1 00:00:08,470 --> 00:00:10,409 Have you encountered an e-moto 2 00:00:10,410 --> 00:00:12,229 on the streets of Austin, these 3 00:00:12,230 --> 00:00:13,549 high-speed electric bikes that are 4 00:00:13,550 --> 00:00:15,509 capable of reaching motorcycle-like 5 00:00:15,510 --> 00:00:16,349 speeds? 6 00:00:16,350 --> 00:00:17,749 That's got some Austinites concerned 7 00:00:17,750 --> 00:00:19,229 about their safety. 8 00:00:19,230 --> 00:00:20,409 We're going to tell you what the 9 00:00:20,410 --> 00:00:21,829 Austin City Council is considering 10 00:00:21,830 --> 00:00:23,689 for these e-motos. 11 00:00:23,690 --> 00:00:25,009 And the school year is over, but 12 00:00:25,010 --> 00:00:26,269 there's no break for the many things 13 00:00:26,270 --> 00:00:27,449 the Austin Independent School 14 00:00:27,450 --> 00:00:29,289 District has to consider, including 15 00:00:29,290 --> 00:00:31,189 a budget deficit, how the 16 00:00:31,190 --> 00:00:33,269 money problems got so bad, and how 17 00:00:33,270 --> 00:00:34,669 they're hoping to address it. 18 00:00:34,670 --> 00:00:36,489 More about these stories coming up 19 00:00:36,490 --> 00:00:37,759 on today's show. 20 00:00:37,760 --> 00:00:39,659 The Austin Signal is a production 21 00:00:39,660 --> 00:00:41,759 of KUT News, hosted by 22 00:00:41,760 --> 00:00:42,909 Jerry Quijano. 23 00:00:42,910 --> 00:00:44,569 And the dog days of summer are 24 00:00:44,570 --> 00:00:46,489 creeping up on us, but Austin dogs 25 00:00:46,490 --> 00:00:48,329 have one less place to beat the heat 26 00:00:48,330 --> 00:00:50,329 after a favorite hang closed down 27 00:00:50,330 --> 00:00:51,549 over the weekend. 28 00:00:51,550 --> 00:00:53,089 We're gonna take you out there, and 29 00:00:53,090 --> 00:00:54,649 we're gonna have some doodling for 30 00:00:54,650 --> 00:00:56,469 ya. It's coming up next, and it's 31 00:00:56,470 --> 00:00:58,429 right here on Austin Signal. 32 00:01:07,460 --> 00:01:09,419 Howdy out there, you are tuned in to 33 00:01:09,420 --> 00:01:10,459 Austin Signal. 34 00:01:10,460 --> 00:01:12,119 I'm your host, Jerry Kiechanel. 35 00:01:12,120 --> 00:01:13,859 It's June 1st, the start of a new 36 00:01:13,860 --> 00:01:15,139 week and a new month. 37 00:01:15,140 --> 00:01:16,799 Glad you're starting it here with 38 00:01:16,800 --> 00:01:17,800 us. 39 00:01:18,500 --> 00:01:19,999 Austin City Council passed recently 40 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:21,899 new regulations aimed at regulating 41 00:01:21,900 --> 00:01:23,739 pocket bikes and other e-bikes. 42 00:01:23,740 --> 00:01:25,379 These bikes tend to be ridden by 43 00:01:25,380 --> 00:01:26,639 teenagers around neighborhood 44 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:28,699 streets, and they've been growing in 45 00:01:28,700 --> 00:01:30,399 popularity, and they become a 46 00:01:30,400 --> 00:01:32,579 growing concern for some Austinites. 47 00:01:32,580 --> 00:01:34,099 For more, we are talking with Sam 48 00:01:34,100 --> 00:01:35,599 Stark, government reporter for 49 00:01:35,600 --> 00:01:36,959 Austin Current. Welcome back to the 50 00:01:36,960 --> 00:01:38,859 show, Sam. Thanks so much, Jerry. 51 00:01:38,860 --> 00:01:40,739 So first tell us exactly what 52 00:01:40,740 --> 00:01:41,819 we're talking about when we're 53 00:01:41,820 --> 00:01:43,339 taking about these electric bikes. 54 00:01:43,340 --> 00:01:44,699 Can you tell us, describe them a 55 00:01:44,700 --> 00:01:46,159 little bit for us and how are they 56 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:47,699 different from like e-bikes that 57 00:01:47,700 --> 00:01:48,999 people might be used to seeing on 58 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:49,789 their commute home? 59 00:01:49,790 --> 00:01:51,929 Yeah, so these are new class 60 00:01:51,930 --> 00:01:53,549 of electric bikes that have recently 61 00:01:53,550 --> 00:01:55,469 gotten more popular, especially 62 00:01:55,470 --> 00:01:57,509 among children and teenagers. 63 00:01:57,510 --> 00:01:59,329 They're called e-motorcycles or 64 00:01:59,330 --> 00:02:01,049 pocket bikes, and the city is now 65 00:02:01,050 --> 00:02:02,469 kind of referring to them as 66 00:02:02,470 --> 00:02:03,429 e-Motos. 67 00:02:03,430 --> 00:02:05,389 But they can go much faster than 68 00:02:05,390 --> 00:02:06,669 your typical e-bike that you just 69 00:02:06,670 --> 00:02:08,029 described. 70 00:02:08,030 --> 00:02:09,909 Those typically cap out at around 71 00:02:09,910 --> 00:02:11,349 28 miles per hour. 72 00:02:11,350 --> 00:02:13,269 I talked to a store owner who sells 73 00:02:13,270 --> 00:02:15,009 some of these bikes, he says that 74 00:02:15,010 --> 00:02:16,969 some of them can go over 60 75 00:02:16,970 --> 00:02:17,829 miles per hours. 76 00:02:17,830 --> 00:02:19,369 So that's the concern given the 77 00:02:19,370 --> 00:02:21,239 people who are mostly riding them, 78 00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:22,879 don't have licenses, or know the 79 00:02:22,880 --> 00:02:23,719 rules of the road. 80 00:02:23,720 --> 00:02:25,319 Okay so yeah I've seen a few people 81 00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:26,979 riding these e-motos and they tend 82 00:02:26,980 --> 00:02:28,579 to have these big helmets like 83 00:02:28,580 --> 00:02:30,799 motorcycle riders versus like my 84 00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:33,139 tiny smaller bicycle 85 00:02:33,140 --> 00:02:35,019 helmet so is that why 86 00:02:35,020 --> 00:02:36,999 city council is discussing these 87 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:38,879 e motos because they just present 88 00:02:38,880 --> 00:02:39,969 a little bit more danger. 89 00:02:39,970 --> 00:02:41,889 Yeah, they can go 90 00:02:41,890 --> 00:02:44,129 the speeds more so like a 91 00:02:44,130 --> 00:02:45,969 motorcycle rather than a 92 00:02:45,970 --> 00:02:48,189 bike. And the issue here is, 93 00:02:48,190 --> 00:02:49,889 like I said, a lot of people who are 94 00:02:49,890 --> 00:02:51,950 riding them are kids and teenagers. 