Volume 1 Issue 1

VIVA HARRIS

Mechanic to Commissioner

Serving Harris County

When I became the County Commissioner of Precinct 2, I knew I would have an important choice to make in how I would handle this enormous responsibility – that would be to either be a part of the

status quo or to be intentional, impactful and transformational. I chose the latter.

This is why, every day I wake up excited about the transformation happening across Precinct 2.

Together, we (the community, my team and I) have accomplished a

great deal these past ve years. As the son of a mechanic, my father taught me to x things and to do my best to x them right. As a lifelong public servant, I enjoy hearing from the community I serve. When a Precinct 2 resident shares how they’ve been asking for

repairs for years or even decades, I get to work.

Like when I was on Houston City Council and I spoke with Linda from Denver Harbor, who used a wheelchair and shared how she wished for a sidewalk in her

Adrian Garcia

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner

Photo by: Alonzo Guadarrama

Welcome to Viva Harris!

Viva Harris aims to be a trusted source of information for the community covering all things about local happenings, places to visit, eat, important resources, and critical updates about Harris County that matter to residents. The goal is to bring not only fun information for the entire family but also keep residents up to date about how local government is working for them. We hope to highlight local stories about unsung heroes making a difference, workforce opportunities for all ages, and support for small businesses.

We encourage you to provide feedback about what you nd on Viva Harris and tell us what else interests you. This is for you and we want to bring you what matters to you.

You can email us at prod@vivaharris.com

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neighborhood. She needed the sidewalk to access a Metro stop. My team and I got to work. We were able to apply for a grant to install a sidewalk. Linda told me how “free and normal” she felt because of the new sidewalk. She could now access the Metro stop with ease.

When I rst became Commissioner, I visited the Castlewood subdivision in Aldine, and listened from residents how they needed an updated drainage system after storms ooded their homes. After two years of construction and a $15 million investment, in October 2022, we unveiled a transformed neighborhood with a robust underground drainage system, new sidewalks, and street lights.

Another project that I envisioned, on my rst day as Commissioner, was James Driver Inclusive Park. The park has become an award winning park, nationally renowned space where everyone, regardless of ability, can play. This $8 million investment was a labor of love. More people come to the park than ever before. It has drawn visitors from around the world to East Aldine.

By: Alonzo Guadarrama

Harris County 311 System

Did you know Harris County has a new, one-stop-shop for non-emergency requests? The Harris County 3-1-1 system is where you can nd and request services that are provided by more than 70 county departments. When you call 3-1-1 you will be connected to a Harris County representative that will guide you with lling potholes, cleaning out drainage ditches, xing playground equipment, and so much more.

311 or visit 311.harriscountytx.gov to learn more.

As a kid from Houston’s near Northside, I grew up with the idea that helping others was good and important to do. However, growing up in a tough neighborhood where many of my childhood friends became consumed by the negative in uences made my journey dif cult at times. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity and responsibility to create projects that made a positive impact in my community. I am proud of the progress we are making in neighborhoods that have been forgotten. However, this is just the beginning. Real change that improves lives for generations to come takes careful planning and meticulous execution. We are building on our momentum. We are ready to get more work done in

About your County Government

By: Frida Villalobos

How much do you know about Harris County? Oftentimes we only hear about the City of Houston but Harris County impacts residents beyond city limits. To begin to understand county government, it’s important we provide you with an overview of what Commissioners Court does.

According to the Texas Constitution established in 1876, it is the governing body of each of the 254 Texas counties. The court consists of ve members: four county commissioners and one county judge. The major duties of the commissioner’s court involve overseeing the budgetary and policy making functions of county government. In addition, in many counties, com-

missioners have extensive responsibilities related to the building and maintenance of county roads.

Each county in Texas is divided into four commissioner’s precincts with one commissioner being directly elected by the voters of each precinct to a four-year term. Commissioners are elected on staggered terms with two precincts voting for the of ce of commissioner in each general election. Precincts two and four of every county elect commissioner the same year the Texas gubernatorial election takes place while precincts one and three elect their commissioners in presidential election years. To be eligible to run for a county commissioner seat, an

individual must be a quali ed voter, a resident of that precinct and have never been convicted of a felony.

Commissioners Court oversees the following:

• Adopting and approving the county’s budget

• Setting tax rates

• Filling vacancies and appointing of cials

• Settling salaries, expenses, and allowances for appointed of cials

• Issuing bonds

• Overseeing courthouses, jails, and libraries

Each of the four county commissioners represents a certain area

of the county, also known as a precinct. Aside from serving as voting members of Commissioners Court, county commissioners are responsible for overseeing the following:

Maintenance of precinct parks, community centers and annexes.

Construction, maintenance and improvement of county roads and bridges, establishing long-range thoroughfare, open space, and land use plans that are not part of the state highway system.

Acquiring property for rights-ofway or other uses is determined to be in the public’s best interest.

Providing programs and services to residents who reside in the Precinct.

Members of Harris County Commissioners Court

County Judge

Lina Hidalgo

Precinct 1 Commissioner

Rodney Ellis

Precinct 2 Commissioner

Adrian Garcia

Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones

Precinct 3 Commissioner TomS.Ramsey,P.E.

Commissioners Court

Couple Finally Gets Keys to Their New Home

In January, the Jacinto City community gathered to celebrate the Alarcon family! They received keys to their newly rebuilt home after years of delays.

In 2019, severe damage was found and the house was recommended for demolition and reconstruction.

Three years later, with the assistance of multiple government

By: Alonzo Guadarrama

agencies and the persistent support of Commissioner Garcia and the Precinct 2 staff, including community liaison Sandra Zamarripa, the project nally began moving forward. After a year of reconstruction, the Alarcon family nally moved into their house!

