Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | February 2022

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 11 FEB. 23MARCH 23, 2022

ONLINE AT

PRIMARY ELECTION GUIDE 2022

IMPACTS

SAMPLE BALLOT

CAMP GUIDE

PEOPLE

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 32 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 30

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

Comprehensive care, Oak Hill address.

We’re proud to provide our South Austin community with a Better model of care — hospital, clinic, primary care, specialists and 24-hour ER, all working together, right here where you want it.

5245 W. US Hwy 290 Service Road | 512.654.2100 | Open 24 Hours | Most Insurance Welcome

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/5002473

realtyaustin.com/p/8892935

realtyaustin.com/p/5932557

realtyaustin.com/p/7065296

$800,000

$900,000

$1,249,000

$2,295,000

3 bds

2.5 ba 2,880 sq ft

4 bds

2.5 ba 2,514 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

3,690 sq ft

5 bds

5.5 ba 4,814 sq ft

222 Barton Ranch Cir, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Amy Paczosa | 512-743-3667

1047 Sunflower Trl, Sunset Valley, TX 78745 Bryan Greenleaf | 512-695-8739

112 Raton Pass, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Kathleen Anglin | 512-680-9891

10832 Albero Cv, Austin, TX 78739 Jeffrey Sehon | 512-695-2919

PENDING

realtyaustin.com/p/3919895

realtyaustin.com/p/2524040

realtyaustin.com/p/9115640

realtyaustin.com/p/4768917

$729,999

$875,000

$995,000

$1,000,000

4 bds

2.5 ba 2,000 sq ft

4 bds

2.5 ba 3,357 sq ft

5 bds

3.5 ba 3,920 sq ft

5 bds

3.5 ba 3,121 sq ft

1607 Hazy Hills Loop, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 KimWolle | 512-461-6741

4632 Yellow Rose Trl, Austin, TX 78749 Trevor Heuser | 512-998-5111

7441 Bonniebrook Dr, Austin, TX 78735 Kristen Jacobs | 512-657-9311

13245 Fieldstone Loop, Austin, TX 78737 Johnny Ronca | 512-797-0965

PENDING

SOLD OVER ASKING

realtyaustin.com/p/1659105

realtyaustin.com/p/5036074

realtyaustin.com/p/6619887

realtyaustin.com/p/7318982

$1,295,000

$1,500,000

$610,000

$625,000

4 bds

3.5 ba 3,114 sq ft

4 bds

4 ba

4,477 sq ft

3 bds

2.5 ba 2,436 sq ft

4 bds

2.5 ba 2,606 sq ft

1520 Kemp Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78737 Shelly Hemingson | 512-423-7446

9709 Avion Cv, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Charla Housson | 512-680-4344

190 Arezzo Way, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Betsy Smith | 512-348-5888

5810 Kayview Dr, Austin, TX 78749 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!

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

WASTEWATER AVERAGING You are in control of your wastewater costs for the next year STARTING Mid-November ENDING Mid-March Find your wastewater averaging period and START SAVING TODAY! www.austintexas.gov/department/wastewater-averaging

Austinwater.org

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.

FROM DARCY: 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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BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that aects you

TRANSPORTATION &DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know

SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed

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SOUTHAUSTINVEIN.COM

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

IMPACTS

Business that have recently opened, are coming soon or have expanded.

VIKKI TERRACE

360

290

Scenthound

COURTESY SCENTHOUND

Dec. 18. The locally owned indoor and outdoor venue hosts weddings, concerts and other social gatherings. The indoor space holds 300-plus guests and features a private lounge upstairs and individual bride and groom quarters. 210-544-2163. 5 Locally owned Effie Vintage opened at 4706 S. Congress Ave., Unit C, Austin, on Dec. 11. The curated vintage shop is filled with folk art; antique furniture; unique dishware; and curiosities, including vintage books and an antique gun for display. 512-784-8301. www. instagram.com/effievintageatx 6 Local owner Tom Mantel opened Los Campeones Gym Austin on Feb. 16. The gym, located at 9811 Vikki Terrace, Austin, is replacing Loco- Motion Inflatable Play, which closed in November. Los Campeones has locations around the U.S. and has been open for 37 years. The Austin location has over 14,000 square feet with equipment for bodybuilding, powerlifting and general fitness. 512-436-8000. www.loscampeonesaustin.com COMING SOON 7 Korean barbecue chain K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot will open in Sunset Valley in late 2022. The restaurant offers a cook-it-yourself dining experience with vegetables, meats and more available for cooking at table grills and pots of simmer broth. K-Pot will be located at 5200 Brodie Lane. www.thekpot.com 8 Child Development Center East will open at 5915 La Crosse Ave., Austin, in the Circle C Ranch neighborhood. The new location neighbors The Child

MOPAC

13 10

LA CROSSE AVE.

