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

Friday, June 29, 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


Hurricane Season Resources

Hurricane Symbol







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


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Happy 4th of July!  

 

FireworksI can't believe that we are already about to begin the month of July. Its approach seems to surprise me every year. If the calendar itself is not direct evidence that we are at mid-year point, then the rising Summer temperatures surely are. With the rise in temperature comes family vacation trips, outdoor fun, and of course -- the 4th of July. It has always been one of my favorite holidays. For me, the holiday always conjures childhood memories of fireworks stands, barbeque, mom's hand cranked vanilla ice cream, small town parades and rodeos. Good memories. Good times.

 

I am sure you and your loved ones have special memories of the day and plans to make July 4th, 2012 memorable as well. However you choose to celebrate it - outside with bands, parades, cookouts, trips to the lake or the pool, or inside underneath the air-conditioner with your favorite beverage - do take time to remember why we celebrate:liberty and freedom, which has been purchased with the high cost of the lives of brave men and women. Independence Day is our time to remember our proud history and look with hope to the future we continue to build together. Despite our 236 year history America continues to be a young idea.

 

As you and yours celebrate, I wish you a fun, safe, memorable and happy 4th of July.

 

Mike Laster - signature 

- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J   

Freedom Over Texas - City of Houston 4th of July Celebration

Freedom Over Texas logo
Help Houston celebrate our nation's birthday on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Eleanor Tinsley Park and along Allen Parkway, Houston 77002. The event will feature country music artists Billy Currington and Sara Evans on the Freedom Stage and will culminate with spectacular fireworks lighting up the downtown skyline. For more details visit www.freedomovertexas.org.

Your help is needed to make this year's celebration the best yet! Volunteers may attend the celebration for free and will also receive free parking, a t-shirt, sponsor hat, refreshments and more! Please sign up at www.houstontx.gov/july4/volunteer.html.

Free and 1/2 price tickets are available online until midnight July 3 courtesy of Reliant at www.freedomovertexas.org. Admission at the gate on July 4th is $8 per person. Children five and under are free.

For tickets and parking information, visit www.freedomovertexas.org.
Hurricane Preparation for Pets

Bonny & Jack Nishioka
Bonny & Jack say, "Don't forget about us!"
Don't forget to include your pets when making your severe weather and hurricane preparations and plans. 

Before a tropical storm or hurricane develops, evaluate your supplies and equipment:
  • Identification:  Your pets should have an ID tag with your current contact information on it.  Also make sure your veterinarian has your current contact information on file.  Consider microchiping your pet to help you reunite with your pet in case his collar gets lost if you are separated.
  • Equipment:  Leashes, harnesses, and muzzles for larger dogs.  Crates, cages or carriers for smaller dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small pets.  Make sure all equipment is in good condition and that your emergency phone number is written on them in permanent ink. *      
  • Supplies:  Be sure to keep enough food and water (and bowls) for your pets to last at least three days.  If you have a cat, also keep a supply of litter and litter box that can fit into your cat's carrier or enclosure.  Other useful items include towels, blankets, newspapers, trash bags, hand sanitizer, and a few toys.  Don't forget a first-aid kit and extra medications.
  • Information:  Keep your pet's medical records and vet's contact information in a waterproof document bag or gallon freezer bag.  Include phone numbers for an emergency contact outside of your area in case you need to temporarily evacuate or relocate after the storm.   

If you choose to evacuate, take all your pets and make sure they are safely contained and secured in your vehicle with your supplies and equipment.     

 

If you choose to "hunker down," bring your pets indoors and confine them in a small, comfortable area away from windows where you can easily reach them.  Keep them leashed or in carriers if possible.  

 

After the storm, keep your pets confined while you check your home and property for damage and hazards.  Broken glass, roofing nails, and other debris are dangers to paws, and damaged fences or windows could allow escape, or stray animals in.  If your area has experienced flooding, sewage may also be a danger.   

 

Disruption of regular routines is stressful on people and pets alike.  If you notice behavior changes, loss of appetite, or other signs of stress that persist or become worrisome, contact your vet.    

 

For more information on disaster planning and preparation for pets, please visit the following links:

 

*Consider training your dog to walk quietly on a leash.  Cats and other small animals should be familiarized with carriers.   

Local Recycling Center Now Accepts Polystyrene Foam
  
Recyling Event
L to R: Mayor Parker, Graeme Burnett of Total Petrochemicals, and Council Members Laster and Adams.

The City of Houston's Westpark Consumer Recycling Center now accepts polystyrene foam blocks (also called styrofoam) thanks to a generous donation of a Polymax 1500 from Total Petrochecmicals & Refining USA.    

The polystyrene foam will be compacted and recycled (reused) by a certified recycling partner. The recycling partner will collect the material and deliver it to market users who develop products based on recycled plastics.     

