The Pollard Press

Relaunch of MoreJobsHouston.com Brings Opportunity to Houstonians

Council Member Edward Pollard announced the relaunch of MoreJobsHouston.com, an innovative platform designed to make the job search process easier and more effective for Houston residents. The website provides a centralized hub for employment opportunities, career development resources, job fairs, and support services—all accessible from any phone or computer.

The relaunch comes at a critical time. According to WalletHub, Houston was recently ranked the #1 most financially distressed city in America, and Final Round AI lists it among the top 15 most challenging cities for workers. MoreJobsHouston.com aims to directly address these concerns by offering timely, targeted solutions to help residents connect with meaningful employment.

Currently, the site features nearly 2,000 job listings across diverse industries, ranging from entry-level to advanced career opportunities. It is updated weekly and powered by automation to pull new listings from across the region, ensuring users always have access to the latest openings. Residents are encouraged to explore the site and share it widely. A thriving city starts with a thriving workforce, and MoreJobsHouston.com is here to help make that a reality.

HISD Job Fair for Teachers

HISD is working to eliminate all teacher vacancies for the 2025–2026 school year and is actively recruiting top-tier educators. Certified teachers can earn between $64,000 and $96,000, depending on their role and campus designation. Join HISD’s next Teacher Hiring Event:

• Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
• Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Delmar Fieldhouse, 2020 Mangum Rd., Houston, TX 77092

All 273 campuses will be represented, with on-site interviews and potential same-day job offers for qualified candidates. Attendees can also complete the required Performance Task during the event. Register and apply in advance: houstonisd.org/teacherhiringevent

houstonisd.org/careers (Apply via the “General Teacher Pool”)

National Vietnam War Veterans Appreciation

Council Member Pollard hosted the annual National Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony at Club Creek Park in District J. The event, held at the Houston Vietnam Veterans Memorial—constructed three years ago through a partnership between the District J office and TIRZ 20—served as a heartfelt tribute to the men and women from the Greater Houston Area who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.

The memorial holds special personal meaning for Council Member Pollard, inspired by his father, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, and his Godfather, Dr. Ronnie Evans Sr., an Army veteran who also delivered remarks during the ceremony. The J City office extended gratitude to Council Member Thomas for attending, as well as to the City’s Office of Veterans Affairs, the Parks Department, HPD, TIRZ 20, the food sponsors, and representatives from each military branch. The ceremony served as a moment of reflection and recognition for the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of Vietnam veterans and their families, whose service continues to safeguard the freedoms enjoyed today.

Council Member Pollard Speaks with Jewish War Veterans of Houston

Council Member Pollard was honored to speak with the Jewish War Veterans of Houston during a recent gathering. The conversation was both meaningful and inspiring, as members shared personal stories of service and sacrifice. Council Member Pollard also shared reflections on his own family’s military history, adding a personal connection to the dialogue.

Women Making History in Houston

In honor of Women’s History Month, the J City office hosted the 3rd Annual Women’s History Program at City Hall. Organized in partnership with Girl Boss Suites and Media Girls on Tour, the event highlighted and celebrated the achievements of women leaders and entrepreneurs who are making a powerful impact across Houston.

The program was a heartfelt tribute to the trailblazers shaping the city’s future through leadership, innovation, and community service. Special thanks to Tiara Johnson for her incredible partnership, and to Francis Ellis from the District J office for their outstanding work in bringing the event to life. Congratulations to all of the honorees, and appreciation to Representative Reynolds for joining the celebration.

Celebrating Women of Impact for International Women’s Day

Council Member Pollard had the honor of attending the International Women’s Day program in District J—a powerful celebration of the remarkable women who are driving change and strengthening communities across the city. The event highlighted the achievements of women from all walks of life whose leadership, service, and resilience continue to make a lasting impact. Council Member Pollard took the opportunity to recognize and commend several honorees, including Azeb Yusuf and Tammy Rodriguez, for their outstanding contributions. Their dedication and service exemplify the spirit of empowerment and progress that International Women’s Day represents.

