Dear District K Friends,

Happy February! This month, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor and reflect on the incredible contributions of Black Americans throughout history. From civil rights leaders to educators, entrepreneurs, and beyond, the legacy of resilience, creativity, and community-building continues to inspire us all.

This month, let’s come together to uplift one another and continue pushing for progress in every corner of our district. Whether it’s through attending local events, learning about the impactful leaders in our community, or simply connecting with neighbors, there are many ways we can all celebrate.

As your councilmember, I am committed to ensuring that District K remains a place where every resident feels valued, heard, and empowered. Let’s keep the momentum going by supporting each other, embracing our shared history, and working towards a brighter future.

Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this February one to remember!

In Service

Martha
 

Protecting Our Neighborhoods: The Donation Box Ordinance

This week, KPRC Local 2 highlighted an issue and the impact of donation boxes in our city. You can check out the full story here: KPRC Local 2 Story.

This is a great time to remind the public about the City of Houston’s Donation Box Ordinance. One of the main reasons I championed the Ordinance was to prevent unauthorized boxes from popping up on private property and stopping the illegal dumping that often happens in the vicinity of these boxes. Several residents helped to get this ordinance on the books. Working with Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and community stakeholders to develop a clear ordinance that would regulate where these donation boxes can be placed and ensure they’re properly maintained was our goal. The ordinance is already in place and is designed to hold operators accountable and give property owners the power to have unauthorized boxes removed.

To learn more about the Donation Box Ordinance, here’s a link to the official document: Administration and Regulatory Affairs (ARA) web page

When you see these boxes around the city you can determine if they are permitted by locating the current sticker on front of the box. The current permit stickers are orange. Depending on when the box was permitted last year they may still have a yellow sticker on it.
You can report any unpermitted boxes to 311. Please contact our office and let us know of any concerns you may see in the community with these donation boxes. I can definitely tell the difference in our district since we started permitting the boxes. I’m proud that we’ve taken this important step to protect our neighborhoods and businesses. Together, we’re creating a cleaner, safer Houston for all.

#DistrictK #CleanStateofMind #ProtectingNeighborhoods
 

A New Chapter for Simon Minchen Park:
A Place to Grow and Connect
We’re excited to share the amazing transformation of Simon Minchen Park, now a $2.2M space full of life and possibilities. With upgraded playgrounds, better drainage, new lighting, cozy benches, and beautiful walking trails, this park is more than just a place to visit—it’s a true community hub.

This project shows what we can do when we come together and invest in our neighborhoods. Huge thanks to everyone who played a part in this journey, from the passionate residents to the city leaders who made this vision a reality. Because of them, we now have a space where families can enjoy quality time, neighbors can connect, and memories will be made for years to come.

#SimonMinchenPark #CommunityPride #NewBeginnings #DistrictK #ParksMatter#GoodbyeMadco #TIRZ25 #TIRZ9 #5CornersManagementDistrict
 

District K’s Successful Community Shred Days: Thank You to All!
We just wrapped up not one, but two successful Community Shred Days here in District K, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout! It was fantastic to see so many neighbors come out to safely dispose of sensitive documents and protect their personal information.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped make these events run smoothly—you made everything possible! Your time and effort truly made a difference. And, of course, a big thanks to Westbury United Methodist Church and Ridgemont Community Center for hosting us as well as everyone who participated. It’s great to see our community working together to stay safe and secure.

We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect and make a positive impact in District K!
 

Westridge Regional Lift Station
We’re excited to provide an update on the Westridge Regional Lift Station project! Things are moving along smoothly, and we’re still on schedule for completion by Winter 2025. Crews are busy demolishing outdated lift stations, retiring old wastewater lines, and making final restorations to improve the infrastructure for our community.

We truly appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we work to make these essential upgrades. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the finish line!

Thank you for staying connected and for being a vital part of this progress!

#DistrictKInfrastructure #KeepDistrictKMoving
 

Exciting Roadwork Coming to Hiram Clarke
Heads up, Hiram Clarke! We’ve got some important improvements coming your way. Starting February 21, 2025, crews will be working on the removal and replacement of concrete panels along Hiram Clarke and US 90. This project is all about making your commute smoother and safer, with the work expected to be completed by March 2025.

