[00:00:05]
[Proclamation – Recognizing The Other Ones Foundation/Texas Department of Transportation Program – To be presented by Mayor Kirk Watson]
UH, I'M EXCITED TO BE WITH YOU THIS MORNING AND KIND OF KICK OFF OUR THURSDAY WHERE WE HAVE, UH, PROCLAMATIONS THAT WE GIVE TO DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND OTHERS THAT HAVE DONE SOMETHING, UM, THAT, THAT WE WANT TO CALL ATTENTION TO.UH, WE DO THIS, UH, UH, EACH THURSDAY JUST BEFORE, UH, THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CONVENES AT 10 O'CLOCK, UH, JUST ACROSS THE HALLWAY HERE, OVER IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
AND IT'S MY PARTICULAR PLEASURE THIS MORNING BECAUSE I GET TO TAKE JUST A MOMENT, AND WE DON'T DO THIS ENOUGH, I DON'T BELIEVE, WHERE WE TAKE A BREAK, WE PAUSE AND WE SAY THANK YOU TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO US.
UH, AND THE PEOPLE THAT I HAVE WITH ME TODAY ARE PEOPLE FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
AND JUST BRIEFLY, WHAT I WANNA SAY BEFORE I READ THE PROCLAMATION IS I WANNA SAY THANK YOU.
UH, TEXDOT DOES A LOT OF WORK.
WE, WE WORK WITH TEX DOT, AND I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH TEXDOT NOW FOR THREE DECADES, I GUESS.
BUT TEXDOT DOES A LOT OF WORK THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN OUR QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.
BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN, THEY GET INVOLVED IN SOMETHING THAT IS NOT WHAT YOU WOULD IMMEDIATELY EXPECT TEXDOT TO BE INVOLVED IN.
WHEN WE THINK OF TDOT, WE THINK OF THE ROADWAYS THAT WE'RE ON.
WE THINK OF THE, THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THOSE ROADWAYS, THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
BUT WHEN WE NEEDED HELP FROM TEXDOT A FEW YEARS AGO WITH REGARD TO HELPING ADDRESS, UH, ISSUES RELATED TO SOME OF OUR POPULATION THAT WAS LIVING HOMELESS, UH, TDOT PROVIDED SOME PROPERTY.
UH, WE ENDED UP STARTED, WE CALLED IT, UH, CAMP ESPERANZA, AND IT WAS PROPERTY THAT WAS OWNED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
SO THAT WHAT WE COULD DO IS WE COULD HELP OUR HOMELESS NEIGHBORS, THOSE THAT WERE LIVING, UH, WITHOUT SHELTER AND, AND, AND HOMES, WE COULD HELP THEM BY PROVIDING THEM A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD, COULD LIVE.
IT'S, IT'S PROGRESSED THROUGH A GROUP KNOWN AS THE OTHER ONE'S FOUNDATION OR SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS TWO.
UH, AND CHRIS BAKER IS THE PERSON THAT RUNS THAT OPERATION AND DOES A TREMENDOUS JOB, AND WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL TO THEM AS WELL.
BUT THE POINT BEING THAT TEXDOT PROVIDED THE LAND PARTNERED, IF YOU WILL, WITH THE OTHER ONE'S FOUNDATION, SO THAT WE HAVE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT ARE LIVING, UH, AT, UH, CAMP ESPERANZA.
BUT IN ADDITION TO THAT, THEY'RE NOT JUST LIVING THERE.
UH, THEY'RE, THEY'RE BEING HELPED AND SERVED IN TERMS OF A VARIETY OF THINGS, BUT UP TO IT, INCLUDING WORKFORCE TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
THAT'S NOT THE KIND OF THING WE TYPICALLY THINK OF WHEN WE THINK OF TDOT, BUT IT IS THE KIND OF PUBLIC SERVICE THAT TDOT IS PROVIDING TO OUR COMMUNITY.
SO I'M, I'M PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO JUST TAKE A MOMENT FOR US TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE WORK THEY DO.
AND WITH THAT, I'M GONNA READ THE PROCLAMATION, AND THEN I'M GONNA INTRODUCE, UH, SOMEONE WHO I HAVE A LOT OF, UH, FAITH IN AND, AND, UH, AND, AND CARE ABOUT.
BE IT KNOWN THAT WHEREAS THE AUSTIN DISTRICT OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TDOT HAS INITIATED THE MOBILITY 35 INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS.
AND WHEREAS MOBILITY 35 FINDS OPPORTUNITIES TO RELOCATE PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS TO SAFER, DIGNIFIED PLACES TO LIVE, WITH THE HELP OF ASSESSMENT TEAMS ENCAMPMENT OUTREACH AND EFFORTS TO PREVENT PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC DEATHS.
AND WHEREAS TEXDOT HAS ALSO PARTNERED WITH THE OTHER ONE'S FOUNDATION TOO, BY LEASING THEM LAND AT CAMP ESPERANZA, A STATE SANCTIONED CAMP OUTFITTED WITH SERVICES THAT IS SUCCESS SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONED OVER 130 INDIVIDUALS AND COUNTING INTO PERMANENT HOUSING.