How Medicare Recipients Can Save on Prescription Drugs

Photo: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

By: Frida Villalobos

For those who have medicare, this means lower costs and not having to forgo medication because they cannot afford them. Some of the prescriptions included are those that treat conditions like diabetes heart failure, blood clots, and autoimmune disorders. The bene t also includes $35 per month (or less) for each Medicare-covered insulin product—whether covered under Part D prescription drug coverage or used with a pump and covered under Part B or Medicare Advantage. This is particularly important in black and brown communities who are more likely to suffer from diabetes and experience challenges accessing medication.

The act also provides free access to recommended vaccines. These include vaccines to prevent herpes zoster (shingles); tetanus and diphtheria (Td); tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap); hepatitis A; and hepatitis B.

For more information:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn more about lowering your drug costs and keeping your hard-earned money in your pockets!

• Visit Medicare.gov/ExtraHelp to nd out if you qualify for help with your prescription drug costs.

• Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org or call 1-877-839-2675 to get free personalized health insurance counseling.

By: Julissa Martinez

5 Helpful Tips for First-Gen Students

College is hard enough to navigate already, but especially as a rst-gen student. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. College can be overwhelming, but it becomes especially hard to navigate for rst-gen students. First-gen students face academic, nancial and cultural challenges that can limit their success in a college environment.

We spoke with a rst-gen student who wished she had more support during her college career and offered some tips for those who are about to embark on the journey. These tips can also be helpful for adults who have rst-gen students in their lives and may not know how to support them. Please share this with them!

Find a mentor

a. Connect with someone who can provide you with guidance and support your journey. A mentor can be another rst-student who

has graduated and understands what you are experiencing. It can also be a professor, counselor and a professional you meet.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support a. Most universities will have resource centers that can provide free academic support, tutoring, and guidance. Those centers can help with writing assignments, math and other projects you may be struggling with. It’s also important to take advantage of of ce hours. Each professor, teaching assistant will have of ce hours available to answer questions about syllabus or assignments. Don’t be afraid to look for these types of opportunities. Find programs

a. Some colleges may offer summer bridge programs that can make your transition helpful. Ask the college or university you are interested in if they offer a program. If they don’t, ask about other programs they may offer for rst-gen students. Internships are also good opportunities for students. These can help you explore your career but also connect you to

Did you know? 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience abuse before

becoming adults.

By: Julissa Martinez

Teen Dating Violence is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well.

The rst step is to understand dating abuse and learn how to recognize it. Dating abuse is a pattern of coercive, intimidating, or manipulative behaviors used to exert power and control over a partner. It tends to involve a series of abusive behaviors over a course of time.

Some of the warning signs considered abuse from a partner include:

• Checking a partner’s phone, email, or social media accounts without permission.

• Putting a partner down frequently, especially in front of others.

• Isolating a partner from friends or family.

• Extreme jealousy or insecurity.

• Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings

• Any form of physical harm.

• Possessiveness or controlling behavior

• Pressing or forcing a partner to have sex.

Do you or someone you know experiencing dating violence?

Take a quiz to understand what to look for.

professionals in your eld of interest. Connect with like minded individuals a. Most universities will have rst-gen groups, clubs that can help you connect with other students who understand your experience. This can be helpful as you navigate college life and its challenges. Give yourself grace and take care of your mental health

a. Most rst-gen students put a lot of pressure on themselves to ensure they are making their family proud. Always prioritize your mental health and learn to give yourself grace when you most need it. Find out if your school has a counseling center or any free mental health services. This can be helpful with challenges you might face such as family con ict, transition to college, academic stress, depression, anxiety, or relationship struggles.

Scan QR code for a full guide we found helpful publicservicedegrees.org/ college-resources/ rstgeneration-college-students

FREE Tax Preparation Services

By: Frida Villalobos

It’s Tax season and there’s free tax preparation help available! BakerRipley has certi ed tax professionals that can help Harris County residents prepare their 2023 tax return at no cost. The free tax help is available to those making less than $58,000 a year. The BakerRipley has 27 stationary Neighborhood Tax Centers throughout Harris County that can help residents get their full refund without having to pay a professional ling service. There’s also a number of mobile sites that

are operating in communities such as Alief, Baytown, Crosby, Galena Park and Humble. The mobile sites are thanks to the $2.1 million investment made by Harris County Commissioners Court to expand services in more areas of the county. Services are provided on a walk-in only basis and include tax returns, and amendments, as well as ITIN applications and renewals. To nd a location near you visit bakerripley.org/programs-andservices/tax-assistance or call 2-1-1

Harris County Precinct offers Free Spring Break Camps

By: Frida Villalobos | Photo by: Alonzo Guadarrama

Are you looking for a fun spring break activity for your kids? Harris County Precinct 2 is hosting their annual Kids2Gether Spring Break camp at 8 of their community centers. The FREE program will have limited space available for kids ages 5-11 years old March 11th-14th 8 AM - 5PM and March 15th 8 AM- 12 Noon. Visit hcpt2.com/events to learn more.

Photo By: BakerRipley

Places to Visit in Precinct 2

Explore the treasures in Harris County with its family-friendly destinations located in captivating locations. Each precinct in the county offers great opportunities for families to explore and enjoy. This month we highlight areas in the East Side of Harris County in Precinct 2. From NASA, to The Post Houston, to our all-inclusive James Driver Park, the precinct offers exciting destinations for you and your family! Start this journey with us as we highlight our top ve destinations to visit in Precinct 2!

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By: Alonzo Guadarrama

Foodie Corner

The

local

a must try! We will choose restaurants that re ect the great diversity of cuisine that can be found throughout Harris County. Here are our rst 5 recommendations:

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