Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn

We're moving forward with adding pickleball courts at Campbell Green Park, but wanted to give all the pickleball fans out there a heads up - there is an application with the city to get a special use permit to add 4 courts, 4 cabanas and a restaurant next to Petsmart on Coit, just north of Campbell.

Congrats to the City of Dallas for earning the top designation for the second year in a row from DFW Clean Cities. The city received the Fleet Recognition Award (gold) that recognizes public-sector fleets for reduced petroleum use and improved air quality.

Best, Cara

PS- You can find testing and vaccination sites, virus data, legal orders, business assistance, and more on the city website at: https://dallascityhall.com/Pages/Corona-Virus.aspx

Thanks to all who were able to attend the family homelessness event last night and all the folks that dropped off donations at the North Central police station. It was great to hear from author and filmmaker Diane Nilan and Family Gateway CEO Ellen Magnis. Many people shared that as they have learned more about the program, it has increased their support for the project. The meeting was recorded, but the volume is very low and a volunteer is working on making some sound adjustments. Hopefully, with digital enhancement, we'll be able to provide the video in an upcoming enews. In the meantime, Family Gateway shared some data last night that was very useful. You can find it below. Thank you to Bentwood Trail Presbyterian Church for hosting the meeting space and supporting Family Gateway North. ps-here are some photos from a quick tour we gave Diane Nilan of the facility as we dropped off the donations after the event.

We all love the Preston Ridge Trail that goes North and South along Meandering Way from District 11 to the south all the way to Highway 121 in North Plano. The confusion is with the Preston Ridge Trail Extension that goes East and West and begins at the Preston Ridge Trail and ends at an electric plant near Davenport.

There is a committee working to start the process of a name change from the Preston Ridge Extension to the Marni Kaner Trail. The trail would connect the Preston Ridge Trail with the Cotton Belt Trail. For those who were lucky enough to know Marni Kaner, the symbolism and tribute is fitting and heartfelt. Marni was a long-time connector of people, frequent walker of the Preston Ridge Trail, incredible force for good in our community, giving generously of her time and effort as a volunteer leader in Richardson ISD, PTA, and other organizations. If you would like to be involved in the effort to change this section of trail to honor Marni, please contact District12@dallascityhall.com.

The committee is set to meet at 1:15 pm Friday to consider hiring an outside firm. I hope the committee will recommend to council to move forward with an independent investigation. The meeting will be streamed from the City of Dallas website www.dallascityhall.com. There is a menu option on the homepage to view meetings. Below is The Dallas Morning News editorial.

All levels of government go through the redistricting process to make sure that you are represented fairly. The state redistricting efforts are in the news right now, but this work is also beginning at the city level. Each city councilmember has appointed a person to the city redistricting commission and they are planning their work based on the 2020 census data. Once the commission comes up with a new map that addresses new residents, developments, and changing demographics, it will be sent to city council for approval and adoption.

The funeral for Dallas Fire-Rescue Driver Engineer David Leos will be held Thursday. David passed away September 2^nd, 2021 after a courageous battle with COVID-19.  David had been a member with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department since August 12^th, 1981. 

The North Central Texas Council of Governments and the North Texas UAS Task Force is holding a virtual workshop on multiple dates to discuss how to start a drone-related business, rules and regulations, best practices, and where to fly drones. The workshop is open to everyone from those who have never flown a drone and are interesting in starting a business to professionals wanting to practice safe operations and learn about the FAA Know Before You Fly campaign and policies. During the upcoming workshop, attendees will hear from licensed UAS professionals and other industry stakeholders about licensing and other topics important for the safe operation of drones in the growing region. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/know-before-you-fly-your-drone-virtual-workshop-tickets-127222591195

A benefit of learning to plant a tree correctly may be that you decide to plant a tree in your yard. The Branch Out Dallas Tree Giveaway Program provides trees to residents at no cost. You must register by September 30th. Registration has begun, and there are a limited number of trees. They usually run out, so please register soon if you are interested. Tree pick up day is November 6th. Learn more at https://www.dallascitynews.net/branch-out-dallas-offering-free-trees-to-dallas-residents

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