APRIL 2025

As a mother, I often think about the world we are leaving behind for our children — the air they’ll breathe, the neighborhoods they’ll call home, the planet they’ll inherit. If we want to leave them something better, we must work with urgency.

Nowhere is a need for urgency clearer than here in Harris County. We are on the front lines of climate change, and some communities are feeling its impact more than others. Gulfton is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Harris County. Temperatures there can spike up to 17 degrees higher than in areas like River Oaks. That kind of heat is not only uncomfortable — it’s dangerous.

That’s why I’m proud to share that, this month, we will break ground on transformative renovations at Burnett Bayland Park in the heart of Gulfton. This is more than a park; it is a commitment to environmental justice, health, and resilience. We are planting native trees, expanding shaded areas, and building ponds that retain stormwater and reduce flooding.

Throughout Earth Month — and every month, Precinct 4 is working to build a more sustainable and resilient future for our children. In that spirit, we are hosting events to inspire, educate, and bring our community together:

Earth Day Fest at John Paul Landing Park

• April 19 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Join Precinct 4 for our Earth Day Festival, where we will celebrate and learn how to care for our planet through educational sessions, games, and more.

Art in the Park at Kleb Woods

• April 26 from 1-4 p.m.
• Explore a nature-inspired art exhibition and take part in hands-on art activities by creating your own masterpieces using natural materials.

Free Tree Giveaway at Radack Community Center

• April 6 from 9-11 a.m.
• In partnership with Trees for Houston, we will be giving away 1,000 free crepe myrtles, eastern redbuds, loblolly pines, and Texas red oaks. Visitors can receive up to five trees.

Let’s build a Harris County that’s greener, healthier, and more resilient — not just for us, but for all those who come after. When we unite, we can accomplish anything.

All my best,

Lesley Briones

Last month, Precinct 4 celebrated the one-year anniversary and completion of the first 50 miles of sidewalks. Throughout the past 12 months, residents have shared inspiring stories of how these sidewalks have changed their lives.

Commissioner Briones celebrates opening of One Safe Place Houston facility

Commissioner Briones Advances Economic Opportunity with Historic Living Wage Policy

Harris County Commissioners approved a plan spearheaded by Commissioner Lesley Briones and Commissioner Rodney Ellis to enact a groundbreaking living wage policy, significantly increasing the minimum wage for county employees and contractors. The landmark initiative is a direct and necessary response to the growing affordability crisis burdening working families across the country.

Commissioner Briones Launches Precinct 4 Bus Art Contest to Showcase Local Talent

Houston’s only Latino-led masjid is unifying Alief residents from all walks of life

The first Latino-led masjid (or mosque) in America sits just off the Westpark Tollway in the heart of one of Harris County’s most diverse communities: Alief. But the organization wasn’t always located there, even though it was created by Alief native, Jaime “Mujahid” Fletcher.  

Easter Egg Hunt

April 12 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Freed Park
6818 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, TX 77055

Hop into a day full of fun, laughter, and community spirit at our Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Bring the whole family for a festive day packed with exciting activities, including lawn games, balloon artists, a foam party, and Easter egg hunts. 

Earth Day Fest

April 19 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
John Paul Landing Education Center
9950 Katy Hockley Road, Cypress, TX 77433

Celebrate Earth Day at John Paul Landing Park’s Environmental Education Center with a day of learning, exploration, and community fun. The festival will feature guided nature walks, educational talks on sustainability, games, and hands-on activities.

Senior policy advisor Talya Morris knows ball

Talya Morris jokes that she started working in public service because baseball wasn’t hiring. In reality, she always had an interest in problem solving and helping people, which led her to working with Meals on Wheels, helping refugees resettle, interning with Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia’s office, and eventually becoming a senior policy advisor with Precinct 4.