Staying Prepared During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is well underway, with Tropical Storm Beryl bringing lots of rain to the area.

The National Weather Service predicts an active hurricane season in the Atlantic this year, which lasts from June 1 to November 30. Experts expect 4 to 7 major storms (Category 3, 4 or 5) due to warm ocean temperatures. Given these predictions, it’s crucial to stay prepared and keep alert throughout the season. Make sure you have a plan in place, stay informed through reliable sources, and take necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Stay up to date on extreme weather preparations from the city of Houston at the Office of Emergency Management at https://www.houstonoem.org/.
 

HFD Rescue Boat Unveiling

Recently, Council Member Edward Pollard hosted a press conference with leaders of the Houston Fire Department to unveil a new rescue boat that has been added to the HFD fleet. The council member expressed his belief that investment in operations through equipment and updated assets can help firefighters perform their jobs at the highest level. The acquisition of this new vessel has been in the works for the past two years, with the District J office working with HFD for a specialized rescue boat. The purchase, which cost close to $100,000, was fully funded by Council Member Pollard’s office, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing community safety. The boat is designed to reach residents during extreme flood events, particularly in areas where high-water vehicle cannot access.

The rescue boat unveiling took place in Braeburn Valley, a neighborhood that has unfortunately experienced routine flooding. The location of the event was symbolic, held in front of a house abandoned due to continuous flooding. This new rescue boat will play a crucial role in the future by ensuring quicker and more effective evacuation during emergencies. Special thanks to Chief Pena, Captain Beau Moreno, and all HFD leadership who helped to make this purchase a reality.
 

Introducing the Good Neighbor Program

The District J Good Neighbor Program is an initiative designed to support the community’s most esteemed members: seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners. Our seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners are often at risk of violating city codes due to challenges in maintaining their property’s exterior. Such situations not only place undue stress on our valued community members but also necessitate city resources for enforcement. Through this program, we proactively address these issues, reducing the need for code enforcement actions and fostering a spirit of community and care.

The Neighborhood Service Program aims to assist with minor exterior home repairs and landscaping, ensuring our seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners live in a safe and appealing environment. By partnering with the Southwest Management District and the Houston Planning Department, we are able to extend a helping hand to those in need, right at their doorsteps. Homeowners or their representatives can be referred to the program through Homeowners Associations (HOAs), Civic Associations, or individual submissions. We encourage community members to spread the word, ensuring wide awareness and accessibility of this program.

Once a referral is received, our dedicated budget analyst will review the request against the program’s allocated budget for each home. This ensures efficient use of resources while maximizing the program’s reach. Approved projects will be scheduled for a pre-determined time, at which our team of professionals will perform the necessary work, transforming and maintaining the beauty of our neighborhood one home at a time.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must reside within the district and fall into one of the following categories: senior citizens, veterans, or disabled homeowners. To apply or refer a homeowner, please click the button below or contact our office directly at [email protected]. Our team is here to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
 

Braeburn Neighborhood Resilience Planning Meeting

 The Planning Department is hosting a Neighborhood Resilience Planning Vision into Action meeting on Thursday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m.., at the Bayland Park Community Center. The purpose of the meeting is to celebrate the completion of the Braeburn Resilience Plan, provide an overview of the plan and select a project to work on.
 

Bissonnet Trafficker Sentenced to 30+ Years in Prison

Improving the reputation of the Bissonnet Corridor remains a high priority for Council Member Pollard, and he supports law enforcement in all strategies to make it safer. Javon Yaw Opoku was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised released for conspiring to traffic minors for commercial sex, according to Homeland Security. Opoku pleaded guilty to the charges back in June. This is one more example of the transformation taking place in the Bissonnet Corridor. Thanks to all law enforcement and community stakeholders for efforts in making this a safer area.
 

