Opt for Optimism

Dallasites party the day away while giving thanks for the good stuff

The Dallas weather matched the mood at the fourth annual Dallasites101's Darty at the Grove: sunny, breezy, and bright. CultureMap and Frost Bank rolled up to The Grove at Harwood in the Opt For Optimism van, ready to spread a little more sunshine with swag, wildflowers, and plenty of smiles.

Roughly 500 people soaked up the glorious temps while pausing to reflect on what makes them happy. They were encouraged to jot down answers on the Call Me Optimistic chalkboards, and answers for "I'm thankful for..." ranged from "my health" to "my puppies," with one sweet boy scribbling "mom" while his (very thankful) mother looked on.

A new parent spoke of the optimism he has for his six-month-old baby, and how the event caused him to think about ways he can make the world better for the next generation.

In between playing sand volleyball and lawn games, downing cold drinks and grub, and listening to music by live bands and DJ Viva Latina, guests also got to shop pop-ups from local vendors.

Those who attended not only got in touch with their gratitude, they also got wildflower seed bombs to bring a little more color into their lives. Frost Bank cash cards were also handed out, and one woman personified the intent when she vowed to pay it forward by gifting the card to someone else.

CultureMap and Frost Bank will be hosting more of these pop-up events throughout the year, surprising and delighting folks all over Texas. Want to know where we might show up next? Sign up for our emails and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for hints about our next stop.

Sips and bites kept everyone going.

Darty at the Grove

Photo courtesy of Dallasites101

Sips and bites kept everyone going.

charity-guide video nature promoted pets

E-Cigarette News

Dallas City Council places restrictions on vaping in public

Man vaping, e-cigarette

Unsplash

Man vaping

Vaping will now be banned exactly like smoking, thanks to a new ordinance from the Dallas City Council.

At their December 11 meeting, the council passed an ordinance to ban vaping in all the same areas where smoking is not allowed. It'll go into effect on December 11, 2025 — giving everyone a year to get into compliance.

Proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission (EVC) and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), the ordinance amends the definition of “smoking” in the Dallas City Code to include the use of vaping devices.

The ordinance does not ban vaping — it only bans where you can vape: no vaping in all indoor and enclosed spaces; within 15 feet of building entrances; and on park property. The ordinance also bans marijuana smoking in those same places.

In addition, the amendment requires restaurants, hotels, fitness centers and other businesses to update their signage to clearly state that both smoking and electronic smoking devices are prohibited.

The ordinance already earned widespread support from health organizations such as the Dallas County Health and Human Services, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. These organizations, along with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Surgeon General, have all raised concerns about the health risks of direct and second-hand exposure to vaping aerosols, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.

Dallas is not the first city to impose such a ban: San Antonio enacted a similar ban in October. Theirs goes into effect on January 1, 2025.

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