Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon Announces Retirement

 

Chief of Staff Robin Henderson to serve as interim

Today, Austin Police Department Chief Joseph Chacon officially notified Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, the Mayor and Council, and his team at APD, of his intent to retire effective the first week of September of this year.  After 25 years with APD, Chief Chacon is ready to focus on potential opportunities for the next chapter in his remarkable career.   “Chief Chacon has certainly made an impressive mark on the City with his effort to move the police department in new directions,” said Interim City Manager Jesús Garza.  “We will miss his leadership and dedication but are confident that the team he leaves behind will be able to further the great efforts he started.”   “Working at APD has been the privilege of my life,” said APD Police Chief Chacon. “Being the Chief of Police is something that I never thought would have been possible, and it has been the pinnacle of my career.”   With Chief Chacon’s announcement, Garza has asked current APD Chief of Staff Robin Henderson to step in as Interim Police Chief effective the first week of September until a search for a permanent chief is completed. Chief Chacon has agreed to stay on to assist with the transition efforts over the next few weeks.   “I thank Chief Chacon for serving as our Chief of Police and doing it with professionalism,” said Mayor Kirk Watson. “The role of Chief is not an easy one.  Chief Chacon approached the job with an obvious desire to support his team and to protect our community.”   “I really appreciate Chief Chacon’s willingness to assist during this transition period to help set Interim Chief Henderson up for success while also allowing her the opportunity to choose her own leadership team,” continued Garza. “She is passionate about public service, being a servant leader and mentor, and making a positive impact within the Department and the Austin community, which I know she will make evident during her service in this new role.”   Among Chief Chacon’s many accomplishments serving as APD’s leader, it’s important to highlight: Implementation of the policy to provide a 10-day release on critical incident video. The rejoining of the Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) / Enhancements to the Sexual Assault Investigations Unit. Revision of Special Response Team protocols for crowd control, including the prohibition of the use of less lethal shotguns. Oversight of implementing the training paradigm shift at APD Training Academy, incorporating many facets, including: Adult Learning Theory Full implementation of updated Integrating Communication and Tactics (ICAT) Training Implementation of Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training A focus on Resilience and Wellness The Addition of courses focused on Racial Equity, De-escalation, History of Race and Policing in Austin. The ongoing work with Joyce James Consulting regarding awareness and ultimate elimination of Institutional and Structural Racism.

Barton Springs Pool Tree Diagnosed with Infection

The iconic Barton Springs pecan tree, “Flo”, has been diagnosed with the wood decay fungus Kretzschmaria deusta, also known as brittle cinder fungus. This disease weakens roots and wood at the base of the tree and has been known to cause whole tree failures in trees that otherwise look healthy. 
 

On July 6, 2023, Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) staff, during a regular inspection of the tree, noticed a fungal fruiting body at the base of the tree. A sample was sent to the plant diagnostic lab at Texas A&M for analysis. 

On August 15, 2023, PARD received results confirming the diagnosis of brittle cinder fungus. Following this diagnosis, the Department contacted three independent Certified Arborists to provide a follow up inspection and independent professional opinions to help guide management decisions. The initial independent report is expected within a week and additional reports should follow within 1-2 weeks. 



As a precautionary safety measure, access around the tree will be sectioned off from pool users. If removal is the prudent and necessary outcome, the Department will work to ensure there are opportunities for individuals to honor the tree and options to memorialize this iconic tree through creative reuse of remaining intact wood.

Information and updates will be posted to austintexas.gov/BSPtree.

Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center and Splash! Exhibit Closing September 5, 2023

As part of the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitations project, the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center will close on September 5, 2023. The Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer Exhibit will close on August 22, 2023 so that the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center team can disassemble the exhibit and move out. Renovation construction will begin in early 2024.

The renovation will relocate the main entrance to Barton Springs Pool into the Beverly Sheffield Education Center and Splash Exhibit, creating an opportunity to educate pool visitors about the importance of protecting water and preserving salamander habitat.

The mission of Sheffield Education Center and Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer Exhibit is to foster stewardship of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer through education, and the renovations provide an exciting opportunity to reach many of the approximately one million visitors that swim in Barton Springs Pool annually.

City of Austin Selected as one of 24 Cities for U.S. Department of State Cities Forward Program

The City of Austin and Mayor Kirk Watson are proud to announce that Austin has been selected as one of 24 cities from across the United States to participate in the Cities Forward program, a collaborative initiative between the U.S. Department of State, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Resilient Cities Catalyst, and the Institute of the Americas.  

Launched in April 2023 at the Cities Summit of the Americas, the Cities Forward Program is dedicated to assisting cities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States create sustainable, inclusive and resilient futures through peer-to-peer project consultation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and diplomatic engagement.

The City of Austin’s Resilience Office will coordinate the project, leveraging the City’s partnership with Travis County, and has the full support of the Mayor, City Council members, and the City Manager’s Office.   

As one of the cities selected for the Cities Forward Program, Austin was paired with Mérida, México.   

