E-Waste with Congressman Gene Green
The District H team will be partnering with Congressman Gene Green and the Solid Waste Department to host an E-Waste event this Saturday. We will be at HCC Northline, located at 8001 Fulton, from 9AM to 1PM. Some of the hazardous items accepted will be paint, used oil, rechargeable batteries, anti-freeze and household electronics. This will be our 3rd Annual event and I look forward to visiting with neighbors and friends. For more information, please contact us at 832-393-3003 or via districth@houstontx.gov.

Community Town Hall Meeting
I will be hosting a community town hall meeting this upcoming Monday at 6:00PM to discuss the traffic concerns of the community along Parker Road near the Bauman and McGallion intersections. The meeting will take place at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, located at 501 Tidwell. All neighborhood residents are welcome to attend; we will have representatives from the Public Works and Engineering Department to discuss future action items for the area. For more information, please contact the District H team at 832-393-3003 or via email at districth@houstontx.gov.

Rally Around the Rails
METRO is launching a new “Rally Around the Rails” Initiative to encourage all Houstonians to support local businesses within the light-rail construction zones. While we continue to build our infrastructure for the future, it is important that we support the businesses that are impacted by the work in the present. I commend METRO for this initiative and support it. The launch of the project will take place next Tuesday, May 22 at 10:30AM. It will kick-off at the Northline Transit Center located at 7705 Fulton, in District H and I encourage you all to attend. For more information, contact Camille Grazda via email at camille.grazda@ridemetro.org.

Special Fifth Graders
Finally, I would like to recognize a special class of 5th graders from Scroggins Elementary School in the Denver Harbor neighborhood. Mr. Bohnert’s 5th grade class has hosted one of our team members this semester as part of HISD’s Real Men Read mentoring program. They have been fantastic hosts and have become active citizens in our city. Many of the kids have shared neighborhood concerns with our office and they were all actively engaged in learning about local government. I want to congratulate these young men and women as they graduate elementary school and continue to work to become our city’s future leaders. I am proud of you!

Mayor Pro-Tem Gonzalez, an 18-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, has made the creation of a sobering center a priority of his tenure on Houston City Council. Over the past two years, he has worked closely with Mayor Annise Parker and his council colleagues to make the new center a reality.

The 84-bed facility will be located at an existing Star of Hope warehouse on Ruiz Street in downtown Houston. It will also serve as the home of the Houston Police Department’s Mental Health Unit, which had previously been housed throughout the city. The unique arrangement of having the sobering facility and the Mental Health Unit on the same site is an innovative approach to ensuring a high-quality of service is provided. Those arrested on public intoxication charges will have the option of being transported to the facility, where they will be allowed to ‘sober up’ in a monitored environment. Upon release, it will serve as a point of access to those in need of addiction treatment, mental care, homeless services, or other social services.

The City of Houston makes an average of 15,000 public intoxication arrests annually, which cost between $4-6 million to process at the city jail. The new center will cost approximately $1.5 million annually, which covers the lease of the building, the staff, maintenance, and operations.

“This will help reduce the city’s financial burden for handling public intoxication cases, ease crowding in our city jail and make our streets safer,” said Mayor Parker. “There will be services for those who need them, whether in the short term or the long term, and hopefully we’ll see real change for them. We hope it eventually also creates savings in the form of reduced operating costs at the city jail.”

The Sobering Center is an alternative to jail for people detained for public intoxication, allowing the opportunity to regain sobriety in a safe, medically-monitored environment.
The city’s annual cost to lease, maintain and staff the new center is estimated to be $1.5 million, compared to the $4-6 million currently being spent to process public intoxication cases at the city jail.

Those who choose the Sobering Center will be observed and given necessary outpatient services to manage various intoxication levels. Once sober, detainees will meet with recovery specialists and Star of Hope referral staff who will offer opportunities for long-term treatment with appropriate social service agencies. In addition, the Houston Police Department (HPD), Houston Department of Health and Human Services and Houston Fire Department (HFD) will provide city services at the site.

“Star of Hope is pleased to be a partner in this new venture,” said Star of Hope President and CEO Hank Rush. “In other cities, 60-80% of the individuals who utilize a Sobering Center are homeless. Here in Houston, we’ll be on site to counsel and refer them to appropriate providers who can help them with their recovery and transitional needs as they return to independent living.”

The new center will operate out of an existing two-story building located behind the Star of Hope Men’s Development Center on Ruiz Street in north downtown.

A 501(c) 3 foundation will also be created to aid in future fundraising for operations and possible future expansion.

