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Whispers
Monday, December 7, 2020 by Elizabeth Pagano
Imagining reimagining public safety
Along with the massive project of “reimagining public safety” comes a massive amount of information, a lot of which the city has continued to post on its website dedicated to the issue. Of particular note is the page laying out the scheduled public conversations on the topic, along with ways to communicate with the city. In addition, the city introduced a new blog last week that aims to “provide insight on the latest developments in the City of Austin’s RPS initiative. The blog is also designed to help you navigate this website and the wealth of information it offers.”
Monday, December 7, 2020 by Tai Moses
Is your A/C working properly?
It’s almost the season of eggnog, latkes and candy canes, but the Austin Code Department is thinking ahead to summertime and implementing new inspection procedures for residential air-conditioning systems. While there’s no code requirement that says dwellings must be air-conditioned, if there is air conditioning in a residence, the International Property Maintenance Code says the system “needs to be properly installed and maintained in safe working condition and capable of performing the intended function”– to keep the inhabitants from melting in the broiling Texas heat. Malfunctioning A/C is also a public health issue, as interim Assistant Director Daniel Word explained in an announcement about the new inspection program: “Hot, humid summers and poor ventilation can lead to dangerous conditions. Those conditions can also lead to mold growth which is harmful for residents with underlying respiratory conditions.” Tenants who are experiencing problems with their A/C should tell their property managers or landlords. Potential code violations may be reported by calling Austin 311. The inspection program covers central air only, not window units or mini-splits.
Friday, December 4, 2020 by Tai Moses
Last call to apply for RENT
The deadline is fast approaching for Austin renters who have experienced a loss of income related to Covid-19 to apply for assistance through the city’s Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) program. The city urges applicants to apply before the last random selection of applications on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 11:59 a.m. Housing Authority President and CEO Michael Gerber said in a news release from the city, “The RENT program has helped thousands of local families to avoid eviction for non-payment of rent, allowing them to stay in their homes where they can be safe during the pandemic. We strongly encourage any low-income Austin renters who need rental assistance or are at risk of eviction to apply for this program by Tuesday, December 8th at noon.” To learn more and to submit an application, visit the city’s RENT application portal.
Friday, December 4, 2020 by Tai Moses
City seeks artists for TEMPO exhibit
The Economic Development Department is inviting local artists to participate in Art in Public Places TEMPO 2021, the city’s annual temporary public art exhibition. TEMPO’s mission, according to the announcement, is “to promote tourism, cultivate curiosity, spark imagination, engage the community in a meaningful dialogue about public art, foster work by local artists, and cultivate exploration of Austin.” Sylnovia Holt Rabb, acting director of the EDD, said, “We are continuing our commitment to support the next generation of public artists. The TEMPO exhibition provides the community with a deeper appreciation of public art through thought-provoking installations that enhance city-owned sites across Austin.” At least 10 artists will be selected and their work will be exhibited at library branches throughout the city. Submit a proposal by Thursday, Jan. 26, at 5 p.m. via PublicArtist.org/AustinAIPP. Interested artists may register on Eventbrite to attend a virtual information meeting on Dec. 15, noon-1 p.m.
Thursday, December 3, 2020 by Elizabeth Pagano
HAAM teams up with city of Austin
Austin’s Economic Development Department has partnered with Health Alliance for Austin Musicians “to provide access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income, underinsured working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness through the Healthcare Access Program,” according to a press release from the city. HAAM’s Healthcare Access Program is enrolling musicians in insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act until Dec. 15. The nonprofit offers support in paying monthly premiums, navigating the system and connecting musicians with community resources. “The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to limit the earning potential of Austin musicians, resulting in chronic stress that impacts musicians’ mental wellness,” notes Veronica Briseño, the city’s chief economic recovery officer. “Partnering with HAAM to expand the Healthcare Access Program supports musicians by offering year-long comprehensive coverage that includes access to mental health care.”
Thursday, December 3, 2020 by Tai Moses
PALS helps homebound pets
We don’t think about this much, but many dogs and cats, while they may be much loved by their owners, aren’t getting the proper care they need, such as regular walks and vet visits, because their guardians may be elderly, disabled or unable to leave their homes. Fortunately, Meals on Wheels Central Texas has a program called PALS (People Assisting the Lives of Seniors) that helps care for the pets of senior clients. PALS’ mission is to keep pets and their people together, whatever it takes. There are several ways we can help PALS with its mission. One of the greatest areas of need is transport; PALS volunteers may drive pets to their vet appointments or to the groomer. Volunteers also open their own homes for pets whose owners must go to the hospital for a short stay. And during the holiday season, PALS solicits donations of pet toys, beds and treats to make holiday gift bags for clients. Find out more about joining PALS’ volunteer team here. Watch this short video to learn more about PALS.