AND WHEREAS TEXDOT HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE NATIONAL AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION AWARD FOR THEIR WORK WITH THE MOBILITY 35 INITIATIVE AND THE PARTNERSHIP WITH TOOTH.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, KIRK WATSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AUGUST 31ST, 2023 AS MOBILITY 35, AND CAMP ESPERANZA DAY IN AUSTIN.
AND IT'S SIGNED BY ME, KIRK WATSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN.
AND I'M GONNA ASK MY FRIEND AND PARTNER IN A WHOLE LOT OF THINGS.
UH, OUR, OUR DISTRICT ENGINEER WITH TEXDOT TUCKER FERGUSON, WHO I WAS JUST STANDING OUTSIDE BRAGGING ON HIM BECAUSE HE IS A NOT, HE'S NOT JUST A FIRST RATE DISTRICT ENGINEER.
WE'RE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM AS A DISTRICT ENGINEER, BUT WE'RE LUCKY TO HAVE TUCKER AND HIS SENSIBILITIES ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT HE'S SERVING IN, IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, AND IN CENTRAL TEXAS.
UH, SO TUCKER, WOULD YOU COME UP AND ACCEPT THIS PROCLAMATION AND SAY A FEW WORDS? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
[00:05:01]
YOU, MAYOR.WE REALLY APPRECIATE THE PARTNERSHIP WE'VE HAD WITH THE CITY AND THE OTHER ONE'S FOUNDATION AND ALL OF THE PARTNERS, UH, WITH THIS INITIATIVE.
AND, UH, AS MAYOR MENTIONED, IT'S BEEN NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED.
AND IN FACT, WE HAVE A TEAM FROM THE HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION JOINING US, COMING HERE TO, UH, TO AUSTIN NEXT WEEK TO LEARN OF WHAT WE'VE DONE WITH THIS INITIATIVE IN THIS PROGRAM.
SO, VERY PROUD OF WHAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS OR SO.
AND WE'RE LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY AND, AND OUR, THE OTHER ONE'S FOUNDATION AND THE OTHER, UH, PROVIDERS TO, TO EXPAND THE SERVICES BECAUSE IT REALLY IS, IS A NECESSARY AND NEEDED SERVICE IN OUR CITY.
AS WE DEVELOP AND WE GROW, UH, WE WANT TO TAKE, UH, WE WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE IN OUR COMMUNITY, THAT, THAT MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE SERVICES AND SOME OF THE PROVIDERS THAT WE CAN AFFORD THEM AT THIS, UH, FACILITY.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR PARTNERSHIP AND LOOK FORWARD TO MANY YEARS.
YOU HAD A LOOK ON YOUR FACE LIKE YOU WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING? NO.
I, WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT? THAT'S FINE.
UM, ONE THING I'LL MENTION IS THAT MANY PEOPLE WILL KNOW, REMEMBER THAT JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WE ANNOUNCED THAT THE STATE OF TEXAS, UH, WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE, UH, UH, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AWARDED TO THE CI TO NONPROFITS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, INCLUDING TWO, TWO, RECEIVED, UH, TWO AND D A A, THE ABILITY TO APPLY FOR ABOUT $59 MILLION WORTH OF GRANTS.
AND WHAT WE'RE HOPEFUL IS THAT THAT WILL ALSO TURN INTO A PARTNERSHIP WITH TDOT.
AND THERE'S A LOT, THERE'S SOME WORK GOING ON.
SO EVERYBODY JUST HANG TOUGH BECAUSE I THINK WE'RE GONNA HAVE A REALLY COOL ANNOUNCEMENT VERY SHORTLY ABOUT THAT AS WELL.
HEY, MARY, IF I COULD, I I FAILED TO RECOGNIZE MY COLLEAGUES WITH THE YEAH, PLEASE DO.
UH, WITH US IS OUR, UH, DEPUTY DISTRICT ENGINEER, MIKE ARIANO AND OUR DI UH, DISTRICT MANAGER OF ADMINISTRATION, LAURA WAGNER, WHO HAVE REALLY BEEN GREAT, UH, ON THE, THE FRONT LINES OF THIS SINCE DAY ONE OF THIS INITIATIVE.
SO VERY PROUD OF THEM AND WANT TO RECOGNIZE THEM.
WE'LL BRING IN THE NEXT GROUP.
[00:10:34]
DON'T, HOW YOU DOING? HOW YOU PRAYING FOR YOU GOT A FULL DAY.HE'S ALREADY DONE WITH HIS DONE.
YOU DON'T RUN, YOU CAN'T KEEP UP WITH HIM.
I SAW THAT YESTERDAY ACTUALLY.
UM, ARE YOU COMFORT OFF THE PHONE THOUGH? YEAH, YEAH, YEAH.
DID YOU WANNA SAY ANYONE ELSE TO NO, I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF PROCLAMATIONS, BUT YOU CAN JUST RECOGNIZE THAT FROM HERE.
SO I'LL DO THE INTRO AND THEN I'LL LET EVERYONE SPEAK.
