South Central Austin Edition | February 2024

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

South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 11 FEB. 29MARCH 27, 2024

Lauryn Gould performed at the now shuttered Spider House Cafe in 2019 for Honk TX band Bat City Brass Band.

COURTESY KELLY WEST

Austin musicians cope with wage, venue changes

pay has not kept pace with Austin’s cost of living and more local venues are closing doors, some reopening as event centers or bars that don’t oer live music.

Gould, a born-and-raised Austinite, has dedi- cated her life to music and to “creating moments of collective eervescence with the community.” Gould said her choice to pursue music full time has not come without trade-os, as the average gig

BY KATY MCAFEE

On any given night, local musician Lauryn Gould is playing the saxophone, ute or singing at a gig with one of the 18 bands she’s part of.

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

Impacts: Locally owned bao food truck opens downtown (Page 8)

Election: Find out who’s on the ballot this March (Page 14)

Events: Rodeo Austin, Amplify Austin Day and more (Page 16)

Community: Explore our local Summer Camp Guide (Page 22)

THE My ATX Water PROGRAM Austin Water launched a new smart water meter program called My ATX

Water across the city. This program involves upgrading traditional water meters to digital ones connected to a wireless network. Along with this, a new customer portal is being introduced, offering near real-time water use information, leak alerts, emergency

notifications, water conservation tips, and customizable features.

HOW TO SIGN UP IN THREE EASY STEPS

Type your account number and zip code into this website: austintx.watersmart.com

Locate your account number. You can find this either on your utilities bill or call COA Utilities Customer Care 512-494-9400

Fill out your user profile and start saving!

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Austin Light Rail is Moving Forward

Austin is growing, and so is the need for more transit options. Implementation of Austin Light Rail has begun, including the effort to secure federal funds. ATP is advancing environmental studies to support the federal process. Thanks to all that attended our February feedback events! If you missed it, you can still give input on station location and other design options in our online survey through March 4.

TAKE THE SURVEY: publicinput.com/ AustinLightRailOpenHouse

More Rebates, More Savings » Find instant savings on energy efficient products at local stores » Get up to $105 in smart thermostat rebates and incentives » Enjoy extra rebates averaging $2,600 on Home Energy Savings projects through April 30 » See if you qualify for free home energy improvements » Monitor your energy use and get savings tips at coautilities.com Learn more ways to save at austinenergy.com/tips

Customer Driven. Community Focused.

For translation in other languages, contact us by email at input@atptx.org or phone at 512-389-7590.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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. About Community Impact

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 Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Deeda Lovett General Manager dlovett@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Publisher Travis Baker

Zara Flores Editor zflores@ communityimpact.com

Gail Watson Account Executive gwatson@ communityimpact.com

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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Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & KATY MCAFEE

NORTH AUSTIN

Golden Eye Chocolates’ treats are all handmade in small batches with flavors ranging from classic to unique. • Opened Jan. 27 • 3010 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. E, Austin • www.goldeneyechocolates.com 3 The Rose Bakery Award-winning pastry chef Julie Myrtille opened a second bakery in the Austin area highlighting French, American and English treats. The Rose Bakery offers scratch-made goods, such as breads, canneles, madeleines, crepes, macarons and more. • Opened Dec. 17 • 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 123, Austin • www.therosebakery.com 4 Oasis Face Bar The facial spa offers customizable, targeted skin care services, such as sculpting, deep cleansing, dermaplaning, brightening and more, in addition to light therapy options, brow and lash tinting, and waxing. • Opened March 1 • 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 254, Austin • www.oasisfacebar.com

Now open

T R L

183

4 3

360

PERSEVERANCE DR.

NORWOOD PARK BLVD.

7 Verdad True Modern Mexican Local Chris Perry, founder of Carve American Grille, opened Verdad True Modern Mexican in late 2023 at The Grove. Verdad serves Mexican dishes, such as Oaxaca filet with cherry mole, seared sea scallops with huitlacoche caviar, salmon segueza and many others. A full bar is also available and features curated cocktails designed to pair with the food. • Opened Dec. 11 • 2701 Perseverance Drive, Austin • www.verdadtruemodernmexican.com

290

BULL CREEK RD.

Coming soon

E. 40TH ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

5 Emancipet The nonprofit veterinary care provider will open a low- cost dental and surgery clinic. • Opening in April • 1030 Norwood Park Blvd., Ste. 316, Austin • www.emancipet.org

North Central

8 The Austin Chronicle The local news organization relocated its headquarters from 4000 N. I-35 due to the I-35 expansion project.

