“This morning, Austin Energy had around 3 dozen homes without power, but around by 5:25 a.m. that number jumped to 7,772.”FOX7
“People were seen fighting over food in the dumpster at an H-E-B store in South Austin on William Cannon and I-35 yesterday.”FOX7
“A residential development containing 375 units and rising up to seven floors at the corner of South Congress Avenue and East Live Oak Street is now in review with the City of Austin.”TOWERS
“It’s National Pizza Day and we’re celebrating with a new spot off South First in Bouldin Creek.”FOX7
“A 92-year-old woman is dead and two others are injured after a house fire in South Austin on Saturday morning.”KVUE
“Some residents in Austin, Texas who are still without power Saturday days after a winter storm struck say they are frustrated that no answers are being offered as to when their electricity will return.”SFGATE
“A special panel in Travis County Probate Court has ruled that the operator of the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport should be awarded $90 million for being uprooted by the city’s airport expansion plans. That’s about 46 times larger than what the city initially offered to pay.”Austin Business Journal
South Austin voters’ voices were loud and clear on Election Night. Even though the South Austin Republican Club doesn’t align with the results, we want to thank all the candidates that ran, their campaign staff, volunteers, and warriors that worked tirelessly to get out the vote for who we supported.
These next months and years will be critical to saving Austin from the progressive left and making progress for our principles in Travis County. This is going to require everyone to provide effort and resources to dominate the field and turn out everyone we can for the candidates and causes we support.
The hardest challenges will yield the most satisfying victories in times of great adversity. George Washington faced seemingly insurmountable odds when crossing the Delaware River in the dead of winter in 1776. But, with perseverance, focus, and unwavering determination to protect and maintain the principles he found important, we prevailed in one of the most significant ways in American history.
We too have this same chance in Travis County in 2024. The odds may seem stacked against just. The data may not add up. But if we fold now we do a disservice to everything we believe.
Therefore, we can’t back down. We must cross our Delaware River. We must protect what we hold to be true and important.
The fight is not over. We can and will do more in 2024. And, most importantly – We Can Win Austin!
“This morning, Austin Energy had around 3 dozen homes without power, but around by 5:25 a.m. that number jumped to 7,772.” FOX7 “People were seen fighting over food in the dumpster at an H-E-B store in South Austin on William Cannon and I-35 yesterday.” FOX7 “A residential development containing 375 units and rising up to seven floors at the…
Image: FOX7 As Texas deaths caused by opioid use have risen, Austin has installed its first Narcan vending machine. This machine was deployed by the N.I.C.E. Project (More Narcan In Case of Emergency) in conjunction with Sunrise Homeless Navigation. What is Narcan? It is a nasal spray drug that prevents death from overdosing on opioids…
“Roughly a dozen families living at a mobile home park in South Austin who received 60-day notices to leave will be able to stay for the time being after a Travis County judge issued a temporary restraining order Monday.” KUT 5 Fun Things in South Austin – DO512 “A 25-year-old man has been arrested for…
“Roughly a dozen families living at a mobile home park in South Austin who received 60-day notices to leave will be able to stay for the time being after a Travis County judge issued a temporary restraining order Monday.”KUT
“A 25-year-old man has been arrested for shooting a panhandler in South Austin. Police say Elijah Perez left the scene, then later returned to tell police what he did.”FOX7
“A new bar taking its cues from Mexico City and South Austin will open this fall. Lulu’s will be found on 10402 Menchaca Road, Suite 3 starting sometime in mid-September or early October in the far south Austin area.”EATER AUSTIN
“Police said a man was taken to the hospital after being shot in both legs Friday night. It happened in the 6400 block of South Congress Ave. around 8:15 p.m. That’s near William Cannon Drive. When officers arrived, they found a man who had been shot in both legs.”KXAN
Austin City Council voted to increase their pay by 40% last week by an overwhelming margin. Out of the eleven members, only three opposed this egregious hike in pay; Paige Ellis (D8), Vanessa Fuentes (D2), and the redoubtable Mackenzie Kelly (D6).
