Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition | May 2023

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 MAY 27JUNE 26, 2023

New chicken restaurant opens on Slaughter Lane

Maudie's 5K combines running and Tex-Mex

County seeks mental health alternative to jail

Government

Nicki Hendrix shares her frustrations with getting her son special education services in Austin ISD.

COURTESY NELL CARROLL

Learn more about local public pools

State action imminent over special education issues AISD families seek alternatives, raise concerns over long evaluation backlog

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

autism, attention-decit hyperactiv- ity disorder, dysgraphia and auditory impairment. At home, he receives special education therapy, but for a student to receive services from AISD, the district must evaluate them. Olm- sted is one of the students waiting for

AISD to complete their evaluation, and the district is facing a state con- servatorship over its backlog. As of March 20, more than 1,800 special education evaluations were over- due, according to Texas Education CONTINUED ON 26

For more than a year, Nicki Hen- drix’s 10-year-old son, Hendrix Olmsted, has been awaiting special education accommodations at Austin ISD. A physician diagnosed him with

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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.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Elle Bent, Amanda Cutshall, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Weston Warner 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 swanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING swaads@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 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. ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM DEEDA: Growing up, the unocial start to summer was marked by the rst dip in the pool. In Austin, we have hundreds of city pools. Navigating their schedules and deciding which ones best t your family’s needs is the goal of our guide (Pages 18-19). As always, lifeguards continue to be in high demand. If you have a friend or family member interested in helping their community in this role, we also included a link to apply. 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 as part of our cover story and on Page 21 we look deeper into the DPS partnership. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR

CORRECTION: Volume 15, Issue 12 On Page 25, Ee Vintage’s Instagram handle is @eevintageatx.

What does SWAG stand for? “Stu We All Get” as CI Patrons

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

IMPACTS

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

ON CREEK LVD.

360

MOPAC

Jo’s Coee

COURTESY NICK SIMONITEBUNKHOUSE

290

W. BEN WHITE BLVD.

Cabana Medical Spa

LITTLE TEXAS LN.

COURTESY CABANA MEDICAL SPA

4 Gangnam Korean BBQ opened April 5 at 1100 Little Texas Lane, Austin. The Korean barbecue restaurant has a full-service bar and all-you-can-eat bar- becue in which customers grill the meat themselves at their table. The restaurant oers beef and pork bulgogi, brisket, pork belly, beef tongue and octopus. Sides include tteokbokki, rice cakes; Korean fried chicken; japchae, stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables; salads; soups; and pajeon, green onion pancakes. 512-344-9945. www.gangnamkbbq.com 5 Steepologie Teas opened at Barton Creek Square Mall on the upper-level Dillard’s wing next to Sephora in May. Steeplogie Teas oers more than 230 fresh, loose-leaf teas and 50 bagged teas in addition to tea dishes, gift packs and more. The tea store is located at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin.

SOUTH AUSTIN

183

VERTEX BLVD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

SOUTH AUSTIN NOW OPEN

brewed its own blend of coee, Jo’s House Blend, in partnership with La Colombe Coee Roasters. 512-379-8538. www.joscoee.com 2 Four Hands Art Studio celebrated its grand opening at 2301 E. St. Elmo Road, Bldg. 3, Ste. 300, Austin, on May 3. Four Hands Art Studio is aliated with Four Hands, a global home furnishing company that acquired the studio in

2019. The studio oers art consultation, manufacturing and advisory services. www.fourhandsartstudio.com 3 Cabana Medical Spa opened March 1 in Southwest Austin at 5700 S. MoPac., Ste. B220, Austin. Owned by LaRae Glick, Cabana Medical Spa oers services such as anti-wrinkle injections, microneedling and vitamin shots. All services are provid- ed by a board-certied nurse practitioner. 512-522-866. www.cabanamedspa.com

