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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1 FEB. 24 MARCH 25, 2022
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IMPACTS
BUSINESS FEATURE
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Over the past year, the Round Rock ISD board of trustees has been the subject of numerous controver- sies that caused the district tomake national headlines. Issues include the appointment of a Texas Educa- tion Agency monitor, disputes over COVID-19 poli- cies and allegations resulting in the superintendent being placed on leave. In early 2021, o cials and parents began clash- ing over the district’s mask policies, which led to lengthy regular and special meetings so the board could discuss the matter. CONTINUED ON 24 Investigation intoRRISD superintendent latest example of district strife BY BROOKE SJOBERG AMASSING HOURS The amount of hours Round Rock ISD o cials have spent conducting meetings in open session increased about 43% from 2019 to 2021.
FILLING THE RANKS
66 193 2 new o cers vacancies remained as of Jan. 31
more cadet classes budgeted for scal year 2021-22
The Austin Police Department graduated its 144th cadet class Jan. 28.
SOURCES: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
APD cadet class brings sta ng boost, training questions remain
• 19 regular meetings: 56 hrs. 8 min. • 11 called meetings: 22 hrs. 13 min. TOTAL: 30 MEETINGS, 78 HRS. 22 MIN. • 16 regular meetings: 56 hrs. 13 min. • 17 called meetings: 26 hrs. 34 min. TOTAL: 33 MEETINGS, 82 HRS. 47 MIN. • 13 regular meetings: 45 hrs. 35 min. • 34 called meetings: 66 hrs. 35 min. TOTAL: 47 MEETINGS, 112 HRS. 10 MIN.
BY BEN THOMPSON
support. Others called for a longer pause to fully implement proposed reforms. Following the graduation of Austin’s 144th cadet class in January, 66 new o cers are on patrol; how- ever, the department remains roughly 200 o cers short, according to APD data. At least two more academy sessions are likely to begin this year. Police Chief Joseph Chacon said lling the ranks will take years. “We’re not the only police department in this CONTINUED ON 22
The Austin Police Department graduated its rst cadet class in more than a year Jan. 28, bringing fresh recruits to the understa ed department as long-sought changes to training begin to roll out. APD’s cadet academies were halted in May 2020 in the midst of investigations into the department’s culture and training practices. City Council even- tually voted to reboot the academy last May to mixed community responses, with some residents in favor pointing to an immediate need for sta ng
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me *All prices shown are list price
ACTIVE
PENDING
PENDING
PENDING
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3 bds
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5812 Taylor Draper Cv, Austin, TX 78759 Elle Klein Garrison | 512-689-6877
11911 Shady Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78758 Damon Brown | 512-689-5723
11107 El Salido Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750 Kristin Kreisel | 512-560-5297
3308 Peddle Path, Austin, TX 78759 Kim Fodor | 512-809-3844
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4 bds
2.5 ba 2,258 sq ft
3 bds
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1,463 sq ft
4 bds
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1,900 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
2,140 sq ft
10511 Loring Dr, Austin, TX 78750 Lawrence Pritchett | 512-962-6936
12734 Magnolia Mound Trl, Austin, TX 78727 Ami Davis | 512-297-8251
11611 Star View Trl, Austin, TX 78750 Carolyn Watts | 512-619-0785
6708 Luckenbach Ln, Austin, TX 78729 Silvia Vandenberg | 512-554-6071
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$575,000
$715,000
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$1,250,000
4 bds
2 ba
2,015 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
1,792 sq ft
4 bds
3 ba
2,832 sq ft
4 bds
4 ba
3,891 sq ft
11100 Rio Vista Dr, Austin, TX 78726 Chris Peña | 512-820-3028
8003 Baywood Dr, Austin, TX 78759 Kevin McCord | 512-784-9644
11906 Brookwood Cv, Austin, TX 78750 Gail and Ben Team | 512-848-3477
11296 Taylor Draper, Austin, TX 78759 Kelley Menefee | 512-736-0822
Did you know that if you’re a new homeowner, you can receive a tax break on your property value? Have You Filed for Your Homestead Exemption Yet?
Scan the QR code to learn how you can apply before the Apri l 30 deadl ine!
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and P ugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.
HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH
FROM JENN: I am excited to be the new editor for the Northwest Austin edition of Community Impact Newspaper . I can’t wait to share with you all the wonderful things going on in your community, from infrastructure improvements and burgeoning development to tasty treats and things to do. We have a great team here working to get you the information you want most. This month on the front page, Austin City Hall Reporter Ben Thompson takes a look at the Austin Police Department’s recruiting e orts and the newest class of cadets to graduate. Please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email at jschaefer@communityimpact.com, letting me know what you’d like to read about. And if you have a photo you’d like to share, feel free to pass it along as well; you just might see it in the paper. Jennifer Schaefer, EDITOR
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
include chicken parmesan, lasagna and pizza. Veneto Hospitality operates Juliet Italian Kitchen and recently opened Ben- volio’s, which is available out of Kitchen United Mix and Juliet Italian Kitchen. 512-400-3052. www.little-juliet.com 9 IVitamin Hydration Lounge opened its second location at 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 227, on Jan. 21. The lounge o ers a range of IV drips that focus on energy, immunity, hydration and more. The rst location is at 515 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 104, Austin, and opened in 2016. 512-275-6448. www.ivitamintherapy.com COMING SOON 10 Z’Tejas Southwest Grill is prepar- ing to open its Avery Ranch location in mid-March. This location—at 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd., Ste. B100, Austin—marks a return for Z’Tejas to the Avery Ranch area, as the restaurant group closed a dining room o West Parmer Lane in 2017. Z’Tejas serves a variety of Southwestern and Mex- ican dishes, including fajitas, enchiladas and tacos. The restaurant group operates one other Austin kitchen downtown on West Sixth Street after its location at The Arboretum closed in July. www.ztejas.com 11 KinderCare will open a location at 9706 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, in late summer. The center provides day care, preschool and prekindergarten programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. The new KinderCare location will be in the former site of Xplor Preschool & School Age Care. KinderCare operates several centers in Austin and Round Rock. 833-905-3276. www.kindercare.com 12 Game Worlds will begin sta ng a permanent location at 7950 Anderson Square, Ste. 109, Austin, on March 1. Game Worlds o ers a summer camp in which participants learn how to make their own video games from start to nish. With the opening of the new location, the business also plans to o er workshops, an af- ter-school program and game nights. Prior to the pandemic, Game Worlds had been running its summer programming out of the Austin Community College Highland Business Center at 5930 Middle Fiskville 13 QuikTrip is planning to open a loca- tion at the southwest corner of Howard Lane and Metric Boulevard in Northwest Austin. The gas station and convenience store chain plans to have the project completed by winter 2023, said Aisha Jef- ferson-Smith, spokesperson for QuikTrip Corp. QuikTrip has six Austin locations, including one at Tech Ridge Boulevard and East Parmer Lane. www.quiktrip.com ANNIVERSARY Road, Austin. 337-519-7790. www.gameworldscamp.com 14 Bluebonnet School of Cedar Park reached its 20th anniversary in Febru- ary. Nancy and Charles Chick opened the independent, family-owned preschool in 2002. The school teaches students from infant age to kindergarten prep age. After-school care and summer camps are also o ered. The school also has tree-shaded playscapes, outdoor areas for
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NOWOPEN 1 Blue Starlite Drive-In held a soft opening for a tiki-themed North Austin location Feb. 18. Located in the parking lot of Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster at 12709 N. MoPac, Austin. Customers will be able to enjoy Blue Starlite’s lineup of classic and modern movies alongside dinner from the seafood restaurant and dessert from Connor’s Creamery, its adjoining ice cream truck. Blue Starlite’s North Austin location features a main screen to show new Hol- lywood releases and a smaller screen for new independent art house lms. This is Blue Starlite’s fourth location. 512-850-6127. www.bluestarlitedrivein.com 2 Town Square , an adult day center, held its grand opening Feb. 24, after press time. Located at 13450 Research Blvd., Unit 106, Austin, the business transports seniors back to the 1950s where they can enjoy 13 themed activity rooms, including a theater, a diner, a craft corner and a recreation center. The Northwest Austin location is Town Square’s fth U.S. franchise and aims to provide an a ordable, safe environment for seniors, especially those living with cognitive impairments. 512-375-4328. www.townsquare.net/nwaustin
3 ArtUs Co , a nonpro t organization that supports local artists by providing a ordable work spaces, moved into its permanent location at The Arboretum in February. Located at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 141 in Austin, ArtUs Co. has nine studio spaces for artists as well as a gallery for them to sell their work and space for a seasonal pop-up market. ArtUs Co previously operated a store in The Arboretum, where it showcased and sold the work of more than 100 local vendors. www.artusco.com 4 Amanda Gibbons Brows opened Feb. 1 at 13377 Pond Springs Road, Ste. 105- D, Austin. Owned by Gibbons, the studio focuses on eyebrow shaping and o ers a number of services including eyebrow waxing, tweezing and tinting as well as eyelash tinting, lip waxing and full-face waxing. First-time appointments include a consultation in which Gibbons helps clients nd the best shape for their face. 323-989-2769. www.agbrows.com 5 Room & Board , a modern home furni- ture and decor store, opened a showroom Feb. 11 in Domain Northside. Located at 3200 Palm Way, Ste. 170, Austin, the 12,000-square-foot store features a variety of room setups, home decor items and a custom design center. This is Room
& Board’s second Texas location, with the rst in Dallas. 512-813-7180. www.roomandboard.com 6 An Ace Hardware store opened Feb. 1 at 13450 Research Blvd., Ste. 240, Austin. The retailer sells a number of home construction supplies including paint, lawn and garden tools, plumbing and electrical equipment, and building materials. The North Austin franchise is owned and operated by Breed & Co., which has several hardware stores throughout the Austin area. 512-852-9300. www.acehardware.com 7 Always Best Care of Austin opened at 13625 Pond Springs Road, Ste. 102, Austin, on Dec. 27. The senior care business pro- vides nonmedical in-home services such as companionship, home help and personal care services as well as assisted living referral services. Owned by Kyle and Lori Green, the Austin franchise serves com- munities throughout Central Texas, includ- ing Georgetown, Round Rock, P ugerville, Lakeway and Austin. 737-295-0441. www.alwaysbestcareaustin.com 8 Little Juliet , a new Italian concept from Veneto Hospitality, began serving food for takeout or delivery out of Kitch- en United Mix at 8023 Burnet Road, Aus- tin, on Feb. 4. Menu items at Little Juliet
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP
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COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Austin Disaster Relief Network is planning to open a second Hope Family Thrift Store inMay.
