City Council District 9 election, May 2021
Election basics
Dallas City Council members serve two-year terms, and our municipal elections are nonpartisan, so political parties are not on the ballot.
People must have registered to vote by April 1 to be eligible to cast a ballot in the May 1 election.
Early voting is from April 19-April 27, and you can vote at any Dallas County voting location during early voting.
Remember that a valid ID is required to vote.
On election day, Saturday, May 1, vote at your own polling place.
The Advocate does not endorse candidates, but we encourage our readers to get to know everyone running for City Council District 9. Their answers to our questionnaire are below.
Essential questions
Quick hits
Recent posts
Dallas Public Library facilities plan finds 11 branches need replacement, expansion
The plan recommended keeping up with projected population growth in the region by expanding or replacing 11 existing, smaller branches across the city, instead of opening additional branches.
Alley trash collection may end soon in Dallas
Alley trash collection could end soon, based on recommendations by sanitation officials. Once a week, homeowners in Dallas return to their yards to make the same trek with their rolling trash and recycle [...]
Paula Blackmon and Kathy Stewart to host coffee with constituents
D9 and D10 on the Go Dallas City Council members Kathy Stewart and Paula Blackmon will team up in February to hear from members of their respective communities at White Rock Coffee. Stewart [...]
Indoor amusement center proposed for Garland Road by Modern Tot owner
Sky Park LLC applies for a permit to open a 38,000 square foot indoor amusement center adjacent to Extra Space Storage at 10710 Garland Road.
Overview: 2023 crime data
The type of crime and number of crime varied month to month compared to last year's crime data across the district.
To Fluoride or not? Opponents present to city council after calls to ‘hear both sides’
Opponents of fluoride presented to the city’s Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee Tuesday morning, after an October presentation on the benefits of the mineral left city council members seeking "both sides" of the fluoridation debate.
Council person Blackmon talks “Paula-tics” — an ongoing video discussion of City issues and priorities
Paula Blackmon It's a catchy name — "Paula-tics" — by neighborhood council person Paula Blackmon leading a video discussion about the City of Dallas budget process and how to make the City more [...]
Status Update: Lakewood CD Expansion
Lakewood residents will have the opportunity to join City Council in the Conservation District CD Expansion meeting this Wednesday.
A ‘forever East Dallas institution’: Birdie’s Eastside will pay homage to Lu-Ann platter
Birdie's Eastside will be different from the cafeteria. But parts of the old concept — such as the signs and kitchen equipment — will remain.
Drive-thru restaurant ‘not what is needed’ on Garland Road, Paula Blackmon says
The District 9 City Council member said she would work with city staff to prevent similar uses on the Garland Road corridor moving forward.
The first chair of Dallas’ Environmental Commission lives in East Dallas
Kathryn Bazan helped stop a concrete batch plant from being built next to a neighborhood. That was just the beginning of her advocacy work.
Share your ideas on the White Rock Lake Park master plan
Dallas Park and Recreation is working on updating and consolidating plans into one document for White Rock Lake Park.
Dallas’ yearslong battle over short-term rentals
The city council has not voted on zoning and registration ordinances, despite years of calls from residents to settle the issue.
White Rock Lake updates: Barrier along Garland Road, mulch at dog park
The ball is rolling on safety measures along Garland Road, and soon, the dog park will have bark mulch and play equipment.
Paula Blackmon, Paul Ridley win new terms on city council
The District 9 and District 14 representatives each get another two-year term on the city council.
East Dallas council member Blackmon discusses plan to curtail fentanyl, opioid deaths
Opioid strike force members say the "Just Say No" approach doesn't work, and that the city needs to employ harm reduction tactics.
Where to vote early in East Dallas
Early voting started April 24. Find when and where to vote in East Dallas and which races are on the ballot.
Paula Blackmon seeks third term, pledges focus on Garland Road
Paula Blackmon asks voters for another term representing District 9 on Dallas City Council and promises a focus on Garland Road.
City Council District 9 candidates discuss White Rock Lake
Incumbent Paula Blackmon and challenger Kendra Madison discussed how they would address issues related to White Rock Lake Park.
Diving into East Dallas City Council candidates’ campaign finances
How much campaign cash are candidates for Dallas City Council District 9 and District 14 raising, and where is it coming from?
Kendra Madison takes on incumbent Paula Blackmon in District 9 City Council race
Kendra Madison challenges incumbent Paula Blackmon on crime and homelessness for the Dallas City Council District 9 seat.
The state of East Dallas, from crime to real estate
Crime. Permitting. Transportation. Dredging. Real estate. Here are the trends every East Dallasite should know.
Oncor postpones tree trimming near White Rock Lake because of weather
Oncor has postponed vegetation pruning near the Old Fish Hatchery. Trimming will be limited to new growth, and no trees will be removed.
The most stylish ‘people’ of East Dallas
They may not be people. And they may not fit the traditional meaning of stylish. But to us, they're some of East Dallas' best and brightest.
‘Dredge baby dredge’: Firm to complete engineering report for White Rock Lake
Dredging of White Rock Lake is one step closer with the Dallas City Council's approval of an engineering design contract.
District 9 Q&A covers violent crime, speeding, homeless encampments
District 9 residents met with Paula Blackmon, police and various city departments to discuss crime and safety.
Done deal: City Council unanimously approves Shoreline rezone
City Council unanimously approved the mixed-use project with an affordable housing component at the site of Shoreline church.
