Dallas-Fort Worth Ozone Alert Day – Saturday April 28

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Saturday, April 28, 2018.

Ozone Alert/Action Day – Orange Level

Ozone season begins in March and lasts through November. An ozone alert is issued every time the ozone level increases on the ground. So, what is ozone? It’s a gas that occurs in the upper atmosphere and at times on ground level. It’s good to have in the upper atmosphere because it protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. It’s bad at ground level because it’s the main ingredient of urban smog and can be harmful to breathe.

Here’s why paying attention to the ozone level matters:

1. What happens when you breathe it?Breathing ozone can cause an array of issues including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.
2. Who’s vulnerable?Ozone is a general human health threat, but those most vulnerable are children, the elderly, people with respiratory issues and people who work outside.
3. How can you prevent it?The best thing you can do on an Ozone Alert Day is to use public transportation to lower emissions, combine errands and reduce trips, and reduce outdoor activity that could exhaust you.

Below is a graphic of the color-coded ozone alert system that explains the Air Quality Index featuring Arlo the airmadillo.

Ozone Air Quality Index Graphic

OZONE AIR QUALITY INDEX GRAPHIC  

For more information about Ozone, following the Department of Environmental Quality’s social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.  To sign up for air pollution alerts, visit airnorthtexas.org.

 

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Cuddle with Kittens – For Free!

Dallas Animal Services needs your help to provide kittens with a potentially life-saving opportunity this spring by fostering them. Young kittens need to be fostered until they’re about eight weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds because their immune system isn’t fully developed.  By fostering them, you’re making sure someone’s future pet gets the proper care and nutrition they need to thrive.

If you’re up to the challenge of cuddling with kittens, sign up for foster orientation by emailing DASFoster@dallascityhall.com. The next orientation is Sunday, April 28, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212.

FAQ:

How long do I have to commit?  It’s your choice. Even one litter for a week will save lives.

Do we get any supplies?  Yes!  We will give you a starter pack of food, bottles, carrier & kennel.

Email DASFoster@dallascityhall.com to sign up today.

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Public hearing for public comment on Operating, Capital, and Grant/Trust Budget scheduled

The City of Dallas will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed FY 2018-19 Operating, Capital, and Grant/Trust Budgets. Members of the public wishing to make comments are invited to attend the public hearing, which will be held not earlier than 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Dallas City Hall, 6^th floor, 1500 Marilla St. Anyone interested in signing up in advance to speak at the public hearing may contact the City Secretary’s Office at 214-670-3738.

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Traffic Alert: Westbound State Highway 352 in Pleasant Grove closed for emergency bridge repairs

Westbound State Highway 352 west of Lawnview Avenue will be closed for at least two weeks as Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews perform emergency bridge repairs. The closure only affects westbound traffic on SH 352, also known as Scyene Road. Westbound motorists will be detoured north onto Lawnview Avenue to Military Parkway, then west on Military Parkway to Dolphin Road. From Dolphin Road, motorists can return to SH 352. Crews are expected to begin work within the next few days. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. TxDOT appreciates the public’s patience during this emergency closure. For more information, contact Tony Hartzel at tony.hartzel@txdot.gov or (214) 317-0251.

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Kay Bailey Hutchison recognized by EPA for Good Neighbor Program

On Monday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas with an award for its Good Neighbor Program (GNP) The GNP was created as a way to donate left over food to local nonprofits and homeless shelters.

“The City of Dallas is committed to supporting and encouraging sustainable practices and waste reduction efforts,” said John Johnson, Assistant Director of Convention and Event Services. “I’m pleased to say that, to date, we’ve donated over 7.6 tons of prepared and packaged food to those in most need.”

The Convention Center is among 16 organizations from across the country, who were recognized for outstanding participation in the EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge.

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Dallas Public Library seeking designs for new Playground Path Project

By this summer, a new kid-friendly and educational pathway will lead kids from the sidewalk, across the Plaza and through the front doors of the Central Library in downtown Dallas.

