Austin Public Health facing 'uncertainty and instability' amid ongoing funding losses
Austin Public Health continues to face instability for its programs and employees as some of the department's extensive federal funding remains at risk or is being reduced.
APH has reported on its federal grant cuts throughout this year, and recently launched a website tracking the impacts of those changes. Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup told City Council this week that the department remains in a period of "uncertainty and instability" related to millions of dollars for services and staff.
Several community-facing programs could be limited as grant funding winds down or is canceled. Sturrup said APH still remains prepared to confront a public health crisis, but that the department will likely face staffing challenges and less specialized response.
Geraldine’s celebrates 10 years in Downtown Austin
This fall, Geraldine’s will mark its 10th anniversary on Rainey Street, nestled in the Hotel Van Zandt.
The details: Before Rainey Street became known for its bustling nightlife and food scene, it had a different kind of icon—Geraldine the guinea fowl, according to the company’s website.
Known for her quirky and fearless demeanor, she left a lasting impression on the neighborhood. When the restaurant opened in 2015, it took her name as a tribute.
The restaurant features modern Mexican cuisine with a southern influence, serving up dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In honor of the locale’s 10th anniversary, Geraldine’s will be showcasing its new, refreshed menu, “Heritage Flavors Reborn.” Dishes will include Al Pastor, Ostiones and Mole Verde.
Geraldine’s also hosts live performances most nights, showcasing local and touring musicians in genres ranging from jazz and blues to country rock, flamenco and soul.
‘This will save lives’: New Texas laws require summer camps to remove cabins from floodplains
Two months after 25 campers and two counselors died in the historic July 4 flooding at Camp Mystic, Gov. Greg Abbott signed three new laws Sept. 5 that he said will “make youth camps safer” and ensure Texas communities are better prepared for future disasters. The flood victims' families attended the Sept. 5 bill signing ceremony in Austin.
The details: Under the two-pronged camp safety package, summer camps are required to remove existing cabins from floodplains by Jan. 1.
Camps must also develop and annually update comprehensive emergency plans, set up warning systems to notify campers if something is wrong and install ladders so campers can climb on cabin roofs during floods.
Looking ahead: Two other disaster preparedness bills, as well as legislation designed to regulate Texas’ multibillion-dollar THC industry, did not pass during the recent special legislative session, which ended around 1 a.m. Sept. 4.
When asked Sept. 5 if he planned to call a third legislative overtime to continue work on those policies, Abbott told reporters to "stay tuned."
