070824: ATX PULSE: Beryl Makes Landfall, Skips ATX // Biden to Speak at LBJ Library July 15 // Massive Projects Planned Near Tesla Gigafactory // 3rd RR Shooting Suspect Arrested // Don't Let Your Dogs Swim in Lake Travis!

ATX Pulse

Everything YOU NEED TO KNOW about Austin.

Monday, July 8, 2024

By Matt Mackowiak

TOP NEWS

“Beryl approaches Central Texas Monday,” KXAN’s Nick Bannin, Kristen Currie, Rich Segal, Jim Spencer and Freddy Vela — “Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to become a hurricane tonight just before landfall. Landfall is expected near Matagorda Bay around 1 a.m. Monday. From there, the storm should gradually weaken as it moves northward. Beryl should pass about 100 miles east of Austin (closer to Brenham) during the afternoon on Monday, then race northeastward into East Texas and the Midwest. The ‘cone of uncertainty’ no longer covers most of the Austin area as forecast confidence in the future track of Beryl has increased.

Since the track of Beryl will be so far east of Austin, the main impacts of the storm will be felt over Milam, Lee and Fayette Counties. This is where we could see some heavy rainfall on the order of 2 to 3 inches, with possible higher totals. A Flood Watch is in effect for those counties beginning tonight into Tuesday morning.

For the rest of Central Texas, rain totals will sharply drop off from east to west. Areas along the I-35 corridor are expected to receive around and inch or less, with the Hill Country seeing the least at around a quarter inch.

Winds could be a bit gusty at times, especially east of Austin where winds could reach over 40 miles per hour.

Beryl will quickly weaken and accelerate northeastward Monday night into Tuesday. Overall, this will be a fairly quick event on Monday. For Tuesday and the rest of the week ahead, we will see partly sunny skies with daily afternoon rain chances around 20 to 30 percent. Highs will be climbing back into the 90s on Tuesday, and by the weekend, upper 90s are expected with no rain.” KXAN

“Third suspect arrested in connection with shooting at Round Rock Juneteenth celebration,” via KVUE — “A third suspect has been arrested in the investigation into the deadly shooting on June 15 in Round Rock at the Juneteenth Festival at Old Settlers Park, according to the Round Rock Police Department. 

Eighteen-year-old Keshawn Dixon was arrested and charged with deadly conduct on Saturday in Killeen and taken to the Bell County Jail. 

A person can be charged with deadly conduct If they "recklessly engage in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury," according to the Texas Penal Code. Dixon may be charged with other offenses, according to Round Rock police.  

Two women were killed and 14 others were injured in the shooting during a Juneteenth event. Police said the incident began when two groups of people started fighting with each other near the vendor area of the festival. At least one person then pulled a gun out and started shooting before leaving the scene.

The two women, Ara Duke and Lyndsey Vicknair, were both innocent bystanders in the shooting, according to police. The injured victims’ ages range from 10 to 62 years old.

This arrest brings the total number of suspects up to at least three. Two teenagers have already been arrested in connection with the shooting.” KVUE

“Save Austin Now demands 3rd Court of Appeals ‘do its job’ and rule on homeless camping ban,” CBS Austin’s Bettie Cross — “A demand from Save Austin Now on Wednesday that the 3rd Court of Appeals “do its job.” A new radio ad just launched calling on the court to stop delaying a ruling on the Proposition B lawsuit. Prop B reinstated Austin’s homeless camping ban three years ago, but Save Austin Now says it is still not being fully enforced. The “Do Your Job” radio ad is now playing on KLBJ 590am.