E R

OLD MANCHACA RD.

SOUTHAUSTIN

973

PEARCE LN.

130 TOLL

OLD LOCKHART RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN NOWOPEN 1 Microhome rental community Casata is now open at 10400 Old Manchaca Road, Austin. The homes range in size from 400 square feet to 750 square feet. They include bedrooms, kitchens, desk space, living rooms, in-unit washer and dryers, and outdoor patios. Some residents moved in Feb. 1, while others will be between March-April. A grand

3 Dog grooming company Scenthound opened its first Austin location at 4404 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. J, in late February. Scenthound is a member- ship-based franchise that offers dogs a routine care schedule focusing on five main areas: skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth. Services provided include bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming and teeth brushing. 737-770-4364. www.scenthound.com. 4 Event center Capital Venue opened at 10401 Old Lockhart Road, Austin, on

opening event is planned for April. 888-922-7282. www.casata.com 2 Fleet Feet , located at 5900 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 430, Austin, opened in November. Fleet Feet is a running retailer that uses 3D foot scanning technology and pressure plate readings to provide customers with custom-fit running shoes. The store offers consultations by appointment and walk-ins. Fleet Feet is located in the Circle C Shopping Center next to Twin Liquors. The space was formerly occupied by Palm Beach Tan. 512-520-5111. www.fleetfeet.com

New Adventures. New Tools.

TRAVIS COUNTY WANTS TO DO BUSINESS WITH YOU Travis County Purchasing Office is located at 700 Lavaca Street Suite 800 Austin, Texas 78701 Phone: 512 854-9700

Visit our website for current solicitations. https://www.traviscountytx.gov/purchasing

WholeEarthProvision.com

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY GLORIE MARTINEZ

Childhood Development Center East

Bougie’s Donuts

COURTESY HD FLORES

COURTESY BOUGIE’S DONUTS

12 Perch Apartments is coming to 7731 Menchaca Road, Austin, in May. The complex features studio and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include a fitness center, a dog park, private conference rooms, and a coffee and wine bar. 737-402-8024. www.perchapartments.com 13 Octapharma Plasma will open a new location at 500 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 438A, Austin, this spring. The donation center will be part of a nationwide network that collects plasma to create plasma-based medicine. www.octapharmaplasma.com 14 Austin locals and owners of food trucks Dee Dee Thai and Veracruz All Natural are planning to open a 5-acre restaurant park and garden space in Sunset Valley at 6405 Brodie Lane at an undisclosed date. The grounds will feature a central botanical garden surrounded by three restaurants specializing in cul- turally diverse cuisine. Dee Dee owners chef Lakana Sopajan-Trubiana and Justin Trubiana and Veracruz owners and sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez are spear- heading the project, which has yet to be named. www.veracruzallnatural.com. www.deedeeatx.com ANNIVERSARIES 15 Affordable housing community Bluebonnet Studios marked five years at its 2301 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, location. The residence is owned by nonprofit Foundation Communities and features 107 low-cost efficiency apart- ments for single adults. The complex opened Feb. 15, 2017. 512-617-4441. www.foundcom.org

Development Center’s main campus at 5917 La Crosse Ave., Austin. The building is undergoing extensive renovations, including the addition of a new entry- way, new classrooms and playgrounds. The east campus will open Aug. 15. Both locations serve students ages 2 months to 4-5 years. 512-288-9792. www.thechilddevelopmentcenter.org 9 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 firm Hines will have 2,500 single-family homes and 50 acres for multifamily homes and town- homes. Amenities will include a 60-acre lake, over 600 acres of greenbelt, com- munity parks, trails and a swimming pool. Construction is expected to start this year and take six years. The first home sales will begin in 2023. The project will take an estimated six years. 713-621-8000. www.hines.com 10 AutoZone will open a mega hub store at 600 W. William Cannon Drive in South Austin. The automotive chain’s mega hub stores feature an expanded inventory and can help fulfill orders for nearby stores and customers. The new store will be located in Southridge Plaza alongside retailers including Taco Bell, Dollar Tree, Wingstop and more. The mega hub will occupy 33,000 square feet of a 46,000 square-foot space that once housed an H-E-B. www.autozone.com 11 An Austin’s Pizza location will open at 1600 S. First St., Austin, in 2022. There are 14 other locations in the Austin area. The menu features original pizzas and build-your-own options as well as salads and desserts. www.austinspizza.com

St. David's Medical Center will renovate its South Austin hospital.

