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North Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 10 NOV. 29 DEC. 27, 2024
The Austin Police North Substation in Lamplight Village is the closest police substation to District 6, which has some of the longest 911 response times in the city.
BRITTANY ANDERSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
Initiatives aim to address North Austin safety needs
police response times in the city. E orts such as a new police contract and tem- porary public safety trailer ahead of a future police substation are aiming to strengthen law enforcement presence in the area and reduce these times.
2005 and 2008, respectively, the result is that parts of Northwest Austin are “historically underserved” when it comes to public safety, said Mackenzie Kelly, outgoing District 6 City Council member. Lacking its own police substation or public safety resource center, District 6 has some of the longest
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
While the city of Austin o ers a history spanning 185 years since its incorporation, some sections of the city are still comparatively new to the scene. With neighborhoods such as Pond Springs and Anderson Mill added into the fold as recently as
CONTINUED ON 20
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Impacts: Check out these 5 new restaurants now open in North, Northwest Austin (Page 6)
Dining: Get a taste of the Rio Grande Valley with Con Todo at Celis Brewery (Page 26)
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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact
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Impacts
3 Bumpsuit The store sells intimates, shapewear, loungewear, healing compression wear, occasion wear for events and baby showers, and more. The location offers an interactive play and seating area for families. • Opened Nov. 15 • 11700 Domain Blvd., Ste. 120, Austin • www.bumpsuit.co 4 Upscale Texas Resale The shop sells luxury items including bags, clothing, accessories and shoes. Owner Jeanne Bishop said all the store’s products are upscale items including brands such as Michael Kors for an affordable price. • Opened Oct. 6 • 12591 Research Blvd., Ste. 101, Austin • www.upscaletexasresale.store 5 Frosty Fox The chain drink shop, which has locations in Florida and Oregon, sells a variety of milk teas, boba teas, mocktails, slushies, gelatos and egg puffles, or street-style waffles. • Opened Oct. 30 • 14005 N. US 183, Ste. 580, Austin • www.frostyfoxusa.com 6 Breakfast House The restaurant serves a variety of breakfast dishes, such as Chinese fried donuts and congee, or porridge, as well as dim sum, noodle soups, soybean milk drinks and tofu hua, or tofu pudding. • Opened in early October • 13450 Research Blvd., Ste. 118, Austin • 512-331-8168 7 Couch Potatoes The business sells furniture for all living areas including bedroom furniture, dining furniture and living room furniture alongside mattresses. • Opened Aug. 30 • 12901 N. I-35, Austin • www.couchpotatoes.com 8 Black Gold Individuals can find dishes combining traditional Texas
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HOWARD LN.
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2 Spicewood Fusion Pizzeria The restaurant serves a variety of classic and Indian- inspired pizzas such as tandoori paneer pizza and butter chicken pizza. The pizzeria also serves salads, desserts and appetizers such as wings, cheese sticks and peri peri fries. • Opened Aug. 16 • 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 121, Austin • Instagram: spicewoodfusionpizzeria
Now open
1 Aria Korean Street Food The restaurant serves Korean fried chicken, rice bowls, Korean-style tacos and burritos, plus sides such as bulgogi fries and fried dumplings. • Opened in September • 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 119, Austin • www.ariakoreanstreetfoodtx.com
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BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, DACIA GARCIA & HALEY MCLEOD
barbecue and craft cocktails with comfort food inspired by owner Mems Davila’s upbringing in the Rio Grande Valley, according to a news release. • Opened Nov. 9 • 1521 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.blackgoldatx.com 9 Boss The business opened in Domain Northside next to The North Face earlier this year. The store sells high-end menswear for all occasions from cardigans and sweaters
Now open
Coming soon
to jeans and shoes. • Opened Aug. 29
• 3211 Palm Way, Ste. 140, Austin • www.hugoboss.com/us/boss
13 Kochu The family owned Korean restaurant specializes in both traditional foods, such as bulgogi and jjajangmyeon, and modern dishes including buldak, Korean fried chicken wings and sandwiches. Customers can also find fusion items including
16 Two Men and a Truck Two Men and a Truck will move into the space previously occupied by Catfish Parlour, which closed in 2021. The business services the Austin area and offers local- and long-distance moving with packing services available. • Opening in mid-January
Coming soon
