Stay Classy, San Diego

The Houston Chronicle reports (link) that San Diego City Council voted to ban giant retail stores.

My favorite part of the article:

Councilman Tony Young, who joined the 5-3 majority, countered, "I have a vision for San Diego and that vision is about walkable, livable communities, not big, mega-structures that inhibit people's lives."

I hope that the current and future Dallas City Councils take notice.

While some community and elected officials openly wish that they had a Wal-Mart in their area, I ask you to take a drive to 3155 W. Wheatland (map) and ask yourself if this is what you want in your community.

The mismanaged Wal-Mart near US-67 & Wheatland is a disaster. Their lack of selection, filthy floors and shelves, dirty parking lot, and overall lack or willingness to provide a decent shopping experience is evident. Once night falls, it simply feels unsafe. Only open for three years, the store looks like it's been open for twenty.

I wonder if people shop there because they want to, or because they have no choice.

I'm sure this isn't what Dallas City Council envisioned when they approved the Wal-Mart to be built.

Wal-Mart has a new urban strategy, which is called the "Wal-Mart Jobs and Opportunity Zones" initiative (link). It's pretty simple: A little blood money gets donated to the minority Chambers of Commerce and community groups. A few contracts get doled out to keep the business community quiet. Tamp down protests, while sucking the life out of our communities. This plan has been assailed by small business groups as a PR Tactic which diverts attention from the obvious.

Austin is gearing up for a fight on December 7th. We should keep close tabs on the results. Austin's Full Circle Group (link) aka Citizens for Responsible Corporations and Local Economies, has some interesting facts as well as a recommended list of big-box alternatives. Wake-Up Wal Mart (link) approaches Wal-Mart on a larger scale.

There will be a day that Wal-Mart comes calling to South Dallas and Pleasant Grove (although there is a Wal-Mart in Buckner Terrace at I-30 & St. Francis). I hope the residents in those neighborhoods see Wal-Mart for what they really are. A company and store that sucks the life out of communities by underpaying workers and cutting prices to the point where they have little or no competition, especially in neighborhoods where there are challenges.

I applaud anyone who wants more shopping and retail choices in their neighborhood. I'm simply asking you to aim higher in your search. Your community will benefit by looking beyond Wal-Mart to other retail alternatives.

You may think you want a Wal-Mart in your neighborhood, but you really don't.

Helping Picnic is also Tax-Deductible!

Skin at Quick (link) reports that the DREAM Fund has stepped in to help our homie Picnic of PPT.

Don't forget about the fundraiser/concert on Sunday, December 3rd at DoubleWide in Deep Ellum. A ton of people are going to be performing. More info on the show is here.

Guess Who Was in the DMN Today?

I had a little write-up and pic in Sunday's Paper. Click to get the full-size. Shouts go out to Lesley Tellez.

Scathing Report on South Dallas Apartment Complex

Scott Goldstein at the DMN writes a great article on the Summer Breeze (link), which is located neat the intersection of 175 & Hatcher (map). It's had many names, from Southern Terrace to others.

Scott details a few things about this complex, for instance:

• Senior Citizens without working water and gas.
• Crackheads and thieves abound, ripping off whatever's valuable from the buildings.
• Only 25% of the units are occupied (60 out 230).
• The City of Dallas has had a lawsuit pending for 2 years.

Why do these City lawsuits last so long? Why hasn't this place been discussed by City Council? One day, when District 7 has a councilperson with guts, we'll know the answer.

Chalk up another victory for the slumlords.

Winds of Change in South Dallas

Jim Schutze of the Dallas Observer reports (link) that Hank Lawson is stepping down as the Executive Director of Southfair Community Development Corporation (link), effective January 1st. According to the article, Hank will continue to put together deals for Southfair.

Mr. Nevels was formerly the VP of Affordable Housing for the Dallas Housing Authority, and Executive Director for the Oak Cliff Development Corp back in the 90s.

