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The Black Experience in Austin Writing Lovers Texas Tea Free Week Live Shots P.16 P.24 P.34 P.52 aVJ ustOLA incUMN hEU ro 3A n5 ic, NR leUY .coMB 8 mE R, er 1 2 oot Five on 9 0 sh 1 s 6 a x e of t the Rise t or s nt e r e The Next Wave of ff di a Austin Filmmakers Is the Reel Deal BY SEAN L. MALIN • P.36 INSIDE: “NO-HANDGUN ESTABLISHMENT” SIGN FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS CONTENTS JANUARY 8, 2016 VOLUME 35, NUMBER 19 PUBLISHER Nick Barbaro EDITOR Louis Black SENIOR EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR Kimberley Jones ARTS Robert Faires FILM Marjorie Baumgarten NEWS Amy Kamp, Mary Tuma ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Nina Hernandez MUSIC Raoul Hernandez FOOD Brandon Watson SCREENS Josh Kupecki 36 COVER STORY: Ones to Watch GAMING, TECHNOLOGY, SOCIAL MEDIA James Renovitch SPECIAL ISSUES, GUIDES, INTERNS PHOTOS BY JOHN ANDERSON & JANA BIRCHUM Kate X Messer CALENDAR ARTS LISTINGS Wayne Alan Brenner STAFF WRITERS Kevin Curtin, Chase Hoffberger, Michael King, Richard Whittaker, Virginia B. Wood CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MR. SMARTY PANTS R.U. Steinberg DAY TRIPS Gerald E. McLeod PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Stout 4 PAGE TWO PRODUCTION MANAGER Chris Linnen 36 SCREENS WEB DIRECTOR Brian Barry DIGITAL STRATEGY Michael Bartnett FEEDBACK GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Zeke Barbaro, Carrie Lewis 36 ONES TO WATCH Filmmakers on the rise STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS John Anderson, Jana Birchum PROOFREADERS Joseph Mayfield, Kat McNevins, BY SEAN L. MALIN LIUNAGCVT EoCDBRAiOOnSNEenUsCTgSsdN,/WRS phrTACDNCEeEit iIlnAoNEEalawlRleoTXTillIn Ca,dOnIA ,OE T OUmMeGRD CDDsEMMNLr VUr e.a aAAAJAa AAEaTMgnMInCoTLyRRsIbriiiCIs A,V ,teaKeTAO bA miROEMClbnlIEDNoCnlaSLSKUeTeaheVa/td EaM IEN ItG,zlrBEJNSrGWrNrl ,Ti,eTiaReeWo sPGoa AAGI NfPH hntaTONl EErbLf BeyiDca eiI DdXeCn PGbtnCSnDNeIiDhteEyIraI EaRy IrdRajMAOna aC,PN Ra i,EH yLcPrEaL TDn UVAhAGrAClM AiCeo,IunyeIENLTaiT dCTGloaVTzfrNd,aVeII lAOr EEfciIiVOOMontEelKimezpGiTSehcReEdRi,,NNz,AaEsac ol, nRS ai,J/SJlST CL,CRare y,l neEin aPN SmDJ,pl a LaCCCK lesl,DTeCM R iaoe MsamDD OOs zCorrBT aaHWnstipeiaaiSOOaaakasIaesicllvicedlhlbal daamnRRvhr tSrlaadeReneJíniimkei r yiDDan az ndaraTHt daiee NCto cIII Me e riFc,hrhJ e NNNaGcTe ohse hNLVrak Je rPohTrAAva,úrwrNseoWoossmd ordorTTriazbñKwoorrnrniieiifGOOuoeinetgecescieatennoaliztrpRRllleeeeelksszrttf,,,,,,,ll 8 110 81N BPPBCKG8PCWHDBAmebe8YYarIeuoUOaoEiVeoen zane8yrBIMNerreIpdt;f-N sCtF ssLAInW iIiDC;dTrY CoIssS eUAC.Kao Mn Hs AAegop1tu iANee. Bs0aLf Ur’Z WS: seEtiaAOG1 SnoSs tLHwiRR snr TpTt t oHe;htKeBaaIh I uaC oaN;ccITAeL pNtmneeEeT Rhas dGex eewO aa a Frl sse miul se is t; PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.07, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY LICENSE HOLDER WITH AN OPENLY CARRIED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HAND GUN LICENSING LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A HAND GUN THAT IS CARRIED OPENLY. CONFORME A LA SECCIÓN 30.07 DEL CÔDIGO •PENAL (TRASPASAR DE PERSONA CON LICENCIA PORTAR PISTOLA ABIERTAMENTE) PERSONAS CON LICENCIA BAJO DEL SUB-CAPITULO H, CAPITULO 411, COD IGO DE GOBIERNO (LEY DE PORTAR ARMAS), NO DEBEN ENTRAR A ESTA PROPI EDAD PORTANDO PISTOLA ABIERTAMENTE. 5 4540082 FSP IHLMLAOMYW ULBTIASICSMTKIENI SBCGYS K TEhVeI NR eCvUeRnTaInNt 36 (888/278-9866, www.vmgadvertising.com) OFFICE STAFF 14 THE HIGHTOWER 52 FREE WEEK, PART 1 – LIVE SHOTS First weekend high- CONTROLLER Liz Franklin REPORT 37 lights as Free Week heads into its second half SCURBEDSCITR MIPATNIOAGNESR J ecsinsdi yC asopoe BY JIM HIGHTOWER 56 RECOMMENDED THIS WEEK SYSTAECMCSO AUDNMTIINNGIIS NATFSROSA ICTSOETNRAT NBETrR aC Snhdaeorlasnhe W aM aTaatrkyliolnofsrf 16 WexpEe’rRieEn SceT IBLYL KHAEHRREO NAs SsPesEsAiRngM tAhNe continuing black Austin AiWnleteoeja kLn erdeoronco aEmrsdmc Coeovnehddeaont ircoeonvusenatlrsy ;h pel’uss m ao bveadk eoru’st tdao Azeuns tFinre aen d EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TOH TaHlEli eE DRIeTiOsRs 19 NEWS OF THE WEIRD 58 VENUES LUNCH STALKER Hank CIRCULATION 60 ROAD SHOWS + CLUB LISTINGS FoePl-eSrroym Dmraekres,, TBormen Ft aMiraclhkiulds,, REruibc eMnc FKloinrneesy, ,J oGnrainnat 20 CALENDAR Melcher, Paul Minor, Norm Reed, Dane Richardson, Eric Shuman, Zeb Sommers, Chris Volloy, Nicholas Wibbelsman, John Williamson, Bryan Zirkelbach CONTRIBUTORS 22 ARTS & Greg Beets, Rob Brezsny, Jim Caligiuri, Elizabeth Cobbe, Cheryl Couture, Doug Freeman, David CULTURE Brendan Hall, Shelley Hiam, Sam Hurt, Abby Johnston, Sean L. Malin, Tony Millionaire, Lance Myers, Alejandra Ramirez, Seth Orion Schwaiger, Chuck Shepherd, Jen Sorensen, Kahron Spearman, 22 FronteraFest preview Tim Stegall, Michael Toland, Tom Tomorrow, Roy Tompkins, Libby Webster, Adrienne Whitehorse 24 THE WRITE 28 BALANCE Interview with local literary couple Edward Carey and Elizabeth McCracken BY WAYNE ALAN BRENNER 26 ARTS LISTINGS Start the New Year With Bach! and “Alyssa 52 Taylor Wendt: Compartments of Desire” The Austin Chronicle offers nonpaying internships. 