News

Helping Houstonians gain employment is important to the economic health of our city. As the new year gets in gear, Council Member Pollard has relaunched the DistrictJJobs.com website. In addition to links to employment opportunities, the website now has a new “Resources” section with videos and articles containing tips to help anyone searching for a job. Resume writing, interviewing, negotiating salary and other topics are available.

As you travel in the district and throughout Houston, you may also notice new billboards around town promoting the District J Jobs initiative. Interested job seekers can also scan the QR codes posted in select METRO bus stops throughout the district. Residents all over Houston are encouraged to use this resource in their search for new employment.

A newly renovated basketball court was unveiled at Burnett Bayland Park in District J. Thanks to collaboration with the Gulfton Management District, Commissioner Jack Cagle’s office, Houston Parks and Rec Dept., and artist Mathieu Jeanbaptiste, the court was transformed in a major way. The court has been resurfaced; the columns were painted in vibrant colors; the pavilion structure was updated. New lighting, rims, backboards and nets were also part of the renovation. In addition, artwork decorates the area at half court with a painting that reads “Gulfton Pride.” Thanks to the District J staff and everyone who played a role in making this project happen.

Hundreds of people showed up to a job fair held at Burnett Bayland Park. Dozens of employers met with and interviewed job candidates on the spot for various employment opportunities. In addition, there were barbers and hair stylists on site to help people look their best when meeting with hiring managers. Special shout out to Bridging the Digital Divide for giving out 50 free Chromebooks through a raffle. Thanks to the Office of Business Opportunity, Workforce Solutions, Gulfton Management District, City Parks Dept., Franklin Beauty Institute, and all the other organizations, employers, volunteers, and attendees for making the event a success.

Council Member Edward Pollard met with constituents in District J at two community meetings to discuss topics of interest for local neighborhoods. The council member was the guest speaker at the Robindell HOA board meeting as well as the Brays Oaks SNC36 meeting.

Free heavy trash removal service is being offered for District J residents once again. Crews will pick up the trash and heavy tree waste on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from homeowners within the district who have already registered. District J residents who missed the registration deadline can use the dumpsters stationed at the following locations:

The dumpsters will be available on January 14th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. District J Heavy Trash Removal Day is a door-to-door concierge service is being provided to District J as a supplement to the work done by the city’s Solid Waste Department and does not replace your regular city schedule.

The City of Houston’s Public Works Department is hosting a career fair, Friday, January 13th at 5500 N. McCarty, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Nearly two dozen positions are available. All interested parties are encouraged to complete the online application found at the QR code below before attending the career fair.

According to Power City Rankings, Houston is the top U.S. city for the stock market this year. The energy sector, the Medical Center, the Port of Houston and so many other factors contribute to a strong local economy. Watch Mayor Sylvester Turner’s CNBC interview as he breaks down what put his city above the rest in 2022.

The Houston Health Department wants Houstonians to have a say in developing a plan for a healthy Houston. Two employment opportunities are available for individuals to apply for:

Community Health Advocates (CHAs) will be paid $17.00 per hour for 40 hours

Trusted Health Ambassadors(THAs) will be paid $17.00 per hour for 20 hours

People in these roles will help the Health Department gather survey responses from the public. Interested parties can visit the website by using the QR code on the flyer below to start the application process.

The nonprofit organization CASE for Kids has announced an opportunity for experienced afterschool and youth services vendors to offer in-person or virtual services to the afterschool community in Harris County and surrounding counties. If you are interested in competing to become an afterschool and summer youth services vendor for CASE for Kids, please go to the HCDE ebid system to register as a bidder.

Respond to RFP #23/006IA-3 (CASE for Kids Youth Services for Afterschool and Summer).

The deadline to register as a bidder and respond to the RFP is Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 2 p.m. Please note this is NOT a funding opportunity, however it is the pre-requisite for future funding opportunities.

The India House nonprofit organization has partnered with the Houston Food bank to distribute fresh produce and groceries to families in need. The distribution will take place Wednesday, January 11 at 10:30 a.m. at India House, located at 8888 West Bellfort in Houston. All individuals and families in need are welcome.

Houston is the nation’s most notorious city for human trafficking, but how many people are aware of the signs of possible sex trafficking? The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has released a new campaigned aimed at educating the public on what to look for if you suspect human trafficking. You may also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

During the holiday season, the District J office partnered with Lowe’s, Random Acts of Kindness and the Dolly Rose Foundation to surprise three families for Christmas. The selected live in District J and consisted of mothers and children who are part of the Domestic Violence Resettlement Program and are on their journey of a new start. Each family received a Christmas tree and baskets full of toys and home goods.

Council Member Pollard was a sponsor of the 13th Annual Spark of Love Christmas Toy Giveaway at the SW Multi-Purpose Center in District J. Hundreds of kids were able to pick out toys and families received boxes of food, and 35 teenagers were also able to receive Chromebooks curtesy of Bridging the Digital Divide. Special thanks to Veronica Hernandez, the District J office staff, the Police and Clergy Team, Chinese American Relief Effort, Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, Southwest Management District, Ashford Communities, Houston Food Bank, HPD, HFD, Community Health Choice, Construction Concepts, Comcast, St. Luke’s, and all other sponsors and volunteers for all your efforts.

Fox 26 news anchor Tom Zizka covered the Police Enlightenment and Collective Education (PEACE) program, which is a pilot program designed to help officers manage stress. Through mindfullness practices, including meditation, yoga and sound therapy, officers were are able to tap into alternate methods of stress relief. More than a year later, the program has now become a mandatory offering as part of police training. Special thanks to everyone at HPD who has had a hand in expanding this important program to help keep officers healthy.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will serve as Grand Marshall of the 45th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Festival, taking place on Monday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. in downtown Houston. Co-Grand Marshalls include Rev. Dr. Derrick King (MLK’s nephew), Dr. Camille Cash and the late John W. Bland in memoriam. The parade is in honor of MLK, who

The construction project at the intersection of Bellaire and Hillcroft has been ongoing for months, causing inconvenience for residents who live, work and visit that area. Several unexpected issues have caused delay, however, the Houston Public Works (HPW) Department continues to make progress on the project. Below is a timeline of the project thus far, provided by HPW:

From December 16 to December 29, 2022 – Contractor is to excavate the shaft in the west side Median of Bellaire Blvd.

From December 30, 2022 to January 17, 2023 – Contractor is to tunnel steel casing under Bellaire Blvd and prepare 24-inch water line for installation.

From January 18 to February 03, 2023 – Contractor is to install 24-inch pipe to shaft and test the 24-inch pipe.

From February 6 to February 17, 2023 – Contractor is to make connections to the existing water line and place the new line in service.

From February 17 to March 3, 2023 – Contractor is to restore pavement and complete the job.

Houston Public Works has completed panel replacements and repairs of drives and curbs in the 7000 block of Romney. This project was a result of constituents notifying the District J office of a large pothole causing a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians.

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 HOT Team makes pickups according to the following schedule:

1st Thursday – Sharpstown

2nd Thursday – St. George, Gulfton and Richmond Plaza South

3rd Thursday – Braeburn Area

4th Thursday – Alief/Westwood

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 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 atwww.DistrictJPatrol.com.

To learn more about our new 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, Director of Constituent Services

Ana “Francis” Ellis, District Coordinator

Council Member Edward Pollard

Misty Starks, Director of Communications

Paul Young, Chief of Staff