In 2020, the city council removed $150 million from the Austin Police budget. While this author has given special attention in the past to the obscenity of losing our sex crimes unit, there is another element that was eliminated causing all too tragic consequences.
Severe winter weather can be deadly and we want you to be as prepared as possible for the next major storm that will hit the Austin metro area. Below, you will find ways to be prepared. Please take every suggestion seriously.
The intention of this article:
To ensure you have the soft/hard skills and options for hard resources for when a winter storm arrives. If you can know what to do and have access to canned food, water, heat and power for at least one mobile device – we will consider it a success.
“Each year, hundreds of Americans are injured or killed by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents on wintry roads, and fires caused by the improper use of heaters. Prepare now so you can stay safe during blizzards and other winter storms!“
American Red Cross
Protect Your Family
Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.
Have your vehicle winterized before the winter storm season to decrease your chance of being stranded.
Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil.
Install good winter tires with adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate but some jurisdictions require vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
Keep in your vehicle:
A windshield scraper and small broom
A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats
Matches in a waterproof container
A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna
An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing
Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
Keep a supply of non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.
Service snow removal equipment before the winter storm season and maintain it in good working order.
Keep handy a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets and warm clothing for everyone in your household.
Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater (if permitted by law in your area). Follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation and use.
Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
If you have a fireplace, consider keeping a supply of firewood or coal. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of ashes safely.
Consider installing a portable generator, following our safety tips to avoid home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners’ policies do not cover damage from floods.
Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.
Alternative Power Options
Remember, when your power goes out keeping your phone and small heater charged can be life-saving action. No alternative power source is too small for a dire and chilly situation like a winter storm.
“I was wondering if it is safe to put snow in water filtration and then just wait until it melts down if the temperature is right. Of course, carefully picked, clean looking snow.”
Yes, though it’s more common to melt snow and boil it before ingesting (outdoors.com)
The suggestion is to boil it if you can, however. If you plan to use a Brita filter for your snow please filter it 3 times or more before drinking it. Also, make sure to select the cleanest snow possible. This can be accomplished by setting out a clean bucket or catcher as if you would if you were capturing rain water, to capture snow straight from the sky and not from the ground. But boiling is suggested over any other method.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the bottled water industry, does not require a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly, but we recommend no more than two years for non-carbonated water, and one year for sparkling water. (nestle-watersna.com)
Store in a cool, dark place away from products with strong odors
Rotate product on a regular basis
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight
If storing outside, use a tent/cover to protect products from direct exposure and to shield the bottled water from the outside elements (excessive heat, rain and snow) (1)
If You Do Nothing Else, Do This
Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
Be sure you have ample heating fuel.
If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
Bring your companion animals inside and ensure that your horses and livestock have blankets if appropriate and unimpeded access to shelter, food, and non-frozen water.
Today, we will specifically look at mass shootings, trying to understand what exactly they are. By striving to understand the horrors that rock our headlines all too often, we may gain insight into how to prevent them.
In the wake of mass shootings, Americans are regularly told that these atrocities do not happen in other developed countries. This, we are to believe, is the damnable result of the Second Amendment to the Constitution.
Austin has decided to launch an experiment with Universal Basic Income (UBI) in partnership with the nonprofit UpTogether. The program, when implemented, will send $1000 per month to 85 low-income individuals in the city.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”
George S. Patton
Veterans Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have served and those who are currently serving whether active duty, National Guard, or Reserve.
Veterans Day is a time of remembrance and gratitude, but also a time to celebrate as Americans.
The American tradition of barbecues, military-themed gatherings, and special events is definitely what helps us feel connected to those that have served – helping those that have served to feel connected to the country.
SARC has put together a list of things you can do this Veteran’s Day that will help bring you closer to Veterans and the spirit of America.
If you have a favorite film, personal story or something to add that we missed – please send us an email or comment below! We’d love to hear from you!
