Office of Emergency Management to conduct Mass Casualty Exercise

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM), which is tasked with keeping Dallas prepared for any incident, regularly conducts exercises to test the City’s emergency preparedness. On Sunday, March 18, from 8 a.m. to noon, OEM will run an exercise simulating a building collapse at a large Downtown Dallas theater.

During this scenario, a stage at the Majestic Theater collapses, severely injuring those on stage. The exercise will test the coordination of several different agencies, including the Dallas Fire-Rescue and Dallas Police Departments, as well as Methodist Dallas, Parkland, Baylor, Texas Health Presbyterian and Children’s Hospitals. This scenario will host over 700 volunteers and 300 personnel from over 25 different agencies.

The City of Dallas wants to remind those who live near the Majestic, or who may be in Downtown during the exercise, that it is only a drill, and poses no danger to the public. Residents are asked to stay away from the Majestic during the exercise.

To make this exercise as realistic as possible, OEM is asking for volunteers to play evacuees at the theater. “Evacuees” will be the audience members during the simulation, who will have to evacuate the theater during the incident.

To sign up to volunteer, click here. For more information on volunteering, contact Cassandra Wallace at Cassandra.wallace@dallascityhall.com, or by phone at 214-671-8969.

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Resident Support – Evacuations in Northwest Dallas

Update: Feb. 23 3:00 p.m.

• Rooms are being provided at Dallas hotels for all residents affected by the evacuation and gas service interruption. The rooms will be provided by Atmos to residents throughout the duration of the service disruption.
• Atmos is working directly with Dallas ISD on a plan for expanded transportation routes for those in hotels.
• Dallas-Fire Rescue Officers are continuing to support the families under current evacuation by assisting in the retrieval of any medical needs or critical family effects from their residences.
• The Department of Sanitation Services will continue trash service in the affected area. Due to repair work on-going in alley ways, waste removal services will take place on normal schedule in the front of residents houses.
• Atmos is providing direct information and support to affected residents 24-hours a day in three ways:
  • Residents can meet with representatives at the Command Post located at the intersection of Webb Chapel Road and Larga Drive.
  • Residents can receive updated information on repair operations and relief support at the following web-site:
  • A 24-hour call center can be contacted for any additional relief needs or questions from residents. The number for this center is: 972-964-4191.

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Dallas Animal Services drops adoption prices

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) has dropped the price of adoption for dogs from $85 to $45, and the price for cat adoption from $55 to $35. These lower prices reflect the mission of DAS to increase its live release rate – the number of pets that get adopted to new homes.

“Dallas has one of the highest intake numbers in the country, so we are working very hard to find homes for every happy, healthy animal that comes into our care,” said DAS Director Ed Jamison. “We average over 70 dog intakes a day, and kitten season is right around the corner. If lowering the everyday adoption price helps one of our animals find their perfect home, it is worth it.”

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Heavy rain leads to City of Dallas sewer overflows

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) today reported that recent heavy rainfall has caused sanitary sewer overflows at several locations throughout the City. Three primary drainage basins exceeded 100,000 gallons.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires the City to notify the public and all appropriate government officials of any overflows that exceed 100,000 gallons in a single drainage basin.

DWU Assistant Director Zachary Peoples stressed that none of the overflows of diluted wastewater have affected the City’s water supply.

“The overflows were primarily caused by inflow and infiltration of storm water into the City of Dallas wastewater collection system,” Peoples said. DWU crews are monitoring and performing cleanup at each overflow location.

Although there is no danger to the water supply, the public is reminded to avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in any of the affected areas. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spills, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly. Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within half-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling. Persons who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.

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Citizens encouraged to be aware of high water conditions

Dallas has received substantial rainfall this week and more is expected.

The heavy rainfall may create high-water conditions throughout the City. The public is advised to be smart, use caution and heed all warning signs when approaching flooded streets, streams, or any body of water.

“The recent rains have created some high-water conditions throughout the City,” said Sarah Standifer, Director of Trinity Watershed Management. “Be smart and do not take any chances. Turn around and don’t drown is the best plan of action.”

Observe these basic safety rules. They could save your life.

• Heed all warning signs
• Watch for rising water levels
• Know where high ground is and move there quickly if you see or hear rapidly rising water
• Do not attempt to cross through flowing water or standing water when you do not know its depth
• Do no try to drive through flooded areas — most flood-related deaths occur in automobiles
• If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately
• Be especially cautious at night
• Adhere to the advice of local emergency management officials before going on area lakes or rivers

The public is advised to follow the National Weather Service recommendation “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” and be aware of the dangers of driving or walking into flooded areas.

