How to help Ukraine—DONATE with confidence the funds will be used to help those who need it.
Charity Watch (a watchdog group that monitors charities and investigates donation fraud) lists several Top-Rated Charities Providing Aid In Ukraine. Go here for blurbs on what each group is doing, with links to click and donate. https://www.charitywatch.org/charity-donating-articles/top-rated-charities-providing-aid-in-ukraine?fbclid=IwAR0v_F0qrm5YiOIjpk6YQdUAHr7QVmCcwsrgF3tXj3R0y6JjVcEk-jPrbJY
What is going on in Lakeway ….
Nina KNOWS Lakeway
For years now, I’ve attended Council and ZAPCO meetings.
I regularly post on Next Door and Facebook, letting people know what is happening in city government.
I have published this blog, covering all things Lakeway, for over 2 years now.
I serve on the new Wildlife Advisory Committee.
So, I know how the city works. I know the issues and the players. Unlike others in the race who are new to city government, I will jump right in, without a steep learning curve.
VOTE for the candidate who KNOWS Lakeway.
–UPDATE: My campaign website now has 10 items on the Policies page. https://www.nina4lakeway.com/policies
Wildlife Traffic Airpark Golf Carts New Development Home Businesses (AKA the daycare fiasco)
Justice Center YMCA Sidewalks New Stratus Proposal to Complete The Oaks and Connect Main Street
Be warned, I go into detail, not only stating my position but demonstrating how I got there. I believe in showing my work. Personally, I’m disappointed when candidates point at a problem, offer platitudes, and then act like they have accomplished something.
Are there other local issues YOU are concerned about and think need review? Let me know.
–Amazing local photographer Ron Brauer allowed me to use his GORGEOUS Sunset in Lakeway shot (taken recently) on my campaign site’s Policies page.
–BALLOT ORDER: City of Lakeway did its random drawing on Feb. 28, determining the order of the 6 candidates on the ballot. And, I will be number 4. Oh well, I’ve gotten this far without being particularly lucky! I’ll just need people to VOTE FOR ME INTENTIONALLY, as opposed to relying on a bump from a few voters who just check the first 3 boxes.
–Upcoming MEDIA: The League of Women Voters will publish (print and online) a Council candidate survey in its April Voters Guide. Also, Impact Magazine will cover the Council race in the election guide of its April issue.
–Stay updated via my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Nina4Lakeway
If you want a yard sign delivered, just let me know. nina4lakeway@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTIONS are gratefully accepted; they will help me win a seat in this crowded election.
Venmo: @Nina4Lakeway PayPal: There is a PayPal button on the campaign website (link above).
Check: Make it out to Nina Davis Campaign Fund and contact me for the mailing address or to have it picked up.
Let’s Make Lakeway Even Better!
LTISD election
VOTE Laurie Higginbotham for LTISD Place 3 on May 7!
After 2 terms on Lakeway Council, Laurie decided to run for LTISD. Our schools need her, but she will be missed on Council. Check out Laurie’s website: https://laurieforltisd.com
Laurie’s campaign sign is in my yard, and she has my vote.
Mayor Kilgore’s Live Update
The Mayor’s next live update is Wednesday, March 16, 2PM. https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway
OPEN HOUSE for proposed Workforce Housing PUD on Hwy. 71
The developers will present their vision and take questions from the public, on Wednesday, March 16, 5-7PM, at the Activity Center. (See ZAPCO March 2 meeting below for a full review of this proposal.)
A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra
The Austin Symphony Orchestra performs with Lake Travis High School students on Saturday, March 26, at 7pm. Brought to you by the City of Lakeway Arts Committee, this concert will take place at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center. Tickets, $15-50, are on sale online at www.ltisdschools.org/finearts
Household Hazardous Waste Day
On Wednesday, March 30 Lakeway residents can drop off batteries, paint, cleaners and more hazardous waste (NO LIGHT BULBS ACCEPTED) at the Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center, 3207 Neidhardt Dr., Lakeway, TX 78734. A reservation is required. Go here for a list of what is accepted and to make a reservation: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aca728a1f4c07-household2
Lake Travis Community Library
During March, the watercolor art of mother-daughter duo Helen Faythe Green and Amanda Green is exhibited. Award-winning works as well as new pieces are on display, some drawing from nature and others portraiture.