Celebrating Eid with Community Leaders

Council Member Pollard was honored to join Dr. Asim Shah and a gathering of public servants and community leaders for a meaningful Eid Mubarak celebration. The evening, hosted at Dr. Shah’s home, was a beautiful reflection of unity, faith, and fellowship. The event provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue, cultural exchange, and strengthening relationships among those who serve the diverse communities of Houston.

Council Member Pollard Honors Legal Excellence at HBA Auxiliary Luncheon

The Houston Bar Association Auxiliary Luncheon was held at the Briar Club. During the event, Council Member Pollard presented a proclamation to Attorney David J. Beck, recognizing him as the recipient of the prestigious Leon Jaworski Award for his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and to the City of Houston. Special appreciation was also extended to Attorney Dominique Varner for her invaluable support in making the event a success.

Connecting with the Community: Sharpstown Civic Association Meeting

The Sharpstown Civic Association meeting brought out residents to discuss various topics impacting the area. Council Member Pollard joined residents for an engaging evening, where he provided important updates from District J and addressed questions and concerns from attendees. Despite the rainy weather, community members showed up with energy and commitment—demonstrating the strong civic spirit that defines Sharpstown.

Illegal Dumping at Hwy. 59 and Fondren

Chimney Rock, a key thoroughfare in J City, had become a hotspot for illegal dumping and scattered debris between Highway 59 and Richmond Avenue, near the Larchmont and Saint George neighborhoods. Thanks to the hard work of the District J Beautification Team and the District J Patrol, the area has now been fully cleared and restored to a clean and presentable condition. This successful cleanup effort reflects District J’s ongoing commitment to investing tax dollars into supplemental programs that directly improve quality of life for residents. Special thanks to David Brizuela for his leadership and dedication in making this project a success.

Community in Action: Trail Cleanup on Keegans and Brays Oaks Trails

District J was proud to witness the power of community during this year’s Keep Houston Beautiful Day as volunteers gathered to clean up the Keegans and Brays Oaks Trails. The effort was led by Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church in partnership with the Friends of Keegans, showcasing what’s possible when neighbors come together for a common cause.

Dozens of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to remove litter and debris, restoring the natural beauty of the trails and reinforcing the importance of keeping our green spaces clean, safe, and accessible. Their work not only beautified the area but also contributed to a healthier environment and improved quality of life for all who enjoy these community trails. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers and organizers who made the cleanup a success. Efforts like this truly reflect the spirit of J City—neighbors supporting neighbors to build a stronger, cleaner, and more connected community.

Free Diabetes Testing

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is offering a special health incentive for donors—free A1c testing with every blood donation now through May 31, 2025. The A1c test provides a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months and can help detect early signs of prediabetes or diabetes. For more information, visitwww.giveblood.org/a1c. It’s a great way to give back and take a proactive step toward your own health at the same time.

Community Sweep

The J City Beautification Team conducted a community sweep in the Dashwood and Mullens area of the Gulfton neighborhood, where they cleared debris and dumped items near a utility box and community marker.

The J City Beautification Team and Supplemental Maintenance Team cleared an abandoned encampment and debris from an area near Bellaire and Highway 59. They also mowed the area and removed overhang on a state-owned easement.

Wednesday Wrap-Up

Now more than ever, it is critically important for as many constituents as possible to be informed about how our local government operates. With this in mind, Council Member Pollard highlights one topic addressed at Houston City Council sessions in a video series called Wednesday Wrap-Up. It’s an effort to provide insight into the innerworkings of City Hall. Check out the YouTube channel to see weekly wrap-up videos.

Thursdays in the J

Stay in the loop with everything happening in J City by watching Thursdays in the J—our weekly video series where Council Member Edward Pollard highlights programs, services, and key initiatives across the district. From community resources to public safety updates, these videos provide valuable insights into the services our office offers and how they can benefit you.

Tune in every week on the District J YouTube channel.

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.

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