2017 June Lake Highlands

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FEATURES

22 BACK TO THE PAST

Where we’re going, well, we are going to need roads.

OPENING REMARKS

By RICK WAMRE

What would you do?

Tell us, and reap rewards

Ispend a fair amount of time interviewing potential employees. Luckily, it’s not because we have lots of employee turnover; rather, it’s that we have lots of ideas and opportunities.

Recently, I was interviewing an applicant, this one a writer/editor interested in replacing someone moving back to California. So, out of curiosity, I asked the applicant about a couple of ideas we’ve been kicking around.

I mentioned to her we have a robust and active readership online (about 800,000 monthly), a fact that seems to elude a high percentage of our print-only magazine readers (about 180,000 monthly). I also asked her what she thought about potentially charging our online readers $1 per week to help support the multiple daily stories we write about neighborhood events, crime, development, news and restaurant/retail openings and closings, most of which never appear in our print magazine. What we produce online is like receiving a neighborhood newspaper for free daily; we even send the information out weekly via e-newsletter to more than 34,000 of you (check it out and sign up at advocatemag.com/social).

So, I asked, do you think readers would help us if we asked?

She thought about it for a bit, which I’ve found to be a good sign when considering applicants; people who have an instant answer for every question tend not to be all that interested in teamwork, given that they already seem to know everything.

“Since you have that incredible engagement with your readers,” she asked, “why don’t you ask them what they think?”

I liked the way this woman was thinking.

So I threw out another idea: The cost of producing and delivering each indi-

vidual monthly magazine is now about $2 apiece, and our advertisers support 100 percent of this cost. If readers don’t pick up a magazine, thumb through it and buy products from our advertisers, we’re “dead meat” in a business sense.

So I tried again: What about potentially selling a small advertisement on the cover of our magazines, one that advertisers may be excited to purchase but shouldn’t interfere with the stories we’re telling? Would an ad like this, which would help generate additional income to pay our expenses, be OK with our readers?

As a journalistic purist, this idea seemed to be a bridge too far for her: “I don’t like that one,” she said, “but again, why don’t you ask your readers?”

So that’s exactly what I’m doing this month: Would you please take a couple of minutes to give me your thoughts about these ideas, as well as any others you have to help us improve?

If you will send me an email at rwamre@advocatemag.com with your suggestions, I promise I’ll read and respond to every one of them. Or better yet, visit lakehighlands.advocatemag. com/survey and complete a 10-minute readership study that is part of our regular circulation audit, enter your ideas in the space provided, and you’ll have a chance to win $500 or one of three sets of $100 restaurant coupons.

As for the applicant? She decided this isn’t the kind of place she wants to work at this point.

That’s OK, though: She has already contributed to our company, even if she never comes to work here.

Rick Wamre is president of Advocate Media. Let him know how we are doing by emailing rwamre@advocatemag.com.

DISTRIBUTION PH/214.560.4203

ADVERTISING PH/214.560.4203

office administrator: Judy Liles

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senior advertising consultant: Kristy Gaconnier

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ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Sally Ackerman

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Nora Jones

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Greg Kinney

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Michele Paulda

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classified manager: Prio Berger

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marketing director: Sally Wamre

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digital + social media director: Emily Williams

469.916.7864 / ewilliams@advocatemag.com

EDITORIAL publisher: Christina Hughes Babb

214.560.4204 / chughes@advocatemag.com

managing editor: Emily Charrier

214.560.4200 / echarrier@advocatemag.com

editor-at-large: Keri Mitchell

214.292.0487 / kmitchell@advocatemag.com

EDITORS: Rachel Stone

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Elissa Chudwin

214.560.4210 / echudwin@advocatemag.com

senior art director: Jynnette Neal

214.560.4206 / jneal@advocatemag.com

art director: Brian Smith

214.292.0493 / bsmith@advocatemag.com

designer: Emily Williams

469.916.7864 / ewilliams@advocatemag.com

contributing editors: Sally Wamre

contributors: Angela Hunt, Lauren Law, George Mason, Brent McDougal

photo editor: Danny Fulgencio

214.635.2121 / danny@advocatemag.com

contributing photographers: Rasy Ran, Kathy Tran

Advocate, © 2017, is published monthly by East Dallas – Lakewood People Inc. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Opinions set forth in the Advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than 200,000 people read Advocate publications each month. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader. Advocate was founded in 1991 by Jeff Siegel, Tom Zielinski and Rick Wamre.

Assisted Living: A helping hand, right at hand.

C. C. Young’s Assisted Living residents are supported through a variety of special services and amenities to maintain a private, dignified and independent lifestyle in a one-of-a-kind setting near White Rock Lake. Our residents’ lives are enhanced through life-enriching programs as well as the care given by our team of helping hands.

4847 W. Lawther Dr. • Dallas, TX 75214 • ccyoung.org • 214-874-7474

License #100042

L A UNC H Out & About

JUNE 1-29

COOL THURSDAYS

Hear cover bands pay tribute to famous artists from Dave Matthews Band to Fleetwood Mac at an outdoor concert every Thursday at 7 p.m. Performances will be moved indoors to Rosine Hall if Mother Nature is uncooperative.

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, 214.515.6615, dallasarboretum.org, $10-$28

JUNE 2-30

FRIDAY NIGHT FILMS

Bring a blanket to the Shops at Park Lane every Friday for an outdoor movie. The films shown throughout June include “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Grease.”

The Shops at Park Lane, 8020 Park Lane, shopsatparklane.com, free

JUNE 3

SUMMER READING CELEBRATION

The library is kicking off the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge with games, crafts and a balloon artist from 2-4 p.m. The reading challenge and event series was established to help children continue learning throughout the summer. Audelia Road Library, 10045 Audelia Road, 214.670.1350, dallaslibrary2.org, free

JUNE 17

FATHER’S DAY STORYTIME

Celebrate Father’s Day with Marjorie Blain

Parker’s “When Dads Don’t Grow Up,” which highlights the zany antics of four fathers and their children. Storytime starts at 11 a.m. and families can stick around for activities afterward. Barnes & Noble, 770 W. Northwest Highway, suite 300, 214.739.1124, stores.barnesandnoble.com, free

JUNE 23-JULY 29

‘MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS’

The Zimbabwe-based tale revolves around a villager’s two daughters, who are polar opposites. The production features traditional dancing and African music.

JUNE 3, 10, 17, 24

Fresh finds

Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at White Rock Market, open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The market also offers specialty items, arts and crafts.

Lake Pointe Church, 9150 Garland Road, goodlocalmarket.org, free

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman St., 214.978.0110, dct.org, $17-$30

JUNE 29-AUG. 19

‘STAR TRIP’

Watch Captain Kurt and Smok as they attempt to stop Darkness from taking over the universe. This satirical performance pokes fun at sci-fi television shows.

Pocket Sandwich Theater, 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.821.1860, pocketsandwich.com, $10-$25

PIMP MY CART

Riding in style in White Rock Valley

By CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

There is an emerging vehicle of interest cruising quaint, family-centric neighborhoods. It is not the latest SUV or a modernized minivan — it is the relatively inexpensive, often meandering, golf cart. The vehicle made for moving golfers and their gear from one hole to the next — later used in industrial settings, college campuses and around retirement communities — increasingly is spotted cruising tree-lined residential streets, mom at the wheel chauffeuring youngsters to school, pool, playground or ice cream shop.

Lake Highlands dads Kurt Smith and Adam Chabira — each with a garage outfitted like a high-end detail shop, complete with speedy motorcycles and man-cave essentials — noticed the trend taking off a few years ago in White Rock Valley, Smith says.

So when, for a mere $300, he located a beat down, steel body, 1995-built cart with a faded aqua green paint job, he jumped at the opportunity to modify the “completely terrible” machine.

“I gutted it, ripped it up and sourced the needed parts.”

Today — with reupholstered black seats, swapped-in silver body, polished aluminum wheels wrapped in street-oriented rubber, chopped top and LED lights — it looks like a low-key, retro-new hot rod. Thanks to fresh shocks and close scrutiny of the wiring, the battery-operated auto runs as fine as she looks.

Smith, his wife and children travel by cart to soccer practice, school, Shady’s burger joint or to visit friends. “My two girls love being on it,” he says, and it often serves as a conversation starter with other neighborhood families.

