Via Rideshare Program Expanding Service Area in Arlington

By
David Hoang
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Via Ride Share Van

With new tech start-ups, a worldwide push for convenience, and for growing concerns like
helping the environment, more and more forms of public transportation are becoming just as popular as they are necessary.

In our own Arlington, one of the fastest-growing and most accessible options has become the Via Ridesharing Service.

Via rides are quick, on-demand and inexpensive at only $3 a pop (per person, per trip). And, as of June 3 rd , they will now take you to more parts of the city than ever before!

The original pilot service area became quickly popular, hitting important spots like the
Entertainment District and the University of Texas at Arlington and downtown. Now, the service will provide transportation to and from a section of the city near Division Street and Arkansas Lane, east of Highway 360.

Via New Service Area

With service hours from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Via rides are available through the apps for Android and iOS as well as by phone (just call 817-748-7382).

At $3 a ride and with on-demand, algorithm-optimized, smart-route-based ride sharing, it’s no wonder how Via has made such an impact on public transportation in Arlington. Residents and City officials alike feel encouraged to see the program grow.

Almost 200,000 rides have been taken since the service piloted in the city in late 2017. Arlington became one of the first cities in the United States to welcome ridesharing as an innovative solution, optimizing and bettering public transportation. Hundreds of other metros around the country will continue to follow suit as the system improves and gains popularity.

Take a Via ride today to become a part of the momentum.

Inside KAABOO Texas Festival 2019 in Arlington

By
David Hoang
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KAABOO broke the mold of the typical music festival introducing a culinary experience curated by the best chefs in the country, hilarious comedy acts, contemporary art, and craft brews on top of the world-class musical performances. This was the perfect weekend escape in Arlington, TX.

This curated three-day experience offerd a long list of amenities for all attendees inside the massive AT&T stadium.

KAABOO Festival in Arlington, Texas hosted a Legendary Lineup including the likes of Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The Kindness program of KAABOO will continue to give support to Arlington’s charities and other State organizations. A portion of the purchased passes for the festival was donated to the featured charitable partners like the global partner, The Recording Academy’s MusiCares program, and local charities like Texas Wildlife and Park Foundation, and the Texas Music Project.

The festival included six stages inside and outside the AT&T Stadium where thousands of people from Arlington and the whole Metroplex had an unforgettable weekend. Although there are great musical acts, the experience included much more than music.

Arlington is the First Texas City to Receive the What Works Certification

By
Nikki Frisby
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From left: Strategic Initiatives Senior Officer Alicia Winkelblech, Communications Coordinator Susan Schrock, Assistant City Manager Jennifer Wichmann, Senior Budget Analyst Devon Waters and City Manager Trey Yelverton

Arlington just became the first Texas city to receive the What Works Certification, an award designed to evaluate how well cities are managed through innovative use of data and resident-focused programs.

Specific qualifying points are reviewed in-depth when awarding this certification, and the programs and city management in place in Arlington offered a compelling case for the city to become the 13th municipality to receive the title.

One of the biggest accomplishments the city was recognized for was the use of data to secure federal funding for residents’ and visitors’ transportation needs through a partnership with the rideshare company Via. To date, more than 156,000 trips have been made using this affordable, on-demand service since its launch 15 months ago.

Specifically, the City of Arlington was recognized with the What Works award thanks to the multi-departmental Data Governance and Innovation team’s adoption of an open data policy to promote and incorporate resident feedback.

This data governance has informed multiple City decisions, including:

  • The ongoing development of the Open Arlington portal, currently offering 39 data sets including interactive maps and water use, all segmented by Zip code
  • A greater emphasis on incorporating data in articles, videos and social media to communicate accurately and insightfully on public issues
  • The quick response to changing technologies, particularly to answer resident questions, including the City of Arlington Alexa integration and Street Tracker app
  • An ongoing push to uncover opportunities for partnerships with researchers, developers, entrepreneurs and even students to evaluate real-world applications of open public data

What Works Cities Certification

The What Works City Certification evaluates cities on factors including: whether they have staff dedicated to helping departments use data to track development and resident needs; past performance of these data programs; keeping key data open to the public; and providing transparency in goals and the progress toward them. Eligible cities must also demonstrate active policy that manages risk associated with data use and storage.

The certification program went live in 2017. Cities are awarded silver, gold or platinum certifications, depending on their level of data sophistication. Arlington was the first Texas city to receive the certification, and received a silver award—one of just seven cities to receive the award this year after assessing 90 cities around the U.S.

