1 00:00:08,420 --> 00:00:09,739 The parents of an eight-year-old 2 00:00:09,740 --> 00:00:11,559 Austinite still missing after last 3 00:00:11,560 --> 00:00:13,299 July's flooding in Texas have filed 4 00:00:13,300 --> 00:00:15,379 a lawsuit against Camp Mystic. 5 00:00:15,380 --> 00:00:16,879 It's the fifth such lawsuit against 6 00:00:16,880 --> 00:00:18,399 the camp in the Hill Country, where 7 00:00:18,400 --> 00:00:20,099 campers and counselors drowned in 8 00:00:20,100 --> 00:00:21,239 the floodwaters. 9 00:00:21,240 --> 00:00:22,339 We're gonna have more about the 10 00:00:22,340 --> 00:00:23,479 latest lawsuit. 11 00:00:23,480 --> 00:00:25,119 Plus, early voting in the primaries 12 00:00:25,120 --> 00:00:26,939 gets going next week and folks 13 00:00:26,940 --> 00:00:28,839 in southeastern Travis County will 14 00:00:28,840 --> 00:00:30,579 elect a new leader for the first 15 00:00:30,580 --> 00:00:32,258 time in decades. 16 00:00:32,259 --> 00:00:33,359 Hear about the candidates running 17 00:00:33,360 --> 00:00:35,319 for precinct four commissioner? 18 00:00:35,320 --> 00:00:37,589 That's coming up on today's show. 19 00:00:37,590 --> 00:00:39,489 The Austin Signal is a production 20 00:00:39,490 --> 00:00:41,569 of KUT News, hosted by 21 00:00:41,570 --> 00:00:43,149 Jerry Quijano. 22 00:00:43,150 --> 00:00:45,149 Plus the fight to protect Austin's 23 00:00:45,150 --> 00:00:46,969 first black cemetery, the 24 00:00:46,970 --> 00:00:48,509 history at the heart of Bethany 25 00:00:48,510 --> 00:00:50,409 Cemetery, and an update on the 26 00:00:50,410 --> 00:00:51,989 future of Austin's convention 27 00:00:51,990 --> 00:00:54,249 center. We've got those stories and 28 00:00:54,250 --> 00:00:56,149 more that's coming up today on 29 00:00:56,150 --> 00:00:57,150 Austin Signal. 30 00:01:08,970 --> 00:01:10,209 Howdy out there, thank you for 31 00:01:10,210 --> 00:01:12,289 tuning in. This is Austin Signal 32 00:01:12,290 --> 00:01:14,649 on listener-powered public radio 33 00:01:14,650 --> 00:01:16,389 KUT News. 34 00:01:16,390 --> 00:01:18,409 It is Monday, February 9th. 35 00:01:18,410 --> 00:01:19,889 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano, and 36 00:01:19,890 --> 00:01:21,589 thank you for starting the week off 37 00:01:21,590 --> 00:01:23,010 here with us. 38 00:01:24,030 --> 00:01:25,709 Eight-year-old Cecilia Stewart from 39 00:01:25,710 --> 00:01:27,509 Austin remains missing following 40 00:01:27,510 --> 00:01:29,209 last year's July 4th flooding at 41 00:01:29,210 --> 00:01:30,749 Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill 42 00:01:30,750 --> 00:01:31,869 Country. 43 00:01:31,870 --> 00:01:33,229 Stewart's parents filed suit this 44 00:01:33,230 --> 00:01:35,109 month against the camp, marking the 45 00:01:35,110 --> 00:01:36,729 fifth legal challenge of the campus 46 00:01:36,730 --> 00:01:38,329 scene since the floods. 47 00:01:38,330 --> 00:01:39,929 For more about this story, we are 48 00:01:39,930 --> 00:01:41,609 talking with Lucio Vasquez. 49 00:01:41,610 --> 00:01:43,329 He is a breaking news reporter for 50 00:01:43,330 --> 00:01:44,949 the Texas newsroom. 51 00:01:44,950 --> 00:01:46,269 Lucio, thank you for speaking with 52 00:01:46,270 --> 00:01:46,928 us. 53 00:01:46,929 --> 00:01:47,959 Thanks for having me. 54 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:49,319 So tell us first a little bit more 55 00:01:49,320 --> 00:01:50,039 who are. 56 00:01:50,040 --> 00:01:51,699 The stewards. 57 00:01:51,700 --> 00:01:53,539 Yes, this is Will and C.C. 58 00:01:53,540 --> 00:01:54,459 Stewart. 59 00:01:54,460 --> 00:01:56,099 They had filed the lawsuit just last 60 00:01:56,100 --> 00:01:57,119 week. 61 00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:58,679 Their eight-year-old girl, Cecilia 62 00:01:58,680 --> 00:02:00,639 Stewart, was at Camp Mystic when 63 00:02:00,640 --> 00:02:02,859 the floodwaters came through. 64 00:02:02,860 --> 00:02:04,399 She's still considered missing, 65 00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:05,859 although the lawsuit does say that 66 00:02:05,860 --> 00:02:07,419 she's presumed to be deceased at 67 00:02:07,420 --> 00:02:08,679 this point. 68 00:02:08,680 --> 00:02:10,519 The lawsuit says that basically a 69 00:02:10,520 --> 00:02:12,039 series of decisions by camp 70 00:02:12,040 --> 00:02:13,619 leadership, specifically the 71 00:02:13,620 --> 00:02:15,659 Eastlands, put campers in 72 00:02:15,660 --> 00:02:16,479 danger. 73 00:02:16,480 --> 00:02:18,099 And it's now like you just said, the 74 00:02:18,100 --> 00:02:19,619 fifth lawsuit filed against the camp 75 00:02:19,620 --> 00:02:21,479 since the flood and really speaks 76 00:02:21,480 --> 00:02:23,239 to basically families still 77 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:24,699 searching for answers as to what 78 00:02:24,700 --> 00:02:26,049 exactly happened that night. 79 00:02:26,050 --> 00:02:27,009 And can you tell us a little bit 80 00:02:27,010 --> 00:02:28,829 more about those rules that 81 00:02:28,830 --> 00:02:29,830 the Eastland set? 82 00:02:31,320 --> 00:02:33,159 To boil it all down, the Eastlands 83 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:35,179 allegedly told campers to stay put 84 00:02:35,180 --> 00:02:37,179 even as waters continued to 85 00:02:37,180 --> 00:02:39,539 rise and attorneys essentially 86 00:02:39,540 --> 00:02:41,359 argue that this was more 87 00:02:41,360 --> 00:02:42,799 or less a death sentence for a lot 88 00:02:42,800 --> 00:02:44,399 of the younger campers. 89 00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:45,799 Specifically, the lawsuit that was 90 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:47,539 just filed says that the younger 91 00:02:47,540 --> 00:02:49,439 campus were staying in a cabin 92 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:50,919 that was closer to the Guadalupe 93 00:02:50,920 --> 00:02:52,079 River. 94 00:02:52,080 --> 00:02:53,259 So whenever the water started to 95 00:02:53,260 --> 00:02:55,219 rise, they were specifically more in 96 00:02:55,220 --> 00:02:57,139 danger whenever the waters 97 00:02:57,140 --> 00:02:59,279 started to come into the cabin. 98 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:01,199 Dick Eastland, one of the owners of 99 00:03:01,200 --> 00:03:03,039 Camp Mystic, he was killed also 100 00:03:03,040 --> 00:03:03,979 in the flooding. 