Nina--write or wrong in Lakeway

April 21, 2024April 21, 2024

April 21, 2024 ELECTION ISSUE covering every race and proposition on your May 4 ballot–Lakeway Council, Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis Central Appraisal District Board. Early Voting is April 22-30 with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

During APRIL, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES. Yesterday’s April 20 blog was the usual version—Lakeway events, space stuff, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc. Today, April 21, I am posting the ELECTION ISSUE—covering everything you will see on your ballot–Lakeway Council, $22MIL Lakeway Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis Central Appraisal District Board. In May, things go back to normal.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Early voting runs April 22-30, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4. The closest polling place is Lakeway Activity Center. Hours are 7AM-7PM, except Sunday noon-6PM. On the last 2 days, April 29 and 30, LAC will be open until 10PM.

There are 4 things happening in this election—3 Lakeway Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Lakeway Parks bond gets voted up or down, 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled, and 3 Travis Central Appraisal District Board seats get filled. Each is covered right here, with info I have gathered, my impressions, and tons of links for you to get MORE info if desired.

Go here to put in your name and birthday and SEE YOUR BALLOT for this election: https://sites.omniballot.us/48453/app/sampleBallot/vr

As a frequent poll worker, I offer this tip: bring written notes on your election picks, because it can get confusing in the moment. Do NOT rely on a text, notes or a link saved on your phone; cell phone use is prohibited in the polling place by state law.

LAKEWAY COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open. Four candidates are running. The 3 getting the most votes will win. Everyone has 3 votes. (Sorry, but there IS math involved….)

Just want the down-and-dirty version? Here is all you need to know!

Want MORE? Read on!

Media Coverage:

1–Community Impact candidate profiles and Q&As. https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lakeway-city-council-candidates/

2–League of Women Voters candidate profiles and Q&As. To see the brand-new online VOTERS GUIDE, go here: https://lwvaustin.org/Voters-Guide Scroll down and select the English version of the Guide. (Other language versions are in progress.) Once that opens, scroll to page 16 for coverage of Lakeway Council race. (Coverage of LTISD Board starts on page 35, and coverage of TCAD Board starts on page 5.)

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

All 3 events are done, but you can watch them online—

1–Lakeway’s first Council Candidate Forum was sponsored by We the People on April 11. It was excellent (the best overall, in my opinion). All 4 candidates attended, and some very relevant questions were posed. If you missed the event or just want to review some issues, here is the YouTube link for 90 minutes of viewing pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhbRSK3_4n0

2–Know Your Vote was sponsored by Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce on April 18. The Council portion of the event can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76L8v_ylJ1o

3–The Local Election Candidate Symposium, hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress on April 16, covered most of the ballot items and can be watched here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558656714084 (I’m told this link will work for people not in the sponsoring group or even on FB at all.) The recording is 2 hours long and worth watching in full, but here are some shortcuts to specific items.

–The recording started a bit early, so press the PLAY arrow and pull the progress bar at the bottom to about 17:30 to hear Mayor Kilgore update the community on the multiple swastikas drawn on walls, signs and buildings all over the Lakeway area. He then goes on the review the Lakeway Parks Bond that will be on the ballot for the May 4 election.

–Around minute 26, candidate Daniel Wang, running for Travis Central Appraisal District Board in Place 2, speaks and explains this brand-new election very well. (You will have three TCAD Board elections on your May 4 ballot.)

–At minute 42, the LTISD Forum starts, with incumbents Dr. Phillip Davis and Lauren White (both long-time educators), answering several questions from the moderator and the audience. Unfortunately, the other 2 LTISD Board candidates, (Christy Comfort, running against Lauren White; and Craig Cancienne, running against Dr. Davis) declined to attend. Also, there was a heckler who interrupted the LTISD portion of the event, around 1 hour 13 minutes. The Lakeway Police Officer present quieted him down pretty fast. Not, however, before Council candidate Chris Levy, from the back of the room, shouted inappropriate comments urging him on. And, I’m sorry to say that the heckler was the spouse of LTISD Candidate Christy Comfort. Odd campaign strategy all around….

–At 1 hour 19 minutes, the Lakeway Council Candidate Forum starts. All 4 candidates participated–incumbents Kelly Brynteson and Jennifer Szimanski, plus challengers Matt Sherman and Chris Levy. Everyone was on their game, covering several current and specific issues.

My election analysis….

If you want EVERYTHING, read my March 9, March 23, and April 7 blogs. Bits and pieces will re-appear here, but not everything.

People always ask me who to vote for. Well, start with election math: No matter what, 3 of the 4 candidates will win.

And, elections are usually about WHO WINS. But, I think this election is all about WHO LOSES. That must be Chris Levy. (I promise to explain why—keep reading and looking at the images.) But remember—if any of the other 3 candidates ends up losing, then Levy wins. And, Lakeway loses in countless and likely irreparable ways.

Vote for Kelly Brynteson, an incumbent. Experience matters.

VOTE for Matt Sherman. Matt is a dedicated and driven advocate for Lakeway residents of all ages, interests and viewpoints, plus he already has valuable experience in high-level city matters (see below). Truly, Matt is the bright spot in this election.

Vote for Jennifer Szimanski, an incumbent. Experience matters.

Happily, Kelly, Matt and Jenny are, by random drawing, the top 3 names listed on your ballot in the Council race. So—just vote for 1, 2 and 3. And you are done!

Seriously, do NOT vote for the 4^th candidate, Chris Levy. He has zero experience volunteering for the city. His volatile and self-serving nature would be catastrophic on the dais, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests, the Old Guard and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us. (Much more on Mr. Levy, below.)

The Candidates

Matt Sherman is a 5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve. He now serves as Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, as well as a Commissioner on the Zoning and Planning Commission. (Image credits: Matt Sherman for Council.) His campaign website and Facebook page have considerable informative content and are here: https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mattshermanforlakeway

Kelly Brynteson is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.) Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/kellyforlakeway https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2007/Councilmember-Kelly-Brynteson

Jennifer Szimanski is a 12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.) Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077428167465 https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2006/Councilmember-Jennifer-Szimanski

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway. He is also a NIGHTMARE. This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity. Be skeptical as to his alleged military history and connections to area businesses and charities; he is quite creative in discussing his qualifications, I’ve found. Levy is all over social media, but he refuses to answer questions about his policies for Lakeway. Instead, Levy posts, on Next Door for example, scathing diatribes against whoever most recently irked him, and he immediately blocks comments so that no one can respond; drive-by posting is cowardly for anyone, but for a candidate to do that hints at far worse to come if he takes office. Over on Lakeway Broadcast, Levy is famous for posting wild allegations and vicious threats, but he deletes everything as soon he gets pushback; by then, the damage is done. (For instance, Levy posted he has “conclusive evidence” that a respected city official who is NOT running in this election is responsible for damage to Levy’s campaign signs; he refuses to understand the damage that spring storms always do to signs and also never ponied up any evidence at all that anyone other than Mother Nature took out his signs.) On his own campaign’s Facebook page, Levy BLOCKS access to it for all but his pals; so much for transparency and informing voters, right? But, you can try to get in: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

Still think Levy might be OK on Council? Keep reading!

Campaign Finance Reports

Council candidates filed their first Campaign Finance Report with the city in early April, covering all contributions and expenditures from the start of the campaign to March 25. (A second report is due on April 26, and then a final report is filed after the May 4 election.) All reports can be seen here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2132/Current-Candidate-Filings

Reports like this reveal a lot about candidates—who is donating to them (and how much), plus how they use the money. Is the report transparent? Do the numbers balance? Did the candidate spend money like water? (If so, KEEP THEM AWAY FROM OUR TAX DOLLARS.) The 2 incumbents’ reports were pretty boring; both had major funding in prior elections and bought their signs back then, so …. But, the 2 challengers in this race could not be more different, as their reports demonstrate. Matt did things right, and he exercised fiscal restraint. Levy’s report doesn’t come close to balancing; the only thing that is clear is his wild over-spending as of March 25—with 6 weeks to go before the election.

MATT SHERMAN received $805 in contributions and spent $5,665. He funded early expenses (mostly signs) by making a loan to his campaign. So, all expenses flow through the campaign account, which is less messy and prone to error than when candidates pay for campaign items with their credit cards. Matt capped contributions at $100, which means he can’t be pressured later by a big contributor. For expenses, Matt paid Stokes $2,792 for signs. The only other major expense is $1,596 for advertising. He paid $515 for shirts, $356 for sign materials, and $245 for his website; the rest was for event supplies and financial fees. Matt’s report is crystal clear and balances to the penny.

CHRIS LEVY received $8,000 in contributions. His only cash contributor was Gretchen Nearburg, who ponied up $5,000. In addition, Kim Mulloy sponsored a campaign event that Levy reported as an in-kind contribution of $3,000. Per the report (see the image above), Levy has, so far, spent $54,067. He argues it was “only” $34,000, but he has not amended his report. Either amount is crazy for a local race for a volunteer position. Levy paid Stokes $8,203 for signs, plus another $1,185 to Home Depot for stakes and the rest needed to erect all those big signs. Plus, Levy paid someone $3,248 in salary for general campaign work, that seems to be largely pounding sign stakes into the ground. (If you think Levy’s endless signs have ruined every lovely vista in town, he spent nearly $13,000 doing it—so far.) Advertising is an even bigger expense; Levy paid $19,033 to Community Impact for ads, plus another $1,319 for advertising and logos. Of course, more expenses (signs, advertising, events, etc.) will appear on the second campaign report, due April 26.

Levy is not a nice guy. PART 1.

If you are on Next Door or Lakeway Broadcast, you already know this. Levy is his own worst enemy in this regard; I’m told that he has been suspended from Next Door at least 6 times in the last year or so. Gotta wonder why they keep letting him back in…. His online antics can be unpleasant (and some of that is detailed above in the text under his photo), but here I’m talking about some nasty stuff Levy gets up to OFFLINE.

On Broadcast, Levy’s Council run has prompted local residents—mostly women—to relate disturbing real life things he did after a disagreement. In some cases, they say Levy mailed threatening letters to them—or just left disturbing notes at the door. In other cases, they say he repeatedly slow-rolled past their homes until he got noticed and his implied threat was delivered. Sounds unlikely, right? Well, I know personally how Chris Levy reacts when thwarted. During the 2023 election, his comments to and about me on social media were threatening enough that the police were informed (NOT by me), and my house was put on their list for enhanced patrols.

Then in 2024 Levy decided to run for Council. So, he mailed me a Christmas card. In FEBRUARY. About when he filed as a candidate. And, he scrawled this on the envelope: “Not sure how we forgot about you….” Obviously, Levy and I are not card-exchanging pals. Levy wanted me to understand that HE KNOWS WHERE I LIVE, in hopes of intimidating me and keeping me quiet about his candidacy. Didn’t work….

Here is what he mailed to me. (I covered the photos and names of his wife and daughter, although Levy himself posts their images all over his Facebook campaign page and elsewhere online, as well as using them in his print advertising.) Levy WEAPONIZED his family Christmas card….

Levy is not a nice guy. PART 2.

Several residents, including me, have tried over and over to get Levy to clarify his policies, elaborate on his plans for the city, and answer questions that we posed to ALL the candidates. We get absolutely nothing back, except delays, excuses and whining about how unfairly he is treated.

So, on April 3, I arrived at City Hall just a couple minutes before my Zoning and Planning meeting was to start. Levy accosted me near the front door and demanded I talk to him. I reminded him that as a ZAPCO Commissioner, I needed to get inside for the meeting. I asked him to discuss his policies for Lakeway in a public forum and also post that Old Lakeway recording he made, so all residents can decide how to vote; he refused on both counts. No surprise there…. I went inside for the meeting. Levy drove away. He didn’t bother to go inside and engage in city business. Not exactly the model of a good Councilmember….

But Levy didn’t stop there. That night, he posted on his campaign Facebook page a message needling me about the encounter. When I posted a response, he panicked and removed the whole thread—that HE had started. That’s why he only wants to communicate on his Facebook page; he deletes anything that doesn’t fit his narrative and blocks all but his sycophants. And, that’s why it doesn’t work to post policy questions there in hopes of getting answers from him about anything. Levy uses his campaign page to play hide and seek with voters. Here are the contemporaneous screenshots I took before Levy erased everything.

Levy was NEVER a nice guy (AKA—Levy’s bizarre Old Lakeway misadventure).

I related this sorry saga (Levy attacking his neighbors, recording over an hour of foul-mouthed rants about them, and uploading it to YouTube) in detail in my March 9 blog; backtrack to that if you missed it. Recently, someone posted the entire transcript on Broadcast. Levy has been asked to upload his recording, but he refuses.

Below are some of Levy’s comments to his pal on the phone. They are full of hate toward his neighbors, making fun of them for being older folks and denigrating their homes as cheap $%@#holes. This is directly from the recording he made and uploaded, for whatever bizarre reason…. People send me stuff, so I have heard the recording. I decided not to upload it here, because it features and identifies other people, who didn’t know they were being recorded. Still, Levy is threatening to sue me and several Lakeway residents he assumes are involved, for outing him on this. Even though HE made the recording, and HE uploaded it publicly. That’s Chris Levy. That is what bullies do.

One last thing. Levy DOES NOT DENY HE SAID ALL THIS TRASH. Instead, he is playing the victim, whining that he has changed since 2017. Don’t buy it. The guy on the recording is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, at candidate events, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, at Council meetings, on and on. And, he is NOW threatening to sue anyone who dares to thwart him. Of course he is. In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way.

But—you decide. In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “I went to this meeting, what they did was they took this first development neighborhood in Lakeway, right? And this group of people who own these 1971, pre-71 homes, you know, like the least valuable homes in Lakeway. And they created this thing called Old Lakeway. They got the city to let them put signs up in our neighborhood that now declare our neighborhood as Old Lakeway. And so they have also come up with this concept called the Lakeway 300, which are basically the first 300 homes built in Lakeway, pre-April 71. They’re the least valuable homes in Lakeway, these 300 homes.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And I have it all recorded. I’ll let you listen to it. I’ll send you the file because, dude, they jumped on me with knives when I started to point out what they were doing was going to be… They basically hate rich people and they hate our generation and they hate Rough Hollow. They hate The Hills and they hate new homes. And basically, because they all own these $300,000 shithole homes that are 46 years old, they don’t want people building new homes around them. But what they don’t realize is the new homes are what make their homes valuable.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

This is grim stuff, I know. But, because of that pesky election math, residents cannot afford to sit out this election, even if is distasteful or you aren’t excited about the options. For the same reason, just voting for 1 of the non-Levy candidates isn’t enough. Remember—3 candidates win, no matter what. And Levy has money and connections; he saturated Lakeway with his signs for name recognition.

If YOU don’t vote—LEVY will win.

If YOU don’t vote for ALL OF THE OTHER 3 CANDIDATES—

LEVY will win.

For the reasons mentioned here—and many more–Chris Levy is NOT someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway. This election, all residents need to decide about that, and vote accordingly. Consider his zero experience with city matters, how he acts, what he says and does. Vote for Matt, Kelly and Jenny. Just don’t vote for Chris Levy.

Please consider the above. Ask around. Think about who you want running Lakeway.

PARKS BOND

After several years of planning, Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot.

This fun and informative 3-minute video shows exactly what the bond will do: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=3367941976836194

The funds would be used on 5 of our parks. Our long-time favorite recreational areas, City Park and the Swim Center, would get much-needed renovations and upgrades, so they can serve the city’s growing population well into the future. The Activity Center would get minor updates. The Live Oak Tennis Courts would be expanded. Finally, brand new Butler Park in Rough Hollow would be built from the ground up, finally providing families on that side of town with a wide variety of conveniently located recreational opportunities. See the chart above for a breakdown per park.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc. People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can you really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park? For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway. I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future. For more details, the city has gathered extensive info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

There are 2 contested seats this year. In Place 1, incumbent Dr. Phillip Davis is challenged by Craig Cancienne. In Place 2, incumbent Lauren White is challenged by Christy Comfort.

Media Coverage:

1–Community Impact recently published candidate profiles and Q&As. Since the School Board runs in Places, there is an article on the Place 1 candidates (both men), and an article on the Place 2 candidates (both women).

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-1-candidates/

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-2-candidates/

2–League of Women Voters’ Q&As. To see the brand-new online VOTERS GUIDE, go here: https://lwvaustin.org/Voters-Guide Scroll down and select the English version of the Guide. (Other language versions are coming soon.) Once that opens, scroll to page 35 for coverage of LTISD Board. Candidate Craig Cancienne did not participate. (Coverage of Lakeway Council race starts on page 16, and coverage of TCAD Board starts on page 5.)

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

The events are done, but you can watch them online.

1–WATCH the 4/16 Local Election Candidate Symposium, hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress, here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558656714084 (I’m told this link will work for people not in the sponsoring group or even on FB at all.) The recording is 2 hours long and worth watching in full, but you can fast forward to minute 42, when the LTISD Forum starts, with incumbents Dr. Phillip Davis and Lauren White (both long-time educators), answering several questions from the moderator and the audience. Unfortunately, the other 2 LTISD Board candidates, (Christy Comfort, running against Lauren White; and Craig Cancienne, running against Dr. Davis) declined to attend. Also, there was a heckler who interrupted the LTISD portion of the event, around the 1 hour 13 minute mark. The Lakeway Police Officer present quieted him down pretty fast. Not, however, before Council candidate Chris Levy, from the back of the room, shouted inappropriate comments urging him on. And, I’m sorry to say that the heckler was the spouse of LTISD Candidate Christy Comfort. Odd campaign strategy all around…. 2–WATCH the April 18 Forum hosted by Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOxb7PyCB9k (Unfortunately, Dr. Phillip Davis was unable to attend due to a medical emergency.)

There are 2 contested seats this year. Incumbents Lauren White and Phillip Davis are seeking another term. https://www.facebook.com/laurenwhiteforlaketravis https://www.facebook.com/Vote4PhillipDavis

–Both White and Davis are former long-time teachers. Their challengers Cancienne and Comfort have no discernible experience or training in education.

–Both White and Davis are supported by concerned and involved members of the community seeking to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC (directly tied to Gov. Abbott) from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

—Lauren White and Phillip Davis OPPOSE book banning. They OPPOSE school vouchers. They are fighting for literacy instead of wasting money on political stunts, and they are working to keep our tax dollars in Lake Travis ISD.

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Phillip Davis and Lauren White.

Here is a link with candidate info, videos and more: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Confused about all the fuss over book banning? This March 28 article on how library materials are reviewed/banned locally at LTISD is helpful in understanding the process. It also identifies the tiny number of parents responsible for exploding this issue since 2021. Lake Travis ISD emerges as a battleground for school book bans 3/28/24 https://www.kut.org/education/2024-03-28/lake-travis-school-book-ban-library-austin-texas

As far as vouchers, the analogy below sums it up, as far as I’m concerned. (Thanks to LT Dems for the image.)

TRAVIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT BOARD

3 seats on the TCAD Board get filled. Similar to ISD, this Board runs in Places. So, there are 3 separate races to vote in, picking 1 candidate for each place.

This is a brand-new election, as previously these were appointed positions. So, voters may not understand what this Board does. In summary, Appraisal District Boards do not make decisions about property value. Instead, they appoint members to appraisal review boards, which hear valuation protests from taxpayers and can decide to lower property values. Here is an article explaining this new election: Texans will face another election after approving property tax cuts https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/11/texas-appraisal-district-board-elections/

While this is technically a non-partisan election (so candidates’ party preference will not appear on the ballot), the rest of the Appraisal District Board is Republican, so it would really help to get Democrats elected. Plus, the elected Board members seem to have more power than the appointed members. Here is a short but informative video explaining exactly what this Board does and introducing the 3 Dem candidates, Jett Hanna, Shenghao “Daniel” Wang, and Dick Lavine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UVcj-30Ogo

Media Coverage:

1–Community Impact candidate profiles and Q&As. https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/election/2024/04/19/meet-the-candidates-running-for-the-travis-central-appraisal-district-board/

2–League of Women Voters’ Q&As. To see the brand-new online VOTERS GUIDE, go here: https://lwvaustin.org/Voters-Guide Scroll down and select the English version of the Guide. Once that opens, scroll to page 5 for coverage of TCAD Board. Unfortunately, candidate Bill May did not participate. (Lakeway Council race coverage starts on page 16, and coverage of LTISD Board starts on page 35.)

Candidate Forums:

The TCAD candidates did not debate at local events. But, Place 2 Candidate Danial Wang appeared at the 4/16 Local Election Candidate Symposium, hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress. He gave an excellent summary of how this new election is happening and what the Board does. Watch the event here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558656714084 (I’m told this link will work for people not in the sponsoring group or even on FB at all.) The recording is 2 hours long and worth watching in full, but you can fast forward to minute 26 and TCAD Candidate Wang.

The above image on the LEFT gives the background better than I can. The above image, on the RIGHT, is courtesy of the Jett Hanna campaign and has a summary of each race and links for each candidate. It also shows the party affiliation of each candidate. As it notes, Democrats are Jett Hanna, Shenghao “Daniel” Wang, and Dick Lavine. Republicans are Don Zimmerman, Matt Mackowiak, and Bill May. And, Jonathan Patschke is Libertarian. That should be a good starting point for any more research you want to do.

