Dallas County, TX Focus

Two things have drawn my attention to Dallas County, Tx. First is I notice I often get readers in that region. Not consistently, but often enough to notice. So it is worth focusing on those readers. Also, I have come across a program in Dallas County that I have for a LONG time considered critical in a nation that has a death penalty: a project that uses DNA to confirm if someone on death row is guilty. The background is this: I am not anti-death penalty. But I am against the way it has been applied in America in recent decades where the rush to execute has frequently put innocent people on death row and where minorities are far more likely to be given the death penalty than whites and men are more likely to be given the death penalty than women. Fairness and accuracy have been lacking and they are critical. The Dallas County Conviction Integrity Unit is a unit within the Dallas County's District Attorney's office where post-conviction DNA testing is used to clear the innocent and confirm the guilty. This was the brainchild of Dallas DA Craig Watkins who deserves a HUGE amount of credit for this. NPR has more details. One of the key points in the article is this: Of 36 people tested AFTER being convicted, 12 of them turned out to be not guilty on DNA testing. One third of them were innocent but had been WRONGLY convicted. Most law enforcement fails to recognize, at least publicly, this problem. Craig Watkins recognizes it and is addressing the problem! Bravo! His efforts are the subject of the new TV show Dallas DNA.

So, with readers out there and this great inspiration, let me highlight some events and organizations in Dallas County. Events come first, then some local Democratic organizations.

DALLAS COUNTY EVENTS:(excerpted from the Dallas County Democrats)

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
5/19/2009 6:30 PM
Ojeda's Restaurant
4617 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX
Location:
Ojeda's Restaurant, 4617 Maple Ave Dallas, TX

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Monthly Meeting
5/19/2009 6:30 PM
Moorland YMCA
907 E. Ledbetter Rd.
Dallas, TX 75216

Irving Democrats
5/19/2009 6:30 PM
The regular meeting of the Irving Democratic Club (IDC) is scheduled to meet at 6:30 pm. on January 20, 2009, at the Rancho Restaurant. The program, which begins at 7 p.m. will feature Nancy Jones, Irving School Board Trustee, to discuss the school district and hopes for action of the Texas Legislature. Ms. Jones, elected in May of 2008, comes with a fresh perspective on serving the students of IISD.

Designated an official Inauguration Festivity Gathering, guests will watch the Inauguration Events on the big screen television following Trustee Jones’ presentation. Rancho Restaurant is located at 1210 East Irving Blvd., east of Nursery Street, on the south side of the street. Convenient parking is located at the rear and on the east side of the building.

Rancho Restaurant 1210 East Irving Blvd

NW Dallas County Democrats
5/20/2009 7:30 PM
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Rd (at LBJ) Farmers Branch

Richardson / North Dallas Democrats
5/26/2009 7:00 PM
The Richardson/North Dallas Democrats meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Chuck's, Northwest corner of Arapaho and Coit

Dallas County East Democrats (DACED)
5/27/2009 7:00 PM
Meets the last Wednesday of each month at Paula Sue's Diner, 11915 Lake June Road, Balch Springs, TX, 75180. Mapsco 59A_J (NE corner of Lake June and Hickory Tree Roads). This club serves SE Dallas (Pleasant Grove and Kleberg/Rylie), Mesquite, Seagoville, and Balch Springs.

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County
5/28/2009 7:00 PM
Monthly meeting of LGBT and allied Democrats in Denton County www.stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org
Landmark Grill, 1297 FM 407 (Justin Rd), Lewisville TX

Drinking Liberally Addison
5/21/2009 6:00 PM
Join this social liberal drinking club at The Quarter in Addison. Promoting democracy one pint at a time. http://livingliberally.org for more info
The Quarter, 15201 Addison Rd, Addison TX 75001

Community Service Project - Texas Trees Foundation
May 30, 2009 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm at Richland College
12800 Abrams Road
Dallas, TX 75243

Join members of Dallas County Young Democrats as we transplant trees for the Texas Tree Foundation. Please contact Jeriva D. Traylor at jerivatraylor@aol.com to RSVP or receive more details.

Park Cities / Central Dallas Democrats
6/6/2009 10:30 AM
Usually meets the 1st Saturday of each month.
Location: Oak Lawn Public Library

President/Contact Mary Warren, 214-522-1389
Location:
4100 Cedar Springs Rd. 75219

Dallas County Young Democrats June General Meeting
June 9, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gezellig
2010-C Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206

Join DCYD for our monthly meeting.