29 GAY PLACE BY KATE X MESSER Contact Kate X Messe5r 1a2t /th4e5 4in-t5e7rn6 5h oxt3li0n3e., 30 COMMUNITY LISTINGS BACK DAY TRIPS BY GERALD E. MCLEOD 69 THE LUV DOC 31 HORNOGRAPHY BY KAHRON SPEARMAN SHOT IN THE DARK The Austin Chronicle (ISSN: 1074-0740) is published SOCCER WATCH BY NICK BARBARO COMIX by The Austin Chronicle Corporation weekly 52 times per year at 4000 N. I-35, Austin, TX 78751. MR. SMARTY PANTS 512/454-5766 ©2013 Austin Chronicle Corp. All rights reserved. 32 FOOD Subscriptions: One year: $60 2nd class. Half-year: $35 2nd class. 70 CLASSIFIEDS Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, TX. 32 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 4th Tap Brewing Co-op; the Take-Out The Austin ChronicAleu,s PtinO, BTXo x7 84716859., 33 Meal Times 74 CROSSWORD 34 TEXAS TEA Three local purveyors search for an ethical cup 75 FREE WILL Unsolicited submissions (including but not limited to articles, artwork, photographs, BY ADRIENNE WHITEHORSE ASTROLOGY and résumés) are not returned. 2 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 8, 2016 austinchronicle.com austinchronicle.com JANUARY 8, 2016 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 3 the shower scene in Psycho, I jumped out of Stories Without Words my seat when the detective takes a tumble. The Wailing Wall most often but also all of Jerusalem were regularly cited as creating Over the holidays we went to Athens for a the big story in our lives for weeks now. But heart throughout my life. some overwhelming unexpected sense of few days and then on to Tel Aviv, Israel. One I’m not sure how to tell it, so I wasn’t going I went glibly. All of my life I have thought emotion. When my son was born I actually of the ways writers make sense of things is to. But then I thought I should, though no about Israel, about visiting, its meaning and consciously for the first time felt connected by writing. When I watch a film for myself less sure how. It seems too weird not to its very complicated issues. Yet I went there to the past and the future as I never had. I’m emotionally and intuitively comfort- share it. without reading or preparation, except for Always before my sense of self was that I able as to what I think. After a while it is Israel was too overwhelming – way too four years of Hebrew school and a half- was on the outside of life and family, a free not hard to verbalize these thoughts. But much to digest. As of now I haven’t begun century of reading and watching news and floater, an emotional pirate. Which was okay when I review a film, more often than not, to even venture to coming to an under- movies about the Middle East. by me. Realizing how connected we are it is in the writing of the review, the more standing context. But I’ve come to realize I Even then we decided this was going really increased the responsibility, but also systematic thinking through of the film have to write about it, even without having to be a quick in and out with the lengthy to feel so connected, though disruptive and after, of course, my experience watching a handle on it, not because so many have exploration of the country long promised unexpected, was joyous. it, that I come to understand what I think. asked but because it was such a meaningful ourselves to come at a later date. Except Especially finally I was adapted to my The process of reviewing makes for a differ- experience. Even if I’m not entirely sure one of our party had arranged for daylong own role in family, that rather than the ent film experience than just watching, it how it has changed me, I know that is has tours of Israel two of the five days we were other, they are us and the we of I – what we almost has to, but the idea is to keep those done just that, changed me. there. We visited and explored Jerusalem come out of, live within, and then launch experiences as close together as possible. and