Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn

Hello District 12,

As the 37th edition of the District 12 enews this term is published, it highlights how important communication has been in sharing the important events, programs, and information between City Hall and the residents of District 12.

To better serve you, I initiated District 12 walk-in office hours at the North Central Police Station and monthly in-person town halls in June 2019. The goal has been to bring city hall to D12 with interesting guest speakers, hear your concerns and feedback, and answer your questions. Since COVID, a pivot to online town halls occurred, which increased the frequency of the town halls as local issues have arisen. The next town hall is scheduled for later this month with special guest Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia (see details below).

A free document shredding and food drive event is scheduled for this Saturday (see flyer below).

District 12 is now the safest city council district in the City of Dallas, moving up from second place in 2020 (stats below).

Our district has the highest rate of COVID vaccination (link to map below) with 75248 the highest vaccinated zip code in Dallas and the other parts of the district with above average vaccination. Across the Dallas area, continued declines in hospitalizations and deaths have meant more openings, gatherings, and figuring out what is the "new normal."

As things reopen, we'll start scheduling in-person events, trying to incorporate virtual elements to keep everyone connected. I hope to see you soon!

Best, Cara Mendelsohn

ps- If you need help, please reach out. We are here for you.

Join the D12 Virtual Town Hall with special guest, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, Thursday, April 29 at 7 p.m. If you've already signed up for a previous town hall, we'll automatically send you the link around 5 pm the day of the event. If you haven't signed up yet, register here so you'll receive the link:

D12 has many great neighborhoods and two have been recognized as the best in the Dallas area. Of the 10 neighborhoods on the "Best" list, all the ones in Dallas are in District 12/Far North Dallas. Congrats to Collin County's Preston Highlands and Dallas County's Campbell Green!

Street Racing, Takeovers, and Stunt Driving have become a big problem in Dallas, in Texas, and across the United States. Last weekend, there was a national convergence in Dallas for a weekend of these antics and all across the city we saw a steep increase in this dangerous and reckless activity.

In Dallas, the City Council has followed the advice of our professional public safety leaders in an effort to address this problem. We've already strengthened enforcement and penalties as much as legally allowed. We've let the racing community know we will work to eliminate this activity. The police asked for additional measures to assist with enforcement, and had some suggestions on legislation that would help. The City of Dallas Legislative Ad Hoc Committee, where I serve as Vice Chair, has been busy working with our state legislators from Dallas to enact these suggestions. Many thanks to the bipartisan team of Representative John Turner and Representative Morgan Meyer for co-sponsoring the bill. The North Dallas Chamber has shown great support for the bill and the committee hearings are going well. If you can hear people racing and don't see a police response, please call 911. If you see people gathering as if they are going to race, please call 911.

Here is an article from the Dallas Observer that sums up what is happening:

The watering schedule that was enacted years ago is back in force. Our code compliance officers are giving out warnings right now, but please be aware of the days and hours you are watering to avoid a fine.

ps- bandit signs are the ones you see stuck in the median or on a pole, often offering to buy homes, repair credit, or advertising health insurance.

Special thanks to Josh and Charlotte Kahn for donating a Camp Chef smoker to Fire Station #7. This special delivery will make meals at the station a treat and rumor has it the A, B, & C shifts may have a cook-off. This is the kind of smoke our firefighters like!

Ava made the police officers at the North Central station so happy by thanking them and baking them chocolate chip cookies! What a thoughtful, caring, and delicious gesture from such a young girl. Imagine the goodness she will do in the world as she gets older!

Join us THIS SATURDAY for a food drive to benefit North Texas Food Bank and FREE document shredding event! The food drive is from 10-2, and the shredding is from 10-12:30 at Parkhill Junior High. Limit 2 boxes of shredding.

Most of District 12 experienced delays this week in bulk trash pick up. This can be frustrating and nobody likes having the bulk trash on the sidewalk for long periods of time. This is an area where the City of Dallas needs stronger management and accountability.

