North Central Austin Edition | June 2023

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3 JUNE 30AUGUST 2, 2023

HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023

INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS In a survey conducted every two years by the Texas Department of State Health Services, high school students ages 14-18 across the state are asked about their emotional well-being.

Carve American Grill opens second location

Felt sad or hopeless

Considered suicide

Made a plan to attempt suicide

15 things to do around Austin this summer

HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • UT Health Austin

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Health care snapshot

Suicide deaths increased 65% in children and youth over ve years in Austin.

In 2022, over 40K

1 IN 6 children ages 6-17 in the U.S. has a mental health disorder.

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxx x x xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx x xxx Check out real estate trends in Central Austin Real estate

Travis County youth visited emergency rooms with a mental, behavioral or emotional issue.

SOURCES: AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH, YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR REPORT, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Mental health experts report spike in adolescent anxiety, depression

BY ELLE BENT

school began exhibiting emotional and behavioral symp- toms without a known cause. “His teachers at the school knew that something else was going on,” Heston said. “So if we know that there’s something dierent, or you can just feel it, listen to that voice as parents and caregivers. Know that it’s OK to reach out for help.” After meeting with a psychologist, who diagnosed her son with bipolar disorder, Heston was able to begin a plan to care for him. “I had been working in children’s mental health at the time helping other parents navigate their health sys- tems—and to hear that for my own child, it kind of shook CONTINUED ON 28

XX 30

Counselors in Central Texas schools are seeing more students needing mental health care as anxiety and depression increase among adolescents, and during the summer, support outside of schools may be harder to nd for some families. On May 24, Austin Public Health held a press confer- ence regarding its campaign Ask, Talk, Listen, urging parents to begin the conversation on mental health with their children. District 1 Council Member Natasha Harp- er-Madison declared children’s mental health is a public health priority for the city. For Austin parent Nidia Heston, the conversation on children’s mental health began when her son in high

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COMMUNITY

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

Late payment fees do apply

Drivers without electronic tags will receive a Mobility Authority Pay By Mail (PBM) bill. For electronic tag holders, bills generated and mailed by the Mobility Authority are the result of declined responses after multiple attempts to post tolls to a customer’s electronic tag account. To avoid receiving a PBM bill, be sure to check with your electronic tag provider to make sure all of your account details are up to date.

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

There are payment options everywhere

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

Tag Account:

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/Tolling101.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

AS LAKE LEVELS CONTINUE TO DROP in the face of drought this summer, it’s important that we all help conserve our precious resource. The new My ATX Water Program provides the tools to help you save water and money. Your new

City of Austin water meter, along with the My ATX Water Customer Portal , will give you access to

near-real-time water use data so you can maximize the savings.

Benefits of My ATX Water 6 Continuous usage and leak notifications 6 Personalized alerts 6 Water budgeting features 6 Customized water-saving tips and rebate information Don’t have your new meter yet? Don’t worry! You can still join the My ATX Water Customer Portal now to access monthly water use data and other benefits at myatxwater.org .

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

Are you struggling to pay your utility bill? The City of Austin’s Customer Assistance Program helps with: • Utility Bill Discounts • Emergency Bill Help • Payment Arrangements • Support for the Medically Vulnerable Get Utility Bill Help

07/30/2023

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DEEDA: Three years after it began, we’re still recovering from the pandemic. We’re also learning some of the most deeply aected by the response are our own children. In our front-page story, Reporter Elle Bent explores the mental health of our kids and teens as well as how parents can navigate this new set of challenges. This coverage is part of our annual Health Care Edition, which aims to inform you of local medical services and solutions for the whole family. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Elle Bent, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES ctanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING ctaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

FROM DARCY: Our most read section is our Impacts (Pages 7-11), where we share the latest news onrestaurants and businesses that have opened in Central Austin. Sometimes, I nd the sheer number of new, upscale places a bit overwhelming when I am looking for a dinner or happy hour spot. So, I would like to hear about your tried and true hole- in-the-wall spots. If they've been open for at least a year and are locally owned, we might add them to our list for future feature stories. You can send our team ideas at ctanews@communityimpact.com Darcy Sprague, EDITOR

Meet Travis Baker

Austin Metro Publisher

What’s your typical day as a CI Publisher? TB: One thing I love about my job is that no two days are the same, each lled with new challenges and opportunities. On average, my day starts with some internal meetings. Next, I am in the eld riding along with a sales rep to help pitch a local business as to why our advertising portfolio is the best investment they can make. Then I’m at a chamber networking event, and throughout the day I may be mixing in some editorial decisions on late breaking content, scheduling future stories, etc. Each day my calendar is booked, but rarely is there a day playing out as planned.

