I had no idea how much debate could be generated around topics such as road construction, bike lanes, parking spaces, sand volleyball courts or paint.
But all of that has changed since I joined the Advocate as a reporter/editor in January 2021 — and more specifically, since I became the publication’s primary East Dallas reporter.
Covering the neighborhood has taken me to places I never thought I’d go, like East Dallas Masonic Lodge #1200, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2022. Another example: I didn’t expect to step inside a Luby’s ever again, but there I was, with my colleague and pal Sam Gillespie, touring the one on East Mockingbird Lane; that building is almost completely empty while construction is ongoing to make way for Birdie’s Eastside. (The kitchen, though, is very much intact.)
I’ve also had the opportunity to meet many of you: our readers and neighbors who live, work and play in East Dallas.
You’ve invited me into your homes to see historic and notable architecture. You’ve opened up to me about your hobbies and collections. You’ve shared with me your life stories.
Throughout it all, I’ve seen your passion for parks, art and music, among many other things, and I’ve witnessed your commitment to goals such as improving green spaces, honoring veterans and supporting neighbors in need.
The Advocate has been a great place to work, and East Dallas has been a great place to live and explore. But the time has come for me to move on to new opportunities in journalism. Aug. 18 will be my last day at the Advocate.
Photo by Jessica Turner.
To those of you who have talked with me and tried to help me understand things, thank you for your time and patience. I could not have done my job without your knowledge, talents and expertise.
And thank you to those of you who have introduced me to people in your networks, pointed me to story ideas or corrected my errors. I hope you’ll continue to engage with Advocate reporters. You make us better.
Of course, there are already plans in place to make sure East Dallas readers and neighbors continue to receive the hyperlocal coverage you’ve come to know and love, whether you get it from our website, our monthly print magazine, our social media channels or our newsletters.
Moving forward, you won’t see my name in bylines, and you won’t see my face at neighborhood or city meetings. But y’all, I’m not going off the grid. You can still message me on social media, or you can email or text or call me — and I hope you do. I’ll miss you.
Over and out.
