May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.
Paradise—the part of it in Hawaii anyway–went up in flames last week, a casualty of wildfires. Maui was hit very hard, especially gorgeous Lahaina Town which was completely destroyed. People and pets there need help, desperately. If you can, please donate. Greater Good makes it quick, simple and secure. https://store.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/products/urgent-help-people-and-pet-victims-of-maui-wildfires
Here is what’s happening in Lakeway….
Lakeway–Hell’s front porch AND dry as a bone.
Stay hydrated. Avoid outside activity, or do it early in the morning. Shade is your friend. Remember sunscreen. Check on your neighbors.
WILDFIRE DANGER—Who even remembers the last time it rained…. Travis County is under a Burn Ban, so NO BURNING ALLOWED. Current dry and windy conditions make wildfires a big danger. Surrounding counties are fighting large-scale wildfires regularly now. Keep hoses on your outside spigots, ready to go.
DO NOT LEAVE PETS IN THE CAR—not even for a minute. Be careful walking dogs; sidewalks and pavements will burn paws. Even in your yard–make sure there is always shade and fresh water.
Please, put water out for wildlife and wandering pets. An old ceramic pot or planter base will do; put it in the shade and rinse/refill it daily. (Thanks to Angels Among Us Animal Rescue for the water bowl image.)
Art at the Library
Local artist Denise Schneyer’s acrylic and pastel artwork will be on exhibit at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) during the month of August. A reception will take place in the library’s meeting room on Saturday, Aug. 26, 1-3:30PM.
Big Band Bash.
On Monday, Aug. 14, enjoy big band music at Lakeway Activity Center. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the show running 7-9PM. The 17-piece Republic of Texas Big Band features David Cummings and Lisa Clark on vocals. FREE event!
Lake Travis Democrats Club.
Monthly meetings resume in September, but until then:
Aug. 22–Banned Book Club 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library. The book is Small Mercies, by Dennis Lehane.
Go here for more info, including membership: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/
SPECIAL NOTICE: Help us get the word out that we are here to fight for Democracy. We’re organizing a postcard initiative in October to enhance our presence among local democratic and progressive community members. Kindly use this link https://secure.actblue.com/donate/western-travis-democrats-1# for the Western Travis Democrats PAC to contribute funds for purchasing postage and supplies for this campaign. This is a proud joint endeavor by Western Travis Democrats, Lake Travis Voices for Progress, Tuscan Village Voters, and Lake Travis Democrats.
TexArts—9 to 5, the Musical—and more.
—9 to 5, the Musical, runs Aug. 4-27. Tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions
—2023-2024 season subscriptions are on sale. https://www.tex-arts.org/our-season Call 512-852-9079 ext.101 or email boxoffice@tex-arts.org
Spikeball Tournament.
Lakeway Parks & Recreation will host a Spikeball Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 19. The event is FREE. ALL AGES are welcome. It starts at 8:30AM, at the new Bee Creek Sports Complex (4440 Bee Creek Rd.). Go here for info and to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2076/Lakeway-Spikeball-Tournament
Cool Arts on Aug. 26-27.
This year’s Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour is coming up! This FREE event is hosted by the Lakeway Arts Committee; this will be the 8th annual celebration of our local artists.
The SHOW will be on Saturday, Aug. 26 1-5PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek), with a fine arts display in the courtyard by 20 or so local artists, accompanied by live music and kids’ activities.
The STUDIO TOUR will be on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27 noon-5PM, at various area locations. A flyer with addresses and full info will be available at the Activity Center on Aug. 25.
Taste Lake Travis Food Festival.
On Saturday, Sept. 16, noon to 4PM, the LT Chamber of Commerce presents Taste Lake Travis–“a new food festival with a Texas twist.” The location is The Meadows at Safe Harbor Marina at Emerald Point on Lake Travis. TICKETS REQUIRED. Go here for more info and to buy tickets: https://tastelaketravis.info/
School’s Back in Session.
First day back at LTISD, for most kids, is Wednesday, Aug 16. Revise your life and/or your commute accordingly….
City Garage Sale.
The next Lakeway Garage Sale is on Saturday, Sept. 9, 8AM-noon at the Activity Center. Call 512-261-1010 to reserve a booth ($30 for members, $35 for non-members), space permitting. Or, go here and click on Garage Sales: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog
Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable or canned food items, 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.
National Night Out.
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, this national happening has 2 local events:
–POLICE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE: From 4-7PM, stop by the police station to meet officers in various police department divisions, receive crime prevention material, and take a tour of the facility. On the tour, you can check out the shooting simulator and take a test with the drunk goggles. For kids, there will be stickers, coloring books and wristbands.
–NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERINGS: Strengthen your community by encouraging citizen engagement with neighbors and with the police. In addition, heighten crime-prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs, and send a message that our neighborhoods are organized and taking a stand against crime. Best of all–get to know your neighbors and enjoy an evening among friends, while taking basic steps to keep our city safe.
Go here for info and to request an officer and/or city official visit your community’s NNO event: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/formcenter/police-department-12/national-night-out-signup-form-87
SkyHawks Sports THIS FALL.
