District J Patrol Update

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. 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. 

District J Patrol - Success Story
Recently, a resident noticed an individual trespassing on various properties in Bonham Acres and Braeburn Valley 1. Based on various accounts from residents, the man walked through both neighborhoods knocking on doors and walking into backyards for almost two hours. With the combined efforts of Braeburn Valley 1 and Bonham Acres residents, as well as the District J Patrol Initiative Differential Response Team in the area on patrol, HPD apprehended the individual in the area. A special thank you to the many individuals and concerned citizens who assisted with this issue. 
Standing Up Against
Asian Hate

"An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." These words by Martin Luther King, Jr., are often quoted when we want to bring light to a heinous offense. In the current climate of racial reckoning in our country, we must stand up for those who face oppression, even when they do not look like us. As the most diverse district in the city of Houston, with a significant Asian constituency, it is my hope that each of us will stand up for one another.

It is unfortunate that the current climate in our nation is one where we are seeing an increase in violence against those in the Asian American community. We must all stand together to denounce this hate by speaking up when we see abuse of our fellow men and women and be the change we want to see.
COVID-19 Vaccine - Open to All Adults

The Houston Health Department's COVID-19 vaccine waitlists are open to people age 65 and older and people age 16 and older with chronic health conditions. Register online.
Day of Impact in District J    
Recently, the District J office worked with many community partners for a day of impact in the lives of District J constituents. Distribution activities included:
  • Pelican Pointe Apartments in Gulfton - The District J office partnered with Senator Borris Miles for a distribution event, where 12 units were damaged by a fire. We were able to distribute water, food, clothing, PPE, hygiene kits, bedding and rapid COVID testing.
  • Sharpstown Green Apartments - We were on hand at the computer lab grand opening, where HCC and Texas A&M were onsite to provide information on job skill training and educational opportunities. Additionally, constituents received food, water, health screenings, PPE, school supplies.
  • Tierra Bella Apartments in Sharpstown - A second computer lab grand opening took place in District J, where constituents also received hot lunches, PPE, school supplies, and dental screenings.
  • Falls Apartments in China Town - We assisted volunteers in distributing food, beverages, and PPE to residents.

The day of services ended by cheering the home team at the HBU men’s basketball game. Many thanks to all of the volunteers and community partners who helped make an impact in the lives of so many. A very special thanks to Senator Boris Miles, Bee Busy Wellness Center, Lions Club International, Houston Police Department, Police and Clergy Alliance Total Access MD, Southern Asian Community Association, VIETV Network, Panera Bread, Target, Bread of Life Ministries, Indus Management Group, Houston Food Bank, Community Action Teams, Tammy Carlos Alvarez, Veronica Hernandez, Azeb Yusuf and Kevin Wu. Many thanks to every volunteer who helped make each event a success.
AAHOA Meeting Addresses Safety and Security

Recently, Council Member Pollard met with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) to discuss how to utilize the City’s resources to strengthen safety and security in District J and other parts of Houston. There are nearly 1,000 major hotels in the greater Houston area, according to CBRE Hotels.
Belts for Boys

Council Member Pollard launched a new program under his nonprofit, Suits for Success, called Belts for Boys. Belts for Boys engages 5th graders on the importance of having confidence, good behavior, consistency, proper hygiene, work ethic with a focus on keeping their pants pulled up and wearing a belt. Further, the initiative focuses on guidance, nurturing, opportunity, and exposure for young boys. Thank you to Benavidez Elementary School for being the first host school. And many thanks to Garland Bennett for donating 100 free belts so that every 5th grade boy at the school will have one.
Burnett Bayland Park Unveiling

The ability to get outside for some fresh air has taken on new meaning as we continue to find creative ways to live with the pandemic. The city of Houston unveiled new playground equipment at Burnett Bayland Park, where various multi-colored play structures are now available for area children to enjoy. During the unveiling many children came with their families to enjoy this worthwhile and fun addition to the community.
Scrubs to the Rescue – Certificate of Recognition

In honor of Women’s History Month, Council Member Pollard presented a Certificate of Recognition to Scrubs to the Rescue, a woman-owned small business in District J. Their medical apparel company continues to receive stellar reviews for their popular collection. A special salute to all women-owned businesses everywhere for continuing to break barriers and becoming today’s history makers.
Summer Jobs Program – Apply Now

In partnership with Grow Your Own Workforce and Hire Houston Youth, the City of Houston is sponsoring the 2021 Summer Jobs Program. More than 450 positions are available in all city departments. For questions, contact: summerjobsprogram@houstontx.gov.
Students can apply at hirehoustonyouth.org/.
Winter Storm Water Bill Adjustments

For the city of Houston, water bills for single-family residential customers affected by the winter storm will automatically be adjusted without the need for application or documentation of FEMA or private insurance claims. Non-single-family residential customers (multi-family, commercial and industrial) must apply for the Winter Storm Uri adjustment at www.houstonwater.org and provide evidence of a FEMA or insurance claim. 
Plumbers Union Proclamation