Now open

• Relocated in late January • 1000 E. 40th St., Austin • www.austinchronicle.com

1 Suzi’s Chinese Austin restauranteur Suzi Yi returned from retirement to open Suzi’s Chinese in the former Old Thousand spot, offering Chinese meat and vegetarian dishes. • Opened Jan. 19 • 4805 Burnet Road, Austin • www.suzischinese.com 2 Golden Eye Chocolates Owner Lynde Mitchell and co-founder Jess Morrisey offer a mixture of European and American chocolate.

Relocations

6 Mirror Mirror Nearly 13 years after opening at 4410 Burnet Road, Austin, local Martha Lynn Kale relocated the business. Mirror Mirror offers coloring, blowouts and haircuts. • Relocated Feb. 2

Closings

9 Citizen Eatery The plant-based restaurant, owned by Aimee and Michael Moyer, closed after seven years in business. • Closed in December • 5011 Burnet Road, Austin

• 2721 Perseverance Drive, Austin • www.mirrormirroraustin.com

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

sweets, and plates such as steak tartare, shrimp and prosciutto, handmade pastas, halibut acqua pazza and duck confit. • Opened Dec. 1

Now open

• 314 Congress Ave., Austin • www.ginasoncongress.com

3 The Guest House The restaurant serves New American dishes and “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired cocktails. • Opened in February • 110 San Antonio St., Austin • www.welcometgh.com 4 AM Radio Pilates Christian Cox opened her own Pilates studio to fill a need in the Austin area with classical authentic Pilates. The studio offers private and small-group classes including classical reformer classes and others for a mixture of experience levels. • Opened Dec. 4

7 Bunboy Donald Mullikin opened the food truck which serves several types of hand-rolled bao buns featuring butter chicken, braised pork belly, short rib and fruit alongside sides including mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts and egg rolls. • Opened Feb. 2 • 610 N. I-35, Austin • www.bunboyaustin.com

• 902 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.amradiomode.com

Coming soon

MAP NOT TO SCALE

5 Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina will replace the shuttered Wax Myrtle’s and will offer food, drinks and events in an indoor dining room and on the rooftop pool deck. • Opening in March • 506 San Jacinto Blvd., Ste. WM, Austin • www.arribaabajoatx.com

Downtown/West Campus

Closings

8 Las Bis and Luminaire The dining concepts from chef Steven McHugh operated for a year before closing. Hotel representatives said new dining concepts will be announced soon. • Closed Jan. 1 • 721 Congress Ave., Austin

Now open

1 Little Swedish The Swedish Hill spin-off is now open and offers sandwiches, snacks and coffee. This location will remain open while the original location is under construction. • Opened Feb. 14 • 1128 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.swedishhillaustin.com 2 Gina’s On Congress The French-Italian-inspired bistro replaced the former La Traviata spot late last year. Gina’s serves snacks,

Relocations

6 Tokyo Electron Ltd. The global semiconductor company will be moving out of 2400 Grove Blvd. The company will move into nearly 100,000 square feet of space in the RiverSouth office tower just south of downtown. • Move-in date TBA • 401 S. First St., Austin • www.tel.com

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

MOPAC

Now open

2 FS8 The Australian fitness studio will open its first location in the United States this March. FS combines Pilates, toning and yoga to create 50-minute workouts designed to target both physical and psychological well-being. • Opening March 2 • 3601 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.fs8.com 3 Lala’s South Pole Christmas-themed bar Lala’s Little Nugget will open a second location called Lala’s South pole this spring. The new spot will have a full-service kitchen, a large patio with views of the Greenbelt, and the same jolly service and eclectic atmosphere as the original location,

WILLIAM BARTON DR.

6 Yeni’s Fusion After initial success with her first food truck on Burnet Road, chef and owner Yeni Rosdiyani opened her second Yeni’s Fusion on West Oltorf Street—across from Phoebe’s Diner. Yeni’s Fusion South Austin offers Indonesian fusion options, such as chicken porridge, coconut soup with smoked brisket, and teh botol—a sweetened Indonesian jasmine tea—to wash it down. • Opened Jan. 5

representatives said. • Opening this spring

• 3008 Davis Lane, Austin • www.lalasaustintexas.com

S. CONGRESS AVE.

Relocations

4 Jim’s Smokehouse BBQ Austinite Brad Yerkes has relocated his food truck from Spicewood to The Picnic food truck park in the Barton Springs area. The family-owned business offers baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket tacos and more. • Opened Jan. 19

• 510 W. Oltorf St., Austin • www.yenisfusion.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

