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George Davis Jr. is one of the victims who had to be hospitalized after the deadly shooting at Buford’s on West Sixth Street. He reached out to 911 for assistance, but had to turn to help of strangers to get him to the hospital. Davis is recovering now and trying to find the people who he says helped save his life. We’ll hear more about his experience that early morning and his recovery journey since.
Possible changes for smokable hemp in Texas could be happening sooner rather than later. We’ll go over what could be changing and the reaction from those in the industry.
And the City of Austin is looking for ways to save every nickel and dime after cuts to the budget. We’ll go over the latest way they’ve saved some money.
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The full transcript of this episode of Austin Signal is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.
Jerry Quijano [00:00:08] George Davis Jr. Is one of the victims who had to be hospitalized after the deadly shooting at Buford’s on West 6th Street. He reached out to 911 for assistance, but had to turn to the help of strangers to get him to the hospital. Davis is recovering now and trying to find the people who he says helped save his life. We’re going to hear more about his experience that early morning and his recovery journey since. That’s coming up on today’s show.
KUT Announcer: Laurie Gallardo [00:00:31] The Austin Signal is a production of KUT News, posted by Jerry Quijano.
Jerry Quijano [00:00:37] Plus, possible changes for smokable hemp in Texas could be happening sooner rather than later. What could be changing and the reaction from those in the industry. And the city of Austin is looking for ways to save every nickel and dime after cuts to the budget. The latest way they’ve saved some money. Come find out today right here on Austin Signal. Howdy out there, thank you for tuning in. This is Austin Signal, made possible by KUT News. I’m your host, Jerry Kikundl. It is Tuesday, March the 10th. We are just a couple of days away from the start of South by Southwest. Don’t forget, we’re gonna be out at Schultz Garden on Thursday for a special one hour South by South West show. We’re gonna have more details coming up in a bit. For now, let’s get started with today’s show. It’s been a few months since Texas proposed changes to hemp regulations. In reaction to the proposed changes were outcries from state industry leaders and business owners against those proposed changes. Now the state has unveiled its new hemp rules. So what has changed from the proposal and what stayed the same? For more, we’re speaking with KUT’s Nathan Bernier. Nathan, thanks for coming on the show.
Nathan Bernier [00:01:53] Thank you for having me Jerry.
Jerry Quijano [00:01:54] So, what are these new hemp rolls that the state released recently?
Nathan Bernier [00:01:58] Well, it’s an extensive set of regulations, really sweeping changes to the state’s hemp industry. And this is by the Department of State Health Services in response to Governor Abbott’s executive order. And there are some big, so there are some changes first, I’ll start with the ones that pretty much everyone agrees with, which is child-resistant packaging, a requirement for that, clearer labeling, more testing and a recall process and a consumer complaint process. You can track when things go wrong. But the more controversial one is a total ban on the sale and manufacturer of, and distribution, of smokable hemp products. And we can get into what exactly hemp is and the mechanics behind this, but basically banning smokable hemp products that get you high. Okay. And higher, and the other big thing is sharply higher fees. For those who retail, distribute, or manufacture these products, although not as high as initially proposed.
Jerry Quijano [00:03:00] Okay, let’s talk about those fees, I wanna go more in-depth. Before the proposed rules, what was the amount that was charged for those fees?
Nathan Bernier [00:03:07] So it was, and I had it here off the top of my head. It was a, gosh. No worries. I’m sorry, I had to write in front of me. I can tell you right now what the new fees are and search for my list here. But essentially we’re looking at new fees of four, for the, so it was 200, it used to be $250 for manufacturers per year, per facility that was going to go up to 25,000. Now it’s going to up to 10,000 for retail locations, it is currently $150 per location per year. That was going to go up to $20,000, now it’s going to up to $5,000. So you’re still looking at a 33-fold increase for retailers and a 40-fold increased for manufacturers.
Jerry Quijano [00:03:49] And have you been able to get in contact with any business owners about these proposed rules changes?
Nathan Bernier [00:03:53] You know, I’ve been reaching out. I will say the Department of State Health Services has not done the best job yet in distributing this information. So I’m not sure how really widely aware people are about this. Even some of the advocates I’ve spoke to weren’t super familiar with all of the details, but I certainly spoke to them before this was finalized. It was actually finalized last week, March 2nd, so like over a week ago. And I just found out today. But it’s going to be published in the Texas Register on the 20th of March and take effect March 31st. What I’ve heard in the past is from people, this is going to put us out of business, especially smaller business owners. Imagine all of a sudden you have to pay an extra $10,000 per year on your business. You basically have, you can raise prices or not make as much money and run a deficit, and that’s no way to run a business.