then over to the Jordan and Dead Sea. forward anew by giving birth. Maybe I Even now, after decades of writing about Again and again I had been warned – no expected that feeling again. Not to trivialize films and another decade of making them, maybe that is the wrong word, not warned the profound with the classic, the first time when I go to the movies just to watch, the PAGE TWO – assured that it would be overwhelming, viewing Citizen Kane, expecting for the experience is surprisingly pure. Especially evoking a surprisingly emotional response. heavens to open and God to speak, I totally BY if the film is good. LOUIS BLACK This offered across a broad range of ideo- missed the movie for the movie. It wasn’t Backing in to saying that it was quite logical takes on the current situation there. until I accidentally saw it a second time that reasonably expected that I’d write on Israel. I want to stay away from too much personal it just sunk in and overwhelmed. Would I Usually people don’t ask what I’m going to politics here because then this becomes an miss Israel for Israel? I worried. write about for this column. Friends know I editorial. Instead it is a prematurely devel- And I’m one of those professionally never talk about it. Usually, because I really We decided to go as an afterthought. oped photograph only now coming into grumpy travelers who live to mutter con- don’t know what I’m going to write. Almost We wanted to visit Athens. Thought we’d focus, with there still not being any clear stant sarcastic asides. Unlike Sandy, my co- always there are a few possibilities with one then head for the Grecian beaches. Only idea as to what those details will yield. traveler, I do not unfold unto the land and often looming over the rest, but in the writ- to discover there were winter conditions. Although obviously there is not a people. Traveling through the most ancient ing it often changes. This time was differ- So Israel seemed a nearby beach with single declarative sentence that can be of lands with the most open of groups ent. I’d finally visited Israel, the homeland. 70-degree days. Except Israel is Israel. written about Israel that does not have enriched my experience. But I began as Friends and acquaintances all commented Arguably there is no more meaningful slice ideological reverberations. always. Bah! Humbug! Israel was not going that they were going to be interested in of real estate in the world. It is not and can’t Starting off with Tel Aviv for such a short to get to me. reading what I had to say, taking it for be just a beach. stay with very little actual beach time (one Yet it did. And it did! granted that I’d write this column about it. My past, my heart, my blood resonate group walk that I passed on) wasn’t the In the blood and in the heart, that most Which I wasn’t going to do. from there, without apologies, but intel- best idea. One of the few modern cities ancient of Hebrew prayers. Even a nonbe- Richard Linklater – Dream Is Destiny, a lectually the situation makes me dizzy. built in the 20th century, it’s an awkward liever believes: Hear O Israel, the Lord our Film by Louis Black, co-produced and co- A minefield of passions and beliefs runs introduction, somewhat like beginning God, the Lord is One. n directed by Karen Bernstein and edited by deep combined with historic prejudices Brazil with Brasilia? Nevie Owens, got into the Sundance Film and ethical and moral compasses that have The way one is set up almost always Festival in Park City, Utah. Which has been guided the world for millennia and my affects how the life joke rolls out. Expecting Read Part Two in next week’s Page Two column. FEEDBACK LETTERS & COMMENTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must be signed with full name and include daytime phone number, full address, or email address. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by sender once we receive them. General email address: [email protected] Postmarks forum: austinchronicle.com/forums/postmarks Mailing address: The Austin Chronicle, PO Box 4189, Austin, TX 78765 BAD FORM Dear Editor, Putting T Bird & the Breaks amongst the genuine obits of 2015 was just flip and tasteless [“Top 10s: Critics Poll,” Music, Jan. 1]. Really lowered your standards on that little indul- gence. The dissolution of a band is far from the loss of a life. Steve Uhler CONTINUED ON P.6 UPDATED DAILY AUSTINCHRONICLE.COM/POSTMARKS 4 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 8, 2016 austinchronicle.com austinchronicle.com JANUARY 