Racing in Dallas is riskier than you think

If you race on Dallas roads, you risk more than just a speeding ticket. Drivers who engage in this behavior are at risk of injuring themselves and the public.

Racing is illegal is Dallas and motorists caught racing can face serious penalties. The Dallas Police Department will enforce all applicable laws.

Drivers who race on Dallas roads:

• Could be punished with a fine up to $2000 and/or six months in jail on a first offense.
• Could be punished with a fine up to $10,000 and between two and 20 years in jail if a crash causes serious bodily injury or death to anyone.
• Could have their vehicle impounded and/or their driver’s license suspended.

In 2016, there were over 2,000 crashes and 300 deaths related to speeding on Texas roadways, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Speeding isn’t fun, it’s foolish. Racing is reckless and driving faster than the speed limit or what is safe for road conditions endangers the lives of the driver and all others on the road. Don’t become a statistic.

The post Racing in Dallas is riskier than you think appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/racing-dallas-riskier-think

Dallas 311 launches major website upgrade, new mobile app

Dallas 311 is launching new service request software, updating their website, and replacing the current Dallas 311 mobile app with the new OurDallas app.

The current 311 app will be taken down on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 10 p.m., and online access for residents will be removed beginning Friday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. to begin the transition to the new system.

“While the app and website are down, residents may dial 311 at any time to report an issue while the app and website are temporarily disabled,” Margaret Wright, Assistant Director of the 311 Customer Service center, said. “Our call center will be staffed with additional agents to handle the anticipated increase in call volume during this time.”

The new system will be online on Oct. 1 and residents using the old 311 app will be directed to the new OurDallas app available on the App Store and Google Play.  The updated system will make it easier for residents to request City services.  Please contact 311 at dallas311@dallascityhall.com if you have questions or concerns regarding the new 311 service request process.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-311-launches-major-website-upgrade-new-mobile-app

Join your neighbors for National Night Out 2018!

It’s time for National Night Out  – Dallas style! This year is the 35^th anniversary of National Night Out and promises to be the best yet with family-friendly celebrations around Dallas. The purpose of National Night Out is to promote stronger bonds between neighbors, as well as promote closer relationships between neighborhoods and police.

Millions of people take part in National Night Out in all fifty states by hosting block parties, festivals, cookouts, and various other community events.

Our National Night Out date is set for October 2, 2018. We want to see your fun festivals, so use our official social media hashtag: #DallasNNO2018. Ready to get involved? Visit dallascityhall.com/mayor/nno  to register your National Night Out event.

The post Join your neighbors for National Night Out 2018! appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/join-neighbors-national-night-2018

Six ways to be all about autumn in Dallas

Despite warm temperatures, autumn has arrived in Dallas. Looking to get in the spirit of the season? Here are some of the best ways to celebrate fall in the upcoming months.

Visit Autumn at the Arboretum – This fall tradition is a must-see exhibit in Dallas from Sept. 22 through Nov. 21. The arboretum is home to a display of over 90,000 pumpkins and over 150,000 blooming plants. Each weekend, enjoy live music as well as a variety of events for children.

Browse the Dallas Farmers Market Pumpkin Patch – Look no further to pick the perfect pumpkin this season than the Dallas Farmers Market. Every day until October 31, find more than 25 varieties of pumpkins and gourds perfect for carving or decorating at The Shed.

Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte – Head to your favorite local coffee shop for the season’s sweetest pick-me-up. Order the PSL iced while it is still warm outside but enjoy the classic fall drink hot when the temperatures drop.

Learn Successful Fall Gardening in Dallas – Now that summer has passed, are you wondering what plants will thrive in your garden into the fall and winter? Head to the White Rock Hills branch of the Dallas Public Library on Sept. 30 to learn from expert gardener Judy Meagher what you need to be planting this autumn.

Exercise in the City’s Parks & Trails – Get outside to enjoy the cooler weather and changing leaves on one of the City’s numerous walking and hiking trails, like the Katy Trail, the Cedar Ridge Preserve Trail, White Rock Lake Park Trail and more.

Enjoy the State Fair of Texas – Nothing screams fall quite like the State Fair. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Texas Innovation” and runs from Sept. 28 until Oct. 21. With entertaining performances, games and creative food options, the fair offers something for the whole family to enjoy.

 

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/six-ways-autumn-dallas

Public input needed for Harold Simmons Park

The City of Dallas and the Trinity Park Conservancy is seeking citizen input for the multi-phase design process for Harold Simmons Park.

Ten interactive workshops will be held throughout the month of September and October to discuss the future of the park, development processes and ways to get involved in the project. The purpose of this project it is to help shape Harold Simmons Park to become the heart of Dallas and a natural gathering space for all. Each event is family-friendly, free and open to the public.

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 1
Sat, Sept. 15 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
West Dallas Multipurpose Center, 2828 Fish Trap Road, Dallas, TX 75212
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 2
Mon, Sept 17 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cedar Crest Golf Course, 1800 Southerland Avenue, Dallas, TX 75203
RSVP 

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 3
Sat, Sept. 22 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 4
Mon Sept. 24 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church Road, Dallas, TX 75238
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 5
Tues. Sept. 25 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S Fitzhugh Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 6
Wed Sept. 26 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Solar Preparatory School for Girls, 2617 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 7
Thurs Sept 27 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bachman Lake Recreation Center, 2750 Bachman Drive, Dallas, TX 75220
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 8
Tue Oct 2 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School, 2959 S Hampton Rd, TX 75224
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 9
Wed Oct. 3. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
J Eric Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201
RSVP

Harold Simmons Park Public Workshop 10
Thurs. Oct. 4 . 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
George Bannerman Dealey Montessori, 6501 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75230
RSVP

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September is National Preparedness Month: Are you prepared?

