The Coronavirus
In the US
New cases are now climbing. Again. Just like experts warned would happen if precautions were suddenly ignored. The daily new case average over the last week was 65,000, which is 19% higher than 2 weeks ago. Of the 30 states with rising numbers, Michigan is in the worst shape, in crisis statewide with many hospitals overwhelmed. New York and New Jersey are also surging. Experts blame reckless business and restaurant openings, cancellation of mask requirements, a burst of travel, an uptick in sporting event attendance, and rapidly spreading variants. Many states (including Texas) have severely curtailed testing, so actual new case numbers are higher than reported.
Dropping our guard now makes no sense. Everyone will be vaccinated very soon. But, you have stay alive until then.
In Texas
A win for masks! On 3/26, a Travis County court rejected arguments by egregious Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and refused to strike down Austin/Travis County orders that customers wear a face covering in local businesses. In doing so, Judge Livingston displayed unusual common sense, as follows:
–Judge Livingston was concerned that Abbott’s latest executive order prohibited local officials from enforcing mask mandates but allowed individual businesses to require customers to wear a mask — or enter without one. That gives business owners, who can make those decisions without any scientific basis at all, more power over people’s health than local health authorities who are medical experts. “What makes sense about that?” the judge asked.
— Judge Livingston asked “What are the the state interests in preventing a jurisdiction from trying to keep their people safe?” The state lawyer replied: “Preserving the freedom of individual choice.” Livingston responded that individual choice would seem to allow infected people to “spew and infect others” by declining to wear a mask. “Why should a person with a deadly virus have more power than the person trying not to catch the deadly virus?” she asked.
As the state inevitably wastes taxpayer money on fighting for its right to kill as many Texans as it likes, the awesomely sensible ruling of Judge Livingston will be overturned; the appeals courts and especially the Texas Supreme Court are toxic Republicans. But, in the meantime, masks were required over spring break and well beyond, keeping countless people well, out of hospitals, and alive. Judge allows Austin, Travis County mask mandate to continue, rejecting Texas AG Ken Paxton’s arguments 3/26/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/03/26/austin-mask-mandate-continues-texas-ken-paxton-rejected/7011102002/
A recent study of the 50 states plus DC ranked Texas near the bottom (47 out of 51), as far as overall safety during Covid-19. Here is how Texas ranked on the specific factors considered:
- 41st – Vaccination Rate
- 42nd – Positive Testing Rate
- 38th – Hospitalization Rate
- 45th – Death Rate
- 17th – Transmission Rate
Safest States During COVID-19 4/1/21 https://wallethub.com/edu/safest-states-during-covid/86567
Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity
Having met his original goal very early, Pres. Biden on March 25 doubled it to a new goal of 200 million shots in the first 100 days of his administration.
April 2 was a record-breaking day, with over 4 million shots administered! More than 20 million shots were given last week.
To date, over one-third of American adults (more than 90 million people) have received at least 1 vaccine dose, and about 15% are FULLY vaccinated. Over 140 million doses have been administered and we are averaging over 2.5 million shots per day. At this pace, half of the nation’s population will have at least one dose by mid-May.
On March 29, Pres. Biden announced there would soon be a vaccine site located within 5 miles of 90% of Americans.
Almost all states have announced timelines for meeting the Biden administration’s directive that all adults be eligible for vaccination by May 1. Several states have already opened up to universal eligibility.
In Texas, only 14% of the 29 million population has been fully vaccinated. Just five states — Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Utah — rank lower on per capita vaccinations, but Texas still opened up eligibility to EVERYONE age 16 & up, as of March 29. This made 22 million more people eligible to join the battle for vaccine appointments.
In Travis County, about 13% the adult population is fully vaccinated, with 30% having gotten at least 1 shot.
Recent Covid articles I recommend….