8, 2016 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 5 FEEDBACK LETTERS & COMMENTS CONTINUED FROM P.4 “Several years ago it became mandatory that all Texas real estate ON CONTROVERSIAL agents undergo fingerprint background checks. My wife and I, along TNC REGS: with tens of thousands of Texas real “Uber, Lyft Form PAC, Push Petition,” News, Jan. 1 estate agents, had to go to a place, show ID and get fingerprinted. It was no big deal and took less than 15 minutes in and out of the building. If the real estate industry can mass fingerprint that many agents (over 10,000 in Austin alone), and “Reasonable people understand that continue doing so for all new this is all about Uber and Lyft’s owners licensees, I really don’t buy the wanting to line their pockets, and are argument that it’s a burdensome offended by this grotesque behavior trying business requirement. to create and defend a duopoly. Not to Whether it’s an effective or neces- mention disappointment in their school- sary safety measure can be debated, yard tactics and the straw man local fools but it’s not a burdensome or costly that swallow and disseminate their PR. business requirement at all, and I Call their bluff. It’s perfectly reasonable can’t see the harm in having it.” and in the public interest to impose a – Steve basic set of regulations on TNCs, and it obviously won’t destroy the companies’ business. Uber and Lyft aren’t going to leave town if they are regulated, and if they do, it will only be a temporary depar- ture during which a more desirable alter- native may come forward to fill the void “Fingerprints are not the issue. It is (and draw the offenders back in). an insurance issue. They throw finger- Our elected officials should not be intim- prints out there to put people off idated by these unethical companies.” track. Uber drivers get fingerprinted in – perezoso other towns.” – lakecabs UPDATED DAILY AUSTINCHRONICLE.COM/POSTMARKS It's easier than ever to volunteer for SXSW! Visit volunteer.sxsw.com to check out how to be a part of the 30th SXSW ! Mark your calendars for the 2016 Volunteer Calls Sunday, January 24 & Saturday, February 6 Austin Convention Center 500 East Cesar Chavez Street 6 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 8, 2016 austinchronicle.com FEATURING NEW january 22 CELEBRITIES laverne cox ALLEY & NOLA plus the only cat band in existence january 22 & 23 colin hay ‘tFrINuoD nUcSa kON a cFnAaCdEtBO stOK’h @& e srkcaeaoa sttnttcer sbibu ogtaeo&uhhlda ptmal rhe tsor do ,or rowsufepi,as d !re eleso k l l ‘the amazing acro-cats’ january 24 deepak chopra coming soon charles atlas in performance 1/9 the amazing acro-cats 1/14 - 1/17 charles lloyd jan 28-30 and the marvels the 2/10 improvised ameripolitan awards 2/16 shakespeare america company 2/25 TICKETS & INFO: AUSTINTHEATRE.ORG OR 512 474-1221 1 HR SJtATNaI. tC15eK, 7sEPTiMdS • eJAA aNV.t A16 It,L 3hA+7eBP LMPE a• JrAONaN. 1mL7,I o1N+uE4 Pn! Mt TAUOSTIN CPHRO NI1CL0E PPAARRAKMINOGU NTFhiOTs pRTroH jTeEcHtA EiTs SRfuEnEd eS d•H a7On1d3W s uCpSpO oArNteVGdA RinI ELpSAaSrtB AbLyV EE A T| SOTNATEE ASMIDEER AITC ATHNE C PEANRTAEMRO UT•hi Ns 1Tp6r o 3•je c Wt7 1isE9 f SuCnTdOe 7dN TGaHnRd ESsuSTpSpRo ArEteVEd ET show BEST OF AUSTIN aa ndg rabnyt tfhreo mC itthye oTf eAxauss tiCn otmhrmoiusgsiho nt hoen Etchoen oAmritcs iCn ompmarists iobny ao ng rathnet frAomrt s, thea nTde xaiss 2013 Development Department/Cultural Arts Division supported in part by an award from believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in the National Endowment for the Arts. Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com. austinchronicle.com JANUARY 8, 2016 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 7 NEWS QUOTE WEEK of the “And for those in Congress who so often rush to blame mental illness for mass shootings as a way of avoiding action on guns, here’s your chance to support these efforts.” – President Obama’s remarks on Jan. 5, challenging the GOP after announcing further executive action on gun control HEADLINES Celebrating the first day of open carry LETHAL ROADS: DEATHS on Jan 1, Open Carry Texas activists on Austin roads and supporters met at the Capitol and hit a new high in 2015 with 102 fatalities, and show marched down Congress to Sixth Street no sign of slowing down. Two drivers died on Jan. 4 proudly displaying their firearms. Four after a reversing truck collided with a motorcycle days later, President Barack Obama on Howard Lane. announced new executive action to expand background checks, sending