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2017 Bond Program website is live

The 2017 Dallas Bond Program website is live! It tracks the progress of voter-approved projects within the bond. Use it to explore which projects are in your neighborhood, when they begin and the cost of each project. Ten propositions comprise the 2017 Dallas Bond at a total cost of $1.05 billion.

2017 Bond Propositions

1. Streets
2. Park & Recreation Facilities
3. Fair Park
4. Flood Protection, Storm Drain Facilities & Erosion Control.
5. Libraries
6. Cultural & Performing Arts Facilities
7. Police & Fire Facilities
8. City Hall & Other City Facilities
9. Economic Development & Housing
10. Homeless Assistance Facilities

 

Click here to visit the 2017 Dallas Bond Program.

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Prom dreams come true with the Dallas Public Library

Prom Dress Giveaway at Central Library

The Dallas Public Library will open its Fairy Tale Closet from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday March 10 at the Central Library, 1515 Young St., 7^th floor. Any high school student who needs a prom dress can choose from the library’s huge selection of gently-used formal wear and accessories.

To make an appointment to raid the Fairy Tale Closet call (214) 670-7943 or register online at Some of the prom dresses available are also highlighted on Twitter and Instagram @dallaslibteens.

For more information contact Melissa Dease at (214) 670-7850.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/prom-dreams-come-true-dallas-public-library

Dallas Public Library launches #DPLWhatsNext campaign

If you’ve ever finished an audio book, a movie, a novel, or even a CD, you’ve very likely wondered: “What do I listen/watch/read next?” Thanks to an “Engage Your Readers” Library Aware grant, the Dallas Public Library’s new #DPLWhatsNext service is connecting customers with personalized recommendations based on their interests.

By visiting dallaslibrary.org/dplwhatsnext customers can submit a request to be matched with their next favorite title. They can even select the reader’s advisory specialist from whom they want to receive their recommendation. Customers may also sign up for a monthly newsletter announcing new reading lists on Personal Librarians’ pages.

The site features photos and profiles of each Personal Librarian plus recommended reading/viewing/listening lists. Customers can submit a request for a title recommendation or browse the Personal Librarian’s lists, each featuring selected titles based on a theme. Customers can use their library cards to place holds on the recommended items using the online catalog.

“Our Personal Librarians will provide reading, viewing, or listening recommendations via our new web portal,” said Dallas Public Library Director Jo Giudice. “We want to remind the community that the Library is the place to come to for a great reading, watching, listening, and learning experience.”

Don’t have a library card? Visit any Dallas Public Library location to get a free card and ask a Personal Librarian at #DPLWhatsNext today.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-public-library-launches-dplwhatsnext-campaign

Love Field Assistant Director retiring after 33 years

Six ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dallas

Love is in the air in Dallas!

There’s no shortage of ideas on how to spend Valentine’s Day in Dallas. Here’s a list of ways to spend this special day with your loved one that won’t break the bank.

Texas Discovery Gardens – Stroll through the romantic Butterfly House with your loved one. Enjoy dinner and drinks featuring chocolate covered insects while Entomologist John Watts talks bug love, or insect reproduction. More info here.

Trinity River Audubon Center – Take a hike, go birdwatching or have a picnic at the Trinity Audubon Center. This hidden gem in southern Dallas is the perfect secluded getaway. Plan your visit on their website.

Lakeland Hills Skate Park – Are you and your Valentine skaters? Whizz up and down ramps, rails and street fixtures at Lakeland Hills Skate Park.

B.B. Owen Park Disc Golf Course – Since 1985, B.B. Owen Park Disc Golf Course has been an excellent course for disc golf enthusiast. Grab your discs and your mate for a unique Valentine’s Day experience.

Bath House Cultural Center – The current exhibit will have you falling in love. El Corazón is a passionate and eclectic art exhibition that features a variety of ideas, styles, and concepts inspired by the human heart, an important and universal symbol in art. Find more info here.

Dallas Zoo – Looking to impress your Valentine and save money? The Dallas Zoo is offering $7 admission until February 28.  Visit their website and hours.

Dallas Arboretum – This Valentine’s Day, the Arboretum is celebrating with a screening of the 2017 Beauty and the Beast.  Visit their website to find information on how to get your tickets!

