harris-county-precinct-4

Calling all bird lovers: Celebrate National Bird Day at Kleb Woods in Precinct 4

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 17:38:31 GMT

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.

A lifelong passion

Jennifer Backo has been visiting Kleb Woods and walking the trails since she retired in the mid-2000s, but she’s been birding since she was a teenager.

“I was with my parents in Williamsburg, New York. We were out walking at night, and a bird was singing. I didn’t know what it was, but I was curious,” said Backo.

The bird turned out to be a Northern Mockingbird, a rare sight in 1960s New York. She didn’t know it then, but that encounter would be her “spark bird,” a term used by birders to describe the first species that got them interested in birding.

Over time, Backo picked up bird identification books and learned more, keeping up with her passion for six decades. And, while Backo is an experienced birder, she still regularly joins the guided bird walks.

“It’s good to be out with people who share your same interests – make friends, go off, and sometimes birding with someone you just met,” said Backo. “In fact, most of my birding friends I’ve met here.”

Building community

Kleb Woods has a reputation for its birds, even among people who aren’t birders. When Precinct 4 naturalists Adrienne Paquette and Megan Ahlgren recently went on a Christmas Bird Count, a resident asked what they were doing. When they told him about the bird count, he mentioned they should visit Kleb Woods.

“What a world where everybody knows this is a place to go to bird,” said Paquette.

Throughout the years, as visitors have come and gone, the weekly bird walks developed into something more. On days when it’s drizzling or there are nearly no birds to be seen, people still arrive at 8:30 a.m. in hopes to see their fellow birders, catch up, and enjoy nature.

“(Our regulars will) come out most weeks to join our bird walks,” said Ahlgren. “They'll talk about what's going on in their lives. They're there to support and encourage each other. A lot of them come out just as much for that sense of social support and community as for a connection with nature.”

A hobby for all

The walks are accessible to people of all ages, skill levels, and abilities. Recently, a visitor who has begun to lose her hearing started coming on bird walks. While she can’t hear every bird call, her fellow birders and naturalists are always willing to help her pinpoint a bird. They have even introduced her to tools, like apps that identify bird songs, to help her fully enjoy her new hobby.

“It’s really nice to see everyone come together,” said Paquette. “It’s one of those things that can feel very competitive, but it’s still a collective goal to see these birds.”

If interested birders are wheelchair users, Paquette said the staff is happy to make an accessible bird walk upon request. The center has a long, paved driveway surrounded by old growth pine and oak trees, perfect for spotting a multitude of birds. Residents who want to set up an accessible bird walk should call or email the center to set up a day and time.

Whether someone is a beginner birder or has been birding for years, Kleb Woods is a must-visit. Weekly bird walks happen every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. and the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m.—no registration needed. Precinct 4 also hosts a Young Birders Club for kids 8 to 18. For those who may not be interested in birding, Kleb Woods also hosts craft sessions, book clubs, and live music sessions.

Q&A: What is Daikin?

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:39:17 GMT

2024 Year in Review: Harris County Precinct 4 Delivers Progress

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:49:02 GMT

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.

New soccer pitch and clinics at Freed Park expand opportunity for young players

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:59:53 GMT

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."

Commissioner Lesley Briones Celebrates Appointments of High School Students to Newly Created Positions on Harris County Safe School Commission

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:08:40 GMT

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 Approve $4 Million Investment in Domestic Violence Response System

duda@boxcast.com (BoxCast Duda) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:41:04 GMT

New coordination and support services funding will expand critical resources for survivors

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 in personnel and resources

Improving community outreach

Establishing and maintaining public and private funding partnerships

Using data-driven evaluations to update best practices

An initial award of $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Flexible funding will go to the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) to lead the new effort, with three one-year renewal options.

“Everyone deserves to be safe and free from violence,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “Making that a reality means ensuring Harris County must effectively support survivors. This investment is a crucial step toward addressing the urgent needs of survivors while building a sustainable and collaborative system to break the cycle of abuse.I am thankful to Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, HAWC, and the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council for their continued partnership, and the Biden-Harris Administration for this federal funding.”

With this latest investment, Harris County has committed nearly $20 million in ARPA and General funds to combat domestic violence since 2022. Additional initiatives include the Domestic Violence Assistance Fund, Early Childhood Resiliency Fund, and Emergency Response Docket.

“In Texas, the domestic violence crisis is intensified by state policies that have made it easier to access guns and harder to access reproductive healthcare. But in Harris County, we are engaged in a full-court press against domestic violence, utilizing robust and holistic approaches aimed at prevention and supporting survivors.  Today’s investment in better response systems is one more tool in our toolbox, and one more example of our community coming together—survivors, advocates, policymakers, and community members—to end the scourge of domestic violence,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis.

