South Central Austin Edition | June 2023

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3 JUNE 28JULY 31, 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

10 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.

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 34

A guide to senior living facilities in Austin

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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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gail Watson 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: As a cub reporter, I remember loving the state legislative session and wishing it would go on and on. Well, I seem to have belatedly gotten my wish as we move through our rst special session and could be facing another. If following the online bill trackers and reading policy reports is not for you, check out Page 16 for some general legislative news and Page 27 for health care-related content. 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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linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

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Coretta Scott King AUTHOR, ACTIVIST AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER

Celebrating Juneteenth and the diversity of our community

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

IMPACTS

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

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

NORTH AUSTIN

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The Violet Crown

Carve American Grill

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COURTESY THE VIOLET CROWN

KATY MCAFEECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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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

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SOUTH 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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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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-

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

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IMPACTS

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

COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE

EAST AUSTIN

ALDRICH ST.

Lovebirds

Lil' Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar

COURTESY LOVEBIRDS

COURTESY LIL’ EASY FINE CAJUN FOOD & BAR

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.

969

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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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

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© 2023 CMG Financial, all rights reserved. CMG Financial is a registered trade name of CMG Mortgage Inc., NMLS #1820 in most, but not all states.CMG Mortgage, Inc. dba CMG Home Loans, NMLS# 1820, is an equal housing lender. Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/ licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval. The rates shown above are for educational purposes only, not a commitment to lend, please contact LO to see your qualified rate. This incentive only valid on spec homes in select communities that are contracted on or after 1/6/23 and close by the end of May, and finance with CMG Financial. Adjustable-rate loans and rates are subject to change during the loan term. That change can increase or decrease your monthly payment. The rates shown above are the current rates for the purchase of a single- family primary residence based on a 45 day lock period, 740 credit score and 80% LTV. These rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Your rate will depend on various factors including loan product, loan size, credit profile, property value, geographic ocation, occupancy and other factors. Offer is for a limited time only and can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Offers only valid when financing through Brohn’s lender partner, CMG Financial. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Offer may not be available with all programs in all states. All figures are estimates and subject to change at any time. The information here is provided as a general guide to help you determine if a property may be viable for you. Rates, APR’s & programs are illustrations subject to change at any time. These do not constitute a ‘Loan or Good Faith Estimate’ for payments and closing costs. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s best to be preapproved for a range of potential prices, payments or loan programs. The flex cash amount is contingent on the price of the home and only valid on participating homes and in participating communities. Speak to a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for details on participating homes and participating communities. If using flex cash to reduce the price of the home, the reduction cannot bring the home price below base price. The flex cash can only be used in one of the six ways shown in this advertisement, including reduction in purchase price (not being less than base price of home) or applying towards closing costs, move-in costs, or early lease termination, or long term rate locks or buying down the interest rate on a 10/6 Arm (specific interest rate and associated APR fluctuate on a daily basis and change due to individual situations). A 30 year loan would result in 360 monthly payments. A 20 year loan would result in 240 monthly payments, and a 15 year loan would result in 180 monthly payments. This is a limited time incentive program that can be stopped at any time and with no prior notice. Must provide proof of current lease agreement, documentation confirming an early lease termination, the execution of a contract with Brohn Homes on a Brohn home that is set to close during the limited time frame in which the incentive is offered. The Brohn Group, LLC (DBA Brohn Homes) reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, materials, dimensions, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright 2023 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA in Texas as Brohn Homes.

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

TODO LIST

July, August & October events

COMPILED BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & KATY MCAFEE

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 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.

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 SEE A FREE MUSICAL The 64th Zilker summer musical is Roald 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

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 SEE 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.

JULY 1819

HEAR MUSIC IN THE PARK ZILKER PARK

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 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 Rd., Austin. Times vary. www. acl-radio.com/blues-on-the-green Austin City Limits Radio’s free concert series Blues on the Green

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.