What’s your favorite memory working for CI? TB: I’ve had many great memories over my 13 years. One that sticks out the most is when we launched a paper in my hometown of New Braunfels and saw the emails ooding in after our rst delivery. I started documenting them, and when I got to page seven or eight, I realized it was never going to end. The launch was rewarding for myself and also the community.

Where might CI expand to next in your metro? TB: Good question. We have quite a few fans out there, and they are not shy to let us know where we’re needed. I’ve heard from people in Waco, Killeen, Temple, Bastrop and Highland Lakes, to name a few. I look forward to the day that every community across Texas has Community Impact serving it.

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Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

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NORTH AUSTIN

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from Greece and the U.S. Yamas is owned by Greece natives Roxie and Hristos Niko- lakos. www.yamasatx.com COMING SOON 7 Korean fried chicken restaurant Donkey Mo’s will reopen at 5312 Airport Blvd., Austin, this fall. Donkey Mo’s two previous locations at the H-Mart food court and the Lakeline Mall closed in 2021. The new lo- cation will oer fried chicken, french fries, draft beers and a big outdoor patio. Don- key Mo’s is led by Young Noh, who also co-owns Korean barbecue restaurant Jjim. 8 Bloody Rose Boutique relocated from 100 W. North Loop Blvd., Ste. I, Austin, to 805 Stark St., Austin, in mid- May. Bloody Rose sells dark streetwear and accessories for “goths, punks, witches and rockstars,” according to its owners. The new location is nearly triple the size of the original store, and has a parking lot and a backyard that will be used for monthly events. www.bloodyroseboutique.com 9 Toy Joy will relocate its 4631 Airport Blvd., Austin, location to 5501 Burnet Road, Austin, in the former Karavel Shoes store on July 1. The new store will be painted in Toy Joy’s signa- ture slime green and bright pink hues and adorned with the store's mascot, a cat named Otto. Toy Joy sells toys for all ages including puzzles, gurines, construction kits, sensory toys and board games. Toy Joy has been open in Austin since 1987. www.toyjoy.com www.donkeymos.com RELOCATIONS

STARK ST.

PERSEVERANCE DR.

290

BULL CREEK RD.

Yamas

COURTESY YAMAS

4 East Side Pies opened a new location at 5530 Burnet Road, Austin, on May 30. The restaurant—owned by Noah Polk and Michael Freid since 2006— serves thin-crust pizzas, cheesy bread and salads. The new location features larger indoor and outdoor dining areas, draft beers, and new menu additions. www.eastsidepies.com 5 Wu Chow opened its second location at 3800 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 170, Austin, on May 19. The restaurant—owned by Chameleon Cos.—oers modern Chinese food, including twice-cooked pork belly, Hunan-style beef and Sichuan-braised eggplant. Wu Chow also serves a Sunday dim sum menu with soup dumplings, shrimp shumai, cold sesame noodles and other items. www.wuchowaustin.com 6 New Greek restaurant Yamas opened at 5308 Balcones Drive, Austin, on June 23. Yamas’ menu is inspired by the Med- iterranean coast and serves items such as fried feta with roasted walnuts, honey and sesame; grilled octopus; lamb chops; and more. The wine list includes bottles

NORTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

Crown serves specialty coee in the morning and natural wines in the evening. The shop also serves pastries, kolaches and donuts from local suppliers. The Violet Crown is owned by married couple and business partners Chris Nagelhout and Grant Richardson. 512-215-0085. www.thevioletcrownatx.com 3 Live-re restaurant Carve American Grill opened its second location at The Grove at 2613 Perseverance Drive, Aus- tin, on June 12. Carve’s menu features steaks, seafood, wood-red pizzas and its signature wagyu meatloaf cupcakes. Carve also serves a weekend brunch menu serving hash brown breakfast pizza, chicken and waes, bloody marys, and peach mimosa slushies. www.carveamericangrille.com

1 Double Trouble , the joint restaurant between The Vegan Nom and Barrett’s Coee, opened at 103 North Loop Blvd. E, Austin, in June. The menu features coee drinks, frozen cocktails and draft beer from Barrett’s as well as breakfast tacos, nachos and burritos from Vegan Nom. Double Trouble is owned by Chris Rios, who runs the Vegan Nom, and Travis Kizer, who runs Barrett’s Coee. Instagram: double_trouble_atx 2 A wine bar and coee shop called The Violet Crown opened in the former Violet Crown Clubhouse at 7100 Wood- row Ave., Austin, in early May. The Violet

1014 N. Lamar Blvd 4477 S. Lamar Blvd 4477 S. Lamar Blvd

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

GUADALUPE ST.

