Looks like there may be a decision on the Cactus Cafe today.

UT’s Vice-President of Public Affairs Don Hale said that the press will get “the run-down on the decision” from Vice-President of Student Affairs Juan Gonzalez.

It’s been an interesting week on this front: While Gonzalez and the administration have been coy about when the decision would come (see what we can only call the “SoonGate” interview) the Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe and the Friends of the Cactus Cafe have been busy.

By last Friday, the community-based Friends had already reached $27,000 in commitments towards their $36,000 pledge drive: Group co-founder Reid Nelson just called to say that the total has now reached $32,000 for the first year and $98,000 over the next five years. As for the Student Friends, they have gained a powerful new ally: Outgoing Texas Union board faculty member Dr. Thomas Garza has become their official adviser.

This article appears in May 14 • 2010.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.