Central Austin Edition | February 2022

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CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4 FEB. 25MARCH 27, 2022

ONLINE AT

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE 2022

IMPACTS

SAMPLE BALLOT

CAMP GUIDE

BUSINESS

Labormarket presents opportunities for some, leaves others behind

FILLING THE RANKS

BY DARCY SPRAGUE

As Central Texans gear up for a third year in the pandemic, many employers are having trouble nd- ing employees due to low unemployment and a lack of skilled workers. The tight labor market, or the “workers’ economy,” means employees have more power to leave their job for another, ask for higher pay and even unionize, according to local experts. “Employers in thismarket are having to be very cre- ativeinhowtheyattractandretaintalent,”saidTamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area. In December, the Austin area unemployment rate was 2.9%, according to Workforce Solutions data, far below pandemic highs of more than 10% and close to the pre-pandemic baseline. At the same time, job growth has exceeded pre-pandemic norms. CONTINUED ON 36 MAKING AMATCH In December, fewer people were looking for jobs in Austin than there were open positions. 38,652 people were

66 193 2 new ocers 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 stang boost, training questions remain

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 ocers are on patrol; how- ever, the department remains roughly 200 ocers 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 34

The Austin Police Department graduated its rst cadet class in more than a year Jan. 28, bringing fresh recruits to the understaed 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 stang

80,332 UNFILLED JOBS were posted online

UNEMPLOYED in the Austin metro area

SOURCES: BURNING GLASS LABOR INSIGHT, TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

MORNING BREAKDOWN Prep your headphones and coee!

Listen now

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me *All prices shown are list price

ACTIVE

PENDING

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3 bds

1 ba

1,368 sq ft

3 bds

3 ba

1,979 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,640 sq ft

6911 Dubuque Ln, Austin, TX 78723 KimWilkin | 512-632-3992

5905 Bolm Rd, Austin, TX 78721 Gina Limon | 512-689-4663

1605 Arcilla St, Austin, TX 78741 Dina Majd | 210-416-5533

4009 Vineland Dr, Austin, TX 78722 Nelson Batchelor | 512-650-8684

PENDING

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3 bds

2.5 ba 2,422 sq ft

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2 ba

1,629 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

2,362 sq ft

501 West Ave #2702, Austin, TX 78701 Lindsey Hicks | 512-944-4347

4708 Eberly St, Austin, TX 78723 Susan Lindell | 512-695-7410

2601 Carnarvon Ln, Austin, TX 78704 Gerald Pestrikoff | 512-643-8020

3001 Del Curto Rd #21, Austin, TX 78704 Doug Byron | 512-431-1217

SOLD OVER ASKING

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realtyaustin.com/p/3887459

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2 bds

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1,330 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

2,187 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 1,614 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 1,872 sq ft

3505 Villa Ct #5, Austin, TX 78704 Rob Albertson | 512-653-8939

1715 Pebble Brook Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Kim Fodor | 512-809-3844

5309 Harmon Ave #A, Austin, TX 78751 KimWolle | 512-461-6741

4645 Mattie St, Austin, TX 78723 Kathy Sokolic | 512-809-3497

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!

CENTRAL 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 Pugerville, 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

FROMDEEDA: What do working parents do with their kids in the summer? It’s a question I found myself asking the moment my son entered kindergarten. Fortunately for parents like me, this issue includes our annual Summer Camp Guide (see Page 21). It’s a rundown of camps for kids ranging from sports to the arts, and we hope it gives your whole family something to look forward to. Deeda Lovett, GENERALMANAGER dlovett@communityimpact.com

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.

FROMDARCY: For the rst time in over a year, the Austin Police Department welcomed new ocers into its ranks. But even with the new ocers, there will be almost 200 vacancies. In our front-page story, City Hall Reporter Ben Thompson looks at why the cadet classes were paused, what has changed and how the city is moving forward. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR dsprague@communityimpact.com

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CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

Love at first ( home ) site.

View available homes

Heart racing. Butterflies. Wanting to call your best friend. Pretty typical reactions when you find your Brookfield home. When you find your perfect floor plan in a brand new home, it’s a mix of exhilarating and familiar – it just feels right. And it’s not just Brookfield homes that are amazing – it’s also the communities: Addison, Easton Park, and Kissing Tree. Whether you build from scratch or go with a home that’s in-progress, you’re sure to be in love for years to come. brookfieldtx.com/available-homes

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

183

COMPILED BY CLAIRE SHOOP & DARCY SPRAGUE

MOPAC

Heart Hospital of Austin will undergo a $20.9 million renovation.