MOVIES
The Great Escape
Director: John Sturges Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
Platoon
Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe
Top Gun
Director: Tony Scott Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer
The Great Escape
Director: John Sturges Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
Platoon
Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe
Top Gun
Director: Tony Scott Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer
Iron Eagle
Director: Sidney J. Furie Starring: Louis Gossett Jr., Jason Gedrick, David Suchet
The Great Escape
Director: John Sturges Starring: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
Platoon
Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe
Top Gun
Director: Tony Scott Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer
Iron Eagle
Director: Sidney J. Furie Starring: Louis Gossett Jr., Jason Gedrick, David Suchet
Stalag 17
Director: Billy Wilder Starring: William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger
Black Hawk Down
Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore
A Few Good Men
Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Pollak
Take a Virtual Trip to a Military Museum or Memorial via – The National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri: The museum offers a number of online exhibitions on topics including volunteerism during World War I, the end of WWI in 1918, and more.National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Washington, D.C.: Your students can view artifacts, digital exhibits, and photography related to various wars. In addition, the museum offers high school lesson plans on Pearl Harbor.Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, New York, New York: The complex offers virtual tours and talks as well as videos on its YouTube channel, oral history interviews with those who served on board the famous aircraft carrier, a searchable database of the Museum’s collection of items, and more.The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana: View exhibits including “Road to Tokyo” and “Road to Berlin,” which contain historical photographs and information. The museum also offers distance learning opportunities and resources for students and teachers.Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund offers a virtual tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall, which is available online or via the VVMF’s Mobile Tour app.
Severe winter weather can be deadly and we want you to be as prepared as possible for the next major storm that will hit the Austin metro area. Below, you will find ways to be prepared. Please take every suggestion seriously. The intention of this article: To ensure you have the soft/hard skills and options…
6:07PM – Austin, TX USA South Austin Republican Club Dallas Emerson, Communications Director & Data Analyst dallas@southaustinrc.org Keep Voting Former President Donald Trump released the following statement yesterday, October 13th, 2021: This message has been received as a threat to the Republican Party; somehow to address the alleged fraud of the 2020 election. There are…
Dallas Emerson, Communications Director & Data Analyst
dallas@southaustinrc.org
Keep Voting
Former President Donald Trump released the following statement yesterday, October 13th, 2021:
This message has been received as a threat to the Republican Party; somehow to address the alleged fraud of the 2020 election.
There are those who argue this message is not a threat but, an analysis: Republican voters will stay home because they feel their votes will not count.
While South Austin Republicans Club takes voter fraud very seriously, we cannot encourage people to not vote. The idea that Republican voters should stay home is destructive, and the same attitude that handed two Georgia Senate seats to Democrats in January. When Republicans stay home, Democrats win.
As our club has noted before, there is no evidence of election-altering fraud in Austin. If the powers that be could suppress the vote, we would have never passed Proposition B (citywide homeless camping ban) or gotten a conservative councilwoman elected (Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly).
As we look to vote for Prop A this year, and electing new councilmembers next year, we cannot allow the questions we have about the 2020 election prevent us from making our voices heard.
Despite how badly we wanted to see Donald Trump reelected, we must honestly and factually take up the many challenges that Republicans face. So that we ensure conservative leaders are elected and conservative policies implemented.
###
“There are those who argue this message is not a threat but, an analysis: Republican voters will stay home because they feel their votes will not count.”
“People who live in South Austin and use Stassney Lane will soon have safer and more convenient ways to cross the street or get to a public transit stop.” @KVUE
On November 2nd, 2021 Texans will have the chance to vote on 8 statewide propositions. Austinites will have the chance to vote on 2 city propositions. You can learn about them here and we encourage you to vote!