“We are proud to join a very small number of cities across the country who have achieved What Works Cities Certification,” said City Manager Trey Yelverton. “The taxpayers invest a lot in various technology solutions that are intended to help us manager our resources.”

And, without a doubt, those investments have paid off—not only for the honor of this award, but also for Arlington resident satisfaction and access to services.

To date, a total of 13 cities have received the certification: Arlington, TX (2019 Silver), Boston, MA (2018 Silver), Kansas City, MO (2019 Gold, 2018 Silver), Los Angeles, CA (2018 Gold), Louisville, KY (2019 Gold, 2018 Silver), Memphis, TN (2019 Silver), New Orleans, LA (2018 Silver), Philadelphia, PA (2019 Silver), San Diego, CA (2018 Silver), San Francisco (2018 Silver), Scottsdale, AZ (2019 Silver), Seattle, WA (2018 Silver), and Washington, DC (2019 Gold, 2018 Silver).

Bloomberg Philanthropies

“Data helps city leaders understand problems and measure success, and it helps citizens hold government accountable for meeting public needs on all the big challenges we face,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, three-term Mayor of New York City and founder of the Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Bloomberg set a new national standard for this certification through recognizing excellence in city governance. The organization also helps cities use data more proactively to evidence their most pressing challenges, ultimately improving residents’ lives. The What Works Cities Certification has been called the first of its kind.

KAABOO Festival in Arlington Texas Boasts Legendary Lineup Including Lionel Richie

By
Kitan Lawson
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KAABOO Festival in Arlington, Texas

KAABOO Texas is a first-of-its-kind event that combines music, lifestyle and collaboration with an NFL ownership group.

This 2019 event has been organized together with The Jerry Jones Family, who are the well-known visionaries behind the Dallas Cowboys.

KAABOO is breaking the mold of the typical music festival and introducing a culinary experience curated by the best chefs in the country, hilarious comedy acts, contemporary art, and craft brews on top of the world-class musical performances. This will be the perfect weekend escape in Arlington, TX.

This curated three-day experience will offer a long list of amenities for all attendees inside the massive AT&T stadium. Forget standing at a stage for 14 hours with the occasional treck through mud to a toilet paperless porta-pottie a mile away from the center of the party. Instead, KAABOO will have a variety of indoor and outdoor events inside and around the AT&T stadium with ample seating and regulated flush facilities. Were there too many 20 somethings in speedos at Ultra Miami or was Coachella too much of a logistical nightmare? KAABOO is just right for grown-ups that want to cut loose and join the party too.

KAABOO Festival in Arlington, Texas Boasts Legendary Lineup including the likes of Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd. KAABOO Texas has recently announced the addition of Lionel Richie in the May 10th-12th lineup of the multi-sensory event.

The popular-for-generations Lionel Richie has sold more than 100 million albums, and as a star of his rank will join a growing list of announced artists such as:

  • The Avett Brothers
  • The Killers
  • Sting
  • Kid Rock
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Lauryn Hill
  • Pitbull
  • Counting Crows
  • Alanis Morisette
  • The Blacked Eyed Peas
  • Ludacris
  • Flo Rida
  • Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
  • Larkin Poe
  • American Aquarium
  • Israel Nash
  • And many more

One of the most unique amenities at KAABOO Texas is Bask, a ‘Vegas-Style’ Day Pool + Night Club, presented by Coors Light. If you’re looking to seriously get your groove on Bask will feature some of the worlds hottest DJs including Cash Cash, Cheat Codes, and Mix Master Mike (of the Beastie Boys). Bask will also serve as a mini oasis between acts with dedicated bars and games. You and your squad can rent out your own private cabana and lounge poolside throughout the weekend. Get your summer started right with a little bit of fun in the sun and total beach vibes. This is an add on to the event so you will need to purchase entrance to bask as well as your general admission (or VIP experience if you’re feeling fancy).

For anyone looking for great comedy at the festival, performers like Dennis Miller, Brad Garrett, Garfunkel and Oates, Whitney Cummings, Jim Breuer, Rory Scovel, Heather McDonald, Chad Daniels, Kate Willett, Chris “CP” Powell, and many more will perform. Humor Me is KAABOO’s air-conditioned, seated comedy club that features some of the most talented comedians in the country. Take a break from dancing, kick back with a cold beer, and laugh your ass off.

Ditch the typical festival food for artisanal cuisine that will leave your tastebuds in awe. Palate is KAABOO’s culinary experience. You can pair your food with limited productions wines, craft spirits, and brews. Expect to see local favorite Revolver Brewing for that refined Texas taste. Some featured chefs include Christof Syre, Jeremy Ford, and Michelle Bernstein.

