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VOTE NOW! 2nd Round Voting for the 2017-18 Austin Music Poll Starts This Week! P.43 JANUARY 5, 2018 VOLUME 37, NUMBER 19 austinchronicle.com y r a nt e m e el s at it’ h y t a s y’ll e h d t n a y, ntr e g al c o e l h k t s a UPROOTED When You and Your Home Both Have to Move BY JOSEPH CATERINE • P.14 CONTENTS JANUARY 5, 2018 VOLUME 37, NUMBER 19 PUBLISHER Nick Barbaro EDITORIAL EDITOR Kimberley Jones NEWS Chase Hoffberger ARTS Robert Faires FOOD Jessi Cape SCREENS Richard Whittaker MUSIC Raoul Hernandez WEB James Renovitch CALENDAR LISTINGS COORDINATOR, CLUB LISTINGS Mark Fagan ARTS LISTINGS & MEAL TIMES Wayne Alan Brenner SPECIAL SCREENINGS, SHOWTIMES, & COMMUNITY LISTINGS Josh Kupecki GAY PLACE & CIVICS LISTINGS Sarah Marloff STAFF WRITERS Kevin Curtin, Nina Hernandez, Michael King, Mary Tuma CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FILM Marjorie Baumgarten FAR FLUNG CORRESPONDENCE Emily Beyda MR. SMDAAYR TTYR IPPASN GTeS rRa.ldU .E S. tMeicnLbeeordg 14 COVER STORY: Uprooted COVER BY AMALIA DIAZ PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR Jason Stout 4 FEEDBACK 32 SCREENS PRODUCTION MANAGER Chris Linnen WEB DIRECTOR Brian Barry GRAPHIC DESDIGIGNIETRASL ZSeTkReA TBEaGrYb aMroic,h Jaeeffl BGaarmtnmeitltl 32 THIS IS MY TRUTH, TELL ME YOURS Sebastian Stan on STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS John Anderson, Jana Birchum, 6 NEWS I, Tonya BY RICHARD WHITTAKER PROOFREADERS Kat McNDeavviidn sB, rGenredga nS Htiattl,l 33 FILM LISTINGS I, Tonya; The Other Side of Hope INTERNS Ben Dickerson, Alyssa FDroasnti,e Clleh rWisthiintae 6 POINT AUSTIN YOU NEED Garcia, Savannah Opre, Monserrat Sanchez, BY MICHAEL KING Bailey Shelden ADVERTISING 8 PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Cassidy Frazier BY NICK BARBARO SENIOR ACCOUNBTo EbXbEyC LUeTaIVthE,S EJleizraalbde Ctho rNdietzr,, CIVICS 101 Carolyn Phillips, Lois Richwine US ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES David Kleppe, 9 Naked City; Marisa Mirabal CodeNEXT; LEGAL NOTICES Jessica Nesbitt Spencer Cronk; OPERDAITGIIOTNASL CCKOOriOOsRRtiDDnIIeNN TAAoTTfOOtRRe ADPisDt rCicot n8t;r aWcat;r ren 13 32 Tamar Price Wildlife MARKETING DIRECTOR/PR Sarah Wolf MARKETING MANAGER Karena Rogers 14 LIFE AFTER GENTRIFICATION When you and your home 38 SPECIAL SCREENINGS LUV DOC/CIRCULATION/SPECIAL EVENTS Dan Hardick both have to move BY JOSEPH CATERINE STREET TEAM Kelsey Baker, Sommer Brugal, Anna 40 SHOWTIMES WE NEED GCahrceiraia, nO, rAchniddr eGaa rDcaian,e S, aAnnddrrae aG Fisui,e nLitseas ,G Doasnsieetlta, Ashley Greenstein, Jenna Herrington, Elias 18 CALENDAR HueBrtoab, bWy iMll iJcoksemy,a C, Aamlleilnle M Maortrienlel,z A, nPdarteriwci aO sMeagyi,, 42 MUSIC Jonas Spira, Coka Trevino, Ally Warren NATIONAL ADVERTISING Voice Media Group (888/278-9866, www.vmgadvertising.com) 42 PLAYBACK BY KEVIN CURTIN YOU OFCOFNTIRCOLELE RS LiTz FAranFklFin 19 SNAPSHOT 43 MUSIC POLL BALLOT OFFICE MANAGER/SUBSCRIPTIONS Carrie Young CREDIT MANAGER cindy soo ACCOUNTING ASSINISFOTA DNETS CKh Zealsceha P Teaayrlcoer 20 ARTS & 20 44 SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Brandon Watkins TRIPLE AXEL Hank CULTURE CIRCULATION Tom LFeatiirccihai ldde, Rlau bVeegna F, loPreersry, JDornaiknea, FJaoreel-dS Eosmqmuievresl,, 20 HEAD CHEESE Pat Dean Support free press. Read us, Andrew Gerfers, Suzette Johnson, Kevin Kinkade, takes over the Velveeta Eric McKinney, Grant Melcher, Paul Minor, Room, a venue that’s follow us, advertise with us. Norm Reed, Nick Roseman, Zeb Sommers, redefining what a “com- Bryan Zirkelbach edy club” can be CONTRIBUTORS BY CARINA MAGYAR Greg Beets, Rob Brezsny, Isabella Castro-Cota, JTohsoempha sC Faatewrcineett, ,J Desosuig D Ferveeenmyanns,, ADmana lGiae nDtiialez,, 21 ARTS LISTINGS “The Sam Hurt, Carina Magyar, Lance Myers, Open Road: Photography 44 SPIRALING SOUNDSCAPES Peter Tran shines his Curved Alejandra Ramirez, Rachel Rascoe, Jen Sorensen, and the American Road Trip” and NY in the Snow Beth Sullivan, Michael Toland, Tom Tomorrow, Light past ambience BY DAN GENTILE Libby Webster, AdrienTnoed dW Vh.i tWehoolfrssoen, 23 GAY PLACE BY SARAH MARLOFF 46 FREE WEEK MUSIC LISTINGS Knife in the Water takes its 26 COMMUNITY LISTINGS time on the comeback trail, plus Abram Shook, Annabelle DAY TRIPS BY GERALD E. MCLEOD Chairlegs, Tinnarose, Magic Rockers of Texas, Calliope Musicals, Whit, Go Fever, Holy Wave, Leather Girls, Timberos 27 SOCCER WATCH BY NICK BARBARO del Norte, Deep Time, Caroline Says, Mélat, Moving Panoramas, Quiet Company, and much more 48 VENUES 28 FOOD 50 ROADSHOWS + CLUB LISTINGS 28 SOAK, SPROUT, BLEND Fronks fresh nut milks BY ADRIENNE WHITEHORSE BACK The Austin Chronicle (ISSN: 1074-0740) is published ICYMI Workhorse Bar USED, COLLECTIBLE, by The Austin Chronicle Corporation weekly 52 times BY BETH SULLIVAN 58 THE LUV DOC per year at 4000 N. I-35, Austin, TX 78751. AND UNIQUE 512/454-5766 ©2013 Austin Chronicle Corp. 29 MEAL TIMES COMIX All rights reserved. Subscriptions: One year: $110 2nd class. 30 EAT WELL, LEARN FRENCH MR. SMARTY PANTS Half-year: $60 2nd class. 1608 S. CONGRESS AVE. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, TX. Dine in Austin’s Petite POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Provence, speak French, 512-916-8882 The Austin Chronicle, PO Box 4189, and go back to basics 59 CLASSIFIEDS southcongressbooks.com Austin, TX 78765. BY JESSI DEVENYNS 62 CROSSWORD SUN-THU 11-7 | FRI-SAT 11-8 Ulnimsoitliecdit teod asrutbicmleisss, iaorntsw o(irnkc,l updhiontgo gbruatp nhost, 30 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY and résumés) are not returned. 