MOPAC

Uchiba

Counter Culture

COURTESY UCHIBA

COURTESY COUNTER CULTURE

COLORADO ST.

Favor

Zalat Pizza

COURTESY FAVOR

COURTESY KATHY TRAN

small bites and desserts that are meant to be shared. Uchiba Austin will mark the restaurant’s second location behind Dallas. uchiba.uchirestaurants.com 4 Zalat Pizza will open its rst Austin location at 2222 Rio Grande St., Ste. 190, on July 5. The Dallas-based pizza chain oers a variety of unique pizzas, including an elote pizza, pickle pizza and the Pho Shizzle pizza as well as pret- zel bites, cheesy bread and ice cream. Zalat Pizza is led by CEO Khanh Nguyen. www.zalatpizza.com CLOSINGS 5 Cookbook Cafe , located inside the Central Library at 710 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, temporarily closed in May. The restaurant, run by WIP Hospitality, is still oering catering services. A date for when the cafe will reopen or perma- nently close has not been announced. www.cookbookatx.com 6 Buckshot , a shot bar in the East Sixth Street entertainment district, permanent-

ly closed in April. The bar had multiple levels with an arcade, photo booth, and outdoor patio with live music and served dozens of unique shots. Buckshot was located at 422 E. Sixth St., Austin. ANNIVERSARIES 7 Downtown Austin Alliance cel- ebrated its 30th anniversary in May. The nonprot was created by Austin City Council in 1993 and creates urban planning initiatives aimed to improve downtown. Downtown Austin Alli- ance’s oce is located at 515 Congress Ave., Ste. 2150, Austin. 512-469-1766. www.downtownaustin.com Favor , a Texas-based delivery service that was acquired by H-E-B in 2018, reached its 10-year anniversary June 5. Favor operates in over 400 cities in Texas and has over 100,000 delivery drivers, or “runners,” as Favor calls them. Since 2019, Favor has contributed to Feeding Texas with a total of over 1.4 million meals. www.favordelivery.com

DOWNTOWN WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN

2 Seafood restaurant Truluck’s opened its new downtown location at 300 Colorado St., Austin, on June 16. The new location features a mezzanine dining room and a second-story wraparound patio with views of Austin’s skyline. The restaurant also has a light who sound coordinator who manages the playlist and lighting in the restaurant in real time. 512-482-9000. www.trulucks.com COMING SOON 3 Hai Hospitality, the team behind Uchi and Loro, will open a new bar and restau- rant called Uchiba inside the Google tower at 601 W. Second St., Austin, this summer. Uchiba will serve high-end Jap- anese whiskeys and cocktails paired with

1 Vegan restaurant Counter Culture reopened in a food truck located at the back patio of Tweedy’s Bar in May. The restaurant is serving a new menu that owner Sue Davis describes as part bar food, part health food, including bowls, burritos, nachos, and mac and cheese. Counter Culture's last loca- tion was at a brick and mortar space at 2337 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, for 11 years until it shuttered at the end of 2022. The restaurant’s new address is 2908 Fruth St., Austin. 737-357-9522. www.countercultureaustin.com

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IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

PRESIDENTIAL BLVD.

MOPAC

GROVE BLVD.

Foxtrot

Fast Friends Beer Co.

COURTESY FOXTROT

ELLE BENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

flavors of gelato that are made daily in small batches, a quarter of which are fat free and dairy free. All of Andino Gelato’s products, including its cookies and waffle cones, are made from scratch using recipes that have been passed down for generations. www.andinogelato.com 5 Austin Mercantile opened June 7 across from Gate 27 at the Aus- tin-Bergstrom International Airport, 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin. The retail concept offers travelers apparel, snacks and Texas memorabilia. The store celebrated its grand opening with a rib- bon-cutting hosted by ABIA and airport concessions partner Delaware North. www.flyaustin.com EXPANSIONS 6 Circuit of the Americas expanded its attractions in May by opening a race track for children ages 5-12, known as Kiddie Karting . Children who drive on the Kiddie Karting track will receive a personalized Kiddie Karting Driver’s License to bring with them each time they return. In addition, staff members can control the speed of each kart indi- vidually to maintain a safe environment. Each five-minute race is $12 per rider. COTA is located at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. 512-301-6600. www.circuitoftheamericas.com CLOSINGS 7 Senior living facility Focused Care at Stonebriar closed June 29. The facility provided skilled nursing care, rehabilita-

E. LIVE OAK ST.

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS BLVD.