“Why has the homeless camping ban not been fully enforced? In May 2021 more than 90,000 Austin voters reinstated the homeless camping ban, ending Steve Adler’s camping disaster. Since then, (crickets sound) it’s been crickets. Now the Supreme Court ruled cities like Austin can enforce homeless camping bans. More than 500 days ago Save Austin Now sued the city for refusing to FULLY enforce the camping ban. The City of Austin is using delay tactics. The 3rd Court of Appeals is outrageously refusing to act, as they have had all briefs and filings for more than 330 days. They still refuse to rule. We filed a motion to expedite the ruling 100 days ago and they refuse to rule on that! Enough is enough. Call 512-463-1733 and tell Chief Justice Darlene Byrne and Justices Thomas Baker, Gisela Triana, Chari Kelly, Edward Smith, and Rosa Theofanis and tell them to DO THEIR JOBS.”

“We’re just out of patience,” said Matt Mackowiak, co-founder of Save Austin Now.

The Save Austin Now radio ad demands the 3rd Court of Appeals issue a ruling on the Proposition B lawsuit. Prop B passed in 2021, reinstating the homeless camping ban with a vote of 58% to 42%. Save Austin Now says despite that vote, the city is refusing to fully enforce the ban in violation of city ordinance, the will of the voters, and state law. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that cities can enforce camping bans.

“We’re deeply frustrated with the 3rd Court of Appeals. We think it’s totally unacceptable what they’ve been doing. It’s time for them to do their job and these radio ads are going to continue until they do,” said Mackowiak.

The radio ad also accuses the City of Austin of using “delay tactics.” Wednesday afternoon a city spokesperson responded to our request for an interview with the following statement.

The City of Austin does not comment on pending legal matters. However, we can confirm that the City is not employing "delay tactics" to avoid fully enforcing the homeless camping ban. The City of Austin remains committed to addressing homelessness through a balanced approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all residents, including those experiencing homelessness.

Enforcement of the camping ban is a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination among various City departments, social service providers, and law enforcement agencies. Our primary goal is to ensure that enforcement actions are conducted in a manner that is humane, respectful, and legally sound. This involves providing adequate notice to individuals affected, offering alternative shelter options, and ensuring that our actions comply with individual rights.

Additionally, the City of Austin has been actively working to increase the availability of safe and suitable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness. This includes expanding shelter capacity, investing in permanent supportive housing, and enhancing outreach and support services. These efforts are essential to providing long-term solutions to homelessness, rather than merely displacing individuals without addressing the root causes of their situation.

In conclusion, our approach is not one of delay but of deliberate, compassionate, and effective action to address homelessness comprehensively and humanely.” CBS Austin

» Watch the 3 minute TV news segment here.

» Listen to the radio ad here.

“President Biden to speak at LBJ Library in Austin to commemorate Civil Rights Act signing,” Austin American-Statesman’s Bayliss Wagner — “President Joe Biden is set to deliver a major speech on civil rights and democracy at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum in Austin on July 15, the same day the Republican National Convention begins in Milwaukee, two sources familiar with the engagement told the American-Statesman.

The event, which will commemorate the recent 60th anniversary of Johnson's signing of the Civil Rights Act, will mark Biden's first trip to Texas' capital city since before his election in 2020.

The announcement comes days after U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, became the first congressional Democrat to call on Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election, drawing on the example of Johnson's decision to forgo a reelection campaign in 1968 in his statement.

"Under very different circumstances, (Johnson) made the painful decision to withdraw. President Biden should do the same," Doggett said.

A White House official who confirmed the visit to the Statesman did not comment on whether the trip is connected to the GOP convention or to Doggett's calls for withdrawal, though they noted that the event is an official White House event, not a campaign event. The White House official and the other source did not agree to be named.

Biden continues to be plagued by questions about his capacity to serve four more years in office after an ABC News interview Friday failed to substantially assuage concerns that arose from his disastrous performance at the recent presidential debate with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.” AAS ($)

BUSINESS NEWS

“Massive industrial projects en route near Tesla Gigafactory,” Austin American-Statesman’s Shonda Novak — “With ongoing demand for warehouse and distribution space in Central Texas, massive industrial projects are on track to be neighbors to Tesla's Gigafactory near Southeast Austin.

The developments come in a part of the region that is seeing explosive growth, including thousands of new apartments, single-family homes, commercial development and more.

