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(Bradley Wilson)
I'm very proud and pleased to tell you that the Austonia team has been selected as a finalist for a nationwide award—Best Emerging (New) Publisher, from the Local Independent Online News Publishers association, the industry group for local digital news sites like ours.
View the 2020 LION awards finalists here.
Recognition like this from our peer group motivates us to work even harder on our mission of connecting you to our ever-changing city.
Thanks to each of you for supporting us. If you like what we're doing, you can help us by forwarding articles to your friends, posting on social media and signing up for our daily AM newsletter.
(Pexels)
Social media bots may have influenced the 2016 election, but experts at The University of Texas are more worried about social media influencers changing the outcome of this year's presidential race.
<p>It's increasingly common for digital content creators to participate in the political process. In <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/social-media-political-ads-blindspot-influencers/" target="_blank">an interview with WIRED</a>, Samuel Woolley, the propaganda research director at UT's <a href="https://mediaengagement.org/" target="_blank">Center for Media Engagement</a>, said influencers are hired by campaigns and even outside groups to convert their large followings into supporters for their candidates. </p><p>"The campaigning world is years behind the brand world, and influencer marketing is already huge in the brand world, so I'd be very surprised if this doesn't pick up in the next few years," UT undergraduate research assistant Ana Goodwin told WIRED.</p><p>But there are also "nanoinfluencers"—smaller-scale social media celebrities with less than 10,000 followers—who have a more direct relationships with their audience. Woolley said these real users are spreading misinformation the same way bots did during the last presidential election.</p><p>"If we're thinking about the ways in which different sorts of strategies and tech gets used in campaigns, nanoinfluencers are definitely among the most novel and problematic," Woolley told WIRED.</p><p>Social media platforms are cutting off political advertisements, so influencers are more capable of targeting voters in the last days of the presidential race. Woolley and the Center for Media Engagement published their research findings in mid-October detailing how real people are being paid to sway votes.</p><p>"Partisan organizations are leveraging these "authentic" accounts in bids to sway political discourse and decision-making in the run up to the 2020 U.S. elections. Political marketers tell us that they see influencers, particularly those with more intimate followings, as regarded as more trustworthy by their followers and therefore better positioned to change their behavior," the researchers <a href="https://mediaengagement.org/research/social-media-influencers-and-the-2020-election/" target="_blank">stated in their findings</a>. </p><p>And it's not just one political party engaging in this behavior. Both sides of the aisle have paid people who often don't reveal they made money in exchange for influencing their audience.</p><p>"Such influencers, far from being 'volunteer digital door knockers,' are paid, highly organized surrogates of political campaigns failing to report this new mode of politicking," the research states. "Social media firms and governments face serious challenges ahead in dealing with this new form of digital propaganda."</p><p>This issue represents one challenge in an array of misinformation campaigns. The UT media engagement center has done similar studies recently about <a href="https://mediaengagement.org/research/encrypted-propaganda/" target="_blank">political manipulation in encrypted messaging apps</a>, such as WhatsApp and Signal, as well as <a href="https://mediaengagement.org/research/tiktok-time-to-snitch/" target="_blank">TikTok shaming</a> in the COVID-19 era. </p>
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(Charlie Harper III/Austonia)
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin estimate there is a 38% chance the COVID-19 pandemic is growing locally, down from an estimated 100% chance yesterday.
What accounts for this 62% overnight drop?
<p>Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said it reflects the relatively low number of COVID-related hospital admissions reported over the last couple of days.</p><p>On Monday, 11 people were admitted to hospitals in the Austin metro, far below the seven-day moving average of 26 at the time. Yesterday, 13 people were, and the moving average had fallen to 19.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="87ee2c192ae9ad831d016c642ebd7d3d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="4ca0a" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYyOTIzNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDAwNzIxNX0.nsJIh8CWiaFcS_ORbZIjws0i5tRlWddCYfzSl21RQRw/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The seven-day moving average number of daily hospital admissions has declined over the last two days, from 22.3 to 19.1.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(Austin Public Health)</small></p><p>Escott attributed the drop in admissions to increased vigilance among Austinites after he and other local health officials <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-covid-october" target="_blank">sounded the alarm last week</a>.<br/></p><p>"As people respond, as people take more protective actions … we see an impact on transmission," he said on Wednesday. "We see an impact on cases. We see an impact on hospitalizations. That's exactly what we want to happen."</p><p>While updating council members and county commissioners on the local COVID situation yesterday, Escott cited the latest projections from the COVID-19 Modeling Consortium, which estimated there was a 100% chance the pandemic was growing locally. </p><p>But researchers hadn't yet included the latest hospital admissions data in their model, Escott explained. Once they did, it estimated there is a 38% chance the pandemic is growing locally.<br/></p><p>This is "fantastic news," Escott said Wednesday. He also added that the projections are subject to change as people recommit to protective behaviors, such as masking and social distancing, or abandoning them. <br/></p><p>For example, researchers at the consortium <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-school-reopening" target="_blank">projected last month</a> that Austin could reach a Stage 2 level of risk by October. "Unfortunately that was too optimistic, and we missed that mark," Escott said.</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3577b22f525069b5a48c64dd56d6b5e3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="fbf53" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYyOTE2NC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQyNjgyNH0.ZGq99QedSNb36GO8LbI8v7zHUHeQrREh4K0j_qAyEAM/img.png?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(COVID-19 Modeling Consortium at the University of Texas at Austin)</small></p><p>Although the projections now suggest around 250 hospital beds will be needed for COVID patients in the metro by Thanksgiving, down from 700 yesterday, Austin isn't out of the woods yet.