1 00:00:08,810 --> 00:00:11,089 Election night is over in Texas, 2 00:00:11,090 --> 00:00:12,969 but we're still figuring out exactly 3 00:00:12,970 --> 00:00:14,529 what happened yesterday in 4 00:00:14,530 --> 00:00:15,789 Williamson County. 5 00:00:15,790 --> 00:00:17,389 Some voters waited in line for 6 00:00:17,390 --> 00:00:19,249 hours, only to be told they'd 7 00:00:19,250 --> 00:00:20,809 have to go to an entirely different 8 00:00:20,810 --> 00:00:22,309 polling site to vote. 9 00:00:22,310 --> 00:00:24,049 Others made an after-hours trip to 10 00:00:24,050 --> 00:00:25,889 cast a ballot, only find out that 11 00:00:25,890 --> 00:00:28,049 their vote may not be counted. 12 00:00:28,050 --> 00:00:29,549 Our team of county reporters was 13 00:00:29,550 --> 00:00:30,969 covering the most important races 14 00:00:30,970 --> 00:00:32,508 here in Central Texas. 15 00:00:32,509 --> 00:00:33,989 They will be joining us live in 16 00:00:33,990 --> 00:00:35,729 studio with their latest reporting. 17 00:00:35,730 --> 00:00:37,569 That's coming up on today's 18 00:00:37,570 --> 00:00:38,249 show 19 00:00:38,250 --> 00:00:40,149 The Austin Signal is a production 20 00:00:40,150 --> 00:00:42,229 of KUT News, hosted by 21 00:00:42,230 --> 00:00:43,369 Jerry Quijano. 22 00:00:43,370 --> 00:00:44,929 And the City of Austin is ending a 23 00:00:44,930 --> 00:00:46,929 rental assistance program, 24 00:00:46,930 --> 00:00:48,929 a by-product of a trimmed budget. 25 00:00:48,930 --> 00:00:50,349 More about the help that's going out 26 00:00:50,350 --> 00:00:52,429 for the last time and the future of 27 00:00:52,430 --> 00:00:54,149 other assistance programs. 28 00:00:54,150 --> 00:00:56,209 That's up next, right here on 29 00:00:56,210 --> 00:00:57,210 Austin Signal. 30 00:01:08,190 --> 00:01:10,089 Howdy out there, this is Austin 31 00:01:10,090 --> 00:01:12,129 Signal on listener powered public 32 00:01:12,130 --> 00:01:14,289 radio, KUT News. 33 00:01:14,290 --> 00:01:16,149 It is Wednesday, the fourth day 34 00:01:16,150 --> 00:01:17,229 of March. 35 00:01:17,230 --> 00:01:19,049 We're glad you're here with us. 36 00:01:19,050 --> 00:01:21,109 Election night is over, but we're 37 00:01:21,110 --> 00:01:23,029 still figuring things out and some 38 00:01:23,030 --> 00:01:24,949 radio hosts are still waking up this 39 00:01:24,950 --> 00:01:25,749 afternoon. 40 00:01:25,750 --> 00:01:27,469 So bear with us and thank you for 41 00:01:27,470 --> 00:01:29,309 tuning in, spending part of the day 42 00:01:29,310 --> 00:01:30,329 here with us. 43 00:01:30,330 --> 00:01:31,629 We're going to jump right in. 44 00:01:31,630 --> 00:01:33,469 I am here live in the studio 45 00:01:33,470 --> 00:01:35,469 with the gang of KUT County 46 00:01:35,470 --> 00:01:36,889 reporters. I'm going to go one by 47 00:01:36,890 --> 00:01:38,309 one. We have Williamson County 48 00:01:38,310 --> 00:01:39,289 reporter Kaylee Hunt. 49 00:01:39,290 --> 00:01:39,859 Hi, Kaylee. 50 00:01:39,860 --> 00:01:40,419 Hi Jerry. 51 00:01:40,420 --> 00:01:42,279 KUT's Travis County reporter Katie 52 00:01:42,280 --> 00:01:43,379 McAfee, howdy. 53 00:01:43,380 --> 00:01:45,279 Hey. And KUT Hayes 54 00:01:45,280 --> 00:01:46,919 County reporter Lee Walden, howdee. 55 00:01:46,920 --> 00:01:47,439 Hi! 56 00:01:47,440 --> 00:01:48,619 All right, Kaylee, I'm going to 57 00:01:48,620 --> 00:01:50,819 start with you because Williamson 58 00:01:50,820 --> 00:01:52,139 County was part of the national 59 00:01:52,140 --> 00:01:53,439 story last night. 60 00:01:53,440 --> 00:01:55,439 Sure. Why was that the case? 61 00:01:55,440 --> 00:01:57,119 Yeah, so yesterday's primary 62 00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:58,999 election basically marked the first 63 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:00,659 time in over a decade that 64 00:02:00,660 --> 00:02:02,559 Williamson County voters had to cast 65 00:02:02,560 --> 00:02:04,399 their ballots at what 66 00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:06,139 they call a precinct based polling 67 00:02:06,140 --> 00:02:07,039 location. 68 00:02:07,040 --> 00:02:08,739 And that's because the county's 69 00:02:08,740 --> 00:02:10,579 Republican Party decided that they 70 00:02:10,580 --> 00:02:12,199 no longer wanted to offer countywide 71 00:02:12,200 --> 00:02:14,659 voting and because of state law, 72 00:02:14,660 --> 00:02:16,279 the county is Democratic Party had 73 00:02:16,280 --> 00:02:17,839 no choice but to follow. 74 00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:19,459 And so since people had been so used 75 00:02:19,460 --> 00:02:21,179 to countywide polling over the past 76 00:02:21,180 --> 00:02:23,179 10 years or so when they showed up 77 00:02:23,180 --> 00:02:24,328 to vote. 78 00:02:24,329 --> 00:02:26,249 Yesterday, a lot of folks realized 79 00:02:26,250 --> 00:02:27,109 they were at the wrong polling 80 00:02:27,110 --> 00:02:27,769 location. 81 00:02:27,770 --> 00:02:29,529 And a lot of folks were surprised. 82 00:02:29,530 --> 00:02:31,069 Were you surprised that there was, 83 00:02:31,070 --> 00:02:32,389 you know, these kinds of delays, 84 00:02:32,390 --> 00:02:34,029 these kind of issues? 85 00:02:34,030 --> 00:02:35,549 You know, I wouldn't say I was 86 00:02:35,550 --> 00:02:37,029 surprised. 87 00:02:37,030 --> 00:02:38,989 We knew about this change since 88 00:02:38,990 --> 00:02:41,149 January, and the county, 89 00:02:41,150 --> 00:02:42,849 I believe they told me they spent 90 00:02:42,850 --> 00:02:44,809 about a million dollars just trying 91 00:02:44,810 --> 00:02:47,129 to communicate all 92 00:02:47,130 --> 00:02:49,289 of these changes to voters. 93 00:02:49,290 --> 00:02:50,729 So we knew ahead of time that it was 94 00:02:50,730 --> 00:02:51,730 going to happen. 95 00:02:52,670 --> 00:02:54,869 And there were some 96 00:02:54,870 --> 00:02:56,309 warnings from the county's 97 00:02:56,310 --> 00:02:58,289 Democratic Party Chair, Kim Gilby. 98 00:02:58,290 --> 00:03:00,729 She said from the get-go that 99 00:03:00,730 --> 00:03:03,309 there were going to be issues. 100 00:03:03,310 --> 00:03:05,469 The county's Republican Party 101 00:03:05,470 --> 00:03:07,549 chair told me that, 102 00:03:07,550 --> 00:03:09,369 you know, she wished folks would 103 00:03:09,370 --> 00:03:11,329 have faith in voters to 104 00:03:11,330 --> 00:03:12,789 find the right polling location. 105 00:03:13,810 --> 00:03:15,629 She actually today, you now, I 106 00:03:15,630 --> 00:03:17,529 finally get a response from her just 107 00:03:17,530 --> 00:03:18,709 about the events yesterday. 108 00:03:18,710 --> 00:03:20,489 She acknowledged that there was some 109 00:03:20,490 --> 00:03:22,529 confusion among voters 110 00:03:22,530 --> 00:03:24,489 about polling locations, but 111 00:03:24,490 --> 00:03:26,049 reaffirmed that she's, you know, 112 00:03:26,050 --> 00:03:27,449 proud of all the election workers 113 00:03:27,450 --> 00:03:29,369 for helping redirect people to the 114 00:03:29,370 --> 00:03:30,370 correct places. 