The Daily Hustle: 4/2/10

Texas Relays, UT football fallout: The Daily Hustle covers the week in sports.

… After the epic fail that was local reaction to last year's Texas Relays, a weekend of track and field which draws thousands of African-American tourists to Austin, the city has pulled out all the stops to welcome the event this year. The city hosted a welcome reception yesterday, and Sheryl Cole issued the following statement in a press release:

“Austin is proud to be the home of the flagship institution of the University of Texas system and the host city of the 83rd Texas Relays. I want to welcome the elite athletes from across the country who participate in the relays and all the spectators who enjoy the competition. This year, the City of Austin with an enormous outpouring of community support, is also host to many other events that we invite our residents and Texas Relays guests to enjoy.

I thank the many people in the community who have stepped up to put on the Urban Music Fest, a health fair, dance and step performances, and numerous receptions to embrace Texas Relays. … Austin strives to be a world class city, one that embraces diversity, respects difference, and celebrates all people. I know that this year, the City of Austin has put a welcome mat out for all of our Texas Relays visitors and hope both our residents and visitors have a safe, fun-filled weekend of events."

You can learn more about the Relays events here.

… Thursday, City Manager Marc Ott announced two appointments: Stephen Elkins as Chief Information Officer, a permanent replacement for for former CIO Gail Collins who moved back to North Carolina because she couldn't sell her house; and Veronica Lara, bumped up from Acting Director of the Department of Small and Minority Business Resources(DSMBR) to Director. Here's more from the city:

“These are two leaders in our organization with records of success and a clear understanding of what it means to be the best managed City in the country,” said Ott. “Their exemplary performance in acting roles over the past six months galvanized my confidence that they were the right people to take us there.”

Elkins, who previously served as Director of DSMBR, was previously the manager of the Technology Projects and Development Division at [the Communications and Technology Management Department] and has served in various information technology roles with both the City of Austin and the private sector. Lara is an 11-year City employee who most recently served as Assistant Director of DSMBR. She has also served as a Council Aide and as Agenda Coordinator in the City Manager’s Office.

… Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez wasn't feelin' our cover story on the demise of UT Football. Personally, I think news editor Michael King's comment says it all …

Oh snap!

What the hell else is happening?

– Not a single damn board or commission meeting, for starters. The Tony Campise Big Band, however is playing City Hall's "Live From The Plaza" series at noon. (Link, scroll down a couple slots, for more.)

– Per the Hustle's complaint yesterday, Lee Leffingwell's chief of staff Mark Nathan sends in a totally on the record quote: "Hey all you freaks. The Daily Hustle is the shiznit, for realz."

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