Early voting is April 22-30, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

Pick your candidates

Make a plan to vote—early or on election day.

And—VOTE!

April 20, 2024April 20, 2024

April 20, 2024 All the fun Lakeway events happening late April and into May, plus Council meeting summary, space news and images, women’s rights update, deer photos, Covid status, and more. (FINAL local election info will be in my separate April 21 ELECTION blog.)

Be brave like Ukraine.

During April, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES. Today’s blog is the usual version–Lakeway’s upcoming events, space news and images, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc. Tomorrow, April 21, I’ll post the ELECTION ISSUE, covering everything you will see on your ballot—Lakeway Council, $22MIL Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis Central Appraisal District Board. After that, the election is over and things go back to NORMAL, with just ONE blog every other Saturday.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway….

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

FREE weekly concerts through May 11, every Saturday, 7-9PM, on the Central Plaza Lawn of the Hill Country Galleria. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to get comfy. Performance schedule is here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/saturday-night-concert-series/2145580934

ArtWalk

!!!WEATHER PERMITTING!!! Join in on the first Lakeway Art Walk–featuring local art, crafts, music, performing arts, food, and more–over the weekend of April 19-21. Activities happen at the Activity Center, Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various art studios around Lakeway. Go here for a full schedule of activities over the 3 days: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Volunteer to plant flowers at the Lakeway Swim Center, on Monday, April 22, 11AM. Everything you need will be provided, plus snacks. Go here for full info and to register: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1838/Earth-Day

Enchanted Forest

Through April 29, dawn to dark, stroll along the decorated trail behind City Hall and enjoy magical lights, ethereal abodes, charming creatures, and fun surprises all along the way. Many features light up at dusk for a magical evening stroll. Free parking at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohman’s Crossing). https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1816/Enchanted-Forest-Walk

Lake Travis Democrats Club

–April 23, 6:30PM: Banned Book Club, at Lake Travis Community Library. Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Critically acclaimed, this novel is said to be the most frequently challenged book from 2010 to 2019, due to depictions of alcohol, poverty, bullying, violence, sexuality and bulimia.

–May 19: Picnic in the Park. Details to come.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and activities each month

TRAFFIC ALERT: Top section of Lakeway Drive CLOSED, now through July.

Culvert replacement will take place started on April 9, with Lakeway Drive CLOSED between Cross Creek and Lakeway Boulevard. Through traffic will need to use Cross Creek and Lohmans instead. This is part of the recent Transportation Bond, improving Lakeway’s roads. The project will likely be in progress through July.

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

Our excellent mayor gave a 12-minute live update on April 11. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/272505245948239

Become a Democratic Precinct Chair!

If you can spare a few hours per month, you can really make a difference in 2024—a HUGE election year! The Travis County Democratic Party will train you, and you will have a support system from local precinct chairs in our Super Precinct. There are 6 local precincts that need a chair:

293 (Bee Cave).
364 (Falconhead West, Majestic Hills, Serene Hills, Fox Creek Estates, La Capana goes over to LTHS).
365 (North side of Hwy 71 near Lake Travis Middle School includes Bee creek Vistas, Bowden, Travis Settlement, Crosswind).
370 (Buffalo Gap west of 620 and East side of 620 including Cardinal Hills Estates, Apache Shores, Yacht Harbor).
371 (North Lakeway 620 near Randall’s The Vistas of Lakeway, Travis Oak Trails, Cardinal Hills, Arbolago. Borders Kollmeyer).
374 (North Lakeway, Hurst Creek Road area).

If you live in one of the above areas, contact Carrie Jones at P362@traviscountydemocrats.org to learn more.

May 4 Star Wars movie — Solo: a STAR WARS Story

On Saturday, May 4, catch Solo: a STAR WARS Story, at City Park (502 Hurst Creek Road). Event opens at 5:30, and film rolls at 6PM. Bring blankets and chairs to relax on the grass, and enjoy pizza and refreshments outdoors on the lower level, near the playscape. Dress like your favorite Star Wars character and enter the contest for prizes. https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1974/Star-Wars-Movie

Cinco de Mayo

On Sunday, May 5, 1-3PM, celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Lakeway Activity Center. Enjoy free food (for the 1^st 100 attendees), a mocktail margarita machine (suitable for all ages), a live Mariachi Band, authentic Mexican dancing, and fun contests with prizes. https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2118/Cinco-de-Mayo

Fox on the Fairway

The Lakeway Players will present “The Fox on the Fairway,” on May 9-11. Doors open at 6:30PM; curtain rises at 7:30PM. The Spring Show is, as usual, BYO Dinner Theater. The production is billed as a hilarious romp about life, love and golf. Tickets are $20-$33. Go here for info and tickets: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/

Inside Austin Gardens Tour

On Saturday, May 11th, from 9AM-3PM, the Travis County Master Gardeners are hosting their Inside Austin Gardens Tour. You can peek inside 4 unique private gardens, designed and maintained by fellow gardening enthusiasts, combining sustainable practices for Central Texas with a focus on beautiful native plants: The Suburban Farm; The Woodland Escape; The Elevated Garden; and The Work-In-Progress. Go here for more info and tickets: https://insideaustingardens.org/

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Spring tours are scheduled! Grab a reservation fast, as these always fill up. Bus tours visit 20 historical locations, narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee. Tour day is Friday, May 17. Times: 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 1:15 PM. Board at Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing), where you can also visit the historic Liebelt Cabin. Go here for info and to reserve your seat: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Blood Drive at LAC

The next blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center is on Saturday, May 18. The event is always well organized, clean and friendly. You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here: https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Classical Chamber Music

On Sunday, May 19, 4-5PM at Lakeway Activity Center, enjoy a FREE concert with repertoire from Schubert and Dvorak. Then, stay for the reception 5-6PM. Musicians include: Violins–Sandy Yamamoto and Sari Pearce; Viola–Nick Hammel; Cello–Andrew Pearce; and Piano–Colette Valentine.

Kid Camps this summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

Spirit of Freedom Monument

Lakeway Veterans who served in official periods of armed conflict like the Vietnam War or Gulf War can have their names included on the Spirit of Freedom Monument located in Lakeway Heritage Park. Applications are now being accepted for additions to the monument for recognition on Veterans Day in 2024. Deadline to apply is July 5, 2024. The fee ranges from $325-$425. Call 512-314-7530 or go here for info and a link to the application: https://lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

Council met on April 15.

All 7 members attended the meeting, all in person. RESULTS:

ITEM 20: New Motor Officer Wesley Wilson was pinned and introduced to residents.

ITEM 21: Citizens Participation for Items NOT On the Agenda—no one spoke.

ITEM 22: Financial Report showed a net positive of roughly $900,000 on hand, half-way through the fiscal year.

ITEM 23: The Annual Audit Report from Singleton, Clark and Company was clean and unmodified.

ITEMS 24 and 25: Changing the Future Land Use Map designation from Commercial to Residential AND changing zoning from Commercial to Planned Unit Development, all as to a proposed residential development of 48 units on 5.36 acres located at 300 Birrell Street. [Since ZAPCO recommended denial of these changes, Council would need a super majority vote (3/4 of all members, being 6 out of 7) in favor, to approve the development.]

–Extensive discussion revealed Council had largely positive views of the proposal, except for the de At applicant’s request for more time to meet this requirement, Council agreed to postpone decision until the June meeting.

ITEM 26: Request for a Special Use Permit in order to operate a massage business for 10 years, at 900 RR 620S (Lakeway Commons Shopping Center).

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 28: Accepting Lakeway Police Foundation’s donation for refurbishing the Police Department’s gym and for victim services.

–$20,348 was donated by the Lakeway Police Foundation.

ITEM 29: Hotel Occupancy Tax Review and Strategic Plan Presentation.

–After reviewing and discussing the limited options under state law for using the $8,600,000 the city now holds in HOT funds, Council asked staff to pursue seeking a legislative carve-out during the 2025 session that would open up more appealing possibilities.

ITEM 30: Transportation Bond Update.

–Staff indicated the bond money is now being used for items including culvert improvements, road resurfacing and traffic signals.

ITEM 31: Discussion Regarding Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees. [NOTE: YET AGAIN. At least this time, the heading makes it clear this regards ALL committees and ALL volunteers now serving on them.]

–It was proposed that staff survey area towns and prepare a draft ordinance changing Lakeway’s appointment process from what our Charter provides to some version of what our neighbors are doing; the point seemed to be having a draft ordinance handy for Council to use in case Charter Review Committee decided NOT to change the current appointment process OR did suggest changes but voters rejected them. After considerable discussion, Council APPROVED 6:1 (Kilgore) simply passing the matter on to the now-operating Charter Review Committee.

ITEM 32: Discuss Appointments to the Planned Unit Development Committee.

–After discussion, the consensus was for staff to draft an ordinance adding Council’s ZAPCO Liaison and a ZAPCO Commissioner to the PUD Review Committee.

ADJOURNED at 10:47PM.

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/302701

Daring Mighty Things

Boeing’s first crewed Starliner spacecraft is on track to launch May 9 (or thereabouts). It will (finally) join SpaceX as a private company shuttle service for astronauts commuting between Earth and the International Space Station. (Image credit: Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images.) Boeing Starliner spacecraft rolls out to Atlas V rocket ahead of 1st astronaut launch 4/16/24 https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-rollout-integration-rocket-astronaut-spaceflight

Musk’s Starship is the largest rocket ship ever, but now he says it isn’t tall enough. (Image credit: SpaceX via X.) The final version needs to be 500 feet tall, a full 20% taller than it is now, to reach Mars as part of NASA’s Artemis mission. Men and their rockets…. SpaceX’s giant Starship will be 500 feet tall for Mars missions, Elon Musk says 4/13/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-500-feet-tall-mars-missions-elon-musk

Meet SpaceHopper, a 3-legged robot built to jump around on moons and asteroids. (Image credit: Dominik Lindegger.) Its triangular body has an articulated leg (with a knee and a hip joint) at each corner, so the little guy can push off, kick to propel itself through space, and stick the landing. It is designed to function in little to no gravity. This little robot can hop in zero-gravity to explore asteroids 4/14/24 https://www.space.com/spacehopper-robot-explore-asteroids-zero-gravity

Ginny will never fly again, but the wee chopper with the broken rotor is still collecting data. (Image credit: NASA.) The 4-pound miniature helicopter was the first vehicle to fly in the thin gravity of another planet, completing 72 missions on Mars instead of the planned 5 test flights. Rotor damage in February grounded the craft, but she continued communicating new photos and data back to Earth through companion rover Perseverance. However, Perseverance has been moving away from the chopper for months now and will soon be out of local comms range. Ginny is expected to continue collecting data on weather, dust patterns and more for up to 20 years. The hope is that when human explorers finally reach Mars, they locate Ginny and gather the accumulated data. Ingenuity team says goodbye to pioneering Mars helicopter 4/17/24 https://www.space.com/mars-helicopter-ingenuity-team-says-goodbye

Above is the Great Carina Nebula, an enormous star nursery about 7,500 light-years from Earth. (Image Credit & Copyright: Demison Lopes.) Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

April 8’s eclipse produced endless gorgeous images. The above composite above shows totality’s solar corona (as seen in Arkansas) in the middle, flanked by the stunning “diamond ring” phase seen just before and afterward. (Image credit: Wright Dobbs.) Again, can’t beat this site for daily awesome images: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Earlier this month, Arizona returned to 1864. That’s not quite as far back as when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, but close enough for women. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on April 9 that a 160-year-old abortion ban is now enforceable, thanks to the ultra-conservative SCOTUS striking down the protections of Roe v. Wade. So, in Arizona, abortion is again outlawed from the moment of conception. Anyone who performs an abortion or helps a woman obtain one commits a FELONY, punishable by 5 years in prison; the only exception is a vague one for saving the woman’s life. Initially, the Arizona legislature seemed poised to strike down the ancient law, but far-right Republicans blocked that effort. Democrats are trying to organize a ballot initiative so voters can determine how abortion is handled in the state. Arizona Supreme Court rules a near-total abortion ban from 1864 is enforceable 4/9/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/arizona-supreme-court-ruling-abortion-ban-rcna146915

The above image shows abortion bans in the US. (Image credit: NYTimes.) BUT, it doesn’t include the RECENT bans in Florida and Arizona, so the current picture is even more dire than shown. In particular, Florida’s new ban makes being female in the American South truly dangerous. Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country 4/9/24 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/us/abortion-laws-roe-v-wade.html

On April 24, SCOTUS hears oral arguments in ANOTHER abortion case. This one regards EMTALA (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), which requires federally funded hospitals to give patients, including pregnant ones, stabilizing care. The case deals with that federal law’s conflict with the many state laws now restricting abortion, like in Texas and Idaho. Arguments balancing the woman’s life and welfare with that of the fetus will almost certainly allow the most conservative Justices to tout fetal personhood, which has far-ranging implications for IVF, contraception, and more. Texas, Idaho abortion bans test against federal emergency medicine rule 4/17/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/17/texas-idaho-supreme-court-abortion-emergency-care/

Listen to this 1-hour podcast from Slate, which explains the issues and the stakes, very well. (Just click on the PLAY arrow under the purple Amicus logo.) The Jurisprudence of Bleeding Out https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jurisprudence-of-bleeding-out/id928790786?i=1000652290865

To listen to SCOTUS orals on April 24, SCOTUS generally streams live audio, starting at 9AM Central, here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx Later in the day, the recording should be available here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_audio/2023

Back to me….

The eclipse was less than 2 weeks ago, but it seems like forever, right? Lakeway lucked out with the clouds thinning shortly before the big event, and I had a perfect vantage point for totality just by sitting in the cul de sac by my house with neighbors. The above image doesn’t compare to pro shots we’ve all seen, but it isn’t bad for a 15-year old point and shoot digital camera, no accessories or tripod, and me fumbling around in sudden darkness.

Still crazy busy, still with little to show for it. I would LOVE a few relaxing evenings at home….

For some reason, I had a sudden and irresistible urge to rearrange the furniture. I did that regularly for a couple years after moving in and doing multiple rounds of reno, but that is all ancient history. So far, though, I like the new set-up. More importantly, it has Full Feline Approval.

To follow up from last time, I can report Maxie (above) is doing better. Still getting regular follow-ups so her meds can be adjusted. Still purring like a motorboat. Still giving me hugs with those long arms….

Here are a few new deer photos, including a couple young buck still looking rumpled in winter coats. The does are nesting under the trees, and some are sporting big bellies. Fawn season will be here soon!

Coronavirus Update

As of April 13, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows the various Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) leveling off, after trending down over the last couple months. Some experts are concerned this may be an early warning of a new Covid wave on the way, especially with wastewater test levels rising in parts of the country. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Also concerning is the new raft of variants, many bundled in groups of closely related mutations. (The largest group goes by FLiRT.) Read this for more on these issues: Are We FLiRTing With A New Covid Wave? 4/18/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/are-we-flirting-with-a-new-covid

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine. So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now. Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by). Shots are available at local pharmacies. If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid. It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases. And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking. Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status. Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Look for my final ELECTION BLOG, posted on April 21.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

Early Voting: April 22-30. Election Day: May 4.

SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!

April 7, 2024April 14, 2024

April 7, 2024 ELECTION ISSUE covering every race and proposition on your May 4 ballot–Lakeway Council, Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis County Appraisal District Board. Lots of NEW info!

During APRIL, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES. Yesterday’s April 6 blog was the usual version—Lakeway events, space stuff, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc. Today, April 7, I am posting the ELECTION ISSUE—covering everything you will see on your ballot–Lakeway Council, $22MIL Lakeway Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis County Appraisal District Board. The same split will happen next time, on April 20 and 21.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4. Please VOTE!

There are 4 things happening in this election—3 Lakeway Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Lakeway Parks bond gets voted up or down, 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled, and 3 Travis County Appraisal District Board seats get filled. Each is covered right here, with info I have gathered, my impressions, and tons of links for you to get MORE info if desired.

Go here to put in your name and birthday and SEE YOUR BALLOT for this election: https://sites.omniballot.us/48453/app/sampleBallot/vr

LAKEWAY COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open. Four candidates are running. The 3 getting the most votes will win. Everyone has 3 votes. (Sorry, but there IS math involved….)

Just want the down-and-dirty version? Here is all you really need to know!

Want MORE? Read on!

Media Coverage:

–Check out Community Impact’s candidate profiles and Q&As, here: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lakeway-city-council-candidates/

–League of Women Voters’ Candidate Q&A: Coming soon.

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

—April 11, 7PM: We the People will host a Council Candidate Forum, at the Rough Hollow Pavilion (903 Highlands Blvd.). See above image. Come early for the social gathering at 6:30PM. FYI, this sponsor may not be a favored group of yours, but their candidate gatherings in recent years have been well worth attending.

–April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM: The Local Election Candidate Symposium will be hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress, at the Lakeway Activity Center. This will include candidates for the Lakeway City Council, LTISD Board, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District. Plus–Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway’s Park Bond proposition.

–UPDATE—April 18, 6PM: Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce will host a COUNCIL Candidate Forum at the Lakeway Activity Center. This will be followed by an LTISD Candidate Forum at 7:30PM.

WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on events, links to media Q&As, etc.

My election analysis….

If you want a really deep dive, read my March 9 and March 23 blogs, which both opened with Election coverage. Bits and pieces will re-appear here, but not everything.

People always ask me who to vote for. Well, start with election math: No matter what, 3 of the 4 candidates will win.

And, elections are usually about WHO WINS. But, I think this election is all about WHO LOSES. That must be Chris Levy. I promise to explain why—keep reading.

Vote for Kelly Brynteson, an incumbent.

VOTE for Matt Sherman. Matt is a dedicated and driven advocate for Lakeway, plus he already has experience in high-level city matters (see below). Truly, Matt is the bright spot in what is otherwise a pretty dreary election. When I vote for Matt, I will smile.

Vote for Jennifer Szimanski, an incumbent..

Happily, Kelly, Matt and Jenny are, by random drawing, the top 3 names listed on your ballot in the Council race.

So—just vote for 1, 2 and 3. And you are done!

Seriously, do NOT vote for the 4^th candidate, Chris Levy. He would be catastrophic on the dais, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests, the Old Guard and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us. (Much more on Mr. Levy, below.)

The Candidates

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway. He is also a NIGHTMARE. This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity. Levy is all over social media, but he refuses to answer questions about his policies for Lakeway. Instead, Levy posts, on Next Door for example, scathing diatribes against whoever most recently irked him, and he immediately blocks comments so that no one can respond. Drive-by posting is cowardly for anyone, but for a candidate to do that hints at far worse to come if he takes office. On his own campaign’s Facebook page, Levy BLOCKED it early on to all but his pals; so much for transparency and informing voters, right? I confronted him on Next Door about this, and as of March 22, he removed the blocks. But, if anyone comments there with a view he doesn’t like or with a policy question for him, he threatens to block them. And, he routinely deletes posts on his page—even his own comments—after he blows up and shows his true nature. (When dealing with Levy, screenshots are mandatory.) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

Campaign Finance Reports

Council candidates filed their first Campaign Finance Report with the city last week, covering all contributions and expenditures from the start of the campaign to March 25. (A second report is due on April 26, and then a final report is filed after the May 4 election.) All 4 reports can be seen here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2132/Current-Candidate-Filings

Reports like this say a lot about candidates—who is donating to them (and how much), plus how they use the money. Is the report transparent? Do the numbers balance? Did they spend money like water? (If so, KEEP THEM AWAY FROM OUR TAX DOLLARS.) The 2 incumbents’ reports were pretty boring; both had major funding in prior elections and bought their signs back then, so …. But, the 2 challengers in this race could not be more different, as their reports demonstrate. Matt did things right, and he exercised fiscal restraint. Levy’s report doesn’t come close to balancing; the only thing that is clear is his wild over-spending—and there is still a month to go before the election.

MATT SHERMAN received $805 in contributions and spent $5,665. He funded early expenses (mostly signs) by making a loan to his campaign. So, all expenses flow through the campaign account, which is less messy and prone to error than when candidates pay for campaign items with their credit cards. Matt capped contributions at $100, which means he can’t be pressured later to help out a big contributor. For expenses, Matt paid Stokes $2,792 for signs. The only other major expense is $1,596 for advertising (in the upcoming issue of Community Impact, I believe). He paid $515 for shirts, $356 for sign materials, and $245 for his website; the rest was for event supplies and financial fees. Matt’s report is crystal clear and balances to the penny.