Jerry Quijano [00:04:44] I believe you said that these rules are set to go into effect March 31st, is that correct? That’s correct. Is there any chance that there might be more, I know that previously the rules were open for public discussion or public comment, is there anything that’s happening between now and March 31, or are we likely to see these rules go into affect then?
Nathan Bernier [00:05:02] I mean, the only thing that could stop them at this point is the lawsuit, and if a court issue is an injunction, I’ve heard, you know, rumors that that might happen, but certainly no one has come forward yet and filed a lawsuit.
Jerry Quijano [00:05:14] Okay, we have been speaking with KUT’s Nathan Bernier. He’s been following this story for a few months now and looks like we’ll be following it for a little while longer. Nathan, thanks for your reporting and thanks for talking with us. Thanks, Jerry. Good to be here. Last year, Austin moved to on-demand collection for bulk and brush pickup. The city hoped that the move would save some money and maybe be a better experience for its customers. Now that the first year of that program is over, how did they do? KUT’s Luz Moreno Lozano reports.
Luz Moreno-Lozano [00:05:53] For years, Austinites who wanted to get rid of household furniture or large branches would have to wait until their designated pickup date. On bulk days, neighborhood curbs would fill with sofas, patio furniture, and mattresses. Or on brush pickup days, it was stacks of branches on limbs. Each customer would receive two brush and two bulk pickups per year. Amy Slagle is assistant director for Austin Resource Recovery. She says that system was inefficient. Crews would drive every single street looking for materials to collect.
Amy Slagle [00:06:22] You know, there may be streets with nothing on it, and then we encounter streets where the set-outs are very heavy. So that would create additional work hours in the day. And then that would also, you know, having to go back and check those areas for set-out created additional fuel costs.
Luz Moreno-Lozano [00:06:38] So the idea of trying out on-demand pickups was floated. That meant customers would have to get an appointment to have items picked up. And while saving money was a driving point for making the on-domand move, Slagle says one of the biggest reasons for the shift was creating a better customer experience.
Amy Slagle [00:06:52] Customers when we were coming through for brush or bulk wasn’t always convenient people were out of town And so they might they would miss the collection so on-demand gave them the flexibility to schedule
Luz Moreno-Lozano [00:07:02] at their convenience. While the program is still in its infancy stages, city officials say it’s off to a good start. City data shows that since starting last January, more than 73,000 on-demand appointments were made. Cost-wise, data shows the city did save money.
Amy Slagle [00:07:17] So, again, we had about $91,000 in overtime cost reduction between the two programs and then around really kind of an $11,000 savings in fuel between brush and bulk. But we also had about $86,000 in landfill costs that we avoided.
Luz Moreno-Lozano [00:07:35] Landfill savings could mean people are being more conscientious about tossing their belongings. It could be that people are unaware of the new on-demand service, which the city says it is working to rectify. One other outcome from the move, the city is able to take some things that would have just been thrown into the landfill and instead repurpose those materials keeping them out of the landfill. Donald Hardy helps manage the city’s diversion facilities for and Resource Recovery.
Donald Hardy [00:07:59] We’re taking a look at the furniture, kind of getting a feel for what kind of furniture may be out there, and if it’s something that maybe we could divert to this program where we might be able to prevent it from going to the landfill and being able to use it for a better cost.
Luz Moreno-Lozano [00:08:16] He says the on-demand program will also help the city work toward its zero waste goals. Austin wants to divert 90 percent of waste away from landfills by 2040. I’m Luz Moreno Lozano in Austin.
Jerry Quijano [00:08:29] Thank you for making us part of your Tuesday. This is Austin Signal here on listener powered public radio KUT News. The beginning of South by Southwest is less than 48 hours away and our partners over at KUTx are gearing up for a very busy week of activities. You know things are happening at Kut when plants are moving from one room to the other. Lots of plant activity today. Yesterday, we talked to KUTX program director, Matt Reilly, about everything that they have planned out at Rivian at the KUTx day stage, lots happening, Austin sounds, and of course, that’s getting started Thursday morning at Schultz Garden at seven o’clock, I believe, eight o’ clock, you have all the details at kutx.org and in the show notes. But even more importantly, Thursday. Austin signal will be at Schultz garden for a live one-hour special and it’s free open to the public if you’re out and about on Thursday heck if you are out for your lunch come and hang with us because you know normally we do a 30-minute show here on the Radio, but on Thursday. We’re going to be doing a one-Hour special Talking with some great people shaky Graves kid Jones We’re gonna have some chefs from great Austin restaurants a director of a movie that’s premiering here at South by it’s going to Be a great time Thursday, 1 o’clock at Schultz Garden. Again, Thursday, 1 o clock at Scholtz Garden, free and open to the public. We’ll see you there. This is Austin Signal. This is Austins Signal. Welcome back. George Davis Jr. Is one of the victims who was hospitalized from his injuries after being shot in this month’s shooting at Buford’s on West 6th Street. He eventually made it to that hospital thanks to the kindness of some strangers who were also fleeing the scene early that morning. George is joining us now for more about his recovery. George, thanks for being on the show. Yeah, absolutely, thank you. So tell us a little bit about that recovery. I believe you had surgery when you got into the hospital Sunday. When did you get out and how have things been going so far?
