Breaking Dallas News – Page 28 – The Other Side Dallas

July 4, 2022July 4, 2022

Dallas Fire Rescue Sesquicentennial

Dallas Fire Rescue Sesquicentennial is being celebrated today from 9:00AM until noon. The Dallas Fire Museum will be hosting the event in Fair Park with the Fire Chief and others.

Dallas Fire Rescue was first named the Dallas Fire Department. The department, like most, was a fire suppression service then more than now. Currently, it’s primary focus is prehospital emergency medical transport.

The department also incorporates the all-hazards model meaning it provides many more services.

Those include hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and inspections and investigations.

Dallas Fire Rescue Sesquicentennial Celebrates History

In 2022, Dallas Fire Rescue has 2,000 members and operates fifty-eight fire stations. A fifty-ninth is being readied.

Dallas Fire Rescue covers 385 square miles. They provide service to over 1.3 million residents.

Dallas Fire’s Sesquicentennial website, www.dfr150.com for more information.

Apparel and souvenirs are for sale with proceeds supporting the Dallas Firefighters’ Museum.

Sesquicentennial Reminds Of Dangers Of Fireworks

Dallas Fire Rescue has also reminded the public of the dangers and potential criminal liability of using fireworks.

Dallas Fire Rescue is warning citizens of the potential for injury. They are working to keep illegal fireworks off the streets.

Fireworks are illegal in the city limits and up to 5,000 feet outside of them. They are also extremely dangerous, can result in serious bodily injury and significant property loss.

July 1, 2022July 1, 2022

Fireworks 2022 Prohibitions

Fireworks 2022 prohibitions are back in effect. Dallas Fire Rescue is warning citizens of the potential for injury. They are working to keep illegal fireworks off the streets.

Fireworks are illegal in the city limits and up to 5,000 feet outside of them. They are also extremely dangerous, can result in serious bodily injury and significant property loss.

Fireworks 2022

As in years past, city staff say anyone in possession of, or using, fireworks will face penalties. Those include having them confiscated and citations. Fines can be up to $2,000.

In 2020, DFR and DPD together confiscated almost a half ton of fireworks (900 pounds). they issued only eleven citations.

June 29, 2022August 14, 2022

NGAN Hosts Stephanie Elizalde

NGAN hosts Stephanioe Elizalde – the new Dallas Independent School District Superintendent – in her first public appearance.

The Next Generation Activist Network – or NGAN – for short hosted the event which was the first welcome reception for newly appointed superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde.

The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) self describes as one of North Texas’s largest social justice organizations, with several chapters nationwide. With a mission of lobbying for social change and equality for all regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender, sex, or age, the Next Generation Action Network focuses on legal advocacy and education. Daily NGAN bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change.

They claim to focus on education, but in the host committee graphic above it is clear they do not do their own editing. One person is listed twice and a member of the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees had his name misspelled.

Early Super Mistake? NGAN Hosts Stephanie Elizalde

A giant question is was this a good move for Stephanie Elizalde.

It is unclear why Elizalde feels NGAN serves the needs of minority students whose test scores reveal abysmal results by her predecessor’s administration.

NGAN’s focal point – the “CEO Minister” Dominique Alexander – is alleged to be in a relationship with former Dallas Police Chief U. Reneé Hall.

Once this allegation was public, confirmed by four separate police and civilian sources at Dallas Police, Hall left office within twenty-four hours.

Additionally, Alexander was convicted of shaking a 2-year-old baby in 2011. He was sentenced to five years but released on probation shortly after his sentencing. Alexander has also been convicted of theft, making a false police report and evading arrest. He’s also been indicted in Denton County for felony theft.

Alexander was also involved in questions about contract awards after the Dallas ISD Auditor Report in 2020.

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022

City Council Redistricting Complete

Dallas City Council redistricting is complete with new district lines. The new lines come after the census which takes into account population shifts.

The city council engages in this process every ten years after they receive census data. The process draws district lines that city council members get elected to represent.

Mayor Johnson said, “Redistricting is critical to a functioning representative democracy.”

He went on, “I am grateful for the work of our Redistricting Commission…led by Chairman Jesse Oliver.”

City Council Redistricting Commission And Upcoming Races

The Dallas city council adoped Plan ID 132918. Per the city charter, city council must approve redistricting forty-five days after redistricting.

Redistricting commission fights were regular and there were process problems when former Republican Alexandra Guio ghosted Paula Blackmon.

A 2014 ruling by the United States Supreme Court negates the preclearance standards. This does not mean a lawsuit will not follow.

One insider called it an incumbent protection map. At least two African American candidates considering races in D5 are dropping out.

Other changes to D4, D6, D7, and D13 also occurred.