Levy paid Stokes $8,203 for signs, plus another $1,185 to Home Depot for stakes and the rest needed to erect all those big signs. Plus, Levy paid John Cummings (of May, TX) $3,248 in salary for general campaign work, that seems to be largely pounding sign stakes into the ground. (If you think Levy’s signs have ruined every lovely vista in town, he spent nearly $13,000 doing it—so far.) Advertising is an even bigger expense; Levy paid $19,033 to Community Impact, plus another $1,319 to Sarita Geisel for advertising and logos. Adding a few events expenses brings Levy’s total as itemized to around $33,000. Yet, page 2 of his report clearly says expenditures were $54,067. So, where did the other $21,000 go? Oddly, the report says the $54,000 is roughly $30,000 from credit cards and $24,000 from personal funds. My best guess is that he or his treasurer (Lauren Frederick, of Liberty Hill, TX, who Google says is a CPA/tax preparer) got confused and reported Levy’s subsequent payments TO his credit card as expenditures, creating duplications. The math is still way off, but that’s for Levy to correct and file an amended report. We’ll see. Of course, more expenses (signs, advertising, events, etc.) will appear on the second campaign report, end of April.

Levy is not a nice guy. PART 1.

On Broadcast, Levy’s Council run has prompted local residents—mostly women—to relate disturbing things he did after a disagreement. In some cases, they say Levy mailed threatening letters—or just left disturbing notes at the door. In other cases, they say he repeatedly slow-rolled past their homes until he got noticed and his implied threat was delivered. Sounds unlikely, right? Folks are just being mean to the poor guy, maybe? Well, I know personally what Chris Levy will do and how he reacts when thwarted. During the 2023 election, his comments to and about me on social media were threatening enough that the police were informed (NOT by me), and my house was put on their list for enhanced patrols.

Then, in 2024, Levy decided to run for Council. So he mailed me a Christmas card. In FEBRUARY. About when he filed as a candidate. And he scrawled on the envelope: “Not sure how we forgot about you…. ” Obviously, Levy and I are not card-exchanging pals. Levy wanted me to understand that HE KNOWS WHERE I LIVE, in hopes of intimidating me and keeping me quiet about his candidacy. Didn’t work….

Here is what he mailed to me. (I covered the faces and names of his wife and daughter, although Levy himself posts their images all over his Facebook campaign page and elsewhere online, as well as using them in his print advertising.)

Levy is not a nice guy. PART 2.

But Levy didn’t stop there. That night, he posted on his campaign Facebook page a message needling me about the encounter. When I posted a response, he panicked and removed the whole thread—that HE had started. That’s why he only wants to communicate on his Facebook page; he deletes anything that doesn’t fit his narrative. And that’s why it doesn’t work to post policy questions there in hopes of getting answers from him about anything. Levy uses his campaign page to play hide and seek with voters. Here are the contemporaneous screenshots I took.

Levy’s bizarre Old Lakeway misadventure.

I related this sorry saga (Levy attacking his neighbors, recording over an hour of foul-mouthed rants about them, and uploading that to YouTube) in detail in my March 9 blog; backtrack to that if you missed it.

One last thing. Levy DOES NOT DENY HE SAID ALL THIS TRASH. Instead, he is playing the victim, whining that he has changed since 2017. Don’t buy it. The guy on the recording is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, at Council meetings, on and on. And, he is NOW threatening to sue anyone who dares to thwart him. Of course he is. In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way.

But—you decide. In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

If YOU don’t vote—LEVY will win.

If YOU don’t vote for ALL OF THE OTHER 3 CANDIDATES—LEVY will win.

For all the reasons mentioned here—and many more–Chris Levy is NOT someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway. This election, all residents need to decide about that, and vote accordingly. Consider his zero experience with city matters, how he acts, what he says and does. Vote for Matt, Kelly and Jenny. Just don’t vote for Levy.

Please consider the above. Ask around. Think about who you want running Lakeway.

PARKS BOND

After several years of planning, Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc. People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can you really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park? For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway. I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future. The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Community Impact recently published candidate profiles and Q&As. Since the School Board runs in Places, there is an article on the Place 1 candidates, and an article on the Place 2 candidates.

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-1-candidates/

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-2-candidates/

Candidate Forums:

UPDATE:

–April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM: The Local Election Candidate Symposium will be hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress,at the Lakeway Activity Center. This will include candidates for the Lakeway City Council, LTISD Board, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District. Plus–Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway’s Park Bond proposition.

—April 18, 7:30PM: Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce will host an LTISD Candidate Forum at the Lakeway Activity Center. Come early for the Lakeway COUNCIL Candidate Forum at 6PM.

Both are former teachers.

Both are supported by Lake Travis Voices for Progress, in order to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

Lauren White and Phillip Davis OPPOSE book banning. They OPPOSE school vouchers. They are fighting for literacy, instead of wasting money on political stunts, and they are working to keep our tax dollars in Lake Travis ISD.

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Lauren White and Phillip Davis.

To meet the candidates, attend LT DEMS’ Local Election Candidate Symposium, April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center. All 4 LTISD candidates were invited. (Other local election candidates will be there, as well, including those running for Lakeway City Council, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District, plus Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway Parks Bond proposition.)

Here is a link with candidate info, videos and more: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Confused about all the fuss over book banning? This March 28 article on how library materials are reviewed/banned locally at LTISD is helpful in understanding the process. It also identifies the tiny number of parents responsible for exploding this issue since 2021. Lake Travis ISD emerges as a battleground for school book bans 3/28/24 https://www.kut.org/education/2024-03-28/lake-travis-school-book-ban-library-austin-texas

As for vouchers, the analogy stated above sums it up, as far as I’m concerned. (Thanks to LT Dems for the image.)

Need this free yard sign for the LTISD election? The folks at Voices for Progress will deliver one to you. Just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdceri4wyWGXVcK6b4SEAnRymKYBUsP_SDQhT1aYdSbO-dUwA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3lhFSZ8FSvtUhOT3JCn3NwwsfVI0KehNud8ucJ7V3xOw6PUHHz7xYxcMA

TCAD BOARD

3 seats on the Travis County Appraisal District Board get filled. This is a brand new election, as previously these were appointed positions. Similar to ISD, this Board runs in Places. So, there are 3 separate races to vote in, picking 1 candidate for each place. While this is technically a non-partisan election (so candidates’ party preference will not appear on the ballot), the rest of the Board is Republican, so it would really help to get Democrats elected. Plus, the elected Board members seem to have more power than the others.

The above image gives the background better than I can.

The above image, courtesy of the Jett Hanna campaign, has a summary of each race and links for each candidate. It also shows the party affiliation of each candidate. As it notes, Democrats are Jett Hanna, Shenghao “Daniel” Wang, and Dick Lavine. Republicans are Don Zimmerman, Matt Mackowiak, and Bill May. And, Jonathan Patschke is Libertarian. That should be a good starting point for any more research you want to do.

Again, to meet the candidates, attend LT DEMS’ Local Election Candidate Symposium, April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center. (Other local election candidates will be there, as well, including those running for Lakeway City Council and LTISD Board, plus Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway Parks Bond proposition.)

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

So, pick your candidates, make a plan to vote—early or on election day. And—VOTE!

April 6, 2024April 7, 2024

April 6, 2024 Highlighting all the fun Spring events in Lakeway, starting with everything you need to know about the April 8 ECLIPSE, plus space news and images, women’s rights update, deer photos, and more. (Local election info will be in my separate April 7 SPECIAL ELECTION issue.)

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

During April, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES. Today’s blog is the usual version–Lakeway’s upcoming events, space news and images, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc. Tomorrow, April 7, I’ll post the ELECTION ISSUE, covering everything you will see on your ballot—Lakeway Council, $22MIL Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis County Appraisal District Board. The same split will happen next time—April 20 and 21.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway….

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

Solar Eclipse–Monday, April 8

Per Lakeway PD and Mayor Kilgore: Due to the anticipated VERY LARGE number of people visiting our area and just driving through town, residents should plan ahead (for example, gas up your car and shop BEFORE MONDAY) and stay close to home on eclipse day.

All classes and programs are CANCELLED at the Swim Center and Activity Center on Monday, just like they are at LTISD. Lakeway administrative offices will be closed.

Eclipse timeline (per City of Lakeway site):

12:17pm eclipse begins/1:35pm FULL eclipse begins/1:38pm FULL eclipse ends/2:27pm eclipse ends.

See the above image for eye safety tips, courtesy of City of Lakeway’s eclipse page.

In addition to viewing the eclipse from home, to see professional images along several states you can tune into “Eclipse Across America,” a 2-hour show in ABC, National Geographic and several other channels, starting at 1PM Central. Or—watch online at www.space.com

Lakeway is hosting its own outside viewing party, on Monday, April 8, noon-2PM in the Activity Center parking lot (105 Cross Creek). Extra parking is available nearby at the Justice Complex and City Hall. (If it is storming or raining, this event will be cancelled.) Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2081/Solar-Eclipse

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a 12-minute live update INCLUDING ECLIPSE INFO FOR RESIDENTS, on April 4. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/338104202591114

TRAFFIC ALERT: Top section of Lakeway Drive CLOSED April 9 through July.

Culvert replacement will take place starting April 9, with Lakeway Drive CLOSED between Cross Creek and Lakeway Boulevard. Through traffic will need to use Cross Creek and Lohmans instead. This is part of the recent Transportation Bond, improving Lakeway’s roads. The project will likely be in progress through July.

Solid Waste Bill Increase

The city’s new contract with Waste Connections has gone into effect. Residents will see a small rate increase for trash and recycling. Quarterly payments have gone up to $80.55. Still the best deal in town….

Wilderness Run/Walk

Sponsored by Lakeway Friends of the Park, this year’s run/walk is on Saturday, April 13. There will be a 5k main course, as well as a 1-mile course for the kids. This FREE EVENT has prizes for the top finishers. Registration is at 8:30AM. The walk/run starts at the Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden located next to the Lakeway Justice Complex (104 Cross Creek). Details here: https://www.lakewayfop.org/

Lake Travis Democrats Club

–April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM: The Local Election Candidate Symposium, at the Lakeway Activity Center. This will include candidates for the Lakeway City Council, LTISD Board, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District. Plus–Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway Parks Bond proposition.

–April 23, 6:30PM: Banned Book Club, at Lake Travis Community Library. Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Critically acclaimed, this novel is said to be the most frequently challenged book from 2010 to 2019, due to how it depicts alcohol, poverty, bullying, violence, sexuality and bulimia.

–May 19: Picnic in the Park. Details to come.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and activities each month.

Singalong Dinner Shows

Lakeway Singalong presents “That’s Life” for its spring performance, at Lakeway Activity Center. Two dinner shows are on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20. Doors open at 6PM, with dinner at 6:30PM. Tickets are $45; get reservations NOW, as these performances sell out fast. For reservations, go here and click on the City Events and Performances tab: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

ArtWalk

Join in on the first Lakeway Art Walk–featuring local art, crafts, music, performing arts, food, and more–over the weekend of April 19-21. Activities happen at the Activity Center, Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various art studios around Lakeway. Go here for a full schedule of activities over the 3 days: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Fox on the Fairway

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

The spring tours are scheduled! Grab a reservation early, as these always fill up. Bus tours visit 20 historical locations, narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee. Tour day is Friday, May 17. Times: 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 1:15 PM. Board at Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing), where you can also visit the historic Liebelt Cabin. Go here for info and to reserve your seat: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Council meets on April 15.

About a week prior, check here for the Agenda: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

Destruction on a scale visible from space…. The above images show Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge back in 2023, and then after it collapsed when a cargo ship rammed a support pillar on March 26. The satellite images were taken by Colorado-based Maxar Technologies. Tragic Baltimore bridge collapse aftermath seen from space 3/27/24 https://www.space.com/satellites-baltimore-bridge-francis-scott-key

Forget the romantic notion of the moon as “timeless.” (Image credit: NASA.) The White House last week directed NASA to establish a unified standard of time for the moon and other celestial bodies. International norms in space are needed due to the lunar race among several nations and private companies. The plan is to have Lunar Time in place by 2026. White House directs NASA to create time standard for the moon 4/2/24 https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/white-house-directs-nasa-to-create-time-standard-for-the-moon-1.6830658

As Women’s History Month ended, coming to a close, Space.com reached out to over 50 women leaders in space exploration, asking for advice, inspiration or general thoughts about their journey. (Image credit: Space Frontiers/Archive Photos/Getty Images.) The group ranges from astronauts to CEOs and government officials to private entrepreneurs. We asked over 50 women space leaders for words of inspiration. Here’s what they told us 3/30/24 https://www.space.com/women-in-space-quotes-inspirational-science-history-month

The above left-hand image (credit: Phil Hart) from Australia shows the solar corona at the peak of the April 20, 2023 total solar eclipse. The above right-hand image (credit: Dan Bartlett) shows the comet known as Pons-Brooks, soaring over Earth on March 30. This stunning comet, with its ion tail and green coma, should be visible on April 8 during solar eclipse totality. To find it, look AWAY from the solar corona of the eclipsed sun. Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Texas Republicans got caught on video, stating their plans for women in our state. The death penalty for women seeking abortion was just the start. The video shows Paul Brown, the director of policy for AATX, saying all women who have abortions should to be prosecuted for murder. “The same penalty for harming or killing a born person is also imposed by God in his law for killing a preborn person.” Incest and rape make no difference. Brown also says that IVF and Plan B are murder. Texas GOP Meets Group Suggesting Death Penalty for Women Who Seek Abortions 3/28/24 https://www.newsweek.com/texas-gop-meeting-death-penalty-women-abortions-1884950?fbclid=IwAR0YbZqKxkPSfmV-Ju6EUBetfXgrFlT8oUOOyb8oeju3pC6dAOQim0kLiVQ_aem_AVULQBt4IEr54EnjJlh5YkZCYSZrge8oqcpKp38-ngEJNchp3PjmjPpDbZCNetW6_PbdzEy-SWegMVHkxQxzHRJb

The Florida Supreme Court approved a 6-week abortion ban, starting in May. But, it also approved a November ballot proposition to amend the state constitution to allow abortion until 24 weeks, with exceptions for later abortions when needed for the patient’s health (as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.) NOTE: The constitutional amendment requires 60% of voters to approve it. Florida Supreme Court allows 6-week abortion ban to take effect, but voters will have the final say 4/1/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/florida-supreme-court-abortion-rights-ballot-measure-rcna142568

After Dobbs, the number of abortions rose, as woman all over America turned to medication abortion. What used to be relatively rare became mainstream, allowing women to coordinate their own medical care in relative privacy. Tele-health consults, mail order prescriptions, online help desks, and peer-to-peer networks combined to make medication abortion a safe and manageable option. US Supreme Court abortion drug hearing looming, study shows how self-managed abortion became more common post-Dobbs 3/5/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/25/health/self-managed-medication-abortion-surge-post-dobbs/index.html

Dobbs has downgraded health care for women eager to become mothers, by making the recommended early prenatal care hard to find. Some doctors hope to avoid difficult situations by refusing to see women less than 12 weeks along; after that, miscarriages are less likely, but this policy denies women valuable early care and testing. Other doctors refuse to act on early indications of problems, making women wait until serious complications arise; then, the risk of infertility and death are higher for women, but doctors aren’t likely to be questioned. Louisiana shows the risks for pregnant women in a post-Roe America 3/21/24 https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/abortion-ban-louisiana-pregnancy-health-care-rcna144379

On March 26, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the Texas case attempting to ban or at least severely limit use of mifepristone, the main drug approved by the FDA over 20 years ago and now used in medication abortions world-wide. You can listen here to listen (click on FDA v. Alliance Hippocratic Medicine, March 26): https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_audio/2023

I listened live on March 26. Easily, half the discussion was on the shaky standing of the anti-abortion plaintiffs (a few doctors, a theologian and a dentist) who claim they at some point MIGHT be called on to assist a patient suffering side effects of the drug, despite existing federal protection for conscience objections. All the Justices aside from Alito seemed skeptical, to varying degrees. The merits of the case were not fully explored. Justices Thomas and Alito did squeeze in the antiquated Comstock Act (passed in the 1800s to suppress everything related to sex) as grounds to prohibit mailing of the drug. Also, Justice Barrett waved her flag for fetal personhood. However, those parts of the conversation were pointing the way for future cases. The discussion wrapped up after just 90 minutes; 2-3 hours is not uncommon with major cases. It felt like most minds were already made up, although a decision probably won’t be released until June. SCOTUS will likely take the easy road and dismiss this case for lack of standing.

However, the far-right will have learned much from the process, and next time will likely argue the Comstock Act bans mailing of mifepristone, tele-med consultations, and so on, all on the specious grounds of mifepristone being a risky drug. In fact, in the last 24 years, mifepristone has been proven safer than Tylenol and Viagra. Yet, no one is trying to stop tele-med consults and mailing for Viagra. Be assured, that if the far-right defeats the FDA as to mifepristone, it will then go after contraceptives. Also, if Trump becomes President again, he would name a new FDA Chief, who could immediately make mifepristone hard to obtain or simply take it off the market entirely—with zero help from the courts.

Here is a great idea—Congress should repeal the Comstock Act. But, only a BLUE WAVE of Representatives and Senators in November will allow that. Justices Thomas and Alito want to use a ‘zombie law’ to restrict abortion 3/28/24 https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-comstock-act-rcna145147

ANOTHER abortion case is scheduled for SCOTUS oral argument, on April 24. This one regards EMTALA (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), which requires federally funded hospitals to give patients, including pregnant patients, with stabilizing care. The case deals with that federal law’s conflict with state laws restricting abortion, like in Idaho. Arguments balancing the woman’s life and welfare with that of the fetus will almost certainly allow the most conservative Justices to tout fetal personhood, which has far-ranging implications for IVF, contraception, and more. The Supreme Court Got It Wrong: Abortion Is Not Settled Law 3/26/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/26/opinion/supreme-court-abortion-mifepristone.html

A NYTimes editorial in the aftermath of the March 26 mifepristone oral argument is worth reading in full. But here is its conclusion:

“In short, there is no silver bullet for reproductive rights. The judiciary is no haven, not as long as the current Supreme Court majority holds; state and lower federal courts aren’t much better, going by the Alabama I.V.F. ruling and the decisions that pushed the mifepristone case to the Supreme Court. At the same time, voter support for reproductive rights won’t make a difference if they can’t use ballot measures to make that support known. That is why any successful strategy to protect or restore abortion rights must understand reproductive rights and representative democracy as inextricably linked. That means understanding the stakes of the elections in November. If Mr. Trump’s party wins solid control of the House and Senate, this could put Americans’ reproductive rights at further risk, especially if Republicans first decide to do away with the filibuster. That would lower the threshold for passing legislation such as a 15-week abortion ban, which Mr. Trump seems likely to support. Voters will be faced with a stark choice: the choice of whether to protect not just reproductive rights, but true equality for women.” The Persistent Threat to Abortion Rights 3/30/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/30/opinion/abortion-drug-supreme-court.html

Back to me….

I have been frantically busy lately. Just not really sure doing what…. I’m trying to increase my cardio, while still keeping up with yoga and weights. Started spring cleaning. Wrapped up several online projects, but as always new ones popped up in their place. Decided to cut WAY back on sodium intake, which is loads of fun….

My senior cat, Maxie, is now 17 years old. Her thunderous purr has been the background music of my life all that time. Always happy and healthy, Maxie suddenly became frail and ailing. Our vet did exhaustive testing, with 3 scary and seemingly unrelated results. For now, 2 medications have helped a lot, and Maxie is maybe 75% back to her normal wonderful self. She sees a specialist in May.

Here are a few new deer photos. Lately, I have been walking later in the day, when they are less visible and mostly nestled in the trees.

Coronavirus Update

The New York Times discontinued its weekly Covid updates, in late March.

I’m now watching the CDC’s Data Tracker. As of March 30, it shows the various Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) all trending down over the last week. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

There is a new drug to fight Covid-19. Pemgarda was approved recently by the FDA to help prevent Covid in those most at risk from the virus. It can be used preventively for immunocompromised people ages 12 and older. It keeps virus from attaching to human cells and is given through an IV. Pemgarda is intended for those not currently infected or recently been exposed; it cannot be given within 2 weeks of a person getting a COVID vaccine. (See the link below in the Articles section.)

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—CDC Vaccine Update: Recommendations, Data on COVID-19, RSV, Influenza, and PCV21 4/5/24 https://www.pulmonologyadvisor.com/home/topics/lung-infection/cdc-vaccine-updates-on-covid-19-rsv-influenza-pcv21/

—FDA OKs New Treatment to Prevent COVID in High-Risk People 3/26/24 https://www.webmd.com/covid/news/20240326/fda-oks-new-treatment-to-prevent-covid-high-risk-people\

March 23, 2024March 25, 2024

March 23, 2024 LOCAL ELECTION updates (Council, Parks bond, LTISD), followed by all of Lakeway’s fun spring events (including the ECLIPSE) as well as a Council meeting and more city items, plus loads of space news with stunning images, important women’s health updates with a cool local video, new deer photos, Covid stats and news, and more.

Be brave like Ukraine.

This is LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, so the blog begins with a special section dedicated to the upcoming Lakeway Local Election. Don’t worry–all the fun Lakeway events are covered here, as usual, just below the Election section.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

There are 3 things happening in this election—3 Lakeway Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Lakeway Parks bond gets voted up or down, and 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled. Each is covered right here, with info I have gathered, plus tons of links for you to get MORE info if desired.

COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open. Four candidates are running. The 3 getting the most votes will win. Everyone has 3 votes. (Sorry, but there IS math involved….)

