San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | February 2024

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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 FEB. 15MARCH 15, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Blueprint for Buda's future A key element to Buda's comprehensive plan is its future land use map, which shows plans for more residential neighborhoods and mixed-use communities.

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Future Land Use Map

Residential land focused on conservation Ex: large lots, homesteads on ranches, estate subdivisions Residential mixed-density Ex: townhomes, small-scale apartments Residential neighborhood Ex: single-family homes Existing vacant land planned for some residential type* Mixed-use community Ex: cottages, urban lofts, build- to-rent communities, medium density multifamily in walkable environments

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MAP NOT TO SCALE N © GOOGLE EARTH

* THE OUTLINED AREA IS A GENERALIZATION AND DOES NOT SHOW EVERY ZONE.

SOURCE: CITY OF BUDACOMMUNITY IMPACT

New comprehensive plan outlines growth areas, density goals

city anticipates that gure will double by 2050. Because of that, the city will need to have diverse housing options, City Manager Micah Grau said. Buda is landlocked, which means there is limited space for where the city can grow.

Our Buda, Our Future will be implemented within the next 10 years, making preparations for 20 years of city growth, according to plan documents. A large part of Buda’s comprehensive plan focuses on housing the city’s growing population. In 2022, Buda’s population was 15,108, and the

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

After nearly two years of work, Buda adopted its comprehensive plan Jan. 3, which will serve as a guide for ocials’ future decision-making and identies opportunities for growth through residential development.

CONTINUED ON 22

Also in this issue

Impacts: Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant reopens (Page 6)

Government: State challenges city’s marijuana policy (Page 11)

Election: March primary election guide (Page 15)

Dining: Trattoria Lisina brings Tuscany to Driftwood (Page 25)

Your superpower? Knowing where to go in an emergency. 24/7 emergency care, right here in Buda. Be a h ER o

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez April Kelley Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Melissa Johnson

Heather Demere General Manager hdemere@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Account Executive Adrian Martinez Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace

Eric Weilbacher Editor eweilbacher@ communityimpact.com

Correction: Volume 13, Issue 9 The demographic datasets for the cities of Kyle and Buda on Page 13 were flipped. The data is correct online at www.communityimpact.com/ news/austin/san-marcos-buda-kyle.

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

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

BLANCO RIVER

Impacts

Hernandez. The cafe will be selling “Gothic-themed” coffee as well as pastries sourced from local bakers. Triple Six Social will also serve as a space for different events. • Opened Jan. 19 • 329 Cheatham St., San Marcos • www.triplesixsocial.com

CM ALLEN PKWY.

AQUARENA SPRINGS DR

Coming soon

1984

5 Giggle and Grow Owners Arin Garner and Trevor Garner are looking to open their second Giggle and Grow location this spring in San Marcos. The family-based day care and preschool will serve children 6 weeks to 5 years old. Giggle and Grow is now open for enrollment. • Slated to open March 1 • 2411 Hunter Road, San Marcos • Facebook: Giggle and Grow San Marcos

San Marcos

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Relocations

6 San Marcos Utility Billing The office, previously located at 630 E. Hopkins St., has relocated to 1040 Hwy. 123 in San Marcos. The two utility billing offices combined Dec. 18 to accommodate growth, according to an email from communications specialist Madeline Baker. An overnight drop box was installed at City Hall to replace the existing drive-thru and lobby at 630 E. Hopkins St. on Dec. 4. • Relocated Dec. 18 • 1040 Hwy. 123, San Marcos • www.sanmarcostx.gov

MAP NOT TO SCALE

options. • Opening Feb. 14 • 17050 San Marcos Highway, Martindale • Facebook: Red Barn Bakery

Now open

1 Crater Coffee The coffee shop offers a variety of lattes, teas, shakes and refreshers. Crater Coffee also offers an assortment of pastries. • Opened Jan. 22 • 312 University Drive, Ste. 312 C, San Marcos • www.cratercoffeetx.com 2 Martindale Flower Shop The shop is locally owned by Tonya Amerson, who owned Finley Florals, a two-horse trailer turned into a mobile flower bar. Martindale Flower Shop—located inside Red Barn Bakery—will take orders for custom flower arrangements and will have delivery and pickup

3 Chi’Lantro The Austin-based Korean-inspired barbecue restaurant is now open at Springtown Center in San Marcos. Chi’Lantro lets customers create their own rice bowls with add-ons, such as marinated tofu, kimchi and Korean-barbecue steak. • Opened Jan. 17 • 180 Springtown Way, San Marcos • www.chilantrobbq.com

