Northwest Austin Edition | October 2022

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

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 9 OCT. 22NOV. 18, 2022

Austin mayor, half of City Council up for election in November

Cinnaholic now open in The Arboretum

VOTER GUIDE 2022

Sample ballot

More than 30 candidates are competing for a council seat at City Hall, located on Second Street downtown. (Ben Thompson/Community Impact)

BY BEN THOMPSON

The current council has elded criticism for its level of community engagement and several controversial poli- cies, such as reallocating police funding. A crowded eld of more than 30 candidates are vying for the chance to participate in the next council. “It’s going to be unique for voters because of term limits. A lot of familiar names are not on the ballot,” said Brian W. Smith, a political science professor at St. Edward’s University. “... For voters, what that means is, we're going to have to do a little bit of homework." CONTINUED ON 24

Austin City Council is poised for its most signicant turnover in nearly a decade as the city continues to con- front questions surrounding aordability, public safety, mobility and growth. Several members of Austin’s inaugural 10-1 council will be leaving as new council terms begin in January. The geographic district-based system has been credited by some for ushering in council members who share demo- graphics with and are closer to the communities they serve.

Shop provides equipment ahead of hunting season

Local restaurants facing challenges amid ination

Restaurant serves fresh Maine lobster

BY SUMAIYA MALIK

When Dream Bakery and Cranky Gran- ny’s Sweet Rolls closed this summer, owners cited the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cost of running the business, supply issues and labor shortages as reasons for the closure. “There’s a lot of small local businesses that are struggling right now. And especially [for] restaurants and small food businesses and other bakeries—the cost of goods has gone up so dramatically,” said Karen Fry, who has CONTINUED ON 32

On any given day, The Boat General Manager Heather Smith will bus tables, do payroll and ll in as needed in addition to her usual duties due to stang shortages. (Sumaiya Malik/Community Impact)

Living with neck and back pain? Call 512-324-BACK to connect to our experienced network of spine care specialists today. Appointments available. You don’t have to wait any longer to find the right spine specialist. Getting back to your daily life can start with one call to book a consultation for our comprehensive spine program. Call today to schedule with our multidisciplinary network of experienced neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who specialize in spine surgery, pain management and rehabilitation at Ascension Texas. We answer your questions and connect the dots to help you find the treatment options and a recovery plan that are right for you. Minimally invasive options are available.

Talk to a specialist who can connect you to a personalized care plan from non-surgical treatment options to advanced surgical options.

ascension.org/TexasSpine

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/2992459

realtyaustin.com/p/2989202

realtyaustin.com/p/2834681

realtyaustin.com/p/4801587

$524,900

$585,000

$599,000

$670,000

3 bds

2.5 ba 1,728 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,600 sq ft

4 bds

2 ba

1,858 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,900 sq ft

13267 Kerrville Folkway, Austin, TX 78729 Rita Little | 512-844-0420

11709 Oak Knoll Dr, Austin, TX 78759 Dina Majd | 210-416-5533

12422 Wycliff Ln, Austin, TX 78727 Jen Berbas | 512-655-3371

4204 Dauphine Dr, Austin, TX 78727 Susan Galyean | 512-784-6850

ACTIVE

realtyaustin.com/p/6199890

realtyaustin.com/p/2737674

realtyaustin.com/p/3308394

realtyaustin.com/p/9937760

$725,000

$850,000

$985,000

$1,050,000

5 bds

3 ba

2,143 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

2,505 sq ft

3 bds

2 ba

1,888 sq ft

4 bds

2.5 ba 3,292 sq ft

1311 Quail Park Dr, Austin, TX 78758 Kevin Haines | 512-294-9002

11704 Drayton Dr, Austin, TX 78758 Stephanie Lewis | 512-547-0604

8505 Adirondack Cv, Austin, TX 78759 Chris Heagerty | 512-970-4222

6008 Tributary Ridge Dr, Austin, TX 78759 Beverly M. Williams | 512-773-6056

ACTIVE

PENDING

CLOSED

realtyaustin.com/p/4956428

realtyaustin.com/p/4853876

realtyaustin.com/p/4479397

realtyaustin.com/p/8036237

$1,249,500

$1,800,000

$775,000

$975,000

4 bds

2.5 ba 3,243 sq ft

7 bds

4 ba

4,490 sq ft

4 bds

3 ba

2,653 sq ft

4 bds

2 ba

1,992 sq ft

12028 Mira Vista Way, Austin, TX 78726 Holly Hughes | 512-387-5377

6700 Manzanita St, Austin, TX 78759 512 Team | 512-789-6543

8204 Texas Plume Rd, Austin, TX 78759 Nikhil Gour | 512-517-7314

3602 Brownwood Dr, Austin, TX 78759 Joe and Cara Keenan Team | 512-200-2469

Creative Ways to Finance Your Next House

A house is a big investment. That’s why when it comes time to start your search, you’ll want to figure out the best financing option for your situation. Did you know there are different payment options other than the traditional fixed-rate mortgage? Scan the QR code

to learn from experts about a variety of ways to pay for your home.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

Since our humble beginnings in 1952 as a solo practice to what is now Austin Diagnostic Clinic, much has changed. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to caring for our community. With 20 locations throughout Central Texas providing primary and specialty care, we are proud to continue to grow and serve the area for many years to come. Celebrating 70 YEARS OF CARING

ADCLINIC.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact Newspaper 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 30 localized editions across Texas to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Taylor Caranfa Stover EDITOR Grace Dickens REPORTER Sumaiya Malik GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sabrina Musachia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jill Futch METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY CHIEF Andy Comer SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nwanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nwaads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast 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

ANNOUNCEMENT: COMMUNITY IMPACT REBRANDING & NEWSROOM COMMITMENT

2005 Total mailboxes 60,000 1 Journalist

2015 Total mailboxes 1,495,000 40 Journalists

2022 Total mailboxes 2,450,000 75 Journalists

The CI Local Pin Incorporated into our main logo, the CI Local Pin symbolizes our focus on local and making an Impact in every community we serve.