2 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 5, 2018 austinchronicle.com austinchronicle.com JANUARY 5, 2018 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 3 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. IT’S TRUE, GOOGLE IT Today, when I read an article by Mary Tuma Look, I have interacted with a lot of pro-lifers General email address: [email protected] titled “The Sexist Texas Lege” [News, Dec. 29], during my time. I promise you with my whole Letters online: austinchronicle.com/feedback Dear Editor, I was reminded of exactly this. heart that the pro-life movement is not all about Mailing address: The Austin Chronicle, After the election, there was a lot of talk The general message behind this article is keeping women under male control. This claim PO Box 4189, Austin, TX 78765 about echo chambers and divisiveness in that pro-life people (or anti-choice, as she makes no sense, especially considering that the American politics. Basically the idea is that labels them) are a bunch of sexist, misogynistic majority of women are pro-life (it’s true, Google If what I am saying here sounds crazy to you, there are a lot of people who have their own male-dominated monsters that are just out to it). Please drop the propaganda BS about the then perhaps you should take a step back, open opinions that are opposed to each other, and control women and don’t believe that women pro-life movement being anti-woman. The pro-life your mind and consider reality. Try listening/talk- instead of trying to understand the opposing are actually people (the last line is directly movement is not against women’s autonomy. ing to a pro-life philosopher and try to under- side they just label each other and aim their tar- quoted from the article). This totally ignores the They are, however, in favor of personal responsi- stand what they are about. So often people on gets, using whatever they can: straw men, ad bioethics behind abortion, the nature of what bility and exercising law to protect the vulnera- the left will accuse people on the right of being hominem attacks and all manner of vitriol abortion actually is, and the completely legiti- ble. The question of life (Is it OK to take the life closed-minded and bigoted, and will then pro- against their perceived opponents. mate life issues involved. of an unborn child?) is a perfectly legitimate ceed to use labels and rhetoric and pigeonhole one, not black and white, and if you deny this them, without ever listening to what they have then you are burying your head in the sand. The to say. In civilized society, this is called hypocri- law is designed to protect innocent human life, sy. Please don’t be a hypocrite. no matter what stage of development. Jeremy Daniels “i hope Capmetro finally improves the mid-town 22/21 routes so folks will no longer have to wait almost 90min in between evening/weekend routes. i have seen old folks waiting and waiting if they missed the last bus before the one bus on route only mode they go into comes. absurd a town like Austin has to have that long a lag in evening pickups, NOT safe for riders to be out there in the elements be it shady char- acters or bad weather.” – W Keith Sharp TURN AND FACE THE STRANGE: READERS REACT TO CAPMETRO’S CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES “Ridership has steadily increase over the years. The condo/development boom all along the line/ “YOU NEED MORE stops will ensure that trend continues. Later oper- THAT ONE ROUTE. ating hours, and more frequent runs are coming. YOU NEED TO SERVE With all of the talk about affordable housing in PEOPLE LATE 7 DAYS Austin I’m surprised you don’t hear more about A WEEK. FIX IT” the relatively affordable housing along the line.” – Shannon Cromer – Jesse J. Mesa UPDATED DAILY AUSTINCHRONICLE.COM/POSTMARKS AMISTAD AMÉRICA OPENING 26 JANUARY JOSÉ PARLÁ 4 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 5, 2018 austinchronicle.com JUST IN TIME FOR YOU TO SEW NOW ALL INVENTORY HAS TO GO NOW! The year-end sale to end ALL year-end sales! 30% OFF 25% OFF FABRIC* THREADS & & FURNITURE! NOTIONS! UP TO 60% OFF! NOW THROUGH JANUARY 6TH ONLY *Select fabrics will be available at 30% off. Due to manufacturer’s wishes we are unable to provide maximum discounts on all products, however we guarantee that prices offered will be the absolute lowest of the year. Discounts for in-stock merchandise only and do not apply to prior purchases. May not be combined with any other offer, discount or coupon. See store for complete details. OFFERS VALID THROUGH 1/6/18 austinchronicle.com JANUARY 5, 2018 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 5 NEWS QUOTE WEEK of the “Everyone thought it was a good deal, including city management, and then to have them come and flush it down the toilet like that – that was really a big surprise.” JOHN ANDERSON – APA President Ken Casaday on the failed police contract HEADLINES CITY COUNCIL remains in semi-hibernation, with no regularly scheduled meetings until Feb. 1 (work session Jan. 30), and the budget year com- mences quickly thereafter, with an all-day work session Feb. 7. Meanwhile, work on CodeNEXT continues at the land use commissions (p.10). THE WORK GOES ON Mayor Steve Adler and Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo have proposed a tem- porary solution to the impasse created by Council’s rejection of the proposed Austin Police Associa tion contract. They suggest some form of contract extension or interim contract as a bridge to further negotiations, but it may not be that easy. See “A Bitter Pill,” p.12. UPPING THE ANTE This week in the Trump administration’s