City Savvy - Issue 1 2019

2019

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Volume 24

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Issue Number 1

Newsletter published for City of Houston employees

www.citysavvy.org

Pothole pros rise to the challenge

Robert Poole, shown at center, leads a crew of four Houston Public Works employees who fulfill Mayor Sylvester Turner’s pledge to repair reported potholes by the next business day. Crew members include Timothy Drones, shown at left, as well as Fidel Alfaro and Hieu Nguyen, shown at right.

By Elise Rambaud Marrion

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obert Poole and his fellow Houston Public Works Transportation and Drainage crew members can easily fill 10 potholes a day. Weather, safety and road conditions permitting, the crew can complete the day’s assignments and get a jump on potholes reported just hours before.

But Poole, a 15-year Public Works veteran, remembers a time when every day felt like playing catch-up.

Before January 2016, Public Works road crews struggled to keep pace with the demand for pothole repairs. A growing backlog of service requests prompted newly elected Mayor Sylvester Turner to launch a 24-hour turnaround initiative where properly reported potholes would be repaired by the next business day.

Houstonians responded with an unprecedented surge of pothole reports in the first few months of 2016, but Public Works rose to the challenge. Over the last three years, pothole reports have fluctuated in frequency, but Public Works continues to

fulfill the mayor’s promise of next-businessday service. In 2018, Public Works crews filled 100 percent of the potholes reported to 311, Mayor Sylvester Turner reported in a press conference erlier this year.

Potholes are a part of life in any big city, but Houston’s weather and soil structure make streets especially prone to damage.

Maintaining more than 16,000 lane miles of city streets, crews can fill an average of 300 potholes a day, or about 50,000 a year. In addition to responding to resident reports, Public Works proactively repairs potholes that have not been reported. In fact, they broke a department record in May 2019 by proactively filling 8,728 potholes in one month. As of June 2019, Public Works proactively filled 31,046 potholes.

“From day one the work has never stopped; Public Works crews have done a tremendous job,” Mayor Turner said.

“Credit for the success of this program goes directly to these employees.

“Now let me be very clear, I’m not saying there are no potholes left to fill in the City of Houston, because there are,” Turner said.

Day on the Job Around the City

Pages 2-3, 5-9, 11

Bravo Spotlight

Page 4

Houston Heritage

Pages 8-9

Work-Life Balance

Page 10

Bit of Fun Extra Milers

Inside

Pages 1, 11

Pages 2, 12 Page 12

“We are asking and encouraging people — just like I did when I came in office three years ago — report those potholes.”

Houston Public Works Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan credited the program’s success to revamped processes, redefining the parameters of a pothole, new equipment, and technical solutions to improve the work order system such as software, tracking websites, reporting apps, and the use of tablets in the field.

City Savvy spent a day on the job with Poole and his crew to watch the pothole pros in action.

The day starts at 4:30 a.m. for Poole, who reports to the 5500 McCarty worksite by 6 a.m. He picks up his tablet, which shows the assigned potholes and route for the day. Poole conducts safety inspections on his vehicle and equipment and heads out to the asphalt plant by 7 a.m. Poole and his colleague, Hieu Nguyen, drive the Bergkamp Flameless Pothole Patcher truck, while Timothy Drones and Fidel Alfaro follow in a pickup truck.

Fixing a standard pothole can take as

Pushing the $1 million-mark Employees’ generosity and creative fundraisers drive CMC donations to a new level.

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little as 15 minutes, Poole said.

“We’ve all been doing this a long time, so making the patch is quick and easy,” Poole said. “What takes time is the driving.

We can cover more than 60 or 70 miles a day. Start to finish, it takes longer to find the spot, create a safe work zone, fill out reports and close out the service request on the tablet than it does to actually fill the pothole,” Poole said.

Safety is paramount because the work can be dangerous and many drivers are distracted and unpredictable. The first stop of the day was in Northeast Houston on Oates Road near U.S. Highway 90. The narrow street pockmarked by aging pothole patches over deteriorating pavement cuts through a primarily industrial area with heavy truck traffic. When the crew stopped to repair one of several potholes, they set safety cones and Drones flagged drivers to slow down, but counter-flow 18-wheelers sped past only inches away from where Nguyen completed the repair.

Pothole continued on Page 11

Tiger, oh my!

Employees from 311, BARC and HPD teamed up to tame a wild situation.

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02 AROUND THE CITY Nurse-Family Partnership gives moms-to-be and babies healthy start

By Lucha Morales

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irst-time parents can experience both joy and challenges while waiting on baby. But a chance meeting would help Sheena HallPerry and Damaris Perry navigate both pregnancy and parenthood thanks to the Houston Health Department’s NurseFamily Partnership.

“He saw my insignia and wanted to know what it meant,” said Rosemarie Brown of how she met Perry.

Brown, an HHD a public health nurse for the NFP, explained her insignia and the program to Perry.

“I felt like a program that was put in place to help first-time parents would be a benefit to us,” said Perry, who referred his wife, Sheena Hall-Perry, to the program. At the time, Hall-Perry was six weeks pregnant with their first child, Emmanuel.

Launched 11 years ago in Houston, NFP partners first-time moms 28 weeks pregnant or less with a registered nurse who makes home visits until the child turns two years old. Currently, NFP serves low-income moms living in Houston’s Sunnyside and Acres Homes neighborhoods.

The program provides knowledge, support and resources to improve health outcomes, reduce maternal and child mortality and reduce health costs. NFP is modeled after its nationwide program,

which has partnerships programs in 42 states.

Two weeks after the Perrys registered for the program, Brown made her first visit to their home. Brown visited weekly and then every other week as HallPerry’s pregnancy progressed.

“I bring lots of literature and explain everything. I also do demonstrations — how to bathe a baby, how to dress a baby, and explain what to expect if there are challenges,” Brown said of how home visits differ depending on the stage of a client’s pregnancy.

“In the beginning I was nervous because I didn’t know if I could commit to two years, but now that the two years is over I want more,” said Hall-Perry, who graduated from the program in July 2018. “She became like another mother to help me know things I thought I knew, but really didn’t know.”

When baby Emmanuel was born, Brown visited weekly and then monthly once he turned 20 months. Both Sheena and Damaris credit Brown and the program for preparing them for baby Emmanuel’s arrival.

“The examples, the bathing exercises, even the information about what to expect when she goes into labor and how she would start to dilate. I understood all those things when I was in the delivery room because Nurse Rosemarie had explained it all to me,” Perry said.

“I felt way more prepared,” Hall-Perry

Nurse Family-Partnership FAQs Who qualifies for the program?

First-time pregnant moms 28 weeks or earlier.

Where can I access the program?

Acres Homes Multi-Service Center Sunnyside Multi-Service Center How much does the program cost?

The program is free and voluntary to clients who meet income requirements.

Additional resources: www.houstontx.gov/health/nfp.

This unique health program pairs first-time parents Sheena Hall-Perry and Damaris Perry with a personal nurse to build parenting skills and prepare for their baby.

Photo by Lucha Morales said of how the home visits were tailored to be a hands-on approach.

Brown, whose service in the program over the past seven years has helped more than 150 moms-to-be, values the relationship she builds with her clients.