115 00:03:31,109 --> 00:03:33,329 And, uh, she- she- 116 00:03:33,330 --> 00:03:35,269 pretty much squarely 117 00:03:35,270 --> 00:03:37,189 blamed that confusion on 118 00:03:37,190 --> 00:03:38,659 the Democratic Party. 119 00:03:38,660 --> 00:03:40,759 Okay, well, you were at, in addition 120 00:03:40,760 --> 00:03:42,419 to all these precinct-specific 121 00:03:42,420 --> 00:03:43,779 issues that were going on, there 122 00:03:43,780 --> 00:03:45,060 were also a couple of polling 123 00:03:45,061 --> 00:03:46,919 locations in Williamson County that 124 00:03:46,920 --> 00:03:48,839 got extended hours all the way until 125 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:50,679 10 o'clock last night, and in fact, 126 00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:52,559 one of the polling locations, you 127 00:03:52,560 --> 00:03:53,999 were posted up there the entire day. 128 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:55,119 Where was that at? 129 00:03:55,120 --> 00:03:57,199 That's right, yeah, I was posted 130 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,139 up at the North 131 00:03:59,140 --> 00:04:01,659 Star. It's a 55 plus 132 00:04:01,660 --> 00:04:03,759 senior living community in 133 00:04:03,760 --> 00:04:05,159 Georgetown, actually just down the 134 00:04:05,160 --> 00:04:05,600 road where I live. 135 00:04:05,601 --> 00:04:06,569 Okay, yeah, because you kept 136 00:04:06,570 --> 00:04:07,929 mentioning like an apartment complex 137 00:04:07,930 --> 00:04:08,870 where the line was making through 138 00:04:08,871 --> 00:04:09,379 And was sneaking through, okay, gotcha. 139 00:04:09,380 --> 00:04:10,360 Right, yeah, so Envision just, you 140 00:04:10,361 --> 00:04:11,939 know, in apartment complex, they had 141 00:04:11,940 --> 00:04:14,139 a central courtyard, and 142 00:04:14,140 --> 00:04:16,059 you know as the night went on and 143 00:04:16,060 --> 00:04:17,439 the lines just got longer and 144 00:04:17,440 --> 00:04:19,699 longer, those folks started to wind 145 00:04:19,700 --> 00:04:21,278 in through the courtyard. 146 00:04:21,279 --> 00:04:22,459 And so that's why I was posted up 147 00:04:22,460 --> 00:04:23,439 most of the night, just chatting 148 00:04:23,440 --> 00:04:25,259 with folks as they 149 00:04:25,260 --> 00:04:26,069 waited in line. 150 00:04:26,070 --> 00:04:27,889 Yeah, and what did you hear from the 151 00:04:27,890 --> 00:04:29,219 people who were waiting in line? 152 00:04:29,220 --> 00:04:31,799 Well, they were 153 00:04:31,800 --> 00:04:32,800 frustrated. 154 00:04:33,760 --> 00:04:35,279 I think that's a nice word to say 155 00:04:35,280 --> 00:04:36,199 about it. 156 00:04:36,200 --> 00:04:37,539 That's a radio-friendly word. 157 00:04:37,540 --> 00:04:39,559 Yes, they were very frustrated 158 00:04:39,560 --> 00:04:42,599 but also committed, 159 00:04:42,600 --> 00:04:43,600 you know. 160 00:04:44,260 --> 00:04:46,159 I asked, you know, there were 161 00:04:46,160 --> 00:04:48,239 of course people, several people 162 00:04:48,240 --> 00:04:50,239 that just got up and left at 163 00:04:50,240 --> 00:04:51,559 some point. They said they, you, 164 00:04:51,560 --> 00:04:52,999 know, just couldn't stay any longer. 165 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:54,439 They had other commitments, children 166 00:04:54,440 --> 00:04:56,399 to take care of, jobs 167 00:04:56,400 --> 00:04:57,420 to go to. 168 00:04:58,480 --> 00:05:00,639 But yeah, a lot of folks were 169 00:05:00,640 --> 00:05:02,679 very committed to staying in 170 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,279 line. In fact, one of my favorite 171 00:05:04,280 --> 00:05:06,139 moments was late at 172 00:05:06,140 --> 00:05:07,479 night after the polls had actually 173 00:05:07,480 --> 00:05:09,379 closed, initially at 7 p.m. 174 00:05:09,380 --> 00:05:10,579 This was before the extension. 175 00:05:12,240 --> 00:05:13,779 A couple of folks ordered pizza for 176 00:05:13,780 --> 00:05:15,059 everybody and we're passing around 177 00:05:15,060 --> 00:05:16,879 pizza slices in line, so. 178 00:05:16,880 --> 00:05:18,119 Or we had dinner together. 179 00:05:18,120 --> 00:05:19,339 Yeah, it's not an election night 180 00:05:19,340 --> 00:05:20,340 without pizza. 181 00:05:21,180 --> 00:05:23,719 You mentioned that those 182 00:05:23,720 --> 00:05:24,939 polling locations, the hours were 183 00:05:24,940 --> 00:05:26,759 extended to 10 o'clock, but 184 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:28,399 then you said that you had to tell 185 00:05:28,400 --> 00:05:30,359 some voters that you have to 186 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:31,739 deliver some bad news, basically the 187 00:05:31,740 --> 00:05:32,739 voters who were at the end of the 188 00:05:32,740 --> 00:05:33,969 line. Tell us more about that. 189 00:05:33,970 --> 00:05:34,949 That's right. 190 00:05:34,950 --> 00:05:37,009 Yeah. So the Texas 191 00:05:37,010 --> 00:05:39,029 Voting Rights Project, 192 00:05:40,130 --> 00:05:42,189 they filed a 193 00:05:42,190 --> 00:05:44,329 lawsuit, they 194 00:05:44,330 --> 00:05:45,429 filed the lawsuit that extended 195 00:05:45,430 --> 00:05:46,989 those polling hours at those two 196 00:05:46,990 --> 00:05:48,429 locations. 197 00:05:48,430 --> 00:05:50,309 Now, there's a new state law that 198 00:05:50,310 --> 00:05:52,589 went into effect earlier in 199 00:05:52,590 --> 00:05:54,629 September of last year, and 200 00:05:54,630 --> 00:05:56,689 it requires that in 201 00:05:56,690 --> 00:05:57,889 the event of a lawsuit like this 202 00:05:57,890 --> 00:06:00,789 during an election, They, 203 00:06:00,790 --> 00:06:02,349 the parties would need to notify the 204 00:06:02,350 --> 00:06:04,329 Texas Attorney General's office 205 00:06:04,330 --> 00:06:06,689 one hour prior 206 00:06:06,690 --> 00:06:08,489 to the hearing. 207 00:06:08,490 --> 00:06:10,529 That failed to happen last night. 208 00:06:10,530 --> 00:06:12,769 And so the Texas attorney general's 209 00:06:12,770 --> 00:06:14,849 office filed a motion to pause that 210 00:06:14,850 --> 00:06:16,649 and they were successful. 211 00:06:16,650 --> 00:06:18,909 So that means people's 212 00:06:18,910 --> 00:06:19,949 votes may or may not count. 213 00:06:19,950 --> 00:06:20,849 Yeah, okay. 214 00:06:20,850 --> 00:06:21,829 Well, that's something that will 215 00:06:21,830 --> 00:06:23,449 continue to unfold and I'm sure you 216 00:06:23,450 --> 00:06:24,409 will be following it. 217 00:06:24,410 --> 00:06:25,449 You did great reporting last night 218 00:06:25,450 --> 00:06:26,849 Thank you for being on the show. 219 00:06:26,850 --> 00:06:28,189 That's KUT's Williamson County 220 00:06:28,190 --> 00:06:29,649 reporter, Kaylee Hunt Thank you 221 00:06:29,650 --> 00:06:31,889 Kaylee. Gonna move over to KUTs 222 00:06:31,890 --> 00:06:33,829 Travis County reporter Katie McAfee 223 00:06:33,830 --> 00:06:35,869 Katie, we were watching a couple of 224 00:06:35,870 --> 00:06:37,489 precinct races for Travis County 225 00:06:37,490 --> 00:06:39,129 Commissioner yesterday. 