George Davis [00:10:27] Yeah, I had surgery Sunday morning after they were able to stabilize me. Um, and then I got discharged on Tuesday.
Jerry Quijano [00:10:34] And how are you feeling, how is your body recovering? I guess it’s only been about 10 days-ish, right, since then.
George Davis [00:10:41] Yeah. Um, surprisingly well, um, you know, first it was really the, the breathing, uh, that was really tough. So, um. I would say I could only take a breath, you. Know halfway in, but uh, you, know, over the, uh. Over the days that’s gotten stronger. Um. I’m mobile. I’m not using any kind of walker or anything like that. So that’s super helpful as well. Getting around the house.
Jerry Quijano [00:11:00] Yeah, and can you tell us where you got hit on your body?
George Davis [00:11:03] Yeah, I was struck in the back a little bit below my left shoulder.
Jerry Quijano [00:11:07] And you are a pretty tall gentleman, I wanted to ask, were you fleeing when you were hit? What was your status at the time that you were hid?
George Davis [00:11:16] Yeah, absolutely. Um, you know, I got hit a little bit. West of the actual start of the shooting. So a little, a bit west of Buford’s. Um, I personally thought I was kind of out of the, you know, in the clear, basically, uh, the shot started ringing out and it turns out that the shooter, um, ended up parking in that area. So, uh. As soon as I was struck, obviously, you know, instinct is to run. Um, and that’s what I did for, for a little bit before I collapsed.
Jerry Quijano [00:11:42] So how did you end up out on West 6th Street that Saturday night into the early Sunday morning?
George Davis [00:11:49] We started actually that night on, on East, we were at a different sports bar, just watching some of the, the sports that were on, uh, it was me and four of my friends, we decided to head to West around midnight and we were rendezvousing with some, another small group there. Um, we ended up at a, at a bar and it was getting late, you know, one 30 or so, a couple of my friends started leaving, so we exited the bar, me and one of my other, uh buddies decided to get a bite to eat right outside of and He’d left literally maybe four minutes before it started ringing out. So he got away. I was waiting for my pickup and, um, that’s when the, the first shot started happening towards Buford. So that was the start of it for me. It was literally maybe one 59 to 2 AM. And, um. And that’s, that the moment I started, you know, trying to get out of there.
Jerry Quijano [00:12:40] Yeah, I read a little bit about your experience in the Austin American Statesman. So how long would you presume that time had lapsed between you getting hit and being able to give someone’s attention to help you into their car?
George Davis [00:12:54] Based on what I was able to text and the start of the 911 call, it was about 15 to 20 minutes.
Jerry Quijano [00:12:59] Okay, and what was the reaction from your body like? Were you pretty alert mentally and just kind of, I think you mentioned feeling liquid in your lungs. Where were you mentally at that time, those 15 minutes?
George Davis [00:13:12] Yeah, surprisingly focused. Um, I, you know, I think I credit the, the adrenaline that’s pumping at that time and in those situations. But, um, I definitely took a minute or two to gather myself and then realize what was happening and what I needed to do. And then, yeah, surprisingly I was focused throughout the 911 call and really kind of, you know, strategic and where I was going for this reason. Um, and was able to do so.
Jerry Quijano [00:13:37] What was that 911 call like? I’m sure there was lots of other calls probably happening. What was your experience with the operator?
George Davis [00:13:44] So I, I called the 911 operator probably a couple of minutes after I was hit. I was still on the ground in that parking lot. And, um, of course they were, you know, first trying to ask me my name, where I was at, trying to find any type of, um you know markers that I could, or streets that I can tell them to, to kind of find me. Um, and, and then they wanted to know where I was, hit, you know, how I was feeling and, um. You know, they’re, they were pretty adamant on me staying there. You know they didn’t want me to move, but, um You know after a couple minutes of that. I realized I was by myself and not really next to the Buford’s bar where every police officer and ambulance was going to.
