Author: Nina Davis

Here is what is happening in Lakeway.   

The special section on our LOCAL ELECTION is just below, after the newsy items and Lakeway events you don’t want to miss.

Local Author at the Library

On Monday, March 31, 4:30PM, local author Diana Bartlett discusses her new book, The Elixir of Sport: Renew Yourself in Later Life by Playing Sports, in the meeting room at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Her book showcases the folks next door who defy age with resilience and a willingness to look foolish.  Books will be available for purchase and signing.

LTISD School Board CANDIDATE FORUM

On Wednesday, April 2, 6:30PM, don’t miss a forum featuring the candidates running in the 3 races for Lake Travis ISD School Board, held at the Rough Hollow Community Center (903 Highlands Boulevard).  The event is sponsored by V4P and LT Dems.  There will be a neutral moderator, and all 6 candidates have been invited to participate.

Brush Recycling Offered 1st Thursday of Every Month

City of Lakeway offers free yard waste drop-off for residents the first Thursday of every month, 7AM-3:30PM, at the Public Works Department (3303 Serene Hills Drive).  Limit is one pickup truck load of yard waste or up to one 8’X5′ pile.  As a reminder, oak trees should only be trimmed July 1- Jan 31.  Go here for details, including what is accepted: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/62/Public-Works

EGGstravaganza at City Park

Hop over to City Park (502 Hurst Creek Rd.) on Saturday, April 5, noon to 2PM, for Lakeway’s annual EGGstravaganza, with multi-age group egg hunts plus food vendors, a petting zoo, a bubble station, chalk art, face painting, and lots more.  FREE event!  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/717/Eggstravaganza

TexArts Productions

TexArts has 2025 productions, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South.  Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

• April 5-12: Mean Girls: High School Version
• April 26-May 4: Alive in Wonderland, JR.
• July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Austin Symphony Orchestra comes to Lakeway.

Treat yourself to “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra” right here in Lakeway on Sunday, April 6, at 4PM.  Location is the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Coffee with a Cop

On Thursday, April 10, 8-10AM, stop by the Lakeway Whataburger (2011 Ranch Rd. 620 S) and meet your Lakeway Police officers.  Bring any questions and concerns, or just say hello!

State of The City Address

On Thursday April 10, 6PM, bring your questions for Mayor Kilgore and City Manager Molis to a public meeting at City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing Road).  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2166/State-of-The-City-Address  

PLUS—If attending in person doesn’t work out, you can watch the meeting live or later here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Masterpiece Concert at LAC

Lakeway Arts Committee presents a FREE concert on Sunday, April 13 at 4PM, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Classical musicians Emmanuelle Boisvert, (violin), Sari Pearce (violin), Sarah Kienle (viola), Andrew Pearce (cello), and Mikhail Berestnev (piano) will play Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 74, “Harp” and the Franck Piano Quintet.  Performance is 4-5:30PM, followed by a reception from 5:30-6:30PM.

2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Community Dialogue #3

On Tuesday, April 15, at 6PM, stop by City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing RD) for the third community dialogue meeting on Lakeway’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan.  More info, including updates on the plan after the 2^nd Community Dialogue meeting last September, here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1547/Comprehensive-Plan

Calling all ARTISTS—Register for ArtWALK by DEADLINE of April 18.

Artists of all types can sign up now to participate in 2025’s ArtWALK, which takes place May 16-18, showcasing art, music, community and culture in Lakeway.  Deadline to register is Friday, April 18, and there is a $35 booth fee.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWALK

LAKEWAY SINGS!

Lakeway Singalong (performing and entertaining audiences since 1999) is now Lakeway Sings!  The group’s spring show is “Getting to Know You,” April 25-26, 6-9PM at Lakeway Activity Center.  More info here:  https://www.lakewaysings.com/events

Lake Travis Democrats

• April 28–Monthly Meeting, Social at 6PM and Meeting starts at 6:30PM, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Speaker: Zach Despart, an enterprise and investigative reporter focusing on state government for the Texas Tribune.
• April 29–Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Book: How We Learn to Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde. This book is an inspirational guide to the key junctures in life that, if navigated with faith and discernment, pave the way to become our most courageous selves.
• Check here for more info: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/

Pecan Street Festival coming to Hill Country Galleria

On May 3-4, due to problems with its usual downtown Austin venue, the 50^th Annual Spring Pecan Street festival takes place at Hill Country Galleria.  With FREE parking and FREE admission, the festival features arts and crafts vendors, music, food, entertainment and more. Info here: https://pecanstreetfestival.org/event-info/

Teen Scholarship Opportunities—DEADLINES coming up SOON!  

• Teen volunteers at Lake Travis Community Library can apply for Friends of the Library scholarships. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have volunteered a minimum of 75 hours at the library and are planning to continue their education.  Application deadline is April 1. Go here for info and to apply: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/136512655?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=application&utm_campaign=New%20Newsletter%20Template–
• Waste Connections continues its annual scholarship program in 2025.  12^th graders (private, public or home-schooled) planning to attend a university, college, junior college, technical, or trade school for an undergraduate level degree or trade certification are eligible, as long as a parent or legal guardian is signed up for trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway (account must be in good financial standing).  Application deadline is April 12.  Info and application are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

Need a RIDE?  Want to VOLUNTEER to drive seniors?

Chariot is a FREE service providing rides (for medical appointments and grocery shopping) to non-driving folks age 60 and over. Chariothas been operating across Central Texas (including Lakeway!) since 1988. Riders must be mobile to use the service; wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.  Mission statement: “Chariot enriches lives and communities by providing transportation and socialization to non-driving seniors, helping them to age in place.”  Volunteer drivers, who must be over 21 with a high school diploma or higher plus a valid driver’s license, are critical to Chariot’s success and use their own vehicles.  Click this link or call 512-445-5552 for info and to either set up a ride or volunteer as a driver: https://chariot.org/

Wildfire Prevention begins at home.

Worried about wildfire risk here in Lakeway?  Lake Travis Fire and Rescue offers FREE risk assessment of your property.  An expert comes and walks the exterior of your home with you, discussing problem areas and solutions, then following up with a written assessment.  [I did this a few years back and found it very helpful.]  Sign up for your free assessment today by emailing wildfire@ltfr.org  In addition, City of Lakeway has a wildfire page with a lot of good info and resources to explore: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/235/Wildfire-Readiness

Protect yourself and your family–Get Emergency Alerts.

The Capital Area Council of Governments/CAPCOG provides an emergency notification system to residents of Central Texas. Registering with WarnCentralTexas allows local officials to contact you by phone, email and text in case of a disaster or public safety event.  As noted at the Feb. 3 Council meeting, this is how residents would be notified of evacuation routes from a wildfire, as well as provided with many other types of emergency information.  Sign up—FREE—for Warn Central Texas Alerts here: https://warncentraltexas.org/

Council Met on March 17.

RESULTS: Six members attended the meeting, all in person.  Council Member Brynteson was absent.

ITEM 6: Discussion and possible action regarding the city providing support or opposition to bills in the current Texas legislative session: This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. At the start of the meeting, Rep. Vikki Goodwin spoke on 2 bills promoting water conservation (including forbidding HOAs from disallowing drought-tolerant landscaping or fining homeowners for brown yards during the drought).  At the end of the meeting, Council discussed various categories of bills that could help or hurt the city’s interests.  Motion for the Legislative Subcommittee to continue its work (including supporting the 2 new water bills) PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 11: Financial Report: Compared to the budget, the city is running at a positive variance of $1.18MIL.

ITEM 12: Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda: 1 person spoke.

ITEM 13: Annual Audit Report: As of Sept. 20, 2024, the auditor noted no problems, with a healthy fund balance.

ITEM 14: Report on the server failure at City Hall: The 2-week long outage was due to failure of a 2019 server and affected most city systems (though the police department was largely unscathed).  Staff is investigating ways to be prevent similar problems, with a budget amendment coming to pay for needed updates and fail-safes.

ITEM 15: Discussion and possible action on Serene Hills median maintenance: The Serene Hills HOA wants City of Lakeway to assume some (not yet specified) of the broad range of landscape maintenance items that now cost the HOA around $160,000 per year.  In addition, it wants the city to take on irrigation costs, which are not yet specified.  Per discussion, the city generally performs only mowing services for the medians of other HOAs.  In addition, it was noted that the Serene Hills median is decorated (with signs, statues, monuments, etc.) to a far greater degree than allowed in most areas, which may have been why the HOA agreed to take on all maintenance of the area.  A MOTION to table this matter (so that the HOA and staff can research the issues) until the regular Council meeting in May PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 16: Zoning change for 0.876 acres of land at 1211 Farris Drive from R-5 (condo) to R-1 (single-family): PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 17: PUD Amendment #8 as to Tuscan Village 2, 17.462 acres at Lohmans Crossing and Lohmans Spur: 4 issues:

–The 21 cluster cottages will be for sale instead of for lease– PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

–Cut and fill allowed up to 25’– PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

–Removing the last age-restriction from the project, so that NONE of the housing in TV2 is reserved for Lakeway’s senior population–PASSED 5:1 (Sherman).

–Allowing a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through at the corner of Lohmans Crossing and Bella Toscana: Council seemed ready to deny this, largely because the specific restaurant was not identified by the developer.  But, they got hung up on whether the developer’s future ask for a specific drive-through restaurant could be made as a special use permit or would require another PUD amendment.  A MOTION to table this single matter (so that staff can resolve that issue) until the regular Council meeting in April PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 18: Report from the Capital Improvement Plan and City Fund Sub-Committee (Kilgore, Sherman, O’Brien): The CIP covers maintaining, renovating and replacing buildings, vehicles, roads, items costing over $25K with a useful life over 5 years, plus parks (once the recent parks bond has been used).  For those items, the budget process will change, to focus on long-term planning with public input and funding other than via bonds.  NO ACTION TAKEN. The CONSENSUS was the subcommittee would continue working, with the CIP part of the upcoming budget process this summer.

ITEM 19: Discussion and possible action as to Baby Box: PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (estimated cost is $800.year; location is ESD8, Pedernales Fire Station).

ITEM 20: Amending The Oaks at Lakeway PUD, being 34.745 acres behind HEB and proposing apartments and a public park, along with building Main Street across the tract.  (NOTE: This item was on ZAPCO’s March 5 Agenda, with developer Stratus withdrawing it at the last minute.  The main issue is whether and when Stratus builds the portion of Main Street across this tract, as agreed; the deadline for road completion was September 12, 2024.) : NO ACTION TAKEN here since Stratus withdrew this from ZAPCO’s meeting.  See ITEM #21 below.

ITEM 21: EXECUTIVE SESSION for legal action/consultation with attorney as to ORDINANCE NO. 2022-09-12-02 (the Stratus agreement to build Main Street by the deadline of September 12, 2024; see item 20 above): Motion that Stratus is in violation of this agreement and must file a ZAPCO packet by April 2, 2025, or staff may enforce penalties per the agreement PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 22: EXECUTIVE SESSION for legal action/consultation with attorney as to City Center: NO ACTION TAKEN.

ITEM 23: EXECUTIVE SESSION for legal action/consultation with attorney as to West Austin Business Park Legal Intervention: NO ACTION TAKEN.

ADJOURNED at 10:12PM. 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/337623

May 3 LOCAL ELECTION        

       

Lakeway has a local election coming up. 

• Election Day: Saturday, May 3.
• Early Voting: April 22-29.
• Last Day to REGISTER TO VOTE: April 3.
• Ballot by Mail Application DEADLINE: Must be RECEIVED by April 22.
• WHERE can I vote?  Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) is the closest polling place, for early voting and election day.  Other area locations include Bee Cave City Hall (4000 Galleria Parkway) and Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center (607 RR 620N at Kollmeyer). You can vote at any polling place in Travis County.  

There is no election for Mayor or Council in Lakeway this year. 

MAYOR: No one filed to run against Mayor Tom Kilgore, so he will serve his third and last term.

COUNCIL: There were 3 Council seats open, and only 3 people filed to run.  So, Chris Forton and Kent O’Brien will serve their second terms.  Gretchen Vance has already served 6 consecutive years on Council so she is term-limited.  Louis Mastrangelo, who served 6 years and sat out the past year, filed again so he will serve his fourth (non-consecutive) term.

So, what’s on the ballot? 

Lakeway’s ballot has 7 Propositions, as well as 3 LTISD Board races.  Below are sections with info the Propositions and on the School Board races.

7 Propositions 

Propositions mean a lot of reading and trying to make sense of convoluted legal language that may seem designed to trick us.  As a poll worker, I know that voters often get frustrated trying to figure out propositions at the polling place, sometimes giving up and not voting at all on propositions.  We can do better….

Prop A continues a sales tax for road repair.  Props B-G are all proposed changes to Lakeway’s City Charter. 

My advice on the 7 Propositions is simple: Prop A is OK.  Keep Lakeway the BEST–VOTE NO on the REST.  Here is more information, so you can decide how to vote BEFORE you go to the polls.

PROP A: Reauthorize sales tax of one fourth of one percent to maintain Lakeway’s streets. 

This is the EASY one—VOTE YES.  It is nothing new; this use of a tiny sliver of sales tax has been in place for many years and helps Lakeway keep its streets repaired, which is good for everyone.  Prop A is OK.  VOTE YES.

There are SIX suggested Charter changes, Props B through G.  Having sat through MANY Council meetings on this, I think the 6 suggested changes range from dumb to dangerous.  Two of the changes FAILED to pass back in 2020, but Council is trying AGAIN. 

One proposition tells the story.  Prop F eliminates Lakeway’s Board of Ethics.  Not changing its members or how it functions—ELIMINATING it, by deleting all reference to it from the City Charter that has served Lakeway well for decades.  Because Lakeway suddenly doesn’t need ethical rules or a Board to enforce them?  Council says it will come up with an ethics ordinance later. Given how split Council is, it will likely just adopt State of Texas’ rules, which are the bare minimum.  So much for “Lakeway values.”  With a proposed Charter change this bad, can any of the others be trusted?

Briefly, here are all 6 propositions to change the Charter:

PROP B: Changes the Residency Requirement for City Manager, so that he/she can live within the LTISD area, NOT just within Lakeway city limits. 

Residents already voted NO on this, back in 2020.  Council added the “within LTISD boundaries” language to try to slip it through this time.  Our City Manager has immense power in Lakeway government, and a non-resident should not wield that power.  For instance, the City Manager sets the annual budget and proposes the property tax rate to finance it, for Council review. Our City Manager should pay LAKEWAY TAXES.  Our City Manager should deal with LAKEWAY TRAFFIC and abide by LAKEWAY ORDINANCES.  Someone living in Bee Cave, Hudson Bend, Briarcliff Spicewood, Dripping Springs, etc. has none of those concerns.  VOTE NO.

PROP C: Eliminates the Office of City Treasurer.  

Maybe current city staff can handle Treasurer functions, but this is one of several changes that are just too petty to go on the ballot.  Plus, residents voted this change DOWN in 2020, and Council should respect that.  VOTE NO.

PROP D: Changes the approval process for Police Department policies and procedures so the City Manager is in charge.   

This boils down to power and accountability, and Prop D would shift that from Council to the City Manager.  Police Department oversight is too important to slide onto the City Manager’s plate, and giving Council a look at things on an annual basis only is ridiculous.  VOTE NO.

PROP E: Changes the process so that the Mayor and each Council member nominates a person to ZAPCO for a one-year term.  

The Charter says the Mayor appoints ZAPCO members, subject to Council approval, which has worked well for decades.  Currently, the Mayor reviews credentials of those in the volunteer pool and puts qualified people on ZAPCO, with differing views yet creating a balanced group.  But, certain Council members desperately want to put their pals or their political allies on ZAPCO, who will vote their way on development issues.  If you want ZAPCO members to review developments with the best interests of Lakeway in mind, VOTE NO.

PROP F: Eliminates the Board of Ethics.

Lakeway should have a robust Ethics Code and a Board to enforce it, not a passing reference to state law with enforcement in county court.  VOTE NO.

PROP G: Eliminates the City Building Commission.

Maybe CBC doesn’t have much to do now, but this is too petty to be put on the ballot.  VOTE NO.

More info here: 

• City of Lakeway has a page on the propositions, with the legal language of each one and an explanation.  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2231/May-3-2025-Special-Election
• Council had SEVERAL meetings on these Charter changes, but the one where final votes were cast and true colors shown was on Jan. 27. Go here to watch the video (click on Item 23): https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/326844
• My March 1 blog debuted the local election section with coverage of the 7 Propositions is MUCH greater detail than above.  Go here for more: https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/march-1-2025-my-march-1-blog-covers-lakeways-fun-civic-and-useful-events-and-debuts-a-new-section-on-the-may-3-local-election-plus-cool-space-news-and-images-womens-rights-u/

Remember—leaving the ballot box blank does nothing.  Only YES and NO votes are counted.

LTISD BOARD RACES

There are 3 school board races this year, for Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5 on the LTISD Board of Trustees. 

CANDIDATE FORUM 

On Wednesday, April 2, 6:30PM, head over to the Rough Hollow Community Center (903 Highlands Blvd.), for a forum featuring the candidates running in the 3 races for Lake Travis ISD School Board.  The event is sponsored by V4P and LT Dems.  There will be a neutral moderator, and all 6 candidates have been invited to participate.

For Place 3, school board President Erin Archer faces challenger Jessica Howard. 

These candidates are both very conservative.  Neither one has training or experience in education. 

For several years, Archer has been supported by Gov. Abbott’s pro-voucher group, Lake Travis Families PAC.  Her election site is here: http://www.archerforlt.com/  

Howard is supported by the far-right group, We the People, and her campaign site is  https://votehowardltisd.com/   Community Impact did its usual brief Q&A with the candidates.  Election Q&A: Meet the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees Place 3 candidates 3/5/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2025/03/05/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-3-candidates/

For Place 4, Jonathan Bove faces John Severance, who is supported by We the People. 

Bove has a Master’s Degree in Higher Education, as well as kids attending LTISD schools.  Bove’s campaign site is here: https://www.votebove.com/   He also has an active Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1522465438450483  

Severance is an engineer, and his campaign site is here: https://www.voteseverance.com/Election Q&A: Meet the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees Place 4 candidates 3/11/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2025/03/06/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-4-candidates/

For Place 5, Kris Woodcock is an educator facing Craig Cancienne, who is supported by We the People. 

Woodcock is a certified teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience. Her campaign site is here: https://votekriswoodcock.com/  She also has an active Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573029882086&mc_cid=af516f228f&mc_eid=827a658cd3 

Cancienne is an engineer/consultant.  If his name is familiar, that is likely because he ran last year with huge support from the notorious Lake Travis Families PAC, and he lost to Phillip Davis.  His campaign page is here: https://craigcancienne.com/  Election Q&A: Meet the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees Place 5 candidates 3/11/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2025/03/07/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-5-candidates/

(Image credits for portrait shots: Community Impact.)

More on the candidates. 

LT Voices for Progress is supporting Jonathan Bove for Place 4 and Kris Woodcock for Place 5.  They are the only educators in the election.  Read more here: https://ltvoicesforprogress.org/pages/2025-ltisd-school-board-election

Even better, V4P has a series of new videos (just 2 minutes each). 

The first video: Do You Want Educators or Political Stunt People on the Board? gives the background on the school board as well as the 3 current races.   It explains that Lake Travis Families PAC disappeared after losing last year’s school board races; now, Jennifer Fleck’s far-right group, We the People (which promoted book-banning for years), is running ultra-conservative candidates for school board in all 3 races–Howard, Severance and Cancienne, proudly marketing them as “DOGE Candidates.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BOYdjacMzc

The second video: Learn why Bove and Woodcock are the Most Qualified LTISD School Board Candidates compares the candidates in Place 4 and Place 5 on qualifications, stances on transparency and book bans, dedication to fight bullying and promote teacher retention, and more.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTl9zo2rfwA

The third video: John Severance & Craig Cancienne are LTISD’s “DOGE” School Board Candidates exposes the negatives, when unqualified people calling themselves DOGE candidates are faced with the many problems our schools now have.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGd_XSEg1NY

The fourth video: Which Candidates Are Best Suited For Tough Budget Times compares candidates with education credentials AND solid fiscal experience to those backed by money-wasting book banners and voucher supporters.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJFgidqIrFs

Concluding…. 

I have heard Jonathan Bove and Kris Woodcock speak, and I chatted with them, as well.  They bring impressive EDUCATION qualifications, as well as being engaging and normal folks sincerely dedicated to helping our kids and improving our schools.  Also, I remember Craig Cancienne’s awkward performance at a candidate forum last year; it felt like he somehow signed up for the wrong election—one he has no training or experience for and no interest in at all. 

So, I’m voting for Jonathan Bove in Place 4 and Kris Woodcock in Place 5.  However, I plan to attend the April 2 Candidate Forum (6:30PM, at the Rough Hollow Community Center), primarily to figure out how which candidate is the lesser evil in Place 3.