95 00:02:53,010 --> 00:02:54,909 And who's the Austin City 96 00:02:54,910 --> 00:02:56,329 Councilmember behind this? 97 00:02:56,330 --> 00:02:58,169 Yeah, so this has been 98 00:02:58,170 --> 00:03:00,269 an issue across the city, but it's 99 00:03:00,270 --> 00:03:02,329 particularly been a challenge for 100 00:03:02,330 --> 00:03:03,609 Southwest Austin. 101 00:03:03,610 --> 00:03:05,549 And that's the district 102 00:03:05,550 --> 00:03:07,949 that Councilmember Paige Ellis. 103 00:03:07,950 --> 00:03:09,889 Represents, so she 104 00:03:09,890 --> 00:03:11,869 filed a resolution aimed at further 105 00:03:11,870 --> 00:03:14,209 defining what these bikes in 106 00:03:14,210 --> 00:03:16,269 city code and regulating them 107 00:03:16,270 --> 00:03:17,769 could look like. 108 00:03:17,770 --> 00:03:19,649 So there currently is a Texas 109 00:03:19,650 --> 00:03:21,469 law already that says pocket 110 00:03:21,470 --> 00:03:23,289 bikes and mini motorbikes are not 111 00:03:23,290 --> 00:03:24,689 authorized for use on public 112 00:03:24,690 --> 00:03:26,529 streets, sidewalks, or bike 113 00:03:26,530 --> 00:03:28,669 paths, but still Ellis said there's 114 00:03:28,670 --> 00:03:30,569 a legal ambiguity surrounding 115 00:03:30,570 --> 00:03:32,089 the vehicles, which may have 116 00:03:32,090 --> 00:03:33,929 contributed to the growing presence 117 00:03:33,930 --> 00:03:35,189 in neighborhoods. 118 00:03:35,190 --> 00:03:37,109 Okay, so we've heard about some 119 00:03:37,110 --> 00:03:38,529 of the neighborhood concerns. 120 00:03:38,530 --> 00:03:39,669 Who are the people that are selling 121 00:03:39,670 --> 00:03:41,209 these Emotos, and what do they have 122 00:03:41,210 --> 00:03:41,969 to say? 123 00:03:41,970 --> 00:03:44,189 Yeah, so I spoke to that store 124 00:03:44,190 --> 00:03:46,329 owner I said earlier. 125 00:03:46,330 --> 00:03:48,149 He said rarely, he 126 00:03:48,150 --> 00:03:49,989 never had children coming into his 127 00:03:49,990 --> 00:03:52,089 store, but in the past year, 128 00:03:52,090 --> 00:03:54,229 now it's more of like a daily 129 00:03:54,230 --> 00:03:56,129 occurrence. He said that he's even 130 00:03:56,130 --> 00:03:58,329 considering drafting up 131 00:03:58,330 --> 00:04:00,369 sort of like waiver, so 132 00:04:00,370 --> 00:04:02,109 if there is an issue with these 133 00:04:02,110 --> 00:04:04,049 bikes and these kids riding them, 134 00:04:04,050 --> 00:04:05,849 that he is not legally responsible. 135 00:04:05,850 --> 00:04:07,489 But just because it is kind of like 136 00:04:07,490 --> 00:04:08,709 an emerging. 137 00:04:08,710 --> 00:04:10,369 Technology, or not necessarily 138 00:04:10,370 --> 00:04:11,689 emerging technology, but just an 139 00:04:11,690 --> 00:04:13,609 emerging, you know, 140 00:04:13,610 --> 00:04:15,699 popularity among these bikes. 141 00:04:15,700 --> 00:04:17,398 Okay, do we know how quickly some 142 00:04:17,399 --> 00:04:19,739 kind of action might come on this? 143 00:04:19,740 --> 00:04:21,458 Yeah, so on Thursday, the Austin 144 00:04:21,459 --> 00:04:23,719 City Council approved that 145 00:04:23,720 --> 00:04:25,899 ordinance that Ellis pushed forward. 146 00:04:25,900 --> 00:04:27,499 And it does a few things. 147 00:04:27,500 --> 00:04:29,239 It directs the city manager to 148 00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:31,099 define and regulate emotos 149 00:04:31,100 --> 00:04:32,959 in the city code, develop rules 150 00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:35,239 for licensing and operation, 151 00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:36,699 and establish penalties for 152 00:04:36,700 --> 00:04:37,759 violations. 153 00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:39,679 The resolution also looks to create 154 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:41,639 a public awareness campaign so 155 00:04:41,640 --> 00:04:43,779 more people can be aware of it. 156 00:04:43,780 --> 00:04:45,639 And then also review Austin Police 157 00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:47,059 Department training and enforcement 158 00:04:47,060 --> 00:04:48,619 practices, and then explore whether 159 00:04:48,620 --> 00:04:50,439 the city could establish a 160 00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:52,619 designated public area where riders 161 00:04:52,620 --> 00:04:54,579 could legally and safely use the 162 00:04:54,580 --> 00:04:55,599 vehicles. Because that was something 163 00:04:55,600 --> 00:04:57,519 that came up in the council meeting. 164 00:04:57,520 --> 00:04:59,599 We want kids to have 165 00:04:59,600 --> 00:05:01,679 somewhere to be outside, 166 00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:02,919 not stay on their phones all the 167 00:05:02,920 --> 00:05:04,839 time. And so they're just looking 168 00:05:04,840 --> 00:05:07,179 at ways like how can we allow 169 00:05:07,180 --> 00:05:09,019 kids and teenagers to continue to 170 00:05:09,020 --> 00:05:10,919 use this technology, but just in 171 00:05:10,920 --> 00:05:12,779 a safer area where it's not putting 172 00:05:12,780 --> 00:05:14,659 pedestrians and other 173 00:05:14,660 --> 00:05:16,269 vehicles at risk. 174 00:05:16,270 --> 00:05:18,009 All right, that is Sam Stark. 175 00:05:18,010 --> 00:05:19,209 He is the government reporter for 176 00:05:19,210 --> 00:05:20,169 Austin Current. 177 00:05:20,170 --> 00:05:21,789 They are a partner with the KUT 178 00:05:21,790 --> 00:05:23,709 Newsroom and Austin Signal in 179 00:05:23,710 --> 00:05:24,889 covering the city of Austin. 180 00:05:24,890 --> 00:05:25,909 We're gonna have a link to his 181 00:05:25,910 --> 00:05:27,749 reporting in today's show notes. 182 00:05:27,750 --> 00:05:28,629 Sam, great to see you. 183 00:05:28,630 --> 00:05:29,630 Thanks so much, Sherry. 