Hank's a real smart guy that really cares about the community, and Mr. Nevels will have big shoes to fill in South Dallas. We wish Hank the best of luck in whatever he decides to pursue.

Tragic Fire Hits Prominent Local Rap Group

You probably heard about the fire the other night which destroyed an apartment building in Plano (link).

One of my friends, Picnic from PPT, lost everything in that fire including his studio. PPT is the group with the hot Independent Album Tres Monos in Love, and are also behind the Dallas Mavericks Playoffs Theme Song "Rowdy Loud and Proud."

Family supports family in times of need, and Pikahsso, Picnic, and Tahiti know I'll always have their backs.

Pikahsso told me today that there will be a fundraiser at DoubleWide (link) on December 3rd. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Suing Bloggers? - Not So Fast

NBC Reports that The California Supreme Court ruled Monday that bloggers and participants in Internet bulletin board groups cannot be sued for posting defamatory statements made by others. Here's the article (link).

The Court cited Federal law that gives immunity to bloggers and their service providers. Federal law trumps all when it comes to these types of cases.

Take that Vicki Truitt!

What's Wrong with the System - Part 89


I read this story in today’s paper:

Coppell police and the Dallas police SWAT team last week arrested a 26-year-old Dallas woman on multiple drug charges and seized weapons and an estimated $8,000 in drugs from a residence in the 11000 block of Audelia Road.

Police said they seized 47 grams of crack, 2.5 grams of cocaine, 26 grams of methamphetamine, 90 grams of marijuana, a Tech 9 automatic weapon, three handguns, drug delivery paraphernalia and $2,900 in cash. (name withheld) was arrested and charged with two first-degree felony counts of manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and unlawfully carrying a weapon.

She was released from Lew Sterrett Justice Center on Saturday after posting $16,000 bail.

Look at the charges. And this person gets $16,000 bail? What exactly do you have to do to be held without bail outside of murder?

So, this person is back on the street. All of the hard work of the Dallas Police Department, and this person is out on minimum bail.

What's wrong with this picture?

Hot-Sheet Motel for Sale

I have learned that the Sunburst Inn, located just west of I-35 and Camp Wisdom, is up for sale (map). The asking price is $1.2 million.

I think it used to be a Days Inn at one point.

It is said to be a distress sale, which is great. What is troubling is that someone may try to purchase the motel and convert it into a motel chain. We'll be keeping an eye on the situation.

Oak Cliff needs less motels. I hope the place is bought and demolished.

Easy Targets

According to many sources, Texas State Rep Vicki introduced a bill for the upcoming legislature (HR-129) that would subject bloggers to libel laws.

This is just another way to silence the little guy/gal. If only real issues were pursued with such fervor. But will they sue the Texas Monthly for their "worst legislators in Texas" list? Probably not.

We as bloggers should unite (as we often do), and "share and share alike" when it comes to Rep. Truitt.

She's not the biggest friend of the little guy/gal, as shown in her Project Vote Smart ratings (link)

Here's the full text of the bill (link)

Many have opinions, as I do. Here's the rundown.

Vince at Capitol Annex (link)
* I love Vince's quote:

Yet, while specifically extending the right to sue bloggers for defamation without also offering us the protection we deserve and are entitled to as citizen journalists (and at this time I would also call for a complete ’shield law in Texas that includes bloggers’), a disservice is done, plain and simple.

Bay Area Houston: link

In The Pink Texas: link

McBlogger: link

Trinity Tollway is in Deep Water...

Or will be at some point.

According to the Army Core of Engineers, there are problems with the current plan to build a six-lane tollway inside the levees (link).

Jim Schutze came after the Tollway with a vengeance in his Unfair Park post this morning (link).

Shawn Williams at Dallas South Blog has a good piece on his site (link).

The info from NTTA about the project including the current route plan is here (link).

No, I'm not an engineering expert. But I do believe that the Army Corps of Engineers is being more vigilant in light of the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina. Will it be as bad as Jim says? Who knows? But I do believe that we are unnecessarily creating a potential flood disaster, which will directly affect residents of West Dallas and South Dallas. That's reason enough for us to scrap this idea of running this inside the levees.

