Mass Shootings

Our nation is surely mourning. The lives lost in two mass shootings in Buffalo, NY, and Uvalde, TX, just days apart, have left us bereft and unable to make sense of the senseless. One thing is for sure, we must act now. We can no longer afford to just point fingers at one another and put politics before people. Council Member Edward Pollard drafted the open letter below to express his thoughts around the Buffalo mass shooting, which targeted African Americans. Since the Uvale shooting, he has called for every leader from every background and affiliation to denounce these acts, but it will take each one of us to combat these senseless acts of violence. Click here to read the letter in its entirety.
 
 

Summer Hot Car Safety

Some of the most devastating incidents to happen during the sweltering summer months involve children and pets left in hot vehicles. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office wants to remind all families of the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars and to ask passersby to immediately call 911 to report these instances if observed. Lets keep an eye out for one another.
 

Hurricane Season Is Here

 
June 1st through November 30th is the official duration of Hurricane Season. Houston has seen more than its fair share of major hurricanes over the years, which is why it is imperative that all residents get prepared in the event of a storm. Council Member Pollard has partnered with Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle to create a video that provides information on how to prepare during this season. Commissioner Cagle has the Community Assistance Department up and running 24 hours a day to answer reports of issues regarding boards and bridges, fallen trees or flooding. The number is 832-927-4444.
 
Residents are encouraged to download the City of Houston’s Hurricane Disaster Guide, which is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French and Arabic.
 

Gulfton Summer Camps

 
Summer is here and families will be looking for ways to keep their young people active and entertained. The Connect Community organization provides resources for families in need, including a variety of summer camp options. In order to help build on classroom learning during the school year, Connect Community is offering high-quality summer camps that teach kids to code, use 3-D printers, paint, cook, learn music, perform and more.
Click here to view all the summer camp options.
 

Modified Pool Schedule & Water Safety Classes

 
A nationwide shortage of lifeguards has forced cities across the country to modify pool availability this summer. In Houston, one pool per district will be open on a limited schedule until more lifeguards are available. In District J, the pool at Sharpstown Center, located at 6855A Harbor Town, Houston, 77036, will be open during the following days and times:
 
May 29, 1-8 p.m.
June 5, 1-8 p.m.
Beginning June 8, 1-8 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
 
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Float2Fly have partnered to offer a free series of water safety and learn to swim classes for ages 5 and up with three different skill levels varying from beginner to advanced. The purpose of the program is to teach water safety techniques for participants to be comfortable in and around water, teach basic movement skills in the water with confidence and control, and teach the four competitive strokes for participants to swim proficiently.
 
Classes meet for 30 minutes each day for two weeks scheduled between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. There are four 2-week sessions offered during the summer.
 
Locations:
  • Independence Heights Aquatic Center, 603 East 35th Street, 77022
  • MacGregor Aquatic Center, 5225 Calhoun, 77021
 
Float2Fly Schedule beginning June 14th
 
Session #1
Class Days: June 14 – June 24, Tuesday – Friday
Online Registration: May 30 – June 3, 2022
 
Session #2
Class Days: June 28 – July 8, Tuesday – Friday
Online Registration: June 13 – June 17, 2022
 
Session #3
Class Days: July 12 – July 22, Tuesday – Friday
Online Registration: June 27 – July 1, 2022
 
Session #4
Class Days: July 26 – August 5, Tuesday – Friday
Online Registration: July 11 – 15, 2022
 
 

Africa Trade Mission

Council Member Edward Pollard will lead a delegation of civic, business and elected leaders on a trade mission to South Africa. The purpose of the trip is to build relationships between Houston and South Africa, and to provide strategic economic and business opportunities by promoting Houston as a global partner. The trip will take place August 31 – September 9 with the Houston International Development Trade Council. Anyone interested in participating in the trade mission trip should contact Val Thompson at [email protected].
 

Redistricting Recap

Dozens of people came out to the District J Redistricting meeting held in the first week of May. Council Member Pollard was joined by Mayor Sylvester Turner and other city dignitaries to educate residents about the redistricting process and to hear from District J residents. The meeting also included a review of several major capital projects taking place in Southwest Houston. Margaret Wallace Brown, director of the Planning and Development Department was also in attendance.
 

Sharpstown Civic Association Meeting

Council Member Pollard spoke at the May Sharpstown Civic Association meeting, where he encourages residents to submit to the District J office any neighborhood concerns. He also provided an update on the summer pool schedule.
 

