City News Roundup

Donald Trump rally drops big surprises and more local news nuggets

The Fort Worth rally for Donald Trump dropped a couple of big ones.

The Dallas City Council studiously avoided making decisions on two big items this week, and Donald Trump was in town. Here's what happened in city news:

Exxxotica sues
Mayor Mike Rawlings and the seven city council members who voted to ban the Exxxotica convention from coming to Dallas got a second chance to save the city thousands of dollars. Exxxotica's lawyers offered the council a chance to reconsider the ban and not go to a lawsuit. "Exxxotica lawyer Roger Albright in the chamber like a predator stalking his weak and sick prey," tweeted council member Philip Kingston.

But the city council did not take them up on their offer. So Exxxotica filed a lawsuit. If Exxxotica doesn't get to do the event here, it will likely seek damages.

The seven council members who are potentially costing Dallas thousands in legal fees include Casey Thomas, Carolyn Arnold, Rickey Callahan, Tiffinni Young, Erik Wilson, Adam McGough, and Jennifer Staubach Gates. Don't be shy.

Whitewater punt
The city council bravely voted to do nothing for the time being about the Dallas Wave, the broken whitewater rafting feature in the Trinity River. If they don't do something, then the federal government may step in.

The city is working on a plan to get it fixed or removed by mid-2017.

Trinity lunch fest
Most politicians in Dallas were at the annual Trinity Commons luncheon on February 26. Mayor Mike Rawlings said that plans for the Trinity Parkway park can begin only after the road is finalized. That's supposed to happen in mid-March.

The process was supposed to be open to public input, but instead it has been shrouded in secrecy.

Trump was here
A rally held for Donald Trump in Fort Worth on February 26 was chock-a-block with big moments. Trump got an endorsement from Chris Christie. Creepy pastor Robert Jeffress showed up. So did some protesters.

If you missed it, it's on YouTube.

Tuesday vote
March 1 is voting day, which not only includes Super Tuesday action, but also elections for U.S. House districts and seats for the Texas Senate and House. In Dallas, Dwaine Caraway is running for Dallas County Commissioner. The League of Women Voters has an excellent summary with profiles of candidates for courts and railroad commissioner.

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Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

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