Emergency Alert: Dallas County Health and Human Services reports West Nile Virus death in Dallas

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reports the first West Nile virus death in Dallas County for 2017. The patient was a resident of the 75248 zip code of Dallas and was previously diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease Friday, July 14. The patient had underlying medical conditions. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood from infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis. Milder symptoms include fever, headache and muscle aches. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.

The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce their risk:

• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.
• Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

For more information on mosquito prevention follow DCHHS on Facebook and Twitter or go to: www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/mosquito_prevention.html.

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Emergency Alert: Second human case of West Nile virus reported in Dallas

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting the second human case of West Nile Virus infection in Dallas County for the year 2017. The case is a resident of the 75214 zip code of Dallas. The patient was diagnosed with West Nile fever. DCHHS is awaiting confirmation of the case from the Texas Department of State Health Services. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

“Our mosquito surveillance program and the county and municipal abatement teams are taking appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents. However, it is important for residents to take the necessary precautions,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director.

The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce their risk:
• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.
• Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

“Since there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for WNV infection, residents should adhere to preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority. For more information on mosquito prevention, go to:

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Seven ways Dallas residents can Beat the Heat

As temperatures continue to rise during the summer months, it is important to remember to keep cool. The City of Dallas’ Office of Emergency Management has a few tips to beat the heat and keep you safe:

1 – Visit City of Dallas Beat the Heat Centers:

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

West Dallas Multipurpose Center
2828 Fish Trap Road
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Click here to learn more about Beat The Heat Centers.

2 – Avoid drinking coffee and sodas
3 – Keep the lights off and use shades to block the sunlight in your windows at home or work
4 – Limit your time outside and wear loose fitting clothing when outdoors
5 – Make sure the air conditioner is running
6 – Check on elderly neighbors and family
7 – Visit the Salvation Army’s cooling centers:

Carr P. Collins Social Services Center
(Parkland Hospital Area)
5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Open every day

Dallas Temple (Love Field Area)
6500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Oak Cliff
1617 W. Jefferson
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Cedar Crest (East Oak Cliff)
1007 Hutchins Road
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Pleasant Grove (Balch Springs Area)
8341 Elam Road
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

 

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Dallas WIC Clinics celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

WIC Clinics in Dallas are celebrating National Breastfeeding Month during the month of August. This year’s theme is “Strength Through Support.”

“Our moms want to breastfeed, and these hospitals are doing a better job at helping them succeed,” said City of Dallas Breastfeeding Coordinator Dani Cagle. Dallas has exceeded the state average, with 95 percent of WIC mothers initiating breastfeeding.

There will be events at each of the clinics starting on August 11 at the Community Baby Café, 8202 Spring Valley Road. Attendees can participate in a health fair with community partners, receive more information about WIC’s breastfeeding support, and enjoy refreshments and door prizes. A Spanish presentation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed in English at 10:00 a.m.

More events at other clinics will be announced throughout August.

For more information, contact Dani Cagle at (214) 670-7209 or dani.cagle@dallascityhall.com.

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Dallas Love Field debuts new security option

Dallas Love Field has partnered with CLEAR to make the security process even faster for travelers.

CLEAR uses biometric technology to link passengers’ travel information to their fingerprint or eye scan, allowing them to skip the boarding pass line and straight to TSA screening.

“We are very happy to have CLEAR join Dallas Love Field in a venture that will benefit our customer base” said Mark Duebner, Director of Aviation for Dallas Love Field.

Love Field joins a network of over 20 airports and seven sport venues in the United States that offer this unique service.

Those wanting to take advantage of CLEAR can enroll at Dallas Love Field or online at clearme.com.

