City Seal
From the Office of Council Member Mike Laster 
Distric
t Journal
Official Newsletter of Houston City Council District J

Friday, May 4, 2012 
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


Matt Brollier
Constituent Servi
ces Director

Jeremy Brown
Agenda & Policy Director

Sharon Shanahan
Administrative Services Director

 
Community Links


District J Parks 

City Contacts 

HPD (non-emergency) 

713.884.3131

 

Anti-Gang Office 

832.393.0931

 

Mayor's Citizens' Assistance 832.393.0955

 

Department of Neighborhoods 832.393.1038

 

Health & Human Services  

832.393.5169

 

Parks Department 

832.395.7000

 

Public Works & Engineering 832.395.2511

 

Solid Waste Management 713.956.6589


Join Our Mailing List

A Message from Mike

 

FiestaIn the next two weeks we will have the opportunity to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Gulfton Festival, and Mother's Day.

 

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a significant day in the historic struggle to free the western hemisphere from European domination. The day is a celebration of the Mexican victory over an occupying French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The unlikely victory was even more significant considering the French forces outnumbered the Mexican armed resistance two to one. The day should not be confused with dieciséis de septiembre (September 16th - Mexican Independence Day). For us Texans, this holiday has deep roots and gives us yet another occasion to celebrate freedom and liberty. Of course, we Houstonians never pass up a chance to have a fiesta. So, have a safe celebration and enjoy the day with your family at your favorite parade, picnic in the park or local taqueria.

 

The Gulfton Festival is one of our home-grown District J celebrations. The festival will take place next Saturday, May 12, 2012 and will begin with a parade starting at 11 am. See the story below about the details. The District J team looks forward to joining you at this celebration.

 

Mother's Day will be celebrated this year on Sunday, May 13, 2012. Now celebrated around the world, the idea for the holiday originated here in the United States. After nearly a century of independent observances around the nation, on May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day and requested the President to issue a proclamation. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the first national Mother's Day as a day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war during World War I. The rest is history. Clearly this day is personal to all of us. Take time to visit mom, buy her flowers, candy or something to her liking, or simply say a prayer of remembrance and thanksgiving for her love and guidance.

  

 - Mike Laster, Council Member - District J  

Gulfton Festival - Celebrating 20 Years of Community Commitment

Gulfton Festival 

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, the Gulfton Citizen's Advisory Council is hosting the 20th Annual Gulfton Parade & Festival at Burnett Bayland Park.  The parade will begin at Benavidez Elementary School at 11:00am and travel to the festival at Burnett Bayland Park.  The festival starts at the end of the parade and will end at 2:00pm.

 

The Gulfton Citizen's Advisory Council is comprised of members of the Gulfton Community whose goal is to support the HPD Gulfton Storefront's efforts to improve the neighborhood.  The Parade & Festival have grown into a major annual event with live music, games, children's activities, as well as information on services available in the area. 

Sharpstown High School Art Gala and Musical Theatre Award

Gold StarSharpstown High School is hosting a Fine Arts Gala on Friday, May 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  The Gala will showcase the Fine Arts Departments, including Band, Theatre, Dance, and Art.  The event will take place throughout the SHS Campus.  Admission is $2 and is open to the community.

Additionally, SHS has been chosen as 1 of 20 schools nationwide to receive a musical theatre award.  This award is through NBC and MTI: "SMASH Make A Musical Program".  Sharpstown has been given a helping hand from NBC and a musical theatre company called MTI to help create a musical theatre program at Sharpstown.  As a result of this award, SHS will produce the musical FAME JR. on May 24 and May 25 at 7pm.  The musical is a collaboration between the Theatre Department and Band Department. 
Fun Summer Youth Programs!

Summer
Summer Fundays are around the corner.  Now's the time to start thinking about fun summer programs for the kids in your life. 

Here's a brief list of organizations offering youth programs this summer in Houston and the District J area.  Now's the time to register, so don't delay!