184 00:05:35,290 --> 00:05:37,049 We have been talking a lot over the 185 00:05:37,050 --> 00:05:39,229 past school year about Austin ISD's 186 00:05:39,230 --> 00:05:41,509 budget issues, but for today's 187 00:05:41,510 --> 00:05:42,829 Reporter's Notebook, we wanted to 188 00:05:42,830 --> 00:05:44,809 take a closer look at why the 189 00:05:44,810 --> 00:05:46,669 district is facing that deficit to 190 00:05:46,670 --> 00:05:47,869 begin with. 191 00:05:47,870 --> 00:05:50,329 Greta Diaz-Gonzalez-Vasquez is KUT's 192 00:05:50,330 --> 00:05:51,869 education reporter, and she's with 193 00:05:51,870 --> 00:05:53,089 us now. Hi, Greta. 194 00:05:53,090 --> 00:05:54,049 Hey Jerry. 195 00:05:54,050 --> 00:05:55,809 So you have been reporting for a 196 00:05:55,810 --> 00:05:58,349 while on Austin ISD's budget woes, 197 00:05:58,350 --> 00:05:59,749 how it's affecting teachers, 198 00:05:59,750 --> 00:06:01,569 students, and parents, and how AISD 199 00:06:01,570 --> 00:06:03,509 is trying to balance the books. 200 00:06:03,510 --> 00:06:04,969 But let's rewind a little and talk 201 00:06:04,970 --> 00:06:06,349 about how we got here in the first 202 00:06:06,350 --> 00:06:07,129 place. 203 00:06:07,130 --> 00:06:09,289 So broadly speaking, why is 204 00:06:09,290 --> 00:06:11,079 AISC dealing with this deficit? 205 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:12,759 Yeah, so first of all, I want to 206 00:06:12,760 --> 00:06:13,679 talk about the number. 207 00:06:13,680 --> 00:06:15,279 It's a one hundred and eighty one 208 00:06:15,280 --> 00:06:17,319 million dollar deficit for next 209 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:18,359 school year. That's what they're 210 00:06:18,360 --> 00:06:19,559 looking at. That's where they're 211 00:06:19,560 --> 00:06:20,859 tackling. 212 00:06:20,860 --> 00:06:22,659 And I don't think that there's an 213 00:06:22,660 --> 00:06:24,299 easy answer to this because there's 214 00:06:24,300 --> 00:06:26,399 inflation, less kids, more 215 00:06:26,400 --> 00:06:28,239 empty seats, but also the per 216 00:06:28,240 --> 00:06:29,779 student allotment, how it has not 217 00:06:29,780 --> 00:06:31,799 kept up with inflation. 218 00:06:31,800 --> 00:06:33,499 Recapture comes up a lot and we can 219 00:06:33,500 --> 00:06:34,499 discuss it. 220 00:06:34,500 --> 00:06:36,099 But really, how schools are funded 221 00:06:36,100 --> 00:06:37,929 in Texas is a big one. 222 00:06:37,930 --> 00:06:39,269 Yeah, and one thing that gets 223 00:06:39,270 --> 00:06:40,329 brought up a lot in those 224 00:06:40,330 --> 00:06:42,209 discussions of AISD's 225 00:06:42,210 --> 00:06:43,529 budget woes is the Texas School 226 00:06:43,530 --> 00:06:45,329 Recapture System, sometimes referred 227 00:06:45,330 --> 00:06:47,429 to as the Robin Hood Plan. 228 00:06:47,430 --> 00:06:48,749 For people who might not be 229 00:06:48,750 --> 00:06:50,209 familiar, how does that plan work 230 00:06:50,210 --> 00:06:52,239 and how does it affect AIS? 231 00:06:52,240 --> 00:06:54,019 Yeah, so we would need to go back to 232 00:06:54,020 --> 00:06:55,499 how schools are funded to understand 233 00:06:55,500 --> 00:06:57,099 recapture, and this is going to be 234 00:06:57,100 --> 00:06:58,439 the simplified version. 235 00:06:58,440 --> 00:06:59,579 So there's the per student 236 00:06:59,580 --> 00:07:01,699 allotment, which is how much 237 00:07:01,700 --> 00:07:03,539 each district gets for 238 00:07:03,540 --> 00:07:04,919 each kid. 239 00:07:04,920 --> 00:07:06,859 Um, and then that is also based on 240 00:07:06,860 --> 00:07:08,979 attendance rate, not enrollment. 241 00:07:08,980 --> 00:07:10,959 And then, so the district gets 242 00:07:10,960 --> 00:07:12,439 a certain amount of money according 243 00:07:12,440 --> 00:07:14,619 how many kids go to school and 244 00:07:14,620 --> 00:07:16,499 then, um, recapture 245 00:07:16,500 --> 00:07:18,499 comes in because Property-rich 246 00:07:18,500 --> 00:07:20,799 districts get more money than 247 00:07:20,800 --> 00:07:23,289 those that... Are not property rich. 248 00:07:23,290 --> 00:07:24,789 And so those districts will give 249 00:07:24,790 --> 00:07:26,709 money to the state so the state can 250 00:07:26,710 --> 00:07:28,169 give it to the non-wealthy 251 00:07:28,170 --> 00:07:29,909 districts. It's really an equity 252 00:07:29,910 --> 00:07:31,789 tool across the state, but a lot 253 00:07:31,790 --> 00:07:33,849 of people say it really reduces 254 00:07:33,850 --> 00:07:36,049 state funding, the state's 255 00:07:36,050 --> 00:07:38,589 obligation to fund public schools. 256 00:07:38,590 --> 00:07:41,169 Now how does it affect AISD? 257 00:07:41,170 --> 00:07:43,029 Well, AISd's total revenue is 258 00:07:43,030 --> 00:07:44,989 a billion four hundred and fifty 259 00:07:44,990 --> 00:07:47,029 four million, that's for next school 260 00:07:47,030 --> 00:07:48,729 year, but they have to give back to 261 00:07:48,730 --> 00:07:51,099 the $608,604 million. 262 00:07:51,100 --> 00:07:52,219 Why? Because they have a certain 263 00:07:52,220 --> 00:07:53,999 amount of kids and a certain amount 264 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:55,079 of per student allotment that 265 00:07:55,080 --> 00:07:56,279 they're receiving. 266 00:07:56,280 --> 00:07:57,959 And so just so we have an idea of 267 00:07:57,960 --> 00:07:59,579 how much they give, but they have 268 00:07:59,580 --> 00:08:02,159 given back to the state from 2000, 269 00:08:02,160 --> 00:08:04,139 from year 2000, 2001, that school 270 00:08:04,140 --> 00:08:06,419 year till 2024, 271 00:08:06,420 --> 00:08:08,319 2025, AISD has 272 00:08:08,320 --> 00:08:11,079 given the state approximately $8.3 273 00:08:11,080 --> 00:08:13,719 billion in recapture, but 274 00:08:13,720 --> 00:08:15,759 a lot of people also say recapture 275 00:08:15,760 --> 00:08:17,479 is not the problem, or at least not 276 00:08:17,480 --> 00:08:18,749 recapture itself. 