Just want the down-and-dirty version? Here you go!

Want more? Read on!

Media Coverage:

Check out Community Impact’s candidate profiles and Q&As, here: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lakeway-city-council-candidates/ NOTE: Jennifer Szimanski failed to participate in this FREE publicity. As an incumbent, does she plan to coast on name recognition, as opposed to making any effort to inform voters?

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

Candidate events have been a hard sell this year. (There seems to be a fear of exposing a certain candidate to, well, actual living humans.) BUT—good news! Looks like there will be some events, after all. Here is what is set so far:

—April 11: We the People will host a candidate forum. I’m told the details are same as last year–7PM, at River in the Hills (1310 Ranch Rd 620 S., near The League and Santa Catarina). Confirmation to follow. FYI—This sponsor may not be a favored group of yours, but their candidate gatherings in recent years have been good events and well worth attending. Everyone was welcome.

—April 16, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center: Lake Travis Democrats’ monthly meeting will feature some candidates running for Lakeway Council and Lake Travis ISD.

WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on events, links to media Q&As, etc.

My election analysis….

This election is NOT a pretty one. 1) There are fewer decent candidates than seats that will be filled, regardless. 2) One of the candidates would be a disastrous choice. 3) Can’t argue with election math. And, I have really, really tried….

—VOTE for MATT! Matt Sherman is far and away the best choice. Matt is a bright and driven advocate for Lakeway, plus he already has experience in high-level city matters (see below).

–In my perfect world, Jennifer Szimanski would be voted off Council. News flash: This is NOT my perfect world….

–Honestly, Kelly Brynteson is not on my Good List, either. But, she is NOT a full-time puppet of the Old Guard/Elite’s Committee to Protect Lakeway PAC, like Councilmembers Szimanski, O’Brien and Forton. For whatever reason, sometimes Kelly gets it right on the dais.

–The bottom line: Chris Levy on the dais would be catastrophic, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests, the Old Guard and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us—the home owners and businesses that fund the city and do our best to practice decency, fairness and transparency, along with the volunteers who have served Lakeway for decades. (More on Mr. Levy, below.)

Election math is a bi$ch. So, here is my best advice:

Chris Levy is a nightmare, so vote for the other 3 and pray for divine intervention.

The Candidates

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway. This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity. For weeks, Levy BLOCKED his campaign’s Facebook site to all but his pals; so much for transparency and informing voters, right? I confronted him on Next Door about this, and as of March 22 he removed the blocks. Of course, he has scrubbed the page squeaky clean. But, as long as his good mood lasts, you can check out his campaign page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

I related Levy’s bizarre Old Lakeway misadventure (attacking his neighbors, recording over an hour of foul-mouthed rants about them, and uploading it to YouTube) in detail in the last blog; backtrack to that if you missed it. He removed the recording prior to running for Council, but people had already downloaded it–as YouTube allows. So, now the recording and a transcript of the most shocking segment are circulating.

Want to hear the recording for yourself? Post on his campaign Facebook page asking him to upload it there, in full. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

I already knew that Chris Levy is NOT someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway. This election, all residents need to make a decision on that, and vote accordingly. Consider how he treated his close neighbors and decide whether you want someone with his attitude on Council, controlling your city. VOTE FOR MATT. And, sure, vote for Kelly. Vote for Jenny, even. Just DON’T vote for Levy.

One last thing. Levy DOES NOT DENY HE SAID ALL THIS TRASH. Instead, he is playing the victim, whining that he has changed since 2017. Don’t buy it. The guy on the recording is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, at Council meetings, on and on. And, he is NOW threatening to sue anyone who dares to thwart him. Of course he is. In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way.

For me, all that makes Chris Levy Lakeway’s worst nightmare as an elected official.

But—you decide. In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

If you want to hear the recording for yourself, post on his campaign’s Facebook page asking him to upload it there. ALL OF IT; if he edits out the worst bits, lots of people will know. He owes that much to Lakeway. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

PARKS BOND

After several years of planning, Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc. People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can you really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park? For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway. I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future. The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD School Board Election

Community Impact recently published candidate profiles and Q&As. Since the School Board runs in places, there is an article on the Place 1 candidates, and an article on the Place 2 candidates.

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-1-candidates/

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-2-candidates/

There are 2 contested seats this year. Incumbents Lauren White https://www.facebook.com/laurenwhiteforlaketravis and Phillip Davis https://www.facebook.com/Vote4PhillipDavis are seeking another term. Both are supported by Lake Travis Voices for Progress, in order to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Lauren White and Phillip Davis. Even better—SUPPORT them so they can continue fighting for our kids. (Their opponents are being showered with money from Lake Travis Families PAC, just like in the last couple elections.) Here is a link with more candidate info, videos AND the fundraiser hosted by Lake Travis Voices for Progress so you can easily make a donation: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Need this free yard sign for the LTISD election? The great folks at Voices for Progress will deliver one to you. Just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdceri4wyWGXVcK6b4SEAnRymKYBUsP_SDQhT1aYdSbO-dUwA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3lhFSZ8FSvtUhOT3JCn3NwwsfVI0KehNud8ucJ7V3xOw6PUHHz7xYxcMA

You made it through the ELECTION SECTION–congrats! The usual fun stuff is next.

Here is what ELSE is happening in Lakeway….

City Hall Art Gallery

Lakeway artist Penny Jamrack has her work on display at City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.). Her specialty is portraiture, but she is also inspired by the natural beauty of plants, birds, and animals.Local art is displayed at City Hall rotating every 3 months. Local artists interested in displaying at City Hall should check here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Lake Travis Democrats Club

March 26: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library. Book: Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

April 16: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center. Some candidates for Lakeway Council and Lake Travis ISD will be on hand to introduce themselves.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month.

LMUD Water Meetings

On Tuesday, March 26 and Thursday, April 4, 7-8PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek), Lakeway Municipal Utility District will host meetings for the public. Plan to attend to get updates on the current restriction and planning for future watering restrictions; feedback will be accepted, as well. Final decisions are expected in May. LMUD’s site is here: https://lakewaymud.org/

Household Hazardous Waste Day

On Wednesday, March 27, from 9:30AM-12:30PM, FREE drop-off for hazardous items is available to residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave and The Hills, plus customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD. Bring photo ID or water bill to show eligibility. Location is Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.). RESERVATIONS are required. Items MUST be in original labeled containers. Paint accepted per household is limited to 30 one-gallon containers. Check here for lists of accepted items and DISALLOWED items AND to make your reservation: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACA728A1F4C07-48253369-household#/

Junior Firefighter Academy—deadline to apply is April 2.

Lake Travis Fire and Rescue is hosting its FIRST Junior Firefighter Academy this summer, July 16-19, 9AM-4:30PM. Location is Station 605, 3048 Steiner Ranch Boulevard. Cost is $25. Open to students age 12-15, it will provide an immersive experience in firefighting and EMS. Due to the expected demand, applications will be picked by random lottery. Go here for full info and to apply: https://www.ltfr.org/junior-firefighter-academy/?fbclid=IwAR0rhpRJfhqE2YXHkepZlTfbYArB4JQPlE-7ZUDVzhukxP2iZcwv_G_zB80

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, April 6 from 8AM to noon. Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff? Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs. LAC members pay $30 per booth; non-members pay $35 per booth. Call 512-261-1010 for info. See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

FREE weekly concerts start on Saturday, April 6, 7-9PM, on the Central Plaza Lawn of the Hill Country Galleria. The spring series continues through May 11. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to get comfy. Performance schedule is here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/saturday-night-concert-series/2145580934

Solar Eclipse–Monday, April 8

Eclipse timeline (per City of Lakeway site): 12:17pm eclipse begins; 1:35pm FULL eclipse begins; 1:38pm FULL eclipse ends; 2:27pm eclipse ends.

See the above image for eye safety tips, courtesy of City of Lakeway’s eclipse page.

In addition to viewing the eclipse from home, to see professional images along several states you can tune into “Eclipse Across America,” a 2-hour show on ABC, National Geographic and several other channels, starting at 1PM Central.

Lakeway is hosting its own outside viewing party, on Monday, April 8, 1PM in the Activity Center parking lot. Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2081/Solar-Eclipse

Wilderness Run/Walk

Sponsored by Lakeway Friends of the Park, this year’s run/walk is on Saturday, April 13. This FREE EVENT has prizes for the top finishers. Registration is at 8:30AM. The walk/run starts at the Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden located next to the Lakeway Justice Complex (104 Cross Creek). Details here: https://www.lakewayfop.org/

Singalong Dinner Shows

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on March 14, with 12 minutes of city info. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1128060478396511

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Our Help.

Andrea Greig, one of our police officers since 2005 and now our Animal Protection Officer, is currently fighting a very tough form of cancer. She is always there for Lakeway–helping people, their pets and our wildlife with endless energy, compassion and devotion. Now, if you can, please be there for her and donate to a GoFundMe account, helping cover her medical expenses. Here is the link for info and donations: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4q2ytg-help-andrea-kick-cancers-butt

Council met on March 18.

All 7 members attended the meeting, all in person on the dais. RESULTS:

ITEM 10 (within the Consent Agenda): Increasing each resident’s trash and recycling bill (currently $22.33 per month) to $26.85 per month, due to the recent rate increase in Waste Management’s contract.

–PASSED UNANIMOUSLY as part of the Consent Agenda.

ITEM 13: Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda.

—CHRIS LEVY spoke, purporting to deliver a $12,500 donation to the City of Lakeway from Lakeway Police Foundation, to be used to refurbish the gym at our Police Station. However, for ethical purposes, city ordinance requires gifts over $2,000 to be reviewed by staff and, in the event certain standards are met, then approved by Council during a properly noticed public hearing. Since these requirements were not followed, the matter was delayed until the next Council meeting. Any candidate for Council should have a better grasp on city procedures and ordinances than Mr. Levy displayed here. Worse–THIS RULE WAS STATED IN THE MEETING PACKET as to Item A.1, which clearly he didn’t bother to read. Another Councilmember prone to political grandstanding is NOT needed.

ITEM 16: Financial Report.

–Due to spending less and receiving more revenue than budgeted through February, the city is roughly $1MIL to the good.

ITEM 17: Presentation from Central Texas Water Coalition.

–NO ACTION TAKEN, but the report was as dire as the recent one by LMUD—possibly more so. Lake Travis suffers from severely compromised inflows, ever-increasing overuse, and historically low rainfall. As a result, the panic mark of 600,000 acre feet is expected to be reached by August. Consider that every gallon used for your yard is a gallon that will never flow from the taps in your kitchen or bathroom.

ITEM 18: Joint Meeting—Council and Charter Review Committee.

–NO ACTION TAKEN. Five members of the Charter Review Committee were introduced–Troy Dunson, Brad Heilman, Jessica Putonti, Amber Hart, and Erik Mulloy. Unfortunately, they NEEDED to be introduced, even to longtime volunteers and the most seasoned followers of city matters. (The committee has 2 more members; former Councilmember Sanjeev Kumar was not present, and Chairman Louis Mastrangelo remains on Council until the May election.) A very loose timeline was discussed. (See image.) Council rather grudgingly agreed that members would not attend Charter Review Committee meetings (which will be closed to the public), unless specifically invited.

ITEM 19: REZONING–Ordinance changing Future Land Use Map from Commercial to Residential and changing Zoning from Office/Retail to Planned Unit Development, to allow 48 Residential units on 5.36 acres at 300 Birrell. (NOTE: ZAPCO voted down this proposal 6:1. See plan image.)

–POSTPONED until the April 15 meeting, because the FLUM portion of the item was omitted from the actual Agenda, such that the required public notice failed to happen. Embarrassing all around, especially since this item was the meatiest one of the night.

ITEM 20: Amending the ordinances as to special use permits for Gaming/Software/Sweepstakes businesses (limiting them to 3 active permits at a time within the city, and no operation within 1,500’ of each other, schools, places of worship or residences).

–PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 22: Discussion of Length and Number of City Council Meetings.

–SURPRISE …. Nothing much is going to change. Ironically, this meeting ended relatively early, and still it was far longer than necessary. A simple way to trim meeting length is to eliminate Council’s own “breaks.” During this shortish meeting (less than 3 hours long), 2 breaks were called. Breaks balloon to multiple times the stated length. Worse, they fail to provide the audience with any break at all; we have to remain in chambers, idling around until Council members drag themselves back to the dais to do the work. Another way to shorten Council meetings is to disallow Councilmembers from READING THEIR REMARKS ENDLESSLY FROM THEIR PHONES/DEVICES. This always makes me wonder who REALLY wrote the message. Plus–sincerity and brevity tend to go together.

A.1 Accept Donation for Employee Gym Equipment.

–First, there was freewheeling (also, disingenuous) discussion of Mayor Tom Kilgore and Caren Kilgore’s $15,500 donation to the city, to be used to refurbish the gym at our Police Station and made via a nationally known charitable trust. Then, there was a ridiculous (and ridiculously long) break. Then, Council VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the donation.

ADJOURNED at 9:27PM.

Daring Mighty Things

On March 4, the International Space Station was passing over N. Dakota when it took a gorgeous photo of neighboring Michigan, surrounded by ALL 5 of the Great Lakes. Look for mitten-shaped Michigan at the upper right of the image, as the lakes glitter in the sunlight. (Image courtesy of the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center.) NASA captures stunning image of Michigan, all 5 Great Lakes from 259 miles up 3/4/24 https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/nasa-captures-stunning-image-of-michigan-all-5-great-lakes-from-259-miles-up.html

Russia’s Soyuz was scheduled to blast off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstanon on March 21, delivering an American astronaut and 2 Russians to the International Space Station. The launch was aborted just 21 seconds before blast off. Basically, the craft had a dead battery, as confirmed by Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. The launch was re-scheduled for as early as March 23. (Image credit: NASA TV.) Russian Soyuz rocket suffers rare last-minute abort during launch of 3 astronauts to ISS 3/21/24 https://www.space.com/soyuz-rocket-launch-abort-expedition71-astronauts

Musk’s 3^rd try was NOT the charm, though it did exhibit some flair early on. (Image credit: SpaceX via X.) The March 14 launch from SpaceX’s facility near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas thrilled spring break crowds on nearby South Padre. Starship achieved Earth orbit, qualifying it as the largest man-made object ever to reach outer space. Some tests were completed (opening payload doors, transferring fuel, etc.), but the planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico never happened; comms ceased 48 minutes after launch during a fiery re-entry, and both Starship and its booster rocket were lost. Musk claimed victory, but clearly much needs to be corrected before crewed flight can be considered NASA plans to use Starship to take Artemis astronauts to the moon, in 2025. Admittedly, SpaceX has gone far; this launch happened on the 22nd anniversary of the company’s founding in 2002. SpaceX launches giant Starship rocket into space on epic 3rd test flight 3/14/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-third-test-flight-launch

The FAA initiated its third “mishap investigation” immediately after Starship’s spectacular landing failure on March 14. (Investigation #2 only closed on 3/13—just hours before the latest launch.) SpaceX is already touting mission #4, but the FAA will not grant a launch license until the current mishap investigation is complete and SpaceX has implemented all required corrective actions. (Image credit: SpaceX.) FAA to oversee investigation of SpaceX Starship’s 3rd test flight 3/15/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-third-test-flight-faa-investigation

Boeing is prepping its Starliner capsule for the vehicle’s first-ever astronaut launch. That mission, called Crew Flight Test (CFT), should launch in early May from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending 2 NASA astronauts to the ISS for a roughly 10-day stay. Boeing’s Starliner, which has suffered several failures and resulting delays, will then augment SpaceX as American options for shuttling personnel to and from the ISS. (Image credit: Boeing via X.) Boeing begins fueling Starliner capsule ahead of 1st astronaut launch 3/19/24 https://www.space.com/boeing-begins-fueling-starliner-first-astronaut-launch

NASA is testing the Orion capsule prior to sending astronauts to the moon in it. (Image credit: NASA Glenn Research Center/YouTube.) Over the next 8 months, simulated emergencies will include lightning strikes, deafening acoustics, and countless abort scenarios. After a successful moon voyage, NASA’s Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft helps prepare for the next 3/13/24 https://www.space.com/artemis-1-orion-spacecraft-moon-testing-astronauts

Sprawling out 50 million light-years away from Earth, the Markarian Chain is a string of galaxies. Two of the galaxies, NGC 4438 and NGC 4435 (AKA The Eyes) appear above, emerging from a close encounter when gravitational tides distorted their stars, gas and dust. (Image Credit & Copyright: Mike Selby.) Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

At the March 19 event, Lake Travis Democrats hosted Wendy Davis, the former State Senator and warrior for Texas women’s health and reproductive rights. She discussed her new role at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and more with moderator Laurie Higginbotham, local attorney and former Lakeway City Councilmember. (Image Credit: Lake Travis Democrats.) Topics included AG Paxton’s efforts to track/stop women crossing the Texas border for reproductive care and whether the Texas legislature will enable that via a state law next session, the Allred vs. Cruz race for Senate, ramifications of Dobbs and our state’s abortion ban, likelihood the “personhood” argument will result in a Texas ban on IVF, AG Paxton’s current $2BIL lawsuit against Planned Parenthood, Gov. Abbott’s years-long refusal to accept federal funds for reproductive health, and much more. Watch the 1 hour video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-jIrZnHdMToTkKdmTpG6jXqvcYhha55a/view

On March 26, the US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the Texas case attempting to ban mifepristone, the main drug approved by the FDA over 20 years ago and now used in medication abortions world-wide. Want to know more beforehand? Dahlia Lithwick’s March 23 1-hour podcast on Amicus explains the background of the case and what the far-right is really doing. Listen here (just click the PLAY arrow under the purple SLATE logo to listen for free, without an Apple subscription): How The Mifepristone Case Reached SCOTUS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-the-mifepristone-case-reached-scotus/id928790786?i=1000650157224

On March 26 (and later) you can listen to the oral arguments:

–SCOTUS generally streams live audio, starting at 9AM Central, here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx

–Later in the day, the recording should be available here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_audio/2023

Musician Olivia Rodrigo is promoting awareness and access to reproductive health care in several tangible ways, during her “Guts” world tour. At her March 12 concert in St Louis, MO, free emergency contraceptives, condoms, and info on abortion access resources and the Missouri Abortion Fund were circulated to fans. National Network of Abortion Funds will have a booth at all her North American concerts. Finally, she established Fund 4 Good, to fund community-based nonprofits championing girls education and reproductive rights and preventing gender-based violence. Olivia Rodrigo Makes Free Emergency Birth Control Pills Available at Missouri Concert After State Narrows Reproductive Rights 3/13/24 https://variety.com/2024/music/news/olivia-rodrigo-plan-b-condoms-contraceptives-concert-1235940694/

Texas strikes again…. The notoriously far-right 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Texas law requiring parental consent for minors to get contraception, even at federally funded Title X clinics. Since 1970, these clinics have provided free contraception to anyone regardless of age, income or immigration status. For over 50 years, federal courts Federal courts repeatedly held that clinics cannot require parental consent. But—no longer, in Texas. Hmmm, why does THAT timeline for losing reproductive rights sound so familiar????? 5th Circuit upholds Texas law requiring minors to obtain parental consent for contraception 3/13/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/12/texas-parental-consent-birth-control-fifth-circuit-title-x/

The Texas Medical Board released proposed guidance for medical exceptions to the state’s abortion ban. However, anyone expecting specific and practical help to doctors in saving patients while following the law was sorely disappointed. Instead of a list of allowed procedures, the proposal just restates general definitions. The board’s proposed rule defines “medical emergency” as “a life threatening condition aggravated by, caused by or arising from a pregnancy that is certified by a physician places the woman in danger of death or a serious impairment or a major bodily function unless an abortion is performed.” Plus, the board said its process would be “separate and independent” from any in a criminal trial, instead of shielding doctors prosecuted under the abortion law. Texas Medical Board proposes new guidance for abortion medical exceptions 3/22/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/22/texas-medical-exception-board-abortion-guidance/

Back to me….

I’m finally over the cold from he$$. Ugh.

I have been attending Citizen’s Police Academy, a weekly seminar hosted by Lakeway PD. The Police Department comes up a lot at the various city meetings I attend, but I’m learning tons from lectures and other training via the seminar. My ride-along is coming up soon, along with lots of hands-on training. Any interested Lakeway resident should consider applying for future academy sessions. Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1378/Citizens-Police-Academy

Here are a few new deer photos. The herd is still wearing its winter coat, thick and all roughed up, just in case we get any more cold weather. Silly deer….

Coronavirus Update

Covid numbers continue to fall. As of March 2, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US. Across the country, a daily average of 4,255 people were being hospitalized for lab-confirmed Covid-19, which is a 11% DROP from 2 weeks ago. Total hospitalizations for lab-confirmed Covid-19 sank by 13% over that time to 16,896 Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid. It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases. And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking. Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status. Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—What’s Next for the Coronavirus? 3/22/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/health/coronavirus-evolution-immunity.html

—Eric Topol: Covid, 4 years on 3/13/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/covid-4-years-on

—Why covid patients who could most benefit from paxlovid still aren’t getting it 3/13/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/13/grapevine-texas-covid-paxlovid/

—The Fourth Anniversary of the Covid Pandemic 3/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/briefing/covid-pandemic-anniversary.html

March 9, 2024March 11, 2024

March 9, 2024 Featuring a SPECIAL SECTION on the upcoming LOCAL ELECTION (Council race, LTISD race and Parks bond), followed by coverage of all our fun SPRING things as well as events like Council and State of the City meetings, plus space news and images, women’s rights update, new deer photos, Covid stats and articles, and more.