attacks on “sanctuary cities,” the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Thomas Homan, threatened to arrest and prosecute state or city officials who decline to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Homan told Fox News, “We’ve got to take them to court, and we’ve got to start charging these politi- cians with crimes,” and said President Trump sup- ports his position. INFLUENTIAL CONSERVATIVE THINK ALL H tank the Texas Public Policy Foundation is reach- AN Austin/Travis County medics arrive at the ARCH Downtown to assist D those out in the cold on New Year’s Day. Temperatures in Austin ing its tentacles to D.C., where they plan to open an REN dipped into the 20s, and haven’t risen much since then. office this month. Seeing a friend in Trump, and B D opportunity for more influence, the Austin-based VI A TPPF is gearing up to lobby for more states’ power; D further rolling back environmental regs laid by the Adler’s 2017 Austin Checklist Obama administration; and fighting against the Affordable Care Act. JULIÁN CASTRO OFFICIALLY launched his AS 2018 DAWNS, THE MAYOR COMPILES A LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS PAC this week, renewing questions about whether or not the former HUD Secretary and SA mayor will As he did last year, Mayor Steve Adler had in fact occurred, there was local specu- been sanctuary enough. Several items on make a presidential run in 2020. Opportunity First recently issued his list of “accomplish- lation that Adler would be tapped for some the mayor’s “Defending Austin” list cite seeks to promote both federal and local Dem candi- ments,” running the gamut from “Defending role in a new Clinton administration, and immigration matters as accomplishments, dates and help gain control of the House. Godspeed! Austin” (e.g., on matters of climate change we would have been planning a special elec- and good for him and the City Council – and immigration) to “Reform tion for Austin mayor some- although it’s fair to say that these have thus YEAR OF THE WOMAN? 100 Democratic and & Progress” (ranging from time last spring. far been largely rhetorical victories: oppos- Republican women have filed to run for Texas leg under-the-wire appointment As the poet says, “The best ing federal and state crackdowns, lobbying islative seats this year, as compared to 76 women of a new city manager to “had POINT laid schemes of mice and for DACA and immigration reform, funding who filed in 2016, according to Annie’s List. The a cameo in a rap video”). This men ….” The abruptly legal defense of immigrants …. None of it AUSTIN surge, mostly led by Democratic candidates, could year’s list is released under changing national context nearly enough. be attributed partly to Trump pushback (at least much different circumstanc- BY has certainly had its effect for Dems), the #metoo movement, and the success es, most notably the begin- MICHAEL on local initiatives, and Campaign Zero of women candidates in Virginia. ning of the mayor’s campaign Adler’s list reflects the ensu- The mayor doesn’t yet have an official KING for re-election (formal ing storms. Austin has joined opponent for November, although at least a AUSTIN ENERGY is accepting applications announcement to come Jan. cities around the world in couple of things on the list reflect high- from participants in the city’s Customer Assistance 14 at the sentimental venue the fight against man-made profile matters that would likely become Program wishing to join AE’s new discounted solar of Saengerrunde Hall). climate change, and become campaign issues: CodeNEXT and the power program, via the La Loma Community Solar But there were also very different expec- by default a “sanctuary city” – a polemical “Downtown Puzzle.” On the former, Adler Project in East Austin. Interested customers should tations for the national context at the turn term more useful to our federal and state cites “continues to advocate for community visit www.austinenergy.com/go/communitysolar or of 2017, prominently the early anticipation antagonists, who have made political pawns consensus on CodeNEXT process” without call 512/482-5346. that, with the comical disarray of the of undocumented immigrants (over the yet endorsing the ongoing product; the Republican primary campaign, Hillary decades, how many of our relatives have Puzzle gets a couple of citations (with no CAPITAL METRO plans to present the four Clint on would be the next president. If that been such?), when the truth is, we haven’t CONTINUED ON P.8 finalists for president/CEO on Monday, Jan. 8, from 6-8pm at AISD’s Performing Arts Center in Mueller. ONLINE//CITY COUNCIL | NAKED CITY | BREAKING NEWS |AUSTINCHRONICLE.COM/NEWS 6 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 5, 2018 austinchronicle.com REGISTRATION RATES INCREASE ON JANUARY 12 MARCH 9-18, 2018 SAVE $200 ON THE WALK-UP RATE sxsw.com/savebig GROUP AND STUDENT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Lyor Cohen Bozoma Saint John Alex Chung Baum David Ramirez Gang of Youths Hovvdy Joji Lido Pimienta Lucy Rose Mothers Lucy Rose David Ramirez Rayland Baxter Shame Shamir Sinead Harnett Steflon Don The Teskey Brothers The Wedding Present Teskey Brothers Lyor Cohen (Keynote) Katie Couric Global Head of Music at Award-winning journalist, YouTube and Google cancer advocate, documentary filmmaker and author Alex Chung Founder and CEO of GIPHY Peter Diamandis Founder and Executive Bozoma Saint John Chairman of the XPRIZE Chief Brand Officer at Uber Foundation Christiane Amanpour Young Guru CNN Chief International Audio engineer and Correspondent co-founder of Era of Ezra Klein the