[Proclamation – Gun Safety Awareness Month – To be presented by Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis]
UM, I THINK WE HAVE YOU, YOU, I'M NOT SPEAKING.SHE CAN, IF SHE WANTS TO, YOU'RE FINE.
I'M GLAD TO BE HERE IN SOLIDARITY IS DA DA GARZA.
IS DOES THE CHIEF WANNA BE HERE A LOT? IF HE, SHOULD WE GO SEE? HOW ARE YOU? ANY OF THE CHIEFS WANNA BE HERE? IS IT GUN SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH? YES.
WE'RE A LITTLE BIT LIKE HERDING CATS SOMETIMES OVER HERE.
THAT'S THE WAY I ALWAYS, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE GET TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE AND YOU HAVEN'T SEEN 'EM IN A WHILE, SO THAT'S ANOTHER ONE, YOU KNOW, TO BE ABLE TO SAY HELLO AND DO ALL THIS GOOD TO SAY HI TO EVERYONE.
YOU WANT MORE LOGO IN THE SHOT OR DO YOU WANT COME ON.
ANY, EVERYBODY CAN MORE THAN WELCOME.
ANYBODY WHO'D LIKE TO COME AND STAND UP HERE.
CHIEF HENDERSON A BUNCH SHIELDS.
SHE'S JUST ENTERING RIGHT NOW.
I'M, I'M, WE'RE HERE TO, SO WE'LL, WE'LL DO DA GARZA, ARE YOU SPEAKING? YEAH.
SO IT SOUNDS LIKE WE JUST HAVE A COUPLE SPEAKERS.
I'LL READ THE PROCLAMATION AT THE END.
THERE'S THE ONLY ONE LISTENING.
WE'RE SUPPOSED TO ACT LIKE WE LIKE EACH OTHER.
IT'S A BIT, IT'S A BIT WARM IN HERE.
LOOK, COME ON UP HERE TOO AS WELL.
YEAH, IF YOU CAME FOR THIS, IF YOU CAME FOR THIS, COME ON IN HERE AND PLEASE JOIN US.
JUST 'CAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE.
THERE'S FAITH HALL PERSON THAT IS ALL'S HIDING.
I AM AUSTIN MAYOR PRO TEM PAIGE ELLI.
I AM JOINED TODAY BY MY COLLEAGUE ALISON ALTER.
LISA ROSS FROM LOCK ARMS FOR LIFE.
WE HAVE STATE REP DONNA HOWARD AND OUR DA JOSE GARZA, AS WELL AS OTHER ADVOCATES FROM DEL MED, AND OBVIOUSLY REPRESENTATIVES
[00:15:01]
FROM OUR AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING OUR NEW INTERIM CHIEF ROBIN HENDERSON.THE AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL IS CONSISTENTLY SUPPORTED EFFORTS TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE, TO PROTECT HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
GUN VIOLENCE CAN UNFOLD AS A RESULT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PERSONAL GRIEVANCE, HATE NEGLIGENCE, CRIMINAL ACTS, OR EVEN COMPLETELY BY ACCIDENT.
PEOPLE OF COLOR CONTINUE TO BE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY GUN RELATED HOMICIDES.
AND TRAGICALLY, MORE THAN 60% OF ALL GUN RELATED DEATHS ARE THE RESULT OF SUICIDE.
WE RECENTLY ADOPTED OUR AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL BUDGET FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, AND I'M PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE RENEWED THE PROGRAMS THAT ARE ADMINISTERED THROUGH THE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND THAT INCLUDES FREE GUN LOCKS AND A SAFE STORAGE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN THAT WE HAVE BEEN PUTTING FORWARD FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS.
NOW, DID YOU KNOW THAT AN AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT FROM 2018 SHOWED THAT STOLEN GUNS ARE FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO COME OUT OF VEHICLES THAN ANYWHERE ELSE? SO IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE KNOW THAT IF THEY DO HAVE FIREARMS AND THEY'RE IN THEIR VEHICLES, THAT THEY REALLY NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE LOCKED AND SECURED STORE.
WE MUST STRENGTHEN OUR COMMITMENT TO THE OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION, CONTINUE SAFE STORAGE EDUCATION, AND FOSTER MORE CONSISTENT COLLABORATIONS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT, PROSECUTORS AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS.
I'D LIKE TO THANK LISA ROSS FOR HER WORK WITH HER ORGANIZATION, LOCK ARMS FOR LIFE, AND FOR THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF AUSTIN.
AND THANK YOU TO THE OTHER REPS THAT HAVE JOINED ME TODAY.
I WILL LET A FEW OTHER FOLKS SPEAK, AND THEN I WILL READ THE PROCLAMATION FOR GUN SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH.
I MEAN, I GOTTA GET SITUATED HERE.
HI, I AM LISA ROSS AND I'M THE FOUNDER OF LOCK ARMS FOR LIFE.
UH, FIRST I WANNA THANK TWO AGAIN, COUNCIL MEMBER, UH, PAIGE ELLIS FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER FOR US.