10 Urban Outfitters The clothing store will move into the space previously occupied by Forever 21, which closed in September after 14 years. The chain business sells clothing, accessories, shoes, bags and more. • Opening in May • 3409 Esperanza Crossing, Austin • www.urbanoutfitters.com
birria shin ramen. • Opened Oct. 1 • 8820 Burnet Road, Ste. 502, Austin • www.kochuaustin.com
• 11910 Research Blvd., Austin • www.twomenandatruck.com
In the news
14 Autonomy Therapy Autonomy Therapy is celebrating its fifth anniversary in November. • 601 Farley Drive, Austin • www.autonomytherapyatx.com
17 Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Urgent Care Although the rest of the hospital remains open, the hospital system’s remaining Austin-area urgent care center is located on South Lamar Boulevard. • Closed in August • 9835 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Ste. 150, Austin • www.texaschildrens.org 18 Pin Seeker’s Golf Lounge The lounge originally opened on September 23, 2023. The business had four indoor golf bays that could accommodate up to six players each. • Closed Nov. 1 • 6001 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 230, Austin • www.pinseekersgolflounge.com
11 Michelin Guide Texas Michelin stars were awarded to 15 Texas restaurants in the first-ever Texas ceremony. Two of the restaurants are located in the North Austin area, including barbecue eatery Interstellar BBQ and American cuisine restaurant Barley Swine. • A Interstellar BBQ: 12233 N. RM 620, Ste. 105, Austin • B Barley Swine: 6555 Burnet Road, Ste. 400, Austin • www.theinterstellarbbq.com, www.barleyswine.com 12 Rebel Cheese The fromagerie uses four ingredients in its cheese: cashews, water, salt and cultures. Offerings include brie,
Closings
15 Xing Long Chinese Cuisine The Chinese restaurant served a variety of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes as well as noodles, fried rice, egg rolls, dumplings, rangoons and soups. • Closed in September • 13450 Research Blvd., Ste. 118, Austin • www.xinglongcuisine.com
smoked cheddar, pimento and more. • 2200 Aldrich St., Ste. 120, Austin • www.rebelcheese.com
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Northwest Austin gains new parkland
Moving forward
The update also comes as Austin’s traditional process for adding parkland alongside new development in the city has been limited, likely reducing the amount of new acquisitions in the next few years. The Parks and Recreation Department doesn’t currently have a timeline for upgrading the new parks, a process that’ll include formal planning with resident input. Robynne Heymans and Scott Grantham, two principal planners with the department, said “informal development” of trails and access points could happen in the next year. The department will notify Austinites when park planning begins. Anyone with ideas for new features at the properties, or others, can submit proposals through the city’s Community Activated Park Projects program.
About seven acres of land are being turned into new public green space across Austin. Parkland conversions are taking place at ve undeveloped properties, which were selected after a department-wide review. The land was previously acquired for environmental protection or water-related initiatives and will continue to be used for those purposes, according to the city. After an Austin City Council vote Oct. 10, bond dollars and other parks funding can now be used to improve the sites. The land is located in or near parts of Austin deemed to be parks-de cient. The city projects the future parks will now serve thousands more residents overall. Two North-Northwest Austin sites were included in the conversations, including 1.14 acres in Northwest Austin and 1.3 acres in Northeast Austin.
Northwest Austin
Future District 10 parkland • 1.14 acres • will receive pocket park amenities • will serve 3,500 new residents
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Northeast Austin
Future District 1 greenbelt and park space • 1.3 acres • will add to Walnut Creek Greenbelt system • will serve 2,400 residents
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON
Austin to spend $123M on public safety sites A new land acquisition to expand Austin’s public safety training campus is set to be approved, weeks after City Council voted to buy two Southwest Austin offices to serve as a future combined police, fire and emer- gency medical services headquarters. The big picture On Nov. 21, after press time, council members will vote to spend $2.24 million for more than 4 acres of land near the existing training center in South Austin to expand that facility’s capacity, according to the city. It’d come soon after they authorized the purchase of what will become a joint headquarters building off MoPac on Oct. 24. The acquisition and related design and rehabilitation will cost $120.5 million, to be funded through city debt.
Security concerns Texas judges, court staff and others in the legal system have faced an increasing volume of security incidents this decade including dozens of personal threats made in 2023 alone.
