Richardson | March 2025

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Richardson Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 7 MARCH 28APRIL 25, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

Expanding green space Richardson invests in parks, future projects await funding Garland resident Kevin Culver and his dog Lady take daily walks, which are between 3 and 6 miles, around Richardson’s Breckenridge Park.

RENNER RD.

CAMPBELL RD.

INSIDE

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Impacts: Check out Richardson’s new Mediterranean restaurant (Page 7)

Election: See all of the candidates on the May ballot for local elections (Page 9)

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Total Loans (in Millions)

Total Assets (in Millions)

$500 $450 $400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $50 $0 $100

$450

$400

$350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $50 $0 $100 $7.5 $7.0 $6.5 $6.0 $5.5 $5.0 $4.5 $4.0 $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.0 $1.5 $0.5

Total Deposits (in Millions)

Net Income after Tax (in Millions)

$400

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Impacts

space located next to Daiso, according to documents filed with the state. Once open, the business will offer services focused on hair and scalp health. • Opening summer 2025 • 1310 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 123, Richardson • 469-626-7777 5 BASIS The school will offer “STEM-infused, college preparatory, K–12 tuition-free curriculum,” according to

PLANO PKWY.

544

PGBT TOLL

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Richardson

TELECOM PKWY.

the school’s website. • Opening in August • 2200 N. Greenville Ave., Richardson • www.enrollbasistx.com

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78 6 Coram Deo Academy The private Christian school will offer faith-based curriculum for pre-K to 12th graders, according to the school’s website. The school will be located at the site where Binneri Presbyterian Church is located. An opening date is unknown at this time; however, documents filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation indicate renovations are set to begin in March and wrap up in February 2026.

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11 15

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• 1301 Abrams Road, Richardson • www.coramdeoacademy.org

SPRING VALLEY RD.

BUCKINGHAM RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Dona Maria Mexican Restaurant The restaurant will offer tortas, burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more. It will also offer a breakfast menu. Dona Maria currently has a location in Dallas. • Opening in April or May • 101 S. Coit Road, Ste. 84, Richardson • https://doamaria.shop/ 8 Torchy’s Tacos The restaurant began a renovation project on an existing building in December, according to a TDLR filing. The project is slated for completion in May. Taco Cabana was previously located in the space. The eatery’s menu features bowls, tacos, salads and more. • Opening TBD • 104 FM 544, Murphy • www.torchystacos.com

BUSSNIESS PKWY.

• 1551 E. Spring Valley Road, Richardson • Instagram: Crescent Coffee House

Now open

1 Belle Femme Bridal The bridal store will offer plus-sized and curvy gown options, and accessories such as earrings, veils and more. • Opened March 15 • 1144 N. Plano Road, Ste. 136, Richardson • www.bellefemmebridal.com 2 Crescent Coffee House The shop serves specialty coffee and matcha drinks and teas with Ethiopian flavors, co-owner Yasmin Abubaker said. • Opened Feb. 14

3 Shredder Indoor Ski & Snowboard School The business primarily offers ski and snowboarding classes designed for children, but also has beginner classes for adults. • Opened Jan. 6 • 1002 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 229, Richardson • www.shredderski.com

Coming soon

4 Meraki Head Spa The business will operate out of a 1,580-square-foot

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12 Shawarma House The restaurant has rebranded from Open Sesame to Shawarma House. It will have the same owners, a company representative said, but will expand its menu in the coming weeks.