226 00:06:39,130 --> 00:06:40,469 What ended up happening? 227 00:06:40,470 --> 00:06:42,249 Yeah, that's right. We were lucky to 228 00:06:42,250 --> 00:06:44,129 get election results in Travis 229 00:06:44,130 --> 00:06:44,539 County. 230 00:06:44,540 --> 00:06:45,789 Took a little while, though. 231 00:06:45,790 --> 00:06:47,389 It took a little while. 232 00:06:47,390 --> 00:06:49,269 Certainly, we were better placed 233 00:06:49,270 --> 00:06:51,309 than Williamson County last night. 234 00:06:51,310 --> 00:06:52,489 But yeah, I was watching the 235 00:06:52,490 --> 00:06:54,549 Precinct 2 and Precinked 4 races. 236 00:06:54,550 --> 00:06:56,489 In Precinced 2, which 237 00:06:56,490 --> 00:06:58,889 is incumbent Bridget Shay's seat, 238 00:06:58,890 --> 00:07:00,909 she easily won and 239 00:07:00,910 --> 00:07:01,909 avoided a runoff. 240 00:07:01,910 --> 00:07:03,189 I think she ended the night around 241 00:07:03,190 --> 00:07:04,869 with 57% of the vote. 242 00:07:04,870 --> 00:07:06,229 Okay. 243 00:07:06,230 --> 00:07:08,269 Over in Precint 4, which is 244 00:07:08,270 --> 00:07:10,649 the south, southeast portion 245 00:07:10,650 --> 00:07:12,749 of Travis County, 246 00:07:12,750 --> 00:07:14,659 that race is going to run off. 247 00:07:14,660 --> 00:07:16,679 The two candidates who 248 00:07:16,680 --> 00:07:18,719 will be going neck 249 00:07:18,720 --> 00:07:21,139 and neck in May are George Morales. 250 00:07:21,140 --> 00:07:23,079 He is a former Travis County 251 00:07:23,080 --> 00:07:25,159 Constable for that precinct, 252 00:07:25,160 --> 00:07:26,759 and then Susana Ledesma-Woody. 253 00:07:26,760 --> 00:07:28,839 She is a DelValley ISD 254 00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:29,859 trustee. 255 00:07:29,860 --> 00:07:31,659 The two of them finished the night 256 00:07:31,660 --> 00:07:33,119 pretty much neck and back. 257 00:07:33,120 --> 00:07:34,939 I think George Morales was 258 00:07:34,940 --> 00:07:36,619 ahead by less than 500 votes. 259 00:07:36,620 --> 00:07:38,439 Okay, yeah, so we were watching that 260 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:39,899 one. I believe George Morales came 261 00:07:39,900 --> 00:07:42,079 out to an early lead whenever 262 00:07:42,080 --> 00:07:43,919 early voting tallies were a 263 00:07:43,920 --> 00:07:45,999 first release and then the race 264 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:48,179 grew closer and closer as 265 00:07:48,180 --> 00:07:49,039 the night went on. 266 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:50,539 Can you remind us of the date of the 267 00:07:50,540 --> 00:07:51,619 runoff when that's going to take 268 00:07:51,620 --> 00:07:52,009 place? 269 00:07:52,010 --> 00:07:54,349 Yeah, that's May 26th. 270 00:07:54,350 --> 00:07:56,109 I talked to both Susana 271 00:07:56,110 --> 00:07:57,309 Ledesma-Woody and George Morales 272 00:07:57,310 --> 00:07:59,009 after the election and they kind of 273 00:07:59,010 --> 00:08:00,989 said the same exact thing with 274 00:08:00,990 --> 00:08:02,889 wanting to remind people of when 275 00:08:02,890 --> 00:08:04,889 this runoff election is 276 00:08:04,890 --> 00:08:07,169 because people typically, 277 00:08:07,170 --> 00:08:09,009 voter turnout trails off for 278 00:08:09,010 --> 00:08:09,969 runoffs. 279 00:08:09,970 --> 00:08:11,689 It's not usually great for primary 280 00:08:11,690 --> 00:08:12,969 elections either and then if there's 281 00:08:12,970 --> 00:08:14,969 a runoff, people get voter fatigue, 282 00:08:14,970 --> 00:08:16,549 don't even realize that there is a 283 00:08:16,550 --> 00:08:18,209 run off and they're gonna spend 284 00:08:18,210 --> 00:08:20,169 these next couple months. 285 00:08:20,170 --> 00:08:22,149 Knocking on doors, still campaigning 286 00:08:22,150 --> 00:08:23,849 hard, letting people know that this 287 00:08:23,850 --> 00:08:25,289 fight is not over. 288 00:08:25,290 --> 00:08:27,189 Yeah, that's definitely something to 289 00:08:27,190 --> 00:08:28,749 consider, especially we saw such 290 00:08:28,750 --> 00:08:30,849 high early voting turnout in 291 00:08:30,850 --> 00:08:32,408 Travis County as since the highest 292 00:08:32,409 --> 00:08:34,129 since 2008. 293 00:08:34,130 --> 00:08:35,449 But yeah, historically, people do 294 00:08:35,450 --> 00:08:36,989 not vote in those runoff elections. 295 00:08:36,990 --> 00:08:38,428 So that is something we will 296 00:08:38,429 --> 00:08:39,609 continue to watch and bring you here 297 00:08:39,610 --> 00:08:40,829 on Austin Signal. 298 00:08:40,830 --> 00:08:42,449 That's KUT's Travis County reporter, 299 00:08:42,450 --> 00:08:43,229 Katie McAfee. 300 00:08:43,230 --> 00:08:44,399 Katie, thank you. 301 00:08:44,400 --> 00:08:46,879 Over to our Hayes County reporter, 302 00:08:46,880 --> 00:08:47,859 Lee Walden. 303 00:08:47,860 --> 00:08:50,179 Lee, you were watching a Texas 304 00:08:50,180 --> 00:08:52,339 district race last night that 305 00:08:52,340 --> 00:08:53,599 had a lot of candidates. 306 00:08:53,600 --> 00:08:55,679 We were expecting that this might go 307 00:08:55,680 --> 00:08:57,219 to a runoff when it ended up 308 00:08:57,220 --> 00:08:58,089 happening there. 309 00:08:58,090 --> 00:09:00,189 Yeah, District 21 was expected 310 00:09:00,190 --> 00:09:01,969 to have a runoff, like you said, 311 00:09:01,970 --> 00:09:03,609 there were 12 Republican candidates 312 00:09:03,610 --> 00:09:05,569 for the seat, but 313 00:09:05,570 --> 00:09:07,629 a former Major League Baseball 314 00:09:07,630 --> 00:09:09,989 player, Mark Teshara, 315 00:09:09,990 --> 00:09:11,949 managed to come out on top and 316 00:09:11,950 --> 00:09:13,849 won't have to face a run off at all. 317 00:09:13,850 --> 00:09:15,709 So he will face Kristen Hook 318 00:09:15,710 --> 00:09:18,089 in November, which is the Democratic 319 00:09:18,090 --> 00:09:20,089 primary winner, but 320 00:09:20,090 --> 00:09:21,489 this is a pretty steady Republican 321 00:09:21,490 --> 00:09:23,289 seat, so it's expected that he will 322 00:09:23,290 --> 00:09:23,959 carry it. 323 00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:25,959 Okay a more locally you were 324 00:09:25,960 --> 00:09:27,919 watching a race in Hayes 325 00:09:27,920 --> 00:09:29,179 County I believe it was a Hayes 326 00:09:29,180 --> 00:09:31,059 county judge what happened there. 327 00:09:31,060 --> 00:09:32,839 Yeah, the Hays County judge seat. 328 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:34,219 It was a, it was, you know, it was 329 00:09:34,220 --> 00:09:35,499 kind of a tight race. 330 00:09:35,500 --> 00:09:37,419 The incumbent Ruben Becerra did 331 00:09:37,420 --> 00:09:39,379 not manage to meet the 50% 332 00:09:39,380 --> 00:09:40,380 threshold. 