277 00:08:18,750 --> 00:08:20,749 Because even if they didn't 278 00:08:20,750 --> 00:08:22,709 pay that much in recapture, they 279 00:08:22,710 --> 00:08:24,829 wouldn't be able to keep the rest. 280 00:08:24,830 --> 00:08:26,189 The per student allotment, that's 281 00:08:26,190 --> 00:08:27,949 what people say. The real problem is 282 00:08:27,950 --> 00:08:29,469 the per student allotments because 283 00:08:29,470 --> 00:08:31,349 that's how much AISD is able 284 00:08:31,350 --> 00:08:32,308 to keep. 285 00:08:32,309 --> 00:08:34,129 And if that amount doesn't 286 00:08:34,130 --> 00:08:35,788 go up, then the district can't keep 287 00:08:35,789 --> 00:08:37,589 more money. And so that amount had 288 00:08:37,590 --> 00:08:39,769 been at 6,160 289 00:08:39,770 --> 00:08:40,908 per kid. 290 00:08:40,909 --> 00:08:43,229 It had been there since 291 00:08:43,230 --> 00:08:44,109 2019. 292 00:08:44,110 --> 00:08:46,699 And then last year it went up $55. 293 00:08:46,700 --> 00:08:48,299 You can imagine that does not keep 294 00:08:48,300 --> 00:08:49,599 up with inflation. 295 00:08:49,600 --> 00:08:51,499 And so if that per student allotment 296 00:08:51,500 --> 00:08:53,699 doesn't go up, then the 297 00:08:53,700 --> 00:08:55,519 districts will be struggling to keep 298 00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:57,309 up inflation. 299 00:08:57,310 --> 00:08:58,689 You mentioned property-rich 300 00:08:58,690 --> 00:08:59,509 districts. 301 00:08:59,510 --> 00:09:01,229 I gotta assume that Austin isn't the 302 00:09:01,230 --> 00:09:03,329 only city that qualifies for 303 00:09:03,330 --> 00:09:05,409 these property- rich districts. 304 00:09:05,410 --> 00:09:06,669 Are other districts being affected 305 00:09:06,670 --> 00:09:07,409 by this? 306 00:09:07,410 --> 00:09:09,469 Yes, I do have to say 307 00:09:09,470 --> 00:09:11,529 AISD is the one that gives the most 308 00:09:11,530 --> 00:09:13,709 to recapture and by quite a bit. 309 00:09:13,710 --> 00:09:15,189 But yes, a lot of districts are 310 00:09:15,190 --> 00:09:16,969 struggling with budget deficits this 311 00:09:16,970 --> 00:09:17,869 year. 312 00:09:17,870 --> 00:09:19,389 In central Texas, we see it in 313 00:09:19,390 --> 00:09:20,429 Haysie ISD. 314 00:09:20,430 --> 00:09:22,289 We also see it in Pflugerville, 315 00:09:22,290 --> 00:09:23,289 Leander. 316 00:09:23,290 --> 00:09:25,369 So there's a lot of districts across 317 00:09:25,370 --> 00:09:26,889 the state that are struggling. 318 00:09:26,890 --> 00:09:27,939 With budgets. 319 00:09:27,940 --> 00:09:29,779 Okay, so we've talked a lot today 320 00:09:29,780 --> 00:09:32,079 about the per-student allotment. 321 00:09:32,080 --> 00:09:33,499 What are the other factors that are 322 00:09:33,500 --> 00:09:34,979 more specific to Austin that are 323 00:09:34,980 --> 00:09:36,339 contributing to this budget 324 00:09:36,340 --> 00:09:37,189 shortfall? 325 00:09:37,190 --> 00:09:39,169 Yeah, so first of all, there's lower 326 00:09:39,170 --> 00:09:41,089 property values that affects what 327 00:09:41,090 --> 00:09:42,669 they called golden pennies, which 328 00:09:42,670 --> 00:09:44,969 are not subjected to recapture. 329 00:09:44,970 --> 00:09:46,609 But then there's also been a decline 330 00:09:46,610 --> 00:09:48,429 in enrollment in the last few years, 331 00:09:48,430 --> 00:09:50,049 which means the district gets less 332 00:09:50,050 --> 00:09:52,009 money and they still have to keep 333 00:09:52,010 --> 00:09:54,409 the same amount of buildings. 334 00:09:54,410 --> 00:09:56,289 We're seeing 10 schools closing 335 00:09:56,290 --> 00:09:57,229 this year. 336 00:09:57,230 --> 00:09:58,789 But there's also more recently 337 00:09:58,790 --> 00:10:01,169 impact of immigration. 338 00:10:01,170 --> 00:10:02,369 Families are afraid to take their 339 00:10:02,370 --> 00:10:04,609 kids to and so that affects 340 00:10:04,610 --> 00:10:06,189 attendance rates, which affects 341 00:10:06,190 --> 00:10:07,190 funding. 342 00:10:07,550 --> 00:10:09,549 AISD also offers a lot of 343 00:10:09,550 --> 00:10:11,009 extra things to student. 344 00:10:11,010 --> 00:10:14,068 And so just to give us an idea, 345 00:10:14,069 --> 00:10:15,889 the region average to spend 346 00:10:15,890 --> 00:10:18,349 per kid is $10,500. 347 00:10:19,510 --> 00:10:22,109 AISC spends 12,400. 348 00:10:22,110 --> 00:10:23,349 And this is because of a lot 349 00:10:23,350 --> 00:10:24,629 reasons, but there's also a lot 350 00:10:24,630 --> 00:10:26,269 extra. So we are seeing right now 351 00:10:26,270 --> 00:10:27,609 the superintendent has says we're 352 00:10:27,610 --> 00:10:28,909 looking at things line by line to 353 00:10:28,910 --> 00:10:30,769 make sure there's no extras 354 00:10:30,770 --> 00:10:32,489 that they don't need anymore and 355 00:10:32,490 --> 00:10:34,579 that that's where they can cut. 356 00:10:34,580 --> 00:10:36,079 Well, the school year wrapped up 357 00:10:36,080 --> 00:10:37,379 last week. You've been taking a look 358 00:10:37,380 --> 00:10:39,579 at how these school closures 359 00:10:39,580 --> 00:10:41,499 have impacted the communities here 360 00:10:41,500 --> 00:10:42,659 in Austin. 361 00:10:42,660 --> 00:10:43,479 Can you tell us a little bit about 362 00:10:43,480 --> 00:10:44,479 the stories that you've been 363 00:10:44,480 --> 00:10:45,429 reporting on? 364 00:10:45,430 --> 00:10:47,769 Yeah, so as the school year 365 00:10:47,770 --> 00:10:49,869 came to an end, I've been working 366 00:10:49,870 --> 00:10:51,989 on what we unofficially called 367 00:10:51,990 --> 00:10:53,869 a series of lasts, which 368 00:10:53,870 --> 00:10:55,269 I've been going to the schools that 369 00:10:55,270 --> 00:10:57,389 are closing or some of them and just 370 00:10:57,390 --> 00:10:59,109 getting the last of something, 371 00:10:59,110 --> 00:11:00,749 right? So I went to Betachek and we 372 00:11:00,750 --> 00:11:02,029 got their last track meet. 373 00:11:02,030 --> 00:11:03,869 And if they won or they didn't, it 374 00:11:03,870 --> 00:11:05,629 was their last chance at glory. 375 00:11:05,630 --> 00:11:06,869 I went to Becker. 376 00:11:06,870 --> 00:11:08,789 I got their last gardening class. 