Vol. 4, Issue 09 – 05.08.23
Dear District F:

Last week, we hosted our first Turnaround Job Fair with the Office of Business Opportunity to reconnect previously incarcerated individuals to meaningful jobs. It was a success. We had nearly 40 vendors, 16 resource partners, and over 100 attendees served at the Alief Neighborhood Center.

We also honored the Fall of Saigon with several community and business partners on Saturday, April 29th. District F is home to many Vietnam War veterans and veterans of the armed services, so it was essential to hold space and acknowledge their contribution and Service. ABC13 and VieTV covered the ceremony. Robert Dembo III, USN vet and Director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, represented my office and Mayor Turner during the ceremony.

HPD Troy Finner joined us at City Hall on Wednesday, May 3rd to provide an update on violent crime from January to March 2023. I am happy to report that District F remains one of the safer Districts in the city – no, we have not eradicated crime. Still, every measure invested, from increased cadet pay ($10,000), 50 flock cameras ($137,500), OT to Midwest DRT-HPD ($10,000) to address after-hour clubs and 25 street light installations, is making the difference. Not to forget the four catalytic converter etching events in partnership with my office. Details below reflect our citywide impressions by category and commentary from the council.

In the spirit of public safety, on Wednesday, April 26th, the Public Safety and Quality of Life committee co-hosted a meeting to discuss the proposed BYOB ordinance. Based on the heat map provided by HPD, District F is one of the leading areas with an abundance of after-hours connected to crime incidents. You can listen to my commentary during the committee below. There is still time to contribute to public comments. If you would like to lend your voice to the importance of this item, please send comments to: [email protected], Subject: BYOB.

Saturday, April 29th, we held our first deed restriction workshop, where we learned valuable information regarding new legislative bills, covenant enforcement, changing guidelines, and how to protect your assets through a deed upon death. For those unable to join us, please see the two PowerPoint presentations, the HTV recording, and additional items related to the discussion. Again, this is only possible with residents expressing what issues are important to them. Thank you, Law Offices of Rice and Rice, Frost Bank, and Centerpoint Energy.

More importantly, issues related to HB 2127 limit local government from regulating issues such as noise violations and group homes. As you all know, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen our ordinances to preserve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. HB 2127 has passed in the lower chamber. Contact your State Senator and ask them to vote NO on the senate companion to HB 2127. Again, sample letters are included for your convenience.

Here are a few neighborhood updates:

Carver Crest/Blossom Heights: I will attend the Piney Point Civic Club on Wednesday, May 10th, at 7P to discuss Conservation Districts. Please attend and review the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Conservation Districts here.

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and several opportunities exist to engage and celebrate throughout the city and the District. Fast fashion company SHEIN will host an Art x Discovery event on May 13th. Throughout the month, the Asian Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate through food during Asian Restaurant Month. Visit https://asianrestaurantmonth.com for more details. I want to spotlight a District F resident during my weekly pop-off comments after the council meeting. If there is someone you would like to nominate, please email me directly at [email protected]. Subject Line: AAPI Month. We have many talented and noteworthy individuals, organizations, and businesses that deserve to be featured.

Stay tuned as I release the District F Summer of Safety series, including our 3rd Annual Public Safety Town Hall featuring Chief Finner. I would like to hear about specific public safety issues you want to learn about. Please send your suggestions to: [email protected], SUBJ: Public Safety Town Hall.

Please click here to reserve your free tickets to the Houston Zoo. Priority will be given to District F residents and there is a 5 tickets limit per household.

In Service,

Councilmember Thomas
HOT SPOT TEAM HIGHLIGHT
WEEK OF APRIL 24
  • Total Work Orders: 26
  • Hotspot of the Week: 6305 Garden Trail Ct
  • Total Man Hours Worked: 72
  • Tree Waste: 690 lbs.
  • Mattresses: 6
  • Furniture Waste: 22 pieces
  • Tires: 18
  • Trash Debris: 720 lbs.
  • Shopping Carts: 7
  • Bandit Signs: 196
  • Landscaping: none
ALIEF TREE CANOPY PROJECT
On April 21, Councilmember Thomas joined Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones to announce funding for the Alief Tree Canopy Project, a tree planting initiative in recognition of Earth Day 2023.

A study published in the Journal of Public Economics found increases in temperature are connected to increases in crime. During the summer months, Alief averages 10 degrees hotter than the well-shaded areas of Houston. Additionally, Alief has only 11% tree canopy, compared to the Houston average of 33%.

Improving tree coverage is a simple and effective way to address the ‘heat island’ effect. The initiative will plant more than 1,200 trees along 17 miles of roads in Alief. Commissioner Briones will use $2 million in Amercian Resue Plan Act funding as part of a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design to fund this project.
ENCAMPMENT CLEARED
On April 22, the encampment at 59/8 was cleared and all homeless residents were moved into temporary housing.  If you see something, say something, please email at [email protected].
 
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND AT
TURNAROUND HOUSTON JOB FAIR
On April 27, Councilmember Thomas partnered with The City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity and Workforce Solutions for the Spring Turnaround Houston Job Fair. More than 100 job seekers took full advantage of this opportunity by participating in on-the-spot interviews and collecting data on readiness tools. Launched by Mayor Sylvester Turner in 2016, the Turnaround Houston initiative works to help Houstonians overcome barriers to employment.
 
DEED RESTRICTIONS WORKSHIOP
On April 29, Councilmember Thomas hosted a deed restriction workshop to help answer constituents questions, including restriction enforcement, amending documents, collecting fees, and architectural guidelines.

