Videos: Addressing Crime in Houston
In order to have a safer community, we must all do our part, but Council Member Edward Pollard believes the city should take the lead. During recent Council sessions, he made comments about the bail bonds system in Houston as well as the need for a a holistic and comprehensive strategy involving local, state and federal partners. See the videos below.
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Video: Safe Gun Storage
Guns are the second leading cause of death among Texas children and teens. Many of these tragic incidents are preventable. Safe storage also keeps guns away from criminals who would steal them and use them to hurt others. In recognition of "March on Crime" Month, we're asking every adult to remember to securely lock your firearms.
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Upcoming Water Events & Prgrams
The city of Houston' Public Works department has several water programs and events taking place during the next few months. Take note and be sure to register.
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Social Motion Provides Autism Classes
Families with children an the autism spectrum sometimes need a little extra support. Social Motion is offering classes to help children build social skills in some key areas including communication, perspective, self-awareness, self- advocacy and personal responsibility.
Topics include:
- How to join/leave conversations
- Using social filters
- Using social media appropriately
- How to ask for help
- Accepting constructive criticism
- Handling big emotions
- Identifying what a good friend look like
All classes are free depending on income eligibility and will be held at Gethsemane Church, located at 6856 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77074. For more information visit www.socialmotionskills.org.
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Street Kiosks Come to Houston
It has been two years since Council Member Edward Pollard brought the idea of interactive kiosks to Mayor Sylvester Turner. Now, the city of Houston has partnered with IKE Smart City to bring interactive way-finding kiosks to provide information quickly and easily. The street-level kiosks will be strategically located around the city, and they will generate revenue without using tax dollars. Special thanks to the mayor, city council, Houston First, Downtown Management District and others who helped push this initiative forward.
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Applications Open for 'Hire Houston Youth'
If you know a young person looking for a summer job, the City of Houston Hire Houston Youth Summer Jobs Program is now accepting applications. The online application period is now through March 11th. Let's get our youth working!
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Pet Pantry Feeds Hundreds of Furry Friends
The District J office partnered with BARC and the Houston Humane Society for a food distribution event. Hundreds of families came out to get food for their cats and dogs. Many of them also received vouchers for spay and neuter services, rabies vaccinations and pet licenses. Stay tuned to this newsletter, email and social media for dates and times of future Pet Pantry events.
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Help for Small Businesses in Houston
Applications are now being accepted for Build Up Houston 2022 by The Office of Business Opportunity. The deadline to apply is March 31st, and the program begins on May 24th. This is a seven-month program that helps small business owners increase in capacity. Business owners in all industries are welcomed to apply.
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Brays Oaks Trail Completed
The Brays Oaks Trail that connects the Braeburn Valley West community to the Keegans Bayou Trail is officially complete. This project represents great collaboration between many entities and individuals. It is a continuation of the commitment Council Member Pollard made to increase connectivity between different areas of Houston. Special thanks to Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Former CM Mike Laster, the District J office staff, Brays Oaks Management District, Neighborhoods to Trails SW, Friends of Keegans Bayou, and everyone else who helped make this possible.
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Designation of Historical Homes
The city of Houston announced the historic international designation of three homes in Sam Houston Park. The Kellum Noble House, The Reverend Jack Yates House, and the Fourth Ward Cottage will all join the UNESCO Slave Route Initiative. This move is a commitment by the city to preserve our historical assets so that future generations may learn from them. Special thank you to the Heritage Society, the family of Jack Yates, and all parties involved who helped make this happen.
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Bike Houston Event in District J
Council Member Pollard partnered with BikeHouston to tour District J and discuss ideas for making the area safer for cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. Council Member Pollard was able to experience first-hand the perspective of cyclists sharing the road with motorists.
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Appreciating Our Armed Forces
The men and women of our military put their lives on the line every day to ensure our freedom. Recently, Council Member Pollard participated in the Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He presented a proclamation in honor of servicemen and women as well as their families, who give so much for our country. Special thank you to the all those who serve on the HLSR Armed Forces Appreciation Day Committee for your tireless work all year long to coordinate this event.
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The Lebanon Times Celebrates 10 Years
Congratulations to The Lebanon Times on its 10th anniversary. Council Member Pollard attended the magazine's celebratory gala, along with Mayor Turner. The publication received a proclamation designating a day in its honor. The Lebanon Times is a Houston-based magazine that covers topics of interest to the area's Lebanese and Arab community.
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Seniors Stay Active with Line Stepping
It's important to remain as physically active as possible, especially when aging. Council Member Pollard showed his support for the senior line-stepping teams at the Footloose and Boost dance event at Harvest Time Church.
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Improving Business for Turkish Community
District J has the benefit of housing people who represent cultures from around the world. It's that diversity that makes our community great. Council Member Pollard met with the president of the Texas Turkish American Chamber of Commerce, Albert Yildiz, and the president of the American Turkic Business Council, Orhan Osman, to discuss how to increase business opportunities for the Turkish people, as well as strategy to boost community engagement.
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Pollard Honored with Movers and Shakers Award
The Caribbean Chamber of Commerce honored Council Member Pollard with the Movers and Shakers award for his work in championing minority business opportunities in the city of Houston. A special thanks to the chamber's board of the directors. The The Caribbean Chamber of Commerce is committed to establishing a collective voice within the Caribbean community; representing their interests to local, state & federal decision makers.
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Celebrating Black History
Council Member Pollard served as a guest speaker for the Black History program at Houston Baptist University. The event included a Jeopardy-style game featuring facts related to Black history. Special thanks to all the students who attended and participated in the program as well as to Athletic Director Steve Moniaci, and the entire athletic department. HBU made Council Member Pollard an honorary Husky in appreciation of his support.
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Lunar New Year
Two events in District J celebrated the Lunar New Year, the year of the tiger, which represents boldness, tenacity, relentlessness and courage. The first event was the annual Lunar New Year ceremony at the Vietnamese Community Center. The second celebration was at the Viet Hoa Center and included Mayor Turner, Judge Lina Hildalgo, Commissioner Jack Cagle, Representative Gene Wu.
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District J Cleanup Project
A concerned resident of District J alerted Council Member Pollards office about a fence line with overgrown bushes in an area near Riceville Cemetery. The office staff was able to assist, and employees with Houston Public Works cleared the area.
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HOT Team
The HOT Team assists with picking up scattered debris, removing heavy trash, tree waste and illegal dumping, and handling specific landscaping issues. All requests for assistance from the HOT Team should be submitted via 311. The HOT Team makes pickups according to the following schedule:
1st Thursday - Sharpstown
2nd Thursday - St. George, Gulfton and Richmond Plaza South
3rd Thursday - Braeburn Area
4th Thursday - Alief/Westwood
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Cleanup at Bellaire & Hwy. 59
An area near Bellaire and Highway 59 became an abandoned encampment and eyesore for the community. Illegal dumping of items such as an old mattress, tent debris and other items were cleared away by the District J HOT Team.
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District J Patrol
District J Patrol is a three-pronged approach to public safety bridging the gap between the law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. Sponsored by the District J office, this pilot initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two Polaris vehicles and the District J Patrol Task Force. Residents may report small neighborhood violations and infringements, such as panhandling, loitering, overgrown lots, graffiti, homeless encampments and other public nuisances. To file a report, visit the online portal at www.DistrictJPatrol.com.
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Council Member Edward Pollard
City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, First Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3015
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