<br/></p><p>The consortium currently estimates there is a 79% chance the pandemic is growing in the Dallas area and an 88% chance it is in the El Paso area, where hospitals are already at capacity and a countywide curfew is in effect.</p><p>"This is certainly something we have to pay attention to because, as we saw this summer, surges in other jurisdictions across the state often predated surges of our own," Escott told commissioners Tuesday.</p><p>Another concern is a significant increase in the number of new COVID cases reported at long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. </p><p>In the last two weeks, Austin-Travis County facilities reported 40 new cases—or four times the number reported in the previous two-week period. </p><p>Metro hospitals are preparing for a possible surge, and the field hospital at the Austin Convention Center "stands ready to take on additional patients," Escott said Wednesday. </p><p>In the meantime, local health officials stressed the importance of increased vigilance—despite pandemic fatigue—as the holiday season gets underway. </p><p>"We can't all surge at the same time," Escott said.</p><p><strong>More today on COVID:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/covid-halloween-austin" target="_self">Austin health leaders issue a Halloween challenge: 'What new traditions can you create?'</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYyOTQ2MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NTUzOTgyOX0.eO_sOP7sE_dluFlcdQbSO8JjWk7-yAKbh_Jht5ZP4m8/img.png?width=980" id="32f8d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ecc6ad8d5f8d625644afbe1fc5402db7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
From Your Site Articles
- There is a 96% chance the pandemic is growing in Austin - austonia ›
- COVID-19 'does spread silently' as Austin hits record high - austonia ›
- Austin's COVID cases decline after surge, but danger remains ... ›
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(Jordan Vonderhaar)
Half of Austin City Council's 10 seats—Districts 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10—are up for election this November, and nineteen candidates are competing for a spot on the (virtual) dais.
<p>Elected members will be tasked with many important policies, such as <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-land-use-code-rewrite" target="_blank">the city's land use code</a>, <a href="https://austonia.com/texas-largest-cities-spend-more-on-police-than-anything-else-activists-want-more-of-those-funds-spent-on-the-social-safety-net-instead" target="_blank">police budget cuts</a> and <a href="https://austonia.com/austonia-guide-project-connect" target="_blank">transit planning</a>. Another issue that has made its way onto the "Issues" vertical of many of the candidates' campaign websites? Homelessness.</p><p>In June 2019, Austin City Council rolled back three ordinances that had prohibited sitting, lying and camping in public places and nighttime panhandling. </p><p>Advocates said the move was a crucial step in decriminalizing homelessness. But others—including some of the people on the local ballot—<a href="https://austonia.com/austin-texas-homeless-petition" target="_blank">were outraged</a>. </p><p>The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition conducted its annual point-in-time count, a census of Austin's homeless population, in January and recorded <a href="https://1zdndu3n3nla353ymc1h6x58-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PIT-2020-Three-One-Pagers.Revised-10.21.2020.pdf" target="_blank">a nearly 45% increase</a> in the number of unsheltered residents.</p><p>Then the pandemic arrived, leading shelters to constrict their capacity and the city to open motel rooms in which the city's homeless residents could quarantine. </p><p>Austonia asked the candidates to weigh in on the city's homeless issue ahead of Election Day. </p><p><em>Disclaimer: These submissions are unedited; claims made have not been fact-checked. </em></p>
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District 2
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU5OTg0MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Mzg5NzAyOX0.zuMZLX3ClJIZjJTpMa3pVe9QDwUYtxhuFIeHffGvypU/img.png?width=980" id="f9252" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7c152498a93ba6f33f535b484c33dba6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p><strong><a href="https://www.davidford2.com/">David Chincanchan</a></strong><strong></strong></p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> Yes. </p><p><em>Why?</em> Our community wants its leaders to end and prevent homelessness. I am fiercely committed to those goals. I supported the repeal because criminalizing our unhoused neighbors is not just morally wrong, it is immensely counterproductive. It creates more barriers to housing and pushes individuals into the margins of our community where they are less able to access critical services. </p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> I support implementing policies and investments that address the root causes of homelessness. Our community must work in unison to prevent and end homelessness by removing barriers to safe, stable and affordable housing. I support deeper investments in permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services, such as low-barrier rental assistance or emergency direct cash assistance for costs such as medical needs to keep folks housed and prevent displacement that can lead to homelessness.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.vanessaforaustin.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa Fuentes</a></strong><br></p><p>Fuentes did not respond to multiple requests for comment. However, <a href="https://www.statesman.com/opinion/20201006/endorsement-fuentes-leads-our-picks-for-austin-city-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in an interview with the Austin American-Statesman earlier this month</a>, she agreed with Austin City Council's decision to stop ticketing homeless people for living on the streets but criticized the lack of support in place once the ban was lifted. </p><p><strong><a href="https://caseyramos4d2.com/" target="_blank">Casey Ramos</a></strong></p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> No.</p><p><em>Why? </em>Public camping is a health and safety hazard, especially during a pandemic. There are reasons we have designated areas for camping, like the need for fresh open spaces and various environmental safety issues.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin? </em>Wrap-around services like rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, low-cost rental opportunities, mental health services, drug rehabilitation services and employment opportunities.<br></p><p><strong>Alex Strenger</strong></p><p>Strenger <a href="https://twitter.com/thealexstrenger?lang=en" target="_blank">dropped out of the race</a> and endorsed Ramos. </p>District 4
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU5OTg3NS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MjgyMzA2N30.Nu7SHsLfjri6pIP56KHv3rLno4g0tEsidVlGcFb4_Mg/img.png?width=980" id="58f79" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2498dce9127c954663f089bdb2a9f071" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Greg Casar, Louis Herrin, Ramesses II Setepenre)