Relocations

Now open

9 Staycation Coffee The coffee shop is currently located at 201 S. Texas St., where it has operated since opening in 2021. It is relocating after council approved a redevelopment project that will demolish the shop’s current location to make way for a 279-unit apartment complex. • Relocating TBD • 707 S. Floyd Road • www.staycationtx.com

• 700 E. Campbell Road, Ste. 120, Richardson • www.instagram.com/opensesame_express/

13 Sherrill Park Course 2 at the city of Richardson’s Sherrill Park Golf Course reopened for play after following renovations. Renovations include new tees, greens, bunkers and drainage improvements throughout the course. • Reopened Feb. 14 • 2001 E. Lookout Drive, Richardson • www.sherrillparkgolf.com

In the news

10 DorianBahr Richardson-based residential and commercial design firm DorianBahr was founded in 1995, and is celebrating its 30th anniversary. • 909 Business Parkway, Richardson • www.dorianbahr.com 11 EverCutz Royalty Salon & Barbershop is now called EverCutz. The business offers a number of services. • 525 W. Arapaho Road, Ste. 23, Richardson • Instagram: EverCutz

15 Naya Al Hashem The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes, such as beef or chicken shawarma, falafel sandwich and more. It also has vegetarian and vegan options. • Opened Feb. 22 • 525 W. Arapaho Road, Ste. 15, Richardson • www.nayaalhashemmediterranean.com

Closings

14 Jasper’s The restaurant operated for nine years, according to a social media post from the company, but has ceased operations. No reason was given for the closure. • Closed March 3 • 1251 State St., Ste. 950, Richardson • www.jaspersrichardson.com

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Government

Richardson sees sales tax revenue increase Richardson saw an increase in sales tax revenue in February, according to information on the Texas Comptroller of Public Affairs website. The details Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar paid Richardson $6.307 million in sales tax revenue, a nearly 19% increase from the $5.304 million paid in for the same period last year. The year-to-date payment for sales tax revenue is $10.353 million, 11% higher than the $9.316 million paid for the same period in 2024. Zooming out Statewide, sales tax revenue is up 4.3%, totaling $3.8 billion, according to a news release from the comptroller’s office. Sales tax makes up approximately 58% of all taxes collected in the state.

Council approves homestead increase Richardson seniors and residents with disabilities will see an increase in their homestead exemption following a staff recommendation. City Council approved a resolution raising the homestead exemption from $145,000 to $160,000 during the Feb. 24 meeting. What happened Assistant Director of Finance Todd Gastrof initially presented the plan during a Feb. 3 meeting, stating the goal is to maintain a tax benefit of about 30% of the home value. Explained The exemption is applied to the overall market value of a home and the remaining number is the property’s taxable value.

February Year over year sales tax revenue

$6.307M

2025 2024

$5.304M

SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

What else? Texas collected the following revenue from other major taxes: • motor vehicle sales and rental taxes — $650 million , up 11% from February 2024 • motor fuel taxes — $310 million , up 2% from February 2024 • oil production tax — $486 million , up 6% from February 2024 • natural gas production tax — $221 million , up 19% from February 2024 • hotel occupancy tax — $57 million , down 2% from February 2024 • alcoholic beverage taxes — $128 million , down less than 1% from February 2024

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

Lowering Crime Fixing Streets wering Crime i ing Str ets L n ng g Le e ad r d ri i i im m ng R g g S S i St t Ri c tr r h re e ree e a et t r ts s ar d rd son Leading Richardson by Listening to Richardson! Council OKs drone operations centers With drones as an emerging technology in North Texas, Richardson City Council approved an ordinance update to allow operations and maintenance centers in the Collins/Arapaho Innovation District during its Feb. 25 meeting. The overview The district runs from Arapaho Road north to Campbell Road, near the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Arapaho Station; however the ordinance would only cover one sub-district within the area. City Manager Don Magner said there was no specific case council was considering, but because drone operations aren’t currently listed as a use in the code. The new ordinance only allows drone delivery centers by special permit.

Council OKs research, development center Lennox International is set to build a research and development center in Richardson after council approved a zoning request during the Feb. 17 meeting. The research facility, called the Lennox Innova- tion Center, will function similarly to the facility the company currently operates in Carrollton. Lennox CEO Alok Maskara said the company has outgrown the Carrollton facility, adding that it will be a showcase for the company and bring additional jobs to the area. “We want to put our innovation center here because we want to bring our customers here,” Maskara said. “We want everyone to see our history here.” The details The innovation center, located on the Lennox property at 2140 Lake Park Blvd., will be about

LAKE PARK BLVD.

