The Zilker Shuttle service that runs from One Texas Center to Zilker Park is starting up again with service to the park every Saturday and Sunday from May 27 until September 3, as well as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. The shuttle operates from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. from the One Texas Center parking garage to the Zilker Playground/Barton Springs Spillway. More information about parking validation, pets and the like can be found at AustinTexas.gov/Zilker.

With warmer weather within reach, the city has resumed monitoring blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) for toxins that can be harmful to people and animals. According to a news release, initial monitoring conducted during the first two weeks of May found the algae at all of the sites the city keeps tabs on aside from Walsh Boat Landing. Officials recommend that all algae is assumed toxic, which means that pets and humans should avoid contact, not drink lake water (or lick lake water-soaked fur), and rinse off after contact with water. In the meantime, the city will continue its monitoring efforts and a pilot program that applies lanthanum-modified clay to help reduce the phosphorus available for algae growth. According to the news release, that program has thus far had mixed results: “Over the past two years, we have seen a drop in nutrient levels and the amount and toxicity of blue-green algae near Red Bud Isle. However, last year we did not see the same success east of I-35. This may have been due to rainfall and increased flows through the lake following the applications.”

Anyone experiencing sudden, unexplained symptoms after swimming should contact a medical provider or the Texas Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. In the case of pets, contact a veterinarian. The city also asks people who have experienced toxic algae to complete its reporting form, found at AustinTexas.gov/algae.

Do you know someone who has made a difference in preserving or sharing historic records in Texas? The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2023 archival awards, recognizing efforts in “excellence, advocacy and distinguished service.” The commission is accepting nominations through July 1, and winners will be announced in October. Information on the nominating process and forms can be found here.

This week Austin is celebrating Bike to Work Week, a holiday that is much as it sounds. The festivities culminate on Friday, with more than 40 fueling stations around town handing out coffee, snacks (like tacos and waffles) and free bike tuneups for bike commuters. (A map of the stations and more info on the celebration can be found here.) In addition, MetroBike will be offering free Friday day passes with the code “BTWD2023.” And, like all good Austin events, there’s even an afterparty at Central Machine Works, starting at 6. So be safe, plan your route, and have a happy bike week!

This summer, the Bullock Texas State History Museum will take part in the Blue Star Museums program that provides free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families from Saturday, May 20 (Armed Forces Day) until Sept. 4 (Labor Day). “In recognition of, and gratitude for, the service given by all of our active military personnel and their families, we are honored to participate in Blue Star Museums again this year,” said Bullock Museum Director Margaret Koch, in a statement to the press. “We hope this effort provides them with opportunities to experience the Bullock throughout the summer with fewer economic barriers.” According to a news release from the Bullock, the “Blue Star Museums program is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide. Free admission is available for those currently serving in the United States Military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID.”

With a goal of recruiting 1,000 volunteers this year, the Greater Austin YMCA has launched a “Plug In” campaign to connect potential volunteers with opportunities to be of service. According to a press release about the campaign, volunteer opportunities include youth coaching, policy board volunteers, special events volunteers and community improvement volunteers. Those interested can visit AustinYMCA.org/volunteer or email volunteer@austinymca.org. “People are looking to find more purpose in their lives,” said Kathy Kuras, YMCA of Austin president and CEO, in a statement to the press. “The YMCA is here to help power your purpose, and we’re encouraging people to plug in to areas that they’re passionate about. The Y can help match your passion, skills and schedule to the right opportunity.”

The city’s Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) is putting out a call to visual artists for a handful of opportunities with budgets that range from $64,000 to $3.5 million. The projects, which will be explained further at the AIPP open house event this Saturday, include three separate commissions on the Bergstrom Spur Urban Trail that is open statewide, projects at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and airport open to local artists, and a $3.5 million nationwide call for artists. (More details on the projects as well as information in Spanish can be found here.) “Public art adds so much value to our city. From beautifying spaces and telling our community’s shared story, to creating jobs for local artists and making the enjoyment of art available to all,” said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, director for the Economic Development Department that manages AIPP, in a statement to the press. “These opportunities support our continuous efforts to grow creative experiences for residents, businesses and tourists alike.”

Emergency management officials with the city of Austin are encouraging residents impacted by April 22 storms to report any damage incurred by June 1. If disaster thresholds are met, Travis and Williamson county residents could then qualify for disaster assistance loans. According to a press release about the push, “Residents can submit their damages online at damage.tdem.texas.gov. Once on the page, scroll down and click on Severe Weather April 22nd listed under the 2023 Incidents section. A Spanish version of the form is available by clicking on Tormenta de Clima Severo 22 de Abril. Tutorial videos are available in English and Spanish. Local and state officials will work to verify damage reported to homes and business owners through iSTAT to validate submissions and determine the state’s eligibility for the SBA loan program.” On Thursday, City Council approved a resolution requesting the city manager to identify resources to assist those impacted by recent storms and subsequent flooding and to clean up debris that could exacerbate their impact. During the discussion on that item, Council Member Chito Vela, who sponsored the resolution, asked those who experienced flooding during the storms at the end of last month to notify the city through 311 to help collect flooding data. Vela said that he understood about 60 homes flooded during the recent storm.

The past few years have seen a shortage of staff at the city and, this week, progress in shrinking those shortages will be celebrated as part of “public service recognition week,” which aims to recognize and honor all city employees as well as bring awareness to current openings. At the moment, the city has a vacancy rate of 15.3 percent, which is the lowest it has been since February 2022. A press release about the week of recognition notes gains in hiring, including 207 filled positions at Austin Energy in Fiscal Year 2023, gains in lifeguard recruiting that will enable the pool system to operate this summer, and a number of vacancies that remain in the Public Works Department. A list of open positions at the city can be found on the city’s website.

At Thursday’s meeting, City Council voted to settle two lawsuits filed against the city. Assistant City Attorney Megan Reilly described payments she was recommending the city make to settle the lawsuits. Saraneka Alexander will receive $100,000 from the city, and in exchange she will release all claims against the city or claims she could have made against any city official stemming from her injuries during the 2020 demonstrations after the death of George Floyd. She was hit with rubber bullets during the demonstration. She was pregnant at the time but the baby was unharmed, according to a report from KXAN. Sanaida and Gloria Rangel will receive $77,000 and will release the city from all claims regarding a 2018 car crash. Council did not comment or ask any questions before approving the settlements.

This Saturday, Austin Animal Center is getting ready for “kitten season” with a kitten shower that aims to inform about fostering and collect donations for the on-site nursery. The shower will be held in AAC’s conference room from 2-4 p.m., and city officials are asking for things like “gallon ziplock bags, meat-based baby food, baby blankets, hand warmers, and Kitten Milk Replacer,” according to a press release about the event.

But it’s not only cats that are crowding the city shelter. On Wednesday, Austin Animal Shelter received a seizure of 20 large dogs, pushing it well past its capacity, which is 272, into housing 344 medium or large dogs. To help alleviate the crowding, which forces dogs into crates and nonpublic kennels, the shelter is asking the community to consider fostering dogs for at least a month, or adopting. At the moment, adoption fees are $25 through Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” national adoption event and waived entirely for any dog that is in a crate.

Today is the last day of early voting, which has continued at an abysmal clip. As of Monday night, 4.8 percent of Travis County voters (or 36,148 people) have cast their ballots in the election that features two propositions aimed at police oversight. The polls will remain open today until 7 p.m., and will reopen on Saturday, May 6 (election day proper), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone confused about the choices before them in this contest can head over to our Voter Resource, which breaks down the propositions and offers tips on heading to the polls.