In the news

Rick’s Lock & Key The locksmith, previously located at 114 E. San Antonio St., went fully mobile in January, according to its website. The locksmith serves San Marcos and other surrounding areas, such as Maxwell, New Braunfels, Martindale, Fischer, Fentress, Luling, Prairie Lea and Lockhart. • Went fully mobile in January • www.locksmithsanmarcostx.com

4 Triple Six Social The art cafe is owned by Buda resident Andrea

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & SARAH HERNANDEZ

7 Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant The locally owned Mexican restaurant reopened Feb. 1 after being remodeled.

Now open

• 1400 Old Ranch Road 12, San Marcos • Facebook: Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant

Closings

8 Earth Burger According to the general manager, the closure was due to consistent clientele issues. A sign on the door included a thank you message to the community for its support and invited customers to visit Earth Burger’s San Antonio locations. Earth Burger is a plant-based fast food restaurant serving breakfast, burgers and wraps. • Closed Jan. 26 • 656 E Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.earthburger.com 9 MJ’s Liquor The liquor store sold a wide variety of alcohol, including beer, seltzers, shooters, tequila, vodka and more. • Closed in late January • 1525 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos

10 Rhinestone Cowboy Locally owned by Eddie Christy, Nicole Plata and Christa Rowe, Rhinestone Cowboy offers an assortment of vintage clothing and accessories, cameras, records and more. • Opened Jan. 18 • 235B N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos • Instagram: likearhinestonecowboy

11 Magnolia Hospice The privately owned hospice care company offers different kinds of expert hospice care, including in-home care and comprehensive care. This is Magnolia Hospice’s third location in Texas, and there are plans for expanding into the Dallas and Houston areas. • Opened Jan. 11 • 2108 Hunter Road, Ste. 102, San Marcos • www.magnoliahospice.com

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Impacts

4 Pizza Leon Locally owned Pizza Leon opened in its second Kyle location—a food truck—at The Railhouse Bar. The pizzeria on wheels will be offering a limited menu with fried items; 16-inch pizzas; and four topping options, including pepperoni, cheese, all meat and margherita. This is owner Nehemiah Leon’s third location overall with two others in Kyle and South Austin. • Opened Jan. 12 5 McDonald’s McDonald’s offers an assortment of breakfast items, including sausage McGriddles, egg McMuffins, big breakfasts and pancakes. The restaurant, locally owned by Jason Kinney, also serves burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, and more. • Opened Dec. 20 • 3265 RM 967, Buda • www.mcdonalds.com • 107 E. Center St., Kyle • www.mypizzaleon.com 6 Cava The fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant serves different bowls, pita sandwiches, sides and desserts. • Opened Jan. 19 • 5120 S. FM 1626, Ste. 120, Kyle • www.cava.com 7 Body 20 The locally owned franchise offers 20 minutes of full- body exercise using electric muscle stimulation and one-on-one personal training. • Opened Feb. 22 • 5401 FM 1626, Ste. 105, Kyle • www.body20.com/kyle-crossing 8 Ma’Coco Austin-based restaurant Ma’Coco is now open in downtown Buda. The restaurant is owned by Javier Equihua and offers California-style Mexican cuisine, such as carne asada fries, fish tacos, elote asado, taco de pastor and more. • Opened Jan. 23 • 302 S. Main St., Ste. 101, Buda • www.macocoatx.com

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• Opened Feb. 8 • 19460 S I-35 frontage road, Kyle • www.mightyfineburgers.com

Now open

1 MinuteFuel The convenience store offers a wide variety of beer and wine, chips, candies, and more. MinuteFuel also sells

3 The Lash Lounge The Austin-based lash salon provides a variety of lash services, such as lash extensions and lifts, threading, permanent makeup, and brow laminations. • Opened Feb. 8 • 2255 Kohlers Crossing, Ste. 200, Kyle • www.thelashlounge.com

gas from Valero. • Opened Jan. 26 • 18915 I-35 frontage road, Kyle

2 Mighty Fine Burgers The Austin-based restaurant serves sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and more.

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• 5500 FM 2770, Ste. 108, Kyle • www.shopyellow.net

