West Oak Cliff Community Connection

Dallas Help the Homeless Walkathon - November 14, 2009

2009-10-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Dallas Help the Homeless Walkathon - November 14, 2009
8:00a.m. - noon

Thousands of walkers, runners and joggers will take steps to end homelessness in Dallas at the 3rd Annual Help the Homeless WalkAThon & 5K. New this year is the addition of a 5K Run through Downtown Dallas. In addition, there will be a family fun walk, food, music and other fun activities.

Proceeds from this year's WalkAThon & 5K will be used to support Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA), operators of The Bridge: Dallas' Way Back Home. People experiencing homelessness access opportunities at The Bridge, the area's only centralized multi-service campus for care and housing.

Whether you walk as an individual, a corporate team, or a group, you CAN make a difference! Last year, more than 1,800 participants put their soles into helping end chronic homelessness in Dallas, raising more than $314,000.

Location:

Dallas City Hall Plaza (in Downtown Dallas at Marilla and Ervay Streets)
1500 Marilla
Dallas, TX 75201

Entry:

$25 Adult Pre-Registration up to and including Saturday, November 7th (until midnight)
$30 Race Week beginning Sunday, November 8th through Friday, November 13th
$35 on Event Day
$15 Children 18 and under
$70 Family Package which includes two adult entries and two entries for children 18 and under

The registration fee includes a Help the Homeless WalkAThon & 5K t-shirt, featuring colorful artwork designed by a child from Rainbow Days, a non-profit that hosts summer camps for homeless children. Each registrant will also receive a sponsor goodie bag with a FREE ticket to Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse, a children’s theatre located in Galleria Dallas.

Registration and Event Info: www.helpthehomelessdallas.org

Welcome to the State Fair of Texas 2009!!

2009-09-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

State Fair of Texas 2009 promotions: Please note this is not a complete listing.

Participating North Texas KROGER stores
Advance purchase General Admission tickets are $13.50. A Season Pass is $29.95. They may be purchased at the check-out counter or at the service desk.

Opening Day-Sept. 25--Bring a full 20 oz. Coca-Cola product for donation to the North Texas Food Bank containers at Fair admission gates and enter the State Fair for $4 per donation per person.

DART Combo Ticket – Available at Kroger Food Stores. $16 buys one general admission to the 2009 State Fair of Texas and round-trip transportation on DART the day of your visit. The Green Line drops off at the front gate and a second station is located within easy walking distance to the MLK entrance.

Dr Pepper $3 Tuesdays--Every Tuesday, bring an empty Dr Pepper can and enter for $3. Most rides (excluding the Thrillway, Texas Star and selected other attractions) are 5 coupons.

Dr Pepper $5 after 5 p.m. – Bring an empty Dr Pepper can to any State Fair admission gate after 5 p.m. and enter for $5.

Kroger "Three for $1" each Wednesday--Admission is $1 for each visitor bringing 3 cans of food for area food banks.

Coke $4 Thursday--Bring an empty 20 oz. bottle of a Coca-Cola product and enter the Fair for $4 admission.

HealthSpring and Mature Texan Magazine sponsor of Seniors Day. FREE Thursdays--Senior Citizens 60 years and older get in to the State Fair FREE each Thursday.

FREE Thursday admission with a Cinemark Theater ticket stub.

KISS-FM “Fridays at the Fair”- Half-price admission and half-price rides after 5 p.m. on any Friday. Must present coupon printed from KISS-FM website for admission offer. Half-price ride wristbands will be distributed from KISS booth outside Midway Arch from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays only.

Dickies – Friday, October 16, wear and show your Dickies logo clothing item at the staffed tent outside the gate and receive a voucher. The voucher is for FREE admission on Friday, October 16 only.

Any Day--McDonald's offers $4 off General Admission with one of their State Fair coupons (available on tray liner or bag stuffer) any day of the Fair. A free child ticket (with purchase of general admission) coupon is also distributed by McDonald’s. Offer may not be combined with any other offer.

For additional information please contact the State Fair @ 214-565-9931 press O for assistance

Animals in the Environment

2009-09-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

Animals in the Environment
Creating Homes for Wildlife
at Trinity River Audubon Center
By Jeanette Boylan

Lovely View: Hidden Secret

Looking out from the Trinity River Audubon Center’s deck, you see a beautiful landscape of wetlands nestled next to rolling hills. This lovely view hides a secret. The hills are actually capped landfills - huge piles of trash that have been covered over. Our site
was an illegal landfill for many years until the City of Dallas cleaned it up and began restoring it to native habitats. During the restoration process, several wetlands were created, hundreds of trees were planted and many acres were sowed with native prairie seed. Audubon Texas is now
managing the property and continuing the restoration process.

Artificial Bird Boxes

One feature missing from these newly restored habitats is large dead trees and snags. While not
aesthetically pleasing to many, dead trees are priceless to the thousands of species that need them as homes. To help out a few of these species, Audubon is providing the next best thing, artificial bird boxes. We are putting up boxes for barn owls, eastern screech-owls, bluebirds, wood ducks, and prothonotary warblers. We hope to see occupants in them next year.

Chimney Swift Tower

To help out chimney swifts, we unveiled a new chimney swift tower that was built by the North Texas Master Naturalists in March. This tower provides nesting and roosting habitat for swifts. These small aerial acrobats have become dependent upon chimneys. While chimneys were once common, fewer homes now have them and many homeowners that have chimneys are capping them, preventing the swifts from using them. We were ecstatic when a pair of swifts were seen flying into the tower during the summer. -Jeanette T. Boylan is Citizen Science Manager at
TRAC. She previously worked for 12 years at the Dallas Zoo. She earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from Colorado State University.

Saving the Bees

To assist invertebrates with habitat, we set up six bee hives. This is a partnership between Audubon and Texas Honeybee Guild. In the fall, the honey will be harvested and sold in the center’s nature store. The bees love our acres of pesticide-free clover. Honeybees have recently made the news because of a new problem called Colony Collapse Disorder that is decimating bee populations around the world. The cause of the syndrome is unclear, and the bees need all the help they can get.

Pesticide-Free Diversity

Audubon’s policy of pesticide-free maintenance also helps hundreds of other species. As a result, our insect diversity is incredible and our wetlands are teeming with aquatic critters. High insect diversity leads to high bird diversity. Many birds are insectivores and even our common seed-eaters like cardinals need to feed protein-rich insects to their young. It’s pretty easy to see that if you get rid of the insects, you’ll get rid of the birds.