A K E P A R

W. CAMPBELL RD.

45,500 square feet, Senior Planner Derica Peters said. The Envision Richardson comprehensive plan designates the area as innovation/industry and a research and development is an approved use type, Peters said; however, the original ordinance, which was passed in the 1990s, did not include research and development and requires a special permit from City Council. The front portion of the new building will be two stories, but the remaining portion of the building will be single story and house a testing chamber, Peters said. The facility will operate, develop and test new systems for commercial air conditioning units, which will require weekly deliveries.

OB UBEY dsonMayor UB dso

BOB DUBEY Richardson Mayor

Controlling Taxes

Lowering Crime

Fixing Streets

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Election

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Voter Guide Dates to know

2024

April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election day

Where to vote

April 3: Last day to register to vote April 22: First day of early voting

Collin and Dallas County voters can vote at any polling location during early voting and on election day.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: Incumbent Local elections Mayor Alan C. North Amir Omar Bob Dubey City Council, Place 6 Arefin Shamsul Lisa Marie Kupfer

Richardson ISD board of trustees Place 2 Vanessa Pacheco*

Place 2 Sam Johnson Xiomar Pierre Place 3 Nancy Humphrey* Harper Weaver Place 7 Elisa Klein Andrew Rettke Dash Weerasinghe

Elaine Bonavita Pamela Hughes District 5 Rachel McGowen* Christina Angelina Neria Plano ISD board of trustees

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Election

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

KEY: *Incumbent

Richardson mayor

Alan C. North Occupation: CEO, Ketomed Nutraceuticals, LLC www.richardsonmayor.com

Amir Omar Occupation: HydroPoint Data Systems - Senior VP Strategic Services. www.amiromar.com

Bob Dubey* Occupation: retired with 40 years in public education, part time sales and mayor of Richardson.

www.bobdubey.com/ dubeyforrichardson

What are the biggest issues facing Richardson?

Corruption: Richardson’s City Council has long been controlled by insider interests that continue to push back against transparency. Public safety: Crime rates are rising, and ticket quotas are illegal. Spending accountability: Water rates and taxes continue to rise, but residents aren’t seeing results from many city projects or in quality of life.

Managing sustainable growth, improving infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering a strong local economy and maintaining high-quality education are all terribly important. Richardson has historically leaned on its commercial tax base, but that base is in jeopardy and we need a clear path to reach these goals.

Our biggest issues are keeping, training and paying quality police, re and administrative positions. Replacing aging infrastructure, maintaining relationships with our schools K through college, our houses of worship, housing options and staying relevant in the high-tech world by recruiting companies that enhance our high-tech economic development vision.

How do you plan on addressing these issues?

CURE – Clean up Richardson Ethics. I will end backroom deals and illegal ticket quotas that divert police resources from real crime. I will publish closed- door council meetings inviting public participation. I will create a portal on cor.net for residents to track spending. I will establish a resident oversight committee.

Collaboration, and engaging with residents, businesses and educational institutions, while prioritizing infrastructure improvements and economic development strategies to create jobs and opportunities. I’ll focus on smart city initiatives, sustainable development practices, and partnerships to enhance our education system.

In 2024 we gained over $225 million in capital investments and related projects. Our police and re are 100% staed through budget strategies and listening to their needs. We added over 4,000 new jobs since 2024. These add to our schools, houses of faith, economic success and our tax base.

Richardson City Council, Place 6

What will your top priorities be if you are elected? I will continue to ensure Richardson maintains a strong commitment to infrastructure repairs. It’s the very foundation of our ability to succeed. We must stay ahead of potholes, identify crucial water line repairs, and support road and pedestrian safety improvements.

Why are you running?

Whether it’s for education, launching a business or starting a family, my story in Richardson is like those of so many in our city searching for a solid foundation and brighter future. I owe so much to this city, and that’s why I have consistently worked to serve our community.