333 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:42,899 And he will face a runoff 334 00:09:42,900 --> 00:09:45,019 in May as well against Michelle 335 00:09:45,020 --> 00:09:47,139 Gutierrez Cohen, who 336 00:09:47,140 --> 00:09:48,639 is the current Hays county 337 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:50,339 commissioner for precinct two. 338 00:09:50,340 --> 00:09:52,379 Okay, well, we will have more 339 00:09:52,380 --> 00:09:54,419 from these great county reporters, 340 00:09:54,420 --> 00:09:55,859 and it is our membership drive right 341 00:09:55,860 --> 00:09:57,299 now. So I will just say, if you 342 00:09:57,300 --> 00:09:58,619 appreciate the reporting they bring 343 00:09:58,620 --> 00:10:00,199 to you, help us keep it going. 344 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:02,139 Go to kut.org and hit the 345 00:10:02,140 --> 00:10:03,279 donate button. 346 00:10:03,280 --> 00:10:05,119 Lee Walden, Katie McAfee, 347 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:06,519 and Kaylee Hunt here with us on 348 00:10:06,520 --> 00:10:07,619 Austin Signal. Thank you all for 349 00:10:07,620 --> 00:10:08,620 being here. 350 00:10:16,100 --> 00:10:17,679 The Texas Senate race has been in 351 00:10:17,680 --> 00:10:19,399 the national zeitgeist, and last 352 00:10:19,400 --> 00:10:21,219 night it came to a head in the party 353 00:10:21,220 --> 00:10:22,179 primaries. 354 00:10:22,180 --> 00:10:23,859 The Republican nomination for the 355 00:10:23,860 --> 00:10:25,859 U.S. Senate seat is going to a 356 00:10:25,860 --> 00:10:26,759 runoff. 357 00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:28,599 Incumbent Senator John Cornyn, who's 358 00:10:28,600 --> 00:10:30,679 held the seat since 2002, 359 00:10:30,680 --> 00:10:32,019 will face Attorney General Ken 360 00:10:32,020 --> 00:10:34,299 Paxton. Here is The Texas Newsroom's 361 00:10:34,300 --> 00:10:36,419 Blaze Gainey with the details. 362 00:10:36,420 --> 00:10:38,139 The race was expected to go to a 363 00:10:38,140 --> 00:10:40,639 runoff, that will be held May 26th, 364 00:10:40,640 --> 00:10:42,079 Cornyn gained majority of the vote 365 00:10:42,080 --> 00:10:43,819 but not over 50%. 366 00:10:43,820 --> 00:10:45,419 But the runoff will likely be 367 00:10:45,420 --> 00:10:46,719 different because they typically 368 00:10:46,720 --> 00:10:48,459 have a lot less turnout. 369 00:10:48,460 --> 00:10:50,079 If that holds true, it will likely 370 00:10:50,080 --> 00:10:51,899 favor Paxton, who in his 371 00:10:51,900 --> 00:10:54,039 own words has a lot of radicals 372 00:10:54,040 --> 00:10:55,019 voting for him. 373 00:10:55,020 --> 00:10:56,639 Well, you know, John Cornyn said he 374 00:10:56,640 --> 00:10:58,059 was concerned about a bunch of 375 00:10:58,060 --> 00:10:59,339 radicals who are going to show up to 376 00:10:59,340 --> 00:11:00,499 vote today. It looks like you all 377 00:11:00,500 --> 00:11:01,500 showed up. 378 00:11:04,430 --> 00:11:05,949 This runoff could be what Paxton 379 00:11:05,950 --> 00:11:07,589 needs to knock Cornyn out of his 380 00:11:07,590 --> 00:11:09,529 seat. However, Corny is likely 381 00:11:09,530 --> 00:11:11,229 to run a tough campaign smearing 382 00:11:11,230 --> 00:11:13,109 Paxton for his 2015 indictment 383 00:11:13,110 --> 00:11:15,089 for felony securities fraud and 384 00:11:15,090 --> 00:11:17,169 a 2023 impeachment for alleged 385 00:11:17,170 --> 00:11:18,539 bribery. 386 00:11:18,540 --> 00:11:20,259 And in the Democratic primary for 387 00:11:20,260 --> 00:11:21,779 the U.S. Senate seat, Austin's own 388 00:11:21,780 --> 00:11:23,679 James Tallarico, a Texas House 389 00:11:23,680 --> 00:11:25,359 representative, claimed victory this 390 00:11:25,360 --> 00:11:27,099 morning over Congresswoman Jasmine 391 00:11:27,100 --> 00:11:27,959 Crockett. 392 00:11:27,960 --> 00:11:29,559 The win means he will move on to 393 00:11:29,560 --> 00:11:31,059 face the winner of that Republican 394 00:11:31,060 --> 00:11:32,319 primary runoff. 395 00:11:32,320 --> 00:11:34,199 Let's throw it back to Blaise Ganey, 396 00:11:34,200 --> 00:11:35,719 who was at Tallariko's election 397 00:11:35,720 --> 00:11:37,379 night watch party. 398 00:11:37,380 --> 00:11:38,999 Tallarico took the stage right after 399 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:40,639 midnight to let his supporters know 400 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:42,259 that while every vote must be 401 00:11:42,260 --> 00:11:43,839 counted, he was confident in the 402 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:44,619 outcome. 403 00:11:44,620 --> 00:11:46,159 That was before he was declared the 404 00:11:46,160 --> 00:11:47,939 winner. He used that time to drive 405 00:11:47,940 --> 00:11:50,179 home the reason he ran for the seat. 406 00:11:50,180 --> 00:11:52,379 This is a people-powered movement 407 00:11:52,380 --> 00:11:54,339 to take on this 408 00:11:54,340 --> 00:11:56,159 broken, corrupt 409 00:11:56,160 --> 00:11:57,879 political system. 410 00:11:57,880 --> 00:11:59,719 This is truly a 411 00:11:59,720 --> 00:12:00,720 campaign. 412 00:12:02,530 --> 00:12:03,999 And for the people. 413 00:12:04,000 --> 00:12:05,499 Texas Democrats haven't won a 414 00:12:05,500 --> 00:12:07,319 statewide race in over 30 years, 415 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:09,079 but polls show Tallarico could break 416 00:12:09,080 --> 00:12:10,939 that losing streak, depending on who 417 00:12:10,940 --> 00:12:12,759 he faces in the primary. 418 00:12:12,760 --> 00:12:14,399 After he was officially awarded the 419 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:16,059 Democratic spot, he sent out a press 420 00:12:16,060 --> 00:12:17,799 release saying, quote, we're about 421 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:19,479 to take back Texas. 422 00:12:19,480 --> 00:12:20,700 I'm Blaise Gainey in Austin. 423 00:12:25,400 --> 00:12:26,579 Okay, now we're going to step back a 424 00:12:26,580 --> 00:12:28,579 bit to election day 2025, 425 00:12:28,580 --> 00:12:30,459 when Austin voters voted down 426 00:12:30,460 --> 00:12:32,599 Proposition Q, a proposed rise 427 00:12:32,600 --> 00:12:34,399 in taxes to bolster the city's 428 00:12:34,400 --> 00:12:36,279 budget. The money from the proposed 429 00:12:36,280 --> 00:12:38,139 tax increase was already built into 430 00:12:38,140 --> 00:12:39,979 the city budget, and now as the 431 00:12:39,980 --> 00:12:41,939 city looks at what to cut, 432 00:12:41,940 --> 00:12:42,959 we are beginning to see the 433 00:12:42,960 --> 00:12:44,959 ramifications on that as programs 434 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:46,019 get axed. 435 00:12:46,020 --> 00:12:48,679 One such program, rental assistance. 436 00:12:48,680 --> 00:12:49,919 For more about that, we're speaking 437 00:12:49,920 --> 00:12:51,739 with KUT City Hall reporter Luz 438 00:12:51,740 --> 00:12:52,819 Moreno Lozano. 439 00:12:52,820 --> 00:12:53,629 Luz, thanks for being here. 440 00:12:53,630 --> 00:12:55,049 Hey Jerry, thanks for having me. 441 00:12:55,050 --> 00:12:56,249 So tell us about the Rental 442 00:12:56,250 --> 00:12:58,089 Assistance Program, what is 443 00:12:58,090 --> 00:12:59,289 it, and how long has it been 444 00:12:59,290 --> 00:12:59,879 happening? 