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Community Corner

🌱 Austin Designated 'A Bee City' + Tesla Arriving Soon In Austin

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

Gabriela Cantu Couvillion's profile picture
Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Here's everything worth knowing in Austin today.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 79 Low: 52.

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

  1. Early this month, Austin City Council members voted to designate Austin as a Bee City USA affiliate. One bee expert said, "One-third of the world's food production depends on bees," while another one warned, "we have bees that are in serious trouble." Erika Thompson, an Austin beekeeper and TikTok star who "relocates bees on her account, Texas Bee Works, said, "I believe that designating Austin as a Bee City is one of the most impactful things we can do for bees and other pollinators in Austin." She and University of Texas at Austin (UT) students are working hard to save the bees. Dessie Tien, UT student and president of Beevo Beekeepers at UT, said, ""We're working on building a pollinator garden on campus, which has been really fun." She added, "Because of the Beevo Beekeepers, the University of Texas became an affiliate of Bee Campus USA in 2020." Once the city is certified as a Bee City, new street signs will be posted with the designation and in June, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk will provide council members with an update on the initiative. For more information visit: (KXAN.com)
  2. Tesla is set to arrive soon in Austin, Texas and once it does, it will probably "be one of the United States' most ambitious vehicle production facilities." The massive "Gigafactory Texas" site "will be almost a mile long when completed" and "is expected to hire thousands of workers in the area," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. According to Austin transit leaders, "The arrival of Tesla in Texas and the influx of companies moving into the state will likely trigger an increase in the number of people residing in cities like Austin," so "the city's transportation network would play a critical role in aiding or hindering further development." If you have any tips, please share them with The Teslarati team at maria@teslarati.com or via Twitter @Writer_01001101. For more information visit: (Teslarati)
  3. On Saturday, April 9, a ceremony will be held in honor of Joan Means Khabele from 10 a.m.-noon at Barton Springs Pool. Khabele was a civil rights activist who swam at the pool to protest segregation. Her courageous act "sparked the civil rights era swim-ins that eventually led to the desegregation of Barton Springs Pool." During the event, "a proclamation, speakers, and water blessing ceremony performed by Geraldo Perez" will be held and a "PBS documentary featuring Khabele talking about her swim at Barton Springs will be screened at the pool." Community members will also be able "to share oral histories and personal experiences regarding race and Barton Springs" at listening booths, and that information "will become part of an exhibit, virtual and physical, that will be featured on site at the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center." If you would like to share your story, please contact Austin Parks and Recreation, which "will continue to collect diverse stories to tell the full history of Barton Springs." For more details please visit: (Press Release Desk)

Today in Austin:

  • Vino Vinyasa Outdoor Yoga and Wine Event at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. While you're there, enjoy 20 percent off a Saturday Brunch entrée until 1 p.m. at Ciclo. (Offer only valid on March 19 for those that attend the class). BYOM (bring your own mat) to the event, but if you don't have one, please email morgan@vinovinyasayoga.com to get a mat.
    Parking is available for $11 in the garage on-site and you must be 21+ to attend. (11 a.m.)
  • Crawfish Boil and Lager Beer Release Party at Roughhouse Brewing. Local Folks Market by local vendors from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and live Americana/Rock music by The Ramblewoods from 1-4 p.m. and Country/Soul music by Kade Isakson from 5-8 p.m. (Noon)
  • 9 Years of Infamous Beers Anniversary Party at Infamous Brewing Company. For tickets and information visit https://www.eventvesta.com/events/13994/t/tickets. (Noon)
  • The Bachelor "Listen to Your Heart" Star, Sheridan Reed, Release Party During SXSW in Austin. Event is hosted by Blue Norther HQ in The Yard on St. Elmo Road and is free! (4:30 p.m.)
  • 2nd Annual "It's Time to Play!" Art Exhibition at Jodie King Media Art Studio. RSVP is strongly advised for this limited capacity event. SXSW attendees are invited, and wristbands are not required. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • "Shout out to Dustin R. from a Woodstone Village neighbor! He fixed iPhone and iPad screens, a 'Lil' Kitchen Helper and an air fryer! If you need any handyman services, please contact him at 202-746-8434. His work is highly recommended!" (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you soon!

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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