The new mission statement is: “Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets,” which speaks to both the editorial content and business ads that our communities love and use. The vision statement was created by all Impacters and speaks to what we hope to accomplish with each day of our work: ”Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team.” There are no changes to the company’s purpose and values, and Community Impact is committed to living those out every day. CI’s purpose is: “To be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.” The company’s values , or stones that are physically awarded internally for a job well done each month are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. The company’s updated logo features the signature CI red and gray, but lighter, brighter and bolder. CI also incorporated a new design element—the CI Local Pin , a simple recognizable icon—into the new logo to further solidify its focus on local news and making an impact in every community it serves. The design of the new logo more accurately reects CI’s design philosophy, Creative Director Derek Sullivan said. “Less is more—we always aim to keep it clear, clean and concise,” he said. “In addition, the new CI Local Pin helps us visually connect the main brand with our other internal and external initiatives. For example, the pin is part of our IRG logos (Impacter Resource Groups promoting equity, diversity and inclusion), and the pin is shifted upside down to become an ink drop in our new CI Printing logo." Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tess Coverman said CI’s updated name speaks to the company’s robust product line and allows for continued innovation in the future. “As new ideas come up, as long as they lter through our updated mission statement and core values, we can more easily introduce them to the Community Impact audience,” she said. “For example, hosting events is a recent request by some CI Patrons as a benet to the community and a new revenue stream, which we might consider in 2023.” With this brand update and newsroom expansion, CI prides itself on being the largest community journalism newsroom in the state, covering local businesses, transportation and road projects, development, health care and government.

No longer just a newspaper company, Community Impact is rebranding to better align with one of its core values: innovation.

Although many readers may know CI for its monthly, full-color print newspapers, the company is much more than just a printed newspaper. Since its inception in 2005 in the gameroom of John and Jennifer Garrett’s home in Pugerville, Texas, the company lived up to its entrepreneurial roots, creating its own in-house customer relationship management software, building a printing plant, launching email newsletters and podcasts, and expanding its reach to four Texas metros and more than 2.4 million homes. To reect its entire product line and continue to allow for future growth, the media company has changed its name from Community Impact Newspaper to Community Impact. This process began in early 2022 when leadership at CI completed a workshop with Je Hahn of Hahn Public to strategize their next innovative move. Following the workshop, CI made the decision to update its entire brand schematic, including the logo, colors, tagline, mission statement and vision statement. "Since 2005, Community Impact has been a trusted source for local news as we have built the largest community journalism news organization in Texas,” CEO and founder John Garrett said. “Our award-winning monthly newspaper and our innovative daily digital products will be the focus of the investment Jennifer and I are making in local news for—God willing—years to come. Our team is committed to helping all Texans we serve, regardless of your socioeconomic status or political aliation, to get news you can trust to help you connect to your community." In an eort to produce even more local journalism, CI has already promoted 10 editorial team members since January and will add more newsroom positions in the coming months to maintain its status as the leading newsroom in the state. A portion of this growth is attributed to local CI advertisers along with CI’s reader-funded Patron program that launched in 2020. The company plans to expand with a corporate Patron program in 2023 based on similar demand. As part of the rebrand, the company’s new tagline , News Everyone Gets, was shortened from Local. Useful. Everyone Gets It. to mirror what CI does best—simplify complex information into various news formats in a delivery method and tone accessible to anyone. Plus, CI created a new mission statement and updated its vision statement to reect both present-day and future goals.

Owners and founders John and Jennifer Garrett

communityimpact.com

Publisher Travis Baker

@impactnewsatx

@impactnews_nwa

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

Proudly printed by

Open 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week nextlevelurgentcare.com BECAUSE STICKS AND STONES DO BREAK BONES.

Wells Branch 14900 N. Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78728

Round Rock 3200 Greenlawn Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78664

More locations coming soon to Austin!

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

IMPACTS

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

45 TOLL

NEENAH AVE.

W. PARMER LN.

MOPAC

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

POND SPRINGS RD.

Austin Emergency Center SUMAIYA MALIKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

620

NORTHWEST AUSTIN

RESEARCH BLVD.