The popular SkyHawks Sports summer camps will continue this fall, as after school classes and holiday camps. Options are flag football, basketball/soccer, cheerleading, golf, tennis, and more. Go here for info and to sign up: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog
T&D Women’s Foundation Donation Drive.
Three LTHS seniors–Josephine Cowings, Tanisha Banerjee and Sofia Mager–created T&D Foundation, a non-profit with the goal of providing resources to help end period poverty for Austin-area women. You can help with DONATIONS of essential items such as pads, shampoo, deodorant, soap, baby wipes, and hygiene products. Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd.) will accept donation items for this group through August 31. Or, you can make a cash donation at https://tdwf.org/projects
Business License.
City of Lakeway is running an awareness campaign, reminding that all businesses must be licensed. There is a $25 application, and a yearly fee of $25 for renewal. Call (512) 314-7540 with questions, or go here for info and to start the process: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2046/Business-Licenses
Council Met on Aug. 7.
6 members attended the meeting, all in person. Council Member Brynteson was absent.
RESULTS:
ITEM 4: Authorizing the City Manager to purchase new police radios. The cost of up to $485,000 will be paid with ARPA funds. (This is the Biden administration’s 2021 federal stimulus bill to aid public health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.) This is a completely non-controversial expenditure. I just wanted to highlight the excellent way City of Lakeway is using these relief funds, to provide our officers an upgraded top-of-the-line communications system with smart features. (Details are in Chief Koen’s staff report; see Item 4 of the Council Meeting Packet, here https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx ) UNANIMOUSLY approved.
ITEM 5: WORK SESSION—FY 2024 Budget. There was extended discussion of past years’ tax rates, Lakeway’s slowing growth as few undeveloped parcels remain, rising expenses, and the various property tax rates available in order to cover next year’s budget. Consensus was reached that, unlike past years, it would not be feasible to lower the tax rate or even keep it level (by adopting the no new revenue rate). Instead, Council and staff examined how various rate increases would affect the core budget, the desired spending hikes from city departments, and especially the needed salary and benefit increases for city employees. The CURRENT rate is 0.1290 per $100 in value. For the coming year, Council AGREED ON A MAXIMUM TAX RATE OF 0.1446. (This is the highest rate allowed without residents voting to approve it. The actual rate will be adopted by the deadline of Aug. 21; it can be lower than 0.1446—and it sounds like Council might lower it to 0.1440—but the adopted rate cannot be higher than 0.1446.) For the average Lakeway home valued at $780,000, a rate of 0.1446 means an additional $216 in property tax.
ITEM 6: EXECUTIVE SESSION–Police Department and its Policies. UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED police policies as discussed in the executive session (confidential for police safety).
ITEM 7: EXECUTIVE SESSION—Pending Lawsuit brought by Richard Mays on the city’s sign ordinance. NO ACTION TAKEN.
ADDENDUM A.1: EXECUTIVE SESSION—Deliberate as to appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of City Manager, City Attorney, Municipal Judges, Municipal Prosecutor. NO ACTION TAKEN.
ADJOURNED at 8:52PM.
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/268585
Upcoming Council Meeting.
Council has a REGULAR meeting on Aug. 21 (when, among other things, the final tax rate will be proposed). Calendar: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/calendar.aspx# Agendas: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
Daring Mighty Things
The pretty and egg-shaped planetary nebula shown above (image credit: Dong Liang) is formally known as NGC 1360. Roughly 1,500 light-years away, the cosmic cloud spans about 3 light-years, and it shows us the brief and final phase in the evolution of an aging star—actually, TWO white dwarf stars hovering at its core, each smaller but far hotter than our Sun.
Russia is returning to the moon. (Image credit: Roscosmos.) On Aug. 10, Russia launched its first Soyuz lunar rocket nearly 50 years. If things go as planned, the unmanned Luna-25 craft will orbit the moon for 5 days, land in the south pole region, and then spend a year performing soil experiments and otherwise exploring for lunar ice. This is thought to be the first mission in an ongoing Russian search for water off-planet. Russia launches Luna-25 moon lander, its 1st lunar probe in 47 years 8/10/23 https://www.space.com/russia-luna-25-moon-mission-launch-success
A Lego set of Mars rover Perseverance and mini-chopper Ingenuity is now available. The 1,132-piece building set was released Aug. 1 and sells for $99. New Lego Technic Perseverance Mars rover was a ‘thrill’ says JPL advisor 8/3/23 https://www.space.com/lego-technic-mars-rover-perseverance-jpl-review
Mini-chopper Ingenuity is shown above flying its 53rd mission mapping Mars earlier this month. (Credit: NASA.) Watch Ingenuity Mars helicopter fly in amazing video from Perseverance rover 8/10/23 https://www.space.com/ingenuity-mars-helicopter-perseverance-rover-video-54th-flight
When humans travel to other planets, they will need air conditioning units that operate in wildly different temperatures and gravity levels. NASA’s experiments on the Space Station will provide the data needed to build them. New ISS experiment will help develop air conditioning for future space habitats 8/4/23 https://www.space.com/iss-experiment-help-develop-air-conditioning-future-space-habitats
With liberty and justice for all … except women.
