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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 MAY 31 JUNE 26, 2023
Rainey rising up
New seafood and hot pot restaurants open in Austin
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Maudie's 5K combines running and Tex-Mex
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Austin ISD faces state conservatorship
Education
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Austinites weigh in on police oversight
Development around Rainey Street is surging, including a tower that will be Texas’ tallest. (Ben Thompson/Community Impact)
Booming entertainment district confronts rapid development, growing pains
City & County
19
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY BEN THOMPSON
with high-rises, a thriving entertain- ment strip and lakeside recreation access. Still, many related pres- sures for residents and visitors are now coming back to the forefront. Area residents have for years raised concerns over the e ects of local changes, including the pace of new construction in the top des- tination. Recent drowning deaths
in Lady Bird Lake, extended street closures and more development plans are examples of some local issues that are yet to be fully solved. “Rainey Street is not the same Rainey Street it was 10, 20, 30 years ago. It’s ever evolving,” said Council Member Zo Qadri, the district’s rep- resentative. “I think it’s important CONTINUED ON 20
As Austin’s city center continues its revamp, the Rainey Street district’s small corner of downtown is see- ing a large share of the local growth that’s bringing signi cant opportu- nities—and challenges—to the area. The Rainey area, once a quieter Hispanic residential community, is now an urban sector brimming
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority
Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (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
The electronic tag provider TxTag is not owned nor operated by the Mobility Authority.
Late payment fees do apply
The Mobility Authority is not TxTag
We accept a variety of electronic tags
The Mobility Authority does not have access to TxTag account details. While it is accepted on Mobility Authority roads, TxTag is owned and operated by The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag
TxDOT
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
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.
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Learn About Austin’s Water Quality We’re Continuously Sampling and Testing
Austin Water collects and tests samples at our treatment plants and across our water system multiple times a day, every day, for bacteria, and chemicals that could pose a risk to our customers. Our highest priority is ensuring that our water continues to be safe to drink . We have taken steps to protect drinking water safety and quality in key areas that include: 6 Protecting Vital Infrastructure 6 Enhancing Treatment Reliability 6 Ensuring Quality Control in Storage, Pressure and Pipes 6 Increasing Finished Drinking Water Testing An expanded snapshot of our rigorous quality controls is posted on our website as well as in our annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Find the 2022 Consumer Confidence Report online at the link below , or call 512-972-0155 to receive a copy by email or mail. Austin Water’s annual consumer confidence report describes the overall quality of water from its raw collection and storage to the treated purity at your tap. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all drinking water suppliers provide a water quality report to their customers on an annual basis.
Austin Water Quality Report 2022 Austinwater.org/WaterQuality Para una versión en Español llame al 512-972-0459.
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Amanda Cutshall, 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, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 512 989 6808 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 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: It feels like every month we’re writing about new development claiming another block or neighborhood in Central Austin, and this month is no di erent. The focus of our front-page story is the Rainey Street District. Reporter Ben Thompson provides an update on the projects going vertical in the coming months and how the continued transformation of the historic street is a ecting public safety. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM DARCY: After the state announced a planned conservatorship in Austin ISD and Department of Public Safety troopers began patrolling Austin streets, we heard a lot of concern from community members. In this issue, we provide context around the state's intervention in Austin ISD (Page 16) we look deeper into the DPS partnership (Page 19). Darcy Sprague, EDITOR
What does SWAG stand for? “Stu We All Get” as CI Patrons
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hello SUMMER
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 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.