WE, UM, THIS IS OUR THIRD CITY THAT WE'VE DONE.
WE STARTED IN FORT WORTH AND WE WENT TO HOUSTON, AND NOW WE'RE IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN.
WHAT OUR GOAL IS, IS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SPREAD THIS MESSAGE, JUST GUN SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH TO EVERY CITY ACROSS THE STATE OF TEXAS.
SO, BUT WE ARE VERY PROUD AND I AM VERY PROUD OF THE WORK THAT MY TEAM HAS DONE TO HELP PUT THIS TOGETHER.
I'M A PROUD OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE REPRESENTING THIS AND HELPING US AND SUPPORTING US AND MAKING SURE THAT EVERYBODY IS AWARE THAT ABOUT GUN SAFETY.
UM, YOU KNOW, I, UH, LOST MY 23 YEAR OLD SON TO A GUN TRAGEDY IN 2009.
AND, UM, YOU KNOW, I PRETTY MUCH ON THE DAY MY SON DIED, I MADE A PROMISE TO HIM THAT I WOULD, UM, MAKE SURE THAT I, UM, DEDICATED MYSELF TO MAKING SURE THAT EVERYBODY DID NEVER FELT THE PAIN THAT I HAD TO GO THROUGH IN LOSING A CHILD.
AND SO THIS WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.
I HAVE PROBABLY WAKE UP EVERY MORNING THINKING ABOUT, ABOUT GUN SAFETY AND HOW I CAN KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE FROM, UM, GETTING INTO THE HANDS OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T NEED ACCESS TO THEM AND HELPING KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE IN THE COMMUNITY.
UM, LET ME THINK WHAT ELSE I NEED TO SAY.
YOU KNOW, OUR MISSION, LET ME JUST EXPLAIN THAT TOO.
OUR MISSION IS TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY GUN IS LOCKED UP WHEN NOT IN USE.
THAT IS WHAT WE DO, AND THAT'S WHAT WE EV WE ADVOCATE FOR THIS PAST LEGISLATION.
WE TRIED TO GET A BILL PASSED THAT WOULD, UM, MAKE GUN SAFETY AWARENESS ON A STATE LEVEL.
UM, UNFORTUNATELY THAT BILL DIDN'T PASS.
WE HAD LOTS OF SUPPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVES, UM, ACROSS THE AISLES ON BOTH SIDES, BUT IT DIDN'T MAKE IT.
SO WHAT WE DECIDED TO DO IS TO TAKE THIS TO A LOCAL LEVEL, AND THAT'S WHY WE'RE REACHING OUT TO EVERY CITY.
LASTLY, I WANNA SAY THAT WE'VE DONE, UH, I HOPE YOU SEE OUR BUS ADS.
WE HAVE PUT BUS ADS OUT AND I HOPE EVERYBODY'S SEEING THEM.
WE ALSO PUT, UM, SAFETY CARDS INSIDE OF BACKPACKS AT, UH, BACK TO SCHOOL.
WE DID 13,500 OF THESE CARDS THAT WE PUT IN THERE, AND THEN WE DID STICKERS, UM, THESE KIND OF STICKERS THAT WE ALSO GAVE TO THE KIDS.
AND AS YOU CAN SEE, MANY PEOPLE ARE WEARING THE STICKERS THAT WE HAVE.
UH, I WANNA SAY WHAT WE WANT IS WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE, BECOME THE SUPERHEROES OF THEIR FAMILY.
WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION AND BE THE ONES THAT ARE SAVING THE DAY AND LOCKING YOUR GUNS AWAY.
CHIEF HENDERSON, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY ANY WORDS? ABSOLUTELY.
UH, MAYOR PRO TEM, UH, MAYOR ALTER DA GARZA, UH, REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD AND ALL REPRESENTATIVES HERE, JUST WANNA SAY THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.
AND WE ALL NEED TO BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT GUN SAFETY.
AND SO THE RESPONSIBILITY FALLS ON ALL OF US TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE DOING WHAT WE CAN TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE AND ALSO IMPROVE OUR GUN SAFETY.
NOW I WILL NOW READ THE PROCLAMATION, BE IT KNOWN THAT WHEREAS UNSECURED GUNS POSE CLEAR SAFETY RISKS, PARTICULARLY TO CHILDREN.
[00:20:01]
SHOW THAT 70 TO 90% OF GUNS USED BY MINORS IN SUICIDES, UNINTENTIONAL SHOOTINGS AND SCHOOL SHOOTINGS ARE ACQUIRED FROM HOME OR THE HOMES OF RELATIVES OR FRIENDS.AND WHEREAS ALLOWING A FIREARM TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO A CHILD IS A CRIMINAL VIOLATION OF THE TEXAS PENAL CODE.
AND WHEREAS EDUCATING AND RESOURCING COMMUNITIES TO PRACTICE SAFE GUN HANDLING AND STORAGE IS ACTIONABLE, MEANINGFUL WAY TO CREATE SAFER HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS OUR CITY, STATE, AND COUNTRY.