<p><a href="https://www.casarforcouncil.com/"><strong></strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.casarforcouncil.com/" target="_blank">Council Member Greg Casar</a></strong></p><p><em>Did you support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> Yes</p><p><em>Why?</em> We must end homelessness in our city, and we can do that without violating people's human and civil rights. We know it's wrong to throw someone in jail for doing nothing wrong other than simply being homeless. We can end homelessness with housing and services, while also prioritizing public safety for all.</p><p><em>If re-elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> For generations our government has not prioritized shelters, housing and mental health care. These failures at every level of government created modern-day homelessness. It's time for Austin to step up and solve an issue that has built up over too long. We can start by acquiring many of the hotels that are sitting half empty during the pandemic, and we can immediately move hundreds of people off the streets into these hotels as housing.</p><p><strong><a href="http://louisherrin.com/" target="_blank">Louis C. Herrin III</a></strong></p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> NO. </p><p><em>Why?</em> Lifting the camping ban did not help the problem of homeless(ness), only made it less safe for the people working and going downtown.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> We need to set up and work with groups like Haven for Hope and Mobile Loaves and Fishes to help the ones who want help to get out of homeless and work with the state on the ones with mental problems.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RSfor4/" target="_blank">Ramessess II Setepenre</a></strong></p><p>Setepenre did not respond to multiple requests for comment. However, <a href="https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/government/2020/09/23/in-austin-city-councils-district-4-candidates-discuss-addressing-homelessness-and-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in an interview with Community Impact Newspaper last month</a>, he spoke of his own experience with homelessness and said the city needs to address the origins of homelessness, such as substance use and lack of familial support. </p>District 6
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYwMDAwNi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMjQ4OTUyMH0.SH5-Vqf1gKkgnul7rn7dcxI-sN3Le2OEfZZli-lMWaQ/img.png?width=980" id="a6208" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c95788915ff34edfbb11e7248fbfe3f9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Jimmy Flannigan, Mackenzie Kelly, Jennifer Mushtaler)
<p><strong><a href="http://www.jimmyflannigan.com/" target="_blank">Council Member Jimmy Flannigan</a></strong> </p><p><em>Did you support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> Yes.</p><p><em>Why?</em> The complex issue of homelessness has no overnight solution. Austin service providers concur that criminalization creates barriers to accessing necessary services to get folks experiencing homelessness into housing, while also adding costs to the criminal justice system. Lifting the camping ban did not mean it became legal to commit property or other crimes. Council has prioritized investments that build interventions and systems that can provide rapid support earlier in crisis, which also saves money.</p><p><em>If re-elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> Council's goal is making homelessness brief, rare and non-recurring. Historic investments authorized by council in the last two budgets will make great progress toward this goal. My priority is to ensure our community sees measurable, visible progress in housing our unsheltered population. As chair of the public safety committee, convening service providers, advocates, and council committees, my focus is to ensure that allocated funding is spent as effectively as possible to make the biggest impact.</p><p><strong><a href="https://mackenzieforaustin.com/" target="_blank">Mackenzie Kelly</a></strong> </p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> No. </p><p><em>Why?</em> I did not support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the city is not addressing the systemic reasons that cause homelessness by allowing those without homes to camp all across the city. They do not live in sanitary conditions, and they do not have access to services that might lift them out of homelessness. This was a knee-jerk reaction by the city with no solid plan in place to address homelessness as a whole.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin? </em>It is by no means a criminal act to not have a home, but out of homelessness often come crimes of desperation. Our city's leadership should strive to create safe environments for those who are homeless to be lifted out of that situation. I would address mental health needs for the homeless, addiction/rehabilitation programs job training, and encourage public-private partnerships that cultivate compassionate solutions for those experiencing homelessness. </p><p><strong><a href="https://drjenforatx.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Jennifer Mushtaler</a></strong> </p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> No.</p><p><em>Why?</em> I do not support Jimmy Flannigan's vote to lift the camping ban. He did not lay the groundwork for solutions and did not provide for community involvement in this process. The explosion of encampments has impeded the livability and workability of our city, the (Austin) Chamber's ability to recruit corporations and our tourism industry. This is a public health problem. Illnesses like tuberculosis, hepatitis and cholera are real concerns for people experiencing homelessness and the public.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin? </em>I will collaborate with Austin Public Health and our numerous service organizations and industry partners to have a robust and compassionate multi-disciplinary program with personal choice options. I will advocate for changes to building code that will allow for more shelter options within the city. I will advocate to reinstate the public camping ban. I will advocate to fund our law enforcement cadet classes, CIT <a href="https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Crisis-Intervention/Crisis-Intervention-Team-(CIT)-Programs" target="_blank">(Crisis Intervention Team)</a> training and the Austin Police Department.<span></span></p>District 7
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYwMDAwOC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMDk5NTExOH0.UBosHifNDKKwZJwdqVOcaEFVtP63ZBOopPS9xTDC6tE/img.png?width=980" id="909ee" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e590e1241dd2f926f1f1f588b9dff1c0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Leslie Pool, Morgan Witt)