DARCY SPRAGUECOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

FEATURED IMPACT EXPANSION St. David’s Medical Center is expanding the Heart Hospital of Austin , at 3801 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, as part of a nearly $1 billion investment in Central Texas. The renovation will cost $20.9 million. The investment includes building new hospitals in Kyle and Leander and improving other existing Austin locations.

3801 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin 512-407-7000 www.stdavids.com

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BALCONES DR.

AUSTIN MEMORIAL PARK

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

Benvolio’s

Easy Tiger

COURTESY BENVOLIO’S

COURTESY EASY TIGER

NORTH CENTRAL NOWOPEN 1 Vento Hospitality opened Little Juliet , a new Italian ghost kitchen, Feb. 4. The business serves takeout and delivery from the Kitchen United Mix, 8023 Burnet Road, Austin. Menu items at Little Juliet include chicken parmesan, la- sagna and pizza. Veneto Hospitality also opened Benvolio’s , an Italian comfort food restaurant, in Kitchen United Mix in late 2021. The company owns Juilet’s Italian Kitchen. www.little-juliet.com. PEASE DISTRICT PARK

www.benvolios-tx.com 2 Fajita Pete’s opened its rst Austin location at 5523A Balcones Drive on Feb. 14, according to owner Mike Blalock. The Houston-based caterer specializes in “fresh o the grill” fajitas for pickup, catering and delivery. It also serves margaritas, appetizers, sides and other Tex-Mex entrees. It has more than a dozen other Texas locations. www.fajitapetes.com/stores/mopac 3 Adore Nail Salon opened in December at 4400 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. The salon oers nail services—

including manicures and pedicures— waxing, facial, eyelash extensions, and lash and brow tinting. The salon accepts both appointments and walk-ins. 512-775-0134. www.adorenaillounge.com COMING SOON 4 Nissi VegMex Vegan Mexican Cuisine opened its rst brick-and-mortar location at 9012 Research Blvd., Ste. C-6, Austin, in March. The restaurant’s menu is entire- ly vegan and features taco, burrito, cha- lupa and autas plates served alongside rice and beans. Nissi VegMex operates

a food truck located at 1106 E. 11th St., Austin. 512-293-2597. www.nissi-vegan- mexican-cuisine-llc.square.site ANNIVERSARIES 5 Easy Tiger celebrated its 10th anni- versary in January. The company serves sausages, fresh baked bread and pastries. The company’s longest running location is located in the Linc, at 6406 N. I-35, Ste. 1100, Austin. The company’s rst location on Sixth Street closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. There are three Easy Tiger loca- tions in Austin. www.easytigerusa.com

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YOU CAN, TOO

CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

IMPACTS

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

PEASE DISTRICT PARK

RIO GRANDE ST.

Parish

Nate's Baked Goods and Coee

HOUSE PARK

COURTESY PARISH

COURTESY SUSAN SHIELDS

4 Real estate development rm Regent Properties plans to build several new retail spaces in its newly acquired oce building at 816 Congress Ave., Austin. The rm bought the tower for $174 million at the end of December. New retail stores will occupy 12,000 square feet on the ground level. Regent has not

ORCHARD ST.

announced an opening date. www.regentproperties.com RELOCATIONS

EFF RD.

Russian House

9 7

5 Music venue The Parish, now named Parish , will relocate to 501 Brushy St. on March 10. The venue was formerly located at 214 E. Sixth St., Austin. The new, larger facility will include a new bar and listening lounge concept called My Oh My in the attached back area of the venue. My Oh My will serve cocktails, beer, wine and food options. www.parishaustin.com ANNIVERSARIES 6 Nate’s Baked Goods and Coee is celebrating its fth anniversary. Owner Susan Shields opened the bakery at 401 Orchard St., Austin, on March 2, 2017. The shop headed by chef Nathan Bauman brews from locally roasted coee beans and oers baked goods including muns, scones and handmade breads, all made in-house daily. 512-220-0462. www.natesbakedaustin.com 7 Two Bucks Austin opened ve years ago at 503 E. Sixth Street on Feb. 1, 2017. The locally owned bar oers $2 drinks and higher-cost handcrafted cocktails, such as the New Fashioned

