COMMENTARY

LIVING WELL

Editor pays homage to Delia Jassos service [ 4A ]

The Sweat Shop helps pounds melt away [ 5A ]

F R I D AY, J U N E 2 1, 2 0 1 3

OakCliff
and city staff were in for a surprise when the meeting was abruptly cut short. Theres some discussion outside, and we would rather not bring it inside, an official explained to the audience. Assistant city manager Jill Jordan was roughly halfway through her presentation on recreational plans for the rivers banks when the meeting broke up. Attendees quickly grew confused and upset. Outside, a group of pro-

N E W S F R O M YO U R S I D E O F T H E R I V E R

50 CENTS

Protest Breaks Up Trinity Forum

Trailer park denizens upset about getting evicted
BY SARAH BENNETT People Newspapers

Residents who poured into Hitt Auditorium on June 13 thought they were in for a run-of-the-mill presentation on Trinity Corridor projects. But they

testers from the Dallas West Trailer Park stood with signs that read homewreckers and other slogans in English and Spanish. Two days before, they had learned that the trailer parks Commerce Street prop-

erty is under contract with Wood Partners, the developer of the upscale Alta West Davis apartments in Winnetka Heights. They received a notice two days ago that they have two months to vacate their property, activist Carlos Quintanilla said to the crowd. Today, we are here to say that we want to

get treated with respect. Quintanilla recognized a familiar face in the crowd: David De La Fuente, who works in U.S. Rep. Marc Veaseys Oak Cliff office. Quintanilla then led the crowd in demanding a meeting with the congressman. La Fuente instructed

See PROTEST, Page 6A

Anchias Mayoral Dreams Still Live

BY DAN KOLLER People Newspapers

Mother of two wants to use melodies to train childrens memories

Incap Rep Wants His Firms Funds

Districts next reimbursement will be its first

Legislators not not ruling out a run at City Hall

The prospect of state Rep. Rafael Anchia running for mayor was the subject of a story in the very first issue o f O a k Cl i f f People . That s t o r y, p u b lished Sept. 15, 2006, noted RAFAEL ANCHIA that Anchia even has his own MySpace page. Suffice it to say, a lot has changed since then. But the talk of a possible mayoral run for Anchia persists. The Democrat from East Kessler Park said last week that he plans to seek a sixth term in the Legislature. Dallas Morning News politics columnist Gromer Jeffers Jr. interpreted that announcement as a sign that Anchia was unlikely to run for mayor anytime soon. But after Jeffers take was published, Anchia reached out to the News to clarify that hes not definitively ruling out a mayoral campaign; however, Anchia did say that hes focused on his work in Austin. If g i v e n t h e p r i v i lege to serve in the 84th Legislature, Anchia said in his June 12 news release, Ill continue to fight for the issues that are important to our families jobs, a cleaner environment, safer neighborhoods, and an infrastructure for the Texas of the future. My seniority and institutional knowledge will continue to add value for the constituents of District 103, the City of Dallas, and the State of Texas.
See ANCHIA, Page 7A

However, Incap razed the eyesore apartments, and a successor company, Stratford Land, gave the city $1 million for infrastructure improvements. So, per Incaps agreement BY DAN KOLLER People Newspapers with the city, Stratford is owed $4 million from the If you understand noth- higher tax revenues that would theoretically ing else about the b e g e n e ra t e d by arcane minutiae of new developments the Davis Garden TIF within the district. District, understand The trouble is, this: Alan McDonald those developments wants to get paid, and which include he wants to get paid ALAN the Kessler Theater before anyone else MCDONALD and the Alta West does. Davis apartments, the latWhen this particular ter of which was built on a Tax Increment Financing former Incap site have District was created in 2007, McDonald was the not created enough tax managing partner of Incap revenues for Stratford to Fund, a company that get its money. To this time, we really planned to turn apartment havent had sufficient complexes throughout funds to pay anything North Oak Cliff into townback, said Karl Stundins, homes. But the economy a manager in the Office of tanked the following year; the Incap properties went Economic Development. into foreclosure, and the See McDONALD, Page 6A townhomes werent built.

STAFF PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY

East Kessler Park resident Floramay Holliday will release a family-friendly album on Sunday.

Holliday Keeps It All in The Family

BY MARGAUX ANBOUBA People Newspapers

Pedestrian Plazas Plans Still Up in Air

Neighborhoods residents will be asked for input
BY BOBBY KARALLA People Newspapers

MORE INSIDE
Developers set sights on Cedar Hill. Page 3A

IF YOU GO
What: Free party to celebrate the
release of Floramay Hollidays Twirl!

usical passion runs in Floramay Holliday s family. Since being in a band with her siblings, she has recorded three solo albums. This Sunday, the East Kessler Park resident is releasing her fourth album, Twirl! , filled with childrens educational melodies. This CD is also a family affair Hollidays husband, Gabor Racz, and two daughters, Flora and Adelaide, can all be heard singing original songs. This record was really fun because its inspired by children, with the intention of being educational as well, Holliday said of the album, which was recorded at Kessler Sound Studio.