<p><strong><a href="https://www.lesliepoolcampaign.com/" target="_blank">Council Member Leslie Pool</a></strong></p><p><em>Did you support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban? </em>Yes.</p><p><em>Why? </em>My vote to decriminalize homelessness (loosening the no sit/no lie and camping bans) was both a moral decision and a policy decision. I cast my vote with an eye toward ramping up our efforts to assist people experiencing homelessness. I worked with my dais colleagues to provide necessary resources and align our systems with our nonprofit partners whose mission it is to house the homeless and provide other needed services. </p><p><em>If re-elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin? </em>I will continue to monitor our ongoing initiatives to determine if modifications are needed. I led on a workforce development initiative that coordinates encampment cleanup in our parks, greenbelts and creeks. The Council has approved the purchase of two hotels for housing, is actively searching for additional structures to buy, has focused more intently on providing permanent supportive housing and has activated a more organized system of support with ECHO and other community non-profit organizations. </p><p><strong><a href="https://morganforaustin.com/" target="_blank">Morgan Witt</a></strong></p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> Yes.</p><p><em>Why?</em> Homelessness isn't a crime but indicative of the community's ability to support people in their time of need. Criminalizing homelessness doesn't make it go away. It not only makes it more difficult for unhoused folks to integrate back into society but also makes them more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime and violence. On top of that, the prison system is an incredibly expensive way to house and care for those experiencing homelessness.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> </p><p>Now: Free up housing assets (currently used for quarantine) to actually house homeless people. Appoint a director to coordinate between organizations and advocacy groups to quickly connect people with the resources they need. </p><p>Long Term: Prevention—address the systemic issues that make people vulnerable to homelessness when they experience a traumatic financial, physical or mental event and don't have a safety net. I'll address Austin's affordability and livability crisis. </p>District 10
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYwMDA5Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDMyNTY3MX0.5ECdJ1lxUR9QFSgFZliOMkhjevycQe9Ce4eQS-DFGVE/img.png?width=980" id="6cd50" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2fbafea8ab5384b40bcdaf6d68f1a68a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Alison Alter, Ben Easton, Belinda Greene, Pooja Sethi, Robert Thomas, Jennifer Virden)
<p><strong><a href="https://www.alisonalter.com/" target="_blank">Council Member Alison Alter</a></strong></p><p><em>Did you support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban? </em>No.</p><p><em>Why? </em>I voted against the repeal of the camping ban in June 2019 because I didn't believe that the City had planned for the subsequent challenges we would face, such as maintaining the safety and sanitation of public spaces. As a city and a community I believe we should compassionately help our neighbors exit homelessness, and we should do so with a comprehensive strategy that addresses community concerns. I share the frustration with the current situation.</p><p><em>If re-elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin? </em>I am focused on 1) managing the safety and sanitation of public spaces; 2) advancing a comprehensive strategy with defined metrics for our investments and targeted approaches for different populations; and 3) addressing immediate housing, mental health, treatment, and employment opportunities and solutions for those experiencing homelessness. I invite you to learn more about my priorities for addressing homelessness at<a href="https://bit.ly/31ksye0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> https://bit.ly/31ksye0</a>. </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.beneastondistrict10.org/" target="_blank">Ben Easton</a></strong></p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban? </em>NO!</p><p><em>Why? </em>The Council's decision to lift the ban has led to horrifying consequences. Austin is now under siege by thousands of homeless folks, panhandlers, vagrants and con men; the result is pure UGLINESS. Every week this continues, our formerly fair city becomes more unsafe and unattractive. The demagogues in City Hall are jockeying for more power and influence by foisting guilt on law-abiding and tax-paying citizens. The GUILT IS THEIRS, not ours.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin? </em>Create a dozen rehabilitation sanctuaries located AWAY from downtown on city-owned properties. Military-grade tents will house TEMPORARY residents in Spartan, safe, private conditions as they reboot their lives. The city should NOT go into the housing industry or the mental health industry. This helping hand from taxpayers will be supplemented by private charities. Some can be hired, FULL TIME, in clean-up patrols. All other homeless encampments will be removed, PERMANENTLY! </p><p><strong><a href="https://greene4council.com/" target="_blank">Belinda Greene</a></strong> </p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban? </em>No.</p><p><em>Why? </em>I do not support the decision to lift the camping ban. Our homeless problem has gotten worse since the camping ban was removed. Their living conditions are unsafe and unhealthy. </p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> We must first identify and temporarily house our most vulnerable - women, minors and veterans. Give them an opportunity to get on their feet. Provide occupational training and medical assistance where needed. Many of these citizens qualify for funds that already exist but because they do not have an address, they cannot access them. We should be researching and implementing programs that do work such as Mobile Loaves and Fishes' Community First! program. We need transparency in this program to determine what the success / failure is of the program and if what we are currently spending on homeless issues is the most effective use of those funds. </p><p><strong><a href="https://poojaforaustin.com/" target="_blank">Pooja Sethi</a></strong> </p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?</em> Yes. </p><p><em>Why?</em> Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to listen to an appeal that prohibited criminalizing the homeless if the city is not providing enough beds. Per the City of Austin Homeslessness Dashboard, we only have 2,000 beds, and in the last PIT Count we had more homeless people than beds. As an attorney, I understand we need more than a "no" vote; rather, we must develop aggressive, real solutions to address this crisis.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> First, we need better data on the homeless and people on the brink of homelessness. We also need to work with our communities, advocates and first responders to better specify camping restrictions. Next, we need more resources for rapid rehousing and eviction diversion plans. Third, we need to partner with local organizations like TOOF and Camp Esperanza to get more resources, specifically mental health resources, directly to the homeless. Finally, we need more affordable housing.