Understated lettering aside the passenger’s right foot reads

Crusin’ down the street in Kurt Smith’s golf cart, waving at neighbors. Below is business partner Adam Chabira’s version. (Photos by Danny Fulgencio)

LHC — that is, Lake Highlands Carts, the small garage-based business born out of this initial experiment.

“It’s just two guys who like working on stuff. We’d be doing this anyway, so why not make a few bucks while doing it,” Smith says of the decision to turn golf-cart building into a (if all goes well) for-profit company.

His business partner’s cart is a flashier version — a metallic blue, jacked-up model with all-terrain wheels and upgraded rear springs.

The varying styles, in a way, represent the buddies’ personality differences.

Smith, who owns Ten Flat Detailing, considers his work on cars a craft and a calling. The vehicle is a canvas upon which he casts his long-acquired skills.

“I found the passion washing cars as a kid for extra money,” he says. “It is not only cleaning or restoration — it is art.”

As Smith waxes poetic about vehicle

The better way to a better home.

enhancement, etcetera, Chabira chuckles and ribs him about his sentimentality.

“You can see how into this he is, right?” Chabira says. The enthusiastic Smith is the “brand master,” Chabira says. “I wanted to wait before publicizing this. We were just getting started.”

Smith adds, “He wasn’t keen on putting up the Facebook page so soon. But it got traction right away you know, we each do what we do.”

Not everyone is going to like the idea, and there are arguments out there (mostly in Florida newspapers, where the golf cart movement is massive) that golf carts can be risky.

The guys install seatbelts and talk to customers about safety, laws and insurance related to the vehicles. Chabira notes that there is a fine line between fun and obnoxious. Lake Highlands Carts aims for the former, not the latter, and they want to make something residents already ostensibly enjoy into something creative and accessible that invites connections among neighbors.

Contact LHC via Facebook. Search “Lake Highlands Carts.”

FEATURED: Shoreview Road

Next time you remodel, renovate or build, work with Bella Vista and get a complete company that handles the complete process. We take care of everything, while you take it easy. What could be better?

“We’d be doing this anyway, so why not make a few bucks while doing it.”

THE WHITE ROCK LAKE RIOT OF 1977

This is why we can’t have nice things

By CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

Grainy, silent footage indicates that it began as an idyllic afternoon at White Rock Lake. Languid sailboats dot the sparkling water. A lanky guy, chambray sleeves rolled to his elbows, clutches a beer in one hand and floats a football with the other. His shaggy-haired recipient canters — past Frisbee flingers and bicycle pedalers — along the shoreline in threadbare trousers and a muscle T.

More than a hundred vehicles line Lawther Drive and its tributaries (almost certainly resting after a see-and-be-seen cruise around the pond). Standouts such as a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle and a 1977 Trans Am, both yellow, undeniably advance the movie-set feel.

It smacks of something from Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and

Confused.” But the cast of characters numbers in the thousands.

This landscape represented a typical weekend here in the ‘70s — White Rock Lake was the place to be on a sunny day.

But some say things were never quite the same after March 6, 1977. About 18 minutes of footage from that day is stored on the Texas Archive of the Moving Image website.

A waiflike woman in high-waist bell-bottom jeans crosses the lawn. The breeze flutters her flat golden hair as she turns to observe some off-camera action. A defiant expression transforms her lovely face.

The camera pans to the focus of her ire — a group of uniformed police officers.

The police first arrived to break up fights that had erupted among parkgoers, officers then told The Dallas Morning News.

About the same time, a motorcycle cop gave chase and arrested a man for riding the hood of a moving car.

That was at about 3:25 p.m., and reinforcements were descending. They pulled up in squad cars and some carried shotguns, held high.

“Police said officers arriving to aid the patrolman were greeted with a barrage of rocks, beer bottles and any other handy objects,” according to a March 6, 1977 DMN article reported by Tom Belden and Bill Kenyon.

“By 4 p.m. tactical officers from every part of the city had been called in.”

Before it was over, at least one officer had fired his shotgun into the air (the video has no sound, but shows a puff of gunpowder and the backfire of the weapon); occupants of two Dallas Police helicopters ordered people to disperse as they hovered above the crowd and even landed on the Bath House lawn for about 10 seconds; officers swept the crowd, swinging billyclubs and flashlights as they advanced, injuring many, accord-

ing to the DMN. Much of the carnage is caught on the video. In a particularly violent incident, an officer drags a thin young man whose arms are secured be-

hind his head as a second officer strikes the detainee’s exposed gut with a club or flashlight.

The day culminated in 49 arrests, countless injuries (to both hippie and cop) and at least three hospitalizations, including that of Sgt. Kenneth Heard, who arrived on the scene as the fracas gained steam and “shot his service revolver into the air in an attempt to break up the crowd,” according to the DMN story. “Dozens of young persons were grabbed by police, wrestled to the ground, handcuffed and lined up in the grass, face down.”

Heard spent that night under observation at Doctors Hospital. All of the injured arrestees were taken to Parkland Memorial. Most were charged with disturbing the peace. Two, Gordon Ricketts, 23, and Roy Fontenot, 20, each received an aggravated assault charge — Ricketts reportedly kicked a policeman in the groin as his buddy struck the officer in the head with a beer bottle. An 18-yearold was identified and charged the fol-

“Police said officers arriving to aid the patrolman were greeted with a barrage of rocks, beer bottles and any other handy objects.”

lowing day for striking an officer with his car during the riot (no word on that officer’s injuries).

From his hospital bed, Heard justified the shots he and his men fired into the air during the standoff. “We were surrounded and about to be overrun by a mob. It was the only thing we could have done.”

Based on the reports and video, the crowd had thinned by 5 p.m.

Still, dozens of people remained at the park afterward, we see in the video, and a few go on casually tossing a Frisbee.

David West, who was 14, regularly rode his bike around the lake, always stopping to watch the “hippie” multitudes gathered near the Bath House to toss the football, drink beer and brandish cool cars.

“I was not there that day,” West notes in the Texas Archive forum. “But I was witness to the sudden change afterward. It was really kind of creepy, especially to a kid just starting to experience his freedom, then suddenly seeing that free-

dom snuffed out so completely. After the riot, White Rock Lake felt wrong, almost forbidding.”

Dane Myers, 19 at the time, says he was “proud of the crowd’s moxie and balls, standing up against police brutality.”

He and most of his friends distanced

from the fray, “but we watched it unfold like watching a movie — from the first cop punching the first hippie. I was a hippie at 19 years old in 1977. I will always be proud of my generation’s understanding of the freedom fought for and given to us from the previous generation.”

Homeowners in the area offered a far less quixotic take on the situation. They had been complaining for months to police and city council members about crowds leaving trash, relieving themselves in private yards, speeding, cursing, blasting music and parking without regard.

“I believe in people having a good time and everything else, but when they get on the street speeding and park cars on lawns and leave them, it becomes a difficult situation,” A.D. McManus, a resident near the Bath House, told the Dallas Morning News a few days after the ruckus. “You tell them to slow down and they just give you the finger or yell an obscenity.”

Another lakeside dweller described a young woman abandoning a car for

“You tell them to slow down and they just give you the finger or yell an obscenity.”

hours in an inconvenient, illegal spot.

“My husband told her she was blocking the driveway, and she just made a gesture. And it certainly wasn’t a ladylike gesture.”

These neighbors told DMN that their grievances to police and Dallas City Hall had “fallen on deaf ears.”

A Letter to the Editor on March 11 complained that councilmen William Cothrum and Richard Smith “wanted to treat the weekend affair as an isolated incident,” and they did not immediately propose new rules.

Barry Secrest, 8 years old at the time, watched the whole thing from his family home on Lake Highlands Drive. He notes that after that day, his “parents and many others petitioned the City of Dallas to put the barricades up on Lawther Drive.”

That was the beginning of the end of the weekly car parade around White Rock Lake.

“They are still up to this day, preventing further cruising,” Secrest says.

Strategically placed one-way stretches and fences thwart driving the full circumference of the lake today.

The weekend after the riot, the Dallas Morning News’ Tom Belden was back at the lake to report on the atmosphere. A photograph shows a crowd of people young, bare feet, shaggy hair, cutoff jean shorts, some with children — riding horses, strumming guitar, playing ball or sunning themselves on blankets.