Daring Mighty Things                              

On March 14, up on the moon, Firefly Aerospace’s lander, Blue Ghost, witnessed a solar eclipse, as Earth blocked the sun.  Blue Ghost took the above photo (image credit: Firefly Aerospace), capturing the diamond ring effect as the sun slid from behind Earth. Shortly after that, Blue Ghost died a natural death; without the sun, its solar panels were useless, and it lost power. Happily, it functioned as planned the prior 2 weeks, carrying out several experiments and sending back immense data on the moon. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250319.html

A while back, Boeing’s Starliner was deemed unsafe to bring its 2 astronauts home from the International Space Station.  So, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore got to expand their ISS mission to 9 months, then caught a ride home on a SpaceX Dragon.  They splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on March 18; the capsule bobbed in the ocean, surrounded by a welcoming pod of dolphins until the recovery vessels arrived.  (Image credit: NASA.)  Never-‘stuck’ Starliner astronauts return to Earth at last with Crew-9 duo in SpaceX Dragon splashdown 3/18/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/never-stuck-starliner-astronauts-return-to-earth-at-last-with-crew-9-duo-in-spacex-dragon-splashdown

Above is the Pacman Nebula.  But it isn’t gobbling up stars—it is creating them.  Located about 10,000 light-years from Earth, the nebula consists of stellar dust, radiation and energetic winds. (Image credit: Juan Montilla.)  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250326.html

Forget the mysteries of outer space, our oceans are pretty bizarre.

The above image shows an octopus riding a shark, in waters off New Zealand. Oceanic researchers recently happened to notice something odd about the shark and zoomed in for a closer look.  Specifically, they observed a Maori octopus, typically 6 feet long when unwound and weighing 25 pounds, riding a giant predator, a shortfin Mako shark that tops out at 14 feet long and swims as fast as 46mph.  Both creatures seemed happy with the situation, and calmly passed out of range.  Oddly, the Maori lives on the sea floor, while the Mako tends to prowl near the surface, so they shouldn’t have been interacting at all. (Image credit: Esther Stuck and Wednesday Davis, University of Auckland.) This Octopus’s Other Car Is a Shark 3/20/25 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/science/octopus-riding-shark-new-zealand.html

Also forget about sharks being the “silent killers” in the sea.  Researchers recently recorded the sounds that sharks make.  Listen in here: First shark sound recordings captured by researchers, study shows 3/26/25 https://abcnews.go.com/US/sound-recordings-sharks-captured-researchers-new-study-shows/story?id=120173506

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

A licensed midwife and her employee were recently arrested and charged with performing illegal abortions at a Houston-area health clinic.  These are the first criminal charges brought under the near-total abortion ban in Texas.  The second-degree felony comes with up to 20 years in prison. Authorities allege the pair performed abortions by prescribing abortion pills.  Houston-area midwife arrested for allegedly providing illegal abortions 3/17/25 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/17/texas-abortion-midwife-arrested/

A county clerk in New York refused last week to file $113,000 Texas judgment against a New York doctor accused of providing abortion pills to a Dallas resident via telehealth consultation. The clerk was acting per New York’s telemedicine shield law, which also protected the doctor from being extradited to Louisiana on a similar charge.  Eight states have shield laws to protect their health care professionals.  NY county clerk refuses to file Texas’ fine for doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills 3/27/25 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/27/new-york-texas-abortion-doctor-pills/

Currently pending in the Texas legislature are various bills that would restrict abortion even further than presently.  A prominent measure is Senate Bill 2880, meant to stop Texans from accessing abortion pills or getting abortions outside the state. The bill targets online pill providers and the tech companies that host abortion-related websites.  Plus, it makes paying or reimbursing the costs of an abortion a felony, punishable by up to life in prison. And, it allows private citizens to sue for up to $100,000 per violation of the law.  Abortion opponents laud bill that would clamp down on pill providers and out-of-state abortions 3/27/25 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/27/texas-abortion-pill-ban-senate-2880/

Also pending in the Texas legislature is a bipartisan measure, Senate Bill 31, to clarify exceptions to the state’s near-total abortion ban.  For instance, it specifies doctors can remove an ectopic pregnancy or the remains of a fetus after a miscarriage, and clarifies that doctors are not required to delay, alter or withhold life-saving medical treatment to try to preserve the life of the fetus. Critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough to protect women facing pregnancy-related medical emergencies.  Worse, the bill seems to resurrect 160-year-old laws that could be used to criminalize those who have undergone an abortion or have helped those who receive an out-of-state abortion.  Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texas’ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics say 3/27/25 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/27/texas-abortion-bill-senate-31/

Studies since 2023 show that abortion bans since Roe was overturned prevented women from ending their pregnancies, in uneven ways.  Not surprisingly, “women who are poorer and younger and have less education are more likely to have an unintended pregnancy, and more likely to be unable to overcome the barriers to abortion care.”  The effect was more pronounced for Black and Hispanic women, women without a college degree, and women living farthest from a clinic.  In Texas (the largest state banning abortion), “births increased more in Houston, where the nearest clinic is 600 miles away in Kansas, than they did in El Paso, where the nearest clinic is 20 miles away in New Mexico. Similarly, births increased more in the South, where states are surrounded by other states with bans, but very little in eastern Missouri, where there are abortion clinics across the border in Illinois.  The Women Most Affected by Abortion Bans 3/17/25  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/upshot/abortion-bans-births-study.html

Back to me….          

MAXIE

December 18, 2006 to March 12, 2025

Rest in peace, my precious girl.

               

Some would think 18 years with a feline companion would be enough, but it doesn’t work that way.  She was my best girl.

I’m pleased to announce that I’m the new Coordinator of We Are Blood’s Lakeway Community Blood Drive!  Long-time Coordinator Mike Stubblefield has generously shared his secrets for making our drive the BIGGEST AND BEST community drive WRB sponsors, and I intend to keep it that way.  I have promoted the LAC blood drive in this blog for years and will keep it up.  Next drive is Saturday, May 10.  Sign up here: https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/?location=65131&date=05/10/2025&reschedule

For the last 3 years and as long as it takes.   

SUPPORT UKRAINE rallies continue in Lakeway, once a week.  If you want to participate, message me for details.

The rain washed out a couple morning walks, and appointments pre-empted walking, as well.  Plus, the deer I saw mostly weren’t feeling camera-ready.  Here are a few photos I look recently of our wildlife.

Coronavirus Update

The Texas Tribune had a good article on Covid in Texas.  After Covid, Texas is less prepared for the next pandemic 3/18/25 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/18/texas-covid-pandemic-readiness/

Newsweek interviewed the leader of Operation Warp Speed, 5 years later.  Five Years Later, Operation Warp Speed Leader Reflects on COVID Lessons 3/27/25 https://www.newsweek.com/operation-warp-speed-michael-anderson-interview-covid-pandemic-lessons-2051671

Covid-19 activity continues appears to have hit a plateau, after several weeks of declining numbers.  On data updated as of March 22, all indicators were flat or just slightly falling.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of March 22, national wastewater viral remained at LOW levels, nationally.  Texas was also stable, at MODERATE levels.   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

Here is what is happening in Lakeway.   

The expanded section on our LOCAL ELECTION is just below, after the newsy items and stuff you don’t want to miss in March and April.

Art Displays in Lakeway

City Hall’s art gallery (1102 Lohmans Crossing) now features local artist Andy Hempel. Stop by during business hours, or meet the artist on Monday, March 17, 5:30-7:30PM.

During March, Women in Photography 2025, a juried exhibit of work by local photographers, is on display in the meeting room at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing.) 

Council Meets on Monday, March 17, 6:30PM at City Hall.

Consequential Agenda items include:  

ITEM 9 (within the Consent Agenda):  Selection of Noble General Contractor to install a new playscape in what is now the backyard of Lakeway Activity Center (facing Lakeway Drive).  Total cost of site development is $199,700 (the lowest bid received). 

ITEM 11: Financial Report.

ITEM 12: Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda.

ITEM 13: Annual Audit Report.

ITEM 14: Report on the server failure at City Hall.

ITEM 15: Discussion and possible action on Serene Hills median maintenance.  (NOTE: The Serene Hills HOA seems to be asking City of Lakeway to assume a broad range of landscape maintenance items costing around $160,000 per year.)

ITEM 16: Zoning change for 0.876 acres of land at 1211 Farris Drive from R-5 (condo) to R-1 (single-family).

ITEM 17: PUD Amendment #8 as to Tuscan Village 2, 17.462 acres at Lohmans Crossing and Lohmans Spur. (NOTE: Two major changes are: 1—Removing ALL age-restrictions from the project, so that NONE of the housing in TV2 is reserved for Lakeway’s senior population, despite broad age restrictions agreed to in the 2008 original PUD agreement which granted many variances, and ZAPCO voted YES on this 4:3; and 2—Allowing a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through at the corner of Lohmans Crossing and Bella Toscana, and ZAPCO voted NO on this 6:1. 

ITEM 18: Report from the Capital Improvement Plan and City Fund Committee.

ITEM 19: Discussion and possible action as to ESC #8 Baby Box.

ITEM 20: Amending The Oaks at Lakeway PUD, being 34.745 acres behind HEB and proposing apartments and a public park, along with building Main Street across the tract.  (NOTE: This item was on ZAPCO’s March 5 Agenda, with developer Stratus withdrawing it at the last minute.  The main issue is whether and when Stratus builds the portion of Main Street across this tract, as agreed; the deadline for road completion was September 12, 2024.  Normally, since there was no ZAPCO hearing, Council’s review would be cancelled.  However, Council may instead proceed with alternatives for Main Street construction, possibly in conjunction with the legal action/consultation with attorney noticed in Items 21 and 22/Executive Sessions.)

ITEM 21: EXECUTIVE SESSION for legal action/consultation with attorney as to ORDINANCE NO. 2022-09-12-02 (which seems to be the Stratus agreement to build Main Street, see ITEM 20).

ITEM 22: EXECUTIVE SESSION for legal action/consultation with attorney as to City Center.

ITEM 23: EXECUTIVE SESSION for legal action/consultation with attorney as to West Austin Business Park Legal Intervention. 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

Heritage Center Spring Break Event

Bring the kids and stop by The Heritage Center (963 Lohmans Crossing Road) on Tuesday, March 18, 11AM-2PM, for a FREE and FUN community event!  Explore the historic Rock Room, hear inspiring stories from veterans at the Spirit of Freedom Monument, and learn about Lakeway’s history. PLUS—art display and refreshments.

Spring Shred & Recycle Event

On Tuesday, March 18, 9-11 AM, LT Senior Services will sponsor a FREE shredding and recycle station in the parking lot of Lakeway Aquatic Physical Therapy Parking Lot, (by Reid’s Cleaners and the Brazilian Steak House, in Lakeway Commons, 900 RR 620 S, corner of 620 and Lakeway Blvd.).  Recycling items which will be accepted include plastic bags/wrap, batteries, empty ink cartridges, styrofoam, paint and household chemicals (limit 5 gallons/person).

Household Hazardous Drop Off

FREE drop-off of household hazardous waste on Wednesday March 19, 9:30AM to 12:30PM at Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.). This is ONLY for residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave, and The Hills, as well as customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD.  Bring a photo ID or water bill to show proof of residency.  Reservations are REQUIRED.  Items MUST be in original labeled containers (so they can be disposed of safely.) The maximum amount of paint per household is a total of 30-gallon containers (whether partly empty or full). Go here for lists of what is allowed and NOT allowed (NO LIGHTBULBS, AMMO or ELECTRONICS, for instance) and to sign up for your reserved drop-off time: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACA728A1F4C07-55234542-household#/

West Library GRAND OPENING

On Saturday, March 22, 1PM-3PM, head out to Spicewood for the GRAND OPENING of West, Lake Travis Community Library’s new branch. Located on 71 (21209 State Hwy. 71 W, Spicewood 78669), events include opening remarks and a ribbon cutting ceremony, live music from jazz duo Tommy Howard and Chris Jones, crafts, therapy dogs, cake, tours, and a visit from H-E-Buddy.

Lake Travis Democrats Club   

• Monthly Meeting: Monday, March 24, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  (NOTE: Monthly meetings have MOVED to the 4^th Monday of the month.) 
• Banned Book Club: Tuesday, March 25, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). The book is James by Percival Everett.  It is a NYTimes bestseller and National Book Award winner, as well as an action-packed re-imagining of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
• Watch https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for updates.

Wilderness Run 5K

Runners, walkers, and anyone else who wants to participate can SIGN UP for the 5K Wilderness Run taking place Saturday, March 29 at 9AM at the Lakeway Justice Complex (104 Cross Creek, across from the Activity Center).  This FREE event is sponsored by Lakeway Friends of the Parks and the City of Lakeway.  Participants will run, walk or stroll through the Hamilton Greenbelt, in a picturesque trail activity designed for all levels of fitness (though there are rocky areas and elevation changes).  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2230/Wilderness-Run

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Reserve your spot for the next FREE historical bus tours taking place Friday, March 28 at 10 AM, noon, and 2 PM. Tours begin and end at Lakeway City Hall.  Start with a tour of the historic Liebelt Cabin, before boarding a bus (featuring restrooms).  Tours covering around 20 historical locations are narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee, in about an hour.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Summer Camp Kickoff at Lakeway Activity Center

On Saturday, March 29, 10AM-noon, head over to LAC with the family to meet the summer camp instructors.  Find out what camps are offered and when, as well as enjoying a petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting, and more.

LTISD School Board CANDIDATE FORUM

On Wednesday, April 2, 6:30PM, don’t miss an informative forum featuring the candidates running in the 3 races for Lake Travis ISD School Board, held at the Rough Hollow Community Center (903 Highlands Boulevard).  The event is sponsored by V4P and LT Dems.  There will be a neutral moderator, and all 6 candidates have been invited to participate.

EGGstravaganza at City Park

Hop over to City Park (502 Hurst Creek Rd.) on Saturday, April 5, noon to 2PM, for Lakeway’s annual EGGstravaganza, with multi-age group egg hunts plus food vendors, a petting zoo, a bubble station, chalk art, face painting, and lots more.  FREE event!  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/717/Eggstravaganza

TexArts Productions

TexArts has 2025 productions, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South.  Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

• April 5-12: Mean Girls: High School Version
• April 26-May 4: Alive in Wonderland, JR.
• July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Austin Symphony Orchestra comes to Lakeway.

Treat yourself to “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra” right here in Lakeway on Sunday, April 6, at 4PM.  Location is the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Masterpiece Concert at LAC

Lakeway Arts Committee presents a FREE event on Sunday, April 13 at 4PM, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Classical musicians Emmanuelle Boisvert, (violin), Sari Pearce (violin), Sarah Kienle (viola), Andrew Pearce (cello), and Mikhail Berestnev (piano) will play Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 74, “Harp” and the Franck Piano Quintet.  Performance is 4-5:30PM, followed by a reception from 5:30-6:30PM.

2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Community Dialogue #3

On Tuesday, April 15, at 6PM, stop by City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing RD) for the third community dialogue meeting on Lakeway’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan.  More info, including updates on the plan after the 2^nd Community Dialogue meeting last September, here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1547/Comprehensive-Plan

LAKEWAY SINGS!

Lakeway Singalong (performing and entertaining audiences since 1999) is now Lakeway Sings!  The group’s spring show is “Getting to Know You,” April 25-26, 6-9PM at Lakeway Activity Center.  Tickets go on sale to LAC members March 18; general public can buy tickets starting March 25.  More info here:  https://www.lakewaysings.com/events

Teen Scholarship Opportunities

• Teen volunteers at Lake Travis Community Library can apply for Friends of the Library scholarships. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have volunteered a minimum of 75 hours at the library and are planning to continue their education.  Application deadline is April 1. Go here for info and to apply: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/136512655?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=application&utm_campaign=New%20Newsletter%20Template
• Waste Connections continues its annual scholarship program in 2025.  12^th graders (private, public or home-schooled) planning to attend a university, college, junior college, technical, or trade school for an undergraduate level degree or trade certification are eligible, as long as a parent or legal guardian is signed up for trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway (account must be in good financial standing).  Application deadline is April 12.  Info and application are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

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

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3) group,with over 7,000 members serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.) They help provide school clothes, groceries, a safe place to live, and more, on an as needed basis.  Email  mike.dahlhauser@twelvethirtyone.org  or 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 Applications—DEADLINE: July 5

Periodically, past and present Lakeway veterans are honored, with their names placed on the Spirit of Freedom Monument system at Heritage Park. Applications will be accepted now until July 5.  Send the completed application along with proof of Lakeway residency and Service record information as instructed on the form.  The monument honors those residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of armed conflict, including World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Panama, and Operations Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), and the Global War on Terror.  Application and more info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

May 3 LOCAL ELECTION     

          

Lakeway has a local election coming up.    

• Election Day: Saturday, May 3.
• Early Voting: April 22-29.
• Last Day to REGISTER TO VOTE: April 3.
• Ballot by Mail Application DEADLINE: Must be RECEIVED by April 22.
• WHERE can I vote?  Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) is the closest polling place, for early voting and election day.  Other area locations include Bee Cave City Hall (4000 Galleria Parkway) and Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center (607 RR 620N at Kollmeyer). You can vote at any polling place in Travis County.

There is no election for Mayor or Council in Lakeway this year. 

MAYOR: No one filed to run against Mayor Tom Kilgore, so he will serve his third and last term.

COUNCIL: There were 3 Council seats open, and only 3 people filed to run.  So, Chris Forton and Kent O’Brien will serve their second terms.  Gretchen Vance has already served 6 consecutive years on Council so she is term-limited.  Louis Mastrangelo, who served 6 years and sat out the past year, filed again so he will serve his fourth (non-consecutive) term.

So, what’s on the ballot?

Lakeway’s ballot has 3 LTISD Board races plus 7 Propositions.  Below are sections with info on the School Board AND on all the Propositions.

LTISD BOARD RACES  

There are 3 school board races this year, for Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5 on the LTISD Board of Trustees. 

CANDIDATE FORUM

On Wednesday, April 2, 6:30PM, head over to the Rough Hollow Community Center (903 Highlands Blvd.), for an informative forum featuring the candidates running in the 3 races for Lake Travis ISD School Board.   The event is sponsored by V4P and LT Dems.  There will be a neutral moderator, and all 6 candidates have been invited to participate.

For Place 3, school board President Erin Archer faces challenger Jessica Howard. 

These candidates are both very conservative.  Neither has training or experience in education. 

For several years, Archer has been supported by Gov. Abbott’s pro-voucher group, Lake Travis Families PAC.  Archer’s campaign Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/ArcherforLTISD/  has not been updated in 3 years, and the election site she gave Community Impact  http://www.archerforlt.com/  is not operational. 

Howard is supported by the far-right group, We the People, and her campaign site is  https://votehowardltisd.com/   

Community Impact did its usual brief Q&A with the candidates.  Election Q&A: Meet the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees Place 3 candidates 3/5/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2025/03/05/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-3-candidates/

For Place 4, Jonathan Bove faces John Severance, who is supported by We the People.  

Bove has a Master’s Degree in Higher Education, as well as kids attending LTISD schools.  Bove’s campaign site is here: https://www.votebove.com/   Bove also has an active Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1522465438450483  

Severance is an engineer, and his campaign site is here: https://www.voteseverance.com/

Election Q&A: Meet the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees Place 4 candidates 3/11/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2025/03/06/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-4-candidates/

For Place 5, Kris Woodcock is an educator facing Craig Cancienne, who is supported by We the People.

 

Woodcock is a certified teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience. Woodcock’s campaign site is here: https://votekriswoodcock.com/  She also has an active Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573029882086&mc_cid=af516f228f&mc_eid=827a658cd3 

Cancienne is an engineer/consultant.  If his name is familiar, that is likely because he ran last year with huge support from the notorious Lake Travis Families PAC, and he lost to Phillip Davis.  His campaign page is here: https://craigcancienne.com/ 

Election Q&A: Meet the Lake Travis ISD board of trustees Place 5 candidates 3/11/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2025/03/07/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-5-candidates/

(Image credits for portrait shots: Community Impact.)

More on the candidates.

LT Voices for Progress is supporting Jonathan Bove for Place 4 and Kris Woodcock for Place 5.  They are the only educators in the election.  Read more here: https://ltvoicesforprogress.org/pages/2025-ltisd-school-board-election

Even better, V4P has a series of new videos (just 2 minutes each). 

The first video: Do You Want Educators or Political Stunt People on the Board? gives the background on the school board as well as the 3 current races.   It explains that Lake Travis Families PAC disappeared after losing last year’s school board races; now, Jennifer Fleck’s far-right group, We the People (that has promoted book-banning for years), is running ultra-conservative candidates for school board in all 3 races–Howard, Severance and Cancienne, actually marketing them as “DOGE Candidates.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BOYdjacMzc

The second video: Learn why Bove and Woodcock are the Most Qualified LTISD School Board Candidates compares the candidates in Place 4 and Place 5 on qualifications, stances on transparency and book bans, dedication to fight bullying and promoting teacher retention, and more.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTl9zo2rfwA

The third video: John Severance & Craig Cancienne are LTISD’s “DOGE” School Board Candidates exposes the negatives, when unqualified people calling themselves DOGE candidates are faced with the many problems our schools now have.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGd_XSEg1NY

Concluding….

