Expanding the Map

CultureMap Austin launches, bringing a new voice to the city that celebrates theweird

The Culturemap Austin team: Caitlin Ryan, Arden Ward, Kevin Benz, SamanthaPitchel, Michael Graupmann, Jessica Pages and Veronica Castelo
Photo by John Pesina
At a recent launch party at Max's Underground, CultureMap's movers and shakersdisplay their enthusiasm.
Photo by John Pesina

Love karaoke? CultureMap urges you to try the Highball's six-themed rooms.

How about some independent music? Give dark and moody The Parish a shot.

Veggie fare at Beets Living Foods Cafe? Sounds like some healthy nom nom.

If you are in Houston and confused by these suggestions, it is because they are all coming from CultureMap Austin. The CultureMap brand has now doubled due to an expansion into the Austin market, since CM Austin went live shortly after 11 a.m. Monday.

"It has always been our goal from the beginning for CultureMap to expand into multiple markets and Austin was a perfect fit for the CultureMap brand," CultureMap CEO Stephen Newman said. "Houston and Austin are very different cities and so while the underlying platform that powers the site is the same, the editorial voice is unique to the communities we serve."

It was roughly a year ago that Newman identified Austin as the next to be place on the Map. Five months ago, he began assembling a locally-centric team to begin launch preparations.

The team lives, breathes and knows Austin.

"We take an active role within Austin's diverse communities and cover the broad spectrum of topics and issues important to them, including arts, film, music, food, fashion, design, innovation, entrepreneurship, outdoors, fitness, sports, events and culturally relevant breaking news," said CultureMap Austin editor-in-chief Kevin Benz. "There are few news organizations (in Austin) willing or able to cover these important topics that are immediately relevant to the people living in our community."

On the Austin site, you will find some of your favorite CultureMap features, including the sassy CultureLists, your guide to the city's happenings in an extensive Events Calendar and the best of the Texas capital in the City Guide. But if you glance at the sections, you'll encounter a handful of Austin-specific headings — like Music + Film, Innovation, Outdoors + Fitness — that celebrate the city's unique culture.

Local photographers will be regularly featured on the new site, with special photo essays telling Austin's story. Video also promises to be prominent. And CultureMap Austin's growing list of contributors will add colorful columns and thought-provoking opinions.

"We will share our passion for this city both on our site and in the real world," Benz said. "We want to meet as many people in person as online sharing meaningful conversations and collaborating with friends and like-minded organizations as a member of this community."

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no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana