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Council Member Helena Brown's
District A News! | |
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Dear District A residents and friends:
I am so proud of my staff who have been very responsive to the needs of the community. We get many calls and emails every day requiring much dedicated time, for speedy and satisfactory resolution to the constituent concern.
In addition, my staff and I attend neighborhood meetings, visit with constituents and organizations and do in-depth research on the 30-50 items that come before Council for a vote every week!
We mean business! Attending neighborhood meetings, promoting neighborhood improvements, researching agenda items, addressing fiscal concerns, and responding to new ordinance proposals that affect Houston businesses, neighborhoods, and taxpayers is our job!
Please find in this newsletter a short list of recent activities and efforts and check out some upcoming events that might be of interest to you.
It has always been my belief that the best ideas do not come from City Hall but from within the community. Please contact my office with your ideas, suggestions, and announcements.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you on Houston City Council. Please contact me if I can be of any service to you.Best regards,
District A Staff:
Leticia Ablaza, Chief of Staff -leticia.ablaza@houstontx.gov
Bray Rasuali, Chief Deputy Director - rasuali.bray@houstontx.gov
Bryan Lengoc, Director of Constituent Services/Scheduler - bryan.lengoc@houstontx.gov
Charles Prothro, Director of Special Projects - charles.prothro@houstontx.gov
Sandra Kim, Constituent Liaison - sandra.kim@houstontx.gov
Billy Anderson, Constituent Liaison - william.anderson2@houstontx.gov
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Love for Life Banquet
My staff and I attended the Love for Life Banquet at Grace Community Church on Tuesday, February 14th where the keynote speaker was Pam Tebow. The event benefited the Beltway 8 Crisis Pregnancy Center whose mission is to be a lifeline for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
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HFD Public Affairs Meet and Greet
 Thursday, Feburary 23, my Chief of Staff and I meet our new and current Public Affairs Liaisons and members of the Houston Fire Department. I also heard special remarks from Chief Terry Garrison and learned about some new and positive activities and accomplishments of the Houston Fire Department. The members of the HFD Public Affairs Division are proactive, viable and a visible body that collectively deliver a wealth of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.
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6th Annual HFD Trailblazers' Breakfast
Friday, Feburary 24, the Houston Fire Department recognized six members who blazed the trail for others to follow within HFD during the 6th Annual Trailblazer's breakfast. Council Member Jerry Davis, District B, gave the keynote remarks and Council Member Wanda Adams, District D, gave special remarks. Robert E. Lee High School R.O.T.C. provided the entertainment for the event.
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Memorial for Houston Firefighter
The memorial service for 22-year HFD veteran Capt. Thomas "Bill" Dillion, 49, who collapsed and died on the job, was held Monday, March 19, at Second Baptist West.
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WCA Country & Western Fashion Show
The Women Contractors Association hosted a Country & Western Fashion show, which I took part in modeling Pinto Ranch wear. The event took place at The Arrangement on Thursday, February 23, to benefit HomeAid.
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2012 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and Parade
This Rodeo season, I had the great joy, as an elected official, of participating in the Downtown Rodeo Parade February 25 that opened the season and then rode in the Grand Entry the final day of the show at Reliant to close the season out properly on Sunday, March 18!
This was the 80th Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo which set the paid Rodeo attendance record with 1,283,419. Total attendance for all activities on the grounds ranked second in the Show's history, with 2,257,970 visitors, with a record 260,033 people attending the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest to help kick off the Show. The one-day total attendance record fell Saturday, March 17, with 153,159 visitors. There were 26,000 volunteers.
Fun facts on food:
- Food could be found at nearly all areas within Reliant Park, and Show visitors enjoyed the unique types available. Consumed were:
- 23,000 cinnamon rolls
- 10,000 orders of chicken fried bacon
- 9,000 pounds of shrimp
- 8,000 pizzas
- 6,000 orders of fried cookie dough
- 6,300 orders of catfish
- 4,500 pulled pork sundaes
- 200 pounds of alligator
- 3,000 orders of chicken fried meatballs
- 50,000 pounds of potatoes
- 146,000 barbecue sandwiches
- 30,000 tamales
The combined total of the Show's and entertainers' merchandise sales reached more than $2 million in 2012. |
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Near Northwest
Management District
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CMs Brown, Davis & Cohen
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Networking Breakfast
Tuesday, Feburary 28, the Near Northwest Management District held their quarterly Business Network Breakfast for business owners and managers within the district. The District includes parts of City Council Districts A, B and C, and the three Council Members were invited to address the gathering that morning at Café Red Onion.