Engineer Editor-at-Large and co-founder of Vox follow @sxsw T austinchronicle.com JANUARY 5, 2018 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 7 NEWS ARTS & CULTURE FOOD SCREENS MUSIC POINT AUSTIN CONTINUED FROM P.6 The Business of Governing • Tue., Jan. 9, Little Walnut Creek Library, 835 W. mention of its central component, an Rundberg expanded Convention Center), as an origi- • Thu., Jan. 11, Yarborough Library, 2200 Hancock nal, non-taxpayer source of funding to • Wed., Jan. 17, Millennium Youth Entertainment address homelessness, and then again for CHOOSING A TRANSIT CHIEF, A DEBT LEVEL & MORE Complex, 1156 Hargrave its wider ambition to support music and cultural venues. Opponents on both issues Amid the January doldrums, decisions are to ask questions, at a public town hall meet • Thu., Jan. 18, ACC South Campus, 1820 W. Stassney are currently maneuvering to make those being made; actions being taken: ing, 68pm, Monday, Jan. 8 at the AISD Per two items central to any mayoral campaign formi ng Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Short films wanted: The city’s Cultural – as yet, they do not have a champion, Amid the PR farce that was the Austin city in Mueller. The Cap Metro board is expected Arts Division is looking for short films for its against an obviously popular mayor and a manager search process, another major CEO to make their decision the next evening. 2018 Faces of Austin program, that “reflect decidedly mixed public opinion over these search has gone relatively unnoticed. The the diverse faces, voices, and experiences of signature questions. Capital Metro CEO – like the city manager, The Bond Election Advisory Task Force, our City.” Some will screen at the SXSW Film Implicit in the overall list is a persistent an autonomous head of a massive public tasked with recommending a bond package Festival in the SXSW Community prog ramm ing, Austin contradiction: We never stop brag- enterprise, hired by public officials but other for City Council to put before voters in plus on ATXN and the city’s website – and ging about what a wonderful home we wise independent of their control – will be Novem ber, is holding one more – possibly receive a cash honorarium! Dead line is 5pm have, while simultaneously telling outsid- chosen this coming Tuesday, with few seem final – round of “listening sessions,” in order Friday, Jan 12; full info at www.austintexas. ers to stay away and complaining loudly ingly knowing or caring, even though transit “to better understand what City infrastructure gov/department/facesaustincallentries. that our public officials are making a mess woes rank way up there on most lists of needs are most important to Austin resi of everything. Nonetheless, despite many Austin’s problems. For the record, the four dents.” Specifically, Council asked for a focus Lastly, I want to give a plug to the Austin 2018 challenges, at this moment Adler’s re- finalists for the post are: on flooding, affordable hous Music Awards Poll Ballot that’s debuting in election prospects appear formidable; he’s • Randy Clarke, VP of the ing, mobility, highcapacity this issue. It’s our 37th music poll, but the personally very popular and none of the trade association American transit, parks, libraries, and firstever multiplechoice ballot, featuring five city’s nagging problems have yet under- Public Transportat ion Assoc.; PUBLIC existing infrastructure, and finalists in each of the 55 categories, includ mined our general prosperity (“Lowest formerly with the Massa chu NOTICE city staff proposed a package ing Hall of Fame – with those finalists being unemployment rate since 2000”). And it setts Bay Transportation Auth of $640 million – whittled decided by the firstround balloting that was certainly doesn’t hurt Adler that, unlike ority in Boston, including as BY down from a list of $3 billion held in December. It’s a fun list to peruse: a fellow Council incumbents campaigning deputy chief operating officer. NICK in perceived needs – as “a lot of familiar names, and some not familiar again, he’ll once more boast an unmatch- • Erika Mazza, deputy gener BARBARO starting point for the Task to me, but obviously beloved by some sizable able personal war chest. al manager of the Force to consider.” That number of Austin music fans. It’s an impres Intergovernmental Public included about $85 million sive list, though it barely scratches the sur Nothing but Good Times Ahead Transportation Authority in for affordable housing, which face of the talent in this town. (We’ll have Over the long term, the achievements Flagstaff, also has a back various observers and council twice as many names in our final results that will matter most importantly for the ground in Human Services and Housing. members have said is too low, and it did not issue in March). So by all means go ahead city – and beyond the mayor, credit goes to • Darrell Mobley, director of Public Works & include the $124 million that Council was and vote, either with the paper ballot on council members and citizen advocacy – Transportation in Prince George’s County, recently informed is needed for pool repairs. p.43, or online at austinchronicle.com/music are the mobility infrastructure (from side- where he’s overseeing his county’s portion of So it will be interesting to see what the Task poll. But also, let’s all give a big thanks (in walks to highways) and the steady increase the state’s light rail expansion project. Force eventually recommends; they’re holding this Austin Free Week) to all of the 277 in renewable energy. A distressing amount • Raymond Suarez, chief operating officer their last scheduled