“People who live in South Austin and use Stassney Lane will soon have safer and more convenient ways to cross the street or get to a public transit stop. Crews from the Austin Transportation Department will start phase two of a project aimed at improving pedestrian crossings, bike infrastructure and bus stops.”KVUE
“The Austin Police Department has made an arrest and is looking for another person in connection with a homicide that took place back in April in South Austin. It happened on April 26th in the 6200 block of Boxcar Run at 11:53 p.m.”CBS AUSTIN
“About 70 COVID-19 vaccines were given to festival goers during weekend one of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, according to authorities.Constable George Morales, who oversees Travis County’s vaccine strike teams, told the Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday of the latest vaccine distribution.Officials said the 70 vaccines were a part of the 763 doses that were given in Travis County last week.”PATCH
“An elderly woman was struck and killed by a car in south Austin last week, authorities said Monday. The crash took place around 8:55 p.m. Friday near the 7000 block of E. Riverside Drive and Frontier Valley Drive.”PATCH
“Tesla officially moved its headquarters from Palo Alto, California to Austin, Texas CEO Elon Musk announced at the company’s 2021 annual shareholder meeting.”CNBC
“Make the most out of an autumn trip to pumpkin patches near South Austin by planning to play a few games beforehand. The best experiences at the nearby fields this fall can become treasured childhood memories when you organize a friendly competition among young pumpkin patch visitors.”PATCH
“People who live in South Austin and use Stassney Lane will soon have safer and more convenient ways to cross the street or get to a public transit stop.” @KVUE
“Legend says in the ’20s, it was a hangout spot for train robbers the Newton Gang, Carvalho said. Roughly 50 years later, the likes of Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin performed at the venue.” COMMUNITY IMPACT
On November 2nd, 2021 Texans will have the chance to vote on 8 statewide propositions. Austinites will have the chance to vote on 2 city propositions. You can learn about them here and we encourage you to vote!
Texas State Propositions
Prop #1 The 2021 ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment authorizing the professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeo venues.”
Lotteries approved in Texas in 1989 for a State Lottery, Charity bingo events, and Charity raffles
In 2015 the list was increased to add major sports teams; Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Football and Soccer.
In 2017 they added additional sports leagues, NASCAR and other motor sports, and hosts of PGA events.
This amendment adds Rodeo to the long list.
Prop #2 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county.”
This is really a change to allow counties to use up to 65% of increasing tax revenue to pay off debt and finance the purchase of land, development and construction of roads and other infrastructure in areas they designate as “blighted” or “underdeveloped”. Terms they get to define. We have already seen where the left is going with “infrastructure.”
Prop #3 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.”
This is an amendment to the Texas Constitution which guarantees freedom of worship. Reading that section (Section 6) I don’t see where there is a prohibition against doing what CA and other states have done – closing churches during emergencies, when people most need them!
Prop #4 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment changing the eligibility requirements for a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge.”
This adds new, more stringent qualifications for the mentioned judges. I am all in favor of doing what we can to make sure our justices are well qualified and experienced. I wish they would make it easier to remove judges that attempt legislation from the bench. But that isn’t covered.
Prop #5 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment providing additional powers to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct with respect to candidates for judicial office.”
Currently the Commission can only handle complaints against judges. This amendment would give them power to investigate candidates for judicial offices, as well. On its face it may help inform the voters about candidate misconduct but I wouldn’t count on it’s not being misused for political purposes.
Prop #6 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment establishing a right for residents of certain facilities to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.”
Why? This is a sneaky thing. The Constitution already guarantees the rights to have visitors during hospital care – this changes the Constitution to add the word “AN” meaning ONE and only ONE caregiver. It further gives the legislature the ability to provide guidelines for the visitation and policies used by hospitals. On the other side it prevents the governor from saying “no visitors at all” using his emergency powers.
PROP #7 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment to allow the surviving spouse of a person who is disabled to receive a limitation on the school district ad valorem taxes on the spouse’s residence homestead if the spouse is 55 years of age or older at the time of the person’s death.” -and –
Prop #8 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services of the United States who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.” Ad Val taxes are Property Taxes, by the way. There are currently some 17 different types of people that receive this benefit. It started with the military, then first responders, jailers, then HHS employees, chaplains, Parks and Rec’s employees that “help” with law enforcement. These amendments will have the effect of property tax abatement on the survivors of those killed “in the line of duty,” not just in combat and extend the benefit to school taxes if the spouse is 55 or older at the time of death.
