The Pollard Press

Employment is the backbone of a thriving city and a powerful deterrent to crime. Recognizing this, we launched District J Jobs a few years ago to address the employment disparity in a district with the highest employment rate but the lowest median income. Our aim was to provide access to meaningful employment opportunities and essential training resources.

Building on the success of District J Jobs, we are excited to announce the launch of More Jobs Houston, a comprehensive platform designed to serve the entire city. More Jobs Houston is an easy-to-use platform where you can search for jobs, continuing education programs, and training opportunities. By lowering unemployment, we aim to reduce homelessness and crime, creating a safer and more prosperous community for everyone.

We encourage you to visit the More Jobs Houston website today. Whether you’re looking for a job or you’re an employer wanting to post job openings, More Jobs Houston is here to support you. Click this link to explore our platform and watch the video below for more information.

Saying Goodbye to
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

The city of Houston, the state of Texas, and the nation have bid farewell to the illustrious Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th congressional district. She was a relentless fighter for the betterment of people until her final days, always striving to enhance the quality of life for all. Council Member Pollard will remember the Congresswoman as a kind and understanding mentor to him, who taught him about hard work, leadership and patience. She was a fierce advocate for human rights, racial justice and the betterment of our city and nation, and she will be greatly missed.

Diaper Distribution Event

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, our community has shown incredible resilience and unity. To support families as they continue to recover, the District J office is organizing a diaper distribution event open to everyone in need.

Thanks to the generous support and donations from India House, Texas Diaper Bank, Kroger, and Connect Community, we have secured a substantial supply of diapers to distribute to families. This event aims to alleviate some of the burdens faced by parents and caregivers, ensuring that our youngest residents are well taken care of. No registration is required, and diapers will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies lasts.

Pollard Testifies in Austin

Council Member Pollard recently testified in Austin before the Texas Board of Housing on the importance of granting an approval for new development of affordable housing on Bissonnet. The area has undergone a significant transformation over the past several years, sparking new interest in the area.

Storm Debris Collection Tracker

The City of Houston Department of Solid Waste Management (SWM) announces the release of a Storm Debris Collection progress tracker. This tool enables residents to monitor the daily progress of debris collection efforts following the severe weather caused by Hurricane Beryl on July 8 and the May 16 Derecho.

Houstonians can access the webpage at bit.ly/HTXStorm to see areas in which trucks are currently working. Users should use the search function that looks like a magnifying glass to find an address. Additional details below:

• Yellow areas indicate neighborhoods where crews are currently collecting the first pass.
• Green areas indicate neighborhoods in which the first pass of storm debris collection is complete.
• Gray areas indicate neighborhoods in queue for collection that will be assigned as soon as crews are available.

Upon completion of the first pass of storm debris collection, SWM will begin a second pass.

The combined impact of this year’s natural disasters in the Houston area is projected to produce more than 4.5 million cubic yards of storm debris. Prior to the July 4th Independence Holiday, the city successfully removed more than 1.7 million cubic yards of debris generated by the Derecho Storm. 

Over the next 60-90 days, the City will utilize all its available resources combined with supplemental disaster collection contractors to expedite the debris removal operations in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Back to School Bash

The second annual Southwest Public Schools Back to School Bash was a tremendous success, drawing hundreds of attendees. Families enjoyed a variety of food, prizes, and raffles as well as free backpacks and school supplies as well as immunizations to get students ready for the new school year. Special thanks to the organizers for inviting Council Member Pollard to participate in the event.

Trade Mission to Angola

Council Member Edward Pollard will lead a delegation of civic, business and other leaders on a trade mission to Angola, South Africa. The purpose of the trip is to build relationships and provide strategic economic and business opportunities by promoting Houston as a global partner. The trip will take place August 31 – September 9 with the Houston International Development Trade Council. Anyone interested in participating in the trade mission trip should contact Val Thompson at [email protected].

Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards Gala

Council Member Edward Pollard was honored at the 10th Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards Gala, organized by Houston Random Acts of Kindness Day and The LemonTree Foundation. The black-tie event honors some of the biggest names in Houston and beyond for their charitable work in the community. This year’s event included speakers, live performances and an orchestra. The honorees included Dr. Laura Murillo, Nomaan Husein, Vipin Kumar, Dr. Conte Terrell, Kathy Griffin, Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert & DeeDee Garcia, Nichole Daher, James “Bun B” Freeman, Beth Alberts, and Tony & Frances Buzbee. Special thanks to Treveia and David Dennis for their leadership, tireless efforts and inspirational work in the community.

Screwed Up Records Car Show & Concert

Council Member Pollard was present at the Inaugural Screwed Up Records Car Show & Concert Day, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This event celebrates the legacy of Robert Earl Davis Jr., known as DJ Screw, the legendary Hip-Hop artist who created the “chopped and screwed” sound. During the event, Council Member Pollard honored the Screwed Up Foundation with a Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding work in the community and contributions to the arts. Attendees enjoyed a day filled with music, cars, entertainment, and culture, celebrating both DJ Screw’s enduring influence and Houston’s vibrant artistic community.

Protect Your Kids in the Heat

As the summer temperatures rise, it’s crucial to remember the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot cars. Even a few minutes can lead to a life-threatening situation, as the inside of a vehicle can heat up rapidly. We urge all parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their children. Always check the back seat before locking your car, and consider placing a personal item like a handbag or phone in the back to serve as a reminder. Let’s work together to prevent these tragic incidents and keep our children safe. Remember, a simple check can save a life.

Supporting the Arts: El Sueno Play

The public is invited to support the upcoming production of “El Sueno,” a short theater session presented by the Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts. This is an original piece lasts 30 minutes, followed by a talk-conference between the artists and the audience, addressing the themes and concepts analyzed in the production. The play will be performed in Spanish and feature English subtitles. It is appropriate for audiences ages 13 and up. This project is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. For more information, scan the QR code below or call the number on the flyer.

District J Projects

Jorine Dr. Ramps

Crews added ramps along Jorine Dr. at the intersection with Sharpview Dr and Sandstone St.

Work crews removed and replace damaged concrete along Mobud Dr.

Reports of a hazardous street condition near the Jorine and Concho intersection prompted crews to complete road repair work.

Supplemental Maintenance Team

The Supplemental Maintenance Team is designed to supplement the essential services provided by the city, focusing on maintaining and beautifying Houston’s medians, right of ways, esplanades, accessible ditches and litter abatement on city property. District J residents can request this service by sending an email to our office at [email protected]. Be sure to add “SMT Request” in the subject line. Please include details of the request such as the location’s address and a picture if possible.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the District J Supplemental Maintenance Team was on the ground assisting the community with removing debris and clearing roadways. Here, they removed a downed tree that fell on top of a vehicle.

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 initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of five 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 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.