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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

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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

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY House Bill 608 Harris is a joint author of this bill—which was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for approval May 22—that permits county commissioners courts to allow retail firework sales five days before the first day of Diwali through midnight on the last day of Diwali. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated in Indian religions, including Hinduism. NUMBER TO KNOW have set aside in a 1,030-page budget, which will fund a variety of state programs for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. $321B That’s how much Texas lawmakers UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS STATE REP. CAROLINE HARRIS District 52 • Republican • Elected: 2022

Attorney General Ken Paxton impeached, suspended

BY HANNAH NORTON

A TIMELINE OF THE IMPEACHMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL KEN PAXTON

The Texas House impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 27 over allegations of bribery, conspiracy and other forms of misconduct. House lawmakers voted 121-23 to adopt 20 articles of impeachment against the third-term Republican. The House General Investigating Committee began a probe into Paxton’s alleged misconduct in March after he asked the Texas Legislature to use public funds to pay for a $3.3 million settlement between Paxton and four of his former employees. Paxton is suspended from office without pay and barred from performing his official duties. Former Secretary of State John Scott will serve as interim attorney general, Gov. Greg Abbott announced May 31. Next, the Texas Senate will conduct a trial to determine if Paxton will be reinstated or permanently removed from office. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will serve as the judge. Houston attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin will prosecute Paxton during the trial, and Houston attorney Tony Buzbee will lead the legal team representing Paxton. If two-thirds of senators vote to convict Paxton on the impeachment charges, he will not be allowed to run for re-election or hold any other state office in Texas. Paxton, who has denied the allegations, called the House’s vote to impeach him a “sham” and said he looked forward to “a quick resolution in the Texas Senate.”

FEB. 10 Paxton enters into a $3.3 million settlement agreement with four former employees who said they were wrongfully fired in 2020. FEB. 21 Paxton asks the Texas Legislature to fund his settlement with taxpayer money. MARCH 8-20 House General Investigating Committee opens an investigation into Paxton and the proposed settlement. MAY 24 Attorneys present material from the investigation during a four-hour committee hearing. MAY 25 The committee unanimously adopts 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton. The articles and a full transcript of the hearing are shared with House lawmakers. MAY 31 Gov. Greg Abbott appoints former Secretary of State John Scott to serve as interim attorney general. MAY 27 After four hours of debate, Texas House votes 121-23 to impeach Paxton. He is immediately suspended from office. NEXT STEPS State senators will adopt the rules for the impeachment trial. After that, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will set a date for the trial, which must begin by Aug. 28. JUNE 1 Houston attorneys Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin are selected as prosecutors for the Texas Senate trial. SOURCE: TEXAS HOUSE GENERAL INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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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

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HEALTH CARE SNAPSHOT

Local health care data and information

COMPILED BY BRIAN RASH

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR COUNTY?

HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE BY COUNTY

These rankings of all counties statewide are updated annually but include data from previous years. The factors listed are not comprehensive. TRAVIS COUNTY 2023 STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE RANKINGS OUT OF 244 RANKED COUNTIES

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.

HEALTH OUTCOMES INCLUDE:

Primary care physicians, 2022

Profession count

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide 13

• LENGTH OF LIFE • QUALITY OF LIFE, such as the number of poor mental and physical health days reported

XXXX 1,413

XXXX 105.2

Physician assistants, 2022

HEALTH OUTCOMES

HEALTH OUTCOMES INCLUDE:

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide 9

Profession count

6 8

Overall

XXXX 710

XXXX 52.9

• HEALTH BEHAVIORS, such as smoking, obesity, physical activity, excessive drinking, alcohol-impaired driving deaths, sexually transmitted infections and teen births • CLINICAL CARE, including health insurance coverage; number of physicians, dentists and mental health providers; preventable hospital stays; and u vaccinations • SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS, such as educational attainment levels, children in poverty, income inequality and violent crimes • PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FACTORS, such as air pollution, drinking water violations, housing problems and long commutes

Length of life Quality of life

HEALTH CARE EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

Travis County saw an almost 15% jump in health care employment in two years.

2-year change +14.99%

HEALTH FACTORS

5 6 4

Overall

Sept. 2020 Sept. 2021 Sept. 2022

Health behaviors

Clinical care

Socioeconomic

152

Physical environment

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

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023

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