4 Bougie Bakerie Kandles , a store selling handmade candles and wax melts, opened July 29 at the Arbor Walk near JoAnn Fabrics at 10515 N. MoPac, Unit 135, Austin. Owner Krystal Nichols makes the candles herself. They are all double-wick and have the aroma and look of real desserts. Priced between $15.99-$25.99, candles are divided by sweet and spicy scents in the store. 318-229-8917. www.bougiebakeriekandles.com 5 Cinnaholic , a plant-based bakery that serves cinnamon rolls including “create your own” and other sweet treats, opened Oct. 14 at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 136, Austin. The bakery oers 20 unique frosting avors and several toppings and also sells made-from-scratch brownies, cookies and edible cookie dough. All of its products are fresh baked and 100% vegan, dairy- and lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free. 512-888-9303. www.cinnaholic.com 6 The newest spa location of Figura Medspa opened in North Austin on Sept. 12 in the Avery Ranch area. With a focus in body sculpting, Figura Medspa oers two main services: CoolSculpting—a non- invasive fat-eliminating procedure using cooling technology—and Emsculpt—an electromagnetic energy device that burns fat and builds muscle mass. Located at 9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 101, Austin, this is the locally owned spa’s second Austin-area location with another in South Austin. 512-548-0055. www.guramedspa.com 7 FirstLight Home Care of North Austin opened at the end of August at 9410 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 1C, Austin. The 35

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

183

JOLLYVILLE RD.

WALNUT CREEK PARK

GREAT HILLS TRL.

4 8 10

2222

360

JOLLYVILLE RD.

ANDERSON LN.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Anantha Yoga Center opened in Northwest Austin on Aug. 11 at 13091 Pond Springs Road, Ste. 220, Austin. It oers lessons in yoga for preteens and adults with the option to learn yoga as a family. Classes include yoga poses and breath work along with principles for building peaceful relationships, aware- ness and empathy. 512-843-2879. www.ananthayoga.net

2 Apex Bodyworks , a therapeutic mas- sage studio in Northwest Austin at 13033 Pond Springs Road, Austin, hosted its grand opening Oct. 1. The 1,200-square- foot studio oers therapeutic body mas- sage for pain management, stretching and sports therapy along with beauty services for anti-aging and acne treatments. The store is located near the Maserati and Audi dealership on Pond Springs Road and North US 183. 512-551-2660. www.apexbodyatx.com

3 A new location of Austin Emergen- cy Center opened Sept. 15 near The Arboretum at 10407 Jollyville Road, Austin. The 24-hour private ER location is staed with board-certied physicians, emergency room nurses, computerized tomography (CT) scan and X-ray techni- cians, emergency medical technicians and a front oce. It is equipped to conduct CT scans, digital X-rays, and ultrasounds. 512-334-6707. www.austiner.com

FREE HEARING EVALUATION SAVE $500 PER HEARING AID

THE MOST 5-STAR REVIEWS OF ANY HEARING CENTER IN AUSTIN

Benefits of Better Hearing: Clarifies conversations Improves memory Increases confidence Reduces stress Resists dementia

Renew your hearing and your life. Call now. 512-282-HEAR (4327) CUT – SAVE – SHARE – HEAR BETTER

North Austin 3921 Steck Ave. #A-121 Austin TX 78759

South Austin 2500 W William Cannon Dr. Suite #501 Austin TX 78745

WWW.BETTERHEARINGOFAUSTIN.COM

Saleem Assaf , Clinician – HIS. Native Texan.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK

Cinnaholic

Bougie Bakerie Kandles SUMAIYA MALIKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY CINNAHOLIC

The satellite location of the Travis County Tax Oce in Northwest Austin is at the intersection of RM 620 and Wilson Parke Avenue.

COURTESY TRAVIS COUNTY TAX OFFICE

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN A satellite oce of Travis County Tax O ce in Northwest Austin opened in October at 8110 N. RM 620, Austin. The over-4,000-square-foot facility is located at the southwest corner of RM 620 and Wilson Parke Avenue. It oers a three-lane drive-thru and ve transaction stations inside with seating for 42 people. It will also include soccer, track and eld facilities. YMCA of Austin, a nonprot community enterprise, has collaborated with Concordia University Texas in bring- ing the Y to Northwest Austin. www.fourpointsymca.org ANNIVERSARIES 12 Fairweather Cider Co. , a cidery serving 12 ciders on draft and in cans as well as guest wines, will celebrate its fth anniversary Nov. 24. Located at 10609 Metric Blvd., Ste. 108, Austin, the business oers to-go options and also has a karaoke room. 512-394-5533. www.fairweathercider.com 13 Soccer Shots , a sports franchise of- fering kids ages 2-8 a soccer experience designed by early childhood specialists, celebrated its 15th year in Austin on

8110 N. RM 620, Austin. 512-854-9473 www.traviscountytax.org

620

Teaspoon

YMCA of Austin

COURTESY TEASPOON

GRACE DICKENSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

business provides home care services for seniors; people recovering from illness, injury or surgery; adults with disabilities; veterans; busy families; and anyone 18 and older who needs personal or companion care services. The oce will serve the northern Austin area, including Leander, Cedar Park, Jollyville, Steiner Ranch and surrounding communities. 512-886-8534. www.rstlighthomecare.com COMING SOON 8 Brazilian steakhouse Casa do Brasil is expected to open in January in Arbor Walk at 10515 N. MoPac, Bldg. O, Austin. The restaurant oers 16 cuts of meat including USDA prime aged beef, New Zealand halal lamb, chicken, pork and grilled shrimp with an all-you-can-eat steakhouse experience inspired by the traditions and avors of Brazil. Casa do Brasil will take the place of Mimi’s Cafe. www.casadobrasil.com 9 Disc Nation , a retailer of disc golf, frisbee and disc sports products, will open its second location in Northwest