101 00:03:03,980 --> 00:03:05,679 What has Camp Mystice had to say so 102 00:03:05,680 --> 00:03:08,359 far in regards to these suits? 103 00:03:08,360 --> 00:03:09,839 Yeah, Camp Mystic's attorneys say 104 00:03:09,840 --> 00:03:11,699 that they disagree with what they 105 00:03:11,700 --> 00:03:14,379 call misinformation in the lawsuits, 106 00:03:14,380 --> 00:03:16,159 not just this one, but all of them, 107 00:03:16,160 --> 00:03:17,619 and they plan to respond to the 108 00:03:17,620 --> 00:03:18,459 legal process. 109 00:03:18,460 --> 00:03:20,539 That'll be depositions, discovery, 110 00:03:20,540 --> 00:03:21,879 et cetera, et cetera. 111 00:03:21,880 --> 00:03:23,599 They've expressed sympathy for the 112 00:03:23,600 --> 00:03:25,299 families, and it's worth remembering 113 00:03:25,300 --> 00:03:26,659 that the camp's long-time owner, 114 00:03:26,660 --> 00:03:28,719 like you said, just died, so it 115 00:03:28,720 --> 00:03:30,119 really does underscore how sudden 116 00:03:30,120 --> 00:03:32,439 and chaotic the disaster was. 117 00:03:32,440 --> 00:03:34,299 The attorneys essentially argue that 118 00:03:34,300 --> 00:03:36,159 it was an unprecedented event in 119 00:03:36,160 --> 00:03:37,889 that. They couldn't have done 120 00:03:37,890 --> 00:03:40,149 anything to avoid what had happened. 121 00:03:40,150 --> 00:03:42,009 So what sort of accountability 122 00:03:42,010 --> 00:03:43,489 are the stewards seeking in this 123 00:03:43,490 --> 00:03:45,089 lawsuit against Cammystic and its 124 00:03:45,090 --> 00:03:46,139 owners? 125 00:03:46,140 --> 00:03:47,219 Yeah, so when it comes to 126 00:03:47,220 --> 00:03:48,739 accountability, I think this lawsuit 127 00:03:48,740 --> 00:03:50,719 and the others actually are 128 00:03:50,720 --> 00:03:52,259 asking for all the same thing, 129 00:03:52,260 --> 00:03:54,279 basically canceling the 130 00:03:54,280 --> 00:03:56,259 reopening of Camp Mystic later 131 00:03:56,260 --> 00:03:57,399 this year. 132 00:03:57,400 --> 00:03:59,439 Despite the legal issues 133 00:03:59,440 --> 00:04:01,439 and the process behind 134 00:04:01,440 --> 00:04:03,059 closed doors, the camp is going to 135 00:04:03,060 --> 00:04:04,979 be reopening its doors later 136 00:04:04,980 --> 00:04:06,499 this and a lot of families take 137 00:04:06,500 --> 00:04:08,059 issue with that. 138 00:04:08,060 --> 00:04:10,099 And I wanted to ask Cecilia 139 00:04:10,100 --> 00:04:11,119 Stewart, the eight-year-old from 140 00:04:11,120 --> 00:04:13,459 Austin, as you said, still missing, 141 00:04:13,460 --> 00:04:15,299 presumed to be deceased according 142 00:04:15,300 --> 00:04:16,778 to this lawsuit. 143 00:04:16,779 --> 00:04:18,299 Is she the only person who is still 144 00:04:18,300 --> 00:04:20,059 missing after last July's flooding? 145 00:04:21,100 --> 00:04:22,059 She is not. 146 00:04:22,060 --> 00:04:23,029 I believe. 147 00:04:23,030 --> 00:04:24,349 Here. Let me pull up my notes. 148 00:04:24,350 --> 00:04:25,749 I'm sorry about that. 149 00:04:25,750 --> 00:04:27,029 No worries, no worries. 150 00:04:27,030 --> 00:04:28,509 So, uh, she is not. 151 00:04:28,510 --> 00:04:30,609 No, uh. As of this point, there's a 152 00:04:30,610 --> 00:04:32,749 63 year old man, a father named 153 00:04:32,750 --> 00:04:35,129 Jeff Ramsey, who is still missing. 154 00:04:35,130 --> 00:04:36,489 Again, it's been months and months 155 00:04:36,490 --> 00:04:38,309 since the flood took hold of the 156 00:04:38,310 --> 00:04:39,189 hill country. 157 00:04:39,190 --> 00:04:41,069 So we can assume that Jeff 158 00:04:41,070 --> 00:04:43,489 Ramse also is deceased, but again, 159 00:04:43,490 --> 00:04:44,849 his body has not been recovered as 160 00:04:44,850 --> 00:04:45,699 of now. 161 00:04:45,700 --> 00:04:47,079 Lucio you are the breaking news 162 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:48,979 reporter for the Texas newsroom, 163 00:04:48,980 --> 00:04:50,699 but you have been covering stories 164 00:04:50,700 --> 00:04:52,659 around the flooding since it 165 00:04:52,660 --> 00:04:54,099 happened. What are you still 166 00:04:54,100 --> 00:04:55,439 reporting on as part of the Texas 167 00:04:55,440 --> 00:04:57,279 Newsroom in regards to the 168 00:04:57,280 --> 00:04:58,280 floods? 169 00:04:58,620 --> 00:05:00,039 You know, I think there's a lot of 170 00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:02,019 aftermath, you know, this is a very 171 00:05:02,020 --> 00:05:03,959 small community that was ravaged 172 00:05:03,960 --> 00:05:06,439 by a natural disaster, 173 00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:07,879 the likes that Texas has rarely 174 00:05:07,880 --> 00:05:09,079 seen. 175 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:11,319 And, you know going there just 176 00:05:11,320 --> 00:05:13,119 days after the flood, you can really 177 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:15,179 tell that it was a very, 178 00:05:15,180 --> 00:05:17,679 very shocking situation. 179 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:19,519 You know being a journalist, we go 180 00:05:19,520 --> 00:05:21,379 in and then we have the privilege 181 00:05:21,380 --> 00:05:23,499 of leaving, of going home, right? 182 00:05:23,500 --> 00:05:25,519 And these people don't have that 183 00:05:25,520 --> 00:05:26,519 same kind of luxury. 184 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:27,789 They're living with it. 185 00:05:27,790 --> 00:05:29,789 Day-to-day and shops are 186 00:05:29,790 --> 00:05:31,369 open again. You know, the river is 187 00:05:31,370 --> 00:05:33,269 quiet now, but it's 188 00:05:33,270 --> 00:05:34,229 still lingering. 189 00:05:34,230 --> 00:05:36,029 There's an undercurrent, lack of a 190 00:05:36,030 --> 00:05:37,869 better term, of the flood 191 00:05:37,870 --> 00:05:38,649 still there. 192 00:05:38,650 --> 00:05:40,189 You can still see the Kerrville 193 00:05:40,190 --> 00:05:42,409 strong signs up. 194 00:05:42,410 --> 00:05:43,769 And again, two people are still 195 00:05:43,770 --> 00:05:44,549 missing. 