Coming soon

9 NuSpine The locally owned franchise offers chiropractic care, hydrotherapy massage, adjustments and more. NuSpine also accepts walk-ins. • Slated to open in late February • 2255 Kohlers Crossing, Ste. 300, Kyle • www.nuspine.com 10 The Vitamin Shoppe The Vitamin Shoppe is expected to open at Kohlers Crossing in Kyle. The store offers an assortment of nutritional solutions, including vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements and natural beauty products. • Opening this spring

12 Tap In Buda City Council gave the green light to the venue on Jan. 2. The 7,000-square-foot venue will have an indoor driving range, a full bar and a food truck. Tap In is slated to open by 2025 • 2260 Main St., Buda 13 Kyle Cyclery The bicycle shop changed ownership and relocated in early November. Brother and sister Marc and Rachael Adams purchased the bicycle shop from previous owner James Stanfill in late October and reopened at a

different location in November. • 5500 FM 2770 Ste. 104, Kyle • www.kylecyclery.com

15 Primrose School of Kyle The accredited private preschool will be equipped with 14 classrooms, which can accommodate up to 240 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. The school will also have five playgrounds. Children in grades K-5 will also be eligible for before- and after-school care through the Primrose Explorer Program.

• 2255 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle • www.vitaminshoppe.com

14 LionHeart Hobby Kyle hobby store LionHeart Hobby is hosting events in its new private event space throughout February. So far, planned events include modeling classes, board game tournaments, paint workshops, and Dungeons & Dragons tournaments.

In the news

11 The Yellow Boutique The locally owned boutique celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Jan. 14. The Yellow Boutique sells graphic T-shirts, accessories, cups, candles, stickers and more.

• Opening in summer 2025 • FM 150 & Rieber Road, Kyle • www.primroseschools.com

• 5500 FM 2770 Ste. 103, Kyle • www.lionhearthobby.com

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Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & ERIC WEILBACHER

Paxton sues San Marcos over marijuana reforms In November 2022, San Marcos voters approved Proposition A, which ended low-level marijuana offense arrests in the city. Now Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing San Marcos—along with Austin, Killeen, Elgin and Denton—for “adopting amnesty and nonprosecu- tion policies that violate Texas laws concerning marijuana possession and distribution,” according to a Jan. 31 news release from his office. The backstory Voters approved the ordinance with more than 80% of the vote. In November 2023, a report from the activist group Ground Game Texas showed that from January-June 2023 there was an 85% reduction in marijuana possession citations and arrests when compared to January-June 2022. During a March meeting of the San Marcos City Council, Police Chief Stan Standridge said arresting and charging individuals with marijuana possession still occurs if those arrests are due to other charges. Current situation According to Page 64 of the lawsuit filed, the attorney general seeks a temporary and per- manent injunction on “this ordinance and any corresponding San Marcos Police Department general order or directive, constitute a policy under which San Marcos will not fully enforce laws relating to drugs, including Chapter 481. Chapter 481 makes possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia an offense.” Eric Martinez, executive director of the activist group Mano Amiga, one of the organizations that

San Marcos seeks to test water in-house The city of San Marcos gained ground on reducing the turnaround time for determin- ing if drinking water is contaminated, as well as reducing boil water notice durations. San Marcos City Council approved a $118,654.32 contract Jan. 16 with Fischer Scientific through OMNIA Partners Coopera- tive Purchasing for water quality laboratory equipment to perform in-house testing on public drinking water and wastewater. Currently the city’s lab, located at its Public Services Complex at 2217 E. McCarty Lane, is being used for processing water samples but not analyzing them. Instead, the city is sending water samples to subcon- tracted commercial labs. The laboratory equipment purchased from Aquion IC and Gallery Aqua Master, according to agenda documents, will be used to test public drinking water and wastewater samples in-house, which means the city is one step closer to becoming an accredited laboratory. What it means Accreditation will give the city of San Marcos the ability to test all water and wastewater samples in-house, which will improve customer experience through quicker turnaround times. “The quicker that we can get results, the better, not only for us as a utility but to be able to provide the necessary communica- tion to the public in case there’s an issue,” Water Quality Manager Ron Riggins said.