RENDERING COURTESY ST. DAVID'S HEALTHCARE

16 Dog day care Foxy Roxy’s Doggy Dayout celebrated five years at 2103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin. The boarding and training facility offers 1,800 square feet of indoor space and roughly an acre of outdoor space. It opened Jan. 21, 2017. 512-487-2660. www.foxyroxysatx.com 17 Locally owned Bougie’s Donuts marked five years at its 5400 Brodie Lane location in Sunset Valley. Owner Ryan Brown and his team craft gourmet doughnuts and offer a full-service coffee and espresso bar. The shop opened Feb. 15, 2017. 512-382-1617. www.bougiesdonuts.com FEATURED IMPACT EXPANSION St. David’s Medical Center is renovating and expanding St. David’s South Austin Medical Center , 901 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, as part of a nearly $1 billion investment in Central Texas. The investment includes building new hospitals in Kyle and Leander and improving nine existing area locations. The $249 million renovation and expansion to the South Austin hospital includes the recently completed seventh oor of the hospital and 700-parking space expansion, nished

in 2021. Additionally, construction will begin on a new women’s health tower in 2022. 512-447-2211 www.stdavids.com

290

RELOCATIONS 18 Slab BBQ & Beer relocated to the Westgate Lanes bowling alley from its closed Oak Hill location at 7101 W. Hwy. 71, Austin, in early February. The Oak Hill location opened in February 2017, and the last day of operation was Jan. 29. The new location is at 2701 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, and is replacing Lebowski’s Grill, which closed inside the bowling alley in October. Beer will no longer be served at the new location because of the exist- ing bar at Westgate Lanes. 833-752-2100. www.dopebbq.com

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

We have a new test where we are comparing the performance of these two technologies side by side.” -EH Does HESOLAR install batteries? “Yes, HESOLAR is a certified installer of the Tesla Powerwall. With the Tesla Powerwall, a solar pv system can continue to operate in the event of a power outage. The Powerwalls can be added now or retrofitted to a system in the future without replacing existing equipment. This year we added Tesla Powerwalls to the test array and will continue to make suggestions based on our findings.” -DH What makes HESOLAR different from their competitors? “We have many answers to that question. The most common feedback we get is that our customers value working directly with Derrick and I from start to finish. Customers also have our direct contact after installation. On the sales side, we don’t knock on doors and we don’t push the sell, we just educate. Behind the scenes is where we really differentiate ourselves. Derrick and I have been Master Electricians for over 10 years, and we’re NABCEP Certi- fied Solar Installation Professionals. We lead our team through the design, installation, and warranty of your system. We don’t subcontract our labor and we use the highest quality materials available. Below is a table we use to display the differences between HESOLAR and our competitors.” -EH

Every design. Every installation. By The Hoffman Brothers.

Q & A with the Hoffman Brothers

What exactly does HESOLAR Do? “The service we provide is a specialized form of electrical contracting. Derrick and I are second generation Master Electricians that grew up in the electrical industry. We’ve spent the last 10 years building on our skill-sets as Master Electricians specializing in solar power, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging. ” -Eric Hoffman Why are customers adding solar? “Saving money, back-up power capabilities, lowering their carbon footprint, energy independence... Ultimately, solar power allows customers to invest in their own energy needs. The cost of solar installation will be offset by savings gained on their electric bills. Additionally, the current Federal Tax Credit of 26% has motivated a lot of our customers to act now before the credit goes away.” - Derrick Hoffman How does the Tax Credit work? “The credit is factored on the entire system cost. It is currently at 26% and will ramp down to 22% next year. Homeowners should consult with a Tax Professional regarding applicability.” -DH Are all solar panels the same? “Not at all. Solar panels come in different colors, sizes, and quality. That’s why we created the HESOLAR Test Array. We are actively monitoring the top solar panels in the solar industry and specify our material based on the results. We are also testing leading inverter technologies.” -DH