“We look forward to working closely with Mérida while continuing to engage with all municipalities who are passionate about building a more equitable and sustainable future,” Laura Patiño, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Austin, said.  “Working with Mérida to pool resources, share international best practices and knowledge, and align strategies will help both cities create a more resilient future and allow our communities to thrive.”  

District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool, a member of the ICLEI, championed the City of Austin’s bid for becoming a partnership city and is a sponsor of the City’s resilience building efforts.   

“As an active member, I was excited to spearhead our application for the Cities Forward initiative,” Pool said. "Austin has been at the forefront of sustainable policy and we look forward to the exchange of ideas with Merida, Mexico, our new partner.” 

Through Cities Forward, participating cities in Latin America and the Caribbean will develop local action plans for resilience and sustainability, reflecting their residents’ highest priorities, particularly from underserved communities. Cities Forward will help build partnerships with local leaders and experts in the United States as global and local challenges become more complex. In addition, the initiative will facilitate opportunities for cities to seek investments and financing to help implement their plans, including Austin’s upcoming resilience strategy, Climate Equity Plan, and more. 

“I’m proud the City of Austin is joining other cities across the globe to collaborate on building stronger and more equitable economic foundations and promoting a healthy environment for everyone,” said Watson, who signed a letter of support for Austin to be chosen for the Cities Forward Program. “This program will help both Austin and Mérida create local solutions to challenges we all face, strengthen sustainability and build community resilience.”  

The program received 129 applications for just 24 openings from cities across the Americas. The following municipalities were selected and paired for the program:  

• Mérida, México + Austin, Texas  
• Montego Bay, Jamaica + Hoboken, New Jersey    
• Ambato, Ecuador + Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  
• Cali, Colombia + Baltimore, Maryland  
• Cartagena, Colombia + Denver, Colorado  
• Fortaleza, Brazil + Hawaii County, Hawaii  
• Freeport, Bahamas + Coral Springs, Florida  
• Guatemala City, Guatemala + Dallas, Texas  
• Hermosillo, México + Dubuque, Iowa  
• Manaus, Brazil + Stockton, California  
• Renca, Chile + Evanston, Illinois  
• Rosario, Argentina + Chattanooga, Tennessee 

For more information, visit https://icleiusa.org/cities-forward. ‍ 

About ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability 
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is the first and largest global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments devoted to solving the world's most intractable sustainability challenges. The worldwide network is active in 125+ countries, focused on influencing sustainability policies and driving local action across five key pathways: low emissions, resilient, equitable, people-centered, nature-based, and circular development. ‍ 

About Resilient Cities Catalyst 
Resilient Cities Catalyst is a nonprofit, founded by members of the 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) leadership team in 2019 to drive catalytic change to help partners solve their most pressing challenges. Building on the pioneering legacy of 100RC, and in partnership with a community of urban resilience actors, RCC is helping cities build the capacities and partnerships needed to understand, prioritize and concretely address their risks and chronic stresses as they pursue their strategic goals or recover from a crisis. ‍ 

About Institute of the Americas 
The Institute of the Americas (IOA) is a non-partisan, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a catalyst for promoting economic development and integration, emphasizing the role of the private sector, as a means to improve the economic and social well-being of the people of the Americas. Throughout our 40-year history, the IOA has convened events of regional importance in an effort to support our mission of promoting better.

¡VIVA MÉXICO! A Celebration of Mexican Independence, Saturday, September 16, 5 to 9 p.m.

 

Presented by the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center (ESB MACC) will host its 16th annual Viva México celebration at the Pan American Hillside Theater, next to the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center on Saturday, September 16 from 5 to 9 pm. Viva México at the Pan American Hillside Theater 2100 E. 3rd Street, Austin, TX 78702 Saturday, September 16, 5 to 9 p.m. This lively outdoor celebration on the hillside includes live music and dance performances, a community resource fair, family-friendly art activities, and a vendor market. Special guest hosts from Univision will lead the evening’s programming as the Masters of Ceremonies, and Mexican Consul General Pablo Marentes will give the Grito de Independencia. Viva Mexico is an Austin tradition that pays tribute to both Mexico’s Independence Day and to the diverse cultural traditions of Austin’s Mexican, Mexican-American, Latino/a/x, Chicano/a/x, and Tejano community. While the ESB MACC is closed for Phase 2 renovations, the Parks and Recreation Department is committed to continuing this annual celebration, an East Austin tradition that brings the Austin Latino/a/x community together. The focus of this year’s celebration is families and youth. Young people are our future, come and celebrate young talent in Austin who are proudly showcasing their cultura! Performances include the celebrated local dance groups Ballet Folklorico of Austin and Danza Azteca Guadalupana, Mariachi Corazon de Texas, and features up and coming youth musicians and performers including singer Katelyn Perez. The event is free and open to the public. Please be respectful when parking in neighborhoods. Stay tuned on the MACC social media (@ESBMACC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for shuttle information and travel tips.