196 00:05:44,550 --> 00:05:45,849 And there's a lot of questions as of 197 00:05:45,850 --> 00:05:47,749 right now as to where exactly all 198 00:05:47,750 --> 00:05:48,949 the money went. There were a lot of 199 00:05:48,950 --> 00:05:50,969 donations and 200 00:05:50,970 --> 00:05:53,009 people, small businesses, 201 00:05:53,010 --> 00:05:54,629 they're still struggling to get back 202 00:05:54,630 --> 00:05:55,630 on their feet. 203 00:05:56,280 --> 00:05:57,479 We have been speaking with Lucio 204 00:05:57,480 --> 00:05:58,659 Vasquez. He is breaking news 205 00:05:58,660 --> 00:06:00,519 reporter at the Texas newsroom. 206 00:06:00,520 --> 00:06:01,839 We will have a link to his reporting 207 00:06:01,840 --> 00:06:03,979 in our show notes for today's 208 00:06:03,980 --> 00:06:05,399 podcast. Lucio, thanks for talking 209 00:06:05,400 --> 00:06:07,119 with us on Austin Signal. 210 00:06:07,120 --> 00:06:08,120 Of course, thanks. 211 00:06:11,380 --> 00:06:12,959 Early voting for the primary 212 00:06:12,960 --> 00:06:14,959 elections in Texas starts a week 213 00:06:14,960 --> 00:06:16,419 from tomorrow. 214 00:06:16,420 --> 00:06:17,879 Voters will choose nominees for 215 00:06:17,880 --> 00:06:20,019 dozens of state and federal races, 216 00:06:20,020 --> 00:06:22,019 and some local ones too. 217 00:06:22,020 --> 00:06:24,059 As KUT's Katy McAfee reports, 218 00:06:24,060 --> 00:06:25,859 a race in southeastern Travis County 219 00:06:25,860 --> 00:06:27,879 is energizing voters there for 220 00:06:27,880 --> 00:06:29,540 the first time in decades. 221 00:06:33,980 --> 00:06:35,459 It was a packed room at the Central 222 00:06:35,460 --> 00:06:37,499 Health Clinic in Far East Austin on 223 00:06:37,500 --> 00:06:39,459 a Saturday late last month. 224 00:06:39,460 --> 00:06:40,619 People in the neighborhood were 225 00:06:40,620 --> 00:06:42,039 crowding in to hear from the four 226 00:06:42,040 --> 00:06:43,539 Democrats running to be the next 227 00:06:43,540 --> 00:06:45,019 Travis County Commissioner for 228 00:06:45,020 --> 00:06:46,619 Precinct 4. 229 00:06:46,620 --> 00:06:48,619 The election is a big deal for folks 230 00:06:48,620 --> 00:06:50,499 in Precint 4, which covers a 231 00:06:50,500 --> 00:06:51,939 big chunk of South and Southeast 232 00:06:51,940 --> 00:06:53,039 Austin. 233 00:06:53,040 --> 00:06:54,919 That's because this area hasn't 234 00:06:54,920 --> 00:06:57,360 seen new leadership since 1995. 235 00:06:58,440 --> 00:07:00,159 Whoever wins will replace Margaret 236 00:07:00,160 --> 00:07:01,099 Gomez. 237 00:07:01,100 --> 00:07:02,559 She's retiring at the end of her 238 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:04,899 term after 31 years in office. 239 00:07:04,900 --> 00:07:06,339 No Republicans are running, which 240 00:07:06,340 --> 00:07:07,719 means whoever wins the Democratic 241 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:09,179 primary next month will run 242 00:07:09,180 --> 00:07:11,099 unopposed in November. 243 00:07:11,100 --> 00:07:12,719 The promise of a new leader is 244 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:14,259 bringing hope to people in Far East 245 00:07:14,260 --> 00:07:16,019 Austin who have been advocating for 246 00:07:16,020 --> 00:07:17,519 more services to come to the area 247 00:07:17,520 --> 00:07:18,919 for decades. 248 00:07:18,920 --> 00:07:20,619 This is East Austin resident Richard 249 00:07:20,620 --> 00:07:21,739 Franklin. 250 00:07:21,740 --> 00:07:22,979 Historically, we have been left out 251 00:07:22,980 --> 00:07:23,980 of the conversation. 252 00:07:25,720 --> 00:07:27,839 Every commissioner we've had to date 253 00:07:27,840 --> 00:07:29,379 hasn't done a damn thing in our 254 00:07:29,380 --> 00:07:30,380 community. 255 00:07:30,590 --> 00:07:32,349 Precinct four has a high minority 256 00:07:32,350 --> 00:07:34,129 population and some of the lowest 257 00:07:34,130 --> 00:07:35,609 median household incomes in the 258 00:07:35,610 --> 00:07:38,149 county, according to the US Census. 259 00:07:38,150 --> 00:07:39,429 Many neighborhoods in the precinct 260 00:07:39,430 --> 00:07:41,329 are classified as food deserts by 261 00:07:41,330 --> 00:07:43,489 the US Department of Agriculture. 262 00:07:43,490 --> 00:07:45,189 And some neighborhoods do not have 263 00:07:45,190 --> 00:07:48,069 access to clean, affordable water. 264 00:07:48,070 --> 00:07:49,549 Even the clinic the community 265 00:07:49,550 --> 00:07:51,489 meeting is in opened less than three 266 00:07:51,490 --> 00:07:52,609 years ago. 267 00:07:52,610 --> 00:07:53,689 Before that, people in the 268 00:07:53,690 --> 00:07:55,169 Hornsby-Benn neighborhood had to 269 00:07:55,170 --> 00:07:56,989 drive at least 12 miles to 270 00:07:56,990 --> 00:07:58,079 see a doctor. 271 00:07:58,080 --> 00:08:00,059 How will we balance? 272 00:08:00,060 --> 00:08:01,259 Filing eyes. 273 00:08:01,260 --> 00:08:02,879 Huddled in the community room at the 274 00:08:02,880 --> 00:08:04,639 clinic, people asked candidates what 275 00:08:04,640 --> 00:08:06,059 they would do about immigration 276 00:08:06,060 --> 00:08:07,899 raids in the area, how they would 277 00:08:07,900 --> 00:08:09,839 improve transportation, increase 278 00:08:09,840 --> 00:08:11,699 food access, spur economic 279 00:08:11,700 --> 00:08:12,959 growth. 280 00:08:12,960 --> 00:08:14,599 There's a lot to tackle in precinct 281 00:08:14,600 --> 00:08:16,779 4, but there can only be 282 00:08:16,780 --> 00:08:18,759 one commissioner. 283 00:08:18,760 --> 00:08:20,539 So what are the candidates' number 284 00:08:20,540 --> 00:08:21,540 one priorities? 285 00:08:24,950 --> 00:08:26,589 After the meeting, I called each of 286 00:08:26,590 --> 00:08:27,769 them up to ask. 287 00:08:27,770 --> 00:08:29,989 So I'm George Morales, 288 00:08:29,990 --> 00:08:31,089 the third. 289 00:08:31,090 --> 00:08:32,769 I was born and raised in Precinct 290 00:08:32,770 --> 00:08:33,649 Four in the community of Del 291 00:08:33,650 --> 00:08:34,249 Springs. 292 00:08:34,250 --> 00:08:35,928 Morales has been in law enforcement 293 00:08:35,929 --> 00:08:37,629 for 26 years. 294 00:08:37,630 --> 00:08:39,069 He was elected the Travis County 295 00:08:39,070 --> 00:08:41,149 Precinct for Constable in 2016 296 00:08:41,150 --> 00:08:44,009 and has held the title ever since. 297 00:08:44,010 --> 00:08:46,049 Morales is big on healthcare. 298 00:08:46,050 --> 00:08:47,689 During the pandemic, he says he 299 00:08:47,690 --> 00:08:49,669 helped bring 380,000 300 00:08:49,670 --> 00:08:51,689 vaccines to East Austin. 301 00:08:51,690 --> 00:08:53,289 But he says his focus as 302 00:08:53,290 --> 00:08:54,689 commissioner would be improving 303 00:08:54,690 --> 00:08:55,609 transportation. 