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE
NORTH AUSTIN
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Gràcia
Soupleaf
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3 House of Preservation —a Dal- las-based medical spa that o ers skin care and beauty treatments—opened its rst Austin location in March. The spa, founded by friends Brittany Rick- etts and Rylie Bland, o ers laser hair removal, facials, microneedling and other aesthetic procedures. House of Preservation is located in the Triangle at 815 W. 47th St., Ste. 100, Austin. www.houseofpreservation.com 4 A new addiction treatment facility called The Meadows Outpatient Center opened May 5. The facility o ers an eight-week intensive outpatient pro- gram for patients with drug or alcohol addiction and other mental health issues. The facility includes a yoga studio, an expressive arts area and more. The Mead- ows Outpatient Center is located at 3721 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 102, Austin. 866-356-9801. www.meadowsoutpa- tient.com/locations/austin-texas 5 On May 15, Shalom Austin cele- brated the opening of its renovated and expanded Dell Jewish Community Center at 7300 Hart Ln., Austin. The 37,805-square-foot, two-story facility includes a tness center, living room, cafe, education center, meeting rooms and all-gender restrooms. 512-735-8000. www.shalomaustin.org 6 Local mini-chain One Taco opened its eighth Austin location next to sports bar Little Woodrows on 5425 Burnet Road, No. 110, Austin, in late April. The new taqueria serves breakfast tacos— including one with eggs, bacon and potato wrapped in a pancake with a side of maple syrup—street-style tacos including carne asada and al pastor, and
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COURTESY THE MEADOWS OUTPATIENT CENTER
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several vegetarian options. The restau- rant also serves agua frescas and the “Me Latte” with cold brew and horchata. www.onetaco.com CLOSINGS 7 The JuiceLand location at 4500 Duval St., Austin, permanently closed at the end of April due to rising rent costs. Vinyl shop Exploded Records, which was inside the Duval JuiceLand, relocated to the 2828 Guadalupe St., Austin location in May. JuiceLand serves fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, wellness shots and plant-based meals. www.juiceland.com ANNIVERSARIES 8 Texas Archive of the Moving Image celebrated 20 years in business in April. The Austin-based lm archive is used as a resource for educators, students and the public. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has digitized 48,000 lms and videos. TAMI’s o ce is located at 3908 Ave. B, Ste. 105, Austin. www.texasarchive.org
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NORTH CENTRAL NOW OPEN
craft cocktails and over 60 selec- tions of wine. The restaurant is led by Cameron Lockley, the owner of Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar, and Execu- tive Chef Jason Tallent. 512-649-4844. www.graciamediterranean.com 2 A new bu et-style hot pot restau- rant called Soupleaf opened at 6929 Airport Blvd., Austin, in late April. The family-owned restaurant serves south- ern-style Chinese hot pot menu with a variety of soup bases, meats, seafood and vegetable options. 512-373-3378. www.souplea otpot.com
1 Gràcia , a new full-service Mediterra- nean restaurant and wine bar, opened at 4800 Burnet Road, Ste. 450, Austin, in the former Flu Meringues+More space in early April. Gràcia’s menu focuses on seafood and features dishes such as gnocchi paired with a seafood bolognese, roasted baby eggplant seasoned with Aleppo chili oil and shrimp wrapped in serrano ham. The drink menu includes
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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El Cock ght
Bill's Oyster
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Estelle's Social Lounge
The Kitchen
RED RIVER ST.
KATY MCAFEE COMMUNITY IMPACT
COURTESY THE KITCHEN
DRISKILL ST.
4 Nashville-based Standard Proof Whiskey Co. opened its rst Austin location in April. The restaurant and bar serve craft whiskey cocktails, Nashville hot chicken sandwich- es, salads and more. Standard Proof Whiskey Co. is located at 51 Rainey St., Ste. 140-A, Austin. 512- 220-2318. www.standardproofwhiskey.com 5 Kiki Price —a luxury women’s shoe company—opened its rst brick-and mortar store in Austin in late April. The company, owned by Kimberly Baltzell and Lucy Price, sells comfortable high-heel shoes handcrafted in Italy. The store is located at 908 W. 12th St., Austin. www.kikiprice.com 6 The Blanton Museum of Art celebrat- ed the grand opening of its Moody Patio after two years of construction May 13. The redesign includes 15 petal-shaped shading structures in the courtyard. The museum now has new hours, ticket prices, art installations and a Second Sat- urdays program. The Blanton is located at 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin. www.blantonmuseum.org