MAYOR STEVE ADLER said this week that the gun lobby into a fresh tizzy. he’s working toward a potential November transportation bond proposition that would focus on improving I-35 and would ideally include participation from other Central Texas governments. APD OFFICERS SPENT Wednesday at a funeral held in memory of Kristina Ann Thompson, a lieutenant with the Police Technology Unit who died of cancer Jan. 2 at age 46. She’d been with APD since 1992. DANIEL WILLIS RECEIVED a new date and change of venue in the trial to decide whether the former Bastrop County Sheriff’s deputy should be found guilty of murder for the shooting and killing of Yvette Smith in Feb. 2014. A judge originally declared a mistrial in Sept. 2015. His case will be heard again in late March in Montgomery County. LYFT ANNOUNCED A partnership with Z General Motors Monday that will allow the long- DE N time automaker to adopt the transportation net- NA R work company’s app in efforts to build autono- HE mous, self-driving cars. The deal, priced around NA $500 million, is another indication that the TNC NI market cares little about its driver partners. “Is There Anything We Can’t Do?” HD 49 UPDATE : Austin ISD trustee Gina Hinojosa continues her near-perfect sweep of local endorsements in the Democratic primary to replace THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS CONSIDER THEIR ROOKIE YEAR retiring incumbent Elliott Naishtat, with the unsur- prising addition of the backing of AISD employees January is traditionally a moment for homeless veterans – that is, the end-of-year SOME HIGHLIGHTS union Education Austin. cultural and political inventory – witness completion of a concerted effort among the Some other items on the mayor’s list also our “Top 10” issue last week – so it’s useful city, advocacy groups, and real estate pro- turn up on council members’ self-assess- STICKLAND ON SEX : Tea Party favorite Rep. to consider a snapshot review of Year One of fessionals to find a home for more than 200 ments. A few selections, with notes: Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, is under the ham- the 10-1 City Council. As it homeless Austin veterans. • Homestead property tax exemption and mer since primary challenger Scott Fisher linked his happens, thanks to the Aus- Adler credits the Austin tax cuts: Not all the council members cite ‘no’ votes on key anti-sexual abuse legislation to tin Monitor, over the last few POINT Apartment Association and these contested achievements (CMs Ellen old online comments denying the existence of mar- weeks council members have especially the Ending Troxclair and Sheri Gallo say it wasn’t ital rape. The accusation raises memories of 2013, been reflecting on their AUSTIN Community Home less ness enough); others also mention the increased when hardline pro-lifers were dubbed pro-rape for accomplishments and set- Coalition (ECHO) for their exemption for elderly and disabled home- their opposition to abortions for rape survivors. ting a few goals for the new MICHBY AEL work in connecting veterans owners (begun under the previous council). year. In taking stock of their with available apartments. • Living wages for city employees: Council PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA announced performance thus far, it KING The mayor might also increased the base wages from $11.39 to a series of executive actions placing greater seems fair to consider those have mentioned that this $13.03 – still low, but important for many emphasis on gun control enforcement, primarily self-assessments as part of project (not strictly a council longtime workers. expanding requirements that gun merchants be the mix. effort) was initiated last year • Affordable housing efforts: these include licensed and perform background checks on The most ambitious stock-taking belongs by Mayor Lee Leffingwell, and it’s worth various projects (the Pilot Knob PUD agree- potential purchasers. to Mayor Steve Adler, who issued an email adding that amid an always-shifting popu- ment to include some 1,000 affordable units; press release summarizing council accom- lation, such a goal remains a moving target. the easing of rules on accessory dwelling GOV. GREG ABBOTT , Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, plishments for 2015, in such areas as afford- But it is undoubtedly, as Adler says, a major units; moving forward on homestead pres- and Attorney General Ken Paxton issued denuncia- ability, mobility, “reform,” and sustainabili- accomplishment for the city, and “if