Derecho Storm Debris Collection

The City of Houston’s Department of Solid Waste Management (SWMD) will begin the second and final pass of debris collection from storm Derecho on July 8. Residents can expect the second pass to last for 30 days. At the conclusion of the second pass, the remainder of the storm debris operation will consist of completing reduction and restoration.

SWMD urges residents to separate storm debris from bulk waste. Please ensure that tree trunks are 2-3 feet or less in diameter and 3 feet or less in length and tree branches are 6 feet or less in length. In addition, debris piles must be within 10 feet onto private property lines as crews cannot encroach beyond that limit.

The May 16, 2024, Derecho that took Houston by storm is estimated to have created 1.8 million cubic yards of storm debris. So far, the city has collected roughly 1.55 million cubic yards, enough to fill 50% of NRG Stadium.

World Refugee Day Celebration

Council Member Pollard celebrated World Refugee Day at Wisdom High School in District J, which is the most diverse area of Houston. The event showcased arts, crafts, clothing and other items representative of various cultures from around the world. Twenty-five percent of Houstonians are foreign born, and many times their first home is in District J where over 100 languages are spoken.Special thanks go to Interfaith Ministries, Catholic Charities, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and YMCA International for organizing and all of the vendors and nonprofits for participating. Also, special thank you to Azeb Yusuf with the Mayor’s Office of New Americans for all coordinating.

Pollard Receives Juneteenth Government Official Award

Council Member Pollard was honored to receive the Juneteenth Government Official Award at City Hall from the 40 Acre Conference. He and a host of other community leaders were on hand to receive the honor. The council member extended a special thanks to organizer Allen Thornton for the recognition.

Celebrating Independence at Liberty Fest

Thousands of Houstonians celebrated the founding of our country at Liberty Fest 2024, hosted by the Southwest Management District. The family-friendly event was held at PlazAmericas, located in District J. The event offered an unforgettable experience with entertainment, food and activities for all ages, as well as dozens of vendors. The night concluded with a spectacular 16-minute fireworks displace. Special thanks to the Sharpstown Civic Association and the office of Commissioner Lesley Briones for joining the District J office in putting on this amazing event.

Legacy of Leadership and Service

The S.M.I.L.E. Foundation presented Council Member Pollard with the 2024 Legacy of Leadership and Service Award at the Sweet Water Country Club for his work as public servant and leader in the city of Houston. Congratulations to all the other award recipients as well. Special thanks to Sonia White for hosting and coordinating the Magnificent Men Banquet. A shout out to the council member’s son, EJ, for being his special guest.

Honoring Fathers in the Community

Fathers play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of their children and strengthening our communities. This past Father’s Day, Council Member Pollard was honored to receive the Real Time Award at the Coolxdad Father’s Day Brunch, held at The Alta Arts in District J. Coolxdad is an organization dedicated to highlighting and supporting fathers who go above and beyond for their families and communities.

Pollard Gives Commencement Address at Interactive College of Technology Graduation

Council Member Pollard gave words of hope and inspiration to the class of 2024 as the commencement speaker at the Interactive College of Technology graduation ceremony. The school, which is located in District J, offers Associate of Science degrees and diploma programs in office technology, accounting, medical office and vocational English as a second language (VESL) classes. Special thanks to the deal, faculty and board, and congratulations to all the graduates.
 

District J Projects

South Course Dr. Sidewalk

A new sidewalk was installed on the west side of South Course. Dr. between Spice Ln. and the ditch.

Jorine Dr. at Sharpview and Sandstone

Work crews removed and replaced the existing sidewalk along the east side of Jorine Dr. and ramps at the intersection with Sharpview Dr. and Sandstone St.

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.
 

HOT Team

The HOT Team assists with picking up scattered debris, removing heavy trash, tree waste and illegal dumping, and handling specific landscaping issues. All requests for assistance from the HOT Team should be submitted via 311.
The District J HOT Team removed illegally dumped debris and shopping carts from neighborhoods in the district.
 

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.