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Coming Together for Good...
This past Tuesday evening I was pleased to join the parents of Betty Best Elementary School, representatives of The Metropolitan Organization and members of the Westwood community to talk about how best to combat crime and prostitution in the Westwood area. We were joined by representatives of the City's Multi-Family Habitability Department, S.E.A.L Security firm, Houston Police Department's Westwood command staff, Alief I.S.D. Police personnel and local church and civic representatives. Each of the groups shared concerns and commitments to work together in combating crime in the Westwood area.
I am pleased to relay that just this week, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan has filed suit against the Plainfield Inn located at 9638 Plainfield in the Westwood community, a location notorious for prostitution in the area. The lawsuit is a cooperative effort between the Harris County Attorney's Office and the Greater Sharpstown Management District to secure an injunction against the operators of the facility requiring them to better secure, clean up, and take effective steps to prevent prostitution at the property. Within the past year Ryan's office and the GSMD have undertaken several lawsuits designed to shut down criminal nuisance activity across District J.
I want to thank the County Attorney's Office, the Greater Sharpstown Management District, and the Houston Police Department for their efforts to make Westwood safer for the families and businesses that call that neighborhood home.
Thanks for a Job Well Done . . .
This past Wednesday, community leaders gathered for this month's Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meeting at HPD's Midwest Command Station in the Regency Square area. During the meeting we thanked Captain Jennifer Evans for her service as the command officer of the Midwest Command staff. I know you will join me in wishing her well with her new assignment.
Be Safe . . .
As we approach the end of May and the coming Memorial Day Weekend many of us will be on the road to graduations, family gatherings or much needed vacations. I wish you all pleasant journeys and safe travels.
- Mike Laster, Council Member - District J
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Sharpstown High School Theatre Department Needs Your Help
 The Sharpstown High Theatre Department is in need of building materials and tools. Julio Morales, Theatre Director, has started a "Donors Choose" page where people can donate funds to their technical theatre tool project. If you are interested in helping the SHS Theatre Depart or learning more about their classroom projects, please click here. |
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District J Spotlight: 21st Annual Gulfton Festival & Parade - May 18
 Gulfton Citizen's Advisory Council, Gulfton Youth Development, and the Houston Police Department's Gulfton Storefront invite you to the 21st Annual Gulfton Festival and Parade sponsored by Kroger.
The parade begins at 11am on Saturday, May 18, and will travel along Gulfton from Benavidez Elementary to the festival located at Burnett Bayland Park, 6200 Chimney Rock, Houston, Texas 77081.
The Gulfton Citizen's Advisory Council is made up of members of the Gulfton Community whose goal is to raise funds to support The Gulfton Houston Police Department Storefront.
Please visit www.gulftonfestival.org or email gulftonfestival@gmail.com for more information. |
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Houston Food Bank "Empty Bowls Houston" - May 18
 The Houston Food bank and its partners are proud to present the 9th Annual Empty Bowls Houston this Saturday, May 18 at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Empty Bowls is a grassroots effort by artists and craftspeople in cities and towns across the country to feed the hungry in their communities. Empty Bowls Houston is presented by Whole Foods Market and implemented locally by Houston-area ceramists and artists working in various media, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and Houston Food Bank.
For a minimum $25 donation, attendees have the pleasure of selecting a bowl from hundreds of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted bowls donated by Houston area ceramists and craft artists, then receive a simple lunch of soup donated by Whole Foods Market and freshly prepared by Houston Food Bank Community Kitchen. The empty bowls serve as a reminder of all the empty bowls in our community and around the world.
Pottery and woodturning demonstrations and live music will be featured.
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Reminder: Memorial Day - May 27
 City of Houston offices, including your District J office, will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, May 28.
Additionally, the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council will not meet that Monday.
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"Ready or Not" 2013 Hurricane Workshop - June 1
 The annual Houston/Galveston National Weather Service Hurricane Workshop aims to prepare residents for hurricane season through presentations, interactive exhibits, hurricane forecasting and more. This free event is family-friendly and open to the public. The workshop is the largest of its kind in the nation with more than 2,500 attendees each year.
Saturday June 1, 2013.
George R. Brown Convention Center - Hall D
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission is free!
Register now at: hurricaneworkshop.com
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Summer Fun
 Don't wait until it's too late! Many summer camp and program registrations are still accepting applications.
The Houston Zoo's Camp Zoofari offers classes for ages 4-12 years. This summer will feature some new and exciting topics and bring back a few of the classics that your campers love!
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Upcoming Events
 Please refer to the Community Events Calendar on our website for the time, location and other event details.
New events are added every week. Be sure to check in often!
May 18
- 9th Annual Empty Bowls Houston
- Catholic Charities Citizens Workshop
- ECHOS Monthly Food Fair
- Gulfton Festival & Parade
- Houston Wood Carvers
May 20
- Brays Bayou Association Meeting
May 21
- Braeburn PIP Meeting
- Sharpstown Rotary Club
May 23
- ExxonMobil's Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040 with William Colton
- International District Board of Directors Meeting
- Sharpstown Civic Association Meeting
- Southwest Houston 2000's Crime Prevention Meeting
May 25
- Visakha Puja/Buddha Day (Buddhist)
May 27
- Memorial Day - City Offices Closed
May 28
- Alief Super Neighborhood Meeting
- Sharpstown Rotary Club
May 29
- Consolidated Council Session
- John F. Kennedy's Birthday
June 1
- Asia Society Texas: Across Oceans: APERIO, Music of the Americas Performs Music by Thomas Osborne
- "Ready Or Not" 2013 Hurricane Workshop
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