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District 9 Council Member Kathie Tovo focused on pandemic repair and affordable housing in the past two years of her term. (City of Austin)
As 2021 comes to a close, City Council Member Kathie Tovo said she’s “strongly considering” a run for mayor in 2022, according to a report from the Austin Monitor.
Though she didn’t confirm the run, Tovo is entering her final year as a District 9 representative and 12th year on City Council. Currently, candidates for mayor officially include conservative Jennifer Virden. Meanwhile, State Rep. Celia Israel has formed an exploratory committee and former State Sen. Kirk Watson has expressed interest.
Mayor Steve Adler can also petition for a third term, which he has yet to indicate, otherwise his term will end in 2023. Election day is Nov. 8, 2022.
Thankful for these great colleagues. https://t.co/89HyHgXaoG
— Kathie Tovo (@kathietovo) November 23, 2021
After two of what Tovo called the hardest years on City Council in 2020 and 2021, Tovo has had plenty of time to reflect on which issues to tackle in the New Year. Alongside the rest of the world, Tovo, a Democratic council member, said her main focus has been on COVID-19 recovery.
District 9, which covers Downtown, Central Austin and South Congress, has been hit particularly hard in the pandemic. Tovo said she has been focused on business and arts sector recovery, particularly uplifting musicians, increasing equitable food access and strengthening child care options.
When Austin’s pandemic response took a pause for Winter Storm Uri, Tovo sponsored the resilience hubs initiative which will expand to all Austin neighborhoods to bring food, water and warmth in the event of another disaster.
Tovo is also focusing on reducing violent crime on Sixth Street after the last year saw increased criminal activity, including several shootings. Tovo’s solution is to foster a well-trained and fully-staffed police force.
Finally, after focusing on bringing affordable housing to the city over the last year, Tovo wants to proliferate accessory dwelling units and increase access to affordable construction loans. A resolution for ADUs is planned for January or February.
Tovo’s seat already has some competition—progressive candidate Zohaib Qadri announced his run for the District 9 seat in mid-November.- State Rep. Celia Israel thinking of possible run for Austin mayor ... ›
- Austin Mayor Adler gives speech on COVID, homelessness policing ... ›
- Austin Mayor Steve Adler says camping ban 'is not working' - austonia ›
- Conservative Jennifer Virden announces run for Austin mayor ... ›
- Jennifer Virden announces run for Austin Mayor - austonia ›
- State Rep. Celia Israel is joining the 2022 mayoral race - austonia ›
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(Pexels)
Austin Nicholson was ahead of the curve when he got his vasectomy in September 2021, saving himself a long line as Austin-area doctors say the demand for sterilization has seen a “significant” spike since Roe v. Wade was overturned on Friday.
Nicholson, 25, said he would prefer to adopt children, had felt the Supreme Court decision coming for a while, and, wary of the consequences, he decided to pull the trigger and make an appointment.
“A big part of it was the political climate. We could both potentially face consequences and she would definitely face more consequences, which I also personally would not want,” Nicholson said. “I didn't want to be stuck in Texas and have a potential abortion on the mind when it's illegal.”
(Austin Nicholson)
According to vasectomy specialist Dr. Luke Machen of Austin Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, the clinic received over 150 vasectomy appointment requests combined on Friday and Monday following the ruling. Typically, the clinic performs 45-50 vasectomies per month.
The Austin Urology Institute reported that they received about 70 calls in the first hour after the ruling was released. OBYN at Women’s Health Domain reported receiving over 100 requests from women interested in getting their tubes tied.
“I would say a significant number of patients who scheduled recently have mentioned the Supreme Court case,” Machen said. “A lot of guys have said they were thinking about having a vasectomy over the last year or so, and the ruling was the final push to get it done.”
The average patient at Austin Fertility who receives a vasectomy is about 37, though Machen said he has started to see an increased number of patients with zero children choosing to get a vasectomy. While they put together a study, Machen expects demand for the procedure to plateau but stay higher than before the ruling.
Machen said vasectomy is the most effective form of permanent birth control, requires only about a week of recovery time, is reversible with success rates of up to 95% and has no effects on sexual function or testosterone.
Nicholson said the procedure was less than $700, he was never in any pain, had very little recovery time and has never regretted the decision—in fact, he has happily recommended the procedure to friends.
“It helps me feel better knowing that I won't put a woman in that situation where she'd have to be faced with a potentially life-altering decision, or consequence even,” Nicholson said. “I actually have had three of my friends ask me questions about it and tell me that they were considering it.”
(Valencia Hotel Group)
Live music and beer? Say no more. With a location in Austin, and others throughout Texas, the court hotels by the Valencia Hotel Group have a new offering for weekend stays: Live Music & Longnecks.
Enjoy live music all weekend long and check out the hotels’ state-of-the-art amenities between sets. Make a splash in the pool, enjoy outdoor fire pits, or challenge your friends in a yard game while enjoying a weekend full of live music! Did we mention the package includes deluxe accommodations and a bucket of beer? Oh, and if you needed more convincing, this pet-friendly hotel means the whole family can join in on the fun.
The hotels
Explore any of the Court Hotels by Valencia Hotel Group for a memorable escape. Each property offers a unique experience remnant of yesteryear but with all of the modern amenities that make for a fun and comfortable stay. With acres of landscaped courtyards, relax and unwind in an outdoor environment perfect for doing everything or absolutely nothing at all. With locations in Austin, College Station, Irving, and Lubbock your urban retreat has never been so close.
The music
Locals and travelers alike are invited to enjoy the deep roots of Texas music all summer long with a robust lineup of live performances. From the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk to Irving’s manicured streets, Valencia’s hotels are a place to gather and reconnect, offering uniquely Texan settings for the weekly performances.
“We’re proud of the community we’ve fostered among Texas musicians and the many rising stars who perform at our properties,” says Amy Trench, corporate director of brand marketing & PR for Valencia Hotel Group.
In Austin, you can catch good ol’ fashioned Texas country by Drew Moreland and Clayton Gardner, bluegrass by Reagan Quinn, and much, much more.
With unique programming at each of Valencia’s properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
The perks
If you’re a Valencia Hotel Group Rewards member, the perks are plentiful. Enjoy up to 10% off the Best Available Rate, and for a limited time, members can save up to 15% off a stay of 2 nights or more, for select stays in 2022.
But that’s really just the beginning. At select locations, you can enjoy discounts on weeknight stays, a complimentary third night, or curated packages for a romantic getaway or a night of watching the Verde at Q2 Stadium. You’ll also find special rates for AAA and AARP Members, educators, and front-line heroes including military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue workers.