When and where: 2 p.m. Sunday at Chicken Scratch, 2303 Pittman St. Its not dumbed down for kids. Its real music that lyrically is a little more clever. By the time youve heard this record a few times, youll know all the information in the songs. I call it melody memory. The idea is that you can memorize things easier with a melody. So what can you expect to learn from taking a listen to Twirl!? Twenty-four songs on subjects such as the Greek alphabet, our solar system, a lullaby
See HOLLIDAY, Page 6A

The Rosemont Plaza d e s i g n p ro c e s s i s n o t expected to be complete until August, leaving more time for residents to provide input on the project. The plaza would be located on the angled stretch of Seventh Street between Mary Cliff Road and Montclair Avenue. It would act as a trailhead of sorts that would redirect pedestrian and bike traffic from Davis Street to Seventh. Cars would be blocked from that stretch, but vehicular traffic would not be restricted elsewhere in Winnetka Heights.

Michael Salcedo of Salcedo Group told the Davis Garden TIF District board that he hopes to complete the design process by the second week of August. Construction would begin shortly afterward. The TIF board spoke extensively on Winnetka Heights residents concerns regarding how the plaza would affect traffic along Seventh. Better Block co-founder Jason Roberts said residents of homes directly near the plaza have expressed concern about the volume of pedestrians
See ROSEMONT, Page 7A

VO L . 8, I S S U E 2 5

Im honored to be included in HBOs documentary. SHERIFF LUPE VALDEZ (See Page 2A)

Commentary
4A | JUNE 21, 2013

OAKCLIFFPEOPLE.COM

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Picture This: City Council Without Delia Jasso

STAFF PHOTO: CHRISTINA BARANY

STAFF PHOTO: CHRISTINA BARANY

JUNE 1, 2010: Playing along with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and her husband, Juan, during a concert at Kidd Springs Park

SEPT. 20, 2010: Shoveling ceremonial dirt at the new Glorias Restaurant

STAFF PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY

STAFF PHOTO: CHRIS MCGATHEY

STAFF PHOTO: ALANA HARRISON

JULY 31, 2010: Sprucing up Jefferson Boulevard

FEB. 4, 2011: Popping up in Rick Timmons mural of Oak Cliff icons (to the right of the Sunset musician)

JUNE 3, 2011: Incognito at a Chamber gala

hen the new City Council convenes next Wednesday, Delia Jasso will not have a seat at the horseshoe for the first time in four years. Just in case youve been living under a rock, a redistricting map that was supposed to increase the number of Hispanic council members actually did the opposite. Jasso, who has represented District 1 since 2009, and Scott Griggs, who was elected from District 3 in 2011, were forced to run against each other, and Griggs prevailed, thanks in large part to the disproportionate turnout among the mostly

DAN KOLLER
editor@peoplenewspapers.com

white voters of Kessler Park, Stevens Park Estates, and Winnetka Heights. Were going to miss Delia. Even when something we published upset her, she was still warm and friendly after she had time to calm down. She was always accessible and easy to talk to, a quality not common among elected officials.

Sure, shes been accused of flip-flopping on issues such as the aforementioned map or the Griggsdriven resolution in support of same-sex marriage. But there were plenty of ways Delia showed consistency. For example, she consistently greeted me as Don. Oddly, she always thought photographer Chris McGathey, whos also bald with a goatee, was named Dan. All ribbing aside, Delia did a lot of good for North Oak Cliff during her time on the council, as evidenced by the photos on this page. And since a pictures worth a thousand words, Ill shut up now. STAFF PHOTO: CHRISTINA BARANY See you around, Darla. MARCH 9, 2010: High-ving Clarissa Hernandez, 5, during a promotion for a new grocery store

Re-engaging, not retiring.

Look for it every month in People Newspapers

News
6A | JUNE 21, 2013

OAKCLIFFPEOPLE.COM

THIS WEEKS NOTABLE CRIMES

30
Sylvan
Remond
Hartsdale
N

Westmoreland

Ply mo uth

h ort W t For
Bahama

SKULDUGGERY
Of The Week COLD CASE
Between 6:30 and 9 a.m. on June 12, a burglar broke into a backyard in the 400 block of North Windomere Avenue, causing $2,500 worth of damage, before stealing a freezer and an air-conditioning unit valued at $100 apiece.
Cedar Hill

Colorado
Hampton
Winnetka

Reverchon

uar ock Q

Frances

Ravinia

Jeffe rson
LEGEND
TIF Subdistrict A

TIF Subdistrict B

STAFF ILLUSTRATION: RICK LOPEZ

Were republishing this map of the Davis Garden TIF District because, really, how could we ever nd the words to describe its borders?