“I love the bonding that I achieve with my clients and being there as a support agent to meet the needs they have,” Brown said.

“As a first-time mom, I didn’t know how tired I would be. I didn’t know to look for certain things when he cries. It could be gas, it could be the formula. It was a relief to have someone I could call and ask questions,” Hall-Perry said.

It wasn’t long before Brown’s teachings were put into practice. After learning about growth milestones, HallPerry became worried Emmanuel wasn’t crawling.

“I remember Nurse Rosemarie had given me a book,” Hall-Perry said.

“Inside the book was what to expect at certain months.”

BECKHEADS THE NEW POLICY OF ALLOWING PETS AT WORK HAS MADE OUR STAFF HAPPIER AND MORE EFFICIENT! I KNOW I’M HAPPIER.

Hall-Perry was able to voice her concerns when she called on Brown.

“Nurse Rosemarie recommend tummy time and to put some toys in front of him,” she said. “Eventually he got it.”

“It is just amazing to me to see not only the growing and maturing, but to see how it impacts them and how it actually works,” Brown said of the knowledge shared with parents during home visits.

“I realize that it takes a special person to do what she does,” Perry said of Brown’s role in helping first-time parents prepare for baby.

“She was such a big support,” HallPerry said. “I felt so special the hour that she was here.”

Hall-Perry encourages first-time moms to look into the program.

“Once you meet with them for the first time, you’ll realize how much you didn’t know and how important it is to have that extra help,” Hall-Perry said.

By Paul Beckman YOUR PARTICIPATION HAS MADE A HUGE IMPACT. YOU DESERVE A PROMOTION.

I WAS TALKING TO THE DOG.

THANKS! I JUST...

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2019 - Issue 1

AROUND THE CITY

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Employees raise nearly $1 million for Combined Municipal Campaign

By Elise Rambaud Marrion

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he Combined Municipal Campaign pledge numbers proved that city employees can reach deep in their hearts and pockets to support more than 750 charitable organizations.

The 2019 CMC Campaign, “We Rise

by Lifting Others,” raised $959,580 in pledged payroll deductions, department fundraisers and contributions made directly to organizations registered with the CMC. Contributions exceeded the citywide goal of $764,000 and exceeded last year’s campaign, which reached approximately $850,000 in pledges.

The citywide participation rate was 73 percent.

CMC Chair Jennifer Cobb said she was surprised and impressed with both contributions and participation. In the spring, the CMC recognized department

CMC teams and directors, as well as the 223 employees in the Above and Beyond Club, a designation for employees who pledged 1% or more of their income.

Houston Public Works can boast the most generous employees this year, with 36 Above and Beyond Club members, followed by Houston Public Library with 25 and Human Resources with 20.

“This year, 20 out of 25 departments exceeded their fundraising and/or participation goals,” Cobb said. “Despite the uncertainty of the current budget climate, city employees showed the depth of their support for CMC. These are the highest numbers we’ve seen over the last three years, and that says a lot about the generosity of our employees.”

Human Resources Director Jane Cheeks said the campaign’s success is a testament to employees’ character and commitment to public service.

“The Combined Municipal Campaign

was a phenomenal success this year, and next year will be even better,” Cheeks said. “We’ve seen an upward trend in our pledges and participation over the last couple years. Our employees took our theme, ‘We rise by lifting others,’ to heart, and continue to embrace the giving spirit. Despite the challenges we face, CMC events allow us to come together as a city with a common purpose.”

Payroll deduction pledges may boost fundraising totals, but the department fundraisers drive participation and make the month of October a little more fun and a lot tastier, Cobb said.

“We had some really fun and creative fundraisers this year,” Cobb said. “Dunk the Director featuring directors from HR, GSD, Finance and HPW was a huge hit. The city-wide talent show drew new performers from across the city, and it’s building buzz for next year. Parks and Solid Waste sold out their annual

golf tournaments. And of course, the basketball tournament was my personal favorite fundraiser.” (Cobb was the player-coach on the HR basketball team.)

“The Office of Business Opportunity had one of the most creative fundraisers when they set up a photo studio in 611 Walker, and offered professional headshots to employees,” Cobb said.

“The food fundraisers are always popular and hard to resist,” she said.

“GSD sold out their BBQ fundraiser, and so did HR’s chicken and waffles and BBQ sales. Houston Public Library had their annual fall festival and Houston Public Works had a rummage sale. The citywide online auction did well, raising over $8,000 and people were super excited about all the creative baskets.”

2019 - Issue 1

04 BRAVO SPOTLIGHT Meet your 2019 Bravo Award winners

By Lucha Morales

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fter a long day in the office, these city employees don’t always go home. Instead, they often volunteer their time helping others. It’s a united effort that is making a positive impact across our city.

To honor their service to the city and passion for volunteering, each of them was presented with a Bravo Award by Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Council on May 7.

The Bravo Awards recognize city employees who excel on the job and spend their free time making a difference in the lives of others.

From helping at-risk youth and being a cultural ambassador to creating second chances and improving healthcare access, these city employees do what they can to make Houston a better place. To them we say, “Bravo, and job well done.”

Here are your 2019 Bravo Award Winners:

Michael Firenza

Project Manager, Housing and Community Development Department

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edication. It’s the best word to describe Michael Firenza’s volunteerism with the BP MS 150 over the past 20 years. Serving on the Steering Committee, Firenza oversees volunteers for the Special Assistance Group. They drive passenger vans that pick up riders unable to continue. Firenza also serves on the executive committee, where he supported more than 9,000 registered riders this year. Overall, his actions support a larger movement to make a difference in the lives of people living with and affected by MS. Firenza also volunteers with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Galveston’s Bike Around the Bay, and Tour de Houston, recruiting drivers for their Special Assistance Group Van.

Reginald Holt,

Senior Public Health Investigator, Health Department, Community Re-Entry Network Program

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eginald Holt is on a mission to help those who society too often overlooks. As a team member of the Health Department’s Community Re-Entry Network Program, he provides services and resources to ex-offenders working to become productive members of the Houston community. Program clients are drawn to Holt because at one time he also needed support and guidance.

After being released from prison in 2001, Holt worked tirelessly to rebuild his life. In doing so, he developed a desire to help others looking to get a fresh start. When he learned about the launch of the Community Re-Entry Network Program, he signed up to volunteer. For two years he provided mentorship to clients. Looking to further his mission, Holt then began volunteering with St. John’s United Methodist Church’s “Bread of Life Path to Freedom” program, which aims to break the prison cycle for those in and coming out of prison. For the past five years, Holt has served as a liaison, helping the peer group with their service and activities. Since then, Holt’s dream to advocate for people working to change their lives has come true.

In 2016, he applied to and was hired by the City of Houston, joining the Community Re-Entry Network Program team as a full-time employee. He is an integral part of the team, building a rapport with clients and creating a positive environment for learning and accountability. Holt has provided outreach to more than 71 facilities and signed up more than 1,000 potential program participants. He is highly valued by his team and the many clients he impacts daily. His story is one guided by faith, determination, and a belief in second chances.