One of the latest industrial projects broke ground in May by St. Louis-based developer Sansone Group, partnering with Principal Asset Management. Located off the Texas 130 toll road, the project ultimately will bring more than 1.35 million square feet of industrial space in six buildings, to be constructed in three phases.

The development, Austin Hills Commerce Center, is being built on about 134 acres at 11801 Decker Lake Road, a few miles north of Tesla Inc.'s 4.3-million-square-foot electric vehicle manufacturing plant.

The Austin region's population growth and “robust industrial market fundamentals" make the area a good fit, Nick Sansone, principal at Sansone Group, said in an email.

“Austin maintains its status as one of the nation's leading growth markets, fueled by sustained demand in the industrial sector, particularly from suppliers serving companies such as Samsung and Tesla,” Sansone said. AAS ($)

“Alamo Drafthouse to reopen five previously closed theaters after recent Sony investment,” Austin American-Statesman’s Beck Andrew Salgado — “Weeks after being acquired by Sony Entertainment, Alamo Drafthouse has announced that it will be reopening five previously closed theaters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The theaters were closed last month after a franchisee — Two Is One, One is None LLC — that operated all the North Texas theaters filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and immediately closed the locations.

"After the sudden closure of our Lake Highlands, Richardson, Cedars, Las Colinas, and Denton locations by their former franchise owner, we are thrilled to announce that we have officially purchased and plan to reopen all five of the DFW-area theaters!" the Austin-founded company said in a statement.

As for what the reopening plan will look like, Alamo Drafthouse has said it will be bringing back the theaters in rapid succession when each theater is ready. Additionally, the theater chain will be offering discounts and promotions, the details of which will be announced soon, during each theater’s grand reopening.

The handful of reopenings is the first public movement from the iconic Austin theater chain since it was acquired by Sony Pictures last month. Here's what you need to know about that deal, and if it means the motion picture palace is now in a growth mindset.

In mid-June, Sony Pictures went from summer blockbuster movies to summer blockbuster deals when it announced it had acquired dine-in movie giant Alamo Drafthouse.

When the deal was made, Sony Pictures said in a statement that Alamo Drafthouse will be managed within Sony by a newly established division, Sony Pictures Experiences. The deal reinforces Sony’s long-held commitment to theatrical exhibition and gives the company new territory within the theater industry.

After the acquisition was announced, Sony made clear that Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann would remain in place leading the Lone Star dine-in movie theater chain. Kustermann will also head Sony Pictures Experiences.

The acquisition should not affect the theaters too much since Sony said that Alamo Drafthouse will continue to operate all 35 of its cinemas under the Alamo Drafthouse brand. Alamo Drafthouse-owned Fantastic Fest, the world-renowned genre film festival, is included in the acquisition and will also continue to be operated by Alamo Drafthouse. The company’s headquarters has remained in Austin since the deal was made.” AAS ($)

OTHER NEWS

“Dog dies after swimming in Lake Travis,” KVUE’s John Diaz — “The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) reports that a dog died after swimming in Lake Travis near Point Venture.

Officials with the LCRA say they took samples from the area, but that test results won't be available for several days.

In the meantime, if you plan on bringing pets out to the lake, especially near Poitn Venture, you're urged to keep them out of the water. Officials also say to avoid contact with all algae, which can produce dangerous cyanotoxins at any time.

How to minimize the risk of exposure

Humans, pets and livestock that interact with harmful algae can become sick, while extreme cases can cause paralysis or death. The LCRA says people who enter the water do so at their own risk, but there are tips to keep pets safe.

• Avoid areas with algae or that are stagnant

• Don't let dogs consume lake water or other shoreline debris

• Don't let dogs lick their fur and or paws after getting out of the water

• Rinse your dog after they come in contact with the lake

• Provide dogs with clean, fresh drinking water

• If your dog appears sick after swimming, take them to the vet immediately

Treating dogs after exposure

The Canine Health Center at Cornell says the two most dangerous toxins affect the nervous system and the liver. They also say signs can develop within several hours.