304 00:08:55,610 --> 00:08:57,509 That's gonna be my main first 305 00:08:57,510 --> 00:08:58,649 priority is to go in there and say 306 00:08:58,650 --> 00:09:00,889 how can we fix these roads? 307 00:09:00,890 --> 00:09:02,729 How can we get access for the 308 00:09:02,730 --> 00:09:03,989 people to drive through these roads 309 00:09:03,990 --> 00:09:04,859 safely? 310 00:09:04,860 --> 00:09:06,639 Improving roads in East Austin is 311 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:08,759 also a priority for Susanna Ledesma 312 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:09,659 Woody. 313 00:09:09,660 --> 00:09:11,219 Ledesima Woody has been on the Dell 314 00:09:11,220 --> 00:09:13,239 Valley ISD School Board for 15 315 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:14,259 years. 316 00:09:14,260 --> 00:09:15,699 This is her third time running for 317 00:09:15,700 --> 00:09:17,679 the precinct four commissioner seat. 318 00:09:17,680 --> 00:09:19,399 She says she was inspired to run 319 00:09:19,400 --> 00:09:20,579 after her calls to the 320 00:09:20,580 --> 00:09:21,539 commissioner's court to bring 321 00:09:21,540 --> 00:09:23,399 grocery stores and hospitals to the 322 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:25,409 area continued to go unanswered. 323 00:09:25,410 --> 00:09:27,289 And so we were just 324 00:09:27,290 --> 00:09:28,849 like, what's the next step? 325 00:09:28,850 --> 00:09:30,529 How can we really push this needle? 326 00:09:31,790 --> 00:09:33,609 And it was just run for 327 00:09:33,610 --> 00:09:34,769 the position, right? 328 00:09:34,770 --> 00:09:35,829 If you really want to make a 329 00:09:35,830 --> 00:09:37,429 difference, you have to scare these 330 00:09:37,430 --> 00:09:39,289 politicians that this seat 331 00:09:39,290 --> 00:09:40,379 is not theirs. 332 00:09:40,380 --> 00:09:41,899 Ledezma Woody lost the last 333 00:09:41,900 --> 00:09:43,699 Democratic primary for the seat back 334 00:09:43,700 --> 00:09:45,539 in 2022 by less 335 00:09:45,540 --> 00:09:47,859 than 250 votes. 336 00:09:47,860 --> 00:09:49,399 This go-around, she says, her top 337 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:51,039 priority will be investing in 338 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:52,319 equitable infrastructure for the 339 00:09:52,320 --> 00:09:52,679 area. 340 00:09:52,680 --> 00:09:54,719 I think once we get the 341 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:56,299 infrastructure in place, we can 342 00:09:56,300 --> 00:09:57,759 tackle a lot of the other issues 343 00:09:57,760 --> 00:09:59,769 that plague the community. 344 00:09:59,770 --> 00:10:01,369 She says equitable infrastructure 345 00:10:01,370 --> 00:10:03,489 means focusing on neighborhoods that 346 00:10:03,490 --> 00:10:05,449 still lack basic needs. 347 00:10:05,450 --> 00:10:07,069 Some areas don't have access to 348 00:10:07,070 --> 00:10:08,759 electricity or clean water. 349 00:10:08,760 --> 00:10:10,679 And they're having to go to 350 00:10:10,680 --> 00:10:12,499 HEB that's 15, 351 00:10:12,500 --> 00:10:14,499 20 minutes away to fill 352 00:10:14,500 --> 00:10:16,479 up their jugs of water so they have 353 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:18,029 water in their home. 354 00:10:18,030 --> 00:10:20,449 Next is Ophelia Maldonado Zapata. 355 00:10:20,450 --> 00:10:22,389 She's a former Austin ISD School 356 00:10:22,390 --> 00:10:23,789 Board trustee. 357 00:10:23,790 --> 00:10:25,729 Maldinado Zapada says she's not a 358 00:10:25,730 --> 00:10:27,509 politician. She calls herself a 359 00:10:27,510 --> 00:10:29,449 community organizer and says her 360 00:10:29,450 --> 00:10:30,749 experience growing up visually 361 00:10:30,750 --> 00:10:32,269 impaired inspired her to help 362 00:10:32,270 --> 00:10:32,959 others. 363 00:10:32,960 --> 00:10:34,979 So that's how I began my work and 364 00:10:34,980 --> 00:10:36,439 I've started learning how to 365 00:10:36,440 --> 00:10:38,779 organize because one 366 00:10:38,780 --> 00:10:40,799 thing I learned is that, 367 00:10:40,800 --> 00:10:42,979 you know, we can be angry about 368 00:10:42,980 --> 00:10:44,799 the injustices that we're living 369 00:10:44,800 --> 00:10:46,899 in or we can do something 370 00:10:46,900 --> 00:10:47,609 about it. 371 00:10:47,610 --> 00:10:49,249 Maldonado Zapata says her top 372 00:10:49,250 --> 00:10:50,789 priority in office will be improving 373 00:10:50,790 --> 00:10:52,769 water quality in some eastern Travis 374 00:10:52,770 --> 00:10:54,449 County neighborhoods that she says 375 00:10:54,450 --> 00:10:56,189 get water at a high price from 376 00:10:56,190 --> 00:10:57,839 for-profit utilities. 377 00:10:57,840 --> 00:11:00,299 It's not fair, it's wrong. 378 00:11:00,300 --> 00:11:02,319 We should stop, we should 379 00:11:02,320 --> 00:11:04,319 get every company in Austin that 380 00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:06,479 has water to give to this community 381 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:08,359 and stop paying that 382 00:11:08,360 --> 00:11:09,409 water company. 383 00:11:09,410 --> 00:11:11,169 The final candidate is Gavino 384 00:11:11,170 --> 00:11:12,569 Fernandez. 385 00:11:12,570 --> 00:11:14,349 Fernandez was born in Austin, and he 386 00:11:14,350 --> 00:11:15,949 has some experience overseeing this 387 00:11:15,950 --> 00:11:16,749 area. 388 00:11:16,750 --> 00:11:18,029 He worked on the precinct for 389 00:11:18,030 --> 00:11:19,869 commissioner staff from 1991 390 00:11:19,870 --> 00:11:21,110 to 1994. 391 00:11:22,170 --> 00:11:23,989 Fernandez has a clear goal if 392 00:11:23,990 --> 00:11:25,069 he's elected. 393 00:11:25,070 --> 00:11:28,049 No tax increases. 394 00:11:28,050 --> 00:11:29,829 Affordability in East Austin is his 395 00:11:29,830 --> 00:11:31,369 number one priority. 396 00:11:31,370 --> 00:11:33,229 He says he'll oppose any tax hikes 397 00:11:33,230 --> 00:11:34,869 and wants to audit the county's 398 00:11:34,870 --> 00:11:36,149 existing contracts to see where 399 00:11:36,150 --> 00:11:37,929 money can be saved. 400 00:11:37,930 --> 00:11:39,429 I asked Fernandez how he might 401 00:11:39,430 --> 00:11:41,369 navigate a situation where he's the 402 00:11:41,370 --> 00:11:42,749 only commissioner on the dais 403 00:11:42,750 --> 00:11:45,349 against a potential tax increase. 