COURTESY RUSSIAN HOUSE

PARK

with Jim Beam rye, Luxardo maraschino, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, orange peel and cherry. 512-825-6868. www.facebook.com/twobucksaustin CLOSINGS 8 After a re Jan. 24, longtime Austin restaurant Texas French Bread is closed indenitely. The building at 2900 Rio Grande St., Austin—originally Ship- wash’s Grocery, later the Rome Inn—had served as Texas French Bread since 1987. Owners said they currently do not have enough information to decide their next steps. www.texasfrenchbread.com 9 Russian House , a restaurant and bar, is set to relocate following news that the building at 307 E. Fifth St., Austin, will be demolished for construction of a high rise. Couple Varda and Vladimir Gribkov opened the restaurant 10 years ago. The menu of Eastern European cuisine includes Russian dumplings, tandoori chicken, beef strogano and Kiev cake. www.russianhouseofaustin.com

DOWNTOWN WEST CAMPUS NOWOPEN

cuts of meat. Executive chef Nick Erven previously worked for local restaurants Aba and Perla’s. www.waxmyrtles.com COMING SOON 3 A new women’s health tower will open on the Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin campus in fall 2024. The new center will provide women’s clinical services, including urogynecology, gyne- cologic oncology, breast diagnostics and surgery. The facility will also allow for increased patient capacity and training space for future caregivers. Construction is set to begin this fall on the south side of the campus at West 38th Street in Austin. www.healthcare.ascension.org

1 La Colombe cafe opened Jan. 15 at the Whole Foods Market store at 525 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. The cafe brand has 32 locations across seven states, but the Lamar location is the rst in Texas. In addition to coee drinks, the brand sells coee grounds. 737-910-3780. www.lacolombe.com 2 Wax Myrtle’s Club & Pool opened Feb. 14. The restaurant and bar on the fourth oor of the new Thompson Hotel at 506 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin oers sea- sonal produce, local sh and sustainable

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY MAGGIE QUINLAN

ZILKER METROPOLITAN PARK

MOPAC

3 4

360

Owners Jena Pickle, left, and Jennifer Plaia will move to a new salon space this summer. COURTESY JENA PICKLE FEATURED IMPACT RELOCATIONS Ladybird Society , a full-service salon specializing in custom balayage, color and haircuts, will

360

upgrade from a two-chair space at 311 Bowie St. to a 12-chair space at 2300 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. Owners Jena Pickle and Jennifer Plaia are having the new space built and hope to open in June. www.instagram.com/ladybirdsocietyatx

290

MENCHACA RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

MABEL DAVIS DISTRICT PARK

SOUTH CENTRAL NOWOPEN

spring. The store will sit across from Men’s Wearhouse on the lower level and will occupy a roughly 6,000-square-foot space at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. 866-533-4783. www.rue21.com summer. Sola is a brand of luxury salon studios focused on supporting beauty professionals with equipment needed to launch their own business. The new salon will be located on the upper level of the mall next to Nordstrom and is currently leasing space. www.solasalonstudios.com RELOCATIONS 5 Tiny Pies , a mother-and-daughter business founded by Amanda Wadsworth 4 Sola Salon Studios will open in Barton Creek Square Mall this and her mother, Kit Seay, moved to a new space at 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 1116, in November after closing its 2032 S. Lamar Blvd. location. The restaurant sells handheld pies range from sweet to savory. The brand has two other Austin

1 Trudy’s Del Mar , a coastal Tex-Mex restaurant stemming from the Trudy’s brand, opened Dec. 29. The restaurant will serve, among other oerings, bloody marys, carrot cake French toast, seared sh and New York strips. The new space at 1600 S. Congress Ave., Austin, replaces the former South Congress Cafe. 512-447-3905. www.trudysdelmar.com COMING SOON 2 Austin’s Pizza will open a new location at 1600 S. First St., Austin, in the rst 2022. The space will be the 14 Austin area location. The menu features original pizzas and build-your-own options as well as salads and desserts. www.austinspizza.com 3 Fast fashion retailer Rue21 will come to Barton Creek Square Mall this

