1 00:00:08,450 --> 00:00:09,789 The Austin Independent School 2 00:00:09,790 --> 00:00:11,509 District is handing over control of 3 00:00:11,510 --> 00:00:13,209 three middle schools to a nonprofit 4 00:00:13,210 --> 00:00:14,649 in the hopes of avoiding a 5 00:00:14,650 --> 00:00:16,729 district-wide state takeover. 6 00:00:16,730 --> 00:00:18,129 Doby, Burnett, and Webb middle 7 00:00:18,130 --> 00:00:19,889 schools are trying to avoid a fifth 8 00:00:19,890 --> 00:00:21,489 failing accountability rating that 9 00:00:21,490 --> 00:00:23,309 could trigger that takeover, 10 00:00:23,310 --> 00:00:24,549 more about that. 11 00:00:24,550 --> 00:00:25,929 Plus, Austin city leaders have 12 00:00:25,930 --> 00:00:27,269 approved a new plan to address some 13 00:00:27,270 --> 00:00:28,669 of the issues faced by people 14 00:00:28,670 --> 00:00:30,489 experiencing homelessness, which 15 00:00:30,490 --> 00:00:32,309 calls for more shelter beds, better 16 00:00:32,310 --> 00:00:33,629 coordination, and increased 17 00:00:33,630 --> 00:00:35,159 community partnership. 18 00:00:35,160 --> 00:00:37,039 More about these ambitions and the 19 00:00:37,040 --> 00:00:39,159 costs that's on today's show. 20 00:00:39,160 --> 00:00:41,059 The Austin Signal is a production 21 00:00:41,060 --> 00:00:43,159 of KUT News, hosted by 22 00:00:43,160 --> 00:00:44,279 Jerry Quijano. 23 00:00:44,280 --> 00:00:46,239 And who's the guy who dances at 24 00:00:46,240 --> 00:00:47,779 the corner of Barton Springs Road 25 00:00:47,780 --> 00:00:49,519 and South First Street? 26 00:00:49,520 --> 00:00:51,099 Well, his name is... 27 00:00:51,100 --> 00:00:52,439 I'm not gonna tell you his name, 28 00:00:52,440 --> 00:00:53,499 you're just gonna have to tune in to 29 00:00:53,500 --> 00:00:54,299 find out. 30 00:00:54,300 --> 00:00:55,659 Come and meet him. 31 00:00:55,660 --> 00:00:57,539 That's up next, right here on 32 00:00:57,540 --> 00:00:58,560 Austin Signal. 33 00:01:08,590 --> 00:01:10,549 Howdy out there, you are tuned in 34 00:01:10,550 --> 00:01:11,909 to Austin Signal. 35 00:01:11,910 --> 00:01:13,709 I'm your host, Jerry Gihannel. 36 00:01:13,710 --> 00:01:15,549 It's March 30th, the 37 00:01:15,550 --> 00:01:17,129 last Monday of the month. 38 00:01:17,130 --> 00:01:18,389 We're glad that you're making us 39 00:01:18,390 --> 00:01:20,050 part of your day. 40 00:01:21,150 --> 00:01:22,329 The Austin Independent School 41 00:01:22,330 --> 00:01:24,309 District voted to hand over control 42 00:01:24,310 --> 00:01:26,189 over Dovey Web and Burnett 43 00:01:26,190 --> 00:01:28,229 Middle Schools to Texas Council 44 00:01:28,230 --> 00:01:30,189 for International Studies. 45 00:01:30,190 --> 00:01:31,609 These schools have failed accountability 46 00:01:31,610 --> 00:01:33,449 ratings four times, and 47 00:01:33,450 --> 00:01:35,409 a fifth failure could trigger a 48 00:01:35,410 --> 00:01:36,809 district-wide takeover from the 49 00:01:36,810 --> 00:01:38,859 state of Texas AIC is hoping 50 00:01:38,860 --> 00:01:40,539 that the move could improve the 51 00:01:40,540 --> 00:01:42,759 future of these middle schools. 52 00:01:42,760 --> 00:01:44,339 For more about this move, we are 53 00:01:44,340 --> 00:01:46,039 talking with Acacia Coronado, an 54 00:01:46,040 --> 00:01:47,219 education reporter for the Austin 55 00:01:47,220 --> 00:01:48,319 Current. Thanks for being back on 56 00:01:48,320 --> 00:01:48,789 the show. 57 00:01:48,790 --> 00:01:49,739 Thanks for having me. 58 00:01:49,740 --> 00:01:51,859 So, this decision tells more 59 00:01:51,860 --> 00:01:53,719 about the things that AISD was 60 00:01:53,720 --> 00:01:55,539 considering prior to making this 61 00:01:55,540 --> 00:01:56,569 move. 62 00:01:56,570 --> 00:01:58,449 Yeah, so each of these three middle 63 00:01:58,450 --> 00:02:00,289 schools, as you mentioned, 64 00:02:00,290 --> 00:02:02,389 have four failing accountability 65 00:02:02,390 --> 00:02:04,329 ratings and so they are trying to 66 00:02:04,330 --> 00:02:05,689 prevent them getting to a fifth. 67 00:02:05,690 --> 00:02:07,589 They had been really investing 68 00:02:07,590 --> 00:02:10,008 in their math and reading, 69 00:02:10,009 --> 00:02:12,249 teaching over the last few months, 70 00:02:12,250 --> 00:02:13,869 but upon reviewing their beginning 71 00:02:13,870 --> 00:02:15,789 and middle of year scores, 72 00:02:15,790 --> 00:02:17,049 the district officials just shared 73 00:02:17,050 --> 00:02:18,849 that they did not feel confident 74 00:02:18,850 --> 00:02:20,689 that they would know for a 75 00:02:20,690 --> 00:02:22,619 fact that the would not receive 76 00:02:22,620 --> 00:02:24,259 a fifth F, so they were looking for 77 00:02:24,260 --> 00:02:25,739 a partner that could really come in 78 00:02:25,740 --> 00:02:27,239 and improve some of those testing 79 00:02:27,240 --> 00:02:29,119 scores and other 80 00:02:29,120 --> 00:02:31,199 aspects that TA takes into account 81 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:32,699 when doing an Accountability Rating. 82 00:02:32,700 --> 00:02:34,079 Okay well speaking of that partner 83 00:02:34,080 --> 00:02:35,779 that partner is the Texas Council 84 00:02:35,780 --> 00:02:37,799 for International Studies who 85 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:39,599 are they why were they chosen. 