4 the record: precinct 4 blog

Every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., a small group of people, binoculars in hand, set out on the nearly 0.75-mile trail at Precinct 4’s Kleb Woods Nature Center. The trail is quiet. The only thing the visitors can hear is the soft hum of the highway and the crunch of leaves under their feet. But, if they’re still, they can hear what they came for—the occasional chirp of a bird hiding in the brush or flitting between the trees. Every year, thousands of people visit Kleb Woods, located between Hockley and Tomball, with the hope of spotting some of the more than 200 bird species that live in the Harris County area. The center hosts both weekly bird walks and an annual hummingbird festival in September. On a weekly bird walk in the winter, visitors can spot anything from sedge wrens and rufous hummingbirds to orange-crowned warblers, cedar waxwings, and great-horned owls. When someone spots a bird, they get to add it to the running list of nearly 50 recent bird sittings on the center’s wall.

Residents in Harris County Precinct 4—from Katy to Tomball to Spring Branch, all the way up to Hockley and Waller—have seen major changes in their neighborhoods. Commissioner Lesley Briones and her team of over 460 public servants dedicated 2024 to addressing urgent needs while laying a strong foundation for the future. From responding to disasters, to building sidewalks, to securing free healthcare, the Precinct 4 team is improving lives today while preparing for tomorrow. “Each and every day, my team and I work to prove that government can deliver for the people,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “We hustle for our residents because they deserve nothing less. In 2024, we expanded critical services, strengthened community partnerships, and connected with every corner of the Precinct. I am energized to ramp up our efforts even further next year.” Here are some key highlights from 2024 and the difference they’ve made in our communities: Justice and Safety Invested in key areas of Harris County’s Criminal District Courts to make the justice system more efficient and fairer, benefitting victims, defendants, and their families Expanded support for domestic violence survivors through funding for children exposed to DV , yearly investment in the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund, a new community outreach and education campaign, and a $1 million award to the Houston Area Women’s Center Strengthened law enforcement by adding funding for the TeleDeputy and VIPER programs into the county’s annual budget to reduce response times and target violent offenders Infrastructure Secured voter approval for Flood Control District Proposition A , ensuring repairs and upgrades to aging flood control infrastructure across the County Allocated $20M for n ew sidewalks to connect children and families to schools, work, places of worship and more Cleared several thousand truckloads of debri s while providing direct assistance to residents in need Invested $48 million in sustainable infrastructure across Precinct 4 through 2024 Places 4 People Health Launched a free health clinic with Baylor College of Medicine for teens and young adults ages 13-24, offering immunizations, sick visits, physicals, contraception, and mental health counseling Opened La Tiendita at Bayland Community Center to bring free, high-quality food, nutrition education, and other resources Installed four lactation pods in county court buildings to provide nursing parents a private place to pump Planted 1,200 trees in Alief through the Barbara Quattro Forest initiative to cool one of the hottest neighborhoods in Houston Education and Economic Opportunity Invested an additional $6.7 million into countywide apprenticeship program , bringing the total to $17.6 million in federal funds —the county’s largest-ever investment in paid training for quality union jobs Created a $17 million small business loan fund to support community growth Hosted over a dozen small business workshops to help business owners learn more about county contracts Good Government Approved a $2.67 billion budget after holding five town halls to gather community input, funding critical services like roads, drainage, law enforcement, and more Hosted six listening tours across the Precinct to hear residents’ ideas, concerns, and suggestions Increased property tax exemption for homeowners who are 65+ and/or disabled from $275,000 to $320,000 and exempted qualifying childcare centers from 100% of their County property taxes Received a $11.3 million National Park Service grant to improve Burnett Bayland Park In the Community Offered free summer programming to hundreds of children at Precinct parks and community centers Allowed the sale of fireworks for Diwali for the first time Showcased student artists through Precinct 4 bus design contest Precinct 4 is here to serve you. As we reflect on 2024’s progress, we are already planning for an even brighter future in 2025. Make it your New Year’s resolution to explore everything Precinct 4 has to offer—because when we invest in our communities, we all thrive.