445 00:12:59,880 --> 00:13:01,139 Yeah, you know, the city started 446 00:13:01,140 --> 00:13:03,559 offering this assistance 447 00:13:03,560 --> 00:13:05,459 to pay rent kind of around the 448 00:13:05,460 --> 00:13:06,599 pandemic. You know, when people 449 00:13:06,600 --> 00:13:08,179 started losing their jobs and we 450 00:13:08,180 --> 00:13:10,079 were kind of all shut in at home, 451 00:13:10,080 --> 00:13:11,059 there started to be this 452 00:13:11,060 --> 00:13:12,479 ramifications of like people can't 453 00:13:12,480 --> 00:13:14,099 pay their rent. And so through 454 00:13:14,100 --> 00:13:15,659 federal funding, the city was able 455 00:13:15,660 --> 00:13:17,439 to provide this program for people 456 00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:18,379 in Austin. 457 00:13:18,380 --> 00:13:19,819 And it's, you now, it's hit some 458 00:13:19,820 --> 00:13:20,879 snags along the way. 459 00:13:20,880 --> 00:13:21,759 I think they would run out of 460 00:13:21,760 --> 00:13:22,899 funding and then more funding would 461 00:13:22,900 --> 00:13:24,059 come and they would close the 462 00:13:24,060 --> 00:13:25,060 portal. 463 00:13:25,460 --> 00:13:27,159 So this has been kind of ongoing 464 00:13:27,160 --> 00:13:28,380 since about 2021. 465 00:13:29,780 --> 00:13:32,459 And yeah, and since it started, 466 00:13:32,460 --> 00:13:35,079 it has provided something like 467 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:37,119 $16 million 468 00:13:37,120 --> 00:13:39,219 to over 3,100 469 00:13:39,220 --> 00:13:39,939 households. 470 00:13:39,940 --> 00:13:41,059 OK. 471 00:13:41,060 --> 00:13:42,279 And what was the recent announcement 472 00:13:42,280 --> 00:13:43,519 regarding this rental assistance 473 00:13:43,520 --> 00:13:44,189 program? 474 00:13:44,190 --> 00:13:46,149 Yeah, so the city has announced that 475 00:13:46,150 --> 00:13:48,049 it will not be offering 476 00:13:48,050 --> 00:13:49,929 rental assistance when it is 477 00:13:49,930 --> 00:13:51,709 supposed to reopen the portal in 478 00:13:51,710 --> 00:13:52,829 April. 479 00:13:52,830 --> 00:13:54,769 So there is one last little 480 00:13:54,770 --> 00:13:56,589 bit of money that 481 00:13:56,590 --> 00:13:58,529 just became available. 482 00:13:58,530 --> 00:13:59,369 Just recently, right? 483 00:13:59,370 --> 00:13:59,370 Yeah. 484 00:13:59,371 --> 00:14:00,829 Yes, within the last couple of days 485 00:14:00,830 --> 00:14:02,809 and it's available until the 7th, 486 00:14:02,810 --> 00:14:04,049 I believe. So just through the end 487 00:14:04,050 --> 00:14:05,149 of the week. 488 00:14:05,150 --> 00:14:07,009 After that, they won't have any more 489 00:14:07,010 --> 00:14:08,189 money to give. 490 00:14:08,190 --> 00:14:11,169 So they're closing it indefinitely. 491 00:14:11,170 --> 00:14:12,769 And so that was something like it 492 00:14:12,770 --> 00:14:15,209 was supposed to be $4 493 00:14:15,210 --> 00:14:16,689 million. It was going to go toward 494 00:14:16,690 --> 00:14:17,889 rental assistance and eviction 495 00:14:17,890 --> 00:14:18,809 prevention. 496 00:14:18,810 --> 00:14:20,549 And then when the city council had 497 00:14:20,550 --> 00:14:22,369 to cut in the 498 00:14:22,370 --> 00:14:23,889 budget that we saw in November, they 499 00:14:23,890 --> 00:14:26,309 cut $1 million, which essentially 500 00:14:26,310 --> 00:14:27,929 cut off funding for people who need 501 00:14:27,930 --> 00:14:28,769 rental assistance. 502 00:14:28,770 --> 00:14:30,229 Well, we talk a lot about numbers 503 00:14:30,230 --> 00:14:31,849 when it comes to the money, right? 504 00:14:31,850 --> 00:14:32,649 But what do we know about the 505 00:14:32,650 --> 00:14:34,169 numbers of people who were applying 506 00:14:34,170 --> 00:14:36,469 for this assistance and what 507 00:14:36,470 --> 00:14:37,599 kind of options do they have now? 508 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:39,759 Yeah. I heard from 509 00:14:39,760 --> 00:14:41,219 El Buen Samaritano this morning, 510 00:14:41,220 --> 00:14:42,599 they are the nonprofit that helps 511 00:14:42,600 --> 00:14:43,839 distribute the money. 512 00:14:43,840 --> 00:14:46,139 I hear from their CEO that 513 00:14:46,140 --> 00:14:48,939 they would receive 2,000 514 00:14:48,940 --> 00:14:50,839 applications a month for 515 00:14:50,840 --> 00:14:52,199 rental assistance. 516 00:14:52,200 --> 00:14:53,579 And with the money that they're able 517 00:14:53,580 --> 00:14:55,519 to give, they would maybe be able to 518 00:14:55,520 --> 00:14:57,839 reach between 150 and 180 519 00:14:57,840 --> 00:14:59,359 families. So that's not even like 520 00:14:59,360 --> 00:15:01,179 10% of the need. 521 00:15:01,180 --> 00:15:03,479 Um, so right now 522 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:05,579 they, the city is still offering 523 00:15:05,580 --> 00:15:07,739 eviction settlements, meaning that 524 00:15:07,740 --> 00:15:09,559 when the resident finally 525 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:10,899 gets to a point where they have to 526 00:15:10,900 --> 00:15:12,399 negotiate with their landlord to 527 00:15:12,400 --> 00:15:13,999 stay in their home, the city is able 528 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:15,499 to provide some kind of back rent 529 00:15:15,500 --> 00:15:16,819 funding for that. 530 00:15:16,820 --> 00:15:19,379 And so that's still part of this, 531 00:15:19,380 --> 00:15:21,239 but it isn't soon enough in the 532 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:22,219 pipeline, right? 533 00:15:22,220 --> 00:15:23,759 If people are applying for rental 534 00:15:23,760 --> 00:15:25,459 assistance, it's way up at the top. 535 00:15:25,460 --> 00:15:27,179 And by the time, if action 536 00:15:27,180 --> 00:15:28,299 settlements coming down, they've 537 00:15:28,300 --> 00:15:29,019 already missed. 538 00:15:29,020 --> 00:15:30,399 You've already been evicted, it 539 00:15:30,400 --> 00:15:31,100 sounds like, right? 540 00:15:31,101 --> 00:15:33,059 Several months of rent and 541 00:15:33,060 --> 00:15:34,739 so this funding does help keep them 542 00:15:34,740 --> 00:15:36,699 in the house because the 543 00:15:36,700 --> 00:15:37,839 city is negotiating with the 544 00:15:37,840 --> 00:15:39,339 landlord directly. 545 00:15:39,340 --> 00:15:41,499 So that'll still be available but 546 00:15:41,500 --> 00:15:42,839 I think there's a lot of concern 547 00:15:42,840 --> 00:15:44,599 about like what families do have 548 00:15:44,600 --> 00:15:46,419 available now. 549 00:15:46,420 --> 00:15:48,139 Rosa Moria was basically telling me 550 00:15:48,140 --> 00:15:49,719 like we're still encouraging people 551 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:51,139 to call us because there are still 552 00:15:51,140 --> 00:15:53,099 other options out there and our 553 00:15:53,100 --> 00:15:54,779 job is to connect people with those 554 00:15:54,780 --> 00:15:56,839 services the best that they can. 555 00:15:56,840 --> 00:15:58,659 This is a result of the city 556 00:15:58,660 --> 00:16:00,679 cutting things from the budget for 557 00:16:00,680 --> 00:16:02,459 this year. Is it possible that this 558 00:16:02,460 --> 00:16:03,739 kind of assistance could come back 559 00:16:03,740 --> 00:16:04,499 in the future? 