The Pollard Press

VIDEO: Celebrating Diversity in District J

In honor of National Diversity Month, the District J office honored some of the most committed community leaders and organizations that represent the vast diversity present in our district. Council Member Edward Pollard welcomed representatives from over 30 institutions to be recognized at City Hall with a proclamation and with certificates of recognition for their contributions to society. A small reception was held in their honor. The honorees included:

Their dedication to creating an inclusive environment that values and respects the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of all individuals is an inspiration to us all. Let us continue to work together to embrace the richness of our differences and build a more just, equitable, and inclusive society for all. Congratulations to them all on this well-deserved honor.

Houston Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony

For more than three years, the District J staff has lead the charge to create a Houston Vietnam Veterans Memorial site that honors all soldiers from the greater Houston area who served in the war. Now, the public is invited to the dedication ceremony and unveiling to be held on May 26, 2023, in southwest Houston.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP at this link.

Please keep in mind that seating and parking are limited, however, there will be shuttles transporting attendees to and from a nearby parking lot.

City to Regulate BYOB Establishments

The city of Houston is considering implementing new regulations for “bring your own bottle” (BYOB) establishments in an effort address safety concerns in the community. There are no laws governing BYOB businesses, which allow customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages to certain venues. Under a newly proposed ordinance, these businesses would be required to get operating permits, display signs, set up security cameras and hire guards. If passed, the ordinance would give the city authority to shut down establishments not in compliance. Council Member Pollard was recently quoted in a Houston Chronicle article about the proposed ordinance.

“We know that these BYOBs pop up because they are not trying to do the right thing. They are trying to use loopholes and be bad actors,” Pollard said. “So, what we want to see is these establishments shut down as quickly as possible, and all the good actors, all the nightclubs and bars that are doing it the right way, they want these places shut down as quickly as possible, as well.”

Read the article in its entirety at this link.

Southwest Management District Touts Safety

The Southwest Management District recently highlighted the many safety-related services implemented in the district that have resulted in a decrease in crime. In particular, the article touches on the District J Patrol program and the license plate reader cameras among other efforts. The Southwest Management District is a constant and visible supporter of many initiatives focused on improving our neighborhoods and making southwest Houston an even better place to work, live and play. Click here to read the article in its entirety.

City of Houston Annual Career Fair

The City of Houston is hosting its annual Career Fair on Wednesday, May 3rd at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall E. Managers will be conducting on-site interviews and, in some cases, making job offers on the spot. Interested candidates should bring their government-issued ID and social security card.

Community Meetings

Evenings are for community meetings. In April, Council Member Pollard attended the Public Works Notice meeting for Bonham Acres and Braeburn Valley at University Park Baptist. He then met with residents at the Sharpstown Civic Association meeting at Bayland Park.

VIDEO: Budget Committee Meeting

Council Member Pollard chaired the city’s Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee, where he discussed with the controller and finance director the impact of increase sales taxes for the city’s financial stability. The city services we provide (police, fire, solid waste, public works, parks, libraries, etc.) are paid for by your tax dollars. The two biggest sources of tax revenue is sales taxes and property taxes. Over the past year we have been seeing a historic increase in the amount of sales taxes coming into the city. Which means, despite inflation and coming out of Covid, you all are still spending money at record numbers. Check out the discussion.

Taipei City Delegation Visits Houston

Council Member Pollard and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin visited with a delegation from Taipei City, Taiwan, led by their former mayor and current Taiwan Presidential candidate, Chairman Ko Wen-je. Council Member Pollard represented the city of Houston earlier this year in Taipei City, where he received a warm welcome. Houston and Taipei have been sister cities since 1961. Council Member Pollard presented the delegation with a Proclamation declaring April 26th as Taiwanese People Day.

Hope Field Groundbreaking

Higher Dimension Church hosted the groundbreaking of Hope Filed at its campus in District J. Higher D has partnered with More than a Game, a faith-based nonprofit that constructs ball fields on church properties to help engage the community and provide safe spaces for kids and families. It is a creative way for the church to interact with people and engage in discipleship. Shout out to Pastor J and his family, Mark with More Than a Game, Crocket Mobile Healthcare, Magic 102, and Jordan with Love Has No Limits for their efforts in serving the community today.

Houston Hispanic Chamber Luncheon

The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is one of the leading organizations in the city for economic and civic interest advocacy. They are not only a voice for the Hispanic business community but also for the people of Houston. Council Member Pollard attended the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon at the Hilton Americas. Shout out to president and CEO of the chamber, Laura Murillo, for her continued leadership, and your entire board and staff for an excellent event.