342.1% increase since 2014
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
SOURCE: TEXAS OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Travis County invests in judicial security systems Travis County commissioners approved new judicial safety funding this fall, following scrutiny of previous home security spending on District Attorney José Garza. What happened County leaders approved a $115,000 budget amendment for Garza’s security after a March executive session. Attorney General Ken Paxton since sued them, claiming their “secret” discus- sion over using public money at a private resi- dence violated state law. On Oct. 22, commissioners approved $500,000 for county judge, staff and elected officials’ safety.
They also reaffirmed Garza’s security funding, which a county spokesperson said is needed to address threats. Commissioner Jeff Travillion said the moves are needed to protect public workers in a “poisonous political time.” District Judge Julie Kocurek—shot nine years ago in apparent retaliation for a judicial ruling—said funding may help officers, given the rising threats against them. “[This funding] would help protect us where we are most vulnerable, so that we can do our jobs free from danger and keep our families from danger as well as ourselves,” Kocurek said. Coupled with their approval for the $500,000 security funding initiative Oct. 22, commissioners passed a second motion allocating $115,000 to the district attorney for security enhancements to address threats at specific locations identified by a security assessment, reaffirming the March vote.
New safety centers
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Office purchase
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Land purchase
60-unit housing for residents exiting homelessness now open in Austin A former hotel property off MoPac in Northwest Austin started housing dozens of residents exiting homelessness in November, representing the last of several city-sponsored hotel conversions for supportive housing and shelter. The big picture Officials with the city and Integral Care—Travis Park, the 60-unit complex, on Nov. 1. Move-ins are expected to begin later in November. Bungalows is open to residents who’ve experi- enced lengthy homelessness in recent years and have a disabling condition. Under the permanent supportive housing, or PSH, model, tenants will receive help with their housing costs and have
ELM RIDGE LN.
Bungalows at Century Park
on-site services available like homeless case management, counseling, nursing, peer support and group therapy, employment assistance, and community events.
County’s health authority for mental illness, substance use disorders and other disabilities— marked the opening of Bungalows at Century
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Real estate
Home sales were down over 13% for ZIP code 78750 in October compared to the previous year, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data
Homes sold
October 2023
October 2024
+5.9%
+6.67%
-13.64%
-5.88%
+11.76%
45 TOLL
78727
78729
78750
78758
78759
78729
620
MOPAC
183
Median home sales price
78727
78750
78759
35
October
2023
2024
78758
360
$537,000 $450,000 $645,000 $379,900 $663,000
$498,500 $483,500 $743,000 $472,500 $550,460
78727
2222
78729
N
78750
78758
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
78759
Average days on market
North-Northwest Austin
+27.5%
+62.16%
+34.04%
+37.78%
-12%
October
2023
2024
128
131
New listings
93
84
Closed sales
78727
78729
78750
78758
78759
Homes under contract
87
92
Homes sold by price point in October
Months of inventory
4
4.1
78727
78729
78750
78758
78759
1 1
-
6 4
-
3 3 7 6
$900,000+
1
1
Price per square foot
$700,000-$899,999
$300 $279
7 9
5
1
5 6 4
$500,000-$699,999
10
8
$300,000-$499,999
Active listings
342
349
-
-
-
-
<$299,999
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Real estate
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Austin, San Antonio, Houston Realtors to access 60% of real estate listings
Something to note
SABoR and HAR entered into a data share agreement in 2023. HAR Chair Thomas Mouton said this existing agreement, along with the upcoming addition of ABoR, means “more eyes on the seller’s home” since the listings will be accessible to Real- tors across Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
A data share agreement between the Austin Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors and Houston Association of Realtors is set to give Realtors with all three associations access to nearly 60% of all Texas real estate listings by the end of the year. The agreement between the three metroplexes, which was announced in early October, will open up access between the associations’ Multiple Listing Service, or the online portal where Realtors can share information about homes for sale in their markets. After the data share agreement goes live, the over 80,000 combined MLS subscribers will have access to thousands of additional listings in Austin, San Antonio and Houston. Currently, ABoR MLS subscribers have access to approximately 19,500 for sale listings. ABoR Chief Marketing Officer Kelea Youngblood said the agreement could increase the buyer and seller pool. “It allows for somebody who is moving in from another area of Texas to understand the differences and the nuances between the three markets,” Youngblood said. SABoR CEO Gilbert Gonzalez said the agreement also helps brokers save a few dollars. Now, brokers just have to join one MLS instead of two if they are working with clients on listings outside of their main market. “It has allowed them to do a little bit of research for clients and then send them off to a broker or agent in the other city,” Gonzalez said. “It’s really information that provides them
Breaking it down ABoR 17,970 MLS subscribers 19,500 listings in the MLS SABoR 14,889 MLS subscribers 111,497 listings in the MLS* HAR 48,000 MLS subscribers 67,000 listings in the MLS**
Data share agreement benefits
Buyers benefit from a wider range of listings, increasing their chances of finding their ideal home. Sellers gain exposure to a larger pool of potential buyers, potentially leading to quicker sales and higher offers. Realtors can connect with clients across a broader geographic area, expanding their network.