1 Jo’s Coee opened its fth location May 8 at 5532 Menchaca Road, Austin. The location includes both a drive-thru and indoor seating. Jo’s serves breakfast tacos, snacks, sandwiches and salads alongside coee. Since 1999, Jo’s has

www.steepologie.com COMING SOON

6 Tomlinson’s Feed will open a new location at 8601 S. Congress Ave., Ste.

AFTER 7 YEARS, ONE PANDEMIC, & MULTIPLE ICE STORMS... 8201 S CONGRESS AVE, AUSTIN, TX 78745 FRI - SUN: 11AM - 10PM OVER THE WAIT IS OUR LIVING ROOM IS OPEN TO EVERYONE

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COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & AMANDA CUTSHALL

Gangnam Korean BBQ

Jersey Mike’s Subs

ELLE BENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS

220, Austin, in August. Oering healthy pet food, canine dental services, pet wash stations and cat adoption centers, Tomlinson’s Feed has been a fami- ly-owned and -operated business for 76 years, passed down from generation to generation in the Click family. There are 16 other locations in the Central Texas area. www.tomlinsons.com 7 Jabz Boxing will open its rst Austin location at 5300 S. MoPac, Ste. 502, Space 9, Austin, in August. It will be the rst of four locations owned by locals Adam and Becky Biehler, oering box- ing-inspired tness classes incorporating kickboxing, cardio agility and strength training using KO punch tracking tech- nology in Jabz boxing gloves that help the user keep track of their workout. The Biehlers said they look forward to sharing a new place for tness with the commu- nity. www.jabzboxing.com 8 Austin Regional Clinic will open a new health care center in the Goodnight Ranch development in early 2024 at 8901 Vertex Blvd., Austin. ARC Good- night Ranch will have 6,529 square feet of health care space, 18 exam rooms and an on-site lab. The clinic will initially oer family medicine and pediatrics. www.austinregionalclinic.com ANNIVERSARIES 9 Kuk Sool Won of Oak Hill Martial Arts will celebrate 15 years of training in both martial arts and life skills in July at 6001 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 307, Austin. The martial arts school oers classes starting at age 4 and older, in- cluding a senior citizen class for those age 55 and older, and women’s self-defense

workshops. Students are taught by a cer- tied black belt instructor team. 512.430- 1999. www.kuksoolwonofoakhill.com 10 Jersey Mike’s Subs in Southpark Meadows celebrated 15 years of business in March at 9500 S. I-35, Ste. L600, Austin. The New Jersey-based sandwich shop oers hot and cold sandwich- es and wraps. A sub can be ordered “Mike’s Way,” which includes lettuce, onion, tomato, oil, vinegar and spices. 512-233-6333. www.jerseymikes.com 11 Cothron’s Safe and Lock celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. Cothron’s Safe and Lock has been a family-owned locksmith and security company in Austin since 1948. The company oers lock- smith services, security, safe moving and repairs. It also sells a variety of indus- try-related products, such as safes and lock hardware. The business is located at 1315 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin. 512-447-1883. www.cothrons.com RENOVATIONS 12 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 tness room, ocials 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/re

Pollo Campero oers fried chicken and side dishes.

COURTESY POLLO CAMPERO

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Fast-food restaurant chain Pollo Campero will expand into the South Austin area in 2024 at 166 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin. Some of the most popular menu items oered by Pollo Campero include hand-breaded fried chicken; a spicy chicken sandwich; grilled chicken; and sides, including empanadas, sweet plantains and yuca fries. www.us.campero.com CLOSINGS 13 Bed, Bath & Beyond is set to close its location at 5400 Brodie Lane, Austin, following an April 23 announcement that the company had led 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 while the company goes through the bankruptcy process. 512-892-7110. www.bedbathandbeyond.com 14 Buybuy Baby stores are winding down operations, including the loca-

W, SLAUGHTER LN.

tion in Sunset Valley at 5400 Brodie Lane, Ste. 400, Austin. An exact closing date has not yet been announced for this store. The company is owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, which is also closing its stores. 512-892-3852. www.buybuybaby.com 15 Weight loss chain Jenny Craig an- nounced May 2 that it would be shutting down all businesses for good, consisting of nearly 500 locations, including one in South Austin at 5601 Brodie Lane, Austin, which closed the week of May 8. Jenny Craig’s website and phone numbers are no longer in operation.