The Dallas Public Library is seeking design proposals for the walking path to welcome children who may be visiting the library on a field trip, a program or event or with their parents to the Vital Statistics Office.

“We are looking for designs that will incorporate literacy and play, such as popular children’s rhymes, planets of the solar system and basic math,” said Youth Services Administrator Melissa Dease.

The project will be funded with a Play Everywhere grant from Kaboom! which encourages the transformation of everyday spaces into opportunities for kids to play. Submission deadline is May 25 and the path is expected to be completed by Aug. 10.

To learn more or to apply visit

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EARTHx festival kicks off at Historic Fair Park

The three-day EARTHx festival begins today in historic Fair Park.  Founded in 2011, EARTHx bills itself as the largest environmental experience event of its kind in the world. Attendees this year can expect to see astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Ohio Governor John Kasich, and Dr. Ved Chirayath of NASA. There will be EarthxFilm screenings that run through Sunday, April 22.

James McGuire, managing director of Dallas’ Office of Environmental Quality will also be speaking about climate resilient cities at a symposium during the event. Admission is $5 for the Expo, but free with registration at EarthX.org or by downloading the mobile app from here.

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Robots now help TSA screen baggage at Love Field

The Transportation Security Administration, in partnership with Dallas Love Field Airport, has upgraded the automated baggage screening system to increase speed and efficiency, while reducing the risk of injury for TSA Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).

The new Mobile Inspection Tables system makes baggage screening more efficient by creating additional queuing time to prevent backups. The upgrades also include better tools to track bags and give TSOs the ability to perform more targeted searches when a bag alarms.

Bags that do not alarm the system are automatically screened without the need for a TSO to touch them. In addition, bags that require additional screening are delivered automatically to TSO work stations, eliminating the need for them to push, pull or lift heavy bags, which can result in injuries.

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Summer workers needed for Park and Recreation

Learn new skills during the summer

The Park and Recreation Department is looking for dedicated people to fill seasonal positions during the summer. If you’re committed to embracing the City’s Service First philosophy, we want you to be a part of our team.

Seasonal Recreation Center Assistant – Send a Kid to Camp Program
Age Requirements: 18 years old
Salary: Starting at $10.94

Community Pools Cashier/Concessionaire/Grounds Associate
Age requirement: 16
Salary: $10.94 – $12.94 depending on qualifications

Community Pool Lifeguard
Age requirement: 16
Salary: $11.49 – $13.49 depending on qualifications

Water Safety Instructor
Age requirement: 16
Salary: $11.49 – $13.49 depending on qualifications

Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard
Age requirement: 16
Salary: $12.06 – $14.06 depending on qualification

Community Pool Head Lifeguard
Salary: $12.66 – $14.66 depending on qualifications

Bahama Beach, a City of Dallas owned waterpark, is also hiring for the Summer season. A complete list of job opportunities can be found here.

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Robots now help TSA screen baggage at Love Field

The Transportation Security Administration, in partnership with Dallas Love Field Airport, has upgraded the automated baggage screening system to increase speed and efficiency, while reducing the risk of injury for TSA Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).

The new Mobile Inspection Tables system makes baggage screening more efficient by creating additional queuing time to prevent backups. The upgrades also include better tools to track bags and give TSOs the ability to perform more targeted searches when a bag alarms.

Bags that do not alarm the system are automatically screened without the need for a TSO to touch them. In addition, bags that require additional screening are delivered automatically to TSO work stations, eliminating the need for them to push, pull or lift heavy bags, which can result in injuries.

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Help Keep Dallas Clean and Green during It’s My Park Day!

Be among thousands of residents who will beautify Dallas parks for It’s My Park Day. The annual event is April 21 and will be held at parks throughout the City.

Gather your friends and family and participate in small improvement projects such as weeding, mulching and litter/debris removal at a park in your neighborhood. Anyone can volunteer – families, individuals, homeowners’ associations, social/civic clubs, corporate employee teams and Friends groups.