We know roadwork can sometimes cause a little inconvenience, but these upgrades are a step toward better roads for everyone in our community. We’re excited for the long-term benefits and appreciate your patience as the work gets underway.

Stay tuned for more updates and let’s look forward to a smoother ride through Hiram Clarke soon!

#DistrictKInfrastructure #KeepDistrictKMoving
 

Sidewalks and Ramps Coming to Trail Lake Dr.
Exciting things are happening in District K! We’re gearing up for the removal and replacement of sidewalks and the installation of new ramps along Trail Lake Dr., stretching from Stancliff St. toPlayer St. in the Keswick Place/Ramblewood Park neighborhood. This project is all about making our streets safer and more accessible for everyone—from kids heading to school to neighbors out for a stroll.

Work is expected to kick off by mid-February and should be wrapped up in March 2025. We’re thrilled to see improvements like these coming to our community, making it a more connected and walkable place for all.

Thank you to everyone for your patience as this important work gets underway. We can’t wait to see the finished product and the positive impact it will have on our neighborhood!

#DistrictKInfrastructure #KeepDistrictKMoving
 

Spring Village Demolition Update
Work is happening on site today. Before the demolition can take place the site has the be abated. Temporary power poles have been installed to do the work and the permit was approved on last Friday.

CenterPoint will install the meters and then we should be able to begin the abatement process this week. Once the abatement process is complete the actual demolition will follow six weeks later. I recognize this has been a lengthy process but we are making progress.

Brighter days are ahead for these 6 acres and our community.

#DistrictK #SpringVillage
 

Madison High School Boys 4×50
Relay Team Makes History!
History in the making! Huge congratulations to the Madison Boys 4×50 freestyle relay team for advancing to the Region V-5A swim meet—a first for the Madison aquatics program!

This incredible relay team—Deon Edwards, Avery Jelks, Austin Reeves, and Taylor Bennings—is making a splash and proving that hard work, dedication, and teamwork can break barriers. Competing at this level is no small feat, and their achievement marks an exciting milestone for Madison’s swim program.

Let’s cheer them on as they dive into their next challenge! The best is yet to come!
 

A Night to Remember: Celebrating
30 Years of Service
I’m still smiling after the incredible 10th Annual Awards Banquet hosted by the South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition, celebrating 30 years of service! The event truly embodied the power of coming together as a “community of one” to honor the incredible efforts that continue to uplift and strengthen our neighborhoods.

It was an absolute pleasure to connect with so many amazing community members and celebrate this year’s award recipients. The evening was made even more meaningful by our guest speaker, Former Police Chief Troy Finner, who reminded us of the power of love and the importance of always doing what’s right as we work toward community unity.

A huge congratulations to this year’s well-deserving award winners:

🏆 CEMEX

🏆 George Anderson

🏆 New Faith Church: Dr. Andre J. Lewis, Senior Pastor

🏆 Vivian Harris

Honestly, everyone who filled the room deserved an award—District K was buzzing with engagement and leadership! Special thanks to Reggie Harris of the Department of Neighborhoods for being with us, and it’s always a joy to have my parents alongside me at our community events. A big shout-out to the Banquet Committee and Board Members for organizing such a memorable celebration.

Together, we’re creating a lasting legacy of unity, service, and excellence!

#CommunityOfOne #SHCCC #30YearsOfService #AwardBanquet #DistrictK
 

Fort Bend ISD Expands Support to Willowridge High School and Nearby Campuses
Great news for the Willowridge High School community! Fort Bend ISD is partnering with community members to expand a volunteer literacy tutoring initiative that will now include Willowridge High School and the four campuses under it, starting from Blue Ridge-Briargate Elementary School. This exciting expansion will offer even more students the chance to receive the support they need to improve their literacy skills.

At the January 29th FBISD Board meeting, board members approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Super Neighborhood 41, outlining the district’s role in providing Title I funding to support the volunteer program across these campuses.

These schools, which have historically performed below the district’s academic average, have been a key topic of discussion among community members and the district. According to Jareth Jordan, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, this partnership is a major step forward in addressing those challenges and working toward greater success.

We are excited to see how this collaboration will benefit students and the entire Willowridge High School community.

Read the entire story here:
 

10th Annual Diversity of Champions Awards
Join us as we celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations at the 10th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards. Hosted by the Office of Business Opportunity in honor of their 40 years of service, this service, this special event recognizes those championing diversity and creating opportunities in our community.