Council Member Pollard recognized plumbers from Local Union 68 for their dedicated service to homes damaged by Winter Storm Uri by announcing March 5, 2021, as Plumbers Local Union 68 Day in the city of Houston. The city has identified over 50,000 homes that were damaged during the winter freeze, with many of these homes experiencing pipes. During this crisis, and many before, plumbers have been heroic in their efforts to repair homes and businesses for Houstonians in need. 
Virtual Town Hall Addresses Flood Concerns

The District J office held a virtual town hall with city and county leaders for residents of Braeburn Glen. The purpose of the town hall was to address flood concerns in the area as well as answer questions from constituents about plans and projects aimed to mitigate issues.
Home Builders – Gulfton Acres Homes

In partnership with Capital Idea, the City of Houston and CDBG-Disaster Relief is offering free carpentry or electrical training at Gulfton and Acres Homes through Home Builders Institute. For more information visit: www.capitalideahouston.org/hbi.
To sign up, contact:
Bernice Langdon (Gulfton) at (346) 324-4794
or Ramona Edwards (Acres) at (218) 309-1012.
March on Crimes - Sterling Point

The District J office partnered with several community leaders for the March on Crimes event at Sterling Point Apartments. Supporters from the Houston Police Department included SWAT, mounted patrol, domestic violence units, DRT officers, and the District J Patrol present on site to provide important information and resources to keep our communities safe. Additionally, attendees received onsite COVID-19 testing, immigration services, health screenings, PPE, and food distribution. Mayor Sylvester Turner stressed the importance of vaccinations and how to resister. A special thank you to all the community leaders and partners for this event.
Walter Rasmus Sr. Park - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Council Member Pollard attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the first phase of the playground and site improvements to Walter Rasmus Sr. Park in the historic Piney Point community. Named for Walter Rasmus Sr., a community leader dedicated to serving others, this park is a true example of the City’s commitment to making neighborhood parks places of pride in Houston. Much like Rasmus, the District J office remains committed to investing in neighborhood parks where families have a safe place to enjoy outdoors, and children and adults have a recreational space.

A special thank you to former Council Member Mike Laster for his vision, and a special thanks to the community leaders and partners for bringing this initiative to fruition: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Parks - HPARD, City of Houston General Services Department, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Piney Point Civic Club, Pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus and the Rasmus family.
HVAC and Refrigeration Manufacturing Job Fair

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Daikin North America recently partnered with Houston Community College to bring new jobs to Houston. Hosted last month, the job fair focused on positions with the global leader in HVAC and Refrigeration Manufacturing. Attendees had face-to-face interviews and same-day hiring opportunities. A special thank you to our community partners for this extraordinary event.
HBU Podcast
 
Recently, Council Member Pollard joined Houston Baptist University's (HBU) Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Marketing Dr. Jerry Johnston on the "Think About It" podcast. During the interview, they discussed the higher education and CM Pollard's plans for District J. Click here for the full podcast.
VIDEO: Turnaround Houston Job and Readiness Fair

Come out to the Spring 2021 Turnaround Houston Job and Readiness Fair, Thursday, April 29, 2021. Attendees will receive access to job training, resume writing, tattoo removal, social service agencies, educational institutions, counseling and intervention to help hard-to-employ Houstonians turn their lives around. To register for this virtual event, please visit https://wrksolutions2.easyvirtualfair.com/prefair. Watch the video below to learn more.
No Handcuffing Bill

Studies show that handcuffing a child can cause significant mental trauma. Recently, Council Member Pollard wrote a letter to Representative Lacey Hull, thanking her for joint authoring a bill that prohibits the use of restraints on children age 10 and younger. As a mentor to young boys, as well as a father himself, Council Member Pollard felt it was important to show his support to this important piece of legislation.
Women’s History Month

In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month. During this time, we reflected upon the amazing women that have played an extraordinary role in American history. In this Op-Ed for D-MARS Business Journal, I express my appreciation for the phenomenal women that serve on the Houston City Council. 

Homeless Encampments - Keegans Bayou

Council Member Pollard’s office worked with HPD and BARC animal shelter to address homeless encampments and stray dogs on the trail at Keegans Bayou. Officers cleaned up trash, patrolled the area and resolved the stray dog issue. 
HOT Team Updates

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 District J HOT Team is helping to keep our neighborhoods clean by addressing illegal dumping of a mattress and other discarded furniture on Hillcroft in the Gulfton area.
Neighborhood Project Updates

Concrete Panel Repair - Barberton and Sharpcrest

The road on Barberton Drive and Sharpcrest Street has been repaired. Old, worn concrete was replaced with new concrete panels. This project encompassed the repairs of sidewalks to address safety concerns for residents and pedestrians in the area.
Overlay - Oldhaven

The street repair program on Oldhaven Street from 7806 to 7810 is now complete. The road was extremely damaged. City employees repaired the road by laying an overlay across the significant wear and tear.
Overlay - Valley View

The street repair program on Valley View Lane from 7705 to 7710 is now complete. The road had signs of significant wear and tear, but it was repaired with an overlay across the severe damage.
Traffic Devices Installation - Shenandoah III

City employees recently installed traffic calming devices in Shenandoah III. Traffic calming devices help to decrease speeds and volume of traffic to increase safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Council Member Edward Pollard
City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, First Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3015