–Protect your vaccine card—this article points out why it will be important down the road. What You Need to Know About Your Vaccine Card 4/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-vaccine-card.html
–Important new info on herd immunity. It’s possible to reach herd immunity, then lose it. Repeatedly. Here’s what you can do to help prevent that from happening 3/31/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/30/health/herd-immunity-covid-shifts/index.html
–This article has practical tips on pain relievers, alcohol, tattoos or dermal fillers, staying hydrated, and more. What Not To Do When You Get A COVID-19 Vaccine 3/30/21 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-not-to-do-covid-vaccine-shot_l_6061f129c5b66d30c746bc96
–This podcast has useful info on what to expect when getting the 1st shot/2nd shot, when people are fully protected AND what they can do then, vaccination progress nationwide, the 4th vaccine coming, and much more. The Daily podcast discusses all things vaccination 3/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-vaccinations-joe-biden.html?rref=vanity
–Three experts respond to questions from readers about what they can do after getting vaccinated. I Got My Covid Vaccine. Now Can I Hug My Mom? 3/19/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/opinion/covid-vaccine-guidelines.html
–For the first time in decades, vaccines are having a moment. Will it last? 3/15/21 https://www.statnews.com/2021/03/15/for-the-first-time-in-decades-vaccines-are-having-a-moment-will-it-last/
–Covid-19’s big public health lesson: Ask people to be careful, not perfect 3/15/21 https://www.vox.com/22315478/covid-19-coronavirus-harm-reduction-abstinence
On the national stage
In the 3 weeks since I posted a blog, there were THREE mass shootings in the US—Atlanta, Boulder and Los Angeles—with a total of 22 people dead. As always, Republicans in Congress refuse to consider even the most basic gun safety legislation such as universal background checks, waiting periods, and banning assault weapons for personal use—despite overwhelming bipartisan support among the American public for these measures. Gun safety is a federal issue, and Congress must act.
Georgia’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a package of laws restricting voting rights AND allowing state legislators to overturn election results they dislike. Georgia’s 2020 election was reviewed repeatedly with no voter fraud found, and these blatantly racist laws are a direct result of Trump’s Big Lie. (What Georgia’s Voting Law Really Does 4/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/us/politics/georgia-voting-law-annotated.html ) Worse, similar legislation is pending in several states across the country (including Texas, where voting is already restricted). The right to vote is the core of democracy, and states cannot be allowed to run amok with restrictions designed to favor one party over another. Voting rights is a federal issue; again, Congress must act.
If the Democrats cannot figure out how to use their majority control in the House and the Senate, while also holding the presidency, to enact meaningful reform on voter rights, gun safety and many other crucial issues, then our democracy is truly broken.
In Texas
Rep. Chip Roy joined the Bottom of the Barrel Bunch, swirling around with fellow-dregs Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, AG Paxton, and Sen. Cruz—all Texas officials who shame the state and those Texans trying to live here with heads held high.
Why? Rep. Roy made these hateful comments at a March 18 Congressional hearing on—of all things–violence against Asian Americans: “We believe in justice. There’s old sayings in Texas about ‘find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree.’ …You know, we take justice very seriously, and we ought to do that. Round up the bad guys. That’s what we believe. Hang ’em high,” he told the Statesman. Asked about the racial connotations of lynching for minorities in America, Roy said, “Yeah, so? It was a metaphor for justice.” Rep. Chip Roy calls Texas lynching an example of justice, then doubles down: ‘I meant it’ 3/18/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/18/texas-congressman-chip-roy-invoke-lynching-causes-uproar/4756789001/
No, lynching is NOT a metaphor for justice. Lynching is a method of murder. Even in Texas.
In Lakeway
Keep your dogs out of Lake Travis!
LCRA received test results on March 23, 2021 showing toxicity from blue-green algae in algae samples taken from Lake Travis (as well as Inks Lake and Lake Marble Falls). This can be fatal to animals.