ELROY RD.

812

Kiddie Karting

COURTESY CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

TRANQUILO TRAIL

tion services, food and nutrition services, and more. Focused Care at Stonebriar was located at 110 E. Live Oak St., Austin. ANNIVERSARIES 8 Travis Heights Wine & Spirits celebrated 20 years in business in May. The shop—owned by the Topi- wala family—sells a wide selection of small-batch liquors, wine and other hard-to-find items. Travis Heights Wine and Spirits is located next to Whip-In at 1948 S. I-35, Austin. 512-440-7778 www.travisheightswine.com 9 The Safe Alliance celebrated 10 years of serving survivors of sexual assault, abuse and domestic violence in May. The Safe Alliance is a nonprofit that offers ed- ucational courses, counseling, legal help, housing services and more for women and children. www.safeaustin.org

SOUTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN

ten-free and vegan options. The spot is dog friendly and family friendly, and has indoor and outdoor seating. Fast Friends is owned by Austin local Dave Childress. Instagram: @fastfriendsbeer 3 Foxtrot opened its largest location yet at 1804 S. First St., Austin, on June 6. The Chicago-based store sells local prod- ucts, including craft beers, wine, snacks and everyday essentials, and it operates an all-day cafe serving coffee, smooth- ies, breakfast tacos, salads and bowls. Foxtrot plans on opening two additional Austin locations this year. 512-300-0185. www.foxtrotco.com 4 Family-owned shop Andino Gelato opened its 2214 S. First St., Austin, location in June. Andino Gelato makes 32

1 Blenders , a San Diego-based eyewear company, opened its first Austin location in March. The store sells a variety of sunglasses for sports and everyday wear, all of which are polarized and under $100. The brand also sells prescription and blue-light lenses. Blenders is located at 1510 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 737-587-5366. www.blenderseyewear.com 2 A new brewery called Fast Friends Beer Co. opened May 26 at 7313 S. I-35, Austin. Fast Friends serves a wide range of draft beers as well as wine, cider, pizza, salads, wraps, and other glu-

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COURTESY LOVEBIRDS

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Austin businesses including Anna’s Toy Depot, Cheapo Records, Daily Juice, Easy Tiger, Jo’s Coffee, Nau’s Enfield Drug and dozens of others. The bar also has a taco truck and a maze to explore next door.

concept, serving tacos, cocktails, coffee and espresso. Cosmic Castillo is owned by Paul Oveisi, Patrick Dean and Jason Ste- vens. www.cosmichospitalitygroup.com 7 A new Cajun restaurant called Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar will open at 5000 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, in Feb- ruary. The restaurant will serve a variety of Cajun classics. Lil’ Easy is owned by 2 Dine 4 Hospitality, the group behind Sawyer & Co. and De Nada Cantina. www.lileasyatx.com EXPANSIONS 8 Sushi Bar ATX expanded its restau- rant to the entire building at 2600 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, in April. The new space—previously occupied by Bento Picnic—made room for a second 10-seat omakase bar and private event bookings. Sushi Bar ATX also renovated its bath- rooms and waiting area as well as adding a bar. www.sushibarhospitality.com RENOVATIONS 9 Austin’s African American Cultural & Heritage Facility reopened in late May after more than two years of renovations. The renovated facility offers programs surrounding art, culture, business and entertainment. The facility also has a creative studio floor for dancing, meet- ings and events, and a computer lab with printers that is open to the public. The African American Cultural & Heritage Fa- cility is located at 912 E. 11th St., Austin. www.austintexas.gov 973 130 TOLL

www.signbartexas.com COMING SOON

POLLO DR.