It’s quintessential White Rock again, right? Not quite.

It’s not clear where at White Rock the photo was taken, though it is worth noting that the rowdier crowd and the quieter set generally occupied opposite sides of the lake, longtime neighbors recall. Gina Cammarata, who grew up near White Rock says, “hippies hung out on the east side and the more conservative ones were on the west side,” adding with a grin that, while she wasn’t quite old enough to cruise and booze in ’77, “You know which side I wanted to be on.”

Belden’s March 14, 1977 article, headlined “White Rock park quiet, peaceful” describes a gorgeous spring day, thousands enjoying the weekend, as usual, cars and motorcycles steadily cruising by at five miles per hour.

And, he added after the jump, “out of view of the crowd, 50 Dallas Police tactical officers standing by in case the quiet crowd became a brawling mob as it did a week ago.”

DELICIOUS

All in the family

After 30 years, Chubby’s remains a touchstone for neighborhood families

By ELISSA CHUDWIN

elling Neighbor’s Casual Kitchen was tough, but Peter Touris was ready to come home.

Peter opened the trendy Audelia Road eatery in 2014 after running Chubby’s Family Restaurant for 15 years with his father, John.

He didn’t anticipate returning to the longtime Lake Highlands eatery so soon, but John persuaded him to rejoin the family business.

“At the end of the day, we come here as a family to serve families,” Peter says.

John and his brother George opened Chubby’s along Northwest Highway and Jupiter Road in 1987. Although all of John’s children have been immersed in the business since they were born, Peter is the first one who opted to make food service a full-time career.

“I grew up in a carrier on a table,” he says. “It’s been a way of life continued.”

Peter jokes he and his father spend more time at Chubby’s than their own homes. They cook holiday dinners for their family and share meals at the café, even during their occasional day off.

John still works 105 hours per week, whether that’s bussing tables or taking inventory, to ensure the business runs smoothly. Although he owns the restaurant, he considers himself nothing more than another employee.

“I don’t feel because I own the place I can’t do certain things,” John says.

His dedication to dishing up three square meals in a family friendly setting hasn’t wavered in three decades. John immigrated from Greece as a teen,

At left are traditional pancakes. Above, chicken-fried steak. (Photos by Kathy Tran)

Mike Parnell

DELICIOUS CHUBBY’S

so the menu features Mediterranean staples alongside Southern comfort food. The made-from-scratch pies and chicken-fried steak sell as quickly as the chicken souvlaki and gyro sandwiches.

A new generation of young families has moved into the neighborhood, so Peter’s goal is to update the menu and

DID YOU KNOW: John Touris named the restaurant Chubby’s in honor of his brother’s childhood nickname.

rebrand Chubby’s “to get away from the diner stigma,” he says.

Its old-school vibe and do-it-yourself approach is the reason for its longevity, John says, so that won’t change any time soon.

“I learned it that way. I like it that way. I keep it that way,” he says.

dining SPOTLIGHT

AMERICAN

Woodlands American Grill

CHUBBY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

Ambiance: Family friendly

Price Range: $10-$25

Hours: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily

11331 Northwest Highway

214.348.6065

eatatchubbys.com

One90 Smoked Meats

Offering bbq combo plates, sandwiches, tacos, sides, desserts & a wide variety of locally smoked meats, including Brisket, Bison, Turkey, Chicken, Pork, Salmon, Duck, Lamb & Tenderloins.

6073 Forest Lane woodlands-grill.com

Another Broken Egg Cafe

It’s our passion to create exceptional dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch that are “craveably” delicious with an artisanal flair.

Mon-Sun 7:00 -2:00 pm

1152 N. Bucker Blvd. Suite H100

AnotherBrokenEgg.com

214.954.7182

Enchilada’s

Voted by Advocate Readers as Best Date Night in Lake Highlands

Warmer weather means it is time for Margaritas and Tex Mex. Come by and let us serve you.

enchiladasrestaurants.com

Like us on Facebook

For Catering Call The Fiesta Line 214.691.1390

SPOTLIGHT

214.560.4203 to advertise in this section.

Put your restaurant in the minds of 100,000+ HOMES month after month

20 lakehighlands.advocatemag.com JUNE 2017

Haute Sweets Patisserie

Treat yourself and the ones you love with the finest desserts, French Macarons, cookies, cakes & more. Award winning chefs bring premium restaurant quality treats right to our neighborhood. You’ll be amazed! Paleo & Gluten-free available.

Mon-Fri: 10:00am-7:00pm

Sat: 9:00am-6:00pm

Sun: Closed

SMOKED MEATS

Raymond’s Bar-B-Que original

Raymond Erwin’s legacy of cooking of salty traditional barbecue with true Texas flair began in 1952, when he took a job under restaurateur Jimmy Underwood, who had establishments all over Dallas.

Erwin spent decades learning the craft of barbecue, from how the make fall-offthe-bone ribs to never-dry turkey to the perfect Southern sides that brought the whole plate together. He spent much of his time at Underwood’s Barbeque, which opened in 1964 at 10920 Garland Road. In 1981 he took over the location and renamed it Raymond’s Bar-B-Q.

It was a no-muss, no-fuss kind of place where food was served on cafeteria trays and sodas cost 85-cents even into the 2000s. The butter-yellow booths and kitschy ‘50s décor made it seem like one of those true road-side restaurants you see in old photos on Texas highways.

He sold the building in 2004, but his namesake business kept on until new owners moved their Monterrey BBQ and Mexican Cuisine into the Garland Road location.

But during his many decades in Casa View, Erwin was known for doing things the same way. He kept his flavors consistent and used the same chili bean recipe since 1957. Here it is, first shared with the Advocate in July 1999, and dusted off just in time for the summer grilling season.

Raymond’s chili beans

2 cups dried kidney beans (Raymond prefers Colorado Mile High Beans)

5 cups water

½ cup chili powder

¼ cup salt

2 tablespoons black pepper

1 teaspoon vegetable shortening

Dash of cayenne pepper (to taste)

Soak beans overnight in the water in a large pot.

Bring beans to a boil and add shortening, waiting until it melts to stir.

Reduce heat to low and cover, cook until beans are soft (about 2 hours). Add water if necessary to keep beans fully covered.

Add spices, and cook another 5 minutes. For best taste, let beans sit at least 45 minutes to soak in all the flavor.

My Property Taxes Have Doubled!

Now What?

Your home’s appraised value for the year is based on its condition – and what the property could sell for on January 1. The appraisal district taxes your home’s market value. Your home’s condition on Jan. 1 is key as you look at factors that may affect the value. Any damage or improvements after this date – say, a roof damaging hail storm in March, or a kitchen remodel in May – won’t affect the taxable value of your home this year.

IF THE PROPOSED VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY IS TOO HIGH.

This could be based on incorrect information on the Appraisal District records, such as lot size, building size, etc. It could also be due to situations that the Appraisal District does not know, such as hidden defects, cracked foundations, inadequate plumbing, flooding problems, amount of updating, etc. If similar properties are selling for less than your property, you may have a reason to protest.

THE DEADLINE TO FILE THE PROTEST IS 5/31.

After filing your protest, you will receive a letter with the time of your Appraisal Review Board hearing. Dallas County encourages informal hearings anytime prior to your scheduled hearing date. Most homeowners I talk to have had more success with the informal meeting.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU?

Bring as much ammunition as you can with you. The more proof you have the better your chances of getting tax relief.

1)Comparable property sales from the previous year. (Remember the Jan 1 condition rule?)

2) Pictures, pictures, pictures. Document every item in your home that needs repair or updating. Don’t forget less than optimal locations and awkward floor plans.

3) If you recently purchased or refinanced, bring your appraisal and/or Settlement Statement if they are lower than the proposed new assessed value. You can also pay a professional to represent you.

Deborah Whitington Realty has committed to helping Lake Highlands residents with preparing for their hearing for 2 decades, FREE of charge. Please contact me if you know someone who wants more information.

Or www.whiterockhomesales.com /?p=641.

CLASSICS

These rides are anything but average

Photos by Danny Fulgencio

Some might joke these neighbors have oil instead of blood and a mechanical pump where their hearts ought to be. What many of us see merely as modes of transportation, they view as motorized miracles that might encapsulate engineering marvels or bygone eras. They don’t mind the extra effort their cars demand because they’re keeping a little piece of history alive with every nut and bolt they save. It’s worth the time and expense, they say, because it allows them to live another life every time they climb behind the wheel.