South Central

Closings

• 1720 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.jimssmokehousebbq.com

7 South Austin Comedy Club Located within Last Stand Brewing, the comedy club announced via social media that its last show would be in December. Representatives for the club said they are interested in reopening but are having difficulties finding the right venue and, as of press time, have no timeline. • Closed in December

Now open

1 Toasty Badger The 1970s-themed neighborhood eatery from Lobos Hospitality serves classic American diner fare inspired by the team’s family recipes. Menu offerings include breakfast staples, such as French toast, pancakes, omelets and eggs Benedict, as well as sandwiches, salads and dessert. • Opened Jan. 26 • 2206 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.loboshospitality.com/toastybadger

In the news

5 Barton Springs Bathhouse Renovations to the 75-year-old facility began mid- February and are will be closed through spring 2025. Improvements will include upgrading mechanical, electrical, plumbing and drainage systems. The exterior will also be updated with landscaping and pool entrance projects. • 2131 William Barton Drive, Austin • www.austintexas.gov

• 7601 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. 6, Austin • Facebook: South Austin Comedy Club

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EAST AUSTIN

Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & KATY MCAFEE

2 Project Disco Scott Withers, James Benson, Paola Segovia and Gustavo Ortega Oyarzun, owners of Visitant Social Club and Progress Coffee + Beer, opened the speakeasy at Progress Coffee + Beer. The location transforms into Project Disco every Wednesday through Saturday, offering cocktails and entertainment.

Now open

E N A S T .

ROBERT BROWNING ST.

• Opened Nov. 10 • 3421 I-35, Austin • Instagram: projectdiscoatx

3 Shh Room ATX Locals Jonathan Richards and Keith Daly opened the east side bar in late 2023. Shh Room ATX specializes in cocktails—both alcoholic and zero-proof—and offers sandwiches by Swayze’s Sandwich Parlor. • Opened Oct. 18 • 908 E. Fifth St., Ste. 107, Austin • www.shhroomatx.com 183

7 Dainty Dillo South Austin bar Armadillo Den opened a second location in the former Tillery Bar and Kitchen space. The new spot offers salads, chicken sandwiches, Texas cheesesteak and desserts. Draft cocktails, beer and seltzers are also available. • Opened Feb. 27 • 3201 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • Instagram: daintydillo

6 8

Coming soon

4 Chalmer’s The team behind Armadillo Den and Murray’s Tavern will open an ice house in the former Shell gas station. Chalmer’s will have an in-house restaurant and will feature two large patios, live music, fire pits, and two on-site food trucks. • Opening in late March • 1700 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • Instagram: chalmersatx 5 Chuy’s Tex-Mex The Austin-based Tex-Mex chain will open a new location in the Mueller neighborhood. Chuy’s serves made-from-scratch tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more using handmade tortillas. • Opening spring • 2027 Aldrich St., Austin • www.chuys.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

East Austin

The shop offers haircuts and color for men, women and children. The local chain is owned by Michael Portman

and Jayson Rapaport. • Relocated March 1 • 1401 E. 6th St, Austin • www.birdsbarbershop.com

Now open

1 Palm Pizza The team behind Bufalina and Bufalina Due opened a New York-style pizzeria. Palm Pizza specializes in thin-crust pizzas cooked in gas ovens, sandwiches and salads. A selection of wines, beers and nonalcoholic drinks are also available. • Opened Dec. 6 • 1701 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.palm.pizza 71

Closings

8 Easy Tiger East Seventh The bakery and beer garden will close this spring as a result of rising costs founder David Norman said. • Closing in late April • 1501 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.easytigerusa.com

Relocations

6 Birds Barbershop The barbershop relocated from 1107 E. 6th St., Austin.

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Government

Austin police contract remains in limbo A year after negotiations between Austin and the local police union fell apart, police officers continue working under temporary pay and benefits as city officials hope to restart talks for a deal. The context In February, City Council approved a stop- gap officer pay package valid through next March and voted to spend up to $250,000 on anticipated negotiations with the Austin Police Association. The outlook for a new city-APA meet and confer agreement remains tied to voter-ap- proved police oversight provisions enacted last year. A lawsuit filed against Austin leaders in late 2023 claimed those policies aren’t fully being carried out, while some police representatives oppose the changes.