560 00:16:04,500 --> 00:16:05,499 I think it is. 561 00:16:05,500 --> 00:16:06,499 I talked to a couple of council 562 00:16:06,500 --> 00:16:08,399 members last week who basically 563 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:10,359 told me like, this is the end and 564 00:16:10,360 --> 00:16:11,899 we're going to look at how we can 565 00:16:11,900 --> 00:16:13,539 try to put this in another budget. 566 00:16:13,540 --> 00:16:15,259 It does mean, you know, with a lot 567 00:16:15,260 --> 00:16:17,359 of cuts that we're seeing and very 568 00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:18,819 little wiggle room that the city is 569 00:16:18,820 --> 00:16:20,119 going to have to make priorities and 570 00:16:20,120 --> 00:16:21,039 they're going have to make some 571 00:16:21,040 --> 00:16:21,959 tough decisions. 572 00:16:21,960 --> 00:16:23,959 And so it's possible could come 573 00:16:23,960 --> 00:16:26,259 back. I don't know if 574 00:16:26,260 --> 00:16:28,219 that'll happen this budget 575 00:16:28,220 --> 00:16:29,919 session or next, but it is something 576 00:16:29,920 --> 00:16:31,319 that I think council members are 577 00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:32,919 aware of and definitely keeping top 578 00:16:32,920 --> 00:16:33,409 of mind. 579 00:16:33,410 --> 00:16:35,049 All right, and we will continue to 580 00:16:35,050 --> 00:16:36,469 follow that here in the KUT 581 00:16:36,470 --> 00:16:38,349 newsroom. We have been speaking with 582 00:16:38,350 --> 00:16:39,589 Luz Moreno Lozano. 583 00:16:39,590 --> 00:16:42,009 She is KUT's City Hall reporter. 584 00:16:42,010 --> 00:16:42,999 Luz, thanks for coming on the show. 585 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:43,909 Thanks, Jerry. 586 00:16:43,910 --> 00:16:45,209 And thank you out there for tuning 587 00:16:45,210 --> 00:16:47,469 in. This is listener powered 588 00:16:47,470 --> 00:16:50,149 public radio KUT news. 589 00:16:50,150 --> 00:16:52,109 We are Austin Signal and 590 00:16:52,110 --> 00:16:53,830 we will be back after this break. 591 00:17:00,550 --> 00:17:02,409 This is Austin Signal, welcome 592 00:17:02,410 --> 00:17:04,469 back. The people of Austin have 593 00:17:04,470 --> 00:17:06,389 voted, and Sound Founder on 594 00:17:06,390 --> 00:17:08,209 KUTX is the radio 595 00:17:08,210 --> 00:17:09,729 show of the year. 596 00:17:09,730 --> 00:17:11,328 The host of the show, Sound Foundor 597 00:17:11,329 --> 00:17:13,368 himself, is with us today on Austin 598 00:17:13,369 --> 00:17:14,729 Signal. Thank you for being here 599 00:17:14,730 --> 00:17:16,409 with us. Thank you, for having me, 600 00:17:16,410 --> 00:17:17,949 it's an honor. Well, congratulations 601 00:17:17,950 --> 00:17:19,149 on your award. 602 00:17:19,150 --> 00:17:20,469 You've had a couple of days now to 603 00:17:20,470 --> 00:17:22,489 process this Austin Music 604 00:17:22,490 --> 00:17:24,209 Award. How you feeling? 605 00:17:24,210 --> 00:17:25,789 Feeling good. 606 00:17:25,790 --> 00:17:27,469 Still, I mean, honestly, I was very 607 00:17:27,470 --> 00:17:29,069 surprised. I've been nominated for 608 00:17:29,070 --> 00:17:31,469 it a few times, 609 00:17:31,470 --> 00:17:33,769 but being nominated and winning 610 00:17:33,770 --> 00:17:36,049 are two different things. 611 00:17:36,050 --> 00:17:37,489 No electronic music show has ever 612 00:17:37,490 --> 00:17:39,529 won this award 613 00:17:39,530 --> 00:17:42,029 before, so we're 614 00:17:42,030 --> 00:17:43,039 breaking new ground here. 615 00:17:43,040 --> 00:17:44,339 Yeah, that's very cool. 616 00:17:44,340 --> 00:17:45,899 You know, how long have you been 617 00:17:45,900 --> 00:17:47,719 doing the show here at KUTX and how 618 00:17:47,720 --> 00:17:48,639 long have you've been doing it 619 00:17:48,640 --> 00:17:50,779 before, maybe elsewhere? 620 00:17:50,780 --> 00:17:52,979 Uh, well, I, um, 621 00:17:52,980 --> 00:17:55,459 started at KTX in 2019. 622 00:17:55,460 --> 00:17:56,559 Okay. 623 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:58,139 Um, they gave me the 1 a.m. 624 00:17:58,140 --> 00:17:59,199 On Saturday night slot. 625 00:17:59,200 --> 00:18:00,060 Oh, ho ho ho! 626 00:18:00,061 --> 00:18:01,539 So I think they were definitely 627 00:18:01,540 --> 00:18:03,839 seeing like how long of 628 00:18:03,840 --> 00:18:05,499 a leash to keep me on at first to 629 00:18:05,500 --> 00:18:06,939 see how weird I was going to get. 630 00:18:06,940 --> 00:18:08,579 But it worked out and people liked 631 00:18:08,580 --> 00:18:09,659 it. And then they bumped me to 632 00:18:09,660 --> 00:18:11,359 Wednesday nights and then they 633 00:18:11,360 --> 00:18:12,979 extended it to two hours and it's 634 00:18:12,980 --> 00:18:15,198 just been going well ever since. 635 00:18:15,199 --> 00:18:17,299 But yeah, I mean, I 636 00:18:17,300 --> 00:18:18,779 wanted to get into radio for a long 637 00:18:18,780 --> 00:18:21,199 time. I actually, I actually did a 638 00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:23,019 handful of segments with Art 639 00:18:23,020 --> 00:18:23,759 Levy. 640 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:24,569 Oh, yeah. 641 00:18:24,570 --> 00:18:26,469 I mean, I'm thinking like it was 642 00:18:26,470 --> 00:18:28,329 2012 or something when he was like 643 00:18:28,330 --> 00:18:30,009 a student, maybe. 644 00:18:30,010 --> 00:18:32,009 So we did, I kind of 645 00:18:32,010 --> 00:18:34,109 helped a little project 646 00:18:34,110 --> 00:18:36,109 called The Loop that was on KUT. 647 00:18:36,110 --> 00:18:37,289 And I was always like, man, I want 648 00:18:37,290 --> 00:18:38,229 my own show. 649 00:18:38,230 --> 00:18:39,409 How do I do it? 650 00:18:39,410 --> 00:18:40,809 And I had thought about it for years 651 00:18:40,810 --> 00:18:42,769 and years. And finally, 652 00:18:42,770 --> 00:18:44,669 after, you know, 653 00:18:44,670 --> 00:18:46,249 really getting it all together, I 654 00:18:46,250 --> 00:18:48,089 kinda did a Hail Mary pass and 655 00:18:48,090 --> 00:18:49,749 pitched it to KUTX and they just 656 00:18:49,750 --> 00:18:51,629 happened to be open to it at that 657 00:18:51,630 --> 00:18:53,849 moment and it worked out. 658 00:18:53,850 --> 00:18:55,109 Cool, well shout out to our friend 659 00:18:55,110 --> 00:18:56,769 Art Levy, wherever he is out there 660 00:18:56,770 --> 00:18:58,309 in the world. We definitely miss 661 00:18:58,310 --> 00:18:59,489 you, Art. 662 00:18:59,490 --> 00:19:00,949 So tell us a little bit about your 663 00:19:00,950 --> 00:19:02,789 show. When does it air and how weird 664 00:19:02,790 --> 00:19:03,790 do you get with it? 665 00:19:04,659 --> 00:19:06,599 Uh, well, it airs 666 00:19:06,600 --> 00:19:08,879 Wednesdays from eight to 10 and, 667 00:19:08,880 --> 