Lakeway Arts District website
Looking for a resource for all things ART in the Lakeway area? Interested in local artists, upcoming events, arts and culture articles? Check out Lakeway Arts District! https://lakewayartsdistrict.com
ZAPCO March 2 meeting
VERY interesting meeting, as to 2 different matters.
FIRST, a new workforce housing project had its first airing. The proposal is for 276 apartments with amenities on 14.89 acres out on 71, at the corner of Bee Creek Road. There will also be a restaurant; having both residential and commercial on the tract requires Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning. The surrounding properties are all commercial. Density will be less than the 20 units per acre allowed for R-9 multi-family housing.
The location complies with the Comprehensive Plan, which calls for this type of project along our major highways, so that traffic concerns in town are minimized. Plus, the restaurant will provide sales tax revenue.
Variances requested are few and minor. The slope allows for buildings to be 3 stories from frontage, with a 4th tucked under the slope. The total number of parking spaces will exceed the statutory requirement, but most will be covered (in a parking garage), so a variance is needed there. Inside the garage, turning radius would be reduced (to what, it seems, is standard for the industry). Cut and fill is increased. The developer will pay $1.2MIL as fee in lieu of parkland. That is ALL being asked for, as variances—a HUGE change from the outrageous laundry list that other projects demand.
Lakeway’s need for workforce housing is obvious. Teachers, police officers and fire personnel cannot afford to live in or near Lakeway; with commuter traffic so bad and no mass transit available, people take jobs elsewhere. This also applies to medical, restaurant, hotel, retail, and office staff. Our business owners cannot hire and retain the staff needed. Residents habitually complain that places open and close before they even get a chance to try them. They also bemoan our lack of certain high-end restaurants and stores. Well, a lot of that is because of staffing problems that are due to the lack of housing options.
Lakeway desperately needs workers, and workers need housing. Per the info available to date, this looks like the right project in the right location. ZAPCO agreed, voting to recommend to Council changing the Future Land Use Map from the existing commercial to mixed use, as well as changing zoning from the existing commercial to PUD. I do think that details on how applicants qualify for the project and what rates are changed/discounts given need to be made crystal clear during Council review. In addition, references to things like exterior materials used for the buildings being the same as in the 2021 Nightingale proposal need to be replaced with exact language in the current PUD document. But, overall, I see this proposal as an exciting and overdue step forward for Lakeway!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The developers will present their vision and take questions from the public, on Wednesday, March 16, 5-7PM, at the Activity Center.
SECOND, many Rough Hollow residents have been upset lately over learning that a gas station in Rough Hollow was approved many years ago, in the original development agreement. And, Legend Communities appeared ready to build it, by the Welcome Center.
The consolidation of Rough Hollow’s several development agreements was on ZAPCO’s agenda as a seemingly routine matter. This was resolving a water quality issue from last fall; LCRA changed Legend’s suggestion for location of retention ponds. As ZAPCO was preparing to accept that change, the City Manager mentioned this would also be a good time to consider the gas station. First, everyone sat there, jaws dropped. Then, Commissioners noted there is widespread public opposition to the gas station. And, they voted to recommend Council approve consolidation of the Rough Hollow development agreements, with LCRA’s retention pond location and WITHOUT the gas station.
In all the Council, ZAPCO and committee meetings I have attended over the last several years, I have never been as shocked, in a GOOD way, as I was at this one. Go here to watch the meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/155516
Council meets Monday, March 21
The Workforce Housing PUD should be on the agenda, which will be posted on the city site next week. If planning to attend in person, be warned that the last Council meeting adjourned at 1AM. Given the rancor of opponents already gearing up to kill the project, this meeting is likely to be a real pajama party.
Texas elections–March 1 primary election results
Less than 20% of registered voters in Texas bothered to cast a ballot in this election.