Wilmer-Hutchins Doesn't Matter (to some)

Caroline Walker over at DallasBlog has chronicled yesterday's meeting regarding the DISD redistricting to include the absorption of the Wilmer-Hutchins School District (link).

Carla Ranger led the charge to postpone the vote and hold another hearing to allow the residents of Wilmer-Hutchins to review and voice input on the proposed map. Her measure passed 5-4. The Dallasblog article has the vote breakdown.

I'm glad my trustee had the guts not only to complain, but protest with her vote as well.

Some people say that it's inconsequential because W-H only had 3,000 or so students. It doesn't matter whether it's 3,000 people or 3 people. People matter, regardless of their economic station.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 28th.

Toll Road Costs Just Got Higher*

* aka Highway Robbery Number 145-8

According to Channel 8 news, the NTTA just increased Tollway costs on the Tollway and the Bush 41 Turnpike (190). These changes go into effect in September 2007. And for the piece de resistance, they also approved a rate increase for 2010.

Here's the bottom line:

For you folks paying $.75 cash, it will cost $1.
For the Tolltag owners paying 60 cents, it will now be increased to 70 cents.


According to Brad Watson's report:

A one-way trip now on the entire length of the Dallas North Tollway costs $1.80 with a TollTag or $2.25 cash.

But next September, the gap widens between cash and TollTag.
The TollTag charge goes up to $2.10 and cash to $3.
On the Bush Turnpike, right now a one-way trip runs $3 with a TollTag or $3.75 cash.
But those tolls go to $3.50 TollTag and $5 cash.

Many people say that these roads were paid for years ago, especially the southern piece of the Tollway between 635 and I-35. It's not even a convenience to travel these roads; the traffic is as bad on the Dallas North Tollway as it is on I-35 and Central Expressway.

I wonder if the cheerleaders for future tollroads like Trans-Texas Corridor, Loop 9, and Trinity Tollway (the latter two involved the southern sector and the inland port) know how much this screws over the working person. They probably don't, they'll just be happy to get the contracts.

The Crime Doesn't Stop in the Cliff

This has been a rough week in the Cliff for violent crime.

*Friday, 9PM: 1300 block of East Overton Road (map). Two shot and killed, one person in the front yard for everyone to see.

* Friday night - Another murder near Lake Cliff Park (map)

*Saturday - A murder in the parking lot of an apartment complex near 67 & Kiest (map)

*Sunday night - The Sonic near Lancaster and Loop 12 (map). An employee gets shot during a robbery at the drive-in window.

Still, everyone is silent. People get shot robbed and killed, and nobody says anything. But yet, everyone wants to cry racism. If we don't care, why should anyone else?

Yeah, I am pissed. This City is crying our for real leaders and real fighters, especially in the hood.

I went to a luncheon on Friday that where they talked about high-end development with a focus on the W Hotel and Victory Park. I'm not knocking the group or the function or business group - they're doing what they feel is important. But I know a whole lot of people that don't care about Victory and will never see Victory other than on their train or bus ride to work. They just want to feel safe in their neighborhoods and sit outside on their porch without catching a bullet. Is that too much to ask?

And you wonder why I support Dwaine Caraway for City Council. At least he gives a damn!

Dwaine Caraway Announces Candidacy for Dallas City Council Place 4


DALLAS, TX (November 10, 2006) - On Thursday, November 9th at the South Dallas Cafe, Dwaine Caraway officially announced his candidacy for 2007 Dallas City Council Place 4. Dwaine is the only announced candidate for Council Place 4 (map link). Dwaine has been active in community issues for over 30 years.

"From fighting drugs to bringing needed parks and facilities to helping all citizens on a daily basis, I will continue to fight on the behalf of the citizens of this District. Many of you know that I’ve always been available to help you get things done in the neighborhood, even when there is no election occurring. Now it is time to take that fight to City Hall."