THE PRODIGY

Ricky Estrada is quick to point out he’ll be 17 by the time this article publishes, but he speaks with a passion and maturity well beyond his young years.

“I feel like, with newer cars, there’s no humanity in them. They’re all designed by machines,” he says. “Older cars, they were drawn up in someone’s head. It’s someone’s vision.”

Estrada has always been drawn to vintage things, from clocks to vinyl re-

cords. Aside from a few modern conveniences like a cell charger, his room is reminiscent of what you’d find in a 1970s teenager’s bedroom. So when it came to cars, no one was surprised when the modern mechanisms failed to draw his attention. It was vintage Volkswagons that first caught his fancy.

“It started with the Beetle. Every time I saw one of those spunky little cars, I fell in love,” he gushes. “It was the unique

Ricky Estrada with his 1971 VW Type 3.

shape. That’s always been my personality. It was more these cars are different, and I wanted to be different.”

He was definitely different. He says other students at his Richardson High School weren’t clamoring for the ultimate compact car. But his love of Beetles led to an overall fascination with VWs, from buses (the 1960s split window, not the bay window-style of the 1970s) to the sporty Karmann Ghia. Estrada was 15 when he started scouring the internet for the right Volkswagon for him, something that would stand out. While there were many cars on the market, most were “farm fresh,” as the gearheads say, and needed extensive mechanical work after being left to rot in the elements for decades.

“You have to be patient with these things,” Estrada advises.

Finally, a family friend found the unexpected, but perfect, vehicle right here in our neighborhood. The cherry red 1971 VW Type 3 was just sitting at the corner of Mockingbird and Abrams with a “for sale” sign.

“I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Estrada says. “Out of all the unusual Volkswagons, this is the most unusual.”

First manufactured in 1961, the Type 3 wasn’t introduced to the United States until 1966. Despite being the first mass-produced car with an electric fuel injector, the vehicle failed to capture an American audience, and production ceased in 1973.

After finding such a rare make in good working order, Estrada was eager to bring Rosie, as he would name the Type 3, home to his parents’ L Streets house. That’s when the teen learned the joys and pitfalls of classic car ownership.

“I knew nothing [about repairs],” he says. “There was a lot of YouTube videos and a lot of trial and error.”

Working with his dad and relying heavily on vintage car message boards online, Estrada taught himself to work on the suitcase-style engine of his Type 3. When something broke, he figured out what it was and how to fix it.

“That’s the best thing about vintage cars, they’re never perfect, there’s always something they need. It’s almost like they

have a personality,” he says. “It’s almost like someone you take care of.”

He became obsessed with restoring the car to its original glory, and remains noticeably bothered by modern additions others have made, specifically the inaccurate tailpipe. Although his car was originally a dull brown, Kansas Beige to be specific, he’s much happier with its current color, even if it isn’t factory authentic.

“I like the red a lot more — it pops,” he says.

Estrada wasn’t just in love with his

car, he fell for the whole culture around it. He noticed tons of vintage cars as he cruised around White Rock Lake, and got an idea.

“I thought, ‘What if we got all these people together?’ I want to hear what they have to say,” he remembers.

A simple post on a neighborhood social media page asking other vintage car owners if they wanted to get together was all it took. White Rock Car Club was born. Estrada partnered with area businesses such as Neighbor’s Casual Kitchen and Rooster Hardware to host car shows that include live music, raffles and other activities designed to draw a wide crowd.

The club has allowed him to get to know others who share his passion, although he admits he’s usually the youngest car owner by at least a decade. But that never seems to matter when they’re talking shop.

“Like every car guy, I have a list of cars I’d love to own,” he admits, listing European models like the Tatra T87, Citroën DS and, of course, a Karmann Ghia. He can’t afford those quite yet, so right now, he only has eyes for Rosie.

“I’ve only seen one other Type 3,” he says. “A guy with a Beetle offered to trade me, but that car is too special to me.”

—EMILY CHARRIER

“Every time I saw one of those spunky little cars, I fell in love.”

STREET ART

Everything that surrounds Jaime Sendra is impressive. Colorful blooms and foliage line his long gravel driveway, the pinnacle at which presents a picturesque view of White Rock Lake. A playground worthy of a public park and the remnants (a bouquet of Mylar balloons) of a grandchild’s recent birthday party occupy a sprawling yard.

Warm greetings flow as the 72-yearold briskly makes his way to the gate. He shakes hands and asks a few questions; he responds generously to the ones posed to him. Within a few minutes it is understood that his parents were Mexican, by way of Barcelona, Spain, and that his father founded Bimbo Bakery, now a multinational billion-dollar company. And that Sendra didn’t really want to be in the bakery business. He was an artist, a

graphic artist, with a pioneering mindset. He came to America in 1968 to study, met his wife, Peggy (“There were bells in the hills the first time I saw her,” he says, his Spanish accent adding a lyrical lilt), and moved back to Mexico for a few years before returning to start his own graphics company, which, with ingenuity and hard work and his brother’s partnership, made him financially successful in his own right. His parents’ story would be enough for a movie, he says, but that’s not why we are here.

The tour begins behind the first garage door, with a burgundy 1957 Mini Cooper. It resembles a shiny, big-ticket toy, a movie-set prop. Sendra — a man of above-average stature — looks borderline cartoonish sliding into the driver’s seat. Then he starts the engine, revs it several times, cranks open the sunroof and hollers over the thunderous reverberation, “See, it sounds good, right?” Turning it off, apologizing for the smell of petrol and exhaust fumes (actually an exhilarating aroma), he says, “And she drives like — oh man! When I take it to the track, my nephews, one has a McLaren, the other has a Lamborghini Diablo and the other has a Ferrari Competizione, and this little car …” He affectionately taps the Cooper’s rooftop for effect. “Beat them all [pause] in the first 3 seconds. I say, ‘one, two, three,’ and then they pass me

so fast I cannot even see them, but for another 3 or 4 seconds, in the mirror.” He chuckles and adds, “This car is so tiny but it’s the most fun car ever, and, I am old, but I will say, girls love this car. I am driving with my brother and the girls say, ‘Oh what a cute little car!’ ”

Mini is both charming and fierce. In fact, in Ron Howard’s movie “Rush,” about real rival racecar drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt, Hunt’s everyday car

In his best Doc Brown pose, Jaime Sendra steps out of his 1980 DeLorean DMC-12.

of choice is a light blue Mini.

Even truer objects of obsession, at least in mainstream culture, are behind door number two, past a backyard tennis court, in the “car garage.”

Entering under a “Classic Car Drive” sign, Sendra explains that he’s a movie buff and therefore, “I like movie cars. The first one is James Bond [a pristine Aston Martin from the Daniel Craig Bond era] and the second is ‘Back to the Future.’ ”

Almost every child who watched the 1985 Robert Zemeckis flick was compelled to revere the magical time ma-

chine central to its plot: the DeLorean DMC-12.

For an ‘80s kid, it is surreal — sitting in the leather seat, reaching for the hand strap that pulls shut the gull-winged door, staring at that odometer, which shows 85 as top speed (that’s right: no time/space-bending 88 mph on the odometer), a regulation that began in 1980. A state trooper did once clock him cruising at closer to 100, Sendra says.

For Sendra it is a car’s aesthetic design that most draws him. He’s a curator of aerodynamic, clean-lined, functional pieces of art. Other car enthusiasts, like his brother, who was a rally racer when they were kids in Mexico, cares more about the engine, muscle and performance. That’s not to say Sendra has much use for cars without some kick — “Go ahead, start it up,” he says. “Press the gas. Again.”

The Aston Martin roars; its driver is inside the belly of the beast.

A WOMAN’S PLACE? BEHIND THE WHEEL

The year 2016 emerged a surge of United Kingdom-based blogs reporting that the number of female vintage car buyers had increased by 40 percent; females were supposed to count for 11 percent of vintage car owners by the end of last year, according to a poll by a classic-car insurer there. Here in the United States, data showed no such increased interest among American women.

