Naked City
Edited By Lauri Apple, Fri., July 26, 2002
This Week's Headlines
The City Council proceeded through its second reading and vote on the Stratus Properties deal, with the same result: 6-1 in favor. The third and final vote is due Aug. 1.
Circle C Ranch developer Gary Bradley declared bankruptcy, citing assets of no more than $500,000 and debts of $100 million.
Flood waters receded and cleanup continued. Meanwhile, major Texas insurers announced they may no longer provide coverage for homes with prior water damage claims or older plumbing. Insurance Commissioner Jose Montemayor talked tough while the gubernatorial candidates traded arguments over how to respond.
The argument continued over the city's "Great Streets-- proposal, under which certain one-way downtown streets would become two-way and turns would be forbidden at some intersections. A related controversy is brewing over Schlosser Inc.'s Sixth+Lamar development.
Edwin Delamora was found guilty of capital murder in the shooting of Travis Co. sheriff's deputy Keith Ruiz, and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
The State Board of Education began public hearings on social studies textbooks; hearings will continue into the fall.
U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks issued a ruling permitting Longhorn Pipeline to proceed with plans to pump highly explosive gasoline products through its former crude oil line.
As expected, the City Council voted to close two of the four Holly Street Power Plant units by 2004, and the entire plant by 2009.
Travis Co. adjusted property tax appraisals are 2% lower than expected, cutting projected school district revenues by $8 million and increasing the city's deficit by $3 million to $32 million. Also taking hits are Austin Community College and the county itself.
Jury selection begins July 29 in the trial of Michael Scott for the 1991 yogurt shop murders.
A Monday-night fire gutted the banquet hall kitchen of the Salt Lick Barbecue Restaurant in Driftwood, but the meat continues to smoke, and the restaurant remains open for business.
Vignette Corp. Chief Executive Officer Greg Peters resigned Monday, followed Tuesday by additional layoffs at the company. As of press time, the company's stock floated below $2.
Lance Armstrong stretched his lead in the Tour de France.
Barton Creek is up and running. So go tube your ass off!
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