Memorial Hermann Hospital Opens Neighborhood Center
 
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital has opened a new Neighborhood Health Center to give families an affordable option in treating adults and children with long-term health problems as well as sudden illnesses. To show his support, Council Member Pollard made comments in a promotional video about the center, which also included other local leaders and hospital staff. The center is open seven days a week and is located on the Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital campus. Click here for more information about the neighborhood center.
Operation Turkey in the Trunk
 
The Busy Bee Wellness Center is hosting its 9th Annual Turkey On Every Table: Operation Turkey in the Trunk event, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Council Member Pollard will give remarks as part of the opening ceremony along with local, state and federal government leaders. Busy Bee Wellness Center provides comprehensive primary health care to the community, regardless of their ability to pay. The event will be held in the Busy Bee Wellness Center parking lot, located at 8785 West Bellfort Rd.
Sharpstown Trick or Treat Caravan
 
Like every other holiday or special occasion this year, Halloween was a little different thanks to COVID-19, but Council Member Edward Pollard and HPD officers set out to make it a special day for kids and those who are kids at heart in the Sharpstown area. A caravan of community leaders delivered candy to families in the area and spread a little festive cheer. A special thanks goes to Elizabeth Bagby Schooler, the Sharpstown Civic Association, the Houston Police Department, District J staff and volunteers. We appreciate you!
Gulfton Bike Lane Pop-Up
 
The City of Houston is becoming more bike-friendly, and what better way to demonstrate that than the family-friendly Gulfton Pop-up Bike Lane Demonstration that happened on Halloween, starting at Benavidez Elementary School. The outdoor event is the City’s effort to educate the public about traffic management solutions. There are currently 120 miles of bike lanes across the city, and earlier this month, Houston City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting parking of motor vehicles in dedicated bicycle lanes. Gulfton is one of ten communities selected for Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities initiative.
Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with Latino Writers
 
Council Member Edward Pollard participated in the virtual event, Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event was hosted by Tony Diaz and featured several community leaders from around the City of Houston who focused on cultural arts and Hispanic heritage. Discussions centered around literary accomplishments such as poetry, music, theater and more. To explore more about the Latino culture, visit nuestrapalabra.org. 
District J Patrol Unveiling Makes Chronicle Front Page
 
When the District J Patrol initiative was announced last month, the press conference was well-attended by HPD, community leaders, residents and other stakeholders. Several media outlets were also in attendance, including the Houston Chronicle newspaper, which featured the story on the front page of its October 12, 2020, edition.
Together We Will: Not Left, Not Right, but Forward
 
In an effort to help his constituents get to know him better, Council Member Edward Pollard penned a post outlining his approach to politics, voting and community leadership. In this piece, the council member describes his stance on avoiding strict party lines when evaluating how to govern and who to vote for during elections. Take a look at the opinion piece in its entirety, published by Bayou Beat News.
State of the City
 
Council Member Edward Pollard was asked to speak at the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals (HAULYP) general body meeting in October titled “State of the City.” Mayor Sylvester Turner, Council Member Tiffany Thomas and Council Member Pollard provided an update on issues facing our city, including budgeting, COVID-19, police reform and more. CM Pollard also discussed his experiences as a council member thus far. 
CM Pollard Appears on Transformation Chamber
 
Joshua T. Dada, host of the podcast Transformation Chamber, conducted an in-depth interview with Council Member Pollard, who talked about his upbringing, family, education, law career and political pursuits. The podcast focuses on influential people who detail transformative moments in their lives. Click here to watch the full interview or here to listen to the podcast.
Real People, Real Politics Features District J Council Member
 
The first edition of the ‘Real People Real Politics’ magazine, published by Dennis Griffin, debuted in October and featured Council Member Edward Pollard on the cover. The story delves into CM Pollard’s background and political outlook. Visit the website to read the story in its entirety.
 
VIDEO: CM Pollard Talks Creative Negotiating
 
Council Member Pollard wants the City to get creative when negotiating agreements with other entities in order to bring more money into the City’s budget. Watch as he explains his idea around uncovering unconventional ideas to help fund city services.
Council Member Pollard at Session
GHP Hosts Conversations with City Council
 
The Greater Houston Partnership hosted its #HoustonWeek virtual summit, showcasing the future of the nation’s fourth largest city. District J Council Member Pollard was invited to give his perspective on how the City addresses a variety of issues such as public safety, economic development, and resiliency. The event took place the week of October 19th and culminated with Mayor Sylvester Turner’s State of the City address.
‘A Feel-Good Story’ Charitable Event
 
District J has partnered with the Cynthia A. Guillory Foundation for their 9th annual Giving Tree event, which will raise money to pay off layaway accounts at a local Wal-Mart store. This year’s theme is ‘A Feel-Good Story’ and will include an auction where the public can bid on business services and hang out sessions with Houston-based entrepreneurs and influencers. The event is Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Houston African American Cultural Museum.
UniverSoul Circus Comes to Houston
 
The UniverSoul Circus arrives back in Houston Nov. 4th at the Sam Houston Race Park. With new health and safety measures in place, Circus organizers have planned for endless fun for the whole family in an outdoor, open-air venue at 50 percent capacity and social distancing. Hand washing basins will also be available throughout the site. For more information, visit www.universoulcircus.com.
New Hope Housing Opens in Regency Square
 
New Hope Housing Dale Carnegie recently opened their ninth affordable housing property, located on Regency Square in the Regency Square neighborhood in District J. Council Member Pollard was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with other dignitaries. The new property will have 170 units for people with modest incomes, including formerly homeless individuals and veterans. For more information, visit www.newhopehousing.com.
 
Westpark Dr. Sidewalk Project Complete
 
The City’s Public Works department did a great job on this sidewalk project on Westpark Dr. As shown in the before and after pictures, the area only had a dirt walkway with overgrown grass. Now there is a clear, clean and safe walking path along Westpark. This project was paid for with Council District Service Funds.
 
 
Wheelchair Ramp Project Complete
 
A District J constituent expressed his concern about the wheelchair ramp located at the corner of Larkwood Dr. and Carvel Ln. The resident let the District J office know about problems with the ramp, specifically as it relates to area flooding. A City of Houston team took care of the issue to make sure the ramp is accessible and useful to wheelchair-bound residents as possible.
 
 
Benning Illegal Dumping Cleanup
 
The City of Houston continues to deal with illegal dumping in District J and in other areas. Here on Benning Dr. behind the YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary School, someone discarded debris. We want to give a special thanks to Ben Brewer with the Brays Oaks Management District (BOMD) for assisting with getting the trash removed.