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

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IMPACTS

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

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT

FITZHUGH RD.

185

290

DRIPPING SPRINGS

290

ROB SHELTON BLVD.

HARGRAVES DR.

164

SPORTS PARK RD.

Panda Express

Paloma Dining and Events

1826

DEEDA LOVETTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ELLE BENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

162

150

3 Paloma Dining and Events opened May 1 at 234 Sports Park Road, Dripping Springs. The family-owned restaurant oers authentic casual Mexican cuisine, including burritos, tacos, quesadillas and specialties including molcajete mar y tierra, a family recipe using shrimp, steak, pork ribs, nopales and cheese. On the property guests can enjoy miniature golf, cornhole, a swing set, a stage for live music and space to host events. It is taking over the former Roadrunners Kitchen & Spirits space. 512-829-4777. www.palomavenue.com COMING SOON 4 Ally Medical Emergency Room will open at 333 Hwy. 290, Ste. 350, Dripping

Springs, this summer. Ally Medical oper- ates six emergency rooms across Texas with four in Austin. These are free-stand- ing emergency rooms, which means they are not tied to a hospital. Ally Medical oers emergency care, trauma care and on-site testing. www.allymedical.com ANNIVERSARIES 5 Torchy’s Tacos celebrated its fth anniversary in Belterra at 166 Hargraves Drive, Ste. J100, Dripping Springs, on May 15. The Austin-based taco restaurant of- fers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it is known for its signature green chile queso and Trailer Park taco. The restaurant of- fers dine-in, takeout and delivery options. 737-717-6951. www.torchystacos.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

DRIPPING SPRINGS NOW OPEN 1 Panda Express opened May 10 at 12680 W. Hwy. 290, Austin in the Ledge Stone Development. Panda Express is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in American Chinese food with menu items such as broccoli beef, honey walnut shrimp and orange chicken. The restau- rant held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate its opening on May 10. The new location is now hiring and will bring 50 jobs to Drip-

ping Springs, according to a news release. www.pandaexpress.com 2 Courtyard by Marriott opened at 1002 Rob Shelton Blvd., Austin, on Feb. 2. The hotel celebrated its ribbon-cut- ting May 17. The hotel includes free Wi-Fi, a tness center, housekeeping, laundry, a pool, dry cleaning services and more. At The Bistro inside the hotel, guests can enjoy breakfast, drinks and dinner. Reservations can be made online or by calling the hotel. 512-894-2897. www.marriott.com/ausdi

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

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TODO LIST

June & July events

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & KATY MCAFEE

JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER 22 PLAN AHEAD FOR F1

Tickets are on sale for the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, which will take place from Oct. 20-22. The Killers along with Adam Lambert and Queen will perform at the event. Ticket price varies. 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. www.circuitoftheamericas.com 01 THROUGH 4 ATTEND A FESTIVAL FOR TV The 12th annual ATX Television Festival will feature screenings, panel discussions, cast reunions and Q&A’s. Times vary. $50-$385. The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St, Austin. www.atxfestival.com 02 HEAR LOCAL MUSICIANS Rock the Park is a family-friendly spring concert series by KUTX 98.9. Two artists will perform. Blankets and stadium cushions are allowed. 6:45 p.m. Free. Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater, 4550 Mueller Blvd., Austin. www.kutx.org 03 WEAR YOUR 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 a pop-up market, wood-red grilling and beverages. RSVP is preferred. 6 p.m. Free. Chisos Boot Co., 3507 S. First St., Austin. www.chisos.com/party 03 LEARN ABOUT CAREGIVING AGE of Central Texas will host the second annual LGBTQ+ Caregiver Conference on July 3. As part of a conference series to help family members take care of older adults, the event includes an information and resource fair, panel discussions, and a roundtable conversation. 8:30 a.m.- noon. Free. UpRising Church, 8601 S. First St., Austin. 512-600-9275. www.tinyurl.com/LGBTQconf2023 06 ROCK OUT AT A CONCERT Duran Duran will perform at the Moody Center with Bastille, Nile Rodgers and CHIC. 7 p.m. $50-$380. Moody

