City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas is announcing several initiatives led by her office to increase safety and improve the quality of life for the residents of District F. These projects include a street light initiative for added lighting in dark areas; a bus shelter program for added protection at METRO bus stops without coverings, and the installation of security cameras to capture surveillance in potentially dangerous areas. Council Member Thomas is inviting the District…..Read More
Making the community feel comfortable and safe If you thought Texas was just full of Texans or transplants from the West and Southwest, think again. S.E.A.L. Security Sergeant Jesus Quiñones hails from the Bronx, N.Y., where he grew up on 193rd Street, a block from Fordham University. The area was his home for 35 years. After working in New York City, Quiñones pursued work as an HVAC contractor in Flagler County in Florida. In need…..Read More
If you’ve visited Woodchase Park for any of the scheduled events since the park’s October opening, you’ve probably encountered one or more of our Guest Services Attendants (GSA). These newly-hired Westchase District employees are working to make sure guests enjoy their experience at the park. “Our new team members are all exceptional,” said Louis Jullien, parks programming director. “They not only help our programming partners set up their equipment and prepare for their activities, but…..Read More
It is illegal for 18-wheel tractor/trailers to park for more than two hours on any residential street in Houston. It is also illegal for the smaller “box” trucks to park for more than 24 hours on a city street. But if you’ve driven Meadowglen Lane, Elmside Drive or Seagler Road (among others), you know that illegal parking is a chronic problem that interferes with vehicular traffic and pedestrian safety. Westchase District is actively working to curtail…..Read More
The second time around for Mark Hubenak has been just as fun as his first tenure. In July, Hubenak rejoined Westchase District to resume his role as public safety director, a position he previously held between 2007 and 2017. During that period, Hubenak helped lead the District to numerous awards and recognition for its public safety programs. Hubenak is one of only three people to hold this position in the District’s history. At the Houstonian…..Read More
Westchase District Patrol has devised a new strategy to address the challenges and changes in public safety. The new strategy is driven by law enforcement staffing shortages that have been trending since 2018 and further complicated by COVID-19 disruptions to other labor workforces. In response, Westchase District Patrol has added S.E.A.L. Security to its patrol team. “Like our Houston Police Department officers, S.E.A.L. officers are professionally trained and experienced,” said Mark Hubenak, Westchase District’s public…..Read More
Having youthful looks didn’t make Jeff Sneed’s job any easier when he was a rookie police officer for the Houston Police Department. Sneed went from high school in Pearland to earning his welding degree from San Jacinto College. By age 19 he worked as a jailer and then went on to the Police Academy where he graduated at 21. “Being a rookie, I was assigned to the older blue police squad cars, whereas other officers…..Read More
A familiar face recently returned to Westchase District. From 2007 to 2017, Mark Hubenak served as public safety director for the District and has rejoined to continue that role. Before he first joined Westchase District, Hubenak served as a loss prevention director for the Houston Marriott Westchase and Westchase Hilton. In that role, Hubenak became very familiar with the Westchase District Patrol. A certified OSHA safety trainer and certified fire warden, Hubenak has received Homeland…..Read More
Ofc. Ron Broadnax is one of the newest members of Westchase District Patrol, joining the District five months ago. If you have been out on the expansive Westchase District Trail System, you have likely crossed paths with him and his partner, Ofc. Zhen Wang, on patrol bikes. “The trails are an excellent way to cover the District because you can get to anywhere fast,” said Broadnax. In fact, Broadnax knows about speed and agility. He…..Read More
While residents are no strangers to heavy rain events throughout the year, and particularly during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 – November 30, Transportation and Emergency Management personnel at Houston TranStar are stressing the importance of being prepared for severe weather. “Your ability to survive a hurricane depends on you having a plan, staying informed, and preparing wisely,” said Dinah Massie, Executive Director for Houston TranStar. This year, TranStar is sharing four helpful…..Read More