District J: The Pollard Press

Friends,

 

It has been an honor to serve you all as the Council Member of District J, the most diverse area of the most diverse city in America. Collectively, we have shown how progress can be made and results can be achieved by putting aside partisan divides, and instead, working together focused on issues and putting people over politics. It has been so rewarding to represent District J, and the people of Houston, and I pray for encouragement and support as I seek re-election for District J. 

During a recent City Council session, Council Member Pollard made remarks about property taxes in relation to affordable housing. Click this link to view the video.

Council Member Pollard is proud to announce the opening of the Verizon Community Forward Gulfton Sharpstown Learning Center at the BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown campus. The center has an interactive technology lab flex space for people to be able to learn, design, produce, and manufacture creative ideas with modern electronics and machinery for free. This learning center is equipped with smart boards, projectors, laptops and ipads, podcast and music recording studio, green screen, digital fabrication, robotics, and so much more. This learning center will help the current and next generation explore their talents, learn with a modern approach, and have fun being creative in a safe space. To learn more about hours of operation and classes, please email [email protected]. Thank you to all involved who collaborated to make the vision come true.

The Houston Police Department strives each day to remain responsive to the community’s needs. When incidents happen, HPD prioritizes its responses to service that reflects the urgency of the incident, which can cause delays in addressing non-emergency calls. An alternative is to go online to file an incident report. This process will provide citizens with a police incident number electronically, which can be used when following up. To file a report, visit https://www.houstontx.gov/police/online_report.htm.

Council Member Pollard met with members of the Gulfton community to discuss a master plan for a new look at Burnett Bayland Park. Residents were able to view graphic designs and give input on future park plans. Thanks to Commissioner Jack Cagle, the City Parks Dept. and County Parks Dept. for collaborating on this transformative initiative.

The Support the Red & Blue organization launched a new campaign to show support and appreciation to local law enforcement and first responders. The organization spearheaded a billboard campaign that features men and women police officers and firefighters and messages of gratitude on display throughout Harris County. Council Member Pollard along with fellow board members were on hand with HPD and HFD leaders for the unveiling of the billboards. The public can also show support by making a financial contribution to the law enforcement foundations by visiting www.supportrb.org. Special thanks to board chair Dick Hite for leading this project and Outfront Media for its partnership.

Our servicemen and women put their lives on the line daily to protect our freedom. Council Member Pollard was proud to present a proclamation at City Hall to celebrate the 247th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

 

Several council members also joined Mayor Sylvester Turner on the steps of City Hall to celebrate those who served in our military on Veterans Day. Thank you for your service.

All eyes were on Houston after the Astros took home the championship at the World Series. Over one million people showed up in downtown Houston for a parade to cheer on the hometown heroes after their win against the Philadelphia Phillies. The players, along with city leaders and other dignitaries, celebrated in grand fashion. Congrats to the Astros and the city of Houston.

Houston Public Works Capital Projects has launched a new feature that will introduce the public to various active designs and construction projects in Houston.  The feature consists of a short video that briefs the listener about ongoing major projects throughout the City while displaying the maps and approximate completion time frame. To access this new feature visit https://www.engagehouston.org/  Scroll down and click on the “Lift Off News” tab. Additionally, constituents who registered to https://www.engagehouston.org/ will receive a” Lift Off News” email where they can view the short video directly.

Council Member Pollard and members of his staff attended eight events being held throughout the district for National Night Out in support of local law enforcement officers and first responders. Thanks to everyone who came out in the neighborhoods of Richmond Plaza South, Gulfton, Braeburn Valley 1&2, Braeburn Valley West, Sharpstown, and Windwater Estates.

The District J office hosted the Outstanding Community Leader and Public Servant Awards Reception in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Each of the recipients has proven to have a passion for service and has shown a dedicated commitment to improving the lives of those who live in the district. Congratulations to Sandra Rodriguez, Veronica Hernandez, Jose Juarez and Claudia Hernandez. Special thanks to Judge Isreal Garcia for being the special guest and speaker.

Council Member Pollard met with constituents of Richmond Plaza South to discuss issues important to area residents. Thanks to each person who came out to hear the vision for the infrastructure improvement project planned for their neighborhood.