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Fair Housing invites citizens to help develop Assessment of Fair Housing Plan

The Department of Fair housing invites the public to attend participation meetings in each council district during the month of July. These events are intended to inform residents about the Department of Fair Housing, allow them to give input in developing the Assessment of Fair Housing Plan and provide an opportunity to review housing issues. There are six upcoming meetings in several council districts:

District 2
Arlington Park Recreation Center
Monday, July 24, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
1505 Record Crossing Road
Dallas, Texas  75235

District 11
Anne Frank Elementary School
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
5201 Celestial Road
Dallas, Texas  75254

District 13
Walnut Hill Recreation Center
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
10011 Midway Road
Dallas, Texas  75229

District 7
Juanita Craft Recreation Center
Thursday, July 27, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
4500 Spring Avenue
Dallas, Texas  7521

District 14
Roseland Homes Recreation Center
Saturday, July 29, 2017
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
1949 N. Washington Avenue
Dallas, Texas  75204

District 12
Timberglen Recreation Center
Monday, July 31, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
3810 Timberglen Road
Dallas, Texas  75287

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LBJ Express closures scheduled this weekend

The first round of closures that will occur as part of the overall maintenance of the LBJ Express will be in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. begin Friday through Monday. The following closures will be in place:

• The three right lanes of eastbound I-635 from Preston Road to Park Central Drive will be closed.
• The on-ramp to eastbound I-635 from Hillcrest Road will be closed.
• The off-ramp from eastbound I-635 to Coit Road will be closed. Traffic will be redirected to the off-ramp at Hillcrest Road.

The HOV direct connector ramp from the eastbound LBJ TEXpress Lanes on I-635 to northbound US 75 will be open from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. through Monday July 24 to increase mobility in the area while work is occurring.

In addition, the eastbound LBJ TEXpress Lanes on I-635 from Luna Road to Greenville Avenue will be free while the closures are in place.

Additional closures will occur from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday July 28, Monday July 31, Friday Aug. 4 and Monday Aug. 7.

Updated closure information is posted daily on Twitter and Facebook.

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Meet the Candidates for Dallas Animal Services Director

The public is invited to a meet-and-greet with the final candidates for Director of Dallas Animal Services on August 3. The event will be held in the O’Hara Hall on the seventh floor of the Dallas Public Library at 1515 Young Street. Space is limited so attendees are asked to RSVP online here for the morning or afternoon session.

Morning Session: 1 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Afternoon Session: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Candidates:
James Bacon
Barbara Hobbs
Frank Boldoe
Edward Jamison
Ryan Rogers
Clinton Thacker

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U. Renee Hall named new Dallas Police Chief

 

City Manager T.C. Broadnax today announced that U. Renee Hall will become the first female police chief in the City’s history. Hall is Deputy Chief of the Detroit Police Department where she directed the city’s Neighborhood Policing Bureau.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Dallas Police Department at this critical time in its history,” said Chief Hall. “I look forward to building on the successes of the past, preserving community trust and ensuring the safety of our officers and the entire Dallas community.”

More than 55 community and business leaders participated in panel interviews of the top seven candidates, a process Broadnax described as diverse, inclusive and participatory.

“Chief Hall is a proven leader with a stellar background and a passion for public service,” Broadnax said. “These are qualities I believe are critical as we tackle crime to make our city safer while addressing organizational and policy issues within the department.”

Hall has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Grambling State University and Master’s degrees in Security Administration and Intelligence Analysis from the University of Detroit Mercy. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, she also completed the Police Executive Leadership Institute and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

As Deputy Chief in Detroit, Chief Hall developed and implemented comprehensive community policing and mentor programs, forged partnerships and established trust within minority communities while also building strong relationships between officers of all ranks and community stakeholders. Under her leadership, the City of Detroit experienced a 40-year low in homicides and double-digit reductions in violent crime for three consecutive years.

Her responsibilities also included oversight of police services for six precincts and 720 sworn and non-sworn personnel.

Hall is expected to begin her duties as Police Chief on Sept. 5.

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Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair

The 21^st annual Mayor’s Back To School Fair will be Friday, August 4, 2017, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Centennial Building at Fair Park. A one-stop shop with all the back-to-school essentials, the Fair will offer free school supplies for Dallas schoolchildren who meet eligibility requirements, free services including health, dental and vision screenings, immunizations and haircuts, plus the latest information on education, health and social services.

The Fair is free and open to the public. Free school supplies are made available to families with school-aged children who (a) reside in the city of Dallas or attend Dallas ISD schools and (b) who meet eligibility requirements. For more information visit www.mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com.

For information on volunteering as a group or for the volunteer application, please email volunteers@thereedsprc.com.