How we got here The lawsuit asserts that cities do not have the authority to decriminalize marijuana locally. February 2022 Ground Game Texas and Mano Amiga kick off petition drive for a ballot proposition calling for the end of citation or arrest for those found in possession of 4 ounces or less of marijuana. August 2022 • Petition drive submits more than 10,000 signatures, City Council certifies 4,667 deemed valid by the City Clerk, clearing the way for the November ballot. November 2022 Proposition A passes with 81.84% of the vote March 2023 San Marcos Police Department clarifies misdemeanor marijuana enforcement following voter-approved ordinance November 2023 Misdemeanor marijuana arrests drop 85% in San Marcos, 1 year after voter-approved ordinance Jan. 31, 2024 Paxton sues San Marcos and several other cities over marijuana reforms • City Council opts to send the proposition to voters instead of voting on it themselves.

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

collected signatures to get Proposition A on the ballot, said they welcome the lawsuit. “Rather than viewing this legal challenge as a setback, we see it as an opportunity to shed light on issues that demand attention,” Martinez said in a news release from the organization. In an email, city of San Marcos Communica- tions Manager Nadine Bonewitz said the city does not have a comment to provide at this time on the matter.

Buda makes headway with 775-acre development After years of negotiations, MileStone Commu- nity Builders has the green light to move forward with its development dubbed Persimmon. Buda City Council unanimously approved the 775-acre development agreement Feb. 6. The gist slated for commercial use, schools and a fire/EMS site. Persimmon would be financed through a tax increment reinvestment zone and a public improve- ment district.

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Several more steps are needed for the develop- ment to go forward, including the release of some property from Austin’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, request inclusion in Buda’s ETJ and more. City Manager Micah Grau said city staff will be continuing to negotiate terms with the developer.

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The Persimmon development is slated to have 2,300 residential units. Those will include town- homes, but not apartments or multifamily homes, according to agenda documents. Some areas are

Buda

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & SIERRA MARTIN

Hays CISD calendars approved through 2026 The Hays CISD board of trustees unanimously approved the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school calen- dars during its regular board meeting Jan. 22. A survey of the two calendars ran from Jan. 12-17. There were 1,630 responses from parents, students, teachers, staff and other community members recorded, with 84.9% in favor of the 2024-25 calendar and 86% in favor of the 2025-26 calendar. The takeaway Per the approved 2024-25 calendar, the fall semester will begin Aug. 13 and end Dec. 20. The spring semester will begin Jan. 7 and end May 22. Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy said the new Nov. 5 holiday is to accommodate the 2024 presidential election, as some schools are used as polling locations. “We’re working on trying to get [voters] out of

2 trustee positions on May ballot in SMCISD The San Marcos CISD board of trustees called an election to be held May 4 to elect two at-large members to the board during a Jan. 16 meeting. Each position will serve a three-year term. The specifics The two at-large positions that will be up for election are occupied by Mari Salmi and board President Anne Halsey. Trustees previously discussed restructuring the board into seven single-member districts, ultimately deciding against it Dec. 18. “Our constituents have the ability to vote for three trustees when they vote currently, and I would like to maintain that accessibil- ity,” said at the Dec. 18 meeting. SMCISD is accepting applications for the positions until Feb. 16.

Dates to know Sept. 2 : Labor Day Sept. 23 : student holiday/staff workday Oct. 11 : student holiday/staff workday

Nov. 4-5 : student holiday/staff workday Nov. 25-29 : Thanksgiving break Feb. 14 : student holiday/staff workday* March 17-21 : spring break April 21 : student holiday/staff workday*

Oct. 14 : staff and student holiday Nov. 1 : student holiday/staff exchange day

*BAD WEATHER MAKEUP DAY IF NECESSARY

SOURCE: HAYS CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

buildings where students are because our new requirements for safety and perimeter security are completely in contradiction to having open polls and letting people come in,” Savoy said. What’s changing? Both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 calendars will add an extra five minutes to the elementary school bell schedule, releasing students at 3 p.m. instead of 2:55 p.m.

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Find Your New Home at Turner’s Crossing STARTING FROM THE $300’s

The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Maps not to scale. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2024 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

What to know about the new FAFSA

Quotes of note

Higher Education Coordinating Board pushed its priority financial aid application deadline to March 15, but individual schools may offer aid on a first-come, first-served basis. The Department is expected to begin sending information from completed FAFSAs to schools in late January. Applicants will answer less than 50 questions for the new FAFSA, down from 108. The form takes around an hour to complete, but some people may answer as few as 18 questions depending on their individual circumstances. Officials said 610,000 more students from low-income backgrounds will qualify for federal Pell Grants. This includes over 51,000 Texans, the department of education reported.