Etoile Academy invited Council Member Pollard to its campus as a guest speaker for Career Day. He gave remarks to middle school students about his career as an attorney and a member of Houston’s City Council. He also spoke about the importance of being involved and engaged in the community, as well as how the choices in life will dictate future opportunities.

The Indus Arts Council held its annual gala at the JW Marriott Downtown in celebration of its 10-year anniversary. IAC’s mission is to promote diversity and awareness of arts and culture of Pakistan in the U.S. through Urdu language classes for children and adults, cultural events, films, and theatre, and engage diverse talent from various communities to create a cultural exchange for its audience. Council Member Pollard gave remarks at the event.

The He Tre fundraiser is an event that took place to bring advocacy and awareness of work being done at the Vietnamese Community Center located in District J. The event was for business leaders within the Vietnamese community to network and celebrate their heritage through business, music, and art.

Many families in District J came out to the Fall Festival that took place at Bayland Park.There was a pumpkin patch, games, food, and snow cones. Special thanks to CommissionerJack Cagle and his entire team for their coordination and to the HPD District J Patrol, the District J office staff, the Sharpstown Civic Association (SCA) and Southwest District for their efforts and sponsorship, and Sheri Cortez for the Kona Ice truck. 

Council Member Pollard gave opening remarks at the Connect + Amplify Luncheon to support Connect Community at the Briar Club. The fundraiser event was to raise money and educate people on the work of Connect Community in Southwest Houston, specifically the Gulfton area. To learn more about Connect Community and how to get involved, please visithttps://myconnectcommunity.org/about/our-world/. Special thanks to founding director Anne Whitlock and the entire Connect family.

As we all get ready to start the holiday season, the Harris County District Attorney’s office wants to remind everyone to be safe on the road by avoiding drinking and driving. If you are going to drink alcohol, consider having a designated driver, taking public transportation or contacting a rideshare service. Let’s all have an enjoyable holiday and get back home to our families safely.

Another free pet pantry took place at Sharpstown Baptist Church thanks to BARC, the Houston Humane Society, and the District J office. Residents received free spay and neuter vouchers and pet meals at the drive-thru event.

 

The District J office staff also visited with constituents at the free pet vaccine event at Burnett Bayland Park. Special thanks to PetcoLove, HPD, HOPE Clinic, Harris County Pct. 4, Sharpstown Civic Assoc., Houston Parks and Rec Dept., and Gulfton Management District. 

Council Member Pollard appeared on the Summer’s Vibe podcast, where he talked with host Mary Summer about a variety of topics including issues affecting District J and the Midterm Elections. Watch the interview in its entirety below.

The Texas Historical Commission granted a historical marker in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Freeman on the campus of Texas Southern University. Council Member Pollard was honored to present a Proclamation to TSU commemorating Dr. Freeman’s life. The late educator taught at the university for 71 years and coached thousands of championship debate team performances. He received national notoriety when Denzel Washington played a character based off Dr. Freeman in the movie, The Great Debaters, where an all-black collegiate debate team in the 1930’s beat Harvard University’s debate team. His legacy lives on through his family, former and current students, and the TSU community.

The Grambling Friends of Football, Inc. recently honored Council Member Pollard with the Outstanding HBCU Alumnus Award at its Pay It Forward dinner. The event was to highlight the contributions of Historically Black College and University graduates as well as raise scholarship money for current and future students.

As many people are aware, Hip Hop artist Takeoff, who was a member of the platinum-selling group Migos, was fatally shot while visiting Houston. Council Member Pollard spoke out about the tragedy and the need to eradicate violence within communities of color. Visitthis link to view the video.

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) honored Council Member Pollard with the Earl Carl Legacy of Service Award at its inaugural Legacy Ball. The gala was held to raise scholarship money to assist for future students with tuition and fees. Special thanks to Texas Southern University, TMSL and the Alumni Board.

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.

Houston Public Works (HPW) has started construction to replace concrete sidewalk and driveways on Palmetto St. from Mapleridge Dr. to Ferris St. and along S. Gessner Rd. from S. Braeswood Blvd. to Allen Ln. in District J. The work began on November 1 and is scheduled to be complete in about 20 days.

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

 

 

The HOT Team cleared trash and tree debris from a lot at Fondren near H

 

The District J HOT Team cleared away trash from an area along the 8000 block of Westpark Drive.

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 atwww.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