I recently attended a meet and greet with Jonathan Bove and Kris Woodcock, who both bring impressive qualifications, as well as being really engaging and normal folks. Also, I remember Cancienne’s awkward performance at a candidate forum last year; it felt like he somehow signed up for the wrong election—one he has no training or experience for and no interest in at all.  So, I’m definitely leaning toward Jonathan Bove in Place 4 and Kris Woodcock in Place 5.  However, I plan to attend the April 2 Candidate Forum (6:30PM, at the Rough Hollow Community Center), if only to identify the better option in Place 3, since to date Archer and Howard present an ugly rock/hard place choice.

SEVEN PROPOSITIONS 

The 7 Props are named with alphabetical letters, A through G.  Prop A deals with sales tax.  Props B-G are all proposed changes to Lakeway’s City Charter. 

If you are in a hurry, here is my advice on the 7 Props: Prop A is OK. Keep Lakeway the Best–VOTE NO on the Rest.   If you want more info, here you go….

Propositions mean a lot of reading and trying to make sense of convoluted legal language that may seem designed to fool us.  As a poll worker, I know that voters often get frustrated trying to figure out propositions at the polling place, sometimes giving up and not voting at all on propositions.  We can do better….

PROP A: Reauthorize sales tax of one fourth of one percent (1/4%) for maintenance of Lakeway’s streets.  

This is the EASY one—VOTE YES.  It is nothing new; this use of a tiny portion of sales tax has been in place for many, many years and helps Lakeway keep its streets repaired, which is good for all of us.  As noted above: Prop A is OK. 

If you want more info on Prop A, here is a recent article on the road sales tax.  Bee Cave and Lakeway voters to decide on approval of city road taxes in May 2/21/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/government/2025/02/21/bee-cave-and-lakeway-voters-to-decide-on-approval-of-city-road-taxes-in-may/

Now, we are at the 6 proposed Charter changes.  And noted above, my advice is: VOTE NO on ALL 6 of them.

Props B, C, D, E, F, and G are all proposed changes to Lakeway’s City Charter that Council (often by a vote as narrow as 4:3) put on the ballot.  Having sat through MANY meetings on this, I think the 6 suggested changes range from dumb to dangerous.  Two of the changes FAILED to pass back in 2020, and Council is trying AGAIN to shove them down our throats. 

But, one change is even worse than that.  Prop F would eliminate Lakeway’s Board of Ethics.  Not change its members or how it functions—ELIMINATE it, by deleting all reference to it from the City Charter that has served Lakeway well for decades.  Because Lakeway suddenly doesn’t need ethical rules or a Board to enforce them?  Council says it will come up with an ethics ordinance later. Well, given how split and dysfunctional Council is as a whole, I fear all it will do is refer to State of Texas’ rules, which are the bare minimum.  So much for “Lakeway values.”  A proposed Charter change this bad tells me that NONE of the other changes can be trusted. 

But, here is the short version on all 6 proposed Charter changes.

PROP B: Changes the Residency Requirement for City Manager, so that he/she can live within the LTISD area, NOT just within Lakeway city limits.

This is one of the changes where residents already voted NO, back in 2020.  Council added the “within LTISD boundaries” language to try to slip it through this time. The argument for the change is that it can be pricey to live in Lakeway, so the City has to pay more for a local City Manager.  Well, there are many rental options here, as well as an ever-increasing number of new housing developments Council is approving these days that are said to be priced mid-range.  The fact is, the City Manager has immense power in Lakeway government, and I’m not comfortable having a non-resident wielding that power.  For instance, the City Manager sets the annual budget and proposes a property tax rate to finance it, for Council’s review.  I want the City Manager who is doing that to PAY LAKEWAY TAXES.  I also want the City Manager to deal with LAKEWAY TRAFFIC and abide by LAKEWAY ORDINANCES.  Someone living in Bee Cave, Hudson Bend, Spicewood, Dripping Springs, Briarcliff, etc. has none of those concerns.  VOTE NO.

PROP C: Eliminates the Office of City Treasurer.

Maybe current city staff can handle Treasurer functions, but this is one of several changes that are just too petty to go on the ballot.  Plus, residents voted this change DOWN in 2020, and Council should respect that.  VOTE NO.

PROP D: Changes the Approval Process for Police Department Policies and Procedures so the City Manager is in charge.

This boils down to power and accountability, and Prop D would shift that from Council to the City Manager.  Police Department oversight is too important to slide onto the City Manager’s plate, and giving Council a look at things on an annual basis only is ridiculous.  VOTE NO.

PROP E: Changes the Process so that the Mayor and each Council member nominates a person to ZAPCO for a one-year term.

The Charter says the Mayor appoints ZAPCO members, subject to Council approval, and that has worked well for decades.  The Mayor reviews credentials of those in the volunteer pool and puts qualified people on ZAPCO, with differing views yet creating a balanced group.  But now, certain Council members desperately want to be able to put their pals or their political allies on ZAPCO, who will vote their way on development issues.  If you want committee members reviewing developments with the best interests of Lakeway in mind, VOTE NO.

PROP F: Eliminates the Board of Ethics.

Lakeway should have a robust Ethics Code and a Board to enforce it, not a passing reference to state law with enforcement in county court.  That is the only way to preserve our Lakeway values. And, for the record, it was these 4 Council Members who voted to put this Charter change on the ballot: Kent O’Brien, Chris Forton, Jennifer Szimanski and Kelly Brynteson. VOTE NO.

PROP G: Eliminates the City Building Commission.

Maybe CBC doesn’t have much to do now, but this is too petty to be put on the ballot.  VOTE NO.

Concluding….

City of Lakeway has a page on the seven propositions.  It gives the legal language of each one.  For the 6 Charter changes, there is also an explanation (that may or may not help….).  The info is in both English and Spanish.  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2231/May-3-2025-Special-Election

Council had SEVERAL meetings on these Charter changes, but the one where final votes were cast and true colors shown was one Jan. 27. Go here to watch the video (click on Item 23): https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/326844

My March 1 blog debuted the local election section with coverage of the 7 Propositions is greater detail than above.  Go here for more: https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/march-1-2025-my-march-1-blog-covers-lakeways-fun-civic-and-useful-events-and-debuts-a-new-section-on-the-may-3-local-election-plus-cool-space-news-and-images-womens-rights-u/

Remember—leaving the ballot box blank does nothing.  Only YES and NO votes are counted.

So, this is how I’m voting on Lakeway’s 7 Propositions: Prop A is OK.  Keep Lakeway the BEST–VOTE NO on the REST. Feel free to pass it along!

Daring Mighty Things   

                          

The above image of a Blood Moon was taken last Thursday night, Earth moved between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow and causing a total lunar eclipse.  (Image credit: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images.)  Photos: Across the U.S., sky gazers marvel at the blood moon lunar eclipse 3/14/25 https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2025/03/14/g-s1-53812/pictures-blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-last-night

On March 2, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost moon lander became the second private spacecraft ever to soft-land on the moon.  In the above image (credit: Firefly Aerospace), that bright sphere in the distance is Earth.  The lander took 10 science experiments for NASA. ‘We’re on the moon!’ Private Blue Ghost moon lander aces historic lunar landing for NASA 3/1/25 https://www.space.com/the-universe/moon/were-on-the-moon-private-blue-ghost-moon-lander-aces-historic-lunar-landing-for-nasa

Shown above is the unlucky Athens, a probe launched by the Texas-based company Intuitive Machines, that toppled over on the moon’s uneven surface.  With its solar panels facing away from the sun, it soon lost power and was declared inert. (Image credit: Intuitive Machines.) Athena spacecraft declared dead after toppling over on moon 3/7/25 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/07/athena-spacecraft-mission-dead

Above is the Helix Nebula, the remains of a star similar to our Sun.  Dying, it lost most of its mass, with its core becoming a smoldering white dwarf shrouded by ejected stellar material.  (Image credit: NASA.)  But, it was also a mystery for 45 years, because Helix Nebula emitted a strong x-ray signal, and white dwarves don’t do that. Now, experts think the x-ray signals are from planetary debris pulled into the white dwarf as it destroyed a nearby planet.  Mystery solved! Odd X-ray signal was ‘death knell’ of planet destroyed by zombie star 3/5/25 https://www.space.com/the-universe/45-year-old-mystery-signal-was-death-knell-of-planet-destroyed-by-zombie-star-video

Along with the rest of the federal government, NASA is now undergoing a reduction in force, known as a RIF.  NASA’s Office of the Chief Scientist Office of Technology is gone, along with its Policy and Strategy office and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion office.  More bad news is expected, with the Trump administration planning to cut funding for NASA science programs in the next fiscal year, perhaps by as much as 50%. That “would be nothing short of an extinction event for space science and exploration in the United States,” per The Planetary Society.  (Image credit: NASA.)  NASA cutting programs, workforce to comply with Trump order 3/10/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/nasa-cutting-programs-workforce-to-comply-with-trump-order

AGAIN, Elon Musk’s Starship exploded soon after launching from South Texas, scattering debris that endangered planes in the air and people on the ground, closing down numerous airports as the FAA called a ground stop across most of Florida due to “falling space debris.”  (Image credits: Reuters and Facebook.)  As a result, air travel was re-routed across the eastern seaboard.  Flights at Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Orlando and other airports were delayed up to an hour. Test Flight 8 went the same disastrous way that Test Flight 7 did in January.  (Good thing Musk’s test flights are uncrewed, so far.)  SpaceX managed to catch the booster back on the launchpad.  But, Starship itself was supposed eject 4 payloads — dummy Starlink satellites—before concluding a 1-hour flight with a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia.  Instead, Starship experienced what Musk calls “rapid unscheduled disassembly”—it detonated just 9 minutes after launch.  That is exactly what happened with Flight 7.  Oddly, investigation into Flight 7’s failure is still ongoing, but the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recently gave SpaceX permission to go for Flight 8; guess that is what happens with Musk effectively controlling—through DOGE—the federal government, including the FAA.  The debris from Flight 7 rained down on populated islands in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos; Flight 8’s debris ended up nearby, in the Bahamas, in addition to putting most of Florida at risk.

• SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft explodes midflight for a second time, disrupting Florida air traffic 3/7/25 https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/06/science/starship-launch-test-flight-8/index.html
• FAA investigating SpaceX Starship Flight 8 explosion that disrupted commercial flights 3/7/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/faa-investigating-spacex-starship-flight-8-explosion-that-disrupted-commercial-flights

The Starliner astronauts were THRILLED to get to stay a several months longer than planned at the ISS.  Sure, it was a bummer that their Boeing craft had technical issues that made using it for a ride home dangerous, but extra time and experience on the space station was a BONUS, not a penalty.  Being in space is what astronauts live for, after all, and they trained for this for decades.  The silly stories from the Trump administration about them being at risk and abandoned up there by the Biden administration until Musk could rescue them amounted to blatant propaganda, using NASA and dedicated scientists for political gain.  Listen to Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore tell their story, in this 11-minute podcast.  (Image credit: NASA.)  Two Astronauts on an 8-Day Mission That Turned Into a 9-Month Odyssey 3/14/25  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/podcasts/the-daily/nasa-spacex-astronauts-iss-launch.html

After 2 launches were scrubbed for technical issues last week, SpaceX’s Dragon lifted off from Cape Canaveral on March 14, carrying 4 astronauts to the International Space Station.  (Image credit: Joe Skipper, Reuters.)  Next week, the craft will return to Earth, with 4 people onboard, including NASA astronauts to Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been working on the ISS since last June, when their craft, Boeing’s new Starliner, was deemed unsafe to ferry them home.  Since the presidential election, ugly accusations have swirled about the situation, despite clear statements to the contrary from those involved.  “We came prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short,” Wilmore said, adding that he did not believe Nasa’s decision to keep them on the ISS had been affected by politics. “That’s what your nation’s human spaceflight program’s all about,” he said, “planning for unknown, unexpected contingencies. And we did that.”  Crew lifts off on SpaceX mission to replace stuck Nasa astronauts 3/14/25 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/14/spacex-nasa-mission-international-space-station

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Democracy Docket has a great article on Trump administration actions in ongoing litigation re: women’s reproductive health care rights and abortion.  Below is a quoted summary, but read the linked article for more info.

Last week, the Trump administration took action in three different court cases. Unsurprisingly, none of it is good. All three moves are ripped from the Project 2025 playbook written for the first 100 days of a Republican president’s term, which Trump tried to disavow on the campaign trail.

First, Department of Justice lawyers requested a 2-month extension on Monday in a lawsuit seeking to reimpose outdated restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone — changes that would limit access nationwide by ending telemedicine prescriptions. There should be no need for an extension. It’s a case that the Biden DOJ asked a federal judge to dismiss in January after the Supreme Court decided last term that the original plaintiffs weren’t injured by the Food and Drug Administration’s actions on mifepristone and didn’t have legal standing to sue. 

Second, the administration asked on Tuesday to participate in Supreme Court arguments alongside South Carolina in a case about whether states can exclude Planned Parenthood from their Medicaid programs, even for non-abortion services. South Carolina seeks to disqualify any abortion provider from Medicaid because it claims that “payment of taxpayer funds to abortion clinics, for any purpose, results in the subsidy of abortion.” Arguments are on April 2. If the Supreme Court sides with the state, it would mean people with Medicaid can’t use their insurance at Planned Parenthood or other abortion providers, which would decimate people’s access to affordable birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and more. 

Third, the administration dismissed a lawsuit on Wednesday that Biden’s DOJ had filed against Idaho because its abortion ban violates a federal law regarding care in emergency rooms. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requires any hospital that receives federal funds, which is most of them, to provide stabilizing care to patients. For pregnant women facing complications like their water breaking too early, that care can include abortion. But Idaho’s abortion ban prohibits terminating a pregnancy unless someone’s life is at risk — threats to their health aren’t enough. Trump Quietly Made 3 Chilling Moves Against Reproductive Freedom 3/12/25 https://www.democracydocket.com/opinion/trump-quietly-made-3-chilling-moves-against-reproductive-freedom/

Back to me….     

Got something to say about what the federal government is doing these days?

Call the White House: 1-202-456-1414 (switchboard). 1-202-456-1111 (comments).

Call your senators and representatives. The Capitol switchboard is 202-224-3121. The switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate or House office you request.                                

For the last 3 years and as long as it takes.   

A group of Lakeway area people connected on Facebook and started holding SUPPORT UKRAINE rallies around Lakeway, once or twice a week.  We wave Ukrainian flags or hold up signs, in highly-trafficked areas.  Sure, we get some hate; young men in pick-ups are especially rude, along with overly Botox’d women of a certain age in convertibles.  But, we get tons of friendly honks and folks who grin and give us a thumps up.  Best of all is when someone who is Ukrainian parks and walks over to tell us their story. 

Ukraine is America’s longtime ally, a small democracy invaded without provocation by a world super-power ruled by a ruthless dictator.  For 3 years, tiny Ukraine has withstood brutal and full-on attack, endlessly bombed and victimized by a myriad of documented war crimes, yet stubbornly holding the line and safe-guarding Europe against Russian incursion.  Russia is NOT our ally.  Sure, America has provided financial support; most of those funds were actually spent IN AMERICA, as Ukraine purchased weapons and ammunition from American manufacturers.  NOT A SINGLE AMERICAN SOLDIER HAS DIED FIGHTING THIS WAR.  Who would NOT support Ukraine over Russia? 

People have asked about ways to help Ukraine.  Here are a few: 

• Crisis in Ukraine: Feed Starving and Abandoned Pets
  https://theanimalrescuesite.com/products/96527-ukraine-crisis-feed-pets-in-need-fundraiser-gtgm?variant=39727319777355
• World Central Kitchen is in Ukraine.  https://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraine
• Doctors without Borders is in Ukraine.  https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/ukraine-relentless-attacks-dobropillia-add-ongoing-medical-needs

With all the craziness flowing downhill from the federal government now, there is an unlimited number of things to protest, wave signs around on street corners over, or somehow try to change.  Ukraine is my hot button.  What is yours?  And, what are you doing about it?

Here are some photos I look recently of our deer herd.

Coronavirus Update 

Last week was the 5-year anniversary of Covid-19 (the SARS-CoV-2 virus) being declared a pandemic, and of life in America coming to an abrupt stop, changing everything large and small.  Some of the changes lasted weeks, others lasted months, and some of the changes are still with us even after 5 years. (Image credit: SARS-CoV-2 virus, CDC.)  March of 2020 was certainly memorable; we all know where we were and what we were doing when Covid hit.  The anniversary prompted a lot of journalism on what happened 5 years ago, and how that still colors life today.  Here is a sampling of articles:

• 5 years ago, the WHO declared COVID a pandemic. Here’s a look at the disease by the numbers 3/11/25 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/5-years-ago-declared-covid-pandemic-disease-numbers/story?id=119554588
• 94 Percent of COVID Deaths Have Been Among Adults 50-Plus 3/14/15 https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/covid-pandemic-5-year-anniversary/
• ‘I don’t feel part of society’: how Covid is still taking its toll five years on 3/11/25 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/11/how-covid-is-still-taking-toll-five-years-on
• The Covid Test, a six-part series on the million American lives lost, the political polarization and the declining trust in public health measures that followed the virus’ spread and assesses the country’s preparedness for the next pandemic 3/11/25 https://www.msnbc.com/the-covid-test?cid=eml_mda_20250315&user_email=6ed7408ec573645e45ac2a65b61d1e1e6ab1b9effbafc1d30d0a407afca1b325
• 5 years since the pandemic started, long COVID patients are still hoping for a cure 3/12/25 https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/03/12/nx-s1-5324690/long-covid-pandemic-treatments-research
• 30 Charts That Show How Covid Changed Everything 3/9/25 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/09/upshot/covid-lockdown-five-year-charts.html

Covid-19 activity continues to decline.  On data updated as of March 8, all indicators fell.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of March 8, national wastewater viral activity decreased.  Nationally, levels improved, moving from Moderate to Low.  Texas as a state also improved, going from High to Moderate.   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

For the last 3 years and as long as it takes.   

Here is what is happening in Lakeway.   

The NEW section on our LOCAL ELECTION is just below, after the newsy items and the Council meeting report.

Sunday Concert Series–SungEun Park on Piano

On Sunday, March 2, 4PM, pianist SungEun Park performs at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  She has extensively performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician throughout Korea, Italy and the United States.  FREE event!

Public Education Advocacy Workshop

Wednesday, March 5, 3:30-4:45PM, Travis County Democratic Party along with LT Dems will host a workshop centered on public education in Texas.  Location is Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Each participant will craft a personalized, written message to members of the Texas House Committee on Education, which meets soon to consider school funding and vouchers. Examples and targeted goals will be suggested. Links will be provided so participants can send an email to every member of the Education Committee, using the official Texas.gov email system. Bring a cell phone and/or a computer to the event.  More info and sign-up link here: https://mobilize.us/s/p6x9Tl

DELAYS continue on Lohman’s Crossing near library/police station

Construction continues on the JOVI II project (the several super-tall boxes of apartments) the second phase of Tuscan Village in City Center), requiring closing one lane of Lohmans Crossing, through March. 

Puzzle Exchange at the library  

On Saturday, March 8, 10:30-11:30, drop by Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) and swap out your jigsaw puzzles with ones that will be new to you.  (All puzzles must be in good condition, well-packaged and include all pieces.)

GIVE BLOOD at Lakeway Activity Center.

The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, March 8, 8am-noon.  The event is 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 right here in the Texas Hill Country. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! While walk-ins are welcome (up until 11AM), 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/

Art at the library

During March, a juried exhibit of work by local photographers, Women in Photography 2025, is on display in the meeting room at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing.)  Stop by for the Opening Reception, on Saturday, March 8, 1:30-3PM. 

Daylight Savings Time

When you wake up on Sunday, March 9, you’ll be short 1 hour of sleep.  Texas and nearly all of the country will “spring forward” the night before, for Daylight Savings Time. 

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include office manager, swim instructor, lifeguard, bailiff, 911 dispatcher, and police officer. Go here for info and to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/124/Current-Job-Openings

Garage Sale at LAC on March 15

Go shopping at Lakeway’s first community garage sale of the year, on Saturday, March 15, 8AM-noon, at Lakeway Activity Center, which will host over 30 local sellers. (Sorry, booths are sold out.)  As always, canned and non-perishable food items (for people and for pets) will be accepted in the LAC lobby, to be donated to local food banks and charities.

LAKEWAY SINGS!

LAC members can buy tickets starting March 18 for the Lakeway Sings! (formerly Lakeway Singalong)spring show, “Getting to Know You.”  The show runs April 25-26, 6-9PM, at Lakeway Activity Center. More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1455/Lakeway-Sings

Spring Shred & Recycle Event Coming Up

NOW is the time to organize and declutter, before this FREE opportunity to drop off papers for shredding, plus hard-to-recycle items. On Tuesday, March 18, 9-11 AM, LT Senior Services will sponsor a shredding and recycle station in the parking lot of Lakeway Aquatic Physical Therapy Parking Lot, (by Reid’s Cleaners and the Brazilian Steak House, in Lakeway Commons, 900 RR 620 S, corner of 620 and Lakeway Blvd.).  Recycling items which will be accepted include plastic bags/wrap, batteries, empty ink cartridges, styrofoam, paint and household chemicals (limit 5 gallons/person).