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

This blog STARTS with a special section dedicated to the upcoming Lakeway Local Election. This is critical to our city, so it gets top billing. I wish it were more upbeat, but all the pleasant Lakeway doings are covered here, as usual, just under the Election section.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Well, it is that time. Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION is looming, so for the next few blogs it gets a section of its own.

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

There are 3 things going on during this election—3 Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Parks bond gets voted up or down, and 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled.

COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open. Four candidates are running. The 3 getting the most votes will win. WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on forums, links to media Q&As, etc.

In past election cycles, this blog featured candidate bios and questionnaires, and my comments remained objective until just prior to voting when I added my own opinions. That isn’t possible this time, when we have fewer decent candidates than seats that will be filled regardless. Worse—one of the candidates would be a disastrous choice..

I am not the only resident who watches city government like a hawk, but we are a small group. Believe me when I say that Council meetings since the last 2 elections have been painful to watch; due to the inexperience, lack of decorum, and obvious fealty to special interests displayed by certain members, Council barely functions at this time.

Of the 4 candidates running, Matt Sherman is far and away the best choice. Matt is a bright and driven advocate for Lakeway, plus he already has experience in high-level city matters (see below). Kelly Brynteson and Jennifer Szimanski being re-elected is all but a given, since no one ran to replace them. Electing Chris Levy would be catastrophic, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us—the home owners and businesses that fund the city and do our best to practice decency, fairness and transparency, along with the volunteers who have served Lakeway for decades. (Much more on Mr. Levy follows, below.)

Matt Sherman is a 5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve. He now serves as Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, as well as a Commissioner on the Zoning and Planning Commission. (Image credit: Matt Sherman for Council.) His campaign website and Facebook page have considerable informative content and are here: https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mattshermanforlakeway

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway. This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity. He has a campaign website and a campaign Facebook page but makes them accessible only to his friends–everyone else is blocked. So, he isn’t interested in informing voters or attracting new supporters. Imagine how that attitude would translate to City Hall were he to win.… With that kind of opaque and insulated campaign, we could forget about transparency in government, right?

So, now I’m going to tell you a story. It is so weird, you’ll know it is true.

Back in 2017, a group of Lakeway residents living in the oldest part of town, near the Inn and Airpark where Lakeway’s residences were first built, decided to ask the city to officially designate the area as “Old Lakeway.” They wanted to recognize the historical significance of the First 300—those homes built back in the 1960s, as well as the other lovely older homes in that area–and honor their historical significance and charm. The result is seen today in the “Old Lakeway” plaques (shown above) attached to street signs in the heart to Lakeway.

But, someone really HATED this idea. He lived within the designated area and went to an early resident meeting discussing the project. Things got ugly, confrontational even, when the good folks there didn’t agree with him. He stomped out and continued arguing with someone in the parking lot, then got in his car and muttered invectives to himself before (still recording) calling a pal to vent, in a most unneighborly fashion. (He mentioned to his pal that he had recorded everything.)

At some point, he uploaded the ENTIRE recording (over an hour) to YouTube. Much later, he removed it, but it had already been downloaded by 1 or more Lakeway residents. Now, the full recording and a transcript of the most shocking segment are circulating.

I pulled out some of his comments to his pal on the phone. They are full of hate toward his neighbors, making fun of them for being older folks and denigrating their homes as %$@#holes. It is all below, directly from the recording he made and uploaded, for whatever bizarre reason…. I have heard all the recordings. I decided not to upload them here, because they feature and identify other people, who didn’t know they were being recorded. It will all be widely available, soon enough.

Unfortunately, I happen to know this individual and recognize his voice as well as his deplorable attitude. I already knew that Chris Levy is not someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway. Soon, all residents need to make a decision on that, and vote accordingly. Consider how he treated his close neighbors and decide whether you want someone with his attitude on Council, controlling your city.

One last thing. Levy is already playing the victim here, whining that he has changed since 2017. Don’t buy it. The guy on the recordings is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, on and on. In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way. All that makes Chris Levy Lakeway’s worst nightmare.

In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

PARKS BOND

Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot.

In summary, the funds would be used on 5 of our parks. Our long-time favorite recreational areas, City Park and the Swim Center, would get much-needed renovations and upgrades, so they can serve the city’s growing population well into the future. The Activity Center would get minor updates. The Live Oak Tennis Courts would be expanded. Finally, brand new Butler Park in Rough Hollow would be built from the ground up, providing families on that side of town with a wide variety of conveniently located recreational opportunities. See the chart above for a breakdown per park.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc. People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can anyone really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park? For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway. I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future.

The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD School Board Election

There are 2 contested seats this year. Incumbents Lauren White https://www.facebook.com/laurenwhiteforlaketravis and Phillip Davis https://www.facebook.com/Vote4PhillipDavis are seeking another term. Both are supported by Lake Travis Voices for Progress, in order to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

Phillip Davis and Lauren White both OPPOSE book banning; they are the ONLY Board members who voted AGAINST banning books in actions taken by LTISD to date. They OPPOSE school vouchers. They are fighting for literacy, instead of wasting money on political stunts, and they are working to keep our tax dollars in Lake Travis ISD.

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Lauren White and Phillip Davis. Even better—SUPPORT them so they can continue fighting for our kids. (Their opponents are being showered with money from Lake Travis Families PAC, just like in the last couple elections.) Here is a link with more info, videos AND the fundraiser hosted by Lake Travis Voices for Progress so you can easily make a donation: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Here is what ELSE is happening in Lakeway….

Art at the Library

During March, the meeting room at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) showcases Women in Photography. Celebrating Women’s History Month with Lakeway Arts District, the exhibit features local photographers whose work speaks to the female experience and explores themes of equality, voting rights, health, beauty, motherhood, and more.

Lake Travis Democrats Club

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM. NOTE: To accommodate more people, this meeting has been MOVED TO THE LA QUINTA HOTEL (1943 Medical Drive, near HEB). Speaker is Wendy Davis: the former State Senator and warrior for Texas women’s health and reproductive rights discusses her new role at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month.

Become a Democratic Precinct Chair!

293 (Bee Cave).
364 (Falconhead West, Majestic Hills, Serene Hills, Fox Creek Estates, La Capana goes over to LTHS).
365 (North side of Hwy 71 near Lake Travis Middle School includes Bee creek Vistas, Bowden, Travis Settlement, Crosswind).
370 (Buffalo Gap west of 620 and East side of 620 including Cardinal Hills Estates, Apache Shores, Yacht Harbor).
371 (North Lakeway 620 near Randall’s The Vistas of Lakeway, Travis Oak Trails, Cardinal Hills, Arbolago. Borders Kollmeyer).
374 (North Lakeway, Hurst Creek Road area).

If you live in one of the above areas, contact Carrie Jones at P362@traviscountydemocrats.org to learn more.

Kid Camps—Spring Break AND Summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

On Saturday, March 23, bring the tots to City Park for this FREE annual event featuring egg hunts for every age group, prizes, vendors, petting zoo, bubble station, chalk art, face painting, and more. Starts at 2PM, with age-limited hunts starting every 15 minutes. Be sure to be present and ready to go for your child’s age-matched group. More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/717/Eggstravaganza

ArtWalk–Artist registration deadline EXTENDED TO March 24.

Deadline for local artists to apply has been extended to March 24. Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

April 19-21, City of Lakeway and its Arts Committee will bring us the FIRST ANNUAL ARTWALK! The FREE event will showcase art, music, food, community and culture in Lakeway, taking place in the Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various local art studios. It will feature vocal, dance and instrumental performers, along with those in the culinary arts and visual arts and crafts.

Household Hazardous Waste Day

On Wednesday, March 27, from 9:30AM-12:30PM, FREE drop-off for hazardous items is available to residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave and The Hills, plus customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD. Bring photo ID or water bill to show eligibility. Location is Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.). RESERVATIONS are required. Items MUST be in original labeled containers. Paint accepted per household is limited to 30 one-gallon containers. Check here for lists of accepted items and DISALLOWED items AND to make your reservation: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACA728A1F4C07-48253369-household#/

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, April 6 from 8AM to noon. Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff? Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs. LAC members pay $30 per booth; Non-Members pay $35 per booth (starting March 12). Call 512-261-1010 for info. See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Solar Eclipse

Lakeway is hosting an outside viewing party, on Monday, April 8, 1PM in the Activity Center parking lot. Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2081/Solar-Eclipse

Austin is right on the edge, but Lakeway is well inside the totality corridor for the April 8 total solar eclipse. At about 1:30PM on April 8, Lakeway will have over 3 minutes of total darkness, as the moon passes across the sun. (Image credit: GreatAmericanEclipse.com.) Total solar eclipse April 2024: 10 of the biggest cities within in the path of totality 1/2/ 24 https://www.space.com/total-solar-eclipse10-of-biggest-cities-in-path-of-totality-april-8-2024

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Volunteer to plant flowers at the Lakeway Swim Center, on Monday, April 22. 11AM. Everything you need will be provided, plus snacks. Go here for full info and to register: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1838/Earth-Day

$1,000 Scholarships for Lakeway Seniors

Waste Connections again offers $1,000 Scholarships to eligible high school seniors whose parent/guardian is a customer in good standing of trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway. Deadline for essays and applications is April 22. Go here for full info on eligibility and how to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

Looking for a way to help locally? Consider 12:31.

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3), serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.) With over 7,000 members, it was created by Mike Dahlhauser. Mission statement:

We believe that people aren’t meant to go through life alone.

We believe that communities are stronger when they work together for the collective good.

We believe that communities thrive when all the members of the community feel cared for, included, and valued.

By providing tangible opportunities for members of the community to get involved, and connected to those around them, we create an environment that fosters meaningful connections, and genuine relationships.

Through various programs and initiatives, and through general community outreach, we are able to mobilize the community as a whole, to meet the needs of the individual. Go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31

Spirit of Freedom Monument

Lakeway Veterans who served in official periods of armed conflict like the Vietnam War or Gulf War can have their names included on the Spirit of Freedom Monument located in Lakeway Heritage Park. Applications are now being accepted for additions to the monument for recognition on Veterans Day in 2024. Deadline to apply is July 5, 2024. The fee ranges from $325-$425. Call 512-314-7530 or go here for info and a link to the application: https://lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

Council met on March 4.

Six members attended the meeting, all in person. Councilmember Szimanski was absent. RESULTS:

–ITEM 3: Appointing Kathleen Coble as Associate Municipal Judge. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

–ITEM 5: Lakeway MUD Update. NO ACTION TAKEN. [But the water situation is dire for this summer and fall; expect ALL Lakeway area MUDs to move to Stage 3 and possibly Stage 4, with LITTLE OR NO OUTSIDE IRRIGATION allowed.]

–ITEM 6: Parks Plan Update, related to the Parks Bond on the May ballot. NO ACTION TAKEN. [See attached image as to features changes in the 5 parks, with current estimated costs at $21,993,427.]

–ITEM 7: License Plate Recognition (LPR) Draft Policy. After a presentation from Police Chief Koen and some discussion, Council APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY an LPR Pilot Program (using existing vehicle cameras plus static cameras to be obtained) to begin as soon as possible, with performance review (as to cost, utility, data privacy, etc.) at the regular meeting in December of 2024.

–ITEM 8: Discussion of Appointment Procedures for Zoning and Planning Commission Members. [Actually, the Agenda’s heading for this item was misleading. Councilmember O’Brien’s report, in the Meeting Packet, never mentioned Zoning and Planning and stated his demand that ALL COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS be reconstituted as to membership, not just ZAPCO. So, this covers Arts, Heritage, Wildlife, etc., everything that volunteers are now handling for Lakeway.] WITHDRAWN prior to the meeting by Councilmember O’Brien. [Watch for this disingenuous item to show up on the agenda for the next Council meeting.]

–Addendum ITEM A.1: Awarding Contract for Comprehensive Plan. After discussion, Council APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY awarding the contract to Lionheart Places (budgeted amount is $250,000).

ADJOURNED at 8:23PM.

Council next meets on March 18.

About a week prior, the Agenda will be posted here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

State of the City Address

If you missed the City Manager’s March 7 event, go here to watch the recording: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2166/State-of-The-City-Address

Daring Mighty Things

Originally, astronauts “did it in their spacesuits.” Now, bathroom amenities in space are pretty impressive. Everything you want to know—and possibly more—is in this article. (Image credit: Daisy Dobrijevic produced in Canva.) How do astronauts use the bathroom in space? 3/4/24 https://www.space.com/how-do-astronauts-go-to-bathroom-in-space-toilet-guide

NASA wants YOU. Well, it wants you IF you can meet their astronaut qualifications: 1–US citizen; 2– Master’s degree in a STEM field; 3—Minimum of 3 years related professional experience after degree completion; and 4—Able to successfully complete the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical. This new class of astronauts will fly to the moon and on to Mars. Don’t dawdle; deadline to apply is April 2. (Image credit: NASA TV.) Fly me to the moon: NASA accepting astronaut application 3/6/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-astronaut-recruitment-moon-mars-2024

Last week, off the coast of San Diego, Artemis astronauts practiced splashdown procedures with NASA crew and Navy crew members. (Image credit: U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 2nd Class Connor Burns.) The Underway Recovery Test 11 ran over several days and included helicopters, rescue divers, a military ship and hundreds of people united to practice getting the astronauts safely out of the water upon return to Earth. A crewed Artemis 2 mission is scheduled to lift off for the moon in fall of 2025. Get to the choppa! Artemis 2 moon astronauts practice splashdown with U.S. Navy 2/29/24 https://www.space.com/artemis-2-astronauts-splashdown-us-navy-nasa

IT LIVES! Japan’s lunar lander is resting on its nose after an awkward landfall in February, but it survived the 2-week long lunar night. Jaxa’s handlers report current communications, both back to Earth and with its 2 mini-rovers, which are scurrying around up there. (Image Credit: ZAXA/TOMY Company/Sony Group Corp./Doshisha.) It’s alive! JAXA’s SLIM moon lander sends home new photos after surviving frigid lunar night 2/26/24 https://www.space.com/japan-slim-moon-lander-wakeup-lunar-night

“Good night, Odie.” Odysseus, the Intuitive Machines craft that toppled over after its Feb. 22 soft-landing on the moon, struggled to survive with damaged antennas and a misaligned solar array. (Selfie Image credit: Intuitive Machines via X.) Called “Odie” by its handlers, the robotic lander shut down on Feb. 29 as the dark and frigid lunar night hit its location. They hope Odie is merely napping and will try to wake the robot when lunar noon rolls around mid-March. Goodnight, Odysseus. Intuitive Machines’ private moon lander goes offline — but could it rise again? 2/29/24 https://www.space.com/intuitive-machines-odysseus-moon-lander-shuts-down

Musk gets spanked—again—by the FAA. SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy booster are designed to be the world’s most powerful rocket, capable of hauling up to 165 tons (150 metric tons) into orbit. NASA has picked Starship to land its next astronauts on the moon in the Artemis 3 mission in 2026. But, first, SpaceX must successfully launch an uncrewed Starship on at least a near-orbital flight, something its first two test flights in 2023 spectacularly failed to do. As a result of the second explosive failure, the FAA’s mishap investigation required Space-X to make 17 corrective actions for before its next launch; those actions include 10 fixes on the 165-foot-tall starship vehicle and seven on the Super Heavy booster. To date, those have not been completed. Last week, the gleaming, stainless-steel Starship rocket and its Super Heavy booster were filled with more than 10 million pounds of liquid methane and liquid oxygen propellant during the recent launch dress rehearsal, performed at SpaceX’s Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in southern Texas. But, actual flight awaits FAA approval. Musk says he will have a Go For Launch by March 14. We’ll see. (Image credit: SpaceX) SpaceX fuels up massive Starship megarocket in test for 3rd launch 3/4/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-fuels-starship-megarocket-ahead–of-3rd-test-launch

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Ooh-la-la! Want to be guaranteed the right to make your own decisions about reproductive health? Move to France. Last week, France became the first nation in the world to include a guaranteed right to abortion access in its Constitution. As stated by the Prime Minister: “Your body belongs to you and no one has the right to control it in your stead.” Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly for the amendment, 780-72, in response to concerns about the bizarre loss of rights in America. So, no French equivalent of Justices Alito, Thomas, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Roberts and Barrett can persecute women. (Image Credit: Reuters.) French lawmakers make abortion a constitutional right 3/4/24 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/french-lawmakers-hold-vote-make-abortion-constitutional-right-2024-03-04/

Oklahoma legislators are threatening to pass a bill establishing a database of all residents getting abortions. Doctors would be required to supply the information to the state, in violation of the usual medical confidentiality, or face fines and loss of license. In addition, the bill would ban contraceptive options including IUDs and Plan B. The state already outlaws all abortions except when necessary to save the life of the mother, without exceptions for rape or incest. Oklahoma Pols Want a Database of Everyone Who Has an Abortion 2/20/24 https://www.thedailybeast.com/oklahoma-pols-want-a-database-of-everyone-who-has-an-abortion

We know the horrors women now face when trying to obtain an abortion for medical reasons. After nearly 2 years without Constitutional protection for women to make decisions regarding their own bodies, their doctors are in an impossible situation. State laws often give fetuses—even those with no chance of survival—priority over their at-risk mothers. Women diagnosed with aggressive cancer while pregnant cannot receive life-saving chemotherapy. Doctors and hospital who intervene risk dire legal consequences. Their States Banned Abortion. Doctors Now Say They Can’t Give Women Potentially Lifesaving Care 2/26/24 https://www.propublica.org/article/abortion-doctor-decisions-hospital-committee

NOT IN TEXAS, of course. But, the 2 largest pharmacy chains in the US will start dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone in March. CVS and Walgreens make the medication available in stores in a handful of states at first (New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California and Illinois), gradually expanding to other states where abortion remains legal. They will NOT be providing the medication by mail. CVS and Walgreens will start selling the abortion pill mifepristone 3/1/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/health/abortion-pill-cvs-walgreens-pharmacies.html

UPDATE on Alabama’s Supreme Court declaration in February that fertilized eggs are children, for legal purposes, fulfilling fears that the Dobbs abortion decision doomed in vitro fertilization. The last blog noted the above decision, which caused fertility clinics in Alabama to shut down immediately. Last week, the Alabama legislature hastily passed a bill aimed at protecting in vitro fertilization patients and providers from legal liability. However, the new law does not address the issue of personhood that is at the heart of the court decision, causing the effort to fall short of providing the legal protection needed to resume care. Plus, REPUBLICANS IN THE US CONGRESS HAVE A PENDING BILL THAT WOULD ESTABLISH PERSONHOOD AT CONCEPTION, NATIONWIDE, AS WELL AS BANNING ALL METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION. So, don’t believe a word they say. Alabama governor signs IVF protection bill into law, but experts say it will take more work to protect fertility services 3/7/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/06/us/alabama-ivf-fertility-protection/index.html

Back to me….

I’ve been sick, apparently catching poll plague while working Early Voting at LAC in the Primary Election. One day I feel pretty good, then the next day I crash. I’ve tested negative for Covid multiple times so I guess it is just a nasty cold. FYI—check your medicine chest. I haven’t been sick in ages, since before Covid times, so all my cold meds were expired—and not by months, by YEARS.

The cats are all on nursing duty. Tulip is Chief Care Provider, of course, running the show. Senior Cat Maxie is Supervisor, and Junior Cat Peanut is Candystriper.

I haven’t felt up to long walks lately, but here are a few new deer photos. In most of the shots, you can really see the roughed-up coats they sport this time of year.

Coronavirus Update

The winter surge (WHAT winter???) continues to recede. As of Feb. 17, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US. Across the country, a daily average of 4,774 people were being hospitalized for lab-confirmed Covid-19, which is a 7% DROP from 2 weeks ago. Total hospitalizations for lab-confirmed Covid-19 sank by 14% over that time to 19,456 Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

The CDC recently relaxed its Covid-19 guidelines, removing the instruction about isolating for 5 days after a positive test. Instead, you can return to daily activities as long as you have gone 24 hours without a fever (and without taking anti-fever meds) and your symptoms are improving. This also applies to flu and RSV, and the CDC hopes the simplification will further overall compliance. Because you may well be contagious, you are urged to minimize risk to others by limiting close contact, wearing well-fitted masks, improving indoor air quality, and practicing good hygiene (washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes)—all for the 5 days you would have been in isolation under the old guidelines. (See the article listed below for more info.)

Americans age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring. This is the case EVEN if you got the shot last fall when it came out (if 4 or more months have gone by). The recommendation is based on the fact that most—by far—serious hospitalizations and deaths from Covid these days are seen in those age 65 and up. Another dose will help protect those at high risk. (See the article listed below for more info.)