Gina Cammarata, owner of a ’57 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, can corroborate, anecdotally, at least, the stats. “I am often the only female at the car show,” she says. Some men look at her skeptically, “like, OK, what’s she doing here,” she says. On the other hand, she has met some interesting people and made new friends since joining the classic car club and competing in shows.

People love vintage cars for a variety of reasons. You likely won’t ever find Cammarata working under the hood or getting her hands greasy. It is the era’s style and design trends, be it cars or clothing and accessories, that beckon her interest, says Cammarata. She wears her strawberry blonde hair curly, a wide black belt at her waist over a snug sweater and full skirt. And behind the wheel, her Ray Ban Wayfarers over her big brown eyes, she channels the archetypal ‘50s starlet.

Her father loved cars and constructed radio-controlled planes from scratch. Assembling model cars with her dad became a favorite pastime. She grew es-

—CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

“This car is so tiny but it’s the most fun car ever, and, “I am old, but I will say, girls love this car.”

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pecially enamored with a challenging, large-scale 1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe. Building together, she acquired her father’s penchant toward patience and attention to detail. As the tiny parts bonded, so did father and child.

They built other models, but this ’57 Chevy, which she painted black, was her favorite. In fact she kept it, even storing it atop the refrigerator for preservation, after her father was gone. It immortalized her dad, in a way.

In 2009, Cammarata was surfing the internet, looking at retro items for sale on eBay, she says. She went to ’57 Chevys, she says, which had recently been on her mind.

She came across a ’57 Black Bel Air for sale. She could hardly believe it, she says, “It was nearly identical to the model.”

The guy who owned it the preceding 25 years wanted to swap it for a convertible version, she explains.

“All of the numbers matched,” she says, “People who know cars will know what that means. And it had just over 89,000 miles.”

Every piece of the car, except the wheels, is original. She even has the initial 1957 Inspection sticker and, in

the glovebox, the owner’s manual: The 1957 Guide to your New Chevrolet. Even the booklet —mid-century orange gingham graphics gracing its cover — is in strikingly good shape, complete with pages explaining cigarette lighters, ash trays and the electric clock, plus instructions for the breaking-in period, during which “the car should not exceed 60 miles per hour over the first 500 miles.”

“It’s not a fast car,” she says, “but a cruiser.”

Windows down on a spring evening, the Chevy glides along a road near White Rock Lake, and every passerby pauses to check her out. Any who happen to lean in to greet Cammarata would take note of what’s in the backseat — the miniature edition she built with her dad all those years ago.

—CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB

“All of the numbers matched. People who know cars will know what that means. And it had just over 89,000 miles.”

SPEEDING DOWN MEMORY LANE

To be clear, Alan Short is a smart man. He comes from intelligent, business-savvy stock. In fact, his father developed real estate throughout the White Rock and Lake Highlands area, including the 7.5-acre center at Plano Road north of I-635. That’s where Short parks — in a captivating queue at which passersby unabashedly gawk — his three most-prized possessions. When he begins to speak in southern drawl about his cars and how much he likes to speed, however, it is impossible to not, for a moment, envision Will Ferrell’s loveable yet idiotic character from the NASCAR comedy “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

The comparison elicits a laugh from Short who charitably returns one of the film’s famous lines: “I wanna go fast!”

Speed is the purpose of his recent purchase, a 2010 ZR1 Corvette with a 638 horsepower engine. To quote Car and Driver magazine, “It is loud and fierce and terrifying when you want it to be, and a compliant transport unit when you’re just trying to get your tired body home.”

“I hit 160 in the HOV lane the other night,” Short says of the silver ‘Vette, a 55th birthday gift to himself. “I love to go fast. I’ve managed to keep her off the guardrail so far.”

From here, Short’s character runs fathoms deeper than the fictional speed racer. His fondness for the Corvette has roots in his friendship with his oldest brother, who introduced him by way of a 1996 LT4. The thrill of hitting 155 miles per hour was unforgettable. Years later, when his brother died, he commemorated that ride with a “155” tattoo.

He rolls up one sleeve of his black T-shirt, which he wears atop denim, frayed-at-the-knees shorts, to reveal the ink. He dips his head fleetingly — eyes hidden behind dark specs and under the tip of a taupe cowboy hat — then lifts his chin, wearing a big grin.

“She is Lynnette, the sexy sexy Corvette,” he says. “She’ll get you in trouble but you keep going back.”

Short’s trio on display offers a trip through time.

The 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 is innovating in its attention to both beauty and power. As Hemmings Magazine notes, “muscle car aficionados rank the Monte Carlo SS high on the short list of personal luxury cars that tout performance at the very core.”

Like most of his cars, the Monte Carlo sort of “found me,” Short says. A friend of a friend was selling, and Short fell fast for the deep-red beauty, which he calls Christine. The Monte Carlo’s injuries, bumps and bruises always seem to “heal” easily, he says, like the regenerating ’65 Mustang in Stephen King’s novel of the same name.

The most meaningful and striking car in Short’s collection, however, is also the slowest, maxing out at about 60 miles per hour. It is Buttercup, a 1928 Ford Model A, also the oldest and rarest of his collection.

Short’s dad had a fascination with old Fords. When he heard about a family liquidating its recently deceased patriarch’s collection, Short went to check it out. When the adult son (obviously no car guy) tried to start up the ancient coup, the engine would not cooperate. Short confesses he had an idea what the problem was but kept quiet with a lowball offer, which the seller reluctantly accepted. It took Short about 30 minutes to have the prohibition-era gem running.

In the leather backseat today is a photo of Short’s dad behind the wheel — hair gray, eyes twinkling and wearing an ear-to-ear smile.

“We spent a lot of time working on this car together before he died,” Short says.

“She is Lynnette, the sexy sexy Corvette, She’ll get you in trouble but you keep going back.”

Of his 11 cars and trucks, Buttercup is the foremost showstopper. For instance, “I had a lady, like 80-something years old, stop me in the parking lot to tell me how when she was a little girl, she and her brother rode across country in a car like this, riding the rumble seat, or as some call it, the ‘mother-in-lawseat.’ ” He yanks at the rear and exposes a miniscule, uncovered chair that could fit two children, albeit uncomfortably.

Another time he exited a restaurant to find a family posing for photos around his car. “They had the little girl standing here,” he says, slapping the fender. “When I came out, they started apologizing and offering to pay me.”

A fussier owner might have suffered a coronary, but Short just laughed. “I

like that people get enjoyment from it.” (Though, in general, he doesn’t recommend randomly placing children atop vintage vehicles). The Model A is sturdy and practical, constructed from wood and steel; Ford offered a floorboard hand crank in case of engine trouble and sold a kit that allowed the owner to convert the car into a tractor in a time of need.

“One day I watched this little boy, just 4-5 years old, and he just could not take his eyes off of it. He just stared and stared. He didn’t know what it was, but he knew he was looking at something special,” Short says. “That kid’s a car guy, I thought. It’s in your DNA, you don’t become a car guy, you are a car guy.” —CHRISTINA

HUGHES BABB

“He just stared and stared. He didn’t know what it was, but he knew he was looking at something special.”

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The 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 is innovating in its attention to both beauty and power. She’s remarkably resilient; her name is Christine.

THE market

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THE LATEST ON LOCAL

NEW NEAR THE NEIGHBORHOOD

A string of Austin-based businesses are headed to the Lake Highlands vicinity. TreeHouse, Hat Creek Burger and Tacodeli recently announced they’re opening at The Hill Shopping Center near Walnut Hill Lane.

Costco opened in May only six months after construction began. Located just outside our neighborhood on Coit Road at Churchill Lane, the Washington-based company received $3 million in economic funds from the City of Dallas to buy the $16-million land.

OUT AND IN

Just a year after it opened, Frank’s Taco Grill on Upper Greenville shuttered operations. Roma’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant purchased and commenced revamping the property. Roma’s previously occupied a deteriorating corner at 7402 Greenville Ave., across from Presbyterian Hospital.

MAYBE COMING SOON

A new restaurant is in store for Greenville Avenue near Moss Park, but developers need approval from the City of Dallas. Standridge Companies applied for a permit to build a restaurant at 7580 Greenville. “We’re planning to gut the current building [whose primary occupant is a tire shop] completely to create lots of open space and a patio,” says Standridge’s Tommy Crowell. Neighbors offered input and asked questions at a May 25 meeting (which had not happened at time of publication. See advocatemag.com for post-meeting updates).