meeting today, Jan. 4, finalists: folks who, day in and day out, and of money still goes to Westside sprawl of the Denton County Transportation Author but may have scheduled more by the time for the love of the music, do a lot more for instead of inner-urban mass transit (blame ity, and formerly head of the Trinity Railway you read this. This round, though, is for the Austin’s quality of life than all the officialdom the voters as well as the officials), but on Express, a joint venture between the Dallas public to speak: There’ll be four sessions listed above. Happy New Year. n the latter Austin can be justly proud not and Fort Worth transportation authorities. over the next two weeks, all from 6:308pm; Send gossip, dirt, innuendo, rumors, and other only of steadily moving toward more clean You can hear them talk, and have a chance more info at www.austintexas.gov/2018bond. useful grist to [email protected]. energy locally, but of spurring the national market to shift away from fossil fuels to CIVICS 101 DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE increasingly affordable renewables. If the U.S. and the world are to be saved from our own environmental recklessness, it appears that cities must lead the way. THURSDAY 1/4 SUNDAY 1/7 TUESDAY 1/9 WEDNESDAY 1/10 Closer to home, mayor and Council face NAVIGATING THE ONLINE AMERICAN METEORO #METOO AT THE #TXLEGE A BIZAID BUSINESS ORIEN TAT ION FOR the immediate challenge of resolving the APPLI CA TION PROCESS Learn LOG IC AL SOCIETY 4,000 conversation on sexual misconduct at CREATIVES Take your artistrun business to impasse over the Austin Police Association the intricacies of arts applications, with members of the weather, the Capitol and efforts to reform the the next level. 1-2:30pm. Museum of Human Achieve- contract – we are in serious danger of instruction on completing calls for entry water, and climate community Lege’s harassment policies. 7:30-9am. ment, Springdale & Lyons. Free. www.austintexas.gov. throwing away 20 years of progress toward online; part of the Artist Resource Center descend on Austin for the 98th The Austin Club, 110 E. Ninth. Free. ROMERIA DR. & DENSON DR. The Aus the good in search of the perfect, and it Pierso.f e6s:3s0io-8npaml .D Deovueglhoeprmty eAnrtts WCeonrkte sr,h 1o1p1 S0 er aAunsntuina Cl oAnMveAn tmione eCteinntge.r ,J 5an0.0 7 E-9. . wHwOw.MtexEasLtrEibSunSe. oSrgE.RVICES AT tainnd T rDaennsspoonrt afotiro mn oDbeiplitty. iasn edv saalufaettiyn igm Rporomveeria remains unclear how to square that circle. Barton Springs Rd. Free. www.austintexas.gov. Cesar Chavez. www.ametsoc.org. THE ARCH Offer your ideas regard ments. Can’t make it? Email your feedback. Next month, new City Manager Spencer SATURDAY 1/6 MONDAY 1/8 ing services for individuals experienc 5:45-6:45pm. Reilly Elementary School, 405 Denson. Cronk (and his interim predecessor and ing homelessness, at this community [email protected], www.austintexas.gov. CFO Elaine Hart) will soon have to begin aSnAt FfaEm iBlieAs,B pYa rAenCtsA, aDnEd McaYre Fgoivre ersx poefc t 2C0O1M8 MCIHSASRIOTNE RSe Re EwVebIsEitWe fCoernutmer,. 755:0300 -7B:l3es0spinmg. . Vwirwgwin.aiau sBtrinowtenx aRse.gco v. THURSDAY 1/11 trying to squeeze those still-expanding kids under a year. 9am. Seton Southwest for meeting agenda and details. BLACK LIVES MATTER CONVERSATION WITH ANDREW public safety costs into an overall budget Hospital, 7900 FM 1826. Free. 6pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. AUSTIN January General Body WHITE Tune in live or online for a talk with expected to be at least as tight as last www.austintexas.gov. Second. www.austintexas.gov. Meeting. 6-7:30pm. 1705 E. 11th. this Dem ocratic candidate for governor. year’s, when rising structural costs left lit- RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS CAPITAL METRO CEO www.fb.com/BlackLivesMatterAustin. Thu., Jan. 11, 7:30-9am. The Austin Club, 110 E. Ninth. tle for Council to fight over in August and TREE Help Austin reach its zero waste SEARCH A public opportunity 2018 BOND: TASK FORCE Free. www.texastribune.org. September. Align that with the continuing gmouallc hb.y Dturornpi nygo uyro uurn ftlroecek etod ,g uanrddeenc orated tisot sh.e 6a-r8 dpmire. cAtISlyD f rPoemrfo rtmhein gfi nAartls LyoIuSr TinEpNutI (NseGe S“PEuSblSicI ONoNticSe ,S” haabroev e). 2S0E1S8S BIOONNSD S: eTeA TSueKs dFaOy fRorC dEe tLaiIlsS.T 6E:3N0-8INpmG. school funding crisis, and we’ll have plenty tree sans bag. Jan. 6-7; 10am-2pm. Zilker Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Call for a Spanish interpreter. 6:30-8pm. Yarborough Library, 2200 Hancock. to worry about in 2018. Park Polo Fields. www.austintexas.gov/depart- www.capmetro.org. Little Walnut Creek Library, 835 W. Rundberg. “We’re still Austin, Texas,” insists the ment/holiday-tree-recycling. CANDIDATE ENDORSE www.austintexas.gov/2018bond. ONGOING mayor, “and we’re getting better at it all the ENDORSED BY GOD? BLEND MENTS Can di dates will TEXAS INMATE FAMILIES PROPOSED CEMETERY RULES Final ING RELIGION AND POLITICS A speak and endorsement votes ASSOC. MEETING Have a loved draft of Austin’s proposed new rules is posted time.” Or as Oat Willie says, “Onward, discussion on the separation of church will be cast by qualified Liberal one in jail? TIFA can help by offering on the City Clerk’s website for public feedback. through the fog.” n and state, with Rev. Brian Ferguson, Rev. Austin Dem ocrat members. support, education, and advocacy. Email comments to D’Anne Williams. Open Mary Wilson, Rabbi Neil Blumofe, and 6:30-8:30pm. Scholz Garten, 7-8:30pm. AGE of Central Texas, through Fri., Jan. 12. [email protected], Mayor Adler’s full “Year in Review” is available Sheikh Yassir Fazaga. 