Thursday, December 3, 2020 by Tai Moses
Downs Field recalled in oral histories
Twenty oral histories about Downs Field are headed to the Austin History Center’s African American Community Archives and the Huston-Tillotson University Archives. The oral histories were collected during Forklift Danceworks’ Take Me Out to Downs Field, a yearlong residency that delved into the history of the century-old site, a Texas Historic Landmark that was once home to Negro Baseball League teams like the Austin Black Senators and the Austin Palominos. Willie Ray Hale, a former bat boy for the Austin Greyhounds and the Austin Indians, whose story is among the oral histories donated to the archives, said, “It’s a part of history that a lot of people don’t know anything about, and it’s right there in their neighborhood. I lived it and wasn’t thinking about history when I was a kid. I was just out having a good time. It brought people together, and people need that now.”
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 by Tai Moses
City auditor launches podcast
The Office of the City Auditor has launched a new podcast focused on revealing the inner workings of local government and following the latest investigations and audits. Audit ATX, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, features interviews with city auditor staff in the interest of providing more “transparency and accessibility” to the work being done at the city office. Each 15-minute episode will provide a summary of an auditor’s report. Software licenses and fraud and waste at the Austin Public Library are the topics of the first two episodes. Audit ATX co-host Kelsey Thompson said in a news release, “We’ve heard from listeners that this podcast has opened their eyes to how the city really works.”
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 by Tai Moses
Renew expired vehicle tags online
Drivers are getting a break from the state – a nine-month break to be exact. Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an order giving owners of motor vehicles up to nine months past their expiration date to renew their vehicle registration online. Those driving with expired tags will not be ticketed by law enforcement. Bruce Elfant, the Travis County tax assessor-collector, clarified in a news release, “Being able to drive your vehicle past the sticker expiration date does not save you money. If you are driving with an overdue sticker, please get your inspection and renew your vehicle registration at Texas.gov.” Those who renew online will receive a receipt, good for one month, to carry in the vehicle until the new registration sticker arrives. More than 300,000 vehicles currently have expired registration stickers in Travis County, and Elfant acknowledges “it’s unlikely we would be able to process the large backlog of registration renewals within the 60-day renewal period at the tax office.” Vehicle registration may also be renewed at HEB or Fiesta Mart grocery stores, Travis County AAA stores, Oak Hill Title Company, and Fry’s Title Service. If your registration is more than nine months overdue, you must make a tax office appointment at TravisCountyTax.org – but it can take up to two months to get an appointment. That’s why renewing online is “the safest and easiest way to update your vehicle registration,” Elfant said.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 by Tai Moses
Study links Covid to food insecurity
Researchers at Dell Medical School have found that Covid-19 surges are linked to food insecurity in Austin, particularly among children. A Dell Med Department of Pediatrics research team partnered with CommUnityCare Health Centers to conduct a study of 645 Austin-area families from April to August 2020. “The study showed food insecurity affected families surveyed 33% to 70% during this time, with an average of 47%. The fluctuations corresponded to Travis County Covid-19 rates and hospitalizations, and with changes in the labor market,” according to the news release. “In May, when steps were taken to reopen the Texas economy, food insecurity flexed downward, only to peak at 70% of families during July, when local Covid rates worsened,” said Dr. Megan Gray, an assistant professor in the departments of Pediatrics and Population Health at Dell Med. “While these numbers of increased or decreased percentages of food insecurity give us a snapshot of what our community is facing, the reality of food insecurity goes beyond just having enough money to buy food. It’s about the chronic stress and mental health impact of families who are worried about not being able to meet their children’s needs,” she added. “And looking at these numbers, it’s very concerning that Covid-19 has erased decades of progress in food access and food equity, which will likely get worse this winter as Covid-19 rates rise in our community.” Read more about the study here.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 by Tai Moses
HCC’s Cofer handing the reins to new leader
As Hill Country Conservancy prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a virtual party on Dec. 5, changes are brewing at the leadership level of the conservation nonprofit. Founding Executive Director George Cofer will be handing the reins to Dan Eck, formerly the executive director of the Museum of the Southwest in Midland. According to the news release, HCC Board Chair Pat Fox noted that the search committee was impressed with Eck’s varied background in art, science and education. “His nonprofit passion and leadership has resulted in significant growth for the organizations he’s served, building both financial stability and community goodwill. We are thrilled to have him in this role, taking us into the future,” Fox said. Departing CEO Cofer, who founded the conservancy in 1999, had planned to retire in April, but postponed the move due to the pandemic. In his retirement announcement he said, “When I helped found Hill Country Conservancy, I had high hopes for what we could accomplish as a community, but never did I imagine the immense impact we would have across the region.” Eck was voted in by the board on Nov. 10 and will begin his new role as CEO next month, taking the organization into its third decade.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 by Tai Moses
As temps drop, cold weather shelter opens
With temperatures predicted to drop below freezing tonight, LifeWorks has activated its emergency cold weather shelter with the aim of getting homeless youth and young adults off the streets and into a warm safe space for the night. The shelter, at 835 N. Pleasant Valley Road, is available only on the coldest nights of the year and donations are urgently needed to help the organization provide blankets, clothing, food and other basic needs. For information on cold weather shelters throughout Austin, call (512) 305-4233.