District 11 March 2026 Newsletter

Happy Spring, District 11!

As we welcome the new season, we also celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the incredible women who shape our families, businesses, and community each and every day. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the women who have inspired you—and to show your support for the women-owned businesses highlighted in this month’s newsletter.

I also invite you to join me for the District 11 Town Hall on March 26th at 6:00 PM at the Stagecoach Ballroom. This is a great opportunity to hear updates on city projects, voice your concerns directly, and connect with neighbors in one of my favorite woman-owned music venues. My goal is to ensure every voice in District 11 is heard and every neighbor feels supported.

As always, the District 11 office is here for you. Please reach out to us at district11@fortworthtexas.gov or (817) 392-8811 if we can be of assistance.

With humility and gratitude,

Jeanette Martinez

Spring Break Camp 2026!

Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a safe and engaging environment for your kids while school is out, your local District 11 community center has you covered.

This Spring Break Camp (March 16 – March 23) is designed for kids ages 5-12 and offers a mix of recreational, educational, and cultural activities to ensure your child has a memorable break.

Early registration is $15 per day and includes a free community center membership. A bonus is the flexibility to pick and choose the days you want your child to attend camp.

Find your local community center today!

Upcoming Transportation and Public Works Projects

The city is gearing up for a series of infrastructure improvements designed to smooth your commute and enhance neighborhood accessibility. In March 2026, crews will begin an extensive resurfacing project across several key local corridors. Construction is anticipated to be completed by October 2026.

In addition to the new road surfaces, crews will be identifying and repairing damaged curbs and gutters, sidewalks, ADA Ramps, and driveways.

The following streets are part of the resurfacing project:

• Ada Avenue from Vaughn Boulevard to Wallace Avenue
• Avenue J from South Ayers Avenue to Miller Avenue
• Griggs Avenue from Eastland Street to East Berry Street
• Hawlet Street from South Ayers Avenue to Upton Avenue
• Primrose Avenue from Bluebonnet Drive to Sylvania Avenue
• Upton Avenue from Hawlet Street to Hampshire Boulevard
• Oakland Boulevard from Arden Place to Menzer Road

Project signage will be posted prior to the start of construction, and door hangers will be delivered to residences one week before work begins.

Oakland Blvd. Resurfacing Project Page may be found here.

The Stagecoach Ballroom: A Conversation with Jean Czajkowski Desai

The Stagecoach Ballroom is more than just a dance floor—it is a legendary pillar of Fort Worth’s "Cowtown" legacy. For over 60 years, this iconic East Belknap landmark has served as a beacon for traditional country music and the timeless art of the Texas two-step. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jean Czajkowski Desai, the woman leading the charge at the Stagecoach, to discuss her life, her career, and her perspective as a female business owner.

The Stagecoach has always been a family business, with Jean initially managing the financials. However, when personal difficulties forced her uncle to sell his portion of the business, Jean stepped up. On January 20, 1984, she purchased her uncle’s half of the business and partnered with her parents for several years. This move did more than just secure a stake in the business; it preserved a family legacy that continues to today.

Long before she was running a dance hall, Jean was navigating the professional world of computer software programming—a field that was far less welcoming to women in the 20th century. Her journey through the tech industry highlighted the stark realities of the era's workforce. She recalled after college applying to positions at NASA and USAA. NASA refused to hire women in the computer department at the time. USAA, despite being female-owned and 95% women, programming roles were considered "management" and strictly reserved for men.

Even after landing a role at Tandy (with help from the head of IBM in Fort Worth), she discovered a male peer in the same role was being paid 1.5 times her salary.

Her advice to the next generation of women in Fort Worth?

"Think of yourself as no different than a man. You’re just as good. Be confident and just go for it."

While many music venues have shuttered, the Stagecoach has remained a family-run venture, hosting everyone from local legends to Nashville stars.

When asked about her favorites, the owner doesn't hesitate: Mickey Gilley, Tracy Byrd, Eddy Raven, and Gene Watson were at the top of the list. While the hall has hosted musical legends, the owner’s favorite memories are closer to home: her own wedding reception and her daughter, Julia’s wedding.

As the music industry shifts, so does Stagecoach. Within five years, the owner expects the ballroom to transition more toward a venue rental space, noting that booking touring bands has become increasingly complex. However, there is a mystery on the horizon. "We have one fun thing coming up that we can’t talk about yet, but I’m very excited about," she teases.