O’Rourke, Abbott and Patrick won their primaries, as expected. Parties’ activist wings see mixed results in Texas as Abbott advances, progressives fall short of goals 3/2/22 https://www.texastribune.org/2022/03/02/texas-primary-2022-results/
But, the Democratic slot for Lt. Governor will be decided at the run-off election on May 24. So will BOTH sides of the Attorney General race. Land Commissioner and Railroad Commissioner will also go to run-off. Here is a good review of ALL the races heading to run-offs in May. These statewide Texas races are heading toward a runoff 3/3/22 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/03/texas-primary-races-heading-may-24-runoff/9342824002/
Garza will face Jaworski in AG run-off. Democrat Lee Merritt suspends campaign for attorney general nine days after election day, clearing path for runoff 3/10/22 https://www.texastribune.org/2022/03/10/texas-attorney-general-election-lee-merritt-runoff/
Daring Mighty Things
The US and Russia have partnered for decades on running the International Space Station, largely immune from political friction. Now, due to Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions, ISS is in jeopardy. Plus, after the space shuttles were retired in 2011, US astronauts were ferried to the ISS and back on Russian Soyuz craft, along with supplies; recently, private companies started doing some of that, but an American astronaut is scheduled to return from ISS on a Soyuz March 30. How Sanctions on Russia Affect International Space Programs 3/7/22 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sanctions-on-russia-reach-outer-space-180979679/
Back to me….
Yesterday was my Mom’s birthday. Some of you knew her, Deanna Davis-Turner. She moved here with me from Maui, back in 2009. She would have been 83 yesterday–though she would NEVER have admitted it! Mom passed in 2016, but I still see or hear something fun and just for a tiny second think “Gotta tell Mom.”
Here are 2 good books I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):
The Deepest of Secrets (2022), by Kelley Armstrong—The unusual detective series set in the Yukon wilderness continues, but this time the town of Rockton—whose very existence is shrouded in secrecy—finds its own dirty secrets exposed, resident by resident. This 7th book in the series manages something rarely done, upending the entire premise in a credible and plot-driven way. Can’t wait to see how book 8 proceeds.
A Game of Fear (2022), by Charles Todd—The excellent Inspector Rutledge series set in post-WWI England was written for decades by a unique duo—mother and son. Well, Caroline Todd died in 2021, leaving son Charles to carry on alone. This book presents an intriguing mystery, solved by a detective like none other. Happily, it also manages to transport the reader instantly to a radically different world as it existed 100 years ago.
Fawn season is just around the corner. Look for parked fawns all over Lakeway, starting in early April. Don’t assume they are abandoned; Mama Does park newborn fawns to rest, while they graze in the vicinity, before collecting the babies and moving on. More info here on how to tell if a fawn needs help, plus lots of adorable fawn photos from past seasons: https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/
Drive carefully! A shocking number of fawns are hit by cars every spring. If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another. Look for new roadside banners (courtesy of the Wildlife Advisory Committee) reminding drivers about wobbly and erratic fawns.
Here are some recent photos of our deer herd. (This time of year, it is fun to look for the fawn bumps.)
The Coronavirus
Worldwide, the official death toll from Covid19 exceeded 6 million people last week.
Two years ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. More memorably, perhaps—that day, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson announce they had tested positive.
Now, 2 new variants are being watched. “Stealth Omicron” or BA.2 is worldwide but milder than Omicron and not predicted to cause new surges; the vaccines and immunity from an Omicron infection protect against it. However, BA.2’s extremely high transmissibility may slow the end of Covid outbreaks and complicate treatment. Just announced last week, the newer Deltacron is a recombinant virus with genes from both Delta and Omicron. It has been found in Europe and in the United States. Deltacron is still new enough and rare enough that experts cannot assess its severity or how well vaccines and treatments will work against it.
Hong Kong continues to struggle with its Omicron surge, reporting the highest death rate in world. Mortuaries are overwhelmed, leaving bodies of the dead at hospitals far beyond their storage capacities; photos showed bodies stacked high in rooms with living patients. Ambulance wait times can stretch to a full day. A threatened lockdown has caused a panic over groceries and essentials, emptying stores.