Austin's Pizza

Tiny Pies

COURTESY AUSTIN’S PIZZA

COURTESY TINY PIES

locations on Burnet and Bee Caves roads. 512-460-9697. www.tinypies.com ANNIVERSARIES 6 Aordable housing community Bluebonnet Studios marked ve years at its 2301 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, location in February. Nonprot Foundation Communities owns the residence, which features 107 low-cost, eciency

apartments for single adults. The complex opened Feb. 15, 2017. 512-617-4441. www.foundcom.org CLOSINGS 7 The Toms shoe store at 1401 S. Congress Ave., Austin, closed Feb. 14. A spokesperson conrmed the closing, but did not provide further information. www.toms.com

CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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Whether you drive, take the bus, bike, or walk, the Mobility Authority has a path for you. Our roadway network connects residents to everything they love about Central Texas. More reliable travel, for any way you travel. What drives you, drives us. www.MobilityAuthority.com

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

183

IMPACTS

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

COMPILED BY DARCY SPRAGUE

MCBEE ST.

Origin Hotel will open in the Mueller neighborhood this year.

RENDERING COURTESY ORIGIN HOTEL AUSTIN

ANNIVERSARIES 5 Lazarus Brewing Co. , located at 1902 E. Sixth St., Austin, is celebrating its fth anniversary in February. The brewery is a West Coast-style brew- pub that also serves coee and tacos. Lazarus also oers live music inside the brewery. The brewery will open a sec- ond location at 4803 Airport Boulevard, Austin, in the spring of 2022. 512-394-7620. www.lazarusbrewing.com IN THE NEWS 6 Austin Public Health consolidated its COVID-19 testing hubs to Metz Ele- mentary School on Feb. 22. Previously, a federal funded testing site was using the facility, located at 84 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St. in East Austin. APD closed its Tra- vis County Expo Center and Dove Springs Recreation Center testing sites after de- mand dipped. Austin ISD closed Metz for the 2019-20 school year and is examining long-term uses for the building. www.austintexas.gov/covid19 FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Origin Hotel Austin will open in the Mueller neighborhood in the spring. The ve-story, 120-room property is located at 1825 McBee St., Austin. The hotel’s restaurant, Blue Lacy , will open at the same date. The eatery will oer a modern and Texas-style take on classic American dishes. www.originhotel.com/hotels/austin

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130 TOLL

ROBERT T. MARTINEZ JR. ST.

973

LADY BIRD LAKE

PLEASANT VALLEY RD.

EAST AUSTIN NOWOPEN

3 Lincoln Ventures will break ground on a multifamily development at 2700 E. Fifth St., Austin, during the second half of 2022. The development will be six stories, with 625 units, and will also oer a grocery store, co-work- ing space and a cafe. The property is 4 Master-planned community Mirador will be built on 1,400 acres of land near Tesla’s gigafactory in Southeast Austin. The project of real estate rm Hines will have 2,500 single-family homes and 50 acres for multifamily homes and townhomes. Amenities will include a 60-acre lake, over 600 acres of green- belt, community parks, trails and a swimming pool. Construction is expect- ed to start this year with the rst home sales beginning in 2023. The project will take an estimated six years to complete. 713-621-8000. www.hines.com estimated to open in 2023. www.lincoln-ventures.com

1 Baneld Pet Hospital opened a new location at 1211 E. Fifth St. Ste., 140, Austin, near Plaza Saltillo in late De- cember. The pet hospital chain has ve other Austin area locations, most within PetSmart stores. www.baneld.com COMING SOON 2 One Medical , a subscription-based primary care facility, will open a third Austin location in the Mueller area in March. The oce, at 1900 Aldrich St., Ste. 150, will oer in-person and virtual services. The 4,033-square-foot oce will oer full lab services, mental and physical health check-ins, chronic illness management and annual wellness visits. www.onemedical.com/locations/atx

Lazarus Brewing Co.

COURTESY LAZARUS BREWING CO.

Ridewell , a subscription-based collec- tion service for items that cannot be placed in consumer recycling bins, on Feb. 9 began serving East Austin. The company oers biweekly pickups for four categories of household items, includ- ing batteries; light bulbs; plastic lm (Ziploc bags and Amazon envelopes); and threads (clothes and shoes). It also oers a rotating category of other items ranging from nonperishable food and pet products to books and school supplies, which are donated to local partners, such as the Austin Humane Society. www.ridewell.com

10% off everything in the store * , fabulous freebies & fun on Monday, February 28! Plus, special sales & giveaways all through March! CITY PROCLAMATION: FEB 28 IS BILL SWAIL DAY! Celebrate our founder . . .