Neighbors prepare to oppose Shoreline City Church rezone at Dallas City Council
Standard Shoreline. Rendering courtesy of Ojala Holdings. East Dallas neighbors gathered one last time to discuss a proposed multifamily development before the Dallas City Council votes on the rezone request. The council was [...]
Lakewood Service League unveils new playground at Lakewood Park
New playground at Lakewood Park. Photo by Renee Umsted. Neighbors met with the Lakewood Service League and local leaders to unveil the new playground equipment at Lakewood Park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held [...]
Over 2,600 affordable housing units in East Dallas council districts in the development pipeline
Illustration by Jessica Turner. More than 2,600 affordable housing units in East Dallas City Council districts are in the City of Dallas' development pipeline for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Those units include projects [...]
More than 100 trees to be planted at White Rock Lake Park
White Rock Lake. Photography by Danny Fulgencio. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department is hosting a tree planting later this month. More than 100 trees will be planted near the Bath House Cultural [...]
Casa Linda Park updates include walking trail, pavilion facelift, pickleball court
Casa Linda Park. Photo by Renee Umsted. Crews are working on updates to Casa Linda Park. Funds were set aside through the 2017 bond to make improvements to the park's basketball court and [...]
District 9, District 14 City Council members schedule budget town halls
Update (Aug. 22): The new link for the District 14 meeting is https://bit.ly/D14Budget22. The Dallas City Council members representing our neighborhood have scheduled budget town halls for the public. Neighbors can attend the virtual meetings, [...]
East Dallas neighbor, Realtor Mary Poss named executive director of Ebby Halliday Foundation
Photo courtesy of Mary Poss. Longtime East Dallas neighbor and Realtor Mary Poss has been named the new executive director of the Ebby Halliday Foundation. "I am extremely honored to have the opportunity [...]
Housing officials discuss public facility corporation, Shoreline project
Bill Hall, Ken Montgomery, Kyle Hines and Darren Smith speak to neighbors at a public facility corporation town hall meeting held June 15 at Harry Stone Recreation Center. Photo by Renee Umsted. During [...]
Public meetings in June scheduled to discuss safety, housing, White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake. Photography by Renee Umsted. Update (6/12): The location of the White Rock Lake Task Force meeting has changed. Public meetings are scheduled to inform East Dallas neighbors about safety, housing [...]
Public meetings scheduled to discuss Dallas Public Facility Corporation, housing needs
District 9 City Council member Paula Blackmon is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the Dallas Public Facility Corporation. The DPFC, created in 2020, partners with housing developers to provide mixed-income workforce housing communities [...]
Dallas Redistricting Commission advances final map to mayor, City Council
Map 41-B. The Dallas Redistricting Commission has selected a final map to send to the mayor. After hours of public comment, deliberations about amendments and discussion among the commissioners, map 41-B was selected [...]
Meet the District 9 and District 14 youth commissioners
he Dallas Youth Commission was started in 1994. It’s a group of 15 high-school students from the City of Dallas who meets monthly to discuss initiatives and ideas pertinent to local youth. Many [...]
How the proposed redistricting maps could affect East Dallas
The Dallas Redistricting Commission is moving forward with two maps to redraw district boundaries. Commissioners have been meeting since January to evaluate dozens of submissions from residents, following the recent U.S. Census. Data revealed that [...]
City Council Districts 9 and 14 have 25% of all traffic signals in Dallas
Traffic signal at Gaston Avenue and Munger. Photo by Renee Umsted. The director of the department of transportation for the City of Dallas briefed the Dallas City Council on traffic signals this week. [...]
What’s going on with the traffic signal at Abrams and Lakeshore?
Photo courtesy of Google Maps. The City of Dallas is changing its plans for the traffic signal at Abrams Road and Lakeshore Drive. District 9 City Council member Paula Blackmon hosted a public [...]
Change of plans: Bath House no longer a location for mobile food vending zone pilot
Dallas City Hall. Photo by Hilary Schleier. The City of Dallas has changed its plans for where the mobile food vending zone pilot program will launch. On Feb. 22, Convention and Event Services [...]
City Council to hear recommendations from short-term rental task force
Photo by Jaime Dunaway-Seale. The Dallas City Council will be briefed on proposed recommendations for regulating short-term rentals. The Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to include the full [...]
Blackmon updates Greater East Dallas Chamber on permitting, traffic and more
District 9 City Council member Paula Blackmon addresses the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 15, 2022. Photo by Renee Umsted. At the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce luncheon on [...]
Neighbor on Alexander Drive requests fill permit to reclaim 0.12 acres of floodplain
Map showing property where a fill permit is requested. The owner of a property on Alexander Drive is requesting a fill permit. If approved, the permit would allow for land to be filled [...]
Bike lanes vs. small business: City decision squeezes Paciugo and Jarams Donuts
Paciugo and Jarams on Abrams Road. Photo by Sam Gillespie. It's a bike vs. business battle, right here in the heart of Lakewood. The fate of two small neighborhood businesses teeters on a [...]
Traffic signal up at Garland Road and Emerald Isle
Traffic light at Garland Road and Emerald Isle. Photo by John Botefuhr. The City of Dallas recently installed a traffic signal at the intersection of Garland Road and Emerald Isle. As of publication, [...]
What Dallas is doing about short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units
hen Jason Guynes bought his 1,200-square-foot home near Lower Greenville in 2005, he was leasing out rooms to his friends. But then he got married, and his wife moved in. [...]