Whatever that secret may be, one thing is certain: as long as there is a floor to two-step on, the Stagecoach Ballroom will be the heartbeat of Fort Worth.

Visit the Stagecoach Ballroom: 2516 E. Belknap Street

Straight Edge Barber Shop: An Interview with Virginia Murillo

In the heart of Fort Worth’s Southside, on Hemphill Street, stands Straight Edge Barber Shop—a local institution that is much more than just a place for a haircut. Here, sharp fades and groomed beards exist alongside high-end color services and a full-service nail salon specializing in diabetic pedicures.

Straight Edge Barber Shop is the lifelong mission of owner Virginia Murillo. With 34 years of barbering experience and 18 years as a shop owner, she has navigated the shifting tides of the industry with the precision of a master stylist.

Virginia is a staunch supporter of the community and fellow women-owned businesses. She co-founded "Back to School" events to provide free haircuts, supplies, and prizes—often funded entirely out of her own pocket. She also serves as a mentor to her staff, which is composed almost entirely of female stylists, barbers, and nail technicians. In a field often viewed through a masculine lens, Virginia’s leadership has transformed Straight Edge into a powerhouse of female talent.

As she looks toward the next five years, Virginia is focused on growth and transition—stepping back from the daily grind to focus on management and new ventures. For the next generation of women in Fort Worth looking to start their own businesses, her advice is grounded in realism:

"The number one thing I see is that young people give up on their dreams because of life. You have to pay the bills while waiting for a business to grow. It is not easy; it requires a lot of time, sacrifice, and patience. Find a way to survive until it flourishes."

If you are looking for a new barber or nail technician, head over to Hemphill Street and support this incredible woman-owned business that gives so much back to the community.

Visit them at: 3720 Hemphill St., Fort Worth, TX 76110

Green Thistle Emporium

Located in the Riverside Arts District, Green Thistle Emporium is a prime example of Fort Worth’s thriving community of women-owned businesses. Founded by local entrepreneur Stephanie Morrison, the shop is more than just a retail space—it is a mission-driven collective designed to empower local makers and promote radical sustainability.

Born from Morrison’s background in environmental management and her passion for "quirky," intentional shopping, Green Thistle serves as a hub for eco-conscious residents. By focusing on a "zero-waste" lifestyle, the business helps customers reduce their environmental footprint through practical, everyday solutions.

The shop allows customers to bring their own containers to stock up on bulk household cleaners, personal hygiene products, and eco-friendly soaps. The storefront operates as a marketplace for local artisans where you can find vintage clothing, handcrafted goods, and local art.

If you haven’t already, visit Green Thistle and support a woman-led vision for a greener Texas.

Visit them at: 2800 Race Street, Fort Worth, TX 76111

Here are proposed zoning changes that will be coming before City Council in District 11 neighborhoods. To seize the opportunity for your voice to be heard, I encourage you to sign up for zoning notifications and attend upcoming Zoning Commission or the designated City Council Meetings. You can learn more about the Zoning process here.

My Fort Worth (MyFW) is the official app for residents and visitors to quickly and easily report issues to the City.

Users can provide a description, photos, and use a map-based location feature to submit issues like graffiti, missed garbage collection, potholes or high grass.

Requests will go directly to the appropriate city work team and users can follow the status of their report and receive notifications via the app.

Download the MyFW mobile app today: MyFW

CITY CALL CENTER
Fort Worth has added 311 to the list of ways to contact the City Call Center.

Residents are now able to call either 311 or the 10-digit number 817-392-1234 to reach City services. 311, a free nonemergency line, can only be dialed from a wireless device and must be called from within Fort Worth city limits.

2-1-1 TEXAS

2-1-1 Texas, a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is committed to helping individuals connect with the services they need. Whether by phone or internet, our goal is to present accurate, well-organized and easy-to-find information from state and local health and human services programs. 2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about resources in your local community. Whether you need help finding food or housing, child care, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment, one number is all you need to know.

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

People can call or text 988 or chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. You can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

TEXAS EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH (TEHCY) PROGRAM

The TEHCY Program leads the way in ensuring that all students experiencing homelessness in Texas have equal access to a free and quality education under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. TEHCY provides critical leadership, resources, and support to help schools meet the unique needs of McKinney-Vento eligible students.

TEHCY Support Hotline
Families and educators can call 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM –3:30 PM

Intake Form: TEHCY Support Intake