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022

Dallas Aquatics Drowning In Lies

Dallas Aquatics drowning in lies after we finally gets a response to our Juneteenth post. The Faither’s Day piece outlines two sets of discrimination at the Fretz pool. After repeated attempts, aquatics superintendent Raul Robles responds.

Robles said, “Our office is aware of the incidents referenced and regret the inconveniences…”

Robles states staff told the parent the issue with tempered glass on an all plastic swim mask.

He goes on to say ” we do not allow glass in the facility” for safety reasons. Other Side Dallas would agree with the assessment, but staff never inspected the mask.

At the time the swimmer was not allowed to use it because it covered his nose – not that it constructed of glass. Additionally, no one on staff ever inspected the goggles to look at construction.

He also speaks of equalization issues with glass masks and the need to close the pool if glass breaks in it. There is no response on the issue of alcohol being present.

Other Side Dallas thinks most would agree this would be a reasonable standard. Our problem is it has taken a week for Parks and Rec staff to get back to us on something basic. The assertion is also denied by the family who provided the mask for inspection.

Dallas Aquatics has not indicated if they reached out to the family ot not. We have seen a copy of an Americans with Disabilites Act complaint to the Department of Justice.

It is unknown what this will cost taxpayers because staff is not trained on these issues.

Dallas Aquatics Drowning Over Speedo Swim Masks

Per the Speedo website, the mask has polycarbonate lenses with anti-fog coating.

It uses a “Comfort fit” silicone skirt for leak-proof fit and has a speed fit easy headstrap adjustment. The swim mask is for children who have smaller, narrower faces.

No one on the Park Board has returned emails on this issue. Jaynie Schultz‘s office was also notified, but there has been no response from Park Board member Jeff Kitner.

Kittner also works as Chief Operating Officer for the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

June 26, 2022June 26, 2022

Murdered 11 Year Old In East Dallas

A murdered 11 Year old in East Dallas may be the result of an accident at the hands of another juvenile. This comes per Dallas police sources.

This afternoon near 3:00 pm, Dallas Police arrived in the 3500 block of Munger Avenue for an 11-year-old shot.

Dallas Fire Rescue arrived shortly after Dallas Police. An eleven year old child died on scene.

An identity on a juvenile suspect is being investigated. Detectives are seeking the suspect currently.

On preliminary investigation the shooting appears to be accidental.

The investigation is ongoing. This case is 115059-2022.

The Dallas Police Department is asking for anyone with information contact detectives. Homicide Detective Guy Curtis contact information is (214) 671-3633.

Murdered 11 Year Old – One Mile From Deep Ellum

This murder continues wild west style violence in East Dallas that has plagued the city.

Chief Garcia has told city council members that crime is down, but only in certain areas. Overall violent crime is up across Dallas.

This murder of a child comes as finger pointing and a political blame game goes on in Dallas.

24 Hour Dallas, the Deep Ellum Foundation, and Safe Night LLC all point fingers at one another. They also accuse the Dallas police of not knowing how to battle crime. All three groups get some money from alcohol based interests.

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022

Another City Council Equity Giveaway

Another city council equity giveaway was on the Consent Agenda this morning. The item has moved after District 12’s Cara Mendelsohn pulled it from the agenda.

Council Member Mendelsohn asked why a 2018 policy needed to be updated so soon.

David Noguera said he anticipates minimal staff time from his team.

A question asked how can Dallas trust an out of state entity for a policy if they can’t handle their own state incorporation paperwork. It seems Noguera and Housing can not provide adequate oversight to this project.

Today city council is considering a $300,000 payment for a Phase II consulting contract. The contract would be to draft policy and engage stakeholders. The professional services contract was first to be paid to Michele S Williams LLC. There is an amendment to make payment to Michele S Williams, sole proprietor.

A big issue for city council to consider is the fact Michele S Williams LLC is not a Texas registered business. The LLC does not have a registered agent in Texas per state officials.

Additionally, Michelle S Williams LLC is not in good standing per Maryland.

Citizen Opposition

A resident of District 11, Christopher Suprun, also spoke against the contract. He noted the large number of local organizations who could perform this contract. He mentions the issues about using a firm that has issues with its own state incorporation.

Suprun then asked why city staff was not aware of incorporation issues. He posed to city council why they would use an outsider. Suprun believes there are many firms with local ties who better understand Dallas.

Why Another City Council Equity Giveaway?

As the city advertised, B.U.I.L.D. grants. BUILD stands for Broaden Urban Investments to Leverage Dallas.

The city launched the small business grant program in 2020. The goal was to assist small businesses hit by global COVID-19 pandemic. The program said it would provide selected businesses with one-time grant of up to $3,000.

In January 2021, Other Side Dallas documented eight local organizations who never received their grant. It is unclear who kept or used those funds.