Austin in December at 13717 Burnet Road, Austin. The new 980-square-foot facility plans to carry over 10,000 discs. www.discnation.com 10 Teaspoon , a tea bar serving tradi- tional boba tea and pairing it with classic American avors, will open at Arbor Walk in Northwest Austin in November at 10515 N. MoPac, Ste. N, Austin. The business that originated in California serves original handcrafted drinks such as Thai tea, a slow-steeped tea topped with organic cream and made-to-order boba, as well as seasonal concoctions, such as the Summer Flamingo, a freshly blended watermelon juice layered over passion fruit juice. www.teaspoonlife.com 11 A new location of YMCA of Austin is expected to open in early 2024 near Four Points at 8124 N. RM 620, Austin. The 9-acre facility, which used to be a chil- dren’s learning and child care center, will include 55,000 square feet of program- mable space and provide health and well- ness and recreational programs as well as education, enrichment and care for kids.

Sept. 4. The business rst opened in 2007 and has expanded to outside Aus- tin and San Antonio. With a brick-and- mortar facility at 8820 Business Park Drive, Ste. 400, Austin, the business oers soccer programming to families in 29 public parks including several locations in Northwest Austin, and 115 private locations including preschools, elementary schools and day cares using principles of Positive Coaching Alliance. 512-420-9450. www.soccershots.com CLOSINGS 14 The Regal Arbor at Great Hills cin- ema near the Arboretum at 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin, closed Sept. 23. The Regal Gateway Cinema at 9700 Ston- elake Blvd., Austin is still open. www.regmovies.com

Our Focus is on You Your health is paramount to us. We put your health first with our full range of women’s services. Our dedicated specialists offer advanced mammography, imaging and a variety of non-invasive specialty treatments. No matter where your healthcare journey takes you, we’re here to see you through.

ARA, leaders in medical imaging.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

HOLDAY SHOPPING

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Begins November 16 On Sale Now ❘ tickets. zachtheatre.org

Hillcrest.chruch/HolidayMarket

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

October & November events

COMPILED BY SUMAIYA MALIK

OCT. 29

ATTEND A FREE COSTUME PARTY DOMAIN NORTHSIDE

NOV. 19

WATCH A SOCCER MATCH Q2 STADIUM

FC Koln, a professional football club based in North Rhine- Westphalia in Germany, and VfB Stuttgart, a German sports club based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, will play each other at the Q2 stadium, marking the rst time European teams will play at Q2 Stadium. 3 p.m. $32-$130. 10414 McKalla Place, Austin. 512-953-2858. www.austinfc.com

Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage, a restaurant at Domain Northside, 3120 Palm Way, Ste. 170, Austin, will host a free costume party for guests and pets. Judging for pet costumes will take place at 1 p.m. and for in-person attendees at 10 p.m. Winners will receive tacos. 512-339-6277. www.domainnorthside.com

ConnectHer, a local nonprot, has been hosting the lm festival for 10 years.

OCTOBER 27 CREATE UNIQUE TREATS Girl Scouts of Texas will host a cookies, cocktails and confections event at the The Junior League of Austin in Northwest Austin. Attendees will get a chance to try and vote on one-of-a-kind sweet or savory signature drinks by local mixologists and local baked goods inspired by Girl Scout Cookies. 6:30-9 p.m. $50- $1,000. Community Impact Center, 5330 Blustone Lane, Austin. www.gsctx.org 28 ENJOY LIVE MUSIC Musician, singer and songwriter Tanna Nikole will perform at Circle Brewing Co. Attendees can order tacos and beer from the menu. The brewing company regularly books musicians for live performances. Tanna Nicole brings a hint of classic soul to a new-age pop sound and has performed in Nashville, Tennessee, and all over Texas. 7 p.m. 2340 W. Braker Lane, Ste. B, Austin. 512-814-7599. www.circlebrewing.com 29 DRESS UP WITH YOUR PETS Pet-tober Fest 2022 invites guests to wear matching costumes with their pets. The family-friendly event will feature live music and over 30 pet-centric vendors. Leashed pets are welcomed and encouraged. The event will include a costume contest, and dierent categories will be announced prior to the event

8600 Balcones Club Drive, Austin. 512-299-6556. www.bccwa.weebly.com 06 RUN FOR THE WATER Run for the Water Marathon is the second largest fully charity-produced road race in Austin. The event is solely produced by and benets the Gazelle Foundation, an Austin-based nonprot improving the lives of citizens of Burundi, Africa, through the building of water systems. Participants can take part in 10- mile, 5K, and Kids K runs. 7 a.m. Tickets $45-$85. 900 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. www.runforthewater.com 08 CAST YOUR VOTE ON ELECTION DAY Residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes for national, state and local elections. Voters require a personal identication card, or they can cast a vote with a provisional ballot in polling stations across the county. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. www.votetravis.org, www.wilco.org 19 GO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Attendees can enjoy holiday shopping, food and beverages, live music, vendor booths and a rae at The Arboretum’s “Home for the Holidays” event. They can start at a registration tent located at the Restaurant Trilogy area between Juliet Italian Kitchen and Estancia Brazilian Steakhouse. 5-7 p.m. Free. 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. B, Austin. www.thearboretum.com

in October. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. The Domain, 10910 Domain Drive, Austin. www.unation.com/event/pet-tober- fest-2022 NOVEMBER 03 THROUGH 20 WATCH JEWISH FILMS The 20th Annual Jewish Film Festival will feature in-person screenings on the Dell Jewish Community Campus. The event curates the latest Jewish and Israeli feature and short lms, including lms premiering in the United States for opening and closing nights with visiting lmmakers. In addition, the event will have other talent from around the world to present lms and pre-recorded Q&As with directors for the rest of the movies. Various times. $15 (individual lm tickets)-$120 (all-access festival pass). 7300 Hart Lane, Austin. www.austinj.org 04 THROUGH 05 ATTEND A MARKET The Balcones Country Club Women’s Association will its 20th Annual Market Days. Attendees will have access to booths of women’s accessories, home decor, pottery and Christmas gifts along with desserts and ready-to-eat casseroles for family meals. There will also be a silent auction. 6-9:30 p.m. (Nov. 4), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 5). Free.