Dwaine has been called a go-to person on community issues. Most recently he has helped close crime-plagued hot sheet motels in South Dallas and Oak Cliff, and spoke in support of DART employees getting better support and employee benefits. Dwaine has a distinct plan that will greatly benefit the residents of District 4 and the City of Dallas. This plan is outlined in a newsletter which was available to attendees and is also on Dwaine’s website.

"The blight, crime, and lack of safety in our area is stifling the hope of our citizens. It's time to unite for safer, better looking neighborhoods and more opportunity." Dwaine is the clear choice for citizens in District 4 that want more opportunity and a higher quality of life in their neighborhoods.

“We have many issues to address. I talk with many residents who are prisoners in their own homes. They are scared of drug dealers, prostitutes, gangs, and violence. It shouldn’t be this way. Every day it seems like someone is the victim of violent crime in this area. Someone has to be willing to take a stand.”

Born and raised in Dallas, Dwaine attended Texas Southern University and is a graduate of Roosevelt High School. Dwaine is the former Vice Chair of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board.More information and a copy of Dwaine’s current newsletter can be found at www.dwainecaraway.com

Ed Bradley 1941-2006

I was shocked to hear about the passing of Ed Bradley today. He died due to complications with leukemia in New York City.

A fellow Philadelphian, I always admired Bradley's knack of building a friendly rapport with a guest while turning up the heat whenever necessary.

A couple of weeks ago Ed did a great piece regarding the Duke Lacrosse Team scandal. Apparently, his condition worsened quickly and now he is gone.

Today I got to see some of the clips of Ed in his younger years. I wasn't surprised to see him become so engrossed in the story and so attuned to the human condition to the point where he started helping Malay people to prevent them from drowning. He's was not just a journalist, he was human. You can't fake that.

Ed Bradley was the consummate professional. Ed was a role model for young African-Americans everywhere, as well as for all journalists. There will never be another like Ed Bradley. I'll add him to the great people that I wished to met but never got the chance.

I leave you with a story about Ed from his hometown paper, the Philadelphia Inquirer (link).

Address the Problem

After reading Jim Schutze’s aptly-named article “Forget Why (link),” I thought about writing this piece.

Jim talks about FCE and their efforts to compile research about why the causes and affects of crime and comparing statistics between parts of the city. It is interesting, although a lot of people have said “tell us something we don’t know.” Those folks, however, miss the point. Research and data is useful, but only if we have people that are willing to apply it for the improvement of our society.

Unfortunately, I think this information will come and go and little will be done to change the condition of these neighborhoods. The City must decide to address the following issues, on a wholesale basis.

Hot-Sheet Motels – Something must be done about the dozens of low-rent motels that crowd communities in southern Dallas. These are magnets for prostitutes, johns, and other criminals. No one wants to live, sleep, or play near one of these out of place hellholes.

Apartments – Dallas has hundreds of apartment complexes and 4 to 8-plex buildings that are falling apart. I’ve lived in a couple of them. We can’t wait for market forces to cause their demolition. The electrical and structural problems in these buildings and the fact that they are still allowed to be occupied is nothing short of astounding. Dallas has tons of absentee owners that ignore tenants and refuse to bring buildings up to code. These landlords allow tenants to live in their own personal hell; scared to venture outside because of drug dealers and criminals that saturate parking lots and breezeways, trapped inside due to rodents, roaches, mold, and faulty wiring.

We don’t need any more tax-credit apartment complexes in Dallas. The only way I would remotely consider supporting one is if we were first going to demolish a large complex and put it on the same land.

Slumlords – We must address the slumlords. There are a few slumlords like the Topletzes, GW Works, and a few others that own hundreds of houses in low-income neighborhoods. They take advantage of poor families by renting houses that should have been run over and replaced years ago.

Loitering – There is a problem in South Dallas and Oak Cliff with loitering. People don’t feel safe going in and out of the stores. I’ve been told by various city employees that nothing can be done about loitering. I don’t believe them; we just need someone who is willing to enforce the laws we already have on the books.