SOURCE: HAR/COMMUNITY IMPACT
DATA AS OF NOV. 4 *INCLUDES HAR DATA SHARE AGREEMENT LISTINGS. **DOES NOT INCLUDE SABOR DATA SHARE AGREEMENT LISTINGS. SOURCES: ABOR, SABOR, HAR/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Remember this?
A National Association of Realtors settlement implemented MLS policy changes in August that some local Realtors have said could lead to lower home prices and the way homes are bought and sold. While the data share agreement is separate from these policy changes, Youngblood said it is an added value to have Realtors with access to 60% of the Texas housing market as they adjust to these policy changes and a post-COVID-19 market.
a resource to connect with other agents over there and help transfer off clients that way, if you will.” For buyers and sellers, they’ll be able to know that one Realtor can help them in multiple markets, he said. “I think it’s made it easier for consumers to work with someone that they already have a relationship with, and be able to still find a property that they may be looking for in a different city,” Gonzalez said.
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Education
BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ & BROOKE SJOBERG
District outlines next steps for AISD tax-rate increase Around 58% of Austin voters approved a tax-rate increase in the November election that aims to bring in additional revenue for Austin ISD as the district faces a $119 million budget deficit. The gist The fiscal year 2024-2025 tax-rate will increase to $0.9505 per $100 valuation, a $412 yearly increase in property taxes for the average home- owner in Austin, according to AISD. What’s next Money matters Now approved, AISD’s Prop A will increase the average homeowner’s yearly property tax bill. $412 yearly estimated property tax increase for the average homeowner $34 monthly estimated property tax increase for the average homeowner
RRISD shares safety, security update Round Rock ISD campuses scored a 96% on safety audits conducted by the Texas Educa- tion Agency at the 14 campuses audited this year, a new update from the district shows. What you need to know According to the district, these audits include determining if campuses can be accessed by unsecured means, finding unlocked exterior doors and ensuring accu- rate records of door checks are kept. The big picture The Nov. 6 update also outlines expansion of efforts to install safety film on exterior windows. Completion of this is anticipated by June. The district will also pursue updated fencing across all campuses by 2029.
58% Austin ISD voters who approved Prop A $41M in additional revenue from the tax increase $130M paid to recapture $92M in AISD budget cuts over the next three years
District officials project an additional $171 mil- lion in revenue from the tax rate increase, but will only keep about 24% of the revenue, $41 million, due to recapture—when the state takes a portion of local tax dollars from districts. The additional $41 million in revenue will go toward salaries, oper- ating expenses and balancing the budget deficit, district officials said. An estimated $17.8 million would go toward a compensation plan to increase
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
pay for 85% of regular, benefit-eligible district employees, including teachers, librarians, coun- selors and other instructional staff. There will be additional budget cuts of around $92 million over the next three years, according to district officials.
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401
NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316
ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893
NORTH LAMAR 914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665
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Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Next I-35 construction phase begins
Looking ahead
Crews have already begun work to reconstruct and widen the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard bridge, with the next segment of construction to begin near Lady Bird Lake, from Holly Street to Hwy. 71, in early 2025. While construction along the entire corridor is not expected to be complete until 2033, Ferguson said TxDOT has broken the larger project down into smaller, “more manageable,” contracts. As segments get contracted out, residents should expect road closures. However, Ferguson emphasized that the transportation department remains committed to keeping three lanes open in each direction at all times. He also said local commuters might start seeing the upper decks come down as early as 2027, as the contract for that portion of work is expected to go out for bid around mid-2026.