Get Alarmed!
I would like to acknowledge the Houston Fire Department and volunteers from La Luz Del Mundo Church for helping the District H team install over 85 smoke detectors in the Near Northside last month. Working with my team, community leaders, and volunteers – our fire department brought life-saving devices to many neighbors in need. The “Get Alarmed!” program has been active since 2001 and I look forward to many more smoke detector installs in District H in the future. For more information or to volunteer with our office please contact us at 832-393-3003 or via districth@houstontx.gov.

Clean Up in Denver Harbor
I would like to give special recognition to Ms. Anna Gonzales, president of the Denver Harbor Civic Club for her continued commitment to beautifying our community. Alongside her 2 nephews, Ms. Belinda Galvan, and the District H team – she was able to clear over 20 illegally dumped tires from the city right of way in the neighborhood along with lots of trash and debris. Ms. Gonzales is a dedicated community leader and I sincerely thank her for her efforts. For more information or to volunteer with our office please contact us at 832-393-3003 or via districth@houstontx.gov

Cinco De Mayo
This Saturday we will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo in our city and there are two key events I’d like to invite my neighbors and colleagues to attend. First, the LULAC Cinco de Mayo Parade kicks off at 10AM near Minute Maid Park at Texas and Hamilton. The parade is free to attend and always a fun family experience. Secondly, I would like to showcase the 3rd Annual Northline Commons Cinco de Mayo celebration which will take place in District H. This event is also free of charge and starts at 11AM at Northline Commons Mall, located at 4400 North Freeway. Cinco de Mayo is always a lot of fun for the District H team and I – we hope to celebrate with you this Saturday. For more information please contact us at 832-393-3003 or via districth@houstontx.gov.

E-Waste with Congressman Gene Green
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 19! The District H team will be partnering with Congressman Gene Green and the Solid Waste Department to host an E-Waste event at HCC Northline, located at 8001 Fulton from 9AM to 1PM. We will be accepting paint, used oil, rechargeable batteries, antifreeze and household electronics – all items that need to be disposed of properly. This will be our 3rd Annual event and I look forward to visiting with neighbors and friends. For more information, please contact us at 832-393-3003 or via districth@houstontx.gov.

Ed

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What is ‘Pop Off?’: ‘Pop-Off’ occurs at the end of each City Council Agenda Meeting. At this time, each council member is given the opportunity to discuss happenings in their district, congratulate constituents and share relevant information with the Council and the public. All City Council meetings can be watched live online.

Appearing likely to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, who heard arguments on it this week, the law would mandate police check whether people they stop are here legally.

“We don’t think it’s just that someone is discriminated against for their race,” Calderón said. “The people who come here are not coming to steal, they are coming to work.”

Speaking Wednesday night at Ripley House Neighborhood Center in Houston’s East End, a predominantly Hispanic area, Calderón’s visit marked the first time a Mexican president has met with Houston immigrants. It concluded a quick U.S. trip in which Calderón, whose tenure ends in December, pushed for Mexico’s inclusion in a trade agreement between Asia and the Americas and argued that illegal immigration should no longer be a source of conflict between Mexico and the U.S.

The number of northbound migrants has fallen to the point that it is essentially offset by the numbers of Mexicans returning home, according to a Pew Research Center study released this week. Referring frequently to the study, Calderón said it proved that conditions for “full-scale immigration reform” now exist in the United States, and Americans have no reason to fear it.

The 1942 Bracero program allowed for the importation of Mexican contract workers while Americans fought the World War II, Calderón said, noting, “they were invited to this country. And as invited people they should be treated like guests.”

In front of a crowd of about 500, Calderón said, “It doesn’t interest us to send more immigrants to the U.S.”

“It breaks up families, we lose productivity, we lose leaders,” he said. “We are still a developing country, a poor country, but the opportunities are opening for us.”

In contrast to Spain, Italy and Greece, Mexico’s economy is “solid,” Calderón said, noting it grew by 4 percent last year and more than 600,000 new jobs were created, which he attributed to the North American Free Trade Agreement and more than 40 other such pacts. The opening of more than a hundred new public universities and the extension of health insurance to 106 million Mexicans – “almost universal health insurance” – are contributing to improved conditions so that Mexicans increasingly prefer to stay home, Calderón said.

But Mexicans must keep fighting against the widespread organized crime, “a real threat” to northbound migrants, as well as pervasive corruption, he said. He called allegations surfacing this week that Wal-Mart paid millions in bribes to Mexican officials to bolster its business “a disgrace,” but said authorities will investigate the case.

Earlier Wednesday, in a visit with Houston business leaders and Mayor Annise Parker, Calderón emphasized the importance of the trade relationship between Mexico and Texas, saying 35 percent of Texas exports, representing more than $86 billion, went to Mexico in 2011.