2-4:30pm. Old Quarry 1607 San Jacinto. www.fb.com/ 3710 Cedar #2. Free. www.tifa.org. www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk. at www.mayoradler.com. Library, 7051 Village Center Dr. www.cg4tx.org. liberalaustindemocrats. 8 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 5, 2018 austinchronicle.com WINNER OF THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE’S NAKED CITY “Best of 2017” Awards for both AISD CFO JOINS PUBLIC ED REVIEW for Disease Control and Prevention categorize Texas BEST REALTOR® and Austin Independent School District Chief Fina n cial among the states experiencing “high” and “wide- BEST APARTMENT LOCATOR! Officer Nicole Conley Johnson has been appointed by spread” flu activity. And recent data collected from House Speaker Joe Straus to the new Texas Com mis Walgreens (based on antiviral medicine sales) shows sion on Public School Fina nce. She joins House Texas sizably leading the nation in flu cases. Public Education Com mittee Chair Dan Huberty, The viral ailment is also increasing in Travis County, R-Houston, and committee members Diego Bernal, where the number of flu cases that tested positive at Habitat Hunters, Inc. D-San Anton io, and Ken King, R-Cana d ian, as the sole hospital and public health labs rose from about 20% to non-legislator on the body. Straus said the commis- 41% from the previous two weeks, as of Dec. 23. Three Residential and Commercial Properties sion was formed in the wake of the failure of House flu-related deaths had occurred in the Austin area as of Sales · Leasing · Relocation · Investments · Property Tax Evaluations · Apartment Locating Bill 21, targeted as the first in a series of long-overdue that date, according to Travis County Public Health. reforms. How ever, he said, “The legislation did not The elderly, children, and those with compromised 1804 West Koenig Ln., Austin, TX 78756 · [email protected] · 512.482.8651 become law because the Texas Senate significantly immune systems are most susceptible to flu complica- reduced the amount of money that the bill would have tions. Don’t fret though, there’s still time to get vacci put into education.” nated: Find out where to get the flu shot in Austin at Johnson has been AISD’s CFO since 2009. Her www.vaccinefinder.org (via Austin Public Health). appointment sends a message about the new commis- And remember, uninsured children six months and sion, and a clear signal that the state’s highly dysfunc- older, and uninsured/Medicare recipient adults can get tional recapture system will be under scrutiny. More- free flu shots at Austin Public Health immunization over, lawmakers have increasingly treated AISD like a clinics; call 512/972-5520 for details. – Mary Tuma cash cow, and much of the recent hikes in property tax ARREST ENDS HOLIDAY CRIME SPREE bills can be put down to the stresses of recapture. Straus said, “As someone whose school district is pro- The morning after Christmas, 30-year-old Ebony jected to pay more than $500 million in Robin Hood Sheppard went out into the parking lot of her North- payments this year, Ms. Johnson understands the prob- east Austin apartment complex to warm up the car for lems in our current system.” – Richard Whittaker her mother and young son. Minutes later, family members heard gunfire and ran outside to find Sheppard on COMMUTER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS her back with a gunshot wound to the head. Param ed- Beginning Sunday, Jan. 7, Cap Metro will roll out ics arrived, and took Sheppard to the Dell Seton Medic- new changes to its commuter services for both al Center, where she died the next day. As the suspect MetroRail and MetroExpress. Rail service will expand came into focus, it became clear that he was unlinked with six additional trips. Morning commuters will see to Sheppard, and that she was just one victim in a vio- three new trains leaving Leander for Downtown at lent holiday crime spree. 6:56, 7:32, and 8:08am, plus three new northbound During an unrelated domestic call hours after Shep- trips, at 4:22, 4:58, and 5:34pm. The schedules for bus pard’s death, Austin Police officers found a handgun routes serving train stations (214, 243, 464, 465, and they eventually tied to 19-year-old Xavier Lewis. 466) will be adjusted with the new rail times. According to his arrest affidavit, Lewis was already That’s just the start of rail changes; Cap Metro hopes wearing an ankle monitoring system, and had until to continue to increase service capacity. (Current fig- recently been staying with an older cousin, who had a ures show about 400 riders every hour.) Over the next .380 caliber handgun identical to the one used in few years, after the new Downtown Station is complet- Sheppard’s murder. Using the GPS inside his monitor, ed, trains will operate at 15-minute frequencies, with police tied Lewis to the location of not only the murder hopes of transporting 800 riders each hour. scene but also two Christmas night robberies. During Bus riders will also see increased service on the first, police say Lewis shot two of the four victims MetroExpress Commuter routes. Because Metro has with his cousin’s handgun. Later, he allegedly carjacked free access to MoPac’s express lanes, two routes – the an elderly woman and, while fleeing, “ran over an indi- new Route 981 Oak Knoll Express and Route 985 vidual crossing the street.” Leander/Lakeline Direct – will bypass traffic for fast Two days after Sheppard’s murder, the Lone Star and direct service to and from Downtown, and the 985 Fugitive Task Force took Lewis into