Tyler

Polk

McDonald Continued from Page 1A

St u n d i n s m a d e t h a t statement during the June 6 meeting of the districts board of directors, when one of the first items on the agenda involved extending several deadlines for Rick Garzas Davis Street Market project. The item said nothing about when Garza could expect to receive any funds. Nonetheless, McDonald and his attorney, Myron Dornic, pressured the board to insert an amendment stipulating that Garza would not get any money until after Stratford got paid. Weve had some discussions with staff lately, and theres some confusion about the priority of the Incap master agreement, Dornic said, so as part of this item, I would appreciate it if the board would

Holliday Continued from Page 1A

for children with growing pains, and how to say I love you in 34 languages. Twirl! will be for sale online on iTunes and CD Baby, as well as locally at Oil & Cotton and the Cozy Cottage Childrens Boutique. We love it because its local. We love it because its educational, Cozy Cottage owner Cynthia

BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY

The highly sought-after neighborhoods of Highland Park and University Park are located just three miles north of Dallas vibrant city center. The prestigious area is the proud home of Southern Methodist University, Dallas Country Club and Highland Park Vi l l a g e s h o p p i n g c e n ter, a National Historic Landmark now reminiscent of Rodeo Drive. Known for nationally recognized schools, parks and green spaces and elegant homes showcasing architectural styles from classic to contemporary, the Park Cities are full of gems that are the perfect place to call home. See the homes listed below and more at briggsfreeman.com 3508 Crescent: This gracious, Prairie style home has been restored to perfection. An elegant foyer, light-filled formals, richly-paneled den, parlor with marble wet bar and two-story great room with floor-to-ceiling palladium windows encourage entertaining. Incredible outdoor spaces include a fireplace, pool, full sports

Pin na cle

ry

Gems of the Park Cities

in Po t

Canty

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clarify that this item is the Incap agreement has paid after the Incap master priority. At times, the conversaagreement is paid. tion was almost like Abbott Ed Oakley, chairman of and Costellos the TIF board, tried Whos on First? to explain that no one routine. Board memhas ever suggested ber Kathy Hewitt that any developer asked, Where in would receive funds here does it say from the district that hell be in front before Stratford. The LAUREN former city council- MONTGOMERY o f y o u ? D o r n i c replied, It doesnt man also pointed out that an amendment to the say that in here, and thats districts increment allo- why I want it to say that. cation policy i.e. the Then, after a brief pause, rules for doling out money during which Dornic pre was coming up later on s u m a b l y re p l a ye d t h e words he had just uttered, the agenda. But Dornic would have he added, I want it to say that the Incap agreement none of it. Id like it to be part of will be first. If your heads not spinthis [Davis Street Market] motion, because I think ning yet, just wait. Garza when this item originally had no problem with the went through, there was request from McDonald some confusing language and Dornic; he said as in the [City Council] mate- much through consultant rials, Dornic said. When Lauren Montgomery, who it goes through again, I used the word we when want it to be very clear in referring to Davis Street the council materials that Market. So when the board

finally conceded the point and voted to add the Incap amendment to Garzas extension, he left the room. Thats when Montgomery who was the planning director for Incap Fund before launching her consulting business gathered her things, crossed the room, and took a seat next to McDonald, where she remained for the rest of the meeting. McDonald and Dornic, with support from Montgomery, eventually convinced the board to delay a vote on the increment allocation policy. That vote will happen after Dornic works with city staff on a draft more suitable to Stratford, which is developing The Canyon in Oak Cliff, also known as Subdistrict A of the Davis Garden TIF District. Heres Dans number: 214-523-5272. Call him, maybe.

1.

After 8:30 p.m. on June 11, a burglar broke into a storage shed in the 300 block of North Rosemont Avenue and stole two Orbea bicycles with a combined value of $10,000, $5,000 worth of carpenter tools, four cases of craft beer with a combined value of $250, and $200 worth of miscellaneous food and meat. Between 2:57 and 3:10 p.m. on June 11, a burglar broke into a house in the 100 block of North Hampton Road and stole a $1,000 Gateway desktop computer system, a $500 40-inch flatscreen TV, a $200 Play Station 3, a $150 Wii game system, a $100 iPod, and a $100 Apple Air Port Express wireless router.

glasses, a $100 Blackberry phone, and a set of personal checks.