</p><p><strong><a href="https://robertatx.com/platform/" target="_blank">Robert Thomas</a></strong></p><p><em>Do you support the City Council's June 2019 decision to lift the camping ban? </em>No. </p><p><em>Why? </em>Alison Alter voted to remove the anti-panhandling and anti-loitering ordinances. This created instant chaos. She argued for removing the camping ban all over the city, except for certain downtown locations. Removing all three of these ordinances created this city-wide public health crisis, and is inhumane to everyone, including the homeless. City Council was grossly negligent, and breached their fiduciary duty to Austinites. </p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> Reinstate all three bans immediately. Implement the Haven for Hope homeless solutions model immediately. Haven for Hope partners with over 180 local, state and federal partners to address the root causes of homelessness by offering programming tailored to individual needs. The approach is person-centered, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented. They meet individuals where they are and support them as they move toward self-sufficiency. Austin was given this same detailed model, but instead abdicated its duties. </p><p><strong>Noel Tristan</strong></p><p>Tristan did not respond to multiple requests for comment. </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.jenniferforaustin.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Virden</a></strong> </p><p>Do you support the City Council's October 2019 decision to lift the camping ban?<em> No.</em></p><p><em>Why?</em> What Alter doesn't say is that she voted IN FAVOR of lifting the sit/lie & panhandling ordinances, even though she voted against lifting the public camping ban – in effect, saying "don't blame me." It's the interplay of all 3 that has created this crisis. We need the right policy and the will to enforce it, as other cities like San Antonio do, and stop allowing Austin to be this magnet for the homeless.</p><p><em>If elected, what are your priorities when it comes to addressing homelessness in Austin?</em> Reinstate the camping ban to address our homeless population crisis – multi-pronged approach including tiered levels of housing; mental health services; addiction services. We've an adequate $62 million budget to get this under control. That's ~$30,000 per homeless person. Austin is a compassionate community, and we'll do what is right, but it's unacceptable to allow a crisis comprised of ~2,200 people to disproportionately degrade the quality of life for one million of the rest of us.</p>From Your Site Articles
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(Emma Freer/Austonia)
With three more full days of voting left this election, Travis County has surpassed its November 2016 turnout.
<p>As of midday on Wednesday, 486,206 votes had been cast during the early voting period and by mail compared to a total of 477,588 votes in the last presidential election. </p><p>"We can't emphasize enough how proud we are of Travis County voters for coming out in huge numbers during this early voting period," the Travis County Clerk's office tweeted.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="de029360d90624d412bc60c6dc6351bd" id="12a5d"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1321499403794980867"><div style="margin:1em 0">The moment you’ve been waiting for...Travis County has surpassed its Nov ‘16 total vote turnout!
486,206 votes ha… https://t.co/XrDtYfQDE4</div> — Travis County Clerk (@Travis County Clerk)<a href="https://twitter.com/TravisCoClerk/statuses/1321499403794980867">1603904984.0</a></blockquote></div><p>During the last presidential election, nearly 80% of Travis County voters cast their ballots early. Of the 252,979 total votes, only 53,668 were cast on Election Day.<br/></p><p>This trend is not limited to Travis County. Nearby <a href="https://www.kxan.com/news/your-local-election-hq/hays-and-williamson-counties-surpass-total-votes-cast-in-2016/" target="_blank">Hays and Williamson counties</a> surpassed their 2016 numbers earlier this week, and turnout is up statewide—<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/23/us-2020-election-highest-rate-voter-turnout" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">and across the country</a>—despite the ongoing pandemic. </p><p>As of Tuesday, more than 8.1 million people—or around 48% of registered voters—had cast their ballots early in Texas. This surpasses turnout during the first two weeks of early voting in both 2016, when nearly 44% of registered voters had cast their ballots, and 2012, when less than 37% had, <a href="https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2020/texas-early-voting-numbers/?_ga=2.245634116.1199920528.1603909299-1550764229.1583782951&_gac=1.241312054.1602087113.EAIaIQobChMIyMPayO-i7AIV6evjBx1VjQrNEAAYASAAEgJt4fD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">according to the Texas Tribune</a>. </p><p>Gov. Greg Abbott announced over the summer that the early voting period would be extended by six days due to the pandemic. </p><p>Texas is 819,931 votes away from surpassing the statewide turnout in the 2016 general election. It has already exceeded the 2012 turnout by 155,445 votes, according to the Texas Secretary of State's office. </p><p>The early voting period ends on Friday, Oct. 30. Registered voters will be able to cast their ballots so long as they are in line by 7 p.m. A list of early voting polling locations can be found <a href="https://austonia.com/travis-county-early-voting-2020" target="_self">here</a>. </p><p>The following six polling locations will be open until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Ben Hur Shrine Centerr</li><li>Millennium Youth Complex</li><li>PfISD Rock Gym</li><li>South Park Meadows, Suite 400</li><li>South Park Meadows, Suite 500</li><li>Austin Central Library</li></ul><p>Residents can find wait time estimates for each location <a href="https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/elections/wait-time-map.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, whether they are registered to vote <a href="https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, voter identification requirements in Texas <a href="https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/elections/new-voter-id-requirements-for-texas-voters.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, their personal ballot <a href="https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/elections/current-election/what-s-on-the-ballot.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> and some races to watch <a href="https://austonia.com/travis-county-early-voting-2020" target="_self">here</a>.</p><p>Many local businesses are also encouraging voting by offering specials—<a href="https://austonia.com/early-voting-rewards/paprika-atx-one-free-carnitas-taco" target="_self">from a free slice of pizza to a discounted pint</a>—to those who bring in their "I voted" or "Yo voté" sticker.</p><p><strong>More on voting:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/early-voting-rewards" target="_self">5 places that reward you for voting early this year</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDUyMTU4My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwODM2MjA3MH0.Y64oDi99tUDm56EaYc_TYpmREdguN1GgzRRTPUArH2Y/img.jpg?width=980" id="17193" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a5013614d22fb93bbbd3d69b001b972a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />5 places that reward you for voting early this year
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(Capital City Bakery/Instagram)
Halloween season is rapidly coming to a close but there is still time to celebrate. Austin is making the most out of the holiday with themed cookies, cakes, coffee, cocktails and more. If you're not too scared, you might still have time to try them all.