REMINDER—ANYONE who never got the updated Covid booster should get it now. Shots are available at local pharmacies. But, if you do catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid. It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases. And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking. Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status. Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—CDC shortens 5-day COVID isolation, updates guidance on masks and testing in new 2024 recommendations 3/1/24 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-covid-recommendations-isolation-masks-tests/

—Older U.S. adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend 2/28/24 https://www.npr.org/2024/02/28/1234749300/older-us-adults-covid-vaccine

—Your 2024 Guide to Covid Symptoms and Treatment 2/26/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/26/well/covid-symptoms-treatment.html

February 24, 2024February 24, 2024

Feb. 24, 2024 Covering Lakeway’s fun upcoming events as well as the Primary Election, Council Election and a recent Council meeting, plus a slew of cool space-related news and stunning images, several women’s rights updates ranging from encouraging to hellish, new deer photos, and good news Covid-19 updates.

Be brave like Ukraine.

Loss of 2 charismatic underdogs

Speaking of brave…. Last week, we lost Alexei Navalny and Flaco.

Obviously, I am not equating the two deaths, much less their lives. One was a renown Russian dissident murdered by a despot, and the other was an oddball owl who escaped from Central Park Zoo and flew into the side of a building after a year of freedom. But, both were courageous. Both were charismatic underdogs; we instinctively rooted for them to succeed, somehow. Both grabbed our attention and made our hearts soar from afar. Both met predictably tragic ends, suddenly and too soon. Their loss hurts, and now the world is an uglier place. (Image credits: Yale.edu and Getty Images.)

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway….

PRIMARY ELECTION—Early Voting Ends March 1.

Early Voting started on Feb. 20 and runs through March 1, with Election Day on March 5. Lakeway’s closest polling place is the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Need info on your ballot choices? The League of Women Voters has a great guide; just click on FIND WHAT’S ON TOUR BALLOT, here: https://www.vote411.org/

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Our Help.

Lake Travis Democrats Club

Feb. 27: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Book is: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (which LTISD may ban in 2024).

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM. NOTE: To accommodate more people, this meeting has been MOVED TO THE LA QUINTA HOTEL (1943 Medical Drive, near HEB). Speaker is Wendy Davis. The former State Senator and Warrior for TX Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights discusses her new role at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month.

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

Warrant Roundup starts March 1, when Lakeway PD will focus on locating people with outstanding warrants for the City of Lakeway. BUT, now through Feb. 29, the city will provide amnesty for those individuals resolving outstanding warrants. Contact Lakeway Municipal Court at 512-314-7560 option 8, email court@lakeway-tx.gov or visit the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek, 2nd floor) to get things settled before March 1, when offenders are subject to arrest. Go here to check the active warrant list for your name and for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1844

Lakeway Council Election

Yes, ANOTHER election is on the horizon.

Early voting for our local election starts April 22, with Election Day on May 4.

Three Council seats are open. Four candidates are running. The 3 getting the most votes will win. WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on forums, links to media Q&As, etc.

Kelly Brynteson is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock, currently seeking a second term. This is her 2022 campaign site, though I don’t see any current updates: https://kellyforlakeway.com/home

Jennifer Szimanski is a 12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow, currently seeking a second term. This is her 2022 campaign site, though I don’t see any current updates: https://www.jenniferforlakeway.com/

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway. (More on THAT later….) Currently, his campaign website link sparks a security warning, so here is his campaign’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

In addition, Council at its Feb. 5 meeting unanimously voted to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot. The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

Finally, there will be contested races on the May Ballot for Lake Travis ISD Board seats.

For past Council elections, I posted Q&As here on the blog. If you have questions for the Council candidates, email me at macwestie99@gmail.com and I might use them.

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon. Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff? Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs. LAC members pay $30 per booth; Non-Members pay $35 per booth. Call 512-261-1010 for info. See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

LAST CALL! This 4^th annual concert is set for Sunday, March 3, 4PM, at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 S). Members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and student musicians with Lake Travis High School will collaborate on one stage. Symphony Maestro Peter Bay will conduct with participation by Anna Macias, director of orchestras for Lake Travis High School, and Richard Hicks, director of bands for Lake Travis High School. Tickets:$60/$40/$20. OR–the VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 with the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries). Go here for info and tickets: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Lakeway’s State of the City Meeting

On Thursday, March 7, 6-7PM, at City Hall, bring your questions and concerns and join fellow residents and city staff for a community meeting. City Manager Joseph Molis will give a presentation on how the City of Lakeway operates, as well as the latest updates from Lakeway City Council and staff. The various city departments will be on hand, as well. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the city’s site https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events AND on its Facebook Channel https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway . Plus, it will be available for viewing later.

ArtWalk–Artist registration deadline is March 10.

Deadline for local artists to apply is March 10. Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

Kid Camps—Spring Break AND Summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Get your LIBRARY TOTE BAG

Support Lake Travis Community Library AND score a great tote bag. (Image Credit: Friends of the Library.) A $15 donation at the Friends of the Library Bookstore gets you a cool tote bag, with the funds going to support the library’s second location in Spicewood. For info on the new location and the MANY donation opportunities available, go here: https://laketravislibrary.org/fundraising/

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

On Feb. 15, the mayor gave a 14-minute live update on current city matters. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/295819423176526

Council met on Feb. 20.

Initially, six members attended the meeting in person, with Mayor Pro Tem Mastrangelo presiding. Mayor Kilgore was traveling but joined via video conference in the latter half of the meeting. RESULTS:

–ITEM 8 (within the Consent Agenda): Awarding Lakeway’s trash and recycling collection contract to Waste Connection, which provided the lower of 2 bids received. NOTE: While services remain largely the same, the new contract will raise resident cost by roughly 20%, per the staff report.

The ENTIRE Consent Agenda was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, 6:0, including ITEM 8.

–ITEM 13: Financial Report.

REVENUES were down $1MIL from projections. EXPENDITURES were down $480K from projections.

–ITEM 14: Citizens Participation for items NOT on the Agenda.

ONE person spoke.

–ITEM 15: Amending an existing PUD Agreement for 22 acres and another adjacent 3 acres at 15617 Flint Rock Road and known as Hillsong Development, to substitute a fire station for a commercial building and a park on the 3-acre tract, with other changes overall.

After an Executive Session and considerable discussion on the dais, it became clear Council would approve most of the request but would NOT agree to remove previous litigation’s Settlement Agreement from the PUD terms (which seems related to the developer wanting to lease the proposed 126 homes, instead of selling them). At this point, the developer abruptly WITHDREW the requested amendment in full. So, no fire station there, for now.

–ITEM 16: Discussion of amending the ordinances to regulate Game Rooms/Arcades. Suggestions include limiting these businesses to a total of 3 within city limits. In addition, they would not be allowed within 1,500 feet of each other or of a school, place of worship or residential neighborhood.

After another Executive Session, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED (7:0, with Mayor Kilgore participating via video link, through the end of the meeting) to send this issue to ZAPCO for review.

–ITEM 17: Amending the ordinances to simplify review of special use permits for short term rental of condos and single-family homes.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED that staff will handle short-term rental applications as to BOTH condos and single-family homes, with no hearings before ZAPCO or Council (adding a more detailed definition as to condo).

–ITEM 18: Amending the ordinances to allow street-facing garages for GUI (Government, Utility, Institutional) uses or zoning district.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

–ITEM 19: Amending the ordinances to allow Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs), Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), and Utility Vehicles (UTVs) to operate on Lakeway’s public roads under the same rules as golf carts.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. Go here for info and photos of the vehicle ALLOWED and PROHIBITED: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2033/Golf-Cart-Use

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/297951

ADJOURNED at 9:18PM.

Daring Mighty Things

Coincidence or causally related? As shown above, two powerful solar flares erupted from the sun late on Feb. 21 and early on Feb. 22. (Image credit: NASA/SDO.) Following the solar flares, cellular outages were reported throughout the US. Powerful twin solar flares erupt from sun as cell phone outages spike across US 2/22/24 https://www.space.com/sun-2-solar-flares-february-22-2024-cell-phone-outages

An American spacecraft has landed on the moon, for the first time in over 50 years. On Feb. 22, the lander Odysseus touched down on the moon’s surface, near the south pole. (Image credit: Intuitive Machines/NASA/X.) Odysseus was created by Intuitive Machines of Houston, making it the very first PRIVATELY built spacecraft to land on the moon. Within hours, Intuitive Machines reported that the craft was upright, in good condition, and sending data to Earth. BUT—an update late on Feb. 23 reported that after landing the craft flopped over onto its side, resulting in damage and antennas pointed the wrong way; at best, this will limit transmittal of data back to Earth. Odysseus is loaded with a wide variety of scientific experiments, many designed to help with the coming Artemis moon explorations. However, the craft will only operate for 7 lunar days of sunlight; it will not survive the bitter cold of the coming 2-week long lunar night. Intuitive Machines lands on moon in nail-biting descent of private Odysseus lander, a 1st for US since 1972 2/22/24 https://www.space.com/intuitive-machines-odysseus-private-moon-landing-success

Get ready for the April 8 total eclipse here in Lakeway with this easy to follow guide on how to take great photos of the event on your phone. (Image credit: Getty Images.) How to photograph a solar eclipse with a smartphone 2024 — 8 tips from an expert 2/16/24 https://www.space.com/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse-with-a-smartphone

NASA released photos showing the partially completed interior of the Orion capsule that will take 4 astronauts to the moon in 2025, on the Artemis 2 mission. (Image credit: NASA.) Get a sneak peek inside the Artemis 2 spacecraft that will fly astronauts to the moon for the 1st time in 50 years 2/17/24 https://www.space.com/artemis-2-orion-spacecraft-look-inside-photos

Russia seems to be going the way of the scariest sci-fi sagas. US intelligence indicates Russia is developing a space-based nuclear weapon designed to disable or destroy satellites. Add to that the even more unnerving revelation that America as of now has no defense to such a system. Satellites now regulate everything from communications to transportation, as well as monitoring nuclear weapons activity worldwide. (Image credit: Roscosmos.) Russian plans for space-based nuclear weapon to target satellites spark concern in US Congress 2/15/24 https://www.space.com/russia-space-nuclear-weapon-us-congress

Above is Hoag’s Object, which was discovered by astronomer Arthur Hoag in 1950. Its outer ring is dominated by bright blue stars, with a central core of older red stars, and a mysterious dark gap in between. Experts still aren’t sure if this is 1 galaxy or 2, and they don’t understand why it is perfectly round or even how it came to be. (Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble; Processing: Benoit Blanco.) Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

A recent independent study of over 6,000 patients from three providers of abortion via telehealth has released data. It found medication abortion prescribed via telehealth to be safe and effective, supporting the FDA’s approval that is now under attack by the far-right in the US Supreme Court. Abortion pills that patients got via telehealth and the mail are safe, study finds 2/15/24 https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/02/15/1231652715/abortion-pill-telehealth-supreme-court-safe-study-mifepristone

Six states–Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado, Vermont, New York and California—have enacted telemedicine abortion shield laws. These new laws, as yet untested in the courts, protect doctors, nurse practitioners and midwives licensed in those six states, as they prescribe and send abortion pills to patients in nearly 2 dozen US states (including Texas, of course) currently banning or sharply restricting abortion. Providers in these 6 states have provided abortion access to thousands of women living in abortion states, particularly low-income patients and others finding travel difficult. The laws in the 6 states specify that their officials and agencies will NOT cooperate with another state’s efforts to investigate or penalize these care providers. This is the opposite of usual interstate practices like extradition, honoring subpoenas and sharing data. After Dobbs, medication abortion quickly became the only option for many women nationwide. While abortion pills can be ordered from other countries, the roundabout mailing process often causes weeks-long delays that take patients past the 12-week safety limit. Abortion states are livid over what they see as interference by other states, and legal action is inevitable; attorneys are just watching for the right case. As to medication abortion generally, the US Supreme Court will hear oral argument on March 26 for an existing case (coming from Texas, of course) seeking to bar the mailing of abortion pills and to require in-person doctor visits instead of telemedicine. Abortion Shield Laws: A New War Between the States 2/22/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/health/abortion-shield-laws-telemedicine.html

Far-right Republicans, including several plotting attack points for a second Trump term, are pushing the Comstock Act as a means of immediately enforcing a total abortion ban NATIONWIDE. Dormant since 1873 but still on the federal books, the Comstock Act criminalizes shipment of any and all materials used for abortion. That includes the medications used for most abortions today. Trump Allies Plan New Sweeping Abortion Restrictions 2/27/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/us/politics/trump-allies-abortion-restrictions.html

Anti-abortion zealots aren’t satisfied with restrictions as enacted by legislators. Stripping away 50 years of Constitutional protection isn’t enough. They demand that women everywhere be forced to give birth, regardless of how they became pregnant and no matter how dire the consequences. One way they are doing this is via local ordinance. Across the country, 67 cities and 7counties have passed “sanctuary cities for the unborn” ordinances. There, local laws ban abortions. The means vary; some block shipment of drugs used to perform an abortion, while others punish performing or aiding in an abortion on their residents. Texas—of course—leads the way in sanctuary city methodology. Lubbock declared itself a sanctuary city in 2021. Amarillo is currently debating such an ordinance. ‘Abolished from coast to coast’: Anti-abortion movement looks to cities as target for bans 2/9/24 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/02/09/cities-targeted-local-abortion-bans-post-roe/72086544007/

Not surprisingly, disabled Texans are finding it especially difficult to navigate the extremely limited abortion options now available. In many cases, they find extensive travel overwhelming. Often, they have never traveled. Some require special help with physical issues; some have medical conditions that pose additional travel complications (one example being kidney patients on dialysis). Disabled Texans face more barriers to accessing abortion 2/20/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/20/texas-abortion-disabled/

The Alabama Supreme Court held last week that embryos created during the in vitro fertilization process are “children.” This was a wrongful death case, with IVF couples suing over the accidental loss of stored embryos. Since the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision ending the federal right to abortion, advocates have been concerned about the effect on fertility medicine, families that take advantage of it, doctors who provide it, and companies that support it. Currently, there are over 1.5 million frozen embryos in the US, most of which–for many different reasons–patients will never implant and bring to term. If frozen fertilized eggs (mere clumps of cells) are legally defined as children—elevating biblical over scientific terminology as to the beginning of life–fertility clinics will not be able to operate, and millions of Americans will no longer be able to pursue this route to bearing children. In fact, several fertility clinics, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, have already paused IVF programs, pending investigation into whether they can operate without being prosecuted criminally or facing punitive damages. Suppliers and 3^rd parties such as shipping companies, have also cut ties to IVF businesses in the state. There is some indication the Alabama legislature may act to provide protection for fertility facilities. Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are ‘children’ under state law 2/20/24 https://www.politico.com/news/2024/02/20/alabama-supreme-court-embryos-ivf-00142338

SCOTUS members continue to voice hostility to personal freedoms. Our rights to marry who we please, use contraception, and much more could soon be lost, just as Roe v. Wade was dismantled by the ultra conservatives now controlling the US Supreme Court. Justice Samuel Alito recently repeated his Dobbs statement that there is nothing in the Constitution protecting same-sex marriage. Justice Clarence Thomas stated the same in Dobbs, and the 3 newest Conservatives installed on the high court have not demurred publicly. Likely, they are just waiting for the right case to be presented. Sam Alito Launches Broadside Against Marriage Equality in Homophobic Juror Case 2/20/24 https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/02/sam-alito-marriage-equality-homophobic-juror-scotus.html

Back to me….

The cats are catching up on their zzzs.

I’m busy, busy, busy. I’ve been catching up on routine medical stuff I let slip lately. Plus, I’m a poll worker for Early Voting—always interesting!

Is our winter over? I had to weed my backyard in January, and now in February my cats have already started their spring shed. Ridiculous! If spring is showing up this early, the least it can do is BRING RAIN.

The deer remain shy and aloof, but here are a few recent photos–mostly bucks.

Coronavirus Update

Good news–the winter surge DOES seem to be in retreat. The last blog passed along dropping infection numbers BUT noted that a change in reporting rules could be responsible for that. Another 2 weeks out under the new rules (showing only lab-confirmed cases as opposed to suspected cases), the numbers are STILL dropping, so Covid cases really ARE trending downward.

As of Feb. 3, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US. Across the country, a daily average of 5261 people were being hospitalized for lab-confirmed Covid-19, which is a 9% DROP from 2 weeks ago. Total hospitalizations for lab-confirmed Covid-19 sank by 20% over that time to 22,665 Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you still haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster, get it now. Shots are available at local pharmacies.

But, if you do catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid. It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases. And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking. Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status. Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Long Covid is getting a lot of attention lately, which is a very good thing. (Image Credit: Eric Topol/Ground Truths.) Several studies were recently concluded, and experts are writing up results, making connections to other maladies, and proposing treatments. See the articles listed below for full info.

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—Clues to a better understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome emerge from major study 2/23/24 https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/02/23/1232794456/clues-to-a-better-understanding-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-emerge-from-major-st

—Towards Solving the Long Covid Puzzle 2/22/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/towards-solving-the-long-covid-puzzle

—Could Long Covid Be the Senate’s Bipartisan Cause? 2/18/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/18/opinion/long-covid-research-funding.html

—How Protected Am I Against the Covid Variant JN.1? 2/6/24 https://www.everydayhealth.com/coronavirus/updated-covid-vaccine-offers-strong-protection-against-dominant-jn-1-variant/

February 10, 2024February 12, 2024

Feb. 10, 2024 Covering Lakeway which is now busy-busy with fun events, city stuff including Council and State of the City meetings as well as an approaching election for 3 Council seats and a $22MIL parks bond, plus space news and images ranging from stunning to weird, fresh attacks by Texas on women’s rights as well as a new Constitutional argument SUPPORTING women’s rights coming from a Pennsylvania court, brand new deer photos, and an update on Covid-19 (that at first seemed like GREAT NEWS but turned out to involve a change in reporting rules) with stats and fresh articles.

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway….

Art at the Library

During February, the pen and ink drawings of local artist Jack Williams will be shown in Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room during February. He specializes in the old buildings and churches of Southern Louisiana. Everyone is invited to an artist demonstration on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2PM.

Love Letters on Valentines Day

For Valentines Day, treat yourself to Love Letters, a timeless love story of romance blooming through old-fashioned letter-writing. Presented at 8PM on Feb. 14 by the Lakeway Players as a Benefit Gala, at Lakeway Activity Center. Each $50 ticket includes a $30 charitable contribution. Doors open at 6:30PM for a Silent Auction, light bites, drinks, and desserts, with live music by Presley Grace. Info and tickets here: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/home.html

Brown Bag Lunch Series is BACK in 2024!

On Thursday, Feb. 15, noon-1PM, bring your lunch to Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and enjoy music from Lake Travis High School Fiddlers. Free event! More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/932/Brown-Bag-Luncheon-Concert-Series

Lake Travis Democrats Club

Feb. 17: Phone Banking with Dem Friends, 4PM at Travis County Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Join like-minded volunteers to energize Democrats in western Travis County and help turn Texas BLUE! Sip some wine, nibble on snacks, and call local voters to remind them to vote in the March Democratic Primary. This event is organized by TCDP’s Western Travis Democrats with support from Lake Travis Democrats, Lake Travis Voices for Progress, and Tuscan Village Voters. Just click on this link to sign up for a fun and productive adventure in phone banking! https://forms.gle/nDzYbKp3qprEYMkV7

Feb. 20: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Speaker is Joshua Blank, a polling specialist and Director of Research for the Texas Politics Project, College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin.

Feb. 27: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM atTravis County Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Book is: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,by Jesse Andrews (which LTISD may ban in 2024).

March 7: Happy Hour, 5:30PM at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).

March 19: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Speaker is Wendy Davis Former Texas Representative and now the senior adviser to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which serves as Planned Parenthood’s political fundraising and advocacy arm.

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month.

PRIMARY ELECTION—Early Voting starts Feb. 20.

2024 brings FOUR election cycles—primary, county/local (Lakeway has a $22MIL parks bond AND 3 Council seats on the ballot in May—see item below), primary run-off (in late May), and general (including US President, in November). So, brace yourself for a year of political sign clutter and social media mayhem.

First up is the Primary Election, for state and national offices. Early Voting starts on Feb. 20, with Election Day on March 5. Enter your address on this Texas Tribune site for your personal voter’s guide, showing the primary races you can vote in, plus everything you need to know about voting in this election. Here’s how to vote in Texas’ March 5 primary elections 1/15/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/15/texas-voting-primary-2024/

Lakeway Council Election

Three Council seats are open. Two incumbents, Kelly Brynteson (16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock) and Jennifer Szimanski (12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow), have filed to run for a second term. (The third incumbent, Louis Mastrangelo, has served 3 consecutive terms and so is ineligible this time.) Matt Sherman (5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve) has also filed to run in this election, along with Chris Levy (16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway). The candidate filing period ends Feb. 16. Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on May 4.

In addition, Council at its Feb. 5 meeting unanimously voted to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot.