86 00:02:39,600 --> 00:02:41,379 Yeah, so the Texas Council for 87 00:02:41,380 --> 00:02:43,279 International Studies was created to 88 00:02:43,280 --> 00:02:45,539 support schools that use the 89 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:46,679 international baccalaureate 90 00:02:46,680 --> 00:02:49,439 programs, but they also run, 91 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:51,419 they operate about a little over 92 00:02:51,420 --> 00:02:53,699 a dozen partnerships under 93 00:02:53,700 --> 00:02:55,699 Senate Bill 1882, which allows 94 00:02:55,700 --> 00:02:57,639 for this outside operator 95 00:02:57,640 --> 00:02:59,559 partnership that Austin 96 00:02:59,560 --> 00:03:00,619 ISD is applying for. 97 00:03:00,620 --> 00:03:02,679 And so they operate partnerships in 98 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:04,439 Edgewood, Longview, and San Antonio 99 00:03:04,440 --> 00:03:05,889 ISDs. And so. 100 00:03:05,890 --> 00:03:07,349 Austin ISD kind of looked at their 101 00:03:07,350 --> 00:03:09,409 progress at some similar schools, 102 00:03:09,410 --> 00:03:10,589 including I think a similar middle 103 00:03:10,590 --> 00:03:12,509 school in San Antonio, to 104 00:03:12,510 --> 00:03:14,389 see, to get an idea of what that 105 00:03:14,390 --> 00:03:16,309 could look like for AISD and 106 00:03:16,310 --> 00:03:17,929 their three middle schools, and they 107 00:03:17,930 --> 00:03:19,219 selected them based off of that. 108 00:03:19,220 --> 00:03:21,039 Okay, and is this just like a 109 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:22,079 one-year thing? 110 00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:23,629 What kind of window is this? 111 00:03:23,630 --> 00:03:24,969 The contract that they're looking at 112 00:03:24,970 --> 00:03:26,889 is three years, which is similar 113 00:03:26,890 --> 00:03:28,969 to what they had at Mendez 114 00:03:28,970 --> 00:03:29,669 Middle School. 115 00:03:29,670 --> 00:03:31,509 Okay, okay, so and you're 116 00:03:31,510 --> 00:03:33,329 reporting you call this a 117 00:03:33,330 --> 00:03:34,249 high stakes move. 118 00:03:34,250 --> 00:03:35,069 Can you tell us more? 119 00:03:35,070 --> 00:03:35,929 What do you what do you mean by 120 00:03:35,930 --> 00:03:36,709 that? 121 00:03:36,710 --> 00:03:39,269 Yeah, so if 122 00:03:39,270 --> 00:03:41,329 TEA was to deny 123 00:03:41,330 --> 00:03:42,969 their application, which they still 124 00:03:42,970 --> 00:03:44,789 can, and the 125 00:03:44,790 --> 00:03:46,649 schools were to get a fifth 126 00:03:46,650 --> 00:03:48,749 failing accountability 127 00:03:48,750 --> 00:03:50,669 rating, the state 128 00:03:50,670 --> 00:03:53,149 could either take 129 00:03:53,150 --> 00:03:55,089 over the entire district by 130 00:03:55,090 --> 00:03:57,489 appointing board of managers to 131 00:03:57,490 --> 00:03:59,389 replace the school board, 132 00:03:59,390 --> 00:04:01,289 or they could select to close the 133 00:04:01,290 --> 00:04:01,659 schools. 134 00:04:01,660 --> 00:04:03,659 And has that statewide takeover 135 00:04:03,660 --> 00:04:05,159 happened in other school districts 136 00:04:05,160 --> 00:04:06,069 here in Texas? 137 00:04:06,070 --> 00:04:08,129 It has. We did see it in Houston 138 00:04:08,130 --> 00:04:10,129 ISD and we saw it in Fort Worth ISD 139 00:04:10,130 --> 00:04:11,329 and a few others. 140 00:04:11,330 --> 00:04:13,289 So it is a possibility and 141 00:04:13,290 --> 00:04:15,089 so that's something that AISD I 142 00:04:15,090 --> 00:04:16,909 think has been trying to 143 00:04:16,910 --> 00:04:18,869 stave off and they're hoping 144 00:04:18,870 --> 00:04:20,689 this partnership will not just 145 00:04:20,690 --> 00:04:22,529 improve the schools but also 146 00:04:22,530 --> 00:04:23,959 prevent the situation. 147 00:04:23,960 --> 00:04:25,339 Okay, so I believe the votes 148 00:04:25,340 --> 00:04:27,179 happened late on Thursday, so 149 00:04:27,180 --> 00:04:28,419 there's been a little bit of time 150 00:04:28,420 --> 00:04:30,319 for the community to kind of 151 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:31,159 take it in. 152 00:04:31,160 --> 00:04:32,399 What have you heard? What's the 153 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:33,979 response been from parents, 154 00:04:33,980 --> 00:04:35,889 teachers, and even students? 155 00:04:35,890 --> 00:04:37,649 Yeah, so I got to visit one of the 156 00:04:37,650 --> 00:04:40,029 community meetings before they 157 00:04:40,030 --> 00:04:41,849 made the decision on Thursday. 158 00:04:41,850 --> 00:04:43,669 They held community meetings a week 159 00:04:43,670 --> 00:04:44,670 or two before, 160 00:04:45,730 --> 00:04:47,589 and teachers and parents 161 00:04:47,590 --> 00:04:49,489 seemed open to an idea if 162 00:04:49,490 --> 00:04:51,589 it was something that could, 163 00:04:51,590 --> 00:04:52,889 in both the short-term and 164 00:04:52,890 --> 00:04:54,889 long-term, improve the outcome of 165 00:04:54,890 --> 00:04:55,999 the school for the students. 166 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:57,739 And was there more discussion at the 167 00:04:57,740 --> 00:04:59,359 meeting on Thursday, or was it more 168 00:04:59,360 --> 00:05:02,139 just a vote on the plan itself? 169 00:05:02,140 --> 00:05:04,079 On Thursday we mostly saw a brief 170 00:05:04,080 --> 00:05:06,839 discussion and then a vote. 171 00:05:06,840 --> 00:05:08,379 One of the board members did share 172 00:05:08,380 --> 00:05:10,219 that she was grateful that even 173 00:05:10,220 --> 00:05:12,099 though they did select kind 174 00:05:12,100 --> 00:05:13,979 of close to the March 31st deadline 175 00:05:13,980 --> 00:05:15,899 for applying for a partnership, she 176 00:05:15,900 --> 00:05:17,679 was grateful that it was an 177 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:19,609 intentional plan that was put forth. 178 00:05:19,610 --> 00:05:21,489 Okay, so where are we 179 00:05:21,490 --> 00:05:22,489 at in the process? 180 00:05:22,490 --> 00:05:23,629 Is this like a final step? 181 00:05:23,630 --> 00:05:25,269 I believe you said this application 182 00:05:25,270 --> 00:05:26,929 could still be denied. 183 00:05:26,930 --> 00:05:27,949 What happens next? 184 00:05:29,180 --> 00:05:30,959 What happens next will really depend 185 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:32,499 on the response and the feedback 186 00:05:32,500 --> 00:05:34,359 they get from TEA. 187 00:05:34,360 --> 00:05:36,139 Superintendent Segura did say during 188 00:05:36,140 --> 00:05:37,879 the meeting that the response and 189 00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:39,159 the final decision could take a 190 00:05:39,160 --> 00:05:40,319 couple months. 