SALESMAN SOLAR

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Often Not Often Not Often Not Often Not Often Not Often

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Any advice for homeowners ready to go solar? “Be careful with sales companies knocking on doors and advertising bogus claims on social media like Facebook. Their goal is to get in your house and convince you to make a rush decision. Our advice is to politely close the door. Don’t rush this purchase, take your time and do your research. Craftsmen don’t find you, you find us.” -EH

The HESOLAR Test Array video is available at hesolarllc.com

What are inverters? “The inverter converts the solar panel’s DC voltage to an AC voltage. Solar consumers will have a choice between Microinverters and DC-Optimized String Inverters. Microinverters convert the DC to AC under the solar panel. A DC-Optimized string inverter manipulates the DC voltage under the solar panel and then sends it to an inverter near the electrical service.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon

COMPILED BY MAGGIE QUINLAN

WORTH THE TRIP COMING SOON Friday Mountain , a 64-acre mini- resort at 150 Concord Circle near Driftwood, was announced by the family behind Austin barbecue staple Terry Black’s Barbecue. The development will center around a winery production facility and vineyard. Other amenities will include a boutique hotel, a spa, a ne dining restaurant and event space. The proposed opening is in the second half of 2023. www.terryblacksbbq.com

FITZHUGH RD.

DRIPPING SPRINGS

SILVER CREEK RD.

HARGRAVES DR.

290

AMERICAN WAY

Primal Gallery

BELTERRA VILLAGE WAY

COURTESY JOE LEDNICKY

SAWYER RANCH RD.

and estate consigned art. Some art is on loan while other pieces are available for sale. Owner Joe Lednicky prioritizes selling art from families with loved ones in memory care facilities to help families pay for nursing costs. Admission is free. 512-829-4647. www.primalgallery.com 4 Color World House Painting ocially opened its new location at 505 Wynn- page Drive in The Hall at Caliterra in Drip- ping Springs in January. The nationwide company has two other Texas locations and oers residential and commercial ex- terior and interior painting. 512-641-5521. www.colorworldhousepainting.com COMING SOON 5 Developers from Southern Land Co. are set to begin construction on a new luxury home community in

164

WYNNPAGE DR.

150

1826

162

1826

CONCORD CIR.

DRIPPING SPRINGS NOWOPEN

2 Bannockburn Church opened its new Children and Student’s Building for members on Jan. 9 at 264 American Way in Dripping Springs. The new facility includes an indoor playground, class- rooms and assembly rooms. It also houses church oces and allows the church to expand its preschool program, Bannock- burn Kids Weekday. 512-892-2703. www.bannockburnchurch.com 3 Primal Gallery opened at 246 Amer- ican Way, Dripping Springs, on Jan. 29. The gallery includes local, international

WESTVIEW TR.

1 TexStar Chiropractic opened its third Austin-area location in Belterra on Feb. 9. The provider at 13341 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 102, Dripping Springs, is the rst business to open in the new Sawyer Ranch Crossing oce development. The chiropractor business also has locations in Austin and Buda. 512-899-2228. www.texstarchiropractic.com

the second half of 2023. The master- planned community will include 28 homes with lots of either 1.5 or 2 acres, including several on Barton Creek. The neighborhood will sit near Treaty Oak Distilling at the end of Silver Creek Road.

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.

YOU CAN, TOO

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

Let’s Talk Project Connect

Project Connect includes expanded transit options throughout the Austin area, with new light rail, a subway and more services across the city.

More Rebates, More Savings » Find instant savings on energy efficient products at local stores » Enjoy rebates averaging $1,950 plus 0% financing on home energy upgrades » Get up to $110 in smart thermostat rebates and incentives » Enjoy an $800 rebate on eligible heat pump water heaters » See if you qualify for free home energy improvements » Monitor your energy usage and get savings tips at coautilities.com Learn more ways to save at austinenergy.com/go/tips

Input from the community is shaping the planning and design of Project Connect. Add your voice. Join us for public meetings to talk with the project teams about the Orange and Blue light rail lines, and how the designs are incorporating community feedback. Breakout sessions at the meetings will cover: • Environmental considerations • How transit services will connect within our community • Anti-displacement investment

LIVE VIRTUAL MEETINGS Tuesday 3/29, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Thursday 3/31, 12 – 1:30 p.m. ON-DEMAND VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Tuesday 3/29 – Friday 4/29

Visit ProjectConnect.com/getinvolved to learn more.