377 00:11:08,790 --> 00:11:10,389 Also last week, we went to the last 378 00:11:10,390 --> 00:11:12,449 senior walk and then the last lunch 379 00:11:12,450 --> 00:11:13,489 at top. 380 00:11:13,490 --> 00:11:15,329 So we're spending time with 381 00:11:15,330 --> 00:11:16,829 different people from different 382 00:11:16,830 --> 00:11:17,829 communities, you know, like 383 00:11:17,830 --> 00:11:19,669 teachers, coaches, 384 00:11:19,670 --> 00:11:21,909 lunch ladies, everybody, 385 00:11:21,910 --> 00:11:23,609 the thing that keeps coming up is 386 00:11:23,610 --> 00:11:24,589 bittersweet. 387 00:11:24,590 --> 00:11:25,909 You know, people are happy to be 388 00:11:25,910 --> 00:11:27,669 coming together for a last thing, 389 00:11:27,670 --> 00:11:29,309 but they're also sad that they won't 390 00:11:29,310 --> 00:11:31,029 see each other again. 391 00:11:31,030 --> 00:11:32,369 Yeah, and you've been reporting a 392 00:11:32,370 --> 00:11:34,329 lot this year about the budget 393 00:11:34,330 --> 00:11:36,189 and about the closures, very 394 00:11:36,190 --> 00:11:37,289 heavy stories. 395 00:11:37,290 --> 00:11:39,009 But what was it like to get back and 396 00:11:39,010 --> 00:11:40,869 talk to the actual 397 00:11:40,870 --> 00:11:42,509 students who are being affected by 398 00:11:42,510 --> 00:11:44,159 all these things that we talk about? 399 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:45,259 Oh my God, I love it. 400 00:11:45,260 --> 00:11:47,219 I think I have really enjoyed 401 00:11:47,220 --> 00:11:49,299 my time speaking to 402 00:11:49,300 --> 00:11:50,999 kids, like with kids just asking 403 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:53,059 questions because they surprise you 404 00:11:53,060 --> 00:11:54,939 with their answers. 405 00:11:54,940 --> 00:11:56,919 Last week I asked a kid what 406 00:11:56,920 --> 00:11:58,939 he liked the best about cafeteria, 407 00:11:58,940 --> 00:12:01,119 the food in his cafeteria 408 00:12:01,120 --> 00:12:03,059 and he said that 409 00:12:03,060 --> 00:12:04,579 he loved the food there, he loved 410 00:12:04,580 --> 00:12:06,539 burgers and that once he tried 411 00:12:06,540 --> 00:12:08,779 bringing food from home and 412 00:12:08,780 --> 00:12:10,299 that he didn't like it so he wasn't 413 00:12:10,300 --> 00:12:11,300 going to do that again. 414 00:12:12,900 --> 00:12:14,479 So yeah, it's been a lot of fun and 415 00:12:14,480 --> 00:12:16,319 just also seeing how much love there 416 00:12:16,320 --> 00:12:18,239 is in these communities and how 417 00:12:18,240 --> 00:12:19,839 they talk about each other. 418 00:12:19,840 --> 00:12:22,089 It's really heartwarming. 419 00:12:22,090 --> 00:12:23,449 Okay, we have been speaking with 420 00:12:23,450 --> 00:12:25,049 Greta Diaz-Gonzalez-Vasquez. 421 00:12:25,050 --> 00:12:27,089 She is KUT's education reporter. 422 00:12:27,090 --> 00:12:28,169 We're gonna have a link to her 423 00:12:28,170 --> 00:12:30,089 reporting in today's show notes. 424 00:12:30,090 --> 00:12:31,069 Greta, thanks for coming back on the 425 00:12:31,070 --> 00:12:31,309 show. 426 00:12:31,310 --> 00:12:32,599 Thank you, Jerry. 427 00:12:32,600 --> 00:12:34,239 And school leaders from across the 428 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:35,499 state are testifying today at a 429 00:12:35,500 --> 00:12:36,779 Texas House Public Education 430 00:12:36,780 --> 00:12:38,519 Committee hearing focused on the 431 00:12:38,520 --> 00:12:40,879 implementation of House Bill 2. 432 00:12:40,880 --> 00:12:41,979 That's the law passed last 433 00:12:41,980 --> 00:12:43,459 legislative session, increasing 434 00:12:43,460 --> 00:12:45,339 funding for teacher pay, educator 435 00:12:45,340 --> 00:12:47,239 training, and special education 436 00:12:47,240 --> 00:12:48,079 programs. 437 00:12:48,080 --> 00:12:49,539 We're gonna have an update on that 438 00:12:49,540 --> 00:12:51,699 hearing. That's tomorrow here on 439 00:12:51,700 --> 00:12:52,700 Austin Signal. 440 00:12:53,740 --> 00:12:55,619 The San Antonio Spurs are back 441 00:12:55,620 --> 00:12:57,379 in the NBA Finals where they will 442 00:12:57,380 --> 00:12:58,299 face the Eastern Conference 443 00:12:58,300 --> 00:13:00,209 Champion, New York Knicks. 444 00:13:00,210 --> 00:13:02,769 Austin Spurs' alums Kelden Johnson, 445 00:13:02,770 --> 00:13:04,269 Julian Ciampani, and Carter Bryan 446 00:13:04,270 --> 00:13:06,289 all scored in San Antonio's decisive 447 00:13:06,290 --> 00:13:08,169 Game 7 victory over the 448 00:13:08,170 --> 00:13:10,049 defending champion Thunder. 449 00:13:10,050 --> 00:13:12,089 Spurs have won 74 games this season, 450 00:13:12,090 --> 00:13:13,569 including a pair of victories at the 451 00:13:13,570 --> 00:13:16,029 Moody Center back in February. 452 00:13:16,030 --> 00:13:17,909 Tip-off for Game 1 is set 453 00:13:17,910 --> 00:13:19,829 for just after 7.30 on 454 00:13:19,830 --> 00:13:20,909 Wednesday night. 455 00:13:20,910 --> 00:13:22,829 This is Austin's Signal, and we will 456 00:13:22,830 --> 00:13:24,529 be back after this short break. 457 00:13:30,300 --> 00:13:32,679 This is Austin Signal, welcome back. 458 00:13:32,680 --> 00:13:34,499 After 11 years, the Dog 459 00:13:34,500 --> 00:13:36,419 Park plus bar combo, Yard 460 00:13:36,420 --> 00:13:37,599 Bar in Austin's Allendale 461 00:13:37,600 --> 00:13:39,679 neighborhood, has closed. 462 00:13:39,680 --> 00:13:41,619 But before its last day on Saturday, 463 00:13:41,620 --> 00:13:43,779 KUT intern Valeria Cruz-Boutron 464 00:13:43,780 --> 00:13:46,259 met a few pups and their owners, 465 00:13:46,260 --> 00:13:48,139 who decided to make the best of 466 00:13:48,140 --> 00:13:49,719 those last days. 467 00:13:49,720 --> 00:13:50,769 Woof, woof. 468 00:13:50,770 --> 00:13:52,009 My name is C. 469 00:13:52,010 --> 00:13:54,609 Robert Cargill and my dog is Nix. 470 00:13:54,610 --> 00:13:56,189 We've been coming to Yard Bar for 471 00:13:56,190 --> 00:13:58,789 about four years now. 472 00:13:58,790 --> 00:14:01,109 It's become a part of our 473 00:14:01,110 --> 00:14:02,249 daily routine. 