Houston City Council unanimously approved $13.4 million, making funds available to the Parks and Recreation Department for capital improvement projects in parks throughout the city.

What this means: Officials approved funding from the Parks Special, Parks Dedication and Parks Consolidation Construction funds to go toward projects at 17 neighborhood parks, recreation facilities and broader park infrastructure.

Parks included are:

• Jensen Park

• Keith-Wiess Park

• Cullinan Park

• Hermann Park

• Blueridge Park

• Hager Park

• Waldemar Park

Funding will also go toward splash pad renovations, swimming pool upgrades, playground replacements, ballfield and park lighting upgrades and repairs to the Milby Park Community Center roof.

Additional funding covers lift stations at Cullen and Herman Brown parks, bridge condition assessments, design services for various parks and capital renewal for park facilities. Civic art funding will also be included when applicable.

Moving forward: The appropriation provides funding for the projects but does not approve individual construction contracts. The General Services Department will use existing contracts when possible. Any additional contracts will follow city procurement procedures and return to City Council for approval.

Crocker Street Pizza, Montrose's newest spot for pizza and late-night dining, opened in November.

From the oven: The restaurant opened next door to Crocker Bar and describes itself as an inclusive gathering spot, welcoming customers looking for food and drinks in the Montrose neighborhood.

It offers Detroit-style and round pizzas, chicken wings and a full bar. Customers can order from the restaurant's dining room or a courtyard station next to Crocker Bar. The opening menu features six specialty pizzas made with house-made dough.

Specialty pizzas include:

• Classic Crocker - margherita pizza

• Pit Stop - chicken barbecue

• Wrecking Ball - three-meat pizza

• The Montrose - meat lover's pizza

• Full Spectrum - supreme pizza

• Last Call - pepperoni and jalapeño

One more thing: Crocker Street Pizza is a late-night spot, open from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m.

• 2320 Crocker St., Houston

A number of local nonprofits and agencies are seeking volunteers to help those in need for the holiday season.

The details: Agencies are seeking volunteers to assist with collecting and sorting food and gift donations as well as oversee resale shops and other operations. Some of the agencies seeking help include:

• Assistance League of Montgomery County

• Cypress Assistance Ministries 

• Houston Food Bank

• Interfaith of The Woodlands

• Lunches of Love

• Paw Pact Rescue

• United Way Greater Houston

This list is not comprehensive. 

The Harris County Commissioners Court took action on election results and future legislative plans during its Nov. 12 meeting.

The details: Commissioners adopted the official canvass of votes cast in the Nov. 3 general election, certifying results countywide. While Democrats won offices across the county, a runoff election for two Harris County Appraisal District positions is scheduled, with early voting from Nov. 30 through Dec. 8 and Election Day on Dec. 12.

In other news: Commissioners voted unanimously for the Office of Intergovernmental and Global Affairs to update the county's legislative agenda before the state legislature convenes Jan. 12. The court directed the office to present a reprioritized agenda on Dec. 17 that includes:

• Eliminating unfunded mandates

• Expanding county authority and financing tools

• Repealing or amending restrictive laws