For language translations or accommodations, call 512-904-0180. Información de la reunión está disponible en español.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

February & March events

COMPILED BY GLORIE MARTINEZ

MARCH 1120

TAKE PART IN SXSW DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

MARCH 23 MAY 11

WANDER THROUGH THEWILDFLOWERS LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

The championship will be held at the Austin County Club for the sixth year. (Courtesy Dell Technologies Match Play) WORTH THE TRIP March 2226 WGCDell Technologies Match Play The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play is one of the four annual championships contested using match play and is among the highest-ranking golf tournaments behind the four majors and the Players Championship. The 2022 tournament will be hosted at the historic Austin Country Club. Daily grounds tickets start at $130 (Feb. 23), $140 (Feb. 24) and $170 (Feb. 24-27). Tickets for all four days can also be purchased. Times vary. 4408 Long Champ Drive, Austin 800-653-8000 www.dellmatchplay.com

Lady Bird Johnson Wildower Center will stay open after hours every Tuesday for Twilight Tuesdays this spring. The event will feature musical performances, an art showcase and food trucks. Reservations required. 5-8 p.m. $6-$12. 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin. 512-232-0100. www.wildower.org (Courtesy Lady Bird Johnson Wildower Center)

South by Southwest Conference & Festivals returns in person, showcasing music, lm and comedy events plus conferences. More than 300 musical artists have been announced, including more than 25 from Austin. Times vary. Online registrations start at $189. The music badge for March 14-20 and lm badge for March 11-20 cost $1,395 each. Locations vary. www.sxsw.com (Courtesy South by Southwest Conference & Festivals)

FEBRUARY 26 EAT SOME OYSTERS The annual Austin Oyster Festival will return in-person. The event features 14 varieties of oysters served raw, fried or grilled, as well as Bloody Marys, wine and beer. There will also be live music. Noon. $75 per person. Republic Square 422 Guadalupe St. Austin. www.austinoysterfestival.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 than 700 local nonprots, 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. 03 REMEMBER IT ALL TOWELL Get it Gals will host a Taylor Swift trivia event at Vacancy Brewing. Teams of one to six players will answer trivia

questions on their phones for a chance to win prizes. Vacancy Brewing oers more than a dozen dierent brews, ranging from a sparkling golden ale to an Oatmeal Stout and snacks from the Trill Foods truck. 7 p.m. Free. 415 E. St. Elmo Road, Ste. 1-D2, Austin. www.getitgals.com 07 AND 16 PAINT AND SIP Hello AustinTX will host an art party at Moontower Saloon. Seating is on a rst-come, rst-served basis. Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to attend. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $25. 10212 Menchaca Road, Austin. 512-712-5661. www.helloaustintx.com 12 ADMIRE LOCAL ARTWORK Dreamland will host the rst of its monthly Artisan Walk events featuring art installations by local creatives, handmade crafts and live music. Noon-6 p.m. Free. 2770 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs. 512-827-1279. www.dreamland.us 12 THROUGH 26 ROPE IN A 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, barbecue competition,

livestock show and agricultural education. $30-$175. Travis County Expo Center, 9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin. 512-919-3000. www.rodeoaustin.com 17 CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY Throw on some green and join Last Chance Bar and Dancehall for its St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The party will last from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. 12013 W. Hwy. 290, Austin. 512-660-5660. www.lastchancedancehall.com 22 THROUGH 27 EXPLORE AWORLD OF IMAGINATION The musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is stopping at Bass Concert Hall on its rst national tour. Times vary. Tickets start at $30, plus a $5 per ticket fee. 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. 512-471-9166. www.austin.broadway.com 25 THROUGH 27 LIVE IN THE FAST LANE NASCAR will host an event at Circuit of The Americas, which will feature all three of NASCAR’s national series—the Cup Series, Xnity Series and Camping World Truck Series. General admission three-day weekend tickets: $99 (adults)

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and $10 (children 12 and under). 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. www.nascaratcota.com

Find more or submit Southwest Austin or Dripping Springs 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.