Redistricting meetings start this week. Public input is welcome
District map. Redistricting meetings, which are open to the public, begin this week. Every 10 years, when the U.S. Census data is released, the Dallas City Council-appointed Redistricting Commission meets to redraw district [...]
22 moments to remember from 2021
nother weird year done. That freak snow storm, real estate drama, furious street racing — it’s crazy to think all that and a whole lot more happened in the same year. Here are [...]
White Rock Lake dam maintenance project completed ahead of schedule
Photo by Danny Fulgencio. The White Rock Lake dam maintenance project is now complete, ahead of schedule. This project is part of ongoing maintenance work and included dam and spillway concrete repairs, slope [...]
Traffic signal at Lakeshore and Abrams: Neighbors question City’s designs
Photo courtesy of Google Maps. Neighbors who live near the Lakeshore Drive and Abrams Road intersection have seen that most of the accidents that occur there are caused when drivers make left turns. [...]
Cry Wolf, restaurant by Ross Demers, now open on Gaston Avenue
Cry Wolf. Photo courtesy of Jeff Fairey via Facebook. A new restaurant by chef Ross Demers is now open in our neighborhood. Cry Wolf hosted its first customers Nov. 23 at 4422 Gaston [...]
Bat with rabies found in Linwood Park/Casa Linda Forest
Getty Images A bat with rabies was found east of White Rock Lake. Dallas Animal Services found the bat in the Linwood Park/Casa Linda Forest neighborhood, just north of Ferguson Road and Buckner [...]
Whataburger to start from scratch
Due to a notification error in prior proceedings, the City Council remanded the Whataburger case for Arboretum Village Shopping Center back to the Plan Commission, sending it back to the starting line. The proposed location [...]
New single-family development at Highland and Barbaree approved by Council
Aerial view of undeveloped site The Dallas City Council recently gave unanimous approval to Highland Grove, a proposed single-family development at the intersection of Highland Road and Barbaree Boulevard. Fifteen years ago, the [...]
Orange you wondering about the Lakewood Whataburger? City Council deferred the decision
The final say on the Whataburger at Arboretum Village has been postponed until the Nov. 10 Dallas City Council meeting. Whataburger is seeking to operate a drive-thru restaurant operated 24 hours a day, 7 days [...]
East Dallas City Council districts might look different next election
Dallas City Hall. Photo by Hilary Schleier. Census data shared with the City of Dallas Redistricting Commission showed population increases in East Dallas that could prompt some changes in Council boundaries next municipal [...]
White Rock Hills Park grand opening planned Saturday, Nov. 6
White Rock Hills Park. Photo by Sam Gillespie. City and Community leaders will join together Saturday, Nov. 6, to officially open White Rock Hills Park. Formerly the site of low-quality, poorly managed apartments [...]
Friends of the Old Fish Hatchery receives $20,000 donation to restore nature area
The Friends of the Old Fish Hatchery received a $20,000 donation to support restoration efforts at the nature area near White Rock Lake. Oncor, which provided the donation in August, removed a line of vegetation [...]
Track where the Office of Homeless Solutions is removing debris from encampments
Dallas City Hall. Photo by Hilary Schleier. The Office of Homeless Solutions has been working on cleaning up debris around homeless encampments around Dallas, including in East Dallas. As of publishing time, three [...]
For the first time, the City Council invokes ‘interest of the public’ to remove a neighbor from City service
In a first for the Dallas City Council, an existing member of a Board or Commission unwilling to resign was dismissed from serving the City. And our neighborhood was at the center of the fracas. [...]
Ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for stone tables at White Rock Lake
September 2020 photo of the stone tables at White Rock Lake. Photo courtesy of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. The stone tables at White Rock Lake have been restored, and neighbors are [...]
What to know about the proposed tax on certificate of appropriateness applications
Swiss Avenue is one of the landmark districts in our neighborhood. Photo by Rasy Ran. Much of the attention surrounding the City of Dallas' $4.35 billion proposed budget has to do with funds [...]
Photos: Tree dedication ceremony at White Rock Hills Park
Tree dedication ceremony at White Rock Hills Park on Aug. 11, 2021. Photo by Renee Umsted. Atmos Energy, Texas Trees Foundation and Texas 811 hosted a tree dedication ceremony Wednesday at White Rock [...]
The city wants neighbors’ input on proposed $4.35 billion budget
Photo courtesy of Getty Images Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax proposed a $4.35 billion city budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2021-22. This compares to the $3.85 billion budgeted for the previous fiscal [...]
Save the date: Listening session on homelessness with Paula Blackmon
Dallas City Hall. Photo by Hilary Schleier. Members of the Dallas City Council are holding a discussion on homelessness. Join District 9 City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon, District 10 City Councilman Adam McGough and [...]
Dallas Fire Station No. 19, Lucky’s Hot Chicken expansion and more: This week in East Dallas
Here’s where you can find the stories referenced in this week’s quiz: Dallas Fire Station No. 19 is being rebuilt Lucky's Hot Chicken announces DFW expansion New Mediterranean restaurant to open in Zoës space [...]
Paula Blackmon, Paul Ridley assigned to City Council committees
District 9 City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon was chosen to lead the environment and sustainability committee, according to a memorandum of appointments from Mayor Eric Johnson. Newly elected District 14 Councilman Paul Ridley will serve as [...]
Meet our 2021 fierce females
Every so often, we walk away from a conversation thinking: Wow! She’s beating the odds. She’s changing lives. She’s taking risks. How does she do it? Tara Rasheta [...]