Preston Hollow Democrats
6/11/2009 6:30 PM
Preston Hollow Democrats are invited to meet at Popolo's restaurant to celebrate our victories and plan for the future! Please call Roger Grape at 214-502-7084 to RSVP so that we can tell Popolo's how many to expect.

Young Democrats of America Nationl Conference - HOUSTON!
June 12, 2009 3:00 PM - June 14, 2009 11:00 AM
Hilton Americas Hotel
1600 Lamar
Houston, TX 77010

YDA is pleased to announce our Spring National Conference, held in partnership with the Texas Young Democrats, will be in Houston, Texas, at the Hilton Americas Hotel.

This will be the last conference before the YDA National Convention in Chicago.

Please help DCYD show support for Texas Young Democrats and Young Democrats of America.

To register and for more information, please visit:www.yda.org/houston

Hotel Information + Reservations
Hilton Americas Hotel

1600 Lamar
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 739-8000
Young Democrats of America Room Block info:

Reservations at the official conference hotel, the Hitlon Americas Hotel, must be made by calling 1-800 236-2905 and saying you are with the Young Democrats of America. All rooms are $125/night.

To register and for more information, please visit:www.yda.org/houston

Dallas Young Democrats July General Meeting
July 14, 2009 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Gezellig
2010-C Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206

Join DCYD for our monthly meeting.

Irving Democrats
6/16/2009 6:30 PM
The regular meeting of the Irving Democratic Club (IDC) is scheduled to meet at 6:30 pm. on January 20, 2009, at the Rancho Restaurant. The program, which begins at 7 p.m. will feature Nancy Jones, Irving School Board Trustee, to discuss the school district and hopes for action of the Texas Legislature. Ms. Jones, elected in May of 2008, comes with a fresh perspective on serving the students of IISD.

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Monthly Meeting
6/16/2009 6:30 PM
Moorland YMCA
907 E. Ledbetter Rd.
Dallas, TX 75216

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
6/16/2009 6:30 PM
Ojeda's Restaurant
4617 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX

NW Dallas County Democrats
6/17/2009 7:30 PM
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Rd (at LBJ) Farmers Branch

North Oak Cliff Democrats Breakfast at Norma's Cafe
6/20/2009 8:30 AM
3rd Saturday Monthly breakfast at Norma's Cafe in the east room (that requires a right turn when you walk in the door....sorry). Come by for a casual breakfast with Democrats of North Oak Cliff. No agenda, no minutes, just a relaxed social opportunity. Meet your neighbors and local candidates.

Most folks show up around 9 or so. Some of us at 8:30. Stay until 10 or so. Don't waffle around, we eggspect your support!

Norma's Cafe 1123 W Davis St at N. Winnetka Dallas 75208

Dallas County East Democrats (DACED)
6/24/2009 7:00 PM
Meets the last Wednesday of each month at Paula Sue's Diner, 11915 Lake June Road, Balch Springs, TX, 75180. Mapsco 59A_J (NE corner of Lake June and Hickory Tree Roads). This club serves SE Dallas (Pleasant Grove and Kleberg/Rylie), Mesquite, Seagoville, and Balch Springs.

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County
6/25/2009 7:00 PM
Monthly meeting of LGBT and allied Democrats in Denton County www.stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org
Landmark Grill, 1297 FM 407 (Justin Rd), Lewisville TX

Park Cities / Central Dallas Democrats
7/4/2009 10:30 AM
Usually meets the 1st Saturday of each month.
Location: Oak Lawn Public Library

President/Contact Mary Warren, 214-522-1389
Location:
4100 Cedar Springs Rd. 75219

Preston Hollow Democrats
7/9/2009 6:30 PM
Preston Hollow Democrats are invited to meet at Popolo's restaurant to celebrate our victories and plan for the future! Please call Roger Grape at 214-502-7084 to RSVP so that we can tell Popolo's how many to expect.
Popolo's Restaurant at Preston and Royal

Dallas County Young Democrats
7/14/2009 7:00 PM
Dallas County Young Democrats
Zubar
for more information please visit www.dallasyoungdemocrats.org
2012 Greenville Ave.