The long-time director of Sanitation left the City of Dallas at the end of 2019 and a new director has not been hired by the city manager. The interim director is working with available resources, but a new plan is needed. One frequent reason for delays in District 12 is we are the farthest from any Dallas transfer station. That means when the truck fills up, it must go drop its load at the transfer station and that round trip takes a long time. If a lot of extra items are placed outside for bulk trash, they have to make extra trips to the transfer station and that puts them behind schedule for that day and the following days.

One suggestion for improvement is to work with the City of Plano transfer station on an agreement that would allow the City of Dallas to use that location, since their transfer station is on Plano Parkway, very close to the City of Dallas. A second suggestion is to start a pilot program (which was in development with the prior Sanitation Director and co-pilot for neighboring District 11) to do a bulk pick up service on demand during certain months, instead of a monthly set out. The goal of the service would be to collect the items much sooner, reduce the lane miles for sanitation trucks, and preserve the street conditions. The third suggestion is to have a nearby drop off spot for recyclable items, allowing residents who wish to dispose of items independently to access a site. These are ideas worth pursuing, testing, and measuring improvement for residents.

Barely a month on the job, new Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia joins the North Central police staff for a ride-along.

District 12 has long been one of the areas in Dallas with lower crime, but historically, D13 usually takes first prize for the safest district with D12 in second or third place. For the first quarter 2021, D12 holds the title for the safest city council district.

Everyone knows to call 911 for emergencies, but do you know you can call 311 for city services? This department is staffed 24/7 and is where you can report basic service requests like a pothole that needs repair, a sign that is down, graffiti, water cut-offs, noise complaints, abandoned vehicles, or other non-emergency issues. Depending on your question or request, the service operator may be able to answer your question on the spot, may need to send you to a specific department for answers, or may initiate a service request. If you put in a service request and do not get satisfaction, please call or email our office for assistance.

The Dallas Police Department Mounted Patrol made a visit to D12 at the end of March and they turned a lot of heads. From patrolling neighborhood streets to resident outreach, they delighted the community. All of the officers who rode were part of the most recent mounted unit training class. The stables are located at Fair Park and you can meet at least one horse every day during the State Fair of Texas in the DPD stables. All of the officers are experienced at patrol and apply for this special unit through a rigorous application process with a final exam. This effective unit has proven it can do things no other DPD tactical unit can, from crowd/riot control, search and rescue, to patrol work that needs a higher view (like peer over a fence). They also get tips from the community to help solve crimes and report back to officers on foot. The mounted patrol has plans to come back to Far North Dallas, specifically near Timberglen Library. If you see them, say hello to the officers and horses. Both are friendly and welcome your interest.

The Dallas City Council has been very vocal about improving bus transportation service. Your input on the improvements DART is proposing are welcome. Here is a virtual meeting where you can learn more and share your thoughts.

Here are resources that can help you see the current level of service and the improved service proposed:

Bus Redesign Website: https://dartzoom.org/

After a long battle to protect the homeowners near Hillcrest from eminent domain or a noisy pump station next to their fence, DART agreed to purchased the commercial property on the northeast corner (Judy Nordseth Photo Studio) of the rail at Hillcrest to build the pump station. Other items required of DART before construction can begin are pending DART's submission and City of Dallas review, as directed in the ILA. The questions about the finish and color of the soundwall have not be resolved, as the city is still awaiting DART's response to specifications of the green wall concept. Please bring your questions about the Cotton Belt to the May Virtual Town Hall with special guest David Leininger, DART Interim CEO.

The Petsmart at Coit and Campbell (16821 N. Coit Road) is a great place to get a new dog or cat, because inside the store is the Dallas Animal Services Everyday Adoption Center. Through COVID, it had been shut down and all pets were being cared for at the main shelter. Good news - the Everyday Adoption Center is back open every Wednesday through Saturday and adoptions are FREE. You can learn more at www.bedallas90.org/events.