474 00:14:02,250 --> 00:14:04,149 You know, we come here easily three, 475 00:14:04,150 --> 00:14:06,329 four times a week with her. 476 00:14:06,330 --> 00:14:07,809 Cause whenever she's getting 477 00:14:07,810 --> 00:14:09,809 rambunctious and wants some clearly 478 00:14:09,810 --> 00:14:11,529 just a walk isn't going to do, but 479 00:14:11,530 --> 00:14:13,369 she wants some, some dog 480 00:14:13,370 --> 00:14:14,889 play. This is where we like to bring 481 00:14:14,890 --> 00:14:15,969 her and wear her out. 482 00:14:15,970 --> 00:14:18,149 And also it allows us to sit and 483 00:14:18,150 --> 00:14:20,399 talk while she's having fun and 484 00:14:20,400 --> 00:14:21,939 talk with other folks who have dogs 485 00:14:21,940 --> 00:14:23,639 and then get to because we're dog 486 00:14:23,640 --> 00:14:24,859 lovers play with other dogs. 487 00:14:24,860 --> 00:14:27,019 So it's, you know, 488 00:14:27,020 --> 00:14:28,219 there's a whole lot of things that 489 00:14:28,220 --> 00:14:30,059 are going to absolutely leave 490 00:14:30,060 --> 00:14:32,279 a part of our, our routine. 491 00:14:32,280 --> 00:14:34,099 My name is Bailey Gilbert. 492 00:14:34,100 --> 00:14:36,459 And I'm Cass Tasarchik. 493 00:14:36,460 --> 00:14:38,619 Mine is Burke, B-U-R-K. 494 00:14:38,620 --> 00:14:40,519 And she just turned 10 years 495 00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:41,620 old last week. 496 00:14:43,420 --> 00:14:45,179 And this is where she gets her 497 00:14:45,180 --> 00:14:46,859 interaction. Our other pup's an old 498 00:14:46,860 --> 00:14:48,399 man, so she doesn't necessarily get 499 00:14:48,400 --> 00:14:50,139 that playtime at home. 500 00:14:50,140 --> 00:14:51,919 So we come here so she can run 501 00:14:51,920 --> 00:14:52,920 around. 502 00:14:53,120 --> 00:14:55,099 And this is Oliver, 503 00:14:55,100 --> 00:14:58,119 he is 13 going on 14, 504 00:14:58,120 --> 00:14:59,959 and he's a tabletop guy around 505 00:14:59,960 --> 00:15:00,919 these parts. 506 00:15:00,920 --> 00:15:02,119 So he spends most of the time, he'll 507 00:15:02,120 --> 00:15:03,439 probably do a lap, sniff the 508 00:15:03,440 --> 00:15:04,739 perimeter, and then make his way to 509 00:15:04,740 --> 00:15:06,140 the top of the table and not leave. 510 00:15:07,230 --> 00:15:09,189 I am Kristen Heaney-Clark 511 00:15:09,190 --> 00:15:11,189 and I am the founder 512 00:15:11,190 --> 00:15:13,169 and operating owner of Yard 513 00:15:13,170 --> 00:15:15,229 Bar. I was always kind of 514 00:15:15,230 --> 00:15:16,569 conflicted between whether or not I 515 00:15:16,570 --> 00:15:18,009 was going to take my dog out to the 516 00:15:18,010 --> 00:15:19,889 park and run him around or go 517 00:15:19,890 --> 00:15:21,629 meet my friends for happy hour. 518 00:15:21,630 --> 00:15:23,609 And so it seemed like there 519 00:15:23,610 --> 00:15:25,710 was probably a better way to do it. 520 00:15:26,850 --> 00:15:28,629 You know, in the 11 years that we've 521 00:15:28,630 --> 00:15:31,309 been here, I think the most 522 00:15:31,310 --> 00:15:33,429 incredible thing has 523 00:15:33,430 --> 00:15:34,769 been. 524 00:15:34,770 --> 00:15:36,469 The community that got built here. 525 00:15:36,470 --> 00:15:38,449 I don't know that I anticipated 526 00:15:38,450 --> 00:15:40,469 how much that would 527 00:15:40,470 --> 00:15:42,269 mean, how much this place would mean 528 00:15:42,270 --> 00:15:43,629 to other people. 529 00:15:44,830 --> 00:15:46,089 That's something I'm really, really 530 00:15:46,090 --> 00:15:48,049 proud of. That's that will 531 00:15:48,050 --> 00:15:50,669 live on long past 532 00:15:50,670 --> 00:15:52,669 Yard Bar's days at 6700 533 00:15:52,670 --> 00:15:53,670 Burnet Road. 534 00:15:54,410 --> 00:15:56,229 Hi, my name is Tim Harvey. 535 00:15:56,230 --> 00:15:58,569 We've been coming to Yard Bar since 536 00:15:58,570 --> 00:16:00,429 2019. 537 00:16:00,430 --> 00:16:02,409 It's where I first took my rocket as 538 00:16:02,410 --> 00:16:03,769 I rescued him. 539 00:16:03,770 --> 00:16:05,789 He came from a kill shelter 540 00:16:05,790 --> 00:16:07,709 going out in Bastrop and 541 00:16:07,710 --> 00:16:09,569 from a 542 00:16:09,570 --> 00:16:10,929 skittish dog to the most friendly 543 00:16:10,930 --> 00:16:13,209 dog I've ever known of I've owned. 544 00:16:13,210 --> 00:16:14,789 So I'd say, yeah, this little 545 00:16:14,790 --> 00:16:16,949 community we have here it actually 546 00:16:16,950 --> 00:16:18,509 helped me raise my dog to be who he 547 00:16:18,510 --> 00:16:19,889 is today. 548 00:16:19,890 --> 00:16:21,309 So yeah, friendship and family here 549 00:16:21,310 --> 00:16:22,789 has been definitely up there, the 550 00:16:22,790 --> 00:16:23,519 number one. 551 00:16:23,520 --> 00:16:25,459 Hi, my name is Alisa and 552 00:16:25,460 --> 00:16:27,299 my dog's name is brisket. 553 00:16:27,300 --> 00:16:28,619 Wiki, Alisa Wiki. 554 00:16:28,620 --> 00:16:30,039 It's just so fun to see him open up 555 00:16:30,040 --> 00:16:31,139 because when we first brought him, 556 00:16:31,140 --> 00:16:32,539 he was just hiding under the tables 557 00:16:32,540 --> 00:16:34,959 the whole time and he's just 558 00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:36,859 blossomed. It's so cliche to 559 00:16:36,860 --> 00:16:38,259 say, but he really has. 560 00:16:38,260 --> 00:16:39,959 He's just, he owns the park as far 561 00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:40,839 as he's concerned. 562 00:16:40,840 --> 00:16:42,019 And so it's just been really lovely 563 00:16:42,020 --> 00:16:43,759 to see his personality come out 564 00:16:43,760 --> 00:16:45,299 through all of the interactions here 565 00:16:45,300 --> 00:16:46,300 too. 566 00:16:47,010 --> 00:16:48,150 Have a great week! 567 00:16:55,790 --> 00:16:57,669 That audio postcard feature sound 568 00:16:57,670 --> 00:16:59,529 from KUT intern Valeria 569 00:16:59,530 --> 00:17:01,409 Cruz Butron will have a link 570 00:17:01,410 --> 00:17:03,709 to her story in today's 571 00:17:03,710 --> 00:17:04,710 podcast, Show Notes. 