Event Details

Date: February 17, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010

Presented by the Office of Business Opportunity Advisory Board, this event is a must-attend for advocates, business leaders, and community partners committed to diversity and inclusion.

Check out this link: City of Houston OBO Advisory Board 10th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Luncheon – Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
 

You’re Invited to Celebrate Black History Month with Houston Public Library
Houston Public Library is excited to announce a series of events in celebration of Black History Month, offering you an opportunity to engage with and honor the rich cultural legacy and contributions of Black Americans. From creative writing workshops to cultural performances and thought-provoking author talks, HPL invites all to participate in these free, enriching activities throughout February. Space is limited, so register today!

Featured Events Include: 

•    Documentary Screening: Black Lives Matter in Latin America: This documentary focuses on Black activism in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Cuba, showing the importance of challenging state-led violence against Black people.

Saturday, February 1 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus 

•    Author Talk with Dr. Wendy Okolo: Dr. Okolo shares her memoir Learn to Fly: On Becoming a Rocket Scientist.

Tuesday, February 4 | Central Library

•    Words of Defiance: How Black Newspapers Amplified Labor Justice and Social Change: Marquel Sennet discusses how black media shaped the African American labor movement during times of racial tension. 

Saturday, February 8 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus 

•    Get to Know an Architect: John S. Chase: Learn about this trailblazing Black architect that has over 200 sets of his drawings housed at our research center. 

Saturday, February 13 | Online Only

•    After Dark: The Labor of Love: Join therapist and relationship expert, Dr. Kyee Young, who will guide us through modern day love and a special viewing of the Reverend William Lawson Love Letters. 

Friday, February 14 | African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus

•    Cultural Connections: Celebration of our community’s rich diversity with food, fun activities, and cultural performances for all ages. 

Saturday, February 15 | Johnson Neighborhood Library

These are just a few of the events happening throughout the month. Additional activities include storytelling sessions, film screenings, and community gatherings, all designed to foster appreciation and understanding of Black culture. 

•    African American Read-Ins (multiple dates) will take place across various libraries in Houston, including Stella Link, Blue Ridge, Smith, and Central Library. A celebration of Black literature with readings from influential Black authors.

•    Black Poetry Readings (Feb 10, 20, 22) and Relax & Write Workshops (Feb 8, 18), as well as an African American Archives Tour (Feb 22) held at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus. 

For event registration, visit houstonlibrary.org/events or follow HPL’s social media for updates and highlights. 
 

Rodeo Parking Update:
No Buses on North Stadium Drive!
Great news, everyone! As we look ahead to the 2025 Rodeo and festivities, we’re excited to share that there will be NO buses on North Stadium Drive during the event. Even better, this is now part of the annual standard operating procedure, meaning no more buses blocking your block for future Rodeo events!

We heard the concerns raised before the 2024 show, especially from residents in the 7800 (nursing home), 7900, and 7950 (senior citizen condo complex) blocks of North Stadium Drive. Those large buses, which typically bring guests to the Rodeo and pre-Rodeo events, were causing some inconvenience by parking along the street.

The Rodeo adjusted their operational plan last year, and during the event, no buses were staged on North Stadium Drive, except for a brief one-hour period on the first day. That issue was quickly addressed, and since then, no buses have staged there.

Moving forward, this no-bus plan is now part of their standard routine, so you can rest easy knowing that buses will not be an issue during future Rodeo events!

We look forward to a smooth and enjoyable 2025 Rodeo season!
 

High School Students:
Get Ready for Academic WorldQuest
Attention, high school students—your moment to shine is here! Academic WorldQuest, the ultimate global knowledge competition, is back and this year it’s being held at the Home of the Houston Astros! Imagine testing your global knowledge in one of Houston’s most iconic venues!

Ready to tackle big questions, outsmart the competition, and represent your school? This is your chance!

The winning team doesn’t just take home a trophy—they also win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete at the National Championship! You’ll join top students from across the country, make memories, and experience the nation’s capital.

Here’s how it works: Teams of four will face off in multiple rounds of questions covering unique global topics.

Think you’ve got what it takes? The Official Study Guide has everything you need to prepare.

Grab your teammates, hit the books, and get ready to represent Houston on the world stage! Top 3 teams get trophies, and the 1st place team heads to D.C. to compete for the national title.