 

Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center J Camps and Summer Events  

 

HPARD Learn to Swim 

 

HPARD Youth Sports 


Houston Museum of Natural Science Xplorations Summer Science Adventures  

 

Houston Dynamo Youth Soccer Camps  

 

Houston Rockets Grassroots Youth Basketball 

 

Houston Texans Youth Football Camps   

 

HSB Basketball Camps  

 

India House Youth Taped-Ball Cricket Clinic & Summer Programs  

 

San Jacinto Girl Scouts Day and Twilight Camps  

 

Sharpstown Community Center - check out their Calendar of Events 

 

Sports Quest Soccer Camps  

 

If your organization is offering any summer youth or family programs, let us know!  We'll gladly share them in our next edition of the District Journal.    

Bellaire Boulevard Scheduled for Reconstruction

Road ConstructionBellaire Boulevard reconstruction between Mary Bates and Beltway 8/Rogerdale will begin soon.  The project will include the construction of an additional westbound lane, underground storm sewer line reconstruction, water line replacement, traffic access improvements, and new landscaping. 

This project overlaps City Council Districts J and F, and Council Members Mike Laster and Al Hoang will be hosting joint community meetings to share more information and answer questions.  Dates and locations to be announced.   

If you have any questions about the upcoming project, please contact our office at 832-393-3015 or email us at districtj@houstontx.gov.    
Hobby Airport Proposal - Community Meetings
 
The Cit
Air Travely of Houston is considering a proposal to allow international flights to Latin American destinations from Hobby Airport.

Before making a decision, City Council will host a series of Community Meetings to share information, answer questions, and listen to your opinions on the proposal.  This is an excellent opportunity to have your voice heard. 

Tuesday, May 8, 9:00 am

City Council Chambers - 901 Bagby 

  • Presentations by Houston Airport Systems consultants, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines
  • Public Comment

 

Wednesday, May 9, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Doubletree Hotel JFK - 15747 JFK Boulevard 

  • Presentation by Aviation Director Mario Diaz
  • Public Comment

 

Tuesday, May 15, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Marriott Houston South at Hobby Airport - 9100 Gulf Freeway 

  • Presentation by Aviation Director Mario Diaz
  • Public Comment
METRO Transit Academy

METROThe METRO Transit Academy will host up to 25 participants as they explore the complex relationship between transit, funding, economic development, and sustainability through seven interactive sessions.  By joining the academy, you will help improve the dialogue between METRO and the community, allowing METRO to continue building the world-class transit system our region deserves.

The METRO Transit Academy is an education program for emerging community leaders to enhance awareness about METRO, create partnerships with the community, and to develop transit advocacy in the Houston region.  

If you are interested in attending the METRO Transit Academy, you may apply online at RideMETRO.org. Applications for the June 6, 2012, session should be submitted no later than May 15.  There is no cost to participate, just the dedication to complete the program.   
Upcoming Events

Calendar2Please refer to the Community Events Calendar on our website for time, location and other event details
 
May 5
  • 2012 Sustainable Living Fest 
  • Cinco de Mayo
  • Memorial Hermann Southwest Spring Health Fair 
May 6
  • St. Frances de Sales Bazaar
May 7
  • Braeburn Super Neighborhood Meeting
May 8
  • AARP Chapter 50 Meeting
  • Hobby Airport Proposal - Community Meeting  
  • Sharpstown Rotary Club Meeting
May 9
  • Hobby Airport Proposal - Community Meeting

May 11  

May 12

  • 20th Annual Gulfton Parade & Festival
  • 25th Annual Art Car Parade 

May 13

  • Mother's Day

May 14

  • Early Voting begins for Texas Primary Election (through May 25) 

May 15

  • Hobby Airport Proposal - Community Meeting 
  • Sharpstown Rotary Club Meeting 

May 16

  • HPD Midwest PIP Meeting

May 17

  • Bike to Work Day -  Energy Corridor

May 18

  • Bike to Work Day - Texas Medical Center

May 19

  • Armed Forces Day
  • Houston Area Wood Carvers Club Meeting