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November 25, 2008

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HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Donate to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund

Ike Fund GraphicHolidays are here and, with neighbors helping neighbors, we continue to rebuild from Hurricane Ike. The generosity and energy of Houstonians has been impressive.

But, the needs are still great. Many of our neighbors still need help. The Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund has given out more than $4.5 million in grants to help fill unmet needs. Grants for child care, food pantries, and victims assistance -- among others needs -- have been made to 51 different community organizations in the area.

As we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, I hope people will remember those still struggling to come back from the ravages of Ike.

Here is how you can help:

  • Mail in your donation

    GULF COAST IKE RELIEF FUND
    C/O The Greater Houston Community Foundation
    4550 Post Oak Place, Suite 100
    Houston, TX 77027

For more information about the Fund, visit www.ghcf.org.


ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!

The City of Houston Municipal Courts Administration Department has implemented the One Call Solution Center, a call center that is specifically geared to handle court inquiries from 3-1-1.

Some of the added services now available include setting cases for trial by jury by judge, processing operational violations such as drivers license renewals, driver safety course completions, and requests for deferred disposition.

* Callers should be prepared to email documents to the call taker while the call is in progress.

Callers who require this service will automatically be transferred to the One Call Solution Center. General court information is also available online at www.houstontx.gov/courts.


THE MAYOR’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Join Mayor Bill White for live music, fireworks and the lighting of the official holiday tree.

Holiday Tree Graphic

Friday, December 5, 2008
6:00 –8:30 p.m.
Hermann Square at City Hall, 900 Smith Street.

This year we will give thanks to the heroes of Hurricane Ike and all Houstonians who worked tirelessly in our city's recovery.

Performances are 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on stage in Hermann Square alongside the reflection pond and will be hosted by KHOU’s morning anchor, Deborah Duncan.

The featured entertainers include: rising country music star, Roger Creager; Kirk Whalum, premier saxophonist; Lakisha Jones (Former American Idol Contestant); Karina Nistal Band (Latin Fusion - voted best contemporary Latin vocalist in Houston); Shawn Welling and Planet Funk; Ernest Walker Band; Abundant Life Cathedral Choir, and many others.

The City's Official Holiday Tree gets even greener this year, with the use of LED decorative lights, which are brighter, last longer and are far more energy efficient and good for the environment.

Thank you to sponsors Reliant Energy, KHOU Channel 11 TV, Downtown District, Houston Public Library Foundation.

For more information, visit www.houstonspecialevents.org.

Happy Holidays from the City of Houston!


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS FROM THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

The City of Houston wants everyone to protect themselves, their families and their property against criminals this holiday season. Criminals have a “desire” to commit crimes against those who are not aware of what is going on around them. The holidays are an opportune time for these criminals. Know your surroundings and don’t become a “target.” Please share this information with all your family and friends.

For a copy of HPD’s holiday safety tips visit www.houstontx.gov/police/crime_prevention/images/holiday_safety_2008.pdf or HPD at www.houstontx.gov/police/index.html.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

StockingSpace Heaters Need Space: As the weather gets colder, we will be using our heaters and space heaters more. Have your heating unit inspected every year by a licensed professional inspector and give space heaters their space by keeping them on the floor with at least three feet of clearance around the unit.

Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas and can kill you before you know it is in the house. Buy a carbon monoxide detector if you have a gas furnace or space heater or use your fireplace or stove to heat your house. For a complete list of heating and other fire safety tips, please visit www.houstonfire.org.

Annual Toy Drive: Operation Stocking Stuffer, the annual toy drive sponsored by the Houston Fire Department and local charitable organizations is in full gear. Please help families in need by donating a new, unwrapped toy by December 17, 2008. You can drop off your donation at any HFD Fire Station. Due to the demand for toys, we cannot accept clothing donations at this time. For a complete list of fire stations please visit our website at www.houstonfire.org or call the HFD Public Affairs office at 713-495-7900.


HEAVY TRASH COLLECTION RESUMES DECEMBER 1st
Pick-Up of Tree Waste and Junk Waste Will Alternate Each Month

City of Houston Heavy Trash Collection returns to its normal schedule on December 1, 2008. December is a Junk Waste month and there is a limit of eight cubic yards per household, about two regular pick-up trucks full.

The heavy trash schedule will alternate each month from Tree Waste to Junk Waste. Tree Waste months are January, March, May, July, September and November. Junk Waste months are February, April, June, August, October and December.

“Tree Waste” includes clean wood waste such as tree limbs, branches, and stumps (lumber, furniture, and treated wood will NOT be accepted). “Junk Waste” includes items such as furniture, appliances, and other bulky material. Collections will occur on your regularly scheduled heavy trash day, unless you are notified otherwise.

To find out your holiday schedule for solid waste services and facilities, please visit www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/holiday2008.pdf.


RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Give Your Tree a New Life!

Wortham Center Holiday TreeInstead of tossing your Christmas tree this year, help us preserve the environment by dropping off your trees at any of the 14 drop-off locations provided by The City of Houston Solid Waste Management and Living Earth Technology Co. beginning December 26, 2008.

Homes with City of Houston Automated Garbage Collection also have the option to leave their trees at the curb for collection. Please remove tinsel, plastic bags, tree stands and water bowls.

A list of Christmas tree recycling drop-off centers will be available beginning December 3, 2008 at www.houstonsolidwaste.org.


PUT FOOD & TOYS ON THE CURB FOR FAMILIES IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
6th Holiday Curbside Food Drive to Benefit Needy Families

Cheerios BoxBy placing canned goods, nonperishable food items or toys in a grocery bag at the curb on garbage collection day December 8 –12, 2008, you can help contribute to needy Houston families.

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department and the City Wide Club are co-sponsoring the 6th Annual Trash and Treasure Curbside Food Drive to benefit the 30th Annual Christmas Eve Big Feast held at the George R. Brown Convention Center on December 24th.

If you do not have curbside pickup through the City of Houston, or have more food and toys to give, you can bring them to a neighborhood depository or service center listed on the Solid Waste Department website at www.houstonsolidwaste.org.