we can ervation districts), as well as a still-unful- tions of the president’s modest gun control ty. The mayor somewhat mixes confirmed make real progress on an issue that people filled push for more units generally. measures as “attacks on the Second Amendment.” achievements with aspirational goals, but used to think was hopeless, then is there Patrick said Obama should instead “make it easier his is a useful checklist. Adler leads with anything we can’t do?” CONTINUED ON P.10 ... to legally purchase, train, and use their weapons of choice.” ONLINE//SANDRA BLAND | NEWS ROUNDUP |AUSTINCHRONICLE.COM/NEWS 8 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 8, 2016 austinchronicle.com WEEKEND BEER BUSTERS Sierra Nevada Otra Vez Gose $6.99 6PK 12oz Bottles ............................................................................... Duvel Belgian Golden Ale $11.99 4PK 11.2oz Bottles ........................................................................... Not Your Father’s Root Beer & Ginger Ale $9.99 6PK 12oz Bottles .............................................................................. PRICES GOOD AT ALL AUSTIN-AREA LOCATIONS! TEXAS SUPERSTORESSM W/ DELI: BRODIE LN (512)366-8260 (cid:127) ARBOR WALK (512)342-6893 (cid:127) SPECSONLINE.COM STORE HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY, 10AM-9PM (cid:127) PRICES INCLUDE A 5% CASH SAVINGS & ARE GOOD THROUGH SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2016. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE HELP BUILD AUSTIN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOMES. 10% OFF PRESENT THIS AD AND RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT! DISCOUNT CODE: AC. 500 WEST BEN WHITE BLVD. | AUSTINHABITAT.ORG austinchronicle.com JANUARY 8, 2016 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 9 NEWS ARTS & CULTURE FOOD SCREENS MUSIC POINT AUSTIN CONTINUED FROM P.8 Out of Their Cold, Dead Brains PARD is also planning potential park improvements in the Barton Springs Bathhouse Zone; staff will • Mobility projects: This area is a little present their Draft Recommendations this Saturday, thinner: Adler cites as city accomplish- This week, just after Texas’ open carry law Obama’s executive actions imposing gun con- Jan. 9, from 2-4pm, at Zilker Botanical Gar dens. See ments the CAMPO 2040 plan (a ritualized went into effect (see facing page and center- trol measures across the country. info at www.austintexas.gov/zilkerimprovements. regional planning project) and Google’s fold), President Barack Obama made a “‘The Bill of Rights was added as a specific decision to test self-driving cars locally. At major address regarding “commonsense safeguard to prevent the federal government Destination: ACC Saturday is intended to help stu- best, we might grade all current anti-con- gun safety measures” that he will pursue from denying Americans those guaranteed dents register for Austin Community Coll ege’s spring gestion efforts as incomplete or worse – a by executive action. To wit: rights,’ said Governor Abbott. ‘Today, the Pres- session (beginning Jan. 19). Bring photo ID, proof of discouraged Gallo told the Monitor: “I “Number one, anybody in the business of ident trampled the purpose and substance of residency, and academic records to the Cypress Creek, don’t think the traffic we have will ever selling firearms must get a license and the Bill of Rights by unilaterally imposing Highland, or Riverside campus, 9am-4pm this Satu r day, get better.” conduct background checks. … We’re also Second Amendment restrictions. After failing Jan. 9. Info or RSVP at www.austincc.edu/destination. • Reform: Under this vague category, the taking steps to make the background check to pass gun control measures through Con- mayor cites 10-1 itself (more accurately system more efficient. … gress, the President is yet again resorting to Should Austin make the once-per-week watering attributed to the preceding council) and he “Number two, we’re going to do everything unilateral executive action in place of the limitation permanent? Conversation Corps is a pro- also points to Council’s new committee sys- we can to ensure the smart and effective democratic process. Despite the President’s gram of hosted conversations taking place in various tem. His colleagues aren’t so enthusiastic: enforcement of gun safety laws that are latest attempt to undermine our liberty, Texas public venues. This month’s topic – water restrictions Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo and CMs Delia