May 1 election
Lakeway elects a new mayor and 3 council members on May 1, 2021. Early voting starts April 19. Vote for ONE person for mayor, but vote for THREE people for council (of the 5 running, the top 3 vote-getters win seats).
For obvious reasons, Lakeway’s ridiculous May elections always have very low voter turnout. So, to help get the word out about this election and the candidates (3 of them brand new to local politics), I created 10 questions and sent them out to all the candidates. The responses are on a new page on this website—Lakeway May 1 Election. Click on that page in the Menu above or use this link—https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/
Follow up on Council’s March 15 meeting
Discussion of the proposed Cherry Knoll development PUD zoning change was markedly anemic. Objections made from the dais and/or in citizens participation included increased traffic on Flint Rock (as well as safety concerns about likely pedestrian crossings), housing density, and lack of parking to serve the commercial area and make the public space viable. Officials asked for completion dates on project phases, to be sure the amenities are completed promptly (unlike several OTHER Lakeway developments). Concerns that the project was being pushed through in order to facilitate settlement of the developers’ lawsuit against the city (including a citizen complaint that ZAPCO’s prior review of the project was cursory, for that reason), resulted in the matter being tabled until the April 19 Council meeting.
Also, Council approved spending $17,000 for restoration work on the Liebelt Cabin, as well as asking Lakeway Civic Corporation for a grant covering the rest of the $54,000 in work needed at this time.
Council meets on Monday, April 5, 6:30pm, online only.
The agenda includes a presentation of Main Street options by Stratus Properties (item 5). This is the contested middle section of the much-needed and long-delayed road connecting to Lohmans that to date the developer of HEB and The Oaks has refused to build. (It was recently revealed that the city failed back in 2015 to get an agreement signed regarding the particulars of the developer’s obligations for building the road section beyond HEB. Nevertheless, the city passed an ordinance requiring Stratus to start construction in 2021 and complete the middle portion by 2023.) Mayor Cox teased this presentation in a recent Facebook talk, but unfortunately the Meeting Packet has zero information, so there is no indication of what Stratus is proposing as far as road configuration or timeline. By the way, this is an example of when citizen participation is a farce—how can anyone know if they agree or disagree or have something to say by the deadline of 3pm day of the meeting, when the whole thing is a secret?
The Flint Rock Road traffic study will be presented (item 6.) Again, the Meeting Packet contains no information.
There is also a proposed budget amendment (item 8). City Manager Oakley requests an across the board 2% staff salary increase, with the $180,000 needed to fund this stated to be available in city funds due to an increase in sales tax receipts.
I am hoping that the 3 newbie candidates for mayor/council will surface during Citizens Participation and introduce themselves to the community.
Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
Go here to watch this Council meeting online (live or after the fact)— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events
Back to me….
I got my first vaccine shot (Pfizer) in late March. YIPPEE!
Our hummingbirds are back. I put my feeder out last week and had customers hovering and sucking up breakfast the very next morning.
Our deer are still being elusive. On the other hand, in 2020 the first photo of a newborn fawn parked in Lakeway was posted on Next Door on April 12. Keep your eyes open! In the meantime, here are some of my favorite 2020 photos—TWIN FAWNS.
Panda cub updates on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):
–Xiao Qi Ji & Momma Show Us What Panda Love Is 3/15/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmmHlGCXc7Y
–Giant Panda Mei Xiang Xiao Qi Ji – Play time 3/16/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKm7ga5YKjI
–Xiao Qi Ji Working On Those Rolling and Sliding Skills! 03-20-21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53LvK0UCt6Y
–Xiao Qi Ji & Momma Have a Rip Roaring Fun Morning 4/1/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B48vlmRKU5k
Fun site with recordings of bird songs. For a quick nature fix, go here and click on a bird in the image, and you’ll hear a short recording of its song. Very interesting, and my 3 cats all love it. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/bird_songs_interactive/index.html
HAPPY EASTER!!!