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/six-ways-celebrate-valentines-day-dallas

Dallas 365 to provide greater accountability to residents

Dallas presents Dallas 365, a performance report to show how well the City performs in six strategic priorities developed by Council and the City Manager. These guide the work of City Staff.  The City’s strategic priorities are:

1. Public Safety
2. Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
3. Economic and Neighborhood Development
4. Human and Social Needs
5. Quality of Life
6. Government Performance and Financial Management

Dallas 365 tracks actions intended to lead to full implementation of City policies. This report will be updated monthly online, while quarterly updates will be provided to Council. Visit dallas365.dallascityhall.com to review the City’s performance in the first quarter of the fiscal year.  If you would prefer to download the report, you may do so here.

 

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Tips to prevent food-borne illness

Food-borne illness can sneak up in many ways.

According to CDC (Center for Disease Control), an estimated 48 million cases of food-borne disease occur each year in the United States. Although most of these cases are mild, some cases are more serious and could lead to death.

The City of Dallas Code Compliance has tips for citizens to protect families from food-borne illnesses.

Proper hand-washing – This is one of the easiest ways to prevent food-borne illness. Always wash your hands before handling raw meat and after using the restroom. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Afterwards, dry with a disposable towel. Washing your hands often will keep your family safe and healthy.

Keep bacteria at bay by keeping raw meat away – Preventing cross contamination in your kitchen is simple. Be sure to store raw meat below vegetables and separately from cooked foods in the fridge. Use different cutting boards to prepare raw meats and always wash your hands after handling raw meats.

After dinner is done, cool your food – Bacteria that can make you sick grow quickly at room temperature. Leftovers should be promptly stored in the refrigerator. Eating food left out overnight is an easy way to feel queasy and a quick way to be sick the next day.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/tips-prevent-food-borne-illness

Dallas Public Library receives $752,454 grant from Crystal Charity Ball

The Crystal Charity Ball has approved a $752,454 grant to the Dallas Public Library’s new Vickery Meadow Library for a youth center to serve the area’s diverse, economically challenged population.

“This is a great day for the city and the library,” said Director of Libraries Jo Giudice. “Thanks to Crystal Charity Ball funding, the new Vickery Meadow Library will have cutting edge technology that we otherwise would not be able to afford.”

The $7.7 million library, which opens in 2019, is being funded by a city bond issue passed last November. The grant, Giudice said, “will greatly enhance our ability to serve children and teens in a neighborhood that speaks more than 30 languages and where more than 90 percent of the residents are moderate to low income.”

Friends of the Dallas Public Library, (FoDPL) a nonprofit organization that advocates for the library system and raises money for its programs, led the application team for the grant. Tuesday, the Crystal Charity Ball announced $6.5 million in grants to eight nonprofits, including FoDPL, and began the fundraising efforts for them.

“We’re so thrilled and grateful,” said Mary Wilonsky, FoDPL’s interim executive director. “Not just for the difference this grant will make to so many people, but for the recognition that libraries are so important to young people and to the entire community.”

Joining the FoDPL on the grant application team were the Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation, Conrad High School, the Municipal Library Board and District 13 Councilwoman Jennifer Staubach Gates. Charity Selection Chair Patty Leyendecker oversaw weeks of presentations by the applicants and interviews of the finalists.

“The Vickery Meadow Branch Library will become the center of this community, a place for families to learn together, non-profits to offer classes and job resources for parents, and a place to learn a new language,” said Councilwoman Gates. “Being within walking distance of area schools, it will also be a safe place for children and teens to grow, learn and create a bright future for themselves.”

Learn more about the Crystal Charity Ball at:

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-public-library-receives-752454-grant-crystal-charity-ball

From Trash to Cash: How the City of Dallas benefits from garbage

The City of Dallas pursues opportunities to be innovative and has blazed a trail in doing so. An example of that is the City’s Public/Private partnership with Dallas Clean Energy McCommas Bluff, LLC (DCE). DCE owns and operates one of the largest landfill gas to pipeline quality facilities in the United States at the City’s McCommas Bluff Landfill.  The more than 20-year partnership provides a 1-2 punch in helping the City provide crucial landfill environmental compliance as well as turn trash at McCommas Bluff into cash.

“This partnership is a win-win for the City of Dallas and DCE,” says City Sanitation Services Director Kelly High, “This project not only helps the landfill maintain EPA compliance by capturing and processing the gas, it allows both parties to share in the revenues created by selling the processed gas as renewable natural gas.”

