The Thomas Telegraph | Vol. 6, Issue 18 – October 4, 2024

National Suicide Awareness Month:
Last week, our community experienced a heartbreaking loss with a suicide at Walter E. Rasmus Park near Piney Point, just as we were concluding National Suicide Prevention Month. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but please remember there is support available. If you or someone you know is struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. Help is always available.

Public Safety and Enforcement:
I recently met with the Houston Police Department (HPD) Vice Division to address concerns regarding poker clubs in the eastern part of the district, particularly near Tanglewilde, Westmont, and Briarmeadow. HPD is committed to stepping up enforcement at identified establishments, and I will share updates following the Public Safety Committee’s review of these efforts in the coming months. Your emails and feedback during civic club meetings have been invaluable.

Homelessness Outreach:
The District F team met with the Coalition for the Homeless to discuss their ongoing work and develop a targeted outreach strategy for the west side of the district. While several locations have been decommissioned, we are co-creating a disaster response plan with organizations like West Houston Assistance Ministries to better support those experiencing homelessness. This collaboration will allow us to deliver direct services more efficiently.

Faith & Affordable Housing Summit:
Next Saturday, October 12, I’m hosting the inaugural Faith and Affordable Housing Summit at First Methodist – Westchase. If you are a faith leader interested in advancing affordable housing for your community, I encourage you to join us. Spaces are limited, so please RSVP by October 9, 2024.

Election 2024:
Election season is fast approaching, and District F historically has one of thelowest voter turnouts. Let’s change that this year by ensuring everyone is informed and prepared to vote. Here’s what you need to know:

Voter ID Requirements: Make sure your photo ID is current. It is required in Texas to vote.

Voter Registration: The deadline to register to vote is October 7, 2024. Verify your voter status and check your polling location for Harris County orFort Bend County.

Voter Information: Stay informed by using trusted, non-partisan sources such as the League of Women Voters and Texas Secretary of State.

Voter Activation: Plan to vote early. Creating a voting plan ensures you are ready.

Additionally, keep an eye out for the Houston ISD bond referendum and theAlief ISD VATRE referendum on your ballot. Be sure to review the financial implications of these measures and attend community meetings to stay informed.

Heritage Events:
October 7-8: Explore East Downtown with Mister McKinney’s Historic Houston Tour. This free event, courtesy of Constellation Energy, begins at 212 Dallas Street. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

October 19: Join us at the Houston Filipino Street Festival at 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land, TX. Kids under 7 are free, and parking is also free.

November 4: Save the date for the Dia de los Muertos Festival and Parade at Sam Houston Park. This free public event honors late President Kennedy and other Houstonians depicted in the mural.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please don’t just wear pink—schedule your exam today. Early detection saves lives. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s after discovering a mass through a self-exam. I’ve scheduled my exam for this month—have you?

Please be advised that a Notice To Proceed has been issued for mill and overlay along Kinney Rd, between South Dr and Bissonnet St. Construction has been scheduled to commence on October 15, 2024, and is anticipated to end by November 15, 2024. This work Authorization will take 32 days to be completed. The project contractor is Grava, LLC. This project will not disrupt the newly installed speed cushions.

Our office is collaborating with Houston Public Works (HPW) to address traffic and parking challenges on Hullsmith St. and Westheimer Rd. City engineers have developed a preliminary concept aimed at enhancing the street right-of-way and introducing parallel parking, which will help alleviate congestion caused by head-in parking. We look forward to sharing these options with the community soon and welcome your feedback. Stay tuned for updates!

Our office is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Remove/Replace Sidewalks project on Ashling Dr., originally submitted in 2022. This initiative was designed to address identified trip hazards and repair severely damaged sidewalk sections, ensuring compliance with ADA standards by installing accessible ramps. The project, which cost $60,000, enhances pedestrian safety and mobility for all residents.