191 00:05:40,320 --> 00:05:42,219 So we might not know even up 192 00:05:42,220 --> 00:05:44,279 until May or June what 193 00:05:44,280 --> 00:05:46,479 the final outcome of this is, but 194 00:05:46,480 --> 00:05:48,679 now it kind of goes to 195 00:05:48,680 --> 00:05:50,099 submitting the application by the 196 00:05:50,100 --> 00:05:52,019 March 31st deadline and then getting 197 00:05:52,020 --> 00:05:54,239 a response or feedback from TEA. 198 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:56,299 And if they, as soon as that 199 00:05:56,300 --> 00:05:57,579 response comes back, if it's 200 00:05:57,580 --> 00:05:58,739 approved, this, I'm guessing, would 201 00:05:58,740 --> 00:06:00,559 go into effect immediately next 202 00:06:00,560 --> 00:06:01,339 school year. 203 00:06:01,340 --> 00:06:03,019 Yes, it would go into effect next 204 00:06:03,020 --> 00:06:04,899 school year for the next three 205 00:06:04,900 --> 00:06:06,079 school years. 206 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:08,359 And the partnership under 207 00:06:08,360 --> 00:06:10,739 SB 1882 would allow for 208 00:06:10,740 --> 00:06:12,739 the schools to not have an 209 00:06:12,740 --> 00:06:14,019 accountability rating for this 210 00:06:14,020 --> 00:06:15,329 school year and the following one. 211 00:06:15,330 --> 00:06:16,709 Okay, we have been speaking with 212 00:06:16,710 --> 00:06:17,849 Acacia Coronado. 213 00:06:17,850 --> 00:06:19,329 She is an education reporter for the 214 00:06:19,330 --> 00:06:21,069 Austin Current partnering with 215 00:06:21,070 --> 00:06:23,189 Austin Signal and KUT in covering 216 00:06:23,190 --> 00:06:24,289 the city. 217 00:06:24,290 --> 00:06:25,619 Acacia, thanks as always. 218 00:06:25,620 --> 00:06:26,620 Thanks for having me. 219 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:35,919 The City of Austin has a new 220 00:06:35,920 --> 00:06:37,859 homeless strategy that will add more 221 00:06:37,860 --> 00:06:40,139 shelter beds and resource centers to 222 00:06:40,140 --> 00:06:41,479 the system. 223 00:06:41,480 --> 00:06:43,339 KUT's Luz Moreno Lozano tells 224 00:06:43,340 --> 00:06:45,419 us more about this two-year 225 00:06:45,420 --> 00:06:46,420 plan. 226 00:06:47,060 --> 00:06:48,599 The city's plan was crafted with 227 00:06:48,600 --> 00:06:49,819 more than two dozen community 228 00:06:49,820 --> 00:06:51,419 partners. It includes adding more 229 00:06:51,420 --> 00:06:53,259 shelter beds to the system, opening 230 00:06:53,260 --> 00:06:54,639 two centers to help match people 231 00:06:54,640 --> 00:06:56,339 with additional services, and 232 00:06:56,340 --> 00:06:57,679 increasing collaboration with 233 00:06:57,680 --> 00:06:59,539 community partners David 234 00:06:59,540 --> 00:07:01,379 Gray is the city's Homeless Strategy 235 00:07:01,380 --> 00:07:02,109 Officer 236 00:07:02,110 --> 00:07:04,209 We wanna get people out 237 00:07:04,210 --> 00:07:06,309 of our abandoned 238 00:07:06,310 --> 00:07:08,529 buildings and we wanna get out of 239 00:07:08,530 --> 00:07:10,709 parks and green belts. 240 00:07:10,710 --> 00:07:12,409 We need more beds to put them in. 241 00:07:12,410 --> 00:07:14,189 We need spaces to bring those people 242 00:07:14,190 --> 00:07:14,919 inside. 243 00:07:14,920 --> 00:07:16,139 For people who are experiencing 244 00:07:16,140 --> 00:07:18,199 homelessness, this plan is a first 245 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:19,579 step in helping to get people off 246 00:07:19,580 --> 00:07:20,779 the street. 247 00:07:20,780 --> 00:07:21,919 Tony Carter, who has been 248 00:07:21,920 --> 00:07:23,019 experiencing homelessness since 249 00:07:23,020 --> 00:07:24,899 2019, says the city should do 250 00:07:24,900 --> 00:07:26,849 more to help the people who need it. 251 00:07:26,850 --> 00:07:28,469 You go around here and you think, 252 00:07:28,470 --> 00:07:30,129 you know, all the people that's here 253 00:07:30,130 --> 00:07:32,689 in Austin, you would think someone, 254 00:07:32,690 --> 00:07:34,969 or they would have enough resources 255 00:07:34,970 --> 00:07:36,089 to... 256 00:07:39,050 --> 00:07:40,889 People that is out here, 257 00:07:40,890 --> 00:07:42,749 you know, but Austin do not have 258 00:07:42,750 --> 00:07:43,179 that. 259 00:07:43,180 --> 00:07:44,739 He says one of the biggest issues is 260 00:07:44,740 --> 00:07:46,419 the city's lack of safe places for 261 00:07:46,420 --> 00:07:48,019 people to sleep. 262 00:07:48,020 --> 00:07:49,579 Over the last seven years, Carter 263 00:07:49,580 --> 00:07:50,839 has been in and out of homeless 264 00:07:50,840 --> 00:07:52,759 camps and rapid rehousing, which 265 00:07:52,760 --> 00:07:54,339 provides a rent subsidy. 266 00:07:54,340 --> 00:07:55,659 He was doing this while trying to 267 00:07:55,660 --> 00:07:57,379 hold down a job, but nothing has 268 00:07:57,380 --> 00:07:58,959 quite worked. 269 00:07:58,960 --> 00:08:00,859 While unhoused and living in camps 270 00:08:00,860 --> 00:08:02,419 over the last couple of years, he 271 00:08:02,420 --> 00:08:04,099 has been swept out so many times 272 00:08:04,100 --> 00:08:06,019 he's lost valuables, belongings, 273 00:08:06,020 --> 00:08:07,329 and even pets. 274 00:08:07,330 --> 00:08:09,629 They're gonna keep kicking us out, 275 00:08:09,630 --> 00:08:10,809 sweeping us. 276 00:08:10,810 --> 00:08:12,789 We need housing, we 277 00:08:12,790 --> 00:08:14,609 really do, because 278 00:08:14,610 --> 00:08:16,649 you kicking people out that don't 279 00:08:16,650 --> 00:08:18,389 have a place to go. 280 00:08:18,390 --> 00:08:21,369 We need the resources, we need 281 00:08:21,370 --> 00:08:22,690 parliament-supported housing. 