COURTESY CONNECTHER FILM FESTIVAL

WORTH THE TRIP ATTEND CONNECTHER FEST Nov. 4 The 10th Annual ConnectHer fest will allow attendees to watch short lms focused on critical women’s issues submitted by high school and college students. There will also be leaders and young lmmakers who advocate for women globally speaking at the event. The program includes time to socialize with friends who attend and an evening with a red carpet and awards. 3-9 p.m. $15-$100. St. Andrew’s Dell Fine Arts Center, 5901 Southwest Parkway, Austin www.connectherlmfest.org

FOSTER RANCH RD.

Find more or submit Northwest 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.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

Looking �o live life �o �he fuest?

Sun City Texas in Georgetown offers views of the Hill Country and an active adult lifestyle filled with outdoor recreation.

• Quick Move-in Homes Available Now • 8 New Model Homes Open for Touring Daily • New Amenity Center Coming Summer 2023

Call or text 512-729-1228 to learn more or visit us today at 701 Silver Spur Blvd., Georgetown, TX 78633 www.delwebb.com/suncitytexas

Ascension Complete is a Medicare Advantage Plan made by doctors you trust, so you get the coverage you need. Check out the benefits we offer. Get to know Ascension Complete

Don’t miss out. Annual Enrollment Period:

October December

–

✓ Preloaded Visa Flex Card to help pay for dental, vision, and hearing benefits not covered by the plan ✓ Vision and hearing coverage ✓ Spiritual Care - Connect virtually with a professionally trained chaplain for your spiritual and emotional needs, anytime, from anywhere ✓ Fitness membership at no additional cost

✓ $0 plan premiums ✓ $0 primary care physician visit copay

✓ Telehealth appointments ✓ Prescription drug coverage

Get the Medicare Advantage coverage you deserve. Call Ascension Complete today to enroll. ✓ More money back in your Social Security check every year ✓ Dental services with no annual maximum, including exams, fillings, extractions, implants, and dentures ($0 copay for preventive services, 30% cost share for comprehensive services)

1-877-844-4436 (TTY: 711) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. medicare.ascensioncomplete.com

Benefits vary by plan.

Ascension Complete is contracted with Medicare for HMO and PPO plans. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Ascension Complete depends on contract renewal.

Y0020_CNC_90828E_M FINAL1 CMS Accepted 09172022

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

ONGOING PROJECTS

GEORGETOWN

183

CEDAR ST.

ROUND ROCK

BUNNY RUN

45 TOLL

AUSTIN

130 TOLL

WESTLAKE DR.

360

183

MOPAC

Loop 360 Underpass New road closures are anticipated with the continued work on the Westlake Drive/Cedar Street portion of the Loop 360 project. Weekly updates on road closures can be found on the project’s website, www.loop360project.com. Timeline: spring 2020 to mid-2025 Cost: $72.1 million Funding sources: TxDOT, Austin’s 2016 mobility bond

Increases on toll rates for portions of SH 130, MoPac, SH 45 North and SH 45 Southeast were paused. COURTESY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

BUDA

Toll rates halted on Central Texas Turnpike in 2023

BY HANNAH NORTON

about the tolled highways can be found through the Texas Department of Transportation. Toll rates were set to increase by 8.3% in 2023, according to meeting documents. This increase was “unusually high,” said Tracey Johnson, the TxDOT Toll Operations Division director, at the meeting. Pausing the rate increases will

give the commission an opportunity to review its toll rate escalation policy and rate adjustment options, Johnson said. Toll rates typically increase annu- ally unless paused by the commission. This year, rates for the Central Texas Turnpike increased by 5.3%, which was the highest spike in almost the last decade.

The Texas Transportation Com- mission voted unanimously to pause increases in toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System at its Sept. 22 meeting. The pause will begin Jan. 1. The tolled portions of the Central Texas Turnpike include SH 130, Loop 1, SH 45 N and SH 45 SE. More information

45 TOLL

MOPAC

620

183

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF OCT. 14. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NWANEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. right lane of southbound US 183 between Oceanaire Boulevard and McNeil Drive through Oct. 31 from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Timeline: January 2022-26 Cost: $612 million Funding sources: TxDOT, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority 183 North Expansion Starting in October through April 30, the U-turn at US 183 northbound frontage road and RM 620 will be closed from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. There will also be a continuous closure on the

AISD students traverse upgraded route on Walk to School Day Oct. 12

COLONY CREEK DR.