Aren Shamsul* Occupation: civil engineer, founder and CEO—Stream Water Group, Inc. www.arenforrichardson.com 469-737-0241

I believe that respectful challenge is a hallmark of healthy democracy and voters deserve a choice on the ballot. Women remain underrepresented in all levels of government; I believe I have the skills necessary to make a dierence and serve the community I love on a deeper level.

1.) Economic development—particularly within the retail sector 2). Supporting the well-being of our rst responders and safety of our community 3). Advocating for our ability to self-govern, preserving Home Rule and encouraging citizen participation in local government

Lisa Marie Kupfer Occupation: nonprot development manager www.lisakupfer.com 972-861-0260

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

RICHARDSON EDITION

Education

RISD students show academic progress Richardson ISD students showed academic growth across all subjects and demographics, according to a presentation staff gave to the Richardson ISD board of trustees. Gina Ortiz, the district’s senior executive direc- tor of accountability and continuous improve- ment, covered the Measure of Academic Progress, or MAP, during the Feb. 20 board meeting. The details MAP measures a student’s growth in reading and math from one grade to the next, Ortiz said, using a scale that ranges from zero to 250 and covers students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It is tracked through assessments, which is also used to set student goals for academic growth. The assessments are compared to the student’s score from the previous grade.

Inter-district transfer on the horizon The Richardson ISD board of trustees directed staff to move forward with changes to the inter-district transfer policy, also called open enrollment. The overview Inter-district transfer applicants will have a window of about one month to apply, according to the district presentation and will be screened by attendance, academic performance, STAAR test results and discipline records. Placement will be based on capacity, staffing and program availabil- ity with priority given to students residing within RISD’s boundaries. Additionally, the district will not provide transportation and enrollment may be revoked if the student has disciplinary issues or poor attendance.

Learning growth Richardson students that met goals for academic growth surpassed the national average of 50%.

Did not meet growth goal

Met growth goal

48% 51%

49%

52%

Reading

Math

SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming in Ortiz said students in every grade and across all demographics saw improvements. Additionally, 52% of students met their growth goals set by the assessments in reading and 51% of students met their growth goals in math. Both categories are above the national average of 50% , Ortiz said. Just because students did not meet their goals, it does not mean that they did not see academic growth, Ortiz said.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

PISD reports test scores above state average Plano ISD has a “Superior Achievement” rating in financial integrity and “meets requirements” for special education needs, according to the district’s 2023-2024 Texas Academic Performance Report, or TAPR. The PISD board of trustees reviewed the Texas Academic Performance Report during the Feb. 4 meeting. The Texas education code requires the district to publish the TAPR annually. The details Antoine Spencer, director of research and accountability for PISD, presented the results, which covers the district’s STAAR scores, annual growth and more. Across all STAAR test subjects— reading, math, science and social studies—82% of PISD students were at approaches and above, while the state average was 75%. Additionally, 33% of those who did score

RISD joins social media lawsuit

Plano ISD STAAR scores 2022-24 school years

82%

Reading Math Science

80% 80%

Richardson ISD joined other school districts in litigation efforts to recover funds spent on student mental health needs. The details Several school districts nationwide, including Dallas ISD and Frisco ISD, filed a suit to recover damages from mental health harms to students because of social media use, RISD council Laticia McGowen said. The lawsuit argues that social media executives knew social media platforms were harming children but did not address it, McGowen said. “We have heard from teachers in our climate survey responses that they want the district to do something about behavioral issues,” McGowen said.

86%

Social studies All subjects*

82%

*INDICATES THE COMBINED AVERAGE OF ALL SUBJECTS

SOURCE: PLANO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

approaches grade level, which is considered passing, in both reading and math in the 2022-2023 school year’s STAAR test did so in the 2023-2024 school year. The state average for the same category was 32%. In both reading and math, 71% of students main- tained or scored higher than the previous year while the state average was 64%. Also of note The district’s college, career and military ready, or CCMR, rates at 75%, just under the state average of 76%.