Registration Events – English

Registration Events – Spanish

 

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Emergency Alert: Reports of first human case of West Nile Virus in Dallas

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting the first human case of West Nile Virus infection in Dallas County for the year 2017. The case is a resident of the 75248 zip code of Dallas. The patient was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease. DCHHS is awaiting confirmation of the case from the Texas Department of State Health Services. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

“Our mosquito surveillance program and the county and municipal abatement teams are taking appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents. However, it is important for residents to take the necessary precautions,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director.

The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce their risk:

• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.

• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.

• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.

• Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

  “Since there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for WNV infection, residents should adhere to preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority.

  For more information on mosquito prevention, go to: id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1500082331748_6829">.

   

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Pull a Virgin America Plane 50 Yards

Dallas Love Field Continues Celebration of 100 Years with a Challenge

Dallas Love Field, in partnership with Virgin American Airlines and the Frontiers of Flight Museum, invite you and 11 of your friends or colleagues to pull an Airbus A-319 plane from Virgin America’s fleet a total of 50 yards. The friendly competition will also include a photo booth, bounce houses, music, games, food trucks, and will conclude with an award ceremony.

This event is a part of Dallas Love Field continued celebration of 100 Years.

Registration is $300 for teams of 12 individuals, and includes a t-shirt, activities and the official plane pull. All proceeds will benefit the Dallas Love Field Centennial Aviation Scholarship. To register, visit No team, no worries! Come out and watch the fun!

Plane Pull Schedule:

• Registration will open at 6:30 a.m.
• Safety briefing at 7:30 a.m.
• First pull will begin at 8 a.m. with fun and games throughout the morning
• Award ceremony will conclude the event at 11:30 a.m.

Details about the Virgin Airbus A-319:

• Weight: 160,000 pounds
• Length: 125 feet
• Wingspan: 117 feet

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Dallas Public Library host annual Discovery Faire

The Dallas Public Library is inviting families to discover and create at the Annual Discovery Faire on July 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

The day will include many hands-on activities for children like 3D printing, robotics and fun experiments for the entire family.

This free event is open to the public and includes free parking.

For more information contact the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library at (214) 670-1400.

 

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Dallas Public Library host annual Discovery Faire

The Dallas Public Library is inviting families to discover and create at the Annual Discovery Faire on July 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

There will be many hands-on activities like 3D printing, robotics, fun experiments and more for the entire family.

This event is open to the public with free admission and parking.

 For more information contact J. Erik Jonsson Central Library at (214) 670-1400.

 

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Citizens invited to Police Chief candidate meet and greet

Candidates interviewing for Dallas Police Chief will be available for a citizen meet and greet from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 11 at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St., second floor foyer.

The official list of candidates interviewing for the new Police Chief are:

•    Malik Aziz, Deputy Chief, Dallas Police Department
•    Carmen Best, Deputy Chief, Seattle Police Department
•    U. Renee Hall, Deputy Chief, Detroit Police Department
•    Michel Moore, First Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Police Department
•    Luther Reynolds, Assistant Chief, Montgomery County (Maryland) Police Department
•    Gary Tittle, Assistant Chief, Dallas Police Department
•    Rick Watson, Deputy Chief, Dallas Police Department

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City Manager responds to concerns about Police Chief panels

“My focus today is appreciating the lives and service of the fallen officers and recognizing the sacrifices our first responders make each day to protect and serve this community,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

Broadnax made the comments in response to concerns expressed by police associations regarding the panel process. Broadnax stressed the panelists will have no decision-making authority over the final candidate selection.

“I am working to make this process as transparent and inclusive as possible to ensure that we address all concerns of the community,” Broadnax said. “Police officers are charged with protecting everyone, so panelists should reflect the perspectives of a broad spectrum of our city.”

Broadnax further states “I am hopeful that the new chief will have the capacity, wisdom and appreciation for the diversity in perspectives, approaches, attitudes and expectations that will be needed to lead the fine men and women of the Dallas Police Department. My commitment to transparency and inclusiveness will not be guided by popularity or be reduced to talking about specific individuals, groups or organizations.”

 

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Wounded paramedic has message of thanks

On May 1 2017, Dallas Firefighter/Paramedic William An was shot with an assault rifle while responding to a shooting call. He was immediately rescued by a Dallas Police Department squad car and rushed to Baylor University Medical Center of Dallas where, in spite of seemingly irrevocable circumstances, the emergency room doctors and surgery team were able to literally bring him back from the dead.