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3 Chuy’s will open its seventh Aus- tin-area location in the Mueller neigh- borhood in early 2024. Chuy’s offers made-from-scratch Tex-Mex dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, fajitas and huge burritos. The new location will also include a full bar in addition to indoor and outdoor seating. Chuy’s will be located at 2027 Aldrich St., Austin. www.chuys.com 4 Hopdoddy Burger Bar will join the Mueller neighborhood at 2005 Aldrich St., Austin, in early 2024. The Aus- tin-based burger spot offers beef, chick- en, bison and plant-based burgers along with hand-cut fries and other sides. The restaurant also serves milkshakes, draft beers and cocktails. www.hopdoddy.com 5 Honest Mary’s will open its fourth location on the ground floor of the AMLI Branch Park apartment complex in Mueller in early 2024. The fast-casual restaurant sells healthy bowls with whole grains, fresh vegetables, and made- from-scratch sauces and toppings. The new location will be at 2021 Aldrich St., Austin. www.honestmarys.com 6 Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden will open a second location called Cosmic Saltillo at 1300 E. Fourth St., Austin, this summer. The new location will be the hospitality group’s first taqueria

IMPERIAL DR.

183

EAST AUSTIN NOW OPEN

bar also has a food truck called Wow Poke out front. Lovebirds is owned by brothers Randy and Christopher Baker, who also run vegan food truck Arlo’s. www.heylovebirds.com 2 Sign Bar —a new establishment from FBR Management—opened in a former automobile service station at 9909 FM 969, Austin, on June 16. Sign Bar is decorated with over 75 signs from iconic

1 A cocktail bar called Lovebirds opened in the former Counter Cul- ture space at 2337 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, on May 7. Lovebirds’ menu features bright, fruity cocktails that match the colorful decor inside. The

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

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TODO LIST

COMPILED BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, AMANDA CUTSHALL & KATY MCAFEE

July, August & October events

JULY 1819

HEAR MUSIC IN THE PARK ZILKER PARK

JULY 2023

ENJOY FREE LIVE MUSIC RED RIVER CULTURAL DISTRICT

Austin City Limits Radio’s free concert series Blues on the Green will return to Zilker Park this summer for its 32nd season. Kids and dogs are welcome. Food and nonalcoholic beverages from local eateries as well as a bar will be available. Free. Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road., Austin. Times vary. www.acl-radio.com

The sixth Hot Summer Nights festival will take place across four days in the Red River Cultural District and feature hundreds of free music performances across a dozen participating venues plus special promotions and discounts at local restaurants and bars. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Free. Fourth-15th streets. www.redriverculturaldistrict.org

26 ATTEND A SUMMER FESTIVAL The Sad Summer Festival will happen at Germania Insurance Amphitheater and will feature alternative musical artists such as Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, Stand Atlantic and more. 2 p.m. $35-$100. 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin. www.sadsummerfest.com 29 CELEBRATE CULTURAL DANCE Ballet Folklórico de Austin will perform its show “Guelaguetza Oaxaqueña” at the Long Center. Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word meaning “active cooperation,” and the show is a Oaxacan festival with signicant historical and cultural roots. 6 p.m. $10-$35. 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-474-5664. www.thelongcenter.org AUGUST 10 SEE DOMINIC FIKE Indie musician Dominic Fike will bring his “Don’t Stare at the Sun” tour to Austin as part of his new album “Sunburn.” 8 p.m. Tickets start at $38. Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St., Austin. www.dominicke.com OCTOBER 06 THROUGH OCT. 15 GET ACL FEST TICKETS Tickets for the 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival are on sale for both weekends. The lineup includes dozens of artists and headliners, including Kendrick Lamar, Maggie Rogers, Foo Fighters, Shania Twain, Hozier and more. Times vary. Tickets start at $170 for one day and $375 for the entire weekend. Zilker Park, 200 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. www.aclfestival.com

Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical.” Families are invited to pack a picnic and attend this outdoor performance Thursdays through Sundays. There will be American Sign Language-interpreted performances July 29 and Aug. 4. 8:15 p.m. Free. Beverly S. Sheeld Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 William Barton Drive, Austin. www.zilker.org 07 DRINK FOR A DOG Jo’s Coee Red River will host a puppy party at the coee shop. Those attending are invited to pet adoptable dogs. The coee shop will donate 20% of all sales to the Austin Humane Society. 9-11 a.m. Free. 1000 E. 41st St., Austin. www.austinhumanesociety.org 14 ‘PAWTY’ IN THE PARK will host a series of events centered around dogs and their humans called The Dog Days of Summer. Those attending can enjoy ice cream and pup cups, a dog costume contest, a performance of Forklift Dance Works’ “Dances for Dogs and People Who Walk Them,” and a viewing of “Best in Show” at sunset. 6-10 p.m. Free. Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St., Austin. https://bit.ly/3oo8d6v 20 THROUGH JULY 23 DISCOVER LIVE MUSIC Ocials with Waterloo Greenway Hot Summer Nights, a three-day festival of concerts, will happen at nearly a dozen live music venues within the Red River Cultural District. Food vendors will be available. Times vary. Free. 400-1500 Red River St., Austin. www.redriverculturaldistrict.org 20 WATCH A DRUM SHOW Drum Corps International is bringing its drum corps show to Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex this summer on its multicity tour. The performance lineup includes Austin-based DCI corps Genesis. 8-11 p.m. $40-$45. 10211 W. Parmer Lane, Austin. www.dci.org/events/2023-dci-austin

