District J Patrol Update
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. This pilot initiative includes community patrolling by Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two 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.
District J Patrol – Success Story
Recently, a resident noticed an individual trespassing on various properties in Bonham Acres and Braeburn Valley 1. Based on various accounts from residents, the man walked through both neighborhoods knocking on doors and walking into backyards for almost two hours. With the combined efforts of Braeburn Valley 1 and Bonham Acres residents, as well as the District J Patrol Initiative Differential Response Team in the area on patrol, HPD apprehended the individual in the area. A special thank you to the many individuals and concerned citizens who assisted with this issue.
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Standing Up Against Asian Hate
“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words by Martin Luther King, Jr., are often quoted when we want to bring light to a heinous offense. In the current climate of racial reckoning in our country, we must stand up for those who face oppression, even when they do not look like us. As the most diverse district in the city of Houston, with a significant Asian constituency, it is my hope that each of us will stand up for one another.
It is unfortunate that the current climate in our nation is one where we are seeing an increase in violence against those in the Asian American community. We must all stand together to denounce this hate by speaking up when we see abuse of our fellow men and women and be the change we want to see.
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COVID-19 Vaccine – Open to All Adults
The Houston Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine waitlists are open to people age 65 and older and people age 16 and older with chronic health conditions. Register online.
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Day of Impact in District J
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Recently, the District J office worked with many community partners for a day of impact in the lives of District J constituents. Distribution activities included:
- Pelican Pointe Apartments in Gulfton – The District J office partnered with Senator Borris Miles for a distribution event, where 12 units were damaged by a fire. We were able to distribute water, food, clothing, PPE, hygiene kits, bedding and rapid COVID testing.
- Sharpstown Green Apartments – We were on hand at the computer lab grand opening, where HCC and Texas A&M were onsite to provide information on job skill training and educational opportunities. Additionally, constituents received food, water, health screenings, PPE, school supplies.
- Tierra Bella Apartments in Sharpstown – A second computer lab grand opening took place in District J, where constituents also received hot lunches, PPE, school supplies, and dental screenings.
- Falls Apartments in China Town – We assisted volunteers in distributing food, beverages, and PPE to residents.
The day of services ended by cheering the home team at the HBU men’s basketball game. Many thanks to all of the volunteers and community partners who helped make an impact in the lives of so many. A very special thanks to Senator Boris Miles, Bee Busy Wellness Center, Lions Club International, Houston Police Department, Police and Clergy Alliance Total Access MD, Southern Asian Community Association, VIETV Network, Panera Bread, Target, Bread of Life Ministries, Indus Management Group, Houston Food Bank, Community Action Teams, Tammy Carlos Alvarez, Veronica Hernandez, Azeb Yusuf and Kevin Wu. Many thanks to every volunteer who helped make each event a success.
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AAHOA Meeting Addresses Safety and Security
Recently, Council Member Pollard met with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) to discuss how to utilize the City’s resources to strengthen safety and security in District J and other parts of Houston. There are nearly 1,000 major hotels in the greater Houston area, according to CBRE Hotels.
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Belts for Boys
Council Member Pollard launched a new program under his nonprofit, Suits for Success, called Belts for Boys. Belts for Boys engages 5th graders on the importance of having confidence, good behavior, consistency, proper hygiene, work ethic with a focus on keeping their pants pulled up and wearing a belt. Further, the initiative focuses on guidance, nurturing, opportunity, and exposure for young boys. Thank you to Benavidez Elementary School for being the first host school. And many thanks to Garland Bennett for donating 100 free belts so that every 5th grade boy at the school will have one.
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Burnett Bayland Park Unveiling
The ability to get outside for some fresh air has taken on new meaning as we continue to find creative ways to live with the pandemic. The city of Houston unveiled new playground equipment at Burnett Bayland Park, where various multi-colored play structures are now available for area children to enjoy. During the unveiling many children came with their families to enjoy this worthwhile and fun addition to the community.
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Scrubs to the Rescue – Certificate of Recognition
In honor of Women’s History Month, Council Member Pollard presented a Certificate of Recognition to Scrubs to the Rescue, a woman-owned small business in District J. Their medical apparel company continues to receive stellar reviews for their popular collection. A special salute to all women-owned businesses everywhere for continuing to break barriers and becoming today’s history makers.
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Summer Jobs Program – Apply Now
In partnership with Grow Your Own Workforce and Hire Houston Youth, the City of Houston is sponsoring the 2021 Summer Jobs Program. More than 450 positions are available in all city departments. For questions, contact: summerjobsprogram@houstontx.gov.
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Winter Storm Water Bill Adjustments
For the city of Houston, water bills for single-family residential customers affected by the winter storm will automatically be adjusted without the need for application or documentation of FEMA or private insurance claims. Non-single-family residential customers (multi-family, commercial and industrial) must apply for the Winter Storm Uri adjustment at www.houstonwater.org and provide evidence of a FEMA or insurance claim.
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Plumbers Union Proclamation
Council Member Pollard recognized plumbers from Local Union 68 for their dedicated service to homes damaged by Winter Storm Uri by announcing March 5, 2021, as Plumbers Local Union 68 Day in the city of Houston. The city has identified over 50,000 homes that were damaged during the winter freeze, with many of these homes experiencing pipes. During this crisis, and many before, plumbers have been heroic in their efforts to repair homes and businesses for Houstonians in need.
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Virtual Town Hall Addresses Flood Concerns
The District J office held a virtual town hall with city and county leaders for residents of Braeburn Glen. The purpose of the town hall was to address flood concerns in the area as well as answer questions from constituents about plans and projects aimed to mitigate issues.
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Home Builders – Gulfton Acres Homes
In partnership with Capital Idea, the City of Houston and CDBG-Disaster Relief is offering free carpentry or electrical training at Gulfton and Acres Homes through Home Builders Institute. For more information visit: www.capitalideahouston.org/hbi.To sign up, contact:
Bernice Langdon (Gulfton) at (346) 324-4794
or Ramona Edwards (Acres) at (218) 309-1012.
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March on Crimes – Sterling Point
The District J office partnered with several community leaders for the March on Crimes event at Sterling Point Apartments. Supporters from the Houston Police Department included SWAT, mounted patrol, domestic violence units, DRT officers, and the District J Patrol present on site to provide important information and resources to keep our communities safe. Additionally, attendees received onsite COVID-19 testing, immigration services, health screenings, PPE, and food distribution. Mayor Sylvester Turner stressed the importance of vaccinations and how to resister. A special thank you to all the community leaders and partners for this event.
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Walter Rasmus Sr. Park – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Council Member Pollard attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the first phase of the playground and site improvements to Walter Rasmus Sr. Park in the historic Piney Point community. Named for Walter Rasmus Sr., a community leader dedicated to serving others, this park is a true example of the City’s commitment to making neighborhood parks places of pride in Houston. Much like Rasmus, the District J office remains committed to investing in neighborhood parks where families have a safe place to enjoy outdoors, and children and adults have a recreational space.
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