“As the former Harris County Sheriff, I’ve seen first-hand the brutal horrors of violence against women,” said Commissioner Garcia. “Bringing perpetrators to justice will always be part of fighting this epidemic – but it’s not enough. Survivors and their families deserve specialized care and better access to services that break the vicious cycle of domestic violence. This grant will be transformative because it will supercharge the work already being done by a network of local organizations, scaling it up to support as many survivors as possible.”

“The Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) is honored to receive this investment from the County to improve the coordination of life-saving services for survivors of domestic violence. In cooperation with our sister agencies, we look forward to addressing this alarming public health crisis which results in horrific rates of femicide. Harris County can and will do better,” said Emilee D. Whitehurst, President and CEO, HAWC.

“HCDVCC is grateful to Harris County leadership for prioritizing safety for survivors,” said Barbie Brashear. “This funding provides a unique opportunity to listen deeply to the needs of those affected by domestic violence and work to improve how our community responds in ways that meet their unique and important challenges.”

“This funding will do enormous good by expanding services for survivors, improving coordination, and enabling better data collection to inform future policy. We are deeply grateful to Commissioner Briones and the Commissioners Court for this bold step toward making our region safer, said Dr. Elizabeth Gregory, Director of the University of Houston Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality.

For more information on domestic violence resources visit hawc.org, hcdvcc.org, and tcfv.org/ok. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones Unveils Nearly $50 Million Investment in Transformational Infrastructure Across Precinct 4

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 12:28:16 GMT

20 infrastructure projects advance through Commissioner Briones' Places 4 People initiative, including first-ever collaboration with City of Katy

This is a quote for you new post. To change it, simply click and start typing.

- John William

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, METRO, Houston Parks Board, and several municipal utility districts (MUDs).

The 20 selected projects include:

10 hike and bike trail constructions
Three roadway improvements
Three sidewalk constructions
One drainage improvement project
One intersection improvement project
One traffic signal improvement project
One bus shelter expansion project

Key Highlights

City of Houston investments: $7.6 million in projects, spanning council districts A, C, F, G, and J, will include intersection safety enhancements, traffic signal replacements, and studies to address drainage and trail connectivity. Precinct 4 is contributing $4.4 million to these projects.

METRO Bus Shelters: A $6 million project—with $1 million from Precinct 4—will add transit shelters, prioritizing Gulfton and Sharpstown where residents rely heavily on public transit and face higher heat risks.

Houston Parks Board: A $1.6 million feasibility study will plan a 2.7-mile Spring Branch trail connecting Wirt Road to the White Oak Bayou Greenway, with $988,000 from Precinct 4.

City of Katy Partnership: A $1.3 million design study will explore widening Katy Fort Bend Road to improve safety and mobility near the Katy Boardwalk District. Precinct 4 and the City of Katy will share costs equally.

Harris County MUD 478’s Baethe Road Corridor Improvements: A $17 million project, supported by $5 million from Precinct 4, will construct a 2-mile boulevard with utilities, walking trails, and landscaping. This project will connect Warren Ranch Road to Katy-Hockley Road and provide direct access to the new Waller ISD multi-campus site, enhancing connectivity in a rapidly growing area.

Addressing High-Need Areas

17 of the projects target areas with medium-to-high socioeconomic vulnerability, ensuring resources address the communities most in need.

“Our communities across western Harris County continue to grow, and our infrastructure must keep pace with that growth. I am grateful to our partners for heeding the call to invest in our neighborhoods to meet the needs of today and plan for our future,” Commissioner Briones said.

“Commissioner Briones has been a great partner, and I appreciate and thank her for her support and collaboration. The projects chosen in the city limits, including the METRO bus shelters, will significantly enhance our infrastructure, providing new mobility options, and promising a better quality of life for all Houstonians,” said Mayor Whitmire.

“The Gulfton Revitalization Project is more than just a transit improvement - it’s a transformative investment in the community. We already made strides toward this goal with recent grant funding for transit-oriented development planning, and upgraded bus shelters are a vital piece of this community improvement. These shelters will provide a much-needed respite from the elements, particularly during the hot summer months,” said METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “We are thankful to Commissioner Briones for her leadership and are ready to continue our joint commitment to revitalize a community of our customers that has been long underserved.”

“We are honored to continue to build upon our partnership with Precinct 4 and Commissioner Lesley Briones as part of the Places4People initiative,” said Beth White, President and CEO of Houston Parks Board. “With the power of public-private partnerships and Precinct 4’s generous support, we are building a network of trails that promote recreation, provide safe transportation, and connect our diverse communities across Harris County.”

Project funding will become available in fiscal year 2025 - 2026.

For more information about the Places 4 People initiative and upcoming projects, click here.

Sleigh the holidays with these free Precinct 4 activities

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:16:32 GMT

New Title

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. Registration is required.

Button Holiday Ornaments at Hockley Community Center

December 12, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join Hockley staff as we use recycled buttons to make fun holiday ornaments. All supplies will be provided.

