The Thomas Telegraph | Vol. 7, Issue 20

Happy Halloween! Before you pass out candy or celebrate with your costume here are some updates you need to pay attention to:

Solid Waste
The citywide solid waste delay continues, and my office is actively working to help clear the backlog. There is no need to call or email other council offices—every district is addressing the same issue, and progress is being made. As of today, District F has over 300 open cases related to pick up (heavy trash, recycling), ranging from Westmont to Catalina Square and 300+ open cases on replacement bins.

When contacting any council office, please provide your 311-service number, not just a description of your concern. I raised this issue during City Council two weeks ago. It’s also important to note that these disruptions are directly tied to the reduction in Solid Waste’s workforce and fiscal budget. I voted against the FY26 budget because I anticipated this exact outcome. [Watch comments here]

A Solid Waste Management representative will attend Super Neighborhood 25 on Thursday, November 18 at 6:30 PM at the Alief Neighborhood Center to discuss current operations and the expected timeline for service restoration. Don’t just send emails and complain, attend the meeting, and ask meaningful questions.

Flock Cameras
Between 2021 and 2022, I approved 50 Flock safety cameras for installation across District F, and another five were added in 2024. However, my office has not received data or reports demonstrating their impact on crime or connection to public safety metrics since 2021/2022. Currently, District F pays $130,000 annually for the camera operations. I’ve repeatedly requested reports and updates (similar to the image below with September’s crime stats) with little response. As a result, I am considering canceling the 50 cameras, keeping the 5 remaining, and reallocating those funds toward infrastructure priorities such as panel replacements and sidewalk improvements. Please note that the International, Westchase, and Southwest Management Districts continue to maintain their own Flock coverage.

I’ll keep you informed and will share a community survey soon to gather your input on next steps.

Homelessness in District F
In partnership with West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM), my office is convening a roundtable of partners and community leaders who’ve expressed genuine concern about the growing unhoused population on the westside. Many of you lead with compassion and want to be part of a solution—especially in identifying a temporary, transitional housing option. Details will be shared after the meeting, and invitations will go out soon.

HOA / Civic Club Updates
If your HOA or civic club recently held elections, please help us update your contact information so we can communicate with the correct representatives.

Often, information sent to HOAs doesn’t reach all homeowners. Please ensure important updates—especially about solid waste, construction projects, and city services—are shared widely within your community.

SNAP Benefits and Holiday Support
With the federal government shutdown and the pause in SNAP benefits, we anticipate a ripple effect across our neighborhoods. My office is partnering with Alief ISD to sponsor 200 turkeys for families in need, and we’re also working with HISD to support residents on the east side of the district (Briarmeadow Charter, Emerson, and Piney Point). I’ll soon release a survey to better understand how many families in District F may be impacted. In the meantime, there are a number of faith-based partner organizations that are hosting large upcoming food distributions in partnership with the Houston Food Bank. Visit their dashboard to find food distribution sites based on your zip code.

Enjoy the weather, the holiday and of course the candy (don’t eat all the candy) and please be safe.

Remember there is an election, the numbers are LOW, please vote at Tracey Gee, HCC Bissonnet, Alief ISD Administration building or any early voting location TODAY or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th.

Before you head to the polls, take time to research what’s on your ballot—local offices, school board seats, constitutional amendments, and more. Staying informed helps you make confident decisions that reflect your values and your community’s needs.

Let’s make sure every registered voter in District F is ready to exercise their civic duty. We cannot afford to sit this election out.

Let’s keep the Westside, the best side.

Again, a Solid Waste Management representative will attend Super Neighborhood 25 on Thursday, November 18 at 6:30 PM at the Alief Neighborhood Center to discuss current operations and the expected timeline for service restoration. This is your opportunity to attend and ask meaningful questions.

If you are still without regular trash or recycling pickup, please:

• File a 311 case, and
• Forward your case number to [email protected]

If your entire subdivision needs servicing for regular trash or recycling pickup, please:

• File a 311 case, and
• Email Sarai stating that your subdivision needs servicing and include your subdivision name.
• Include photos if possible.

You can also find your trash and recycling schedule or check for updates by visiting the Solid Waste Management website and entering your address under “Service Updates”:
https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/

Council Member Thomas and the District F team are still working closely with HPD’s Midwest and Westside Divisions to implement targeted safety plans focused on identified crime “hot spots” across the district.

In case you missed it, here’s my full statement below:

Council Member Thomas attended meetings with Super Neighborhood 17, Ashford Park Section 6, and Brays Village East to connect directly with residents and community leaders on the Westside.

During each meeting, she shared updates on quality of life and public safety initiatives, highlighting the collaborative work between the District F office and the Houston Police Department. Council Member Thomas also discussed ongoing infrastructure projects currently in the queue, as well as upcoming agenda items at City Hall.

She emphasized the importance of residents serving as an extra set of eyes and ears for the community, and the critical role of reporting concerns to 311. Every report helps the District F office track, route, and follow up on service requests to ensure that neighborhood needs are addressed efficiently and effectively.

Council Member Thomas extends her thanks to all who participated and remains committed to open communication, collaboration, and action across District F.

We’re already looking forward to it returning next year.

Families will have the opportunity to pick up toys on behalf of their children, but they must register and receive confirmation before attending. It’s a fun and meaningful way to share the holiday spirit, support local families, and celebrate community togetherness.

Please complete the registration form.

We received an update today that that the repairs were completed on Saturday, October 25.

Remembering Barbara Quattro
SN25 and District F on Saturday, October 25 celebrated the life and legacy of Barbara Quattro, a beloved leader in Alief, at her crown jewel, the Alief Neighborhood Center with lovely tributes from family, friends and community advocates who knew her best.

At such a turbulent time in our nation, I appreciated the reminder to carry on the legacy and spirit of Barbara Quattro, someone who tirelessly fought for the change she wanted to see in her community.

District F was proud to sponsor Kona Ice at both events, adding another amazing touch to two great nights of community celebration. Thank you to HPD Westside, HPD Mid-West, and all the volunteers who made these events possible. When we come together for moments like these, we strengthen trust, build relationships, and keep District F’s family spirit alive.

City of Houston Youth Ambassadors
On October 22, I had the pleasure of speaking to youth of the future at the recent City of Houston Youth Ambassadors meeting.

In case you weren’t aware, The City of Houston Championing Change Youth Ambassadors is a civic engagement and youth leadership program for youth ages 13-18. The ambassadors work to advance children’s rights and ensure youth voice is considered in the City of Houston’s programs and decision-making.

Many asked wonderful questions and will make great leaders someday.

Sign up here for general Volunteer Team opportunities.

Sign up here for our Volunteer Translation Team to assist with outreach and ensure all voices in our diverse district are heard.

Together, we can strengthen and support District F!

Alief Super Neighborhood Council Monthly Meetings
Hurricane Beryl Disaster Recovery Free Home Repairs
Ibn Sina Avicena Clinics Child and Parental Health Services

Obtain additional information about permits by contacting Houston Public Works (HPW) via 311, or by visiting their Permitting Center website at www.houstonpermittingcenter.org. If you have further questions about any permits, please contact the Code Enforcement Group at 832-394-9000.