The facility pulls in over 11 million cubic feet of landfill gas from almost 500 landfill gas wells daily, that is sold into the market. For the City of Dallas’ general fund, that adds up to the tune of almost $2.5 million annually. The plant runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and employs 11 full time positions.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/trash-cash-city-dallas-benefits-garbage

Dallas Public Library employees pop tabs to help Ronald McDonald House

Dallas Public Library employees were given a challenge: fill a house with pop tops and help the Ronald McDonald House help sick children.

“Not only did we fill the collection box house with our Pull for the House challenge,” said Library Associate Jill Azaria, “we had to tape the roof down so the tabs wouldn’t fall out. I know a lot of you cut your fingers, pulled muscles, destroyed manicures, overfed pets and drank gallons of sodas to make the campaign a huge success,” she said. In addition to library employees, including security officers, a Boy Scout and Adventurer Troop at the Lochwood Branch also collected 1.5 gallons of tabs to help fill the house.

“The best news is that we pulled together to help give families with sick children what they need most: each other,” Azaria said. The Ronald McDonald House Charity collects and recycles the tabs from soda and food cans to support Tabs to Keep Families Close – a McDonald House program that keeps families together when their child needs medical care.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-public-library-employees-pop-tabs-help-ronald-mcdonald-house

Black History month events in Dallas

During the month of February, Dallasites have the chance to attend a variety of free events to celebrate Black History month. Throughout the month, families can celebrate, commemorate and learn about the contributions of African Americans. All events are free and open to the public. 

Events:

Feb. 3 – W.E.B. Dubois – Listening & Discussion 12 p.m. at Polk-Wisdom Library
Share an adventure with one of the last recorded interviews of W.E.B. Dubois.

Feb. 4 – Mahogany the Artist! 6:30 p.m. at Lakewood Auditorium Library
Live band performances that will feature various styles of African American music: past, present and future.

Feb. 6 – Beginning African American Genealogy 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Central Library – Hamon Training Room (5th Floor)
Learn the basics of African American genealogy

Feb. 10 – Confessions of Nat Turner – Listening & Discussion  12 p.m. at Polk-Wisdom Library
Listen to the first recording of the Confessions of Nat Turner as told to T.R. Gray who interviewed Nat Turner before his execution.

Feb. 10 – Spoken Word: Poetry and Open Mic 2 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Library
A celebration of cultural diversity through family-friendly Hip/Hop, Rap, and Spoken Word. Featuring local artists King Shakur, Robin Harper and others.

Feb. 11 – Heart of the Headwrap Workshop 3 p.m. Polk-Wisdom – Classroom A & B
Learn about the American history behind the Headwrap, its history of oppression through regulation, and how a simple fashion accessory can lead to motivation, self-empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Feb. 12 – Percussion Things with Len Barnett 6:30 p.m. Lakewood Branch Library
Listen to percussionist, Len Barnett, use traditional and modern rhythms with jazz, AfroLatin, and AfroCaribbean influences in a fast-paced, fun and entertaining musical show.

Feb. 24 – Lovin’ the Natural You! 11 a.m. Polk-Wisdom – Classroom A
Learn tips and tricks to make your natural hair healthier and runway fresh.

Read-In Events:

Dallas Independent School District is celebrating literacy and literature during Black History Month. DISD invites families to exciting learning experiences, motivational speakers, reading and refreshments during the following three Dallas ISD African-American read-in events.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. – noon
Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center
1201 E. Eighth St., Dallas, TX 75203

Saturday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Billy Earl Dade Middle School
2727 Al Lipscomb Way, Dallas, TX 75215

Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friendship West Baptist Church
2020 W. Wheatland Rd., Dallas TX 75232

African-American History Exhibits:

“History of African-American Churches in Dallas” – visit this exhibit all through February at the Central Library’s Dallas History & Archives Division, 7th Floor

“Civil Rights in Dallas, 1860-1970” – an exhibit at Dallas City Hall of the Dallas Library’s Marion Butts photograph collection hosted by Remembering Black Dallas

“Nothing New Under the Sun” – an art exhibit by local artist, Vanhue Davis will be open at the Highland Hills branch on February 24

African American Museum – The African American Museum in Dallas’ historic Fair Park is devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials. It has one of the largest African American Folk Art collections in the US. Admission to the African American Museum is free except for special exhibitions, special events, and groups of 10 or more.

 

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