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Reader Comments

“I don’t know about the city’s process, but the school serves almost 2,500 students and was built for about 1,600. It needs an addition and a new gym. But even if a bond passed tomorrow, it would be 3-4 years before anything could be done and the kids need the space NOW.” —momto3inDISD on Build now, approve later? W.T. White’s new portable slipped in under the radar

“Their brisket and burgers were delicious, would definitely go back.”

Gabe on Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill now open near Northwest Highway and I-35

“Thanks for the terrific article and fabulous pictures!” —PantherPround on Hillcrest High School celebrates 75 years of Panther Pride

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Meet the new North Central police chief

During his first crime watch meeting as the new North Central deputy police chief, Rick Watson quickly learned just how important crime prevention is to our neighborhoods.

“It was well, well, well attended,” he says of the meeting. “I think they had 80plus people with standing room only.”

Watson began Aug. 15 as the new chief of the North Central Patrol Division, which encompasses Far North Dallas and part of Preston Hollow. He replaced Jesse Reyes, who, after five years, left for a new position in the Dallas Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division.

The key issues remain the same in North Central — crime-ridden apartment complexes, particularly in Far North Dallas, as well as residential burglaries and car break-ins.

“There seem to be pockets that give us trouble — just like [other divisions have],” Watson says. “We all have them. I’m just trying to determine, what’s the common denominator?”

Having spent 36 years with the DPD, Watson brings a wide variety of experience to North Central. As a rookie, he started out in the Southwest Patrol Division, of which he later became deputy chief. He also has served in the personnel division, the support services division and 911 dispatch. Most recently, he oversaw the property crimes division, where he worked on organized retail theft cases.

“We call it pushing Tide,” he says.

It’s when criminals steal large amounts of merchandise — anything from shampoo to laptops — and sell it to a second party, known as a fence, who could then sell it in another store. Officers work undercover for long periods of time to catch the culprits.

“It’s the same way we approach narcotics. It’s a food chain. You have to work your way up.”

Watson has come a long way since his rookie days. Like most respectable cops, his career in law enforcement was born out of a desire to help people.

“This is going to sound corny, but I mean it,” he says. “I wanted to make a difference — for honest, hard-working individuals who are doing the best they can, regardless of socioeconomic status.”

But there’s another side to the job that not all officers handle well, he says, and that’s treating others the way you’d want to be treated — even the criminals. Police officers have a huge responsibility.

“No other person has that kind of authority to take your freedom from you,” he says. “You can’t take advantage of it. Not all of us get a fair hand in life.”

—Emily Toman

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Be inspired by author and multiple sclerosis survivor Kristie Salerno …

… and help fund multiple sclerosis research at the seventh annual On the Move Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas at 2121 McKinney on Nov. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Preston Hollow resident and CultureMap editor-in-chief Jennifer Chininis is honorary event chair. Chininis’ sister, Stephanie, was diagnosed with MS in 2001. Individual tickets are $200. For additional information and tickets visit onthemovetx.org or contact Shannon Nelson at 469.619.4704.

Give the gift of coziness …

… during the 10th annual Share the Warmth blanket drive. Sleep Experts and Girl Scouts troops in Northeast Texas will collect new or gently used blankets Oct. 28 through Thanksgiving. Share the Warmth benefits The Family Place and other area domestic violence shelters. In addition to blankets, you can also donate new and gently used comforters, sheets, towels and pillows. Call the Sleep Experts on Lovers and the Tollway at 972.619.7381 for more information.

Take a spin class led by a master instructor … and meet professional golfer Justin Leonard and his wife, Amanda, at the SpinClassic 2-3 p.m. Nov. 2 at Equinox Highland Park. Proceeds will support Camp Mati, a non-profit organization supporting Dallas families with children battling cancer. Purchase tickets to spin or just watch the action and participate in the live and silent auctions. Visit campmati.com to register from now until the event.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.