Back-to-school, burn bans, water restrictions: 5 stories affecting Austinites this summer

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2. New 'walk-up' restaurant touting sweet, savory dishes to open in Tarrytown this summer

Goldy’s, a new “walk-up” restaurant touting savory pastries and paninis, will open doors in the Tarrytown neighborhood this summer. In addition to Goldy’s opening, sweet shop Cookie Rich will relocate to neighbor the new concept in Tarrytown.

Goldy’s and Cookie Rich are helmed by Austin local Lorin Peters, who comes with a decade of experience working as a savory chef, including time at three-Michelin-star restaurant The French Laundry.

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3. Annual program to provide low-income Austin students with clothes, school supplies

Manos de Cristo is holding its annual Back-to-School Program from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. July 25-28 at the North Austin YMCA, 1000 W. Rundberg Lane.

Manos de Cristo provides adults and children with low-cost dental care, educational opportunities, and emergency food and clothing relief. Its annual back to school program prepares over 1,500 pre-K through fifth grade students for the school year with new clothing and school supplies.

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4. Central Texas counties issue burn bans amid dry, sweltering heat

Travis and Williamson county leaders initiated a burn ban for unincorporated areas July 18 as high temperatures and dry conditions have led to an increased risk of wildfires. Hays, Guadalupe and Comal counties have also issued outdoor burning bans this month.

During a burn ban, residents are prohibited from burning any combustible material outside of an enclosure that would protect flames from spreading, such as a firepit. Residents are also prohibited from smoking in county parks, preserves and trails.

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5. Austin faces ‘fiscal crisis’ on homelessness, 700-bed shelter gap by 2025

As Austin moves to increase the capacity of its shelter facilities, city officials also expect to see a growing gap between available and needed beds.

Today, there are an estimated 880 homeless shelter beds across Austin in facilities owned by both the city and other organizations, but with an overall homeless population estimated at more than 5,400 people as of May, the demand for shelter beds is far outstripping supply.

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