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Public Meeting on 2012 Capital Improvement Plan
Tuesday, Feburary 28, the City of Houston held a public meeting at Spring Woods High School to address the City's FY2012 Annual Operating Budget Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and 2012 Annual Consolidated Plan for District A. This public meeting allowed the City a special venue to obtain citizen input before the preparation of the operating budget and capital improvement plan. The meeting was well attended and provided the citizens the opportunity to participate in the budget process by contributing comments and suggestions about needed services and improvements. Your input is still appreciated. Please contact the District A office for any and all infrastructure or other constituent needs and concerns: 832-393-3010 or districta@houstontx.gov
For the CIP list for District A, click here:
http://www.houstontx.gov/cip/Dist_A_Project_List.pdf
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SpringSpirit 2nd Annual Breakfast for Champions
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 a breakfast was held to benefit SpringSpirit Baseball, a newly established, Houston-based non-profit organization dedicated to developing the minds, bodies and souls of underprivileged children through sports and educational programming. They continue to mobilize community leaders and other organizations to create a unique community facility that benefits Spring Branch youth through baseball, softball and educational programs.
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 Ribbon Cutting with Cal Ripken Jr!
I attended the ribbon cutting with Cal Ripken Jr for the grand opening of the new SpringSpirit Baseball fields on Thursday March 8th.
"I'm so happy to be here to celebrate this field with you," Ripken said. "As I sit and listen to the community, all the caring people that are here, it's obvious you understand, you get it. There's a great momentum around the country, a lot of us that understand the power of sports.
"The kids are the ones who benefit. They start playing sports, channeling their energies into positive directions and making better choices in life."
The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, in honor of the late Major League Baseball manager and father of MLB infielders Cal and Bill Ripken, was founded in 2001 and uses baseball and softball themed programs to help build character and teach critical life lessons to at-risk youth.
The foundation's programs include Youth Development Parks, of which there are 13 in six states. The SpringSpirit complex is its first in Texas.
This is how it is supposed to be done! Please support good privately funded efforts like these that improve our community and invest in the children who are our future.
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SpringSpirit Baseball Is Drafting Volunteers!
SpringSpirit Baseball needs volunteers who have a passion for helping children!
- No baseball experience required.
- Volunteer opportunities available for adults and youth ages 13 and up.
- Commit to as little as one hour a week - summer options as well.
- Fields conveniently located right in Spring Branch at 8526 Pitner Road (near Bingle and Hempstead Hwy).
Contact Rachel Owens at rlcampbell_owens@yahoo.com for more information.
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Spring Branch Little League & Neartown Little League
Opening Ceremonies
Saturday, March 3, the Neartown Little League had their parade and opening ceremonies. Then a couple weeks after them, Spring Branch Little League had their parade and opening ceremonies Saturday, March 24.
Little League serves the community well by teaching our youth values such as teamwork and diligence which they will use the rest of their lives,
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 Chapter 42 Meeting
Thursday, March 8, the Planning and Development Department of the City of Houston put on a presentation at the Sosa Community Center on Westview regarding the proposed changes to Chapter 42. The main proposal that receives the most debate is the extension of the Urban Area beyond the 610 Loop to the Beltway. This will allow for smaller square footage homes to be built in the District and will allow the subdividing of lots in unprotected neighborhoods such as were deed restrictions have expired. The main thing positive about this proposal is that developers/Houston businesses will be given more freedom to more profitable venture opportunities and therefore create more Houston jobs, further helping our economy.
There is still much concern in the community over how this proposal might negatively affect Spring Branch and surrounding areas. I'm looking to hosting a workshop for a more in-depth and open discussion of this matter with all parties, citizens, businesses, developers, and the City, participating. More information coming soon...