282 00:08:25,990 --> 00:08:28,129 A place where we 283 00:08:28,130 --> 00:08:29,769 can go get help. 284 00:08:29,770 --> 00:08:31,749 And not just any help, meaningful 285 00:08:31,750 --> 00:08:33,489 help, people who work at the center 286 00:08:33,490 --> 00:08:35,288 that make them matter and feel safe 287 00:08:35,289 --> 00:08:37,199 and who care about the cause. 288 00:08:37,200 --> 00:08:38,519 A lot of people, they'll go to the 289 00:08:38,520 --> 00:08:39,999 shelters, but they ain't gonna stay. 290 00:08:41,559 --> 00:08:43,399 Cuz the employees don't know how to 291 00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:45,279 treat the people for 292 00:08:45,280 --> 00:08:46,280 more. Thank you very much. 293 00:08:48,680 --> 00:08:51,219 Restroom or facilities, 294 00:08:51,220 --> 00:08:52,719 whatever, you know, all messed up 295 00:08:52,720 --> 00:08:54,839 and you got nobody cleaning. 296 00:08:54,840 --> 00:08:56,259 Or if they is cleaning, they have 297 00:08:56,260 --> 00:08:58,199 cleaning them, you know, 298 00:08:58,200 --> 00:08:59,719 and then you got people's stuff 299 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:01,969 getting stolen there and all that. 300 00:09:01,970 --> 00:09:03,529 The plan aims to address those 301 00:09:03,530 --> 00:09:05,229 concerns by establishing standards 302 00:09:05,230 --> 00:09:06,789 at shelters, including staff 303 00:09:06,790 --> 00:09:08,389 training, and service expectations 304 00:09:08,390 --> 00:09:09,390 like food quality. 305 00:09:10,850 --> 00:09:12,309 As the City looks to adopt and 306 00:09:12,310 --> 00:09:13,729 implement the plan, Gray says the 307 00:09:13,730 --> 00:09:15,049 City will be leaning on its 308 00:09:15,050 --> 00:09:16,369 community partners to help bring 309 00:09:16,370 --> 00:09:18,369 some of these needs to fruition, 310 00:09:18,370 --> 00:09:19,609 especially as the City navigates 311 00:09:19,610 --> 00:09:21,249 budget constraints. 312 00:09:21,250 --> 00:09:22,469 One of those partners will be the 313 00:09:22,470 --> 00:09:23,749 Ending Community Homelessness 314 00:09:23,750 --> 00:09:25,439 Coalition, or ECHO. 315 00:09:25,440 --> 00:09:27,339 The organization recently announced 316 00:09:27,340 --> 00:09:28,919 a new program called Right at Home 317 00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:30,079 that will provide financial 318 00:09:30,080 --> 00:09:31,699 assistance to more than 1,000 319 00:09:31,700 --> 00:09:33,659 families in Austin. 320 00:09:33,660 --> 00:09:35,219 Ashley Hamilton is the manager for 321 00:09:35,220 --> 00:09:36,359 the new program. 322 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:37,759 She says the goal is to keep people 323 00:09:37,760 --> 00:09:39,519 housed by stepping in before they 324 00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:40,729 hit a crisis point. 325 00:09:40,730 --> 00:09:42,389 And when we talk about a person 326 00:09:42,390 --> 00:09:44,709 being able to 327 00:09:44,710 --> 00:09:46,509 have income, well, in order for them 328 00:09:46,510 --> 00:09:48,329 to have income, they need to be able 329 00:09:48,330 --> 00:09:49,329 to get to their car. 330 00:09:49,330 --> 00:09:50,749 Maybe their car broke down. 331 00:09:52,030 --> 00:09:53,529 They need to able to pay for the 332 00:09:53,530 --> 00:09:55,489 repairs. That all contributes to 333 00:09:55,490 --> 00:09:56,409 them staying housed. 334 00:09:56,410 --> 00:09:57,669 If they can't get to work, they can 335 00:09:57,670 --> 00:09:58,909 pay their rent. If they pay their 336 00:09:58,910 --> 00:10:00,889 own rent, then eventually the 337 00:10:00,890 --> 00:10:01,029 eviction 338 00:10:01,030 --> 00:10:02,629 process comes in. 339 00:10:02,630 --> 00:10:04,029 She says the same could apply to 340 00:10:04,030 --> 00:10:05,870 child care costs or medical care. 341 00:10:06,970 --> 00:10:08,709 Hamilton says her organization and 342 00:10:08,710 --> 00:10:10,289 others are doing everything they can 343 00:10:10,290 --> 00:10:11,849 to help people, but they are at a 344 00:10:11,850 --> 00:10:13,909 turning point and hopefully this 345 00:10:13,910 --> 00:10:15,579 new plan will help guide them. 346 00:10:15,580 --> 00:10:17,539 We are now stepping into 347 00:10:17,540 --> 00:10:19,699 a time where we're acknowledging 348 00:10:19,700 --> 00:10:21,699 that our current kind 349 00:10:21,700 --> 00:10:23,619 of system isn't working 350 00:10:23,620 --> 00:10:25,539 to the best that we think 351 00:10:25,540 --> 00:10:26,579 that it could be. 352 00:10:26,580 --> 00:10:28,399 And it may take us to do some things 353 00:10:28,400 --> 00:10:30,219 a little bit differently in 354 00:10:30,220 --> 00:10:32,639 order to really achieve 355 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:33,599 the goals. 356 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:35,259 Tony Carter says all this work is 357 00:10:35,260 --> 00:10:37,259 good, but he hopes the city plan is 358 00:10:37,260 --> 00:10:38,599 thorough enough to help the people 359 00:10:38,600 --> 00:10:40,439 who really need it, because there 360 00:10:40,440 --> 00:10:42,699 are still thousands living unhoused 361 00:10:42,700 --> 00:10:43,700 in Austin. 362 00:10:44,460 --> 00:10:46,559 I'm Luz Moreno Lozano in Austin 363 00:10:47,960 --> 00:10:49,879 And now some sad news to share 364 00:10:49,880 --> 00:10:51,559 that happened since we were last on 365 00:10:51,560 --> 00:10:53,219 the airwaves with you. 366 00:10:53,220 --> 00:10:55,859 John D. Graham died on Friday. 367 00:10:55,860 --> 00:10:57,519 His musical career started when he 368 00:10:57,520 --> 00:10:59,019 left behind the classrooms and 369 00:10:59,020 --> 00:11:00,779 student life here at UT Austin to 370 00:11:00,780 --> 00:11:02,279 join the Skunks. 371 00:11:02,280 --> 00:11:03,879 The band would go on to open for 372 00:11:03,880 --> 00:11:05,999 seminal acts like Ramones and The 373 00:11:06,000 --> 00:11:07,739 Clash and were inducted into the 374 00:11:07,740 --> 00:11:11,299 Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2008. 