Please vote today! We need your support!!!...You're Invited to my Election Night Party Tonight!!!

Council Member Jarvis Johnson hosting a Veteran’s Benefit Seminar. Free to the public! Please support!

Dear Veteran Community Supporter,

All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who are serving and have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Many service members and their families have made sacrifices to protect the democratic values that we in the United States hold sacred. Therefore, we must provide services and opportunities in an effort to give back some of what they have lost. As a result, I am pleased that the City of Houston, the Voice of Veterans (VOV) Committee for District B, Houston Veteran Administration, Texas Southern University, University of Houston Veterans Affairs, Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, Inc. and the Department of Veteran Affairs Center for Minority Veterans have joined together to invite you, to participate in the Veteran’s Benefit Seminar.

We are reaching out to all veterans in need of information as well as resources that will enable them to live and enjoy a better life. Please come and learn about the many community services, educational interest and entrepreneurial opportunities that are available for veterans. THIS SEMINAR IS FREE.

The goal of the event is to foster an atmosphere to network and share information with stakeholders within local, state and federal governments as well as establishing partnerships with resources within the City of Houston.

The event will be held at: West Gray Adaptive Recreation Center
Location: 1475 West Gray, Houston, Texas 77019
Exhibit Time: Free Health Screening 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Seminar Time: 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Thank you in advance for your participation, your consideration, commitment and support of our
veterans.

Sincerely,
Jarvis Johnson
Council Member, District B

Council Member Jarvis Johnon in recent news? See what Channel 11 is talking about

Council Member Johnson successfully hosts Job Fair Conference for Houston residents seeking work

Council Member Jarvis Johnson hosted a free two-day Job Fair Conference January 29 - 30 at the Fifth Ward Multi-Purpose Center.

“In good times and in bad times, our community always faces challenges in trying to find a good paying job. I hope that this will help alleviate this issue,” said Johnson.

The Friday "Get Hired" workshop focused on job interviewing skills, proper work attire ,customer service tips and application tips. The fair was hosted on Saturday.

Jarvis Johnson on Haiti Earthquake Relief

Statement of Council Member Jarvis Johnson

Houston City Council, District B

For Immediate Release

January 13, 2010

It is with great sadness that I send this message. At this moment, thousands of our neighbors in Haiti are without shelter, searching for family and friends, and dealing with the emotional pains of a natural disaster. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti. I support President Obama as the United States provides “swift, coordinated, and aggressive efforts to save lives” and to restore Haiti.

We in Houston are familiar with a natural disaster as we experienced Hurricane Ike in 2008. We opened our arms to our neighbors from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. We know what it feels like to lose shelter, access to energy resources, to be in need of food, water, and ice. We know what it feels like to be in despair. Just like we know the impacts of devastation, we also know the power of hope and prayer. So, during this time of tragedy for our Haitian neighbors, I am urging us to change our focus from our daily routines to reach out to our fellow human beings in Haiti. At this time the extent of the damage from the earthquake has not been fully measured, but reports are saying that thousands have died and that most of Port-au-Prince is destroyed.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that “all life is interrelated. The agony of the poor impoverishes the rich…. Whatever affects one, directly affects all indirectly.”

Yes, we are in tough economic times in Houston and across this nation, but we also have more resources than the people in Haiti and a more developed infrastructure. Our financial woes can’t compare to the financial hardship and devastation of our neighbors in Haiti. I am therefore asking for your full support.

The people in Haiti need our thoughts and prayers. They need our financial and physical support. Please help today by contributing funds to one of the relief efforts below:

• Haitian Multicultural Association (Houston) - http://haitianmulticulturalassociation.net/ (713) 271-8988 - info@haitianmulticulturalassociation.net - 9819 Bissonnet Ste. #F Houston, Texas 77036
• The American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/en/ or (800)-257-7575
• UNICEF
• Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization
• Operation USA
• State Department –http://www.state.gov/ or (888) 407-4747
• Ben Stiller's Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief efforts
• The UN World Food Programme is gathering all available resources to deliver food to the recently homeless and impoverished in Haiti. Donate now to help bring food to those affected as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Baptist Haiti Mission is operating an 82-bed hospital that is "overflowing with injured." Donate online to BHM and 100% of your donation will go to the relief effort.