Since 2011, more than 10,000 volunteers have participated in It’s My Park Day.

Interested volunteers may call 214-670-1923 for more information.

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Event to benefit Friends of Dallas Public Library

People at the Preston Forest Whole Foods, 11700 Preston Road on Thursday will be able to sign up for a free library card or check out a book from the Dallas Public Library’s Book Bike. Shoppers can also visit the traveling Dallas Public Seed Library, and check-out seeds from us to plant in your garden. The activities are part of a special fundraising event for the Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL).

All day Thursday, April 19, five percent of the store’s net sales will go to the FoDPL, a nonprofit organization that since 1950 has supported the Dallas Public Library (DPL) through advocacy and raising funds for library programs, resources, services and information to the Dallas community.

“We encourage people to visit with us on Thursday and learn about our organization and some of the projects and programs being supported by our efforts,” said FoDPL Executive Director Mary Wilonsky.

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2018 GrowSouth Neighborhood Challenge Grant Recipients Announced

Sixteen (16) neighborhood beautification projects will be awarded growSouth Neighborhood Challenge grants for the 2017-18 grant cycle totaling $110,000. More than 50 applications were submitted for the grant from a variety of community organizations including neighborhood associations, homeowner associations and “friends of” groups. Grants will fund projects from sign toppers and urban gardens to service-based projects.

In 2014, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings kicked off the growSouth Neighborhood Challenge, a competitive grant created to promote neighborhood pride, resident engagement and neighborhood improvements with a focus on southern Dallas.  The 2017-2018 recipients continue the tradition of demonstrating neighborhood pride through action.

Over 45 projects have received growSouth Challenge Grants since the beginning of the program. Grant award recipients receive up to $10,000 to help improve their community

2017-18 growSouth recipients are listed in alphabetical order.

More information about the grant and awardees can be found at:

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Dallas 911 call taker has extraordinary call

Rita Narcisse has been a Dallas 911 call taker for just over a year, and has handled countless emergencies. Previously working as a corporate call center trainer, she had an idea of what the job would be like – having police and military family members gave her insight into the stress she would experience as well.

Dallas had been experiencing heavy rainfall on February 20, and there were several swift-water rescues being handled by Dallas Fire-Rescue. Several vehicles had become stuck in high water, and their drivers needed to be rescued. One driver dialed 911 and reached Ms. Narcisse, who immediately began to gather information from the driver and calm her down. The driver originally was in her car as the floodwaters began to come up the windows; she then made her way to the roof of the vehicle as she waited for DFR personnel to arrive.

The situation was made more precarious as it was dark, and the first responders had to work out the logistics of both finding the driver, and then rescuing her. Ms. Narcisse stayed on the line with the driver for 30 minutes.

“I stayed on the line with her to keep her calm, and to keep track of the water,” Ms. Narcisse explained. She didn’t disconnect the call until she could hear DFR personnel in the background.

“Good calls are the ones with good outcomes,” Ms. Narcisse said. “This was a good call.”

In March, Ms. Narcisse was thanked by City Manager T.C. Broadnax and Assistant City Manager Jon Fortune for her actions on February 20 and Service First mentality.

@DallasCityMgr @Jon_E_Fortune visited @DallasPD @DPDComm 911 CallTaker Rita Narcisse to thank her for her display of ‘Service First’ in helping a citizen thru a crisis @ChiefHallDPD @AShawDPD @KBTDallasCOS pic.twitter.com/BEA1hESOVv

— Elaine Page (@DPDPage) March 14, 2018

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Update on police station security enhancements

The City of Dallas is committed to providing a safe work environment for our first responders. Part of that commitment includes fences around the substations, and improved access control into the facilities.

In a project totaling nearly $1.4 million, the City of Dallas has completed lobby security upgrades at the Central, North Central, Northeast, Northwest and Southwest substations. South Central and Southeast are expected to be completed by summer 2018.