Travis County launches $23.7M diversion pilot Travis County, Integral Care and Central Health officials are putting their heads and budgets together to launch the Crisis Care Diversion program aimed at keeping people with mental illness out of jail. The overview The Crisis Care Diversion program will depend on many of the county’s existing public health and housing services, such as Integral Care, which will expand its Psychiatric Emergency Services program to be open 24 hours and service individu- als regardless of their ability to pay. Costs are estimated to total $23.7 million over the next three years, split among the city, county, Central Health, Integral Care and possible state funds. City Council approved Austin’s $2 million share of the program Feb. 15. Ahead of their vote, officials said they still need more information

Updated services Integral Care will offer an array services through its Psychiatric Emergency Services program and Therapeutic Diversion Program, including:

Harm reduction surrounding drug use

Housing navigation

Nutrition counseling

Medical and psychiatric care

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

about the program and shared reservations about the proposed funding split. The program is open to adults who need behavioral health services. People can be referred to the facility from the PES program, court judges, attorneys or Integral Care’s jail liaison. County officials said they anticipate the program to launch sometime in 2024.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELLE BENT, KATY MCAFEE & BEN THOMPSON

Council pushes for climate investment plan City Council voted to prioritize new sustain- ability and environmental investments to address slow progress on Austin’s Climate Equity Plan and resilience efforts. A closer look A resolution passed Feb. 15 directed city man- agement to seek community input and outline the investments needed to fulfill several adopted city plans related to the environment. The Climate Equity Plan outlines 74 strategies like greenhouse gas reduction and support for community-led initiatives. Austin’s $5.47 billion fiscal year 2023-24 budget includes $385,000 in one-time funding for climate plan recommendations. Council member Ryan Alter said a goal of the effort is to look at how city officials can budget for specific investments toward climate.

Partners split on homeless strategy A review of Austin-area homeless services is moving forward, despite some skepticism about the plan. The background Austin, Travis County, Integral Care and Central Health began planning for a third-party evaluation of their responses to homelessness last fall. The plan would’ve cost up to $2 million. However, Travis County commissioners voted to exit the process in January citing concerns with the project and the involve- ment of consultant McKinsey & Co. While some city officials sought to revisit the plan’s framework, interim City Manager Jesús Garza has defended the need for the project and said it’s still moving forward for $1.35 million overall.

"We as a city have made a lot of plans with a lot of great environmental goals

for reducing our impact on the climate but in too many instances have failed to make the investments needed to meet those goals or just, quite frankly, [have been] falling short" RYAN ALTER, COUNCIL MEMBER

Funding could come through increased utility rates, general fund spending, or new bonds. Despite city staff recommending council pause on bond elections until 2026, Alter said the matter is too pressing to wait another two years. What’s next A public hearing will take place May 30 regard- ing the city’s climate investments. A location and time are to be determined.

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Election

BY KATY MCAFEE

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 Steven J. Keough D Thierry Tchenko Railroad commissioner

R Gina Parker Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 8 R Lee Finley R Michelle Slaughter* Local elections Travis County district attorney D José Garza* D Jeremy Sylestine Travis County justice of peace, Precinct 5 D Ornela Deseta D Tanisa Jeffers D Rick “Rico” Olivo* District judge, 353rd Judicial District D Susana Castillo D Madeleine Connor* D Sherine Thomas State representative, District 19

Dates to know

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

R Christie Clark R Chris Corner 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*

Where to vote

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Travis County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.elections.traviscountytx.gov

Sample ballot

State elections U.S. Senator R Ted Cruz* R Holland “Redd” Gibson R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez D Aaron Arguijo D A. “Robert” Hassan D Carl Oscar Sherman D Colin Allred D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman D Mark Gonzalez D Meri Gomez D Roland Gutierrez

R Kyle Biedermann R Manny Campos R Ellen Troxclair* D Dwain Handley D Ach Vance

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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March 11-15 Spring Break at the Bullock Learn all about sharks, the ocean, and prehistoric aquatic life with different activities each day! And don’t miss the special exhibition Sharks , on view through March 24.

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Education

BY ELLE BENT

Texas opts out of new summer food program Texas is one of 15 states that will not implement the new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Pro- gram, or Summer EBT, in which families receive $40 per eligible child monthly to supplement the cost of food during summer break. The gist Texas couldn’t successfully launch the program this year due to “current resource constraints at the state agencies, the level of effort needed to implement a new program and the need for new appropriations from the Legislature," said Thomas Vazquez, Texas Health and Human Services Commission spokesperson. This includes a current strain on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, causing many eligible Texans to wait up to six months to receive benefits. Summer EBT would have supplemented the already existing Summer Benefit Food Service

Former school serves as police training site A former Austin ISD school will tempo- rarily be used for school safety training for about 750 officers from the AISD Police Department and Travis County Constables, officials said. The background The site is the former Rosedale School, at 2117 W. 49th St., Austin which lacked ame- nities for Special Education students and closed in February 2022. What’s next District officials will continue to discuss how to permanently repurpose the facility. One proposed idea includes a housing concept meant to prioritize AISD teachers, staff and families.