Just the Beginning…

This is just a start for the Trinity River Audubon Center and we hope to keep improving the site for our wild residents.

What You Can Do:

Homeowners can improve their “habitat” for wildlife by some simple steps.

 Reduce pesticide use
 Plant native species
 Provide nest boxes
 Remove invasive exotic plants
 Reduce lawn areas
 Keep cats inside
 Reducing impervious surfaces

More information can be found at AudubonAtHome.org.

Rebuilding Together Greater Dallas

2009-08-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Mission Statement:
Bringing volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need.

Rebuilding Together unites volunteers and communities to improve the lives of low-income homeowners, providing free home repair services for those with the greatest need.

Rebuilding Together makes lasting impressions on the families and individuals who are helped and enriches the lives of volunteers who give their time and energy.

Find out how you can apply for assistance, become a volunteer or give a gift/sponsor a repair.

Visit their website at www.rebuildingdallas.org for more information.

An Important Message About Random Gunfire

2009-07-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

An Important Reminder about Random Gunfire

Every year, lives are lost and families are devastated by random gunfire. This Fourth of July holiday, Dallas residents are again reminded about the tragedies that can result by recklessly firing weapons into the air. Unfortunately, these celebratory bullets often come down on innocent men, women and children.

Dallas Police remind residents that those who fire into the air will face jail time or major fines. “The holidays should be celebrated safely with family and friends, not by firing a deadly weapon into the air,” said Councilmember Delia Jasso. “This dangerous tradition has become a public safety concern for the entire City and we urge residents to think of their neighbors; don’t engage in this reckless behavior. Let’s all do our part to make this holiday season safe for everyone.”

Here’s what residents can do to help:

• Keep firearms locked and secured at all times

• Call 9-1-1 immediately to report illegal possession or discharge of firearms

• Spread the word about the dangers of random gunfire

DON’T FIRE A GUN
REPORT THOSE WHO DO. CALL 9-1-1

Un Mensaje Importante Sobre Los Disparos Al Aire

Cada año personas han perdido la vida y familias han sido severamente afectadas por las balaceras que ocurren durante celebraciones. Los residentes de Dallas nuevamente son recordados de las tragedias que resultan por la imprudencia de disparar armas de fuego al aire. Desafortunadamente, estas balas a menudo caen en hombres, mujeres y niños inocentes.

El Departamento de Policía de Dallas les recuerda que aquellos que disparan al aire se enfrentan a pasar tiempo en la cárcel y fuertes multas. “Los días de fiesta deben ser celebrados con seguridad entre la familia y amigos y no disparando armas al aire" dijo la concejal Delia Jasso. “Esta tradición tan peligrosa se ha convertido en una preocupación para la seguridad publica en toda la ciudad y pedimos a los residentes que piensen en sus vecinos y no practiquen esta acción tan peligrosa.

Hagamos todos nuestra parte para que tengamos una día festivo seguro para todos."

Esto es lo que los residentes pueden hacer para ayudar"

• Mantenga las armas de fuego aseguradas todo el tiempo

• Llame al 9-1-1 inmediatamente para reportar posesión y disparo de armas ilegalmente

• Notifique a todos sobre los peligros de disparar al aire

NO DISPARE SU ARMA DE FUEGO.
REPORTE A LOS QUE DISPARAN, LLAME ALL 9-1-1

Join us for the 2009 Dr Pepper Snapple Group Fair Park Fourth!!

2009-07-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Join us for the 2009 Dr Pepper Snapple Group Fair Park Fourth
Saturday, July 4, 2009 4:30 pm – 10 pm
Fair Park l
Dallas, TX

Here’s What’s Planned:
• National class fireworks show by Fireworks by Grucci (Viewing area
with synchronized sound is in the Cotton Bowl. Doors open at 7 p.m.)
• Fireworks program synchronized to choreographed music with live
broadcast on WRR 101.1 FM
• FREE admission to all museums at Fair Park from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Concert by the Dallas Wind Symphony at 8:30 p.m. in the Cotton Bowl
• Concessions will be available for sale
(no coolers or chairs allowed in the Cotton Bowl stadium)
• The event is free and open to the public. Parking is $8 per car.

For More Information: visit www.fairpark.org or call 214-421-9600

Boys to Men ... Walking With a Swagger

2009-06-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Be a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas

2009-05-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.esJQK5PFJnH/b.1621293/k.BE24/Home.htm

"Volunteering is fun! Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do.

It’s easy, too. Your Little can join you for the kinds of activities you already like to do, such as:

* Shooting hoops
* Playing a board game
* Sharing a pizza
* Taking a walk in the park
* Or just hanging out and talking.

Just 4 hours a month can change a young person’s life.

Depending on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program you’re in, you will meet your Little at his or her school or in the community. Learn more about our programs .

Little Brothers and Little Sisters come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are really little and some are teenagers. Some may live on your block and some a few miles away. What do they all have in common?

They need the friendship and guidance of
someone like YOU.

“ As a Big, you’re simply a friend. Your friendship fits your lifestyle. Busy people of all ages can get involved—choose the program that works best for you!”

-Ron, age 54, Big Brother

How to apply:

The easiest and fastest way to get started is to complete our convenient online application. Start by entering your zip code at the top of this page. After you complete a short form online, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you. You’ll need to:

*
Provide two references
*
Participate in an in-person interview
*
Have a background check performed.
*

*
Alternatively, you may call 888.887.BIGS, during regular business hours to contact the North Texas agency directly.

We’re here to help.

Have a question? Don’t worry. Our trained staff will be happy to guide you through the application process. And when it’s time to make a match we’ll help you meet a Little in your area who shares your interests — and we’ll support you all the way. We’ll even give you some great ideas for activities that other Bigs and Littles have enjoyed through the years!

Looking for more information right away? Review answers to commonly asked questions in our FAQs .

You’ve been thinking about getting involved. Now you know how easy it is and how much your help is needed. Why not apply to be a Big today?"

BBBS of North Texas - Dallas County Office
2900 Live Oak
Dallas, TX 75204
bbbstx@bbbstx.org
http://www.bbbstx.org
(817) 277-1148

from http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.esJQK5PFJnH/b.1621293/k.BE24/Home.htm

Swine Flu Information

2009-04-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

En Espanol:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/

In English:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm

West Dallas Wellness Expo - April 18, 2009

2009-04-16T09:37:00.002-07:00

The West Dallas Multipurpose Center, located at 2828 Fish Trap Road, will host the annual West Dallas Wellness Expo on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Various health services will be available, including prostate blood tests, child and adult immunizations, diabetes, blood pressure, dental, vision and sickle cell screenings, as well as HIV testing. Pregnancy tests and sonograms will also be offered free of charge. Representatives from various City of Dallas departments will provide information on their services, including Dallas Public Libraries, Police, fire prevention, storm water management, Women, Infants, & Children (WIC), water conservation, diabetes awareness and many more.

