Author: Michaela Rush
Here’s your cheat sheet for the Dallas ISD District 9 election
Background information, priorities, and endorsements for District 9 Board of Trustees candidates Oralia Alonso, Da'On Boulanger-Chatman, Ed Turner, and LaKashia Wallace.
How do Dallas ISD elections work?
What is the job of the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees? How and when are they elected?
Between DART’s GoLink and Circuit, all of West Dallas can access rides on demand
Riders in West Dallas have two DART-sponsored microtransit options: Circuit and GoLink. Why does DART sponsor two services?
Verdigris tells the story of West Dallas environmental injustice, resilience in ‘Mis-Lead’
Esther Villareal, a West Dallas resident and master naturalist, was one of several West Dallas neighbors interviewed for the film documentary element of this weekend’s performance of “Mis-Lead.” “For decades, the residents have felt like the city has turned away, felt like the EPA clean-up wasn’t enough, felt like they’re being lied to,” Villareal says. […]
Park South YMCA: Why it was torn down, when it will reopen, and where to find programs in the meantime
For more than 50 years, the Park South YMCA has served South Dallas neighbors of all ages through exercise classes, childcare and community events. As part of YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ efforts to improve facilities, the Park South building is undergoing a major $15 million renovation, expected to be completed in early 2025.
How community gardens do (and don’t) address food apartheid in South Dallas
With the few grocery stores and continuing food apartheid in South Dallas, community organizers have established urban farms and community gardens. While the projects have fostered a sense of community, to what extent have they improved food access?
‘A South Dallas renaissance’: Juanita Craft legacy mural unveiled
The new mural depicting Craft at the corner of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. is the first in a series of four South Dallas “legacy murals.” Commissioned by the The Walls Project, The Epiphany Foundation, and New Era Booking, the blue-and-yellow homage to the late civil rights leader was created by South Dallas native and Legendary Lincoln High School graduate Lakeem Wilson.
Kroger, Bonton Farms, ICDC bring groceries to South Dallas with a delivery service, not a storefront
Bonton Farms, Kroger and the Innercity Community Development Corporation are partnering to bring South Dallas neighbors a new grocery option: Grocery Connect.
What neighbors can expect from Bonton Farms’ new health clinic construction
Bonton Farms is set to open a health clinic in early 2025. Most neighbors are excited for the resource, but some had questions about the farms' communication and decision-making process.
Civic explainer: What is the Dallas City Charter, and how can neighbors change it?
This coming November, the people of Dallas will vote not only for the presidential election, but also for proposed amendments to Dallas’ City Charter. Until this Friday, Jan. 19, anyone in Dallas is invited to submit an amendment proposal to be considered for the citywide ballot. Feedback on proposed amendments is welcomed by the CRC and City Council from now through the finalization of amendments before the November election.
These Pinkston programs improve high school attendance, grades and even crime rates
On a typical day at L.G. Pinkston High School, as students file into classrooms, some make their way to a tucked-in corner room on the building’s second floor. Here, a different type of learning happens, in a more relaxed environment with comfortable chairs and soft lighting. This space is home to Pinkston’s Becoming a Man […]
Then and now: What’s happening with the West Dallas STEM School?
The collaboration between Dallas ISD, Toyota, and SMU is now in its school year, expanding grades as the West Dallas school landscape shifts.
Civic Explainer: Property tax options
As property taxes rise city-wide, Dallas residents have a variety of options for payment plans or exemptions to lower their burden of the bill.
Follow Up: South Dallas leaders help make GoLink successful, will DART make it permanent?
DART has four rail stops and seven bus routes in and around South Dallas. Yet it takes residents long stretches of time — sometimes hours — to travel by bus within the neighborhood, from their homes to the grocery store or community center. South Dallas leaders like former Dallas councilwoman Diane Ragsdale looked at DART’s […]
West Dallas residents don’t trust city plans for their land
At a September Forward Dallas meeting, neighbors voiced anger over the city’s failure to protect the area.
New South Dallas tech hub at ICDC offers face-to-face help with digital connections
Tucked inside the Innercity Community Development Corporation (ICDC) offices off Spring Avenue is a new Connected Dallas “anchor site” for technology access and training for South Dallas neighbors. Here, residents can receive free one-on-one help from trained professionals, access to high-speed internet, help applying for local and federal benefits, and all of their technology questions […]
Neighbors discuss housing protections, land use at West Dallas Community Vision Plan meeting
On Oct. 12, West Dallas neighbors met to review policy suggestions for housing and land use for the West Dallas Community Vision Plan.
$45 million renovation at Madison High School has one more year of construction ahead
The “Great” James Madison High School continues its ongoing construction and the community wants to stay informed on its progress.
City shows South Dallas residents big plans for land use in their neighborhood
As Dallas works to create the city's first comprehensive land use plan, South Dallas neighbors ask how their input will be considered.
Planned Dallas-Fort Worth high-speed train will cut through West Dallas neighborhood
As NCTCOG moves forward with its Dallas to Fort Worth high-speed rail project, West Dallas neighbors have questions about potential neighborhood impact.
Follow Up: La Bajada neighbors miss appeals deadline, but are still looking for legal help to fight the city
Following the Aug. 15 decision to approve a height variance in La Bajada, residents pursue legal action against the City of Dallas.
Tell us what you think: Fair Park First asks South Dallas neighbors about new community park and three-story parking garage
On August 28, Fair Park First CEO Brian Luallen presented plans for a community park and parking garage, seeking input from South Dallas.
New cloud kitchen is a solution for South Dallas culinary entrepreneurs
The new cloud kitchen at 2839 S. Ervay is the final piece in Cornerstone Baptist Church’s development project at The Crossing. Pastor Chris Simmons says this space gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand their business and create affordable and livable wages in the neighborhood.
La Bajada residents seek legal help after City of Dallas decision eclipses zoning ordinance
La Bajada Neighborhood Community Association and neighbors are trying to appeal the quasi-judicial board's decision at the county or district court level, and have until Monday, Aug. 28, according to West Dallas City Councilmember Omar Narvaez’ office.
West Dallas remembers Isabel “Chavela” Lozada Tavera
Chavela, a lifelong resident of West Dallas, left a lasting legacy of selfless service to her neighborhood.
Meet Lincoln High School’s new principal: Lance Williams
Lincoln High School welcomes a new principal, Lance Williams. Dallas Free Press sat down for a conversation with Williams to learn more about his vision for the 2023-24 school year.
Meet our new principals: Pinkston’s Tameca Ward and West Dallas Middle School’s Laura Guzman
Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School and West Dallas Middle School welcome new principals, Tameca Ward and Laura Guzman. Dallas Free Press sat down for conversations with Ward and Guzman to learn more about their vision for the 2023-24 school year.
Civic Explainer: What is a ‘Neighborhood Stabilization Overlay,’ or NSO?
NSO is a Neighborhood Stabilization Overlay, which is a type of zoning district adopted by the City of Dallas in 2005. NSOs can regulate things like how much yard space is allowed on all sides of the home, where the garage is located and whether or not it is attached to the home, as well as the height of homes.