Representatives from the Law Office of Rice & Rice opened the event with a town hall-like Q and A. Council member Alcorn was a surprise addition to the line-up, speaking to AirBnBs and upcoming noise ordinance.

Partners from Frost Bank closed out the interactive and informative session with a presentation on protecting your home from fraudulent contractors and estate planning tools and tips.

Click here to watch a recording of the workshop and here, here to review the presentations.
AFRICAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SERVICE
On April 30, Councilmember Thomas joined the African Christian Fellowship for Sunday Service.
WHAM LAUNCHES THRIVE
On May 4, Councilmember Thomas joined Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, and Rev. Mark Brown, Chief Executive Officer, West Houston Assistance Ministries/WHAM to launch THRIVE, a campaign to provide assistance to 5,000 families in need in the next 12 months.

The campaign will focus on providing basic needs, financial stability, and empowerment resources and services to support families and individuals in Greater Houston. It was launched as a result of the high need observed by the WHAM due to inflation, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and a drop in donations to match the need.
KPOT OPENS IN DISTRICIT F
On May 7, Councilmember Thomas joined community leaders and investors to celebrate the grand opening of KPOT, a hands-on, all-you-can-eat experience that merges Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors.
 
WELLINGTON HOMES & NO PARKING SIGNS UPDATE
The contractor issued notices that are not an accurate reflection of the City of Houston nor were they issued by the City or Houston Public Works. The contractor does have a valid contract with the City through the Council District Service Funds program. The installation of the speed cushions will begin next week in the selected location. (See the map above.) Houston Public Works will provide additional updates early next week via social media pages and platforms.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
CM THOMAS REACTS TO FIRST QUARTER
CRIME REDUCTION IN DISTRICT F
 
ALIEF STREET CANOPOY
 
CM THOMAS QUESTIONS PLANS FOR BYOB ORDINANCE AND PROCESS
 
CEREMONY HONORING THOSE WHO
SERVED DURING THE VIETNAM WAR
 
 
To View City Council Agendas
To Watch Videos of Previous City Council Meetings
DISTRICT F NEWS
VIOLENT CRIME IS
DOWN 21% IN DISTRICT F
On May 3, Councilmember Thomas received an update from Chief of Police Troy Finner that reported violent crime was down 21% in District F for the first quarter. Initiatives including funding police overtime, flock cameras, and gun buy-back program contributed to the decrease. Please click here to review the complete presentation and here for information on One Safe Houston, comprehensive violence reduction initiative that links research-based strategies to improve public safety and reduce the harms caused by violent crime.
AAPI HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT:
Author Katherine Cheng-Arif
During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we proudly celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in the City of Houston and pay tribute to the generations who have enriched and strengthened our communities. District F will spotlight these individuals who have worked tirelessly, influenced our lives, and made major contributions to the culture and history of our town.

Children’s book author Katherine Cheng-Arif is the first constituent stepping into the spotlight. A first-generation immigrant, she earned a bachelor’s of science degree in public policy and management and an associate’s degree in sociology from the University of Southern California in just three years. She was featured as a young entrepreneur in Newsweek and has helped raise millions of dollars for disaster relief efforts both locally and worldwide.

But it was her significant contributions in promoting diversity and inclusion through her inspiring work–Jade’s Food for Thought— that brought her to our attention. Her book has proven to be an invaluable resource in teaching children about the importance of diversity, embracing their differences, and promoting inclusivity.

So District F, let’s salute and say ‘thank you’ to Katherine for being a proud Houstonian and her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding among young readers.

Click here for more information about the book launch and signing event on May 20th at 11AM at Signature Manor.

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DISTRICT F NEW STAFF HIRE
As the newly appointed Chief of Staff for Councilmember Thomas, Isaac Eguia brings a wealth of experience from working in the Alief community and a deep commitment to serving the residents of Houston. With a track record of strategic leadership and a passion for community engagement, he is dedicated to helping drive positive change and making a meaningful impact in the neighborhood.

For the past seven years, Isaac was a community social worker in Alief ISD. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Houston, Downtown in 2020. He is currently enrolled in the graduate program at U of H.

Isaac has lived in District F for more than 20 years.
 
 
MAY 2023 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

There are several opportunities for you to engage with your neighbors and receive accurate information from community partners, elected officials, and public safety leadership regarding District F and the greater Houston area.

Schedule
SN – 17 (West Oaks and Eldridge): Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Eagles Trace, 14703 Eagle Vista Drive in the Austin Square building catering room

SN – 25 (Alief): Every 4th Tuesday at 6:30PM
Location: Alief Neighborhood Center

SN – 20 (Tanglewilde, Westmont, Briarmeadow, and Carver Crest): 
Location: TBD

Westside PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Thursday at 6:30PM
Location: Westside Station, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford Street, 3rd floor

Midwest PIP Meeting: Every 3rd Wednesday at 7PM
Location: 7277 Regency Square Boulevard

AARP-ALIEF #3264 Meeting: Every 1st Thursday at 10AM
Location: The Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road

Briarmeadow: Every 2nd Tuesday at 6PM
Location: 3202 Freshmeadows Drive

Westmont Civic Club: Every 4th Thursday every quarter at 7PM
Location: Treemont Retirement Community, 2501 Westerland

Piney Point: Every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 PM
Location: Pilgrim Rest MBC Activity Center, 3402 Amanda Lane
UPCOMING EVENTS