Household Hazardous Drop Off

FREE drop-off of household hazardous waste on Wednesday March 19, 9:30AM to 12:30PM at Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.). This is ONLY for residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave, and The Hills, as well as customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD.  Bring a photo ID or water bill to show proof of residency.  Reservations are REQUIRED.  Items MUST be in original labeled containers (so they can be disposed of safely.) The maximum amount of paint per household is a total of 30-gallon containers (whether partly empty or full). Go here for lists of what is allowed and NOT allowed (NO LIGHTBULBS, AMMO or ELECTRONICS, for instance) and to sign up for your reserved drop-off time: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACA728A1F4C07-55234542-household#/

West Library GRAND OPENING

On Saturday, March 22, 1PM-3PM, head out to Spicewood for the GRAND OPENING of West, Lake Travis Community Library’s new branch. Located on 71 (21209 State Hwy. 71 W, Spicewood 78669), events include opening remarks and a ribbon cutting ceremony, live music from jazz duo Tommy Howard and Chris Jones, crafts, therapy dogs, cake, tours, and a visit from H-E-Buddy.

Lake Travis Democrats Club  

 

• Monthly Meeting: Monday, March 24, 6PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  (NOTE: Monthly meetings have MOVED to the 4^th Monday of the month.)  The speaker is Mara Richards Bim who will explain how evangelicals are infiltrating politics into Christian Churches throughout Texas. Ms. Bim is a writer, spiritual director and candidate for ordination; she is also a Clemons Fellow at Baptist News Global, where she writes on the intersection of religion and politics.
• Banned Book Club: Tuesday, March 25, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). The book is James by Percival Everett.  It is a NYTimes bestseller and National Book Award winner, as well as an action-packed re-imagining of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
• Watch for events and notices on the club’s website: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/

Wilderness Run 5K

Runners, walkers, and anyone else who wants to participate can SIGN UP for the 5K Wilderness Run taking place Saturday, March 29 at 9AM at the Lakeway Justice Complex (104 Cross Creek, across from the Activity Center).  This FREE event is sponsored by Lakeway Friends of the Parks and the City of Lakeway.  Participants will run, walk or stroll through the Hamilton Greenbelt, in a picturesque trail activity designed for all levels of fitness (though there are rocky areas and elevation changes).  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2230/Wilderness-Run

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Reserve your spot now for the next FREE historical bus tours taking place Friday, March 28 at 10 AM, noon, and 2 PM. Tours begin and end at Lakeway City Hall.  Start with a tour of the historic Liebelt Cabin, before boarding a bus (featuring restrooms).  Tours covering around 20 historical locations are narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee, in about an hour.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Summer Camp Kickoff at Lakeway Activity Center

On Saturday, March 29, 10AM-noon, head over to LAC with the family to meet the summer camp instructors.  Find out what camps are offered and when, as well as enjoying a petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting, and more.

EGGstravaganza at City Park

Hop over to City Park (502 Hurst Creek Rd.) on Saturday, April 5, noon to 2PM, for Lakeway’s annual EGGstravaganza, with multi-age group egg hunts plus food vendors, a petting zoo, a bubble station, chalk art, face painting, and lots more.  FREE event!  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/717/Eggstravaganza

Austin Symphony Orchestra comes to Lakeway.

Treat yourself to “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra” right here in Lakeway on Sunday, April 6, at 4PM.  Location is the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Teen Scholarship Opportunities

• Teen volunteers at Lake Travis Community Library can apply for Friends of the Library scholarships. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have volunteered a minimum of 75 hours at the library and are planning to continue their education.  Application deadline is April 1. Go here for info and to apply: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/136512655?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=application&utm_campaign=New%20Newsletter%20Template
• Waste Connections continues its annual scholarship program in 2025.  12^th graders (private, public or home-schooled) planning to attend a university, college, junior college, technical, or trade school for an undergraduate level degree or trade certification are eligible, as long as a parent or legal guardian is signed up for trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway (account must be in good financial standing).  Application deadline is April 12.  Info and application are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

Lakeway City Council met Feb. 18.

RESULTS: Six members attended the meeting, all in person. Council Member Forton was absent. 

–ITEM 10 (within the Consent Agenda):  Approving replacement of 2 park bridges, the Hamilton Greenbelt Bridge and the Smith Greenbelt Bridge, for a total cost of $194,950. The winning bid was from Alinea Construction Corporation, and the amount was included in the 2025 budget.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY (as part of the Consent Agenda).

–ITEM 12: Financial Report.

Looking at revenues and expenses (setting aside the FEMA reimbursement) compared to budgeted amounts, the city is $240,000 to the good.

–ITEM 14:  Discussion of an ordinance establishing a Hotel Occupancy Tax Group to promote business, specifically providing Lakeway hotels assistance in winning over group meeting and event business against non-Lakeway properties.  Funds would come from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund, with the group having $200,000 in HOT funds for the first year of operation.

After discussion, Council asked staff to incorporate minor modifications, so the proposal can be reviewed and likely approved at the March regular meeting.

–ITEM 15: Presentation by the city’s internal AI Committee regarding an Artificial Intelligence usage policy.

The Communications Director discussed the policy’s tenets (transparency–including a stated disclaimer when AI is used; confidentiality–no personal info; and accuracy–a human checking work done by AI).  He also showed AI-produced text, videos, games and podcasts—all currently in use at this time via ChatGPT, SORA, Claude and NotebookLM. 

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY (after extremely limited questions or discussion), but the item is to be reviewed in 6 months.

NOTE: So, be ready for faked photos, videos, podcasts and more coming from your city government.  Go to 46:40 on the video linked below to see examples; the fake deer leaping over the fake bluebonnets were bad enough; the fake podcast with fake pundits joking about fake city policy was cringe-worthy.  What could go wrong there…. 

–ITEM 16: Discussion on changing the structure of the city’s PUD Development Committee (which provides early-stage feedback to developers on potential projects, currently in meetings closed to the public and attended by just a few elected officials) as to committee members and opening meetings to the public.

After considerable discussion that was predictably defensive as to the way PUD Dev now works and dismissive of any need for change, Council Member Vance moved to leave PUD Dev as is (but creating a city webpage with mention the committee exists and asking the City Attorney to brief members on what type of report, if any, the committee can make to Council on each meeting).  This PASSED 5/1 (Sherman).

NOTE: At least the public will be nominally aware this committee exists, though its meetings with developers remain secret and closed to the public AND to 4 of the 7 Council Members.  Baby steps, I guess….

–ITEM 17: Discussion of how to use the $1,418,299 in FEMA funds (being federal reimbursement of 75% of the $1.8MIL the city spent on debris management and emergency services for Winter Storm Mara recovery in 2023).  Suggested options include: 1) Leave it in the General Fund, here the money came from in 2023; 2)  Use some or all of the funds to bolster future Emergency (purchase of equipment and vehicles, additional software, wildfire and flood mitigation, enhanced emergency planning, etc.);  3)  Use some or all of the funds to create a dedicated Emergency Fund to handle future emergencies; or 4) Fund the new Capital Improvement Plan, designed to cover major projects over the next several years.

The City manager indicated that 4 Council members let him know since the last meeting when this was discussed that they preferred putting some or all the funds back in the General Fund, using it for Capital Improvements, or spreading the money among various areas.  NO ACTION NEEDED.  (Input will be used during upcoming Budget discussions.)

–ITEMS 18, 19, 20: Executive Sessions on: West Austin Business Park legal intervention; legal issues related to City Center; and the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property (Rebel Park and Sailfish Park).

As to West Austin Business Park, PASSED UNANIMOUSLY that City of Lakeway will enter into a Joint Legal Representation Agreement with City of Bee Cave.

As to City Center, NO ACTION.

As to Rebel and Sailfish Parks, Mayor Kilgore reported that efforts were made to cure long-ago deed and conveyance errors via deed modifications with the donor, Lakeway Civic Corporation/LCC.  These efforts have failed.  Instead, LCC intends to take back the property, change its designation from park to residential, and sell the land for development, for LCC’s financial gain.  Before that happens, the city will endeavor to segregate the property and sell the submerged portion of the parks to adjacent landowners who have constructed docks there, with the required voter approval sought at the next general election.  UNANIMOUSLY PASSED (with staff instructed to handle the necessary public education for the matter). YIKES–nightmare result all around.

ADJOURNED at 8:40PM.

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/335183

May 3 LOCAL ELECTION  

              

Lakeway has a local election coming up.  DATES to know include:

• Election Day: Saturday, May 3.
• Early Voting: April 22-29.
• Last Day to REGISTER TO VOTE: April 3.
• Ballot by Mail Application DEADLINE: Must be RECEIVED by April 22.

WHERE can I vote? 

Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) will be the closest polling place, for early voting and election day.  Travis County Elections will announce other area locations soon. You can vote at any polling place in Travis County.

There is no election for Mayor or Council in Lakeway this year.

MAYOR: No one filed to run against Mayor Tom Kilgore, so he will serve his third and last term.

COUNCIL: There were 3 Council seats open, and only 3 people filed to run.  So, Chris Forton and Kent O’Brien will serve their second terms.  Gretchen Vance has already served 6 consecutive years on Council, so she is term-limited.  Louis Mastrangelo, who served 6 years and sat out the past year, filed again so he will serve his fourth (non-consecutive) term.

So, what’s on the ballot? 

Propositions, LOTS of propositions, are on the Lakeway ballot.  Plus, 3 LTISD Board positions. NOTE: Ballots differ depending on exactly where you live.  If you live outside of Lakeway (in Bee Cave, The Hills, Hudson Bend, Briarcliff, plain old Travis County, etc.) your ballot will vary.

Lakeway residents will vote on SEVEN propositions. 

They are named with alphabetical letters, A through G.  Prop A deals with sales tax.  Props B-G are all proposed changes to Lakeway’s City Charter.  

If you are in a hurry, here is my advice on the 7 Props: Prop A is OK. Keep Lakeway the Best–VOTE NO on the Rest.  If you want more info, here you go….

Propositions mean a lot of reading and trying to make sense of convoluted legal language that may seem designed to fool us.  As a poll worker, I know that voters often get frustrated trying to figure out propositions at the polling place, sometimes giving up and not voting on propositions. 

Please, VOTE on these propositions.  Leaving the boxes blank does nothing. But, DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFOREHAND so you know what is a YES for you and what is a NO for you when you head out to vote.

City of Lakeway has a page on the seven propositions.  It gives the legal language of each one.  For the 6 Charter changes, there is also an explanation (that may or may not help….).  The info is in both English and Spanish.  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2231/May-3-2025-Special-Election

Council has been discussing and hashing out these propositions for months now, and I have followed it closely.  I’ll give my take on these below, hitting the highlights while giving some background where important.

PROP A: Reauthorize sales tax of one fourth of one percent (1/4%) for maintenance of Lakeway’s streets.

This is the EASY one—VOTE YES.  It is nothing new; this use of a tiny portion of sales tax has been in place for many, many years and helps Lakeway keep its streets repaired, which is good for all of us.  As noted above: Prop A is OK. 

If you want more info on Prop A, here is a recent article on the road sales tax.  Bee Cave and Lakeway voters to decide on approval of city road taxes in May 2/21/25 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/government/2025/02/21/bee-cave-and-lakeway-voters-to-decide-on-approval-of-city-road-taxes-in-may/

Now we are at the 6 proposed Charter changes.  And noted above, my advice is: VOTE NO on ALL 6 of them.

Props B, C, D, E, F, and G are all proposed changes to Lakeway’s City Charter that Council (often by a vote as narrow as 4:3) put on the ballot.  In my view, and having sat through MANY meetings on this, the 6 suggested changes range from dumb to dangerous.  Two of the changes FAILED to pass back in 2020, but Council is trying AGAIN to shove them down our throats. 

But, one change is even worse than that.  Prop F is to eliminate Lakeway’s Board of Ethics.  Not change its members or how it functions—ELIMINATE it, by deleting all reference to it from the City Charter that has served Lakeway well for decades.  Because Lakeway suddenly doesn’t need ethical rules or a Board to enforce them?  Really???  Council says it will come up with an ethics ordinance later. Well, given how split and dysfunctional Council is as a whole, I fear all it will do is refer to State of Texas’ rules, which are the bare minimum.  So much for “Lakeway values.”  A proposed Charter change this bad tells me that NONE of the other changes can be trusted.  But, here are details for them all.

PROP B: Revising the Residency Requirement for City Manager

Shall Section 4.01(a) be amended to require the City Manager to reside within the boundaries of the Lake Travis Independent School District, instead of within the City limits?

This is one of the changes where residents already voted NO, back in 2020.  Council added the “within LTISD boundaries” language to try to slip it through this time. The argument for the change is that it can be pricey to live in Lakeway, so the City has to pay more for a local City Manager.  Well, there are many rental options here, as well as an ever-increasing number of new housing developments Council is approving these days that are said to be priced mid-range.  The fact is, the City Manager has immense power in Lakeway government, and I’m not comfortable having a non-resident wielding that power.  For instance, the City Manager sets the annual budget and proposes a property tax rate to finance it, for Council’s review.  I want the City Manager who is doing that to PAY LAKEWAY TAXES.  I also want the City Manager to deal with LAKEWAY TRAFFIC and abide by LAKEWAY ORDINANCES.  Someone living in Bee Cave, Hudson Bend, Spicewood, Dripping Springs, Briarcliff, etc. has none of those concerns.  This is a NO for me.

PROP C: Eliminating the Office of City Treasurer

Shall Section 4.06 be deleted, thereby eliminating the volunteer office of City Treasurer, and other Charter provisions be amended as necessary to remove references to the City Treasurer?

Maybe current city staff can handle Treasurer functions, but this is one of several changes that are just too petty to go on the ballot.  Plus, residents voted this change DOWN in 2020, and Council should respect that.  So, for me, this is another NO.

PROP D: Changing the Approval Process for Police Department Policies and Procedures

Shall Section 4.07 be amended so that the policies and procedures adopted or changed by the Chief of Police for the Police Department shall be approved by the City Manager and reported to the Council at least annually, instead of having the City Council approve them when adopted by the Chief of Police?

This one is complicated, but it boils down to power and accountability, and shifting that from Council to the City Manager.  Police Department oversight is too important to slide onto the City Manager’s plate, and giving Council a look at things on an annual basis only is ridiculous.  For me—NO.

PROP E: Changing the Process for Appointing Members of City Boards and Commissions and Changing the Terms of Office of Each Member of a Board or Commission

Shall Section 7.01 be amended to change the process for appointing members of City Boards and Commissions so that the Mayor and each Council member shall nominate a person for a one-year appointment to each Board or Commission, subject to Council approval?

Sorry, but his one has a long and ugly backstory.  First, this ONLY applies to ZAPCO (zoning and planning).  Forget the bunk about standardizing all the Boards; other Props eliminate CBC and Ethics, leaving ZAPCO and Board of Adjustment as the ONLY Boards left.  And, Board of Adjustment is regulated by State law, including requiring 2-year terms.  So, this change ONLY applies to ZAPCO.

Also, the Charter says the Mayor appoints ZAPCO members, subject to Council approval, and that has worked well for decades.  Council unanimously approved ALL the members now serving on ZAPCO (including me). The Mayor reviews credentials of those in the volunteer pool and puts qualified people on ZAPCO, with differing views yet creating a balanced group.  Instead, certain Council members desperately want to be able to put their pals or their political allies on ZAPCO, who will vote their way on development issues.  If appointments are doled out among all the Council Members, the results will be unqualified ZAPCO members, bad committee results, and a disrespected volunteer pool.

Plus, those Council Members have a grudge against some ZAPCO members (definitely including me) due to past development votes or past elections.  A short exchange on the dais at a recent Council meeting summed this up.  One member asked: “What problem are we solving here?”  Another answered (in disgust): “We are not solving a problem; we are settling a score.”  THAT is not good government. 

So, yet again, this is a hard NO for me.

PROP F: Eliminating the Board of Ethics 

Shall Section 7.05 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the Board of Ethics?
If approved, Section 7.05 would be deleted in its entirety and the reference to the Board of Ethics in Section 11.05 would also be deleted. Council would still be required to adopt a City Ethics Ordinance, which applies to all City officials, employees, and members of City Boards, Commissioners, or Committees.

As discussed above, for me this is a definite NO.  Lakeway should have a robust Ethics Code and a Board to enforce it, not a passing reference to state law with enforcement in county court.  That is the only way to preserve our Lakeway values. And, for the record, it was these 4 Council Members who voted to put this Charter change on the ballot: Kent O’Brien, Chris Forton, Jennifer Szimanski and Kelly Brynteson.

PROP G: Eliminating the City Building Commission

Shall Section 7.06 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the City Building Commission, which is responsible under the City’s development ordinances for determining whether to grant certain variances and waivers; and to transfer those functions to other City Boards or Commissions, or to City staff, as determined by Council?

Maybe CBC doesn’t have much to do now, but something like this is too petty to be put on the ballot.  So, for me—this is a NO.

Council had several meetings on these Charter changes, but the one where final votes were cast and true colors shown was on Jan. 27. Go here to watch the video (click on Item 23): https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/326844

Remember—leaving the ballot box blank does nothing.  Only YES and NO votes are counted.

So, this is how I’m voting on Lakeway’s 7 Propositions: Prop A is OK.  Keep Lakeway the BEST–VOTE NO on the REST. Feel free to pass it along!

Lake Travis ISD   

There are 3 school board races this year, for Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5 on the LTISD Board of Trustees. 

My next blog will detail these 3 races.

Daring Mighty Things    

 APOD on Feb. 16 featured a 2-minute video with gorgeous footage of Jupiter as seen by Juno, NASA’s robot spacecraft, during a close flyby in 2018.  (Image credit: NASA.)  Go here for the video: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250216.html

NASA says, as of Feb. 24, that Earth is safe from a killer asteroid strike in 2032.  (The above image is an illustration created by Robert Lea, via Canva.)  Over the past month, official odds of an upcoming doomsday impact from the asteroid known as 2024 YR4 have careened up and down rather alarmingly.  Now, experts say that new data allows better calculation of the asteroid’s trajectory.  Also, the rock now appears to be smaller than previously estimated.  So, the chance of impact is now said to be close to zero. However, experts note there is a chance the asteroid will strike our moon….  Earth safe from ‘city-killer’ asteroid 2024 YR4 ‘That’s impact probability zero folks!’ 2/24/25 https://www.space.com/the-universe/asteroids/earth-safe-from-city-killer-asteroid-2024-yr4-thats-impact-probability-zero-folks

Speaking of erratic proclamations, Elon Musk says the International Space Station should be ditched within 2 years.  “It has served its purpose. There is very little incremental utility. Let’s go to Mars.” NASA and its partners on the ISS project — the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and Russia’s space agency/Roscosmos — began building the orbiting lab in 1998. ISS has hosted rotating astronaut crews continuously since late 2000. The partners plan to bring the station down in a controlled fashion in 2030, using a deorbit vehicle provided by SpaceX. (Image credit: NASA/Roscosmos.)  The ISS should be deorbited ‘as soon as possible,’ Elon Musk says: ‘Let’s go to Mars’ 2/20/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/the-iss-should-be-deorbited-as-soon-as-possible-elon-musk-says-lets-go-to-mars

Another dangerous failure for SpaceX.  On Feb. 19, a SpaceX rocket stage fell to Earth leaving a trail of fire through European skies, as shown above.  (Image credit: Bennett Theile.)  The flaming debris was part of the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched 22 of the company’s Starlink internet satellites. The Falcon 9 upper stage is expendable, but it is designed to be brought down in a controlled fashion shortly after launch.  Instead, a chunk of rocket weighing about 4 tons landed in a commercial district of Poznań, a city in western Poland.  A similar object was discovered in the forest near Wiry Village, about 19 miles from the first debris-landing site.  SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris creates dramatic fireball over Europe, crashes in Poland 2/20/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-debris-creates-dramatic-fireball-over-europe-crashes-in-poland

SpaceX has repeatedly scheduled then postponed launch of the 8^th unmanned test flight for its Starship from South Texas.  The latest date is March 3.  Test flight 7 managed to catch Starship’s booster, known as Super Heavy, with the “chopstick” arms of the launch tower; however, Starship itself suffered a propellant leak and exploded over the Atlantic. (Image credit: SpaceX.)  SpaceX delays Flight 8 of Starship megarocket to March 3 2/26/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/private-spaceflight/spacex-delays-flight-8-of-starship-megarocket-to-march-3

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

ProPublica investigates the rise in life-threatening complications for women experiencing pregnancy loss in Texas after the state banned abortion in 2021. The rate of sepsis shot up more than 50% for women hospitalized when they lost their pregnancies in the second trimester, ProPublica found. (See their chart above.)  The surge in this life-threatening condition, caused by infection, was most pronounced for patients whose fetus may still have had a heartbeat when they arrived at the hospital. After the state banned abortion, dozens more pregnant and postpartum women died in Texas hospitals than had in pre-pandemic years (which ProPublica used as a baseline to avoid COVID-19-related distortions).  As the maternal mortality rate dropped nationally, it rose substantially in Texas. The state’s abortion ban is leading to dangerous delays in care, and women are dying as a result. Texas law threatens up to 99 years in prison for providing an abortion. Though the ban includes an exception for a “medical emergency,” the definition of what constitutes an emergency has been subject to confusion and debate.  Texas Banned Abortion. Then Sepsis Rates Soared. 2/10/25 https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-abortion-ban-sepsis-maternal-mortality-analysis

June marks the 10-year anniversary of the SCOTUS opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges, which ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry and that states cannot prohibit them.  Don’t count on hitting year 11.  This article details how conservatives are working to get SCOTUS to “reconsider” that ruling, despite same-sex marriage being supported by nearly 70% of the US population. Conservatives Push to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage: ‘Just a Matter of When’ 2/21/25 https://www.newsweek.com/conservatives-push-overturn-same-sex-marriage-2034733

Back to me….                                       

I will never forget something that happened, when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. President Zelenskyy was targeted for assassination by the Kremlin, but he refused to leave his country.  He just asked for help fighting Putin right there in Kyiv: “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.”  That is the infinitely better man who Trump and Vance ambushed in the Oval Office on Feb. 28, demanding he accept their Russia-fawning peace terms, offer up Ukraine’s mineral rights as tribute, and thank them for the privilege of being betrayed on live TV.  America has never been so deeply or publicly shamed by its elected leaders.