1937 Twin Liquors – originally Jabour’s Package Store – opens on 6th Street in Downtown Austin, TX.

1983 Twin Liquors begins to supply wholesale spirits, beer, & wine to bars & restaurants in Downtown Austin.

Twin Liquors expands into San Antonio, San Marcos, & the Hill Country with 50+ stores.

2022 Twin Liquors

celebrates their 85th Anniversary

2000s

1982 David Jabour & Margaret Jabour, rebrand the business as Twin Liquors in honor of their father, Theodore, who was a twin.

1995-1997 ‘95 : First Distillery permit is issued to Tito’s Vodka .

2020 Twin Liquors celebrates

2010s Twin Liquors expands into the Houston area, and into the Dallas area with the Sigel’s brand.

For 85 years, your neighborhood Twin Liquors has been giving excellent customer service and welcoming Texans like family!

opening their 100th location in Lubbock, TX.

‘97 : First case of Tito’s hits shelves in Austin, TX!

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

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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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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2022

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Dripping Springs & Austin ISDs

Dripping Springs ISD to purchase 8 newschool buses due to growth

PAY HIKE Dripping Springs ISD is increasing pay for many staffers.

$2 PER HOUR INCREASE night shift custodians, split shift bus drivers and split shift bus aides $20 PER DAY INCREASE For substitutes

$30 PER DAY For elementary teachers who receive additional students $30 PER EXTRA CLASS Secondary teachers who substi- tute during conference periods

BY GLORIE MARTINEZ

Filling the fleet Dripping Springs ISD will add addi- tional school buses to replace old buses and address growth. = $125,000

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD Trustees approved the purchase of eight additional buses in a 6-0 vote at a Jan. 31 Dripping Springs school board meeting in order to account for enrollment growth. DSISD best practice recommends replacing school buses every 12-15 years based on age/mileage and the number of students expected to use district transportation. Two new buses were originally planned to be purchased for the 2022-23. According to a spring 2021 report, DSISD is expected to double its student population by 2028. Each bus will cost DSISD about $125,000 and the total for all eight buses is roughly $1 million, accord- ing to the district.

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

District to increase pay for some staff

DSISD purchased 8 buses for the 2022-23 school year:

BY GLORIE MARTINEZ

with the biggest shortages in DSISD. The board also increased the daily substitute teacher pay rate by $20. “The market has changed quite a bit this school year, as other districts around us have had sub- stitute shortages,” board Secretary Shannon O’Connor said. Full-time teachers covering other classes will also receive supplemental pay.

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD The school board made changes to the district’s compensation plan to address a shortage of substitute teachers and auxiliary staff during a Jan. 31 meeting. A $2 addition on the hourly rate was approved for night shift cus- todians, split shift bus drivers and split shift bus aides, the positions

= $1 million

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Board examines Austin ISD’s low enrollment

L O S I N G S T U D E N T S Austin ISD’s enrollment has been decreasing since 2013, result- ing in reduced state funds for the district.

BY MAGGIE QUINLAN

data presented by Alejandro Delgado, executive director of student enrollment in the district. State funding for the district is based on enrollment. That money continues to decline at the same time as state recapture—locally collected tax revenue from school districts with high property values—continues to increase, Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said. “I think the system was

designed with the right intent,” Elizalde said. “But like many things in actual practice, it’s not creating the outcomes it was intended to.” Delgado said the enroll- ment issues stems from a low birth rate in the area, a lack of families enrolling in the district and students moving to charter schools. He said other metropolitan districts, including those in Houston and Dallas, are facing the same issue.

AUSTIN ISD As low enroll- ment continues to cause funding and other issues, district staff presented new data to the Austin ISD board of trustees Jan. 27 to address reasons behind the trend. Though the city’s pop- students enrolled each year. Enrollment has dropped by more than 8,000 students since 2013, according to ulation has grown, the district is seeing fewer

1,219

2014-15 2013-14 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20

823

921

504

1,420

1,559

5,062

1,000

3,000 Students lost year-over-year 2,000

4,000

5,000

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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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. 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. 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

Authorized 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

4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org Dripping Springs ISD Next meetings: Feb. 28 at

6 p.m. and March 21 at 6:30 p.m. 510 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs www.dsisdtx.us Meetings are being held virtually and in person.

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS 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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