Naked City

Representatives from the Save Our Springs Alliance, the Sierra Club, and various neighborhood groups opposed to Stratus Properties' proposed 1,253-acre development staged a press conference at City Hall on July 29 to announce their call for a referendum effort in the event the City Council approves the deal. Council will consider the Stratus proposal at its meeting today (Thursday). For more, see p.18. (Photo By John Anderson)

City Council will consider the Stratus Properties development deal on third and final reading today (Thursday). Members will also consider approval on second/third reading of an ordinance proposed by Council Member Danny Thomas to ban parking in a front or side yard of a residential property.

City Manager Toby Futrell presented the city's proposed budget for fiscal year 2003 at the Council's July 31 work session, kicking off a month of municipal money talk. The $1.8 billion draft budget does not raise property tax, electric, or water rates, but some fees will be "adjusted for inflation." Council is expected to adopt a final budget the week of Sept. 9; FY2003 begins Oct. 1.

Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 5 to discuss annexation of approximately 183 acres on Anderson Mill Road. 6:30pm, Hope Presbyterian Church, 11512 Olson.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 is National Night Out. From 6 to 9pm, Austinites are encouraged to step out of their houses, turn on their porch lights, and spend the evening with neighbors, EMS personnel, council members, police officers, firefighters, and the like.

Jury selection for the capital murder trial of yogurt shop defendant Michael Scott began Monday.

Discount air carrier Vanguard is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and has suspended all services, including those to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Vanguard ticket holders should call 800/VANGUARD or check www.flyvanguard.com for more info.

Another corner of "old Austin" closed Saturday: the Empanada Parlour, a live music venue on Sixth Street. Owner Patricia "Ash" Corea simply couldn't make rent. For more, see Dancing About Architecture.

The Safe Pipeline Coalition and others worried about the Longhorn Pipeline called upon Land Commissioner (and GOP candidate for lieutenant governor) David Dewhurst to deny easements to Longhorn Pipeline Partners.

TNRCC Director Jeff Saitas resigned last week, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. His resignation from the state's environmental protection agency will become effective in October.

Calling all shoppers: Texas' annual sales tax holiday begins tomorrow (Friday) at 12:01am, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4 at midnight. The state sales tax of 6.25%, along with the local 2% tax, will be waived this weekend on clothing and shoe sales up to $100.