Bill Swail Founder

* Excludes gift cards and prescriptions.

CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

TODO LIST

February & March events

COMPILED BY MAGGIE QUINLAN

MARCH 09

SEE A ‘GOLDEN GIRLS’ PUPPET PARODY PARAMOUNT THEATRE

MARCH 16 MARCH 26

ROPE INA RODEO EXPERIENCE TRAVIS COUNTY EXPO CENTER

“That Golden Girls Show” comes to Paramount Theatre for a puppet show based on the classic TV series starring Betty White. The venue will require either a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the show or proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all patrons age 12 and older. 7:30 p.m. $29.50-$64.50. 713 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-472-5470. www.austintheatre.org (Courtesy “That Golden Girls Show”)

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. $30-$175. Travis County Expo Center, 9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin. 512-919-3000. www.rodeoaustin.com (Courtesy Rodeo Austin)

20 SEE THE BLUES IS ALIVE AND WELL INAUSTIN Legendary Chicago blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy will play in Austin as he tours in support of his latest album, “The Blues Is Alive and Well.” The event is rescheduled after COVID-19-related postponements in 2020. 8 p.m. $49-$60. ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin. 877-471-4225. www.acl-live.com 21 SPENDAN EVENINGWITH KENNY G The Paramount Theatre will host An Evening with Kenny G, which will feature the musician. Kenny G has performed as a jazz saxophonist for four decades and is a composer and producer. 8 p.m. $45- $130. Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-472-5470. www.austintheatre.org 22 THROUGHMARCH 27 ENJOY AMUSICAL “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” comes to Austin. The adaptation of Roald Dahl’s tale features songs from the original lm, including “Pure Imagination,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a new score from the songwriters of “Hairspray.” Times vary. $30-$125. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. 512-471- 9166. www.austin.broadway.com 25 THROUGHMARCH 27 LIVE IN THE FAST LANE Enjoy a weekend of racing action with NASCAR at Circuit of the Americas race weekend. The event will feature all three of NASCAR’s national series- the Cup Series, Xnity Series and Camping World Truck Series. Three-day weekend tickets for adults start at $99 and $10 for children 12 and under. www.nascaratcota.com

FEBRUARY THROUGHMARCH 18 PUT YOUR DOG TO THE TEST

honky-tonk at The White Horse in East Austin. Two-stepping couples will warm up to an hour and a half of music from local band Saddle Sores before Legendre takes the stage. 8 p.m. $10. 512-553-6756. 500 Comal St., Austin. www.thewhitehorseaustin.com 04 THROUGHMARCH05 LAUGHWITHA RISING COMEDY STAR Comedian Paul Virzi will return to Austin for a weekend with four shows. Virzi’s debut hourlong comedy special, “Bill Burr Presents Paul Virzi: I’ll Say This,” premiered on Comedy Central in 2018. 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. $20-$25. Vulcan Gas Co., 418 E. Sixth St., Austin. 512-817-9535. www.blcomedy.com 11 THROUGHMARCH 20 TAKE PART IN SXSW South by Southwest Conference and Festivals returns, showcasing music, lm and comedy. More than 300 musical artists performances’ have been announced, including more than 25 from Austin. Keynote speakers include Lizzo, Beck, Neal Stephenson and Celine Tricart. Times vary. Online registrations start at $189. The music badge for March 14-20 and lm badge for March 11-20 cost $1,295 each. Locations vary. www.sxsw.com 19 LAUGHOUT LOUD Comedian Jo Koy will come to Austin for one night in March. Koy has four comedy specials on Comedy Central and Netix, including his 2019 Netix special, “Coming In Hot.” He also hosts a weekly podcast called “The Koy Pond with Jo Koy.” 7:30 p.m. $46.50-$76.50. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman

Participants in a fundraiser campaign that benets non-prot Hound Rescue will be entered to win a free custom photography session for their dog. Dog owners will post photos to the ocial campaign page. Every dollar donated in the dogs’ names will count as votes, which will increase chances of being selected for a photo shoot with Dog Days Photography. Donations encouraged. www.gogophotocontest.com MARCH 02 THROUGH03 GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY Amplify Austin Day is the largest giving event of the year in Central Texas. To support more 700 local nonprots—such as the Central Texas Food Bank and the Austin Justice Coalition—participants can make a one-time or recurring donation, raise money or nd volunteer opportunities. Over the last nine years, the event has raised over $100 million. Times and locations vary. www.amplifyatx.org. 02 GET PUMPED FOR A POP STAR Singer-songwriter Conan Gray will bring his tour for his 2020 album “Kid Krow” to Austin. Gray recently received praise from Taylor Swift for his single, “Astronomy.” 8 p.m. $55. ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin. 877-471-4225. www.acl-live.com 03 TWOSTEP THE NIGHT AWAY Austin singer-songwriter Kathryn Legendre will perform her own brand of