Catherine Shepard

Paula Walker

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Senior Community Liaison, Houston Health Department, Office of Chronic Disease, Health Education and Wellness

atherine Shepard is a true cultural ambassador. For a decade, she has volunteered with the Filipino Young Professionals of Houston. She has served as president, secretary, dragonboat liaison, youth outreach director and community outreach director. Within these roles, Shepard helped to organize various outreach, cultural awareness, professional development, and charitable events that positively impacted Houston. From college workshops and community cleanups to local and international relief efforts, Shepard strives to provide countless opportunities for FYP members to give back.

Her selfless actions not only highlight Filipino culture, but help to foster meaningful community relationships that promote diversity and philanthropic efforts in Houston.

Customer Service Representative, Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department, 311

he daughter of the Rev. Harvey Walker, Paula Walker learned early in life how to give back. An active member of the Crossing Community Church for more than 20 years, she has participated in multiple ministries and programs. Since 2010, she has served as co-director for IMPACT, an outreach ministry of her church that targets at-risk youth in southeast Houston. IMPACT provides weekly meals, classes and activities. IMPACT helps students build character, develop life skills and learn about conflict resolution. Walker is their mentor, their voice, and most importantly their advocate. When she’s not busy with IMPACT, she volunteers with the women’s ministry and the FUN Football League. The athletic program strives to teach teamwork and good sportsmanship to youth throughout Houston.

Azeezat Sulaimon

Tierra White

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Financial Analyst, Finance Department, Financial Reporting and Operations

zeezat Sulaimon is dedicated to community-based actions.

Her volunteerism with Masjid-ul-Mumineen, a nonprofit organization, has helped to empower youth across Houston and build their sense of value and leadership. She serves on the core committee, strategizing, organizing and helping to oversee multiple events. Sulaimon also lends her time and skills to Celeradafrica, a nonprofit that makes healthcare accessible and affordable. By analyzing and creating cost-effective financial models, she has made health care affordable to citizens in Ghana, Africa. Over the last two years, her efforts have helped to reduce patient wait times from 72 to six hours and reduce costs by 30%.

911 Telecommunicator, Houston Emergency Center

ierra White has a heart for helping people. In 2010, she formed Tierra’s Community MultiServices, an organizing alliance whose mission is to empower underserved communities. White offers services for little to no cost to low-income residents seeking to improve their financial literacy, build their resume skills, and boost their economic status. She prides herself on being an advocate for the Acres Homes community, where her organization works to provide access to community programs, including college workshops, positive interaction programs and charitable feeding events. Through her work, White is building up people and communities in hopes of creating a brighter future for them. She truly is an advocate of the people.

Read the City Savvy monthly email for in-depth profiles on these winners throughout the year.

Nominate your colleagues for next year’s Bravo Awards starting in March 2020.

2019 - Issue 1

AROUND THE CITY

05

Tiger rescue mission highlights strength in teamwork

BARC animal control employees Jarrad Mears, Chris Dunn and Chris Glaser helped rescue a juvenile male tiger found in an abandoned Houston home. Authorities were alerted to the tiger’s predicament after Sonia Rico, a 311 telecommunicator, received an anonymous report.

By Elise Rambaud Marrion

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t was a call that Sonia Rico will never forget. In 13 years as a 311 telecommunicator, Rico never expected to receive an anonymous report of a full-grown tiger caged in an abandoned house on Monday, Feb. 11.

“That definitely tops my list of the craziest calls I’ve ever taken,” Rico said.

“People report barking or abused dogs, bat bites, malnourished horses, alligators or cows on the loose. But a tiger?

Never.”

The bizarre scenario captured the attention of national and international media. As the world watched, the tiger may have been the headliner of the show, but the real stars were working behind the scenes, collaborating among multiple city departments and local agencies to ensure safety for the tiger and the public.

As the first point of contact, Rico set the wheels in motion to relay the information to BARC. Animal control officers from BARC and HPD confirmed the tiger’s location and obtained a warrant to remove the tiger from the house.

After the tiger was tranquilized, HPD and BARC worked together to troubleshoot towing, lifting, pulling, balancing and hoisting the cage into a horse trailer. The male juvenile tiger, estimated to be about a year-and-a-half, weighs between 350-400-pounds. He was taken to BARC for safe keeping overnight, then transferred to the 1,400acre Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas, where he is currently living among more than 800 resident animals, including one other tiger.

BARC employees assigned to the tiger rescue mission included Jarrad Mears, Chris Glaser, Chris Dunn, Shawn Walker and Bobby Panzarella.

HPD Sgt. Jason Alderete of the Major Offenders division, Livestock Animal Cruelty unit, said he works closely with BARC animal control officers.

“I wish we had more people in our unit so we could help more animals and bring more animal thieves and abusers to justice,” Alderete said. “But the BARC animal control officers are truly a force multiplier for us.

“We rely on BARC to pick up the animals and get them out of dangerous situations. We then investigate whether a crime had been committed. It’s an underappreciated, physical and

dangerous job, and they deserve $2 million to keep it, between all the must be terrible,’ but I feel the opposite, recognition for what they do,” Alderete food you should have been feeding it, because I’m helping the animal and I said. veterinary care and more.” know I’m doing something good about While this is an unusual case Dunn and Glaser visited the Cleveland it.” for BARC, Glaser said the team is Amory Black Beauty Ranch to check up The laws and ordinances about accustomed to receiving wildlife and on the tiger and were happy to report that owning exotic pets and wild animals exotic animal calls. he is doing well. can be confusing to people who aren’t “We receive a lot of erroneous reports.

“It feels pretty good to take them out in the know, Glaser said. It’s not illegal We will hear that there is a wolf, a of a bad situation,” Dunn said of animal to own tigers in Texas if you have all black panther, a bobcat or mountain rescues. “And that’s what we do every the required permits from the federal lion running around. People are often day with all kinds of animals.” government and the state, but you can’t misinformed about what they see, The tiger’s former owner was charged keep them in the city. It is a violation and most reports of that nature aren’t with animal cruelty and ordered to pay of Chapter 6 of the City’s Code of credible,” Glaser said. “But living in a nearly $12,000 to the ranch for continued Ordinances to keep a tiger within city city this big, you are going to run in to care of the tiger. The tiger was previously limits unless the facility has been some unusual things. It’s something we named Raja, but Black Beauty Ranch accredited by a nationally recognized are equipped to deal with. We know what held an online poll to vote on a new zoological association. to do if we find one, and we know who to name. Loki was the most popular choice The city allows the ownership of some call if we need some assistance,” Glaser Noelle Almrud, director of the wild animals depending on whether they said.

Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch are endangered, the size and the nature Experience with exotic pets and confirmed that Loki is enjoying his new of the animal, Glaser said. For example, wildlife varies between team members, habitat. you can have a python, but it has to be from Panzarella, who started with BARC “Since his arrival we have seen him a subspecies of python that is less than in August 2018, to Dunn, a longtime flourish from being fearful and timid, to 8 feet. You can have a monkey if the wildlife rehabilitator and a state-licensed boldly exploring his habitat,” Almrud average weight of that type of monkey is alligator wrangler. Last year, Dunn said. “He will have the opportunity to less than 20 pounds. helped removed a 7-foot alligator from a roam in wooded forest and nap under Glaser advises anyone considering jogging trail near White Oak Bayou. a tree without worry or stress. We are exotic pet ownership to do their research “I used to do inspections every six grateful this was not a temporary home and make a realistic assessment of the months on the tigers at a sanctuary in for him and that BARC transferred legal financial commitment these animals Montgomery County. We had one that custody to us so we can care for him require. was 750 pounds. I dealt with bears, properly for the rest of his life.”