JUNE 08

RUN FOR MARGARITAS SAND BEACH PARK

THROUGH JUNE 29

PAIR WINES WITH SUSHI CAPE BOTTLE ROOM

The 20th annual Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run 5K, beneting the Trail Conservancy, will take place near Lady Bird Lake. The race ends with a celebration including Tex-Mex food and margaritas. The conservancy is a nonprot that cares for the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. 8-10 p.m. $50. Sand Beach Park, 111 Sandra Muraida Way, Austin. www.thetrailconservancy.org

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 that specializes in omakase sushi experiences. Times vary. $125. Cape Bottle Room, 500 San Marcos St., Ste. 102, Austin. www.capebottleroom.com/events

The After Dark show will feature drag and burlesque performances. 1-5 p.m. (day), 7 p.m.-midnight (night). Free (under age 13 daytime); $5 (13 and older daytime); $15 (night, adults only). Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs. www.prideofdrippingsprings.org THROUGH AUGUST 14 STUDENTS OUT FOR SUMMER BREAK The last day of classes for Austin ISD students will be May 25 and May 26 for Dripping Springs ISD students. Classes for the 2023-24 academic year will resume Aug. 14 for AISD and Aug. 15 for DSISD. www.austinisd.org/calendar, www.dsisdtx.us/calendar JULY 20 THROUGH JULY 23 GO ON A RETREAT Camp Lucy will host a four-night women’s wellness retreat. The retreat will include daily chef-prepared meals, classes in yoga and meditation, stargazing sessions, and other workshops. Check in is at 3 p.m. on July 20. $945. Camp Lucy, 3509 Creek Road, Dripping Springs. Eventbrite: Camp Lucy Wellness Retreat

noon (festival). Free. 1183 Chestnut Ave., Austin (parade start); 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin (festivities). www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com 24 SMELL THE FLOWERS Cassiopeia Flower Farm will bring guests on a tour of the farm and will discuss sustainable farming practices. In addition, guests will be led by Soul Studio through a beginner-friendly workshop utilizing owers to imprint color and designs into fabric. 3-5 p.m. $85. Cassiopeia Farm, 9112 Thaxton Road, Austin. www.cassiopeiafarmatx.com 24 CELEBRATE MIDSUMMER Old Bakery and Emporium will host its annual Midsummer Festival. The event honors the bakery’s Swedish heritage and features live music, family-friendly activities and Swedish treats. 1-4 p.m. Free. Old Bakery and Emporium, 1006 Congress Ave., Austin. www.austintexas.gov 24 SUPPORT PRIDE Pride of Dripping Springs festival will promote diversity and awareness of the LGBT community. The daytime event is family friendly and includes live music, shopping, food and children’s activities.

Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. www.duranduran.com/tour 08 MAKE CONNECTIONS The Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce will host a 2023 Business and Hiring Expo, where attendees can learn more about businesses in Dripping Springs and make connections with potential employers. 4-7 p.m. Free. Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room and Event Venue, 2250 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs. www.drippingspringstx.org 14 THROUGH JULY 9 SEE A THEATRICAL PLAY Zach Theatre will present “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. www.tickets.zachtheatre.org 17 HONOR JUNETEENTH The Central Texas Juneteenth Committee will host a parade and festival to honor Juneteenth on the Saturday before the holiday. Juneteenth marks the abolition of slavery in Texas. 10 a.m.-noon (parade). 9:30 a.m.-

Find more or submit Southwest Austin and 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.

hello SUMMER

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES $5.17M safety project begins on S. Congress Avenue

COMPILED BY ELLE BENT

ONGOING PROJECTS

DRIFTWOOD

SAWYER RANCH RD.

