Burnett Bayland Park Groundbreaking
Council Member Pollard joined Commissioner Jack Cagle and other community leaders for a ground breaking ceremony at Burnett Bayland Park in Gulfton. The park will have new soccer pitches as part of a joint project involving the city of Houston, Harris County, the Gulfton Management District, the Houston Dynamo and other stakeholders. Special thanks to Tammy Rodriguez, Precinct 4, the city and county parks departments, District J office staff and everyone who had a hand in making this project possible.
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Houston Fire Station #68 Gets New Gate
When a fire is burning, every moment counts for first responders. That is why the District J office invested funds toward installing a new electric gate at Fire Station #68. The new gate replaces a manual one and can be operated through sensors that are coordinated with the station and the emergency calls received. The District J office remains committed to making public safety our top priority and supporting our first responders.
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Installation of License Plate Reader Cameras Begins
Council Member Pollard announced his vision to install 100 license plate reader (LPR) cameras throughout District J as a tool to help fight crime. This weekend, installation of LPRs began inside the district. The cameras use Flock Safety software and will only take still photos, not streaming video. The photos will be saved for 30 days. Each picture will show the make, model and any unique features of every car that passes by the cameras. If the car has been reported to be involved in a crime, an alert will be immediately sent to Houston Police Department to begin an investigation. Many crimes are committed in stolen cars and it has been very difficult to investigate these incidents because there is not enough surveillance and footage to produce the necessary evidence to prosecute. These LPR’s should assist with this issue and help solve more crimes like car-jackings that have plagued our community.
District J is the first district in the city with this program, however, the cameras are expected to be rolled out in other areas of Houston in the coming months. Special thanks to the management districts that have partnered with the District J office to invest in these cameras, especially the Southwest District, which was the first to get theirs installed.
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AAPOL Family Fun Day
Council Member Pollard presented a proclamation to Keyun Dickson and the Zydeco Masters for their contributions to the Houston community at the Afro-American Police Officers (AAPOL) League Family Fun Day at Peggy Park. AAPOL provides a space for black officers to have a platform to speak on issues that are unique to their circumstances as well as being an organization that emphasizes giving back to the community. Thanks to Council Member Carolyn Evans Shabazz for hosting this event in District D.
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Summer Hot Car Safety
Some of the most devastating incidents to happen during the sweltering summer months involve children and pets left in hot vehicles. The Harris County District Attorney's Office wants to remind all families of the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars and to ask passersby to immediately call 911 to report these instances if observed. Lets keep an eye out for one another.
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Africa Trade Mission
Council Member Edward Pollard will lead a delegation of civic, business and elected leaders on a trade mission to South Africa. The purpose of the trip is to build relationships between Houston and South Africa, and to provide strategic economic and business opportunities by promoting Houston as a global partner. The trip will take place August 31 - September 9 with the Houston International Development Trade Council. Anyone interested in participating in the trade mission trip should contact Val Thompson at vthompson@houstontrade.org.
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Ibn Sina Foundation and Clinic Celebration
His Excellency Masood Khan, Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United States, and Abrar Hashmi, Consulate General of Pakistan were in attendance at the celebration in honor of the Ibn Sina Foundation and Clinic at the St. Regis hotel. Congressman Al Green was also in attendance. The Ibn Sina Foundation operates six beautiful community clinics throughout Greater Houston, focused on providing low-cost preventative and primary medical, dental, diagnostic, specialty and children’s health services to indigent community. Their clinics are nearing 100,000 patients served with no one required to have insurance or pay more than $39.00 for services and primarily funded through philanthropic contributions. Thanks to the founder, Mr. Nasruddin Rupani, and the entire board and staff for their commitment to quality, affordable, and accessible health care options that cater to the diversity of District J.
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International Focus Magazine 7th Anniversary
Council Member Pollard was the honored guest for the International Focus Magazine’s 7th anniversary celebration at the new Ballroom at Tanglewood. The Council Member was featured on the cover of the magazine’s latest edition. Event organizers highlighted the South African trade mission Pollard will lead later this year. Special thanks goes to Val Thompson and the Houston International Trade Development Council.
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Community Meetings in District J
District J is only as great as its residents, which is why Council Member Pollard was pleased to meet with members of the Westwood Garden Condominiums and those in Braeburn Valley West in person. Residents expressed their concerns and shared ideas for ways to work with one another and the city to improve the quality of in their community. Council Member Pollard also held the first meeting with Wilcrest residents and Houston Public Works employees. The District J office always welcomes feedback and suggestions from residents.
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Celebrating Juneteenth
Council Member Pollard stood with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Beto O’Rourke and other dignitaries to give remarks on the significance of Juneteenth at the historic Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Antioch is the first Black Baptist church in Houston, founded by the freed slaves and pastored by Rev. Jack Yates. These slaves were finally given notice that they were free and migrated from Galveston to Houston in 1865, 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and organized this church in what was called Freedman’s Town.
Also in celebration of Juneteenth, the African American elected officials of Harris County and Fort Bend County met at Texas Southern University for a Juneteenth breakfast to acknowledge the sacrifices of many before us so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today.
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ABC 13's 'Take Back Gulfton' Special
Gulfton is an area of District J that has its challenges, but it also has incredible people who are willing to stand up and help make life better for everyone. Thanks to ABC 13 for this feature story on Gulfton and the people there, especially Tammy Rodriguez. Please take a few minutes to watch the video in its entirety by visiting this link.