already on the books, which means we’re will take every action to protect the Second and long-term sustainability – should produce lively Garza, Sabino Renteria, and Greg Casar all going to add 200 more ATF agents and Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.’” discussion. The first few meetings are Sat., Jan. 9, 2pm, describe the committee structure as cum- investigators. We’re going to require firearms at Genuine Joe Coffeehouse, 2001 W. Anderson; bersome and redundant. “It felt like run- dealers to report more lost or stolen guns Things are pretty quiet down at City Hall, but there Mon., Jan. 11, 11am, at Strange Brew, 5326 Manchaca ning from meeting to meeting,” said Garza, on a timely basis. We’re working with advo- are two significant city planning meetings this week: Rd., and 6:30pm, at Patika, 2159 S. Lamar. Check www. and several members have said they intend cates to protect victims of domestic abuse The Planning Commission’s Comm ittee on the atxtalks.org as more locations and times are added. to cut back committee sessions this year. from gun violence. … Comprehensive Plan will hold a • Sustainability: Most of the CMs are just- “Number three, we’re going public meeting to day, Jan. 7, review- Have you always wanted to be a Cat Enrichment ly proud that Council has extended the to do more to help those suf- ing the 2016-17 Long-Range Capital Volunteer? That’s just one of several new volunteer city’s moves toward more renewable ener- fering from mental illness get PUBLIC Improve ment Program Strategic positions the Austin Animal Center is looking to fill. gy; the mayor cites both the acquisition of solar contracts (600 megawatts by 2019) and the help that they need … to NOTICE Plan, designed to keep the city’s There are orientation sessions the next two Satur days, ensure that federal mental capital expenditures in line with the Jan. 9 & 16, and on through February. See more info at the more than 1,300 MW of wind energy health records are submitted BY Imagine Austin comprehensive www.austintexas.gov/department/animal-services. (10% of the state’s usage). There was also NICK to the background check sys- plan. All meetings are public, and the city’s engagement in the U.N. Climate tem, and remove barriers that BARBARO citizen comment is invited. 6-8pm at Community Tax Centers Volunteer Cupcake Conference. CM Leslie Pool, who attended prevent states from reporting One Texas Center, 505 Barton Social. The Foundation Communities Community the conference with Adler, notes that relevant information. … Springs Rd., Room 500. The commit- Tax Centers program expects to help some 20,000 Austin’s own climate plan had laid the “Number four, we’re going to tee will bring draft recommendations low-income families in greater Austin this tax sea- groundwork for that participation. boost gun safety technology to the full Planning Commission later son. To do that, they need 600 active volunteers, FAULT LINES … to advance research. We’re going to work in the spring; see the current Long-Range CIP plan at for daytime, evening, or weekend shifts at locations with the private sector to update firearms www.austintexas.gov/strategicplan. around Austin. No accounting experience necessary, The year-end enthusiasm tends to dis- technology [with items like child-proof triggers but CPAs can earn continuing professional education guise substantive policy differences. The and embedded chips to locate missing or And there’s a CodeNEXT Public Comment Meeting: credit. Learn about the program and meet the staff: most audible outlier is CM Don Zimmer- stolen guns].” The city’s Land Development Code Advisory Group Mon., Jan. 11, 5-7pm, at Community Financial Center – man, who loses plenty of votes, but not So, yes, those do seem like commonsense (CAG) will hold a special meeting to hear public com- South, 2600 W. Stassney. www.foundcom.org. before doing what he can to monkey- initiatives, don’t they? Measures that have ments, concerns, or suggestions about Austin’s ongo- wrench the process. Zimmerman insisted been endorsed, in fact, by everyone from ing LDC rewrite or land development generally, Tue., The Austin History Center will host a reception to the Monitor, “Staff runs the city, not your Ronald Reagan to George Bush to a wide Jan. 12, 6pm, at Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs in honor of Mathews and Metz Elementary schools’ City Council,” and he wants Council to range of law enforcement associations. But it Rd. Speakers will get three minutes each. Parking is 100th birthdays on Tue., Jan. 12, 6:30-8:30pm, at the draft the budget, and Council to assume didn’t take long for current GOP leaders to available in the garage behind the building. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe. It’s in conjunc- even more detailed review of individual dismiss the ideas without a second thought. tion with the AHC’s exhibit “Making the Grade: Austin’s contracts, normally a managerial duty. Or first thought, for that matter. Five min- The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and First Public Schools.” The exhibit, up through March 27, (Although Troxclair is an occasional ally, on utes before the White House press release Dougherty Arts Center will hold a second community explores “the difficulties Austin faced in establishing that issue he’s mostly alone.) containing the President’s remarks arrived in engagement meeting to discuss the proposed Alliance a free public school system in the 1870s, and what life Other issues have also split the dais. On my inbox, this did (reprinted in its entirety Children’s Garden in Butler Park, Thu., Jan. 7, 6:30- was like for students and teachers.” More info at www. land use, there have been sharp divisions and with, I think, no comment necessary): 7:30pm in the upstairs meeting room of the Palmer austinhistorycenter.org. n on development, with the mayor and “Governor Greg Abbott released the fol- Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. See more at Eastside CMs (Garza, Renteria, Casar), who Send lawyers, guns, money, and other lowing statement in response to President www.austintexas.gov/alliancechildrensgarden. useful grist to [email protected]. support greater housing supply, and the free-marketeers (Troxclair, Zimmer man, CIVICS 101 DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE Gallo), forming shifting and temporary alli- ances against the traditional neighborhood- defenders (Ora Houston, Ann Kitchen, Pool, and Tovo). Those lines surfaced in the FRIDAY 1/08 HOLIDAY TREE RECYC- ONGOING debate over ADUs, and have delayed any LING Zilker Park is a tempo- SAFE BABY ACADEMY IN SPANISH 9am. CommUnityCare Clinic, 2901 Montopolis Dr., rary recycling zone Jan. 9-10. GET HELP WITH OBAMA- final solution on short-term rentals, sched- 512/972-7233. Email [email protected] or call to make an appointment. Free. The trees will be mulched, and CARE Foundation Communities can uled to return in 2016. JANUARY AED CANDI DATE FORUM at the first Austin Environmental Demo crats said mulch will be available gra- help with signing up for Obamacare And the most recent controversy – over meeting of the year. Noon-1pm. El Mercado, 1302 S. First. www.austinenvironmentaldems.org. tis, on a first-come, first-served during open enrollment. See web- transportation network companies, or basis. www.austintexas.gov/ site for what to bring. Through Jan. SATURDAY 1/09 department/holiday-tree-recycling. 31. Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Sat., 9am-4pm. “ridesharing” – has been particularly vex- Foundation Communities Financial Center, ing, with many moving parts and multiple HEALTH FAIR & ENROLL-A-THON Health fair and Obamacare enroll-a-thon. Stop in SUNDAY 1/10 5900 Airport, 512/422-5395. Free. for the Zumba and boot camp classes, blood pressure and glucose health screenings, and www.insurecentraltexas.org. interests (Uber and Lyft and cab compa- learn more about the Affordable Care Act. 9am-5pm. 6601 Felix. Free. www.lhcf.org. CHILD PASSENGER nies, drivers and riders, safety vs. efficien- SAFE TY CAR SEAT TEXASHEALTHCAREGUIDE. cy) all competing for Council attention and wJAithN itUs AneRigYh bNorEhoIGodH cBaOnvRasHsiOngO aDfte Cr AbeNinVg AraSinSedI NouGt iBnl aDcekc Leimvebse rM. 1a0ttaemr . AEullsa tWino optreonc ePaerdks, CMeHdiEcaCl CKe n t1e0r,a 4m1. 0S1o uJathm Aesu sCtians ey POriRorGiti eTsh eh aCse ndteebr uftoerd P tuhbisli cn Peowl icy favor. In December, Council kicked the 2047 McCloskey St. www.fb.com/events/416080468601911. St. [email protected]. website to help Texans navigate TNC can to the new year – when it’s unlike- AGAINST APARTHEID: THE CASE FOR BOYCOTTING ISRAELI UNI VER SI TIES their options for affordable health ly to get any easier. n Celebrating the book release, its editors discuss the decades-long struggle against Israeli occu- HLIONLGI D(SAeYe STaRtuErdEa yR.)ECYC- coverage. pation. 7:30pm. Farewell Books, 913 E. Cesar Chavez. www.fb.com/events/1495665807409537. 10 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 8, 2016 austinchronicle.com