375 00:11:11,300 --> 00:11:12,679 Graham would move on from the group 376 00:11:12,680 --> 00:11:14,339 and link up with many other artists 377 00:11:14,340 --> 00:11:16,139 including Luanne Barton, Kelly 378 00:11:16,140 --> 00:11:17,749 Willis, and Patti Griffin. 379 00:11:17,750 --> 00:11:19,289 And Graham joined forces with 380 00:11:19,290 --> 00:11:21,429 Alejandro Escovedo in the band True 381 00:11:21,430 --> 00:11:22,509 Believers. 382 00:11:22,510 --> 00:11:24,309 And yet, many Austinites will 383 00:11:24,310 --> 00:11:26,349 remember him for his solo work 384 00:11:26,350 --> 00:11:28,169 and his regular presence at the 385 00:11:28,170 --> 00:11:30,969 Continental Club on South Congress. 386 00:11:30,970 --> 00:11:33,069 Our friend Lori Gallardo from KUTX 387 00:11:33,070 --> 00:11:34,949 said Graham's songs would quote, 388 00:11:34,950 --> 00:11:36,889 connect to the soul in ways you 389 00:11:36,890 --> 00:11:39,249 didn't think possible. 390 00:11:39,250 --> 00:11:40,489 We're gonna have a link to a Studio 391 00:11:40,490 --> 00:11:42,369 1A performance that Graham did back 392 00:11:42,370 --> 00:11:44,589 in 2016 in today's 393 00:11:44,590 --> 00:11:45,589 show notes. 394 00:11:45,590 --> 00:11:47,769 John D. Graham was 67 395 00:11:47,770 --> 00:11:48,770 years old. 396 00:11:53,020 --> 00:11:55,139 Little Adaloo-Bee-Loo 397 00:12:01,270 --> 00:12:03,169 This is Austin Signal, welcome 398 00:12:03,170 --> 00:12:04,089 back. 399 00:12:04,090 --> 00:12:06,009 We could debate all day long 400 00:12:06,010 --> 00:12:08,249 about whether Austin is still 401 00:12:08,250 --> 00:12:10,129 weird, but sometimes it 402 00:12:10,130 --> 00:12:11,949 is undeniable. 403 00:12:11,950 --> 00:12:14,269 We got a question for KUT's ATXplain 404 00:12:14,270 --> 00:12:16,329 project about a person whose whole 405 00:12:16,330 --> 00:12:19,349 thing is getting noticed. 406 00:12:19,350 --> 00:12:21,189 KUT's Matt Largey has the 407 00:12:21,190 --> 00:12:22,190 story. 408 00:12:22,980 --> 00:12:24,899 Ardiabello doesn't remember exactly 409 00:12:24,900 --> 00:12:26,499 when he first saw him. 410 00:12:26,500 --> 00:12:27,799 It was a few years ago. 411 00:12:27,800 --> 00:12:29,139 He and his wife were living in South 412 00:12:29,140 --> 00:12:29,979 Austin. 413 00:12:29,980 --> 00:12:31,079 They were driving through the 414 00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:32,759 intersection at South First and 415 00:12:32,760 --> 00:12:34,019 Barton Springs Road. 416 00:12:34,020 --> 00:12:37,139 We notice this person dancing, 417 00:12:37,140 --> 00:12:38,559 rapping, having the time of their 418 00:12:38,560 --> 00:12:40,579 lives, and it appears to be a young 419 00:12:40,580 --> 00:12:41,999 gentleman not doing anything wrong, 420 00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:43,019 not bothering anybody. 421 00:12:43,020 --> 00:12:44,489 They'd go through this area a lot. 422 00:12:44,490 --> 00:12:45,490 Let's see them again. 423 00:12:46,650 --> 00:12:47,979 I would say close to 90. 424 00:12:47,980 --> 00:12:49,739 Percent of the time we drive by. 425 00:12:49,740 --> 00:12:51,639 Same corner every time, 426 00:12:51,640 --> 00:12:52,999 looking like he's having the time of 427 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:55,059 his life every time. 428 00:12:55,060 --> 00:12:57,619 In a city known for its characters, 429 00:12:57,620 --> 00:12:59,299 this man stood out. 430 00:12:59,300 --> 00:13:00,679 It didn't look like he was just 431 00:13:00,680 --> 00:13:02,119 hanging out on a street corner. 432 00:13:02,120 --> 00:13:04,079 There was no sign plugging his 433 00:13:04,080 --> 00:13:05,959 Instagram, no Venmo code 434 00:13:05,960 --> 00:13:07,559 asking for money. 435 00:13:07,560 --> 00:13:09,559 Could it be a dude who 436 00:13:09,560 --> 00:13:12,059 was just genuinely out there? 437 00:13:12,060 --> 00:13:13,479 We were just interested, how are you 438 00:13:13,480 --> 00:13:15,479 having such a great time? 439 00:13:15,480 --> 00:13:16,839 And I'm sure some other people 440 00:13:16,840 --> 00:13:18,979 wonder, what are you up to? 441 00:13:18,980 --> 00:13:20,119 So Artie asked A.T. 442 00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:21,779 To explain about him, and one 443 00:13:21,780 --> 00:13:23,379 evening, I went to go find out. 444 00:13:29,220 --> 00:13:30,419 This is my spot. 445 00:13:30,420 --> 00:13:31,779 When you come here, you will see 446 00:13:31,780 --> 00:13:31,969 the. 447 00:13:31,970 --> 00:13:33,969 Man, he gets there a little after 448 00:13:33,970 --> 00:13:34,869 5 p.m. 449 00:13:34,870 --> 00:13:36,429 And time for rush hour. 450 00:13:36,430 --> 00:13:38,209 He's wearing something that will 451 00:13:38,210 --> 00:13:39,689 attract your attention He looks 452 00:13:39,690 --> 00:13:40,509 pretty sharp. 453 00:13:40,510 --> 00:13:42,709 He'll stay all evening dancing 454 00:13:42,710 --> 00:13:44,799 singing rapping waving 455 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:46,019 By now, everybody know I'm not 456 00:13:46,020 --> 00:13:47,899 crazy. But if they didn't know, 457 00:13:47,900 --> 00:13:48,979 let me just go ahead and answer that 458 00:13:48,980 --> 00:13:50,200 question too. I'm now crazy. 459 00:13:51,380 --> 00:13:52,929 I'm nowhere near crazy. 460 00:13:52,930 --> 00:13:55,449 His name is Broderick Cornelius 461 00:13:55,450 --> 00:13:56,829 James, Jr. 462 00:13:56,830 --> 00:13:58,649 AKA Primetime 463 00:13:58,650 --> 00:14:00,889 King, AKA Positive Thinking King, 464 00:14:00,890 --> 00:14:01,299 P.O. 465 00:14:01,300 --> 00:14:02,300 WEIRD! 466 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:05,139 He says he's out on this corner more 467 00:14:05,140 --> 00:14:07,839 than 300 days a year. 468 00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:09,099 A lot of what he does is more like 469 00:14:09,100 --> 00:14:09,939 pantomime. 470 00:14:09,940 --> 00:14:11,479 The microphone that he holds doesn't 471 00:14:11,480 --> 00:14:12,299 do anything. 