SAFETY PROJECT A $5.17 million safety project along South Congress Avenue kicked o in May. New bus stops Intersection work

A $5.17 million project to bring safety improvements to the intersec- tion of South Congress Avenue and Stassney Lane began construction May 8. Road work is starting near Little Texas Lane and moving toward Stassney, according to Je Stensland, public information ocer for the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. This is the largest intersection safety project Austin has performed to date, transportation department ocials said, with the goal of reducing crashes and improv- ing mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists. A 31% reduction in crashes result- ing in death or serious injury has occurred across Austin intersections that have received safety improve- ments since 2016, according to the transportation department. Improvements from the project will include new left-turn lanes, concrete medians, separate paths for

150

1826

Darden Hill Road improvements On May 17, Hays County ocials hosted a community meeting on improvements for Darden Hill Road from RM 1826 to Sawyer Ranch Road. The goal of the project is to improve safety and mobility on Darden Hill Road. The project will widen the road to a four-lane divided roadway with shoulders, add accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians, and improve the intersection at Darden Hill and RM 1826. Funding for the nal design and construction has yet to be deter- mined. Timeline: TBD Cost: TBD Funding source: TBD

Road work began in May near Little Texas Lane and is moving toward Stassney Lane.

cyclists and pedestrians, new curb ramps, updates to the signals and six new Capital Metro bus stops. The project is moving ahead in partnership with the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation, and funded by city mobility bond funds and CapMetro. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2023. Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures and shifts as construction progresses during the 10- to 11-month time frame, Stensland said.

AUSTIN

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 17. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SWANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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ELECTION RESULTS

RESULTS BREAKDOWN

Austin voters strongly supported increased police oversight

BY ELLE BENT & BEN THOMPSON

leaders said they hope to get a new contract in place soon, but the police association is also reviewing the election results and “illegal provi- sions” in Proposition A, APA President Thomas Villarreal said in a statement. “The APA continues to prioritize negotiating a long-term contract; however, we will not be forced back to the table under a structure in which a new city ordinance attempts to unlawfully interfere with the statutory rights associated with the meet and confer process,” Villarreal said. Dripping Springs ISD Following the failure of a larger school bond package last fall, Dripping Springs ISD voters passed a $223.7 million bond with 64.13% support May 6. The bond will fund the construction of a new ele- mentary school, the expansion of Sycamore Springs Middle School and the design of three additional schools to address district growth. The package also includes funding for capital improvements, new buses and a new special education facility. Kim Cousins and Rob McClelland also won seats in the four-person race for two DSISD trustee positions, beating out incumbent Ron Jones and candidate Jerey Aylstock.

On May 6, local city and school district elections were held, including two dueling propositions in Austin and a bond in Dripping Springs ISD. Austin Proposition A had a landslide victory in Austin’s May election as voters rejected the competing police oversight measure, Proposition B. Prop A was backed by the criminal justice nonprot Equity Action to strengthen police trans- parency and accountability, its leaders said. Prop B was backed by Voters for Oversight and Police Accountability as well as the Austin Police Associa- tion and was based on Prop A’s text with extensive changes to language and oversight outcomes. Prop A passed with 79.27% support in the elec- tion, while Prop B failed with 19.51% of the votes. “We’re going to have a police oversight system now where we can be much more assured that full and thorough investigations will occur when an allegation of wrongdoing is made, and that facts about misconduct are going to see the light of day,” Equity Action board President Chris Harris said. Looking ahead, enacting all of Prop A’s policies could still depend on the outcome of negotiations between the city and the police association. City

AUSTIN

Pass

Fail

PROPOSITION A

79.27% For 20.73% Against

PROPOSITION B

19.51% For 80.49% Against

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD

Winner

Incumbent

PROPOSITION A

64.13% For 35.87% Against

TRUSTEES

30.07% Kim Cousins 25.08% Rob McClelland

23.24% Ron Jones

21.60% Jeery Aylstock

SOURCES: HAYS, TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTIES COMMUNITY IMPACT

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EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Austin & Dripping Springs ISDs