The great weather, delicious restaurants, helpful stores, and open space have attracted lots of visitors to the park. We've continued to add additional days for park trash pick up (now at 5) and work with the developer on other strategies to keep the park clean. It is exciting to see the retail spaces fill in and you can check which restaurants and businesses have leases signed at https://shopcompanies.com/sites/default/files/2021-02/Hillcrest%20Village%20LOD.pdf?v=1613412762 We're also talking about adding a Friends of Hillcrest Village group, so we can schedule live music, events, and fun programming in the park. If this is something you would like to be part of, please reach out to our District 12 Park Board member, Lane Conner at Lane.Conner@dallascityhall.com.

Dallas Animal Services is committed to helping DAS get lost pets home by staying prepared. You can get information and resources at www.bedallas90.org/lost or text "lost" to 833-936-0421. Microchipping your pet is required in the City of Dallas and it is your best chance of becoming reunited with your pet. Dallas Animal Services offers microchipping for just $10 by appointment.

Today was the groundbreaking of the two new buildings coming to McCallum just east of Preston, next to Kroger at Campbell and Preston. The main building will be leased to Kiddie Academy, a high quality day care with after school care. The expect to start accepting placements in January on a limited basis. The other space will be available for office leasing.

How do we make Dallas a great place for startups? Share your ideas and give feedback on this "Startup Survey" at

Municipal and ISD Election Day is May 1. Here is the schedule for the polls and voting locations:

Early voting:

Monday, April 19 - Saturday, April 24, 8 am - 5 pm

Monday, April 26 - Tuesday, April 27, 7 am - 7 pm

Election day:

Saturday, May 1, 7 am - 7 pm

Closest polling locations in or near D12

Dallas County:

Collin County: Note: Renner Frankford Library is CLOSED for repairs

Denton County: Note: Frankford Townhomes community room is closed due to COVID

In addition to candidates for city council, ISD trustees, there are 2 city charter amendments on the ballot for the City of Dallas, a bond election for RISD residents, and Collin College trustees for Collin County residents.

There has not been much publicity about the City of Dallas Charter Amendments. One charter amendment asks you to decide if the current requirement to serve on a charter-required board or commission should remove the requirement that the appointee be an "eligible voter," meaning, should the person be a US citizen? This is your decision on the ballot. The other charter amendment asks about removing the qualification that an appointee be a tax-payer to serve on the Civil Service board.

Getting your children ready to read is as easy as reading, playing, singing, talking, and writing. New Reading Ready kits from Dallas Public Library help caregivers practice these early literacy habits with their children at home. Sponsored by Atmos Energy and the Friends of the Dallas Public Library, each kit will include a book, a learning toy and tips and tricks. Register at: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/readingready to receive a different kit each month for five months.

There is a new scam going around the USA where people file for unemployment under your name, even if you are in a different state. Dallas County Commissioner J.J. Koch has developed a checklist of what people should do if they are a victim of identity theft involving misuse of information to claim unemployment benefits. Please feel free to provide this link to anyone affected. On the webpage, you can print out the checklist as well.

Dallas Community Tax Centers offers no cost tax help. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate our lives, we are continuing to reshape the traditional VITA program to ensure the safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff alike. For the 2021 Tax Season, the Dallas Community Tax Centers will be providing virtual and limited in-person tax preparation options that will allow you to keep the money you earn. To qualify, you must make $58,000 or less in income. Bring a photo ID, social security or ITIN letter/card, all w-2s adn 1099s, checking/savings account numbers, and last year's tax return. To get the latest information regarding these options please visit: www.dallastaxcenters.org/virtualvita or text Taxcenters to (833) 939-1387.