“Exotic pets are a fantasy idea. It’s servals (exotic cat), monkeys and great in theory, but most people are not jaguars, so this was not all that new for equipped to handle the animals or keep me.” them in conditions that are suitable for Panzarella said “tiger week” was a them,” Glaser said. “The tiger is a great high point of his career with BARC. example of that. Over the course of that “It was certainly fun; I was excited the tiger’s life, it would have cost about whole time,” Panzarella said.

“I didn’t realize how quickly and how widely the story would spread. I sent a picture of me with the tiger to a friend in Germany, and he had already heard about it.”

Panzarella said he was pleasantly surprised to see how positive and grateful Houston residents are about the services BARC provides.

“I love this job, people are just happy to see us. They practically applaud and cheer that you’re coming through their neighborhood. I never expected that,” Panzarella said.

“Whenever I tell people about animal cruelty investigation, they say, ‘That must be such a hard job, it The tiger, recently renamed Loki, is reportedly flourishing in his new home at Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas.

Photo courtesy of the Humane Society

2019 - Issue 1

06 AROUND THE CITY Miracle man: HPD officer struck by intoxicated driver is back on the job

By Elise Rambaud Marrion

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f you ask Houston Police Officer Nestor Garcia about the events of Sept. 27, 2017, he can only give second-hand accounts told by his colleagues, family and doctors. Garcia has no memory of the line-of-duty accident that nearly claimed his life.

Garcia was conducting a felony traffic stop on a stolen vehicle on the Southwest Freeway near the Shepherd Drive exit when he was struck and his body was dragged by an SUV traveling more than 60 miles per hour. The 79-year-old driver was under the influence of prescription drugs. The rookie officer, who was only 24 at the time, had been an HPD officer for about a year when the tragic accident could have cut short his career and his life.

“The last thing I remember was telling my dad that I was going to work. I don’t have any solid recognition until early November,” Garcia said.

What followed was an inspirational, heroic journey to recovery that beat all the odds. Garcia sustained numerous lifethreatening injuries to his brain, spine, kidneys, liver, spleen, knees and more.

For months, Garcia had double vision from damage to his eye socket and optic nerve. A stroke left one side of his body paralyzed and impaired his speech.

Garcia’s doctors didn’t expect him to survive past 72 hours. They didn’t expect he would ever be able to walk, talk, or even regain normal vision, much less return to work. Despite the severity of his injuries, Garcia continued to defy diagnoses and exceed expectations until he returned to transitional duty in April of 2018 and full duty at the South Central Patrol Station in January of this year. During his recovery, HPD Chief Art Acevedo described Garcia as a “walking miracle.”

“I was determined to come back to work. I just decided that I wouldn’t let the accident be what ended my career,” Garcia said. “Being a police officer was what I always wanted to do, and I was just getting started in my career. I loved it. There were a lot of things I wanted to do with my career that could have been cut short, and I wasn’t going to let that happen.”

Through 16 months of hospitalizations, numerous surgeries and a painful rehabilitation process, Garcia said his family, friends and colleagues helped him find hope and motivation to persevere.

“That’s what pushed me through my recovery. My family never left my side.

I was never alone in the hospital – not one single day,” Garcia said. “My friends came in on their lunch break, we’re

HPD Officer Nestor Garcia made a triumphant return to full duty after multiple life-threatening injuries and 16 months of rehabilitation.

Photo by Elise Marrion talking dozens of officers, some whom I only knew in passing. Everyone came to show that they really cared. I never expected it.

“You hear about that bond between law enforcement officers, and I never

fully understood that until now,” he said.

“I had an incredible support system.

Nobody gave me a chance to feel sorry for myself. My fellow officers even held a benefit event in my honor.”

Miracle continued on Page 11

Entrepreneurship program builds path to brighter future

The first graduates of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Turnaround Houston Entrepreneurship Program celebrate their completion of a five-week class designed for previously incarcerated individuals interested in starting their own business. Photo courtesy of Mayor’s Office of Communications

By Lucha Morales

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he stigma of a criminal background can make the dream of owning your own business seem out of reach. But for Omar Acosta, access to an entrepreneurship skills program was the jumpstart he needed to start his own business and overcome the barriers of his criminal record.

“I’ve experienced pushback from companies and agencies,” Acosta said of his attempts to find resources and guidance to start his own business after having been incarcerated.

“I kept researching about programs, but I was still needing that one breakthrough to proceed with my small business journey,” he said.

2019 - Issue 1

But that all changed when Acosta received an email about Turnaround Houston’s Entrepreneurship Program, which aims to provide skills and resources to previously incarcerated individuals looking to start their own business.

“A lot of people in my situation, we have good ideas, but we don’t have the guidance,” said Acosta, who is one of 13 graduates of the first class launched in January.

The entrepreneurial program is part of Mayor Turner’s larger Turnaround Houston initiative, which gives hardto-employ Houstonians access to job training opportunities and resources through readiness fairs. It’s the only entrepreneurial program that targets

previously incarcerated individuals in the Houston and Harris County area.

“There’s programs within the prison system, but not once they are released,” said Abigail Gonzalez, who manages the entrepreneurship program, which was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ DollarWise Campaign.

Gonzalez, a business development coordinator for the Office of Business Opportunity, believes the program is helping to break down barriers for previously incarcerated individuals looking to start their own business.

“It’s time for us to be more accepting of the fact that people can change and that their past mistakes don’t define them, so that we can help them to become successful individuals and contribute to our economy just like everyone else,” Gonzalez said.

Building a foundation Program participants attended twohour workshops every other Saturday for five weeks at the Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library. Workshops covered business plan basics, marketing, financial literacy, entrepreneurial strengths, and how to pitch their business. At the end of the program, participants were required to submit a business plan.

“Through the meetings and workshops, I’ve learned enough to get my LLC and EIN to prepare myself with the foundation,” said Acosta, who recently founded New Age Data LLC, a telecommunications and wireless

company.

Gonzalez said the entrepreneurship program is producing tangible results.

“To be able to witness the first cohort graduate was a very proud moment, and I’m glad that the Office of Business Opportunity and the City of Houston were able to do that for the community, especially in one of our complete communities Acres Homes,” she said.

“It is exciting to see the powerful and positive impact that TEP has had on these students lives,” said OBO Director Carlecia D. Wright. “And thanks to our partners at Microsoft, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Staples, OBO is also helping them get started by providing them with technology, seed funds and office supplies.”

Graduates of the program received a $300 start-up grant to help cover fees for filing forms with the state to start a business; for example, forms to designate a limited liability company. The grant also pays for a Staples supply pack of basic office supplies, a new laptop from Microsoft, and a $25 Microsoft gift card.

“Now I’m doing things instead of just thinking about them,” Acosta said of his experience in the program. “My next step is to start getting contracts and bids.”