May God bless the people of Haiti and those working on their behalf.

Thank you very much.

~Jarvis Johnson

Council Member Jarvis Johnson officially announces he is running for Houston's 18th Congressional District seat

On Tuesday, January 5, Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson stood outside the historic George "Mickey" Leland building to announce that he is officially running for Houston's 18th Congressional District seat.

“We're going to have a frank discussion on who's capable of bringing and creating good-paying jobs for the people of the district,” said Council Member Johnson, who was joined by a host of supporters who stood behind him as he delivered his message to the local press.

In his statement, Council Member Johnson also noted the dismal unemployment and school dropout rates in the 18th District and declared "I have the energy. I have the youthful exuberance. I have the legs and the strong back to get out there and get the word out about what our campaign and candidacy is all about."

Council Member Johnson took the oath of office for his third term in City Council on January 4 and on that same day he went to the headquarters of the Harris County Democratic Party, where he filed to become a contender in the March 2 Democratic primary.

Jarvis Johnson for Congress! Read below how you can get involved!



To volunteer for the Jarvis Johnson for Congress Campaign send an email to: jarvis.johnsonb@gmail.com

Jarvis Johnson for Congress Links:
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Join the Jarvis Johnson for Congress Facebook Group

Press Conference: Council Member Jarvis Johnson and Community Members to Demand Absentee Landlords Be Held Accountable!

For Immediate Release

December 29, 2009

Contact(s):

Offices of Council Member Jarvis Johnson Press Dept.

832-393-3009

832-978-0939

Press Conference: HOUSTON COUNCIL MEMBER JARVIS JOHNSON DEMANDS ABSENTEE LANDLORDS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO PREVENT PROPERTIES FROM BECOMING DEATH TRAPS

Houston, Texas ---Council Member Jarvis Johnson will join community members in demanding safer housing for area renters. A press conference will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 11:00am with Sharon Kendrick - the latest victim of a negligent property owner.

Two days after Christmas, Sharon Kendrick rushed from her home to escape flames seeping through her walls. Though the home she has rented for years didn't completely burn, she is now without permanent shelter and some belongings. Her despair is the result of a negligent property owner.

Council Member Johnson will speak on his proposed regulations to hold property owners more accountable at the press conference in front of Ms. Kendrick’s home located at 2321 Kirk Street, Houston, Texas 77020. All media is invited.

"This ordinance is a practical and common sense way to hold property owners accountable, and to prevent low-income people from becoming homeless," says Council Member Johnson.

Council Member Johnson has spent his tenure on Houston City Council advocating for stronger ordinances to hold landlords and property owners accountable for ensuring their properties pose no threat to its residents.

Part of the proposed Single Family Properties, Restricted Covenants, & Habitual Ordinances demands that landlords will have 48 hours to fix problems that Building and Safety Department inspectors believe are serious enough to threaten public safety.

"It is shameful that a property owner would willingly take the hard-earned money of its residents with no regard to the individual or family's safety,” says Council Member Johnson.

###

Happy Holidays from Council Member Johnson and the District B Staff!

Random Acts of Kinds by Council Member Johnson spreads Holiday Cheer in the community

by Online Staff

After having severe rain fall cancel his annual Winter Wonderland set for December 17, Council Member Jarvis Johnson took it as a sign that he didn't need a big event to impact constituents this holiday season.

So he personally visited schools, senior citizen homes and residents in District-B to deliver gifts and food for those in need.

But one incident in particular touched him immensely.

Christina Sanchez, a single mother of four, had her holiday season crushed on Monday (Dec. 22) when she came home to find that thieves had broken in. Not only did they steal her television and destroy her property but they took all of her children's Christmas gifts and even the food for her specially planned holiday meal.