In Ohio, yet another state voted for abortion access. Actually, voters rejected the Republicans’ last-minute attempt to change the rules and require a 60% super-majority to amend the state Constitution, in place of the 50% majority used since Ohio became a state. Of course, the only Constitutional amendment on Ohio’s November ballot would enshrine the right to abortion. In a HUGE voter turnout, despite the election being hastily called in August, the change to make it harder to amend the state Constitution was soundly rejected, 57% to 43%. So, the usual 50% majority vote will decide Ohio’s abortion law, come November. Ohio voters reject GOP effort to cripple abortion rights amendment 8/8/23 https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/08/ohio-voters-flock-to-the-polls-with-abortion-rights-at-stake.html
In Texas, for 12 hours on Aug. 4, the abortion ban was lifted by a district court in Austin, as to women with serious pregnancy problems. But, the Texas Attorney General’s office immediately appealed the injunction to the Texas Supreme Court. A ruling is expected soon; all 9 justices are conservative. Texas AG appeals judge’s order that allows women with complicated pregnancies to get abortions 8/5/23 https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/04/texas-abortion-ban-lawsuit/
In Guam, where no doctors perform surgical abortions, medication abortion has been the only option for many years. But, the 9th Circuit recently upheld Guam’s requirement of an in-person consultation before the abortion pill can be prescribed. Telehealth appointments resulting in abortion pill prescriptions will no longer be allowed. Due to the island’s remote location, women will need to spend hundreds of dollars and take several days to travel to Hawaii for health services. Federal Appeals Court Further Limits Abortion Access on Guam 8/2/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/us/guam-abortion-ruling.html#:~:text=A%20federal%20appeals%20court%20ruled,remote%20island%20even%20more%20difficult
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel likely won’t rule until fall on whether to invalidate the FDA’s 2020 approval of mifepristone, the first pill in a two-drug abortion regimen. All 3 judges were appointed by Republican presidents. A ruling could come any day now, and either way it will be appealed–first to the entire 5th Circuit and then to the US Supreme Court.At stake is the continued use of the primary drug for medication abortions NATIONWIDE. Appeals Court Seems Skeptical of F.D.A.’s Approval and Regulation of Abortion Pill 5/17/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/17/us/politics/abortion-pill-case-arguments.html
Back to me….
Having lived on Maui for over 20 years, the devastation that wildfires wrought last week haunts me. The number of lives lost is still not known. Worst hit was Lahaina, which was completely destroyed. Historic buildings, art galleries, restaurants, the harbor full of ships, a school, countless homes of the people who power the island’s tourist industry—ALL GONE. Infrastructure in Hawaii is shaky in the best of times, and I cannot fathom how Maui will recover from this.
As always happens in August, the mama does have grouped into girl herds, bringing their fawns together for a permanent play date. Yearlings are available as babysitters, so the does can slip away for some much-deserved time on their own. Deer definitely do daycare.
Here are my recent photos.
The Coronavirus
As of July 29, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US. Across the country, a daily average of 2,477 people were being hospitalized for Covid-19, which is 15 people per 100,000 population. This indicated a rise of 16% over 2 weeks. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html
As of July 29, this NY Times chart also showed a mild increase in Covid hospitalization details:
The national Covid upswing is also happening locally. On Aug. 3, Austin Public Health disclosed that wastewater data in Austin showed COVID-19 present and increasing over the past six weeks.
New Covid-19 variants have been identified. The 2 most troubling are known as EG.5.1 and FLip, both of which seem able to bypass antibodies created by exposure to earlier versions of the disease. These variants are not yet widespread but they are responsible for small and growing segments of infection in the US and other regions of the world.
With Covid back in the news and school starting, you may be considering getting a Covid booster now. Experts suggest waiting until fall, for 2 reasons. First, the newest booster formulation should be available then, designed to fight the current variants. Second, a fall booster would provide the most protection against the usual winter surge in Covid infections.
The new Covid-19 vaccination, targeting the XBB variants responsible for most infections in early 2023, is now scheduled for release in October.
Recent Covid-19 articles.
—Don’t Get Your Next Covid Booster Quite Yet 8/9/23 https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-booster-fall.html
—‘Covid’s back on the board,’ and ER doctors like me are bracing for an awful fall 8/9/23 https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/long-covid-surge-2023-rcna97597
—Covid Didn’t Take a Summer Vacation 8/8/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/well/live/covid-summer-surge.html
—The Virus is Learning New Tricks and We Humans Keep Falling Behind 8/6/23 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/the-virus-is-learning-new-tricks?utm_source=substack&publication_id=587835&post_id=135775569&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true
—Wastewater surveillance shows rise in COVID-19 in Travis County 8/3/23 https://communityimpact.com/austin/bastrop/health-care/2023/08/03/wastewater-surveillance-shows-rise-in-covid-19-in-travis-county/
—Researchers Brace for the ‘New Normal’ 8/2/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/02/health/covid-rise.html