THROUGH AUG. 4 BOAT TO SKI SHORES CAFE

Float On Boat Rentals’ round-trip water taxi service from the Loop 360 boat ramp to Ski Shores Cafe is open on Fridays and Sundays. The tour features views of Mount Bonnell and Little Venice before arriving at Ski Shores Cafe. From there, guests can enjoy a meal at Ski Shores Cafe and play pickleball before heading back to Walsh Landing. Times vary. $49 per person. Walsh Landing, 1600 Scenic Drive, Austin. www.rentalboataustin.com THROUGH AUG. 10 EXPERIENCE OUTDOOR JAMS Every Thursday through Aug. 10, Austinites are invited to attend a free outdoor concert series at the Long Center. Each week will feature a new artist. Lawn chairs and blankets are suggested. 8 p.m. Free. 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.thelongcenter.org/thedropin JULY 04 ENJOY FIREWORKS Austin Symphony Orchestra will oer a night of reworks and music at Vic Mathias Shores. The family-friendly event is the result of a partnership between ASO and the city of Austin. 8 p.m. (festivities begin), 8:30 p.m. (concert begins, followed by reworks). Free. 800 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.my.austinsymphony.org/julyfour 04 WATCH A CONCERT Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic will return to Q2 Stadium for the holiday. The event will feature music from Willie Nelson & Family and others. 1 p.m. (doors), 2 p.m. (music). Prices vary. 10414 McKalla Place, Austin. www.q2stadium.com 07 THROUGH AUG. 12 RELISH A FREE MUSICAL The 64th Zilker summer musical is Roald

BRING THIS IN & GET A DAY PASS FOR ONLY

Find more or submit Central 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.

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE & BEN THOMPSON

RAIL REVISION The city of Austin, Austin Transit Partnership and Capital Metro officials approved a revised light rail plan. Phase 1

Officials approve initial Project Connect light rail route Austin City Council, the Austin Transit Partnership board and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Author- ity board signed off on a revised plan for Project Connect’s initial light rail lines this spring. The board of the ATP, the entity created in 2020 to manage Project Connect’s rollout, accepted the plans May 24 while council and CapMetro leaders voted in early June. The action clears the way for final development of the transit system outline. “The approval of the Austin light rail implementation plan is a huge step toward getting us to the day when we can start building,” Mayor Kirk Watson said June 1. The inaugural light rail network that local leaders have now accepted is scaled back from the version presented to Austinites in 2020. It includes fewer stations, only one lake crossing, no downtown subway and miles less track overall. It will cover about 10 miles at street level with 15 stations between 38th Street to the north, Yellow Jacket Lane to the east, and Oltorf Street to the south. The initial investment is expected to cost between $4.5 billion and $4.8 billion sourced from local tax collec- tions and anticipated federal funding. If more funds become available in Phase One, rail lines could stretch to the Crestview area and the airport.

ONGOING PROJECTS

183

AIRPORT BLVD.

AZIE MORTON RD.

Future extension Phase 1 priority extension

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JUNE 20. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT CTANEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. South Lamar Boulevard. Crews will also add additional vehicle lanes at the intersections of South Lamar and Azie Morton, upgrade bicycle lanes and pedestrian crossings, and relocate bus stops. Barton Springs Road changes The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department has reduced Bar- ton Springs Road to one lane in each direction from South Lamar Boulevard to Azie Morton Road as part of a one- year pilot program to reduce crashes. According to a June 1 memo sent from Richard Mendoza, interim director of transportation and public works, to interim Assistant City Manager Robert Goode, the plan includes reducing the roadway to one lane each direction for vehicles from Azie Morton Road and

GUADALUPE ST.

183

S. CONGRESS AVE.

COLORADO RIVER

PLEASANT VALLEY RD.