In addition to polystyrene foam blocks, the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center also accepts the following materials:

  • BOPA ( Batteries, Oil, Latex Paint and Antifreeze)
  • Cardboard
  • Catalogs
  • Computers & Computer Equipment
  • Glass bottles and Jars (presorted by color preferred: clear, green and brown)
  • Home Office Paper
  • Magazines & Shopping Catalogs
  • Metal Coat Hangars
  • Microwaves
  • Newspaper
  • Oil Filters
  • Plastics #1-#5 and #7 (toys, flower pots, or plastic furniture are not accepted)
  • Plastics Grocery Bags & Clear Plastic Film (includes shrink wrap and dry cleaner bags; remove all paper tags and receipts)
  • Residential Electronic Scrap (small electrical appliances)
  • Steel cans
  • Styrofoam Blocks (no Styrofoam cups, food trays or peanuts,; no rubber or foam sheets)
  • Telephone Books
  • Tin cans
  • Tires (car tires; maximum of 10/customer/month)
  • TVs
  • Unwanted mail
For more information on the City of Houston's Recycling Programs and Center, please visit the Solid Waste Management Department website
Auto Theft & Burglary Prevention

Auto TheftThe HPD Gulfton Storefront hosted a Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meeting featuring Sgt. Craig Newman of the Houston Police Auto Theft Division giving advice and tips on preventing and deterring auto theft and burglary of a motor vehicle (BMV).   

 

It doesn't matter how new or old your car is.  Thieves look for cars and trucks that can be resold quickly or stripped for parts.  Thieves are looking for a opportunity and are less likely to target vehicles that will require more work to steal.   

  • Take your keys.  Half of all vehicles stolen in Texas (about 50,0000 annually) are the result of drivers leaving the keys in the ignition.   
  • Lock your car.  Approximately half of all stolen vehicles were left unlocked.   
  • NEVER hide a spare set of keys in your car.  An experienced thief knows where people hide their keys.   
  • Park in well-lit areas.  Thieves prefer unattended lots and dark areas.   
  • If you use valet services, only leave your ignition key.  Don't give a parking attendant easy access to your glove box or trunk.  Upon returning to your vehicle, check to make sure your tires, spare, and battery are the same as when you parked.    
  • Close your windows completely when parked.
  • Don't leave belongings in sight.  Thieves don't care if something in your car is worth $0.05 or $500.  If you must leave belongings, hide them from sight.    
  • Do not keep your vehicle registration, insurance documents, mail, or personal papers in the glove box.  In Texas, you will not be asked to produce your vehicle registration by law enforcement officials.  Many documents contain personal information that thieves can use to steal your identity or burglarize your home.   
  • Avoid leaving your garage door opener in your car.  A thief can use it to gain entry to your home.

Above all, practice awareness and common sense safety.  Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.   

 

Fore more tips on vehicle safety and auto theft and burglary prevention, please visit the Texas Department of Transportation's website www.txwatchyourcar.com

6th Annual Hip Hop for HIV Awareness

Hip Hip for HIV AwarenessJoin the Houston Department of Health and Human Services and their community partners for the 6th Annual Hip Hop for HIV Awareness.  This year's events will be happening at two locations:

  • Greenspoint Mall: July 9 - July 12, 10am - 6pm
  • Sharpstown High School: July 30 - August 2, 10am - 5pm

Every 60 seconds, a person is diagnosed with HIV.  HIV is one of the leading causes of death in many communities throughout the Houston area.  In addition to HIV and AIDS education, free testing for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases will be available to youth and young adults.    

 

This sixth annual event has received national recognition and honors, and last year's efforts marked Houston's HIP HOP for HIV Awareness event as the single largest HIV/STD testing initiative in the United States.  Raising awareness of these very serious infections is the main objective of the event. 

 

For more information on Hip Hop for HIV Awareness, please visit www.hiphopforhiv.com.  

HPD Update: Suspect Arrested in Sexual Assault Investigation

On Tuesday, June 19, HPD sent a press release announcing they have arrested a suspect in the sexual assault of three women in the Mills Apartments in the Westwood Area.  Sedric Lynn Johnson is charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault and four counts of aggravated robbery. 

The original press release may be found here

The District J office thanks our constituents for their vigilance and cooperation during the investigation. 
Upcoming Events

Calendar2Please refer to the Community Events Calendar on our website for time, location and other event details

New events are added every week.  Be sure to check in often!

July 2 

  • Braeburn Super Neighborhood Meeting
July 3
  • Sharpstown Rotary Club   

July 4

  • Independence Day  
  • Freedom Over Texas July 4th Celebration
  • Neighborhood Centers Inc.Baker Ripley's 4th of July Celebration  
July 5
  • AARP Chapter 4418 Meeting  

July 7

  • "Alice In Wonderland" at HBU

July 9

  • Hip Hop for HIV Prevention (Greenspoint Mall) 
  • IMD Long Range Strategic Planning Committee Meeting

July 10

  • AARP Chapter 50 Meeting  
  • Bellaire Boulevard Reconstruction - 1st Public Meeting (for RESIDENTS)  
  • Brays Oaks Management District - Bi-Monthly Breakfast
  • Citywide PIP Meeting
  • Hip Hop for HIV Prevention (Greenspoint Mall)
  • Sharpstown Rotary Club  
July 11
  • Baker Ripley Community Area Service Provider meeting  
  • Hip Hop for HIV Prevention (Greenspoint Mall)
  • Sharpstown Super Neighborhood Council Meeting  

July 12

  • "Alice In Wonderland" at HBU  
  • Bellaire Boulevard Reconstruction - 2nd Public Meeting
  • Hip Hop for HIV Prevention (Greenspoint Mall)  

July 13

  • "Alice In Wonderland" at HBU