Current and prospective college students applying for financial aid will likely have a more streamlined experience with the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Mandated by Congress, the new form includes fewer questions and a new formula to determine aid eligibility. The U.S. Department of Education launched the redesigned application in late December— nearly three months later than normal—and it is now available online 24/7. Over 1 million students nationwide had completed the FAFSA by Jan. 8, officials said. Students must fill out the form to qualify for federal student loans, grants, work-study programs and some scholarships. The Texas

"Financial aid is extremely important, particularly in this day and age, with the high cost of education. So you’re going to have to be an educated consumer." JACK WALLACE, THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS FOR YREFY, A STUDENT LOAN REFINANCE COMPANY

“We have heard from students and families that the new FAFSA form is a better experience that’s easier to complete. We will continue to communicate directly with students, families and schools about how they can access the maximum support available to them to pursue their higher education dreams.” RICHARD CORDRAY, FEDERAL STUDENT AID CHIEF

A streamlined application process

The 2024-25 FAFSA was redesigned after Congress passed the FUTURE Act and the FAFSA Simplification Act. The new form is expected to be more user-friendly and take less time to fill out. Here are some key changes to the application: All “contributors,” including parents, stepparents and spouses, must provide financial information. Contributors will be identified based on a student’s answers on the form.

The Internal Revenue Service will transfer students’ and their families’ tax information directly to their FAFSA application.

Next steps

A new formula, called the Student Aid Index, will be used to determine applicants’ eligibility for financial aid.

The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available online through June 30, 2025, but many states and schools set earlier deadlines. Under Texas law, high school seniors are required to complete the FAFSA, a state financial aid application or an opt-out form to graduate. Future applications should open Oct. 1.

Applicants may list up to 20 colleges or universities on their application. They were previously limited to 10.

Families with multiple students in college will no longer qualify for extra aid, known as a “sibling discount.”

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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New Lakeside Lazy River Amenity Center Opening Soon!

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Election

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY

R Republican

D Democrat

*Incumbent

D Mark Gonzalez D Meri Gomez

D Chevo Pastrano Hays County sheriff D Daniel Law D Alex Villalobos Hays County tax assessor-collector D Jennifer M. Escobar D Vianna Garza

Dates to know

D Roland Gutierrez D Steven J. Keough D Thierry Tchenko U.S. Rep., District 35 R Dave Cuddy R Brandon Craig Dunn R Rod Lingsch R Michael Rodriguez R Steven Wright Railroad commissioner R Christie Clark R Christi Craddick* R Corey Howell R James “Jim” Matlock R Petra Reyes D Bill Burch D Katherine Culbert Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 D DaSean Jones D Randy Sarosdy Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* R Brian Walker Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 D Bonnie Lee Goldstein D Joe Pool Presiding judge, Court of Criminal Appeals R Sharon Keller* R David J. Schenck Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 7 R Barbara Parker Hervey* R Gina Parker Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 8 R Lee Finley R Michelle Slaughter*

Feb. 5: Last day to register to vote Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day

Where to vote

D Cynthia Millonzi D Jessica Sanchez Hays County commissioner, Precinct 1 D Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe* D Alyssa Ramirez Hays County commissioner, Precinct 3 R Morgan Hammer R Teresa Shell Hays County justice of the peace, Precinct 1, Place 1 D Nicholas Costilla D Jo Anne Prado Hays County justice of the peace, Precinct 2, Place 2 D Amanda K. Calvert D Janie Flores D Paul Hill D J.R. Mendoza* D Andrea Villescaz Hays County constable, Precinct 1 D Lorenzo Gonzalez D David Lois Peterson* Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 2 D Maggie Ellis

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Hays County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.hayscountytx.com/departments/ elections/current-year-elections for polling locations.

Sample ballot

Federal election U.S. President R Ryan L. Binkley R Chris Christie R Ron DeSantis R Nikki Haley R Asa Hutchinson

R Vivek Ramaswamy R David Stuckenberg R Donald J. Trump D Joseph R. Biden, Jr.* D Gabriel A. Cornejo D Star Locke D Frankie Lozada D Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato

D Dean Phillips D Cenk Uygur D Marianne Williamson State elections U.S. Senator R Ted Cruz* R Holland “Redd” Gibson R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez D A. “Robert” Hassan D Carl Oscar Sherman D Colin Allred D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman

D Edward Smith D Melissa Lorber Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 5 D Thomas Baker D Karin Crump District Judge, 483rd Judicial District

D Joseph Aragon D Sarah Brandon D Alicia Key

Local elections State representative, District 45 D Erin Zwiener*

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, HAYS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

Election

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

*INCUMBENT

Texas House District 45, Democratic Primary

Hays County Sheri, Democratic Primary

What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected? I was proud to hold the line against voucher scams that would have funneled taxpayer dollars to private schools. Because of right-wing attacks on education, districts across Texas are struggling with teacher retention. We must invest more resources in our public schools so they can recruit and keep great educators.