DIY Holiday Cards at Tracy Gee Community Center

December 12, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Create one-of-a-kind cards to get ready for the holidays! This is an all-ages event, for adults and children alike. All supplies will be provided by Tracy Gee staff.

Precinct 4’s Winter Festival at Bear Creek Rodeo Arena

December 14 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the holidays with fun activities for people of all ages. Get your photo taken with Santa Claus, rock out to Mango Punch!, and bring home a free tree at our annual Winter Festival.

Holiday Family Karaoke at Bayland Community Center

December 16, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy the festivities with the Bayland staff! Join us for a festive holiday karaoke celebration, where you can sing your favorite songs with friends and family. Come share in the joy and laughter! Registration is required.

Ukulele Strum-Along Holiday Concert at Glazier Senior Education Center

December 17, 2024 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join the Four String Strummers for a jolly afternoon of music. Enjoy festive tunes, cheerful strumming, and plenty of holiday spirit as we celebrate the season with some of the classic favorite songs. Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday cheer for a fun, musical time that is sure to brighten the season.

Holiday Fireside Roast & Toast at Fonteno Senior Education Center

December 18, 2024 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Gather with friends and Fonteno staff indoors to indulge in delicious s'mores and sip on festive hot cocoa. Enjoy an afternoon of laughter with a holiday-themed trivia game and classic cinema, perfect for celebrating the season with friends and family!

Holiday Coffee and Tea Exchange at Freed Community Center

December 19, 2024 | Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a coffee and tea holiday exchange. Bring your favorite coffee or tea related item to participate in a white elephant style game. Afterwards, stay and get to know your Freed Community center staff and enjoy some holiday cheer.

Holiday Lotería at Bayland Community Center

December 20, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a festive game of Lotería, the vibrant Mexican version of bingo! Instead of numbers, this exciting game features colorful images on cards and boards. Led by Bayland staff, this event promises fun for the whole family. Come share laughter, enjoy some friendly competition, and embrace the joy of this traditional game together!

Holiday Craft and Hot Chocolate at Peckham Aquatic Fitness Center

December 23, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Join us for our "Holiday Art and Hot Chocolate" event with Peckham staff! Enjoy a cozy afternoon filled with festive art activities, warm hot chocolate, and cheerful company. Unleash your creativity while celebrating the holiday spirit. Perfect for all ages.

Family Holiday Movie at Weekley Community Center

December 27, 2024 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join us at the Weekley Community Center for a special holiday movie for the kids! Enjoy popcorn and light refreshments during the film. Bring the whole family for a holly, jolly time filled with holiday cheer! Visit or call the center for movie details.

We have more holiday events than what we can list here. Visit our events page to see all the activities and events Precinct 4 has to offer.

‘A family business’ How a Precinct 4 electrician’s father sparked a 38-year career

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 13:14:59 GMT

Precinct 4’s Tomball Service Center is dark at 6 a.m., yet if someone ventures into the gravel lot, they will find a team of tradesmen standing among their trucks, excavators, and cherry pickers waiting to learn where they will be working that day.

Richard Francis, an electrician, stands next to his truck and waits to hear where everyone will be headed when the meeting ends. Today, he’s off to Bear Creek, along with the other three electricians, to get the rodeo arena ready for Precinct 4’s Winter Festival.

In the nearly seven years Richard has worked for the Precinct, no two days have been exactly the same, which is how he likes it.

“One minute you’re digging a trench, putting some underground (cable) in and the next minute, you could be at a park working on the stadium or ballfield lights,” said Richard. “And there’s 100 things in between that you could do at any given minute.”

An apprentice’s trade

Richard has been a full-time electrician for 38 years, but he’s been doing electrical work since before he started high school. He didn’t have the typical apprenticeship that many tradespeople take on, but he started learning the way many people pick up new skills: from their parents.

“It’s a family business,” Richard said. “My stepfather was a master electrician here in Houston and worked for one of the largest electrical companies during the 80s. During high school, he wouldn’t want (my brothers and I) to stay home, so he said, ‘it’s time to go to work.’ So, we started out with summers, and we’d work in the warehouse, and he would give us odd jobs to do.”

By the time he reached high school, Richard was going to school for the first half of the day and working the second half through a co-op program where he earned school credits. At that point, his father had started his own electrical business, and he put Richard under the care of a journeyman electrician who worked for the business, and, like many apprenticeships, it was with the journeyman that he really honed his skills.

Although Richard’s apprenticeship looked a bit different than someone who may not have direct access to someone in the trades, he still advises people interested in learning a trade to look for an apprenticeship. There, he said, they will learn under professional journeypersons, like he did.

After finishing high school, he worked for a number of private companies, including his dad’s, for over 30 years. Eventually, his younger brother convinced Richard to join him at Precinct 4.

“He kept telling me, ‘That’s a good, stable place to go. It’ll always need electricians, always has and probably always will,’” Richard said. “So, he nagged on me enough so that when there was finally an opening, I decided to go for it, and I’ve been here ever since. I’m not going anywhere.”