Dear District K Friends:

As we step into the final month of the year, I’m feeling incredibly grateful for the energy, resilience, and community spirit that make District K such a special place to call home.

December always brings a sense of reflection and joy, and this year is no different. When I look back at everything we’ve accomplished together, I can’t help but smile.

From neighborhood improvements and infrastructure upgrades to community events that brought us together, this year has shown once again what’s possible when we work hand in hand. Your ideas, your engagement, and your commitment to keeping District K strong and thriving are what fuel our momentum.

As we wrap up 2025, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy the season, celebrate your traditions, and check in on neighbors and loved ones. Whether you’re attending a holiday gathering, supporting a local business, or simply slowing down to enjoy a quiet moment, I hope this month fills you with peace, joy, and hope.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you. The District K team and I are excited about what’s ahead in the new year, and we look forward to continuing this work with you by our side.

Wishing you a bright, joyful holiday season and an inspiring start to 2026!

In Service

Martha

Holiday Turkey Gift-Away Is Here!

 
It’s that time of year again! We’re excited to bring back our Drive-Thru Turkey Gift-Away for Seniors, a beloved District K tradition that celebrates community, care, and a little holiday magic. ❤️💚

If you’re a senior living in District K or you know someone who is, be sure to get registered so you don’t miss out on this festive annual event. It’s our way of sharing a warm meal, a warm smile, and the joy of the season with the neighbors we treasure.

To register, send an email to [email protected] with:
• Name
• Phone Number
• Email
• Address (Zip Code + Subdivision)

Prefer to call? We’ve got you covered reach us at 832-393-3016.

We can’t wait to greet you on December 18th as you roll through to pick up your holiday turkey. Let’s kick off the season with gratitude, generosity, and plenty of District K love!

#HolidayJoy #DistrictKCommunity #ServingOurSeniors 🦃💛

 

Animal Control Updates in District K

Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum recently allocated funding to BARC to support targeted animal enforcement right here in District K. This effort is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe, clean, and welcoming for every resident.

Whether it’s concerns about stray animals, aggressive pets, or other animal-related issues that fall under the City of Houston’s Animal Control responsibility, we want to hear from you. Your eyes and ears in the community help us identify where additional attention is needed.

If you see an animal-related issue in District K, please contact our office so we can partner with BARC and the appropriate departments to address it promptly.

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Call: 832-393-3016

Your engagement makes a real difference. Together, we can continue building a safer, more compassionate District K for all.

 

Citywide Micromobility & ATV Curfew Ordinance Now in Effect

To help keep our streets safer for everyone, City Council approved a new Citywide Micromobility and ATV Curfew Ordinance on November 19, 2025. This update to Houston’s Code of Ordinances places new rules around the rental and operation of popular devices like e-scooters, hoverboards, electric skateboards, electric roller skates, and off-highway vehicles (ATVs).

Here’s what residents need to know:

⏰ Curfew Hours

These devices may not be rented or operated between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. citywide. The curfew applies to both rental and personally owned devices.

🚫 No Temporary Rental Stations

Renting micromobility devices from tents, pop-ups, or other temporary structures is now prohibited.

✔️ Limited Exceptions

The ordinance makes room for essential travel, such as:

  • Work or school commutes during restricted hours
  • Emergencies
  • City-authorized or special-event uses

💵 Fines & Fees

Violations can result in fines of up to $500, and devices may be impounded with a $100 impound fee per device.

This ordinance is designed to reduce late-night injuries, improve roadway safety, and ensure responsible use of micromobility and off-highway vehicles across Houston.

 

Teamwork in Action: District K Responds to Illegal Dumping

Keeping District K clean and safe is truly a team effort and this month, we saw a great example of what happens when engaged residents and our District K team work together.

After a constituent reported concerns about illegal dumping at 4411 W. Orem on December 3rd, Director of Constituent Services Eric Goodwine immediately visited the site on behalf of Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum. What he found was alarming: significant dumping and debris behind a food establishment, posing serious health and environmental concerns for nearby neighborhoods.

Eric quickly connected with the property owner and coordinated with the appropriate City departments to ensure a Health Inspector and Department of Neighborhoods Inspector were dispatched to address the issue. Thanks to this swift collaboration, the site has now been cleaned and restored, helping protect both the community’s safety and peace of mind.

This is the kind of partnership that keeps District K strong. When residents speak up and our team jumps into action, we make real progress together.