7 North Austin ramen spot Sazan Ramen opened a new sister restaurant called Daiboku in West Campus on May 17. The restaurant—located at 609 W. 29th St., Austin—o ers both counter service and an omakase-style menu. The ramen menu features smoked chicken shoyu ramen and spicy miso ramen with pork shoulder. Daiboku also serves an omakase-style ramen menu at the 10-seat ramen bar. Daiboku is located at 609 W. 29th St., Austin. 8 Kimbal Musk, brother of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, will open an Ameri- can Bistro called The Kitchen in 2024. Kimbal Musk co-founded and chef Hugo Matheson opened the rst location in 2004 in Colorado. The restaurant will open in the Sixth and Guadalupe tower at 400 W. Sixth St., Austin. The Kitch- en Upstairs, will open later and o er a cocktail lounge and meeting space. www.thekitchenbistros.com www.daibokuramen.com COMING SOON
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DOWNTOWN WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN 1 A new seafood restaurant and cocktail bar called Bill’s Oyster opened at 205 W. Third St., Austin, on May 5. The restaurant is owned by friends Stewart Jarmon—an Austin native and St. Edward’s University alumnus—and Daniel Berg, a New Yorker who will serve as executive chef. The food menu consists of oysters, shell sh, caviar, a signature burger and seafood towers. It is named after Berg’s three-year-old son. www.billsoyster.com
2 El Cock ght —a new bar from the team behind bars Mama Dearest, The Beez Kneez and Red Headed Stepchild— opened in the former HandleBar space on April 12. The bar is inspired by Oaxaca, Mexico; serves tequila and mezcal craft cocktails; and has a rooftop patio. El Cock ght is located at 121 E. Fifth St., Austin. Instagram: elcock ght 3 A new nightlife venue called Estelle’s Social Lounge opened at Truluck’s former downtown location in late May. The venue comes from NoCo Hospitality, the team behind bars Super- stition and Higher Ground. Estelle’s is located at 400 Colorado St., Austin. 512-900-7626. www.estellesatx.com
COFER & CONNELLY FAMILY LAW • CRIMINAL LAW • PERSONAL INJURY
Rick Cofer
COFERCONNELLY.COM • 602 W. 11 T H ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801
Jeffrey Connelly
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE
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Wanderlust Wine Co. with Vision Coffee Shop
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3 Underdog , a wine bar, restaurant and retail space, opened in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood May 10. Underdog serves a sustainable wine list and Korean dishes, such as handmade noodles as well as crispy potato and leek pancakes with cav- iar. Underdog is led by Claudia Lee and Momofuku alumnus Richard Hargreave. It is located at 1600 S. First St., Austin. www.underdog-atx.com 4 A new Barcelona-inspired restaurant called El Raval opened in the former Barlata space May 12. The restaurant seats 115 people with a full bar and an outdoor patio. The menu includes charcuterie; a raw bar; and a wide range of vegetarian, seafood and meat tapas. El Raval is led by chef Laila Bazahm, who named the restaurant after her neigh- borhood. El Raval is located at 1500 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-473-2211. www.elravalatx.com 5 A new food hall called The Tailor Shop opened in the former Gordough’s Pub House space in March. The food hall serves pizza from Pizzeria Grata, tacos
from Taqueria 1836, and craft beer and cocktails. The food hall—located at 2700 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin—also hosts live
music events and happy hours. Instagram: thetailorshopaustin
1 The Loren at Lady Bird Lake hotel opened a new cafe April 10. Cafe at the Loren serves coffee, cocktails and wine to drink and sandwiches, salads and flat- breads to eat. The all-day cafe also offers croissants and pastries from local bakery Sour Duck Market. Cafe at the Loren is located at 1211 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. www.thelorenhotels.com/austin/cuisine/ coffee-shop 2 Wanderlust Wine Co. and Vision Coffee Shop collaborated to open a new wine bar and cafe in the former Squarerut Kava Bar space in April. The cafe serves espresso, tea, matcha and adaptogenic coffees from Vision along with wine on tap and frozen cocktails from Wanderlust. Wanderlust Wine Co. and Vision Coffee Shop is located at 1601 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-265-6275. www.wanderlustwine.com www.visionatx.com
6 Steepologie Teas opened at Barton Creek Square Mall on the upper-level Dillard’s wing next to Sephora in May. The tea store offers more than 230 fresh, loose-leaf teas and 50 bagged teas in addition to tea dishes, gift packs and more. Steepologie Teas is located at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. www.steepologie.com ANNIVERSARIES 7 Sweet Tooth Family Dental celebrat- ed 10 years in business this spring. Owner Neil Patel said he signed a lease for another 10 years at the office’s location at 515 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 107, Austin. Sweet Tooth focuses on education and preventive care, offering cleanings, fillings, Invisalign, teeth whitening and many other services. 512-448-9669. www.sweettoothaustin.com