Council Member Johnson delivered holiday cheer to her on the morning of December 24, Christmas Eve.

"I have been struggling financially, so this was truly heartbreaking to have them steal gifts and our food. I did not know what I was going to do," says Ms. Sanchez. "I was so happy to hear from Council Member Johnson. I am so grateful for what he is going to for my family. My children will now have gifts and a meal on Christmas Day."

Ms. Sanchez's added that her four children Keara (10yrs), Rashonda (5yrs), Andrew (4yrs), and Andrea (4yrs) will now "have a brighter Christmas."

"This is what this season is all about. Giving to those who are less fortunate or experiencing misfortunes. I am happy to help Ms. Sanchez and others," says Council Member Johnson.

This was all a part of the Council Member's Random Acts of Kindness Tour throughout District B this week to brighten the holiday season for children, families, and senior citizens.

Council Member Jarvis Johnson to Assist Single Mother Robbed of Christmas Gifts and Food by Criminals

For Immediate Release
December 23, 2009

Contact (s):
Offices of Council Member Jarvis Johnson Press Dept.
832-393-3009


Council Member Johnson to bring holiday gifts and food to a Houston family robbed of their Christmas dinner and presents by criminals; grieving mother now sees hope


(Houston, Texas)---Christina Sanchez, a single mother of four, had her holiday season crushed on Monday (Dec. 22) when she came home to find that thieves had broken in. Not only did they steal her television and destroy her property but they took all of her children's Christmas gifts and even the food for her specially planned holiday meal.

She was heartbroken until she heard from Council Member Jarvis Johnson, who will be personally delivering gifts and food to her home on Thursday, December 24th located at 1439 Tarberry, Houston, Texas 77088 at 9:00am CST. Ms. Sanchez wants to share what she calls a "blessing" with all Houston media.

"I have been struggling financially, so this was truly heartbreaking to have them steal gifts and our food. I did not know what I was going to do," say Ms. Sanchez. "I was so happy to hear from Council Member Johnson. I am so grateful for what he is going to for my family. My children will now have gifts and a meal on Christmas Day."

Ms. Sanchez's added that her four children Keara (10yrs), Rashonda (5yrs), Andrew (4yrs), and Andrea (4yrs) will now "have a brighter Christmas."

"This is what this season is all about. Giving to those who are less fortunate or experiencing misfortunes. I am happy to help Ms. Sanchez and others," says Council Member Johnson.

This is part of the Council Member's Random Acts of Kindness Tour throughout District B this week to brighten the holiday season for children, families, and senior citizens.

For all media inquires call 832-978-0939.

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You're invited to Council Member Johnson's Annual holiday Party on Monday, December 21 at Lucky Strike Lounge

Holiday Cheer! Council member Jarvis Johnson hands out gifts to children at Precious Moments Academy in District B

By District B Online Staff

The severe rain on Thursday, December 17 caused Council member Johnson to cancel his annual Winter Wonderland in honor of students showing high academic improvement.

But that did not stop him from making sure Houston children received their deserving gifts.

On the morning of Friday, December 18, Council member Johnson dropped by Precious Moments Academy on Homestead Road in Northeast Houston. He handed out gifts to every child plus a single mother of three.

"That was very wonderful what Council member Johnson did today," said Litha Jones, Assistant Director of Precious Memories. "It is very important to reward our children for doing good because it let's them know they are on the right path."

***CANCELED DUE TO RAIN****Councilmember Johnson to host Annual Winter Wonderland at Discovery Green on December 17!

Councilmember Johnson will host his Annual Winter Wonderland at Discovery Green on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 10:00 - 2:00 pm. Free giveaways for children, ice skating, and more. Do become a sponsor call 832-393-3009 today!

Happy Thanksgiving from Councilmember Jarvis Johnson and Staff!