<p>Here are nine places to get your Halloween treat fix.</p>
Big Top Candy Shop
<div id="25722" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2a6af512441ce624507e20d8b9897135"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGVZIlLlLxp/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Where else would you get your Halloween candy other than South Congress' staple Big Top Candy Shop? Pick up all the candy your heart desires or stop by the soda fountain and milkshake bar for a fall-flavored concoction.</p>Capital City Bakery
<div id="85699" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="972ecaffeba41cfa4b7239a1ab60d7bd"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7e4xjgGQA/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p><a href="https://ccbcurbside.square.site/" target="_blank">Capital City Bakery</a>, on East Cesar Chavez Street, has your spooky cupcake needs covered. With cupcake flavors like "cookies 'n scream," candy corn, "boonilla," "strawberry brains" and the classic pumpkin spice latte cupcake, the bakery has something for everybody. That's not all though—for those who aren't feeling cake, Capital City Bakery is serving up pumpkin pie kolaches and mini pumpkin and pecan pies.</p>Kerbey Lane Cafe
<div id="c133d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5ded488ba4b4ca7d16c423e325f844de"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGdLE4OphQc/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Kerbey Lane is famous for its seasonal menus and comfort food, and this year is no different. Stop in and try a harvest mimosa, pumpkin pancakes, chili queso fries or sweet potato hash. If you visit the university location, located on 2606 Guadalupe St., you might even get lucky enough to <a href="https://austonia.com/kerbey-lane-server-drawings" target="_blank">get a caricature</a>.</p>Milky Way Shakes
<div id="f4a53" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1d774d8bde95f30b449fafea1938dd0f"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGavXu5Fftd/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p><a href="https://www.milkywayshakes.com/" target="_blank">Milky Way Shakes</a>, also on East Cesar Chavez, serves a host of space-themed vegan milk shakes year-round but their Halloween shake, the "International Spice Station," takes the cake. The shake, made with a vanilla or chocolate base, blended with pumpkin purée, pecan caramel and topped with gluten-free pie crust, will have you wishing it was fall all year long.</p>Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop
<div id="c4e13" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a77ea130c4e9f1ab3357a2e7e4165fed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGpl4t_A2SF/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Featuring a range of October specials, <a href="https://sugar-mamas-bakeshop.square.site/" target="_blank">Sugar Mama's Bakeshop</a> has a menu that rotates daily and provides only the freshest of treats. This fall, pick up a brownie at its S. 1st Street location topped with candy pieces or its classic pumpkin chocolate chip cupcake, which is back again this year.</p>Sweet Ritual
<div id="a7e50" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ab677621b7981d5b4cc58b4a4f605f9a"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGsUJ-KHsCp/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Vegan ice cream shop <a href="http://www.sweetritual.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Ritua</a>l, located on Airport Boulevard, is famous for its ever-changing seasonal scoops. This fall, catch flavors like pistachio rose, peach brown betty or sprinkle galaxy. Whatever you choose, there is a flavor for everyone. </p>Tellus Joe
<div id="bc8d4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2016d4ce39692a9c59ad08a5b66efdda"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNw5ILF61E/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>If you're craving a more horror-inspired treat, <a href="https://www.tellusjoe.com/" target="_blank">Tellus Joe</a> located on Windsor Road, is featuring a freaky "silence of the yams" ube (sweet potato) latte, complete with chocolate charcoal whipped cream. This drink ends on Halloween, so don't wait. Oh and don't worry, it's plant-based.</p>The Tigress
<div id="48e6d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="81dd8d74b3aacb00597fed5fce8841e2"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG3AKi0FOt_/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Miss Halloween night at the bar but don't want to go out? <a href="https://thetigresspub.com/" target="_blank">The Tigress</a>, located at 100 W North Loop Blvd., is serving a list of Halloween themed cocktails to-go through Nov. 1. The pub is even selling cocktails for six in scorpion bowls for your at-home Halloween party.</p>Zucchini Kill
<div id="28fd7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3d15f9d11f653478c4660a3b71e0a8fa"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGuwm1pFjJJ/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>From pumpkin bread to donuts to swirl cake, <a href="https://www.zucchinikill.com/" target="_blank">Zucchini Kill</a> has all things Halloween in one place. If you like pumpkin everything, they sell their signature "punk'n spice" that you can add to coffee, pancakes or anything you set your mind to. These creative treats are only available in October, find them at 701 E. 53rd St.</p><p>Get the most out of spooky season while you still can!</p><p><strong>More on fall: </strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/activities-for-fall" target="_self">6 activities that'll remind you it's fall in Austin all month long</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1NDAwNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNzgxNjQ1OX0.AUNAo2Dmr7DznUAAgaRKy0TenFO_pPJzCPzM-bm9mUo/img.jpg?width=980" id="18c1d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="042d5677692f6c64a7cce099f9abfc95" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />6 activities that'll remind you it's fall in Austin all month long
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Rainey Street Residences is a 48-story, 409-unit apartment complex proposed at the corner of Rainey and River streets.