custody on an will get additional trips and bi-directional operation outstanding warrant. After initially requesting a lawyer, throughout the day. And there’s be easier access to the Lewis changed his mind and asked to talk to Homicide 38th Street medical hub, with two routes – Route 982 detectives. His affidavit notes that Lewis was crying Pavilion Express and Route 987 Leander/Lakeline and kept stating “I fucked up” during that interview. Express – now serving the area before going south to He admitted to the robberies and being “hungry and UT and Downtown. Cap Metro promises additional trips high on drugs” when he encountered Sheppard, whom throughout the day on the 982, as well as more morn- he wanted to rob. She began to scream when Lewis ing trips on route 7, to relieve overcrowding. pointed the gun at her, demanding her purse. Police Lastly, a year after Cap Metro eliminated its premium say “Lewis stated she fell to the ground and continued fare category, remaining passes will be discontinued to cry and yell so he shot her.” starting Sunday. So ride on them now. – Sarah Marloff Lewis is currently being held at the Travis County Jail, facing eight charges including capital murder FLU SEASON SPIKE by terroristic threat, and six counts of aggravated Wash those hands and drink your O.J. – Texas is robbery. In an interview with KVUE, Sheppard’s fam- seeing a significant spike in flu cases. While state hos- ily members mourned a mother, artist, and friend pital labs reported about 60 positive influenza tests they called “beautiful on the inside and out.” during the week of Dec. 18-24, 2016, nearly 780 cases They’ve set up a GoFundMe page to benefit have been reported during the same time period this Sheppard’s 4-year-old son, Ian. – Nina Hernandez winter. Since October, the start of flu season, more Contribute to Sheppard’s son’s fund at than 4,000 Texans have tested positive. The Centers www.gofundme.com/ebonys-dreams-for-ian. austinchronicle.com JANUARY 5, 2018 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE 9 NEWS ARTS & CULTURE FOOD SCREENS MUSIC The (Longer) Road to CodeNEXT Linda Curtis Jim Duncan OPPONENTS WOULD FREEZE PROCESS VIA REFERENDUM What could be better than arguing about It would: CodeNEXT for a few more months? Arguing 1) Forbid any “comprehensive” changes in about CodeNEXT for a few more years, the land use code until the June following of course! the next city elections (i.e., June 2019, pre- That would be the likely effect of an anti- suming Council manages to pass a version CodeNEXT petition currently being circu- of CodeNEXT before November); lated by IndyAustin, Community Not Com 2) Also forbid any comprehensive changes mod ity, and other groups, with a goal of in the code prior to the following election acquiring the 20,000 signatures of regis- (Nov ember 2019, perhaps), in which the tered voters sufficient to force a May elec- code “in its entirety” would be put to a vote; tion. (According to a report in the Austin 3) Override any conflicting city charter pro- Bulldog, organizers say they’re on track to visions or ordinances, and; meet their goal.) 4) Allow “severability” of any provisions found NN The land development code revision to be illegal, maintaining the remainder. M OO kfonromw, ns cahse CduodleedN tEoX gTo isto c Curirteyn Ctloyu innc idl rfaofrt resAtlrtihctoiunggh Cbitiyll eCd ouans cialn’s oarudtihnoarnitcye , anbdy BIRCHU ANDERSANDERS A N N potential approval in April – although that overriding the charter, the petition would N HH A OO deadline (like earlier appear to require a char- J JJ ones) might be extend- THE CODE “IS A REALLY ter amendment. Not a “high degree of frustration” about the pro- served on the Code Advisory Group. He said ed. Nevert heless, if mentioned in the peti- cess, which he called “the most polarizing I he objects to the petition campaign as a mat- COMPLICATED MATTER the petitioners suc- tion is that charter elec- have ever seen.” He said that while he ter of principle, on both policy and political ceed in forcing a May AND I UNDERSTAND WHY tions can occur only wouldn’t mind slowing down – “one more grounds. While he continues to press for 5 election – as the only every two years, poten- year if we got it right doesn’t bother me” – revisions in the current code drafts, he PEOPLE ARE NERVOUS item to appear on a tially meaning a freeze there would “obviously be problems if we asked, “What constitutes a ‘comprehensive’ ballot, with an $800,000 ABOUT IT, [BUT AN] of (undefined) “compre- couldn’t change anything.” He does empha- change? And since when do we put thou- to $1 million price tag UP-OR-DOWN VOTE … hensive” changes in the size a need for “more legitimate citizen sand-page ordinances up for a vote?” to the city – and man- code until November of involvement” in the coming weeks. Sullivan bluntly accused the petition WOULD OVERSIMPLIFY age to win voters’ 2021. Planning Commissioner Trinity White campaigners – who boast of their previous approval, the outcome SOMETHING REALLY “If you wanted to said the code “is a really complicated mat- support for a 10-1 Council – of hypocrisy, could block any repeal something that ter and I understand why people are ner- and of attempting to undermine real, repre- COMPLEX.” changes in the devel- Council has done,” said vous about it,” but an “up-or-down vote … sentative democracy. “I tell people, if you opment code for two to – TRINITY WHITE Wood, “you could certain- would oversimplify something really com- want the affluent white people in West four years. ly design something that plex.” She said the current process allows Austin, and the districts with the highest