472 00:14:12,300 --> 00:14:13,499 It's just a prop. 473 00:14:13,500 --> 00:14:14,959 He raps or sings along with the 474 00:14:14,960 --> 00:14:16,639 music in his headphones. 475 00:14:16,640 --> 00:14:18,559 At times, he seems lost in 476 00:14:18,560 --> 00:14:19,469 the performance. 477 00:14:19,470 --> 00:14:21,469 It's an actual unofficial show, 478 00:14:21,470 --> 00:14:22,889 not a real show, like, but it's an 479 00:14:22,890 --> 00:14:24,769 actually unofficial show that people 480 00:14:24,770 --> 00:14:26,669 are actually invited 481 00:14:26,670 --> 00:14:28,409 into the show with me standing at 482 00:14:28,410 --> 00:14:29,129 the red light. 483 00:14:29,130 --> 00:14:31,389 He calls it Invisible Theater. 484 00:14:31,390 --> 00:14:34,029 Invisible theater means everybody 485 00:14:34,030 --> 00:14:35,449 is my audience. 486 00:14:35,450 --> 00:14:37,269 If they spend a moment or five 487 00:14:37,270 --> 00:14:39,089 or two minutes, I 488 00:14:39,090 --> 00:14:41,569 got two minutes to impress. 489 00:14:41,570 --> 00:14:43,529 So in that two minutes I might get 490 00:14:43,530 --> 00:14:45,249 a couple people who will look my 491 00:14:45,250 --> 00:14:46,929 way, that's the audience. 492 00:14:46,930 --> 00:14:48,549 Every few minutes, someone stops at 493 00:14:48,550 --> 00:14:49,849 the light, rolls down their window, 494 00:14:49,850 --> 00:14:51,109 and shouts at him. 495 00:14:51,110 --> 00:14:52,489 These are the moments when Broderick 496 00:14:52,490 --> 00:14:53,869 really comes alive. 497 00:14:53,870 --> 00:14:54,870 What's up, man? 498 00:14:56,110 --> 00:14:57,360 I love you, man. 499 00:15:01,150 --> 00:15:02,150 He got somebody in the car. 500 00:15:03,849 --> 00:15:06,189 Broderick is 46 years old. 501 00:15:06,190 --> 00:15:07,729 He grew up in Atlanta, joined the 502 00:15:07,730 --> 00:15:10,249 army, got married, had kids. 503 00:15:10,250 --> 00:15:11,929 Things went downhill about 20 years 504 00:15:11,930 --> 00:15:13,989 ago. His marriage fell apart. 505 00:15:13,990 --> 00:15:15,009 He went to jail. 506 00:15:15,010 --> 00:15:15,989 He was having mental health 507 00:15:15,990 --> 00:15:17,109 problems. 508 00:15:17,110 --> 00:15:18,659 Things were really bad. 509 00:15:18,660 --> 00:15:20,719 I wanna kill myself, right? 510 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:22,319 I wanna commit suicide or whatever 511 00:15:22,320 --> 00:15:23,189 the word is. 512 00:15:23,190 --> 00:15:24,669 He spent some time in psychiatric 513 00:15:24,670 --> 00:15:25,589 treatment. 514 00:15:25,590 --> 00:15:27,279 A doctor there gave him some advice. 515 00:15:27,280 --> 00:15:29,159 She told me, you gotta find 516 00:15:29,160 --> 00:15:31,339 a way to replace your 517 00:15:31,340 --> 00:15:32,979 pain and what you went through to 518 00:15:32,980 --> 00:15:34,759 make you wanna do that. 519 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:36,139 You gotta find something in the 520 00:15:36,140 --> 00:15:37,979 community to do or in the world 521 00:15:37,980 --> 00:15:39,799 to do that can make you feel just 522 00:15:39,800 --> 00:15:41,779 like that pain made you feel 523 00:15:41,780 --> 00:15:42,780 in reverse. 524 00:15:44,930 --> 00:15:46,569 He did find something. 525 00:15:46,570 --> 00:15:47,749 If you've been around Austin long 526 00:15:47,750 --> 00:15:49,789 enough, you might remember, because 527 00:15:49,790 --> 00:15:51,569 this is not the first intersection 528 00:15:51,570 --> 00:15:52,709 he's been a fixture at. 529 00:15:52,710 --> 00:15:53,989 No, no it's not. 530 00:15:53,990 --> 00:15:55,049 It's not the first. Everybody know 531 00:15:55,050 --> 00:15:56,609 me from being on the other side of 532 00:15:56,610 --> 00:15:57,749 town in North Austin. 533 00:15:57,750 --> 00:15:59,649 Specifically, the intersection of 534 00:15:59,650 --> 00:16:01,249 Lamar and Runberg. 535 00:16:01,250 --> 00:16:03,429 For years, Broderick was known as 536 00:16:03,430 --> 00:16:05,889 the Runberg Running Man. 537 00:16:05,890 --> 00:16:07,849 The Running Man was famous, a 538 00:16:07,850 --> 00:16:09,389 mascot for the neighborhood. 539 00:16:09,390 --> 00:16:11,789 His superpower was positivity. 540 00:16:11,790 --> 00:16:13,209 This is from a short documentary he 541 00:16:13,210 --> 00:16:15,089 made about him back in 2013. 542 00:16:15,090 --> 00:16:16,849 I turned my community into a place 543 00:16:16,850 --> 00:16:18,089 that people want to see somebody be 544 00:16:18,090 --> 00:16:19,389 happy. That is the purpose why I'm 545 00:16:19,390 --> 00:16:20,869 here. Know what I'm saying? 546 00:16:20,870 --> 00:16:21,870 At the end of the day. 547 00:16:23,860 --> 00:16:25,539 Look at this. 548 00:16:25,540 --> 00:16:27,639 When everybody said it was negative, 549 00:16:27,640 --> 00:16:29,200 we turned it into something good. 550 00:16:30,240 --> 00:16:31,819 But over time, it became more than 551 00:16:31,820 --> 00:16:33,739 just running and dancing. 552 00:16:33,740 --> 00:16:35,379 People wanted him to be more of a 553 00:16:35,380 --> 00:16:37,659 leader to solve their problems, 554 00:16:37,660 --> 00:16:39,119 and he got burned out. 555 00:16:39,120 --> 00:16:41,279 I feel like they made me king, 556 00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:42,379 Martin King of that. 557 00:16:42,380 --> 00:16:43,579 Like up there, I became like 558 00:16:43,580 --> 00:16:45,479 somebody I never wanted to 559 00:16:45,480 --> 00:16:46,459 be. 560 00:16:46,460 --> 00:16:47,969 I never want to be the actor. 561 00:16:47,970 --> 00:16:50,169 He was more interested 562 00:16:50,170 --> 00:16:52,129 in being an artist. 563 00:16:52,130 --> 00:16:54,069 Plus he says the corner started 564 00:16:54,070 --> 00:16:55,729 to get more dangerous. 565 00:16:55,730 --> 00:16:57,549 Broderick put ten years into being 566 00:16:57,550 --> 00:16:58,769 the running man. 567 00:16:58,770 --> 00:17:00,829 And then he stopped. 568 00:17:00,830 --> 00:17:01,859 Then he left. 569 00:17:01,860 --> 00:17:03,259 Even though I left Rumburg, I had to 570 00:17:03,260 --> 00:17:05,299 replace it with another corner. 