El Raval
COURTESY MOE ALJAFF
RENOVATIONS 8 Renovations have started on a high-priority Fire/Emergency Medical Services station at 5309 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, with an expected comple- tion date of early 2024. The renovated station will be about 10,600 square feet and have a three-vehicle apparatus bay and fitness room, officials said. It is being designed as a U.S. Green Building to show integrated concepts of technology and nature. In addition, Art in Public Places art—a collaboration with local and nation- ally known artists—will be integrated into the site design. The work began in April. www.austintexas.gov/department/fire
Medical, cosmetic & surgical DERMATOLOGY IN-OFFICE & TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS
COSMETIC SPECIALS Summer
2023 TOP DOC AWARD WINNER Dr. Blakely Richardson
wsc.to/ci
www.westgateskin.com
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IMPACTS
290 Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY KATY MCAFEE
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Ezov
Uptown Sports Club
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2708 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, on April 27. The restaurant has a 98-seat dining room and a 30-seat private dining area. Ezov’s menu has shareable, seasonal items, including smashed cucumber with labne and nigella seed, and halloumi with date molasses and dukkah—a nut, seed and spice blend. 512-305-1118. Instagram: ezovatx 4 A new weekend hangout called Bar Toti opened at 2113 Manor Road, Austin, on the Este garden grounds, on April 21. Bar Toti is open Friday and Saturday nights serving a full kitchen and bar menu inspired by Mexican, French and Spanish cuisines. The bar’s highlight item is a Mexican burger with a sesame bun, white American cheese, seared ham, chi- potle mayo and escabeche relish. Bar Toti is led by chef Fermin Nunez, a native of Torreón, Mexico, who has worked in Aus- tin restaurants, including La Condesa and Uchiko, for over 10 years. 512-522-4047. www.bartoti.com 5 Civil Goat Coffee opened its third location at 2610 Manor Road, Austin, on March 11. The coffee shop—led by Austin local Chris O’Brien—sells espresso drinks, tea, doughnuts, acai bowls, salads and toasts. The shop’s mascot, a pygmy goat named Butters, lives at the Cuernavaca location. www.civilgoat.com 6 Rozco’s Comedy Club opened at 1805 E. Seventh St., Austin, in the former Santa Cruz Theater space in late March. The locally owned comedy club hosts open mic nights, local stand-up come- dy acts and more. The club also serves cocktails and beer. 512-956-4669. www.rozcoscomedy.com
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973 ANNIVERSARIES 7 Austin Eastciders celebrated 10 years in business in May. The cider company, founded in 2013 by Ed Gibson and Mark King, sells dozens of flavored ciders and cider cocktails. Austin Eastciders’ tasting room, The Collaboratory, is located at 979 Springdale Road, Austin. CLOSINGS 8 Austin-area Bed Bath & Beyond loca- tions have begun winding down follow- ing an April 23 announcement that the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The home goods retailer—known for its wide selection of kitchen appliances, bathroom accessories and college dorm furnishings—will have closing store sales with items between 10%-30% off while the company goes through the bankrupt- cy process. Bed Bath & Beyond’s east Austin location is at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin. 130 TOLL
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2 A new cocktail bar and restaurant called Holiday opened at 5020 E. Sev- enth St., Austin, in late March. Holiday serves several seasonal plates and handcrafted cocktails called “fancies.” The concept is led by co-owners John DiCicco, Erin Ashford and Executive Chef Peter Klein, who leads the food program. The trio met while working at the Southern restaurant Olamaie. www.holidayon7th.com 3 A new Mediterranean restaurant with Israeli influences called Ezov opened at
1 New Orleans-inspired restaurant Uptown Sports Club opened in a his- toric building located at 1200 E. 6th St, Austin, on March 27. The new bar and restaurant—led by Aaron Franklin of Franklin’s Barbecue—has open seating and serves po’boys, gumbo, handcrafted cocktails and local beers. 512-551-2013. www.uptownsports.club
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
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TO DO LIST
June & July events
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & KATY MCAFEE
Camp Lucy is located in the Hill Country.