If you’re feeling like its time to truly relax with some pampering (or a little pick me up to cure a hangover) discover a new level of spa indulgences. There will be stations on site for massages, hair blowouts, a gentleman’s hot shave, and many more services to keep you recharged throughout the weekend.

Tap into your creative side and experience artwork installations from several talented artists. This includes murals, galleries, and exhibiting artists. The Arlington Museum of Art is dedicated to champion creativity and to provide access to art for our community. They will be in attendance.

All the KAABOO passes can be bought at kaabootexas.com. There are several different types of passes with a range of prices. There will also be limited parking passes for purchase. More information on these subjects can be found on the official KAABOO Texas website.

If you are driving to KAABOO you can choose Valet by Lincoln, Preferred Parking and Self Parking options. You can purchase parking beforehand on the official website with no additional fees on parking passes. Driving too stressful? Call a ride from the City of Arlington’s VIA rideshare and get dropped off a the designated rideshare location at the AT&T stadium. If you want to keep it simple KAABOO has an official shuttle from multiple locations in Arlington and Dallas that you can purchase ahead of time.

When you get your wristband don’t forget to register it! Here are more details on how to do that. Additionally, you can go cashless to the whole event. Set up your wristband to use it for all purchases. You don’t have to preload your wristband with which you make your secure transactions with. One cashless pay registered guest will receive a Blue Start VIP upgrade for themselves and a friend!

If you are all set to attend don’t forget to download the official KAABOO app on Apple and Android.

The Kindness program of KAABOO will continue to give support to Arlington’s charities and other State organizations. A portion of the purchased passes for the festival will also be donated to the featured charitable partners like the global partner The Recording Academy’s MusiCares program, and local charities like Texas Wildlife and Park Foundation, and the Texas Music Project.

The full lineup has musical acts you can’t afford miss. The festival will include six stages inside and outside the AT&T Stadium where thousands of people from Arlington and the whole Metroplex will have an unforgettable event to attend. Although there are great musical acts, this experience will be much more than music. Check out the cuisine, contemporary art, comedic acts, and so much more May 10-12 in Arlington, Texas.

Top 5 Reasons Pups and their Peeps should attend the Yappy Hour Dog Social in Arlington

By
Nikki Frisby
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Dogs at yappy hour social

If you have a doggo and think finding time to bond with him or her is important (not to mention fun), then you’ll want to come to this year’s Yappy Hour Dog Social happening on April 27th in Arlington. There’s nothing like relaxing with your favorite fur ball while surrounded by other dogs and dog-owners. It honestly just makes life better!

Due to weather conditions, this event (original scheduled earlier in the month) was postponed to April 27th, giving you another chance to take the opportunity and register. The early registration fee is only $10 per attendee, and it’s possible to snag the early registration offer until as late as 11:59 pm on Friday, April 26th.

Onsite registration will also be open at $15 per person.

This fabulous and fun event will take place at Rush Creek Dog Park on Valleywood Drive, just off West Pioneer Parkway near Green Oaks Boulevard. It starts at 5 pm and lasts until 8:30 pm.

And if you really need more reasons to join in on the fun, these are your top incentives to participate in the event this year:

  1. The Yappy Hour Dog Social can be the perfect start to the weekend, especially if you had a ruff work week. Your pup can socialize, meet new friends, get into sniffing activities, and roll around in the dirt. In the meantime, you can enjoy the view of your happy pup while enjoying a much-deserved free beer! How’s that sound?
  2. The Yappy Hour Dog Social is open to registrants 21 and older, meaning that there will be no children to navigate around or keep track of. You can kick back and focus on some quality dog-owner bonding, no stress. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to turn the “chilling out” to the umpteenth degree.
  3. How about keeping your fur friend happy? Seeing so many happy dogs together is something you’ll never forget! Watch Fido hang out with friends, chase tennis balls, take selfies and even get a doggie tattoo from Mutt Butt Art. You’ll find yourself thinking that nothing is more satisfying then providing an awesome experiences for your four-legged friend.
  4. With all the pups taken care of, the peeps part of the equation includes each attendee receiving a free tall one in a color-changing cup from Legal Draft beer company. The $10 early registration fee is more than made up for with that free beer, so register right away!
  5. Live music will also be part of the fun with Jack Mason playing favorite songs by Johnny Cash, The Eagles, Prince, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and many more.

Does it get any better than that? Free beer, live music, and chilling while your dog has fun and bonds with other puppers. Sign up now and plan on the perfect afternoon on April 27th!

