A World of Opportunity...

...is literally right at our doorstep.

A few days ago I answered a questionnaire that asked the following question: "What aspect of Houston do you like most?" Without hesitation, I answered that I most like the people of Houston. That is particularly true of District J. Many of you have heard me refer to District J as being the Ellis Island of Houston as evidenced by our ethnic and cultural diversity. Well, it seems that our neighborhoods are not only home to families from the four corners of the globe - we are a tourist destination spot as well.

This past week it was my pleasure to welcome, and present a Mayoral Proclamation to, a delegation of students from the National Central University of Taiwan. The six students were hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). TECO, whose Cultural Center is located just north of District J on West Center Street, provides consular, business development, and cultural services to the many Taiwanese ex-patriots and Americans of Taiwanese descent living in Houston. The students, pictured here with their chaperone and Edward Chen of TECO, had just arrived that morning. During the next two weeks, they plan to visit Austin, San Antonio and Dallas prior to traveling to Kansas. Each student looked forward to learning more about the USA through the prism of Texas and the Midwest. Most of them are studying business and economics. They voiced their hope in gaining direct insight into Houston's business environment and desire to leave Houston with good business connections.

District J, with its rich cultural heritage, ethnic diversity, and multilingual expertise, is in the position of leading the Houston region in international economic development. We certainly are good at welcoming visitors and business partners. We can take advantage of these opportunities by working to beautify and clean our communities thereby making them more attractive and inviting and by challenging our schools to become the envy of Houston.

As our student guests continue their journey, I know you will join me in wishing them safe travels and in saying... "Y'all come back soon!"

9/11 Heroes Run Houston

This past Saturday, September 7, the Travis Munion Foundation hosted the 9/11 Heroes Run Houston to raise money for local first responder, military, and veteran nonprofits as well as the Travis Munion Foundation Challenge Grants, which provide veterans and families of fallen service members by providing camaraderie, transition assistance, grief support, and education through service-based initiatives.

The run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11, 2001, and in the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian, and military. 

If you would to make a donation to honor the fallen, please click here.  

30th Annual National Night Out

The 30th Annual Night Out  (NNO) is around the corner - Tuesday, October 1 from 6 to 9 pm. Your District J office and the Houston Police Department want to know if your community has any plans for an NNO gathering. This year's theme is "Giving Neighborhood Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party."

NNO is a crime and drug use prevention event created by the National Association of Town Watch. The goal is to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. One of the best ways to deter crime in your neighborhood is to meet your neighbors and become familiar with the people who live near you. Many communities host block parties and BBQ's as an easy way to meet and greet their neighbors.  

To let your District J office know about your community's plans for NNO, you can email us at DistrctJ@houstontx.gov or call us at 832-393-3015. We also encourage you to register your neighborhood with your nearest HPD station.

• South Gessner Division - Officer Daniel Mendoza, 832-597-5605
• Midwest Division - Officer Joe Vasquez, 713-735-2062
• Southwest Division - Officer Ronald Price, 713-433-2720
• Westside Division - Officer Andra Sterns, 713-773-7000 

Bike Safety Tips from Texas Crime Prevention Association 

With school back in session, many students are choosing to ride their bikes to campus. Many District J residents are also riding their bikes to get some exercise and save gas money. In order to stay safe there are rules you have to follow: 

• You are not alone out there, and you have to be careful. 
• You have to watch out for other bike riders, pedestrians, motorists and animals. 
• You can avoid most accidents just by using your head and plain common sense. 

Here are some tips provided by the Texas Crime Prevention Association:

• Always wear a helmet. You should check for proper fit. If it's too loose it won't protect you. You can get extra padding to tighten it up from a local bike shop.
• Wear clothes that fit properly. Loose clothes can easily get snagged in bike wheels and gears, causing injury. Make sure shoes laces are tied. Installing a chain guard can also help prevent snags.
• You should avoid riding after dark, but if you must, remember the easier it is for motorists to see you, the safer you are. Wear bright light colored clothing and install reflectors on your bike and helmet. Mount a headlight to the front of the bike and make sure all lights are functioning properly before heading out. If they aren't, don't ever chance it!
• Remember your bike is a vehicle on the road and is subject to traffic laws. When riding on the road, you should go the SAME direction as traffic but stay as close to the right hand side of the road as you safely can. Use proper hand signals when turning or coming to a stop. Stop at every red light and stop sign.
• If you are riding on a sidewalk or bike/walk path, you should stay to the right and yield to pedestrians. You should get off your bike and walk it across streets at crosswalks. Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the roadway.
• If you have to carry items with you, it is best to wear a backpack or use a basket on your bike. You should keep your hands free for steering.
• Keep your bike in good condition. It should properly adjust to fit you and the tires should be fully inflated to the recommended PSI. The brakes should also be in good working order.
• When not riding, be sure to secure your bike with a lock to prevent theft.

For more information on bicycle safety and other safety and crime prevention tips, please visit the Texas Crime Prevention Association website. 

METRO Transit Academy

It's back! METRO is excited to begin recruitment for Class IV of the METRO Transit Academy. The Transit Academy program is designed to enhance awareness about METRO, create partnerships with the community and to develop a platform for transit advocacy efforts in the Houston region. 

METRO Transit Academy is a transit education program for emerging community leaders. A key component of the program is for participants to take their new knowledge and put it to use by designing individual action plans to implement in their community.

Applications are due no later than Friday, September 13. Students must live or work in the Houston METRO region and be able to participate in all sessions. They must demonstrate leadership ability and commitment to make future contributions to transportation, community development, healthy living, and improving the quality of life in Houston.

If you would like to learn more about the METRO Transit Academy or submit an application, please visit the METRO Transit Academt webpage.