Persons seeking employment can also benefit from a job fair. Participating companies include City of Dallas, DART, Senior Source, Auto Zone, DART Police and Farmer’s Insurance. Job Fair participants should bring copies of their resume.

Artists such as Shabling, the Sadunga Dancers, the Wandering Mimes and Byrd Middle School Raiderettes will showcase their talent.

Families can participate in a 5K run / 1K family fun walk. On- site registration for the run / walk will be available.

For more information, call Norma Carney at 214-670-6354 or Crystal Bethel at 214-670-6353.

Earthfest 2009 on April 17th

2009-04-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

EarthFest 2009 coming to downtown Dallas on April 17th

The City of Dallas and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with Downtown Dallas Inc. and Keep Dallas Beautiful, will present EarthFest, the City of Dallas’ Earth Day event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 17 in the AT&T and Pegasus Plaza areas of downtown Dallas.

The annual event will feature more than 70 environmental exhibits, including mass transit, recycling, gardening and hybrid technology, plus a special collection of exhibits on children’s environmental health. Entertainment will include a recycled fashion show, many musical performers and a variety of acts and activities. EarthFest's Recycled Fashion Show connects highly creative, cutting-edge design with recycled materials. Last year’s event reached more than 10,000 people. The event will also feature an educational track that allows groups of students to learn from real-life professionals and then take their experiences back to the classroom.

"EarthFest is a great opportunity for people to learn how taking care of our environment supports our social institutions and strengthens our economy,” said Office of Environmental Quality Director Eric Griffin. “Plus the Dallas celebration is just plain good fun whether it'll be your first EarthFest or you've enjoyed it over the years.”

Adoption Event at Dallas City Hall

2009-03-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Where: Dallas City Hall Plaza
1500 Marilla
Dallas, Texas 75201

When: Monday, March 23, 2009
Time: 10:00AM until 4:00PM

http://www.dallascityhall.com/code_compliance/Animal_Services.html

Please come out and take a look at the adorable pets and find a new friend we look forward to seeing you there. For more information contact Dallas Animal Services at 214-670-8246.

Dispose of household chemical products the responsible way

2009-03-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Dispose of household chemical products the responsible way
Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center

A free service for residents of the following cities
(Photo ID and utility bill required for entry)
Carrollton
Dallas
De Soto
Duncanville
Farmers Branch
Garland
Highland Park
Irving
Mesquite
Richardson
Rowlett
Sachse
Seagoville
University Park
Unincorporated Dallas
County

Location: Hours of Operation:
11234 Plano Road Closed on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays
Dallas, Texas 75243 Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
(between Miller Rd. and Forest Ln. Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
see MAPSCO 28-A) Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month:
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Home Chemical Collection Center is located at
11234 Plano Rd., one mile north of 635, between
Miller Rd. and Forest Ln. The building is easily
identified by its white color and bright turquoise trim.
The entrance to the collection area is the first driveway
north of the railroad tracks on the east side of the
street. (Do not turn into the driveway closest to the
building; it is the exit gate.)

You can bring: Don't Bring:
Chemical products for home use Business or commercial waste
Paint and home repair products Containers larger than 5 gallons
Lawn & garden chemicals Explosives or ammunition
Aerosol sprays Shock sensitive materials
Pool chemicals Smoke detectors
Craft & hobby supplies Radioactive materials
Cleaners & polishes Medical waste
Batteries of all kinds Common trash or recyclables
Automotive fluids, gas, & oil filters Construction debris
Fluorescent light tubes Electronics other than computers
Computers and cellular phones and cell phones

For more information on household hazardous waste, call (214) 553-1765.

Help me, Help you

2009-03-10T13:37:00.002-07:00

Hello Citizens of West Oak Cliff!

One of the ways that community prosecutors work with the community is to regularly meet with key citizens to determine the problems that they are concerned about. By regular meetings, we can work together to solve the problems and ensure that City services are being utilized effectively in the process. Community prosecutors call these regular meetings Citizen A.C.T.I.O.N. (“All Coming Together In Our Neighborhood”) Team meetings. As stated above, community prosecutors are the bridge between you and the City of Dallas. The purpose of Citizen A.C.T.I.O.N. Team meetings is to keep the lines of communication open and to ensure that the problems that you see are same ones that we’re addressing. Also, we very much want to empower and educate you so that eventually, you can work us out of a job.

The very first Citizen A.C.T.I.O.N. Team meeting of the West Oak Cliff community prosecution target area is March 26, 2009 at 6:00p.m. We will meet at the Southwest Patrol Station at 4230 W. Illinois in Suite 201. Since this is right around dinner time, I will be providing some light snacks. Please give me a call if you have any questions at (214) 671-0281 or email me at whitney.sanderlin@dallascityhall.com. I sincerely hope to see you on March 26^th!

An hour without power ....

2009-02-27T12:33:00.001-08:00

Saturday, March 28 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, turn off all household items that require electricity and see what a difference one hour can make.

Visit www.earthhour.org for more information

Animal Services Information

2009-01-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

The laws have recently changed regarding pet ownership in the City of Dallas. Please visit this website http://www.dallascityhall.com/code_compliance/Animal_Services.html to see the updated material on: number of animals you can own; tethering; spaying and neutering, confinement of animals and the updated fee schedule.

The City of Dallas also now has a Rapid Response Unit of the Animal Services Department. The goal of this unit is the respond quickly to all animal complaints, especially dangerous dogs. Please call Animal Services at (214) 670-8246 if you have any questions.

Call 311 to report any loose dogs or cats, or any animals, in your neighborhood.

West Oak Cliff Newsletter - 1st Edition

2009-01-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

The community prosecutor for West Oak Cliff just mailed the first installment of the target area's newsletter. If you do not receive one but would like to, please call her at (214) 671-0281 or email her at whitney.sanderlin@dallascityhall.com.

Also, if you have any story ideas, please forward those as well.

Remembering Senior Corporal Norman Smith

2009-01-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.dallascityhall.com/police/officer_smith.html

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, the Dallas City Council, City Manager Mary K. Suhm and the entire City of Dallas family expresses deep sympathy to the family of Senior Corporal Norman Smith who died in the line of duty January 6. Sr. Cpl. Smith, 43, joined the Dallas Police Department in 1991 and would have marked his 18th year with the force today (January 7). Sr. Cpl. Smith was assigned to the Gang Unit at the time of his death.