Urban Union – One of the Most Interesting Developments in Downtown Arlington

By
Nikki Frisby
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People Drinking at Urban Union

Several new developments are enriching Downtown Arlington these days, and Urban Union is one of the most impressive. The facility has garnered great interest from Arlington residents and neighbors from all around the Metroplex.

Urban Union, the seven-acre infill site that today contains eight buildings and 70,000 square feet of lease space, has helped to revive the industrial edifice nestled between Abram and Division downtown.

Dodson Companies is the firm behind the updated engineering of the building, whose renovation and construction started back in 2014. Today, more and more successful businesses are becoming a part of the Urban Union, and participation in the many leasing and flex opportunities in the space has become a thing of status for many local shops and restaurants.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit it yet, here are some of the businesses that are currently attracting attention at the Urban Union:

Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery

Ask many Arlington residents, and you’ll often here that Sugar Bee Sweets is one of the best. It’s a place where artistry meets “heavenly delicious.” Visit the Sugar Bee Sweets down at Urban Union. You can relish their morning coffee along with breakfast, while breathing in the alluring smells of freshly baked sweet delicacies. Cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, wedding cakes, other types of custom cakes—the list goes on. You’ll have to visit to see what else they have in store.

Legal Draft Beer Company

For extraordinary craft beer, visit the Legal Draft Beer Company. Legal Draft holds a special place in the heart of Urban Union, having supported a great deal of the site’s development. And not only is the beer good, but the restaurant and draft house even allows your four-legged friends to join the party if you want to bring your dog. They have indoor and outdoor spaces for chilling while sampling the amazing assortment of beers brewed on-site.

4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge

In the mood for a fruity cocktail that takes you on a journey to sandy beaches and tropical sunshine? Visit the 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge, and the oceanside vibe they offer will take you precisely where you want to go. Craft cocktails, freshly-squeezed juices, and other delicious menu options will be waiting for you in the eternal summer of the Tiki Lounge.

The Tipsy Oak

The Tipsy Oak is one of the newest members of Urban Union. The restaurant offers craft food and drink in an atmosphere enriched with live music. The impressive menu will satisfy every friend or family member, so make an event of it and see what all the talk’s been about!

There are many businesses that provide a long list of services, food and entertainment at the Urban Union, including Cartel Taco Bar, Board & Brush Creative Studio, and events such as Brewing Arts Festival along with many others. Make the trip to visit the Urban Union today, and you’ll be happy you did.

Incredible Turnout for the “Jerry Ride” to Raise Awareness for Cycler Safety

By
Nikki Frisby
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bicycle for jerry ride

The members and supporters of Bike Friendly Arlington and Critical Mass Arlington came together to voice support as well as ongoing concern for norms in the city relating to cyclists and automobiles.

One of the leaders and organizers of the popular cycle groups, an enthusiastic member named Jeremy, was hit by a vehicle in mid-March while riding his bike. This is precisely the type of accident that both of these Arlington cyclist movements actively work to avoid. And now, one of their most active members has given a face to the problem these groups have been speaking to for years.

The Facebook page for Critical Mass Arlington posted a picture of Jeremy and his injuries a few weeks ago, with Jeremy’s permission, as a way to raise awareness and to invite more Arlington residents to take part of a special event that took place on April 5: it was an amazing, 10-mile social ride around town and geared to raise awareness. The ride started downtown near Levitt Pavilion at 7:30 pm that Friday.

The ride was called the “Jeremy Ride” to put the accent on these types of accidents that happen regularly in the cycling community. Critical Mass Arlington also advocates for cyclists to wear proper gear to protect themselves, including helmets and helmet lights as well as reflectors.

All participants in the night ride on the 5th were fully decked out in this protective wear.

After the ride, the flock continued the evening over drinks. With conversations about Jeremy’s improving status and how empowered the group feels today in their ongoing mission for a cyclist-friendly Arlington, the community felt stronger than ever.

For those who are interested in supporting Critical Mass Arlington or Bike Friendly Arlington, or in other rides coming up for the local cycle community, visit Wheel Brothers where you can find the full list of local rides to participate in.

Texas Rangers’ Biggest Fan “Zonk” Says Goodbye on Opening Day

By
Nikki Frisby
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John Lanzillo, known among the Rangers fans as Zonk, in the company of his son was present two weeks ago in Section 13 at Globe Life Park about an hour before the first pitch.

Zonk, as usual, had his drum with him, just as he did back on April 11, 1994, when the stadium was still called The Arlington Ballpark.

Zonk, now 85 and proudly wearing his white Rangers jersey with the name “Zonk” on the back, beat his drum before the start of the game joking that the guy in front of him was going to regret sitting in that seat once play started.