Jerry Quijano [00:14:23] Because you had run away to try to get away from the scene at the time. Exactly.
George Davis [00:14:26] So I was more of in a secluded area and so in my mind I was like we need to get somewhere where I can be seen and where I could run into to an ambulance or someone else to help me.
Jerry Quijano [00:14:37] Yeah, so how did you eventually get that help?
George Davis [00:14:39] Yeah. So, um, after a minute or two, I realized, you know, it’s time to go. Um, got up and decided to start running towards North Lamar. So, I went behind, you, know, a few buildings, not really right on West, but, um you know trying to navigate through, through all these, um through all these buildings and parking lots. The whole time I’m talking to the 911 operator, telling them where I’m going, you now trying to coordinate this, um this assistance. Um, and that probably took about five minutes. At the same time, I’m also begging them to send everybody. I didn’t know if the shooter was down yet or what, so I was still thinking about those back at the scene and what could be going on. So I was trying to help them with any information I could on what I saw from the shooter.
Jerry Quijano [00:15:26] So how did you eventually flag somebody down or how did you get into the car that took you to the hospital?
George Davis [00:15:31] Yeah, so I ended up on North Lamar in the shopping center next to like Book People and REI. So it was empty at the time. There was no one really there. I got to the curb or the entrance is and started just looking up and down the sidewalk where I found a young lady that was walking there with some bags. And I just asked her first, she had a scared look on her face. Obviously I’m covered in blood, kind of panicked on the phone. And, uh, I just say, Hey, I’ve been shot. Um, do you have any kind of cloth? Do you have many shirts? And she had a t-shirt and she started applying pressure on my back. And, ah, this is still while I’m on the phone, nine one one, I’m explaining them what’s going on. Um, and we’re just staying there, you know, you know, waiting, trying to hope for, for a sign that the ambulance is coming. Um, she’s starting to talk to nine one, one as well, kind of, you know, adding to the urgency. I’m trying to keep them updated on, Hey I’m feeling blood in my lungs. I’m coughing up blood. Hurry, hurry, you know, all that panic that you would in a situation like that. And eventually after a few more minutes, the operator had to hop off. And she said, we’re just getting so many calls. We have your coordinates. Trust us, Mr. Davis, we’ll be there shortly. So I said, okay, you what am I gonna do to that? Eventually, this young man starts running from the same side of the building that I was on. And I asked him, hey, do you have a car? Do you have a friend or anything that? Um, you know, you could, you can help me and get me to the hospital because since the time of, uh, the 911 operator to that, um, I was trying to wave down cars on North Lamar and, you know, there was a few that passed by and, no, no blame to them. They were trying to get out of a, of a crazy scene. Um, but this, this young guy had a phone, he texted somebody or called somebody that car pulled up right on North lamar. Um they both got in, they said, get in me and the young lady as well. Get in the back seat, I’m laying down, and she’s applying pressure the whole time. And I say, take me to Del Seton, and they put in their GPS, and we go for it.
Jerry Quijano [00:17:40] And I know you have been trying to reach out to thank these folks. Have you been able to make contact with them?
George Davis [00:17:46] Not yet. Okay. Yeah. It’s been a few days, uh, you know, 10 days or so. And that’s really the reason why I started speaking about my story, um, was to get in touch with them. Um, I asked for their names as soon as we arrived into the ER drop-off point, but you know an officer took me, picked me up and started carrying me inside. And I was asking him, get their names, please. I need to thank them. You know, throughout the whole car ride, I was, thanking them for helping me out, telling them they’re saving my life. So just really trying to be appreciative. So unfortunately, up until now I haven’t heard anything, but I’m still hopeful that we can connect. And they may not want to for certain reasons and I totally understand that, but I wanna make the effort to try and reach out to them.
Jerry Quijano [00:18:32] I’m sure you want to keep those thank yous very personal because of the nature of the situation. What I want to ask you is, what would you ask of other people, other helpers, who unfortunately might find themselves in this sort of situation in the future?
George Davis [00:18:47] Yeah. Not everyone would stop. Um, and I saw that firsthand. I think, you know, in those situations it’s like fight or flight, right? And so, uh, your body just kind of takes over, um, whether that’s just to get away or to do something about the situation, you know we’ve seen countless, um people step up in those high stressful situations and do something, you know almost superhuman, uh to save others. So, you, know, obviously it’s a individual’s choice to do something like that, and they have to take. The best decision available for them. But yeah, for those that helped me out, I appreciate them so much. They had the means, they had the ability. And even though they weren’t thinking of doing something like that that night, they decided to act. And because of that, I believe I’m alive today. I’m sure the backseat of that car is ruined. That’s part of the reason where I emphasize with them because Yet some people may think of that in the middle of the situation and be like, no, not my car, you know, something as little as that. So, um, absolutely. It takes a courageous human being and someone brave to, you know, not just get out, but actually bring others or help others to get out with them.
