Houston Public Works needs your help to reduce sewer overflows! The main cause of sanitary sewer overflows in Houston is clogged pipes from fats, oils and grease poured down sinks and wipes flushed down toilets. These items block our wastewater lines and cause overflows into our streets and homes that harm our environment and health. 
 
How can we prevent sewer overflows? Houston Public Works reminds residents to dispose of fats, oils, and grease in the trash. You can contain it in a jar, can, or bag, cool it, and once full, toss it in the trash. 
 
Houston Public Works also reminds residents that only the Three P's - pee, poo, and (toilet) paper belong in the toilet. Everything else should go in the trash. 
 
Learn more at www.corralthegrease.org. 
Yes to Census!

Residents of District E don't forget to fill out your Census form before August 14!

The Census is a population count required by the constitution that occurs every ten years to ensure that the government represents the people. It is crucial in determining how resources will be allocated to our communities. The Census Bureau will record every person's name, age, race, residential status and relationship between those living in the same household as of April 1 st.
 
This will determine how states will go about the redistricting process, ensuring that every district has an equal number of people and are reflective and representative of the electorate. Proper representation across all levels of government depends on filling out the Census.
 
Over the next decade billions of dollars will be distributed throughout the states to our communities to fund hundreds of federal spending programs these include transportation services, community development block grants, and healthcare services. Ensuring that our communities get their fair share is up to us!
 
Nearly every household will receive an invitation in the mail to fill out the Census which can be responded to by mail, phone, or online. This form is to be filled out by August 14 th. Starting May 13 th canvassers will visit households in places with dense student population and places at risk for an undercount. Households who do not respond to the census will be visited by canvassers starting May 28 th.
 
Having the Census online will make it easier and more comfortable for everyone to fill out. Make sure you are counted so that you and your community are properly represented and your needs are met!
 
Go to 2020Census.gov for more information.
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Vote By Mail Ballots Sent to All Registered Voters 65 Years of Age and Older

Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins has sent vote by mail applications to 376,840 registered voters who are 65 years of age and older. Those voters should expect to start receiving the applications in their mailboxes this week. To receive a mail ballot for the July 14 Primary Runoff Elections, voters must complete their applications and return them promptly by July 2 (received, not postmarked).

Once applications are received and approved, mail ballots are sent to voters no later than the seventh calendar day after applications are received.

524,219 people voted in the March 2020 Primary Elections. Of those, 53,910 voted by mail.

Dates to remember:
  • Monday, June 15 Last day to register to vote in the 2020 Primary Runoff
  • Monday, June 29 First day of in-person Early Voting period
  • Thursday, July 2 Last day to apply for a mail ballot for the 2020 Primary Runoff
  • Friday, July 10 Last day of in-person Early Voting
  • Tuesday, July 14 2020 Primary Runoff Election Day
Voters who choose to vote by mail must postmark their mail ballots by Election Day, and the ballot must be received by the County Clerk's Office no later than 5:00 PM on July 15 (the day after Election Day).

"Safety While Voting" tips and information can be found here . Stay informed at HarrisVotes.com.