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Transportation

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

Main Street construction second phase underway Richardson residents can expect traffic conges- tion as Phase 2 of the Main Street reconstruction project began Feb. 17. The overview Road work will extend from Greenville Avenue to about 150 feet east of Abrams Road, and is expected to be completed by early fall, according to a presentation at a Feb. 6 open house. Construction includes: • A dedicated turn lane for left turns onto Abrams Road from Main Street • Paving improvements and water, sewer, storm drain pipe and inlet replacements • Installing barrier-free ramps at intersections to improve pedestrian access • Landscaping and aesthetic improvements along Main Street and Greenville Avenue

Richardson road construction to begin Construction at Spring Valley Road and Abrams Road is set to begin soon, with Rich- ardson City Council approving a contract bid at the Feb. 17 meeting. The overview The contract for the intersection improve- ments for $1.173 million include removal of existing northbound and southbound lanes which was recommended by a study of the intersection. The contract also includes improvements to the sidewalk and ramps, replacing traffic signals, and pavement marking and striping, according to city documents. Pedestrian improvements include direc- tional ramps at the intersection. Construction is expected to begin in April and be completed by January 2026.

S. GREENVILLE AVE.

E. MA IN ST.

E . P O L K S T .

• New streetlights and other hardscape fixtures • Overhead power lines and poles will be replaced with underground conduits What you need to know During construction, at least one lane in both directions on Main Street will remain open and access to nearby businesses will be maintained. Drivers should expect traffic delays on Main Street and an increase in traffic on nearby roads. Additionally, Abrams Road travel lanes will be reduced in width during construction to provide access to northbound and southbound traffic.

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Development

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

City seeking developer for Arapaho Center Station project

The city of Richardson is looking for a master developer for a project at the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Arapaho Center Station, according to a news release issued by the city. The city is partnering with commercial real estate firm CBRE with the goal of transitioning the station into a mixed-use development. It is one of several transit-oriented developments by DART to revitalize stations in North Texas, per the release. The overview The nearly 15-acre site redevelopment aims to enhance the city’s business landscape and public transportation access, and bring resident, retail and commercial opportunities, the release states. City Manager Don Magner said the city has stra- tegically leveraged DART stations, and Arapaho Center Station is the last opportunity on the Red Line to differentiate Richardson in North Texas. Magner said the station is the “front door” of the Richardson Innovation Quarter, a hub for

tech-based businesses. “Hopefully, this will catalyze bigger and better things in the remaining 1,200 acres,” Magner said. Looking ahead Magner said the completed development will offer a mix of residential, retail, restaurant and entertainment options, similar to other mixed-use developments such as CityLine. CBRE Southwest Regional Manager Peter Jansen said the company’s role is to advise the city in the developer selection process. Jansen said the current zoning and entitlements at the property will allow for “significant amount of development,” with over 1 million square feet of buildable space available by right, meaning developers won’t need City Council approvals. Why it matters Magner said the Arapaho Center Station redevel- opment efforts will set the tone for future projects.

WOODALL DR.

ARAPAHO RD.

The city is largely built-out, so Magner said staff has focused on redeveloping areas. “It’s going to create a place where [residents] can come and enjoy restaurants and entertain- ment,” Magner said. What’s next Jansen said the selection process for a devel- opment partner will take about a year. The project will be multiphased, with the initial phase completed in 2027 or 2028.

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Community Camp Guide

BY DUSTIN BUTLER & ADAM DOE

2025

Camp Sa-Que-Sippi Type: arts, day, Sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $170 for YMCA members • Richardson Family YMCA, 821 Custer Road, Richardson • www.ymcadallas.org/richardson-day-camps

Cost: $198-$304 (weekly) • Various locations • www.dramakids.com/ dallas-rockwall-richardson-plano-tx/camps-events H.E.R.O.E.S. Summer Camp Type: academics, arts, day, sports Ages: 3 and older Dates: June 16-July 18 Cost: $475-575 per week (all inclusive; scholarships available). • First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson • www.heroesdfw.org Kids Montessori Academy Summer Camp Type: day, academics Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 2-Aug. 15 Cost: $250 per week • Kids Montessori Academy, 1521 E. Arapaho Road, Richardson • www.kidsearlylearningcenters.com/summer-camp Legendary Youth Sports Summer Camps Type: sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $297 base rate • Legendary Youth Sports, 1980 Nantucket Drive, Ste. 108, Richardson • www.legendaryblackbeltacademy.com/ Music So Simple Summer Camps Type: arts Ages: 5-12 years old Dates: June 2-13 Cost: $500 • Music So Simple, 1144 Plano Road, Ste. 142, Richardson • www.musicsosimple.com

