Dear Members of the Community,

I am writing to welcome you to May and to update you on the latest news and events in our community. As your Councilwoman, I am committed to ensuring public safety and improving your quality of life. I am pleased to report that Mayor Sylvester Turner announced just a few days ago that overall violent crime is down 12% and the murder rate is down 27% compared to last year. This is great news for our community, and it inspires us to keep working towards a better future.

I am also proud to report that my commitment to public safety and improving your quality of life is not just talk. This fiscal year, my office has invested and allocated more than $300,000+ to address public safety and quality of life community initiatives. By allocating these resources, we are taking action to make our community safer and more livable.

This month, I am excited to announce that my office is hosting a Small Business & Civic Engagement Symposium for all civic club Presidents & Board Members, small business owners, and entrepreneurs in District D. This dynamic and informative event offers two tracks tailored to meet the needs of both groups. The civic engagement track will provide valuable information on how to become an effective leader in your community, while the small business track will offer tools and resources to help your business succeed. Our goal is to connect you with the knowledge, funding, and networking opportunities you need to thrive.

In addition, we are hosting a Sunnyside Community event to combat illegal dumping and are committed to having cleanups all over District D. We are proud to be taking action to improve our community and enhance the quality of life for everyone. Also save the date for our annual Hurrican Preparedness Event on June 5th @ Sunnyside MSC.

I am deeply committed to serving this community, and I invite you to join me in creating a brighter future for District D. Please let me know how my office can assist and be of service. Together, we can continue to make a positive difference.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working with you.

At your service,

District D Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz 

At your service,

District D Councilmember Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz 

District D

Community Leader



Patricia White Spikes

Patricia White Spikes is a woman who has dedicated her life to making a difference in her community. As a mother of two and a grandmother of six, she understands the importance of building a strong foundation for the next generation. Patricia comes from a family of community activists and has been involved in community programs for most of her life. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas Christian University and is a trailblazer in her own right.

Patricia's involvement in community activities began during her years in the medical field. She helped to develop the Sunny Futures Healthy Start Program in Houston, Texas, which fought low infant mortality rates in minority communities. Patricia has been instrumental in the development of numerous community organizations and volunteer programs. She created the non-profit, Rewriting the Script Through Connections, which worked with teens in the community for many years, preparing them for success in their education and in life.

Throughout her career, Patricia has remained active in her community home church, Blueridge Baptist Church, and has served as Registrar for Old Landmark Baptist District Association of Churches. She has been involved in many community organizations such as Houston Volunteers in Public Schools Board President, Sunnyside Multiservice Center Board President, Houston Community College Advisory Board at Attucks, E.E. Worthing Alumni Association Board, and Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

In 2015, Patricia retired from the Harris County Hospital District, after 36 years of service, as a Senior Medical Technologist. Following retirement, she became involved in working in the Greater Sugar Valley Civic Club, which led to the innovative idea of merging three neighborhoods into one large civic club. Patricia's commitment to her community has led her to start her own company, S&J Literary Works, which is designed to develop 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations and work with board development, volunteer utilization in the organizations, and securing grants for community projects.

Patricia is an author of BAND-AIDS FOR PEACE, a motivational book that has something for everyone's pain. In 2011, she entered Trinity Evangelical Seminary and today is a licensed Biblical Counselor with a Teaching Certification, a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership, a Master of Arts in Leadership, and a Doctor of Ministry.

Wherever she goes, she leaves her audience with the statement, "I came to make a difference. I tried to make a difference. I hope I made a difference in somebody's life." It is Patricia's belief that we all have something to give and God gives all of us our own unique qualities, and it is our duty to use those talents.

Thank you Patricia for serving the District D Community!

Almeda Genoa @ Furman Community Meeting Recap

We are pleased to announce we had a successful Almeda Genoa & Furman Community Meeting that was held last Thursday, aimed at addressing the mobility concerns in Southeast Houston, particularly at the intersection of Almeda Genoa Road and Furman Road. The area has experienced rapid growth due to new residential developments, leading to increased vehicular traffic. In collaboration with our partners at the Houston Public Works Transportation and Drainage Operations Department, led by Khang Nguyen, we have been diligently addressing mobility issues. The meeting provided an opportunity for community members to participate in discussions about the development of the area, with a focus on the intersection as a crucial first step. Representatives from the HPW team presented their plans for enhancing mobility, drainage, and safety at this intersection, which include the addition of traffic lights, turning lanes, ADA-compliant sidewalks, and improved drainage. We appreciate the valuable feedback from community members, and we are committed to ensuring a successful outcome. Thank you for your continued participation in addressing the mobility concerns of our community.

CenterPoint Energy Football Field Dedication

We would like to extend our gratitude to all those in attendance at the successful CenterPoint Energy Football Field Dedication last Friday at Sunnyside Park. We would like to acknowledge the presence and support of Kenneth Allen, Director of Houston Parks and Recreation, Reverend Gusta Booker III, Sr. Pastor of Greater St. Matthew Church, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Shannon Buggs, Director of Complete Communities, and Sandra Massie Hines, Honorary Mayor of Sunnyside and community leader. This event was a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of our community partners. Thanks to the support of CenterPoint Energy, Congressman Al Green who raised 1.5 Million for the Sunnyside Community Center, and other community leaders, the field now features upgrades that will benefit our youth athletes and the community as a whole. We believe that this field will have a positive impact on the future of our community, and we are grateful to all who contributed to making this project a reality.

Sunnyside Community Clean-up

We are thrilled to announce the successful Sunnyside Community Clean-up that was held last Saturday, May 6th, at the Sunnyside Multi-service Building. Despite the challenge of illegal dumping in our community, the event brought together members of our community who were determined to make a positive impact. Through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, we demonstrated our collective commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this event a success. Your efforts are making a meaningful difference in our community, and we are proud to stand with you in this important work. Together, we will continue to make our community a better place for everyone.

How It Works

Once you have surpassed your set threshold, you will receive an alert via Text, Email or Phone informing you of the following:

• Your current gallon consumption
• Dates when this consumption was used
• Your current threshold
• Constant flow detection

High Water Usage Alerts

The Consumption Awareness Program (CAP) is an easy and convenient way to manage your water usage and bill. CAP offers alerts and notifications via Text, Email or Phone, Weekly Summary E-mail, CAP Usage Manager, Neighborhood Usage Comparison and Water Usage Calculator. By signing up for CAP customers have access via computer or mobile to active readings, track current billing cycle, monthly, daily, hourly usage, receive Weekly Summary Emails, receive alerts and notifications, water usage calculator and next project water bill.

Jazzy Sundays return to celebrate the legacy of Jazz in Houston

Emancipation Park Conservancy is teaming up with other Houston parks to celebrate the Houston musicians who keep the tradition of jazz music alive. The free concert series is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation and is designed to celebrate the legacy and evolution of jazz in Houston. Local and regional musicians representing the best in jazz and its related forms such as gospel, blues, zydeco and more will perform. The weekly concert series kicks-off on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Emancipation Park with Grammy award-winning pianist Robert Glasper.

Sign up to be a VDVR

A Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar (VDVR) is a person who assists in the registration of eligible persons to vote.

Sign up or renew your VDVR status. In District D every vote matters!