NOW, THEREFORE, I PAY JEALOUS MAYOR PRO TEM OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN ON BEHALF OF KIRK WATSON, OUR MAYOR DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AUGUST, 2023 AS GUN SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH.
DO WE NEED PICTURES? SURE, YES.
I'M GONNA ACTUALLY, YOU WANT US THIS WAY? GET A LITTLE CLOSER.
LISA, DO YOU WANNA COME UP HERE? AND I'LL BE BESIDE YOU WITH THIS.
HOW'S THAT SOUND? DOES THAT LOOK OKAY? DISAPPOINTED.
WELL, I THOUGHT FOR TWO SECONDS THAT I LIT THIS AND THEN I THOUGHT, LET'S SPARE EVERYONE.
THANK YOU FOR THIS EVERY TIME I KNOW, I KNOW.
AND HERE I WANT TO GIVE YOU THIS, THIS IS THE BAG SO YOU CAN SHARE WITH EVERYBODY.
THESE ARE BAGS, HAND TO THE KIDS.
I WANT YOU TO HAVE ONE OF THOSE INSIDE.
HERE ARE A BUNCH OF THESE THAT YOU CAN HAND OUT.
I GAVE YOU SOME STICKERS AND I JUST GAVE YOU A SAMPLE HAND TO EVERYBODY.
SO JUST FEEL THAT AWAY AND SHOW UP AND THEN ABSOLUTELY.
SO, BUT I THINK RIGHT NOW, LAST THAT I HEARD.
THIS IS A, UH, CITYWIDE CALL FOR ANY JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS TO COME ON DOWN.
WE'RE GONNA DO A QUICK LITTLE PRESENTATION FOR A FELLOW JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMBER.
GET A PICTURE ON THERE AND ALL THAT.
AND WE'LL JUST HAVE, IF EVERYONE WANTS TO GATHER.
ARE WE GOOD? GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.
[Proclamation – Shannon Creekmur Day – To be presented by Council Member Vanessa Fuentes and to be accepted by Shannon Creekmur, President of the Junior League of Austin]
MY NAME IS VANESSA FUENTES.I'M AUSTIN CITY COUNCILMAN FOR DISTRICT TWO.
I AM HONORED TO BE HERE THIS MORNING FOR A VERY SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF SOMEONE, A LEADER IN AUSTIN THAT WE HA ADMIRE, THAT WE HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR, AND SOMEONE WHO I PERSONALLY LOOK UP TO MS. SHANNON CREEKMORE.
AND, UH, YOU KNOW, I ALWAYS SAY TO, UH, ORGANIZATIONS OR TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR HELP OR ASSISTANCE, I SAID, HAVE YOU CHECKED IN WITH THE JUNIOR LEAGUE? BECAUSE IF I KNOW ONE THING, JUNIOR LEAGUE DOES A GREAT JOB OF TRAINING MEMBERS, TRAINING AUSTINITES TO BE LEADERS, AND INCREDIBLY SERVANT MINDED.
AND SO I KNOW THAT IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE, YOU ASK A JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMBER.
[00:25:01]
SHANNON, UH, WAS THROUGH MY MEMBERSHIP WITH THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN.UH, BEFORE I GET STARTED IN READING TODAY'S PROCLAMATION, I WANTED TO INVITE, UH, AN INCREDIBLE LEADER, UH, TO JOIN ME IN PROVIDING SOME OPENING REMARKS.
TERRY ARD WILLIAMS, UH, WHO HAS KNOWN SHANNON FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
WELL, THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER.
AND I, I HAVE TO START BY SAYING THIS MOMENT IS SO SPECIAL FOR A LOT OF REASONS.
UH, I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE VANESSA'S JUNIOR LEAGUE SPONSOR AND HER LONGTIME MANAGER.
AND IT'S JUST SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT TO SEE YOU SHINING HERE AND REMEMBERING EVERYONE AROUND YOU, UM, AND LEADING WITH GRACE.
SO I'M HONORED TO CALL YOU SISTER AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE.
BUT I'M ALSO EQUALLY HONORED TO BE HERE TODAY TO TALK ABOUT SHANNON CREEKER.
UM, LIKE MANY OF OTHERS AROUND THE PODIUM TODAY, I MET SHANNON THROUGH THE JUNIOR LEAGUE.
AND I'LL NEVER FORGET THAT MOMENT.
I FIRST SAW HER AT AN EVENT AND WE LOCKED EYES AND GAVE EACH OTHER THAT, OKAY, WE'RE NOW SISTER LOOK.
AND SINCE THEN SHE HAS BEEN, UM, JUST A, A TRUE FRIEND ALONG MY SIDE AT A LOT OF DIFFICULT MOMENTS AND FUN MOMENTS TOO.
AND I THINK MANY OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS WOULD SAY THE SAME ABOUT HER.
THE THING THAT WE DON'T OFTEN TALK ABOUT IN JUNIOR LEAGUE IS HOW IT PROVIDES LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR WOMEN.
UM, WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICE, BUT SO MANY OF US CAN, UM, ATTRIBUTE OUR FIRST JOB, UM, OUR FIRST PROMOTION.