Camp Skylark Type: Day camp Ages: K-7 Dates: May 26 - Aug 8 Cost: $225/weekly • 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson • www.campskylark.com

Carpe Diem Private Preschool Summer Camp Type: academics, arts, tech, sports, Ages: 5-11 Dates: May 25-Aug. 1 Cost: $264-$330 • Carpe Diem Private Preschool, 271 Renner Parkway, Richardson • www.camps.endeavorschools.com/camp_cat /carpe-diem-private-preschool/?location=richardson City of Richardson Parks & Recreation Day Camp Program Type: arts, day, sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 3-July 26 Cost: TBD • Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson • www.cor.net/departments/ parks-recreation/ summer-camps

Shredder Ski & Snowboard School Type: sports Ages: 3-10 Dates: May 28-Aug. 8 Cost: starting at $55-$65 (daily) • 1002 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 229, Richardson • www.shredderski.com

Precision Gymnastics & Tumbling Camps Type: sports Ages: 3 and up Dates: June 3-Aug. 9 Cost: $30 (one session per week)-$230 (10 sessions per week) • Precision Gymnastics & Tumbling, 1144 N. Plano Road, Ste. 104, Richardson • www.firstgymnastics.com

Drama Kids International Camp Type: arts Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 2-July 25

Saint Catholic Cl is one of onl schools in Te ICLE school at Catholic Cl is one of onl schools in Tex ICLE school at

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Expanding green space From the cover

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

A closer look

Zooming out

What’s next

The details

Project priority After completion of the needs assessments, project priority is determined through several avenues, such as resident input and surveys.

While funding for smaller projects like playground replacements has been identied, new projects will likely be paid for by bonds. If the city stays on its bond schedule, council will consider a bond in 2026, Magner said. Falgout said there are several elements, such as resident input and operation costs, that will be factored into where the funds from the potential bond would go. Other funding sources are available to the city, such as corporate sponsorship, partnerships, naming rates and more, according to the parks and recreation master plan. Although future parks and recreation projects have yet to be identied, Falgout said sta is continuously working on ways to improve residents’ experiences.

During the Feb. 10 City Council meeting, Jerry Harkins, owner of Tavern on Main Street, said downtown businesses need foot trac to survive. Falgout said Interurban Commons will attract new customers and provide walkability between businesses. Interurban Common is crucial to down- town Richardson, Magner said, as it allowed the city to relieve the Belt + Main apartment complex of open space requirements. “When you have a limited area like we have in the downtown sub district, you want to develop as much of that as you can,” Magner said. “And so by sharing the open space … we can really maximize the value of the development that occurs.” The new park will also tie into the city’s Central Trail, a 4.2 mile trail that connects the city’s Dallas Area Rapid Transit stations and can be a place for residents to exercise, walk their dogs or gather, Magner said.

Amenities provide the rst impression for a city’s new residents, Richardson Parks and Recreation Director Yvonne Falgout said. City sta are looking to improve that rst impression. Several new parks have opened within the last year, including Apollo Park, which completed Phase 1 in August and Twin Rivers Park, which opened in December but is not fully completed. Additionally, a new park in downtown, Interurban Commons, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late April, City Manager Don Magner said. Combined, the three new parks cost the city more than $15 million. There are no current funding opportunities for new projects, including Phase 2 of Apollo Park. When new funding does become available, park projects will be in competition with other aspects of recreation, such as aquatics, for which council recently approved a master plan.

Parks and Recreation Commission: 15% Parks and Recreation sta : 10%

RENNER RD.

PGBT TOLL

Consultant: 5%

CAMPBELL RD.

