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Whispers
Thursday, December 5, 2019 by Tai Moses
Big Stacy on the fritz
Big Stacy Pool had to close its doors to the public yesterday for some “unanticipated electrical repairs,” according to the Aquatic Division of the Parks and Recreation Department. As more information becomes available, PARD will post an update on the situation. Swimmers can enjoy other city pools in the meantime, and Bartholomew and Deep Eddy pools will both have extended hours until Big Stacy reopens. Find all pool locations and hours of operation here.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 by Elizabeth Pagano
Adler to steer Climate Mayors
Austin Mayor Steve Adler announced Tuesday that he will be part of the new Climate Mayors Steering Committee. The group of 24 mayors will, according to a press release, “serve as a leading voice in efforts to further climate action in the more than 400 cities across the U.S. making up the Climate Mayors coalition.” Said Adler, “Cities are main contributors of carbon emissions around the world, and Austin is working to ensure we are moving the needle with regard to the global climate crisis. From implementing green methods of public transportation and increasing our use of renewable energy – time is of the essence, and it is crucial we all take action.” The Climate Mayors took up the mantle of the Paris Agreement in 2017 after President Donald Trump withdrew federal support. Currently, the network includes 438 mayors who have pledged to support climate action and clean energy. The full press release about the steering committee is available online.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 by Tai Moses
Treviño skate/bike park plan takes shape
For those who don’t know, John Treviño was the first Latino to serve on the Austin City Council. His name now graces 330 acres of undeveloped parkland in East Austin that may soon boast a world-class skate/bike park as well. Park boosters are inviting community members – particularly designers, builders and riders – to come and walk through their proposal for a park that would include BMX and mountain bike trails, a pump track and a large skate park. Free tacos and coffee are part of the bargain. Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m., 9501 FM 969. Correction: The bike/skate park is a proposal, not a finalized plan, as we reported in an earlier version of this Whisper. We regret the error.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 by Tai Moses
Help clean up Barton Creek Greenbelt
Put some old clothes on and show some love to the Barton Creek Greenbelt by joining the Save Barton Creek Association for a two-hour cleanup focusing on the trail and the creek between the 360 trailhead and the Spyglass trailhead. Attendees are asked to bring their own water bottles and wear long sleeves and pants in order to avoid any contact with poison ivy. Trash bags, grabbers and gloves will be provided. Meet at the Barton Creek 360 trailhead. RSVP and find a map to the meeting place here. Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-noon.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 by Jo Clifton
Do you know this goat?
This pygmy goat was found near Barton Springs Pool around Dec. 1, according to a spokesperson for 311. Because no one has claimed her or him, the Department of Animal Services has created this little poster to spread the word about the foundling. If you own this goat or you know who does, please call 311.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 by Jo Clifton
Poll shows Garza’s support
According to poll results released by the political action committee supporting Delia Garza for Travis County attorney, the mayor pro tem has a significant lead over her three opponents in the Democratic primary. Even though Garza has not announced her candidacy, her supporters at the Progressive Justice Now PAC have been hard at work. The poll, conducted by Littlefield Consulting on Nov. 19, shows that 34 percent of likely voters surveyed would vote for Garza, former judge Mike Denton would get 10 percent of the vote, and Assistant County Attorney Laurie Eiserloh would get 7 percent. Just 1 percent of those polled said they would vote for the fourth candidate in the race, Dominic Selvera, a criminal defense attorney. But there’s still lots of work to do because 48 percent of those polled were uncertain about who they would vote for. As for Garza, she has said she would not be seeking reelection to City Council, but has held off on making an announcement about the county attorney’s seat. Section 65 of the Texas Constitution appears to say that candidates for any office other than the one they currently hold will lose their current position if they announce their intention to run for another office more than one year and 30 days prior to the expiration of their term. Longtime political consultant David Butts said Monday he’s been told Garza can make an announcement and sign up for the March Democratic primary starting this Thursday, Dec. 5. The filing deadline is Dec. 9.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 by Tai Moses
Wastewater main break causes sewage overflow
A wastewater main break that released 100,000 gallons of sewage into a tributary of Bull Creek over the weekend has Austin Water officials urging residents using private drinking water supply wells within a half-mile of the site to boil water “for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing.” The utility is also asking Austinites to steer clear of the creek and trails in Great Hills Park, specifically the area near 10801 Sierra Oaks. The city’s drinking water supply has not been affected and Austin Water crews are on the scene completing repairs and doing cleanup. The overflow was discovered at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 by Tai Moses
Panel tackles Land Development Code rewrite
University of Calgary geography professor Eliot Tretter will moderate a discussion about the Land Development Code rewrite with Carmen Llanes Pulido, executive director of Go Austin/Vamos Austin, and Chris Wojtewicz, a housing and transportation advocate. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m., Monkeywrench Books, 110 E. North Loop.
Monday, December 2, 2019 by Tai Moses
Downtown Holiday Stroll celebrates 25 years
Even grinches will find something to enjoy at the 25th Annual Downtown Holiday Stroll on Saturday. The free festival, which is hosted by the Downtown Austin Alliance, begins at 5 p.m. with live music, a holiday market, a kids’ play area, local food vendors, and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The KUT/KUTX sing-along starts at 6 p.m. on the south steps of the Capitol, and the tree lighting is at 7 p.m. at the south gates of the Capitol lawn on Congress Avenue. There will also will be live ice sculpting, performances by the Austin High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a petting zoo, a giant snow dome, and screenings of classic holiday movies such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-10 p.m., on Congress Avenue from 11th to Ninth streets.
Monday, December 2, 2019 by Tai Moses
Share your vision for Holly Point
Come to an open house to learn about plans for the next phase of the Holly Point Project, an expanded trail and wetland restoration project within Holly Shores/Edward Rendon Sr. Metropolitan Park at Festival Beach. The event, hosted by the Trail Foundation and Austin Parks and Recreation Department, is a follow-up to the first community engagement event that took place last June. According to the press release, “The Holly Project site is located just west of the decommissioned Holly Power Plant, adjacent to the lagoon and baseball fields. Proposed improvements anticipate the transition of the decommissioned Holly Power Plant into parkland and how that will impact the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.” Meet the project team, review the plans, ask questions, offer input, and enjoy coffee and breakfast tacos on the house. Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-noon, Lorraine Camacho Activity Center, 35 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 by Austin Monitor
Happy Thanksgiving from the Monitor!
The Austin Monitor will observe Thanksgiving this Thursday and Friday. We wish all of our readers a safe, happy Thanksgiving holiday, and we will resume our regular publication schedule on Monday, Dec. 2.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 by Tai Moses
What’s closed for the holidays?
All city administrative offices and municipal facilities will be closed this Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29, to allow employees to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. If you’re planning to adopt a furry family member this week, the Austin Animal Center closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, will be closed Thanksgiving Day and reopens at 9 a.m. on Friday. The Zilker Botanical Gardens and Deep Eddy, Big Stacy, Springwoods and Bartholomew pools will be closed Thanksgiving Day and will reopen Friday for regular business hours. You can visit Barton Springs Pool on Thanksgiving Day, but no lifeguards will be present, so swim at your own risk. Austin Public Library, Recycled Reads Bookstore, Austin History Center branches, and city recreation, cultural arts, nature, history and senior centers will all be closed from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, through Friday. Austin Resource Recovery residential collection customers should remember that collection will “slide” a day due to the holiday: Thursday collection slides to Friday, and Friday collection slides to Saturday.