China’s Ambassador

District J is home to the world renowned China Town, and Council Member Pollard represented the City of Houston in hosting China’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Qin Gang. As the energy capital of the world, Houston is in position to work with China on energy security and climate action policies that will reduce wasteful energy consumption, boost efficiency, and curb pollution.
 

Honoring Military Serviceman

Council Member Pollard was selected to present a proclamation to Major Courtney Boston during the Change of Command Ceremony at Minute Maid Park.
Major Boston has led the Recruiting Station in Houston, which is the largest Recruiting Station in the U.S. Marine Corps. Major Boston will be transitioning to his next chapter at the Pentagon. Special thanks to Director Robert Dembo and Dr. LaShondra Jones of the City of Houston’s Military and Veterans Affairs Department.
 

Sharpston High School Students Roar

Students at Sharpstown High School put on a production titled The Lion King Jr., an adaptation of the popular movie The Lion King. Council Member Pollard was on hand for the performance and to meet the student actors and teachers afterward. Supporting young people and the arts is critical to the health of the District J community.
 

AAPI at Houston Public Library

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Houston Public Library Central Branch showcased watercolor paintings by the late Chen Zong Ho, The Change’s of Taiwan’s Landscape, in an effort to promote Asian culture and art. District J is the proud home of an active community of Asian residents and business owners who greatly contribute to vibrant life in Houston. Council Member Pollard was asked to introduce Mayor Turner at the library’s celebration. Special thanks goes to the daughter of Cheng Zong Ho, Yvonne Chen, for coordinating the exhibit, Alice Lee for emceeing, the Houston Public Library for hosting, and all the dignitaries and guests in attendance.
 

S. Rice Apartments Ribbon Cutting

The cost of housing is rising throughout the nation, making the need for affordable housing a necessity. The Gulfton neighborhood is now home to a new affordable housing development, the first of its kind in the area in over a decade. Council Member Pollard was joined by Mayor Turner at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the S. Rice Apartments, which offers modern dwelling accommodations for working families. Thanks to the Housing Department, Complete Communities, and all the departments, stakeholders, and community organizations that played a role in the support of this project. Thank you also to Stedman Grigsby and the Brownstone Group for working with the District J office to make this project a reality.
 

The Urban League Talks Civic Engagement

Council Member Pollard participated in a panel titled “So You Want to Run for Office,” hosted by the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals in conjunction with the Houston Area Urban League Center for Social Justice and Education. Other speakers on the panel included Shekira Dennis, Glen Austin and Representative Jasmine Crockett, with Ray Shackelford serving as moderator. Civic leadership and engagement is needed from people of all walks of life. Council Member Pollard and other panelists provided insight into the various ways to become engaged in public service. Special acknowledgment to HAUL President Judson Robinson and HAULYP President Victoria Hart for their leadership.
 

Recognizing Ramadan Day

Several distinguished members of the Muslim community joined Council Member Pollard and Mayor Turner for the presentation of a proclamation acknowledging Ramadan Day. Thanks to Shariq Ghani for his continued leadership in working with the District J office to make this happen.
 

Africa Day in Houston

Council Member Pollard was in attendance at the annual Africa Day celebration held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event highlights different African cultures with music, performances, art and cuisine. Houston has an active African community, and many Consul Generals, Ambassadors, Prime Ministers, and other dignitaries from Africa traveled to the city for this grand event. Special thanks the city’s Trade and International Affairs Department, Houston
 

Social Motion Autism Services Get a Boost

Social Motion and The Center for Pursuit (TCFP) are merging, effective July 1, 2022, to create a “lifepath” of services from one single source. This collaboration will create an unparalleled service provided that enables the expansion of services and locations with the power to increase outcomes and impact for the community. Families will enjoy many new services including:
  • More locations around Houston
  • Behavior health services
  • Transition medicine services provided by Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine
  • Dental clinic services specializing in care for those with special needs
  • Employment services
  • Parent resources
  • Wider access to funding resources
The merge between Social Motion and TCFP ensures program sustainability, operational growth opportunities, access to a state-of-the-art modern campus-style facility and the expansion of person-centered “wrap-around” services. For more information about The Center for Pursuit, visit www.thecenterforpursuit.org.
 
 

India House Free Classes

India House offers free in-person and online classes in a variety of areas for personal development. Some of the classes include fitness, children’s art, languages, technology, and more. The public can also take advantage of legal services, immigration consulting and relationship coaching. For more information, visit indiahouseinc.org or call 713-9291900.