On all fronts, national politics went from depressing to alarming, in record time.  Closer to home, my HVAC system is on the blink.  Proving that life does indeed suck, two of my precious kitty girls are sick.

The only good news that comes to mind is that I’m starting a new project.  AND—it has NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS.  Refreshing….  More on this project soon, but here’s a hint: There is no “red or blue” here.  Actually—it is ALL RED.

Here are some photos I look recently of our deer herd.

Coronavirus Update                                            

Covid-19 activity continues to fall.  On data updated as of Feb. 22 positive testing, ER visits and deaths decreased.  Hospitalizations (as of Feb. 15) also fell.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Feb. 22, national wastewater viral activity decreased.  Nationally, levels improved, moving from High to MODERATE.  But, Texas as a state worsened, going from MODERATE to HIGH.   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

Here is what is happening in Lakeway. 

DELAYS on Lohman’s Crossing near library/police station, for the next 6-7 weeks.

Construction is scheduled to start Feb. 17 regarding the JOVI II project (the second phase of Tuscan Village in City Center.  It requires closing one lane of Lohmans Crossing, for an estimated 6-7 weeks.  Use another route or plan to be delayed.

Man arrested for painting swastikas in Lakeway and surrounding area.

Paul Bryan Zegarra, age 41 and a Spicewood resident, was arrested by Lakeway Police on Feb. 3, charged with criminal mischief and graffiti pecuniary loss in connection to 20 different graffiti tagging incidents during 2024. The incidents happened in Lakeway and Bee Cave, as well as in unincorporated parts of Travis County.  Zegarra currently faces up to 2 years in jail. He may also be charged with recently painting a swastika on a car belonging to District Judge Jan Soifer.  (Image credit: Lakeway Police department.)  Austin-area man charged with painting swastikas in at least 20 incidents over last year 2/7/25 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/crime/2025/02/07/authorities-charge-man-in-connection-to-spree-of-swastika-paintings/78344791007/

Art Displays during February

At Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing), work by local artist Villa Shurielle is on display in the meeting room. 

At City Hall, (1102 Lohmans Crossing, open 8AM-5PM weekdays) work bylocal artist Guy Burchak is on display. Go here for info on the display and about how to apply to present your own art at this venue: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Black History Month Story Walk   

During February, take a walk along City Hall Trail (1102 Lohmans Crossing) and read about the significant contributions African Americans have made to America, celebrating Black History Month.

Wildfire Prevention begins at YOUR home.

Worried about wildfire risk here in Lakeway?  Lake Travis Fire and Rescue offers FREE risk assessment of your property.  An expert comes and walks the exterior of your home with you, discussing problem areas and solutions, then following up with a written assessment; some fixes are super-simple, others are more involved.  You can make the suggested changes, or not—all your call.  [I did this a few years back and found it VERY helpful.]  Sign up for your free assessment by emailing wildfire@ltfr.org  In addition, City of Lakeway has a wildfire page with a lot of good info and resources to explore: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/235/Wildfire-Readiness

Protect yourself and your family–Get Emergency Alerts.

The Capital Area Council of Governments/CAPCOG provides an emergency notification system to residents of Central Texas. Registering with WarnCentralTexas allows local officials to contact you by phone, email and text in case of a disaster or public safety event.  As noted at the Feb. 3 Council meeting, this is how residents would be notified of evacuation routes from a wildfire, as well as provided with many other types of emergency information.  Sign up—FREE—for Warn Central Texas Alerts here: https://warncentraltexas.org/

Lakeway City Council next meets on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Due to Monday, being a holiday, the regular meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30PM at City Hall.  Consequential Agenda items include:  

ITEM 10 (within the Consent Agenda):  Approving replacement of 2 park bridges, the Hamilton Greenbelt Bridge and the Smith Greenbelt Bridge, for a total cost of $194,950. The winning bid was from Alinea Construction Corporation, and the amount was included in the 2025 budget.

ITEM 12: Financial Report.

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

ITEM 14:  Discussion of an ordinance establishing a Hotel Occupancy Tax Group to promote business, specifically providing Lakeway hotels assistance in winning over group meeting and event business against non-Lakeway properties.  Funds would come from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund, with the group having $200,000 in HOT funds for the first year of operation.

ITEM15: Presentation by the city’s internal AI Committee regarding an Artificial Intelligence usage policy.

ITEM 16: Discussion on changing the structure of the city’s PUD Development Committee (which provides early-stage feedback to developers on potential projects, currently in meetings closed to the public and attended by just a few elected officials) as to committee members and opening meetings to the public.

ITEM 17: Discussion of how to use the $1,418,299 in FEMA funds (being federal reimbursement of 75% of the $1.8MIL the city spent on debris management and emergency services for Winter Storm Mara recovery in 2023).  Suggested options include: 1) Leave it in the General Fund, here the money came from in 2023; 2)  Use some or all of the funds to bolster future Emergency (purchase of equipment and vehicles, additional software, wildfire and flood mitigation, enhanced emergency planning, etc);  3)  Use some or all of the funds to create a dedicated Emergency Fund to handle future emergencies; or 4) Fund the new Capital Improvement Plan, designed to cover major projects over the next several years. 

ITEMS 18, 19, 20: Executive Sessions on: West Austin Business Park legal intervention; legal issues related to City Center; and the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property (Rebel Park and Sailfish Park).

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

Lake Travis Democrats

• Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for club activities each month.
• Monthly Meeting—NEW LOCATION–Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6PM, at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd.).  The speakers are Brian Pena (UT Democratic President) and Mara Richards Bim (discussing how evangelicals are infiltrating politics into Christian Churches throughout Texas).  NOTE: March and April meetings shift back to LAC (but in the larger Room B) AND change to the 4th Monday of the month, March 24 and April 28.  Details coming soon.
• Banned Book Club—Tuesday, Feb 25, 6:30PM, at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd.).  Our book is Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You written by Jason Reynolds with research by Ibram X. Kendi, author and historian at American University.

TexArts Productions

TexArts has 2025 productions scheduled, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South.  Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

• Feb. 14-March 2: Tick, Tick … Boom!
• April 5-12: Mean Girls: High School Version
• April 26-May 4: Alive in Wonderland, JR.
• July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Highlands Boulevard Safety TOWN HALL Meeting

On Monday, Feb. 24 6-7:30PM, City of Lakeway hosts a Town Hall discussing pedestrian and vehicle safety for Highlands Boulevard.  The location is Rough Hollow Welcome Center (903 Highlands Blvd.).  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5184&month=2&year=2025&day=24&calType=0

Business Networking Event

Lakeway’s Economic Development Committee is hosting a special networking event for the local business community, on Tue., Feb. 25, 9AM-10:30AM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Lakeway’s Sign Ordinance will be discussed, with committee members fielding questions and taking feedback. FREE event! Go here for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1793/Economic-Development

The Odd Couple

The Lakeway Players present their “female version” of Neil Simon’s classic play The Odd Couple, running Feb. 27-Mar. 1, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Tickets on sale now.  Bring your own dinner; doors open 6:30PM, with the curtain rising at 7:30PM.  Go here for info and tickets:  https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/

Sunday Concert Series–SungEun Park on Piano

On Sunday, March 2, 4PM, pianist SungEun Park performs at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  She has extensively performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician throughout Korea, Italy and the United States.  FREE event!

GIVE BLOOD at LAC.

The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, March 8, 8am-noon.  The event is 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 right here in the Texas Hill Country. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! While walk-ins are welcome (up until 11AM), 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/

Garage Sale at LAC on March 15

Go shopping at Lakeway’s first community garage sale of the year, on Sat., March 15, 8AM-noon, at Lakeway Activity Center, which will host over 30 local sellers. (Sorry, booths are sold out.)

Spring Shred & Recycle Event Coming Up

Plenty of time to organize and declutter, before this FREE opportunity to drop off papers for shredding, plus hard-to-recycle items. On Tuesday, March 18, 9-11 AM, LT Senior Services will sponsor a shredding and recycle station in the parking lot of Lakeway Aquatic Physical Therapy Parking Lot, (by Reid’s Cleaners and the Brazilian Steak House, in Lakeway Commons, 900 RR 620 S, corner of 620 and Lakeway Blvd.).  Recycling items which will be accepted include plastic bags/wrap, batteries, empty ink cartridges, styrofoam, paint and household chemicals (limit 5 gallons/person).

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Registration is OPEN for the next FREE historical bus tours taking place Friday, March 28 at 10 AM, noon, and 2 PM. Tours begin and end at Lakeway City Hall.  Start with a tour of the historic Liebelt Cabin, before boarding a bus (featuring restrooms).  Tours covering around 20 historical locations are narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee, in about an hour.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Summer Camp Kickoff at Lakeway Activity Center

On Saturday, March 29, 10AM-noon, head over to LAC with the family to meet the summer camp instructors.  Find out what camps are offered and when, as well as enjoying a petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting, and more.

Oak Pruning PROHIBITED February through June

Due to high risk of oak wilt transmission, pruning oaks is prohibited now through June.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/353/Prune-when-the-Risk-is-Low

Need a RIDE?  Want to VOLUNTEER to drive seniors?

Chariot is a FREE service providing rides (for medical appointments and grocery shopping) to non-driving folks age 60 and over. Chariot has been operating across Central Texas (including Lakeway!) since 1988. Riders must be mobile to use the service; wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.  Mission statement: “Chariot enriches lives and communities by providing transportation and socialization to non-driving seniors, helping them to age in place.”  Volunteer drivers, who must be over 21 with a high school diploma or higher plus a valid driver’s license, are critical to Chariot’s success and use their own vehicles.  Click this link or call 512-445-5552 for info and to either set up a ride or volunteer as a driver: https://chariot.org/

Calling all ARTISTS—Register for ArtWALK

Artists of all types can sign up now to participate in 2025’s ArtWALK, which takes place May 16-18, showcasing art, music, community and culture in Lakeway.  Deadline to register is Friday, April 18, and there is a $35 booth fee.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWALK

Council had a Special Meeting on Monday, Feb. 3.

Council took action on 2 items teed up the previous meeting (limiting sidewalks use and banning heavy trucks), review wildfire prevention, considered how to use $1,400,000 in FEMA funds, discussed making interim improvements on 620, made a FINAL decision on putting up to 6 Charter amendments on the May ballot, and more.

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

ITEMS 6 and 7 (within Consent Agenda): Limiting sidewalk use to pedestrians, bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric personal assistive mobility devices, as well as making it an offense to operate heavy trucks on Flint Rock Road, Serene Hills Drive, Bee Creek Road and Highlands Boulevard, with some exceptions and a fine of $500.

–PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

ITEM 8: Presentation on Tri-City Emergency Management Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation

–NO ACTION TAKEN, other than directing staff to communicate with residents on some of the main points in the presentation, including the vital importance of signing up for Warn Central Texas Alerts (free, sign up here https://warncentraltexas.org/ ) AND getting a wildfire home assessment (free, email here wildfire@ltfr.org ).

ITEM 9: Discussion of Interim Projects to Improve 620 (at an estimated cost to the city of $250,000, and happening BEFORE the TXDOT expansion).

–In summary, the suggestion is to widen the 4 intersections on 620 (at Lakeway Blvd, Dave Drive, Main Street and Lohmans Crossing), to make U-turns easier and safer.  After discussion, CONSENSUS was to review updated accident reports for this part of 620, continue negotiations with TXDOT, refine plans, and report back to Council.

ITEM 10: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding FEMA Funds (total of $1,418,299), with at least 4 possibilities: leaving the money in the General Fund; spending the funds on emergency response vehicles and equipment or on wildfire mitigation; establishing a new Emergency Response Fund; and establishing a new Capital Improvement Plan.

After discussion, CONSENSUS was for Council Members to review the suggestions and pass along preferences to staff, for later action.

ITEM 11: Calling a Special Election on May 3 for up to 6 Charter Amendments (in this NEW order): [I re-lettered the 6 Props as B-G for a reason—see NOTE below.]

–Prop B  Revising the Residency Requirement for City Manager

Shall Section 4.01(a) be amended to require the City Manager reside within the boundaries of the Lake Travis Independent School District, instead of within the City limits?

–Prop C  Eliminating the Office of City Treasurer

Shall Section 4.06 be deleted, thereby eliminating the volunteer office of City Treasurer, and other Charter provisions be amended as necessary to remove references to the City Treasurer?

–Prop D  Changing the Approval Process for Police Department Policies and Procedures

Shall Section 4.07 be amended so that the policies and procedures adopted or changed by the Chief of Police for the Police Department shall be approved by the City Manager and reported to the Council at least annually, instead of having the City Council approve them when adopted by the Chief of Police?

–Prop E  Changing the Process for Appointing Members of City Boards and Commissions and Changing the Terms of Office of Each Member of a Board or Commission

Shall Section 7.01 be amended to change the process for appointing members of City Boards and Commissions so that the Mayor and each Council member shall nominate a person for a one-year appointment to each Board or Commission, subject to Council approval?

–Prop F  Eliminating the Board of Ethics

Shall Section 7.05 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the Board of Ethics?

–Prop G  Eliminating the City Building Commission

Shall Section 7.06 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the City Building Commission, which is responsible under the City’s development ordinances for determining whether to grant certain variances and waivers; and to transfer those functions to other City Boards or Commissions, or to City staff, as determined by Council?

–PASSED 5/2 (Kilgore and Sherman against).

NOTE: As Mayor Kilgore pointed out and the City Attorney belatedly concurred, the Charter amendments on the ballot will start with Prop B and run through Prop. G.  That is because the question of whether to renew the 1/4% gas tax to pay for street repairs was passed last meeting, so it will be Prop A on the ballot.

ITEM 12:  Executive Session on legal issues relating to City Center.

–NO ACTION.

ADJOURNED at 9:04PM.

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/333686

Daring Mighty Things   

                           

The above image shows an aurora that appeared recently in Norway, looking a lot like a hummingbird. (Image credit: Mickael Coulon.)  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250210.html

Shown above, the Bullseye Galaxy is two and a half times the size of our Milky Way and 567 million light-years away from us.  (Image credit: NASA, ESA, Imad Pasha/Yale, Pieter van Dokkum/Yale.)  The Bullseye Galaxy has 9 rings (6 more than any other known galaxy) and was likely created by 2 galaxies colliding 50 million years ago.  Hubble Space Telescope spots a spectacular Bullseye in deep space 2/4/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/hubble-space-telescope/hubble-space-telescope-spots-a-spectacular-bullseye-in-deep-space-image

The above image was taken in Chile last month, showing Comet C/2-24G3, better known as the “Great Comet of 2025” because it has high daytime visibility as well as a stunning nighttime appearance.  (Image credit: F. Millour/ESO.)  Comet G3 (ATLAS) looks breathtaking above future home of world’s largest telescope 2/5/25  https://www.space.com/the-universe/comets/comet-g3-atlas-looks-breathtaking-above-future-home-of-worlds-largest-telescope-photos

Remember the very large asteroid known as 2024 YR4 that my Feb. 1 blog reported had a rather remote 1 in 83 chance of hitting Earth in 2032?  Well, that has changed, for the worse.  Recently, odds went to 1 chance in 43 of impact, with damage similar to a nuclear blast. The new figure means there is a 2.3% chance of a strike—doubling the doom estimate. (The above image is an artist’s illustration of a rogue asteroid approaching Earth; image credit: Robert Lea, via Canva.)  Experts are watching the asteroid’s approach closely, trying to pin down its exact size as well as its path.  This article explains why the odds of a strike fluctuate up and down, like that helps….  Odds of an asteroid impact in 2032 just went up. 2/7/25 https://www.space.com/asteroid-2024yr4-odds-increase-no-concern

Worldwide, space agencies are gearing up for a possible asteroid strike.  China created a Planetary Defense Unit to handle this.  The European Space Agency says the probability of a strike is now 2.2% and put the asteroid at the top of its risk list.  Agencies are discussing ways to thwart a strike; methods include using nuclear weapons or crashing a craft into it to direct the asteroid away from Earth. If a strike does occur, location is key; if it happens to land in an ocean, there might be little damage, but a strike on a city would resemble a nuclear bomb. Plus, size matters; the asteroid is now is estimated to be 130 to 300 feet wide.  One expert opined that an asteroid on the SMALLER end of that range “wouldn’t make it to the ground, it would explode mid-air and unleash an air blast that would knock over buildings and people and be extremely lethal.”  And, an asteroid on the LARGER end of that range would “make it to the ground, make a crater, and emit a blast wave that would kill people for several miles away by damaging their internal organs through compressive force.”  So, small or large, a strike would NOT be pretty.  China Sets Up ‘Planetary Defense’ Unit Over 2032 Asteroid Threat 2/12/25 https://www.newsweek.com/china-sets-planetary-defense-unit-over-2032-asteroid-threat-2029774

The above photo shows the latest class of NASA astronauts. Importantly, it represents America. The group, as has been the case for decades, includes women and reflects a multiplicity of races and ethnicities.  (Image credit: Robert Markowitz & Josh Valcarcel/NASA.)  Trump’s anti-DEI tantrum threatens that. NASA’s process for selecting its astronauts is not entirely gender-and race-blind. With so many outstanding applicants (over 8,000 people applied for this class), choosing a diversified, highly qualified group of candidates was achievable, without sacrificing competence and excellence.  As a past NASA administration said, “You didn’t lose sight of wanting your astronaut corps to be reflective of society.”  Now, the makeup of NASA’s most visible employees — astronauts — clashes with Trump’s crusade against programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. NASA Astronaut Recruitment Faces Trump’s Moves Against D.E.I. 2/3/25 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/science/nasa-astronauts-dei-trump.html

Above is Starbase, the SpaceX headquarters near Boca Chica, in South Texas.  It is located 25 miles east of Brownsville, along the Gulf of Mexico.  Cameron County approved a ballot measure for the May election, when the SpaceX employees living there will vote on whether the area becomes a city, named Starbase.  It would be run by a mayor and 2 commissioners; the SpaceX Security Manager is the only person running for mayor.  Fewer than 500 people (including 120 kids) live in the area, which is less than 2 square miles. SpaceX owns the entire site, aside from 4 home lots. (Image Credit: Michael Gonzalez/The Texas Tribune.)  County judge approves election to decide whether SpaceX launch site will become a city 2/12/25 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/12/texas-space-x-city-election-starbase/

Congressional oversight committees have petitioned the Trump administration as to Elon Musk’s many conflicts of interest.  (Image credit: Getty.) As Trump’s unelected mega-donor, Musk leads the unofficial group known as Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is plundering government agencies with the declared mission of cutting costs by getting rid of employees and contractors, as well as programs they don’t like.  But, Musk himself is a government contractor with millions of dollars at stake through his companies SpaceX, Tesla, X, and more. In particular, Congress members insist that Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy monitor Musk’s DOGE work at the Federal Aviation Administration.  That agency licenses and reviews launches by SpaceX, including placement of Starlink satellites.  The FAA recently fined SpaceX for serious safety violations.  In reaction, Musk demanded then-FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker be removed; the position of FAA Administrator is non-partisan, but Whitaker resigned last month, with 4 years left in his term.  Musk has an even more obvious conflict of interest with NASA itself.  Members of the House Science Committee demand that NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro closely monitor DOGE’s work at the space agency. Their concerns include Musk, through DOGE, accessing classified or proprietary data, including information about companies that compete against SpaceX for NASA contracts.  Other serious conflicts of interest for Musk include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which regulates automobile safety including driverless vehicles (given Tesla’s high accident and recall rates) and the National Labor Relations Board (given Musk’s rocky and litigious history with employees of all his companies).   Members of Congress raise conflict-of-interest concerns regarding Musk’s role in DOGE 2/7/25 https://spacenews.com/members-of-congress-raise-conflict-of-interest-concerns-regarding-musks-role-in-doge/

Musk and SpaceX are represented front and center at Trump’s NASA.  Trump shoved aside the person next in line to run NASA, instead naming Janet Petro as Acting NASA Administrator.  She promptly removed all DEI guidelines for the agency.  She also named a former SpaceX executive as her top advisor.  Plus, Trump’s appointee for NASA Administrator is billionaire Jared Isaacman, one of the fake “private astronauts” who years ago bought a seat on a SpaceX Dragon. Isaacman’s nomination has to be confirmed by the Senate, and until then Petro runs NASA. (Image credit: NASA.)  Who is Janet Petro, Trump’s pick for acting NASA administrator? 2/10/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/who-is-janet-petro-trumps-pick-for-acting-nasa-administrator

ProPublica investigated the relationship between Musk and the FAA, and its Feb. 11 article is worth a read.  Here are the opening paragraphs:

When SpaceX’s Starship exploded in January, raining debris over the Caribbean, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded the rocket program and ordered an investigation. The move was the latest in a series of actions taken by the agency against the world’s leading commercial space company.