MARCH 12th $5 Per Person from 10a-2p Both Locations

121 Pickle Road Austin, Texas 78704

6015 Dillard Circle #B Austin, Texas 78752

Drive, Austin. 512-471-9166. www.texasperformingarts.org

Find more or submit local events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit Central Austin events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION Data: Traffic deaths increase inAustin; Vision Zero’swork is ongoing

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

AUSTIN TRAFFIC FATALITIES, 2017-21

There has been an increase in traffic deaths in Austin since 2020, specifically involving pedestrians and motorcyclists. 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.

In 2021, data showed a 26% increase in local traffic fatalities from 2020 and 32% 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

Motorist

Pedestrian Motorcyclist

Bicyclist

Other

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

23 11

30 9

34 12

34 6

1 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 Traffic fatalities

SOURCE: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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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DEVELOPMENT Next phaseofAustin’sMexicanAmerican Cultural Center expansion takingshape

BY BEN THOMPSON

MACC’s outdoor zocalo, or central courtyard, made up of a paved plaza that extends onto the center’s lawn next to the trail. Under the expansion plan, the area would be broken apart between a more dened lawn area—leading into updated gallery and theater space at a lower elevation—and the renovated zocalo at the level of the rest of the MACC building. Project teammembers said the split would allow for more control of the space as the surrounding Rainey Street Historic District continues its development boom. “The building that the original architect designed had a very strong form, so we feel like we have an obligation to complete the vision,” architect Juan Miró said. The plan to split the lawn and zocalo was met with some reservations from residents and board members around how bigger events might be staged and an overall need to separate the plaza from the lakefront, which led the board to hold o on approving the plans Jan. 26. On Feb. 2 the board did not approve the plan citing concern over a lack of community input.

Initial schematics for the MACC Phase 2 expansion were shared in January. (Rendering courtesy city of Austin)

Plans for an expansion that would nearly double the size of the city-owned Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center are moving along, while some questions remain about the proposed design’s new features and the community’s role in nalizing the project’s scope. During a Jan. 26 presentation to the MACC board, project designers detailed their vision to extend the semicircular cultural center and add tens of thousands of square feet of classrooms for children and adults, new gallery and perfor- mance spaces, and other improvements. The plan also includes landscaping, such as creating a snake-themed lookout point and a tree-lined sculpture garden along the Lady Bird Lake trail. “The plans and the drawings as they’re laid out increase the footprint and the ability of the MACC to really be able to serve the public in a very dynamic and hopefully adaptive way into the future,” board Chair David Goujon said. Amain feature of the proposed facility update is the improvement and separation of the

BUILDINGTHEMACC The 36,000-square-foot Mexican American Cultural Center could more than double through its proposed phase 2 expansion.

Additional square footage

Performance: 3,864 Other: 2,988 Oce: 665

Classrooms: 5,137

Gallery: 6,862

Circulation and lobbies: 9,644

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin ISD

HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN ISD The Texas Education Agency released 2021-22 report cards for public school districts Feb. 3. It is not providing overall district rankings, but does include test scores. The scores show 42% of students met grade-level standards overall, compared to 54% in 2019. Only 66% of students took the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills test compared to 99% in 2019 as parents had the option to opt out this year. The district said this change may impact the data. AUSTIN ISD The district lifted capacity limits for fine arts and sporting events Feb. 11. Masks will still be required. QUOTEOFNOTE “KEEP INMIND, THE LAST TIME THESE [THIRDGRADE] STUDENTSWERE INA FULL YEAROF SCHOOL THATWAS NOT INTERRUPTED, THEYWERE KINDERGARTNERS.” SUPERINTENDENT STEPHANIE ELIZALDE AT THE JAN. 27 MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN RESPONSE TO DATA SHOWING 89% OF ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED THIRD GRADERS DO NOT MEET GRADE-LEVEL STANDARDS Austin ISD Next meetings: Feb. 24 and March 10 at 5:30 p.m. 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org Meetings are being held virtually and in person. MEETINGSWE COVER

Austin ISD to stop offering sixth grade at twomiddle schools

BY GLORIE MARTINEZ

6TH GRADE ON THEMOVE

Students zoned for Martin or Mendez middle schools will now remain at their elementary campus for sixth grade unless parents opt to move them to a different middle school.

