The Pollard Press

The mission to create a safer neighborhood in the area of the Bissonnet Corridor and throughout District J is ongoing. The latest triumph in this effort is the successful conviction of Larry “Lavish” Lewis for sex trafficking multiple women through force and for transporting women across state lines to engage in prostitution. This conviction sends a powerful message that human trafficking will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable. 

In addition, this community will soon see the installation of fixed barricades on the same side streets where our dedicated officers have been working tirelessly. These barricades will prevent cars from accessing those streets after normal business hours, making it much harder for individuals to solicit prostitutes. Steps to install the barriers are already underway, and we expect the project to be completed in the next few months. This accomplishment is due to collaborative efforts between the District J office, HPD, Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones’ office and the Southwest Management District. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward with this project.

Sharpstown Community Center

Having a great quality of life includes having attractive amenities in the community. Council Member Edward Pollard has been working with STOA Architects and other stakeholders to create renderings for a reimagined Sharpstown Golf Course club house. This facility has not be renovated in decades, but with a new vision, the club could serve as a state-of-the-art community town center for all residents to enjoy. The concept is still in the early stages, but updates will be provided as the project progresses.

Precinct 4 Gun Buyback

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is hosting a gun buyback program on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Westchase Park and Ride. This is an opportunity for residents to turn in their firearms and receive gift cards of various amounts in return. Participants are asked to put unloaded firearms in the trunk of their vehicle for the event. For more information, see the flyer below.

Pets for Life Launches in District J

For several years, the District J office has partnered with several organizations in the community to help curb the stray animal population. Recently, Council Member Pollard held a press conference at Sharpstown Baptist Church to announce the groundbreaking new Pets for Life program with the Houston Humane Society, and to highlight many of the other pet initiatives in our area.

Pets For Life, a nationally recognized program already established in 32 cities across the country, has chosen the Braeburn Glen neighborhood as the second location in Texas after its successful launch in Corpus Christi. The program’s mission is to engage in door-to-door community outreach and provide essential veterinary care, supplies, services, and information to pet owners, all at no cost. For families facing transportation challenges, Pets for Life workers will even arrange transportation to and from veterinary appointments, ensuring that every furry family member receives the care they deserve.

In addition to the Houston Humane Society, the District J office also collaborates with organizations such as Team Feral, HOPE and BARC to provide free spay/neuter vouchers, pet vaccines, microchips and education on responsible pet ownership to District J residents. Special thanks to Alice Lee of Harris County Precinct 4 and Harris County Pets.

Don’t Drink and Drive

As everyone starts to gear up for the holidays, it is important to remember to drink responsibly and avoid drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every day about 37 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes. Below are some things to consider when making plans to celebrate:

• Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home. 
• If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend. 
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

Homeless Encampments Cleared

Officers from the Houston Police Department addressed a situation involving a homeless encampment on a vacant field behind the Walgreens at 8300 Wilcrest, Houston. The field, extending from Beechnut to a bayou and situated between Wilcrest and Boone, had become the site for 10 separate homeless camps with at least 17 individuals identified, and possibly more visiting at night. Upon contacting the property owner, a clean-up operation was organized and executed, costing the owner around $15,000. During the clean-up, the homeless individuals were removed from the property and issued criminal trespass warnings. The operation resulted in the filling of 7 industrial dumpsters with refuse from the site, including over 30 shopping carts. Special thanks to Officer T. Robertson and the Houston Police Department’s Westside Divisional Response Team, under the guidance of William Lund.

The Houston Police Department and the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) collaborated with the owner of a vacant property on the 5630 block of Fairdale to address and dismantle another homeless encampment. Vacant properties in the area received violation notices. The property owner also filed a trespass affidavit, and the unhoused individuals were entered into a warning tracking database. The owner agreed to arrange for a cleaning crew to clear the trash from the property, and HPD officers ensured the departure of all unhoused individuals during the clean-up. The Homeless Outreach Team also visited the site, offering services to the encampment’s residents, which were declined. The MW Divisional Response Team (DRT) will maintain enforcement at the location until the property is fully abated by the owner.

Sharpstown Civic Association Meeting

Council Member Pollard stopped by the latest Sharpstown Civic Association meeting to give updates on the district including current and upcoming projects and public safety efforts. The District J office welcomes input from residents.

District J Jobs

Looking for a new job is a job in itself. Between searching for positions online, updating your resume and preparing for interviews, job hunting takes a lot of effort. DistrictJJobs.com is a resource for Houstonians looking for work. The site provides access to dozens of companies with hundreds of jobs at various levels and in many industries. In addition to links to employment opportunities, the website now has a new “Resources” section with videos and articles containing tips to help anyone searching for a job. Resume writing, interviewing, negotiating salary and other topics are available.

Interested job seekers can also scan the QR codes posted in select METRO bus stops throughout the district. Residents all over Houston are encouraged to use this resource in their search for new employment.

District J Office Staff

The District J office staff is here to serve you.

David “Alex” Brizuela, Deputy Chief of Staff

Ana “Francis” Ellis, District Coordinator

Council Member Edward Pollard

Misty Starks, Director of Communications

Paul Young, Chief of Staff