Let’s see who’s ready to be Houston’s next global champions!
 

Career Opportunities
💼 Position: Field Service Technician

💵 Pay: $15.00 – $17.00/hour

📍 Location: Houston, TX (77226)

🌟 What We’re Looking For:

  • High attention to detail
  • Outdoor work experience
  • Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License

🌱 Job Responsibilities:

  • Lawn and garden maintenance
  • Ensuring safety compliance
  • Keeping job sites organized and professional

📊 Why This Opportunity?

  • The landscaping industry is thriving, with high demand expected through 2025.
  • This company offers room to grow with career advancement opportunities.
  • Be part of a dynamic, hardworking team preparing for a busy spring and summer season!

Encourage your community members to seize this opportunity today!

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should contact LaneStaffing at (713) 522 0000 or [email protected] or visit our office for more information.

Career Growth

Let’s connect talented individuals with the perfect job opportunity!
LaneStaffing is ALWAYS hiring, and has an urgent IT opportunity that could be the perfect next step for your or someone in your network! 💻✨

🚀 Technical Hardware Analyst II – $35/hr

📍 Location: 611 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002

🕒 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

💡 Job Overview:

The Technical Hardware Analyst II plays a key role in maintaining IT and Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure, ensuring that hardware, software, voice & data networks, storage, and servers function reliably to meet business needs.

✅ Key Responsibilities:

✔️ Provide day-to-day operational support for infrastructure services and end-users

✔️ Troubleshoot, install, and maintain IT & OT hardware/software

✔️ Assist with project-based technology initiatives

✔️ Ensure compliance with security & operational protocols

🔎 Knowledge & Skills Required:

✔️ Education: Associate’s degree in computer science, instrumentation, or electronics, or equivalent technical certification

✔️ Experience: 2+ years in IT systems (design, installation, operation, or maintenance of data communications networks/industrial control systems)

✔️ Licenses: A valid Class ‘C’ Texas driver’s license is required

✔️ Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with network security, system troubleshooting, hardware/software diagnostics, and IT infrastructure support

🌆 Houston’s IT Job Market is Thriving!

With rapid tech industry growth and a strong demand for skilled IT professionals, now is the perfect time for job seekers to take their careers to the next level!

💙 Why LaneStaffing?

We know that community partners like you are essential in helping job seekers find stability, career growth, and economic mobility. Your work changes lives, and LaneStaffing is here to support that mission!

🤝 How We Can Work Together:

💼 Job Readiness Programs – Preparing candidates for interviews & workplace success

🎤 Job Fairs & Hiring Events – Partnering to connect top talent with top employers

📈 Workforce Development Support – Helping bridge the gap between skills & employment

🤲 Community Engagement – Because employment changes lives!

📢 Help Us Spread the Word!

If you know IT professionals looking for work, please share this opportunity or refer them directly to us! We’re happy to collaborate on placing great talent and building a stronger workforce together.

Let’s continue empowering our communities through employment! 💙

Looking forward to working with you,

LaneStaffing

🌟 “Where Opportunity Meets Preparation” 🌟

#LaneStaffing #CommunityPartners #HoustonJobs #NowHiring #WorkforceDevelopment

📩 Apply today and take your first step toward a brighter future:

🌐 Website: www.lanestaff.com

📞 Phone: (713) 522-0000

📧 Email: [email protected]

Dynamo – Dash Spring Break Camps

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:
2025 SPRING BREAK CAMPS!

Give your child an unforgettable spring break with Houston Dash and Dynamo Camps! Whether they’re a beginner or an experienced player, our camps offer the perfect opportunity to sharpen their soccer skills, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

Led by the dedicated and experienced youth coaches of Houston Dash and Dynamo FC, our camps provide a dynamic and engaging curriculum that focuses on player development, teamwork, and fun. Your child will benefit from expert coaching in a supportive environment that encourages growth both on and off the field.

Upcoming Camps:

  • March 10-13: Spring Break Camp at Crossbar Academy
  • March 10-13: Houston Dash Development Camp at Crossbar Academy
  • March 17-20: Spring Break Camp at Houston Sports Park
  • March 17-20: Houston Dynamo FC Development Camp at Houston Sports Park

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Register your child today and give them a spring break to remember!