News

Council Member Edward Pollard, in partnership with key city agencies and community organizations, hosted a successful neighborhood cleanup event aimed at tackling an abandoned property and homeless encampment in J City. HPD officers ensured safety, helped redirect transient individuals, and assisted with trash removal. Unhoused individuals received on-site support and access to resources aimed at addressing their needs. The Solid Waste Department provided roll-off containers for trash collection, while crews from the Gulfton Management District and J City Beautification Team provided trailers, trucks, and manpower to ensure efficient cleanup. Special thanks to Tammy Rodriguez and volunteers from UpRise Enterprise.

Cleaning Up the Bintliff Ditch

The J City office partnered with the Houston Public Works Department to service the Bintliff Ditch, a critical stormwater detention basin running through the district. These basins play a vital role in flood prevention by temporarily storing excess water during heavy rains and slowly releasing it back into the bayou once the flood risk subsides. Proper maintenance of the ditch is essential to ensure smooth water flow and prevent blockages caused by overgrowth and illegal dumping. When neglected, the ditch poses safety hazards, especially to the residential areas it runs behind.

A special thanks to Deputy Chief of Staff David Brizuela for his persistence in addressing this issue, and to the dedicated Houston Public Works team for their hard work—especially after handling much of the cleanup manually due to equipment malfunctions. Their efforts are greatly appreciated in keeping our community safe and flood-resilient.

Building Along Hwy. 59 Repaired

If you’ve traveled along Highway 59 near Chimney Rock in J City, you’ve probably noticed the building with busted-out glass panels—a long-standing eyesore for drivers heading into downtown Houston. After persistent efforts from Council Member Pollard’s office and coordination with the new building management, the damaged panels have finally been repaired, giving the building a fresh, improved look. This long-overdue fix is a welcome improvement for the community and all who pass by on this busy freeway.

HISD Weapons Detection Systems

HISD is installing weapons detection systems in all high schools. HISD safety measures already include campus-based HISD PD officers, the Raptor Technologies visitor management platform, and the vigilance of staff and students. Now with weapons detection, schools will have an additional layer of high-tech security with Open Gate systems. These systems will help ensure our campuses remain secure for students, staff, and visitors. Everyone entering the campus will be screened. Campus-based law enforcement will get involved if prohibited items are found. Full implementation of the new system is expected to be complete by May 2025. Administration at each campus will be holding community meetings for parents to find out more information and ask questions. Each campus will also be running practice drills before the system goes live. Watch the video below to see how the Open Gate system works.

Xfinity Fondren Ribbon Cutting

Council Member Pollard proudly presented a Certificate of Recognition to Xfinity Fondren in honor of the grand opening of their new store in Southwest Houston. This exciting milestone reflects both the expansion of Xfinity’s services and their commitment to meeting the needs of the area’s diverse and dynamic community. The new location will provide Southwest Houston residents and businesses with greater access to technology, improved connectivity, and dedicated customer service.

Sharpstown High School Students
Visit City Hall

Council Member Pollard welcomed students from Sharpstown High School, located in J City, to Houston City Hall for an engaging discussion on local government and civic involvement. During the visit, he spoke about the responsibilities of a council member, the importance of political engagement, and ways students can actively participate in initiatives that impact their community.

Republic of India Anniversary

Dozens of community members gathered to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of India at India House Houston in J City. The event was to honor the Republic’s rich traditions of sovereignty and democracy alongside community members and constituents. The Consulate General of India and other dignitaries were in attendance.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Braving freezing temperatures, Council Member Pollard proudly participated in the city’s annual MLK parade downtown alongside other city leaders. It was an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions and sacrifices of Dr. King and countless others in the name of civil rights. Special thanks to the Heritage Society for organizing the parade.

Blighted Property Demolition

The City of Houston’s Department of Neighborhoods recently undertook the demolition of the blighted property in the 8000 block of Wateka, marking a major step in improving the safety and appearance of the surrounding area. This property had been a long-standing concern for residents due to overgrown foliage, tall grass, and illegal dumping, making it an eyesore in the community. Both neighbors of the property worked with the J City office to report nefarious activity, including encampments and squatting to HPD. This demolition represents a significant improvement for the neighborhood and demonstrates the power of community-driven advocacy.

Community Sweep

The J City Beautification Team conducted a community sweep in the Westwood-Alief area. Crews drove through known hot spots for the illegal dumping in the area.

Summer Lifeguard Summer Jobs

The City of Houston’s Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for another fun-filled summer and is currently hiring lifeguards to help keep our community safe. If you’re a strong swimmer looking for a rewarding seasonal job, this is your chance to make a difference while working outdoors at one of Houston’s many pools. Lifeguards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of swimmers, providing first aid when needed, and promoting water safety throughout the summer. Applicants must be 16 years or older, possess strong swimming skills, and complete the required training and certification provided by the department.

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