Vegetation sprouting in clear-cut area at Old Fish Hatchery
New vegetation is emerging in the area clear cut at the Old Fish Hatchery last year. Over the winter, locally sourced seeds, as well as commercial ones, were spread at the site. Volunteers also planted [...]
The Trailhead crosses the finish line with final Council approval
With a 14-1 vote, the Dallas City Council approved the written ordinance confirming the rezoning for The Trailhead, a mixed-use development proposed at the Gaston-Garland-Grand intersection on the site of the former Lot and Local [...]
A stunner: Council vote puts The Trailhead at 3G back on track
In a stunning reversal of fortune for everybody, the Dallas City Council stiff-armed a previous denial by the City Plan Commission and granted approval to Mill Creek Residential's The Trailhead, a proposed mixed-use project at [...]
Whataburger’s 24/7 drive-thru narrowly approved at 3G
The City Plan Commission voted 6-5 to remove deed restrictions that would allow a Whataburger to operate a restaurant and drive-thru at Arboretum Village near the 3G intersection. District 9 Plan Commissioner Michael Jung [...]
Blackmon wins big in District 9; Blewett, Ridley head to District 14 run-off
Paula Blackmon The neighborhood lawns and mailboxes east of Abrams and north of Gaston will now be free of clutter; west of Abrams, not so much. Incumbent District 9 Council member Paula Blackmon [...]
Pupdate: White Rock Lake Dog Park reopening delayed
Let your pups down easy. The reopening of the White Rock Lake Dog Park has been postponed. The park was scheduled to reopen Monday. The new opening date is May 3. The park closed March [...]
Garland Road Vision Committee endorses The Trailhead
The Garland Road Vision Committee (GRV) has released a letter to the City Plan Commission in support of The Trailhead, the proposed mixed use project at the Gaston-Garland-Grand (3G) intersection. Developer Mill Creek Residential has [...]
Next step for The Trailhead: City Plan Commission to hear rezone request Thursday
The City Plan Commission will be briefed on The Trailhead mixed–use rezone request Thursday morning (April 22, 2021) and then hold a public hearing in the afternoon when citizens in support or opposition of the [...]
Campaign cash: What the District 9 City Council campaign finance reports say about the candidates
*ANALYSIS* Candidates for Dallas City Council are required to file campaign finance reports 30 days before the May 1 election. City Council races are (thankfully) nonpartisan. All political parties want potholes fixed and the garbage [...]
WATCH: Friends of the Bath House celebrate completion of $1.5 million renovation
Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center celebrated the completion of $1.5 million renovations to the historic building on White Rock Lake with a ribbon cutting Monday. The Bath House closed for renovations in February [...]
Why spring maintenance at White Rock Lake Dog Park will last an extra week
The White Rock Lake Dog Park will be closed for four weeks beginning March 29 for maintenance and other upgrades to the turf. The park is closed for about three weeks every spring for maintenance. [...]
Ruby’s Sno-Balls, The Stack mural and more: This week’s quiz
Here’s where you can find the stories referenced in this week’s quiz: Ruby's Sno-Balls won't reopen this summer New 8,500-square-foot Deep Ellum mural dives into neighborhood history Deep Ellum's annual spring art festival is [...]
Have questions about The Trailhead development? Come to this City Plan Commission meeting
City Plan commissioners from Districts 2, 9 and 14 are organizing a virtual public meeting to discuss rezoning The Lot and Local Traveler sites to make way for The Trailhead development near the Garland-Gaston-Grand intersection. [...]
East Dallas neighbors rally to save Ash Creek damaged in Bryan Adams construction
Photography courtesy of Kristi Kerr Leonard. East Dallas neighbors have organized to advocate for the replanting of Ash Creek after it was clear-cut in late February during construction work at Bryan Adams High [...]
City takes action against OT Tavern
The Dallas City Council, represented by the City Attorney's Office, has asked the Board of Adjustment to initiate a compliance date for the beleaguered bar OT Tavern on Greenville Avenue, according to an application filed [...]
Replanting begins at Old Fish Hatchery
Replanting efforts will begin this week on an approximately 5-acre swath at the Old Fish Hatchery, which was clear-cut last fall. Oncor has partnered with the Texas Discovery Gardens to replant the area beneath its [...]
Friends of Santa Fe Trail support The Lot, Local Traveler rezone
The Friends of Santa Fe Trail announced support for The Trailhead at the Gaston-Garland-Grand intersection. Formerly the sites of The Lot and Local Traveler restaurants, developer Mill Creek Residential is requesting a rezone to build [...]
District 9 candidates to participate in candidate forum
Three people are vying for the District 9 Dallas City Council seat in the upcoming May election. You can hear their thoughts on everything from public safety to White Rock Lake at a virtual candidate [...]
RIGHT Care program expands to East Dallas to respond to mental health emergencies
A program intended to provide rapid responses to mental health emergencies is expanding to our neighborhood. Beginning March 1, a team of RIGHT Care responders will serve the Dallas Police Department's Northeast Division, which includes [...]
Neighbors organize to oppose The Lot/Local Traveler rezone
Led by Highland on the Creek resident Leslie Hearn, a group of neighbors has formed to oppose the request by developer Mill Creek Residential to rezone The Lot and Local Traveler sites to a mixed-use [...]
City Council, warming centers and more: This week’s quiz
Here’s where you can find the stories referenced in this week’s quiz: Judy Kumar makes it a three way race for Dallas City Council District 9 Wilshire Baptist Church to serve as warming, charging [...]
RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER: Learn about The Lot, Local Traveler rezoning proposal from the developer
Mill Creek Residential, the developer proposing the mixed-use project The Trailhead on The Lot and Local Traveler sites, has rescheduled virtual open houses to Feb. 27, March 1 and March 4 to share details about [...]
Wilshire Baptist Church to serve as warming, charging center
Wilshire Baptist Church will serve as a warming and charging center from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, District 9 City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon said. Leashed dogs or small pets in a carrier are OK to bring. Neighbors [...]
Judy Kumar makes it a three way race for Dallas City Council District 9
Old Lake Highlands resident Dr. Judith (Judy) Kumar is the last candidate to file in the race for Dallas City Council District 9. The May 1 election is now set as a three way contest [...]
Casa View resident John Botefuhr to challenge incumbent Paula Blackmon for District 9 Council seat
Casa View resident John Botefuhr has filed with the City Secretary’s Office to take on incumbent Paula Blackmon to represent District 9 on the Dallas City Council. Former District 9 Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem [...]
Dallas ISD Board of Trustees approves new calendars
On Thursday, the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the intersession and school-day redesign calendars. The calendars, which DISD proposed as a remedy to learning loss, especially as a result of the [...]
The Lot/Local Traveler developer holds first neighborhood meeting
Real estate developer Mill Creek Residential had its first neighborhood meeting Tuesday in pursuit of the rezone for The Lot and Local Traveler sites near the 3G intersection of Gaston-Grand-Garland. Lakewood Hills, comprising 545 homes [...]
UPDATED: Garden Cafe plans opening after City Council approves permit to sell beer, wine
Garden Café The City Council approved an 18-month special-use permit for longtime neighborhood establishment Garden Cafe to sell beer and wine. The restaurant plans to reopen in late March or early April after [...]
Harry Stone Recreation Center to administer drive-thru COVID-19 testing
The Harry Stone Recreation Center will administer drive-thru COVID-19 testing every Wednesday for five weeks beginning Jan. 27. Testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2403 Millmar Drive. The last day [...]
Blewett, Blackmon discuss options to regulate short-term rentals
Photography by Jaime Dunaway-Seale Lochwood neighbor Alison Hannah never would have sold her home if she'd known what the new owners had in store for the house on Midlake Drive. Hannah felt uneasy [...]
Easton Road will be restriped with parking lanes
Parking lanes and other safety improvements will be added to Easton Road as the City of Dallas begins work on several pavement striping projects, District 9 Councilwoman Paula Blackmon said. The Dallas City Council approved [...]
Filing for City Council election begins this week
It feels like déjà vu all over again- Yogi Berra So you think the season of primaries, generals, run-offs and recounts is over? Think again. The next round of Dallas City Council elections will be [...]
The Trailhead: First look at The Lot, Local Traveler rezoning case file
Photography by Sam Gillespie The parking lot at the now-closed Local Traveler is empty of diners, but a sign notifying the public of the upcoming rezone recently appeared. As previously reported, developer Mill [...]
The top 10 Advocate stories of 2020
2020 was another eventful year in East Dallas — and not just because of the coronavirus. It wasn't a particularly rosy year for the neighborhood. The coronavirus caused more than 1,500 deaths in Dallas County, [...]
Pizza, pools and playgrounds: A history of The Lot site proposed for rezoning
Raise your hand if you knew that the earliest commercial use of the former The Lot restaurant site was a hotel. Not just any hotel, the Blue Top Courts and Lodges. There is more unique [...]
Rezoning proposed for The Lot and Local Traveler sites
Mill Creek Residential, a national multifamily developer with a substantial Texas presence, has contracted to buy The Lot and Local Traveler sites for conversion to a mixed-use development branded as The Trailhead. The Lot and [...]
Advisory committee formed to protect Old Fish Hatchery after clear-cutting
Photography courtesy of Ted Barker After Oncor clear-cut a 3-acre swath of the Old Fish Hatchery Nature Area earlier this month, an advisory committee was formed to ensure it never happens again without [...]
Clear-cutting devastates acres of Old Fish Hatchery Nature Area
Photography courtesy of Ted Barker The Dallas Park and Recreation Department has requested the temporary suspension of tree trimming and brush clearing activities after the energy company Oncor clear-cut a 5-acre swath [...]
Dallas City Council approves ’20-21 budget by 9-6 vote
After a sometimes acrimonious 12-hour meeting, the Dallas City Council voted 9-6 late Wednesday to approve a city budget that approaches $4 billion. The split decision stands in contrast to last year’s unanimous vote of [...]
No false alarm: New restaurant Cry Wolf to open in our neighborhood
No false alarm here. Cry Wolf, a new restaurant from chef Ross Demers, is opening in a former Subway in our neighborhood. Construction has begun on the building at 4422 Gaston Ave. and an opening [...]
Property tax revenue up, police budget maintained: Details from the virtual budget town hall
Dallas City Council members David Blewett and Paula Blackmon hosted a virtual meeting Tuesday to present the proposed City of Dallas budget for fiscal year 2020-2021. There is plenty of detail in the 600-page budget. [...]
‘Throw out the rule book’: Paula Blackmon on her first year in office
Paula Blackmon, Dallas City Council member District 9 Paula Blackmon, Dallas City Council member for District 9, was elected just last year, but she is no stranger to City Hall, having served as [...]