00:19:10,939 um, I mean, it really, 668 00:19:10,940 --> 00:19:12,699 I think the threshold of weirdness 669 00:19:12,700 --> 00:19:14,599 is so hard to gage in the 670 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:16,239 age of the internet, like what I 671 00:19:16,240 --> 00:19:17,519 think is weird. And then I listened 672 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:19,099 to what an 18 year old is listening 673 00:19:19,100 --> 00:19:21,279 to and it's just completely, 674 00:19:21,280 --> 00:19:23,259 it's such a vast spectrum 675 00:19:23,260 --> 00:19:25,239 of like, what is weird that, 676 00:19:25,240 --> 00:19:27,039 uh, it's, it'd be hard to even, I 677 00:19:27,040 --> 00:19:28,079 don't even think of it in that way. 678 00:19:28,080 --> 00:19:29,319 I just try to think of things that 679 00:19:29,320 --> 00:19:30,158 are. 680 00:19:30,159 --> 00:19:31,979 Stimulating and interesting really 681 00:19:31,980 --> 00:19:33,559 the the premise of the show is like 682 00:19:33,560 --> 00:19:35,639 the full spectrum of creativity 683 00:19:35,640 --> 00:19:37,459 in electronic music So that could 684 00:19:37,460 --> 00:19:39,399 be anything from on 685 00:19:39,400 --> 00:19:40,679 the energy scale It could be 686 00:19:40,680 --> 00:19:42,679 Anything from ambient with 687 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:44,579 barely any drums or anything all 688 00:19:44,580 --> 00:19:46,679 the way up to like intense glitchy 689 00:19:47,720 --> 00:19:50,259 stuff and everything in between so 690 00:19:50,260 --> 00:19:52,299 try to really just think 691 00:19:52,300 --> 00:19:54,219 of the think of The 692 00:19:54,220 --> 00:19:56,379 Electronic Music World as like 693 00:19:56,380 --> 00:19:58,359 as a set of tools 694 00:19:58,360 --> 00:20:00,639 and an interesting... 695 00:20:00,640 --> 00:20:02,639 Uh, you know, a new kind of horizon 696 00:20:02,640 --> 00:20:04,739 that's being explored and pushed 697 00:20:04,740 --> 00:20:05,649 constantly. 698 00:20:05,650 --> 00:20:06,809 I believe you told me earlier you've 699 00:20:06,810 --> 00:20:08,769 been in Austin since 2005, 700 00:20:08,770 --> 00:20:11,109 and Austin is known for many 701 00:20:11,110 --> 00:20:12,829 scenes, live music scenes. 702 00:20:12,830 --> 00:20:15,069 We had the Any Medals, the KUTX, 703 00:20:15,070 --> 00:20:16,309 February Artists of the Month, we 704 00:20:16,310 --> 00:20:17,789 were talking to them about the Latin 705 00:20:17,790 --> 00:20:18,790 music scene. 706 00:20:19,530 --> 00:20:20,989 What have you seen, how have you see 707 00:20:20,990 --> 00:20:22,789 the Austin electronic scene evolve 708 00:20:22,790 --> 00:20:23,929 over the last two decades. 709 00:20:25,090 --> 00:20:27,049 Uh, well, I would say when I came 710 00:20:27,050 --> 00:20:28,929 here, uh, electronic 711 00:20:28,930 --> 00:20:31,209 music was still pretty 712 00:20:31,210 --> 00:20:33,209 underground, definitely most 713 00:20:33,210 --> 00:20:35,989 of the music industry here 714 00:20:35,990 --> 00:20:38,109 seems pretty focused on guitars 715 00:20:38,110 --> 00:20:39,729 and stuff still. 716 00:20:39,730 --> 00:20:41,709 And, uh little by little that's 717 00:20:41,710 --> 00:20:43,189 been something that's so interesting 718 00:20:43,190 --> 00:20:45,249 is, uh you know, 719 00:20:45,250 --> 00:20:47,309 little by a little they've, you 720 00:20:47,310 --> 00:20:49,149 see, um, kind of 721 00:20:49,150 --> 00:20:51,009 pillars of the, music industry, 722 00:20:51,010 --> 00:20:53,109 here open up to like, like when KTX 723 00:20:53,110 --> 00:20:55,010 first got the and start introducing 724 00:20:56,170 --> 00:20:57,609 healthy amount of hip hop. 725 00:20:57,610 --> 00:20:58,709 I was like that, okay, they're 726 00:20:58,710 --> 00:20:59,729 trying new stuff. 727 00:20:59,730 --> 00:21:00,849 Then they took my show on. 728 00:21:00,850 --> 00:21:02,729 It was like, wow, they really, uh, 729 00:21:02,730 --> 00:21:04,229 you know, going down new avenues 730 00:21:04,230 --> 00:21:05,209 here. 731 00:21:05,210 --> 00:21:07,389 So, um, yeah, I've seen, 732 00:21:07,390 --> 00:21:09,149 I mean, electronic music worldwide 733 00:21:09,150 --> 00:21:11,189 has really just grown and 734 00:21:11,190 --> 00:21:13,549 become more and more intertwined 735 00:21:13,550 --> 00:21:15,849 with other music as it's become 736 00:21:15,850 --> 00:21:17,609 easier to make. 737 00:21:17,610 --> 00:21:19,269 I mean, when I was in high school, I 738 00:21:19,270 --> 00:21:21,589 graduated in 2003 in San Antonio. 739 00:21:21,590 --> 00:21:24,949 When I was a 740 00:21:24,950 --> 00:21:26,779 dollar sampler. 741 00:21:26,780 --> 00:21:28,659 To begin making electronic music. 742 00:21:28,660 --> 00:21:30,479 Now you can just open 743 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:32,099 up your laptop and start 744 00:21:32,100 --> 00:21:34,139 experimenting with stuff. 745 00:21:34,140 --> 00:21:36,499 So the, I mean, 746 00:21:36,500 --> 00:21:38,159 most musicians are electronic 747 00:21:38,160 --> 00:21:39,619 musicians at this point in some 748 00:21:39,620 --> 00:21:41,639 capacity, like even if it's just, 749 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:43,659 you know, recording and manipulating 750 00:21:43,660 --> 00:21:45,819 sound in one way or another. 751 00:21:45,820 --> 00:21:47,619 But so yeah, seeing the electronic 752 00:21:47,620 --> 00:21:49,659 music world evolve worldwide 753 00:21:49,660 --> 00:21:51,819 and then kind 754 00:21:51,820 --> 00:21:54,019 of focusing on that 755 00:21:54,020 --> 00:21:55,879 in Austin has really been 756 00:21:55,880 --> 00:21:57,109 the main. 757 00:21:57,110 --> 00:21:59,089 Mission of everything that I work 758 00:21:59,090 --> 00:22:00,029 on, I think. 759 00:22:00,030 --> 00:22:01,629 Well, you're bringing the Austin 760 00:22:01,630 --> 00:22:03,409 electronic scene to the forefront 761 00:22:03,410 --> 00:22:05,309 with your show, and so we asked you 762 00:22:05,310 --> 00:22:06,769 to bring us a couple of 763 00:22:06,770 --> 00:22:07,969 recommendations that we could share 764 00:22:07,970 --> 00:22:10,489 here on the show with our listeners. 765 00:22:10,490 --> 00:22:11,609 Tell us about the first one you 766 00:22:11,610 --> 00:22:12,610 wanted to share with us. 767 00:22:13,460 --> 00:22:15,299 Okay, so the first one is 768 00:22:15,300 --> 00:22:16,679 from an Austin producer named 769 00:22:16,680 --> 00:22:18,939 Brainwave, and 770 00:22:18,940 --> 00:22:21,099 it's actually a track with 771 00:22:21,100 --> 00:22:24,299 a Austin musician 772 00:22:24,300 --> 00:22:26,299 who experiments with 773 00:22:26,300 --> 00:22:27,579 electronic stuff, but he does all 774 00:22:27,580 --> 00:22:28,859 kind of... Bayonne, actually. 