The Texas Department of Transportation broke ground on its I-35 Capital Express Central project Oct. 30. The $4.5 billion infrastructure project will add two nontolled high-occupancy-vehicle lanes stretching roughly 8 miles from Hwy. 290 down to Hwy. 71. The project will also lower the main lanes from Airport Boulevard to Lady Bird Lake and remove the upper decks, making room for a separate city of Austin initiative to add deck plazas, also referred to as cap and stitch. The project has received criticism over the years, with concerns ranging from displacement to environmental concerns. Members from Rethink35, an advocacy group in opposition of the highway expansion, gathered to protest the project. Rethink35 filed a lawsuit earlier this year
290
MOPAC
183
35
COLORADO RIVER
290
71
N
claiming TxDOT failed to conduct a proper air quality study. TxDOT’s Austin District engineer Tucker Ferguson said TxDOT completed an environmental impact study, which is held to federal standards.
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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Initiatives aim to address North Austin safety needs From the cover
The big picture
APD response times by district P0 calls include in-progress incidents such as shootings, while P1 calls are for incidents like robberies where a suspect may still be near.
D APD south substation E Public safety trailer F Future APD substation
A APD main headquarters B APD north substation C APD east substation
District 6 is one of the furthest districts from the city center, Kelly said. If the Austin Police Department responds to a call in D6 from the nearest substation—located on the southeastern edge of the district—it could take 20 to 30 minutes for them to arrive. D6 neighborhoods such as Anderson Mill and Jollyville also have portions in both Travis and Williamson counties. District 6 council member- elect Krista Laine said 60% of the district falls in Williamson County, with 40% in Travis County and other areas located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction encircled by the city of Austin—all of which can prolong police response times. “I do think that part of the issue in District 6 is how 911 calls are being initially handled, moving through dispatch and getting to the right jurisdiction,” Laine said. On the county side, the Travis County Sheri ’s O ce often works with other agencies, such as the Williamson County Sheri ’s O ce or APD, if a call ends up crossing into the other’s jurisdiction, said Scott Crowe, TCSO’s east command captain. “We do a really good job of what we call mutual aid,” Crowe said.
Priority 0 calls Priority 1 calls
Average minutes*
45 TOLL
8.58
1
E
35
10.87
6
F
7.48
B
2
130 TOLL
10.42
7
10
620
7.05
3
4
9
7.58
MOPAC
290
4
10.08
8.07
1
5
10.47
A
71
9.48
9
C
6
12.3
3
290
8.85
7
8
71
10.9
5
D
10.02
183
2
8
12.6
6.73
9
8.35
9.8
10
12.02
N
*BETWEEN JAN. 1, 2024 OCT. 22, 2024 SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
Something to note
Diving in deeper
“As long as there’s somebody there that can start and make the scene safe, then the rest can be worked later
Austin City Council approved a $218 million, ve-year contract with the Austin Police Association in a 10-1 vote Oct. 24. APD North Patrol Commander Shauna Gri n said sta ng shortages continue to be the “No. 1 issue” leading to longer response times but hopes the new contract will help with recruiting and stability. Contract opponents have voiced con- cerns about city budget impacts and police accountability issues that were tied to voter-approved oversight measures as part of the contract process.
Some residents have expressed concerns that the multiple jurisdictions in the area could be behind the delays, as APD and TCSO utilize the same dispatch computer system, Crowe said. The city of Austin builds out the dispatch maps that include which jurisdictions are covered by the city or county, he said. When a 911 caller provides an address or their location is pinged from a cellphone tower during a priority call, the address automatically shows up with the responding jurisdiction, indicating which agency to dispatch. However, Crowe said calls that bounce o these towers—such as callers who are driving and report- ing a collision, or need assistance but do not know where they are—can delay the dispatch process. “[The call] could be in the county, but they’re actually in the city,” Crowe said. “Our dispatchers themselves have to determine that.” Laine also said APD receives a wide range of calls, but some get deprioritized, which could be handled di erently. “A lot of that looks appropriate to me in terms of what capacity they have, but the person calling 911
on as needed.” SCOTT CROWE, TRAVIS
COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE’S EAST COMMAND CAPTAIN
is not told, ‘This is a di erent way to handle this,’ or, ‘This has been deprioritized,’” Laine said. Ensuring D6 has adequate access to public safety initiatives like other parts of the city is another piece, Laine said. Laine said the district has had one of the fastest growth rates of people experiencing homelessness in the last two years, which she believes has taken up “a lot of policing time,” but the city’s Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team works in Central Austin and does not reach D6. “We need to have a better resolution on some of those issues because we can’t accept that we’re just going to have long response times,” Laine said.