NW Dallas County Democrats
7/15/2009 7:30 PM
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Rd (at LBJ) Farmers Branch

Drinking Liberally Addison
7/16/2009 6:00 PM
Join this social liberal drinking club at The Quarter in Addison. Promoting democracy one pint at a time. http://livingliberally.org for more info
The Quarter, 15201 Addison Rd, Addison TX 75001

Coppell Democrats
7/16/2009 7:00 PM
The Coppell Democrats will meet on the third Thursdays of odd-numbered months at 7 p.m. at Siena Pasta & Pizza, 780 S Macarthur Blvd # 100, Coppell (new location).
Siena Pasta & Pizza, 780 S Macarthur Blvd # 100, Coppell

North Oak Cliff Democrats Breakfast at Norma's Cafe
7/18/2009 8:30 AM
3rd Saturday Monthly breakfast at Norma's Cafe in the east room (that requires a right turn when you walk in the door....sorry). Come by for a casual breakfast with Democrats of North Oak Cliff. No agenda, no minutes, just a relaxed social opportunity. Meet your neighbors and local candidates.

Most folks show up around 9 or so. Some of us at 8:30. Stay until 10 or so. Don't waffle around, we eggspect your support!
Norma's Cafe 1123 W Davis St at N. Winnetka Dallas 75208

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
7/21/2009 6:30 PM
Ojeda's Restaurant
4617 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Monthly Meeting
7/21/2009 6:30 PM
Moorland YMCA
907 E. Ledbetter Rd.
Dallas, TX 75216

Irving Democrats
7/21/2009 6:30 PM
The regular meeting of the Irving Democratic Club (IDC) is scheduled to meet at 6:30 pm. on January 20, 2009, at the Rancho Restaurant. The program, which begins at 7 p.m. will feature Nancy Jones, Irving School Board Trustee, to discuss the school district and hopes for action of the Texas Legislature. Ms. Jones, elected in May of 2008, comes with a fresh perspective on serving the students of IISD.

Designated an official Inauguration Festivity Gathering, guests will watch the Inauguration Events on the big screen television following Trustee Jones’ presentation. Rancho Restaurant is located at 1210 East Irving Blvd., east of Nursery Street, on the south side of the street. Convenient parking is located at the rear and on the east side of the building.

Rancho Restaurant 1210 East Irving Blvd

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County
7/23/2009 7:00 PM
Monthly meeting of LGBT and allied Democrats in Denton County www.stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org
Landmark Grill, 1297 FM 407 (Justin Rd), Lewisville TX

Richardson / North Dallas Democrats
7/28/2009 7:00 PM
The Richardson/North Dallas Democrats meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Chuck's, Northwest corner of Arapaho and Coit
Every 1 month(s) on the fourth Tuesday
Evan Thomas 972-644-1041
evanthomas75081@yahoo.com

Dallas County East Democrats (DACED)
7/29/2009 7:00 PM
Meets the last Wednesday of each month at Paula Sue's Diner, 11915 Lake June Road, Balch Springs, TX, 75180. Mapsco 59A_J (NE corner of Lake June and Hickory Tree Roads). This club serves SE Dallas (Pleasant Grove and Kleberg/Rylie), Mesquite, Seagoville, and Balch Springs.


DALLAS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS:

Dallas County Young Democrats
URL: http://www.dallasyoungdemocrats.org
For Dallas Area Democrats between the agaes of 14 and 36.
Renee Hartley, President
Email: president@dallasyoungdemocrats.org

Democracy for America Dallas
URL: http://www.dfalink.com/dallas
Contact Name: Michael Thomas
Phone: 214-403-8657
NW Dallas; NE Dallas; SW Dallas; SE Dallas; Central Dallas

Progressive Populist Caucus of Texas
URL: http://www.texaspopulists.com

Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus
URL: http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/texas
Contact Name: Shannon Bailey, President
Email: texas@stonewalldemocrats.org
3532 Cedarplaza Lane, Dallas, TX 75209

Texas Coalition of Black Democrats
Contact Name: T. Nobles
Email: tcbddallas@yahoo.com
Phone: 214-264-8483
P. O. Box 764726, Dallas, Texas 75376
News Group-Meetup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TCBDDallasChapter

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas
URL: www.stonewalldemocratsofdallas.org
Contact Name: Jesse Garcia, President
Email: info@stonewalldemocratsofdallas.org
Phone: 214-500-7066
P.O. Box 192305, Dallas, TX 75219

More organizations can be found here.