The City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is raising awareness for National Preparedness Month to help citizens properly prepare for emergencies. Throughout the month of September, OEM will join the national conversation to help people take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, businesses, and communities.

Disasters can occur with little or no warning and being prepared is vital for staying safe and weathering any emergency. To learn more about how to make a kit, make a plan, or stay informed visit OEM’s website or follow them on Twitter for daily updates.

The post September is National Preparedness Month: Are you prepared? appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/september-national-preparedness-month-prepared

City of Dallas to celebrate National Welcoming Week

The City of Dallas Office of Welcoming Communities will celebrate National Welcoming Week from September 14 through September 23. During the week-long celebration, the Office of Welcoming Communities is encouraging citizens to attend several events that celebrate the values that unite us and help make Dallas more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls Dallas home.

During National Welcoming Week, communities bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born residents to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. In 2017, there were more than 700 events around the country. For additional information regarding Welcoming Week, contact the Office of Welcoming Communities at 214-671-5087.

Events open to the public:

Mexican Independence Day
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Main Street Garden Park
1902 Main St. Dallas Texas 75201

WET: A DACAmented Journey
Call 214-671—5087 for tickets and more info

Compassion Walk
11:30 a.m.
Walk begins at Klyde Warren Park to Thanks-Giving Square

Community Zumba
9 p.m. to 8 p.m.
White Rock YMCA
7112 Gaston Ave
Dallas, TX 75214

#MyDallasCitizenship Training
Help immigrants become U.S. Citizens
Contact 214-671-5087

Welcome Week Events

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Learn how to conserve water this fall

City of Dallas Water Conservation is hosting several events this fall, where Dallas residents can learn how to best conserve water. Events will be held throughout October and November, so residents can attend any and all that they are interested in.

ULandscapeIT: Water Efficient Landscape Design – Oct. 13
Learn how to have the most beautiful and water efficient lawn and garden in your neighborhood! This event is put on by TAMU AgriLife’s Water University , in partnership with City of Dallas Water Conservation . Find more information and register here.

24^th Annual Water-Wise Landscape Tour – Oct. 27
Are you interested in learning how to keep your lawn or garden beautiful, without using too much water? The Water-Wise Landscape Tour will show a variety of residential landscapes and demonstration gardens throughout Dallas that creatively use water-efficient plants and landscape designs. To learn more, click here.

Texas Trees – Nov. 5
This free two-hour workshop will teach residents the impact trees have in a landscape. Attendees will learn about tree selection and planting, watering practices, and how to protect trees from insects and disease. Register and learn more here.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/learn-conserve-water-fall

Fish kill detected in Dallas

On Thursday, September 6 at about 3 p.m., City staff discovered a fish kill during a routine inspection at the Upper Chain of Wetlands adjacent to the Trinity River, west of Interstate-45 and Overton Street. The incident is currently isolated to a pond within the wetland; deceased fish have not been observed in the Trinity River itself.

Initial water quality results conducted by City staff are within acceptable ranges. The City has reported the incident to Texas Park and Wildlife and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

The City of Dallas will continue to monitor the area, including water quality testing, throughout the weekend.

The public is advised to cease all fishing activities in this area until further notice. The public is encouraged to report any new observations of dead fish to 3-1-1 so that staff can respond.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/fish-kill-detected-dallas

Dallas Love Field Airport to offer free Wi-Fi

Dallas Love Field will launch free Wi-Fi for customers beginning September 7 after receiving approval from the Dallas City Council at its August 22 meeting.

Customers have long requested the airport expand upon its 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi. As the 31st-busiest U.S. airport in terms of passenger traffic, Love Field joins many of its peer airports in offering what has become an industry standard.

“Love Field is excited to bring this service to our customers,” Department of Aviation Director Mark Duebner said. “We have no doubt heard their requests over the past few years and are taking this step to continue our goal of leading the evolution of the airport experience.”

Customers will now have the option of a fixed-speed free Wi-Fi, but can also pay for faster Wi-Fi speeds which is a similar model to many airports across the United States. In 2017, Love Field hosted 15,723,617 passengers.

The post Dallas Love Field Airport to offer free Wi-Fi appeared first on Dallas City News.

source http://www.dallascitynews.net/dallas-love-field-airport-offer-free-wi-fi

New service makes it easy for residents to pay citations anytime

Dallas Municipal Court launched a new service that allows residents to pay citations over the phone or at retail locations nationwide.

Residents may dial 214-670-0109 and select the pay by phone option to speak with a live agent 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to pay a citation.

In addition, residents may pay in cash in person at 7-Eleven or Ace Cash Express locations throughout the nation providing over 135 locations city-wide for residents to pay citations.  More retail locations are expected to join the program in coming months, eventually bringing the total number of locations available up to 774 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  Cash is only accepted at the retail locations after the resident dials 214-670-0109 and receives a special bar code to pay via email or text.

“We are providing a convenient way for residents to pay by phone or at a store in their neighborhood to avoid the downtown traffic and parking fees,’” said Gloria Lòpez Carter, Director of Court and Detention Services, “This new program shows our commitment to our theme of ‘Service First.’”

Residents may also pay online by visiting courts.dallascityhall.com and click the “payment options” button. In addition, there is a “Chat With Us” button for residents who need online chat assistance with the program.

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source http://www.dallascitynews.net/new-service-makes-easy-residents-pay-citations-anytime

Office of Cultural Affairs presents first look at new cultural plan