Jerry Quijano [00:20:02] You mentioned those helpers not maybe even anticipating that they might be in a situation like that. Unfortunately, working in news, we hear about lots of situations like that where people are going out to enjoy themselves and the night ends up being ruined by somebody else’s actions. Had you ever thought about the possibility of something like this happening on a night out for you?
George Davis [00:20:23] You know, it’s becoming a more common thing. These shootings, I’ve been out in cities before where you hear maybe a shot or two, usually due to a fight and people drinking and things like that escalating. This was totally different. You know the amount of shots that were ringing out was clear that this was an active shooter event. And no, you don’t really think, you don’t really think that you’re gonna be in one of those. But in the moment. It’s one of those things that you just, like, again, you just fight or flight it. You either hide and take cover or you get out of the situation. You know, whether you made the right decisions prior to kind of keep yourself safe or avoid those situations is really, you know, not the point at that point.
Jerry Quijano [00:21:11] Yeah, it’s kind of moot. Yeah.
George Davis [00:21:12] Yeah. So you just have to act. And reading through the accounts, you know, some people were able to hide in the bar, upstairs at Buford’s or behind cars. I was kind of in the middle of Sixth Street, you know just waiting for my Uber. So my decision was to actually get up and run. So I’m just thankful that I made that decision.
Jerry Quijano [00:21:33] What has the support from your circle and your community been like in the 10 or so days since the shooting?
George Davis [00:21:39] It’s been amazing. Family, obviously friends that I’m close to, but even friends that haven’t spoken to in 10 plus years from back home in Houston where I grew up or from the two universities I went to and teammates and things like that. So it’s in a way a blessing to reconnect with some of those folks to really cherish why they’re reaching out because of the memories we’ve made together or the friendships we’ve make throughout life. Um, and then also just the random, uh, people that I have no clue, you know, who they are, whether it’s just reaching out, um, and commenting on my posts or, um, you, you contributing to my go fund me, you know, it’s, it, it it’s been amazing and it’s a truly helped me a lot, um, to know that there’s that many people, um caring about me right now.
Jerry Quijano [00:22:29] We heard from some folks who were back out at Buford’s over the weekend, some of whom said that they were not going to be afraid about going back out after such a tragic event. I know it’s still early in your recovery, but have you thought about going out in the town in the future, or right now are you just really focused on recovery, and that’ll come when it comes?
George Davis [00:22:46] Yeah, I haven’t really thought about going out specifically. Um, you know, part of the reason I love living in Austin is because of what it has to offer concerts and bars and, and places just to be social, you know, in this day and age, um, where it’s really all digital. Um, it’s, really nice to go out and meet people. So I don’t think I’m going to. Hinder myself or limit myself and what I’m gonna do in the future. Um, I, I may be a little bit more. I’m conservative on how late I stay out or which places I go to, but I don’t, I don’t see myself changing my life in a major way because of this event.
Jerry Quijano [00:23:24] Lastly, is there anything else that you would like to say or share?
George Davis [00:23:28] I would just say, you know, I feel for those that didn’t make it extremely, you know, just reading the stories and who they were as people, they seemed like they were taken too early. So, you, my condolences out to all their families and to those that survived as well, for me personally, I think I’m doing pretty well mentally. I have a lot of options if I want to go to therapy or counseling, which I do plan to take. You know, uh, a look at, but surprisingly I’m able to, um, you know, sleep. Okay. Um, I’m, I am able to move around, which I think is a, an amazing break for me. Um, and I’m just looking forward to this recovery and, and, um living my life, uh as I plan to. So it’s sad to, to experience this and, and for those that didn’t make it, but I’m just so thankful and so grateful that I’m here to speak to you today.
Jerry Quijano [00:24:25] That is George Davis Jr. George we wish you continued health and the best in your recovery and we’re glad to have you here as well. Thank you so much. And if you are one of the folks who helped out George or maybe know the persons who did help out, you can contact us at Austin Signal at KUT.org. We will have more in the show notes for today’s podcast and at Kut.org slash Signal. I’m your host Jerry Quijano. We will talk to you tomorrow.
This transcript was transcribed by AI, and lightly edited by a human. Accuracy may vary. This text may be revised in the future.