While there is no specific antidote for cyanotoxins, treatments may include IV fluids, oxygen, anti-seizure medicine, electrolytes and glucose, and blood or fresh frozen plasma.

People who enter the water do so at their own risk, but there are tips to keep pets safe.” KVUE

SPORTS

AUSTIN FC: “Gyasi Zardes, short-handed Austin FC make statement with win over New York City FC,” Austin American-Statesman’s Thomas Jones — “Striker Gyasi Zardes turned back the clock while helping Austin FC overcome a slow start to pick up a needed 2-1 win Saturday night against visiting New York City FC at Q2 Stadium.

Zardes, 32, once a fixture in the lineup for the U.S. men's national team, had been reduced to a part-time role before recent roster limitations forced Austin FC coach Josh Wolff to start the veteran twice in the past three matches. He responded with his first two goals of the season.

Here are some thoughts from the match as Austin FC (8-6-8, 30 points) continues to keep its head above water in the Western Conference playoff chase despite being short-handed.

Gyasi Zardes still has life left in his legs

Sure, it had been nearly a calendar year — 356 days, to be exact — since one of the most prolific scorers in MLS history had found the back of the net. But Zardes, one of only three players on the roster who earn at least $1 million annually, has justified his cost in recent weeks for a team that's been stymied by absences. His tap-in header on a cross by Jadier Obrian in extra time in the first half evened the score at 1-1, and he calmly collected a pass from Owen Wolff in the box and beat NYC FC keeper Matthew Freese to the far post for the go-ahead goal in the 67th minute.

With those two scores, Zardes moved into a tie with Dwayne de Rosario for 10th place on the all-time MLS goals list with 104.

“That's what he's capable of,” Josh Wolff said. “I mean, he's been doing that most of his career. He's a goal scorer, if he gets service consistently and gets consistent minutes.”

But will he get consistent minutes when Austin FC has its full complement of players? Zardes started against New York City FC (11-3-8, 35 points) because Diego Rubio missed the match due to yellow card accumulation. The Verde & Black will have even more choices up top once Ghanian winger Osman Bukari arrives when the MLS summer transfer window officially opens July 18.

Wolff just likes to have options, especially after nagging injuries and roster decisions have left his squad thin.

“It creates some competition, obviously, in that (forward) group,” he said. “It's something we’ve lacked all year — competition. Our numbers are so light. You know, we look forward to getting Bukari and some other guys. That will instantly give us more competition and will also give us more depth.”

Zardes says he will fill whatever role best helps the team.

“I support every decision that the coaches make,” he said. “I'm just going to work hard, whether I'm starting the game or coming off the bench. I was fortunate to get the start today, and I just have to keep going and keep working hard and keep doing whatever (Wolff) is asking me. I'm a team player, and I will always be one.” AAS ($)

TEXAS ATHLETICS: Cedric Golden column: “Texas’ all-star roster of head coaches can make the Longhorns winners in the SEC,” via Austin American-Statesman — “Chris Del Conte has assembled an all-star team.

At a school known for producing great athletes, the Texas athletic director has a roster of head coaches that's among the deepest in America. One that’s fully equipped to make a real ruckus in the SEC.

“I think when you’re at the University of Texas, you have to have coaches who have won, been there before, want to win championships and understand what it takes,” Del Conte told me Friday. “I think having a collection of coaches that have all won or competed for championships in every sport is vital because you can learn from each other.”

To that end, he's doing everything possible to make sure Texas' coaches are prepared to meet some Olympus-level expectations on campus and beyond. He’s building new facilities, supporting their efforts in the increasingly expensive transfer portal era and even doing some team building this summer.

“He’s bringing such talented leaders of our student-athletes together,” UT President Jay Hartzell said at the introduction of baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle on June 26. “It’s making this a special place at a special time.”

Del Conte, his coaches and closest advisers gathered for a two-day retreat at the home of longtime UT athletics supporter Bill Duvall last week and exchanged ideas and coaching concepts between a great spread and good cheer. 