“I’m very hopeful for my future,” he said. “I want to let Mr. Turner know he did something good.”

To learn more about the program, visit www.houstontx.gov/turnaround.

AROUND THE CITY

07

DON abates sizeable community eyesore and safety hazard

The Department of Neighborhoods removed trash and overgrowth from an untended property behind the Cemetery Beautiful in Acres Homes.

Photos by Elise Marrion

By Elise Rambaud Marrion

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he heavily wooded area behind the Cemetery Beautiful in Acres Homes provides a serene backdrop to the rows of polished grave markers and carefully tended plots. But if you take a few steps closer, you’ll find those woods to be far from picturesque.

The dense canopy of brush, weeds, vines and saplings hides an all too common problem in Houston: illegal dumping.

Along James Franklin Street between Esther Drive and Ferguson Way sits 44 neglected lots of overgrown vegetation that have become a prime spot for illegal dumping and a hazard for cemetery visitors or anyone who passes by.

Boxes and bags of personal belongings, discarded tires, furniture, and even a derelict motorboat fill the ditches and spill out into the street. Foul odors of spoiled food, molding garbage, mattresses, and decomposing animals hang heavy in the air.

But the city’s Department of Neighborhoods is doing something about it.

The Inspections section of the Department of Neighborhoods enforces city codes and responds to pubic complaints about overgrown lots, dangerous, vacant buildings, illegal dumping and trash accumulation, junk motor vehicles, and other materials or appliances stored in public view.

Illegal dumping and weeded lots are a problem citywide, but DON Deputy Assistant Director Reggie Harris said this tract of land was among the worst he’s seen.

“One of our employees was attending funeral services at the cemetery and could smell the trash from this illegal dumping site,” Harris said. “Addressing high weeds and grass is standard operations for our division, but this one stood out.

We did some digging and found out it was 44 continuous lots. It’s rare to have an area this large with this much overgrowth,” he said.

“With Acres Homes being part of the Complete Communities program, we saw how bad this street looked, and it was a no-brainer that this project could make a big impact,” Harris said.

The Texas Local Government Code allows the city to automatically to abate any property with weeds or grass 48 inches or taller without notifying the property owner, Harris said. After the work is complete, the city places a lien on the property for the cost of abatement.

The property owner has 10 days to appeal the lien.

The Inspections section had some fiscal year-end funds available with landscaping contractor Juarez Mowing and decided to attack the eyesore and health hazard. The project cost about $150,000 took about two and a half weeks to complete.

Juarez Mowing used a hydro axe “skid steer” brush mulcher to cut unwanted vegetation and “trash trees” while leaving intact healthy trees with trunks diameters larger than 3 inches, Harris said. The machine then shreds and grinds the brush, leaving mulch on the ground to prevent further weed growth.

DON staff is also training on drone technology to get a birds-eye view of difficult-to-access or potentially dangerous sites.

“Before we started working on this lot, the vegetation was so thick you could hardly see in there, let alone walk in here,” Harris said. “When you don’t know what’s hiding in that brush, using a drone keeps our employees safe from snakes and other unseen hazards.”

Despite the continued educational outreach efforts of the Department of Neighborhoods and Solid Waste Management Department, Harris said many residents accept illegal dumping as part of life, or they choose to ignore trash disposal ordinances.

“People are paying attention. We get quite a few calls to come clean up illegal dumping in the area,” Harris said. “Lots of folks take pride in their community, but unfortunately there are too many folks who don’t.”

Residents often dump larger items like mattresses, furniture and tires to avoid disposal fees, or sometimes they simply don’t want to wait for designated heavy trash pick-up months. Discarded personal items are often the result of evictions, where unscrupulous landlords toss tenants’ belongings into a ditch.

DON staff spotted an open bag of decomposing rooster carcasses in the

A city contractor uses a “skid steer” brush mulcher to cut through thick vegetation on an abandoned property.

DON Deputy Assistant Director Reggie Harris points out illegal dumping along James Franklin Avenue. The Department of Neighborhoods is training on drone technology to survey potentially dangerous properties.

Photos by Elise Marrion woods along James Franklin that were likely dumped after illegal cockfighting.

“There are days that I have walked these streets with all this trash and I almost broke out in tears,” Harris said.

“I never knew the compassion I had for communities until I worked in the Department of Neighborhoods. We just want people to know that we are here to help and they don’t have to live like this.”

What can you do?

To report dangerous properties, overgrown lots, trash accumulation and illegal dumping contact 311. You can download the 311 app, to online www.houstontx.gov/311 or call 311.

2019 - Issue 1

8

HOUSTON HERITAGE

8

Culturally Significant Spots in Houston African-American History

By Elise Rambaud Marrion

F

rom parks, historic homes and churches, to a classroom, theater and a library, the City of Houston has been instrumental in the preservation and restoration of African-American history in Houston.

Take a moment to learn more about these historic and culturally significant spots in Houston.

3

The African American Library at the Gregory School 1300 Victor St.

Emancipation Park 3018 Emancipation Ave.

1

Known as the jewel of the Third Ward, Emancipation Park has been a social and cultural hub for the AfricanAmerican community for nearly 150 years. Established in 1872, Emancipation Park is the oldest public park in Houston. During the decades of racial segregation, it was the only public park and swimming pool open to black residents. The aptly named Emancipation Park commemorates Juneteenth, the day General Gordon Granger belatedly brought news of the Emancipation Proclamation to Galveston on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the proclamation was signed. A group of formerly enslaved African-American community leaders raised $800 to purchase 10 acres of land, on which to hold Juneteenth celebrations. The park was acquired by the City of Houston in 1918, and recently underwent a three-year, $33.6 million renovation project.

Once serving as the city’s first African-American public school, the African American Library at the Gregory School serves as a community resource that preserves and promotes the rich history of African-Americans in Houston. Founded in 1870, the Gregory School, previously known as the Gregory Institute, was originally located in downtown Houston on Jefferson Street between Smith and Louisiana, until a severe storm left the building damaged beyond repair. In 1903, the school was relocated to Victor Street in Freedmen’s Town, the city’s first independent black neighborhood where freed slaves settled after the Civil War. The library is the first of its kind in Houston, and one of few in the nation. The gallery honors African-American Houstonians whose culture and heritage played a significant role in the development of the city into what it is today. The library showcases temporary exhibits and hosts regular guest lectures.

Bethel Park 801 Andrews St.

2

Sam Houston Park 1000 Bagby St. Just steps away from City Hall, Sam Houston Park was established in 1899 as the first official City of Houston park. The 20-acre park features gently rolling lawns and historical buildings dating back to a pre-Texas Revolution cabin. Notably, the park also features a home built in 1870 by former slave and community leader the Rev. Jack Yates. Admission is free. Visit the Houston Heritage Society for more information about events and tours.

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4

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was a cornerstone of the Fourth Ward’s Freedmen’s Town for generations.

The church was founded by the Rev. Jack Yates in the 1890s. The congregation moved on from the original building in 1997. A fire in 2005 left the vacant building with only the original foundation and brick walls. The City of Houston purchased the property and transformed what was left of the building into a unique park. Now stabilized and reinforced, the property features concrete pews and is adorned with multi-colored glass panes. The park was temporarily closed for landscape repairs in summer 2018. Reservation fees for Bethel Park have not yet been approved by Houston City Council.