WORTH THE TRIP Camp Lucy will host a four-night women’s wellness retreat July 20-23 . The retreat will include daily chef-prepared meals; yoga and meditation classes; stargazing sessions; sound baths; and other workshops and social hours. $945. Camp Lucy, 3509 Creek Road, Dripping Springs. Eventbrite: Camp Lucy Wellness Retreat
JUNE 08
RUN FOR MARGARITAS SAND BEACH PARK
The 20th annual Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run will take place at Sand Beach Park on June 8. The fun run is a 5K course along the streets bordering Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Trail that ends back at the park for a celebration including Tex-Mex and margaritas. Registration includes race entry, a shirt, the nish line celebration, two Maudie’s appetizers and two Maudie’s margaritas. Registration fees go directly to the Trail Conservancy, a nonpro t organization dedicated to protecting the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake. 8-10 p.m. $50. Sand Beach Park, 111 Sandra Muraida Way, Austin. www.thetrailconservancy.org/signature-events/mmmr
PUG RIPPY RD.
JUNE THROUGH JUNE 29 PAIR WINES WITH SUSHI
friendly spring concert series by KUTX 98.9. Two local artists will perform for free, including alt-country singer Rosie Flores. The second artist to perform is to be announced. Blankets and stadium cushions allowed. 6:45 p.m. Free. Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater, 4550 Mueller Blvd., Austin. 512-471-1631. www.kutx.org 03 WEAR DANCING BOOTS Chisos Boots Co. will host its annual summer block party featuring live performances by Texan musicians Cowboy Diplomacy and Comanche Moon. The event also includes shopping at the pop-up market and wood- red grilling and beverages. RSVP is preferred. 6 p.m. Free. Chisos Boot Co., 3507 S. First St., Austin. www.chisos.com/party 06 ROCK OUT AT A CONCERT Duran Duran will perform at the Moody Center with Bastille, Nile Rodgers and CHIC as special guests as part of their Future Past Tour produced by Live Nation. 7 p.m. $50- $380. Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. 512-651-7600. www.duranduran.com/tour 10 CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH Waterloo Greenway will host its Rainbow on the Creek event to celebrate Pride month. The family-friendly event will include live music, performances and exhibits from LGBTQ+ businesses and nonpro ts. 10 a.m.-noon. Meredith Heritage Tree Deck, 1301 Trinity St., Austin; 6-10 p.m. at the Moody Amphitheater, 401 Trinity St., Austin. Free. www.waterloogreenway.org 13 THROUGH 18 ENJOY HAIRSPRAY Broadway Across America will perform “Hairspray”—a musical set in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1962. The play follows the story of high schooler Tracy Turnblad as
CREEKRD.
Every Thursday through June 29, Cape Bottle Room and Osome will host Flight Night, a sushi and wine experience. Tickets include 10 courses paired with South African wines. Osome is an Austin company by chef John Gocong. Times vary. $125. Cape Bottle Room, 500 San Marcos St., Ste. 102, Austin. www.capebottleroom.com/events THROUGH AUGUST 14 STUDENTS TAKE SUMMER BREAK The last day of classes for Austin ISD students will be May 25. Graduation ceremonies will take place May 25-June 2. Classes for the 2023-24 academic year will resume Aug. 14 for AISD. www.austinisd.org/calendar Tickets are on sale for Formula 1, which will take place from Oct. 20-22 at the Circuit of the Americas. The Killers along with Adam Lambert and Queen will perform that weekend at the event. Ticket price varies. 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. 512-301-6600. www.circuitoftheamericas.com 01 THROUGH 4 ATTEND A TV FESTIVAL The 12th annual ATX Television Festival will take place over the rst four days in June, featuring screenings, panel discussions, cast reunions and Q&A’s. Panelists this year include Adam Devine, THROUGH OCTOBER 22 GET RACING TICKETS Seth Meyers, Christine Taylor and more. Various times. $50-$385. The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St., Austin. www.atxfestival.com 02 HEAR LOCAL MUSICIANS Rock the Park is a family-
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she pursues dancing on local television and ghts against racial segregation. Times vary. $30+. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman, Austin. 512-471- 1444. www.texasperformingarts.org/ broadwayinaustin 14 THROUGH JULY 9 SEE A THEATRICAL PLAY Beginning June 14 and running until July 9, Zach Theatre presents “Noises O ,” a 1982 play by Michael Fran. The production is a comedy following a touring theatrical troupe in which opening night becomes a disaster. Times vary. $25-$67. The Topfer at Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512- 476-0541. www.tickets.zachtheatre.org 17 HONOR JUNETEENTH The Central Texas Juneteenth Committee will host a parade and festival celebrating the historic day, June 19, which marks the abolition of slavery in Texas. 9:30 a.m.-noon (festival), 10 a.m.- noon (parade). Free. 1183 Chestnut Ave., Austin (parade start); 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin (festival). www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com 17 LAUGH DOWNTOWN Neal Brennan, a three-time Emmy- nominated writer, director and standup comedian, will perform his Brand New Neal comedy tour at Paramount Theatre. 6 p.m. (doors open), 7 p.m. (show). Tickets start at $35. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin. www.nealbrennan.com/shows/061723
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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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
AT THE CAPITOL
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
NUMBER TO KNOW That’s how much the Texas Senate has set aside to expand access to mental health services and construct new mental health facilities across Texas. $2.3B UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS REP. DONNA HOWARD Austin • Democrat • Elected: 2006 HOUSE BILL 300 This bill would eliminate sales taxes on certain items, also known as the “pink tax.” These include period products, infant care and maternity supplies. It was approved by the Texas House in March and sent to the Senate Committee on Finance in early May. REP. JAMES TALARICO Round Rock • Democrat • Elected: 2018 HOUSE BILL 2063 The bill would criminalize leaving animals unattended at boarding facilities— including veterinary medicine clinics and other facilities that provide boarding and related services to dogs or cats—if the animals’ owners did not provide informed consent. It was sent to the governor May 18.