The Horns are officially inside the storm that is the SEC, and people who are paid to win with no excuses all sat together and shared ideas about their goals and the commonalities that come with coaching at a major university, along with the accompanying pressure. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey was also on hand to commiserate with the newest roster of coaches in a league whose winning reputation precedes it by a country mile.

Del Conte enlisted the services of guest speaker Kevin Carroll, an author who travels the country making motivational speeches and empowering groups to reach excellence. 

Carroll and colleague Dr. David Yeager, a UT professor and behavioral psychologist, met with the coaches and conducted what Carroll said was some robust discourse about dealing with pressure as coaches and how to better equip the athletes to do the same. He reminded those in attendance that athletes are a reflection of their coaches, a fact that is sometimes overlooked in the zest to win.

“It’s very different times having to navigate a lot of things with your student-athletes,” Carroll added. “So how do we better equip coaches to meet them where they are and to add more tools and more confidence to communicate effectively with them?”

Yeager, whose book "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People" will drop Aug. 6, spoke about the process of building young people's confidence without having to break them down.

The presentation centered on not only how coaches relate to players in today’s age, but also dealing with challenges young people face with the distractions that come with social media while trying to excel in college sports' pressure cooker.

"You look at the great coaches, and the first thing they do is connect with the kids," Yeager said. "They give them dignity and respect and treat them as more than numbers on a stat sheet. After they do that, then they kick their butts a bit and push them to their limits. But you don't just show up then tear a kid down."

All eyes will be on football this fall because it’s football money that led the school to sever ties with the Big 12. 

While coach Steve Sarkisian has come through on his promise to make football better with larger human beings and better recruiting, Del Conte continues to make these incredible hires to push this Texas renaissance even closer to a second golden era on campus.” AAS ($)

TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Texas football team lands commitment from Kade Philips, 4-star CB in 2025 class,” Austin American-Statesman’s Thomas Jones — “It was a rough week on the recruiting trail for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, but Saturday's commitment of four-star cornerback Kade Phillips helped ease some of those frustrations.

Phillips, a 6-foot, 170-pounder from Fort Bend Hightower outside of Houston, picked Texas over LSU, he announced on his social media accounts.

He ranks as the 24th-best cornerback prospect in the nation and the No. 31 overall recruit in the state, according to 247Sports' composite ratings. Scouts also think Phillips could serve as an ideal cover safety who can match up with receivers on the edge and in the slot.

In recent weeks, Texas has missed out on several five-star prospects: receiver Dakorien Moore (Oregon), linebacker Riley Pettijohn (Ohio State) and cornerback Dorian Brew (Oregon). The Longhorns also lost four-star defensive tackle Brandon Brown, who decommitted from Texas earlier this week and pledged to LSU. …

The Longhorns and Sarkisian are in the midst of their summer recruiting push. They fell a spot to No. 18 in the latest composite class rankings after nabbing a pledge from four-star defensive lineman Smith Orogbo but losing Brown. Texas, which now has 13 commitments for 2025, could move up that list after receiving the pledge from Phillips.” AAS ($)

TEXAS A&M ATHLETICS: “Jeremy McMillan returning to Texas A&M baseball from LSU as strength coach,” Austin American-Statesman’s John Leuzzi — “Texas A&M baseball coach Michael Earley has reportedly hired another familiar face to be part of his first-year coaching staff — continuing a trend by the first-time skipper in his hires.

According to multiple reports, Earley is bringing in LSU head baseball strength and conditioning coach Jeremy McMillan to lead his department at Texas A&M.

It's a homecoming of sorts for McMillan, as the San Antonio native spent 12 seasons in College Station from 2012-2023 in the same position under previous Texas A&M coaches Rob Childress and Jim Schlossnagle.