DSISD faces bus driver shortage DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD The district is working to fill more than one-third of 2023-24 Dripping Springs ISD bus driver positions that summer, which resulted in students farther from campuses being more likely to receive bus services than stu- dents closer to their assigned campus. On average, it takes about 13 weeks to train a new bus driver. A driver does not need prior experience and will be trained to receive their commercial driver’s license, DSISD Transportation Director Pam Swanks said. remained vacant as of mid-April. The shortage comes as the district continues to experience rapid growth with multiple campuses operating overcapacity. DSISD had previously implemented no-service zones for each campus in the district last Some additional solutions district officials might consider if unable to BY ELLE BENT

hire 20 more bus drivers before school starts on Aug. 15 may include: • After-school care for students while waiting for rides • Double runs, meaning a bus driver would take a group of students on a route and return for another group • Alternating no-service zones • Recruiting and job incentives “The best solution and the most sustainable solution is that we’re able to get more people in the community to come and serve in this role,” Swanks said. “That’s going to be the sustain- able long-term solution.”

BUS DRIVER DEFICIT

Dripping Springs ISD will have to reduce or alter bus services if it is unable to fill driver vacancies for the 2023-24 school year.

33 of 53 bus driver positions were filled as of April 17.

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin ISD trustees approve 7% increase for teachers

COMPENSATION INCREASE The 2023-24 compensation plan approved by Austin ISD on May 18 includes: $4 per hour raises for all classified employees $20 per hour minimum hourly wage 7% raises for teachers, librarians, counselors, instructional coaches and special education staff 3%-5% raises for other employees $7,000 stipends for bilingual and special education staff

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

The compensation package will require the district to spend up to $53 million of its reserve funds, according to a news release May 19. AISD will still have about $221 million in reserve funds. “There's a little bit of risk with this budget, but there's a real risk of not educating our students,” AISD board President Arati Singh said on May 18. Trustees are expected to approve the full 2023-24 budget at its June 22 meeting.

AUSTIN ISD On May 18, Austin ISD trustees unanimously approved a compensation package for the 2023-24 school year that will provide 7% raises for teachers as well as pay increases for other staff throughout the district. The package includes a $4 increase for all classi- fied employees, creates a $20 minimum wage and provides a 3%-7% increase for all other staff.

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

GOVERNMENT

Travis County takes first steps on mental health alternative to jail

The study, which was completed in March, led to a recommendation to build a diversion center that will bring nonviolent offenders to a facility with mental health services instead of jail or an emergency room. The center—an estimated $30 mil- lion endeavor that will take at least two years to build—was met with wide- spread support from local government and the community. It was also a prom- ising step forward for Staley, who said individuals struggling with mental health issues often end up in jail or on the streets. The need for care As of April 18, the Travis County Jail population had reached almost 2,200 inmates, up from the early stages of the pandemic, when the population was in the 1,400s, Brown said. About 40% of the county’s jail population self-reported having a mental illness, up from about 21% in 2020. Brown said if a quarter of that pop- ulation were eligible for the diversion program, it would relieve pressure from corrections officers as the depart- ment is down about a third of its staff with 263 vacancies as of March. A report compiled by Dr. Stephen Strakowski, a professor at The Univer- sity of Texas Dell Medical School, and other members of the Forensic Mental Health Project identified that out of a sample of 2,231 arrested individuals, 106 both self-reported mental illness and cycled through jail system at least three times. One individual had been arrested 89 times. Of the crimes com- mitted by this group, 75% were misde- meanors, and over half of those were criminal trespassing. “As law enforcement, our capacity to really affect [mental health] has been affected by our inability to do

anything other than to take people to jail,” Austin Police Department Chief Joseph Chacon said. Signs of success The diversion center will not be the county’s first effort to redirect those accused of a nonviolent crime from jail. The Sobering Center has provided intoxicated individuals a safe place to detox since it opened in August 2018, according to county documents. Further, mental health diversion centers in similarly populated cities have shown signs of success. Nash- ville’s center led to a 70% drop in repeated offenses since it opened in 2020, according to the report. Taxpayer impact The mental health diversion center will cost about $30 million to build and between $2.5 million-$5 million annually to operate. The center will likely be funded through a variety of sources, including federal, state, city and county dollars; Central Health, the county’s health care district; and some private sources of funding. Diversion efforts have saved tax- payers dollars in other cities, such as the Miami-Dade program, which diverted enough arrests between 2010-18 that the county was able to close one of its jails, saving an esti- mated $12 million in taxpayers dol- lars annually, according to the report. Long road ahead The diversion center is just one component of a five-part plan to reform the county’s jail system. To effectively address mental illness in the county, technology upgrades, bridge support housing programs and increased peer support services will need to be in place, according to the

