Bastrop officials defended their decision to hold a retreat in Fredericksburg while testifying before a Texas House committee Aug. 26.

State Rep. Stan Gerdes, R-Smithville, said he plans legislation aimed at preventing similar out-of-town meetings.

What happened: Mayor Ishmael Harris and City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino testified about the retreat, where council discussed a range of topics.

As previously reported, no actions were taken during the retreat.

What they’re saying: State Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, said she felt the city was “technically complying” with the Texas Open Meetings Act but questioned whether the retreat was within the spirit of the law.

“But don’t remove the business of the people,” she said, noting that she expects lawmakers to address the issue. “But in the meantime, I would definitely suggest that y’all don’t book anything non-refundable for next year.”

Harris said it “wasn’t about getting away from the public,” but about becoming prepared.

“If this Legislature believes additional guardrails are appropriate, I welcome that conversation," he said. "But good legislation solves a problem without creating a new one.”

Bastrop ISD held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 20 for the district’s new P-TECH Pharmacy Lab at Bastrop High School. The lab officially launched last spring, according to district staff. 

The pharmacy technician lab operates as a satellite campus for the Austin Community College Pharmacy Technician Program. At the lab, students receive education, training at local pharmacies and complete 128 hours of practical experience. 

About the program: Bastrop ISD offers a Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program (P-TECH) Health Science Academy for students to gain experience in the healthcare field. Once students complete the program, they will receive a Pharmacy Technician Certification and Level One Credentials in partnership with Austin Community College, according to the district’s website. 

Some context: The district created P-TECH as an opportunity to prepare students for life after high school, equipping them with credentials, experience, college credit and more, according to district communication.

• 1614 Chambers St., Bastrop

All-vegan restaurant Fabrik relocated from East Austin in mid-July, bringing the tasting room to Tarrytown.

The details: Fabrik owners, Je and Silas Wallerstein, announced the relocation in March after opening on East Martin Luther King Boulevard three years ago. The new spot, Je and Silas Wallerstein detailed, will allow the pair more room to grow.

On the menu: Fabrik seeks to combine a chef’s table, a fine-dining experience, and a mom-and-pop restaurant, according to its website.

The menu is curated seasonally, using locally sourced ingredients to create sustainable, low-impact dishes.

The summer eight-course tasting menu runs $105 per person, starting with sticky leeks and white bean dip and signature bread.

Explore more: Other dishes included mushroom cappelletti, corn cream, maitake and cornbread madeleines for the “black and yellow course.”

The tasting menu concludes with a banana miso mousse, roasted banana compote and black sesame sable, as well as some petit treats like a yuzu macaron.

• 3108 Windsor Road, Austin

Incumbent state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R- Georgetown, will face Democratic challenger Paul Thomasson in the race to represent District 5 in the Texas Senate.

District 5 includes all of Bastrop County.

What to bring to the polls: Voters should bring a photo ID with them to the polls. According to the Texas Secretary of State's office, acceptable forms of photo ID include:

• Texas driver's license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

• Texas election identification certificate issued by DPS

• Texas personal identification card issued by DPS

• Texas handgun license issued by DPS

• U.S. Military identification card containing the person’s photograph

• U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph

• U.S. passport (book or card)

The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5, and early voting begins Oct. 19.

A quick note: The candidates submitted Q&A responses to Community Impact ahead of the Nov. 3 election.