“We are very fortunate in our police department and fire department to have some great men and women who serve us – Senior Cpl. Smith was one of the best of the best and unfortunately in a senseless and violent act we lost him,” said Mayor Leppert.

“This is a day we never want to happen and words can not express the sadness our City feels today by the loss of one of our law enforcement officers,” said City Manager Mary K. Suhm. “Our condolences and prayers are with the officer’s family and the entire Dallas Police Department who are all grieving the loss of a courageous servant, husband, father and friend.”
"I would have thought he was invincible," said Chief David Kunkle. “He was a great, great street officer. He had the heart of a warrior."

Flags at all City buildings have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Sr. Cpl. Smith. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

The Norman S. Smith Memorial Fund had been established at the City Credit Union for anyone wishing to make donations on behalf of this outstanding officer. A memorial has been set up in front of the Jack Evans Headquarters Bldg in honor of Sr. Cpl. Smith.

Funeral Arrangements for Senior Corporal Norman Smith
A candle-light vigil for Senior Corporal Norman Smith will be held Thursday, January 8, 2009, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at Jack Evans Police Headquarters, located at 1400 South Lamar Street. There will also be open visitation at Restland Cemetary, 9220 Restland Road, Dallas, Texas (Corner of Greenville Avenue and Restland Road) from 12:00 noon until 8:30 p.m.
Funeral services for Senior Corporal Smith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009. The service will be conducted at The Potter’s House, 6777 W. Kiest Boulevard, Dallas, Texas. The burial service will follow at the Garden of Honor, Restland Memorial Cemetery.
For anyone wanting to place an item as a memorial, Senior Corporal Smith’s patrol vehicle is currently parked in front of the Jack Evans Police Headquarters building, and will remain there through Friday, January 9, 2009.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree and Save the Planet at the Same Time!!

2008-12-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

Two Ways to Keep the Holiday Spirit Going!
- Your tree can become mulch for Dallas residents or for the Texas Discovery Garden!
- Free Mulch for Dallas residents

1. Bring your Christmas Tree to one of the recycling locations listed below from
December 26, 2008 through January 11, 2009 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
(Remove all tinsel, ornaments, lights, nails and tree stands before dropping off the tree for recycling)

Christmas Tree Recycling Locations
Northwest (Bachman) Transfer Station
9500 Harry Hines Blvd. (Monday – Sunday)
***
Southwest (Oak Cliff)Transfer Station
4610 S.Westmoreland Road (Monday – Sunday)
***
Fair Oaks Transfer Station
7677 Fair Oaks Ave. (Monday – Sunday)
***
Flag Pole Hill
Buckner Blvd. at Northwest Hwy. (Monday – Sunday)
***
McCommas Bluff Landfill
5100 Youngblood Rd. (Monday – Saturday)

2. Free mulch may be picked up at the McCommas Bluff Landfill and the Bachman Transfer Station after January 1, 2009, and is available for residential customers only. Bring your shovel and containers! For more information call City of Dallas non-emergency services at: 3-1-1.
Mulch for The Texas Discovery Garden Preservation Tree Services to Recycle Christmas Trees into Mulch for Texas Discovery Gardens Recycle your Christmas tree to help enrich Texas Discovery Gardens' landscaping plans for 2009. You may drop off your live, green or flocked Christmas tree at one of two Dallas locations:

Texas Discovery Gardens (Monday -- Friday)
3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd 3601 at Fair Park (follow signs to Ranger Circle)
***
Preservation Tree Services (Monday -- Friday)
6721 Maple Avenue (just north of Mockingbird Lane)

Trees will be accepted weekdays only between December 26 and January 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails and stands need to be removed prior to dropping off. Questions can be directed to Sharon at Preservation Tree: 214-528-2266 – sv@preservationtree.com Mulch is an excellent way to help trees and plantings retain moisture, protect themselves against the cold, and absorb necessary nutrients! Keep the spirit going…put that tree to good use!

Holiday Safety Tips - Don't be a victim of crime!

2008-12-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Theft Prevention and Crime Awareness:

A secure neighborhood is made possible through awareness and practicing crime prevention. The purpose of crime prevention is simple: to help you recognize your own vulnerability to crime, and to reduce your risk through preventive action and cooperation with the police. If you see a suspicious person in your area please call 911. Be prepared to give a description of the person.

The following are examples of behaviors that could be considered suspicious:

A person that you do not recognize going from house to house in your neighborhood.

A person or persons standing in a alleyway looking around for a long period of time.

Safety Tips:

Keep small valuable and personal items out of sight, in the trunk, or in another safe place.

Do not leave coats, purses or wallets, cell phones, palm pilots and blackberries, laptops and other small electronics in visible and accessible locations.

Make sure to put all holiday shopping packages in your trunk or out of sight. Theives are most likely to steal something they can see.

Close and lock all doors and windows at all times. At night, it's best to close the blinds or curtains so that no one can see inside your house to see what electronics or packages you have.

Make sure your outside lights are on and working at night.

Remember to call anything suspicious into the police. Call 911!

This is the time of year when home and car burglaries increase greatly. Please don't be a victim!!

What to do with old cell phones ...

2008-12-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

Option 1: Recycle Your Cell Phones:

Each cell phone holds no less than 8 toxic elements—lead, cadmium, mercury,
nickel, arsenic included– and can pollute up to 35,000 gallons of drinking water.
Each year, phones are retired in enormous amounts: 500 million each
year, 10 million each month.
But what happens to the old ones? You really have three choices:
1)Throw them away (which is bad for the environment).
2) Put them in your sock drawer, or
3) RECYCLE THEM!

Currently, less than 4% of those 500 million retired cell phones are recycled.
Do something to help the environment and global poverty:
www.onemillioncellphones.com. “Our goal is to beat the One Million Cell Phone Challenge. Recycling one million cell phones across America will save 350 trillion gallons of water (enough
to stop Niagara Falls for 72 years) and allow 100,000 women to rise from poverty through microfinance (enough to fill the brand new Dallas Cowboys Stadium).” Recycle to Eradicate Poverty Director, Brian Weinberg

Option 2: Give them away:

In addition, you can "recycle" your old cell phone by donating it to a local women's shelter. Follow this link http://www.911cellphonebank.com/drop-off-locations.asp?State=TX and type in your city and zip code to find the nearest drop-off location.