DPD’s Northeast Patrol passes out 400 senior relief boxes in 45 minutes
Photography courtesy of DPD The Dallas Police Department handed out 400 senior relief boxes in just 45 minutes at a drive-thru event Friday at Lake Pointe Church. The Northeast Patrol Division organized the event [...]
Oh, yeah! White Rock Lake dredging meeting scheduled for July
Photo courtesy of dallasparks.org In case you forgot about dredging White Rock Lake because of the coronavirus pandemic, rest assured. Plans are still moving forward. The next public meeting regarding the White Rock [...]
City Council unanimously denies special use permit for batch plants
Twelve hours into Wednesday’s Dallas City Council meeting, District 9 Councilwoman Paula Blackmon’s motion to deny approval for a special use permit for concrete and asphalt batch plants at Zacha Junction was unanimously supported by [...]
Neighbors push back against plans for concrete batch plant near Zacha Junction
A proposal to build concrete and asphalt batch plants at Northwest Highway and Garland Road is meeting resistance from neighbors. Neighbors concerned with proposed concrete and asphalt batch plants at Garland Road and [...]
Delayed by coronavirus, construction on Bath House Cultural Center finally begins
Local officials break ground at the Bath House Cultural Center. (Photo courtesy of Teresa Bond) After being delayed months because of the coronavirus, $1.5-million renovations at the Bath House Cultural Center finally began [...]
Ask Paula Blackmon, Jim Schutze questions at the Advocate’s virtual town halls
Just because we're socially distanced, doesn't mean we have to be distant. Join City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon on Thursday at noon for a free virtual town hall presented by Advocate Media. Blackmon will talk with [...]
Mita Havlick: What’s next for East Dallas after COVID-19?
I submit this column about three weeks before it’s published. As of writing, I am sheltered in my home because there is a global pandemic. Judge Clay Jenkins instructed me not to leave, and I’m a [...]
The LOT is permanently closing
Some restaurants are temporarily closing to ride out the coronavirus pandemic, but others are closing for good. The LOT owner John McBride said Friday he is permanently closing the eatery and beer garden after seven [...]
District 9 Councilwoman Paula Blackmon to co-chair coronavirus committee
District 9 Councilwoman Paula Blackmon will co-chair a City of Dallas committee to mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus and help the city recover. Mayor Eric Johnson announced the creation of two committees Wednesday. One [...]
Suspicious device found near Lakewood Park was fake grenade
The area surrounding Lakewood Park was temporarily closed Thursday while authorities investigated a suspicious item that turned out to be a fake grenade, District 9 City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon said on Facebook. The item was [...]
Housing in Casa View just got more affordable. Here’s why
The Dallas City Council approved Wednesday the establishment of a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone program, which will spur the creation and rehabilitation of affordable housing in Casa View and six other areas of the city. The [...]
New trail will connect White Rock Lake to South Dallas
Photo by Danny Fulgencio. Designs for a new trail connecting White Rock Lake to South Dallas are underway, and construction could begin as early as September, the Dallas Morning New reported. The 9-mile [...]
D9 Councilwoman Paula Blackmon appointed to VisitDallas board
Mayor Eric Johnson appointed District 9 City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon and former state Rep. Helen Giddings to the VisitDallas board Tuesday, according to a news release. Giddings and Blackmon will serve two-year terms, which run [...]
4 construction projects to watch in 2020
Several yearslong construction projects in East Dallas are scheduled for completion in early 2020. Here are the ones to watch: Gus Thomasson Road After more than two years of construction, the Gus Thomasson Road project [...]
Want to go to the zoo for free? Here’s how
Elephants at the Dallas Zoo. District 9 Councilwoman Paula Blackmon and District 14 Councilman David Blewett are inviting residents to join them for a free day at the Dallas Zoo. Entry to the [...]
Completion date for Gus Thomasson project pushed back again. Here’s why
The long wait for the completion of the Gus Thomasson Road project just got a little bit longer. On Friday, District 9 City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon said on Facebook the completion date has been pushed [...]
Construction on Snooze isn’t looking good in Casa Linda
Construction of the Snooze at Casa Linda Plaza. (Photography by Jaime Dunaway.) Construction on Snooze an A.M. Eatery at the corner of Buckner Boulevard and Garland Road isn't looking good. The project, which [...]
Award-winning whiskey is coming to East Dallas. Here’s where to taste it
An Austin-based distillery is bringing its sustainable high-rye bourbon whiskey to Dallas for the first time this month. Still Austin Whiskey Co. will debut its bourbon in the neighborhood with tastings, educational demonstrations and unique [...]
The problem with the Airbnb next door
Emil Lippe and his wife were inside their Gaston Avenue home early one morning when strangers walked in. When Lippe asked what they were doing, they simply left and walked next door to the house [...]
Dredging White Rock Lake: What cleanup would look like
District 9 City Council member Paula Blackmon is making waves. The newly elected councilwoman sent a memo to various city staffers July 27 calling for fiscal and political action in dredging White Rock Lake, which [...]
How would you spend $3.6 billion? Let your City Council members know
The budget town hall schedule. (Photo from the District 9 Facebook page.) If you have concerns about streets, trails or housing, don't miss an opportunity to talk with Dallas City Council members about [...]
Drop in White Rock Lake water level caused by missing spillway beams
Neighbors had a hunch that considerably low water levels in White Rock Lake were caused by more than just a lack of rain. On Thursday, that hunch proved to be true. Dallas Water Utilities discovered [...]