572 00:17:12,060 --> 00:17:14,078 Yael Ouzaloo started doodling 573 00:17:14,079 --> 00:17:16,358 as a way to process grief, 574 00:17:16,359 --> 00:17:17,719 and now she continues the practice 575 00:17:17,720 --> 00:17:20,179 as a creative outlet. 576 00:17:20,180 --> 00:17:22,219 For the KUT KUTX Studio 577 00:17:22,220 --> 00:17:24,318 podcast, this is my thing. 578 00:17:24,319 --> 00:17:26,239 Ouzalu told host Mike Lee that 579 00:17:26,240 --> 00:17:28,159 calling it doodaling and not 580 00:17:28,160 --> 00:17:30,239 art takes the pressure off and 581 00:17:30,240 --> 00:17:31,240 keeps it fun. 582 00:17:39,870 --> 00:17:41,369 Everyone who does something creative 583 00:17:41,370 --> 00:17:43,009 does does the thing that kind of 584 00:17:43,010 --> 00:17:44,869 speaks to them and there's 585 00:17:44,870 --> 00:17:46,949 I guess there's no real knowing why 586 00:17:46,950 --> 00:17:48,889 Some people love 587 00:17:48,890 --> 00:17:50,549 pen and paper and some people love 588 00:17:50,550 --> 00:17:52,309 getting their hands on ceramics Some 589 00:17:52,310 --> 00:17:54,049 folks like glass blowing just kind 590 00:17:54,050 --> 00:17:55,799 of what works for you 591 00:17:55,800 --> 00:17:58,079 And I think for me, it's accessible. 592 00:17:58,080 --> 00:17:59,819 Like you don't need major equipment. 593 00:17:59,820 --> 00:18:01,959 You don't even need 594 00:18:01,960 --> 00:18:03,159 the notebooks that I use. 595 00:18:03,160 --> 00:18:04,279 You can just pick up paper that 596 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:06,239 you've got in your copy paper, 597 00:18:06,240 --> 00:18:08,199 right? You can pick up pens 598 00:18:08,200 --> 00:18:09,059 that you got. 599 00:18:09,060 --> 00:18:10,879 So I think it 600 00:18:10,880 --> 00:18:13,019 was just, it was accessible. 601 00:18:14,080 --> 00:18:15,519 Every sense. 602 00:18:15,520 --> 00:18:16,799 This is a hobby you can get into 603 00:18:16,800 --> 00:18:17,919 completely for free if you just 604 00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:19,699 boost some stuff from the office of 605 00:18:19,700 --> 00:18:21,409 like, exactly, exactly. 606 00:18:21,410 --> 00:18:22,769 Yeah, if you've got your favorite 607 00:18:22,770 --> 00:18:24,149 pens and stuff. And it's funny how 608 00:18:24,150 --> 00:18:26,529 many people I've spoken to 609 00:18:27,649 --> 00:18:29,709 who really have a love 610 00:18:29,710 --> 00:18:31,549 of pens and 611 00:18:31,550 --> 00:18:33,089 has their favorite pen that they 612 00:18:33,090 --> 00:18:34,949 have to write with or different 613 00:18:34,950 --> 00:18:36,889 color ink, you know, I only write 614 00:18:36,890 --> 00:18:38,429 with blue ink or I only with black 615 00:18:38,430 --> 00:18:39,829 ink or whatever it is. 616 00:18:39,830 --> 00:18:41,009 I mean, I can refer you to the 617 00:18:41,010 --> 00:18:42,529 fountain pen episode of this show. 618 00:18:42,530 --> 00:18:43,349 If you wanna... 619 00:18:43,350 --> 00:18:43,869 You guys 620 00:18:43,870 --> 00:18:45,269 more about that. 621 00:18:45,270 --> 00:18:46,889 It's really interesting to me how 622 00:18:46,890 --> 00:18:48,949 many people have a love for pens 623 00:18:48,950 --> 00:18:51,209 and paper and things like that. 624 00:18:51,210 --> 00:18:53,109 So it just kind of flows 625 00:18:53,110 --> 00:18:54,109 from that. 626 00:18:54,110 --> 00:18:56,169 I have different kinds of markers. 627 00:18:56,170 --> 00:18:58,109 I have the pasta markers which 628 00:18:58,110 --> 00:19:00,129 are acrylic paint. 629 00:19:00,130 --> 00:19:01,109 They're really fun to use. 630 00:19:01,110 --> 00:19:02,529 They are very vivid. 631 00:19:02,530 --> 00:19:05,229 I have Sharpie pens and 632 00:19:05,230 --> 00:19:07,069 I have a bag full of different 633 00:19:07,070 --> 00:19:09,349 pens that I like to use my favorite 634 00:19:09,350 --> 00:19:11,259 Are the microns... 635 00:19:11,260 --> 00:19:13,379 I am trying to learn the lesson of 636 00:19:13,380 --> 00:19:15,379 letting it go, seeing how 637 00:19:15,380 --> 00:19:18,199 the process unfolds. 638 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:20,259 And if it's 639 00:19:20,260 --> 00:19:21,999 not perfect, it's now perfect. 640 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:23,999 And if doesn't turn out exactly how 641 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:26,019 I anticipated, well that's okay 642 00:19:26,020 --> 00:19:27,979 because it turned out the way it was 643 00:19:27,980 --> 00:19:28,980 meant to be. 644 00:19:32,660 --> 00:19:34,379 So when I started, I was looking at 645 00:19:34,380 --> 00:19:35,380 a picture 646 00:19:36,500 --> 00:19:38,699 of the landing into 647 00:19:38,700 --> 00:19:40,019 the ocean, but at this point in 648 00:19:40,020 --> 00:19:41,279 time, I just have the picture in my 649 00:19:41,280 --> 00:19:43,119 head and I just interpret what 650 00:19:43,120 --> 00:19:44,120 I think it looks. 651 00:19:46,580 --> 00:19:48,119 I don't know why there's always this 652 00:19:48,120 --> 00:19:50,059 need to become perfect at 653 00:19:50,060 --> 00:19:51,739 something, right? 654 00:19:51,740 --> 00:19:53,879 I think that the 655 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:56,199 journey is just as valuable in 656 00:19:56,200 --> 00:19:58,599 learning about it and 657 00:19:58,600 --> 00:20:00,719 doing it in a way that makes you 658 00:20:00,720 --> 00:20:03,359 feel happy and satisfied. 659 00:20:03,360 --> 00:20:04,819 But I think ultimately you have to 660 00:20:04,820 --> 00:20:06,199 think about what your goal is in 661 00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:07,899 this, right. And my goal in doing 662 00:20:07,900 --> 00:20:09,879 this was to 663 00:20:09,880 --> 00:20:11,699 find a way to deal with the 664 00:20:11,700 --> 00:20:13,659 grief that I was feeling, find a 665 00:20:13,660 --> 00:20:16,159 way to deal with what was happening. 