October 2021
Greetings!

Houston Public Works has begun major rehabilitation of Winkler Road (between Monroe and Glenview) that will repair base failures, improve the road surface drivability and extend the life of the roadway. Additionally, we have dedicated funding to add curbing and build new sidewalks on the residential side of Winkler (on the east side) to help improve pedestrian mobility. We expect the work to be completed by November. As construction progresses, we remind motorists to drive carefully and watch out for workers.
The Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff's Office, and surrounding law enforcement agencies will participate in the 38th Annual Houston/Harris County National Night Out campaign on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The intent is to raise awareness of crime prevention and send a message to the criminal element that our communities and police are working together to keep crime out.  

In past National Night Out celebrations, communities hosted large gatherings visited by area commanders and officers. Last year COVID-19 restricted Houston's ability to celebrate. However, National Night Out is back for 2021, although community members are urged to consider hosting small, individual gatherings in their own driveways to maintain social distancing. 
We want your feedback! We’d like to invite residents to complete a quick online survey to inform us how often you use the curbside Heavy Trash collection service provided by the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and how the service is working for you.

Take the survey at: bit.ly/HeavyTrashSurvey

We thank those who participated in the virtual town hall meeting with Union Pacific (UP) officials last week, and we continue to urge residents to help us report stopped trains and blocked crossings to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as well as to UP. Our office has created a quick reference sheet with reporting information for a few of our most problematic crossings: Lawndale, S. Lockwood, Telephone, and Lawndale/Griggs.

Please file complaints each time you encounter blocked crossings so that federal regulators understand how widespread and problematic this has become.
Save the date! The 8th Annual Magnolia Park Dia de los Muertos Parade and Festival will be held at Hidalgo Park on Saturday, October 30th from noon to 6 p.m. The Magnolia Park Dia de los Muertos event will be abiding by the CDC guidelines for the protection of our community. For more information, visit www.magnoliaparkdiadelosmuertos.com

The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program allows the council districts to use their funds to support neighborhoods fund various beautification and improvement projects by providing a dollar-for-dollar matching grant reimbursement ranging from $500 to $5,000.

The deadline to submit an application packet this year is Friday, November 5, 2021. More at: www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods/matching-grant-program.html
This fall! Councilman Gallegos has partnered with At-Large Council Member Sallie Alcorn, the Solid Waste Department, and the Sustainability Office to offer a community composting drop-off at the Houston Botanic Garden. Residents will have an opportunity to drop off their organic waste and compost on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning Oct. 23rd through Nov. 27th. Composting not only reduces waste that is sent to landfills but also benefits the environment by strengthening soil, and reducing the need for water and fertilizer.
Booster doses are available for people in certain groups who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Booster doses are not currently authorized or recommended for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 
Who should get a booster: 
  • Residents of long-term care facilities who are age 18 and older 
  • People age 65 and older 
  • People ages 50-64 years old with underlying medical conditions 
Who may get a booster: 
  • People ages 18-49 with underlying medical conditions 
  • People ages 18-64 whose work or living situation increases their risk of exposure or transmission
In an effort to crack down on human trafficking, a new Texas law took effect in September that turns the crime of buying sex from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony. Any would-be 'Johns' convicted of a first solicitation offense will face 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of no more than $10,000. Previously the crime was punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000.

Last fall, our office launched a billboard campaign to raise awareness about sex trafficking and to encourage the public to report suspected trafficking activity. Let's end the demand.
For a limited time and while supplies last, City of Houston residents can purchase a 50 gallon Ivy rain barrel at a discounted price! Rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It's a great way to conserve water and it's free water for use in your landscape. Place orders by Oct. 10th. Pick-up day will be Oct. 16th at Houston Farmers Market. Learn more at: www.rainwatersolutions.com/products/city-of-houston-gbrc
Are you a microenterprise (5 employees or less) business owner that was impacted (physically or economically) by Hurricane Harvey? Please consider applying to the Harvey Economic Development Program to receive a grant of up to $100,000! For more information, visit www.hedp.smapply.io.harvey_economic_development