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon. Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff? Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs. LAC members pay $30 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 1; Non-Members pay $35 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 13. Call 512-261-1010 for info. See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

Tickets are the perfect VALENTINES DAY GIFT! This 4^th annual concert is set for Sunday, March 3, 4PM, at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 S). Members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and student musicians with Lake Travis High School will collaborate on one stage. Symphony Maestro Peter Bay will conduct with participation by Anna Macias, director of orchestras for Lake Travis High School, and Richard Hicks, director of bands for Lake Travis High School. Tickets:$60/$40/$20. OR–the VIP package is $200 (4 tickets, VIP Buffet Dinner on Saturday, March 2 with the chance to meet the musicians, Maestro Peter Bay and other dignitaries). Go here for info and tickets: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Lakeway’s State of the City Meeting

ArtWalk–Artist registration deadline is March 10.

Deadline for local artists to apply is March 10. Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Get your LIBRARY TOTE BAG

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include Swim Instructor, Lifeguard, Head Lifeguard, Facility Attendant, Bailiff, 9-1-1 Operator, and Police Officer. Go here for info and to apply: https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

Council met on Feb. 5.

All 7 members attended the meeting, all in person. RESULTS:

The ENTIRE Consent Agenda was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. [NOTE: Louis Mastrangelo was designated by Mayor Kilgore as Charter Committee Chair.]

ITEM 10: Ordinance calling an election on May 4 for 3 Council seats (estimated election cost of $45,000).

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 11: Ordinance calling a bond election (Proposition A) on May 4 for parks projects in the maximum amount of $19,500,000. [Per staff, this would raise the tax bill on the average Lakeway home by $8/month ($96/year). Benefiting parks projects would be prioritized in this order: Rough Hollow/Butler Park, Swim Center, City Park, Activity Center, and Live Oak Tennis Park.]

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY but with the maximum bond amount increased to $22MIL (largely due to staff revealing that an error in past planning estimates resulted in Swim Center upgrades being under-estimated by $2MIL).

ITEM 12: Revising the ordinance as to where elections will be held (Room A vs. Room F in the Activity Center).

After considerable rigamarole, confusion and recriminations, Council VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to have Election Day Presidential election voting in LAC’s Room A, with all other voting events in Room F.

ADDENDUM ITEM A.1: Authorization to permit a fundraiser for Lakeway Police Department.

After discussion, Council UNANIMOUSLY agreed that city staff can assist the Lakeway Police Foundation in planning a charity golf tournament for this June, with net funds generated to be donated to the city and divided among the police department’s Wellness and Meals program, victim services and public safety.

ADJOURNED at 8:32PM.

Next Council Meeting—Feb. 20.

Agenda will be posted the week prior: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

Humanity screwed up coping with climate change SO BADLY that scientists are now seriously proposing that a beach umbrella the size of Argentina be hoisted between Earth and the Sun, to give us some shade. Sure, what could go wrong…. (Image credit: Technion Israel Institute of Technology and Asher Space Research Institute.) Could a Giant Parasol in Outer Space Help Solve the Climate Crisis? 2/2/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/climate/sun-shade-climate-geoengineering.html

Back in January, astronaut Marcus Wandt was working in space, aboard the International Space Station. His assignment was controlling Bert, a four-legged robot that resembles a dog. Robots have been controlled from space before, but this was the first time the robot had LEGS, instead of wheels. (Image credit: DLR–CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.) Navigating on legs means Bert can more easily climb steep terrain and explore cramped caves, a big plus on planets like Mars. ISS astronaut controls Bert the dog-like robot on Earth during simulated Mars mission 1/29/24 https://www.space.com/iss-robot-experiment-bert-robot-dog

The above image shows Pluto’s true colors, as seen by the human eye. Mostly brown with striking variations and highlights, the far-out body lost its one-of-9 PLANET distinction back in 2006 and has since been termed a dwarf planet. (Image credit: NASA, JHU APL, SwRI, with processing by Alex Parke.) The robotic probe New Horizons sped close by Pluto in 2015, and experts have been analyzing the returned images ever since. Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

It woke up! Japan’s lunar lander belly-flopped on its descent, landing on its nose in January. (Image credit: JAXA.) It promptly powered down, apparently from sheer mortification. But, a couple weeks passed, and the sun’s rays reached its power array, causing the lander to wake up and begin its work of surveying the area, like nothing was amiss and it MEANT to land heels up. The upended lander is expected to function during the full 2 weeks of the current lunar day. In addition, its 2 tiny robotic companions are exploring the area and sending back photos. Japan’s upside-down SLIM moon lander wakes up on lunar surface and snaps new photos 1/29/24 https://www.space.com/japan-slim-moon-lander-awake-after-hibernation

The above image shows the Carina Nebula, 8,500 light-years away, where stars are forming, dying, and leaving behind gorgeous dusty filaments. (Image Credit & Copyright: Carlos Taylor.) Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court forcefully sidestepped the Dobbs decision, declaring that abortion restrictions amount to sex-based discrimination and so are presumptively unconstitutional. The decision spurned Dobbs in two ways. First, it held that laws regulating a woman’s body discriminate on the basis of sex. And second, the majority explained that rooting women’s rights in the past is, itself, a form of sex discrimination, perpetuating misogynistic beliefs about gender inequality by judicial decree. This new and smartly researched ruling signals a possible path for reasserting abortion rights. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court just issued a crushing rebuttal of Justice Alito 1/30/24 https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/01/pennsylvania-supreme-court-dobbs-sam-alito-abortion.html

This recent Tribune article does a good job of reviewing Texas’ latest efforts to control women and ban ALL abortions—by restricting travel outside the state. After Dobbs, when Texas immediately enacted its bounty-style abortion ban, many women went to abortion clinics in nearby states. Four Texas counties and a handful of cities in Texas have now passed local ordinances that prohibit using county roads to transport someone out of state to get an abortion. Abortion laws aside, the right to free travel is protected by the US Constitution. (Of course, for 50 years, we thought that was the case for reproductive care….) As the article notes, similar tactics are being used against families with transgender children, seeking medical care that Texas has outlawed. Texas conservatives test how far they can extend abortion and gender-transition restrictions beyond state lines 2/9/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/02/09/texas-abortion-transgender-care-outside-state-borders/

Back to me….

Well, I went from footloose and sleeping in to over-scheduled in record time. I’m training for a couple upcoming jobs. First, I will be a Poll Worker for all 11 days of Early Voting during the Primary Election. Then, I will do a part-time stint at a temp job (which is PERFECT, as I refuse to commit to anything more than that). I’m also wrapping up a year as Prez of my HOA, while digging in on Get Out the Vote activities as Dem Precinct Chair for a large chunk of Lakeway. Plus, I have a weekly seminar that runs through May. Of course, my MAIN job remains pampering my 3 demanding, adorable, and absolutely perfect kitties (shown above)….

TA-DAH! Tulip FINALLY went from perching ON TOP OF IT, to crouching uneasily inside, to napping happily in the fancy new kitty bed that Santa brought. Tulip is the trail-blazer in all things around here, so Maxie and Peanut are sure to follow her lead. See the progression below.

The deer are still elusive, but here are a few shots I got recently.

Coronavirus Update

The winter surge might be in retreat. Or, it might not. Case stats dropped sharply over the last couple weeks, which seemed like great news–until I saw this notice posted above the charts:

The map of current hospitalizations now shows only patients with lab confirmed Covid cases because many hospitals no longer report counts of suspected Covid patients.

So, the rules changed between reporting periods, meaning we can’t assume infection rates dropped much or at all.

As of Jan. 20, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US. Across the country, a daily average of 5,755 people were being hospitalized for LAB-CONFIRMED Covid-19, which is a 23% DROP over 2 weeks ago (when SUSPECTED cases were included). Total hospitalizations for LAB-CONFIRMED Covid-19 sank by 15% over that time (when SUSPECTED cases were included), to 28,193 Americans. As noted, the numbers are being calculated more stringently now, which accounts for at least some of the drop. Next time, the numbers should tell a more accurate story. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

If anyone needs proof of ageism, Covid-19 provides it. Per the article below: “In the last week of 2023 and the first two weeks of 2024 alone, 4,810 people 65 and older lost their lives to Covid — a group that would fill more than 10 large airliners — according to data provided by the CDC. But the alarm that would attend plane crashes is notably absent. (During the same period, the flu killed an additional 1,201 seniors, and RSV killed 126.)” Thousands of seniors are still dying of Covid-19. Do we not care anymore? 2/8/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/08/health/aging-discrimation-kff-partner-wellness/index.html

REMINDER—If you still haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster, get it now. Shots are available at local pharmacies.

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—Thousands of seniors are still dying of Covid-19. Do we not care anymore? 2/8/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/08/health/aging-discrimation-kff-partner-wellness/index.html

—New Report Raises Concerns About Long Covid in Children 2/7/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/well/live/long-covid-children.html

—COVID-19 behind thousands of excess US deaths, analysis shows 2/7/24 https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/covid-19-behind-thousands-excess-us-deaths-analysis-shows

January 27, 2024January 27, 2024

Jan. 27, 2024 Lakeway is hopping—tons of fun events and performances, upcoming elections, big Council meeting, and more—plus major space news and images from sad to stunning, more negative consequences for women’s rights, brand new photos of our deer herd (the bucks are back!), and stats and current articles on the worsening Covid surge.

Be brave like Ukraine.

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway….

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Our Help.

CPR Class at the Library

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, 10:30AM-12:30PM, VIK Complete Care and Republic EMS will present an American Heart Association CPR class at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). It covers CPR and choking in infants, children, and adults, plus using an AED (automated external defibrillator). Must be 12 years of age or older. Those who successfully complete the class get a 2-year AHA Heartsaver Certification; the class does not satisfy certification requirements for healthcare providers. Call 512-263-2885 for info or help registering; this registration link (after clicking on the link, scroll down and click on GOING) works best from home computers: https://laketravislibrary.org/event/cpr/

Oak Trimming Season ENDS Jan. 31.

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is ONLY allowed July-January. When trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Art at the Library

The pen and ink drawings of local artist Jack Williams will be shown in Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room during February. He specializes in the old buildings and churches of Southern Louisiana. Everyone is invited to a reception on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-3:30PM, as well as an artist demonstration on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2PM.

Lake Travis Democrats Club

Feb 1: Happy Hour, 5:30PM at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).

Feb. 27: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Travis County Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Book is: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,by Jesse Andrews (which LTISD may ban in 2024).

March 7: Happy Hour, 5:30PM at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details on Happy Hour, Movie Night, Book Club, and more activities each month. Also, watch for fun opportunities to volunteer for block-walking, phone-banking and more efforts to TURN TEXAS BLUE in 2024!

Million Dollar Quartet

TexARTS Theatre presents Million Dollar Quartet, through Feb. 11, 7:30PM. Back on Dec. 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis, resulting in one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The show features a rousing score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B performed by world-class actors and musicians. Tickets ($45-$75) and info here: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

The Addams Family: The Musical

Feb. 1, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, and Feb. 5 at 7PM, Lake Travis High School Fine Arts will present a comical original story celebrating the wackiness of every family. Tickets are $15-20, with performances at Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RM 620 S.). Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/Domain/32

Masterpiece Concert

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 4PM, enjoy the classical music of Schubert and Dvorak performed by Andrew and Sari Pierce, Sandy Yamamoto, Nick Hammel, and Colette Valentine. Another FREE EVENT at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Love Letters on Valentines Day

Brown Bag Lunch Series is BACK in 2024!

PRIMARY ELECTION voting starts Feb. 20.

2024 brings FOUR election cycles—primary, county/local (3 Lakeway Council seats are up for grabs in early May—see item below), primary run-off (in late May), and general (including US President, in November). So, brace yourself for a year of political sign clutter (already popping up!) and social media mayhem (pretty much constant these days….).

Lakeway Council Election

Three Council seats are open. Two incumbents, Kelly Brynteson (16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock) and Jennifer Szimanski (12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow), have filed to run for another term. (The third incumbent, Louis Mastrangelo, has served 3 consecutive terms and so is ineligible this time.) Matt Sherman (5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve) has also filed to run in this election. The candidate filing period ends Feb. 16. Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on May 4.

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

ArtWalk coming in April

April 19-21, City of Lakeway and its Arts Committee will bring us the FIRST ANNUAL ARTWALK! The FREE event will showcase art, music, food, community and culture in Lakeway, taking place in the Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various local art studios. It will feature vocal, dance and instrumental performers, along with those in the culinary arts and visual arts and crafts.

Deadline for local artists to apply is March 10. Register to participate here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

$1,000 Scholarships for Lakeway Seniors

Council met on Jan. 16.

RESULTS:

Mayor Kilgore inserted an opportunity near the start of the meeting for Citizen’s Participation on items not on the agenda. No one spoke.

ITEM 10: Introduction of Officer Elianna Vela. She is Lakeway’s newest POLICE OFFICER.

ITEM 11: Financial Report. REVENUES are $40K under projections, and EXPENDITURES are $350K under projections.

ITEM 12: Presentation from Emergency Services District 8. Chief TONY HADEN discussed Pedernales Fire Dept., whose territory includes Rough Hollow.

ITEM 13: Community Survey Results. Communications Director JARROD WISE provided highlights of results seen from last November’s survey, which had roughly 2,400 responses. [Watch Item 13 on the video for specifics.]

ITEM 14: Parks Bond Discussion/Parks and Rec Strategic Plan. After considerable discussion, Council trimmed some items and AGREED to cap the Parks Bond (previously $24MIL) at $19.5MIL, asking staff to use that budget to revise the various park proposals, with projects prioritized in this order: 1) Rough Hollow’s Butler Park (with the splashpad removed)–$2.85MIL; 2) Swim Center (with no Surf Pool and a modified Lazy River)–$4.9MIL; 3) City Park (without the $1.9 requested for a new Activity Center)–$9MIL; 4) existing Activity Center; and 5) Live Oak Tennis Courts (with the pickleball court removed). Council will review this again at its Feb. 5 Special Meeting, likely making a final decision on a Parks Bond for the November ballot.

ITEM 15: Parks and Rec Reservation System Update. Council AGREED that the proposed new reservations software ($40K initial cost plus $27K annual fee) was reasonable, initiating budget approval.

ITEM 16: Special Use Permit to allow Spinners Sweepstakes to continue operating an arcade at 107 RR 620 South. After an abrupt break and then going into Executive Session to obtain legal advice, Council APPROVED for 1 year 5:2 (Kilgore and Mastrangelo against).

ITEM 17: Special Use Permit to allow the owner of 214 Capri to operate a short-term rental. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 18: Discussion of changes to the city’s permit process for special uses and short-term rentals. After discussion, Council AGREED for staff to draft ordinance language allowing the BDS Director to review and decide short-term rental requests for condos, and ZAPCO to review and decide short-term rental requests for single-family homes (with Council approval no longer required for either). ZAPCO and then Council will vote on the proposed changes in upcoming meetings.

ITEM 19: An ordinance revising street cut procedures by utility companies, in order to facilitate upcoming installation of internet cable/microtrenching. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 20: Discussion of the Polling Location at Lakeway Activity Center. After considerable and lively discussion, Council VOTED 4:3 (Kilgore, Brynteson and Forton against) to have staff draft an ordinance change, so that Election Day voting would be held in Room A but Early Voting would be held in Room F. [It was unclear if Room A would host Election Day for ALL elections or only for Presidential Elections and possibly contested ISD elections. Also, Council seemed to decide against a formal space survey, in favor of the City Manager documenting the staff’s fruitless search within Lakeway for any viable voting location aside from the Activity Center.]

ADJOURNED: 12:09AM

Next Council Meeting—Feb. 5.

Agenda will be posted the week prior: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon. Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff? Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs. LAC members pay $30 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 1; Non-Members pay $35 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 13. Call 512-261-1010 for info. See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Daring Mighty Things

Rest in peace, Ginny. Ingenuity, the mini-chopper whose original 30-day mission included just a handful of test flights over Mars, miraculously completed 72 flights across nearly 3 years. Nicknamed Ginny by NASA handlers, her last flight was on Jan. 18, when she suffered a damaged rotor such that she could no longer fly. As her companion rover Perseverance continues to explore Mars, Ingenuity has been left behind. Weighing just 4 pounds, Ingenuity was only meant to test the possibility of flight in the ultra-thin atmosphere of Mars. Accomplishing that handily, the craft was re-tasked by NASA to assist in planning Perseverance’s exploratory path by ascending and beaming back to Earth footage of upcoming terrain. In all, Ingenuity flew over 129 miles and was aloft more than 11 minutes. She was such a success that 2 similar choppers will soon be sent to Mars, to assist in packaging surface samples to be returned to Earth. Future generations of helicopters will explore Mars and beyond, thanks to Ingenuity. (Image credits: NASA.) NASA’s Mars helicopter Ingenuity has flown its last flight after suffering rotor damage 1/25/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-mission-ends

SpaceX’s Boca Chica Spaceport facility in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas has elbowed its way into the territory of 10 threatened or endangered species, including the ocelot, aplomado falcon, and Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle. The launch site is surrounded by national wildlife refuge land and state park land. These protected areas and species are bombarded by sound waves, explosion blasts, wildfires, and hails of debris from the site during launch activity. Defenders of Wildlife created a 6-minute video showing the area, its natural inhabitants—human and otherwise–and the effect of SpaceX’s blast-offs there. (The text below the video itself includes the video’s transcript.) Small Cats vs. Big Rockets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ztREVSbtUg

In what may be a related issue, SpaceX has proposed a land swap with Texas Parks and Wildlife, so its launch facilities can be enlarged. It isn’t clear if this would protect endangered species or reduce damage done to vulnerable areas; Elon Musk may just want to do even more damage to the area. SpaceX wants to expand Starship launch site with a Texas land swap 1/22/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-launch-activities-texas-land-swap

The newly released film I.S.S. was NOT shot on the International Space Station. The above images show the movie version at the top compared to the real thing on the bottom; the main difference is that the actual ISS is FAR more cluttered than the film version. (Image Credit: (Bleecker Street/NASA.) Keep that in mind when watching the movie, and consider whether it all being recreated for film is more or less impressive. Plus, the actors had to fake zero gravity…. This site has a cool 2-minute trailer: ‘I.S.S.’ filmmakers recreate ISS to ground thriller in realistic setting http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-011924a-i.s.s.-movie-recreates-space-station.html

The above image from 2019, taken in Iceland, shows a gigantic dragon-shaped aurora. (Image Credit & Copyright: Jingyi Zhang & Wang Zheng.) The aurora was caused when a hole in the Sun’s corona expelled charged particles into a solar wind. Some of those particles struck Earth’s atmosphere, exciting atoms to emit light—and creating the gorgeous color-show. The good news is that in 2024 the Sun will generate a high number of prominences, filaments, sunspots, and large active regions, as it heads toward solar maximum in 2025. So, more dramatic auroras are likely coming our way. Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Japan became the 5^th nation to land successfully (as opposed to crash-landing) on the moon, when last week its uncrewed craft soft-landed on the surface. Due to malfunction of its solar panels, the craft very soon stopped communication, presumably permanently. This article has gorgeous illustrations showing 60 years of moon landings. (Image Credit: NYTimes.) Racing to Land, or Crash, on the Moon updated 1-19-24 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/22/science/moon-landing-crashes.html

Following up on Japan’s troubled moon landing (see above item), it turns out the craft landed UPSIDE DOWN and ON ITS NOSE, instead of on its 4 landing pads. (Image credit: JAXA/Takara Tomy/Sony Group Corporation/Doshisha University.) The lander remains non-communicative, but the mission is not a complete loss; 2 mini rovers aboard the lander deployed and are exploring the moon’s surface. One is the size of a tennis ball and took the above image of its troubled companion. Japan’s SLIM moon lander photographed on the lunar surface — on its nose 1/25/24 https://www.space.com/japan-slim-moon-lander-photo-lunar-surface

The above image was recently sent to Earth by the interstellar Webb Telescope. It shows N79, a star-forming region of the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. (Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, O. Nayak, M. Meixner.) Nearby star factory shines in stunning James Webb Space Telescope photo 1/23/24 https://www.space.com/star-factory-n79-james-webb-space-telescope-photo

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

SCOTUS continues to ponder the 2023 Texas court ruling banning mifepristone, the drug used for medication abortions in the US. Last week, the Biden administration filed its Supreme Court brief, arguing that restricting access—such as stopping mailing of the pills–would harm women across the country. In her brief for the Justice Dept., Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote: “The loss of access to mifepristone would be damaging for women and healthcare providers around the nation. … For many patients, mifepristone is the best method to lawfully terminate their early pregnancies. They may choose mifepristone over surgical abortion because of medical necessity, a desire for privacy, or past trauma.” Prelogar also pointed out that the FDA approvals were supported not just by scientific studies but also by “decades of safe use of mifepristone by millions of women in the United States and around the world.” Oral arguments will be held in early spring, with a ruling expected by the end of June. Abortion pill restrictions would be ‘damaging for women,’ Biden admin tells Supreme Court 1/23/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/abortion-pill-restrictions-filing-justice-department-supreme-court-rcna135255

More births in Texas, especially by Hispanics and teens. Since Roe v. Wade was struck down and SCOTUS stripped women of their Constitutional right to control their own medical care, women in Texas are having more babies. The state immediately enacted a 6-week abortion ban, and the fertility rate in Texas rose for the first time since 2014. In 2022, Texas women had 16,000 more babies than in 2021, a 2% increase overall. Hispanic women age 25-44 had an 8% jump, the largest increase. In addition, Texas teenagers had a 0.4% birth rate increase, reversing the long-time trend of teen pregnancy significantly decreasing each year. Hispanic and teen fertility rates increase after abortion restrictions 1/26/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/26/texas-abortion-fertility-rate-increase/

Also, of course, more BIRTHS FROM RAPES in Texas. Since June of 2022, when Roe v. Wade was overturned, more than 26,000 Texans got pregnant via rape. In Texas, the current abortion ban has NO EXCEPTION FOR RAPE. Texans have had 26,000 rape-related pregnancies since Roe v. Wade was overturned, study finds https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2024/01/25/texas-rape-statistics-pregnancies-roe-v-wade-overturned-abortion-ban/72339212007/

Back to me….