each age group, a soccer eld, a swimming pool and a splash pad. Campuses include: A 3420 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park. A second campus, which opened in 2012, is in the Four Points area of Austin at B 10321 Boulder Lane. 512-331-9009.
Austin and the South. 512-335-9300. www.sullivanphysicaltherapy.com IN THE NEWS 16 The city of Austin is converting a former hotel at 13311 Burnet Road into a supportive apartment complex for people exiting homelessness. The apartment community, now known as Bungalows at Century Park , will feature 60 fully furnished studio apartments, common spaces, on-site security and 24-hour sta ng, a laundry room and o ces to facilitate social services, according to a city press release. Austin City Council approved a $1.36 million contract Feb. 3 with Integral Care, for the renovation and management of the Burnet Road building, which is expected to open in late 2022.
COURTESY AUSTIN DISASTER RELIEF NETWORK
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Austin Disaster Relief Network is planning to open a second Hope Family Thrift Store in North Austin this May. The store will carry clothing, furniture, sporting goods, decor, appliances, books and toys, and other household items. While Hope Family Thrift Store is open to the general public, disaster survivors— including those who have recently had their homes destroyed by oods or res— are able to shop for free. The Austin Disaster Relief Network is
a nonpro t organization made up of volunteers from about 200 Austin-area churches. 13801 Burnet Road, Stes. 100-200, Austin 512-428-6322 https://hopefamilythrift.org
www.bluebonnetschool.com NEWOWNERSHIP
15 Sullivan Physical Therapy , at 12411 Hymeadow Drive, Bldg. 3, Ste. 3B, Austin, was acquired by Los Ange- les-based Origin in January. Kimberlee Sullivan leads the physical therapy prac- tice specializing in pelvic health, includ- ing treatments for the lower back, pelvis and pelvic oor. Sullivan is set to stay on as a member of Origin’s leadership team as Origin plans to expand throughout
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At ARA, our doctors work with your doctor to get a clear picture of your health. We schedule imaging exams such as 3D mammography, CT, and MRI at your convenience and then deliver results quickly. With more than 115 subspecialized radiologists, ARA partners with more patients, hospitals, and doctors than any other medical imaging provider in Central Texas. Thanks for trusting us.
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
TO DO LIST
February-March events
COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP
05 PICK UP AT A PARK The Austin Parks Foundation is seeking volunteers for It’s My Park Day, a day of service that invites the community to collect trash, garden and participate in other projects to improve local parks. Times vary. Free. Parks throughout Austin. 512-477-1566. www.austinparks.org 11 THROUGH 20 SET YOUR SIGHTS ON SXSW South by Southwest Conference and Festivals returns to Austin, showcasing music, lm and comedy. More than 300 musical performances have been announced as well as 99 feature lms and 111 short lms. Times vary. Online registrations start at $489, music badge for March 14-20 and lm badge for March 11-20 cost $1,395 each. Locations vary. www.sxsw.com 12 THROUGH 26 ROPE INA RODEO EXPERIENCE Rodeo Austin 2022 will host 15 concerts spotlighting artists such as Scotty McCreery, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde. The rodeo will also include a carnival, a barbecue competition, a livestock show and agricultural education, and other events. $5-$175. 9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin. 512-919-3000. www.rodeoaustin.com
14 THROUGH 17 SPEND SPRING BREAKAT SEX ED CAMP Austin Public Health will host an evidence- based, LGBTQ+-friendly sex education camp for high school students ages 13-18 at four Austin Public Library locations. Participating teens can get $100 for participating in the course. Space is limited, and registration is required. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Spicewood Springs Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin. 512-974-7400. www.library.austintexas.gov 19 BE PARTOF ‘THE PRICE IS RIGHT’ “The Price is Right Live” is bringing fan favorites from the TV show, including The Big Wheel, Plinko, Cli angers and the Showcase Showdown to The H-E-B Center. Guests have the opportunity to hear their name called and “Come on Down” to win prizes such as appliances, vacations and a new car. 7:30 p.m. $29.50-$59.50. 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com 21 LISTEN TO SMOOTH JAZZ The unmistakable sound of Kenny G’s saxophone and the iconic look of his curly coif will be on display for a Monday evening show at the Paramount Theatre. 8 p.m. $45-$130. 713 Congress Ave.,