“Safety drives everything we do at the FAA,” the agency’s chief counsel said in September, after proposing $633,000 in fines for alleged violations related to two previous launches. “Failure of a company to comply with the safety requirements will result in consequences.”

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s response was swift and caustic. He accused the agency of engaging in “lawfare” and threatened to sue it for “regulatory overreach.” “The fundamental problem is that humanity will forever be confined to Earth unless there is radical reform at the FAA!” Musk wrote on X. 

Today, Musk is in a unique position to deliver that change. As one of President Donald Trump’s closest advisers and head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, he’s presiding over the administration’s effort to cut costs and slash regulation.

While it’s unclear what changes his panel has in store for the FAA, current and former employees are bracing for Musk to focus on the little-known part of the agency that regulates his rocket company: the Office of Commercial Space Transportation, known as AST. “People are nervous,” said a former employee who did not want to be quoted by name talking about Musk. (Image credit: ProPublica.)

Read the whole thing here, free: One Agency Tried to Regulate SpaceX. Now Its Fate Could Be in Elon Musk’s Hands.  2/11/25 https://www.propublica.org/article/elon-musk-spacex-doge-faa-ast-regulation-spaceflight-trump

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

Back in November, voters in Missouri passed an amendment enshrining reproductive rights in the state constitution.  The amendment guarantees the right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability. Yet, abortion remained unavailable.  The state’s main abortion provider fought legal hurdles to resume offering the procedure.  Plus, abortion opponents in the Missouri legislature filed multiple bills aimed at thwarting implementation of the amendment. State lawmakers even discussed putting a new amendment on the ballot that would block most abortions; if passed in the legislature, the measure could go to voters later this year.  No legal justification was offered for conservatives getting a second bite at the apple.  Even Republicans acknowledged they are attempting to subvert the people’s will. (Image credit: ProPublica.)  Three Months After Missouri Voted to Make Abortion Legal, Access Is Still Being Blocked 2/5/25 https://www.propublica.org/article/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-planned-parenthood-lawsuit

BUT, on Feb. 14, a state court finally blocked restrictions that had prevented abortion providers from operating.  Planned Parenthood says it is ready to offer care in the state, starting next week.  We’ll see if this actually puts into place the Constitutional protections that Missouri voters passed back in November.  Abortion access to restart in Missouri, clinics say, following state court ruling 2/25/25 https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/15/missouri-abortion-access-court-ruling-019567

Red states are trying to take legal action against doctors in blue states where abortion is legal up to viability, when they confer via telehealth appointments and mail abortion pills to patients in states banning abortion. 

Authorities in Louisiana brought felony charges earlier this month against a doctor in New York who prescribed an abortion pill online. Louisiana has a near-total abortion ban.  Abortion is legal in New York until the fetus is viable.  In addition, New York is one of several states with shield laws protecting medical practitioners there.  This is the first criminal charge brought against a doctor for sending abortion pills to another state; Texas filed civil charges against the same New York doctor in December.  (Image credit: AP.)  New York Doctor Indicted in Louisiana for Sending Abortion Pills There 2/1/25 https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-york-doctor-indicted-abortion-pill-louisiana/

As to the Louisiana FELONY case detailed above, last week New York Governor Kathy Hochul rejected a request from Louisiana to extradite the NY doctor. Gov. Hochul: “I will not be signing an extradition order that came from the governor of Louisiana. Not now, not ever.” She also instructed law enforcement in New York not to cooperate with out-of-state warrants for such charges. https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/gov-hochul-giving-new-consideration-to-removing-nyc-mayor-adams-amid-crisis-at-doj-231961669698?cid=eml_mda_20250214&user_email=6ed7408ec573645e45ac2a65b61d1e1e6ab1b9effbafc1d30d0a407afca1b325

As to the CIVIL case Texas filed against the same NY doctor for prescribing abortion pills online (as reported in my last blog), a Texas judge last week ordered the doctor to pay more than $100,000 in penalties.  Under NY’s shield law, the doctor is not participating in the Texas suit, and she should be fine (though visiting the Alamo is out of the question.) https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/13/texas-ny-doctor-abortion-pills-00204266

Back to me….

“I expect you will eventually find someone who is enough of a fool, or enough of a coward, to file your motion. But it was never going to be me.”  That is how Hagan Scotten, a recently Trump-appointed and impeccably credentialed conservative Republican, resigned from his Dept. of Justice job as the Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  He would not cross a line, refusing to compromise justice, common sense, and his personal integrity to drop federal corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams.  And, many other principled lawyers in various departments of the DoJ did the exact same thing. But, never mind all that.

The conclusion “It was never going to be me” is hugely powerful.  It resonates, right?  What line won’t YOU cross?  Sure, we all have those lines–personal, professional and everything in between.  I confronted the edge of one of my lines last week, quite unexpectedly.  Today, I’m relieved I had the sense to step back.  I didn’t compromise my values, in order to get something I wanted (though I’m not sure I want it anymore, maybe I just used to want it). I didn’t lose a prestigious job over it, but there are consequences. 

I attended a Wildlife Committee meeting last week, and they reviewed the 2024 deer/vehicle strike locations in Lakeway.  Far too many deer are killed this way, fawns as well as does and bucks.  PLEASE, drive carefully.  And, when you see a deer banner or a yellow Deer Crossing sign, pay extra attention because they indicate deer are in that specific area. 

Again, as happens this time of year, I didn’t spot many deer on my recent walks.  BUT, I was thrilled to see the melanistic fawn that was born near the Live Oak golf course last spring, hanging around yesterday with a small group of does and their youngsters.  (Melanistic deer are perfectly healthy; they just have extra pigment, making their coats much darker than the usual caramel-colored white-tail deer, and the trait is pretty common in the Texas Hill Country.)  This chocolate fawn is male and now shows the little forehead nubs of a baby buck.  He is an oddity on my side of town, though melanistic deer are frequently seen over in the Yaupon Golf Course neighborhoods.  Here are a few photos of young Fudge and his pals.

Coronavirus Update

Covid-19 activity continues to drop.  On data updated as of Feb. 8, positive testing and deaths both fell.  Hospitalizations were finally updated from Jan. 4, with a marked decrease. However, ER visits remained flat. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Feb. 8, national wastewater viral activity remained steady.  Nationally, levels are HIGH.  Texas as a state remains at a MODERATE level.   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

Here are 2 recent articles on Covid, flu and RSV this winter:

—How Bad Are COVID, Flu and RSV This Winter? 2/4/25 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-bad-are-covid-flu-and-rsv-this-winter/

—The U.S. Is Having Its Mildest Covid Winter Yet 2/4/25 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/upshot/covid-illnesses-mild-winter.html

Here is what is happening in Lakeway.           

Freaky Friday:The Musical

From Jan. 30 through Feb. 3, at 7PM, Lake Travis Fine Arts presents Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical.  Location is Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RR 620 South).  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/departments/fine-arts-academic-enrichment

Council Meets on Monday, Feb. 3 for a Special Meeting, 6:30PM at City Hall.

Lakeway City Council will take action on 2 items teed up at last week’s meeting (limiting sidewalks use and banning heavy trucks), review wildfire prevention, consider how to use $1,400,000 in FEMA funds, discuss making interim improvements on 620, make a FINAL decision on putting up to 6 Charter amendments on the May ballot, and more.

Consequential Agenda items include:  

ITEM 6 (within Consent Agenda): Adopting ordinance limiting sidewalk use to pedestrians, bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric personal assistive mobility devices. 

ITEM 7 (within Consent Agenda): Adopting ordinance making it an offense to operate heavy trucks on Flint Rock Road, Serene Hills Drive, Bee Creek Road and Highlands Boulevard, with some exceptions and a fine of $500.  

ITEM 8: Presentation on Tri-City Emergency Management Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation

ITEM 9: Discussion of Interim Projects to Improve 620 (at an estimated cost of $250,000, and happening BEFORE the TXDOT expansion).

ITEM 10: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding FEMA Funds (total of $1,418,299), with at least 4 possibilities: leaving the money in the General Fund; spending the funds on emergency response vehicles and equipment or on wildfire mitigation; establishing a new Emergency Response Fund; and establishing a new Capital Improvement Plan.

ITEM 11: Calling a Special Election on May 3 for up to 6 Charter Amendments (in this NEW order):

–Prop A  Revising the Residency Requirement for City Manager Shall Section 4.01(a) be amended to require the City Manager reside within the boundaries of the Lake Travis Independent School District, instead of within the City limits?

–Prop B  Eliminating the Office of City Treasurer Shall Section 4.06 be deleted, thereby eliminating the volunteer office of City Treasurer, and other Charter provisions be amended as necessary to remove references to the City Treasurer?

–Prop C  Changing the Approval Process for Police Department Policies and Procedures Shall Section 4.07 be amended so that the policies and procedures adopted or changed by the Chief of Police for the Police Department shall be approved by the City Manager and reported to the Council at least annually, instead of having the City Council approve them when adopted by the Chief of Police?

–Prop D  Changing the Process for Appointing Members of City Boards and Commissions and Changing the Terms of Office of Each Member of a Board or Commission  [NOTE: This ONLY applies to ZAPCO, since the other standing Boards and Commissions are being eliminated-see Prop E and Prop F below.] Shall Section 7.01 be amended to change the process for appointing members of City Boards and Commissions so that the Mayor and each Council member shall nominate a person for a one-year appointment to each Board or Commission, subject to Council approval?

–Prop E  Eliminating the Board of Ethics Shall Section 7.05 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the Board of Ethics?

–Prop F  Eliminating the City Building Commission Shall Section 7.06 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the City Building Commission, which is responsible under the City’s development ordinances for determining whether to grant certain variances and waivers; and to transfer those functions to other City Boards or Commissions, or to City staff, as determined by Council?

ITEM 12:  Executive Session on legal issues relating to City Center. 

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

Friends of the Park Annual Meeting/Dinner—OPEN TO ALL

On Thursday, Feb. 6, anyone interested is invited to attend the annual meeting of Friends of the Park, at Lakeway Activity Center.  Doors open at 6PM, with dinner at 6:30, and speaker at 7PM.  Meeting is FREE; if you want the Rudy’s BBQ dinner, charge is $10/plate for members, $15/plate for non-members.  Please RSVP to secretary@fop.org.  Speaker is Ginny Lindzey, of Wild Birds Unlimited.  Plus, the next Friends of the Park WORKDAY is on Saturday, Feb. 8.  Go here for info on this group’s activities: https://www.lakewayfop.org/

School Voucher Forum

On Sunday, Feb. 9, 2:30PM, there will be a Panel Discussion on School Vouchers with several area stake-holders, including Rep. Vikki Goodwin (Texas House District #47).  The FREE event is sponsored by Indivisible 1431, a group of concerned citizens along the FM 1431 corridor.  Location is Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church (3315 El Salido Pkwy., Cedar Park, TX 78613).  More info here: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/750225/

Art at the Library

During February, local artist Villa Shurielle will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Artist Reception will be on Saturday, February 8, 1-3PM.

Black History Month Story Walk   

During February, take a walk along City Hall Trail (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.) and read about the significant contributions African Americans have made to America, celebrating Black History Month. Exhibit officially opens on Jan. 31.

Art at City Hall

During February, the City Hall Art Gallery (1102 Lohmans Crossing, open 8AM-5PM weekdays) features local artist Guy Burchak. Go here for info on the display and about how to apply to present your own art at this venue: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Garage Sale at LAC—non-member registration opens Feb. 4.

REGISTER early to get a booth at the first Lakeway indoor garage sale of 2025, happening on Sat., March 15, 8AM-noon, at Lakeway Activity Center. LAC members can register now; cost is $30.  Non-members can register starting Feb. 4; cost is $35.  For info and registration, go here and click on the Garage Sale tab: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Lake Travis Community Library is HIRING.

The library is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper. Deadline to apply is February 9th.  Go here for full info and to apply: https://laketravislibrary.org/employment/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Employment&utm_campaign=New%20Newsletter%20Template

Brown Bag Concert Lunch

On Thursday, Feb. 13, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy A Capella Texas, offering up world-class harmonies. FREE event!

Council and Mayor applications now accepted

City of Lakeway is now accepting applications from residents to run for Mayor and for Council (3 seats available).  These are volunteer/non-salaried positions with a 2-year term.  Deadline to file is Feb. 14.  Our local election is on May 3.  Go here to review the Candidate Packet, including the application needed to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2227/Candidate-Packet

Austin Symphony tickets make a great VALENTINES Day gift…

TICKETS NOW ON SALE for “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.”  This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Concert is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4PM, at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

TexArts Productions

TexArts has 2025 productions scheduled, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South.  Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

• Feb. 14-March 2: Tick, Tick … Boom!
• July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Lake Travis Democrats

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

• Monthly Meeting—Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30PM, at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd.).  The speaker is Mara Richards Bim, discussing how evangelicals are infiltrating politics into Christian Churches throughout Texas.
• Banned Book Club—Tuesday, Feb 25, 6:30PM, at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd.).  Our book is Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You written by Jason Reynolds with research by Ibram X. Kendi, author and historian at American University.

Highlands Boulevard Safety TOWN HALL Meeting

On Monday, Feb. 24 6-7:30PM, City of Lakeway hosts a Town Hall discussing pedestrian and vehicle safety for Highlands Boulevard.  The location is Rough Hollow Welcome Center (903 Highlands Blvd.).  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5184&month=2&year=2025&day=24&calType=0

The Odd Couple

The Lakeway Players present their “female version” of Neil Simon’s classic play The Odd Couple, running Feb. 27-Mar. 1, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Tickets on sale now to LAC members, Feb. 3 for non-members.  Bring your own dinner; doors open 6:30PM, with the curtain rising at 7:30PM.  Go here for info and tickets:  https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/

Sunday Concert Series–SungEun Park on Piano

On Sunday, March 2, 4PM, pianist SungEun Park performs at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  She has extensively performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician throughout Korea, Italy and the United States.  FREE event!

Spring Shred & Recycle Event Coming Up

Plenty of time to organize and declutter, before this FREE opportunity to drop off papers for shredding, plus hard-to-recycle items. On Tuesday, March 18, 9-11 AM, LT Senior Services will sponsor a shredding and recycle station in the parking lot of Lakeway Aquatic Physical Therapy Parking Lot, (by Reid’s Cleaners and the Brazilian Steak House, in Lakeway Commons, 900 RR 620 S, corner of 620 and Lakeway Blvd.).  Recycling items which will be accepted include plastic bags/wrap, batteries, empty ink cartridges, styrofoam, paint and household chemicals (limit 5 gallons/person).

Heritage Trail Bus Tours—register NOW to ride in March

Registration is OPEN for the next FREE historical bus tours taking place Friday, March 28 at 10 AM, noon, and 2 PM. Tours begin and end at Lakeway City Hall.  Start with a tour of the historic Liebelt Cabin, before boarding a bus (featuring restrooms).  Tours covering around 20 historical locations are narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee, in about an hour.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Library Teen Service Scholarship

Teen volunteers at Lake Travis Community Library can apply for Friends of the Library scholarships. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have volunteered a minimum of 75 hours at the library and are planning to continue their education.  Application deadline is April 1. Go here for info and to apply: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/136512655?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=application&utm_campaign=New%20Newsletter%20Template

Waste Connections Scholarship

Waste Connections continues its annual scholarship program in 2025.  12^th graders (private, public or home-schooled) planning to attend a university, college, junior college, technical, or trade school for an undergraduate level degree or trade certification are eligible, as long as a parent or legal guardian is signed up for trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway (account must be in good financial standing).  Application deadline is April 12.  Info and application are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

LAKEWAY SINGS!

Lakeway Singalong (performing and entertaining audiences since 1999) is now Lakeway Sings!  And, the group is always on the lookout for new voices. Rehearsals are generally Thursdays from 3-5PM, at Lakeway Activity Center.  Lakeway Sings! is now busy preparing for the spring show, “Getting to Know You,” April 25-26; tickets go on sale March 18. The group also presents a Christmas show each year.  More info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1455/Lakeway-Sings

Council Met on Jan. 27 (delayed from Jan 21 due to weather).

Council looked at a housing development allowing 82 homes on 13 acres on Kollmeyer Drive, putting 6 Charter amendments on the ballot, limiting sidewalk use, banning heavy trucks from Flint Rock Road and Serene Hills Drive, calling the City Elections for May 3, and more. All members attended the meeting, all in person.  RESULTS:

ITEM 13: Financial Report

–3 months into the fiscal year, as far as projected revenues and expenditures, the city is running $660,000 to the good.  Plus, FEMA reimbursed the city for $1,300,000 incurred due to 2023’s winter storm Mara.

ITEM 14: Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda

—2 people spoke.

ITEM 15: Update/Discussion as to the Economic Development Committee’s BUY LOCAL Campaign

—Chair Larry Harlan discusses the Buy Local campaign, hopes to soon have more project ideas, and needs more committee members representing area businesses.  NO COUNCIL ACTION.

ITEM 16: Request to change zoning of 13.36 acres located at 15115 Kollmeyer Drive from Agricultural and R-6/SF Residential to Planned Unit Development/PUD, in order to build 82 single family homes.  [NOTE: Last October, ZAPCO reviewed the developer’s initial plan of 130 homes and voted unanimously to recommend denial of approval.  ZAPCO reviewed this second plan for 82 homes on Jan. 5 and voted 4:3 to recommend approval.]

—APPROVED 5/2 (Sherman and Brynteson against), with 2 conditions: the minimum home square footage is 1,700sf, and the developer must complete a sidewalk to the school (likely on Kollmeyer).

ITEM 17: FIRST READING of ordinance change limiting sidewalk use to pedestrians, bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric personal assistive mobility devices.

–After short discussion with favorable consensus, the item was SCHEDULED for action on the Consent Agenda at the Special Meeting in February.

ITEM 18: FIRST READING of ordinance making it an offense to operate heavy trucks on Flint Rock Road and Serene Hills Drive, with some exceptions and a fine of $500.

— After short discussion with favorable consensus, the item was SCHEDULED for action on the Consent Agenda at the Special Meeting in February, PLUS a motion to add Highlands Blvd. and Bee Creek Road to the ordinance PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 23: Discussion and possible action as to 6 proposed City Charter amendments, with new language and some alternate options provided by the City Attorney.  As discussed at recent Council meetings, the 6 changes Council may place on the May ballot for residents to approve or disapprove are:

*Prop A Eliminating City Treasurer–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

*Prop B Eliminating City Building Commission–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

*Prop C Eliminating Board of Ethics—PASSED 4/3 (Kilgore, Vance, Sherman against).

*Prop D Changing how members are appointed to ZAPCO (the only standing Commission/Board left if Prop B and C eliminate CBC and Ethics), as well as how long members serve and how they can be removed, with the primary change being giving each Council Member the power to appoint a ZAPCO member instead of the Mayor appointing all of them subject to Council approval as is now the case. [NOTE: This one has 3 alternate versions, so the City Attorney’s Prop D chart is above.]

–First, Council voted on which of the 3 versions to use; they opted for Version 1, on a 4/3 vote (Kilgore, Vance, Sherman against).  In summary, Version 1 says the Mayor and each Council Member nominates a person for a one-year appointment.  Then, Council voted on whether to put this Prop D on the ballot; that also passed 4/3 (Kilgore, Vance, Sherman against).

NOTE: This is really Prop KNOZ—Kick Nina Off ZAPCO.  That is the point and has been the point since Council Member O’Brien started carping about this at his VERY FIRST COUNCIL MEETING after being elected in May of 2023.  To quote Mayor Kilgore on Jan. 27 (and, frankly, he was being kind to broaden the field a bit): “There are at least 2 or 3 people on ZAPCO who some in the community and some members of this Council don’t like for personal or political reasons—things they’ve said, things they’ve written online.  People would like this changed because they would like a couple people removed.  We should have the intestinal fortitude to admit that.  We are not solving a problem; we are settling a score.”  (3:50 in the video.)  Speaking of scores: Council Member O’Brien and Council Member Forton are up for re-election on May 3.  Vote accordingly!