The new Shelton School campus is STUNNING! Their move-in was during COVID, so they've had limited visitors. This amazing learning environment is designed to support student success. From the labs to the gyms, the sculpture studio to the the lunchroom, and the on-site day care for staff, it is remarkable. The City of Dallas has worked with Shelton to make adjustments to traffic signal timing to aid in carpool pick up challenges. Improvements continue to be made to lessen the traffic on all streets during the peak drop off and pick up times. Congratulations to Shelton for their first year (and a COVID year!) in the new building and first graduating class from the new building. We're proud to have this school in D12.

The minor plumbing repair program offers assistance with minor plumbing programs that cause water waste. The program repairs leaking faucets, showerheads, toilets, hose bib leaks, and easily-accessible pipe joint leaks. It doesn't cover emergency repairs, plumbing involving gas or sewer lines, washing machines or garbage disposals, or repairs behind walls, under the house, or underground. This program has a low income qualification. Apply by calling (214) 670-3155 or find more information at www.savedallaswater.com.

For more information and a recording of the presentations, visit www.nctcog.org/input. To request hard copies of the information, call 817-608-2365 or email Carli Baylor at cbaylor@nctcog.org.

75248 has the largest number of people vaccinated in Dallas. You can check out all Dallas zip codes on an interactive map here: https://dallascitydata.dallascityhall.com/views/CityofDallasCOVIDDashboard_16125638795320/Vaccinations?%3AshowAppBanner=false&%3Adisplay_count=n&%3AshowVizHome=n&%3Aorigin=viz_share_link%3Arefresh%3Dyes&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aembed=y

Vaccine - All individuals 16+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 29th. If you'd like the vaccine, please sign up with every Texas county that you are willing to drive to, plus local clinics like Tom Thumb, CVS, Walgreens, HEB, etc... You can find a list of all counties and locations giving the vaccine, as well as testing sites, and other COVID-related information and resources at: www.dallascityhall.com/covid19

Here are links to the D12 Counties - please sign up for all of them if you are willing to drive to them!

Dallas County www.DallasCountyCovid.org.

Collin County https://www.collincountytx.gov/healthcare_services/Pages/COVID19vaccines.aspx

Denton County dentoncounty.gov/covid19vaccine

The Healthy Homes Lead Reduction Program (HHLR) provides FREE lead hazard reduction home repair services to create a lead-safe environment for the children of Dallas.

If a lead-based paint hazard is identified, the work may include painting of interior and exterior surfaces, possible replacement of components such as doors, windows or siding, and up to $20k grant in remediation is available per home

The property must be in the city limits of Dallas and built before 1978, a child under the age of 6 or a pregnant woman must live in the home, and the total household yearly income of all adults must meet qualifications. Go to www.dallascityhall.com/lead and click on the application to see if you qualify. Additional information at: (214) 670-3644 or HHLR@dallascityhall.com.

You’re invited! The Office of Equity & Inclusion, Fair Housing Division will host community engagement meetings for the public to provide input on the Fair Housing Assessment Tool. Meetings will be held virtually from April 13 to April 22. Link: https://bit.ly/3dLlOv9

Dallas residents interested in attending can email Dr. Priscyla Bento (priscyla.bento@dallascityhall.com) their preferred date and time from the options below. The Fair Housing team will then send a digital invitation to the community engagement session.

If you're reading this enews on your phone and don't have a computer available at home, the Dallas Public Library is making it easier for residents who need computer access with laptops bundled with hotspots to borrow using their library cards. Laptops can be requested online at www.dallaslibrary.org, by phone at 214-670-1400, or by contacting a local branch. The laptops, like the hotspots, can be checked out for 30 days with the option to renew if there are no outstanding requests. Laptops can also be placed on request just like a library book and picked up through the Library To Go curbside service at the designated locations. Laptops must be returned in person to the same location where they were borrowed during library open hours.

Need help, got a question, or want to give input?

Email: Cara.Mendelsohn@DallasCityHall.com

Office phone: (214) 670-4067

Text phone: (214) 490-1036