At Jack Evans Police Headquarters, a $2 million project included ballistic protection in the windows, a renovated visitor screening area, additional security cameras, and a new access control system. This project is on schedule to be completed in May 2018.

The most visible upgrades at the substations are fences. Each substation will have a protective fence installed around it, to prevent unauthorized access into the property and parking lot of the substation. Each substation is scheduled to have its fence completed by May or June 2018.

Future upgrades were included in the 2017 Bond Program. Further enhancements will include controlled access gates and bollards into the parking lots.

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Registration is open for Dallas Park and Recreation summer camps!

Dallas Park and Recreation offers summer camps for parents looking for a fun and safe place for their children to spend their summer days.

These camps offer kids ways to be more physically active and engage with their peers. Opportunities include team and individual activities, arts and crafts, sports clinics, fitness sessions, field trips and more.

Youth Camp is available for kids ages 5 to 12; Teen Camp is available for students 13 to 15. Visit your local recreation center to learn what is available in your neighborhood and register.

Park and Recreation also offers free eight-week summer programming at seven DISD elementary schools and four recreation centers. This program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant and is available for kids ages 6 to 12. To learn more, click here.

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Dallas Book Festival will feature award winning national and local authors

Hillary Jordan, author of the award-winning novel, Mudbound; bestselling Christian fiction writer Lisa Wingate; and Canadian artist and writer Mariko Tamaki are among the authors appearing at the 13^th Annual Dallas Book Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at the Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St.

Hillary Jordan grew up in Dallas and Muskogee, OK and was an advertising copywriter before turning to fiction writing. The 2017 film adaptation of her first novel, Mudbound received four Academy Award nominations.

Former journalist, inspirational speaker and New York times bestselling author Lisa Wingate has won numerous awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize. Her latest book, Before We Were Yours, won the 2017 Goodreads Choice Award for historical fiction.

Mariko Tamaki is known for her graphic novels, Skim, Emiko Superstar and This One Summer, and for several fiction and nonfiction works. In 2016, she began working for Marvel and DC Comics.

Events and activities happening throughout the downtown library on April 7 will include lectures and panel discussions with the DFW Writers Workshop; Dallas Area Romance Writers; the UNT Mayborn School of Journalism and The Dock Bookshop; book sales and signings; readings, art and writing workshops; dance and music performances; and children’s activities presented by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

For a complete list of Book Festival authors, activities and events visit: www.dallasbookfestival.org.

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New Dallas Public Library English classes will focus on housing, shopping, banking

The Dallas Public Library is launching a new session of applied English classes dealing with real world activities such as completing a home rental application and opening a checking account. The classes will be held at Lochwood, Forest Green, Pleasant Grove and White Rock Hills Branch Libraries, starting April 16.

“Our goal is to help people feel more confident about their English skills as they go about their daily lives,” said Literacy Coordinator Martine Stubanas. From April 16 through May 10, classes will focus on how to read and complete a home rental application and how to determine housing needs and wants. “We’ll even role-play a rental walkthrough and show how to identify and budget for moving expenses.” Future classes this summer will focus on shopping and banking.

Stubanas encouraged anyone who is interested to join any of the classes whenever it fits their schedule. Summer classes will also focus on practical needs such as buying groceries, making returns and opening a checking account.

Right now, 24 out of 28 branch libraries offer at least one English learning class. “If you live in Dallas, you’re never far away from a free, in-person English class at a Dallas Public Library,” Stubanas said.

To learn more, visit: A library card is not required for the classes; students just complete a brief registration form.

 

Photo: English class students at the Pleasant Grove Branch Library

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City, County join forces to help people who are homeless

The City of Dallas and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office announced two new programs they hope will help people who are homeless get the services they need just in time for Second Chance Month.

Dallas City Attorney Larry Casto detailed the creation of a “Night Court” to address issues involving Class C misdemeanors during a joint press conference with Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

A Class C misdemeanor conviction could impair one’s ability to rent a home, obtain a student loan, or have a negative effect on future employment.