FEBRUARY THROUGH 28 FINISH FEBRUARY IN STYLE Valentine’s Day decorations at Domain Northside remain up throughout February. Patrons are invited to stop by to see a rose installation, add love- themed sidewalk chalk and stroll through the heart tunnel. Daily. Free. 11821 Rock Rose Ave., Austin. 512-758-7937. www.domainnorthside.com 26 WATCH ‘WEST SIDE STORY’ The Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform Leonard Bernstein’s classic “West Side Story” score while the 1961 lm adaptation directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins plays. 8 p.m. $19- $79. Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-476-6064. www.austinsymphony.org MARCH 02 THROUGH03 SUPPORT LOCAL CAUSES Amplify Austin Day is the largest giving event of the year in Central Texas. During the 24-hour campaign, participants can make a one-time or recurring donation to hundreds of area nonpro ts. 6 p.m. March 2-6 p.m. March 3. Free. Virtual. www.amplifyatx.org
Austin FC kicks o its season at Q2 Stadium on Feb. 26. (Claire Shoop/ Community Impact Newspaper)
UPCOMING GAMES Austin FC kicks o its 2022 season with three home games in February and March. Q2 STADIUM 10414 McKalla Place, Austin www.austinfc.com FEBRUARY 26 vs. Cincinnati FC, 5 p.m. Tickets start at $56 MARCH 06 vs. Miami, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $66 20 vs. Seattle, 3:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60
Austin. 512-472-5470. www.austintheatre.org
Find more or submit Northwest Austin events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
The Mobility Authority is building new connections for Williamson County.
Central Texas’ explosive growth is driving the need for proactive congestion relief. The 6.6-mile extension of the 183A Toll Road into Liberty Hill will ensure continued, reliable mobility for years to come. We build more than roads. We build connections that enhance quality of life and economic vitality across Central Texas.
183A.com
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION Data: Traffic deaths increase inAustin; Vision Zero’swork is ongoing
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
AUSTINTRAFFIC FATALITIES, 2017-21 There has been an increase in traffic deaths in Austin since 2020, specifically involving pedestrians and motorcycles. Vision Zero is a strategy that aims to reduce traffic fatalities by improving safety on streets, changing policies and educating the community. This data was compiled by the city of Austin. SOURCE: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
In 2021, data showed a 26% increase in local traffic fatalities from 2020 and 31% from 2019, which mirrored national trends, according to Austin Transportation Department representatives. There was a more than 23% increase in pedestrian traffic fatalities and more than double the number of motorcyclist traffic fatalities com- pared to 2020, according the data. ATD attributed the increase to a rise in traffic violations, including speeding, and impaired driving. “Humans make mistakes, but those mistakes don’t have to be fatal,” ATD Transportation Safety Officer Lewis Leff said. Through a strategy called Vision Zero, the city will continue using street improvements, policy changes and education to reduce deaths and injuries, Leff said. Austin City Council members offi- cially adopted the Vision Zero plan in October 2015, and funding for the
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plan comes from the voter-approved 2016 mobility bond that allocated $15 million for Vision Zero and intersec- tion safety initiatives. Although the number of traffic fatalities increased in 2021, the number of serious injuries caused by traffic collisions has been declining, according to Vision Zero data. Trans- portation officials said it is easier to predict what will lead to a traffic injury and reduce that risk compared
to a death. “I think we’re making some real progress on the larger scale. It’s harder to pinpoint where a fatality might happen, but serious injuries tend to occur at some hotspots frequently,” Leff said. In 2020 and 2021, Austin had the fewest number of serious injuries since 2015, despite the rapid popula- tion growth in the city. There were 361 motor vehicle-related serious injuries
five years ago, in 2017, 299 in 2020 and 347 in 2021, according to the data. “From our perspective, we’re doing the right work,” Leff said. “We’re focused on the right areas. It’s going to take a lot more time than any of us hope for, but we’re on the right track, and we could really use community support and understanding that it’s going to take everybody taking some responsibility for what’s happening on the roads.”
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
A review of ongoing Northwest Austin projects
COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP
Open-air food court and entertainment space The Pitch opens
neighborhood gathering spot; it’s a de facto park for the neighbors; and it’s a community spot not only for the tenants, but the Austin FC community and Austinites.” Deemed a hospitality destination, The Pitch, which was funded entirely by Karlin Real Estate, features a series of multilevel shipping containers that will house the venue’s restaurant kitchens and indoor seating, McGlashan said. Operated by Corner Kick Hospitality Group, the food and beverage options at The Pitch include Ranger Burger, Ga Roti, Taco Flats, Sand Bar, Co ee Club and Corner Kick Bar, according to a Jan. 24 press release. The Pitch is centered around a common space with a 15-foot-by-9-foot big screen, and includes outdoor seating, a sand volleyball court, an event center, an outdoor stage and a jogging trail around a 5-acre pond.