Tens of thousands of people came that Thursday, March 28, to see their favorite baseball team play the Chicago Cubs opening the last season on the ballpark. The ballpark has been a destination for Arlington residents and neighbors for 25 years, and after this season the Rangers will move to Globe Life Field.

Most of the people at the Thursday game have heard the drumming of Zonk behind the Rangers dugout, which for years has served a great end of quickening the pulse of fans and elevating the spirits of the team. For the past three decades, Zonk has been there for his team through all the good and bad. He has and has made many amazing memories, but unfortunately, some of them are starting to fade.

“We’ve been dealing with Alzheimer’s with my dad,” said his son, John Lanzillo, who is the third in line with the same name. “He used to drive me to the games, and now I drive him,’’ said John. “He used to take me for a haircut, now I take him.”

Since he was 65, the disease slowed Zonk down and began to change him, but he still shows up every day to work at his family business. Until the late 2000s he made every home game and listened to the play-by-play on the radio when the Rangers were playing out of town.

Zonk started to play the drum at games when, one day, the mascot—who was his friend—did not show up to a game. So Zonk took the drum. Every year, he gets a new drum and passes down his old one to a friend. Bobby Valentine, the former Rangers manager, has three or four drums hung on the walls of his old Arlington restaurant.

Thursday afternoon, Zonk drummed on the last Opening Day in the old stadium with a capacity of more than 49,000. Soon, the stadium will be replaced by a smaller one with a retractable roof.

Arlington Foodies Farmers Market Brings Attention to Local Greatness

By
Nikki Frisby
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The Arlington Foodies Farmer’s Market will be open downtown this Saturday, April 13, at Urban Union at 500 E. Division Street. The calendar of events and vendor list for the market are both jam-packed with stuff you won’t want to miss, including prepared and farmed foods alongside activities for both kids and adults. This is also the third year the Foodie event has celebrated Legal Draft.

The market will be open from 2 pm to 6 pm this Saturday, and will open again on the second Saturday of each month through the summer. Arlington residents and neighbors can come to enjoy local eats plus activities, including an adult home gardening class and a potted plant class for children.

Dyno-Rock will also be joining the market for the first time this year to host an egg hunt for kids and a gardening adventure.

Arlington, Texas residents are gearing up to enjoy the market as well as participate, with a record-number of booths going up this year. You’ll see some of your favorite businesses like Idlewild Botanical, and even learn about new ones, like the Arlington Yoga Center who will be using their space at Urban Union to set up Puppy Yoga.

As our community has become more health-conscious, there’s been a big uptick in farmer’s markets and the people attending them. And with the added bonus of the “buy local” approach, plus some truly magical entertainment for the whole family, the Downtown Arlington Foodies Farmer’s Market is a win-win for everyone in attendance.

Not only have buy-local efforts paid off for Arlington businesses in recent years, but they have also helped families consume higher-quality and healthier food that arrives to the table with far less time in transit. The Foodies Farmer’s Market has this and many other health benefits in mind with local produce, and is doing its part to continue this trend toward local spending for local dollars, healthier eating, and a closer connection to the Arlington community.

Visit the Facebook page to RSVP for this Saturday and to share with your friends, or to read more posts from vendors. Any businesses interested in setting up at the market can read more at ArlingtonFoodies.com

Arlington Police Officers and Truck Driver Save Suicidal Teen

By
Nikki Frisby
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Wednesday morning a teen was contemplating jumping from a busy I-20 overpass. After receiving calls, Arlington Police rushed to get to the scene. Motor Officer Deric Sheriff was one of the first to get to the Kelly Elliot Bridge and made a split second decision to ask a big rig passing by to help.

“I was going to try and get some semis to park under the bridge to make the fall a lot less traumatic,” said Sheriff.

At first, spotted a flatbed and a dump truck slowing down but didn’t believe that would work. At the perfect moment, he spotted Dwayne Crawford’s big rig slowly rolling by. Sheriff got Crawford’s attention and told him his plan to save the teen’s life.

Crawford drove between two lanes directly below the bridge just as the teen jumped landing on top of the semi. After a few minutes, the teen responded and climbed down the ladder on his own.

After the life-saving event, Sheriff is still not sure how he devised the plan.

“I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know if I had seen it on a movie or lethal weapon, I don’t know. I’m just trying to think of a way to lessen the impact,” said Sheriff.

These two were in the right place at the right time when they were needed most. Thank you to the Arlington Police Department for their quick response, the Arlington citizens who alerted them, and Crawford for going above and beyond.

If you or someone you know needs help, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline takes calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-8255.

 

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