$7.9M second phase of Austin to Manor Trail under construction
House passes bills to improve teacher retention and increase school funding
ONGOING PROJECT
KEEPING STAFF The Texas Teacher Vacancy Task Force issued a report in February. House Bills 11 and 100, which passed April 27 in the Texas House, respond to the task force’s recommendations:
MOCKINGBIRD LN.
BY DARCY SPRAGUE
S. CONGRESS AVE.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES The second phase of the Austin to Manor Trail is underway.
In April, the city of Austin began construction on the second phase of a trail connecting Austin to the neighboring city of Manor to the east. The project, the Austin to Manor Trail, will be a 5.5-mile trail starting at Daffan Lane and ending near Ben E. Fisher Park in Manor. The stretch under construction is 2.9 miles, starting at Lindell Lane in Austin and running to Ben E. Fisher Park in Manor. The first phase was finished in 2014. Council Member Natasha Harp- er-Madison, who represents the area, said the trail will make it easier for people to walk or bike from Austin to Manor. The trail will be a 12-foot-wide concrete path. It will run through mainly agricultural land. When completed, the trail will connect to the existing Southern Walnut Creek Trail, according to the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The trail is funded through
Southern Walnut Creek Trail Austin to Manor Trail (Phase 1) Austin to Manor Trail (Phase 2)
BY HANNAH NORTON
The minimum salary for a beginning Texas teacher is $33,660 for the 2022- 23 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency. HB 100 also adjusts the basic allotment—or how much state money schools receive per student—by $140 over the next two school years. The basic allotment is set at $6,160. It would go up to $6,250 during the 2023- 24 school year and $6,300 in 2024-25. The Texas Education Agency in March 2022 reported teacher depar- ture rates to be 11.57%. That rate is the highest it’s been since the agency started collecting data beginning in the 2007-08 school year. “House Bill 100 is a historic bill that is infusing an estimated $4.5 billion into public education while making policy shifts that will support critical increases in teacher pay and greater predictability,” King said. Both bills are now headed to the Texas Senate.
In an attempt to reduce the high rate of turnover among public and charter school staff, the Texas House passed two bills April 27 that are aimed at increasing school funding and provid- ing more support for teachers. House Bill 11, by Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, would provide additional funding for teacher residency and mentorship programs, which help aspiring and early-career teachers. The proposal also increases the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a program designed in 2019 to give “outstanding” teachers added pay. “This bill ultimately provides ... an opportunity for all of our schools—all five and a half million students in Texas to get a better quality educa- tion,” Dutton said. HB 100, by Rep. Ken King, R-Ca- nadian, would raise the minimum salaries for teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors based on experience.
Raise overall teacher compensation
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290
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 18. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT CTANEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Congress intersection improvements The Austin Department of Trans- portation began improvements at the intersection of South Congress Avenue and Stassney Lane in May. The project is part of the work that will be completed on South Congress Avenue between Mockingbird Lane and Little Texas Lane. The improvements will add a second southbound left-turn on Congress at Stassney, raised concrete medians on Congress, new separated bicycle and pedestrian paths, and six new bus stops. Timeline: May-late 2023 Cost: $5.17 million Funding sources: city of Austin mobil- ity bond, Capital Metro
Give teachers additional benefits and support
BEN E. FISHER PARK
130
Increase help for special education teachers
290
Improve training for aspiring teachers
Expand teacher mentor- ship programs
DECKER TALLGRASS PRAIRIE PRESERVE
Increase access to high- quality teaching materials
JOHNNY MORRIS RD.