290

MONTOPOLIS DR.

YELLOW JACKET LN.

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CITY & COUNTY

News from Austin and Travis County

HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN All city libraries and recreation centers will now participate in the Safe Place hate crime response program following a council vote May 18. The move comes after a 2021 report found incidents of bias crimes are common in the LGBTQ community and may be severely underreported. Sta at relevant city facilities will soon be trained on procedures if hate crime victims seek assistance. AUSTIN City Council on June 8 voted to reboot the Austin Police Department’s vehicle-mounted license plate reader data collection program. The program will cost $114,000 in its rst year and could later be extended by city ocials. The technology will roll out with new guardrail policies in place. AUSTIN Leadership changes under interim City Manager Jesús Garza continued in June with his selection of a new Austin Energy general manager and the assignment of new department heads and other key sta positions. The moves follow other high-prole changes made earlier this year. TRAVIS COUNTY A pilot program to divert people with mental illness accused of nonviolent crimes away from jail was unveiled June 5 as local leaders seek to launch a permanent mental health diversion center. The $6 million pilot was announced alongside a $2 million data-sharing program to ag those with mental illness histories.

Unhoused population grows; city shoring up shelter AUSTIN The local unhoused popula- tion is growing, spreading out from the city center and living in more secluded areas, likely as a result of the city’s 2-year-old ban on public camping. The BY KATY MCAFEE & BEN THOMPSON FOCUSING IN The Jan. 28 count served as a snapshot of the unhoused population on any given night. 33%

years old was the most common age group. 3544

of people counted were veterans. 9.5%

of people were counted in parks and other green space—up from 5.2% in 2020. 13.6%

of homeless individuals were Black, despite making up 7.25% of Austin’s total population.

Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, a nonprot the leading regional homelessness strategy, in May shared new insights about people experiencing homelessness around Austin based on a Jan. 28 point-in- time count—the rst in-person survey since the COVID-19 pandemic. Key ndings: The recent count found 2,374 homeless individuals, including 1,266 unsheltered. However, ECHO representatives said those totals may be undercounted. Separate ECHO data

SOURCE: ENDING COMMUNITY HOMELESSNESS COALITIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

suggests more than 4,600 people are living unsheltered with more than 5,455 total. Shelter strategy: City ocials in May announced a renewed push to build up local shelter capacity by: • Opening a temporary shelter at

a city warehouse in East Austin, adding up to 300 beds • Doubling capacity at two city bridge shelters, adding 130 beds • Leasing The Salvation Army’s downtown shelter following recent pushback over its permanent closure plans, maintaining 150 beds

Employees rally against in-person work policy

City ends South Terminal dispute for $88M

BY ELLE BENT

AUSTIN The city will pay $88 million to settle two lawsuits with Austin Bergstrom-International Airport’s South Terminal operator, clearing the way for a planned airport expansion. The settlement with LoneStar Airport Holdings LLC comes after Austin initially oered $1.95 million to end the remain- der of the company’s 40-year lease at the terminal. LoneStar rejected that oer and later sued after Austin launched an eminent domain lawsuit. ABIA will take over the terminal this fall and it will operate until its removal in 2025, according to the airport.

BY KATY MCAFEE

Dozens of Austin employees rally at City Hall on June 1.

AUSTIN Dozens of city staers gathered June 1 to protest a new in-person work policy announced by interim City Manager Jesús Garza in May. City executives started working at the oce ve days a week in June. Other employees will be required to be in the oce three days a week starting Oct. 1. Employees said the change could aect productivity and trac congestion—especially

Austin City Council will meet July 18-19 at 9 a.m. and MEETINGS WE COVER

with more than 50% of staers estimated to be living outside city limits, according to a represen- tative with a labor union for city employees. Austin’s move is a public example of how one of the area’s largest employers is handling telework policy following pan- demic oce closures.

July 20 and 26 at 10 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov

Travis County Commissioners Court will meet June 29 and July 13 and 18 at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin. www.traviscountytx.gov/ commissioners-court

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023

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At UT Health Austin, what matters most to you is what matters most to us, too. As the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, our world-class physician-educators deliver the highest quality of compassionate care to our patients while actively teaching and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals. Specialties include orthopedics, women’s health, ophthalmology, brain health, cancer care, primary care, and more as well as pediatric and adult specialty services available through our clinical partnerships. In-person and telehealth appointments are available. Make an appointment today by visiting uthealthaustin.org or calling 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737).