404 00:11:45,350 --> 00:11:47,729 He had a clear answer for that, too. 405 00:11:47,730 --> 00:11:49,429 If it's approved, the money better 406 00:11:49,430 --> 00:11:51,609 be going to precinct four. 407 00:11:51,610 --> 00:11:53,309 I'm Katy McAfee in Austin. 408 00:11:57,270 --> 00:11:58,950 Last week here on Austin Signal, we 409 00:11:58,951 --> 00:12:00,649 brought you the story about the 410 00:12:00,650 --> 00:12:02,589 uncertainty around the future of 411 00:12:02,590 --> 00:12:04,269 Austin's Convention Center. 412 00:12:04,270 --> 00:12:06,249 Well, a court over the weekend ruled 413 00:12:06,250 --> 00:12:08,089 that the city can still continue 414 00:12:08,090 --> 00:12:09,449 building a new one. 415 00:12:09,450 --> 00:12:11,049 For more about this story, we are 416 00:12:11,050 --> 00:12:12,569 talking with KUT's City Hall 417 00:12:12,570 --> 00:12:14,229 reporter, Luz Moreno Lozano, who has 418 00:12:14,230 --> 00:12:15,549 been following it. Luz, thanks for 419 00:12:15,550 --> 00:12:16,509 joining us on this Monday. 420 00:12:16,510 --> 00:12:17,889 Thanks for having me back. 421 00:12:17,890 --> 00:12:19,769 So last week on Austin Signal 422 00:12:19,770 --> 00:12:21,449 for our diehard listeners, we had a 423 00:12:21,450 --> 00:12:23,069 feature story that was reported by 424 00:12:23,070 --> 00:12:24,809 you. Now we have you in the studio. 425 00:12:24,810 --> 00:12:26,209 So can you just remind us why this 426 00:12:26,210 --> 00:12:28,069 question of should a 427 00:12:28,070 --> 00:12:29,429 new convention center be built where 428 00:12:29,430 --> 00:12:30,709 the old one stood? Why was that a 429 00:12:30,710 --> 00:12:32,289 question even before the courts in 430 00:12:32,290 --> 00:12:32,669 the first place? 431 00:12:32,670 --> 00:12:34,429 Yeah, it's a good question. 432 00:12:34,430 --> 00:12:36,409 There was some groups of people 433 00:12:36,410 --> 00:12:37,769 who were of the belief that the 434 00:12:37,770 --> 00:12:39,229 Austin Convention Center wasn't 435 00:12:39,230 --> 00:12:41,309 being used as 436 00:12:41,310 --> 00:12:43,329 it should, you know, like who 437 00:12:43,330 --> 00:12:44,909 really uses it besides South by 438 00:12:44,910 --> 00:12:45,189 Southwest? 439 00:12:45,190 --> 00:12:46,589 Besides people who are visiting 440 00:12:46,590 --> 00:12:48,209 town, right? Tourists, things like 441 00:12:48,210 --> 00:12:48,249 that. 442 00:12:48,250 --> 00:12:49,189 Right, right. 443 00:12:49,190 --> 00:12:51,369 So, was it worth the 444 00:12:51,370 --> 00:12:52,889 investment of all the billions of 445 00:12:52,890 --> 00:12:53,829 dollars that the city is putting 446 00:12:53,830 --> 00:12:56,269 toward redeveloping 447 00:12:56,270 --> 00:12:57,609 it and expanding it to make it 448 00:12:57,610 --> 00:12:58,889 bigger, especially if it's not 449 00:12:58,890 --> 00:13:00,749 really benefiting the people of 450 00:13:00,750 --> 00:13:01,589 Austin? 451 00:13:01,590 --> 00:13:03,069 But in a way, it kind of does, 452 00:13:03,070 --> 00:13:04,409 right? Because those people are 453 00:13:04,410 --> 00:13:05,809 coming and they're spending money at 454 00:13:05,810 --> 00:13:07,529 hotels and restaurants, and it's 455 00:13:07,530 --> 00:13:09,109 generating tourism, and all of some 456 00:13:09,110 --> 00:13:11,689 of that money goes back to the city, 457 00:13:11,690 --> 00:13:13,809 which builds roads, libraries, 458 00:13:13,810 --> 00:13:15,199 you know, those kinds of things. 459 00:13:15,200 --> 00:13:17,239 So what was the ruling and 460 00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:18,119 what does it mean? 461 00:13:18,120 --> 00:13:20,159 Is it like a done deal now that the 462 00:13:20,160 --> 00:13:21,609 convention center can go forward? 463 00:13:21,610 --> 00:13:23,209 So the Convention Center can move 464 00:13:23,210 --> 00:13:25,129 forward, the judge basically sided 465 00:13:25,130 --> 00:13:27,509 with the city and believes that 466 00:13:27,510 --> 00:13:29,329 the city's denial of 467 00:13:29,330 --> 00:13:31,369 the petition based on the lack of 468 00:13:31,370 --> 00:13:34,289 valid signatures was warranted. 469 00:13:34,290 --> 00:13:35,989 I don't think it's over, I spoke 470 00:13:35,990 --> 00:13:37,949 with Bill Bunch on Saturday, 471 00:13:37,950 --> 00:13:39,889 Saturday morning, and he says that 472 00:13:39,890 --> 00:13:41,709 the group is exploring some appeal 473 00:13:41,710 --> 00:13:42,319 options. 474 00:13:42,320 --> 00:13:42,599 OK. 475 00:13:42,600 --> 00:13:44,839 That could still allow them to 476 00:13:44,840 --> 00:13:46,979 put this particular measure before 477 00:13:46,980 --> 00:13:48,399 voters in May. 478 00:13:48,400 --> 00:13:50,079 If not, they're still working to get 479 00:13:50,080 --> 00:13:51,679 it in front of voters in November. 480 00:13:51,680 --> 00:13:53,479 So, still something that they are 481 00:13:53,480 --> 00:13:55,379 pursuing as this project 482 00:13:55,380 --> 00:13:56,199 continues. 483 00:13:56,200 --> 00:13:57,479 Well, one thing that we heard about 484 00:13:57,480 --> 00:13:59,799 in your story last week that is, 485 00:13:59,800 --> 00:14:01,459 you know, while this ruling was up 486 00:14:01,460 --> 00:14:02,839 before the courts, there was still 487 00:14:02,840 --> 00:14:04,299 some work that was being done. 488 00:14:04,300 --> 00:14:05,439 You know, there's some demolition, 489 00:14:05,440 --> 00:14:07,799 things going down, things coming up. 490 00:14:07,800 --> 00:14:09,959 Did this whole ruling, 491 00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:11,819 did it create any kind of time 492 00:14:11,820 --> 00:14:13,859 dent in the city's timeline 493 00:14:13,860 --> 00:14:16,039 for how the Convention Center should 494 00:14:16,040 --> 00:14:17,999 go or how long it should take to be 495 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:18,649 renovated? 496 00:14:18,650 --> 00:14:20,289 It's still on track. 497 00:14:20,290 --> 00:14:21,929 I spoke with someone from the Austin 498 00:14:21,930 --> 00:14:22,969 Convention Center who basically was 499 00:14:22,970 --> 00:14:24,369 like, we're on budget, we are on 500 00:14:24,370 --> 00:14:26,189 track, we're hoping to open in time 501 00:14:26,190 --> 00:14:28,409 for South by Southwest in 2029. 