HUNTERS TRACE

NORSEMAN TERRACE

BY SUMAIYA MALIK

About 80 students from Austin ISD’s Wooldridge Elementary School walked on an upgraded route between Navarro Early College High School and Wooldridge Elementary to celebrate Walk to School Day on Oct. 12. The walking route has been under repair since Sep- tember 2021. The Austin Public Works and Austin Trans- portation departments have worked to repair existing sidewalks, construct curb extensions, add pedestrian crossing islands and more projects within 2 miles of Wooldridge Elementary, Navarro High School and the Settlement Home for Children.

PARKFIELD DR.

Wooldridge Elementary School Navarro Early College High School

Walking route

SOURCE: AUSTIN PUBLIC WORKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Explore a new collection of unique forts in our Texas Arboretum. OCTOBER - JANUARY

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

Political ad paid for by the Tiffanie 4 RRISD Treasurer Hilda Montgomery

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION

Texas aims to tie community college funding to student outcomes, needs

COMMUNITY COLLEGE FUNDING State lawmakers will consider changing the funding model of community colleges in the 2023 legislative session. State money accounts for less than 25% of funding for Texas community colleges. Current model Schools receive a flat sum of $1.3M Additional funding is based on: • enrollment • growth • operational costs • other factors Proposed model Schools would receive money for credentials of value, which are postsecondary degrees or certificates More funds awarded based on: • more credentials in high-demand fields; and • students who transfer to four-year universities.

BY HANNAH NORTON

designate a specific amount of money to be distributed to individual community colleges. Each school receives a flat sum of approximately $1.3 million, then the state determines additional funding based on enrollment, growth, operational costs and more. According to the commission, state money accounts for less than 25% of funding for community colleges alongside student tuition and local property taxes. Under the proposed finance system, colleges would no longer compete for funding. Instead, schools would receive money for credentials of value, credentials awarded in high-demand fields and students who transfer to four-year universities, according to the draft recommendations. A credential of value is a postsecondary degree or certificate that prepares a student for

TEXAS Big changes may be coming to Texas’ community colleges as a commission established by the Texas Legislature in 2021 is set to recom- mend an overhaul of community college funding. The recommendations, created by the Texas Commission on Community College Finance, center around student outcomes, such as graduation and transfer rates, credentials of value and credentials in high-demand fields. The commission is also expected to propose an increase in need- based financial aid and expanded partnerships between colleges and local companies. Commission members, which include state lawmakers and community college leaders, met Sept. 12. Every two years, Texas lawmakers

Adjustments account for higher costs of educating students who need more support.

SOURCE: TEXAS COMMISSION ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE FINANCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

economic success. Funding would also be adjusted to account for the higher costs of educating students who need more support, such as low- income students, “academically underprepared students” and adults who return to school. Smaller colleges, which typically face higher operating costs, would also receive additional funding.

These schools would be expected to participate in “shared services” with other institutions, such as shared online courses and joint workforce education programs. Commission members will vote on a final report and submit it to the Texas Legislature by Nov. 1. State lawmakers will review the recommendations during the 2023 legislative session, which begins Jan. 10.

Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.

Avery Ranch (PS–8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

It’s Never too Early to Start Saving!

Start building good financial habits. Help guide your young saver on their financial journey with an RBFCU Youth Savings account. They’ll learn the more they save, the more they earn!

Youth Savings account benefits and features:

•No monthly services fees •Dividends paid monthly •Financial education resources

Open a Youth Savings account today!

Federally insured by NCUA Membership eligibility required. Accounts for minors require additional ownership by a parent, guardian or other adult. No minimum age requirement. RN1659431

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CITY & COUNTY Options considered as Austin Energy considers raising rates News from Austin & Travis & Williamson counties

QUOTE OF NOTE

CITY HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN As Project Connect continues its development in Austin, planners are also working to limit the system’s potential to push residents away from their homes. Council approved a plan Sept. 29 to distribute just under $100 million to over a dozen organizations such as Goodwill Industries of Central Texas to take on displacement in communities located within 1 mile of transit stations. “THESE VACCINES HAVE BEEN CRITICAL IN REDUCING THE SPREAD OF MONKEYPOX HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND PROTECTING PEOPLE FROM THE SEVERE PAIN THE [MONKEYPOX] VIRUS CAN CAUSE.” DR. DESMAR WALKES, AUSTIN- TRAVIS COUNTY HEALTH AUTHORITY, ON MONKEYPOX VACCINES Austin City Council Meets Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Austin 512-974-2250 www.austintexas.gov/department/ city-council Travis County Commissioners Court Meets Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15 at 9 a.m. at the Travis County Administration Building, 700 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-854-4722. www.traviscountytx.gov Williamson County Commissioners Court Meets Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Courthouse, 710 Main St., MEETINGS WE COVER

BY BEN THOMPSON

RISING RATES The increased rates from Austin Energy could result in the average customer paying over $366 more a year.