South Korea experienced a severe Covid surge during an important and close national election. On election day, March 9, the general public voted 6AM to 6PM, and then people diagnosed with Covid were asked to vote 6PM-7:30PM, in order to minimize infections.
China has also been hit by the current Omicron surge through Asia. Lockdowns are in force in Shanghai and over a dozen provinces.
Germany reported over a quarter million new cases on March 10, a record for that country. Officials have announced all restrictions will be lifted by the end of March.
Canada is dropping its indoor mask mandate, due to a sharp drop in current cases.
As for vaccinations, 11 billion shots have been given, with 57% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.
After nearly 2 years, Australia opened ALL borders to travelers, provided they are FULLY VACCINATED.
Austria dropped its vaccine mandate, due to Omicron’s milder cases.
In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the Omicron surge continued to subside. Cases have decreased 49%, hospitalizations are down 43%, and deaths decreased 33%. We are averaging 35,000 new cases per day. 31,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 1,200 people per day.
As America approaches the milestone of 1 million dead from Covid-19, many millions more mourn the people who were lost. Studies show that every death left behind, on average, 9 close family members.
Remember ordering 4 FREE Covid test kits back in January, with the federal government mailing them to you via USPS? Well, everyone can now order 4 MORE FREE TEST KITS. (I ordered mine on March 7, and they were delivered on March 11.) Just go here and complete the form again—https://special.usps.com/testkits
The Biden administration announced expansive plans for the country to move into a new normal with Covid. One new process is called “test to treat.” People will get tested (free of charge) at pharmacies, and those with positive results will be issued antiviral pills on the spot (again—free of charge) to minimize the chance of serious disease, hospitalization and death.
Mask mandates for the vaccinated were lifted for the White House and Congress as of March 1. Several states followed suit, leaving only Hawaii with an indoor mask mandate; state officials announced on March 8 that, in light of its Omicron surge rapidly subsiding, the mask mandate there will end on March 26.
Masks will continue to be required by TSA, through April 18. So, passengers on planes, buses and trains still must wear masks, along with anyone in airports, stations and transit hubs. The CDC is considering a change in guidelines for travelers, so this will likely change in April.
The NFL lifted Covid restrictions, the first athletic league to do so in the US.
As for vaccination, in the US, 65% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change from 2 weeks ago). Average shots administered per day decreased to 266,000. 96 million booster shots have been given.
In Texas, the current positivity test rate dropped to less than 3%. In the last 2 weeks, cases decreased 22%, hospitalizations dropped 46%, and deaths fell 42%. We are averaging 4,500 new cases and 96 deaths daily. As of now, there are nearly 2,900 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.
On March 5, Travis County dropped to Stage 2 guidelines, for the first time since Delta appeared last summer. (It was just on March 1 that we moved down to Stage 3.)
In Texas, only 60% of all residents are fully vaccinated (no change in last 2 weeks).
Recent Covid articles I recommend….
The Covid cloud is starting to lift – but two years on, its legacy of grief lingers 3/12/22 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/12/covid-pandemic-two-years-later
What is the Deltacron variant of Covid and where has it been found? 3/11/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/11/what-is-deltacron-covid-variant-uk
‘Stealth’ Omicron Is Stealthy No More: What’s Known About the BA.2 Variant 3/11/22 https://www.nytimes.com/article/omicron-variant-ba2.html
Do Covid Precautions Work? 3/9/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/09/briefing/covid-precautions-red-blue-states.html
Covid May Cause Changes in the Brain, New Study Finds 3/7/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/07/health/covid-brain-changes.html
Pfizer Shot Is Far Less Effective in 5- to 11-Year-Olds Than in Older Kids, New Data Show 2/28/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/health/pfizer-vaccine-kids.html
New Research Points to Wuhan Market as Pandemic Origin 2/27/22 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/02/26/science/covid-virus-wuhan-origins.html