APD outlook
1,498 sworn o cers
318 o cer vacancies
o cer-to-citizen ratio 1 654.12
DATA AS OF OCTOBER SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Did you know?
Looking ahead
Police trailer uses
Gri n said plans are in the works for a police substation to be built behind the new Canyon Creek re and emergency medical service station. The re and EMS station, which is expected to be complete in early 2025, will be located on the edge of districts 6 and 10 and serve Northwest Austin communities such as Canyon Creek, River Place and Anderson Mill. While there is no timeline for the police substation yet, Gri n said o cer responses and the types of calls received are “always being evaluated.” District 6 response times have lowered since June, when it took an average of 12.67 minutes for o cers to respond to Priority 0 calls and 20.1 minutes for Priority 1 calls.
The city and APD opened a public safety trailer in far Northwest Austin in July. O cials say the trailer is not sta ed 24/7, and residents should still call 911 in an emergency, but it is meant to be a “stopgap” until a future police substation is built in the area. “It’s really important for us as a community and as a city to support community policing initiatives so that we can have more positive outcomes with the o cers when something bad does happen,” Kelly said. Another use for the trailer many people don’t consider, Kelly said, is for o cers to be able to take their duty belt o when using the bathroom. “On that duty belt is a Taser, handcu s, a gun,” Kelly said. “If they’re going into a public bathroom, it’s a lot more dangerous for them to remove their belts.” Laine, however, said the trailer may take time to get used and “into people’s routine,” and is looking instead to shift the focus from distance to
Make police reports
Fill out paperwork or work on investigations
Community engagement
Have a police presence in an underserved area
SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
resolving response issues within police dispatch. “I didn’t see any signs that it signi cantly impacted police coming by that area, which I know was the goal,” Laine said. “I know that area was hopeful to get something that would bring a little bit more presence, but it doesn’t look like that was it. We at [the] City Council need to make sure that the actions that are being taken will actually be impactful.”
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Community
Holiday Events Guide
2024
Luminations The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in South Austin will light up its gardens and trails with luminarias for guests to walk through. The center will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. • Through Jan. 5, 5:45-7:45 p.m. (entry) • $18-$28 • 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin • www.wildflower.org ‘A Christmas Carol’ The ZACH Theatre will open its production of “A Christmas Carol” for the holiday season in November. Follow along as the cast and crew tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with the ghosts of
Lake Austin Festival of Lights Mozart’s Coffee Roasters is putting a twist on its annual light show on Lake Austin. This year’s open seating format will allow guests to see the lights, listen to live performances, shop from holiday vendors, head out to the lake and more during their selected time slot. • Nov. 29-Jan. 4, 5-10 p.m. • $5-$300 (children 11 and under free) • 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin • www.mozartscoffee.com
November
Blue Genie Art Bazaar At this annual shopping event, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar will be open daily to offer locally handcrafted items, such as home decor, clothing, fine art and more. • Through Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin • www.bluegenieartbazaar.com Peppermint Parkway Circuit of the Americas will present its annual mile-long holiday lights drive-thru featuring millions of holiday lights, dancing characters and more. The accompanying Peppermint Plaza will have more holiday activities, food and sweets.
December
Zilker Tree Lighting The city will host its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at Zilker Park. There will be food, music and performances from the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. • Dec. 1, 6 p.m. (preceremony music at 5:15 p.m.) • Free (admission) • 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austintexas.gov
Christmas Past, Present and Future. • Nov. 29-Dec. 20, showtimes vary • Ticket prices vary • 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.zachtheatre.org
• Through Dec. 29, 6-9 p.m • $45+ (ticket per vehicle) • 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin • www.peppermintparkway.com
CELEBRATE WITH US ZILKER PARK DEC. 10-23, 2024 Get your tickets today!