Black Restaurant Week Proclamation

The Black Restaurant Week team has spent the past eight years building a concept and a brand from scratch to become an international phenomenon. Council Member Pollard presented the group with a proclamation to honor them for their hard work, dedication and success. Congratulations to Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, Derek Robinson and the entire Black Restaurant Week team.

Addressing Constituent Concerns

When you’re a public servant, you don’t always get to address every constituent issue personally for a variety of reasons, but at times, there are exceptions. Recently, Council Member Pollardmade a visit to Mr. Chadwick, an 80-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran and a resident of District J. In addition to discussing his own concerns, Mr. Chadwick also introduced the council member to a neighbor who also shared issues. Council Member Pollard expressed his appreciation and encourages residents in the district to be the eyes and ears of the community.

Keeping District J Beautiful

Volunteers from around the city of Houston gave their time and talents for various service projects as part of an effort to beautify the city. In District J, volunteers of all ages, including Council Member Pollard‘s son EJ, helped clean up illegal dumping in Sharpstown, create art at Burnett Bayland Park, and plant greenery in the community garden. Shout out to theorganizations that set up service events all over Houston. Special thank you to the HCU athletes and Athletic Department, Sharpstown Civic Association, Connect Community, Houston Metro, Greener Gulfton, and Madres de Parque. It takes us all working collectively to improve the quality of life in our community.

Walk to Save Black Men’s Lives

The inaugural Walk to Save Black Men’s Lives kicked off on the campus of Texas Southern University. The event focuses on health and wellness disparities for African American men. The National African American Male Wellness Agency hosted the walk. Studies show AA men die 12 years earlier than their white counterparts due to limited access to healthcare and various socioeconomic factors. Council Member Pollard, Mayor Sylvester Turner and other community leaders participated.

Iftar Dinners

During the holy month of Ramadan, Council Member Pollard attended Iftar dinners within the district to celebrate with the Muslim community. Special thanks to EMGAGE, Commissioner Lesley Briones, and the American Turkic Business Council for the invitations.

CASE for Kids Donation

Thanks to the collaboration between the Harris County Department of Education, CASE for Kids and Council Member Pollard’s office, several non-profit organizations in District J received donations totaling $66,000. This support will help enrich the lives of children participating in afterschool programs.

Union Pacific Grant Application Now Open

The application period for 2023 Union Pacific Foundation Local Grants is now open.Throughout its existence, the success of Union Pacific’s business has been inextricably linked to the economic and community wellbeing of cities and towns across the nation. Union Pacific is seeking qualified local grant applications prioritizing safety, workforce development, community spaces, and environmental sustainability. The application period closes May 31. The applications and comprehensive information, including FAQs, are available at this link.

Earth Day Plant Swap

Council Member Pollard celebrated Earth Day by joining other residents in the Earth Day Plant Swap event at Monsignor Bill Pickard Park. Joining him was one of District J’s youngest residents, his son EJ. Thanks to the Sharpstown Parks Alliance, Urban Harvest and everyone who participated to make it a success.

S. Gessner at Hwy. 59 Cleanup

Several residents in the Braeburn Glen neighborhood reported a homeless encampment at the South Gessner and Hwy. 59 underpass on both sides. The District J office requested assistance from the Solid Waste Department, who sent a crew out to clean up the area.

District J Projects

Bering Ditch Sidewalk Nears Completion

The Bering Ditch sidewalk from Windswept Lane to Westpark Drive will soon be complete. The crew is working to get the last pieces in place, with the pedestrian crossing on Windswept and the handrailing along the ditch in progress. The sidewalk is expected to be fully finished in May.

Carvel Ramp Project

A project to replace existing ramps on Carvel Lane at Jorine Drive and Augustine Drive has been authorized. Work crews will also replace missing sections of the curb on Carvel Lane. Construction is scheduled to start on May 8, 2023, and is expected to end by May 22, 2023.

Triola Lane Panel Project

A project to replace damaged concrete panels at Triola Lane and Redding Road has been authorized to begin. Construction is scheduled to start on May 8, 2023, and is expected to be complete by May 22, 2023.

Sharpview Sidewalk Work Authorization

Authorization has been issued to remove and replace concrete sidewalk and driveways on Sharpview Drive at Kendalia Drive (all corners). Construction is scheduled to start on May 1, 2023, and is expected to be complete by May 11, 2023. Below is