Employment - I believe in working with ex-offenders, but I also believe in creating jobs for the average-Joe working man who doesn’t have a criminal record but needs a decent job and a livable wage. There should be some reward for people who refuse to be involved in crime but still can’t find the means to support their family. The Inland Port is great, but it’s not a cure-all as some would lead you to believe

I have many ideas on how these plagues can be fixed, but why waste them now? I get tired of going down to City Hall and speaking on the same issues over and over.

The citizens deserve more.
Lives and futures are at stake.

Is anyone listening?

Revive Cotton Bowl Plans, Stat

Rob Wilonsky says what I'm thinking when he comments on Dallas' plan to dome the Cotton Bowl...or something...right here (link).

Who's idea was this? Probably someone running against Darrell Jordan.

The Results are In

Everyone has talked at length about the democratic gains in Dallas County, so I will focus on the passing of the bond package. All twelve propositions of the Dallas City Bond Package passed by a wide margin, except for one. Curiously, Proposition 10 only passed by a 57-43 percent margin. This was the proposal to finally rescue all of the remaining citizens from the Cadillac Heights flood zone.

Now,we have work to do. And when I say WE I mean the citizens of Dallas.

It's our job as citizens to make sure that the bond money is spent

There have been shenanigans with bond money in the past, as ACORN has pointed out with respect to paving of certain streets.

It's also going to matter, even more than ever, which people you elect to Dallas City Council and to the Mayor's office. These people will be the stewards of this $1.35 billion dollars.

Let the games begin.

Tuesday is the Last Day to VOTE!
Voting Primer - Dallas County Election Information

So far, 150,000 people have voted according to the Dallas County Elections Department. Won't you join them?

Here's all the info you need to vote in Dallas County:

*List of all Elections (link)

*Full List of Voting Precincts (link)

*Check on your registration and polling place - You also can view your ballot ahead of time (link)

*Demonstration of Touch Screen Voting Machine (Flash player required) (link)

*Services Available to Voters with Special Needs in Texas (link)

*League of Women Voters' Online Voters Guide (link)

Paul Kix on Insights

Did y'all see Paul Kix of D Magazine (link) on Shaun Rabb's Insights on Fox 4?

Paul talked about a case of wrongful ID in a criminal case, along with Bob Ray Sanders of the Fort-Worth Star Telegram and the brother of the falsely accused.

Paul is on the rise. He was with the Dallas Observer before he started writing for D. At the Observer, he wrote great stories on payday lending, the Oak Cliff Boxing Club, and others.

Great interview Paul. We look forward to following the case.

We're Just Getting Started

After the elections on Tuesday, most people involved with politics will be winding down to take a breather. Not me.

Several events have occurred in our community that have fanned the flames of my fire. To mention their names would be to give them light that they don't deserve.

But I appreciate it...

We just got to 20,000 hits, in less than 5 months. It may not seem like much, but I still appreciate those that care to check us out. Thanks to the working people that read Dallas Progress; I do this for you! Thanks to all the major magazines and news outlets for linking to us. Thanks for all the e-mails and well-wishes. Thanks to the neighborhood associations that have received me. Thanks for the encouragement to keep fighting. I won't let you down.

For those of you that work with me during elections, I'll be calling. We're going to change this town like never before.

To the people that try to steal our campaign ideas, we're watching.

To The Firm, I got my swagger back! Let's go to work.

From the "We Operate in Our Own Little Bubble Department"

TxDot has decided to shut down I-30 between Loop 12 in Dallas and highway 360 in Grand Prairie , as shown here (link).

The timing couldn't be worse. There is a huge race at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, called the Dickies 500. I'm not the biggest race fan (although my parents used to drag race way back when and have the trophies to prove it), but I know that 150,000+ show up at these races or to just be a part of the action.

I know the project lasts for months, but maybe they should have waited one more week.

But then again, these are the same folks that shut down major highways with minor construction at rush hours all over DFW.

As the Guinness commercials would say, BRILLIANT!