*Prop E Having the City Manager review Police Department policy and procedure changes instead of Council as is now the case—Council was working with new language supplied by City Attorney, so the result is not completely clear.  They seemed to vote on having the City Manager review and approve police department policy/process changes and promptly inform Council, BUT also giving the City Manager the option of sending police matters to Council for input.  That PASSED 5/2 (Kilgore and Sherman against).

*Prop F Allowing the City Manager to live anywhere within Lake Travis Independent School District boundaries, instead of within City of Lakeway as is now the case—Passed 6/1 (Sherman against).

ITEM 24: Ordering a General Election on May 3, to elect the Mayor and 3 Council Members.

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 25: Ordering a Special Election on May 3, to reauthorize a local sales and use tax in the City of Lakeway at the rate of one fourth of one percent (1/4%) to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 26: Ordering a Special Election on May 3, to revise the City Charter.

—POSTPONED until the Feb. 3 Special Council meeting, with staff instructed to draft specific language for Prop D and Prop E as passed at tonight’s meeting, organizing the 6 Props in order of Charter appearance.

ITEMS 28/29: Executive Sessions on legal intervention as to West Austin Business Park and on legal issues related to City Center.

–NO ACTION taken.

ADJOURNED at 11:47PM. 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/326844

Daring Mighty Things   

                           

The above image shows Earth in all its glory, as captured by an orbiting unmanned craft.  (Image credit: Firefly Aerospace.)  Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost moon lander launched on Jan. 15 and since then has orbited Earth.  Soon, it will perform an engine burn that will take it on a 4-day ride to the moon. Once there, Blue Ghost should orbit the moon for a couple weeks, before dropping down to land on the moon.  Blue Ghost moon lander sees Earth as a ‘blue marble’ from orbit 1/24/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/blue-ghost-moon-lander-sees-earth-as-a-blue-marble-from-orbit-photo

Relax, the above image is an artist’s illustration of a rogue asteroid approaching Earth.  (Image credit: Robert Lea, via Canva.)  But, that is exactly what NASA recently announced is happening soon.  A newly discovered asteroid, called 2024 YR4, is no small rock; it is 196 feet wide, currently 27 million miles out, and heading our way.  It will make a VERY close approach to Earth in December of 2032.  In fact, NASA says the asteroid has a 1-in-83 chance of striking Earth.  One chance in 83.  Sure, those would be good odds if you were talking about losing your keys or getting fired.  But, when the stakes are sending humanity the way of the dinosaurs 7 years from now, I would prefer more of a cushion.  Astronomers discover 196-foot asteroid with 1-in-83 chance of hitting Earth in 2032 1/29/25 https://www.space.com/180-foot-asteroid-1-in-83-chance-hitting-Earth-2032

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

“An extremely personal choice.”  Exactly. Two women, two very different journeys, but both reached the decision to seek medication abortion via telehealth.  This is an important read. (Image credit: Austin American Statesman.) ‘An extremely personal choice’: How two women reached their abortion decisions 1/22/25 https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/columns/2025/01/22/abortion-decisions-women-choices-legislators-government-opinion/77841397007/

Forget leaving abortion to the states—Trump clearly has forgotten he promised that during the election.  Now safely ensconced in the Oval Office as a lame duck, Trump is free to return to his full-on anti-abortion stance to appease far-right MAGA.  Already, his federal government has executed several pro-life moves.  The US is re-joining The The Geneva Consensus Declaration, an international anti-abortion pact alongside countries such as Uganda, Saudi Arabia and Belarus; the group seeks to curtail abortion access for millions of women and girls worldwide. Further, Trump reinstated the so-called Mexico City Policy, restricting foreign organizations receiving U.S. global health funding from providing and promoting abortion with other sources of financing.  (Federal law already prohibits funds paying for abortion, but this rule bans non-US funds being used for abortion.)  The result will deny federal funds to groups that distribute contraception and help combat HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Also, Trump voided Biden administration policies promoting safe reproductive care world-wide.  As V-P Vance promised the crowd at the 2/24 March for Life: “Trump will be the most pro-family, most pro-life American president of our lifetimes.”  (Image credit: Jose Luis Magana/AP.)  Trump signs anti-abortion policies after speaking to March for Life 1/24/25 https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/24/trump-issues-executive-orders-reviving-anti-abortion-policies-00200212

Plus—Trump pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists involved in the 2020 invasion and violent blockade of a Washington clinic.  Trump pardons anti-abortion activists who blockaded clinic entrances 1/23/25 https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-executive-order-pardon-817774b21d32a4edf6d39ee43cbc18f4

And—Trump’s executive order declaring there are only two genders and they are established at conception did more than completely misstate the scientific facts of gender.  It managed to sneak in “life begins at conception” terminology, which opens to door to fetal personhood and the end of abortion at any time and for any reason. Trump’s executive order on gender uses language pointing to ‘fetal personhood’ 1/23/25 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/23/trump-executive-order-fetal-personhood

Also–Trump’s misbegotten nominee for Secretary of Human Health and Human Services has obligingly adopted a pro-life stance.  Despite being a life-long Democrat who supported bodily autonomy, at recent confirmation hearings Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. sang a different tune: “I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy. I agree with him we cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year. … I serve at the pleasure of the president. I’m gonna implement his policies.” ‘Every abortion is a tragedy,’ RFK Jr. says 1/29/25 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-every-abortion-is-a-tragedy-rfk-jr-says

When SCOTUS in the Dobbs decision struck down Roe’s 50 years of abortion as a Constitutional right, other personal freedoms were clearly also at risk.  That includes the right to marry the person you want.  In 2015, SCOTUS held same-sex marriage was a Constitutional right, in Obergefell v. Hodges.  Ever since, the far-right has attacked that right.  Now, one front of that attack is happening in Utah, where a new bill is pending to demand SCOTUS overrule Obergefell and allow each state to make its own law on who can and cannot marry.  In Utah, Republicans control the House and Senate, so passage of the bill is likely.  Then, SCOTUS could hear the request and—just like it did to abortion in Dobbs—strike down a personal right that Americans have relied on—built their lives on—for decades.  Up next—interracial marriage and any number of anti-segregation laws. Memorial targeting same-sex marriage in Idaho heads to House floor after passing committee  1/22/25  https://idahocapitalsun.com/2025/01/22/memorial-targeting-same-sex-marriage-in-idaho-heads-to-house-floor-after-passing-committee/

Back to me….                                       

Change is hard.  I’m trying to figure out what to hold onto, what to blow up, and what to keep on ice for consideration later.  Happily, none of this involves flying anyplace, any time soon…. I, for one, am thrilled to be done with January.  It began with a mass killing in New Orleans, ended with 2 horrific plane crashes, and featured deadly wildfires ripping through LA mid-month.  Not to mention all the political mayhem….  February has to be better, right? 

Our deer herd isn’t into change, though they cycle through the seasons.  Right now, they are playing hard to get, as happens every winter.  I didn’t spot many deer on my recent walks, but here are a few photos.

Coronavirus Update 

Covid-19 activity seems to be falling.  On data updated as of Jan. 25, the 3 factors of testing, ER visits and deaths all showed a decided drop.  (Hospitalizations have not been updated since Jan. 4, when all stats were rising.)  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Jan. 25, national wastewater viral activity remained at HIGH levels.  Texas as a state increased from LOW to MODERATE now.   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

Here is what is happening in Lakeway.

Art at the Library

During the month of January, local artist Lynn Zwern’s contemporary impressionistic watercolors will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). 

Citizens Police Academy—registration open NOW

Register NOW for Lakeway Police Department’s 2025 Citizen’s Police Academy, starting on Feb. 25, with classes Tuesday evenings, from 6-9pm, through May 13.  The program is a 30-hour block of instruction giving the public a working knowledge of law enforcement and the department’s policies and operational practices.  Police officers, supervisors and civilian personnel cover a different area of police work each week.  The objective of the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy is building a better understanding between citizens and the police department through education.  Class is limited to 30 people, a background check is required, and the program is free of charge.  [NOTE: I did this course last spring and recommend it to anyone interested in how the Lakeway Police Dept. works.  A plus is that, as an Academy Alum, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for various roles supporting law enforcement.]  Go here for more info and to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1378/Citizens-Police-Academy

Cool, Comms, Collected Workshop Series starts Jan. 22 at the Library.

A series of 5 weekly workshops will start on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30-7:00PM, at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  FREE event!  Open to adults plus kids 5^th grade and up, the interactive workshops offer unique inter-generational activities centered around shifting how we interact with fellow classmates, co-workers, and local residents. Skills to be developed include communication, leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. The leader is Lakeway resident Stephanie Threinen, and the schedule is: 

• Jan. 22 Curiosity: Never Be Bored Again!
• Feb. 26 The Art of Storytelling
• March 26 Active Listening is a Superpower
• April 23 Popping Bubbles: Collaborative Problem Solving
• May 28 Fire + Ice: Conflict Management

For more information about this series, email Stephanie Threinen at coolcommscollected@gmail.com  or go here: https://laketravislibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/cool-comms-collected-5/

Wildfire Prevention begins at home.

Worried about wildfire risk here in Lakeway?  Lake Travis Fire and Rescue offers FREE risk assessment of your property.  An expert comes and walks the exterior of your home with you, discussing problem areas and solutions, then following up with a written assessment.  [I did this a few years back and found it very helpful.]  Sign up for your free assessment today by emailing wildfire@ltfr.org  In addition, City of Lakeway has a wildfire page with a lot of good info and resources to explore: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/235/Wildfire-Readiness

Special Olympics needs volunteers.

The Special Olympics Texas Winter Games returns to the Lake Travis area Feb. 14-16.   If you’re interested in volunteering to help with the events, go here: https://www.sotx.org/become-a-volunteer

Art at City Hall

During January and February, the City Hall Art Gallery (1102 Lohmans Crossing, open 8AM-5PM weekdays) features local artist Guy Burchak. Meet the artist on Tues., Jan. 21, 5:30PM during a reception in the lobby before that evening’s Council meeting.  Go here for info on the display and about how to apply to present your own art at this venue: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Garage Sale at LAC—member registration opens Jan. 21

REGISTER early to get a booth at the first Lakeway indoor garage sale of 2025, happening on Sat., March 15, 8AM-noon, at Lakeway Activity Center. LAC members can register starting Jan. 21; cost is $30.  Non-members can register starting Feb. 4; cost is $35.  For info and registration, go here and click on the Garage Sale tab: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Council and Mayor applications now accepted

City of Lakeway is now accepting applications from residents to run for Mayor and for Council (3 seats available).  These are volunteer/non-salaried positions with a 2-year term.  Deadline to file is Feb. 14.  Our local election is on May 3.  Go here to review the Candidate Packet, including the application needed to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2227/Candidate-Packet

Mayor Kilgore’s Online Update

The mayor gave a live update on Jan. 15.  Go here to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1292232385320385

Council Meets on MONDAY, Jan. 27 (delayed from Jan. 21 due to weather), 6:30PM at City Hall.

UPDATE–Meeting moved to Jan. 27 due to weather.

Lakeway Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30pm, at City Hall, will look at a housing development putting 82 homes on 13 acres on Kollmeyer Drive, placing 6 Charter amendments on the ballot, limiting sidewalk use, banning heavy trucks from Flint Rock Road and Serene Hills Drive, calling the City Elections for May 3, and more.  Consequential Agenda items include:   

ITEM 13: Financial Report

ITEM 14: Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda 

ITEM 15: Update/Discussion as to the Economic Development Committee’s BUY LOCAL Campaign 

ITEM 16: Request to change zoning of 13.36 acres located at 15115 Kollmeyer Drive from Agricultural and R-6/SF Residential to Planned Unit Development/PUD, in order to build 82 single family homes.  NOTE: Last October, ZAPCO reviewed the developer’s initial plan of 130 homes and voted unanimously to recommend denial of approval.  ZAPCO reviewed this second plan for 82 homes on Jan. 5 and voted 4:3 to recommend approval.

ITEM 17: First Reading of ordinance change limiting sidewalk use to pedestrians, bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric personal assistive mobility devices. 

ITEM 18: First reading of ordinance making it an offense to operate heavy trucks on Flint Rock Road and Serene Hills Drive, with some exceptions and a fine of $500. 

ITEM 23: Discussion and possible action as to 6 proposed City Charter amendments, with new language and some alternate options provided by the City Attorney.  NOTE: As discussed at recent Council meetings, the 6 changes Council may place on the May ballot for residents to approve or disapprove are: 

• Prop A Eliminating City Treasurer;
• Prop B Eliminating City Building Commission;
• Prop C Eliminating Board of Ethics;
• Prop D Changing how members are appointed to ZAPCO (the only standing Commission/Board left if Prop B and C eliminate CBC and Ethics), as well as how long members serve and how they can be removed, with the primary change being giving each Council Member the power to appoint a ZAPCO member instead of the Mayor appointing all of them subject to Council approval as is now the case. [NOTE: This one has 3 alternate versions, so the City Attorney’s Prop D chart is attached.];
• Prop E Having the City Manager review Police Department policy and procedure changes instead of Council as is now the case; and
• Prop F Allowing the City Manager to live anywhere within Lake Travis Independent School District boundaries, instead of within City of Lakeway as is now the case.

ITEM 24: Ordering a General Election on May 3, to elect the Mayor and 3 Council Members.

ITEM 25: Ordering a Special Election on May 3, to reauthorize a local sales and use tax in the City of Lakeway at the rate of one fourth of one percent (1/4%) to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.

ITEM 26: Ordering a Special Election on May 3, to revise the City Charter.

ITEMS 28/29: Executive Sessions on legal intervention as to West Austin Business Park and on legal issues related to City Center.

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

Lake Travis Democrats

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

• CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. Monthly Meeting: Tue., Jan. 21, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speakers will be Brian Pena (President of the UT Democrats) and Robert Norris (President of Grandparents for Public Schools).
•  Banned Book Club: Tue., Jan. 28, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). The book is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

Brown Bag Concert Lunch

On Thursday, Jan. 23, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy the Lake Travis Fiddlers.   FREE event!

Freaky Friday:The Musical

From Jan. 30 through Feb. 3, at 7PM, Lake Travis Fine Arts presents Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical.  Location is Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RR 620 South).  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/departments/fine-arts-academic-enrichment

Pave the Way at LAC—deadline is Jan. 31

A commemorative tile in the Lakeway Activity Center courtyard is a great way to honor a loved one, a special occasion or a valued group, even advertise a business.  Deadline to order ‘Pave The Way’ tiles this winter is January 31, 2025.  Call for info: 512-261-1010.

Black History Month Story Walk   

During February, take a walk along City Hall Trail (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.) and read about the significant contributions African Americans have made to America, celebrating Black History Month. Exhibit officially opens on Jan. 31.

TexArts Productions

TexArts has 2025 productions scheduled, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South.  Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

• Feb. 14-March 2: Tick, Tick … Boom!
• July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Brown Bag Concert Lunch

On Thursday, Feb. 13, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy A Capella Texas, offering up world-class harmonies. FREE event!

Austin Symphony tickets make a great VALENTINES Day gift…

TICKETS NOW ON SALE for “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.”  This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Concert is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4PM, at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

The Odd Couple—tickets on sale Jan. 27 to LAC members

The Lakeway Players present their “female version” of Neil Simon’s classic play The Odd Couple, running Feb. 27-Mar. 1, at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Tickets go on sale Jan. 27 to LAC members, Feb. 3 for non-members.  Bring your own dinner; doors open 6:30PM, with the curtain rising at 7:30PM.  Go here for info and tickets:  https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/

Sunday Concert Series–SungEun Park on Piano

On Sunday, March 2, 4PM, pianist SungEun Park performs at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  She has extensively performed as a solo pianist and chamber musician throughout Korea, Italy and the United States.  FREE event!

Heritage Trail Bus Tours—register NOW to ride in March

Registration is OPEN for the next FREE historical bus tours taking place Friday, March 28 at 10 AM, noon, and 2 PM. Tours begin and end at Lakeway City Hall.  Start with a tour of the historic Liebelt Cabin, before boarding a bus (featuring restrooms).  Tours covering around 20 historical locations are narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee, in about an hour.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

SCAM ALERT—Virtual Kidnapping Scam in Lakeway

On Jan. 6, Lakeway police officers were flagged down by a frantic citizen who said he was on the phone with someone who had kidnapped his child and was making demands.  Officers were able to determine quickly that the resident’s family members were all safe.  According to police, this was a “virtual kidnapping scam,” which is a fraud scheme designed to exploit a parent’s fear for their child’s safety. Very likely, the caller was attempting to obtain monetary benefit. The matter is under investigation.  Lakeway residents are reminded to be cautious of unusual phone calls from unknown sources. You can always reach out to the Lakeway Police Department if you receive an unusual, threatening or suspicious phone call by contacting at (512) 261-2800.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2005

Need a RIDE?  Want to VOLUNTEER to drive seniors?

Chariot is a FREE service providing rides (for medical appointments and grocery shopping) to non-driving folks age 60 and over. Chariothas been operating across Central Texas (including Lakeway!) since 1988. Riders must be mobile to use the service; wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.  Mission statement: “Chariot enriches lives and communities by providing transportation and socialization to non-driving seniors, helping them to age in place.”  Volunteer drivers, who must be over 21 with a high school diploma or higher plus a valid driver’s license, are critical to Chariot’s success and use their own vehicles.  Click this link or call 512-445-5552 for info and to either set up a ride or volunteer as a driver: https://chariot.org/

Daring Mighty Things

There’s a new camera in town.  Well, it is in Chile, actually.  The Dark Energy Camera (with the cool nickname of DECam), captures stunning images of galaxies that are far, far away.  The above image by DECam shows the Antila Cluster, which is about 130 million light-years from Earth.  (Image credit: Dark Energy Survey.)  Dark Energy Camera captures thousands of galaxies in stunning image 1/6/25 https://www.space.com/the-universe/galaxies/dark-energy-camera-captures-thousands-of-galaxies-in-stunning-image

In the wee hours of Jan. 16, Blue Origin launched its first New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral.  (Image credit: Miguel J. Rodríguez Carrillo/Getty Images.)  The unmanned mission was considered a success after just 12 minutes, when the rocket’s upper stage reached orbit.  However, the second step, landing the reusable first stage on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, failed.  Assuming progress over the next couple years, New Glenn’s reusable first stage could compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9.  New Origin is owned by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.  And, of course, the New Glenn rocket is named after John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launches massive New Glenn rocket into orbit on 1st flight 1/17/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-launches-massive-new-glenn-rocket-into-orbit-on-1st-flight-video

The 7th test flight of Starship was a disaster for SpaceX.  Luckily, this was an unmanned flight.  The mega-rocket launched from Boca Chica, Texas, late afternoon on Jan. 16, heading eastward.  The booster dropped away and returned to the launchpad, where it was caught by two mechanical arms on the launch tower.  But, the ship itself soon exploded.  Instead of a 1-hour flight (including deploying several dummy satellites) before splashing down into the Indian Ocean, the upper-stage spacecraft abruptly disintegrated into an enormous debris field just 8 minutes after launch.  (Image credit: Marcus Haworth, via Reuters.)  The FAA had to ground flights and divert aircraft, warning pilots about a “dangerous area for falling debris of rocket Starship.” Dozens of flights diverted, delayed after FAA warned of SpaceX rocket debris 1/16/25 https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/dozens-of-flights-diverted-delayed-after-faa-warned-of-spacex-rocket-debris-.html?campaign_id=4&emc=edit_dk_20250117&instance_id=145001&nl=dealbook&regi_id=122311001&segment_id=188511&user_id=85e9340cba19164d75f3915211a487be

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

Texas far-right Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk (shown above) strikes again.  (Image Credit: US District Court, N. District of Texas.)  His court has long been known as the best place to file ultra-conservative lawsuits.  The Amarillo District Judge was blisteringly overruled by the US Supreme Court back in 2024, when it said he erroneously allowed anti-abortion doctors (including a dentist) to bring a case in his court despite their obviously lacking standing to sue.  Now, Kacsmaryk is allowing 3 states–Idaho, Kansas and Missouri—to use his court for their attacks against abortion.  Kacsmaryk doesn’t bother explaining how those states can sue in a Texas court, instead of using their own courts.  They demand the Food and Drug Administration prohibit telehealth prescriptions for abortion drugs, require THREE in-person office visits to a doctor before getting a prescription, and limit pills use to the first 7 weeks of pregnancy (instead of the current 10 weeks).  Texas judge says states can revive challenge to abortion pill access nationwide 1/17/25 https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-telehealth-weeks-judge-03706a1e95fc7725684be582a00a6700

This clear and informative 3-minute video is something every woman of child-bearing age should watch.  If you’re pregnant, here is what you should know about the medical procedures that could save your life, especially if you live in an abortion-ban state. 1/4/25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COzhr3EO8bc

In Washington state, a small pilot program has PHARMACISTS prescribing abortion pills.  (Image credit: Jackie Molloy for The New York Times.)  Other states are preparing to start their own such programs, trying to accommodate not only their own residents’ needs but those of people living in red states with abortion bans.  Currently, 40 states allow pharmacists to prescribe some medications, and they are trained to do so.  Since states regulate this, federal law cannot directly intervene, even when Washington, DC, is controlled by Republicans.  However, Trump’s incoming FDA chief might create regulations allowing only doctors to prescribe mifepristone, the first pill in the two-drug medication abortion regimen.  Either way, expect litigation.  Abortion Pills Prescribed by Pharmacists Are Newest Effort in Abortion Fight 1/7/25 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/health/abortion-pills-pharmacist-prescribe.html

Back to me….                                        

Hope everyone is ready for the winter interlude that is forecast for Lakeway, starting pretty much now and extending through the coming week.  One night dipping below freezing is fine, but we tend to get into trouble when there are several nights in a row like that.  Plus–wintry mix is coming our way, so forget about getting on the roads until temps warm up considerably.  Lots of helpful info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2013

The wildfire devastation in California is haunting.  If you can, consider donating to help the injured animals. Greater Good makes it easy, fast and secure.  https://theanimalrescuesite.com/products/urgent-help-pets-injured-by-deadly-wildfires-fundraiser-gtgm?_gl=1*1ffic2d*_gcl_au*OTMwMTM4Mjk1LjE3MzE1MjY4NzU.*_ga*NzM5Mjg5MTkwLjE2OTQwODg5Nzg.*_ga_91Y25D7P28*MTczNzIxMjg0Mi4zNDYuMS4xNzM3MjE2MTAzLjAuMC4w

On Jan. 6, Washington DC had a major snowstorm.  (Image credits: Smithsonian National Zoo.)  At least a couple new residents were pleased.  The Smithsonian’s National Zoo posted this 1-minute video, showing giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao playing in the snow.  Still acclimating to their new home, the pair makes their public debut to zoo visitors on Jan. 24.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebcCgSRobc4

Here are some photos of our deer herd that I took in the last couple weeks in Old Lakeway.