Austin Mobile Food Vendor Application Reviews Soar with New Pilot Program

Mobile food vendors are an integral part of Austin's culinary scene, and their application process just got easier as the Environmental Health Services Division (EHSD) now offers walk-in services. Application reviews for mobile food vendors such as food trailers, motor vehicles and pushcarts have sky-rocketed, increasing by 87%, compared to the appointment process this time last year. The pilot program started on July 17, 2023.

“The preliminary feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the success of the walk-in services initiative,” said Marcel Elizondo, division chief of the Austin Public Health (APH) Environmental Health Services Division (EHSD). “These enhancements align with the Austin Public Health mission to serve the community effectively, particularly small business owners.”

Previously, vendors were required to make an appointment to have their applications reviewed by the EHSD team. If vendors missed their appointment, they were required to reschedule, delaying the process for weeks due to limited availability of staff. The pilot offers resources that significantly streamline the process with more staff available for one-to-one attention, which includes bilingual personnel to benefit more than half of EHSD’s vending clients.

 "It is a priority of our organization to identify opportunities for improving effectiveness and efficiency. Offering walk-in services through this program does just that," said Interim City Manager Jesús Garza. "Removing barriers to more easily do business with the City eases stress and helps fuel our City through our beloved food trucks."

Vendors are also pleased the office is available for walk-ins after noon, creating the flexibility they need to arrive after their lunch rush. The office is open 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. For more information about the mobile food vendor application process and resources, visit austintexas.gov/department/mobile-food-vendors.

 

About the Environmental Health Services Division:

The Environmental Health Services Division (EHSD) is dedicated to safeguarding public health and environmental quality. Through effective regulations, inspections, and community engagement, EHSD strives to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for all residents of Austin, TX.

Most Recent Lab Results Confirm Toxic Algae in Some Local Waterways

With the excessively high temperatures and dry weather patterns, creeks are drying up and flow from springs is low. These conditions increase the likelihood of toxic algae mats in creeks and lakes. The most recent lab results, from testing in May and June, have confirmed the presence of toxic algae at several locations, including Barton Springs. 

Analysis by Austin Water showed no concerning levels of toxins in the water at Barton Springs Pool, and the pool remains open. The City monitors the water quality of Barton Springs and will continue to do so. 

While the presence of toxic algae does not necessarily mean toxins in the water, it is still important to take precautions. Never drink water directly from lakes, creeks or springs, avoid contact with algae and rinse off after contact with the water. Do not allow pets to drink from these waterways and do not allow dogs to lick their fur prior to rinsing if they’ve been in the water.  

Bacteria, such as E. coli, parasites and other dangers may also be present in natural waterways. Do not swim in water if it is warm, stagnant or if you see scum, film or algae. Due to the risk of bacteria, you should also avoid natural water bodies for at least three days after it rains or if a lot of dogs are present.    

Health and Reporting Guidelines:  
The City of Austin has received no reports of human or animal illness from any of the sampling sites. More information on symptoms is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/habs/illness-symptoms-freshwater.html.  

If a person has sudden, unexplained symptoms after swimming, they should contact their medical provider or the Texas Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. For pets, contact a veterinarian. Please also let us know by completing the reporting form, found at AustinTexas.gov/Algae. 

Ongoing Algae Monitoring and Mitigation Efforts:  
The City’s routine algae monitoring program includes biweekly visits to six sites on Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin during the summer and early fall. If blue-green algae are present at a site, staff take samples of algae and water and sends them to a lab for analysis. The testing and monitoring provide a snapshot of conditions at specific locations at the time samples were taken. This is the most current data available to evaluate the extent of harmful algae but is not suitable for determining the safety of a particular area on a particular day for recreational use.   

In addition to routine monitoring, the City is in the third year of a pilot program to mitigate harmful algae in two areas of Lady Bird Lake. The program consists of applying lanthanum-modified clay which binds to phosphorus, a key source of nutrients for algae. Once bound into a mineral form, the phosphorus becomes unavailable and may help prevent the growth of harmful algae. More information about this program is available here.  

The City of Austin and the U.S. Geological Survey is currently partnering in a scientific study of local springs to further understand the distribution of potentially toxic blue-green algae mats around Austin and the environmental conditions associated with their presence. The study includes looking at a wide range of water quality indicators near several Austin springs over the course of the summer and fall. The City is making the algae toxin data publicly available while the study is underway.  

Lab Results:
The results from the May and June sampling revealed various toxins at several sites. Dihydroanatoxin, homoanatoxin, anatoxin, saxitoxin, cylindrospermopsin and microcystin were all detected in at least one algae sample.  

The sites with toxic algae include:  

Regular Monitoring 

• Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake  
• Vic Mathias Shores on Lady Bird Lake  
• Festival Boat Ramp on Lady Bird Lake  
• Jessica Hollis Park on Lake Austin  

Scientific Study of Springs 

• Barton Springs Pool  
• Backdoor Spring on Barton Creek  
• Bluff Spring on Onion Creek  
• Harris Spring on a tributary to Onion Creek  
• Kizer Spring on Williamson Creek  
• Cold Spring on Lady Bird Lake