502 00:14:29,470 --> 00:14:30,829 So yeah, it didn't put any kind of 503 00:14:30,830 --> 00:14:31,969 halts on it. 504 00:14:31,970 --> 00:14:33,709 If the petition had gone forward and 505 00:14:33,710 --> 00:14:35,029 people had voted for it, it would 506 00:14:35,030 --> 00:14:36,509 have definitely paused the project 507 00:14:36,510 --> 00:14:38,209 for several years. 508 00:14:38,210 --> 00:14:39,889 Okay well you can read more from 509 00:14:39,890 --> 00:14:43,389 Luce's reporting over at KUT.org. 510 00:14:43,390 --> 00:14:45,269 We're going to include a link in 511 00:14:45,270 --> 00:14:47,668 our show notes for today as well. 512 00:14:47,669 --> 00:14:49,749 Luce Moreno Lozano is KUT's 513 00:14:49,750 --> 00:14:50,949 City Hall reporter, we're glad to 514 00:14:50,950 --> 00:14:52,289 have her on Austin Signal today. 515 00:14:52,290 --> 00:14:53,169 Luce, great to see you. 516 00:14:53,170 --> 00:14:54,170 Thanks, Jerry. 517 00:15:00,850 --> 00:15:03,169 This is Austin Signal, welcome back. 518 00:15:03,170 --> 00:15:04,849 It is Black History Month all 519 00:15:04,850 --> 00:15:06,909 February long and Myles Bloxson 520 00:15:06,910 --> 00:15:09,109 from our sister station, KUTX, 521 00:15:09,110 --> 00:15:10,549 has for a few years now been 522 00:15:10,550 --> 00:15:12,289 highlighting black music history 523 00:15:12,290 --> 00:15:13,809 here in Austin. 524 00:15:13,810 --> 00:15:15,749 We've heard about a few artists this 525 00:15:15,750 --> 00:15:17,629 month here on Austin Signal but 526 00:15:17,630 --> 00:15:19,489 today we're gonna hear about an 527 00:15:19,490 --> 00:15:21,269 historic music venue on the east 528 00:15:21,270 --> 00:15:23,569 side of town that dates back to 529 00:15:23,570 --> 00:15:24,649 World War II. 530 00:15:33,660 --> 00:15:35,479 February is Black History Month 531 00:15:35,480 --> 00:15:36,939 and all month we're highlighting 532 00:15:36,940 --> 00:15:38,859 black people in places that help 533 00:15:38,860 --> 00:15:40,600 shape the Austin music scene. 534 00:15:44,120 --> 00:15:45,879 The Victory Grill was founded in 535 00:15:45,880 --> 00:15:48,159 1945 by Johnny Holmes, 536 00:15:48,160 --> 00:15:50,379 a booking agent and band manager. 537 00:15:50,380 --> 00:15:51,999 He opened the restaurant on V-Day 538 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:53,779 for black soldiers returning from 539 00:15:53,780 --> 00:15:55,179 World War II. 540 00:15:55,180 --> 00:15:56,819 And at this time, the South was 541 00:15:56,820 --> 00:15:58,499 segregated and black servicemen 542 00:15:58,500 --> 00:16:00,279 couldn't just walk into any music 543 00:16:00,280 --> 00:16:02,419 venue, club, restaurant, 544 00:16:02,420 --> 00:16:04,219 or place of business. 545 00:16:04,220 --> 00:16:05,659 The venues throughout certain parts 546 00:16:05,660 --> 00:16:07,539 of the United States that allowed 547 00:16:07,540 --> 00:16:09,399 blacks to perform were referred 548 00:16:09,400 --> 00:16:11,239 to as the Chitlin Circuit. 549 00:16:11,240 --> 00:16:13,159 The victory reel quickly became a 550 00:16:13,160 --> 00:16:15,039 part of this circuit and a go-to 551 00:16:15,040 --> 00:16:16,280 place for music lovers. 552 00:16:24,300 --> 00:16:25,699 At the height of the club's 553 00:16:25,700 --> 00:16:27,599 popularity in the 50s, most of 554 00:16:27,600 --> 00:16:29,819 the popular black national blues, 555 00:16:29,820 --> 00:16:31,639 rhythm and blues and jazz acts that 556 00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:33,479 played in Austin played at the 557 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:34,739 victory grill. 558 00:16:34,740 --> 00:16:37,159 Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, 559 00:16:37,160 --> 00:16:39,119 Etta James, Billie Holiday, and 560 00:16:39,120 --> 00:16:40,120 Janis Joplin. 561 00:16:42,810 --> 00:16:44,490 At last, 562 00:16:48,510 --> 00:16:50,429 my love 563 00:16:50,430 --> 00:16:51,430 has come to an end. 564 00:16:54,470 --> 00:16:56,049 The Victory Grill was also the 565 00:16:56,050 --> 00:16:57,710 happening spot for a lot of popular 566 00:16:57,711 --> 00:16:59,429 local legends to show off their 567 00:16:59,430 --> 00:17:01,289 musical talents as well. 568 00:17:01,290 --> 00:17:03,269 Blues boy Hubbard, W.C. 569 00:17:03,270 --> 00:17:04,348 Clark and T.D. 570 00:17:04,349 --> 00:17:05,929 Bell were just a few of the local 571 00:17:05,930 --> 00:17:08,139 acts that graced the stage. 572 00:17:08,140 --> 00:17:10,618 Why don't you love me, baby? 573 00:17:12,079 --> 00:17:14,039 Why don't you love baby? 574 00:17:17,710 --> 00:17:19,348 After integration, the chilling 575 00:17:19,349 --> 00:17:20,989 circuit went away because black 576 00:17:20,990 --> 00:17:23,068 entertainers had more options when 577 00:17:23,069 --> 00:17:24,568 it came to venues that they could 578 00:17:24,569 --> 00:17:26,328 actually perform at. 579 00:17:26,329 --> 00:17:28,589 As a result of this, in the 70s, 580 00:17:28,590 --> 00:17:29,889 Holmes was forced to close the club 581 00:17:29,890 --> 00:17:31,789 portion of the venue and keep the 582 00:17:31,790 --> 00:17:33,249 restaurant portion open. 583 00:17:33,250 --> 00:17:35,189 In the late 80s, a fire broke 584 00:17:35,190 --> 00:17:37,169 out, causing extensive damage, 585 00:17:37,170 --> 00:17:39,049 and Victory Grill was closed until 586 00:17:39,050 --> 00:17:40,969 a friend of Holmes, R.V. 587 00:17:40,970 --> 00:17:43,089 Adams, began restoration efforts and 588 00:17:43,090 --> 00:17:45,229 reopened the venue in 1996. 589 00:17:46,280 --> 00:17:48,259 Today the Victory Grill is one of 590 00:17:48,260 --> 00:17:49,759 the few standing spots on the 591 00:17:49,760 --> 00:17:51,759 Chitlin circuit, and it claims a 592 00:17:51,760 --> 00:17:53,599 spot on the National Registry of 593 00:17:53,600 --> 00:17:55,019 Historic Places. 594 00:17:55,020 --> 00:17:56,579 The establishment continues to 595 00:17:56,580 --> 00:17:58,559 thrive, offering Southern comfort 596 00:17:58,560 --> 00:18:00,479 food and entertainment to all its 597 00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:01,299 guests. 598 00:18:01,300 --> 00:18:02,959 The Victory Grill remains a true 599 00:18:02,960 --> 00:18:04,819 testament to the thriving Black 600 00:18:04,820 --> 00:18:06,919 community, music scene and 601 00:18:06,920 --> 00:18:08,799 culture that once flourished 602 00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:10,119 on the east side of Austin. 