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From the Office of Council Member Mike Laster 
Distric
t Journal
Official Newsletter of Houston City Council District J 
Mike Laster - Flipped
832.393.3015
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby
Houston, TX  77002

PO Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251-1562

Leah Olive-Nishioka, Communications Director

Matthew Brollier, Constituent Services Director

Jeremy Brown, Agenda & Policy Director

Sharon Shanahan, Administrative Services Director
 
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Dear Friend of District J,

I am proud to announce that the District J City Council office is open for business. We want to be your "go-to" for information about the City, assistance in receiving services, and connecting you to other City departments. 

It is an honor and privilege to represent and serve the people of District J.  If I or my staff can be of service, please let us know. 

Sincerely,

Mike Laster
Council Member, District J 

311 Is Your First Step in Finding Assistance
 
Residents and Business Owners in District J are encouraged to contact 311 with any concerns or requests and obtain a Service Request Number prior to contacting the District Office. A Service Request Number aids in monitoring the progress of the report. 

 

Water Restrictions Lifted

On
Water ConservationJanuary 11, Mayor Annise Parker and the Public Works and Engineering Department announced that the City of Houston lifted the mandatory water conservation measures imposed last summer.  The Mayor is still encouraging voluntary water conservation and wise water use and noted that if drought conditions continue, the restrictions may return at a later date. 
 

 

Chapter 42 - Urban Density Regulations

Ch 42Significant revisions to Chapter 42 are pending that will affect District J.  We look forward to sharing new information with you about those changes as they become available. 

 
Happy Lunar New Year

January
2012 Year of the Dragon 23 marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year, celebrated by many Asian communities throughout the world and in Houston.  2012 is the Year of the Dragon.  People born in the year of the Dragon are said to be successful, bold, and willing to take risks. 

Several Lunar New Celebrations in Houston include:

The District J Team wishes you a Happy and Prosperous New Year! 

 

Council Member Mike Laster named Vice Chair of Housing, Sustainable Growth & Development Committee

Mayor Annise Parker has announced her choices for City of Houston Council Committees and has named freshman Council Member Mike Laster to serve as Vice Chair of the Housing, Sustainable Growth & Development Committee. Additionally, Council Member Laster was appointed to serve on the Public Safety Committee and the Transportation, Technology & Infrastructure Committee. "Being on these committees is an excellent opportunity to serve the people of District J and the City of Houston," said Laster. "I am honored that Mayor Parker has appointed me to serve as Vice Chair of the Housing, Sustainable Growth & Development Committee." Laster, along with all Members of City Council, will serve on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs and Ethics, Election & Council Governance Committees, which will operate as a committee of the whole.

Recognizing Community Leaders & Champions

Gold StarCouncil Member Laster sends a special "thank you" to Terron Henry for his role in finding young Evan Montgomery Miller on the morning of January 13. Evan, an 18 month old toddler, was missing for more than 17 hours after being kidnapped in a carjacking that took place last Thursday evening. Houston is proud to have residents like Mr. Henry who are willing to go the extra mile to make Southwest Houston a better place.

The Council Member also gives special recognition to two leaders at Sharpstown High School - Principal Rob Gasparello and Campus Improvement Coordinator Brandi Brevard.  Together, they are working diligently to expand Sharpstown High School's environment of learning , achievement, and academic success. 

 

Ms. Brevard created a "data room" of floor to ceiling data charts.  Those charts help with monitoring student progress, including past test scores, the charts help to  predict future test scores and aid in developing tutoring plans and other instruction goals.  Ms. Brevard is working with teachers to compare results and brainstorm ways to improve lessons and focus on areas that need improvement.  Sharpstown High School is already benefiting from these innovative efforts.

 

Principal Rob Gasparello has also been working hard to keep his students at his school and in the class room and ready to learn.  High student mobility has been linked to poor academic performance and higher dropout rates.  Sharpstown High School currently experiences a 30% turnover rate, which means that 1/3 of the campus will move elsewhere in one school year.  By providing meal assistance both at school and at home through a food bank, Mr. Gasparello aims to feed students' bodies and minds.  This incentive, he hopes, will decrease enrollment turnover and encourage students to stay enrolled at Sharpstown High, even if their family moves across town.    

Tips & TricksHelpful Tips

Having a problem with animals using your yard as a litter box?  Try sprinkling cayenne pepper in problem areas, or spraying your yard with a cayenne pepper and water mix.  It's harmless to your plants, and acts as an irritant to the animals without harming them.
-shared by Linda Schmidt, Vice President, Sharpstown Civic Association