Why Paula Blackmon ran for office: ‘The mommy in me said let me do it’
Paula Blackmon recalls tearing up as she stood on the balcony of the mayor’s office, looking out over Dallas. The former executive staffer to mayors Mike Rawlings and Tom Leppert thought there was no [...]
WATCH: Blackmon, Blewett sworn in as City Council members
From left: District 9 City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon and District 14 City Councilman David Blewett. Newly elected Dallas City Council members Paula Blackmon and David Blewett took their oaths of office Monday at [...]
Meet your new Dallas City Council members in Districts 9, 14
From left: District 9 City Councilwoman-elect Paula Blackmon and District 14 City Councilman-elect David Blewett. Two new neighborhood faces are joining the Dallas City Council. In a runoff election Saturday, voters elected Paula [...]
Sidewalks coming to high-risk pedestrian areas
The walkability of the neighborhood is about to get better with four new sidewalk projects scheduled for completion by the end of the year, District 9 City Councilman Mark Clayton said. The first sidewalk will [...]
Completion of the Lakeland bridge is still a few more months away
More than a year after construction stopped on an East Dallas bridge, workers are expected to resume the project in July, City of Dallas officials said.City contractor Iowa Bridge & Culvert LLC is scheduled to [...]
Magazine makeover: What the Advocate looked like in 1996
A June 1996 cover of the Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate. The Advocate has been your No.1 source of neighborhood news since 1991. And through the years, you've probably seen some familiar faces on the [...]
Casa View construction isn’t all it’s quacked up to be
Casa View neighbors threw inflatable ducks into water in a work zone to protest a long unfinished project. (Photo courtesy of Facebook.) Casa View neighbors are crying fowl on an unfinished road project [...]
Dallas passes diaper ordinance, and parents are rejoicing
The Dallas City Council said 10-4 to an ordinance proposed by a Lakewood dad to install diaper changing stations in all bathrooms at new restaurants, stores, theaters and city-owned buildings. The ordinance passed Wednesday by [...]
City Council races in Districts 9, 14 headed for runoffs
From left: Philip Kingston and David Blewett Incumbent Philip Kingston is clinging to his District 14 seat on the Dallas City Council. Kingston will face challenger David Blewett in a June 8 runoff after [...]
Hey, East Dallas — Here’s everything you need to know before Election Day
There’s a chance you hear the words “local election” and immediately stop reading. Voter turnout for city elections is typically low, even though these races affect issues like streets and parks that impact you most. [...]
Meet your D9 City Council candidate: Tami Brown
(Photo courtesy of Tami Brown.) Four women are vying for the District 9 Dallas City Council seat in the upcoming May 4 election. The Advocate sent candidates Erin Moore, Paula Blackmon, Tamara Brown and Sarah Lamb questionnaires to help [...]
Meet your D9 City Council candidate: Sarah Lamb
(Photo courtesy of Sarah Lamb.) Four women are vying for the District 9 Dallas City Council seat in the upcoming May 4 election. The Advocate sent candidates Erin Moore, Paula Blackmon, Tamara Brown and Sarah Lamb questionnaires to help [...]
Meet your D9 City Council candidate: Paula Blackmon
Four women are vying for the District 9 Dallas City Council seat in the upcoming May 4 election. The Advocate sent candidates Erin Moore, Paula Blackmon, Tamara Brown and Sarah Lamb questionnaires to help you get to know them and their [...]
Meet your D9 City Council candidate: Erin Moore
Four women are vying for the District 9 Dallas City Council seat in the upcoming May 4 election. The Advocate sent candidates Erin Moore, Paula Blackmon, Tamara Brown and Sarah Lamb questionnaires to help you [...]
Hear what City Council District 9 candidates have to say about White Rock Lake, roads and more
If you couldn’t leave work early to attend White Rock Task Force’s candidate forum, we’ve got you covered. We used Facebook Live (albeit sometimes shakily) to record the two-hour event where Paula Blackmon, Sarah Lamb, Erin Moore and Tamara Brown discussed [...]
Jacinto Valdespino suspends District 9 City Council campaign
Dallas school teacher Jacinto Valdespino suspended his campaign Saturday for the District 9 seat on the Dallas City Council. Valdespino made the announcement on Facebook, about three weeks after he said he would run for [...]
Hear what City Council District 9 candidates have to say at these upcoming forums
Five people are vying for the District 9 Dallas City Council seat in the upcoming May election, and you can hear their thoughts on everything from road improvements to White Rock Lake at these upcoming [...]
Here’s where you can play bingo with City Council candidates
Here is a short list of issues that the Dallas City Council decides: new development, road repairs, affordable housing, bulk trash pickup and parks and trail improvements. Casting a ballot in the election May 4 [...]
Your comprehensive list of District 9 candidates running for Dallas City Council
There’s a chance you hear the words “local election” and immediately stop reading this story. Voter turnout for city council and school board elections are typically low, even though these races have a direct effect [...]
Paul Sims bows out of race for District 9 City Council seat
Photo courtesy of Dallas Park and Recreation Board. Former Park and Recreation Board member Paul Sims said Friday he is withdrawing from the race for the District 9 Dallas City Council seat. Sims [...]
Two more join Dallas City Council race for District 9 seat
Two more candidates threw their names in the hat right before Friday's filing deadline for the Dallas City Council’s District 9 seat. Tamara “Tami” Brown and Jacinto Valdespino, both of Lakewood, will run against four [...]