BY KATY MCAFEE

stores [are] these repeat offenders,” Staley said. “They’ll get arrested for breaking into a store or shoplifting. And we’ll track them in Travis County [Jail], and then we’ll see that they got out, and they’ll return to our store.” When Staley reached out to Travis County Judge Andy Brown about the issue last fall, the county’s Forensic Mental Health Project—a 10-month study to identify solutions to the county’s growing mental illness prob- lem—was already in full swing.

Craig Staley knows firsthand what the impact of the mental health crisis has been in Austin. Over the past couple years, Staley’s Royal Blue Grocery stores in down- town Austin have become a target for shoplifting and break-ins. Staley noticed serving jail time was not deterring shoplifters as many of them seemed to be experiencing homeless- ness, mental illness or a substance use disorder. “What we have seen in some of our

FUNDING THE FACILITY

The diversion center will cost about $30 million to build and about $2.5 million-$5 million annually to operate. Travis County Judge Andy Brown said an official cost will be known when the county decides the extent of services the facility will offer. HOW MUCH WILL THE PROJECT COST? HOW WILL THE PROJECT BE FUNDED? The project will likely be funded through a variety of sources, including:

• Central Health, the county’s health care district for low-

• Travis County • State and federal dollars • Private sources

income residents. • The city of Austin

The diversion center will be funded through taxpayer dollars; however, officials do not know how much it will impact the tax rate at this stage. The center will be in Travis County's fiscal year 2024-25 or 2025-26 budget. WILL THE PROJECT IMPACT TAXPAYERS?

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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In May 2022, county ocials put together a steering committee composed of experts in law, psychiatry, homelessness and public safety to nd solutions to the county’s growing mental health crisis. The team came to the following conclusions:

PROVIDING ALTERNATIVES

THE SOLUTION

THE PROBLEM

Instead of sending individuals accused of nonviolent crime to jail, the county is working on a 32- to 70-bed center that would provide them mental health resources.

Many Travis County residents who need mental health care are going to jail or an emergency room after committing nonviolent crimes or showing mental health disorder-related behaviors.

HOW THE DIVERSION CENTER WORKS

An officer brings an individual accused of a nonviolent crime to jail to get booked and go through a mental health evaluation. 1 mental health resources, such as a peer support specialist, psychiatric help or medication. 3 At the center, the individual will be given

If the individual is deemed eligible for diversion, they will be relocated from jail to the nearby diversion center. 2

40% of the Travis County Jail population reported mental illness.

150 Travis County Jail inmates are waiting for state mental health beds.

420 DAYS the longest time for an inmate to be transferred to a non-maximum security mental health facility

If the individual completes the mental health program, their records will be expunged, which means they are unavailable to the public. 4

STUCK IN JAIL

Indecent exposure Evading arrest Burglary Criminal mischief Possession Resisting arrest/search/transport Assault*

In a sample of 2,231 inmates, 106 had a mental illness and were repeatedly going to jail between 3 and 89 times; 75% of the crimes committed by this group were misdemeanors.

SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Property theft Miscellaneous Criminal trespassing

2,231

106 sent to jail 3-89 times

The Sobering Center in Travis County has redirected almost 8,000 people from entering the hospital or jail since 2021.

People who go to the Nashville mental health Diversion Center are 70% less likely to go back to jail .

Miami’s Crisis Intervention Teams saved roughly $12M annually in taxpayer dollars after closing one of the jails due to diverting arrests.