The newly launched Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Homeless Diversion Court will function under DA Faith Johnson, and address Class A and Class B Misdemeanors.

Social service providers & the Dallas Police Department will refer participants eligible for the programs. The idea is to provide the program participants with proven solutions for a self-sufficient life with our community partners.

Hours of operation for the City Attorney’s Office Night Court will be held at 2014 Main Street, Courtroom #1 operating from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursdays. The host location District Attorney’s Office Homeless Diversion Court Program will be held 1515 Young Street, operating from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays as well. Prospective Night Court program participants may call 214-670-7129 to find out if they qualify.

Community partners include Homeward Bound Inc., CitySquare Community Clinic, The Salvation Army, MetroCare Services, and Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.).

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A trip to the Dallas Civil Rights Museum

Wednesday, April 4, 2018, marks the 50^th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of his legacy, we examine his signature battle for civil rights at the Dallas Civil Rights Museum. Tucked into the Martin Luther King Jr., Community Center, the museum is a dedicated room rich with history from top to bottom, with additional exhibits winding around a nearby hallway.  Museum curator Emma Rodgers shares stories behind each item inside the museum including how a hand-stitched quilt represented a guide to freedom for those traveling on the Underground Railroad.  She often highlights how poll taxes* and poll questions were used to disenfranchise people of color.

One of the signature items inside the museum is a photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speaking to an audience at Southern Methodist University’s McFarlin Auditorium as well as a copy of the speech he gave there on March 17, 1966. The photograph is the only documented photo taken of Dr. King’s appearance at SMU. Click this link to hear or download Dr. King’s speech at SMU.

The Dallas Civil Rights Museum opened on January 15, 2014, on what would have been Dr. King’s 85^th birthday.  The museum has limited hours: Tuesdays from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and by appointment on other days and is closed on Sunday. Appointments may be scheduled anytime between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 214-769-0981.

*Poll taxes were a fee levied as a prerequisite for voting. In the American South, it was used to discourage and disenfranchise poor people and African-Americans from voting.  The tax was considered part of Jim Crow laws – a separate series of laws used to enforce racial segregation in the South.

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“Dallas Blooms” comes to a close this Sunday

There’s still time to make it to the Dallas Arboretum before the Dallas Blooms exhibit closes this Sunday, April 8! Activities include an a presentation on Arts and Culture on Wednesday, an International Market on Friday, and daily photo opportunities in the Flower House and a hot air balloon! There are also concerts planned for the afternoons on Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8.

Wednesdays are BOGO Wednesdays – buy one ticket, and get one free; and C.C. Young Senior Thursdays offer $11 admission for seniors 65 and older.

For more information, visit the Dallas Arboretum’s website.

Dallas Park and Recreation contracts with the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society to manage the day-to-day operations of the garden.

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The GreenDallas Guide to Ozone and Ozone Alerts

Ozone season begins in March and lasts through November. An ozone alert is issued every time the ozone level increases on the ground. So, what is ozone? It’s a gas that occurs in the upper atmosphere and at times on ground level. It’s good to have in the upper atmosphere because it protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. It’s bad at ground level because it’s the main ingredient of urban smog and can be harmful to breathe.

Here’s why paying attention to the ozone level matters:

1. What happens when you breathe it? Breathing ozone can cause an array of issues including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.
2. Who’s vulnerable? Ozone is a general human health threat, but those most vulnerable are children, the elderly, people with respiratory issues and people who work outside.
3. How can you prevent it? The best thing you can do on an Ozone Alert Day is to use public transportation to lower emissions, combine errands and reduce trips, and reduce outdoor activity that could exhaust you.

Below is a graphic of the color-coded ozone alert system that explains the Air Quality Index featuring Arlo the airmadillo.

Ozone Air Quality Index Graphic  

For more information about Ozone, following the Department of Environmental Quality’s social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.  To sign up for air pollution alerts, visit airnorthtexas.org.

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