603 00:18:11,960 --> 00:18:13,439 To learn more about the Victory 604 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:15,919 Grill, you can visit KUTX.org. 605 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:18,200 For KUTx, I'm Miles Bloxin. 606 00:18:26,270 --> 00:18:28,049 As gentrification on Austin's east 607 00:18:28,050 --> 00:18:30,189 side has increased over the years, 608 00:18:30,190 --> 00:18:31,009 landmarks with historical 609 00:18:31,010 --> 00:18:32,889 significance to the city's black and 610 00:18:32,890 --> 00:18:35,109 Latino communities have slowly been 611 00:18:35,110 --> 00:18:36,049 erased. 612 00:18:36,050 --> 00:18:37,929 Now Austin's first black cemetery 613 00:18:37,930 --> 00:18:40,689 is on the verge of being forgotten. 614 00:18:40,690 --> 00:18:42,469 Sam Stark covered this story for The 615 00:18:42,470 --> 00:18:43,289 Austin Current. 616 00:18:43,290 --> 00:18:45,149 They are KUT's collaborator on the 617 00:18:45,150 --> 00:18:47,149 Austin Signal and a partner with KUT 618 00:18:47,150 --> 00:18:49,109 newsroom in covering the city of 619 00:18:49,110 --> 00:18:50,989 Austin. Sam is joining us now on 620 00:18:50,990 --> 00:18:52,029 Austin Signal. Thanks for being here 621 00:18:52,030 --> 00:18:53,289 today. Thanks so much for having me. 622 00:18:53,290 --> 00:18:55,649 So tell us a little bit first about 623 00:18:55,650 --> 00:18:57,169 Sue Spears, you know, saving the 624 00:18:57,170 --> 00:18:59,069 cemetery in your story. 625 00:18:59,070 --> 00:19:00,769 You say it started out kind of as a 626 00:19:00,770 --> 00:19:02,249 nuisance for her, but turned into 627 00:19:02,250 --> 00:19:03,029 her life's work. 628 00:19:03,030 --> 00:19:04,249 Who is she? 629 00:19:04,250 --> 00:19:05,929 So yeah, Sue Spears has an amazing 630 00:19:05,930 --> 00:19:07,849 story. She lived in Austin 631 00:19:07,850 --> 00:19:10,029 all her life and her 632 00:19:10,030 --> 00:19:11,649 kids were going to school at Sims 633 00:19:11,650 --> 00:19:13,009 Elementary, which is right across 634 00:19:13,010 --> 00:19:14,509 the street from Bethany Cemetery, 635 00:19:14,510 --> 00:19:16,049 which has now closed. 636 00:19:16,050 --> 00:19:17,969 So she was on the 637 00:19:17,970 --> 00:19:19,869 PTA board and the kids 638 00:19:19,870 --> 00:19:21,809 were going through the cemetery, 639 00:19:21,810 --> 00:19:23,969 which was overgrown with shrubs 640 00:19:23,970 --> 00:19:24,849 and tangled trees. 641 00:19:24,850 --> 00:19:26,749 So kind of presented as like this 642 00:19:26,750 --> 00:19:28,009 safety concern. 643 00:19:28,010 --> 00:19:29,829 So, she was looking into who 644 00:19:29,830 --> 00:19:31,309 owned the property and and started 645 00:19:31,310 --> 00:19:32,619 to recognize that. 646 00:19:32,620 --> 00:19:34,239 There were people that were enslaved 647 00:19:34,240 --> 00:19:35,499 buried there. 648 00:19:35,500 --> 00:19:37,219 She, once she started looking, she 649 00:19:37,220 --> 00:19:39,239 saw stones and grave markers and 650 00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:41,539 then, you know, really started to 651 00:19:41,540 --> 00:19:43,479 advocate for the property and is 652 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:45,199 now the president of the Bethany 653 00:19:45,200 --> 00:19:46,659 Cemetery Association. 654 00:19:46,660 --> 00:19:47,939 Yeah, we're going to have a link to 655 00:19:47,940 --> 00:19:49,519 the story in our show notes. 656 00:19:49,520 --> 00:19:50,779 So she had these really great 657 00:19:50,780 --> 00:19:52,999 archival photos of what the 658 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:54,579 cemetery used to look like, which is 659 00:19:54,580 --> 00:19:56,879 just these really high overgrown 660 00:19:56,880 --> 00:19:58,739 grasses all around it. 661 00:19:58,740 --> 00:20:00,719 And then a picture a few years 662 00:20:00,720 --> 00:20:01,759 later, I guess, where you can see 663 00:20:01,760 --> 00:20:03,459 everything so very clearly. 664 00:20:03,460 --> 00:20:05,119 So what do we know about Bethany 665 00:20:05,120 --> 00:20:06,199 Cemetery's history? 666 00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:07,539 Like, how long does it go back? 667 00:20:07,540 --> 00:20:10,479 So it goes back to the 1890s. 668 00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:12,239 So the Oakwood Cemetery, which is 669 00:20:12,240 --> 00:20:14,879 the first city owned cemetery, 670 00:20:14,880 --> 00:20:16,959 they sanctioned off a little 671 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:18,979 plot of land for people of color 672 00:20:18,980 --> 00:20:20,599 that quickly filled up. 673 00:20:20,600 --> 00:20:22,459 And so then they went looking for 674 00:20:22,460 --> 00:20:24,819 another place to bury some 675 00:20:24,820 --> 00:20:26,419 of the first African-Americans of 676 00:20:26,420 --> 00:20:27,219 the time. 677 00:20:27,220 --> 00:20:28,679 So there's a few hundred people 678 00:20:28,680 --> 00:20:30,499 living there, many of whom 679 00:20:30,500 --> 00:20:32,579 were enslaved at some point. 680 00:20:32,580 --> 00:20:34,339 There were Buffalo soldiers who 681 00:20:34,340 --> 00:20:35,179 fought in wars. 682 00:20:35,180 --> 00:20:37,039 Um, after 1866, 683 00:20:37,040 --> 00:20:38,849 they're were some people who were 684 00:20:38,850 --> 00:20:40,849 enslaved by some of the first 685 00:20:40,850 --> 00:20:42,819 governors of Texas. 686 00:20:42,820 --> 00:20:44,999 What do we know about the 687 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:46,839 sorts of designations or protections 688 00:20:46,840 --> 00:20:48,819 that the cemetery currently does 689 00:20:48,820 --> 00:20:49,369 have? 690 00:20:49,370 --> 00:20:51,609 So it is, 691 00:20:51,610 --> 00:20:53,969 the state of Texas has 692 00:20:53,970 --> 00:20:55,789 considered it historic, but 693 00:20:55,790 --> 00:20:57,749 it lacks a key designation 694 00:20:57,750 --> 00:20:59,749 that will ensure that 695 00:20:59,750 --> 00:21:01,769 it is preserved for generations 696 00:21:01,770 --> 00:21:03,329 to come. And that's sort of what's 697 00:21:03,330 --> 00:21:04,869 happening at the moment. 