571 00:17:05,300 --> 00:17:06,699 Like, I could not just leave 572 00:17:06,700 --> 00:17:08,318 Rumburgh and not have, I have to 573 00:17:08,319 --> 00:17:10,159 find another corner, had to, because 574 00:17:10,160 --> 00:17:11,420 this is my lifeline. 575 00:17:13,659 --> 00:17:15,618 In 2022, Broderick moved 576 00:17:15,619 --> 00:17:17,739 to an apartment in South Austin. 577 00:17:17,740 --> 00:17:19,159 One day, he came out to Barton 578 00:17:19,160 --> 00:17:20,858 Springs in South First. 579 00:17:20,859 --> 00:17:22,578 He stood on the northeast corner, 580 00:17:22,579 --> 00:17:24,559 looked out at the intersection, and 581 00:17:24,560 --> 00:17:26,799 he knew this was the place. 582 00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:29,299 I saw this as my sanctuary and 583 00:17:29,300 --> 00:17:31,199 I was like, this is where I'm 584 00:17:31,200 --> 00:17:33,039 going to perform until I die. 585 00:17:35,560 --> 00:17:36,899 If The Rendered Running Man was 586 00:17:36,900 --> 00:17:39,079 about inspiring a community, 587 00:17:39,080 --> 00:17:40,599 Bradwick's new character isn't too 588 00:17:40,600 --> 00:17:41,639 far off. 589 00:17:41,640 --> 00:17:43,399 If The Running Man is Martin Luther 590 00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:45,339 King, he says this version 591 00:17:45,340 --> 00:17:47,219 is the spiritual descendant 592 00:17:47,220 --> 00:17:48,249 of Leslie Cochran. 593 00:17:48,250 --> 00:17:49,949 We know Leslie is the king or slash 594 00:17:49,950 --> 00:17:51,549 queen of weird. 595 00:17:51,550 --> 00:17:53,509 So let me be the kingpin. 596 00:17:53,510 --> 00:17:54,789 I'ma be the other side. 597 00:17:54,790 --> 00:17:56,439 I'm gonna be the part of the corn. 598 00:17:56,440 --> 00:17:57,939 Leslie was, of course, the 599 00:17:57,940 --> 00:17:59,879 cross-dressing, thong-wearing icon 600 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:01,919 of Austin weirdness in the late 90s 601 00:18:01,920 --> 00:18:03,119 and 2000s. 602 00:18:03,120 --> 00:18:04,889 He died in 2012. 603 00:18:04,890 --> 00:18:06,969 I honor the king, 604 00:18:06,970 --> 00:18:08,189 he's the peak. 605 00:18:08,190 --> 00:18:09,449 You can't have anything without a 606 00:18:09,450 --> 00:18:10,529 foundation. 607 00:18:10,530 --> 00:18:11,929 I'm on his foundation. 608 00:18:11,930 --> 00:18:13,749 This is weird Austin, this is Leslie 609 00:18:13,750 --> 00:18:15,569 Austin, and I'll get a chance to 610 00:18:15,570 --> 00:18:17,289 continue his legacy. 611 00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:21,619 As I watch Broderick do his thing, 612 00:18:21,620 --> 00:18:23,039 a couple of teenage boys tear up to 613 00:18:23,040 --> 00:18:24,140 him on these electric bikes. 614 00:18:26,640 --> 00:18:27,739 At first, I think they're going to 615 00:18:27,740 --> 00:18:29,759 give him a hard time, but then 616 00:18:29,760 --> 00:18:30,810 the high fives start going up. 617 00:18:33,330 --> 00:18:35,069 And it's clear that they came here 618 00:18:35,070 --> 00:18:36,949 to see him, to joke around, to 619 00:18:36,950 --> 00:18:37,989 say hi. 620 00:18:37,990 --> 00:18:39,889 He's a fixture in their lives. 621 00:18:39,890 --> 00:18:42,149 It's the idea of 622 00:18:42,150 --> 00:18:44,129 where I was when I wanted 623 00:18:44,130 --> 00:18:47,049 to commit, to not live anymore. 624 00:18:47,050 --> 00:18:49,009 Once I got free, 625 00:18:49,010 --> 00:18:51,149 this became like 626 00:18:51,150 --> 00:18:52,749 the freedom. 627 00:18:52,750 --> 00:18:54,669 So for me, to be out here is 628 00:18:54,670 --> 00:18:56,169 to wave to everybody, to say what's 629 00:18:56,170 --> 00:18:58,129 up to everybody because this to 630 00:18:58,130 --> 00:18:59,769 me is my family. 631 00:18:59,770 --> 00:19:01,309 And just like family, it's not 632 00:19:01,310 --> 00:19:02,609 always fun. 633 00:19:02,610 --> 00:19:03,789 Some days he just doesn't have the 634 00:19:03,790 --> 00:19:05,989 energy. But he still comes out, 635 00:19:05,990 --> 00:19:07,989 gives it the energy he does have. 636 00:19:07,990 --> 00:19:09,629 Because you never know when someone 637 00:19:09,630 --> 00:19:11,149 is gonna need what you're putting 638 00:19:11,150 --> 00:19:12,150 out there. 639 00:19:12,489 --> 00:19:14,649 Everybody is looking for something, 640 00:19:14,650 --> 00:19:15,529 you know what I'm saying? I don't know 641 00:19:15,530 --> 00:19:17,249 what it is, maybe it's love, it's 642 00:19:17,250 --> 00:19:19,489 peace, a friendship, a connection. 643 00:19:19,490 --> 00:19:20,769 I'm not saying I'm giving them what 644 00:19:20,770 --> 00:19:22,569 they're looking for, but I'm giving 645 00:19:22,570 --> 00:19:24,389 them something that I guess to make 646 00:19:24,390 --> 00:19:26,369 them say, maybe this is enough 647 00:19:26,370 --> 00:19:28,509 like to keep going, because that's 648 00:19:28,510 --> 00:19:29,489 what the world want. 649 00:19:29,490 --> 00:19:31,449 People want to be encouraged. 650 00:19:31,450 --> 00:19:32,609 Give them a reason not to give up. 651 00:19:34,460 --> 00:19:35,919 But there's a danger to doing any 652 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:37,699 kind of public performance, at least 653 00:19:37,700 --> 00:19:39,099 as Broderick sees it. 654 00:19:39,100 --> 00:19:40,739 There's no doubt he's charismatic. 655 00:19:40,740 --> 00:19:42,259 He radiates confidence and 656 00:19:42,260 --> 00:19:43,519 positivity. 657 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:44,799 Just spending a few hours with him 658 00:19:44,800 --> 00:19:46,079 makes you want to be a better 659 00:19:46,080 --> 00:19:47,319 neighbor. 660 00:19:47,320 --> 00:19:48,859 For the Running Man, that meant 661 00:19:48,860 --> 00:19:50,819 people wanted more from him. 662 00:19:50,820 --> 00:19:52,499 He felt like they wanted him to 663 00:19:52,500 --> 00:19:54,139 fight their battles, to be the 664 00:19:54,140 --> 00:19:55,239 activist. 