phantom_critic

Photo of Blanco River by Paddler112 on flickrThe state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass, is close to extinction according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The species was endangered when it was made the official state fish in 1989. Re-stocking efforts in two Central Texas streams led to... continue reading on Austinist

Photo by *clairity* on flickrA public hearing is scheduled for tonight to discuss a proposed city-wide ban on panhandling. The ban would outlaw panhandling on roadsides and within 1,000 feet of all schools. The current solicitation ordinance prohibits panhandling in three zones of downtown, including the area around the University... continue reading on Austinist

Photo by Broken Piggy Bank on flickrThe Texas Youth Commission was in court Monday defending itself against advocacy groups claiming the TYC has overused pepper spray on its inmates. Texas Appleseed and Advocacy, Inc. say the TYC has doubled its use of pepper spray even after a settlement with the... continue reading on Austinist

Image from RG4N websiteResponsible Growth for Northcross Austin (RG4N) is in court today claiming the city helped Wal-Mart through illegal city planning. They claim the Northcross Wal-Mart development requires the removal of 29 trees (breaking tree ordinances) and that the development breaks a plat note controlling runoff and pollution into... continue reading on Austinist

If you're interested in cuisine as well as creating, Texas Culinary Academy is hosting its 2nd Annual Mediterranean Festival tomorrow from 10am-4pm. The event will showcase traditional foods of the Mediterranean, complete with a Mediterranean food symposium, cooking demonstrations, hands-on cooking classes for adults and children, and wine tastings. The... continue reading on Austinist