Developers behind The Pitch said they hope the space becomes a place where local employees, sports fans and the broader community can gather together to eat, drink and relax. Located at 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd., The Pitch is part of Karlin Real Estate’s 50-acre Parmer Pond District, which is on the developer’s larger 300- acre corporate campus, Parmer Austin, Karlin Vice President Mike McGlashan said. Additionally, The Pitch sits adjacent to Parmer Field—the home of Austin FC’s academy teams— and the St. David’s Performance Center—the team’s training facility. The Pitch opened to the public Feb. 11 and operates Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. “This is a small little slice of downtown Austin but here tucked 10 miles away in Northeast Austin,” said Dave Greeley, principal at Team Orbis and project consultant for The Pitch. “It’s a great
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Located at Karlin Real Estate’s Parmer Austin development, The Pitch opened Feb. 11. (Claire Shoop/Community Impact Newspaper)
InspireDevelopment embarks onmassive PearsonRanchmixed-use project
Inspire Development broke ground Jan. 27 on Pearson Ranch, a 156-acre mixed-use project that aims to bring o ce space, retail, hotels, housing and parks to an area devel- opers called Williamson County’s “burgeoning technology corridor.” Located at the northeast corner of SH 45 N. and West Parmer Lane, Pearson Ranch will feature 2.6 million square feet of Class A o ce space; 200,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and community spaces; two hotels; thousands of multi- family housing units; and 30 acres of parkland, according to a Jan. 31 release from Inspire Development.
In the release, Pearson Ranch developers said the community is designed to attract local restaurants and retailers and provide access to parks, public spaces, and hike-and- bike trails. The site is 2 miles from Apple’s $1 billion new campus and just east of Capital Metro’s Lakeline Station, which provides access to the Metro- Rail Red Line as well as bus service. “This property has such an inherent natural beauty and rich heritage, yet is juxtaposed with incredible proximity to major tech employers and workers that de ne the future in so many ways,” Inspire Managing Principal
Once fully built out, Pearson Ranch will span 156 acres and o er o ce space, retail, restaurants, housing and hotels. (Rendering courtesy Inspire Development)
Brett Ames said in the release. The project, which is anticipated to take 10-15 years to fully build out, will have an estimated value of about $2 billion, according to the release.
PEARSON RANCH RD.
45 TOLL
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St. David's HealthCare to expand capacity at NorthAustin facilities
St. David’s North Austin Medical Center is undergoing a series of renovations and expansions to meet the growing need for health services in Central Texas, said David Hu stut- ler, president and CEO of St. David’s HealthCare, in an email. Among the changes at St. David’s HealthCare’s North Austin site is the addition of an 80-bed behavioral health hospital, the hospital system announced in a Feb. 15 release. According to Hu stutler, a $145.9 million project will expand capacity
at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center’s main tower as well as the St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas. The rst phase of construction at the women’s center will renovate 28,325 square feet, which will allow the hospital to add 30 neonatal intensive care unit beds. Meanwhile, the second phase will add 166,369 square feet of space, including four C-section operating rooms, 36 labor and delivery beds, 24 antepartum beds and 32 full-term nursery beds, Hu stutler said in an email.
Both phases of the women’s center expansion are on track to be com- pleted in 2023. Construction on the main tower will add 21,214 square feet, which will be transformed into 32 patient rooms and 438 parking spaces by the end of 2022. The 80-bed behavioral health hospital will be near the St. David’s North Medical Center. Plans for the 63,000-square-feet building include indoor and outdoor therapy areas as well as the ability to add 12 more beds in the future.
St. David’sWomen’s Center (Amy Denney/Community Impact Newspaper)
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Austin ISD
MEETINGSWE COVER Austin Community College board of trustees Meets March 7 at 3 p.m. 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 512-223-7613 www.austincc.edu Austin ISD board of trustees Meets Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org P ugerville ISD board of trustees Meets March 31 at 7 p.m. 1401 W. Pecan St., P ugerville 512-594-0000 www.p sd.net Round Rock ISD board of trustees Meets March 24 at 5:30 p.m. 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock 512-464-5000 www.roundrockisd.org HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD Athletics and ne arts events are now open to the public without capacity limits, according to a release from the district Feb. 11. Attendees will still be required to wear masks inside all Austin ISD buildings, including stadiums. In January, AISD implemented a two-guest- per-player limit at indoor events.