AUSTIN An Austin Energy rate increase approved by City Council on Oct. 13 will leave the average residen- tial customer paying $15 per month more for power for the next three years, weeks ahead of an expected jump in AE’s base rate that could tack another $15.56 onto Austinites’ monthly bills. The $15 monthly billing increase totals an additional $180 annually on customer bills, and stems from an adjustment to Austin Energy’s pass-through charges due to several causes the utility has said are outside its control. AE announced a need to adjust its pass-through charges Sept. 21 to recover tens of millions of dollars in energy costs, and city officials have spent the past few weeks considering a reduction to the unexpected change as well as the

+150%

base rate increase 7.6% $15.56 average base rate increase

$25

$15

additional separate monthly charge

$10

total increase in average customer annual bill

$366+

Current customer service charge

Proposed customer service rate

$48M more in revenue for Austin Energy

SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

compress the residential rate tiers from five to three and bump AE’s fixed monthly customer service charge from $10 to $25. The proposed 7.6% base rate increase would cost the average resident $15.56 more on their monthly power bill—nearly $187 per year. since late June based on criteria set by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC. As those criteria have expanded, more people at risk for severe symptoms from monkeypox are now eligible to receive a vaccine. Travis County residents can visit Wellness Equity Alliance online, which APH partnered with to distribute the vaccine, to determine eligibility and schedule an appoint- ment for a vaccine. As of Oct. 14, 203 cases of mon- keypox have been confirmed in the county, according to APH’s online tracker.

looming base rate hike, which will be considered in late November or December. AE’s base rate covers the city electric utility’s operations costs. AE’s current rate system is split into five tiers, which reward customers for less power usage. Proposed changes

Monkeypox vaccine eligibility widened

CASES ON THE RISE Monkeypox cases in the county have been on the rise in September and October. More information is available at www.austintexas.gov/monkeypox.

BY DARCY SPRAUGE

TRAVIS COUNTY Austin Public Health announced expanded eligibil- ity for the monkeypox vaccine based on federal guidance Oct. 3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now allows individu- als who are at risk for monkeypox to receive the Jynneos monkeypox vac- cine instead of only individuals who had known or suspected exposure to the virus. APH has been offering the vaccine

confirmed cases in Travis County as of Oct. 14

203

confirmed cases in Texas*

2,594

confirmed cases nationwide*

27,558

Georgetown. 512-943-1100. www.wilco.org

*AS OF OCT. 18 SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SAVE

ON SELECT BOTTLES OF

OCT 24-NOV 1

IN-STORE & ONLINE

SCAN TO SHOP OUR CURRENT SPECIALS

TWINLIQUORS.COM

*Halloween Specials runs 10/24/2022-11/1/2022. Valid on featured products. Sale items can be shopped in-store and online at www.twinliquors.com. Selection varies by store. Items and prices subject to change without notice. No further discount on Sale Items, Final Few, or Closeouts. Some exclusions apply. Please drink responsibly.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

VOTER GUIDE GUIDE

Candidates and information for general elections

DATES TO KNOW Oct. 24 First day of early voting

WHERE TO VOTE

Nov. 8 Election Day Nov. 8 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 9 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Residents can vote at any polling location in the county in which they are registered to vote. More information on ballot items and polling locations for early and regular voting can be found at www.votetravis.org or www.wilco.org.

Oct. 28 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 4 Last day of early voting

SOURCES: TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTY CLERKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Only candidates in contested elections are included.

SAMPLE BALLOT

R Republican

D Democrat

L Libertarian

G Green

STATE Governor *Incumbent

Commissioner of agriculture R Sid Miller* D Susan Hays Railroad commissioner R Wayne Christian* D Luke Warford L Jaime Andres Diez G Hunter Wayne Crow Justice, Supreme Court, Place 3 R Debra Lehrmann* D Erin A. Nowell

R Ken Paxton* D Rochelle Mercedes Garza L Mark Ash Comptroller of public accounts R Glenn Hegar* D Janet T. Dudding L V. Alonzo Echevarria-Garza Commissioner of the General Land Oce R Dawn Buckingham D Jay Kleberg G Alfred Molison, Jr.

L Thomas Edward Oxford Justice, Supreme Court, Place 5 R Rebeca Huddle* D Amanda Reichek Justice, Supreme Court, Place 9 R Evan Young* D Julia Maldonado Judge, Court of Criminal

D Dana Human Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 6 R Jesse F. McClure III* D Robert Johnson State Senator, District 14 D Sarah Eckhardt* L Steven E. Haskett State Senator, District 24 R Pete Flores D Kathy Jones-Hospod

R Greg Abbott* D Beto O’Rourke L Mark Tippetts G Delilah Barrios Lieutenant governor

R Dan Patrick* D Mike Collier L Shanna Steele Attorney general

Appeals, Place 5 R Scott Walker*

DIA DE MI PARQUE IT’S MY PARK DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH austinparks.org/impd

Cut Taxes!

See detailed policy papers at JenniferForAustin.com

VOTE “VIRDEN” FOR MAYOR TO RESTORE AUSTIN!

CUT City property TAXES & address “Recapture” to help homeowners, renters & businesses.

RESTORE POLICE funding & staffing to address rising CRIME! Tough-love approach for HOMELESSNESS. NO CAMPING! THIRD-PARTY AUDIT of all city expenditures to ID & eliminate wasteful spending.