How will the Advocate cover Dallas City Council races? That’s up to you
Municipal elections are coming up May 4, and the Advocate is covering several races, including the Dallas City Council races for districts 9 and 14. We’re planning to provide: • A candidate “cheat sheet” with [...]
Erin Moore announces candidacy for District 9 City Council seat
East Dallas neighbor Erin Moore has announced her candidacy for the District 9 seat on the Dallas City Council. Moore, executive assistant to Dallas County Commissioner Theresa Daniel, wrote in a Facebook post Feb. 4 [...]
Sarah Lamb joins race for District 9 City Council seat
East Dallas neighbor Sarah Lamb has announced her candidacy for the District 9 seat on the Dallas City Council. Lamb, a community activist, wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday that she would join the race [...]
Can a board appointee live outside the district they represent?
Dallas City Hall. Photo by Danny Fulgencio. On Jan. 29, White Rock area resident Paul Sims announced his resignation from the Dallas Park and Recreation Board to run for City Council. His change [...]
Paula Blackmon will run for District 9 City Council seat
East Dallas neighbor Paula Blackmon has announced her candidacy for the District 9 seat on the Dallas City Council. Blackmon, the former chief of staff for Mayor Mike Rawlings, said Tuesday in a news release she [...]
East Dallas neighbor Paul Sims announces candidacy for District 9 City Council seat
Photo courtesy of Dallas Park and Recreation Board. Dallas Parks and Recreation Board member Paul Sims has resigned from his seat to run for City Council. The White Rock area resident hopes to [...]
‘A little sausage never hurt anybody’
In the first few weeks after opening its doors, District 9 Draught Haus smells new. The owners haven’t quite figured out what height to keep the blinds to block the sun, but that hasn’t stopped [...]
City Councilman Mark Clayton to forgo re-election for District 9 seat
District 9 City Councilman Mark Clayton said Wednesday he will not run for re-election in May, citing a desire to focus on his family. The White Rock representative thanked constituents in a Facebook post for [...]
New sidewalks, White Rock Lake Trail improvements on the way, councilman says
White Rock Lake Trail. (Photo by Danny Fulgencio.) The Dallas City Council has approved two agenda items that will improve and increase pedestrian access to the White Rock Lake Trail, a councilman said. [...]
Lakewood rallies around The Lot’s manager, who lost everything in Tuesday’s fire
No one was injured in the fire that ravaged the Bluffs at Lakewood, but 33 apartments were completely destroyed. Dozens of residents are displaced. The American Red Cross has partnered with property management to assist [...]
Check out Local Traveler’s tiki bar and brunch
The bar at Local Traveler (photo by Rick Rodriguez). Local Traveler is one of East Dallas' newest restaurants, and they are adding a tiki bar on the back patio on Tuesday evenings. From [...]
‘People wanted change’: Justin Henry’s election turns the tide of DISD politics
Dallas ISD Trustee-elect Justin Henry, center, poses for a celebratory photo op during his victory party Saturday night. It’s rare that a victory party for a Dallas ISD trustee election culminates in a [...]
The results are in for Dallas ISD’s newest trustee
Justin Henry became the newest Dallas ISD trustee today after winning nearly 63 percent of the vote against his former mentor Bernadette Nutall for the District 9 seat. A runoff was necessary when none of the [...]
Food News: Make a trip to Local Traveler
The approach from the trail (Photo by Rick Rodriguez). You can turn into Local Traveler from the ever-contentious Gaston-Garland-Grand intersection if you dare, but you would be missing the best part. The [...]
Justin Henry and Bernadette Nutall are headed to a runoff in key Dallas ISD District 9 election
Article was updated to better reflect where Nutall lives. Justin Henry and Bernadette Nutall will match up in a runoff election for the Dallas ISD District 9 trustee seat on June 16 after Henry missed [...]
Can East Dallas neighbors change the fate of Gaston-Garland-Grand?
For neighbors following the Gaston-Garland-Grand contention, this story will seem redundant. But, for the few unfamiliar with the battle of East versus West, this is what you need to know about Wednesday’s community meeting. East [...]
Here’s your cheat sheet for the May 5 Dallas ISD District 9 election
Early voting has begun, and Election Day is Saturday, May 5 for Dallas ISD District 9. Voter turnout is expected to be low, as it is for every DISD election. In the 2015 District 9 race, [...]
‘No’ becomes ‘yes’ if challengers prevail in Dallas ISD District 9 election
Justin Henry and Edward Turner are making the case for change in Dallas ISD District 9, a seat that has been held by Trustee Bernadette Nutall since late 2008. Both men say they would preside [...]
Food news: Taiwanese shaved ice, gelato on Greenville and a Fruteria Cano update
If you want to cool off and feel good about it, then head to the Taiwanese shaved ice pop-up called Snowbaby at The Lot this Saturday. On their website, customers are advised to "imagine if [...]
Owner of The Lot will open Tex-Mex restaurant east of White Rock Lake
Tex-Mex restaurant coming soon to White Rock Center. (Photo by Kathy Tran) At the rate restaurants open and close in Dallas, new-venue announcements can be anxiety inducing. There's comfort in learning that the [...]
Here’s how much money it takes to run for Dallas City Council
Inside Dallas City Hall: Photo by Danny Fulgencio What will $100,000 buy these days? You could drive a Tesla and never have to stop for gas again. You could by a cozy 995 [...]
Councilwoman Mary Poss
This year, City Councilwoman Mary Poss is our newsmaker.