Child Safety Seats

2008-11-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the Dallas Police Department has a car seat safety program?

It’s a free service that educates parents and caregivers on proper selection and installation of their child safety seats. The Dallas Police Department has 20 police officers that are certified technicians that will come to your Dallas home, business or meet you at a substation – by appointment only.

Pregnant mothers are also encouraged to make appointments at least one month before their due date.

For more information contact:

Debra G. Lang
Senior Corporal
Dallas Police Department
Traffic Section
214 670-5012
Debra.lang@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us

Mammography Screening

2008-10-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mammography Screening:

When (Cuando): Monday, October 27 and Thursday, October 30, 2008

Time (Hora): 8:00am – 4:00pm

Where (Donda): City Hall Plaza
1500 Marilla
Dallas, TX 75201

The University of Texas Southwestern Center University Hospitals & Clinics Breast Imaging
Services will once again bring Mammography Screening to you. The University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center’s Breast Digital Imaging unit will conduct mammography
screening on the City Hall Plaza Monday, October 27 and Thursday, October 30, 2008.
The screening is open to City of Dallas employees and the public Monday, October 27
and Thursday, October 30 from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the cost of screening once a year. Please check with your plan.

Call to schedule your appointment today!
(214) 645-2560 or Toll Free 866-277-0710
MEDICARE and most insurance accepted.
*If you are uninsured, call to see if you qualify for a sponsored mammogram at NO COST TO YOU.

Sponsored by
Dallas Public Library, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library
and theUniversity of Texas Southwestern Center for Breast Care

BILINGUAL STAFF AVAILABLE
CONTAMPS CON PERSONAL BILINGUE

Annual Holiday Cheer and Family Fun Event

2008-10-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Help make wishes come true this holiday season!

The Annual Holiday Cheer and Family Fun Event kicks-off with an Adopt-a-Family day in the lobby of City Hall.

This year with the assistance of our City Departments we have chosen to reach out to area schools that have identified families in need. In past years, it has been City of Dallas employees who have opened their hearts and eagerly and enthusiastically adopted many of the families… and we want to continue that opportunity and tradition this year too.

New Clothing, shoes, gift cards, toys and more are all needed. You will be able to read family profiles to learn each family’s needs and then choose the family you believe you can most help.

If you would like to help - or get a group of co-workers together to adopt-a-family – please attend our special family day scheduled for 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on October 31st..

What: Adopt-a-Family for Annual Holiday Cheer and Family Fun Event

When: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Friday, October 31st

Where: City Hall, 1st Floor Lobby area

For additional details contact: Rosa or Patty at 214-670-4171.

The State Fair Starts Today!!

2008-09-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

See below for a list of promotions and visit www.bigtex.com for more information about the fair. September 26 - October 19

Have fun!!!

State Fair of Texas 2008 promotions:

Participating North Texas KROGER stores - Advance purchase General Admission tickets are $12.50. A Season Pass is $29.95. They may be purchased at the check-out counter or at the service desk.
Opening Day-Sept. 26--Bring a full 20 oz. Coca-Cola product for donation to the North Texas Food Bank containers at Fair admission gates and enter the State Fair for $4 per donation per person.
Dr Pepper $3 Tuesdays--Every Tuesday, bring an empty Dr Pepper can and enter for $3. Most rides (excluding the Thrillway and the Texas Star) are 5 coupons.
Kroger "Three for $1" each Wednesday--Admission is $1 for each visitor bringing 3 cans of food for area food banks.
Coke $4 Thursday--Bring an empty 20 oz. bottle of a Coca-Cola product and enter the Fair for $4 admission.
Mature Texan Magazine sponsor of Seniors FREE Thursdays--Senior Citizens 60 years and older get in to the State Fair FREE each Thursday.
FREE Thursday admission with a Cinemark Theater ticket stub.
Any Day--McDonald's offers $3 off General Admission with one of their State Fair coupons any day of the Fair. Each $3-off-General Admission ticket allows you to bring in one child for free. Offer may not be combined with any other offer.

National Night Out - October 7, 2008

2008-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Attention all crime watches!! National Night Out is October 7th this year and you must register to participate. Please contact Officer Nancy Skinner at (214) 670-6795 to connect or visit http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/ to find the crime watch contact within DPD in your area and for more information. This is your chance to connect with the police officers and social service providers in your area that help to service your neighborhood.

How to Grow Your Business through Networking

2008-09-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

How to Grow Your Business through Networking

Presented by a panel discussion led by Dallas' foremost authorities on growing your business through networking. Panelists: Shelli HowlettBusiness Network International (BNI)Franchise Owner and Best Selling Author of "Masters of Selling," Tarsha Polkprofessionally known as "The Marketing Lady" who is a Marketing Consultant and Business CoachMary Ann KellamProfessional Image Consultant and past recipient of the "Coppell Woman of the Year" award.

Brookhaven Community College Ellison Miles Geotechnology Institute 3939 Valley View Lane Farmers Branch, TX 75244September 30, 2008 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Refreshments provided RSVP now, seating is limited and filling up fast. Seating will be on first come, first serve basis. Make sure you RSVP before the seating is closed. First 50 people to RSVP will be included in a special VIP reception with the three networking panelists.

**Must RSVP to be entered into a drawing for door prizes. RSVP to Maria Morin at mmorin@personnelresourcestx.com

Patriot Day - September 11th

2008-09-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day" and President George W. Bush has issued a Proclamation, declaring September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day in the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

In accordance with the proclamation, all flags at City of Dallas facilities will be lowered to half-staff. City of Dallas employees are encouraged to “cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.”

Tulisoma: South Dallas Book Fair and Arts Festival

2008-08-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Tulisoma: South Dallas Book Fair and Arts Festival is next week!!! Award-winning authors, poets and artists will again come to Dallas for Tulisoma 2008, a celebration of literacy and the arts. Book readings, storytelling, writing workshops, panel discussions and performances are all part of the free event Aug. 29-31 at the African-American Museum in Fair Park.

Sam’s Club/Wal-Mart is the title sponsor for the event.

Headline authors are:

Terrie Williams: Her book, Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re not Hurting identifies emotional pain which uniquely affects the Black experience as the root of destructive acts of crime and violence.

Victoria Rowell: television and film actress and author of The Women Who Raised Me and producer of the documentary "The Mentor," about the important people in her life who have helped her achieve success.

Tony Medina: author of 12 books for adults and children, including Committed to Breathing and Follow-up Letters to Santa From Kids Who Never Got a Response. Medina’s poetry, fiction and essays appear in more than 30 anthologies and two CD compilations.