*VIOLENT CRIME

SOURCES: TRAVIS COUNTY, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DELL MEDICAL SCHOOL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

A safer county When people with mental illness receive treatment instead of jail time, it creates safety for family members and the community as a whole, said Terra Tucker—the Texas director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a public safety solution organization, and steering committee member. “Breaking cycles of crime and doing prevention are things that actually make us safe, right? So

report. The county will also need to reinstate the counsel-at-first-appear- ance program, which was active for 13 days last spring and then canceled due to staffing shortages. “If it is done in isolation, nothing will change; it will just back up and be another jail,” Strakowski said. If the county successfully imple- ments all five components, it will still need to fully staff the center, which has historically been a struggle for both

we’re not just being reactionary to what’s already happened, but pre- venting new things from happening,” Tucker said. Strakowski said diversion programs also create safety for people with men- tal illness as they are often subject to violence and assault themselves. “We have an obligation to care for our citizens who can’t care for them- selves,” Strakowski said. “And we are failing in that.”

city and county law enforcement. Quiana Fisher, the homelessness response system strategy director for the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, added that to be effective, the diversion center will need staff who can adequately provide mental health resources to people experienc- ing homelessness and Black residents as Black people have historically been underserved in mental health systems.

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • MAY 2023

INSIDE INFORMATION

Aquatics in Austin

Lifeguards

LOCAL PUBLIC POOLS

Year-round pools

The city has seven pools open to the public year-round.

The city of Austin needs 850 lifeguards to sta pools during the summer. As of the end of April, it had 333 on sta.

ROSEDALE TERRACE

As summer approaches, read about public pools in Austin and Dripping Springs. This guide is noncomprehensive.

LELAND ST.

What happens if the city is short lifeguards? It will delay opening some pools What is the city oering for lifeguard pay? $20 per hour and up to $750 in bonuses How do you become a lifeguard? The city of Austin oers training for potential lifeguards to become certied. Apply at www.austintexas.gov/ department/lifeguarding-austin

WATERBROOK DR.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Big Stacy 700 E. Live Oak St., Austin

Bartholomew 1800 E. 51st St., Austin

SUMMER FEES

Dick Nichols

Garrison Pool

Dittmar Pool

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

South Austin pools

DEEP EDDY AVE.

From the start of Austin ISD's spring break in March until late October, the city charges a fee at their regional aquatic facilities.

1 Dick Nichols • 8011 Beckett Road

PARLIAMENT HOUSE RD.

Dripping Springs pool

MOPAC

• Schedule: June 2-Aug. 13 • 10 lap lanes • 1-9 feet deep

BECKETT RD.

Pools with summer fees

Springwoods 13320 Lyndhurst St., Austin

Deep Eddy 401 Deep Eddy Ave., Austin

2 Garrison • 6001 Menchaca Road • Schedule: April 24-Aug. 13 • 2 lap lanes • 3-12 feet deep plus wading pool

FOUNDERS PARK RD.

Dripping Springs has one public pool: Founders Memorial Pool . It is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend yearly. It costs $3-$4 for residents and $5-$6 for nonresidents.

NON RESIDENT

AGE

RESIDENT

NUCKOLS CROSSING RD.

CHILDREN UNDER 1 YEAR

FREE

Naturally occurring pool Barton Springs is a 3-acre naturally occurring pool fed from an underground spring. The water is 68-70 degrees.

3 Dittmar • 1009 W. Dittmar Road • Schedule: June 5-Aug. 13 • 6 lap lanes • 3-11.5 feet deep 4 Dove Springs • 5801 Ainez Drive • Schedule: June 2-Aug. 13 • 4 lap lanes • 3-11 feet deep

ROB SHELTON BLVD.

CHILD 111 YRS

MOPAC

WILLIAM BARTON DR.

Season passes are available. 419 Founders Park Rd Unit A, Dripping Springs

JUNIOR 1217 YRS

290

ADULT 1862 YRS

W. DITTMAR RD.

AINEZ DR.

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Barton Springs 2131 William Barton Drive, Austin

VETERANS

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SOURCE: CITY OF DRIPPING SPRINGSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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