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African American Music Appreciation
June was African American Music Appreciation Month, and Council Member Pollard presented a proclamation to the legendary Paris Eley for his many contributions to the music industry and the city of Houston. His commitment to providing a space for Black thought to thrive on KCOH radio has been a necessary platform and outlet for content important to the city. Special thanks to Council Member Michael Kubosh for his leadership.
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Latin Restaurant Weeks
Council Members Edward Pollard and Robert Gallegos were together to support Latin Restaurant Weeks at Gloria’s in Midtown back in June. Established in 2019, LRW helps give a voice to aspiring and existing Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals in the culinary industry.
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Video: Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Season is underway and will officially end on November 30th. District J is working with Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle and Pct. 4 to ensure we have all equipment, vehicles, and disaster recovery resources ready for any severe weather events that may happen. Residents are also asked to make sure you have enough food, water, and other emergency items in case of bad weather. Also, if you are able to get flood insurance for your home you are advised to do so. Watch the video below to see preparedness measures in place.
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HPD Midwest Virtual School Supply Drive
The Houston Police Department's Midwest Station is hosting its annual school supply drive, and you can participate. Just order needed supplies from the Midwest Station Amazon wish list at this link. Donations are being collected through August 5th.
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Eyeconic TV Studios Ribbon Cutting
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new Eyeconic Studios, which is located in District J. Council Member Pollard, along with Mayor Turner and other community leaders were on hand for the event. Eyeconic Studios will allow content creators a space to do podcasting, photography, audio recording, videography, graphic design, television, and much more. Congratulations to owner, Ja’Leah Davis and her entire team.
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Burn Ban in Harris County
The Harris County Commissioners' Court approved a burn ban in response to an increased threat of wildfires across unincorporated Harris County. There are now 171 Texas counties with burn bans, including Harris, Galveston, Waller, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Liberty counties.
No outdoor burning is allowed except: in an enclosure that contains all flames and/or sparks; outdoor burning activities authorized by TCEQ; approved ceremonial fires; non-commercial cooking such as backyard cookouts and barbeques are allowed; and welding and other “hot work” performed in accordance with county fire code requirements.
Violation of the ban is a Class “C” misdemeanor, punishable for up to a $500 fine. In addition, any person who starts a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner may be charged with Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or arson, a felony.
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MOD Public Comment
Here is an opportunity for you to weigh in on how funds are used to mitigate flooding, hurricanes and other natural disasters. The Houston-Galveston Area Council wants your input on a preliminary Method of Distribution (MOD) for U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mitigation funds. You may submit commits in writing or orally through July 28, at 5 p.m.
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Affordable Housing Tax Break
Houston residents age 65 and over may qualify for a new $400 tax break. City Council approved an ordinance to help with housing affordability for seniors and those with disabilities by increasing the property tax exemption from $160,000 to $260,000. This exemption is in addition to the standard 20 percent homestead exemption is expected to help 60,000 more Houstonians.
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Braeburn Glen Park Update
As part of Mayor Turner's 50/50 Park Partners initiative, Braeburn Glen Park will receive much-needed updates as a result of input from residents in District J who completed a survey about community priorities. Based on that input and available funding, the following improvements will be made to the park: add site lighting, update the playground and add shade structure, renovate the volleyball court, add benches, and replace fencing. Houston Parks Board (HPB) and Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) will now start the process of developing construction plans for the scope of work described above. The project is expected to be completed by December 2023.
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ReVision Youth Team Competes in Soccer Tourney
A Houston ministry dedicated to reforming the lives of troubled youth is using soccer as one tool to help young people turn their lives around. ReVision's soccer team, named Katy Premier reVision 03B, recently competed in the 2022 U.S. Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championship in Murfreesboro, TN. The event featured boys and girls teams that competed for a spot at the national championships. Although the team was eliminated before the quarter finals, the District J office is proud to continue supporting the team and this impactful organization. Funds provided through City Connections in late 2021 helped pay for entry fees and equipment for reVision's teams. ReVision was founded by St. Luke's United Methodist Church, St. Martin's Episcopal Church and the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department.
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Wilcrest Rumble Strips Update
An area along Wilcrest near Bissonnet has become a dangerous stretch of roadway due to excessive speeding. The District J office has received reports of multiple traffic accidents and even some pets being killed. Typical solutions such as speedbumps and stop signs were not allowed on this stretch of road because it is a major thoroughfare. To address this issue, the District J office had to get creative. Work crews were able to narrow lanes in this area and add rubber strips along the sides of the road. This should cause drivers to slow down while traveling along this part of Wilcrest. This project is the first time rumble strips have been placed on a major thoroughfare in the city of Houston.
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District J Jobs
DistrictJJobs.com is an online portal for employment opportunities located throughout the greater Houston area. The website was created with District J residents in mind, however, every Houstonian is welcome to explore the site and take advantage of job opportunities. The site has listings from companies of all sizes, operating in a variety of industries. DistrictJJobs.com will be updated on a regular basis, with new postings added each month. Residents may visit the website directly or scan the corresponding QR code located at each sheltered METRO bus stop within District J.
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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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Ilegal Dumping
The HOT team was dispatched to the 8,000 block of the Southwest Freeway, where they cleared illegally dumped items including 90 pounds of tree waste, 3 pieces of furniture, 6 tires, 4 shopping carts and 90 pounds of trash debris.
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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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District J Office Staff
The District J office staff is here to serve you.
David "Alex" Brizuela, Director of Constituent Services
Ana "Francis" Ellis, Scheduler and Executive Secretary
Council Member Edward Pollard
Misty Starks, Director of Communications
Cameron Mudd, Intern
Paul Young, Chief of Staff
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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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