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Extend teacher planning periods
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
mobility bonds, a Capital Area Metro- politan Planning Organization grant and a Travis County interlocal agree- ment. The second phase is expected to cost $7.9 million, according to the
Austin Public Works Department. Eventually, Travis County Parks plans to connect the trail to Northeast Metropolitan Park in Pflugerville.
Provide additional sup- port for staff
SOURCE: TEXAS TEACHER VACANCY TASK FORCE AND TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260 SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Road S (512) 280-7400
EDUCATION
State action imminent over special education issues
The Texas Education Agency has a process to determine if a student needs to receive special education services. Austin ISD is being investigated for its backlog of evaluations for these services. EVALUATION PROCESS EXPLA INED
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
auditory impairment. At home, he receives special education therapy, but for a student to receive services from AISD, the district must evaluate them. Olmsted is one of the students waiting for AISD to complete their evaluation, and the district is fac- ing a state conservatorship over its backlog. As of March 20, more than 1,800 special education evaluations were overdue, according to Texas Education Agency records. A TEA report released on March 31 cited 40 instances of “systemic noncom- pliance” where the district failed to meet its special education obliga- tions in a timely manner. While the district awaits a review by the TEA—asking for a less severe form of intervention—families are making choices for their students. Hendrix said the process dragged out for more than a year. She made the decision to move him to the Texas STAFFING SHORTAGES CAUSE BACKLOGS AISD officials said a shortage of educational diagnosticians and licensed specialists in school psychology is one of the reasons for the backlog of student evaluations for special education.
School for the Deaf but says she has to wait for the evaluation to be completed. Another AISD parent, Marie Le, said her 17-year-old daughter has also waited more than a year for a completed special education evalua- tion. Le said she plans to fight for her daughter, whom she believes is not ready to move beyond high school due to the district denying her the special education services she needs. Le said the report she received from the district is incorrect as it does not include all of her daughter’s disabili- ties nor needed accommodations. “She’s so close to graduating and not at all prepared,” Le said. What happened On March 31, TEA officials announced they would seek a conser- vatorship over AISD. Under the con- servatorship, the board and interim superintendent would remain in place, but the conservators would have decision powers. AISD has failed to correct com- plaints against the district since July 2019, according to the TEA report. Since then, a lawsuit was filed in 2021 by Disability Rights Texas—a nonprofit advocating for people with disabilities. DRT attorney Kym Davis Rog- ers said as a result of the delayed evaluations, “many students with disabilities did not receive any spe- cial education services, and others received services based on out-of- date evaluations.” Rogers said the “situation has only gotten worse” each year. “The critical personnel shortage,
For more than a year, Nicki Hendrix’s 10-year-old son, Hendrix Olmsted, has been awaiting special education accommodations at Austin ISD. A physician diagnosed him with autism, attention-deficit hyper- activity disorder, dysgraphia and AISD has failed to meet state deadlines to provide special education evaluations starting in 2018 and worsening during the pandemic. DELAYED EVALUATIONS
THE EVALUATION JOURNEY
The district evaluates the child with 45 days of receiving permission from the parent A parent or campus official requests a student receive an evaluation for special education services AISD HAS BEEN IN “NONCOMPLIANCE” STATUS WITH THE TEA OVER ITS FAILURE TO COMPLETE EVALUATIONS ALONG THE STATE TIMELINE SINCE 2018, PROMPTING THE PROPOSED CONSERVATORSHIP The district notifies the parent of the outcome of the evaluation within 30 days Once a child is deemed eligible for services, an educator creates an Individualized Education Program and services are provided
1
2
EVALUATION REQUESTS EVALUATIONS COMPLETED
100%
99.93%
3
93.25%
4
Pandemic begins
24.05%
Special education staff monitor the student’s progress
5
63.21%
The district reviews the student’s IEP annually
6
Positions available 71% Positions filled 29%
72 total positions*
The district re-evaluates the student every three years
7
new evaluations requested between January 2023 and March 2023
*AS OF MARCH 15
SOURCES: PARTNERS RESOURCE NETWORK, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
evaluations completed from May 2022 through March 2023
SOURCES: AUSTIN ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
MAKING IMPROVEMENTS
LEVELS OF STATE INTERVENTION The Texas Education Agency is eyeing a conservatorship for Austin ISD, but the district is asking for a monitor instead.