AND SO MANY OF THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES WE POSSESS, UH, FROM THE JUNIOR LEAGUE AND WHAT WE GAINED THERE, AND THAT'S NO EXCEPTION FOR, FOR SHANNON.
UH, THE THING THAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS LEAGUE IS THAT WOMEN TRULY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THINGS THEY'VE NEVER DONE BEFORE.
AND, UM, THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE TODAY.
SO SHANNON CRAIGMORE WAS THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE, AND THE JUNIOR LEAGUE IS ACTUALLY 90 YEARS OLD.
SO THAT, UM, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT ONE WAS A LONG TIME COMING, BUT ALSO SOMETHING THAT IT TOOK A TENACIOUS LEADER WITH, AS I SAY, FIRE IN HER BELLY AND GRACE IN HER HEART TO LEAD THE WAY.
AND SO I'M SO EXCITED THAT TODAY IS SHANNON CREEK MYDAY.
UM, AND I ALSO WANNA SAY JUST ON BEHALF OF THE JUNIOR, JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN, ALL THE BLACK WOMEN THAT YOU'VE SERVED, ESPECIALLY, AND ALSO ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE, WHERE I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ON ITS BOARD, UM, WE ARE THANKFUL FOR HER LEADERSHIP AND YOUR DEDICATION TO THE LEAGUE AND THE CITY OF AUSTIN.
KNOWN THAT WHEREAS SHANNON CREEKMORE IS THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN AND THE ORGANIZATION'S 89 YEAR OLD HISTORY WITH OVER 16 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN EMPOWERING WOMEN.
AND WHEREAS SHANNON HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS LEADERSHIP AND BOARD POSITIONS THROUGHOUT HER LEAGUE YEARS TO SUPPORT CREATING A COMMUNITY OF STRONG, EMPOWERED WOMEN.
AND WHEREAS J L A IS THE FIFTH LARGEST LEAGUE IN THE COUNTRY IN AN ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN WHOSE MISSION IS TO ADVANCE WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP WITH MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY IMPACT THROUGH VOLUNTEER ACTION, COLLABORATION AND TRAINING.
AND WHEREAS J L A MEMBERS ACTIVELY SERVE THE CENTRAL TEXAS COMMUNITY WITH 160,000 COMBINED WOW,
AND WHEREAS J L A SUPPORTS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY THROUGH ITS SIGNATURE PROGRAMS AND FUNDRAISERS SUCH AS COATS FOR KIDS FOOD AND TUMMIES KIDS IN COOL SHOES, AUSTIN ENTERTAINS AND A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR.
NOW, THEREFORE, I VANESSA FUENTES, AUSTIN CITY COUNCILWOMAN ON BEHALF OF KIRK WATSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AUGUST 31ST, 2023 AS SHANNON CREEKMORE DAY ACCEPTING THIS PROCLAMATION TO SHANNON CREEKMORE.
SO I JUST WANTED TO SAY A QUICK, UM, FEW WORDS THANK YOU TO COUNCILWOMAN FUENTES FOR NOT ONLY BEING A SUPPORTER OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE, UM, BUT ME AS A FRIEND, I'VE ALWAYS APPRECIATED THE SUPPORT.
I WANTED TO ALSO THANK SOME PART, A SMALL PART OF MY TRIBE IN MY VILLAGE WHO HAVE COME HERE TODAY, WHO ARE FRIENDS AND FAMILY, UM, THAT I HAVE MET THROUGHOUT THE LEAGUE THROUGHOUT MY YEARS.
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE HAS BEEN, UH, A HOME FOR ME FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS.
IT'S AN ORGANIZATION THAT ENCOURAGES AND EMPOWERS WOMEN TO TAKE ON LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN AUSTIN.
I THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR BEING HERE.
YOU WANNA DO A GROUP PHOTO HERE? YES.
[00:30:31]
3, 2, 1, 3.THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
ARE WE GOOD TO GO? OKAY, GREAT.
[Proclamation – Back to School Month – To be presented by Council Member Mackenzie Kelly and to be accepted by members of the Austin education community]
GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR JOINING US.MY NAME IS MACKENZIE KELLY AND I REPRESENT DISTRICT SIX IN FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN.
I WANNA START THIS PROCLAMATION, UM, BY SPEAKING TO STUDENTS WHO ARE OUT THERE.
I HAVE A DAUGHTER MYSELF WHO'S IN SCHOOL, AND I KNOW MANY OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY ALSO HAVE CHILDREN.
IT'S BEEN A GREAT AND HOT SUMMER.
YET NOW'S THE TIME TO GET BACK TO THE DESK AND LEARN NEW THINGS.
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR CAN APPEAR SCARY OR MAKE YOU NERVOUS, YET IT IMPLIES THAT YOU'RE GROWING UP AND THIS NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE WILL BE EXCITED, EXCITING, AND FILLED WITH GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.
I WISH YOU A VIBRANT, FRESH START TO THE SCHOOL YEAR.
ANOTHER YEAR MEANS NEW SCHOOL SUPPLIES, NEW BOOKS, NEW FRIENDS AND MEMORIES TO BE MADE.
