Today’s talking points …

Mural in Dallas. Photo by Danny Fulgencio

THAT’S SO DALLAS
Oak Lawn’s come a long way, baby, since the 1950s, when gay men were depicted in the daily paper as “sex perverts … corrupting the morals of Dallas teenagers.” (Dallas Morning News) Today, Dallas’ pioneering gayborhood is the site of our state’s first Texas Historical Commission marker consecrating a gay and lesbian community. A two-year effort culminated Wednesday, as the commemorative plaque went up in front of Cedar Springs staple JR’s Bar and Grill. (NBC 5)

THE CATCH UP: YOUR NEWS DIGEST
No comment: Our mayor won’t tell whether Dallas was among cities called on by Amazon’s HQ2 selection team, which just revisited Miami and Chicago. (WFAA)

Trail-funding drive: If you’re using toll roads, kudos for contributing to hike and bike trail expansions and connections from East Dallas to Fort Worth and other nearby cities. (Fort Worth Star Telegram)

Dad demands change: Lakewood father Chris Fox is leading the fight for diaper-changing equality. Fox wants baby-changing tables in men’s public restrooms and rejects the idea that women do all the dirty work, a stance so mind blowing it landed him on the evening news. He’s the face of the (bowel) movement. Sorry. We’ll stop now. (Lakewood Advocate)

Cost-conscious couture: You can purchase super-duper-break-the-bank designer clothing for mere put-you-in-a-moderate-financial-hole prices at this chic boutique. (CW33)

‘Egregious political vendetta’: That’s what some call a longtime City of Dallas crusade against carwash owner Dale Davenport. A state special investigative committee in 2006 essentially agreed, concluding circumstances “a citywide shakedown scam.” It involves said carwash catching blame for crime on and around its property. (Dallas Observer)

Sounds familiar: We deem Davenport’s plight decidedly akin to that of Mohammed Khanani, owner of Bent Tree Center at Forest-Audelia; Dallas filed a lawsuit forcing him to employ about $130k worth of additional security measures. (Lake Highlands Advocate)

HARD NEWS: IT’LL BE QUICK
A prayer for penance: The Catholic Diocese hired outside investigators to review the personnel files of 220 area priests. St. Cecilia Catholic Church held a “ceremony of sorrow” this week during which Bishop Edward Burns lay prostrate on the altar and apologized for the failure of bishops to protect children. (NBC 5)

Worker, artiste, friend: Raul Ortega-Cabrera, the construction worker killed this week, side gigged as a musician. Fellow band members memorialized him with the last tune they performed together, a song called, “I Will Never Forget You.” (WFAA)

Pedestrian perils: A teen who incurred brain damage after a car struck and nearly killed him advocates, along with his peers, for safer streets. (Fox 4)

DINING: BE THAT FOODIE KNOW-IT-ALL
Daily bread: Empire Baking Co. — preferred bread maker to Dallas restaurants — are bringing their buns and such to The Hill at Central and Walnut Hill. (Culture Map)

Pause for plumbing: Peaberry Coffee proprietors point toward fall opening in Oak Cliff, provided they can get their pipes fixed.  (Oak Cliff Advocate)

These ARE the droids we’re looking for! Robot baristas prepare just-right java, but humans are still assembling sandwiches — some of the city’s best, we’re told. (Dallas Observer)

EVENTS: OR, HOW TO AVOID LAME DATES
THURSDAY
— Garbage plays House of Blues. (Details)
— “Isle of Dogs” screens outdoors at MUTTS Canine Cantina. Bring your pup, a pillow and a picnic to watch Wes Anderson greatness. (Details)

FRIDAY
— Wizard Fest Dallas hosts a Harry Potter party at Trees. (Details)
— Dying Fetus plays Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill. Genre: Death Metal. You had to ask? No. (Details)

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