665 00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:57,239 Here on the other side of town, 666 00:19:57,240 --> 00:19:59,119 he says people wonder why he's 667 00:19:59,120 --> 00:19:59,999 out here on the street. 668 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:02,059 Doesn't he want to be more 669 00:20:02,060 --> 00:20:03,399 than this? 670 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:04,639 He tells me about a time when a 671 00:20:04,640 --> 00:20:06,039 woman in fancy business clothes 672 00:20:06,040 --> 00:20:07,519 stopped and asked him, is there 673 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:09,519 anything she could do to help him 674 00:20:09,520 --> 00:20:11,639 become more? 675 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:13,219 How could she help him fulfill his 676 00:20:13,220 --> 00:20:14,220 vision? 677 00:20:14,620 --> 00:20:16,119 And at the time, he didn't know what 678 00:20:16,120 --> 00:20:17,039 to say. 679 00:20:17,040 --> 00:20:18,619 He didn't have an answer. 680 00:20:18,620 --> 00:20:19,620 But he kept thinking about it. 681 00:20:21,240 --> 00:20:22,239 If she came back and asked that 682 00:20:22,240 --> 00:20:25,019 question, I'm no longer clueless. 683 00:20:25,020 --> 00:20:26,140 The answer would be no. 684 00:20:27,360 --> 00:20:28,679 There's nothing she can do to help 685 00:20:28,680 --> 00:20:29,680 me. 686 00:20:30,360 --> 00:20:32,399 He's already living the dream. 687 00:20:32,400 --> 00:20:34,219 The vision, he says, is 688 00:20:34,220 --> 00:20:35,789 already realized. 689 00:20:35,790 --> 00:20:37,669 I don't want this 690 00:20:37,670 --> 00:20:40,069 life-changing, 691 00:20:40,070 --> 00:20:42,189 aha, revelational 692 00:20:42,190 --> 00:20:44,009 message of what I'm trying 693 00:20:44,010 --> 00:20:46,349 to do for the world and 694 00:20:46,350 --> 00:20:48,869 Nobel Peace Prize, no. 695 00:20:48,870 --> 00:20:50,689 We've already reached that 696 00:20:50,690 --> 00:20:51,829 already. 697 00:20:51,830 --> 00:20:53,369 This is it. 698 00:20:53,370 --> 00:20:54,370 This is what you get. 699 00:20:58,300 --> 00:20:59,639 It sounds simple. 700 00:20:59,640 --> 00:21:00,979 Show up in the same corner almost 701 00:21:00,980 --> 00:21:02,039 every day. 702 00:21:02,040 --> 00:21:03,679 Give folks who come by a wave or a 703 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:04,819 high five. 704 00:21:04,820 --> 00:21:06,159 Put on a show for people who are 705 00:21:06,160 --> 00:21:07,139 late for dinner. 706 00:21:07,140 --> 00:21:08,239 People resting to pick up their 707 00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:09,099 kids. 708 00:21:09,100 --> 00:21:11,219 People who avoid making eye contact. 709 00:21:11,220 --> 00:21:12,419 Make them smile. 710 00:21:12,420 --> 00:21:13,739 Help them chill out at the red 711 00:21:13,740 --> 00:21:14,679 light. 712 00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:16,559 Let them know weirdness is 713 00:21:16,560 --> 00:21:17,560 still alive. 714 00:21:18,320 --> 00:21:19,719 In a city where people want you to 715 00:21:19,720 --> 00:21:21,019 be more, be bigger, 716 00:21:22,060 --> 00:21:23,460 maybe the invisible theater. 717 00:21:25,200 --> 00:21:27,259 I love the smallness of 718 00:21:27,260 --> 00:21:29,419 my name, not making 719 00:21:29,420 --> 00:21:31,719 it bigger than it needs to be. 720 00:21:31,720 --> 00:21:33,099 You got the stars for big. 721 00:21:34,240 --> 00:21:36,799 I want to be small, 722 00:21:36,800 --> 00:21:38,119 compact. You can pull up on me and 723 00:21:38,120 --> 00:21:39,659 say you love me like you do. 724 00:21:39,660 --> 00:21:40,660 That's what I want. 725 00:21:50,040 --> 00:21:51,399 I'm Matt Largey in Austin. 726 00:21:54,260 --> 00:21:56,099 If you or someone you know is 727 00:21:56,100 --> 00:21:58,299 experiencing thoughts of suicide, 728 00:21:58,300 --> 00:22:00,119 the 988 Suicide and 729 00:22:00,120 --> 00:22:03,179 Crisis Lifeline offers 24-7 730 00:22:03,180 --> 00:22:04,619 support. 731 00:22:04,620 --> 00:22:06,439 That story was originally part 732 00:22:06,440 --> 00:22:08,439 of our most recent AT Explain live 733 00:22:08,440 --> 00:22:10,299 show. Our next show, show 734 00:22:10,300 --> 00:22:12,279 number 10 with brand new stories, 735 00:22:12,280 --> 00:22:14,319 is coming up on May 21st at Bass 736 00:22:14,320 --> 00:22:15,339 Concert Hall. 737 00:22:15,340 --> 00:22:16,539 You can get tickets at 738 00:22:16,540 --> 00:22:19,619 TexasPerformingArts.org. 739 00:22:19,620 --> 00:22:21,459 One last thing before we get you out 740 00:22:21,460 --> 00:22:23,439 of here today, the Texas women's 741 00:22:23,440 --> 00:22:24,579 basketball team will play this 742 00:22:24,580 --> 00:22:26,319 evening for a spot in their second 743 00:22:26,320 --> 00:22:28,179 consecutive final four. 744 00:22:28,180 --> 00:22:30,199 The 1C Longhorns will face 745 00:22:30,200 --> 00:22:31,959 Michigan with tip-off scheduled for 746 00:22:31,960 --> 00:22:32,859 six o'clock. 747 00:22:32,860 --> 00:22:34,219 The win tonight would send the Horns 748 00:22:34,220 --> 00:22:35,799 to Phoenix for another game on 749 00:22:35,800 --> 00:22:39,279 Friday night against UCLA. 750 00:22:39,280 --> 00:22:41,019 That is it for today's show. 751 00:22:41,020 --> 00:22:42,319 Thank you for starting off the week 752 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:43,439 here with us. 753 00:22:43,440 --> 00:22:45,439 You can find more about us 754 00:22:45,440 --> 00:22:47,719 at kut.org 755 00:22:47,720 --> 00:22:49,469 slash signal. 756 00:22:49,470 --> 00:22:51,209 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 757 00:22:51,210 --> 00:22:53,069 director and Kristin Cabrera is 758 00:22:53,070 --> 00:22:54,929 our managing producer. 759 00:22:54,930 --> 00:22:56,409 I'm your host Jerry Quijano. 760 00:22:56,410 --> 00:22:57,970 We will talk to you tomorrow.