City of Austin Propositions
City of Austin Proposition A
The 2021 ballot will read… Shall a petitioned ordinance be approved to enhance public safety and police oversight, transparency and accountability by adding new chapter 2-16 to establish minimum standards for the police department to ensure effective public safety and protect residents and visitors to Austin, and prescribing minimal requirements for achieving the same, at an estimated cost of $271.5 million – $598.8 million over five years?
Proposition A sets a mandate for staffing and sets minimum standards that will provide oversight and accountability on both the police department and city leadership. As we look ahead to more city growth, we must make public safety a top priority. Prop A would do exactly that.
City of Austin Proposition B
The 2021 ballot will read… Shall the City Council be authorized to convey or lease approximately 9 acres of parkland currently used as the Central Maintenance Complex (CMC) located at 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd. through a public bidding process, where the total value of the bid is equal to or greater than the appraised fair market value of CMC, in exchange for at a minimum: 1) at least 48 acres of waterfront land contiguous to an existing City park; and 2) the cost or construction of a new maintenance facility for the Parks and Recreation Department on other city-owned land; and 3) partial or full funding for the removal of Fiesta Gardens’ existing maintenance facility and restoration of that land to parkland?
Parcel on South Lakeshore Boulevard that voters are being asked to approve for trade.
In 2023 we have a chance to change the composition of the Austin City Council. What the really means is that we have a chance in 2022 since candidates can start officially running one year prior to the election in November of 2023. In South Austin we will have two seats up for the taking…
By Dallas Emerson, SARC Senior Communications Director & Data Analyst The rule of law is essential in a free society. Law and liberty are not opposed; they go hand in hand. In a lawless world, the powerful do what they wish, regardless of consequences. In a free society, even the rich and powerful can be held accountable. …
“Austin Public Health (APH) said it has identified four positive mosquito pools for West Nile Virus while doing routine monitoring for mosquito-borne diseases. The pools were found in the 78744 ZIP code area during the past two weeks.”KXAN
“A colorful, 140-foot mural was installed by the Southern Oaks neighborhood of Austin to greet travelers on Buffalo Pass in south Austin.”KXAN
“All northbound lanes of Interstate 35 are open again after two 18-wheelers crashed and closed the freeway Tuesday morning.”KXAN
“This year, as the pandemic turned the education world on its head, many families began looking at private schools or homeschooling for the first time, according to local school districts’ data. This noncomprehensive guide provides insights into private schools around Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs, from specialized instruction to different religious affiliations.”COMMUNITY IMPACT
“When Albert Demi and his wife, Melanie, adopted Cooper in college, the retriever would not eat. Then, one day he stole a bite of their sandwich, and it seemed like his entire demeanor changed.”COMMUNITY IMPACT
“The Austin Police Department on Friday identified the man who was found dead lying in the road with multiple gunshot wounds early Wednesday morning in South Austin.” CBS AUSTIN “Commercial developer and operator Unico Properties has sold Bouldin Creek, a 170,000-square-foot office building in South Austin to San Francisco-based DivcoWest for an undisclosed price. Unico…
“If you’ve been wanting to add a four-legged ball of love and affection to your family, start with these South Austin area animal shelters for a pet to take home.” @KXAN_News
“The Austin Police Department is investigating the death of a person after they were struck by a train early Friday morning in south Austin.”CBS AUSTIN
“If you’re looking to add a fuzzy ball of four-legged love and affection to your life, look no further than these South Austin area shelters for a pet you can adopt.”PATCH
“Legend says in the ’20s, it was a hangout spot for train robbers the Newton Gang, Carvalho said. Roughly 50 years later, the likes of Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin performed at the venue.”COMMUNITY IMPACT
“The long-awaited tiki bar from the Ramen Tatsu-ya group, Tiki Tatsu-ya, has finally announced its opening date. Tiki Tatsu-ya will open at 1300 South Lamar Boulevard on Monday, October 4.”EATER AUSTIN
Here in Austin, there’s an Afghan interpreter named Hash who served alongside our military. He has become a citizen, but his family is currently trapped in Kabul, at Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Welcome! 