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Community Corner

🌱 Free Week Kicks Off Today + The Future Of Zilker Park + Rare Comet

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

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello and good morning, Austin! It's Jessica here in your inbox to get you up to speed on everything you need to know — local news, community updates and today's top events!

Grab your morning coffee while we cover:

  • You have until the end of this week to provide your feedback on the future of Zilker Park (we've got the scoop below).
  • Free Week 2023 officially kicks off today! Who doesn't love free concerts?
  • A comet not seen since the last ice age will be visible this month — how cool!
  • APD released a sketch of a suspect connected to the kidnapping of an 8-year-old.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 69 Low: 48.

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Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) After a jury brought no indictment, two Austin Police officers now face new lawsuits from the tragic shooting of Alex Gonzales. On Dec. 27, a Travis County grand jury declined to indict officers Gabriel Gutierrez or Luis Serrato, who are accused of shooting Austin man Alex Gonzales Jr. KVUE reports that the new lawsuits seek "an unmentioned amount of damages for medical expenses, mental anguish, past and future lost wages and loss of earning capacity." KVUE has more on this developing story here.

2) If you're like me and many other Austinites, you absolutely love Zilker Park. Nothing beats bringing a blanket and picnic out to the park on a crisp, sunny day! But our gorgeous park could be in for a major overhaul. Austin's Parks & Recreation department shared the draft for the Zilker Park Vision Plan, and community members have until Jan. 8 to read through the document and provide feedback. The Vision Plan draft, previous survey results and more can be found here. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard.

3) Austin Police are looking for a man suspected of stealing a vehicle and kidnapping a child from a Buffalo Wild Wings in North Austin. Law enforcement officials state that on Nov. 30, a parent was picking up food inside the Buffalo Wild Wings and left their vehicle running with a child inside. While the parent was inside the restaurant, the alleged suspect entered the vehicle and drove off with the child inside. KVUE reports: "The child was dropped off on a sidewalk three miles from the scene" and detectives later found items that had been thrown from the car near Riverside Drive and Pleasant Valley. APD has now released a composite sketch of the suspect and is asking the community for any potential tips or leads to help solve this case. Learn more about this story here at CBS Austin.

4) Austin Blues Festival, Austin Reggae Festival, Hot Luck Fest, South by Southwest – this is just a small sampling of the music festivals that are taking place in Austin this year! If you're a fan of good music and good vibes, then you'll definitely want to review The Statesman's "2023 Austin Music Fest" guide – check it out!

Today in Austin:

  • Tech Savvy Seniors at Austin Public Library, Twin Oaks Branch. (10:30 a.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) Cardboard Kingdom at Austin Public Library, Yarborough Branch. (1 p.m.)
  • Red River Cultural District Presents: Free Week 2023 at various locations. (7 p.m.)
  • Texas Two-Step Dance Lessons at Sagebrush. (7 p.m.)
  • (Comedy Show) V.H.S.: Velveeta's Hottest Show at The Velveeta Room. (8 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • ☄️ A comet comes out of hiding: "Those who happen to look up into the night sky this January and February may be able to see a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. 🌠" (KVUE via Facebook)
  • 🍩 Good news! "In an update on Tuesday, Gourdough's co-owner Paula Samford said the Airstream was recovered when police raided a property in Cedar Creek." (KVUE via Facebook)
  • 🌮 Mas tacos por favor! "New taqueria from the Moonshine and Hopdoddy team debuts this weekend." (Austin Chronicle via Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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