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 American First National Bank Grand Opening
Thursday, March 15, was the day that marked the Grand Opening of the Spring Branch location of the American First National Bank. Being that I was out of town that day, my staffers Sandra Kim and Bryan Lengoc represented me in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The American First National Bank desires to be the leading Asian-owned financial institution in the United States. Based out of Houston, Texas, it was formed by 6 organizers in August 1997 and opened for business on May 18, 1998. The main facility is located at 9999 Bellaire Blvd., near the southeast corner of the intersection on Beltway 8 and Bellaire Blvd. in Houston. This site was chosen because of its proximity to the highly concentrated Asian-American community located along the Bellaire Blvd. corridor. The current facility is located in a 12-story building and the Bank occupies the Ground, 1st, 2nd & 12th floors. Besides the corporate office, there are 4 more branches in the Houston area and 4 branches in the Dallas area.
Welcome to Spring Branch, American First National Bank!
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Chapter 20 - A Proposed Charitable Feeding Ordinance
Please click on link below to read my letter regarding the first proposal.
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Feeding Ordinance
After much input the administration chose to substitute the initial proposed Ordinance with a supposed "weaker" one.
The citizens of Houston do not want
any type of Feeding Ordinance.
Every type of citizen came to testify before City Council.
There were Jews, Muslims, Christians, Catholics,
Church Leaders, Atheists, Home-school moms,
college students, business professionals, senior citizens,
Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Tea Party,
Organizations, Churches and the like.
They all had one thing to say:
"Do Not Inhibit in Any Way
Our Right and Ability to Share Food
and Give Freely at a Moments Impulse!"
There are already laws in place that protect the citizens. We need to enforce our littering and trespassing codes and nuisance ordinances!
We do not need a new ordinance!
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Public Session on Charitable Feeding Ordinance
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Please click on link below to view March 6th Council Session
Video of March 6th Council Session
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Public Session on Charitable Feeding Ordinance
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Please click on link below to view March 20th Council Session
Video of March 20th Council Session
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Seniors Celebrate 50th Anniversary for Housing
On the 15th of March the Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF), a non-profit organization of 157 communities in 24 states, celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Founded in 1961 by two Church of Christ clergy and layman with a vision of providing quality housing and services for seniors, they set off with $7,000 and a vision and they launched what has become one of the nation's largest non-profit providers of housing and services for older adults. The mission has since expanded to include persons with various disabilities and low-income families.
Our office was proud to send a representative to show our support. R.W. Bray spoke and gave my appreciation for all RHF has done over the years by providing housing to Districts A's aging community.
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Award For Outstanding Service
Tuesday, March 20th at City Hall Council Chambers I awarded Xavier Samuels for outstanding community service and presented the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) a wall plaque in recognition. OBAP is a non-profit organization founded in 1976 to enhance, advance, and promote education opportunities in aviation.
 OBAP has worked in the community to introduce youth to aviation who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience it. They have sponsored 320 children to view the movie "Redtails." They have visited 32 schools in HISD and spoken before 8000 students about their careers and what it takes to succeed. Thank you, Xavier Samuels and OBAP, for your service. | |
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Anniversary Memorial of Great Japan Earthquake
To commemorate the anniversary of the earthquake that rocked Japan's Tohoku region March 2011, Houston's Consul-General of Japan, Jota Yamamoto, welcomed distinguished guests from around Texas and Oklahoma to his official private residence for a memorial reception on Wednesday, March 21. Pictured with me above, beginning on the right is my staffer Bryan Lengoc, Houston Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and the Consul-General Jota Yamamoto.
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Guthrie Center Culinary School
Thursday, March 22, I was at the Guthrie Center for the SBISD Leaders Luncheon and took the opportunity to visit with the students of the culinary school. These young people already excel! The lunch served was excellent. I'm so proud that these future culinary chefs and managers will be coming from Spring Branch!
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The Guthrie Center is not just a culinary school! The Harold D. Guthrie Center For Excellence serves the high school students of the Spring Branch Independent School District and has these fields of study: 3D Animation, Agricultural Science, Architectural Design, Commercial Photo, Computer Tech, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Digital Film, Graphic Design, Hotel Management, etc.
For more information about the school please visit their website:
http://guthriecenter.springbranchisd.com/
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Miller Outdoor Theatre
On Thursday evening, March 22, I had the priviledge of attending the Miller Free Outdoor Theatre Gala at the ZAZA Hotel.
The Gala marked the opening of the 8 month season at Miller Free Outdoor Theatre. Following the gala was the theatre opening show The Blue Brothers, a Broadway show. Guests wore
 black and a fedora hat and sunglasses.