250Austin ISD central office jobs could be cut AUSTIN ISD Families with elemen- tary students zoned to attend Martin and Mendez middle schools in East Austin were notified by the district Feb. 1 that the campuses will no longer offer sixth grade classes. Both schools will continue to offer seventh and eighth grade. Beginning with the fall semester, sixth grade students who would have attended Martin or Mendez middle schools will attend sixth grade at their elementary schools. Students at elementary schools that feed into Martin and Mendez may also choose to attend an alternate middle school identified by the district. AISD will provide transportation to the listed schools. Students who wish to remain in AISD may also attend a Diversity Choice or Magnet school,

Elementary schools with a sixth grade in 2022-23:

Middle school alternatives for Martin students: • Bedicheck • Garcia • Paredes • Sadler Means

Middle school alternatives for Mendez students: • Covington • Garcia • O. Henry • Sadler Means

• Allison • Govalle • Houston • Langford • Ortega

• Perez • Rodriguez • Sanchez

• Widén • Zavala

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

during a larger discussion on expected budget deficits during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. In November 2021, Elizalde announced that she would trim central office staff through attrition—allowing unfilled positions to remain empty as staff leaves naturally. She said she had planned to con- tinue reducing administrative staff that way but now feels immediate cuts are necessary. Elizalde said the district would assist those who lost their job with finding other employment. The district confirmed to Com- munity Impact Newspaper the jobs but transportation is only guaranteed to the district-identified options. The move will have the secondary benefit of boosting enrollment at the 10 low-enrollment elementary schools that will be affected, Chief of Schools Anthony Mays said. Mays cited enrollment and aca- demic challenges as reasons behind

would be eliminated by July. The news comes as the district works to balance its current year budget. The projected deficit reached more than $80 million before accounting for cost-saving measures, such as the cuts at central office, according to AISD Chief Finance Officer Eduardo Ramos. However, said he is confident the district can reach a balanced budget. Elizalde also announced she would not move forward with a plan to replace one planning period with an additional class for many teachers after it was met with disapproval from staff and community members. the decision to remove sixth grade from both schools. Mendez Middle School has repeatedly faced potential closure due to poor state ratings. “We know if we’re able to keep those students at their elementary campuses, that they fare better. We know that performance improves at both of those campuses,” Mays said.

BY DARCY SPRAGUE

AUSTIN ISD The district could reduce 250 central office jobs, Austin ISD Superintendent Stepha- nie Elizalde announced at a Feb. 10 board meeting. “Everyone in this room is going to know someone who is one of the 250,” Elizalde said. Elizalde made the announcement

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CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

CITY& COUNTY

News from Austin & Travis County

Park renamed in honor of civil rights activist

City Council approves settling police lawsuits formore than $11million

BY BEN THOMPSON

“These settlements remind us of a real dicult and painful moment in our city. No one should be injured while merely exercising their con- stitutional right to protest,” Austin Mayor Steve Adler said. On Feb. 17, District Attorney José Garza also said he anticipates multiple indictments against APD ocers for actions during the 2020 protests in the near future. Two additional lawsuits alleged APD systematically mishandled sexual assault cases for years. The allegations include widespread bias against survivors for years and ending cases early. “We can never truly right the harm that has been done to so many women in our community, but I also know that we can all move forward in a way that honors survivors,” Garza said at a City Council meeting on Jan. 27.

AUSTIN Since the start of 2022, Austin City Council has approved more than $11.3 million in settle- ments for lawsuits over allegations of police misconduct. The payments include $875,000 approved Jan. 27 over claims related to sexual assault cases. The other payments, $150,000 approved Feb. 3 and $10 million Feb. 17, will settle three cases involving the use of excessive force. The use-of-force settlements stem fromMay 2020 protests over the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two law- suits, settled for $8 million and $2 million, allege Austin police ocers used “brutal and excessive force,” including shooting one plainti in the face with a projectile and another in the head with a “less-le- thal” beanbag from a shotgun.

BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

AUSTIN City Council members voted to rename Lamar Beach at Town Lake Metro Park to Volma Overton Sr. Shores at Town Lake Metro Park in honor of the civil rights activist at a Jan. 27 meeting. Overton, originally from Austin, is widely known for his legal contri- butions and eorts to desegregate schools in the city. Overton also served as the president for the Austin chapter of the NAACP from 1962-83. He died in Austin in 2005. “As an Austinite and an entrepre- neur inspired by his consistent work in the community for equal rights and opportunities for minorities, I’m incredibly excited that Volma Overton Sr.’s legacy will be kept alive

Volma Overton Sr. (top) was an Austin civil rights activist.

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

N. LAMAR BLVD.

in the heart of Austin,” Overton’s granddaughter Kim Overton said in a press release. The park is located at 1200 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin.

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Austin City Council Meets March 1 and 22 at 10 a.m. and March 3 and 24 at 9 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov/ department/city-council Travis County Commissioners Court Meets March 1, 8, 10 and 22 at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov/ commissionerscourt MEETINGSWE COVER the lab again, the city must seek a waiver to reduce its police budget. AUSTIN On Feb. 3, City Council approved a $1.36 million contract with Integral Care to renovate and manage a new apartment complex for individuals experiencing homelessness. The new complex will be in North Austin at 13311 Burnet Road, which was formerly a hotel. AUSTIN City Council voted unanimously Feb. 17 to end library HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN & TRAVIS COUNTY Mayor Steve Adler and Judge Andy Brown signed local disaster declarations following Winter Storm Landon, which brought freezing temperatures and icy conditions Feb. 3. The declarations, issued Feb. 4, will allow the municipalities to be reimbursed for storm-related costs. AUSTIN The city is seeking to once again shift Austin’s forensic lab from under Austin Police Department control in favor of civilian management. In 2020, City Council voted to move the lab through a larger cut to APD’s budget to increase its independence; however, it was restored in 2021 after the passage of a state law penalizing cities that cut police budgets. To remove nes for overdue books, which members said disproportionately aected low-income residents.

hours between Feb. 5-8. Greg Meszaros, Austin Water utility director for 15 years, also resigned Feb. 11. The notice went into eect after operator errors at Austin Water’s Ullrich Water Treatment Plant early Feb. 5 resulted in water quality concerns. Meszaros appeared before council for two brief- ings on the incident and Austin Water’s operations Feb. 15 and 17. “This was really about our operations of the

plant,” Meszaros said. “I’m just profoundly sorry that we had this event.” Meszaros and Austin Water have said since last week that the issue was a result of operator errors rather than actual contam- ination, and the notice was rolled out as a precaution due to state regulation. The utility said it has instituted safeguards to prevent a similar error from occurring. The external audit will cost $250,000-$1 million.

Outgoing Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros appeared before City Council on Feb. 15.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

AustinWater audit ordered BY BEN THOMPSON

into Austin Water after a boil-water notice was enacted for around 75

AUSTIN City Council called for an investigation

Travis County intends to establish paid family leave

BY GLORIE MARTINEZ

S. CONGRESS AVE.

TRAVIS COUNTY Commissioners moved one step closer to establishing paid family leave for all Travis County employees at a meeting Feb. 8. County commissioners approved a resolu- tion that directs a subcommittee to return to the court in 60 days with recommendations for a policy that guarantees all county workers between six and 12 weeks of paid family leave. Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Precinct 1 Commissioner Jerey Travillion sponsored the resolution. Travis County employees have access to unpaid family and medical leave, but they cannot take extended paid leave following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child or to care for a seriously ill family member. With nearly 5,000 employees, Travis County is one of the largest employers in Central Texas.

The proposed South Central Waterfront development could include millions of square feet of residential, commercial and hotel space.

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

Retail, residential and hotel space on Lady Bird Lakemoving forward

BY BEN THOMPSON AUSTIN The Planning Com- mission approved a proposal Feb. 9 to bring millions of square feet of residential and commercial space, including a hotel, to the former Austin American-Statesman location and the surrounding South Central Waterfront district.

Several tradeos were made, including granting the developer, Endeavor, dozens of stories of additional height. In exchange, the project will add aordable housing, parks, a bat observation area, an extension of Barton Springs Road and transportation improvements.

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CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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