Austin ISD lookingat eliminating250central o cepositions AUSTIN ISD The district could reduce 250 central o ce jobs, including laying o employees, Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde announced Feb. 10. BY DARCY SPRAGUE “IT SOUNDS FINE AS LONGAS YOU ARE NOT ONE OF THE 250. EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM IS GOING TOKNOW SOMEONEWHO IS ONE OF THE 250.” STEPHANIE ELIZALDE, AUSTIN ISD SUPERINTENDENT
“It sounds ne as long as you are not one of the 250. Everyone in this room is going to know someone who is one of the 250,” Elizalde said. Elizalde made the announce- ment during a larger discussion on expected budget de cits during the 2021-22 school year and the 2022-23 year. In November 2021, Elizalde announced that she would trim central o ce sta through attrition—allowing un lled positions to remain empty as sta leaves naturally. At the Feb. 10 meeting, she said she had planned to continue reducing administrative sta that way for two or three years but now feels the immediate cuts are necessary. Elizalde said the district would
provide assistance to those who lose their job to nd other employment. Elizalde said the district would also move forward with salary increases for sta . The district did not provide additional information about when the central o ce sta ers would be laid o . Community Impact Newspaper reached out for additional information. The district is now moving to balance the budget by the end of the scal year in June, AISD Chief Finance O cer Eduardo Ramos said. One of the biggest issues the district is facing is recapture costs— payments the district makes to the
state—Ramos said. AISD faces both strong property tax growth and decreasing enroll- ment, which means its recapture costs are increasing. Ramos is expecting the district will pay more than $761 million into the state, almost $52 million more than expected. BY THE NUMBERS 250: number of jobs proposed by the district to be cut $80 million: amount of district’s de cit for 2021-22 year $58 million: amount of relief funds to be used to pay down de cit
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
Growing our care for women, in our growing community
A new women’s care tower, coming in 2024 New and expanded women’s services, centrally located on our Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin campus, will offer our growing community more care options, close to home:
• Private NICU rooms to provide extra care for your baby • More room options for you and your new baby
• A dedicated OB-GYN emergency room • More doctors in the obstetrics and gynecologic subspecialties you need
We’re excited to bring new services at our newest location — and we are welcoming new patients now to care for all of your women’s health needs. ascension.org/SetonWomens
© Ascension 2022. All rights reserved.
Knowing what must be done diminishes fear. Rosa Parks
Celebrating Black History Month and the diversity of our community
AustinWater.org
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY& COUNTY
News from Austin, Travis County & Williamson County
HIGHLIGHTS WILLIAMSON COUNTY Officials broke ground on a 15,000-square- foot expansion to the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center in Georgetown on Feb. 11, despite construction costs for the project increasing by 78.2% since 2019. The facility, which will be connected to the existing WCCAC in Georgetown, will be home to crisis services, forensic interviews, family advocacy rooms, a multidisciplinary hub and outdoor play area. AUSTIN Jose “Chito” Vela was sworn in as Austin City Council’s newest member for District 4 on Feb. 7 following his Jan. 25 special election win. Vela, an immigration lawyer, comes to council with a political background including experience as a South Texas city manager. He replaces Greg Casar, who left council to run for the 35th U.S. congressional district. TRAVIS COUNTY Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 15 to approve a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month. Commissioner Jeff Travillion, who represents much of the eastern county, said the proclamation follows resistance to teaching Black history from the state Legislature. Austin City Council meets March 3 and March 24 at 10 a.m. at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Austin. 512-974-2250. www.austintexas. gov/department/city-council Travis County Commissioners Court meets March 1, 8 and 22 at 9 a.m. at the Travis County Administration Building, 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-9020. www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court meets March 1, 8 and 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Courthouse, 710 Main St., Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilco.org MEETINGSWE COVER
OutgoingAustinWater director discusses boil-water notice before City Council
RISING TURBIDITY TIMELINE
The boil-water notice was issued after turbidity levels, a measure of water clarity, rose Feb. 4 into Feb. 5.
BY BEN THOMPSON
measure of water clarity that can signal harmful organisms—at Ullrich Water Treatment Plant late Feb. 4 into Feb. 5. While Meszaros said employee failures likely led to the turbidity spike, he and the council said the purpose was not to vilify staff. Meszaros also said while process mistakes likely were made, the issues did not stem from total carelessness at the hands of plant operators. “This was really about our operations of the plant. How we communicate, how we make decisions, how we respond to alarms, how we escalate. Those
AUSTIN Outgoing Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros appeared before City Council on Feb. 15 to answer lingering questions about the agency’s response to the early February operational errors that left Austin in its third citywide boil-wa- ter notice in recent years. The situation prompted Meszaros’ resignation. Austin Water is likely to be audited by an independent investigator at the request of council while it continues its own internal analysis. The citywide boil notice came about as a result of rising turbidity—a
TURBIDITY LEVELS IN ULLRICH BASIN 6:
10 P.M. FEB. 4: “Very, very low” 2 A.M. FEB. 5: “Starting to have some problems” 6 A.M. FEB. 5: “Totally out of control”
SOURCE: GREG MESZAROS, AUSTIN WATER/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
are all within our control, and ... ultimately preventable,” Meszaros told council.