Meeting with more than 160 business leaders from the Greater Houston Partnership, Calderón stressed that relationship’s significance to Mexico’s growing economy. Mexico is Houston’s largest trading partner, with the two exchanging $31.4 billion in imports and exports annually. Mexico is the largest U.S. export market after Canada, and in 2011, U.S. exports to Mexico grew by $34 billion.

Calderón also continued urging U.S. officials and others to allow Mexico to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a transcontinental trade agreement involving nine countries, including Australia and Singapore. Mexico’s inclusion is an “important step” as the country seeks to be a “model for free trade,” he said.

The Houston visit came the day after Calderón addressed business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, in his meeting with Parker, the mayor said the two discussed the economy, trade and immigration.

“There’s a recognition of the importance of Houston, the Houston market,” said Councilman Ed Gonzalez, who attended the meeting. He noted that as the Mexican economy continues to grow, “a city like Houston can greatly benefit from that.”

We can ensure that all parks and recreational areas in District H are safe, but only if residents participate. Tomorrow, there’s a unique opportunity to join in the conversation on this issue and related topics.

Leadership for Healthy Communities is hosting an online forum called “Making the Connection: Linking Policies to Improve Public Safety with Preventing Childhood Obesity.” It will take place on Thursday, April 26th at 1pm.

The forum will explore a variety of strategies including:

• Maintaining and providing safe access to parks;
• Increasing opportunities for children to walk or bike to school safely; and
• Designing communities to discourage crime and encourage physical activity.

I’ve been asked to join in the conversation with thought leaders from around the country. I hope that you’ll register, listen in and, following the event, let me know your impressions.

Register Now »

The forum is free and the presentation will be followed by a discussion session with the participants. All you need to listen in is a computer with internet access.

Please join me for what is certain to be an interesting discussion of great potential importance to our community.

Ed

National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Last week I joined CrimeStoppers, Clear Channel, and Sheriff Adrian Garcia as we kicked off the CrimeStoppers Safe Child Initiative in our city and county. It coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month which runs through all of April. The Safe Child Initiative is targeting the some 1,600 accused child predators walking amongst us here in Harris County. As part of the month-long campaign, CrimeStoppers will be rolling out giant billboards throughout the city and coordinating law enforcement agencies to create arrest teams, which will hunt down fugitives as tips come in. I am proud of this initiative and of the work of all of our law enforcement agencies as we make sure that our city is safe for all children. If you have any tips on wanted fugitives, please call CrimeStoppers at 713-222-TIPS or go online to www.crime-stoppers.org/safechild.

Easter Egg Hunts in District H
I want to acknowledge and thank the North Central and the Independence Heights communities for their fantastic Easter Egg Hunts this month. The family friendly fun was a treat for the District H team – as we visited with neighbors and friends at Moody Park and at Independence Heights Park. I want to specially thank Mr. and Mrs. Cisneroz for their hard work, as a well as Tanya Dubose for her dedication to making these events a success. I also want to thank the Houston Parks and Recreation Department for their efforts this past weekend.

Sabor del Northside
This Saturday, come out to Ketelsen Elementary and experience a little bit of the ‘flavor’ of District H. Avenue CDC, in partnership with GO Neighborhoods, LISC, and community leaders have come together to host the ‘Sabor del Northside’ Festival. Festivities kick off at 11AM at 600 Quitman and the event is free of charge. There will be food, local art, performances by local artists, zumba classes, bounce houses for the kids, and much more. For more information, contact Christina Stubbe at 713-864-8099 or via christinas@avenuecdc.org.

Collars for a Cause
I joined my colleagues, Council Members Rodriguez and Costello as well as Mayor Parker in donating a collar for this year’s “Collars for a Cause” event which benefits the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). As you all know, we have collaborated with SNAP to help tackle the feral cat problem in our district and I am supportive of their ongoing efforts. Their “Collars for a Cause” event is taking place this Friday at Momentum Volvo located at 10150 SW Freeway from 7PM to 10PM. For more information, please contact Catarina Cron via catarinacron@gmail.com.

Ed

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What is ‘Pop Off?’: ‘Pop-Off’ occurs at the end of each City Council Agenda Meeting. At this time, each council member is given the opportunity to discuss happenings in their district, congratulate constituents and share relevant information with the Council and the public. All City Council meetings can be watched live online.

In 2011, the Houston Fire Department responded to more than 30 thousand vehicle related accidents, transporting more than 8 thousand individuals to the hospital and reporting more than 30 individuals dead on arrival. Statistics indicate that distracted driving contributes to as much as 20 percent of all fatal crashes and that cell phone use is the main culprit.

“Just like most fires, the majority of motor vehicle accidents are preventable,” said Fire Chief Terry Garrison. “We want to encourage citizens to be safe on the road and remember that distraction can lead to disaster.”