698 00:21:04,870 --> 00:21:06,929 It's going through the process to be 699 00:21:06,930 --> 00:21:08,449 considered a historic landmark 700 00:21:08,450 --> 00:21:10,529 through the city, which will 701 00:21:10,530 --> 00:21:12,349 essentially, you know, 702 00:21:12,350 --> 00:21:13,689 if anybody wants to develop on the 703 00:21:13,690 --> 00:21:14,829 land, they would have to have a very 704 00:21:14,830 --> 00:21:16,229 good reason. They'd have to go in 705 00:21:16,230 --> 00:21:17,289 front of the Historic Landmark 706 00:21:17,290 --> 00:21:19,039 Commission to get approval. 707 00:21:19,040 --> 00:21:21,059 Where it stands now, 708 00:21:21,060 --> 00:21:22,339 the Historic Landmark Commission has 709 00:21:22,340 --> 00:21:24,159 already recommended that it 710 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:26,119 is zoned as a historic landmark. 711 00:21:26,120 --> 00:21:27,139 Next it goes to the Planning 712 00:21:27,140 --> 00:21:28,899 Commission and a couple weeks before 713 00:21:28,900 --> 00:21:30,239 the Austin City Council will 714 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:31,489 eventually vote on that. 715 00:21:31,490 --> 00:21:33,569 And these are long processes that 716 00:21:33,570 --> 00:21:34,749 play out over a long time. 717 00:21:34,750 --> 00:21:36,629 How tedious is the process of 718 00:21:36,630 --> 00:21:38,189 securing this kind of designation? 719 00:21:38,190 --> 00:21:40,209 You know, it requires a lot of 720 00:21:40,210 --> 00:21:41,829 money and research. 721 00:21:41,830 --> 00:21:43,629 So Preservation Austin has put a lot 722 00:21:43,630 --> 00:21:45,449 of effort into trying to get this 723 00:21:45,450 --> 00:21:47,349 designation going 724 00:21:47,350 --> 00:21:48,909 forward. They said that they're 725 00:21:48,910 --> 00:21:51,189 honestly shocked that this 726 00:21:51,190 --> 00:21:52,509 plot of land with all this rich 727 00:21:52,510 --> 00:21:53,749 history doesn't have this 728 00:21:53,750 --> 00:21:54,829 designation already. 729 00:21:54,830 --> 00:21:56,529 So they're really trying to push 730 00:21:56,530 --> 00:21:58,149 that through the process. 731 00:21:58,150 --> 00:21:59,469 You mentioned that we might see a 732 00:21:59,470 --> 00:22:00,829 little bit of movement on that 733 00:22:00,830 --> 00:22:01,689 process this month. 734 00:22:01,690 --> 00:22:02,829 What would that look like? 735 00:22:02,830 --> 00:22:04,669 So essentially, 736 00:22:04,670 --> 00:22:06,489 all of the facts will 737 00:22:06,490 --> 00:22:08,369 be presented to the 738 00:22:08,370 --> 00:22:10,229 Planning Commission over the next 739 00:22:10,230 --> 00:22:11,389 couple of weeks. 740 00:22:11,390 --> 00:22:12,589 Then they'll essentially just have 741 00:22:12,590 --> 00:22:14,189 their vote and they will either 742 00:22:14,190 --> 00:22:17,309 recommend or not recommend that it 743 00:22:17,310 --> 00:22:19,009 should be a historic landmark. 744 00:22:19,010 --> 00:22:20,509 And if they do recommend that, then 745 00:22:20,510 --> 00:22:22,229 it'll go in front of the Austin City 746 00:22:22,230 --> 00:22:23,099 Council. 747 00:22:23,100 --> 00:22:24,279 One thing that I wanted to bring up 748 00:22:24,280 --> 00:22:26,159 in your story is you talked 749 00:22:26,160 --> 00:22:28,039 to the man behind Black 750 00:22:28,040 --> 00:22:29,439 Austin Tours, I believe his name is 751 00:22:29,440 --> 00:22:31,619 Javier Wallace, and he 752 00:22:31,620 --> 00:22:33,279 is somebody who goes around the city 753 00:22:33,280 --> 00:22:35,339 and shares a black history 754 00:22:35,340 --> 00:22:36,779 with all these people on this bike 755 00:22:36,780 --> 00:22:38,659 tour. He found out a little bit of 756 00:22:38,660 --> 00:22:39,919 history that he didn't even know he 757 00:22:39,920 --> 00:22:41,819 had at Bethany Cemetery, 758 00:22:41,820 --> 00:22:42,429 correct? 759 00:22:42,430 --> 00:22:43,969 Yeah, that's what's so fascinating 760 00:22:43,970 --> 00:22:44,889 about this space. 761 00:22:44,890 --> 00:22:46,789 He, similar to Sue Spears, grew 762 00:22:46,790 --> 00:22:48,609 up in Austin, had no idea 763 00:22:48,610 --> 00:22:50,469 about what was 764 00:22:50,470 --> 00:22:52,649 buried beneath these grounds in 765 00:22:52,650 --> 00:22:55,349 this central part of East Austin. 766 00:22:55,350 --> 00:22:57,709 He obviously is quite into history. 767 00:22:57,710 --> 00:22:59,449 That's why he founded his company. 768 00:22:59,450 --> 00:23:01,069 But he connected with Sue Spear and 769 00:23:01,070 --> 00:23:02,729 found out that some of his relatives 770 00:23:02,730 --> 00:23:04,009 are buried there. 771 00:23:04,010 --> 00:23:05,949 So he agrees that this place 772 00:23:05,950 --> 00:23:07,449 should be recognized for its 773 00:23:07,450 --> 00:23:08,949 historical significance. 774 00:23:08,950 --> 00:23:10,689 And so others can connect with 775 00:23:10,690 --> 00:23:12,399 Austin's rich black history. 776 00:23:12,400 --> 00:23:13,539 All right, we have been speaking 777 00:23:13,540 --> 00:23:15,359 with Sam Stark again as 778 00:23:15,360 --> 00:23:16,699 the government reporter for the 779 00:23:16,700 --> 00:23:17,879 Austin Current. 780 00:23:17,880 --> 00:23:19,659 They are KUT's collaborator on the 781 00:23:19,660 --> 00:23:21,599 Austin Signal and a partner with KUT 782 00:23:21,600 --> 00:23:23,639 newsroom in covering Austin. 783 00:23:23,640 --> 00:23:24,739 So we'll be speaking with him in the 784 00:23:24,740 --> 00:23:25,899 future. Sam, thanks for coming on 785 00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:27,000 the show today. Thanks so much. 786 00:23:28,060 --> 00:23:29,779 And thank you out there for spending 787 00:23:29,780 --> 00:23:31,699 part of your Monday here with 788 00:23:31,700 --> 00:23:33,019 us on Austin Signal. 789 00:23:33,020 --> 00:23:34,779 That is it for today's show. 790 00:23:34,780 --> 00:23:36,499 We will be back tomorrow at one 791 00:23:36,500 --> 00:23:38,919 o'clock. You can find more from us 792 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:40,959 at kut.org 793 00:23:40,960 --> 00:23:42,609 slash signal. 794 00:23:42,610 --> 00:23:44,569 Thank you to Lucio Vasquez, Katy 795 00:23:44,570 --> 00:23:46,629 McAfee, Luz Moreno Lozano, 796 00:23:46,630 --> 00:23:48,589 Miles Bloxson, and Sam Star for 797 00:23:48,590 --> 00:23:49,949 their help with today's episode. 798 00:23:49,950 --> 00:23:52,109 Thank you, to Kristen Cabrera and 799 00:23:52,110 --> 00:23:53,389 Rayna Sevilla. 800 00:23:53,390 --> 00:23:54,769 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 801 00:23:54,770 --> 00:23:56,650 We will be back with you tomorrow.