The Pollard Press

Remembering Navy Veteran Nelson Beckett

The tragic death of 90-year-old U.S. Navy veteran and District J resident Nelson Beckett is reverberating throughout the state of Texas. Mr. Beckett was shot and killed during a carjacking outside his apartment in a senior living community, Saturday, August. 31st. The Houston Police Department is currently conducting an investigation in the search for a suspect. Crime Stoppers and Gov. Greg Abbott’s office have announced a combined $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-252-TIPS. Council Member Edward Pollard, who met Mr. Beckett several times over the past few years, extended his condolences to the family and the Houston community in a public statement.

Supporting Houston’s Neurodivergent Community

When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s son Gus, who has an anxiety disorder, ADHD and non-verbal learning disorder, stepped into the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention, he opened up a crucial dialogue about the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. His story is a significant opportunity for us to talk about the challenges and triumphs that neurodivergent individuals face every day. Council Member Edward Pollard knows first-hand the challenges families face in getting services for their neurodivergent loved one, as his sister lives with severe autism. The council member joined Wendy Dawson, founder of the non-profit Social Motion, for an interview on this topic with Paige Hubbard at CW 39 in Houston. Check out the video below, and visitwww.socialmotionskills.org for more information about resources for people living with autism.

Total Army Career Fair Comes to Houston

The District J office is pleased to host dignitaries from the Pentagon for the Total Army Career Fair, an event targeting job seekers from all career fields, skillsets, and experience levels interested in career opportunities with the Army as a civilian or in uniformed service. The event takes place September 6 – 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NRG Stadium.

The fair will highlight the wide array of careers in the Army, with on-the-spot hiring possible for hundreds of positions, including jobs in child care, cyber, chemistry, construction, contracting, security intelligence, engineering and more. Uniformed recruits may receive up to a $50,000 signing bonus, free health care for themselves and their dependents, and 30 days of paid time off. Representatives from the active Army, the National Guard, the Army Reserve and the various civilian commands that support the Army mission will be there.

Good Neighbor Program in Full Swing

The District J Good Neighbor Program, which launched earlier this summer, was recently able to assist an Army veteran in Sharpstown with exterior home damage he experienced after Hurricane Beryl. If you or someone you know falls in this category, please email details to[email protected]. Be sure to include “Good Neighbor Program” in the email subject line.

Diverse Vendors Wanted for Buy Houston: By Houston Program

The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) Buy Houston: By Houston (BHBH) program aims to engage with diverse local suppliers and provide them with opportunities for contracts through various sporting events hosted by the organization. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to engage with the business community, the HCHSA is pleased to inform local businesses about opportunities in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Recently, FIFA released several Requests for Information for various services including Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Bus Suppliers, and Parking, and Permitting services. These are the first of many opportunities for local businesses to participate in a global sporting event. 

To ensure that local businesses stay informed about upcoming opportunities and ways to get involved, the HCHSA encourages them to sign up for the BHBH program. By joining the program, vendors will receive regular updates on upcoming events, contract opportunities, and other relevant information. For more information about the Buy Houston: By Houston program and to sign up, please visit HoustonSports.org/BuyHoustonByHouston 

September Pet Pantry Event

Many families with pets need help providing food for their beloved animals. The District J office, in collaboration with the Houston Humane Society, is hosting another Pet Pantry event. Join us Thursday, September 5th at Sharpstown Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., while supplies last.

AC Units Delivered in District J

During Houston’s high temperatures, members of the District J staff were able to deliver free AC units to several constituents in need. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to supporting our residents’ well-being, especially during extreme weather conditions. We are grateful to our partners and volunteers with Connect Community and Construction Concepts who made this initiative possible. We will continue to provide resources and support to those who need it most.

Beautifying District J

Local volunteers, District J staff and Houston Parks employees got together to visit with constituents and complete work toward beautifying Sharpstown Park. The group trimmed trees, painted trashcans, put down mulch and picked up litter and debris. Thanks to everyone who helped with this effort.

You Voice Matters: Murals Survey

Help Shape Magnolia Park/Manchester’s Mini Murals!

The Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, via the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA), is sponsoring the creation of four Mini Murals in Alief, and leaders need your input.

The murals will be painted at the following intersections:

• Cook Rd & High Star Rd.
• Harwin Dr. & Ranchester Rd.
• Bissonnet and Plainfield
• Bissonnet and Woodfair

You are invited to share your thoughts and ideas for these murals. You can give your feedback by completing this survey: bit.ly/MM-CC1. Your voice matters.

Hundreds of Families Served at District J Diaper Distribution

The District J office hosted a free diaper distribution event for families in need. The event took place at India Houston in District J. Hundreds of cars lined up to receive diapers in various sizes as toys and gift cards. Special thanks to everyone who stepped up to provide the needed items. Special shout out to the Texas Diaper Bank, Kroger, HEB, Connect Community, Union Pacific and everyone at India House for your help. Special shout out to District J staff members David Brizuela and Kynnedi Brown for their leadership.

Larchmont Neighborhood Celebrates 70th Anniversary

A hearty congratulations goes out to everyone in the Larchmont neighborhood in honor of its 70th anniversary. This milestone is a remarkable testament to the spirit and unity that have defined Larchmont for seven decades, making it one of the most cherished neighborhoods in District J and the city of Houston. Since its founding, Larchmont has been more than just a place to live; it has been a true community where neighbors come together, look out for one another, and create lasting memories. The Larchmont Civic Association has been at the heart of this effort, tirelessly working to preserve the neighborhood’s charm, enhance its safety, and maintain the high quality of life that all residents enjoy. As we reflect on the past 70 years, we also look forward to what lies ahead, confident that Larchmont will continue to thrive and contribute to the vibrancy of District J and the broader Houston community.

International Entertainment Partnership Launches in Houston

The International Entertainment Partnership (IEP) is a groundbreaking initiative set to elevate the city of Houston onto the global entertainment stage. The launch of this partnership marks a significant milestone in Houston’s journey towards becoming a premier destination for creative projects and productions. IEP aims to nurture local talent by providing artists, performers and creators with resources and opportunities to elevate nationally and internationally. Council Member Edward Pollard and Mayor John Whitmire presented the organizers with a proclamation to mark the formation of the partnership. To learn more, visit. https://internationalentertainmentpartnership.org/.

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.

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.

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