The above before and after photos show the impact of this coordinated effort.

Thank you to the community members who reported the issue, and to Eric for leading the charge. This is how we keep District K clean, safe, and a place we can all be proud of.

#KeepDistrictKClean #DistrictKTeamwork #CommunityCollaboration

 

Your Voice Matters Don’t Sit This One Out!

Houston’s Joint Runoff Election is coming up on Saturday, December 13, and this one is all about the at-large council seat, a position that represents the entire city. These roles shape policy, budget decisions, and big-picture priorities for Houston, so your vote truly makes a difference.

Here’s what you need to know to get ready:

🗳️ Election Day:

Saturday, Dec 13 | 7 AM – 7 PM

What’s on the Ballot?

  • City of Houston — At-Large Council Member, Position #4
  • Houston Community College — Trustee, District #2

📍 Find voting locations, sample ballots, and election info:

Plan Ahead:

✔ Bring a printed sample ballot or notes

✔ Bring one of the 7 approved IDs

✔ Find your nearest voting center. 150 locations are open on Election Day

Let’s show up and make our voices count! Your vote shapes our city’s future. 

 

Join the Houston Public Works Virtual Community Meeting – Dec. 17

Houston Public Works is hosting a Virtual Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Committee Meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM, and District K residents are encouraged to join the conversation.

This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about ongoing and future mitigation efforts, ask questions, and understand how federal CDBG-MIT funding is helping strengthen Houston’s infrastructure and resilience.

Your voice matters, and this virtual meeting is a convenient way to stay informed and engaged in the city’s long-term planning and development.

📅 Date:

December 17, 2025

🕠 Time:

5:30 PM

🔗 Click below to join the meeting:

Engage Houston – CDBG MIT Committee Meeting

(Available on the Engage Houston platform)

We encourage all District K neighbors to tune in and take part in shaping a stronger, more resilient Houston.

 

Navidades con Rostros: The Miracle of Giving 

You’re invited to “The Miracle of Giving,” a beautiful afternoon dedicated to hope, love, and lifting up families in our community. District K is honored to partner with New Faith Church and Rostros Magazine for this special celebration on Friday, December 13, from 3 PM to 8 PM at 4315 West Fuqua St.

This magical event will include a toy giveaway, music, a Christmas bazaar, and festive activities for children, plus a special highlight:

A cover reveal with Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, celebrating stories that uplift and inspire.

If your family would like to attend, please register here:

https://qqxki.share.hsforms.com/2Yc7BfXjXQPSzSlbhKWgD2g

We look forward to sharing a day filled with joy, generosity, and community spirit.  

 

HPD’s Comida Food Drive Is Underway!

The Houston Police Department is once again spreading holiday cheer through its annual Comida Food Drive, and District K residents are invited to take part in this long-standing tradition of giving and community support.

This citywide initiative helps provide meals and essential items to families in need during the holiday season. With the help of community partners like Walmart and Pepsi, HPD is working to ensure more Houston families experience a warm and joyful holiday.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please scan the QR code in the flyer to register.

For additional details, you may also contact:

📧 OCASpecialEvents@houstonpolice.org

Let’s continue uplifting our community and supporting one another through the season of giving. District K is proud to stand alongside HPD in making a meaningful difference for Houston families.

 

Solid Waste Management Department Holiday Collection Schedule

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) announces the holiday collection schedule for Christmas and New Years. Curbside services and facility operations will follow adjusted schedules for both the Christmas and New Years holiday weeks.
Monday and Tuesday, December 22, 23

All regularly scheduled curbside collections will be serviced.

Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24

All regularly scheduled curbside collections will be serviced. Neighborhood Depositories,

Recycling Centers, and administrative offices will be closed.

Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25

City Holiday: No collection services. All facilities and administrative offices will be closed.

Friday, December 26

Thursday’s garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk waste collections will be serviced. All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices, will reopen.

Saturday, December 27

Friday’s garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk waste collections will be serviced.

New Years Holiday – In observance of the New Years holiday, SWMD will adjust curbside

collections and close all offices and facilities on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

New Years Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026

City Holiday: No collection services. All facilities and administrative offices will be closed.

Friday, January 2, 2026

Thursday’s recycling, garbage, yard waste, and bulk waste collections will be serviced. All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices, will reopen.

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Friday’s garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk waste collections will be serviced.

