Recent water samples at Sculpture Falls show that the levels of cylindrospermopsin, the toxin produced by blue-green algae, “have fallen well below EPA guidance values for recreational use.” Translation: It’s safe to go back in the water again. The city cautions that “the higher toxin levels or a different cyanotoxin will return without warning in the future,” so use caution and “avoid swimming if the water is warm, if it appears stagnant, if there’s scum or film on the water or if there are mats of algae.” This recommendation also holds true for other natural bodies of water. As well, “avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels tend to be higher.” As for dogs, the advice is: better safe than sorry. “Although there does not appear to be any immediate risk to dogs, dog owners may want to keep their pets away from the water. The harmful algae could quickly return without warning, and dogs are more susceptible to some toxins, and several have died when exposed.”

Longtime Democratic activist and attorney Lulu Flores announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Texas House District 51 on Thursday, following incumbent Rep. Eddie Rodriguez’s announcement that he would seek to represent the newly redrawn Congressional District 35. Flores, 66, pledged to fight for affordable housing, protection of historic neighborhoods, better wages and benefits, and “for the rights of everyone.” Her website is in the building process, but supporters can sign up at elect.lulufor51.com. Rodriguez has served in the Texas House since he was first elected in 2002. He will face Council Member Greg Casar, as well as a number of other candidates, in the March 1 Democratic primary. Casar officially announced his candidacy on Wednesday, triggering a new election for his District 4 Council seat, which is likely to coincide with the Democratic primary. The new redistricting maps are facing several legal challenges, as is the new law restricting voting signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. The U.S. Justice Department filed suit challenging that law on Thursday.

City Council Member Alison Alter sponsored a resolution Thursday directing City Manager Spencer Cronk to work to improve the city’s response to acts of hate. All 10 of her colleagues joined as co-sponsors in the resolution and expressed solidarity. Alter has sponsored three previous resolutions condemning violence, hate speech, racism and misinformation, and expressing solidarity with all those targeted by hate groups, including Muslims and Asian Americans. Over the weekend, someone set fire to Congregation Beth Israel in District 10, which Alter and her family attend. The perpetrator has not been apprehended, but law enforcement groups are investigating. In a news release, Alter said, “It is critical that as a city we join in a united front against hate and make clear that these acts do not represent our community values.” She urged Austinites to support Jewish community groups in their fight against antisemitism. The resolution reads in part, “The City Council of Austin directs the city manager to research best practices from peer cities and to collaborate with local community groups, including Shalom Austin and the Anti-Defamation League, to review and then identify and implement improvements to the city’s response to hate. The improvements should include training for relevant city staff that educates participants in how hate manifests, how to effectively respond to incidents of hate, and how social media is used to propagate hate.” The manager was directed to report back to Council and make recommendations within 120 days.

Following the CDC approval of Pfizer’s Covid vaccine for children ages 5-11, Austin Public Health is moving rapidly to roll out vaccine distribution for children. Vaccines are available by appointment this week at the health department’s two Shots for Tots clinics, which provide Covid and flu shots for children who are uninsured or are Medicaid recipients. Uninsured adults may also receive vaccines and no one is refused service if they are unable to pay. Call 512-972-5520 for an appointment. Vaccinations will also be available starting Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the walk-in clinic at Delco Activity Center and Wednesday, Nov. 10 at Old Sims Elementary. No appointment is required for walk-up sites. These clinics will be expanded the following week to several area schools where access to vaccination has been limited. “Vaccinations are the key to returning children to normalcy,” says Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority. “This is also very important for families in multi-generational households. We hope that families make the decision to vaccinate as many of their loved ones as possible to protect their home and community.”

In honor of military service members, entrance fees at Texas State Parks will be waived for day-use visitors on Sunday, Nov. 14, the Sunday after Veterans Day, which is Thursday, Nov. 11. Rodney Franklin, state parks director, explained in an announcement, “The dedication, sacrifice and service displayed by the women and men that serve in our country’s military is unparalleled and is a source of pride throughout the country. … To celebrate their service, Texas State Parks would like to once again invite everyone to spend the day at any one of our beautiful state parks for free.” Some state parks are expected to reach their capacity limit, so visitors are encouraged to reserve day passes online in advance.

Austin Independent School District is holding a virtual public meeting to update and inform the community about its budget. District leaders will answer questions and discuss topics like school funding, how campuses make decisions about staffing and programs, and how community members and families can get more involved. Wednesday, Nov. 3, 6-7 p.m. Register here to get the Zoom link. For those who cannot attend, the meeting will be recorded and posted on AISD’s Vimeo page.

Learn how to turn your food waste and lawn clippings into gold – black gold, that is – at Austin Resource Recovery’s free online home composting class. Backyard composting systems are simple to make and maintain. What could be better than creating your own nutrient-rich fertilizer? You can help your garden thrive, keep green materials out of the landfill, and move the city closer to its zero-waste goals all at the same time. Register here. Wed, Nov. 3, 6-7 p.m.

A nationwide search for a new chief of Austin-Travis County Emergency Services is underway, but details are sketchy on the number of people who have applied for the position. At Monday’s Public Safety Commission meeting, Commissioner Rebecca Webber asked Assistant City Manager Rey Arellano how many applications were submitted before last month’s deadline. Arellano said he didn’t know. “I have heard that it’s not a very robust applicant pool,” Webber said, asking Arellano for a ballpark figure. Arellano again said he didn’t know, but estimated between 10 and 20 applications had come in. The number of applicants who applied from within the department is also unknown. Arellano said he will be reviewing the applicants and expects to have a list of candidates narrowed down by the end of the month. Those candidates will advance to the next stage of the hiring process. The new chief will replace Ernesto Rodriguez, who retired from the city earlier this year after 40 years of service.

After a month of suspending fares as a thank-you to riders frustrated by the effects of staffing shortages, Capital Metro returns to collecting fares for services in November. If a month seems like a lifetime and you just can’t recall how much to fork over, find information on Capital Metro fares and passes here.

Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law Senate Bill 5, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Bill. The new law, which is designed to protect dogs from inhumane treatment, includes guidelines for dog owners to follow. Among the requirements, dogs that are kept outdoors must be provided adequate shelter; must not be chained; must be allowed to sit, lie down and move about comfortably; and must have potable water. The law goes into effect in January.

Tomorrow, Nov. 2, is election day. What it probably isn’t, according to a post from Mayor Steve Adler on the City Council Message Board, is a day that Council will hold a work session. According to the post, several Council members expressed a wish to go to the polls. In addition, city employees are allowed to take time off for elections, which could complicate things. Though Adler’s post wasn’t definitive on the topic, no Council member had heeded his call to object as of Sunday afternoon.