McMillan, who left Texas A&M for LSU last offseason, played a key role in the Aggies' program and player development during his previous Aggies tenure. As noted by his LSU profile page, McMillan helped develop the program's largest MLB draft class in 2016, as 13 players were selected in the draft.” AAS ($)

TEXAS BASEBALL: “Texas lands a potential starting infielder in Arizona State transfer Ethan Mendoza,” Austin American-Statesman’s Danny Davis — “For the second time in a week, a Sun Devil has become a Longhorn.

Ethan Mendoza announced Saturday that he will transfer to Texas. Mendoza, a Texas native and a graduate of Southlake Carroll, spent his freshman year as the starting second baseman on Arizona State's baseball team.

Mendoza's commitment comes five days after former Arizona State pitcher Thomas Burns revealed his plans to move to Austin. Like Mendoza, Burns was a freshman during the 2024 season.

New Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle got a good look at both Burns and Mendoza last season. At the Kubota College Baseball Series at Arlington's Globe Life Field in March, Schlossnagle's Texas A&M team played Arizona State twice. Mendoza went 4-for-7 in those games. Burns struck out six Aggies over a four-inning start.

During his only year with the Sun Devils, Mendoza hit .315 over 203 at-bats with 35 runs scored and 24 RBIs. His 17-game hitting streak was snapped in Arizona State's season finale.

At Texas, Mendoza should quickly contend for playing time. Dee Kennedy, who started 40 times at second base for the Longhorns in 2024, transferred to Kansas State this offseason.” AAS ($)

CULTURE

“Paramount Theatre’s 50th summer film series pays tribute to classic, cult titles,” KXAN’s Kelsey Thompson — “It’s summertime in Austin, and with it comes the 50th anniversary of the Paramount Theatre’s Summer Classic Film Series.

For half a century, downtown Austin’s Paramount Theatre has rung in the summer season with dozens of films, ranging from beloved classics like “Casablanca” to cult hits like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In hitting this milestone, Paramount Theatre staff said it’s a testament to the preservation and ongoing legacy of the historic theater and Austin’s dedication to it.

“It’s pretty incredible considering that when the series started in 1975, there was very real talk of the Paramount being town down and replaced with a Holiday Inn,” said Stephen Jannise, the director of film programming at the Paramount. “And so the three guys that took over the theater in the 70s we’re just trying to get more people back to the theater thought, ‘why not try running old movies?'”

In the decades since, Jannise said the film series has become a beloved tradition in town and an unofficial signifier that summer had arrived in the Texas capital.

Each year, the series includes between 100 to 120 films, with Jannise tasked with figuring out how to cultivate a “wide ranging, diverse lineup” for guests to enjoy. The secret recipe behind his selection process, he said, is a blend of classic films paired with movies celebrating landmark anniversaries, recent restorations or titles that they feel resonate with audience members.

“It’s like a jigsaw puzzle of where can I fit in these movies and end up with our lineup of 100 and so films every year,” he said.

“Casablanca” is the staple film shown each year on opening night, with other series classics like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” In recent years, Jannise said he’s established new traditions, such as screenings of “Purple Rain” and “The Big Lebowski.” At this year’s showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” he said they had roughly 950 people in the theater watching it — creating an almost rock concert-esque ambiance.

“It’s not your traditional, everyone’s sitting still kind of movie experience,” he said. “People are applauding and the laughter is always louder, and the tears are always, in sad or emotional moments, always flowing. It’s just the energy.”

On deck this month includes screenings of titles such as “9 to 5,” “Fargo,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse” and “Blade Runner.” The summer series includes breakout collections such as films noir, family-friendly titles, films with beloved soundtracks and a weeklong ode to Alfred Hitchcock.

As Austin has grown, so too has its film industry work. Alongside local filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez and Richard Linklater, the add-ins of South by Southwest Film Festival and the Austin Film Society have attracted more talent to the region and fostered an even more pronounced appreciation for the arts, Jannise added.

For those looking to support the Paramount in its next 50 years of the summer series, he said they can donate or become a member at the theater to aid in its continued work in the community.” KXAN

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

“The hottest new restaurants, July 2024” Austin Eater

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