Nearby, landlord Sebastian Ahmadi of SEB Group has asked the city to terminate deed restrictions on his property at 7606 Greenville, partially occupied by Buckeye Cut Rate Liquor. A potential tenant wants to bring a “Chipotle-style” fresh, fast food place to the vacant north side of the existing building, however, a drive-thru would be important to the concept, something current restrictions do not allow.

TRUE CRIME

Police in May found Christopher Carraway unconscious between the Sonic and a car wash on Plano Road at Walnut Hill. The 36-year-old died from “multiple injuries” at a local hospital shortly after the discovery. Dallas Police detectives are seeking details related to the apparent murder. Call 214.671.3665 if you have any information.

Police continue to seek intelligence related to the May 2 sexual assault of a woman in her Holly Hill Drive apartment, which straddles the Lake Highlands and Vickery Meadow neighborhoods. “The unknown suspect entered into the residence through an unlocked door and demanded property while displaying a weapon. The suspect then sexually assaulted the victim and fled the location in an unknown direction,” Police say. (A police sketch is viewable on advocatemag.com.)

One morning near the end of April, a temporary lockdown of some Lake Highlands schools went into effect as an active shooter allegedly terrorized a nearby office building. Walking into a seventh-floor conference room of a building on I-635, Matthew Kempf , 60, of Allen shot and killed Lana Canada of Sulphur Springs, a newlywed with seven children, before turning the gun on himself. 42

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The charity 100 Women of Lake Highlands this quarter donated $33,000 to Northlake Elementary School PTA. The funds will be used to provide iPads and technology training. 100 Women has grown to 330 members, and each donates $100 directly to one charity each quarter. Founded in 2014, the organization has given funds to Pamper Lake Highlands, Forerunner Mentoring and other Lake Highlands nonprofits.

The Lake Highlands Women’s League presented college scholarships to Lake Highlands High School students: Brian Akins, John Allen IV, Melanie Amboh, Michael Anowey, Faith Ayeni, Maybelin Benitez, Chloe Bidne, Doan (Anna) Bui, Devany Estrada, Samantha Fowler, Gabriyn (Gabe) Gettens, Blen Hussain, Monica Lira, Nicole Madawo, Robert Mahurin, Tate Martin, Karen Mendoza, Jordyn Moye, Ladi Par, Giselle Pina, Kayla Ramsay, Chellsie Rangel, Natalie Regan, Sefanit Rezene, Maldini Sakah, Dylan Siegers, Riley Smith, Taylor Smith, Melinda Thompson, Shamyra Thompson, Shannon Williams and Chris Wogbeh. Scholarship funds derive chiefly from the annual Holiday in the Highlands home tour, held on the first Friday of December. This year students received scholarships totaling $90,000.

The Exchange Club of Lake Highlands last month recognized teachers of the year including: Brittany Suits, Cathleen Barnette, Amanda Goldberg, Kelly Moss, Karen Scoggins and Claudine Figueroa. Students Catherine Bryant and Kevin Leib garnered Youth of the Year awards, while Blen Hussain, whose remarkable family was featured in our last issue, received the ACE (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award. The ECLH presents scholarships at a May 19 ceremony (visit advocatemag.com for the post-event report).

The Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League last month held its annual Run the Highlands 5k. This year, proceeds went to help fund an all-abilities playground at Flag Pole Hill.

Lake Highlands High School and National Football League alum Wade Smith recently visited multiple Lake Highlands and Dallas elementary schools where he read his new children’s book, “Smitty Tackles Bullying,” to students.

DALLAS ACADEMY

950 Tiffany Way, Dallas 75218 / 214.324.1481 / dallas-academy.com

Founded in 1965, Dallas Academy’s mission is to restore the promise of full academic enrichment to students with learning differences in grades 1-12. A meaningful connection with each student is established to overcome barriers to success. Dallas Academy offers students an effective program and strategies to meet the special educational needs of bright students with learning differences, while including the activities of a larger, more traditional school. Classes are small, with a student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 where students are encouraged, praised, and guided toward achieving their goals. Diagnostic testing is available to students throughout the community.

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN SCHOOL OF DALLAS

7611 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225 / 214.368.1371 / ORDallas. org On a beautiful campus just across from NorthPark Center, Our Redeemer encourages working above level, but without the atmosphere of anxiety and pressure. We’re nationally accredited through NLSA with our students historically scoring 2.5 years above level in nationally normed testing. PK 2 – 6th graders are provided a faith-based education of co-curricular Fine Arts and Language enrichment, strong academics, daily PE and recess and interscholastic athletics. Before and aftercare options are offered for PK3 and up. Private tours by request.

SPANISH HOUSE

Four East Dallas Locations / 214.826.4410/ DallasSpanishHouse.com Spanish Immersion Program in East Dallas! Nursery, Preschool, Elementary and Adult Programs available. Our new dual-language elementary campus is now open at 7159 E. Grand Ave. Please visit our website at DallasSpanishHouse. com for more information.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership

grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

UT DALLAS CHESS CAMP

800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson 75080 / (972) 883-4899 / utdallas.edu/chess ) 2016

Summer Chess Camp Campers learn while they PLAY. Chess develops reading, math, critical and analytical skills, and builds character and self-esteem. Just don’t tell the kids…they think chess is fun! Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7 to 14 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (1-4pm) sessions are available June 13-17, June 20-24, July 18-22, July 25-29 and extended playing classes. Camp includes t-shirt, chess board and pieces, trophy, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks. Instructors are from among UT Dallas Chess Team Pan-Am Intercollegiate Champions for 2010-2012!

WHITE ROCK NORTH SCHOOL

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas/ 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 65 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

By GEORGE MASON

Here we are now, entertain us

Churches are not exempt from the consumer

Shocking. Heartbreaking. This. Believe. Surprising.

These are a few of the common clickbait words used in Internet headlines to lure you into reading. So, it shouldn’t have “surprised” me to “believe” that I would have clicked on “this”: “Survey shocker: music dead last, sermons first, as worship draws.”

The story got my attention, especially because I like empirical reinforcement about how important my sermons are. There, I said it. I wasn’t as happy to read the low esteem for music. My sympathies were roused for worship leaders ministers, choirs and instrumentalists. Then I realized people who took the survey probably don’t go to my church, so they can’t be blamed. Of course, I figure they all do go to my church about the sermon part.

The Gallup people who did this recent survey found that fully three-quarters of respondents cited sermons that illuminate the scripture and apply it to daily life as the top reason people attend a particular church. This comes in just ahead of spiritual programs for children and youth, and engagement in community outreach. Last on the list was music, whether a good choir or praise band.

But think about what worship would be without music that raises our praises to God. And imagine a church with great preaching and dreadfully poor music. I suspect excellence in one is tied to excellence in the other. And that’s true across the board, whether education or community involvement.

Sometimes surveys like this try too hard. My biggest complaint is how they play into the consumer mentality of why people go to church. We have too much “à la carte religion” today: people picking and choosing according to their tastes

and preferences. Next thing you know, we’ll be installing Facebook-like buttons in the pews with emoji choices of like, love, haha, wow, sad or angry.

If there is a positive aspect of the results of the survey, it may be counter to the point I just made: Maybe people are looking for depth after all. And that’s worth celebrating.

As one survey commentator put it: “Churches feel they need to keep entertaining people in the pews to keep them coming. We’re a culture that likes to be entertained. … It can be a part of our lives but it shouldn’t be what we live for. I think churches are probably responding to modern man’s need to be entertained all the time It can feel

WORSHIP

ANGLICAN

ALL SAINTS EAST DALLAS / allsaintseastdallas.org

Sunday worship 5:00 pm / Live in God’s Presence. Live Out His Love. Meeting at Central Lutheran Church / 1000 Easton Road

BAPTIST

PARK CITIES BAPTIST CHURCH / 3933 Northwest Pky / pcbc.org

Worship & Bible Study 9:15 & 10:45 Traditional, Contemporary, Spanish Speaking / 214.860.1500

WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00 am

Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

BIBLE CHURCHES

NORTH HIGHLANDS BIBLE CHURCH / nhbc.net / 9626 Church Rd.