For more information about upcoming free shows, please check their calendar here:
http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/month/
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The morning of Saturday, March 24, the Shepherd Forest Civic Club hosted a Clean Up Day which concentrated in the areas of East and West T.C. Jester, between Loop 610 and West 34th Street and in Stonecrest Park, located on East T.C. Jester.
I joined forces with residents and volunteers as we picked up debris and trash, remove weeds, and plant ornamentals in the esplanades. A special "Thank You!" goes out to organizer Jennifer Woodruff and Shepherd Forest Civic Club President Mr Bid Nutt.
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Up-Coming Events!
Friday, March 30th -
7th Annual Guthrie Center Battle of The Bands
Presented by the Digital Filmmaking and Commercial Photography Club
Come out to watch bands/musical solo artists from all over Spring Branch ISD give it all they have to compete for a cash prize!
*$5.00 admission fee
*Food and Drinks will be available for sale.
*ALL bands, students, and attending general public are required to follow all Spring Branch ISD policies and codes of conduct.
6-10 p.m.
The Guthrie Center
10660 Hammerly Blvd
Houston, Texas 77043
Saturday, March 31st -
Calling all Volunteers for the
2012 Annual Lake Houston Trash Bash
The 19th annual Lake Houston Trash Bash is one of the original clean-up sites. Activities for the event will originate at the Lake Houston Marina. Volunteers will get safety equipment, assignments and the first 500 persons to register on site will receive a free Trash Bash t-shirt. Scouts are also given patches to commemorate their participation. Free parking and free lunch will be provided for all participants. For more information please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/citizensnet/VolunteersTrashBash032212.html
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10611 FM 1960 East of McKay Bridge
(Key-Map 338-Q)
Huffman, Texas 77386
Saturday, March 31st -
Bunker Hill Annual Easter Egg Hunt
It's that time again! H-E-B Bunker Hill would like to invite you and your family to their 2012 Community Easter Egg Hunt. They will be having an Easter Egg Hunt at Spring Valley Village City Park on Saturday, March 31st beginning at 9:00 am for ages 0-6 and beginning at 10:15 am for ages 7-12. Please see the flyer below for more details.
Easter Egg Hunt Flyer
9 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
Spring Valley Village City Park
1025 Campbell Road
Saturday, March 31st -
Grand Opening of the
SpringSpirit Baseball Sports and Educational Complex
SpringSpirit Baseball is a non-profit organization based in Spring Branch and dedicated to providing opportunities to develop the mind, body and spirit of youth in the Spring Branch community. They have recently completed the first phase of construction on a world-class baseball facility on Pitner Road, in the heart of Spring Branch, which includes a community pavilion, two sports fields, batting cages and training facilities. Programs are currently running and open to boys and girls of all skill levels and include homework assistance and personal development lessons as well as instruction on baseball. Registration for t-ball leagues begins on March 3rd. THEY NEED VOLUNTEERS! If you are interested in volunteering with SpringSpirit Baseball, please contact Rachel Owens at rlcampbell_owens@yahoo.com . No baseball experience is required and there are opportunities for ages 13 and up.
1-4 p.m.
8526 Pitner Road
(corner of Pitner Rd and Roma)
Saturday, April 7th -
Council Member Helena Brown
and the City of Houston Hosts
End of the Iraq War
Honoring Our Military Veterans Parade
This parade was initiated by Council Member Helena Brown's office and sponsored by City of Houston, partnered with Houston Astro's owner, Jim Crane. This parade will begin at corner of Texas and San Jacinto and proceed to Minute Maid Park, where there will be a special on-field ceremony honoring the veterans. The Astros are providing free tickets to the game for all uniformed military parade participants and their immediate families.
For more information please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/20120321.html
4:00pm till beginning of Astros Game at 6:05pm
Would you like to help?
Please Email Field Liaison Chaz
Saturday, May 5th -
Cinco De Mayo - 150th Anniversary
The 18th Annual LULAC Cinco de Mayo Parade - a Houston tradition with more than 100 entries, it begins at Hamilton and Texas (Minute Maid Park) and ends at Preston and Crawford.
Downtown at 10 a.m.
Cinco de Mayo at Miller Outdoor Theatre: Eugenia Leon in Concert
8-10 p.m.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
6000 Hermann Park Dr
Houston, TX 77030
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