Cityofficials, communitymark oneyear sinceWinter StormUri
6-12 weeks of paid family leave under consideration 5,000 Travis County employees
PAID LEAVE POLICY
A subcommittee will draft a paid family leave policy for county employees. SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
BY BEN THOMPSON
AUSTIN City leaders gathered Feb. 15 for a ceremony commemorating the one-year anniversary of Winter Storm Uri, recognizing Austin community members and first responders and honoring the more than two dozen area residents who died during the storm. Following his colleagues’ thanks for the community’s response last February, newly elected District 4 Council Member Jose “Chito” Vela went on to express frustration at the market system that contributed to blackouts and the profits of energy companies in the state during the freeze. “Last year’s storm was a tragedy, but it was also a crime. Our people deserve better than to freeze in the dark, to fear for their lives, and to lose friends and loved ones,” he said.
TravisCountymovesaheadonestablishing paid family leave for all of itsemployees
BY GLORIE MARTINEZ
of paid family leave. County Judge Andy Brown and Commissioner Jeffrey Travillion sponsored the resolution. County employees currently have access to unpaid family and medical leave, but cannot take extended paid leave following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child, or to care for a family member.
TRAVIS COUNTY Com- missioners moved closer to establishing paid family leave for all county employees at their Feb. 8 meeting. Commissioners approved a resolution that directs a subcommittee to return to the court in 60 days with proposals for a policy that guarantees all county workers six to 12 weeks
YOUR WEIGHT-LOSS TEAM IS READY FOR YOU ! Supervised meal replacement plans Personal health & dietitian guidance Bariatric surgery
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP 2022 P R I M A R Y E L E C T I O N G U I D E GUIDE Candidates and information for the March primaries
D A T E S T O K N O W Feb. 14 First day of early voting
W H E R E T O V O T E
Voters in Travis County may vote at any voting center throughout the county. Likewise, Williamson County registered voters are able to vote at any polling location in that county. The following sample ballot includes contested races in the Northwest Austin area and is not comprehensive. Voters may nd a complete list of all candidates and voting locations online at www.votetravis.com and www.wilco.org/departments/elections.
March 1 Primary election day March 1 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or March 3 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
Feb. 18 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 25 Last day of early voting
S A M P L E B A L L O T
R Republican
D Democrat
*Incumbent
This list only includes contested races. Voters can vote in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both.
Attorney general R Ken Paxton*
State Board of Education, District 5 R Robert Morrow R Mark Loewe D Rebecca Bell-Metereau* D Juan Juárez D Kevin Guico Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 4 D Rosa Lopez Theofanis D Paula Knippa D Beth Payán Travis County clerk D Dyana Limon-Mercado D Kurt Lockhart Travis County commissioner, Precinct 2 D Brigid Shea* D Bob Libal Williamson County judge R Ryan Gallagher R Bill Gravell* This list is not comprehensive .
R Dawn Buckingham D Jinny Suh D Michael Lange D Sandragrace Martinez D Jay Kleberg Commissioner of agriculture R Sid Miller* R James White R Carey A. Counsil D Susan Hays D Ed Ireson Railroad commissioner R Dawayne Tipton R Tom Slocum Jr. R Wayne Christian* R Marvin “Sarge” Summers † R Sarah Stogner Supreme Court justice, Place 9 R David J. Schenck R Evan Young* Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 5
STATEWIDE
LOCAL U.S. House of Representatives, District 37 R Jenny Garcia Sharon R Rod Lingsch R Jeremiah Diacogiannis D Lloyd Doggett D Donna Imam D Quinton “Q” Beaubouef
Governor R Paul Belew R Danny Harrison R Rick Perry** R Allen B. West R Greg Abbott* R Don Hu nes R Kandy Kaye Horn R Chad Prather
R Louie Gohmert R George P. Bush R Eva Guzman D S. “T-Bone” Raynor
D Lee Merritt D Mike Fields D Joe Jaworski D Rochelle Mercedes Garza Comptroller of public accounts R Mark V. Goloby R Glenn Hegar* D Janet T. Dudding D Tim Mahoney D Angel Luis Vega Commissioner of the General Land O ce
D Chris Jones Texas House of Representatives, District 50
D Rich Wakeland D Beto O’Rourke D Joy Diaz D Inocencio (Inno) Barrientez D Michael Cooper Lieutenant governor R Todd M. Bullis
D James Talarico D David Alcorta Texas House of Representatives, District 136 R Michelle Evans R Amin Salahuddin Texas Senate, District 24 R Raul Reyes
R Dan Patrick* R Daniel Miller R Zach Vance
R Rufus Lopez R Victor Avila R Tim Westley R Don W. Minton R Ben Armenta R Weston Martinez R Jon Spiers
R Aaron Sorrells R Trayce Bradford D Michelle Beckley D Carla Brailey D Mike Collier
R Lamar Lewis R Pete Flores
R Scott Walker* R Clint Morgan
† MARVIN "SARGE" SUMMER DIED FEB. 8; HOWEVER, HIS NAME WILL STILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.
