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Community Corner

🌱 Hazy Austin Conditions Due To Fires + HEAL Helps The Homeless

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)

Hey, neighbors! Gabriela Couvillion here with your brand-new Austin Daily.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 90 Low: 57.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

  1. If you noticed hazy conditions in the Austin area on Friday, March 25, the reason is because several fires were reported across the state, including a wildfire near Parmer Lane and McNeil Road. As the Austin Fire Department worked to put the fire out, it created "a lot of smoke in the area," but officials encouraged people "to only call 911 if fire or smoke is seen." Coincidentally Friday was "declared as an Ozone Action Day for Austin and the Interstate 35 corridor." Some individuals may be affected by the air quality caused by the fires, and the strong winds expected on Saturday and Sunday are likely to increase the risk of fires. To keep track of wildfires in the state, click here and visit: (kvue.com)
  2. Diana Anzaldua, founder of Austin Trauma Therapy and nonprofit Contigo Wellness, "has made history in Austin by working with the city to officially declare March, Women's Mental Health Month." Although the Austin City Council gave her the proclamation, she now wants it to be a national movement and is "starting a petition for leaders at the federal level to officially declare March as National Women's Mental Health Month." Anzaldua, who has suffered from depression, said, "I think it's important to end cycles of intergenerational trauma and a lot of times, at least in my experience, I've noticed that patterns continue." She added, "I feel like therapy, or just healing in general, has the ability to heal our world and where there are pain points." To sign the petition declaring March as National Women's Mental Health Month, please visit Contigo Wellness on Instagram or sign here." For more visit: (FOX 7 Austin)
  3. "As part of the Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) initiative," 31 people were recently moved "from an encampment near St. John Neighborhood Park in North to temporary bridge shelters." Dianna Grey, City of Austin homeless strategy officer, said, "We have tremendous momentum and opportunities to make a difference for the thousands of people living unhoused across our community. This fiscal year, HEAL hopes "to shelter and house at least 200 people." Luke Curry, former encampment resident who now lives in a bridge shelter, said, "This park was important to us. This park is our history. The community who lived here have lived in the neighborhood for generations. St. Johns is our home." For more on this story, please visit: (AustinTexas.gov)

Today in Austin:

  • "Akins FFA Plant Sale at Austin ISD. Plants available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be enforced. For more information contact Kayla Hughes at kayla.hughes@austinisd.org." (8 a.m.)
  • "Receive a Free Car Wash When You Donate Blood at We Are Blood. Due to COVID-19, face coverings and appointments are mandatory to donate. Schedule an appointment online today or by calling 512-206-1266. For locations and hours and appointments, visit https://weareblood.org/donate-blood/donation-locations/." (9 a.m.)
  • "Crawfish Boil and Beer Specials with Live Music from Nathan Strubhart at Twisted X Brewing Company. Please RSVP so we know how many people to plan for. For more information visit https://www.eventvesta.com/events/14642/t/tickets." (Noon)
  • "The First Dripping Springs Brewers Festival at Mercer Street on 311 Old Fitzhugh Road. A $25 wristband include 8 tastings, and a $35 wristband allows unlimited tastings. Participants must be 21+ and provide identification to redeem wristbands. Advance online purchase strongly suggested." (Noon)
  • Trap N Paint Fun and Creative Happy Hour at Down South CaJJun Eats. For more information or questions please text or call 512-645-6810. Space is limited, so get your tickets soon. For ticket information visit https://www.eventvesta.com/events/13564/t/tickets. (7 p.m.)
  • Hit List Stand-Up Comedy at Vulcan Gas Company. Grab your tickets now! For more information visit https://www.eventvesta.com/events/13696/t/tickets. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • "A neighbor in the Govalle area invites the community to an event commemorating the birthday of Latino civil rights leader Cesar Chavez today, March 26, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Parque Zaragoza, located at 2608 Gonzales St. The event includes a march that starts and ends at the front of Zaragoza Recreation Center, and passes through Gonzales, Pedernales, Francisco and Pleasant Valley streets. The event will feature community speakers, vendors and music by Hot Tejano-Lowriders." (Nextdoor)
  • "The Colony Park Neighborhood Association along with several partners received some great news! 'On Thursday, March 24, the Austin City Council passed a resolution that affirms the Colony Park Sustainable Community in northeast Austin is a "top priority" and will now look at ways to fill a financial gap of $103 million.' For details visit KXAN Austin." (Nextdoor)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— 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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