Top 10 Local Stories
By Michael King, Fri., Jan. 1, 2016
1) Drought Ends, Floods Begin
The wettest year in Austin history was marked by devastating spring and fall floods, the former throughout Central Texas, the latter a reprise of the 2013 Halloween Onion Creek disaster. "Resiliency" became the new watchword of weather response. (See "Top 10 Environmental Stories," Jan. 1.)
2) Official Immunity
In October, federal Judge Lee Yeakel granted former Austin Police Detective Charles Kleinert immunity from prosecution for the 2013 killing of Larry Jackson Jr., because Kleinert was on a federal task force at the time – meaning no state criminal accountability. (See "Top 10 Criminal Justice Stories," Jan. 1.)
3) Kellers Relieved
In May, the Court of Criminal Appeals granted partial relief to Frances and Dan Keller, imprisoned in 1992 after a fantastical witch-hunt prosecution for alleged child abuse at their Oak Hill day care center. Their convictions were overturned, but without a ruling of innocence – leaving the Kellers in legal limbo, and Travis County prosecutors still in disgrace. (See "Top 10 Criminal Justice Stories," Jan. 1.)
4) Governor For Life?
Rick Perry – officially becoming The-Longest-Serving-Governor-in-Texas-History – finally stepped down in January from his endless regime, then took one last swipe at a presidential run, to a predictably early exit. It's some comfort that the national electorate isn't as credulous as that of Texas – although among this year's field, hard-right Perry was just too moderate. (See "Top 10 Lege Stories," Jan. 1.)
5) Love Wins
"It's a good day to be Texan," said State Rep. Celia Israel in June, celebrating the historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality and the hundreds of Austin gay and lesbian couples tying the knot at the Travis County Clerk's office. "I feel like a real citizen today," said one happy spouse.
6) Failed Courtship
A small November turnout narrowly rejected a bond proposal for a new Travis County civil courthouse, leaving an inadequate and crumbling Heman Marion Sweatt venue still overburdened, and Commissioners Court wondering what's next.
7) Jumpolin Piñata'd
In February, East Cesar Chavez business Jumpolin (selling piñatas and other party accessories) was abruptly demolished by landlords F&F Real Estate Ventures, who wanted to use the site as a spring festival venue. The legal battle (and neighborhood protests) ensued for much of the year, with a confidential settlement concluded in December.
8) Idiotically Yours
In March, an arrogant, self-appointed "culture jammer" posted pseudo-official, racist "whites only" stickers on East Austin businesses, purportedly in protest of gentrification – thereby stirring a wrongheaded local and national frenzy that threatened minority-owned businesses. The headline-grabbing escapade was brief, ridiculous, and self-defeating.
9) The New Segregation
In February, a report from the University of Toronto identified the Austin/Round Rock metro area as the most "economically segregated" large metro area in the country, as the region's general prosperity has failed to trickle down to the working poor, especially minorities. The report generated much official breast-beating, but adequate solutions remain elusive.
10) Property Props
In May, after months of preparation, City Council launched a formal challenge to the commercial appraisals of the Travis Central Appraisal District, in what was initially an administrative procedure and eventually a lawsuit, currently in limbo after dismissal by a state district court. The dispute hasn't ended, but the city is considering its next move.
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