If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?

Hays County Sheri’s Oce is understaed and requires immediate attention. I would address the stang issue by working on recruiting and retention eorts getting back to full strength. Next, I would return inmates back to Hays County, removing the excessive costs and liabilities of outsourcing across the state of Texas. What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?

If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?

Being fair, but rm, I am a determined, positive, persistent person who leads by example. Expecting professionalism, striving for excellence, with availability and accountability to all, building a strong bond assuring concerns and expectations are met, strengthening trust and unity in Hays County.

The biggest challenge Hays County faces is completely nonpartisan. Rapid growth and development is a challenge that impacts quality of life in our communities. I will continue ghting to give cities and our county more tools to manage that growth, with a particular eye on water resources and transportation.

Daniel C. Law Occupation: Law enforcement Relevant experience: More than 33 years in law enforcement www.daniellawforhayscountysheri. com

Erin Zwiener* Occupation: Student Relevant experience: Three-term state representative, eective legislative expertise, proven problem solver and collaborator ... www.erinforyall.com

I will prioritize community trust, transparency, and legitimacy by updating training policies, creating a comprehensive plan for community engagement, leveraging technology, and implementing community policing and crime reduction initiatives. Strengthen the Student Resource Ocer program and implement a strategic plan to ensure resource development, career development, and competitive pay.

I will represent Hays County, as a humble, professional who subscribes to a servant leadership model and treats all walks of life with fairness, equity, and compassion with a balance of a high level of accountability and ready to serve and protect.

We will begin healing relationships between local ocials and the oce of the state representative. Through forming and fostering stronger relationships between local ocials and our state representative, we will be able to resolve issues brought on by unprecedented growth in Hays County, including infrastructure and our overloaded justice system.

Constituent services will become a focal point of the work of the oce of state representative. One of our top priorities will be equality on all fronts, including racial, gender, LGBTQIA+. This will be the spirit of our representation—to represent all of the citizens of House District 45 equally.

Alex Villalobos Occupation: Hays County Chief of Sta/Reserve Constable Deputy Relevant experience: Experienced Law Enforcement Executive, Master Peace Ocer ... www.alexforsheri.com

Chevo Pastrano Occupation: Attorney, small business owner Relevant experience: Trial attorney www.chevopastrano.com

Each Republican primary race for these positions is uncontested. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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Transportation

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ

Work continues on ramps near I35 at Hwy. 123 In September, the northbound I-35 at Hwy. 123 exit was closed to begin constructing a new entrance ramp in its place, according to the Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson Antonio Luján. Trac is redirected to the CM Allen Parkway exit. The new ramp is expected to

123

DE ZAVALA DR.

Turning lanes to be added along Hwy. 123 Construction began in late January to relo- cate a water main out of the Hwy. 123 right of way. This $300,000 project will also allow for Texas Department of Transportation to add right- and left-turning lanes, crosswalks and to improve drainage, according to TxDOT. What to expect Drivers should expect intermittent single lane closures through the projects duration, ending in early 2025.

Exit ramp reconstruction is part of other improvements planned at the intersection of I35 and Hwy. 123.

open this spring. Current situation

RENDERING COURTESY TXDOT

The southbound I-35 Wonder World Drive exit was also closed temporarily for ramp recongura- tion, but is now back open to trac. The ramp reversals are part of TxDOT’s project to improve mobility at I-35 and Hwy. 123. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025, weather permitting. Next, crews will nalize work on the south- bound I-35 bridge at Hwy. 123, according to Luján.