Austin ISD officials have identified dozens of tasks, split into three goals, to improve special education services.
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Goal 1: Establish a clear, inclusive vision with community support
Goal 2: Implement strong instruction and support systems
Goal 3: Meet state evaluation and compliance requirements
Example: Develop a plan to use during walkthroughs to assess if evidence-based practices are being used
Example : Improve system for evaluations and individualized education program reports
Example : Increase family and community engagement and outreach to build trust
TEA MONITOR
Monitors report to the TEA on the activities of the board of trustees or the superintendent. Example: Round Rock ISD, 2021
17 32 45
9
1
Complete:
Complete:
Complete:
54
40
94
29 16
21
In progress:
In progress:
In progress:
Total tasks*
Total tasks*
Total tasks*
18
Not started:
Not started:
Not started:
*AS OF MARCH 15
TEA CONSERVATOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
particularly in employing the needed numbers and quality of licensed specialists in school psychology, presents a maddingly intractable sit- uation that is the focus of the daily work of the department,” said Fran- ces Stetson of Stetson & Associates— the independent consulting firm hired by AISD to conduct a review of the special education department. How we got here Heather Merritt, a former AISD special education teacher at Travis Early College High School who still works in the district, has worked for AISD since 2004. “It has been difficult, and we rec- ognize that. We are ready and willing to help our students with disabilities, and we want to make sure they have the services they need,” Merritt said. At an April 3 board meeting, AISD attorney Pam Kaminsky said there were several factors that contrib- uted to the backlog of evaluations for special education, including an evaluator shortage and an increase in referral rates for the department. Kaminsky said Austin was not alone in struggling to conduct
evaluations during the pandemic. As of press time May 22, AISD interim Superintendent Matias Segura and board President Arati Singh did not return requests for comment. The plan Members of a labor union for AISD employees, Education Austin, spoke out against the TEA’s plan at a press conference April 3. “What we need from the state is money—money to fill the positions to support our kids in this district,” Education Austin President Ken Zari- fis said. Zarifis said he and his colleagues realize AISD has issues with its special education services, but he believes the school board and Segura will work with other local groups to solve them. The TEA report laid out several recommendations beyond the con- servatorship for improvements to the special education department. The report states AISD must acquire a new external audit—at the expense of the district—to address the issues in the special education department.
The district must also implement training for its staff and board to address the deficiencies in the spe- cial education department. What’s next On April 17, the district requested an informal review by the TEA to determine if a monitor would be more appropriate than a conservator management team, AISD Media Rela- tions Specialist Elizabeth Lippincott said. “The TEA does not have a set time period to respond, but we hope it is soon,” Lippincott said. A monitor would oversee the district’s progress on its backlog, but would not have binding deci- sion-making power. If the TEA disagrees with the request for a monitor, the conserva- tor will be put in place. The district can make a final appeal to the state office of administrative hearings, which works to resolve disputes between Texas agencies and other entities. This office would make the final decision. Regardless, Jake Kobersky, the director of media relations with the
A conservator oversees the district and has decision-making power. Board and interim superintendent stay in place. Example: Current proposal in AISD
TEA TAKEOVER
A state-appointed management team takes over at the district, removing the board. Example: Houston ISD, 2023
SOURCE:TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
TEA, said agency officials look for- ward to working with the district to appropriately serve all students in need of special education services. “This issue started three boards and four superintendents ago. … It will take a lot of hard work, and some- times that takes time,” Singh said in a board meeting April 3. “We want our students to meet their full potential in a loving way that lifts them up, and we are all 100% devoted to that.”
Come hang out and enjoy the vibe on our new Moody Patio. Live DJ sets, food & drinks, and immersive art— plus more inside the galleries. To purchase tickets, scan the QR code or visit blantonmuseum.org/SecondSaturdays FREE for Blanton Members. Don’t miss our first Second Saturday. JUNE 10, 2023 3�8 PM
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023
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