5 Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3861 Caroline St. The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to African-American military history. Visitors learn about the historical impact of the Buffalo Soldiers and see artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War. The museum also features historical memorabilia which detail the history of the brave men and women who overcame extreme adversity while fighting the great American wars.

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is one of the organizations that benefit from the Combined Municipal Campaign. Search for them using agency code #2409.

DeLuxe Theater 3303 Lyons Ave.

6

The DeLuxe opened in 1941 and for decades was more than just a movie house; it was an essential and popular Fifth Ward gathering place, an entertainment venue, a social hub. The theater then went into decline and nearly collapsed in on itself from neglect and disuse. Instead of allowing the decaying building to be demolished, neighborhood supporters who saw the old building with historical perspective and understood its importance and place within the fabric of the community would not stand for its demolition. A coalition of partners formed and a mix of grant and public funds gave rise to a reconstruction and resurrection project.

More than $5.5 million went into it; what came out was a LEED-certified facility that retained historical features of the old structure but resulted in a new space for a reenergized neighborhood. Instead of focusing on movies, the DeLuxe now features a state-of-the art performance auditorium and community hall for special events, educational programming and performances, arts, events and workshops. Texas Southern University and the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation were two of the major partners in the redevelopment project.

AROUND THE CITY

Eldorado Ballroom 2310 Elgin St.

7

The Eldorado Ballroom is a historic nightclub that once showcased music legends including Ray Charles, James Brown, Etta James, Count Basie, Ike and Tina Turner, and B.B. King. Those headliners kept the joint jumping with a perpetually packed dance floor known as Houston’s “home of happy feet.” Built in 1939, the ballroom was owned by African-American businesswoman Anna Dupree (1892-1977), who wanted to establish a community entertainment venue for black social clubs and other groups in the Third Ward.

In 1999, the Eldorado Ballroom was gifted to Project Row Houses, which currently offers the space for event rentals. In 2015, the community celebrated Eldorado’s official historical status when it received a Texas Historical Marker.

Smart city vision to provide solutions to city challenge

By Lucha Morales

F

Olivewood Cemetery 1300 Court St.

9

8

The first African-American cemetery in Houston, Olivewood was incorporated in 1875. Olivewood is the resting place of about 4,000 known AfricanAmerican Houstonians, including freed slaves who came to Houston seeking opportunity such as Elias Dribble, founder of Trinity Methodist Church. The cemetery features ornate statuary and gravestones displaying funeral customs from African and Caribbean nations. Resting among them are an unknown number of unmarked graves. Over the years, Olivewood became overgrown with weeds, flood-damaged and fell into disrepair, but restoration efforts continue by a community group, Descendants of Olivewood, which holds frequent events and volunteer opportunities. The City of Houston has been involved with cleanup and preservation projects in recent years. The cemetery is also a historical resource for African-Americans wishing to learn about their family history, because the Descendants of Olivewood maintains a searchable online database of cemetery records. City employees can support Descendants of Olivewood through CMC donations. Look for CMC Agency 2221.

rom capturing residential water usage in real time to assessing air quality or warning residents about high-water areas, Houston’s smart city vision is looking to innovative technology to improve residents’ quality of life, drive economic growth, and build a more inclusive society.

“All of the projects that we have are ultimately either going to improve customer experience or improve our operations,” said Jesse Bounds, director of the Mayor’s Office of Innovation.

Houston embraced a smart city vision after an alliance with Microsoft to make the city its first U.S. “space” for its “Internet of Things” approach to technology.

The Houston-Microsoft alliance led to the creation of a Smart City Advisory Council, announced in March

by Mayor Sylvester Turner. The council will develop a roadmap of strategies for smart city efforts going forward.

“The age of technology is here and we cannot afford to sit idle,” Turner said. “We must leap, not stroll into the future. The advisory council will set the stage for Houston to become the Smart City of the world.”

Bounds believes citywide efforts to adopt emerging technologies and data-driven practices have made Houston a smart city pioneer.

“We were one of the first cities in the country to install air quality monitors and one of the first cities in the country to go to smart water meters, which can tell you usage in real time,” Bounds said.

Bounds and Director of Information Technology Services Lisa Kent are leading Houston’s smart city vision project. They met with city departments to see how they are embracing smart city technology and datadriven practices.

“All of our smart city technologies were happening in silos,” Bounds said. “City departments were doing really cool stuff, but only they knew about it. If it had a customer impact, then customers knew about it too.

“We started to identify the landscape of opportunities in the city,” Bounds said. “Microsoft helped us have conversations with departments and see what they were currently doing and where there were opportunities to add technology in order to improve what they were doing.”

Current projects listed on the city’s Smart City webpage range from transportation projects that will capture traffic data and other information in real time to public safety projects, such as firefighting drones that will use thermal imaging to identify, track, and asses fire hazards.

Although the city has already begun implementing projects, risks along identified discovery areas are still being determined by the Smart City Advisory Council.

“The goal with the advisory council is to develop a roadmap toward an economically sustainable and wellcoordinated strategy and align it to our 100 Resilient Cities plan,” Bounds said.

In August, Houston was selected to join the 100 Resilient Cities network. The nonprofit provides guidance and resources to cities in their quest to build resilience to economic, social and physical challenges.

Through sponsorship from Shell, the city received funding to hire a chief resilience officer, Marissa Aho, who is now leading the city’s resilient strategy development.

Bounds believes there is value in using smart city technology.

“Imagine having the ability to warn residents about high-water areas in real time during inclement weather,” Bounds said of efforts to introduce sensors in areas with frequent flooding.

“We’ve got this growing momentum,” Bounds said.

“Departments are eager to innovate.”

“I hope that we continue to deploy projects that are impactful and highly visible — to do be able to do more with less,” he said.

To learn more about Houston’s Smart City Vision, log on to http://houstontx.gov/smartcity.

Houston’s path to becoming a smart city leader

2017 — Mayor Sylvester Tuner establishes Technology & Innovation Taskforce June 2017 — Task Force presents recommendations to the Mayor and City Council May 2018 — City forms alliance with Microsoft

August 2018 — Houston selected to join 100 Resilient Cities network February 2019 — City launches Smart City Vision webpage March 2019 — Smart City Advisory Council announced

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10

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

HPD sergeant’s tattoo studio gets nationally televised reality show

When he’s not working for HPD, Sgt. Bryan Klevens runs Prison Break Tattoos, a tattoo studio that supports first responders and their families. The studio is decorated with memorabilia from law enforcement and other first responders including an electric chair prop that Klevens built himself.

Photos by Elise Marrion

By Elise Rambaud Marrion

T

he steady buzz of tattoo machines provides a subtle soundtrack inside Prison Break Tattoos on Washington Avenue. But the buzz about this local first responder-themed tattoo studio got significantly louder in June.

A nationally televised unscripted reality show, “Hero Ink,” premiered on June 6 on the A&E cable network.

Opened in 2013 by Houston Police Department Sgt. Bryan Klevens, Prison Break Tattoos attracts a nationwide and international clientele, primarily those who work in the military, law enforcement, fire and emergency services.