Political advertisement paid by Jennifer For Austin Campaign for Mayor, Robin W. Coopwood, Treasurer. This campaign has not agreed to comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Ordinance.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

2022

COMPILED BY GRACE DICKENS

SAMPLE BALLOT

***CANDIDATE WAS APPOINTED JULY 25 TO FULFILL THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM.

R Republican

D Democrat

L Libertarian

G Green

State Representative, District 47 R Rob McCarthy D Vikki Goodwin* State Representative, District 136 R Michelle Evans D John H. Bucy III* L Burton Culley Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 4 R Lesli R. Fitzpatrick D Rosa Lopez Theofanis Member, State Board of Education, District 5 R Perla Muñoz Hopkins D Rebecca Bell-Metereau* FEDERAL U.S. House of Representatives, District 37 R Jenny Garcia Sharon

Williamson-Travis counties Municipal Utility District No. 1, directors David Flores Dan Baur Deborah Dahl Beth Jones* Paul Rábago Hanoi Avila Anderson Mill Limited District tax rate election Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $0.13 per $100 valuation in Anderson Mill Limited District to maintain district operations. AUSTIN ISD Austin ISD board of trustees, District 4 Kathryn Whitley Chu Clint Small Austin ISD trustee at-large Position 9 Arati Singh* Authorizing AISD to issue $2.32 billion in school building bonds to renovate selected campuses. Proposition B Authorizing AISD to issue $75.54 million in bonds for technology upgrades. Proposition C Authorizing AISD to issue $47.43 million in bonds to improve athletic facilities. PFLUGERVILLE ISD Heather Toolin Proposition A

Milwood Branch Library 12500 Amherst Drive Peace Lutheran Church 10625 N. RM 620 Rattan Creek Community Center, Great room 7617 Elkhorn Mountain Trail Round Rock ISD Harteld Performing Arts Center, 5800 McNeil Drive Spicewood Springs Branch Library 8637 Spicewood Springs Road Proposition A Authorizing PfISD to hold an attendance credit election allowing the district to purchase attendance credits to make mandatory recapture payments. Proposition B Authorizing PfISD to hold a voter approval tax rate election for a rate of $1.2646. Proposition C Authorizing PfISD to issue $190.28 million in bonds for school buildings, infrastructure, and improvements. Proposition D Authorizing PfISD to issue $54 million in bonds for devices for students and sta. Proposition E Authorizing PfISD to issue $3 million in bonds for Pugerville High School performing arts renovations and sound system upgrades. Proposition F Authorizing PfISD to issue $400,000 in bonds for the wiring of The Peld for headsets and microphones and new Hendrickson High School Authorizing PfISD to issue $76 million in bonds for the design and construction of a districtwide career and technical education center. Proposition H Authorizing PfISD to issue scoreboards. Proposition G

and constructing aordable housing facilities and programs. TRAVIS COUNTY County judge R Rupal Chaudhari D Andy Brown* County Clerk R Susan Haynes D Dyana Limon-Mercado Justice of the peace, Precinct 2 D Randall Slagle* L Christopher David WILLIAMSON COUNTY County judge R Bill Gravell* D Blane Conklin L Wes Benedict Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 1 R Brandy Hallford* D Brian McConnell Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 3 R Doug Arnold* D Thomas Velez County clerk R Nancy E. Rister* D Erica Smith Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 R Russell Winston Collins D KT Musselman* North Austin Municipal Utility District, Place 4 director

$43.92 million in bonds to build aordable housing for teachers in PfISD. ROUND ROCK ISD Board of trustees, Place 3 Orlando Salinas Amber Feller* Maryam Zafar Board of trustees, Place 4 Linda Avila Alicia Markum Jill Farris Cory Renee Vessa* Board of trustees, Place 5 Amy Weir* Stefan Bryant Joshua Billingsley Christie Slape Board of trustees, Place 6 Don Zimmerman Tianie N. Harrison* Special election board of trustees, Place 1 Yuriy Semchyshyn Kevin Johnson Sr.*** Estevan Jesus “Chuy” Zárate John Keagy Austin Community College board of trustees, Place 6 Nathaniel Hellman Steve Jackobs Austin Community College, Proposition A Authorizing ACC to issue $770 million in bonds to construct college buildings districtwide for new campuses, workforce training and general education programs.

D Lloyd Doggett** L Clark Patterson

*INCUMBENT OF DISTRICT 35, WHICH WAS SPLIT TO CREATE DISTRICT 37

CITY OF AUSTIN City of Austin mayor Phil Campero Brual Celia Israel Kirk Watson Anthony Bradshaw Jennifer Virden Gary S. Spellman

City of Austin, Proposition A Authorizing the city of Austin to issue $350 million in tax- supported bonds for planning

Jackie Oltremari Diana Christiano*

POLLING LOCATIONS

St. John’s Episcopal Church 11201 Parkeld Drive St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 8134 Mesa Drive Unity Church of the Hills 9905 Anderson Mill Road YMCA North Austin 1000 W. Rundberg Lane

Harteld Performing Arts Center Lobby 5800 McNeil Drive Jaime Padron Elementary 2011 W. Rundberg Lane Juan P. Navarro Early College High School 1201 Payton Gin Road Kathy Caraway Elementary 11104 Oak View Drive Lakewood Homeowners Association 7317 Lakewood Drive

Central City Austin 9023 Old Lampasas Trail Davis Elementary School Church 5214 Duval Road Disability Rights Texas 2222 W. Braker Lane Gateway Church, Lobby 7104 McNeil Drive Grandview Hills Elementary 12024 Vista Parke Drive Grant Worship Center 1701 Kramer Lane

AUSTIN* Anderson High School 8403 Mesa Drive Anderson Mill Limited District, Room A & B 11500 El Salido Parkway Balcones Woods Shopping Center 11150 Research Blvd. Bethany United Methodist Church Ministry Center 10010 Anderson Mill Road

*ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATIONS, OPEN 7 A.M. 7 P.M.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • OCTOBER 2022

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20-21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40

communityimpact.com