666 00:20:16,160 --> 00:20:18,219 You know, in the world and 667 00:20:18,220 --> 00:20:20,299 find a way to process all of this. 668 00:20:20,300 --> 00:20:22,699 My goal was not to create the next 669 00:20:22,700 --> 00:20:24,819 beautiful piece of art, right? 670 00:20:24,820 --> 00:20:26,759 My goal is not to become perfect 671 00:20:26,760 --> 00:20:28,719 at watercolors or 672 00:20:28,720 --> 00:20:29,879 anything like that. 673 00:20:29,880 --> 00:20:31,719 It was to find an 674 00:20:31,720 --> 00:20:34,019 outlet. And I think that 675 00:20:34,020 --> 00:20:36,199 that's just as worthy. 676 00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:37,400 Perfection's boring, anyway. 677 00:20:40,600 --> 00:20:42,459 When I was doing this, 678 00:20:42,460 --> 00:20:44,519 I accidentally colored in 679 00:20:44,520 --> 00:20:46,979 here, in this square. 680 00:20:46,980 --> 00:20:48,899 And in my day job, I'd be like, 681 00:20:48,900 --> 00:20:50,239 oh, damn, I messed that up. 682 00:20:50,240 --> 00:20:51,999 Now I'm like, all right, whatever. 683 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:53,279 This just kind of gives me 684 00:20:53,280 --> 00:20:55,299 permission to take 685 00:20:55,300 --> 00:20:57,159 it wherever it goes and 686 00:20:57,160 --> 00:20:58,999 to incorporate the mistakes into the 687 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:01,179 design and 688 00:21:01,180 --> 00:21:02,180 be OK with it. 689 00:21:04,390 --> 00:21:05,909 It's what Bob Ross calls a happy 690 00:21:05,910 --> 00:21:07,889 accident. Exactly. 691 00:21:07,890 --> 00:21:08,890 Exactly. 692 00:21:09,520 --> 00:21:11,199 I remember years ago, I started, I 693 00:21:11,200 --> 00:21:13,059 went to a couple yoga classes and I 694 00:21:13,060 --> 00:21:14,679 did like the intro to yoga lessons 695 00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:16,539 and all of this and I was, and I, I 696 00:21:16,540 --> 00:21:17,819 mean, this is my competitiveness. 697 00:21:17,820 --> 00:21:19,019 I got out, I was like, I want to be 698 00:21:19,020 --> 00:21:20,999 so good at, I wanna be the best at 699 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:23,399 yoga that I can ever be. 700 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:24,779 Years later, it was like I think I 701 00:21:24,780 --> 00:21:25,780 missed the point. 702 00:21:27,850 --> 00:21:29,529 Were you trying to win the yoga 703 00:21:29,530 --> 00:21:30,809 class? Yes, I was trying to win the 704 00:21:30,810 --> 00:21:31,749 Yoga class. 705 00:21:31,750 --> 00:21:33,009 And I'm like, this is real. 706 00:21:33,010 --> 00:21:34,729 And I was like, oh, I'm so good at 707 00:21:34,730 --> 00:21:35,929 like I'm still good at warrior pose, 708 00:21:35,930 --> 00:21:37,649 but I'm really bad at downward talk. 709 00:21:37,650 --> 00:21:38,769 I need to do better at some 710 00:21:38,770 --> 00:21:40,789 salutations. I'm why am I doing 711 00:21:40,790 --> 00:21:42,049 this to myself? 712 00:21:43,250 --> 00:21:44,329 I have a little inside knowledge 713 00:21:44,330 --> 00:21:45,649 here. My wife is a yoga instructor 714 00:21:45,650 --> 00:21:46,869 and she's never returned from a 715 00:21:46,870 --> 00:21:48,030 class and told me who won. 716 00:21:49,770 --> 00:21:50,809 Right? 717 00:21:50,810 --> 00:21:52,769 So, so I know 718 00:21:52,770 --> 00:21:54,669 I'm like that. So I think that 719 00:21:54,670 --> 00:21:56,589 this becomes a vehicle 720 00:21:56,590 --> 00:21:58,729 to not be that, you know, 721 00:21:58,730 --> 00:22:00,589 like I, I have had 722 00:22:00,590 --> 00:22:02,909 highly stressful, very deadline 723 00:22:02,910 --> 00:22:04,909 oriented types of jobs. 724 00:22:04,910 --> 00:22:06,789 And so I'm trying to 725 00:22:06,790 --> 00:22:08,849 create a space that is not 726 00:22:08,850 --> 00:22:10,029 that. 727 00:22:10,030 --> 00:22:11,030 So 728 00:22:14,780 --> 00:22:16,779 That is Mike Lee, host of 729 00:22:16,780 --> 00:22:18,399 the This Is My Thing podcast, 730 00:22:18,400 --> 00:22:20,299 talking about doodling with 731 00:22:20,300 --> 00:22:21,859 Yael Ouzalu. 732 00:22:21,860 --> 00:22:23,559 That conversation is only available 733 00:22:23,560 --> 00:22:25,479 on the podcast version, so 734 00:22:25,480 --> 00:22:27,039 just a little special treat for you 735 00:22:27,040 --> 00:22:28,859 here on this first day of June. 736 00:22:28,860 --> 00:22:30,239 This Is my Thing has a new episode 737 00:22:30,240 --> 00:22:31,999 out tomorrow that talks about the 738 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:33,899 calming effects one veteran feels 739 00:22:33,900 --> 00:22:35,719 when he crochets. 740 00:22:35,720 --> 00:22:37,939 We'll have a link to the podcast in 741 00:22:37,940 --> 00:22:38,959 our show notes. 742 00:22:38,960 --> 00:22:40,879 That is it for us today 743 00:22:40,880 --> 00:22:42,819 here on Austin Signal. 744 00:22:42,820 --> 00:22:44,079 And as always, if you're looking to 745 00:22:44,080 --> 00:22:45,739 find more from us or catch up on 746 00:22:45,740 --> 00:22:47,639 past episodes, you can do that 747 00:22:47,640 --> 00:22:50,359 at kut.org 748 00:22:50,360 --> 00:22:52,379 slash Signal. 749 00:22:52,380 --> 00:22:53,919 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 750 00:22:53,920 --> 00:22:55,779 director, Alexandra Hart is 751 00:22:55,780 --> 00:22:57,779 our producer, and Kristen Cabrera 752 00:22:57,780 --> 00:22:59,659 is our managing producer. 753 00:22:59,660 --> 00:23:01,739 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 754 00:23:01,740 --> 00:23:03,619 Thank you for spending the first day 755 00:23:03,620 --> 00:23:05,499 of June here with Austin 756 00:23:05,500 --> 00:23:07,439 Signal. We will be back at the 757 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:08,759 same time tomorrow. 758 00:23:08,760 --> 00:23:10,279 We will talk to you then. 759 00:23:10,280 --> 00:23:12,119 Have a fantastic day.