District J: The Pollard Press

Council Member Edward Pollard led a delegation from Houston on a trade mission to South Africa. The council member represented the city of Houston by speaking before delegates and other dignitaries on Houston’s economic landscape, highlighting the city as a strong global partner. He met with Cape Town’s Alderman, James Vos, to speak about the political landscape in Cape Town, as well as have meaningful discussions on ways to find mutual benefit between Cape Town an Houston. The delegation was also hosted by Consul General Vincent Spera and U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety. Pollard presented Alderman Vos with a City of Houston Diplomacy Coin as a show of hospitality. Special thanks to Val Thompson and the Houston International Trade Development Council for organizing this trip and to Western Cape Invest South Africa for hosting the delegation. Click here to see additional photos.

 

Council Member Pollard had the honor of speaking at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held at Houston Baptist University. Attendees gathered to pay respect to those to those who lost their lives and endured great sacrifices as a result of the tragic terrorist attack on our land. The event also paid tribute to the heroes of 9/11 with the unveiling of an international art gallery exhibit. Thank you to Ground Zero 360, the McCormick and McClean families, and all our first responders for making the event so meaningful as well as to Houston Baptist University for hosting the event and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for her continued support.

 

Residents in Sharpstown and Braeburn Glen held community meetings last month. Council Member Pollard was on hand to answer questions and give updates on projects within District J.

District J Patrol officers were on hand for the Snow Cones with Cops event, and effort to connect police officers with community members. Special thanks to VMPT Castex Tatum and Commissioner Cagle for partnering with Council Member Pollard on this event, and a big thank you to the Fondren Public Library for hosting, Houston Apartment Assoc., Rockwell Management, Brays Oaks Management and Kona Ice for sponsoring. For all District J residents to report non-emergency neighborhood crimes and violations, please go to www.districtjpatrol.com.

 

Many families with pets are in need of assistance in feeding their four-legged loved ones. The District J office is partnering with the Houston Humane Society for another Pet Pantry event. Bring your furry friends to Sharpstown Baptist Church on Friday, September 23rd, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., for free pet food for cats and dogs.

 

In honor of the 76th anniversary of India’s independence, India House held a celebration at the GSH event Center, where two flag raising ceremonies took place in District J. Council Member Pollard was on hand for the celebration.

 

Dozens of local leaders gathered at The Power Center for Slavery Remembrance Day on August 20th. The event was a result of a resolution presented by Congressman Al Green that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

Congressman Green says, “9/11, Pearl Harbor, and the Holocaust each have national days of remembrance to recall the atrocities of these tragedies. My resolution, H.Res. 517, is intended to add Slavery Remembrance Day to the list of commemorative days of horrific historic events that we wish to always remember as a nation.”

 

Those in attendance at the event use it as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and circumstances of slaved ancestors and celebrate triumphs of their descendants.

 

For the H magazine honored Council Member Pollard for his leadership and work in the community during the an event at the Blue Lobster and Vibes Lounge. Pollard the “For the Culture” award, which puts him in the company of local high-profile individuals such as Yungstar, the 5th Ward Boys and others. Special thanks to Khalid Rasheed for this recognition.

 

District J will soon have a new community center located at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Gethsemane. Local dignitaries and community leaders were on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony at the church, located at 6856 Bellaire Blvd. The building will be 55,000 square feet and two stories. The project is privately funded at $23 million dollars and will offer various nonprofit programs and social services. Council Member Pollard gave remarks at the event by recognizing the great impact it will have on Southwest Houston. The community center is scheduled to be open by the end of 2023. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Pace, Steve Carroll, Pastor Horton, Anne Culver and the entire St. Luke’s Gethsemane family for their commitment to this project and to Congresswoman Fletcher, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, and CM Sallie Alcorn for supporting this endeavor.

 

The nonprofit organization India House is offering free resources to the community. This month, cardiologist Dr. Nik Nikam is giving free consultations by appointment. In addition, those interested in learning computer skills can also sign up for free online classes. See additional information below or by visiting indiahouseinc.org. The mission of India House is to unite cultures, create bridges, and help the community by bringing resources, education, services, and Indian culture to Houstonians.

 

We are in the middle of hurricane season, and history shows that we are gearing up to the most active part of the season in the next couple of months, so it’s important to be prepared. 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.

 

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.

 

Improvements Forum Park are ongoing, with construction ramping up this month. This effort is a part of Mayor Turner’s 50/50 Park Partners initiative. Improvement priorities include a new parking lot with lighting, an updated asphalt trail, new picnic tables and grills, a shade sail, updated site lighting, new mini-pitch and half basketball court and an associated detention. To date, the park’s design has been completed on the improvements.

 

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

 

Illegal Dumping

The HOT team was dispatched to the 5,000 block of Delores, where they cleared 120 pounds of illegally dumped debris.

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. 

 

To learn more about our new modern approach to community policing, or to file a report regarding a quality of life issue, please visit www.districtjpatrol.com. To retrieve data, research policy, or to file a complaint online, visit houstontx.gov/policetransparency.

The District J office staff is here to serve you.

 

David “Alex” Brizuela, Director of Constituent Services

Ana “Francis” Ellis, District Coordinator

Council Member Edward Pollard

Misty Starks, Director of Communications

Paul Young, Chief of Staff