THERE'S A DEDICATED TEAM OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS BEHIND YOU, SOME OF THEM WHO ARE BEHIND ME NOW THAT ARE CHEERING YOU ON AS AND HOPING THAT YOU PROSPER THROUGH THE NEW YEAR.
NEXT, I'D LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE TEAM SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS, THE PARENTS AND TEACHERS.
YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR THE KIDS RETURNING TO SCHOOL HAS NOT GONE UNNOTICED.
AS A PARENT MYSELF, I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR CAN BE CHALLENGING.
YOU'RE ADJUSTING TO A NEW SCHEDULE AND A NEW SET OF CHALLENGES IN A YEAR AHEAD.
YOU HAVE THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY BEHIND YOU, AND WE'RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU AS YOU GET THESE BRIGHT YOUNG CHILDREN THROUGH THE SCHOOL YEAR.
AND WE'RE HERE TO CHEER YOU ON AND SUPPORT YOU AS WE SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION'S EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVORS.
AND THIS LEADS ME TO WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY TO CELEBRATE THE MONTH OF AUGUST AS BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH.
TODAY I'M JOINED BY A WHOLE HOST OF PEOPLE BEHIND ME WHO ARE SUPPORTING THE, THE BACK TO SCHOOL EFFORTS GOING ON NOW, AND I REALLY HOPE I DON'T MESS UP THEIR NAMES.
DAISY JAUS WITH UT AUSTIN IS HERE.
CANDACE HUNTER AND A I S D TRUSTEE NOLITA LUGO AND A I S D TRUSTEE.
AND OPHELIA MALDONADO, ALSO AN A S D TRUSTEE ARE HERE TODAY FOR THIS GREAT PROCLAMATION BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH.
HELPS PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND TEACHERS PREPARE FOR THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR.
TODAY, I WANT US ALL TO CELEBRATE THE START OF THE NEW YEAR.
EVEN THOUGH MANY CLASSES HAVE ALREADY BEGUN, WE DID NOT WANT TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY.
BUT BEFORE I READ THE PROCLAMATION, I'LL LEAVE LEAVE YOU WITH A QUOTE FROM NORA EPHRON, YOUR EDUCATION IS A DRESS REHEARSAL FOR A LIFE THAT IS YOURS TO LEAVE.
[00:35:01]
READ THE PROCLAMATION AND I HAVE COPIES FOR EVERYBODY WHO'S HERE TODAY TO ACCEPT AND TAKE BACK TO YOUR SCHOOLS OR YOUR HOME TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY PROCLAMATION, BE IT KNOWN WHERE I TOTALLY MESSED IT UP, I'M SORRY.BE IT KNOWN THAT WHEREAS EDUCATION IS A CORNERSTONE OF OUR SOCIETY, EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITIES.
WHEREAS THE MONTH OF AUGUST MARKS THE RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ACROSS THE CITY OF AUSTIN, SYMBOLIZING A NEW BEGINNING AND A CONTINUATION OF THEIR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY.
AND WHEREAS THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR PRESENTS A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, MENTORS, AND THE COMMUNITY TO COME TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH.
AND WHEREAS AUSTIN IS COMMITTED TO FOSTERING A SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT EMBRACES AND ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY, PROMOTES A LOVE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING AND ADVANCEMENT.
AND WHEREAS THE MONTH OF AUGUST SERVES AS A TIME TO CELEBRATE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE EFFORTS OF EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, SUPPORT STAFF WHO TIRELESSLY WORK TO ENRICH AND ENGAGE LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR OUR STUDENTS.
AND WHEREAS THE CITY OF AUSTIN SEEKS TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY IN ACTIVELY SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING OUR STUDENTS' EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS, PROMOTING A CULTURE OF LEARNING THAT EXTENDS BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE CLASSROOM, AND WHEREAS IT IS FITTING TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH TO EMPHASIZE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EDUCATION, RALLY SUPPORT FOR OUR SCHOOLS, AND INSPIRE STUDENTS TO EMBARK ON THEIR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY WITH ENTHUSIASM, CURIOSITY, AND DETERMINATION.
AND NOW THEREFORE, I AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL MEMBER MACKENZIE KELLY, ALONG WITH MY COLLEAGUES JOINING ME HERE TODAY, COUNCIL MEMBER PAIGE ELLIS AND COUNCIL MEMBER VANESSA FUENTES AND THE REST OF THE CITY COUNCIL, INCLUDING THE MAYOR DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AUGUST OF 2023 IS BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
HERE ARE PROCLAMATIONS FOR YOU ALL, AND THEN WE CAN TAKE A PICTURE.
WHERE SHOULD WE GO FOR THE PICTURE OVER HERE? IF YOU GO RIGHT HERE.
YOU TRY TO JUST STAND IN FRONT OF THE BLUE CURTAIN AND EVERYBODY MOVE TO YOUR RIGHT.
AND THEN YOU'LL TURN RIGHT HERE.