Two original Rainey Street bungalows, home to longtime bars Craft Pride and Javelina, could be replaced by a proposed 48-floor apartment complex.
<p><a href="http://www.javelinabar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Javelina</a> and <a href="https://craftprideaustin.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Craft Pride</a> opened next door to each other in 2012 and 2013, respectively, representing two of the longest-tenured establishments since Rainey Street became an entertainment district in the mid-2000s.</p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allowfullscreen="" aria-hidden="false" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3446.2683630518145!2d-97.74108468487987!3d30.25793398180524!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8644b5abccc73fd9%3A0x40c34bd76f2366b4!2sCraft%20Pride!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1603893974354!5m2!1sen!2sus" style="border:0;" tabindex="0" width="600"></iframe></div><p>The Design Commission voted Monday to support concept plans for <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=349133" target="_blank">River Street Residences</a>, a proposed 409-unit apartment complex, but not before some commissioners raised concerns about replacing two of the most-established bars at the south gateway of Rainey Street.<br/></p><p>"People see it as a bonafide nightlife district, they see it as someplace special in Austin," Commissioner Beau Frail said during the Monday meeting. "There is a very large contingent of the city that will see this project as another nail in the coffin of Rainey Street."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="142bc9451034dcf25b019468064194fc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="a378e" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYwMzExMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzE1ODIyMH0.Zw-1uSkNM39jSOT9QG2AdPZqeN0NdCJOUqNkyfZGs2s/img.jpg?width=980"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption..." spellcheck="false">An apartment highrise is proposed at the current location of Craft Pride.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">(Flickr)</small></p><p>While there has been plenty of business turnover on Rainey Street during the past decade, this situation most mirrors a similar scenario from 2014. That is when Lustre Pearl—one of the first bars to open on Rainey Street—<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/real-estate/2014/03/lustre-pearls-closure-signals-start-of-rainey.html" target="_blank">was displaced from the Driskill Street corner</a> to make room for Millennium Rainey residential project, now called <a href="https://www.camdenliving.com/austin-tx-apartments/camden-rainey-street/apartments" target="_blank">Camden Rainey Street Apartments</a>. That original bungalow was relocated to establish Lustre Pearl's East Austin location, and a second location opened <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2016/3/2/11147198/lustre-pearl-rainey-open-march-bridget-dunlap" target="_blank">across Rainey Street in 2016</a>. That same apartment project also caused another popular Rainey Street bar called White House to close for good.<br/></p><p>Ultimately, Frail and most other design commissioners voted to support the River Street Residences project as long as project developers promised to open up the ground-floor commercial space facing Rainey Street. Chair David Caroll cast the lone "nay" vote against the Design Commission recommendation.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="37a02e71451b2cd0c5f4dbf905e7c53d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="6f53e" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDYyNjE5MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjI5OTU2OH0.8nkGRUteJ9EclgqQBdedU91CgX7Y5Z_bLVvlkR--07M/img.png?width=980"/>
</p>
<p>The project next advances to the Planning Commission and eventually City Council for full approval. Exact dates have not been confirmed by city officials before deadline.<br/></p><p>Attempts to reach Craft Pride and Javelina ownership were also not successful, but River Street Residences representatives said during the Design Commission meeting Monday that current property occupants are kept up-to-date on the project.</p><p><strong>Another potential displacement</strong><br/></p><p><a href="https://www.via313.com/" target="_blank">Via 313</a>, which relocated its second-ever food truck from South Austin to Craft Pride in 2013, would also be displaced if the River Street Residences project is approved by the city. Co-owner Brandon Hunt said he heard rumors that Craft Pride and Via 313 could find a new home in the completed skyscraper, but that is just speculation for now.</p><p>Via 313 has had major success in Austin since opening a single food trailer in 2011. After expanding to five locations throughout the years, the food establishment announced this year it is taking its Detroit-style pizza to the national level. </p><p>"If not for that trailer on Rainey Street, maybe they wouldn't be going national today," Commissioner Samuel Franco speculated during the Monday meeting. He worried about the next Via 313 not having the same odds of success without an affordable spot in a heavily trafficked nightlife district.</p><p>The spot certainly was affordable—free, in fact, minus utility costs, according to Hunt. Via 313 couldn't have opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Oak Hill without success at Rainey Street as well as its first location at Violet Crown Social Club in East Austin, he said.</p><p>But the Rainey Street location ultimately did not even factor in the valuation <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/savory-invests-in-via-313-pizzeria-to-propel-new-growth-301151071.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">when Via 313 recently received investor support</a> to expand nationally, Hunt said. Instead, the value of that spot should be weighed culturally, he said, similar to how Torchy's Tacos kept operating its original South 1st Street trailer long after the chain expanded beyond Austin.</p><p>Via 313 has kept the Rainey Street location open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and Craft Pride reopened last Tuesday. Nonetheless, Hunt said that Rainey foot traffic is roughly half of what it once was. </p><p>"It's been a battle for sure," he said. "It's slowly getting back to normal down there as far as traffic goes."</p><p>The culture of the street has also changed over the years as more highrise projects enter the entertainment district, Hunt said. He points to the apartment project that displaced the original Lustre Pearl and 70 Rainey, a 34-story condo tower that opened last year, as the main examples.</p><p>"I can't complain too much because before we were there, there were people who felt disrespected and displaced," Hunt said, referring to <a href="https://austin.towers.net/discover-a-different-rainey-street-in-this-unearthed-1981-documentary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rainey's original Latino roots</a> before the neighborhood was rezoned for downtown-level density, making it into what it is today. "It seems like the natural evolution of that area."</p>
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(Emma Freer)
With three more days left to vote and amid concerns about misinformation, local leaders convened Wednesday to encourage Austinites to support Proposition A, which would raise the city's property tax rate to help pay for Project Connect, a $7.1 billion plan to overhaul public transportation.