** CANDIDATE IS NOT FORMER GOV. RICK PERRY
P O L L I N G L O C A T I O N S
*Also an early voting location
Here is a list of area sites where voters can cast their ballots for early voting and election day. This is not a complete list.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 8134 Mesa Drive, Austin United Christian Church 3500 W. Parmer Lane, Austin Unity Church of the Hills* 9905 Anderson Mill Road, Austin YMCA North Austin 1000 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin
Milwood Branch Library 12500 Amherst Drive, Austin Peace Lutheran Church 10625 N. RM 620, Austin Shops at Arbor Walk* 10515 N. Mopac Expressway, Austin Spicewood Springs Branch Library 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin St. John’s Episcopal Church 11201 Park eld Drive, Austin
Disability Rights Texas 2222 W. Braker Lane, Austin Grant AME Worship Center 1701 Kramer Lane, Austin Jaime Padron Elementary School 2011 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin Juan P. Navarro Early College High School 1201 Payton Gin Road, Austin Kathy Caraway Elementary School 11104 Oak View Drive, Austin
TRAVIS COUNTY Anderson High School 8403 Mesa Drive, Austin
WILLIAMSON COUNTY Anderson Mill Limited District* 11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex 10211 W. Parmer Lane, Austin Lord of Life Lutheran Church 9700 Neenah Ave., Austin Pinballz Lake Creek 13729 N. U.S. 183, Austin
Central City Austin Church 9023 Old Lampasas Trail, Austin Chinatown Center 10901 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin Connally High School 13212 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin Davis Elementary School 5214 Duval Road, Austin
YMCA Northwest Branch 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin
SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2022
C A M P G U I D E GUIDE
A noncomprehensive list of camps in the area
COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP
Parents looking for camps for their children have a number of options to choose from in the Northwest Austin area. This list is not comprehensive.
11900 Jollyville Road, Austin 800 213 2417 www.codewizardshq.com
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ACADEMICS 1 Abacus Brain Gym summer camps help students hone their math skills through brain training. Additional activities include logic puzzles and brain teasers. Ages: 4 12 Dates: Weekly June 6 Aug. 12 Cost: Weekly rates: $195 (half day), $297 (full day) 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 124, Austin 512 775 0454 www.abacusbraingym.com 2 Badgerdog Creative Writing summer camps are led by professional writers and aim to inspire a love of reading and writ- ing, strengthen literary skills, exercise creativity and foster friendships. Ages: (grades:) 3 12 Dates: June 6 Aug. 12; half-day three-week workshops; one- and two- week programs available online
3 Bluebonnet School’s 2022 summer camp will explore a variety of STEAM topics. Each session will have a theme, and activities include cooking, working with technology, sports and art projects. Ages: 5 12 Dates: May 30 Aug. 17 Cost: TBD Bluebonnet School of Canyon Creek, 10321 Boulder Lane, Austin 4 CodeWizardsHQ o ers three-week- long summer classes as well as a week- long Minecraft summer camp. Students will learn a variety of coding skills in Scratch, Python, Java, Minecraft and oth- er software depending on the program. Ages: 8 18 (classes), 11 18 (camp) Dates: Classes: June 6 23, July 11 28, Aug. 8 25; Camp: May 30 June 3, June 27 July 1, July 5 9, Aug. 1 5 Cost: $447-$499 per session Bluebonnet School of Cedar Park, 3420 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park 512 219 5100, 512 331 9009 www.austinbluebonnetschool.com
5 Coding with Kids o ers a variety of summer camps based on a student’s interests and previous coding experience. Camps in the Northwest Austin area focus on Scratch, Python, Minecraft, Roblox, and robotics and electronics. Ages: 5 12 Dates: June 6 Aug. 5 Cost: Starting at $319 per session Northwest Hills UMC, 7050 Village Center Drive, Austin www.codingwithkids.com 6 ESTEAM Learning Labs camps teach a variety of curriculum through fun activ- ities. Campers use Legos to learn about engineering, robotics and art; make their own comic books and short-form video content; and more. Ages: 5 14 Dates: May 31 June 3, Aug. 1 5, Aug. 8 12 Cost: $425-$475 Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin 512 740 3024 www.esteamlearninglabs.com/camps
Game Worlds
COURTESY GAME WORLDS
7 Game Worlds summer camp attend- ees learn from game developers how to build their own video game. Developers help students bring their vision to life, teaching programming, design, business, audio and art. By the end of the week, the camper will have created and pitched a video game. Ages: 8 18 Dates: Weekly May 30 Aug. 12 Cost: $675 per week 7950 Anderson Square, Ste. 109, Austin 512 497 4390 www.gameworldscamp.com
Cost: $150-$525 a week Multiple locations in Austin 512 542 0076 www.austinlibrary.org
CONTINUED ON 16
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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022
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