SORRY, I STUMBLED A LITTLE BIT, SO BECAUSE THERE'S, THERE'S A P D OFFICERS HERE THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WAS GONNA BE HERE.
JUST RE I TOLD COMMANDER DANIEL THAT YOU'LL READ ONE AND PICTURE ONE AND THEN WE'LL HAND THEM OUT OUT HERE AND THAT ANYBODY GET ONE WILL GET ONE TOUR.
CAN THEY COME IN YET? LIKE WEREN'T YEAH, THEY, THEY SHOULD COME IN NOW.
DID I STEP ON YOUR FOOT? I'M FIRST THING SHE ME THIS MORNING.
DID I STEP ON YOU FIRST THING? FIRST THING SHE SAID TO ME THIS MORNING IS THAT SHE MISSES YOU.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
ARE WE GOOD TO START? YOU'RE GOOD TO GO? OKAY.
[Additional Item]
GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR JOINING US.YEAH, LET'S ALL SCOOT IN CLOSE.
UM, MY NAME IS MACKENZIE KELLY AND I REPRESENT DISTRICT SIX IN FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN.
UM, IT IS WITH GREAT HONOR TODAY THAT, UH, WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNIZE MEMBERS OF THE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR HEROIC ACTIONS ON JULY 25TH WHEN THEY ACTED QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO SAVE AN 18 YEAR OLD FEMALE FROM KIDNAPPING
[00:40:01]
AND SUCCESSFULLY, SUCCESSFULLY APPREHENDED THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS HEINOUS ACT.ON JULY 25TH, MEMBERS OF THE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A DISTRESS CALL FROM A VICTIM WHO HAD MANAGED TO ESCAPE FROM HER CAPTORS AND SOUGHT HELP FROM A LOWE'S STORE IN NORTH AUSTIN, ACTING UPON HER MOTHER'S ADVICE TO CALL 9 1 1.
OFFICERS QUICKLY RESPONDED, ARRIVED ON SCENE, RESCUED THE VICTIM, AND MADE AN ARREST.
INVOLVED IN THIS CASE WERE A COMBINATION OF A P D OFFICERS, THE ORGANIZED CRIME UNIT AND LEADERSHIP.
TODAY I'M JOINED BY OFFICER CARR, OFFICER WOLF, CHIEF HENDERSON, UM, INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER BRUCE MILLS, UM, ASSISTANT CHIEF PERRY, ASSISTANT CHIEF GREENWALL, COMMANDER DANIEL, LIEUTENANT CASTRO, AND SERGEANT HOLSTROM.
WITHOUT THE STRONG COORDINATION AND COHESION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT AT THAT MOMENT WHEN THE CALL WENT IN, THE RESCUE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE CHALLENGING AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A MORE TRAGIC OUTCOME.
TODAY WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE THE PRESENCE OF THE OFFICERS HERE WITH US AND THE A P D LEADERSHIP WHO'VE SHOWN IMMENSE DEDICATION AND BRAVERY AND SAFEGUARDING INNOCENT LIVES WHEN THEY ARE IN DANGER.
AND WE CELEBRATE THEIR DEPARTMENT'S OUTSTANDING WORK AND COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
AND AS SUCH, I HAVE A DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FOR OFFICERS WHO CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED BECAUSE OF THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION.
AND THOSE HERE PRESENT WITH US.
UM, AND IT SAYS, A DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FOR THEIR UNTIRING SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO THE RESIDENTS OF AUSTIN APDS, ORGANIZED CRIME DIVISION IS DESERVING OF PUBLIC ACCLAIM AND RECOGNITION FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND THE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT.
THEY HAVE EXHIBITED THE NATURE OF A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT DURING THE SAVING OF A CHILD FROM KIDNAPPING IN NORTH AUSTIN ON JULY 25TH, 2023.
AND ARE HEREBY RECOGNIZED FOR THIS ON THIS DAY.
AND IT IS SIGNED BY THE MAYOR AND IT IS GIVEN ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL OF THIS CITY OF AUSTIN.
SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING.
SO, INTERIM CITY MANAGER, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? THANK YOU.
AND RECOGNIZE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEAK CHIEF HENDERSON? COMMANDER DANIEL.
UM, WE REALLY APPRECIATE THIS HONOR ON BEHALF OF AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS, CARR AND WOLF, AND THE OFFICERS WHO COULD NOT BE HERE.
STALKY AND VASQUEZ, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR.
IT TRULY WAS A, A GREAT HONOR.
ONE OF MY OFFICERS TOLD ME THEY JUST SHOWED UP TO A CALL, BUT THEY WERE DOING THEIR JOB ABOVE AND BEYOND.
SO THAT'S, THAT'S THE ATTITUDE THAT THIS IS THE JOB.
SO NOW WE'LL TAKE A PHOTO AND WE'LL GATHER OVER HERE FOR THAT.
UM, OFFICER, CAN I NEED YOU TO YOUR COUPLES STEP? THE, SO YOU'RE THE LIGHT SQUISH, SQUISH, SQUISH,
DON'T A LITTLE MORE, LITTLE MORE.