According to a recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute – Center for Transportation Safety, texting doubles a driver’s reaction time and reports that these drivers were more than 11 times likely to miss a flashing light while texting.

HPD Assistant Chief Brian Lumpkin reminded citizens that the results of an accident from a distracted driver can have a lifetime of consequences.

“HPD is in the business of enforcing safe driving habits and we’re always encouraging citizens to put on their seat belts and control their speed,” said Chief Lumpkin. “But it’s just as important to remember to remain alert and not become distracted by a cell phone or texting while driving.”

This safety campaign is part of an on-going effort with HFD, State Farm and Clear Channel Outdoor. Citizens may recall the smoke detector safety message posted around the city last year and earlier this year. Additional safety campaigns will roll-out throughout the year.

State Farm Insurance statistics also indicate that drivers who text have a greater chance of getting into an accident.

“In Houston and cities everywhere in the U.S., efforts to curtail distracted driving are taking root and gaining momentum,” said State Farm agent Theo Franklin. “This is critically important because drivers who text and drive are six times more likely to get into an accident than drivers who refrain from texting while driving. State Farm is pleased to partner with the Houston Fire Department to bring awareness to this issue.”

These have all been funded by a “2012 State Farm Insurance Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant,” that was awarded in December of 2011.

Clear Channel Outdoor offered the ad-space for 20 eco-posters throughout the city at a greatly reduced price to help promote the safety message “Texting Distracts – Watch the Road!” in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

“We are happy to donate public service advertising to many area organizations. Clear Channel Outdoor is proud to be a part of this important campaign to warn motorists of the dangers of texting while driving and that is a message that will save lives,” Lee Vela, Clear Channel vice president for public affairs, said.

The billboards will start going up this week and will run through May at the following locations:

In English: Aldine Mail at Airline; Antoine at Tidwell; Broadway at Galveston; Hardy at Quitman; Little York at Nordling; Main at Fariss; Main at Post Oak; Bellfort at Westover and Brittmore at Holly Hill.

In Spanish: Irvington at Weiss; Jensen at Hage; Lawndale at Kellogg ; Navigation at Sidney and Airline at Fulton.

In Vietnamese: Gessner at Porto Rico ; Longpoint at Lynnview; Pinemont at Bingle; Post Oak at Willow; Hwy 3 at El Dorado and Gessner at Genard.

Executive Director Katherine Cabaniss introduced April’s initiative as “a one of a kind campaign to keep our children safe where they live, learn and play.” By educating citizens on child abuse prevention, and targeting fugitives charged with child abuse related crimes, Crime Stoppers aims to reduce incidents of child abuse throughout Harris County. “This is the most important initiative we will conduct all year, because it strives to keep our children safe.”

Cabaniss was joined by Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia and Houston City Council Member Ed Gonzalez. Taking aim at perpetrators, Sheriff Garcia warned offenders that deputies are on the ready to apprehend fugitives at large. “We’re gonna smash your door down. We’re gonna grab you out of bed. We’re gonna put you in jail. We don’t need predators out in the community.”

Echoing Garcia’s sentiments, Council Member Gonzalez appealed to Houston’s citizens to break the cycle of abuse, and reduce incidents in Houston. “This initiative is intended to bring to light the realities of these crimes. It’s intended to teach citizens the signs of abuse, and prevent future incidents.”

In addition to providing educational materials to community members, Crime Stoppers will target more than 1,600 felony fugitives in Harris County. Council Member Gonzalez urged Houston citizens to be vigilant, and on the look out for offenders living in their neighborhoods. “They could be your family and neighbors,” stated Gonzalez.

The Safe Child Initiative will culminate with a screening of the film “Family Affair” at Studio Movie Grill on April 25, 2012. This Safety Seminar will provide citizens an additional opportunity to learn about the impact of child abuse, and interact with a panel of topic experts.

Crime Stoppers’ 2012 Safe Child initiative will feature multiple fugitives through releases to the media and on the Crime Stoppers website www.crime-stoppers.org. Anyone with information about the location of these fugitives is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).

Join Crime Stoppers this April to keep our kids safe!

Members of the Public Safety Committee recently received a presentation on a proposed Forensic Center for the City of Houston.

View the Forensic Center presentation »

The Center would operate independently from the influence of the police department, prosecutors, citizen groups, and elected officials. It will be equipped to handle all forensic services related to crime scene investigation, such as analysis of body fluids, gunshot residue, ballistics, and DNA.

Learn more about our plan »

An accredited, accountable, and independent city forensics operation will ensure that uncompromised, objective evidence is available. The future of our criminal justice system must be dependent on science-based analysis of all evidence.

Please let us know if you would like to receive more information on the proposed Forensic Center. I hope we can count on your support for this important initiative.

Ed