Growing up, Houston Dash superstars Michelle Alozie, Jane Campbell, and Paige Nielsen didn’t always have easy access to soccer fields. From climbing fences to playing against walls, they managed to find space anywhere they could just to get some touches on the ball. Now, thanks to a partnership with the Dynamo & Dash Charities and Chevron, Precinct 4 is working to make the world’s most popular sport more accessible for the next generation. In early December, Commissioner Lesley Briones unveiled a state-of-the-art mini-pitch at Freed Park in the heart of Spring Branch, offering the community a dedicated space to play, practice, and connect. More than just building pitches, the collaboration is creating lasting opportunities for local youth—especially for young girls. "We’re coming together so we can make the community better for you, because that’s what you deserve,” Commissioner Briones said, addressing the young soccer clinic attendees. “I’m a mom of three little girls, and to see you here and know that every time I come to Freed, I will see you and your families playing—this is building community unity.” The Houston Dash’s Goals for Girls program hosts free soccer clinics for girls ages 6-14, in partnership with Chevron. While young players scrimmaged against the Dash players, Valerie Holland, executive director of Dynamo & Dash Charities, shared how this initiative helps girls feel confident stepping into the sport. “It’s really important to get girls into playing soccer. We’re really proud to have the Houston Dash, which is the only professional women's soccer team in the state of Texas.” Holland said. "Getting to see our Dash players out here today [at the clinic] also encourages them, and getting to meet some of their heroes here in a park is really fun, too." Irene Flores, corporate affairs advisor at Chevron, added that with over 7,000 employees who live and work in Houston, the company was proud to give back and bring opportunities to kids in Spring Branch that they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Growing the game The Freed Park mini-pitch joins a growing network of pitches, including two at Burnett Bayland Park, that serve as community hubs. Situated near Freed’s grass fields, the pitch offers an all-weather training ground for players to hone their skills. Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie noted how this type of pitch provides a unique advantage for developing players. "This surface is definitely faster,” Alozie said. “I wish I had this growing up, because I would be [a] really technical [player] ... Then when you transition to grass, it's so much easier, and everything slows down there for you. It definitely helps people develop and grow when they get onto the grass field.” In the United States, having a space to play soccer isn't a given. Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who has traveled the world as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), said that goals at soccer fields are often rented or owned by someone, making them less available to the public compared to equipment like basketball hoops. "If you look at any other country in the world, there's some form of soccer pitch available to the public, and I think that is definitely lacking the United States,” Campbell said. “[Having pitches like this] would definitely grow our game as a whole.” Inspiring the next generation For defender Paige Nielsen, growing up in Nebraska meant even fewer opportunities to play soccer. Cornfields, not soccer fields, were the norm in her hometown. At the same time, Nielsen said there generally weren’t a lot of opportunities for women to play sports. She credits her passion for soccer to a chance encounter with USWNT legend Mia Hamm, who inspired her as a child. “When I went to a game where the [USWNT] played at the University of Nebraska, Mia Hamm spoke and said, ‘You could become a professional one day, too,’” Nielsen recalled. “And it was my dream to go to [the University of] North Carolina since I was five. I drew myself in [Hamm’s] jersey, and I was able to walk on [to the team]. [Her appearance at community events] impacted me at a young age. I can’t imagine how far that will go for a lot of the young kids we have here today.” The Freed Park pitch arrives at an exciting time as Houston prepares to host games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It represents not just a place to play, but also a commitment to expanding opportunities for young players to discover the sport, develop their skills, and build confidence on and off the field. “[Soccer] changes people's lives. You go through adversity, you overcome so many battles, you fail over and over and over again, and it's almost congratulated in a sport, but maybe not in a classroom,” Nielsen said. “[Soccer] teaches you so many things, and also as a kid, it makes you feel welcomed and embraced for whoever you are."