Councilmember Johnson pledges support for the "Raising Boys" documentary at the Houston premiere on November 5.

Pictured (L-R) Houston City Councilmember Jarvis Johnson, Texas State Representative Sylvester Turner, Deric Muhammad and Houston City Councilmember at-Large Ronald Green

On November 5, Councilmember Johnson came out to the Angelika Theater to pledge his support for the "Raising Boys" documentary directed by Deric Muhammad and produced by Lawrence Moody. He expressed his appreciation for the project as well as it's importance.

"I thank Brother Deric for this documentary because we have to address issues like this in our community," said Councilmember Johnson, who served as a co-sponsor of the event.

(photo by Nataura Brown)

Councilmember Johnson continues taking action in District B.

Thank you for casting your vote!

I would like to personally thank all of the voters who helped to keep us in office to continue developing District-B. Our best work is yet to come!

The Official Jarvis Johnson Victory Celebration--You are invited!

You're invited to the Official Jarvis Johnson Victory Celebration on November 3, 2009!!

We will be celebrating at Aloft Houston-Galleria located at 5415 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77056. Time is from 6-10pm.

Come and enjoy a Live DJ - Light Appetizers and Refreshments - Networking.

Don't forget to cast your vote that day for the candidate who is leading by example in District B!

Peoples Politics Pre Election Spectacular on Tonight, November 2nd!!!

Councilmember Jarvis Johnson will be a special guest on "Peoples Politics Pre election Spectacular" TONIGHT, Monday November 2, 2009. The segment will also feature other candidates running for various offices.

PEOPLES POLITICS is broadcast live into over a million plus {1,000,000+} homes in Houston on 5 networks: Comcast Chnl-17 WTP-TV, Phonoscope Chnl -75, AT&T Uverse Chnl-99, and TVMAX 95, Suddenlink 98.

It can be watched LIVE worldwide over the internet at HMSTV.org at 7:30pm CST.

Tune in and show your support!

Councilmember Jarvis Johnson stands with 5th Ward residents in battle with HISD

Homeowners in Fifth Ward are speaking out against Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) plan to use eminent domain to acquire their properties situated next to Dogan Elementary School.

HISD wants to expand the school but has yet to give clear information according to Council member Jarvis Johnson, who held a press conference on Sunday, October 11, 2009 in front of the home of 86-year-old Elizabeth Williams.

“These residents deserve some answers. There seems to be a lot of ambiguity and a lot of uncertainty,” said Council member Johnson.

"There is nobody standing here who is against expanding educational opportunities for our children but some questions need to be answered," he said.

HISD sent out certified letters informing residents they had 14 days to accept their offer. This did not sit well with Ms. Williams, who has resided in her home for sixty years.

"I got a short letter in the a mail saying they'll give me 14 days to accept the offer and I said, 'That's not a lot of time'," she told the media inside her home.



"I have been so depressed and sad,” said Ms. Williams, who is one of the 11 homeowners being targeted by HISD.

"So we are asking what is the plan for Dogan Elementary and for this particular community, so we may move forward, so that our community will have a better understanding of what's going on," said Council Member Johnson.

According to many of the residents, they are being offered unfair prices by HISD. The district has even used strong-arm tactics by sending an appraiser into the neighborhood with a police escort, according to Council member Johnson.

"The district would never use these types of “gangster-style moves” in River Oaks,” stated community activist Deric Muhammad.


Resident Emily Peterson owns four properties and says she is being offered $30,000 less than the appraised value.

"My home is full of memories. I don't mind selling my home but I want more money. I want what it is worth,” expressed Mrs. Peterson.





Reuben Holms, a resident of the area for sixty-five years, sees the moves being made by HISD as the infant stages of an ultimate plan to "hand this area over to the rich and build high-rises because it's close to downtown."





“The Fifth Ward is not a settlement. This is a dignified, historical community. The superintendent needs to come and talk to these residents or we will bring Fifth Ward to your office,” declared Mr. Muhammad.