Each half-hour episode features stories from several first responders and guest tattoo artists.

“Featured stories include tributes to service animals, first responders who risked everything to help others on Sept. 11, heroes who came together to protect people and property from natural disasters, and teams who have made difficult decisions amid harrowing ordeals,” A&E publicity materials stated.

“In each case, the clients honor these stories of bravery through a unique tattoo that serves as a lifelong reminder to the moments and people who have impacted their lives and the lives of others,” The studio is heavily decorated with memorabilia – from heavy iron bars and barbed wire, to prison beds, fire hydrants, a handmade electric chair replica, handcuffs, and signs memorializing those who sacrificed their lives. Clients can even get inked by a Houston firefighter.

When he’s not working for Houston Fire Department, Robbie Carson has a part-

time job as a tattoo artist at Prison Break Tattoos.

Prison Break’s popularity spread quickly and garnered attention from multiple media outlets nationwide. That exposure brought reality television production companies to Klevens’ door, he said.

“I was approached by about five production companies before I found one that matched my vision and focus.

These folks found me through the article in Texas Monthly Magazine,” he said.

“I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I know some tattoo reality shows from the last few years focused on the artists, their personalities and drama in the studio. I wasn’t interested in that at all. I wanted to feature our first responders, tell their experiences and stories behind their tattoos.”

While the show was in production, Klevens adjusted his HPD work schedule and tattoo studio business hours to accommodate filming for 10-12 hours a day. He worked early shifts or took vacation time from HPD. The tattoo studio needed a facelift before filming could begin, Klevens said.

“We had to close the business for several weeks and remodel to make it more TV ready and support the types of lighting,” he said. “The changes are for the better. It’s a much more open environment. You can see all the memorabilia that I’ve collected, which can be a conversation starter.

“I’ve seen first responders and their families look around, open up to share their own stories of heroism and loss.

This isn’t just a tattoo studio. I truly believe in my heart we can be a place of healing. We’re family here, and

we can support our first responders because many of us have shared similar experiences.”

Klevens said some Houstonians will be featured on the show, but the production company sought out first responders and guest tattoo artists from across the country to share their stories.

“Filming the show was an amazing experience,” Klevens said. “I got to meet a lot of interesting people, a lot of heroic first responders and amazing artists who assisted us.

“From the production company to the production assistants and show runners, everyone was 100 percent supportive of my dream, and we were more than thrilled to have these folks here for the last eight weeks. Right now, I’m just waiting to see how the show does and where it takes us,” Klevens said.

Prison Break Tattoos is the setting for “Hero Ink,” a new reality show on A&E cable network. Learn more at aetv.com/shows/hero-ink.

Photos courtesty of Bryan Klevens

Houston Happenings Follow City Savvy’s Lucha Morales as she explores city programs, the CMC and much more on Houston Happenings.

Look for our Savvy monthly emails, or subscribe to our YouTube channel, HR Houston, and watch all our videos.

Scan QR code with your smartphone.

2019 - Issue 1

AROUND THE CITY

11

Pothole continued from Page 1 Since Public Works launched the nextbusiness-day service model, Poole said his job hasn’t changed drastically, but he has noticed some positive differences.

“I don’t feel pressure to work faster, because I never had any trouble keeping up, but I think the process works smoother. I like using the tablets and having the ability to contact the citizen who reported the pothole for more specific details,” Poole said. “Our biggest frustrations are false alarms, lack of information, inaccurate locations, or driving out to damage that doesn’t fit the definition of a pothole. Our new system has helped to cut those false alarms down, but it would help us work more efficiently if citizens gave as much detail as possible when they call 311.”

Of the potholes reported to 311 from 2016 to now, 63 percent were larger than a defined pothole, according to department data. Missing or severely deteriorated pavement larger than a pothole requires a skin patch or panel replacement. Houston Public Works replaces about 900 concrete street panels per year.

“In some ways we are the scouts out in the field,” Poole said. “There are some roads that are too damaged and already have too many patches. We can fill the service request; we can fix the immediate hazard. But it’s just going to be a bumpy ride until more serious repairs can be done.”

Interacting with residents is all part of the job, Poole said.

“Most people we meet are happy to see us. They’re pleasantly surprised on those occasions when we fill a pothole the same day it was reported,” Poole said. “From our perspective, the pothole initiative has been successful, and I’m proud to be part of it. It makes us feel good that we can help the citizens, but we’re helping ourselves, too, because we all drive these same streets.”

What can you do?

If you see a pothole, call 311 or report it using the City of Houston 311 app. For more information on the City of Houston’s pothole initiative, visit: www.houstontx.gov/potholes.

Miracle continued from Page 6 Garcia said he was also grateful for assistance from the workers’ compensation staff in the Human Resources Risk Management division.

Betsy Ramos, division manager, and Joy Purcell, administrative coordinator, ensured that Garcia received all the medical care he needed to recover.

“My parents said Betsy and Joy were immensely helpful and supportive,” Garcia said. “My dad said they walked in the hospital on the first day and said, ‘You worry about your son, we’ll worry about everything else.’ And that’s exactly how it worked. My parents didn’t have to worry about any of the medical stuff.”

After he regained consciousness, Garcia said Ramos and Purcell continued to monitor his medical needs for the duration of his recovery.

“Betsy and Joy were phenomenal.

When it came to approvals for procedures, they didn’t take no for an answer. I have no complaints. I never had to reach out to them because they constantly checked on me. It took a lot of stress off myself and my parents.”

Ramos said success stories like

Potholes 101 What is a pothole?

Houston Public Works defines a pothole as any area of missing or severely deteriorated pavement that is up to about 5 feet by 5 feet.

Why are there so many potholes in Houston streets?

With about 16,000 lane miles of city streets, potholes will appear in many locations.

Houston weather causes potholes to form year-round. Many streets, particularly in the older areas inside the I-610 Loop, have an aging underlying structure, or sub-base, which reacts poorly to these conditions and increases the number of potholes that develop.

HPW fills potholes within one business day, but there are several reasons why repairs may be delayed: Weather delay: Potholes cannot be filled if it is raining, if the pothole is filled with water or when the temperature is below 45 degrees. Flooding or extended periods of rain or freezing temperatures can create a backlog of repairs. When work is delayed, the requested repairs go into queue until weather conditions improve. The crews then work overtime to resolve the backlog of repairs.

Can’t find the pothole: Sometimes customers give incomplete or insufficient information and crews cannot locate the pothole. This is why leaving your name, phone number, email address, and a complete description of the pothole location is important.

Other jurisdictions: Some locations in the City of Houston are actually owned and/or maintained by other entities, such as TxDOT, Harris County or private owners. When residents report potholes on roads that are outside of the City of Houston’s responsibility, the city forwards the information to the right entity.

Misidentification/utility covers: Private utilities such as phone, gas and electric have service entry points in the public street. When these entrances to the underground utilities become worn, the owners of the utility must repair the cracked and/or damaged pavement around the rim. When the reported pothole is the result of these utility covers, we will forward your report to them for repair.

Off to the side of the road: Sometimes a pothole forms off to the side of the roadway, especially when drainage is inadequate and the area is used for parking. These areas are usually the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain. The city has inspectors who verify if the pothole is within the improved street, or if it is within the part of right of way that is the responsibility of the property owner.