<p>Mayor Steve Adler touted the benefits of Project Connect, which he said will create new jobs, provide environmental benefits, and make Austin a safer and more equitable city. He also mentioned the broad coalition of supporters, which includes business and real estate groups as well as environmental and social justice advocates. </p><p>"We must pass Proposition A so that we are not stuck in traffic, stuck in our homes and stuck in the past," he said. </p><p>Adler also cited the demographic projection that two million people will move to the metro in the next 20 years.</p><p>"If we don't do a better job of moving people around our city … then we're in trouble," he said. </p><p>Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza, who represents District 2 on City Council, emphasized Prop A's progressive bona fides. </p><p>"It embodies our desire to be about 'we' and not 'me,'" she said.</p><p>Garza also criticized <a href="https://austonia.com/project-connect-austin-election" target="_blank">opponents of Proposition A</a>, which include the political action committee Our Mobility Our Future and the nonprofit Voices of Austin.</p><p>"The opposition offers no solutions," she said, and has taken up "Republican tactics of disinformation."</p><p>Both groups claim that Proposition A will raise property taxes by around 25%. In fact, if approved, it will raise the city's property tax rate <a href="https://austonia.com/project-connect-taxes" target="_blank">by about 20%</a>. However, because city property owners also pay taxes to Austin ISD, Austin Community College, Central Health and Travis County, the overall increase in their property tax bill will be around 4%. </p><p>"I am concerned about the lies circulating this election," Adler said. "I am concerned when people might be making decisions based on signs about what this costs that are six times higher than what this will cost." </p><p>Chas Moore, the founder and executive director of the Austin Justice Coalition, also spoke in support of the proposed tax rate increase. </p><p>"Prop A is our chance to put our money where our mouth is," he said. "It's a direct investment in the quality of the life of Black people, of brown people, for everyone who's been marching because of their skin color or their bank account or what part of town they live in."</p><p>Adler pointed to the historic <a href="https://austonia.com/project-connect-displacement" target="_blank">$300 million fund for anti-displacement initiatives</a> included in the Project Connect budget.</p><p>"This is the project that is required to achieve mobility equity in our city," he said.</p><p>The group also addressed some of the criticisms leveled against Project Connect, including the financial hardships caused by the pandemic.</p><p>Garza said now is the time for this election given record-breaking turnout. "Why would we want to wait?" she asked.</p><p>Finally, Adler raised concerns about the role of "secret money" in the election. </p><p>As a PAC, Our Mobility Our Future is required to disclose its funders, who include car dealers, Republicans and long-time opponents of transit investment. </p><p>Voices of Austin, however, is a nonprofit and is not beholden to the same standards. Executive Director Peck Young has told Austonia that its funding comes from locals and that the group is unaffiliated with police unions or the Koch brothers. But there are no public records to verify his claims.</p><p>"I think when people are putting up dollars to influence an election, they ought to stand up and say who they are so that people can understand who it is who is sponsoring the message," Adler said. </p><p>Early voting ends on Friday, Oct. 30. Travis County residents can find early voting polling places <a href="https://austonia.com/travis-county-early-voting-2020" target="_blank">here</a>, where they are registered to vote <a href="https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do" target="_blank">here</a>, voter identification requirements in Texas <a href="https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/elections/new-voter-id-requirements-for-texas-voters.html" target="_blank">here</a> and view their personal ballots <a href="https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/elections/current-election/what-s-on-the-ballot.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. </p><p><strong>More on Prop A: </strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/project-connect-displacement" target="_self">Project Connect includes a historic anti-displacement fund. Is $300 million enough?</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDUwODQwOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzU1ODk5MX0.tOMLWOZRwP05-mPNBDEAkz4j_UuGqMw-CrFarbgKIbE/img.jpg?width=980" id="9c564" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a6d8f9ade016fe7656d06e1eb2c2665f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Project Connect includes a historic anti-displacement fund. Is $300 million enough?(Emma Freer/Austonia)
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