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ
Handel’s Messiah The Austin Symphony Orchestra and Austin Chorus will present its traditional holiday concert at the Riverbend Centre. • Dec. 3, 8 p.m. • $19-$64 (tickets) • 4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.austinsymphony.org ‘The Lost Christmas Eve’ The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be at the Moody Center to present its holiday rock concert. • Dec. 4, 7 p.m. • Ticket prices vary • 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin • www.trans-siberian.com ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Concert Members of the Austin Chamber Music Center will play holiday classics from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the State Theatre. • Dec. 7, noon, 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m. • $28-$58 (tickets) • 719 Congress Ave., Austin • www.austinchambermusic.org
Trail of Lights Austin’s holiday light walk-thru event will return to Zilker Park for its 60th year. Visit the trail to see over 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, over 65 holiday displays and more. • Dec. 10-23 • Free-$8 (admission) • 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.austintrailoflights.org
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar This 10-day market event at the Palmer Events Center will have fine art, handmade gifts and more from nearly 200 artists. There will also be daily live music. • Dec. 14-23, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • $12 (admission) • 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.armadillobazaar.com
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Nonpro t
BY DACIA GARCIA
Sammy’s House lls gap for specialized child care in Central Texas Transforming from a household child care organization to a fully operational nonpro t, Sammy’s House has created an inclusive child care resource for the Central Texas community. Behind the name Founder Isabel Huerta founded the organiza- tion after looking for specialty care for her third child, Sammy. When she discovered the lack of inclusive childcare options, Huerta was inspired to take action into her own hands. “When I started looking for specialized care, there was none in Central Texas’” Huerta said. “I found this one center in New York that provided inclusive care and I thought, ‘Well how hard would it be to create something like that here?’” Sammy passed away in September 1999 and Huerta, struggling with grief, forgot to cancel the nonpro t license. The rst child in the organiza- tion arrived a month later. The organization started with four children in Huerta’s house and now serves about 150 children a year, Huerta said. What they offer Sammy’s House promotes inclusivity through specialized care for medically fragile and developmentally delayed children in addition to o ering childcare for typically developing children. The organization recently started its young adult work readiness program and its adult summer program. Children at the organization are taught a variety of skills including a STEM curriculum, learning how to read with sign language and more with sensory input in mind so all children can be integrated with neurotypical children. Huerta said the childcare nonpro t’s main goal is to provide a safe, inclusive space for children to be happy. “Any of us can leave the world anyday, right,” Huerta said. “So be happy, be joyful, be at peace. I hope that’s what the children are experiencing because that’s what we’re trying to give them.” The nonpro t focuses on providing care for as many low-income families as possible. “It’s hard because the children need more than just care,” Huerta said. “We have to do a lot of fundraising to make sure that we can stay open to serve these high-risk children.”
Sammy’s House was founded in 1999 by Isabel Huerta and celebrated its 25th anniversary Oct. 15.
PHOTOS COURTESY SAMMY’S HOUSE
Children at the nonpro t are taught a variety of skills, including STEM curriculum.
Founder Isabel Huerta started the organization in 1999.
Get involved Volunteers play a large role in keeping the nonpro t alive, Huerta said. For Christmas, the nonpro t invites individuals to sponsor Sammy’s House families which includes buying presents for children and parents. In addition to sponsors, Huerta said the orga- nization is in need of volunteers for its annual Christmas party where children can take photos with Santa Claus and open their gifts.
DAUGHERTY ST.
N
2415 Twin Oaks Drive, Austin www.sammyshouse.org
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Dining
BY DACIA GARCIA
The Con Todo menu o ers a variety of tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and more.
From left to right: Joseph Gomez—owner, chef and James Beard Foundation Award nominee—opened Con Todo in 2021 and cooks all the food for the business alongside his cook, Fernando.
PHOTOS BY DACIA GARCIA COMMUNITY IMPACT
Con Todo celebrates culture through regional cuisine Since October 2021, owner and chef of Con Todo Joseph Gomez has been showcasing a taste of the Rio Grande Valley at Celis Brewery. The backstory purchases surplus corn from small farmers that grow corn for their own consumption.
The Bistec Estilo Matamoros taco ($5) is one of the classic tacos from the Rio Grande Valley, Gomez said.
Gomez said the must-try menu items are the Bistec Estilo Matamoros taco, Pollo en Mole taco and Alambre taco. For the holidays, Gomez said he’s planning to sell buñelos, or fried dough fritters, and is hoping to o er tamales as well. The impact Gomez said the Rio Grande Valley community in Austin has shown appreciation for the food but individuals unfamiliar with the region need more introduction to the cuisine. “I love food so much and the thing I enjoy most about it is how it brings people together,” Gomez said.
Gomez started baking during the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, he recalls watching family members cook and being fascinated by the act. In 2021, he decided to expand his o erings by adding cooking to his repertoire and opening up the Con Todo food truck in North Austin. What they o er The eatery sources corn for tortillas, beans and some chiles from Tamoa, an enterprise that
N
10001 Metric Blvd., Austin www.contodotacos.com
Happy Holidays!
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