HEALTH CARE SNAPSHOT

Local health care data and information

COMPILED BY BRIAN RASH

WORKFORCE BY COUNTY

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS, 2022 Profession count

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide

The number of primary care physicians employed varies by county. Travis County has more than the neighboring Hays and Williamson Counties with 1,413 total and 105.2 per 100,000 people.

XXXX 1,413

XXXX 105.2

TRAVIS COUNTY

195

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS, 2022

Profession count

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide

183

281

290

XXXX 710

XXXX 52.9

290

304

SOURCES: HEALTH PROFESSIONS RESOURCE CENTER, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR COUNTY? These rankings of all counties statewide are updated annually but include data from previous years. The factors listed are not comprehensive. HEALTH OUTCOMES INCLUDE: HEALTH FACTORS INCLUDE: Length of life Quality of life • Poor mental and physical health days reported Health behaviors Socioeconomic factors Length of life Overall HEALTH OUTCOMES 2023 STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE RANKINGS OUT OF 244 RANKED COUNTIES 6 8

Quality of life

• Smoking and excessive drinking • Obesity • Physical activity • Alcohol-impaired driving deaths • Sexually transmitted infections • Teen births

• Educational attainment levels • Children in poverty • Income inequality • Violent crimes

HEALTH FACTORS

5 6 4

Overall

Health behaviors

Socioeconomic Physical environment Clinical care

Clinical care

Physical environment factors

• Health insurance coverage • Number of physicians, dentists, mental health providers • Preventable hospital stays • Flu vaccinations

• Air pollution • Drinking water violations • Housing problems • Long commutes

152

SOURCES: COUNTYHEALTHRANKINGS.ORG, ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

INSIDE INFO

2023 HEALTH CARE EDITION

Navigating allergies in Central Texas

Remedies for allergies Over-the-counter medications are commonly used for seasonal allergy symptoms in adults, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Most common allergens in Central Texas

The allergens in the area include grass, mold, ragweed, dust mites and trees. In spring, trees release pollen through June, and windy, dry conditions move the pollen in the air. In the winter, cedar fever is common.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Decongestants

Nasal rinses

Relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes while reducing a runny nose Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin Antihistamines

Help relieve stuness/ congestion Sudafed, Vicks Sinex, Afrin

Reduce swelling in the nose and block allergic reactions Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort

Clear sinuses, removing pollen and mucus Ayr, Neilmed or own recipe

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & DARCY SPRAGUE

Ash Mountain cedar

Elm Fall elm

Mold

Pecan

Dust mite

Grass

Oak

Marsh elder pigwood

Ragweed

While most states get a break from seasonal allergies during the winter, Central Texas faces allergens year round. Find out more about local seasonal allergies below:

Jan.

What causes allergies ? Allergies are caused by the body’s immune system overreacting to something foreign in the environment, such as pollen or mold. The cause of allergies is unknown, but there are predictions among specialists. Do allergies get worse ?

What is “cedar fever” ? Allergies in the Austin area from December through February are largely caused by the ashe juniper tree, more commonly known as the mountain cedar tree. The term “cedar fever” refers to allergy • Sneezing • Itchy eyes • Sore throat • Headache • Fatigue It does not usually come with an actual fever, according to Greater Austin Allergy. symptoms including: • Nasal congestion

When to see a doctor

July June Aug. Sept. Feb. March April May

Allergy symptoms Those with allergies may experience symptoms similar to a cold or u. Below are some common symptoms and if they may be related to allergies. Sneezing, runny nose or stuy nose Fatigue Cough Headache

When over-the-counter remedies are not working or other allergic conditions including asthma or eczema are aecting someone, this is a good time to see a specialist.

A specialist can also discover what someone is allergic to and provide additional remedies. People with certain allergies may seek immunotherapy —or the practice of exposing individuals to allergens slowly to build up a tolerance. These include: • Allergy shots: given at the doctor's oce • Sublingual immunotherapy: drops placed under the tongue at home daily

Mountain cedar

In some ways, yes. After being exposed to common allergens during one season, the next exposure may cause a reaction.

Itchy eyes

Sore throat

Oct. Nov. Dec.

Fever

Shortness of breath

Aches and pains

Loss of taste or smell

SOURCES: ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, DR. ALEXANDER ALVAREZ OF AUSTIN REGIONAL CLINIC, GREATER AUSTIN ALLERGYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HIGHLAND 5775 Airport Blvd (512) 366-8300 ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

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