For the first time since its establishment, the Harris County Safe School Commission (SSC) created dedicated high school student seats. In a unanimous vote, Harris County Commissioners Court approved the appointments of 15-year-old Ngoc Ho and 17-year-old Ashlyn Morton to the new student at-large positions. Ho, a freshman at Alief ISD's Kerr High School, and Morton, a senior at HISD's Lamar High School, will initially serve a six-month term, aligning with the remainder of the school year. Their one-year term will begin in June 2025. In August, Commissioner Lesley Briones, a former teacher, advocated for the two dedicated student seats as part of her plan to expand and strengthen the SSC. "It is imperative that student voices are not only included but amplified as we make decisions that impact their well-being. I am energized by the addition of Ashlyn and Ngoc to the Safe School Commission. These young leaders have an impressive record of advocacy and a proven commitment to uplifting their communities. They will make the SSC more inclusive, better informed, and help make our schools safer," Commissioner Briones said. Ho is a fellow with AliefVotes, a youth voter engagement initiative. She also volunteers with the Alief Super Neighborhood Council and League of Women Voters Houston. "I hope to amplify student voices and contribute to creating safer, more inclusive schools where every student feels secure and valued! With rising concerns about school safety, this role is an opportunity to advocate for meaningful policies and initiatives that address mental health, bullying, and emergency preparedness. It's vital to prioritize student well-being and foster environments where education thrives without fear," Ho said. Morton is president of Lamar's chapter of Deeds Not Words, a student-led grassroots civic engagement and advocacy group. As a campus organizer, she has created campaigns to address a variety of social issues and testified at HISD board meetings. "I am honored to have been formally appointed to the Safe School Commission. This is an important step towards ensuring all students have a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow. I look forward to contributing my perspective and amplifying the voices of students who deserve to feel safe and heard," Morton said. Commissioners Court also reappointed Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, a former teacher and past HISD trustee, and Klein ISD superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown to the SSC. Other SSC members include: Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen Saami Baig, former co-executive director for March For Our Lives Houston and Rice University student Traci Latson, HISD teacher Calandrian Simpson-Kemp, gun violence prevention advocate Representative from the Harris County Department of Education's Center for Safe and Secure Schools Representative from the Region 4 Education Service Center The Court created the SSC at the recommendation of Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey in June 2022, in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting that tragically took the lives of 19 students and two teachers. The SSC was tasked with generating recommendations on how Harris County could support improved safety in Harris County's 25 Independent School Districts and private schools during the 2022-2023 school year. Commissioner Briones reconvened the Safe School Commission earlier this year to implement these strategies and other national best practices, as well as enhance collaboration, training, and communication between the over 75 law enforcement agencies and 25 Independent School Districts in Harris County. The SSC's key priorities include: Emergency responder access to key/lock boxes Harris County Fire Marshal's Office annual lock inspections for K-12 schools Hosting Townhall meetings in each Precinct The Commission focuses on evidence-based best practices and provides recommendations to the Court on initiatives that will help families, communities, and schools build capacity and establish and expand successful school safety strategies. Members of the SSC are appointed by Commissioners Court. To apply, please visit the Harris County Office of County Administration's Boards and Commissions website. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a plan spearheaded by Commissioner Lesley Briones to invest $4 million to expand resources for survivors of domestic violence. Statistics show the extreme need for increased resources for victims, yet Harris County’s domestic violence response system is underfunded and faces staggering shortages: Since 2022, Harris County has led the state in intimate partner violence homicides Calls to domestic violence shelters have surpassed pre-pandemic levels 75% of people seeking shelter are turned away Harris County has only 330 beds for 4.7 million residents – one bed for every 14,000 residents New York City has approximately 10 times the number of shelter beds despite having less than two times the population of Harris County Investing in solutions, advancing justice The Harris County Domestic Violence System Coordination and Support Services project aims to decrease the turn-away rate by at least 10% over the next four years by: Building capacity

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced nearly $50 million in sustainable infrastructure projects spanning the City of Houston, the City of Katy, and unincorporated Harris County. This second year of her Places 4 People: Call 4 Projects will enhance public safety, reduce flooding, improve mobility, and expand access to parks and trails. “This investment underscores the power of partnerships to maximize taxpayer dollars and drive progress. City residents pay county taxes, and they deserve to see a clear return on that investment. I am energized by our collaboration with leadership at the City of Houston and the City of Katy to benefit our shared constituents. By working together on these critical infrastructure projects, we are creating a better, stronger, and safer Harris County,” said Commissioner Briones. Investing in Collaboration The $48.8 million initiative leverages $17.7 million in Precinct funding with $31.1 million from partners, including the City of Houston, City of Katy,

The holiday season has begun, kids will soon be on winter break, and everybody is looking for fun ways to spend time with their loved ones. Precinct 4 has dozens of free events at our community centers for people of all ages. So, put on your favorite holiday sweater and bring your family to make crafts, watch movies, and celebrate the holidays. Holiday Wreath Class at Radack Community Center December 5, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Learn to make a terrific addition to your front door. Create a beautiful wreath using flowers, picks, or signs of your choice. Pick up the supply list at the center or visit our website and click on the event flyer button to download it. Registration is required. Holiday Cookie Decoration at Radack Community Center December 7, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - Noon Join us for a sweet and festive cookie decorating class. This class is a fun way to learn new skills and enjoy a tasty treat. All the supplies and delicious cookies will be provided, just bring your creativity. Registratio