Frank X Walker: Author of four poetry collections: When Winter Come: the Ascension of York; Black Box; Buffalo Dance: the Journey of York, which won the Lillian Smith Book Award in 2004; and Affrilachia, A 2005 recipient of the Lannan Literary Fellowship in Poetry. Walker serves as Writer in Residence and lecturer of English at Northern Kentucky University and is editor and publisher of PLUCK!, the Journal of Affrilachian Art & Culture.

Kevin Powell: A political activist, poet, journalist, essayist, hip-hop historian, public speaker, and entrepreneur, Powell has published eight books, including Be a Father to Your Child: Real Talk from Black Men on Family, Love, and Fatherhood and Someday We’ll All Be Free.

Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes: Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University, she is the author of five novels: Voodoo Dreams, Magic City, Douglass’ Women, Voodoo Season, Yellow Moon, and a memoir, Porch Stories: A Grandmother’s Guide to Happiness.

For a complete list of Tulisoma authors and artists, and schedule of activities, go to http://www.tulisoma.com/.

Dallas Public Library Short Story Contest

2008-08-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling creative? Enter the Dallas Public Library’s Short Story Contest
Do you have a story to tell? If so, you could win a prize in the Dallas Public Library’s Short Story Contest. The contest is part of the Third Annual International Book Fair, to be held Oct. 24-26 at the Central Library, 1515 Young St.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded, and winners will be invited to a special ceremony with local, national and international authors. Stories must be original, not a copy of an existing piece, and not previously published, and entrants must be 18 or older. Stories can be submitted in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean, and may be submitted in person, or by mail to: International Book Fair, 1515 Young St, Dallas, TX 75201 or to miriam.rodriguez@dallaslibrary.org.

Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30. See complete rules and requirements at http://www.dallasinternationalbookfair.com/Rules%20of%20Contest.pdf

If you can't afford your home repairs, check this program out!

2008-07-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

City of Dallas Home Repair Program: $1.2 Million Available for Citywide Home Repairs

The City of Dallas Housing Department is accepting loan applications this week for their Home Repair Program. The funds are earmarked for major roofing, electrical, plumbing, gas, heating and air conditioning repairs and lead based paint removal.

Available through the U.S .Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grants, the loans are deferred and require no repayment if the applicant continues to reside in the home for five years. Homeowners whose annual household incomes are at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Family Income, $37,240 to $57,456 depending on household size, may qualify for two major repairs.

To be eligible, residents must show proof of ownership for at least two years (six months for special designated areas); citizenship or permanent legal residency; household size; income; paid property taxes; insurance; no more than one property lien and no prior assistance (with some exceptions for emergencies).

To request a loan package call (214)670-5397.

The 2008 Mayor’s Back to School Fair on August 7, 2008

2008-07-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

The 2008 Mayor’s Back to School Fair is set for August 7 at Fair Park’s Automobile and Centennial Hall Buildings!

For more information or to obtain a volunteer application: log on to: www.mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com

Volunteers – We have over 400 volunteers signed up and ready to go! Our goal is 750, we are almost there, but you still have time to sign up through Friday, July 25. We have shifts that will fit everyone’s schedule. City employees must take comp time or vacation days to volunteer – and get approval from their supervisor
Pre-registered families – we have over 3,000 families pre-registered (and our big advertising push has not even started yet). We are tracking to have more than 70% of participating families pre-registered before the day of the Fair (about 10,500 families)
To qualify, recipients must be Dallas residents whose families meet the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Families must provide proof of income, picture identification and proof of residency. Due to the large number of participants in the Mayor’s “Back-to-School” Fair, residents are encouraged to pre-register for the free school supplies.
Super-Sign-up registration opportunities will take place at:
Participating MetroPCS and Wal-Mart store locations (see attached flyers for dates and times)
The Women’s Museum July 31 – August 2
Inspiring Body of Christ Church – Sunday, July 27 (Pastor Rush will also make the announcement via his Sunday morning broadcast on KKDA K-104FM)
More churches to be announced next week!

Sponsors – we have doubled the number of participating providers and sponsors!

My Trinity River News:

2008-07-16T15:05:00.001-07:00

My Trinity River News:

Below is a link to the inaugural issue of My Trinity River News, a newsletter that will be issued monthly with the latest highlights on the Trinity River Corridor Project. Please feel free to share this with your colleagues and friends.

http://www.trinityrivercorridor.org/newsletter/trinitynewsletter.html

FAIR PARK FOURTH!!!!!

2008-06-26T14:31:00.001-07:00

Friends of Fair Park presents the

DR PEPPER SNAPPLE GROUP
FAIR PARK FOURTH

Independence Day celebration to rank among America’s top 20 fireworks programs featuring spectacular Grucci fireworks, a patriotic program, musical performances, food and more

Friday, July 4, 2008 5 – 10 P.M.
Free and open to the public

Fair Park
Dallas, Texas

The family-friendly event will feature a state-of-the-art national-class fireworks show that will be the largest in North Texas and will rank as one of America’s top 20 Fourth of July fireworks shows! Also planned is a patriotic program featuring the Dallas Wind Symphony, free admission to all the museums, musical performances and plenty of Fourth of July food favorites!

Fireworks by Grucci (who have produced some of the world’s most unforgettable fireworks programs for the Olympic Games, Statue of Liberty Centennial, and New Year’s Eve Celebrations in New York City) will be synchronized to choreographed music with live broadcast on WRR 101.1 FM. Viewing areas with sound will be located in the park along the Esplanade, Lagoon, Cotton Bowl Plaza and Big Tex Circle. Attendees are invited to bring in lawn chairs and blankets. Other activities include a special hour-long patriotic program at 8:15 p.m. featuring a concert by the Dallas Wind Symphony outside the Hall of State, plus special programming and events at the various Fair Park museums (free admission to museums from 5 – 8 p.m.). The City of Dallas’ Office of Cultural Affairs Neighborhood Touring Program will feature musical artists performing adjacent to each museum from 5 – 8 p.m. The Texas Skyway Gondola ride will be running. Dr Pepper Snapple Group FAIR PARK FOURTH is hosted by Friends of Fair Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, please go to www.fairpark.org or call 214.670.8483.

Safe Complex Symposium - For All Managers of Multi-Tenant properties

2008-06-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

The SAFE complex Symposium is an annual even in which an owner, operator or person in control of a multi-tenant property is required to attend.

Location of Event:
Dallas Music Hall
909 First St.
Dallas, TX 75210

For registration information, visit http://www.dallascityhall.com/code_compliance/index.html

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 from 9:00am - 11:00am. (You can arrive as early as 7:00am.)