 

Explore Houston’s New Policing Transparency Dashboard

The Office of Policing Reform and Accountability (OPRA) has just updated its Policing Analytics and Transparency Hub (PATH) and it’s a great resource for anyone who wants to better understand how public safety works in our city.

The PATH dashboard is simple to use and gives residents a clear look at policing activity through easy-to-read charts, maps, and data. It’s all designed to help you stay informed and see how safety services are being delivered in Houston.

We encourage District K residents to take a moment to check it out and explore the information that matters most to you.

📊 View the OPRA PATH Dashboard: https://bit.ly/oprapwrbi

(Or just scan the QR code in the flyer!)

Staying informed helps us all stay connected, engaged, and working together toward a safer Houston.

 

Polar Palooza at Children’s Museum Houston Is Back!

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the season with your family, the Children’s Museum Houston has you covered! Their popular Polar Palooza celebration is returning and they’ve packed it with real snow, holiday magic, cultural traditions, and hands-on fun for kids of all ages. ❄️🎄✨ 

Snow?! In TEXAS?! It’s true! A nimbostratus cloud will descend upon Children’s Museum Houston to transform our courtyard into a winter wonderland. Bring your mittens and expect to play in real snow!

Snow Days are included with general admission!

December 20-23
9 am-5 pm ‍

December 24
9 am – 3 pm‍

December 26-29
9 am 5 pm‍

January 1-4
9 am-8 pm Thursday

9 am- 5 pm all other days‍

Snow Days will pause Dec. 25, 30 and 31 and resume on Jan. 1

For full details visit cmhouston.org.

 

Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library Wins National Design Award!

We are excited to share that the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library has been honored with the Phil Freelon Professional Design Award for Built Work at the NOMA 2025 Awards Show! 🏆✨ 

This national recognition celebrates projects that embody equity, community, and intentional design — all values that are at the heart of this beautiful District K landmark. From the architecture to the community-centered planning process, every detail of the library was crafted with purpose, and it’s wonderful to see that commitment acknowledged on such a big stage.

This award is a testament to what happens when we build spaces for the community and with the community. It reflects the pride, vision, and collaboration that shaped the Dr. Shannon Library from day one.

Congratulations to SpawGlass and the Houston Public Library team on this well-deserved honor!

 

A Look Inside the Eternal Gandhi Museum

The Eternal Gandhi Museum recently held an Open House, and it was truly an inspiring experience. As the first museum in the United States dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, this beautiful space offers a powerful look at his principles of peace, nonviolence, and unity.

Guests explored interactive exhibits, storytelling installations, and thoughtfully designed galleries that highlight Gandhi’s lifelong commitment to compassion and justice. The museum is a wonderful addition to Houston’s cultural landscape, offering visitors of all ages a chance to reflect, learn, and engage.

We’ve included a few photos from the Open House to give a glimpse into the meaningful work and vision behind this remarkable museum. If you haven’t visited yet, we encourage you to add it to your list. It’s an experience that stays with you.

For more information, visit Eternal Gandhi Museum

 

Business Spotlight: Watershed Restaurant & Pub

In this edition of our District K newsletter, we’re shining a light on a local gem right in our community’s backyard: Watershed Restaurant & Pub.

Nestled in the heart of the Willowbend/Westbury area, Watershed is more than just a place to grab a meal, t’s a cozy neighborhood hub that brings people together over delicious,

handcrafted dishes. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu, Watershed offers everything from hearty German-inspired comfort food to classic American favorites. It’s a spot where neighbors gather, friendships form, and the community spirit of District K shines through.

So next time you’re looking for a local dining experience that feels like home, consider stopping by Watershed and supporting a business that continues to pour love, flavor, and connection into our community. Whether you’re meeting friends, enjoying a family meal, or simply exploring new local favorites, Watershed is a place where everyone feels welcome—and where every visit helps strengthen the vibrant fabric of District K.

#DistrictKGem #BusinessSpotlight #Community

 

The Heather Project – Community Info Session

District K residents are invited to attend a Community Information Session hosted by National CORE to learn more about their proposed affordable housing development, The Heather, planned for 3931 W. Fuqua Street.

This meeting is an opportunity to hear directly from the development team, ask questions, and provide your community feedback.

📅 Monday, December 15, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center
3810 W. Fuqua Street

To register, please email: [email protected]

For questions or additional information, contact:

📧 [email protected]

📞 850-703-8810