Austin City Council approved a resolution directing city staff to work with regional transportation agencies to prioritize safety, walking, biking and transit in proposed Parmer Lane improvements amid concerns that a plan to convert the corridor into a multilane highway could increase traffic, noise and pollution.

The background: For several years, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation have been collaborating to recommend potential improvements for the section of Parmer Lane east of MoPac as part of the CAMPO Project Readiness Program.

One proposal revealed from the corridor study was converting Parmer Lane, between RM 1431 and MoPac, into a four-lane highway with four frontage road lanes north of SH 45, and two highway lanes plus six frontage road lanes south of SH 45.

The issue: The recommendation prompted backlash from transportation advocacy groups and nearby neighbors and business owners, citing that converting the road into a highway would make it more dangerous, increase noise and pollution and make it more difficult to walk, bike and use public transit.

Inspired by generations of family recipes and locally grown ingredients, Marimbas Guatemalan Bakery & Restaurant serves traditional Guatemalan dishes, baked goods and specialty drinks with the goal of bringing a taste of Guatemala to Austin.

The details: Marimbas uses fresh ingredients from the family’s ranch in Manor, Texas in nearly every dish, including vegetables, native chilies and farm-raised chickens, general manager Ronaldo Alvarado said.

“We remind a lot of people of their home… how their mom, or how their grandma made their food,” Alvarado said. “Using their own ingredients, growing their own crops, it’s just very familiar to our Guatemalan customers.”

On the menu: Using ingredients from the family ranch and influences from Guatemala, Marimbas has an extensive menu including breakfast items, Guatemalan street food, traditional Guatemalan dishes, baked goods and a variety of drinks.

Popular dishes include the Pepián de la Abuela, a Guatemalan stew made from farm-raised chickens in a thick sauce from tomatoes, seeds and chilies.

As Austin prepares to host the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas from Oct. 22-25, brands are hosting various fan activations across the city. Local racing fans can experience watch parties, car shows, live entertainment and other activities at several pop-up events:

• Atlassian Williams F1 Team Fan Zone from Oct. 19-24, featuring driver appearances, a show car and racing simulators.
• Ford Racing Den at Distribution Hall from Oct. 21-25, offering watch parties, live music and flash tattoos.
• MINI Garage Pop Up from Oct. 22-24, featuring free coffee and donuts and an appearance by racer Charlie Cooper.
• Red Bull Austin Race Nights Fan Zone from Oct. 22-25, with racing simulators and driver appearances.
• Google Store Pit Stop on Oct. 24, featuring a mini track and photo opportunities.
• Sports Illustrated’s Circuit Series on Oct. 24, offering musical performances and axe throwing.
• Luxury & Exotic Car Showcase on Oct. 25, featuring a luxury car show.
• Race Weekend Apple Sessions on Oct. 25, hosting an Apple TV broadcast of the race.