Sun: LifeQuest 9:00 am / Worship 10:30 am / 214.348.9697

Wed: AWANA and Kids Choir 6:00 pm / Student Ministry 6:30 pm

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel 10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org

LUTHERAN

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

Sunday School for all ages 9:00 am / Worship Service 10:30 am

Pastor Rich Pounds / CentralLutheran.org / 214.327.2222

FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Ln. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule. 214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON 503 N Central Exwy / fumcr.com / 972.235.8385 / Dr. Clayton Oliphint

8:45, 9:45, 11:00 am sanctuary / access modern worship 11:00am

LAKE HIGHLANDS UMC / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com

Sunday Morning: 9:30 am Sunday School / 10:30 am Coffee Worship: 8:30 am & 11:00 am Traditional / 11:00 am Contemporary

like we’re watching a talent competition instead of answering deep meaningful questions about our God.”

It used to be that we went to the movies to be entertained and to church to wrestle with life’s questions about meaning and purpose. Sometimes now it seems to have switched. Faith communities should remember their reason for being.

Church aims to call us out of a self-centered living and invites us to participate in the story of what God is doing in the world. In other words, it’s about God, not us. Only God is worthy of our worship.

George Mason is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church. The Worship section is underwritten by Advocate Publishing and the neighborhood businesses and churches listed here. For information about helping support the Worship section, call 214.560.4202.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

LAKE POINTE CHURCH – WHITE ROCK CAMPUS

Classic Service at 9:30 & Contemporary Service at 11:00 am lakepointe.org / 9150 Garland Road

PRESBYTERIAN

LAKE HIGHLANDS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 214.348.2133 8525 Audelia Road at NW Hwy. / www.lhpres.org

9:00 am Contemporary, 9:55 am Christian Ed., 11:00 am Traditional

NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr. 214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Summer Worship 10:00 am Church that feels like church and welcomes like family.

mentality

Next thing you know, we’ll be installing Facebook-like buttons in the pews with emoji choices of like, love, haha, wow, sad or angry.

AC & HEAT

CLEANING SERVICES

A MAID FOR YOU Bonded/Insured.Park Cities/ M Streets Refs. Call Us First. Joyce 214-232-9629

A WORLD CLASS CLEANING SERVICE

You deserve High Standards and Quality Cleaning. You’ve tried the rest... Now try the Best! WindsorMaidServices.com 214-381-MAID (6243)

Family Owned & Operated

Serving the Dallas area for over 30 years

We raise our kids here, too!

972-274-2157

www.CrestAirAndHeat.com

TACLB29169E

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

USED APPLIANCES FOR SALE Washer $125. Dryer $89.1 yr. Warranty. Repair. 972-329-2202

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

Five Rings Financial has part-time opportunities! JR@FiveRingsFinancial.com 214-702-0033 x502

BUY/SELL/TRADE

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models. 2000-2016. Any Condition. Running Or Not. Top $$$ Paid. Free Towing. We’re Nationwide. Call Now 1-888-985-1806

COMCAST HI-SPEED INTERNET $29.99/mo (for 12 mos.) No term agreement. Fast downloads. Plus ask about TV (140 Channels) Internet bundle for $79.99/mo (for 12 mos.) 1-844-714-4451

RANGERS, STARS & MAVS

Share front-row Texas Rangers, Stars & Mavs seats. Tickets are available in sets of 10 games (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available). Participants randomly draw numbers prior to season to determine a draft order fair to everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 www.squarenailwoodworking.com

CLASSES/TUTORING/LESSONS

ART: Draw/Paint. Adults All Levels. Lake Highlands N. Rec. Ctr. Days: Mon & Wed. Students bring supplies. Nights: 1xt month workshop, supplies furnished. Jane Cross. 214-534-6829,

CREATIVE ARTS CENTER

More than 500 adult art classes/workshops from metal to mosaic! www.creativeartscenter.org

VOICE TEACHER with 40+ years experience. M.M. LSU • www.PatriciaIvey.com trilletta@msn.com • 214-769-8560

AFFORDABLE CLEANING Insd./Bonded. Move In/Out. Routine Cleaning. Reliable. Dependable. Residential/ Commercial. References. 28+yrs. Delta Cleaning. 972-943-9280.

ALTOGETHER CLEAN

Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net

AMAZON CLEANING

Top To Bottom Clean. Fabiana.469-951-2948

AMIRA MAID 972-840-8880

Since ‘98. Insured. amiramaid.com Dependable Service. References

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

FATHER, SON, GRANDSON Window Cleaning. Free Est. Derek. 682-716-9892

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

ALL COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED

MAC/PC Great Rates! Keith 214-295-6367

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR

Virus Removal, Data Recovery. Home/Biz Network Install. All Upgrades & Repairs. PC Instruction. No Trip Fee. 214-348-2566

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK & STONE REPAIR

Tuck Pointing / Crack Repair. Mortar Color Matching. Don 214-704-1722

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete

Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com

50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333

TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses

EXPERIENCED LICENSED ELECTRICIAN Insd. Steve. TECL#27297 214-718-9648

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TEXAS ELECTRICAL • 214-289-0639

Prompt, Honest, Quality Service. TECL 24668

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd. E795. 214-850-4891

FENCING & DECKS

KIRKWOOD FENCE & DECK

New & Repair. Free Estimates. Nathan Kirkwood. 214-341-0699

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com

All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

EST. 1991 #1

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

Northlake Fence and Deck

Locally owned and operated by the Mccaffrey family since1980

214-349-9132

www.northlakefence.com

CONSUMERS CHOICE AWARDS 2007-2016

Making Homes

TECL20502

972-926-7007

arrowelectric.net

Phones Answered 24/7

EMPLOYMENT

PET SITTERS, DOG WALKERS reply to http://www.pcpsi.com/join

ESTATE/GARAGE SALES

WANT TO MAKE MONEY? Richardson Mercantile is looking for dealers who want to join one of the best antique malls in DFW. Need details? Go to richardsonmercantile@gmail.com

EXTERIOR CLEANING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

FENCING & DECKS

#1 COWBOY FENCE & IRON CO. Est. ‘91. 214-692-1991 www.cowboyfenceandiron.com

4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322

Specializing in Wood, New or Repair.

AMBASSADOR FENCE INC. EST. 96 Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, ambassadorfenceco.com 214-621-3217

FENCING & WOODWORK oldgatefence.com . 214-766-6422

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM

Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574

FLOORING & CARPETING

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

Installation, Repair, Refinish, Wax, Hand Scrape. Residential, Commercial. Sports Floors. 30 Yrs.

FENN CONSTRUCTION Manufactored hardwoods. Stone and Tile. Back-splash Specials. 214-343-4645

HASTINGS STAINED CONCRETE New/Remodel. Stain/Wax Int/Ext. Nick. 214-341-5993. www.hastingsfloors.com

WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS 214-824-1166 • WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

Restoration Flooring

25+ Years Experience

469.774.3147

Hardwood Installation · Hand Scraping Sand & Finish · Dustless restorationflooring.net

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp. 972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE SERVICES

IDEAL GARAGE DOORS • 972-757-5016

Install & Repair. 10% off to military/1st responders.

ROCKET GARAGE DOOR SERVICE - 24/7. Repairs/Installs. 214-533-8670. Coupon On Web. www.RocketDoor.com

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned.214-826-8096

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

JIM HOWELL 214-357-8984 Frameless Shower Enclosures/Custom Mirrors. Free Estimates

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

ALL STAR HOME CARE Carpentry, Glass, Tile, Paint, Doors, Sheetrock Repair, and more. 25 yrs. exp. References. Derry 214-505-4830

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDY MANNY PAINTING/HOME REPAIR Int./Ext. Manny 214-334-2160

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HOME REPAIR HANDYMAN Small/Big Jobs + Construction. 30 Yrs. Exp. 214-875-1127

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

HONEST, SKILLED General Repairs/ WANTED: ODD Allen’s Handyman

HOUSE PAINTING

BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Professional Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT

Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

TEXAS BEST PAINTING 214-527-4168 Master

Painter. High Quality Work. Int/Ext.

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work

Since 1984. Int./Ext. 214-755-2700

TOP COAT 30 yrs. exp. Reliable, Quality Repair/Remodel Phil @ 214-770-2863

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

Swim and heat safety tips.

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT WE

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape Renovation.

RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779 RedSunLandscapes.com

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS

Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Remove, Cabling, Bracing/Bolting. Cavity-Fill Stump Grind. Emergencies, Hazards. Insd. Free Est. 972-803-6313. arborwizard.com

The heat is coming. That means months in the refreshing waters of a cool swimming pool. Use these tips to stay safe in these sweltering months.

• Swim in areas designated by lifeguards.

• Never leave a child unattended near the water.

• Protect your skin with sunscreen that is at least SPF 15. • Re-apply every hour, especially after being in the water.

• Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.

• Make sure there is approved swim equipment close by for emergencies and inexperienced swimmers. Now jump in and enjoy!

TRACY’S LAWN CARE • 972-329-4190

Lawn Mowing & Leaf Cleaning

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. Your Personal Yard Service by Uwe Reisch uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202

YOUR TREES could look

972-308-6035

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS

Granite, Quartz, Marble For Kitchen/Bath-Free Est.. stoneage.brandee@gmail.com 940-465-6980

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 12 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

CALL A TREE EXPERT - 469-939-3344

Prune. Stump grind. Plant. Burris Tree Service

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

Trim, Remove, Stump Grind. Free Est. Insured. 214-823-6463

DALLAS GROUNDSKEEPER Organic Lawn Maintenance designed to meet your needs. 214-471-5723 dallasgroundskeeper.com

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

LSI LAWN SPRINKLERS “Making Water Work” Irrigation system Service & Repair. Specializing In Older Copper Systems. LI #13715. 214-283-4673

Ron 972-816-5634

A+ INT/EXT PAINT & DRYWALL

Since 1977. Kirk Evans. 972-672-4681

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Insd.

CC’s Accepted. 214-924-7058 214-770-2435

MORTGAGE SERVICES

NEED A PURCHASE, REFIANCE Or Renovation Home Loan? Call Pat Nagler, PrimeLending Sr. Loan Officer (NMLS: 184376) 214-402-4019 for all your mortgage needs.

MOVING

AM MOVING COMPANY Specialty Moving & Delivery.469-278-2304 ammovingcompany.com

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 + Tax

For General Treatment.

Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

PET SERVICES

DOGGIE DEN DALLAS Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, Training. 6444 E. Mockingbird Ln. 214-823-1441 • DoggieDenDallas.com

HOUSE CALLS OF DALLAS Personalized Care

For Your Pet Or Home. Everything from traveling or away for the day. Insured/Bonded.214-505-2525. housecallsofdallas.com

THE PET DIVAS Pet Sitting, Daily Dog Walks, In Home/Overnight Stays.Basic Obedience Training. thepetdivas.com 817-793-2885. Insured

PLUMBING

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues.

HAYES PLUMBING INC. Repairs. Insured, 214-343-1427 License M13238

M&S PLUMBING Quality Work & Prompt Service. Jerry. 214-235-2172. lic.#M-11523

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913

Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend

PLUMBING

THE PLUMBING MANN LLC All Plumbing! Since 1978. Family Owned. RMP/Master-14240 Insured. 214-FAST-FIX/ 214-327-8349

We Solve Your Plumbing Problems

HUNTER PLUMBING 214-324-2733

POOLS

LEAFCHASERS POOL SERVICE Parts/Service. Chemicals/Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTING, TAXES

Small Businesses & Individuals. Chris King, CPA 214-824-5313 chriskingcpa.com

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need Help Organizing Finances?No Job Too Small or Big. Call C.A.S. Bookkeeping Services. Cindy 214-577-7450

LICENSED PHYCHOLOGIST Academic, behavioral, ADHD, emotional testing. Children, adolescents, adults. Therapy.

Dr. Katherine Pang 214-531-7624 lighthousepsychtesting.com

PARADIGMFAMILYHEALTH.COM Affordable Family Medicine. Healthcare you deserve! 214-810-3553

WORRIED? ANXIOUS? Relaxed, effective professional counseling for anxiety in teens, adults & seniors. dallascounselor.com 214-489-7774

REAL ESTATE

LITTLE FOREST HILLS Single Family Residence for Lease. 2/1 $1,200/mo. No pets. No smoking. Cheryl Heed 214-235-1399

REMODELING

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

Bob

Mobile. SEO Friendly. Maintainable.

AdvocateWebDesign.com 214.292.2053

OUR CITY

By ANGELA HUNT

Falling is the crown

Political trendsetters are losing their grip on Election Day

Where have Dallas’ kingmakers gone?

While there were many lessons to be gleaned from last month’s Dallas City Council elections — District 14 can’t be bought, debates matter and voters are more engaged than we give them credit for — the one that’s fascinated me the last few weeks is the embarrassing lack of influence of big-name endorsers.

Dallas has historically been a city in which well-connected business people and influential politicians have played outsized roles in determining the outcome of our local elections. Their anointing and decreeing of chosen local leaders has fundamentally shaped and molded our city, for better or worse, rippling through policy decisions, budget priorities and massive civic projects.

For decades, the Dallas Citizens Council has played a central role in selecting our city’s mayor (with a few notable exceptions). The Dallas Morning News editorial board’s endorsement has for years influenced voters. Dallas notables, particularly former mayors and business leaders, have significantly impacted local electoral outcomes.

But something remarkably refreshing happened this May. None of that seemed to matter. The billboards, the endorsements, the sterling name ID of those administering proclamations from on high: It just didn’t seem to make much of a difference to voters. They made up their own minds

District 14 was the most glaring example of what physicists are calling the Kingmaker-Shrug Effect. A well-funded political action committee called For Our Community (ironically funded by rich people who don’t live in the community) did its utmost to unseat the incumbent,

Philip Kingston, and install another candidate of their choosing. Without contribution or spending limits, the PAC spared no expense, blanketing residents’ mailboxes with slick mailers day after day, touting the endorsement of former mayor Ron Kirk, putting up huge billboards with former police chief David Brown. The daily paper got into the act, too, coming out strongly against Kingston in multiple editorials.

But the effect on voters was minimal. In the final tally, Kingston handily defeated the kingmakers’ chosen candidate. Now, you’re thinking, “Sure, it’s East

Visit lakehighlandsadvocatemag.com and search Angela Hunt to tell us what you think.

Dallas. Those hippies love sticking it to The Man.” And no doubt there was a good helping of, “If The Establishment says vote for that guy, I’m voting for this guy.”

But it wasn’t just a backlash against the Dallas elite or a fierce pride in sticking it to the powers-that-be that determined the election results. Voters just didn’t seem as interested or impressed with a candidate’s backers as they were with getting to know the candidates themselves. And that’s what ultimately won the race for Kingston.

This phenomenon wasn’t limited to District 14. For Our Community backed five City Council incumbents, yet voters in three of the five races weren’t impressed: the incumbents in Districts 6, 7 and 8 failed to secure a majority of the vote

and are headed to run-offs. The Dallas Morning News’ endorsements likewise failed to tip the scales in several races.

It may be too soon to pronounce the death of kingmakering in Dallas, but it sure looks like its impact has been significantly lessened. Social media has played a large part in democratizing information. Instead of accepting second-hand opinions about candidates, voters can now independently investigate them and draw their own conclusions. There is also a growing skepticism about endorsements — a healthy “trust but verify” philosophy that requires more engagement from voters, but ultimately makes the decision in the voting booth more meaningful and personal.

If there are no more real kingmakers in Dallas, or, at the very least, if Dallas’ kingmakers don’t wield the influence they have enjoyed in past elections, I’m curious to see what our next mayoral election will look like. It’s two years away. Will the Dallas Citizens Council once again anoint their candidate? How will the Dallas electorate respond? What role will For Our Community or some other super PAC play in the next mayoral race?

Or try this existential shirt on for size: What if Dallas kingmakers aren’t really dead at all, it’s just that, now we’re all the kingmakers? The downside is, we wouldn’t have Dallas oligarchs to kick anymore when things went sideways. The upside is, we could finally claim Dallas as our own. Imagine that.

Angela Hunt is a former Dallas city councilwoman. She writes a monthly opinion column about neighborhood issues. Her opinions are not necessarily those of the Advocate or its management. Send comments and ideas to her ahunt@advocatemag.com.

It may be too soon to pronounce the death of kingmakering in Dallas, but it sure looks like its impact has been significally lessened.