123

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

Real estate

Home prices in San Marcos, Kyle and Buda decreased slightly year-over-year in December 2023 compared to December 2022. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

Average home price in the last 6 months

-38.8%

+12%

+31.9%

78666 $375,851

78640 $397,374

December 2022

December 2023

78610 $431,501

78666

78640

78610

78640

Median home sales price

December

2022

2023

78666

$356,160

$340,500

78666

$375,000

$352,063

78640

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 8306256954 WWW.FOURRIVERSREALTORS.COM

$436,000

$397,276

78610

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Health care

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas teen birth rate rose for first time in 15 years Teen fertility rates in Texas increased in 2022 for the first time in 15 years, according to a recent report from the University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. In September 2021, Texas banned abortions at about six weeks into a pregnancy, after a fetal heartbeat is detected. A closer look Texas’ overall fertility rate, or births per 1,000 women ages 15-44, rose by 2% in 2022. Teen birth rates increased by 0.39%, ending a 15-year period of declines. Rising teen fertility rates may impact young parents’ ability to get an education and secure higher-paying jobs, the report said. Other studies cited in the report show that high percentages of people who experience unplanned pregnancies are poor and have less access to contraception.

Postpartum Medicaid extended to 1 year Beginning March 1, low-income Texas mothers can receive Medicaid coverage for one year after childbirth. Texas women are currently eligible for two months of postpar- tum coverage. Medicaid covered nearly half of Texas births in 2022, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The details Women whose Medicaid coverage expired before March 1 will be re-enrolled automati- cally and receive coverage for 12 months after their pregnancy ended. Over 137,000 new parents will benefit from the extension, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicaid also covers checkups and other services for mothers and their children.

Texas fertility rates Rates may differ across races due to lack of access to contraception, inability to leave one’s state for an abortion and other factors. 2022 Fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-44) 2021

60.68

+2.04%

All races

61.92

66.82

+5.09%

Hispanic

70.22

54.49 53.98 55.68 55.99

Asian (non- Hispanic)

+0.94%

Black (non- Hispanic)

-0.55%

56.51

White (non- Hispanic)

-1.95%

55.41

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION

From the cover

Blueprint for the future

A closer look

Buda has 2,352.2 acres of buildable land left for more residential housing types. Future land use

and the need for amenities, such as green spaces and commercial areas. More than half of the area set aside for residential land focused on conservation is currently vacant. Most of this acreage is in the western part of the city, south of FM 967 and west of FM 1626. FM 1626 is also slated for commercial growth. Buda’s Planning and Zoning Commission, Economic Development Corporation and City Council can now use the comprehensive plan as a reference for when they are making decisions related to zoning or development in general, according to city ocials. However, actual implementation of these goals will require zoning changes in some cases and developers bringing in the desired type of projects.

Despite being landlocked, the city’s future land use plan identies opportunities for growth by pinpointing areas in Buda suitable for residential development as its population continues to grow. Our Buda, Our Future earmarks: • Vacant land on the far east, west sides for residential neighborhoods • Recommendations for denser housing • More housing on either side of FM 1626, FM 2001 and adjacent pockets of property along I-35 The largest land use type would be residential neighborhood, of which almost a quarter is currently vacant. This usage type allows single- family homes. The city has approximately 2,352 acres of vacant, developable land that can be used for dierent types of residential uses for denser housing, according to a 2021 city-conducted study. The plan looks to ll a need for diverse housing. It suggests that more dense land use types, including mixed-use community and neighborhood-serving retail, have the most room to grow. The plan also balances environmental concerns

percent of land built out percentage of undeveloped land

Residential neighborhood •5,277.3 acres

24.8%

75.2%

1,308.2 acres

Residential mixed-density • 359.5 acres

37.5%

62.5%

134.9 acres

Residential land focused on conservation • 925.3 acres

498.7 acres 53.9%

46.1%

"Having a diversity of housing is really just needed to suit the diversity of people that we have in a community." MICAH GRAU, CITY MANAGER

Mixed-use community • 544.9 acres

75.3% 24.7%

410.3 acres

SOURCE: CITY OF BUDACOMMUNITY IMPACT

A quick note

“[If] the property owners [are] feeling like they would be able to get utility services easier ... or maybe they like the city of Buda’s rules and regulations more ... we see an opportunity as a community to serve those areas,” Parrish said.

jurisdiction to leave through a petition or election. Assistant Director of Development Services Will Parrish said that Buda’s ETJ is unlikely to grow, but a swap with Austin or Dripping Springs could enable growth.

Coupled with the limited space, a 2023 bill now allows annexed residents to leave a city. Senate Bill 2038, which passed in May during the 88th legislative session and went into effect in September, allows residents of an extraterritorial

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