775 00:22:28,860 --> 00:22:30,339 There was a photo of him on the wall 776 00:22:30,340 --> 00:22:33,659 in the 777 00:22:33,660 --> 00:22:34,779 green room, I just noticed, but 778 00:22:34,780 --> 00:22:36,679 yeah. So this is Brainwave the 779 00:22:36,680 --> 00:22:38,439 electronic producer collaborating 780 00:22:38,440 --> 00:22:40,379 with Bayonne and it is a It's 781 00:22:40,380 --> 00:22:41,659 a song called Bloom that's really 782 00:22:41,660 --> 00:22:42,660 good. 783 00:22:58,940 --> 00:23:00,479 Okay cool, we got that, what else do 784 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:01,539 you have? 785 00:23:01,540 --> 00:23:03,359 Uh, another artist that's really 786 00:23:03,360 --> 00:23:05,199 been gaining a lot of traction is 787 00:23:05,200 --> 00:23:06,059 flowbomba. 788 00:23:06,060 --> 00:23:08,439 He's, uh, um, 789 00:23:08,440 --> 00:23:09,599 a beat maker. 790 00:23:09,600 --> 00:23:11,859 He produces, uh what jungle music. 791 00:23:11,860 --> 00:23:13,499 If you're not familiar, you've heard 792 00:23:13,500 --> 00:23:15,219 the sound probably it's that really 793 00:23:15,220 --> 00:23:16,679 sped up kind of breakbeat type 794 00:23:16,680 --> 00:23:18,509 music, but He actually 795 00:23:18,510 --> 00:23:20,529 got a release on his music was 796 00:23:20,530 --> 00:23:22,729 discovered by a UK jungle 797 00:23:22,730 --> 00:23:24,669 legend named Fracture and 798 00:23:24,670 --> 00:23:25,889 Fractured ended up putting out his 799 00:23:25,890 --> 00:23:28,089 album on vinyl in the UK and 800 00:23:28,090 --> 00:23:30,169 then Obama has just been going viral 801 00:23:30,170 --> 00:23:31,989 with doing these jungle remixes 802 00:23:31,990 --> 00:23:33,949 and he recently just last week 803 00:23:33,950 --> 00:23:36,109 did a remix of a Janet Jackson song 804 00:23:36,110 --> 00:23:37,589 and she shared it. 805 00:23:37,590 --> 00:23:39,049 Oh, OK, cool. Her eight million 806 00:23:39,050 --> 00:23:40,429 followers on Instagram. 807 00:23:40,430 --> 00:23:42,389 And so I love seeing stuff like 808 00:23:42,390 --> 00:23:44,069 that break out of the Austin bubble. 809 00:23:44,070 --> 00:23:45,329 I mean, getting your music shared by 810 00:23:45,330 --> 00:23:46,330 Janet Jackson, that's crazy. 811 00:23:49,020 --> 00:23:49,799 All right, cool. 812 00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:51,359 Well, we have a little bit of 813 00:23:51,360 --> 00:23:52,459 recommendations. Again, the show you 814 00:23:52,460 --> 00:23:54,379 can hear it Wednesdays from 8 to 815 00:23:54,380 --> 00:23:56,279 10 before we let you 816 00:23:56,280 --> 00:23:58,179 get out of here, 817 00:23:58,180 --> 00:23:59,699 you were telling me earlier that, 818 00:23:59,700 --> 00:24:01,339 you know, your show used to be 819 00:24:01,340 --> 00:24:02,619 played on some other stations, but 820 00:24:02,620 --> 00:24:03,739 they were saying, you know, it's a 821 00:24:03,740 --> 00:24:05,439 little too Austin centric for you 822 00:24:05,440 --> 00:24:06,579 and you were thinking about, well, 823 00:24:06,580 --> 00:24:07,879 maybe should I change it or should I 824 00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:08,679 lean into it? 825 00:24:08,680 --> 00:24:09,839 Now that you've won this Austin 826 00:24:09,840 --> 00:24:12,279 Music Award for Best Radio Show, 827 00:24:12,280 --> 00:24:13,919 how vindicated are you feeling in 828 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:15,779 that and how proud are you to be 829 00:24:15,780 --> 00:24:17,379 that representative, be the first 830 00:24:17,380 --> 00:24:18,539 electronic show? 831 00:24:18,540 --> 00:24:20,619 How proud are of the 832 00:24:20,620 --> 00:24:21,879 scene in general, the electronic 833 00:24:21,880 --> 00:24:22,979 music scene here? 834 00:24:22,980 --> 00:24:24,219 I feel great. 835 00:24:24,220 --> 00:24:26,359 Honestly, I think, yeah, 836 00:24:26,360 --> 00:24:28,219 it's been such a joy in 837 00:24:28,220 --> 00:24:30,459 my life to just be a part of the 838 00:24:30,460 --> 00:24:32,299 music scene as a whole in Austin, 839 00:24:32,300 --> 00:24:34,339 but really cultivating and growing 840 00:24:34,340 --> 00:24:36,059 the electronic music scene here. 841 00:24:36,060 --> 00:24:37,979 I obviously can't take the credit 842 00:24:37,980 --> 00:24:39,779 for it because it's a community 843 00:24:39,780 --> 00:24:41,679 thing that we're doing. 844 00:24:41,680 --> 00:24:43,719 But getting to bring that to KUTX 845 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:45,379 and present it to the listeners here 846 00:24:45,380 --> 00:24:47,599 and not only have that, but to be 847 00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:49,939 accepted and to the point where. 848 00:24:49,940 --> 00:24:51,639 Uh, you know, winning awards and 849 00:24:51,640 --> 00:24:53,459 such, I did not expect it 850 00:24:53,460 --> 00:24:54,959 to go, I, I honestly thought I would 851 00:24:54,960 --> 00:24:57,219 be met with more resistance, 852 00:24:57,220 --> 00:24:59,059 but introducing it to KUTX, but it's 853 00:24:59,060 --> 00:25:00,899 been nothing but love from the, 854 00:25:00,900 --> 00:25:02,739 from the KUTx, 855 00:25:02,740 --> 00:25:04,039 uh, family. 856 00:25:04,040 --> 00:25:05,959 So, um, and, uh 857 00:25:05,960 --> 00:25:06,599 yeah, no. 858 00:25:06,600 --> 00:25:07,399 Very cool. 859 00:25:07,400 --> 00:25:09,179 Well, my partner, who I'll be 860 00:25:09,180 --> 00:25:10,099 pitching with on all things 861 00:25:10,100 --> 00:25:11,979 considered later, Trey Shar, he 862 00:25:11,980 --> 00:25:13,259 said, I'm not really a big 863 00:25:13,260 --> 00:25:15,039 electronic music fan, but I like 864 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:16,479 Sound Founder. I like listening to 865 00:25:16,480 --> 00:25:18,159 his show. And he's a tough nut to 866 00:25:18,160 --> 00:25:19,739 crack. So if you've got him, you got 867 00:25:19,740 --> 00:25:20,919 everyone. We've been speaking with 868 00:25:20,920 --> 00:25:22,899 Sound Founders, the 869 00:25:22,900 --> 00:25:24,739 winner of the best radio 870 00:25:24,740 --> 00:25:25,859 show of the year from the Austin 871 00:25:25,860 --> 00:25:26,939 Music Awards. 872 00:25:26,940 --> 00:25:28,139 You can tune in and hear Sound 873 00:25:28,140 --> 00:25:29,309 Founded Wednesdays. 874 00:25:29,310 --> 00:25:31,409 From eight to 10 on KUTX, 875 00:25:31,410 --> 00:25:32,869 and you can always stream at 876 00:25:32,870 --> 00:25:34,489 kutx.org. 877 00:25:34,490 --> 00:25:35,929 Sound founder, thank you very much. 878 00:25:35,930 --> 00:25:36,769 Have a great day. 879 00:25:36,770 --> 00:25:38,669 Thank you. And thank you out there 880 00:25:38,670 --> 00:25:39,549 for tuning in. 881 00:25:39,550 --> 00:25:41,629 It has been a busy three days here 882 00:25:41,630 --> 00:25:43,129 in Austin, Texas, and we are doing 883 00:25:43,130 --> 00:25:45,069 our best to cover it as much as 884 00:25:45,070 --> 00:25:46,249 we possibly can. 885 00:25:46,250 --> 00:25:47,329 And that means we're coming back 886 00:25:47,330 --> 00:25:49,409 tomorrow, one o'clock, same place, 887 00:25:49,410 --> 00:25:50,549 same time. 888 00:25:50,550 --> 00:25:52,469 I'm Jerry Quijano, your host. 889 00:25:52,470 --> 00:25:53,569 We'll talk to you then. 890 00:25:53,570 --> 00:25:54,570 Have a good day.