Resident input/ survey results: 70%

Park service area Pocket parks aim to serve residents within a quarter-mile radius, neighborhood parks within a half- mile radius and community parks within a two mile radius.

ARAPAHO RD.

BELT LINE RD.

Richardson population: 121,520

Parks and Recreation operating expense (FY 2024): $13,482,152

Operating expense per resident: $110.95

Pocket parks Neighborhood parks Community parks Parks

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: An El Paso Refuge CRITTER: American Bumblebee OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas

MADE IN TEXAS: A Leathermaking Legacy FEATURE PREVIEW: Where to Eat Now

Above: The Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

RICHARDSON EDITION

DETOURS

A Tribal Sanctuary On a Sacred Trail

Location: eleven miles southeast of downtown El Paso. BY JOSH ALVAREZ

CRITTER

American Bumblebee

The bumblebee does something most bees don't: buzz pollination, which involves gripping the plant with its legs and vibrating its whole body. If you eat blueberries, potatoes, or tomatoes— all of which rely on buzz pollination— you’ve got a bumblebee to thank. WHY IS IT SO BIG? The better to collect all that sweet pollen to feed its young. That fuzz is actually densely packed hairs, or setae, that trap pollen as the bumblebee floats from flower to flower. Its large body likely evolved to provide even more surface area.

DOES IT STING? Only if you mess with its nest.

HOW MANY SPECIES ARE THERE? Texas has between seven and eleven types. The most common is the American bumblebee, found statewide. North Texans might spot the brown-belted bumblebee, while those in the west are likely to see the Sonoran variant. The gentle giant is in trouble, though: Since 1974, popula- tions across North America have fallen by 46 percent. SCIENTISTS KEEP TABS, RIGHT? Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of several Texas orga- nizations partnering with Jacqueline Staab, the owner of Darwin’s Bee Dogs. Her German shorthaired pointers are trained to sniff out bumblebee nests for population surveys. “If we lose bees,” says Staab, “we lose Texas ecosystems.” —Rose Cahalan

INSIDE THE ADOBE walls of the Ysleta Mis- sion are clues to a deep history of acculturation that characterizes El Paso to this day. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe, more commonly known as the Tigua, established the mission in 1682, making it one of the oldest in Texas (much of the current structure was built in 1851). The Tigua arrivedherefromNewMexico,whichtheyfled after the Pueblo Indians there overthrew the

Spanish colonial system, in 1680, forcing Span- iards and Christianized Pueblos to seek safety elsewhere. The Tigua dedicated the mission to Anthony of Padua, patron saint of things that have been lost, whose figure stands atop the entrance; inside are blankets dyed in brilliant blues and reds and a statue of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Catholic Church’s first Native American saint. The structure, part of the El Paso Mission Trail, holds a mass every day. If you can, plan your visit for June 13, when the Tigua celebrate Saint Anthony with traditional dancing.

The church interior at the Ysleta Mission, in El Paso.

RICHARDSON EDITION

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MADE IN TEXAS

He Goes With the Grain Clint Wilkinson carries on his grandfather’s leatherworking legacy out of the same downtown Denton storefront. BY PAUL L. UNDERWOOD

OUT THERE

Meanwhile, In Texas

After the San Antonio Zoo announced the birth of Tupi, the first capybara born there since 2000, it had to clarify to X users that it was “not associated with or benefiting from” a crypto- currency named after the baby animal. The number one item on the TSA’s top ten list of the most unusual airport confiscations in 2024 was a gun tucked into the back of a baby stroller at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. The Texas State Aquarium, in Corpus Christi, released into the Gulf of Mex- ico some 270 green sea turtles it had rescued when they became hypother- mic during a recent cold snap. A Temple woman was sentenced to felony probation for theft after with- drawing money from a GoFundMe account created for her after she lied about a cancer diagnosis so that her friends “would like her more.” A Bexar County jail officer was arrest- ed and fired after allegedly giving an inmate food from Whataburger . After the Houston Police Department announced plans to clean up its prop- erty warehouse, authorities revealed that rats had possibly compromised ongoing cases by eating mushrooms and other drugs stored as evidence. A man stole a pickup truck and led police on a chase to the Midland airport, where he drove through the perimeter fence and onto the runways before abandoning the vehicle. —Meher Yeda