Can’t be repaired as a pothole: Some defects that are reported as potholes are really some other kind of problem that cannot be repaired as a pothole and require more extensive repairs.

Visit http://houstonpotholes.org for specific details.

Garcia’s bring greater meaning to her job.

“The Human Resources workers’ compensation team was honored to support Officer Garcia and his family through his miraculous recovery,” Ramos said. “They are an inspiration to us all.”

Human Resources Director Jane Cheeks also expressed her admiration for Garcia’s strength and determination.

Cheeks noted that Garcia is living proof that collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.

“This is a shining example of how the workers’ compensation process – from beginning to end – can work in the best interest of the injured employee, especially when the employee is invested in the process.”

Garcia’s perseverance earned the respect of his fellow officers including the Hispanic Officer of the Year Committee, which presented Garcia with the 2018 Uniform Officer of the Year Award. The event program commended Garcia for, “his bravery and internal resolve to return to the department and resume his career as a Houston Police officer. Officer Garcia’s intestinal fortitude, desire and ambition exemplifies the strengths of a Latino Law

Enforcement Officer.”

Garcia said he was honored by the award, but he was quick to deflect praise.

“I don’t see what I went through as a heroic act or something I need to be commended for. It was the luck of the draw,” he said. “I got hit, and I did what I had to do to survive. Other people tell

me that I’m one the strongest people they’ve ever met. I don’t see it that way, but if anyone can get some inspiration or motivation out of what I went through, I want to help anyone I can.”

2019 - Issue 1

12 EXTRA MILERS

Beckhead Caption Contest

EXTRA MILERS

Arnaldo Madera is a cheerful, creative problem-solver César Izaguirre wrote to Mayor Turner to shine the spotlight on customer service from Houston Permitting Center’s Senior Plan Analyst Arnaldo Madera.

“Working on my permits, [Madera] explains the process really well and helped me to solve problems I had on my drawings. His extraordinary ability to analyze problems and outline necessary courses of action was invaluable,” Izaguirre wrote. “When he was helping us, we could notice he is a creative problemsolver, always cheerful, always behaves professionally with sensitivity and concern for others willing to go beyond what is required. It was very helpful that he speaks

The Team

DON employee teams up with resident to tackle bandit signs Department of Neighborhoods Inspections and Public Service teams conduct code inspections and connecting residents to city services and resources that can help them address and resolve neighborhood concerns. DON recently received a letter from a resident applauding one of its team members, Dee Harris, for her excellent customer service. The resident wrote: “I am writing to applaud one of your City of Houston employees, Ms. Dee Harris. I have had a most collegial relationship with her through the years in regards to the Bandit Sign issue in our city.

Approximately twice yearly, after I have collected a large number of Bandit Signs in our neighborhood, she comes by to retrieve them so that she can document their illegal placement and discard them appropriately.

I do this to assist her as I know that the city has a large problem with bandit signs and a very limited budget with which to do so. It’s this partnership that maximizes our city’s funds while engaging the citizens in participating in the effort to keep the city clean and beautiful ... We just love Dee and we want the city to know this.”

DECEMBER

Tara Covington

JANUARY

Houston Public Works

“What’d you expect? It’s this or buy you a new ring!”

Charlotte Rusk

Houston Parks & Recreation Department

FEBRUARY

HPD Officer keeps gunman away from Pearland school Courtney P. Merilatt, principal of the Garfield Elementary School in Pearland, wrote to Mayor Sylvester Turner to share a story about community policework in action. Here’s what she had to say: “On Feb. 4, our Community PAL Officer, Officer Anthony Triplett was on his way to our campus to discuss the after school program he is developing for our students.

As he pulled in to our parking lot, a woman approached Officer Triplett. She was running from the Berkshire Apartments, which are directly across from our campus.

She reported a man with a gun acting erratically in the apartment office. Officer Triplett kept the gunman contained at the apartment office area by pulling his vehicle around and literally put himself between the gunman and our elementary school. He held this position for approximately five minutes until other units arrived. With the help of his brave actions. we were able to keep our students safe,” she wrote.

“We are extremely pleased with the PAL Program and Officer Triplett. He has gone above and beyond to make a positive impact with our students and community Thank you for supporting this program,” she wrote.

“So, who wants a leg?””

“I think he has an unfair advantage.”

Sandra Sharp

Houston Public Works

MARCH

English and Spanish so everything was easier for me. He did his best job taking care of the information clarifying all the doubts that arose. I can conclude that Mr. Madera has a strong motivation for work.

He is a focused and determined person.

For this and much more I think he deserve some kind of recognition.”

“You can join. Now, STOP harping about it.”

Beth Moffitt

Administrative & Regulatory Affairs

APRIL

Moody Park employees are a credit to the city Ed Huber, an election judge at Moody Park, wrote to Mayor Turner to show his appreciation for customer service provided by Houston Parks and Recreation Department employees.

“I have worked as an election judge at the Moody Park Community Center the past few years, and I wanted to call your attention to the outstanding work being done there by Moses Becerra, and his staff,” Huber wrote. “Moses made sure all of our needs are met, while also juggling and meeting the needs of other groups, and activities using the facility during the same time frame as our elections.

“His staff is always friendly, and open to assisting where needed. In particular, I want to focus attention on the custodian Edward Parker, who is always timely about opening the facility for us, and making sure the center is in tip-top condition for all. I have observed he is friendly, courteous, and has a good work ethic,” he wrote. “It is a credit to you and the City of Houston that you have employees like those at the Moody Park Community Center.”

Rod Hall

Houston Public Library

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t trust him.

He hasn’t flinched since we sat down.”

Rayshard Williams

Houston Public Library

MAY

HPW’s Sonja Anderson gives exceptional customer service Lindsey Broadwell wrote to Mayor Turner to express her gratitude for customer service provided by Sonja Anderson with the Houston Public Works Utility Maintenance division.

“I had a main line backup at my home, which was time critical and Ms. Anderson responded extremely quickly while maintaining clear communication to me throughout the process. My line was cleared in only a few hours from my initial contact thanks to Ms. Anderson.

It is evident to me that Ms. Anderson takes pride in her work and cares about delivering good quality service. I am very happy to see this out of the City of Houston as my expectations were greatly exceeded.

The level of service was unprecedented in all my dealings prior. I hope this letter serves the purpose of giving recognition where rightfully deserved.”

Every month, City Savvy invites employees to put their wits to the test and to a popular vote.

Check out the caption contest at cohemployeenews.com/a-bit-of-fun/caption-contest to submit your captions or vote for the caption that tickles your funny bone.

“Hey, I think I left my keys back there.

Would you mind going back to check?”

Mayor Sylvester Turner

Publications Manager Leslie Denton-Roach

City Savvy is published by the City of Houston Human Resources Department.

Human Resources Director Jane E. Cheeks

Managing Editor Elise Rambaud Marrion

Got story ideas?

611 Walker, 4A Houston, Texas 77002 832-393-6132

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Email Elise Marrion at elise.marrion@houstontx.gov or call 832-393-6132

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Designer Leslie Denton-Roach