For more information, please contact Code Compliance at (214) 948-4105 or the Dallas Police Department at (214) 670-0659.

Performance by the Tzofim Friendship Caravan Golan on June 20th

2008-06-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday, June 20, there will be a performance by the Tzofim Friendship Caravan Golan in the Flag Room (6th Floor) for all city employees from 8:45-9:15 AM. The Tzofim Caravan (Israeli Scouts) is part of a delegation sent to North America every summer to represent the State of Israel. Through songs performed in Hebrew, English, and Yiddish, Caravan Golan introduces Israeli culture and folklore to its audiences. Free coffee and donuts will be provided on behalf of the City of Dallas' Protocol Office

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Dallas' Protocol Office at (214) 670-3319 or sarah.chackowac@dallascityhall.com.

The Trinity River Corridor Project

2008-06-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Trinity River Corridor Project (TRCP) and the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are constructing a 4 mile, 190 acre, chain of wetlands in the Great Trinity Forest that will serve the dual purposes of flood protection and habitat creation as well as provide a future economic stimulus for South Dallas. The wetlands are tiered, allowing the importation of suitable soil for wetland plants. The USACE are in the second phase of their test planting on our first completed cell at Overton and Interstate 45. When established in each of the cells, these plants will provide the foundation for a natural food chain and allow the wetlands to provide habitat for fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Dallas is in the path of several major yearly bird migrations. The habitat created by this project will make the wetlands an important layover for many species, and, in the near future, with the Trinity Spine Trails, and the Trinity River Audubon Center opening Fall 2008; a place where birding enthusiasts from across the United States and maybe the world will come to enjoy their hobby, making Eco Tourism an important part of the future economy of South Dallas.

Substance Abuse Programs in Dallas

2008-05-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

If you or your loved one is involved in substance abuse and is seeking or needs help, please contact one of the following services in your area:

Dallas County Juvenile Department
Substance Abuse Unit
4711 Harry Hines Rd.
Dallas, TX 75235
Phone #: (214) 819-7630

Green Oaks at Medical City Dallas
Substance Abuse Services
7808 Clodus Fields Dr.
Dallas, TX 75251
Phone #: (972) 991-9504

Holmes Street Foundation
Holmes Street Adolescent Residential
2719 Holmes Street
Dallas, TX 75215
Phone #: (214) 421-7580

New Day Counseling
Substance Abuse Services
10500 Steppington Dr.
Dallas, TX 75230
Phone #: (214) 265-7474

Nexus Recovery Center Outreach Center
Substance Abuse Services
4525 Lemmon Ave., Suite 201
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone #: (214) 321-0156, ext. 2500

Phoenix Academy of Dallas
Substance Abuse Services
2345 Reagan St.
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone #: (214) 999-1044, ext. 3156

Phoenix Project
201 South Tyler St.
Dallas, TX 75208
Phone #: (214) 942-5166

Remedy Addictions Counselor
Remedy Behavioral Systems
2353 Gus Thomasson St.
Dallas, TX 75228
Phone #: (214) 324-5400

Southwest Behavioral Systems
Thorton Freeway
727 South RL Thornton Fwy.
Dallas, TX 75203
Phone #: (214) 941-7499

Southwest Behavioral Systems
Buckner Blvd.
3827 Buckner Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75227
Phone #: (214) 489-9300
Hotline: (800) 638-3939

St. Joseph Adolescent and Family
4500 W. Davis St.
Dallas, TX 75235
Phone #: (214) 623-9976

Top 5 Ways to Clean the Air

2008-05-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

#1

Tune-ups and tires: Keep your vehicle
in tune, get it inspected, and check
the air pressure in your tires. An under
inflated tire will cause your vehicle to
get poor gas mileage.

The payoff: You’ll increase
the life of your vehicle, get better gas mileage and
clean the air at the same time. Proper
tire inflation can reduce your car’s
emissions by as much as half.

#2

Report smoking vehicles: Call
#SMOKE. The North Central Texas
Council of Governments will advise
vehicle owners of possible emission
problems they may not be aware of in
order to take corrective action.

#3

Share: Carpool or use public transportation.

The payoff: Fewer vehicles on the
roads mean fewer emissions. You’ll
save a few bucks in gas and not have
to search for a parking space.

#4

Don’t top off: Topping off the
tank releases gas vapors in the air
and cancels the benefit of the
pump's anti pollution devices.

#5

Wait ‘til the P.M.: Do not fuel
your vehicle or mow your lawn
during morning hours. Otherwise,
all those emissions bake in the sun
all day causing more ozone.

For more information, visit www.greendallas.net.

Operation ID at Arcadia Park Trailer Park

2008-04-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Bring something from your home to have etched with your driver's license or ID so that if it is stolen, it is easily identifiable. We will be having this even at the Arcadia Park Trailer Park at the north end of Bagley on April 25, 2008 from 5pm to 8pm.

If you have any questions about Operation ID, please call Nancy Skinner at (214) 670-3595 or me at 671-0281. We look forward to seeing you there!

Graffiti Wipeout and Trash Attack

2008-04-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

You can get involved in your community by registering to help us paint over graffiti and pick up trash on May 3, 2008. Go to http://www2.dallascityhall.com/graffiti/ to register.

Make a difference!!

April is Fair Housing Month!!

2008-04-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Please join us at the following events for information on fair housing. Contact the City of Dallas Fair Housing at (214) 670-3247 if you have any questions.

· CITY HALL INFORMATION BOOTHS AND BANNER DISPLAY
~April 1-4, 2008 - FHO Information Booth – City Hall Cafeteria.
~April 1-30, 2008 - FHO Information Booth –Drivers License Lobby

· FAIR HOUSING/HOUSING/ PRE-FORECLOSURE
HOME PRESERVATION AND COUNSELING EXPO
~April 26, 2008, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Hall of State/Fair Park- Information exhibits to educate the community on fair housing and housing related services and offer individual one-on-one lender/homeowner pre-foreclosure counseling. Participants include:
- City’s Housing Department
- Non-profit housing providers
- Real estate associations
- Lenders
- Credit counseling agencies

Sponsored by:
City of Dallas Fair Housing Office

Garage Sales

2008-03-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know that according to Dallas City Code Sec. 51A-4.27(b)(9) you cannot have more than two (2) garage sales per year? If you have any questions about what qualifies as a garage sale, please call 311. If you are ticketed for having more than two (2) garage sales per year, it could cost you anywhere from $200 - $2000!!