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B e t we e n 5 p. m . on June 10 and 8 p.m. on June 11, a burglar broke into a storage shed in the 200 block of North Montclair Avenue and stole two nail guns with a combined value of $300, a $250 Troy-Bilt power washer, a couple of car jacks valued at $100 apiece, an $80 air compressor, a $70 Ryobi palm sander, and a $40 Ryobi angle grinder.

7.

Herndon said. We have carried CDs in the past, and Im sure this one will do very well. To celebrate the release of Twirl! , Holliday and family will be throwing a CD-release extravaganza at Chicken Scratch on Sunday. There will be a live performance, a coloring book companion to the songs on the album, and plenty of fun activities for the little ones. Email margaux@ peoplenewspapers.com

Protest Continued from Page 1A

him to call Veaseys office and schedule a meeting; as of Wednesday, no such event had been set up. The congressman is happy to meet with whoever wants to meet, district director Anne Hagan said. According to Randall White spokesman for We s t D a l l a s P r o p e r t y Partners, which owns the land notice was provided

to more than 70 Dallas West Trailer Park residents on June 11, and more than half the tenants attended an informational meeting that same day. Fliers were distributed with information regarding nearby trailer parks, moving companies, and organizations that have agreed to help the residents, such as Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. White, who is also chairman of the West Dallas Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement that the owners of the park are committed to helping park tenants connect with resources that will create as smooth a transition as possible. Email sarah.bennett@ peoplenewspapers.com

At 7 : 2 4 a . m . o n June 16, a miscreant entered an unlocked garage apartment in the 500 block of West Seventh At 5:30 p.m. on Street. The resident tried June 13, a thief to trap him inside, but entered a black 2007 Jeep the miscreant fled before in the 1400 block of West police arrived. Davis Street and stole a Between 5 p.m. on $35 purse containing a June 13 and 8 a.m. $40 wallet, $100 cash, a on June 14, a burglar stole drivers license, a Social a gray 1998 Honda Civic Security card, and a credit valued at $2,500 from card. the 600 block of Stevens Village Drive. The vehicle Between 10 a.m. was recovered about a on June 11 and 5 mile away, but an ampli- p.m. on June 12, a thief fier and two Pioneer stole the front license speakers valued at $50 plate from a black 2008 apiece were missing. Ford SUV in a driveway in the 2000 block of West Between 8:45 a.m. Colorado Boulevard. and 12:15 p.m. on June 14, a burglar broke Between 10:20 into a black 2008 Chevy a.m. and 9:50 pickup at Stevens Park p.m. on June 12, a miscreGolf Course and stole a ant broke a $30 lock on a $40 backpack containing shed in the 200 block of an $800 Toshiba laptop, a North Rosemont Avenue. $300 pair of prescription Michelle Saunders

3.

Between 8 p.m. on June 15 and 7:40 p.m. on June 16, a thief scaled the back fence of a house in the 1500 block of West Jefferson Boulevard before breaking into two storage sheds and stealing a $300 edger, two bicycles with a combined value of $260, and a $60 Black & Decker circular saw.

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Incredible outdoor spaces at the prairie-style home at 3508 Crescent include a fireplace, pool, full sports court and putting green for $3,495,000.

court and putting green. Listed by Jonathan Rosen for $3,495,000 4212 Belclaire: This Georgian Revival mansion was designed by Wilson McClure and constructed on a prime oversized lot in Highland Park. Remodeled by the current owners, it has a glamorous entry and staircase, grand formals, generous room sizes, six bedrooms, library, office, family room, pool, spacious patio and more. Listed by Karla Trusler, Alex Trusler and Will Seale for $3,775,000 3526 Greenbrier: A beautiful home, just a half- block west of Caruth Park and a

short walk to the University Park pool and Snider Plaza, is both elegant and comfortable. Soothing neutral tones provide the perfect backdrop for casual living or sophisticated entertaining. A charming third floor guest room offers comfort and privacy. Listed by Penny Tower Cook for $3,495,000 For more information, go to briggsfreeman.com. Also see updatedallas.com for the latest in real estate news. CEO Robbie Briggs independently owns and operates Briggs Freeman Sothebys International Realty.

stainless Wolf appliances, a well-equipped island, and a walk-in pantry. A breakfast bar provides an informal dining area from which to compliment the chef! The home offers three spacious bedrooms thoughtfully designed in a split floor plan arrangement, with a master bedroom that features a fireplace and sitting area. Abundant storage is pro-

vided in each bedroom by built-ins and walk-in closets. A generously sized study - library, a family room, and an exceptional patio and pool area are only a few of the additional features that make 3 Manzano Circle a must-see property. Offered at $1,750,000. Contact Carol Scott at 214215-7525 or Lois Woodward at 214-534-8373.