Put into perspective

20% of Texas children are food insecure meaning they don't know where their next meal is coming from 37% of Austin ISD students are eligible for free meals 3.7% of Dripping Springs ISD students are eligible for free meals

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, FEEDING TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

program; which serves food to children and teenag- ers at no cost in designated sites. CEO of Feeding Texas, Celia Cole, said that the current program is challenging for many families because of the distance to those designated sites. Stay tuned The HHSC will continue to work with other stakeholders in order to implement the program at some point in the future in Texas, Vazquez said. Feeding Texas will also continue advocating for the implementation next summer, in 2025.

512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu highschool.utexas.edu

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

BY KATY MCAFEE

McKalla station opens near Q2 stadium The McKalla station on CapMetro’s Red Line, which runs from downtown Austin through the central and northwest portion of the city and to the city of Leander, opened Feb. 24. The $58.8 million project was under con- struction for about a year and a half, and will now allow for better access and connectivity to Austin FC soccer games at Q2 stadium. The station marks one of the rst pro- grams completed by Project Connect, a multibillion-dollar plan passed by voters in November 2020 to rethink and expand Austin’s transportation infrastructure. The line’s existing Kramer Station will be decommissioned sometime after McKalla station opens.

TxDOT faces lawsuit over I35 expansion project As the Texas Department of Transportation gears up to break ground on its I-35 expansion in Central Austin, the organization now faces a lawsuit over the project. In a nutshell The lawsuit, led Jan. 26, brought forth by activist groups Rethink 35 and others argues that TxDOT did not fully examine the negative environmental impacts the project could have and did not consider alternative highway designs. It also alleges that TxDOT failed to seek public comment after extending the project limits and did not nd a replacement area for a portion of Waller Beach Park that will be seized. City and county ocials have asked TxDOT to pause until further environmental review was completed; however, TxDOT promptly denied both requests.

Mutual Love Rest Fest Members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community will come together at the alcohol-free, family-friendly festival for music, games and interactive spaces. • March 16, 2-7 p.m. • Free, $10 suggested donation • FutureFront, 1900 E. 12th St., Austin • www.mutual.love Poe: A Tale of Madness Ballet Austin will oer an Edgar Allan Poe-themed set of performances based on a combination of Poe’s stories and life, accompanied by Austin Symphony Orchestra. • March 22-23, 7:30 p.m.; March 24, 3 p.m. • $15-$99 • The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.balletaustin.org/performances/poe NASCAR at COTA The NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xnity Series and NASCAR Craftsman truck series will return to Circuit of The Americas, with qualifying rounds March 22 and the races happening March 23-24. • March 22-24, times vary • $25-$79 (adults), free-$10 (12 and younger) • Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin • www.nascaratcota.com

March

“This is a project designed with the community and for the community. We have carefully followed and even exceeded the environmental and

Amplify Austin Day Founded by the nonprot I Live Here I Give Here, Amplify Austin’s 24-hour event returns to connect participants with other organizations. Local businesses and foundations partner and provide incentives or match participant’s donations. • March 6-7 • Donations accepted online • www.amplifyatx.org South by Southwest Conference & Festivals Each year, professionals and fans from around the world converge in Austin to attend various musical performances, lm and television screenings, art exhibitions, and more for SXSW. • March 8-16, times vary • Prices vary

legal requirements to advance this project.” MARC WILLIAMS, TXDOT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

What’s next Despite the denial by TxDOT, Rethink 35 ocials said the organization is not ready to give up. The group has already reached half of its $20,000 fundraising goal to help pay legal fees, and it is encouraging other activists to join Rethink 35’s lings by signing a form. “Whatever happens with I-35 now will shape our region for at least the next century. We simply can’t aord to get this wrong,” the group said in a statement to Community Impact .

Rodeo Austin The nonprot provides rodeo competitions, such as bull riding, mutton busting, barrel racing and more. Each night ends with live music by various artists. • March 8-23; 7 p.m. (Mondays-Saturdays), 3 p.m. (Sundays) • $30 and up • Travis County Expo Center, 9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin • www.rodeoaustin.com

• Central Austin • www.sxsw.com

Spring Break Austin ISD students and teachers will be o for spring break, and will return to school March 18. • March 11-15 • www.austinisd.org

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