One nonprofit called it a classic bait and switch.

Another education based nonprofit noted they received a notification Friday. The notice demanded agreement to new terms not outlined in the original advertisement. They were then given one businesses day to agree.

Afterward, the nonprofit then still never received their funds. Their reaction to this bait and switch was outrage.

Other Side Dallas has been unable to get city staff to respond to inquiries about this contract or the BUILD grant problems.

June 22, 2022June 21, 2022

Safe Night Secret Report

Why is having a safe night secret? Dallas’ economy continues to nosedive while Dallas does not respond to crime increases.

In April 2022, a private entity, Safe Night LLC, put on a “free” program for Dallas city employees. (It is unclear if Safe Night LLC got paid by Dallas city or not. The City of Dallas has not responded to open records requests to date.)

Dallas is currently experiencing unparalled violent crime rates. Dallas has experienced one hundred ten murders to date. This is twenty-seven higher than 2020.

Nearly every weekend, Dallas police is responding to incidents in entertainment districts like Deep Ellum and Greenville Avenue.

It is hard to have a complete picture of violent crime given Dallas Police choice to hide crime data.

Secret Safe Night Blame Games: Business and Cops

Currently, community activists working in concert with private special interests are attacking Dallas police for not participating in ongoing discussion. This comes just a year after Deep Ellum attacked city officials for enforcing noise ordinances.

Safe Night LLC will not release its report to Other Side Dallas that they provided to city management. They are also not releasing city employee evaluations of the April program. There are reports they did provide it to city officials in Dallas and 24 Hour Dallas. They seem to be hiding the data from everyone else.

Other Side Dallas is waiting for response on cost to the city for these services.

Line police officers we spoke to paint a clear picture that the Safe Night program is not realistic.

One officer called the presented program another social justice experiment.

The officer said, “it’s great for people who want to defund cops.” She continued, “it’s bad for everyday citizens avoiding crime.”

Beyond Dallas Police, it is unclear the relationship between the private entities. The Deep Ellum Foundation reportedly pulled out of 24 Hour Dallas a few weeks ago.

24 Hour Dallas also had a leadership shake up with one principal saying Randal White got pushed out.

Bryan Tony took over as lead on the Good Neighbor Initiative. He also would not respond to a request for the 24 Hour documents.

June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

Eric Johnson Surrenders

Mayor Eric Johnson surrenders in his battle against TC Broadnax. In a post on Medium, Johnson said he will work with Broadnax moving forward. The two pledged a collaborative environment moving forward.

As we asked earlier it appears Tristan Hallman is the mayor’s janitor – cleaning up his messes.

Less than two weeks ago Johnson said,” it was time for a change at the top of our city government.” Johnson now realizes he is short the votes needed to remove Broadnax. Johnson has effectively boxed himself into a corner.

Eric Johnson Surrenders

The mayor and city manager have “agreed” to improve personal relations. They will focus their combined attention on several issues.

Those include permitting, public safety, and general city communication.

Permitting may be the biggest issue to tackle.

The city manager will develop a new action plan for permitting delays. It is unclear if he will start anew or use Council Member Blackmon’s recommendations from May.

The plan will move from the usual city system and be customer centric. The goal is to both create systemic improvements in the system, but also respond to issues now.

On public safety, the two have found new friendship. Both Mayor Johnson and City Manager Broadnax say they will work together.

Broadnax has committed to active and timely meet-and-confer negotiations with public safety. This is for both fire and police services.

Broadnax will also continue violence interruption service, lightning improvements, and blight remediation. Violence interruption often has high price tags with questionable results.

The mayor and city manager will also start having biweekly discussion on issues to promote discussion. A few citizens we spoke to already expected this type of communication and were surprised it wasn’t happening already.

Moving forward initiatives like the mayor’s “Summer of Safety” campaign will be a focus.

These issues will receive attention also. They include attracting talent, technology infrastructure, and firefighter concerns.

June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

Michael Patino: Another Cop Arrested For DWI

Dallas Police sergeant Michael Patino accused by Arlington police of Driving While Intoxicated. Second in as many months.

Arlington dispatched police and fire units to the 6900 block of Russell Curry Road last week for a motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival they found a white Dodge Ram pickup had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

Medical units transported the driver, Dallas police officer Michael Patino, via EMS helicopter. His triage rating was critical per one source connected to the scene.

Arlington officers believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. Arlington police will charge Patino with DWI upon discharge from the hospital.

Michael Patino Career

Dallas Police say Patino is a Special Operation Division sergeant. His normal assignment is at Love Field. He is on administraive leave pending an Internal Affairs investigation.

He is the second officer in as many months charged with DWI assigned to the Special Operations unit.