Asked for his opinion on the potential would do that. But to freeze changes indefi- Council and the Planning Commission “a turnout, to make the decision, sign the peti- effect of the petition, attorney Buck Wood, nitely for X number of years is fraught with chance to dissect the different parts and tion – because those will be the same voters experienced in election law, called it “legal- legal and policy problems. The likely effect understand the nuance.” She added that who used to elect all our council members. ly questionable” and “policy-wise a dubious would be a lot of litigation.” people are very concerned about affordabil- But if you want real democracy, let the rep- idea,” although he cautioned that he has not People directly involved in the work on ity (“especially in my District 1”), but that resentative 10-1 Council make the decision. studied the matter in detail. “It just seems CodeNEXT – whether or not they support its Texas law makes it impossible to mandate “The petition campaign just shows a lack to me the way they’ve tried to do this is not current form – expressed doubts about the affordable housing, and we can’t expect the of concern for people who don’t have a going to work.” petition campaign. Jim Duncan, longtime code to solve that problem. “We have very voice,” Sullivan concluded. “We elected the The petition (“For an Austin Ordinance city planner and a member of the Code few affordability tools related to the code, so 10-1 City Council members to represent the Requiring Both a Waiting Period and Voter Advis ory Group, described the ongoing revi- we have to look for other ways, like bond whole city, and they also appoint the com- Approval Before CodeNEXT or Comp re hen- sions as “much more complicated than a yes measures for affordable housing.” missioners. Citizens should put trust in the sive Land Development Revis ions Become or no.” He’s not happy with the state of the The harshest comments came from long- people who they elect to study this stuff.” Effec tive”) contains four provisions. current drafts, and understands that there is time commissioner Dave Sullivan, who also – Michael King “SOME DATES WILL CHANGE” CodeNEXT spokesperson Alina Carnahan told the Chronicle her team is working to finish comment consideration on draft two, and also gathering On Tuesday, with the holiday hangover still lingering, Austin’s Zoning February, with a final vote in April. Given the same sort of timeline, Council accompanying materials to clarify questions regarding draft three’s and Platting Commission reconvened to once again dive into the murky could vote on CodeNEXT by June. However, as Commissioner David King release. Despite anti-CodeNEXTers’ push for a petition to put the rewrite waters of CodeNEXT. There’s a bit more time now – draft three’s Novem- pointed out, Austin’s new City Manager Spencer Cronk is yet to officially on a ballot instead of allowing Council autonomy to vote on the new code ber delay pushed its release to Feb. 12 – but ZAP chair Jolene Kiolbassa start, and may want to learn about the overhaul. Guernsey told commis- (see above), Carnahan said staff will continue to work “according to the still predicted a “crazy sprint to the finish.” sioners he’s eager to meet his incoming boss and update him on CodeNEXT updated timeline unless advised otherwise” by Council. Only seven commissioners were in attendance for what would have “after he does some other stuff – police contracts and whatnot.” He said The Planning Commission, the city’s other land use commission over- been a short meeting if not for the CodeNEXT discussion, which lasted it’s unclear how Cronk’s learning curve could affect the timeline. seeing the CodeNEXT process, has a regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 9, more than two hours. Project lead Greg Guernsey confirmed staff is on Commissioners then turned their attention toward Vice Chair Jim Dun where members will surely discuss the rewrite and potentially hear from track for February, though project manager Jorge Rousselin repeated can, who gave a presentation on planned unit developments. Duncan working groups doing deep dives into the code. PC and ZAP will have its throughout that “some dates will change” regarding the updated timeline. declared PUDs “broken” under the current code, and chided its language joint meeting on Jan. 30, focusing solely on CodeNEXT. The next official Rousselin called the process a “work in progress,” and reminded commis- as ultimately too confusing. “Imagine Austin says we have a problem with ZAP meeting falls on Feb. 6, though special meetings for both commissioners that they still needed to schedule public hearings. PUDs,” he said. His issue with CodeNEXT is that it does not fix the current sions could be called. Should the timeline stay on track, draft three could arrive at City issues, nixes existing criteria, and disregards recommendations offered by If all goes to plan, draft three hits the printer right around the time of Council by late April. But Rousselin said that even if the draft makes it to the city’s 2016 audit of PUDs. Kiolbassa said she’d have PUDs added to the ZAP’s Feb. 6 meeting. Commissioner Betsy Greenberg asked to pencil in a the dais before May, that “doesn’t mean Council will take any action then.” agenda for the next joint meeting of the ZAP and Planning commissions, preview of 3.0 for that evening. Guernsey’s reply was vague: “We’ll see Prior to the extension, draft three was expected at Council by late set for Jan. 30. what we can do.” – Sarah Marloff 10 THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE JANUARY 5, 2018 austinchronicle.com