Over the next month, support (both emotional and financial) poured in from across the country as the news about what happened spread via the local news, social media and any other medium you could imagine. And while it seemed a miracle that he was still alive, the good news just kept on coming as, only a month later, he was released to go home from the hospital.

It’s been a month now since Will was sent home, and just as it did initially, the support continues to show up in volumes. Everything from fundraisers to phone calls and personal visits from co-workers, DFR members and even Dallas Police Officers, have gone a long way in showing Will and his family the true meaning of “Brotherhood”. Despite the long recovery ahead his attitude remains optimistic. But rather than go on and on telling you how he’s doing and how thankful he is to everyone who has positively impacted his life, just listen to Will tell you himself.

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Mayor Rawlings names Liberian President honorary citizen

Mayor Rawlings paused the City Council meeting on June 28 to bring out a special guest – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Republic of Liberia. He then named her an honorary citizen of the City of Dallas.

In 2014, shortly after Ebola victim and Thomas Duncan passed away in Dallas, President Sirleaf gave Mayor Rawlings a call. In Liberia, Ebola had already taken thousands of lives.
The two leaders offered prayers and support for each other’s communities in the face of the epidemic.

Mayor Rawlings’ honoring of the President expressed gratitude, support and hope for an ongoing relationship between Dallas and Liberia.

*President Sirleaf is the first democratically elected woman head of state in Africa.

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City Manager announces candidates for Dallas Police Chief

City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced the official list of candidates who will interview for the new Police Chief of Dallas. They are:

•    Malik Aziz, Deputy Chief, Dallas Police Department
•    Carmen Best, Deputy Chief, Seattle Police Department
•    U. Renee Hall, Deputy Chief, Detroit Police Department
•    Michel Moore, First Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Police Department
•    Luther Reynolds, Assistant Chief, Montgomery County (Maryland) Police Department
•    Gary Tittle, Assistant Chief, Dallas Police Department
•    Rick Watson, Deputy Chief, Dallas Police Department

Over a three-day period in July, the City Manager has assembled five panels comprised of various community stakeholders and partners, who will participate in the interview process.
Monday July 10: Candidates will tour various police facilities and parts of Dallas and will attend a reception Monday evening with key community stakeholders.

Tuesday July 11: The candidates will participate in panel interviews with partners in the law enforcement community; leaders from the faith-based community; members of the various police associations; advocates who lead police support groups; and other neighborhood and community leaders. The day will conclude with a citizen meet and greet from 6 to 8 p.m. second floor foyer, at Dallas City Hall.

Wednesday July 12:  City Manager’s staff will interview the candidates.

The City Manager will determine next steps after the interview process is concluded.

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Firework Shows in the City of Dallas

You don’t have to leave Dallas to catch great firework shows. On Monday, head to Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge for Red, White, and Boom. Then make your way to Fair park on Tuesday, July 4 for Fair Park Fourth. There will be food, music and entertainment for the entire family. These are two shows you won’t want to miss.

 

July 3 – Red, White and Boom on the Bridge

Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge at 6:00 p.m.

More info:

 

July 4 – Fair Park Fourth

Fair Park at 9:45 p.m.

More info:

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The City of Dallas to Support Tribute 7/7

The public is invited to a gathering at City Hall Plaza on Friday, July 7 in memory of last year’s fatal Dallas and DART police officer shooting.

The shooting on July 7, 2016 claimed the lives of five officers.

• Brent Thompson, DART Police
• Lorne Ahrens, Dallas Police Department
• Michael Krol, Dallas Police Department
• Michael Smith, Dallas Police Department
• Patricio Zamarripa, Dallas Police Department

Timeline of events:

6:30 p.m. – Gathering of Community

7:35 p.m. – Moment of Silence

8:00 p.m. – Commemorative Walk

8:50 p.m. – Blue Light Ceremony

9:00 p.m. – Messages and Prayers

Tribute 7/7 is hosted by the Black Police Association of Greater Dallas, Dallas Police Association, Dallas Fraternal Order of Police and the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization – Greater Dallas Chapter.

For more information on Tribute 7/7 visit tribute77.org

 

 

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