District A Gives Back!
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Karbach Brewing Co.
2032 Karbach Street
Houston, Texas 77092
Join us for the 5th Annual District A Gives Back Event!
Join your District A neighbors for this free event by giving back to our community and first responders through HPD’s Blue Santa and the Firefighter Foundation.
Bring a donation of an unwrapped, new toy to help HPD’s Blue Santa provide gifts to children in crisis.
Merchandise is available for purchase to support the Firefighter Foundation. These items make great holiday gifts!
Raffle tickets available for purchase to support the Firefighter Foundation.
Enjoy free music, food, and fun!
Faillace Award from the Spring Branch Community Health Center
The Faillace Award, named for founding board member Dr. Louis Faillace, is presented by the Spring Branch Community Health Center to recognize important work in the healthcare industry. I was honored to receive the 2018 Faillace award!
The Spring Branch Community Health Center was a great partner at the shelter I opened during Hurricane Harvey, and I appreciate their commitment to our community.
With Dr. Louis and Paula Faillace
Network Nodes in the Right of Way
You may have noticed new poles/towers installed in the right of way. Some of these poles are network nodes, equipment that enables wireless communications between user equipment and telecommunications networks. In the last legislative session, the State of Texas voted SB 1004 into place to allow these poles to be installed in the City’s right-of-way.
While I understand the need for new technology, the State has placed a burden on the City to allow these poles with little say in how it can be implemented. Unfortunately some of these poles have been placed in the middle of the sidewalk. As a strong supporter of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I will not stand for these poles to remain in the sidewalks. Many people with disabilities use these sidewalks for transportation, and we must make sure that there are no obstacles in the way.
On October 17, 2018, I offered an amendment to the City of Houston’s Legislative Principles, which are the items that the City will advocate for in the upcoming legislative session. The amendment, which passed unanimously, is to grant municipalities more control over the placement of these poles. I will continue to monitor this and advocate for local control.
Example of a pole in the sidewalk. After addressing this with Houston Public Works, I was able to get this pole moved off of the sidewalk.
Working with Houston Public Works on a solution
Transportation Network Company Complaints
Transportation Network Companies (such as Uber and Lyft) are entities that enable a passenger to digitally prearrange a ride with a driver through the entity’s digital network. I have heard some complaints about drivers lately from my constituents. The State of Texas regulates these companies. If you have a complaint, please visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/Complaints/
More information can be found at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/tnc/tncfaq.htm
Houston Health Department, Harris County Area Agency on Aging entering 30th year of delivering Thanksgiving meals to homebound older adults
For the 30th year, the Harris County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Houston Health Department, will deliver thousands of Thanksgiving meals to homebound older adults through its Houston Meals for the Elderly (HoME) project.
In addition to Thanksgiving meals, the agency funds several local organizations to provide home delivered meals throughout the year. Many of these programs are commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels.
The agency delivered 3,000 meals last Thanksgiving and has a goal of 4,000 for its 30th anniversary. The meals will be delivered from ten sites across Harris County.
Individuals eligible to receive a Thanksgiving meal must be 60 or older, live in Harris County and be unable to prepare a hot meal. Spouses and disabled persons living with eligible participates may also receive a Thanksgiving meal. Pre-registration is required by November 16th by calling the Area Agency on Aging at 832-393-4301.
Tax-deducible donations may be online at via the Houston Health Foundation at houstonhealthfoundation.org. Donations may also be mailed to:
Houston Meals for the Elderly
Houston Health Dept. – Area Agency on Aging
8000 North Stadium Drive, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77054
To learn more about the Area Agency on Aging services, call 832-393-4301.
Public Safety Town Hall
Thank you to the 470+ people who attended the annual District A Public Safety Town Hall!