Tulip has progressed from sitting ON TOP of the new kitty bed to actually climbing inside. Still no catnaps in there, though.

I’m very much enjoying my gainful unemployment. For February, I signed up for a seminar, and also as a Poll Worker for Early Voting in the Primary Election. So far, daily yoga plus several long overdue home and internet projects have kept me busy. And, I’m loving the US National Figure Skating Championships, watching while bundled up on the couch with all 3 cats snuggled in as well. Life is very good….

Thanks to a week of bitter cold, followed by a week of drizzle and fog, my morning walks have been curtailed. Even when I went looking, spotting deer in the mist was a challenge. But, I got a few photos, including a group of amiable bucks (who have been AWOL for months) chewing their cuds under the trees and some moody shots of does lounging around in a foggy wooded lot.

Coronavirus Update

The winter surge worsens. As of Jan. 6, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing another big increase. Across the country, a daily average of 7,660 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 21% RISE over 2 weeks. Total hospitalizations rose by 29% over that time, to 20,397 Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you still haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster, get it now. Shots are available at local pharmacies.

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—Eric Topol interviews Jonathan Howard, author of We Want Them Infected 1/25/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/jonathan-howard-author-of-we-want

—Why many more people are lining up for a flu shot than a Covid vaccine 1/22/24 https://www.statnews.com/2024/01/22/flu-vaccine-demand-covid-vaccine/

—In a break with CDC, California quietly changed its Covid isolation guidelines–People in California no longer need to stay home if they’re symptom-free. Oregon implemented the same guidance in May. 1/19/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/california-changed-covid-isolation-guidelines-differ-cdc-rcna134696

—Could long Covid’s signs of immune dysregulation in the blood lead to a diagnostic test? 1/18/24 https://www.statnews.com/2024/01/18/long-covid-new-research-blood-samples-show-immunity-link/

January 13, 2024January 28, 2024

Jan. 13, 2024 Lakeway’s early 2024 events including an upcoming Council meeting and the imminent HARD FREEZE, plus good and bad space news, pretty much all bad news for the women’s rights update, NEW deer photos, Covid surge update and articles, and more.

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again

Here is what’s happening in Lakeway….

HARD FREEZE COMING TO LAKEWAY.

PREPARE NOW–a hard freeze is coming to Lakeway/Travis County. Looks like it will start Saturday night, 1/13/24. Prepare for 3-4 days and nights of temps going and staying well below freezing. (Image Credit—Weather Underground.)

–Wrap outdoor spigots and pipes. Turn OFF sprinklers. Cover vulnerable plants.

–BRING IN ALL PETS, and keep them inside.

–Drip faucets indoors that are on exterior walls. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach plumbing pipes in kitchen and bathrooms.

–Schools and businesses may shut down.

–Be ready with food, water, medications, etc., so you can stay home if the roads are treacherous. ICE IS FORECAST FOR SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY.

–Have supplies (batteries, power banks, flashlights, water, ready to eat food items, blankets, firewood, etc.) and a plan of action ready in case power is lost.

–Fill bathtubs with water in case needed for flushing toilets.

–Think back to the big snow and the ice storm we had in recent winters. Do NOW what you can to prepare, so you and your family make it through better this time.

–Check with neighbors who are elderly or just new to the area, to be sure they know what is coming and are in good shape.

FREE Daily ONLINE Yoga Sessions the Entire Month of January

It is NOT TOO LATE. Recover from the holiday madness and ease into 2024 with online yoga on YOUR schedule. Yoga instructor Adriene Mishler lives in Austin; she hosts a thriving online community, and every January she offers 30 FREE daily yoga sessions that people can access on their own schedule. No need to complete this in January! Watch the videos on YouTube, as and when you have the time–morning, night, daily, binge on weekends, start next month, whatever works for you. (Image credit: Adriene Mishler.) I have done this every January for several years now, and IT IS FABULOUS! Sign up here—completely FREE: https://do.yogawithadriene.com/flow

Art at City Hall

During January and February, local artist Gale Threinen has her creations on display in the Lakeway City Hall lobby/gallery. Artist’s Reception is on Jan. 16, 5-6:30PM. Local artists interested in displaying at City Hall should check here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Art at Lake Travis Community Library

During January, local artist Sofia Besondy’s artwork will be on display in the library meeting room. Her “Point of View” collection consists of 30 pieces of abstract art. There will be an artist reception and demonstration on Jan. 20, 2-3:30PM.

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Your Help

Andrea Greig, one of our police officers since 2005 and now our Animal Protection Officer, is currently fighting a very tough form of cancer. She is always there for Lakeway–helping people, their pets and our wildlife with endless energy, compassion and devotion. Now, if you can, please be there for her and donate to a GoFundMe account, helping cover her medical expenses. Here is the link for info and donations: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4q2ytg-help-andrea-kick-cancers-butt

Oak Trimming Season ENDS Jan. 31.

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is allowed July-January. When trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Lake Travis Democrats Club

Jan. 16: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Speaker will be State Representative James Talarico, who serves on the Texas House of Representatives’ Public Education Committee, Calendars Committee, and Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee. (NOTE: Wendy Davis had to reschedule to the MARCH meeting—see below.) All are invited to attend.

Jan. 23: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd). The book is Demon Copperheadby Barbara Kingsolver.

Feb 1: Happy Hour, 5:30 at the Meridan 98 (in the Sonesta Hotel at the Hill Country Galleria).

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for activities each month.

Brown Bag Lunch Series is BACK in 2024!

On Thursday, Jan. 18, noon-1PM, bring your lunch to Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and enjoy LATIN DANCING from Esquina Tango. Free event! (Save the date for the next Brown Bag Lunch—Lake Travis Fiddlers will perform on Feb. 15.) More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/932/Brown-Bag-Luncheon-Concert-Series

Million Dollar Quartet

TexARTS Theatre presents Million Dollar Quartet, Jan. 19-Feb. 11, 7:30PM. Back on Dec. 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley came together at Sun Records in Memphis, resulting in one of the greatest jam sessions ever. The show features a score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B performed by world-class actors and musicians. Tickets ($45-$75) and info here: https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season

GIVE BLOOD

The next blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) is on Saturday, Jan. 20, 8AM-noon. The event is always well organized, clean and friendly. You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here: https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Tours are on Friday, Jan. 26, at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, and 1:15PM, leaving from Lakeway City Hall. As of Jan. 13, the 2 later tours are full, but there are seats available on the 9:15AM tour. Go here for info and to reserve your seat: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

The Addams Family: The Musical

Masterpiece Concert

$1,000 Scholarships for Lakeway Seniors

Lakeway WANTS You. And not in a good way….

Warrant Roundup starts March 1, when Lakeway PD will focus on locating people with outstanding warrants for the City of Lakeway. BUT, now through Feb. 29, the city will provide amnesty for those individuals resolving outstanding warrants. Contact Lakeway Municipal Court at (512) 314-7560 option 8, email court@lakeway-tx.gov or visit the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek, 2nd floor) to get things settled before March 1, when offenders are subject to arrest. Go here to check the active warrant list for your name and for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1844

Looking for a way to help locally? Consider 12:31.

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3), serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.) With over 7,000 members, it was created by Mike Dahlhauser. Mission statement:

We believe that people aren’t meant to go through life alone.

We believe that communities are stronger when they work together for the collective good.

We believe that communities thrive when all the members of the community feel cared for, included, and valued.

Through various programs and initiatives, and through general community outreach, we are able to mobilize the community as a whole, to meet the needs of the individual.

Go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31

PRIMARY ELECTION coming soon

Sorry, but brace yourself for a year of political sign clutter and social media mayhem. 2024 brings FOUR election cycles—primary, county and local (3 Lakeway Council seats are up for grabs in May), primary run-off, and general (including US President, in November). First up is the Primary Election, for state and national offices. Early Voting starts on Feb. 20, with Election Day on March 5. Enter your address on this Texas Tribune site, to get your sample ballot, showing the primary races you can vote in. Here’s your Texas 2024 March primary ballot 1/8/24 https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2024/march-2024-primary-ballot/

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on Jan. 11, with 18 minutes of Lakeway news. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1417077595900112

Lake Travis found to be a hot zone for toxic algae. Dog owners beware….

Per the article: “Austin’s bodies of water are some of the biggest breeding grounds for toxic algae in the country, a recent report suggests. BlueGreen Water Technologies, a water bodies preservation company, released a report in September that listed Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis as being hot zones for toxic algae blooms. The lakes are the only bodies of water in Texas mentioned in the report.” … “The algae can be harmful to humans and deadly to pets if ingested, especially by dogs that lick it off their coats after swimming. In 2021, several dogs became sick or died after contact with algae in Lake Travis.” … “For dogs, blue-green algae can be deadly within a matter of hours or days after exposure. Symptoms can include excessive salivation, vomiting, fatigue, staggered walking, difficulty breathing, convulsions and liver failure.” Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, Lake Travis among lakes with worst toxic algae blooms in U.S. 12/30/23 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/12/29/austin-lakes-toxic-algae-lake-travis-lake-austin-lady-bird-lake-rankings-usa/72056776007/

Council meets on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6:30PM, at City Hall (because Monday is a holiday).

Consequential Agenda items include:

ITEM 10: Introduction of Officer Elianna Vela.

ITEM 11: Financial Report.

ITEM 12: Presentation from Emergency Services District 8.

ITEM 13: Community Survey Results.

ITEM 14: Parks Bond Discussion/Parks and Rec Strategic Plan.

ITEM 15: Parks and Rec Reservation System Update.

ITEM 16: Special Use Permit to allow Spinners Sweepstakes to continue operating an arcade at 107 RR 620 South.

ITEM 17: Special Use Permit to allow the owner of 214 Capri to operate a short-term rental.

ITEM 18: Discussion of changes to the city’s permit process for special uses and short-term rentals.

ITEM 19: An ordinance revising street cut procedures by utility companies, in order to facilitate upcoming installation of internet cable/microtrenching.

ITEM 20: Discussion of the Polling Location at Lakeway Activity Center.

ITEM 21: Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda.

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Go here to watch the Council meeting online (live or later): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, March 2 from 8AM to noon. Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff? Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs. LAC members pay $30 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 1; Non-Members pay $35 per booth and can reserve a space starting Feb. 13. Call 512-261-1010 for info. Visit www.lakeway-tx.gov/catalog See booth locations and register online registration here (in the garage sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Lake Travis Community Library’s Capital Campaign for the new WEST LOCATION

Our library is expanding, having purchased property at 21209 State HWY. 71. (Image credit: Ascension Architecture.) The building there (formerly Pizzeria Casa Nostra) needs renovating. In order to reach a fundraising goal of $1M, several naming opportunities are available. Honor a loved one while supporting literacy in our community, starting at $1,000 (for a table) and running all the way up to $150,000 (for an entire area). Go here for complete info and to donate: https://laketravislibrary.org/fundraising/

Daring Mighty Things

Austin is right on the edge, but Lakeway is well inside the totality corridor for the April 8 total solar eclipse. At about 1:30PM on April 8, Lakeway will have over 3 minutes of total darkness, as the moon passes across the sun. (Image credits: GreatAmericanEclipse.com.) SO—GET YOUR ECLIPSE GLASSES NOW! Total solar eclipse April 2024: 10 of the biggest cities within in the path of totality 1/2/ 24 https://www.space.com/total-solar-eclipse10-of-biggest-cities-in-path-of-totality-april-8-2024

Gunpowder, ozone, burnt meat—those are ways astronauts describe how space smells. (Image credit: NASA Johnson Space Center.) Of course, it’s complicated. There is no air in space, and astronauts can’t just open a hatch and sniff. What does space smell like? 1/8/24 https://www.space.com/what-does-space-smell-like

Happily, the space exploration teams of America and Russia are still able to work together. (Image Credit: NASA.) They have agreed to keep transporting astronauts and cosmonauts to and from the ISS, through at least 2025. NASA and Russia will keep launching each other’s astronauts to ISS 1/2/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-russia-astronaut-launches-iss-2025

The crewed Artemis missions to the moon have been postponed by nearly a year, skipping 2024. NASA recently announced that Artemis 2 won’t orbit the moon until Sept. of 2025, and Artemis 3 won’t land on the moon until Sept. of 2026. (Image credit: Artemis 1–NASA.) Why the delay? Space exploration is hard and dangerous…. Astronauts won’t walk on the moon until 2026 after NASA delays next 2 Artemis missions 1/9/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-2-moon-mission-delay-september-2025

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

A lot of American women are playing it safe and planning ahead, ordering abortion pills through the mail, just in case they need them later. Called advance provisioning, this used to be relatively rare. Now, just 1 dispensary (a Netherlands-based nonprofit that provides access to abortion medications via telehealth), reports over 48,000 American advance provision requests from Sept. of 2021 to April of 2023. The women requesting the pills were more likely to be white, age 30 or older, and live in an urban area. More nonpregnant women are requesting abortion pills to have on hand 1/2/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nonpregnant-women-are-requesting-abortion-pills-hand-rcna131914

The US Supreme Court recently agreed to review Idaho’s strict abortion ban, specifically the provision that punishes doctors who perform the procedure in emergency situations. Idaho was sued by the federal government, which claims the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requires patients receive appropriate emergency room care. EMTALA applies to any hospital that receives federal funding via the Medicare program. While SCOTUS agreed to take the case, don’t assume that is a good thing; it lifted the lower court’s hold on the Idaho law, placing pregnant women at risk during the many months of review and indicating the high court will uphold the full abortion ban. Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce abortion law against emergency room doctors ahead of hearing case 1/5/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-allows-idaho-enforce-abortion-law-emergency-room-doctors-rcna127244

EMTALA was struck down in Texas. Well, of course it was…. This is the federal law requiring patients receive appropriate emergency room care, including pregnant women ungently needing an abortion. The hard-right 5^th Circuit Appeals Court recently ruled that the law, somehow, just doesn’t apply to pregnant patients. Emergency rooms not required to perform life-saving abortions, federal appeals court rules 1/2/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/02/texas-abortion-fifth-circuit/

Back to me….

So, I celebrated New Years by exiting my job (after a 2-week notice, of course), and it was TOTALLY the right decision! I am still decompressing but really enjoying having a loose schedule with tons of free time. I call it my gainful unemployment. The cats seem happy to have me home full-time, as well. Life is good….

Speaking of which—GREAT football game last week, with Michigan winning the national championship. GO BLUE!

I’m feeling fine, but right now, just about everyone seems to be in some stage of not feeling well, right? Sick with something, getting over something, or coming down with something. This Statesman article has good and current info from 3 local doctors on the 3 likeliest bad guys—Covid, flu (there is an A version and a B version) and RSV—including the symptoms of each, how to avoid them, and what to do when you or a family member is sick. Here are some interesting quotes from the article:

–Respiratory viruses are circulating en masse across Central Texas, from severe cases of the flu to COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (aka RSV) and even some strep.

–The most common thing circulating now is COVID-19, followed by flu A and then some RSV.

— We are in a spike currently, fueled by holiday travel and gatherings.

— The flu is definitely worse this year.

— People can have flu and COVID-19 or RSV at the same time. They can also get flu A, get better and then contract flu B.

— Anyone with cold-like symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sore throat, body ache should be tested for COVID-19 and flu.

–All these respiratory illnesses can lead to a secondary infection like bronchitis or pneumonia.

–Doctors have seen people who have flu look sicker and feel sicker than people with COVID-19. Flu tends to come on very quickly and to cause a high fever and body aches.

–COVID-19 tends to be milder. COVID-19 patients think they have cedar fever or another allergy. They are surprised when the COVID-19 test comes back positive.

–People with RSV often are wheezing or suffer difficulty breathing. RSV can take weeks for the cough to go away. Look out for secondary infections in the ears and sinuses, and possibly pneumonia weeks later.

–Stay home if you are sick.

–Get vaccinated.

–Wash your hands.

–It never hurts to wear a mask in crowded spaces.

Read the entire article here: Seems like COVID, flu cases are on the rise in Texas? You’re right. What you need to know. 1/10/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/01/10/covid-cases-flu-season-austin-texas-vaccine-symptoms-test-treatment/72160346007/

Our gorgeous deer are still playing hide and seek, but I managed to get a few photos of does on my recent walks.

Coronavirus Update

The winter surge continues. As of Dec. 23, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US, showing another big increase. Across the country, a daily average of 6,301 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is a 20% RISE over 2 weeks. Total hospitalizations rose by 18% over that time. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER—If you haven’t gotten the updated Covid booster this fall, now is the time to do so. Shots are available at local pharmacies.

PLUS, if you do get Covid, consider taking Paxlovid. It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases. And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking. Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status. Even those experiencing mild symptoms should take it; Paxlovid is intended for people with mild or moderate symptoms. Take it early, within five days of developing symptoms. And, finish the full 5-day course, to eradicate the virus. If you are concerned about rebound infection—that often happens with Covid, Paxlovid or not. Usually, the 2ndary illness is very mild and short, as your immune system bounces back into action. Finally, Paxlovid is FREE for people on Medicare or Medicaid; most insurance covers it, and those without insurance can get it free through a patient assistance program. Lots more info in the Jan. 11 article below.

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

—Seems like COVID, flu cases are on the rise in Texas? You’re right. What you need to know. 1/10/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/01/10/covid-cases-flu-season-austin-texas-vaccine-symptoms-test-treatment/72160346007/

—We Are in a Big Covid Wave. But Just How Big? 1/10/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/upshot/covid-pandemic-wave.html

—Paxlovid Cuts Covid Death Risk. But Those Who Need It Are Not Taking It. 1/4/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/04/health/paxlovid-covid-treatment.html

—Hydroxychloroquine could have caused 17,000 deaths during Covid, study finds 1/4/24 https://www.politico.eu/article/hydroxychloroquine-could-have-caused-17000-deaths-during-covid-study-finds/

—Covid Has Resurged, but Scientists See a Diminished Threat 1/3/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/03/health/covid-masks-vaccinations.html

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

LAKEWAY COUNCIL

Media Coverage:

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

My election analysis….

The Candidates

Campaign Finance Reports

Levy is not a nice guy. PART 1.

Levy is not a nice guy. PART 2.

Levy was NEVER a nice guy (AKA—Levy’s bizarre Old Lakeway misadventure).

PARKS BOND

LTISD SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

TRAVIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT BOARD

Media Coverage:

Candidate Forums:

Be brave like Ukraine.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway….

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

ArtWalk

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Enchanted Forest

Lake Travis Democrats Club

TRAFFIC ALERT: Top section of Lakeway Drive CLOSED, now through July.

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

Become a Democratic Precinct Chair!

May 4 Star Wars movie — Solo: a STAR WARS Story

Cinco de Mayo

Fox on the Fairway

Inside Austin Gardens Tour

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Blood Drive at LAC

Classical Chamber Music

Kid Camps this summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

Spirit of Freedom Monument

Council met on ­­­April 15.

Daring Mighty Things

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Back to me….

Coronavirus Update

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

LAKEWAY COUNCIL

Candidate Forums:

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway….

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

Solar Eclipse–Monday, April 8

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

TRAFFIC ALERT: Top section of Lakeway Drive CLOSED April 9 through July.

Solid Waste Bill Increase

Wilderness Run/Walk

Lake Travis Democrats Club

Singalong Dinner Shows

ArtWalk

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Fox on the Fairway

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Council meets on ­­­April 15.

Daring Mighty Things

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Back to me….

Coronavirus Update

Recent Covid-19 Articles

Be brave like Ukraine.

This is LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, so the blog begins with a special section dedicated to the upcoming Lakeway Local Election. Don’t worry–all the fun Lakeway events are covered here, as usual, just below the Election section.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

COUNCIL

Just want the down-and-dirty version? Here you go!

Want more? Read on!

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

Here is what ELSE is happening in Lakeway….

City Hall Art Gallery

Lake Travis Democrats Club

LMUD Water Meetings

Household Hazardous Waste Day

Junior Firefighter Academy—deadline to apply is April 2.

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

Solar Eclipse–Monday, April 8

Wilderness Run/Walk

Council met on April 15.

Council meets on April 15.