6 chapters across the catalog
Austin City Council is considering a mandatory 35-day lockdown and a "lessons learned" program to address rising COVID-19 cases. Mayor Adler supports a proposal that would declare businesses a nuisance if they fail to enforce mask use, disinfect twice daily, and limit groups to ten people. Violators of these proposed regulations could face civil suits filed by the city attorney.
Austin Hair Salon Reopening Logistics and Safety Policies
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's sudden Friday announcement allowing hair salons to reopen on Monday caught business owners off guard. Stylists in Austin struggled to implement new safety policies, including surface cleaning and parking lot waiting rooms, within 48 hours. Some employees expressed fear about returning to work despite the change in legal status.
Austin Homelessness Town Hall, Behavioral Health Terminology
A two-hour town hall meeting in Austin, Texas, addressed the city's homelessness crisis and the lifting of camping ordinances. Officials introduced the term "behavioral health" to describe the intersection of lifestyle habits and mental well-being. Tensions rose between city advocates, who referred to the homeless as "neighbors experiencing homelessness" or "camping," and residents concerned about public safety and sanitation.
Coinciding with Earth Day, the Austin City Council is considering an ordinance to regulate smoke from food trucks and barbecue pits within 100 feet of residential areas. Councilmember Pio Renteria proposed the measure following complaints from residents near the La BBQ trailer, sparking a debate over the city's cultural identity.
A bar in Lewisville, Texas, called Redneck Heaven, faced a legal challenge after a resident complained about "ABC Days" (Anything But Clothes), where waitresses wore only body paint and pasties. Despite the practice being initially legal under city ordinances, the city is now moving to change the law to require actual clothing. The hosts mock the "one lone complainer" who caused the change.
Lake Charles Surveillance, Bar Camera Ordinance
Police Chief Don Dixon of Lake Charles, Louisiana, proposed a city ordinance requiring bars to install surveillance cameras inside and outside their premises. The proposal follows a violent attack on an off-duty deputy and aims to increase public safety in establishments where alcohol sales exceed 50% of revenue. The trend is compared to the high density of CCTV cameras found in the United Kingdom.