ARCADIA PARK CRIME WATCH MEETING

2008-03-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

Date: March 10, 2008
Time: 6:30p.m.
Where: Arcadia Park Rec center

Get involved in your community! Come to the Crime Watch meeting! If you have any questions, please call Whitney at (214) 671-0281.

Si usted esta cansado de que su propiedad y vecindario sean
victimas del crimen y quiere ayudar a la policia a tener mas seguridad en su comunidad. Venga a la junta de prevencion del crimen que se llevar acabo este Lunes, 10 de Marzo, 2008 at las 6:30 p.m., en el Centro Recreativo de Arcadia Park.

Martin Weiss Neighborhood Community Meeting

2008-02-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

Please join us on March 6, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. for a community meeting at the Martin Weiss Recreation Center. We will discuss graffiti, crime watch information, and other community concerns.

For more information about this community meeting, please contact Whitney Sanderlin at (214) 671-0281.

Si esta cansado de ser victima de vandalismo, grafitti y otros crimenes que suceden en su comunidad, asista a la junta de prevencion del crimen que se llevara acabo este 6 de Marzo, 2008 a las 6:30 pm en el Centro Recreativo Martin Weiss donde discutiremos los problemas que mas agobian a su comunidad.

Para mas informacion sobre esta jnnta, comuniquese con
Eloisa Mariscal al (214) 670-0593

Have you ever wondered what the fuel economy numbers on the sticker of a new vehicle really mean?

2008-02-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

Go Green!

Are you interested in having more information about fuel economy before you purchase your next vehicle?

There is now a new online resource on fuel economy that was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The joint EPA-DOE Fuel Economy Web site, http://www.fueleconomy.gov, offers detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete downloadable version of the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide.
Other sites on fuel economy include:
-Comprehensive information about EPA's Fuel Economy program: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy -The Green Vehicle Guide Web site, http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles , provides users with a guide to locate the cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. EPA has just launched a major redesign of this popular consumer-oriented web site to make it even easier to search for greener vehicles. The 2008 fuel economy leaders within each class as well as the lowest fuel economy models are also available at: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/overall-high.htm
For further information contact Nicole Cooper in OEQ at 214-670-1200

Apartment Managers Crime Watch Meetings

2008-02-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

For all of you that are apartment managers, you are required to attend at least four (4) crime watch meetings each year. The meetings in SW Patrol are held at Kiest Park Recreational Center the third Wednesday of every month from noon - one p.m. Please make sure that you attend and bring your certificate. The certificate (located online at http://www.dallascityhall.com/code_compliance/Downloads/MT/SymposiumAttendanceCertificate.pdf) must be posted at each apartment complex location. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, you may call 311 (Code Compliance) or Officer Nancy Skinner at (214) 670-6795.

New Community Watch Meeting!!

2008-02-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hello all;

Please join us on February 26th at 10:00a.m. in Arcadia Park Elementary School or on February 25th at 6:30 p.m. in Arcadia Park Rec. Center for an introduction to crime watch in your neighborhood.

**********************************************

Juntas de Prevencion del Crimen
Presentadas por el Depto de Policia.

Usted esta cordialmente invitado a una junta donde hablaremos sobre la prevencion del crimen en su area. Lo esperamos el Lunes, 25 de Febrero a las 6:30 pm en el Centro Recreativo Arcadia Park, o el Martes, 26 de Febrero a las 10 am en la Escuela Primaria Arcadia Park.

For more information about crime watches please contact Police Officer Nancy Skinner-(214) 670-6795 or Community Liaison Gladys Quiroz at (972) 502-5300.

A Message from Storm Water

2008-02-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Storm Water 201 is now online!

Storm Water Management is responsible for educating people who live and work in Dallas on how they can help keep local creeks, rivers, and lakes clean by preventing storm water pollution. We provide outreach to schools, community groups, professional organizations, construction operators, and industrial operators.
We are also in charge with educating City of Dallas employees and that has lead to our online education modules. Last fiscal year thousands of City of Dallas employees took the Storm Water 101 module/quiz, and to build upon that success Storm Water Management is releasing the sequel: “Storm Water 201: Illicit Discharges.”
If you don’t know what an illicit discharge is that’s OK, because the module will teach you all about it. Just go to http://www.cod/PublicWorks/StormWater201, read the module, then take the six-question quiz to see how much you learned.

As a way to say thanks, all Storm Water 201 participants will be entered into a monthly drawing to receive a Storm Water Management prize bag. The prize bag includes a canvas tote bag, an umbrella, and other fun items that relate to storm water. Participants are only eligible to be entered into the drawing for the month that they took Storm Water 201.
We would also like to issue a challenge to all of the departments to get as many of their employees to take Storm Water 201.

Participant numbers will be tracked throughout the year to determine which department has the highest percentage of participation. The winning department will be recognized at our end of the year ceremony, on our intranet page, and in our quarterly newsletter, Inside the Inlet.
Supervisors!

If you want to schedule a Storm Water 201 presentation, please contact us at 214.948.4022 or email us at stormwater@dallascityhall.com.

How to start a crime watch in your neighborhood

2008-02-02T08:39:00.000-08:00

First, find out who among your neighbors and fellow community members would be interested in getting involved.
Second, inform your local police station that you have a group of people who would be interested in forming a crime watch group. The person you should contact in the SW Patrol Division (what all of WOC is in) is Officer Nancy Skinner. Her phone number is (214) 670-6795. She would be happy to help you set up your neighborhood crime watch.
Third, elect officers for your group. It's important to have organization and chain of command within your group so that everyone is aware of the what they are responsible for.
Fourth, set a meeting date and invite a police officer to your monthly or bi-weekly meeting. This step is important because it keeps the police department informed of the issues and concerns in your neighborhood and can be used to prevent crime as well as catch criminals that are targeting your community.

For more detailed information, please contact Officer Skinner or your local police division. (http://www.dallaspolice.net/index.cfm?page_ID=2317&subnav=51).

Welcome to the WOC Community Connection!

2008-01-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

We are so glad that you visited!

This website is designed to connect West Oak Cliff citizens to each other and to helpful City of Dallas services. We want to help you stay connected with others who live in your neighborhood.

I, Whitney, am your community prosecutor and I am here to help you address your neighborhood concerns. Please let me know how I can help.

If you have any questions about community prosecution, please visit the City of Dallas website at http://dallascityattorney.com/Comm_Prod_Sec.html.

Please look for posts in the near future and stay up on the news here in West Oak Cliff!