George W. Bush and Fort Worth soul star Leon Bridges, as well as Stetson and 7-Eleven. Wilkinson works out of the downtown cor- ner storefront once owned by his grandfather Weldon Burgoon, who opened Weldon’s Sad- dle Shop & Western Wear in 1957. Burgoon, who helped cover the cost of Clint’s birth, in 1982, by giving a saddle to the obstetrician, taught his grandson the craft. Wilkinson started an e-commerce site for the shop and, with his grandfather’s encour- agement, began branding his own handsewn leather goods with his name. In 2019, a year after Burgoon died, Wilkin- son reopened the shop, which he renamed Wilkinson’s Fine Goods. He’s known for his leather tote bags, belts, and wallets, and he sells wares from other brands, like Nocona- based Fenoglio Boot Company. He’s also de- veloping a line of leather-crafting supplies. The intention, he says, is to create “a way that I can still be in the leather community when I’m seventy-five years old and can’t make anything anymore.”

LAST SUMMER, WILKINSON’S FineGoods, in Denton, received its biggest online order to date. Owner Clint Wilkinson was intrigued by his new client, who purchased a massive array of custom desk mats, bootjacks, and cherrywood boxes with hand-tooled leather accents. “I was just like, ‘Holy crap,’�” Wilkin- son recalls. “He must be a politician or lawyer or something.” Not quite. Wilkinson looked up the buyer, a Utah resident named Austin Post, and re- alized that he was doing business with Post Malone, the rapper who was raised in nearby Grapevine. Wilkinson emailed him to explain that fulfillment would take some time be- cause every item would be handmade. The two now exchange texts about everything from the order’s progress to the woes of their be- loved Dallas Cowboys. Eventually Wilkinson’s client list would include former President

Clint Wilkinson and Charlie Talkington in the Wilkinson’s Fine Goods workshop, in Denton.

RICHARDSON EDITION

2025

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Japanese hand rolls, sashimi, and sushi and en- joy the restaurant’s excellent vinyl collection. What does all this say about dining in Texas as weapproachtheendofthefirstquarterofthe twenty-firstcentury?Maybejustthis:Weneed to make room for more fun. The hospitality industry knows hard times all too well, with the ever-rising costs of raw ingredients and labor and the hollowing out of once vibrant restaurant-centric neighborhoods. Given all that, who wouldn’t opt for a break from the real world? It was in the same spirit that we selected the ten best new restaurants in Texas, along with a handful of honorable mentions. So get out there. Ask some friends to dinner; try some wild and crazy dishes; visit a place not on your radar. Life is serious enough—live a little. And eat a lot. To read the list of the best new restaurants in Texas, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

IS IT OUR imagination, or are Texas restau- rants more, well, imaginative than ever? On our visit to an idiosyncratic spot in the Gulf Coast town of Kemah, we were treated to bil- lowing dry ice, a blowtorch, and a pasta cre- ation that was a dead ringer for a coral snake. In Dallas, we settled into a long, narrow dining room that looked as if it had been uncoupled from the Orient Express. In Fort Worth, we were sure that characters in The Crown would have felt right at home in a convincing replica of a posh London townhouse. Of course, not everything we loved this past year was stagy. One of our favorite venues was a comfy lit- tle place in Houston where guests can order

FEATURE PREVIEW

Where to Eat Now Dining in Texas has been one big experiment this year. Dry ice. Pasta snakes. Whey foam. Corn bubbles. (That’s right: corn bubbles.) Our best new restaurants want you to have a meal you’ll never forget.

BY COURTNEY BOND AND PATRICIA SHARPE

A scallop dish from Ishtia, in Kemah; smoked king salmon crudo at the Chumley House, in Fort Worth; sabering a bottle of wine at Isidore, in San Antonio.

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