Coronavirus Update   

                                          

Covid-19 activity is hard to gauge right now, since CDC charts have not been uniformly updated.  On data updated as of Jan. 11, testing showed a slight drop, while deaths were rising.  ER visits are only updated as of Jan. 4, showing a plateau then.  Hospitalizations show a rise, but that data is from Dec. 28.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Jan. 11, national wastewater viral remained at HIGH levels.  Texas as a state still tested LOW.   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

Last fall’s edition of the Covid-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies.  This new vaccine was formulated to work against recent variants, so everyone is urged to get vaccinated.  Consider getting it along with your annual flu shot.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best timing, if you recently had Covid or recently got vaccinated.  If you want to be protected this winter, start here: https://www.heb.com/pharmacy/vaccinations

NYTimes recently published a new article on Covid at this time.  Experts predict this winter will see the usual surge of Covid cases.  A new variant, called XEC, is causing nearly half of Covid cases in America.  Happily, XEC is very similar to the past variants that the current vaccine was designed to fight, so if you get the updated shot you are well protected this winter.  Covid symptoms remain much the same: exhaustion, cough, congestion, fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, head and body aches, plus loss of the sense of taste or smell.  If you have symptoms, experts advise taking a home test; if it is negative but symptoms persist, take a second test in 48 hours.  Paxlovid is still the usual treatment for Covid, but doctors have other options now.  Covid remains lethal to some patients, and Long Covid still incapacitates many others.  What to Know About Covid Right Now 1/15/25 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/well/covid-symptoms-test-vaccine.html

Here is what is happening in and around Lakeway.   

Art at the Library

During the month of January, local artist Lynn Zwern’s contemporary impressionistic watercolors will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Plus, meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, Jan. 11, 1:00-2:30PM.

2 Ways to Recycle your Christmas Tree

Lakeway’s Public Works Department will accept holiday trees from residents through Jan. 10, 7AM-3:30PM.  Drop off is at 3303 Serene Hills Drive. Remove all decorations from the tree prior to recycling.  Full info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/62/Public-Works

OR, Waste Connections will pick up live Christmas trees with regular garbage collection, through January 10.  BUT, trees must be cut into 3 feet sections, with all decorations removed.

FREE Pet Spay/Neuter Clinic Jan. 8-12 in East Austin–VOLUNTEERS Needed.

Austin Animal Center and Greater Good Charities have teamed up to offer a spay/neuter clinic for cats and dogs in Travis County.  Location: Travis County Exposition Center (7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724).  FREE; first come/first served.  Running from Jan. 8 through Jan. 12, registration and drop-off begin at 7:30AM daily, continuing until 10AM or until that day’s schedule is full.  Must be a resident of Travis County; bring PROOF of residency (ID or piece of mail).  Pets must be at least 2 LBS and 2 months old.  Full rules and info here: https://www.austintexas.gov/event/free-community-spayneuter-clinic-clinica-comunitaria-gratuita-de-esterilizacion

And, they still need VOLUNTEERS to help organize and supervise the animals, as well as assist the medical team.  Go here for full info and to sign up: https://tinyurl.com/2zbk2dmt

Puzzle Exchange at the Library

On Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30-11:30AM, drop by Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) and swap out your jigsaw puzzles with ones that will be new to you.  (Puzzles must be in good condition, well-packaged and include all pieces.)

Donate Blood at Lakeway Activity Center.

The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, ­­­Jan. 11, 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!

The November blood drive had VERY few donors.  I was shocked, as Lakeway generally leads the way for giving and volunteerism.  What could be more important than giving blood to save lives?  Plan to donate on Jan. 11.  Plus—talk this up to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers.  Let’s start 2025 right and get the LAC Ballroom filled with blood donors.

While walk-ins are welcome (until 11AM), 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/

Jewelry Making for Adults at the Library

On Thurs., Jan. 16, 10:30—11:30AM, adults can stop by Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) to learn how to make your own craft jewelry.  Staff member Beth Yoder will provide all needed supplies.

Next Council Meeting set for Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The meeting is the 3^rd Tuesday because that Monday is a holiday.  About a week in advance, check here (scrolling down to City Council items) for the Agenda: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Lake Travis Democrats

—Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speakers will be Brian Pena (President of the UT Democrats) and Robert Norris (President of Grandparents for Public Schools).

 —Banned Book Club: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). The book is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

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

Brown Bag Concert Lunch

On Thursday, Jan. 23, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy the Lake Travis Fiddlers.   FREE event!

Freaky Friday:The Musical

From Jan. 30 through Feb. 3, at 7PM, Lake Travis Fine Arts presents Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical.  Location is Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 RR 620 South).  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.ltisdschools.org/departments/fine-arts-academic-enrichment

Pave the Way at LAC

A commemorative tile in the Lakeway Activity Center courtyard is a great way to honor a loved one, a special occasion or a valued group, even advertise a business.  Deadline to order ‘Pave The Way’ tiles this winter is January 31, 2025.  Call for info: 512-261-1010.

Black History Month Story Walk   

During February, take a walk along City Hall Trail (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.) and read about the significant contributions African Americans have made to America, celebrating Black History Month.

Scholarship Opportunity

Waste Connections continues its annual scholarship program in 2025.  12^th graders (private, public or home-schooled) planning to attend a university, college, junior college, technical, or trade school for an undergraduate level degree or trade certification are eligible, as long as a parent or legal guardian is signed up for trash and recycling services with the City of Lakeway (account must be in good financial standing).  Application DEADLINE is April 12, 2025.  Info and application are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1993/Waste-Connections-Scholarship

Lakeway is Hiring.

Open positions include full-time maintenance job at the Activity Center and police officer. Go here for info and to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/124/Current-Job-Openings

Daring Mighty Things 

Mid-afternoon on Dec. 30, a red-hot metallic ring measuring 8 feet in diameter and weighing 1,100 pounds crashed into a village in the southern part of Kenya.  (Image credit: Kenya Space Agency.)  Happily, no one was hurt.  Kenyan authorities retrieved the item, which was soon identified as space debris, likely a rocket’s separation ring.  Identification of the rocket/launching agency is in progress.  So far, authorities have no explanation as to how such a huge piece of equipment could return to Earth intact, instead of disintegrating into harmless bits during re-entry.  Space debris crash in Kenya village believed to be from leftover rocket hardware 1/2/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/space-debris-crashes-into-kenyan-village-believed-to-be-leftover-rocket-hardware

Space will be busy in 2025.  Things to watch for include: moon landing attempts, more test launches of SpaceX’s Starship mega-rocket, human spaceflight adventures, and asteroid sampling missions.  (Jupiter is shown above, in 2024; image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS.)  Launches, moon landings and more: Here’s the top spaceflight missions to watch in 2025  1/1/25 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/launches-moon-landings-and-more-the-top-spaceflight-events-to-look-forward-to-in-2025

Multiple threats have been made recently about bombs hidden at Starbase, the South Texas SpaceX headquarters, or actually inside rockets located there.  The threats are under investigation by the FBI.   (Image credit: SpaceX.)  Currently, the next launch out of Starbase will be another Starship test flight, which could happen as early as Jan. 10. FBI probes ‘bomb threats’ made against SpaceX rocket at South Texas launch site 1/3/25 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2025/01/03/fbi-spacex-threats-starship-rocket-boca-chica-texas-launch-site/77437123007/

Back to me….

So, 2025 certainly had a lousy start.  But, last year was heinous, and I don’t expect anything better this year.

I’m seeing our bucks starting to group back together, so it looks like rut season is done.  Here are some photos I took in the last couple weeks in Old Lakeway.

Coronavirus Update 

Covid-19 activity continued to rise over the last 2 weeks. Indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) rose as of Dec. 28. As always in winter, the upward trend was bolstered by holiday travel and gatherings.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Dec. 28, national wastewater viral testing INCREASED from moderate to HIGH.  Texas as a state still tested LOW.   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

This fall’s edition of the Covid-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies. 

Have you gotten the UPDATED Covid-19 shot?  I got mine in early October; during 13 days of poll working, several of my co-workers caught Covid, but I did not.  If you want to be protected this winter, start here: https://www.heb.com/pharmacy/vaccinations

This new vaccine was formulated to work against recent variants, so everyone is urged to get vaccinated.  Consider getting it along with your annual flu shot.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best timing, if you recently had Covid or recently got vaccinated.  New COVID, flu vaccines arrive in Austin 8/31/24  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/08/28/covid-flu-vaccine-2024-near-me-austin-texas-tips-pharmacy-doctors-office/74965044007/

Here is what is happening in and around Lakeway.   

Kids Holiday Cookie Class at LAC

Kids age 5-8 can create holidays cookies and learn kitchen techniques as well as safety in the Monday, Dec. 23, noon-2PM workshop at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Tuition is $70 and includes everything needed.  Go here for complete info and to reserve a spot: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzNTM2NTI=

Lakeway’s Trail of Lights

Enjoy all the holiday light scenes at the annual Trail of Lights.  It continues nightly 6PM-midnight throughout December. The walkable display is located below City Hall, at 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road.  More parking is available at the adjacent Activity Center,105 Cross Creek. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights

Bee Cave on Ice

Running now through Jan. 5, the Hill Country Galleria hosts an ice skating rink in the Central Plaza. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  Hours are Mon.-Thur. 3pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Fri. 12pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Sat. 10am-10pm (last session at 9pm); and Sun. 10am-7pm (last session at 6pm).  The fee is $15/hour, except $10 on Tuesdays (fees include skate rental).  More info and you can make reservations here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/bee-cave-on-ice/2145577106

Take holiday photos at Lakeway Activity Center.

The LAC courtyard (105 Cross Creek) is decked out for the holidays, making it the perfect backdrop for last minute family photos.  Stop by to take your photos during regular business hours: 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday.  

Menorah Lighting at Lakeway City Hall

Starting Wednesday, Dec. 25, at 5:30PM, meet outside the front lobby of City Hall each evening through Jan. 2 for the Menorah Lighting.

Give the Gift of the Symphony.

Make the holidays special by giving the Gift of Symphony.  EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE for “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.”  This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Concert is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4PM, at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). Early bird ticket prices range from $15 to $50; or, opt for the VIP option to meet the musicians at a special dinner the evening before the event. Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Santa needs your help, making Christmas bright for local families.

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3) group,with over 7,000 members serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.)  For Christmas, the group hopes to provide gifts to the kids and necessities for more than 40 local families.  That is a lot of wish lists to fill, and Santa needs your help.  Email  mike.dahlhauser@twelvethirtyone.org  or go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31

Teen Art Contest Winners on Display at the Library

During December, all the winning entries will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Students in grades 6 through 12 creates original pieces of art inspired by their reading experiences. Stop by to view all 6 award-winning entries and 8 honorable mentions. 

Lakeway’s Garbage Collection Schedule for the Holidays

For the holiday weeks of Christmas and New Years, trash and recycling collections by Waste Connections will be adjusted.If your regular collection day is Wednesday, collection will be delayed until Thursday.  If your regular collection day is Thursday, collection will be delayed until Friday.  If your regular collection day is Friday, collection will be delayed until Saturday. Full info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1666/Holiday-Service-Schedule

Got books to donate?  LAC Library needs kids/young adult books.

Maybe take time over the holidays to clear out the old and bring books in good condition to the Lakeway Activity Center library (105 Cross Creek).  The library especially needs books for children and young adults.

Pave the Way at LAC.

A commemorative tile in the Lakeway Activity Center courtyard is a great way to honor a loved one, a special occasion or a valued group, even advertise a business.  Deadline to order ‘Pave The Way’ tiles this winter is January 31, 2025.  Call for info: 512-261-1010.

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a 9-minute update on Dec. 11.  Go here to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/945017317509481

House Watch

If you are traveling over the holidays or only occupy your home here part-time, Lakeway Police Department provides a House Watch program, at no charge.  Just let them know, and officers will perform close patrols of the address and contact you if anything appears suspicious.  Call 512-261-2800 for info and go here to sign up:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1305/House-Watch-Request

Recycle your Christmas Tree.

Lakeway’s Public Works Department will accept holiday trees from residents Dec. 26 through Jan. 10, 7AM-3:30PM.  Drop off is at 3303 Serene Hills Drive. Remove all decorations from the tree prior to recycling.  Full info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/62/Public-Works

New Years—Polar Bear Plunge.

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9-10AM, swing by Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.) with your towel and DIVE INTO 2025!  This FREE event is fun for all ages.  After your bracing plunge, warm up with delicious refreshments and snacks, and relax in the cozy warming location. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2034/Polar-Bear-Plunge

JANUARY

Art at the Library

During the month of January, local artist Lynn Zwern’s contemporary impressionistic watercolors will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Plus, meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, Jan. 11, 1-2:30PM.

Puzzle Exchange at the Library

On Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30-11:30AM, drop by Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) and swap out your jigsaw puzzles with ones that will be new to you.  (All puzzles must be in good condition, well-packaged and include all pieces.)

Donate Blood at Lakeway Activity Center.

The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, ­­­Jan. 11, 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!

The November blood drive had VERY few donors.  I was shocked, as Lakeway generally leads the way for giving and volunteerism.  What could be more important than giving blood to save lives?  Plan to donate on Jan. 11.  Plus—talk this up to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers.  Let’s start 2025 right and get the LAC Ballroom filled with blood donors.

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/

Lake Travis Democrats

—Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speakers will be Brian Pena (President of the UT Democrats) and Robert Norris (President of Grandparents for Public Schools).

 —Banned Book Club: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Our book is “Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

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

Brown Bag Concert Lunch

On Thursday, Jan. 23, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy the Lake Travis Fiddlers.   FREE event!

Lakeway COUNCIL  

Council met on Dec. 16. Six members attended the meeting, all in person, with Councilmember Brynteson absent (due to illness). RESULTS:

ITEM 12 (within the Consent Agenda): Authorize spending up to $70,000 on a feasibility study for the Birrell Street Bridge (to connect with Lohman’s Spur, part of the 2022 Transportation Bond).  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, along with the rest of the Consent Agenda.

ITEM 16: Financial Report. THE CITY IS $340,000 TO THE GOOD, AS OF END OF NOVEMBER.

ITEM 17:  Citizen’s Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda.  NO ONE SPOKE.

ITEM 18: WCID17 Quarterly update. GM JASON HOMAN DISCUSSED THE COMPANY’S STRUCTURE, UPCOMING EXPANSION, OUTREACH, ETC. RATHER THAN WATER AVAILABILITY.

ITEM 19: Lakeway Inn and Spa’s Request for $175,000 from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds (to be used for marketing in 2025).  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 20: Request to Approve Replat of 5.59 Acres at 570 Rupen (for 11 single family residential lots, zoned R-1).  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 21: Plan Update on Butler Park in Rough Hollow.

–Provide the same parking layout as previously shown (41 spaces, 2 handicap)

–$113,000 (recently reduced from $160,000) – Bike park features

–$ 67,000 – Shade structures to ensure more playability throughout the day

–$ 20,000 – Concrete masonry unit (CMU) dumpster enclosure versus a wooden fence

–$ 19,500 – Practice Ball Wall

Staff noted that the project remains within the $1.9MIL budget.  Plus, if needed, funds could be drawn from the Highland Parks Fund (roughly $500K), which can ONLY be used for Rough Hollow parks.  CONSENSUS was for staff to continue with all the suggested items, including all the planned parking (marking some spaces for golf carts), and allowing local biking groups to provide input on the mountain bike route (which is designed for beginners, ages 6-10). 

ITEM 22: Lakeway Use of License Plate Readers—Request for Policy Review and Program Approval (pursuant to pilot program during 2024).  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED (as permanent program.)

ITEM 23: Discussion and Action on Charter Change Amendments.

At the last meeting, Council agreed to consider placing 6 Charter amendments on the May ballot, out of 17 suggestions by the Charter Review Committee.  The 6 items were discussed, but NO ACTION was taken (due to Councilmember Brynteson being absent).  CONSENSUS was direction to staff/City Attorney to adjust the ballot language, as NOTED IN BOLD BELOW, with Council voting at a January meeting on whether or not any of the 6 items will be placed on the May ballot:

–Proposition A Eliminating the Office of City Treasurer:  Shall Section 4.06 be deleted, thereby eliminating the volunteer office of City Treasurer, and other Charter provisions be amended as necessary to remove references to the City Treasurer?

If approved, Section 4.06 and all references to the City Treasurer in Sections 4.01, 8.01, 8.11, and 8.15 would be deleted in their entirety; and the current duties of the City Treasurer will be assumed by the City’s Finance Director and other employees in the Finance Department, with an independent audit of the City’s finances still performed each year by an outside accounting firm.

NO CHANGES.

–Proposition B Eliminating the City Building Commission: Shall Section 7.06 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the City Building Commission, which is responsible under the City’s development ordinances for determining whether to grant certain variances and waivers, and to make view-blocking determinations under the City’s View Protection Corridor Overlay Ordinance?

If approved, Section 7.06 of the City Charter will be deleted in its entirety, and Council will assign by ordinance the current duties of the City Building Commission to the Planning and Zoning Commission, or to the Building and Development Services Director.

REMOVE MENTION OF VIEW BLOCKING.  ADD THAT DUTIES WILL BE MOVED TO OTHER GROUPS.

–Proposition C Eliminating the Board of Ethics: Shall Section 7.05 be amended in its entirety, thereby eliminating the Board of Ethics?

If approved, Section 7.05 would be deleted in its entirety and the reference to the Board of Ethics in Section 11.05 would also be deleted. Council would still be required to adopt a City Ethics Ordinance, which applies to all City officials, employees, and members of City Boards, Commissioners, or Committees. 

THE ARGUMENT WAS LARGELY OVER RELYING ON STATE ETHICS RULES OR ADOPTING HIGHER STANDARDS FOR LAKEWAY (AND THE DIFFERENCES IN ENFORCEMENT). 

–Proposition D Changing the Process for Appointing Members of City Boards and Commissions and Changing the Terms of Office of Each Member of a Board or Commission: Shall Section 7.01 be amended to change the process for appointing members of City Boards and Commissions so that the Mayor and each Council member shall nominate a person for a one-year appointment to each Board or Commission, subject to Council approval? 

If approved, all appointments to City Boards and Commissions would be standardized. At the present time, appointments to some Boards and Commissions are made by the Mayor subject to Council approval, for a term of office that runs concurrently with the Mayor’s term of office; but members of some Boards and Commissions are individually appointed by the Mayor and each Council member, still subject to Council approval, for a term of office that runs concurrently with the Mayor’s term of office in some cases, or for 2-year terms in other cases. If approved members of all City Boards and Commissions would be appointed in a uniform process for a one-year term of office.

CITY ATTORNEY NOTED THAT STATE LAW REQUIRES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS MEMBERS TO SERVE FOR 2 YEARS AND ONLY BE REMOVED FOR CAUSE, PUTTING THAT GROUP OUTSIDE THIS PROPOSED CHANGE.  THAT LEAVES ONLY ZAPCO TARGETED, FOR NO STATED REASON, DESPITE BEING A NON-BINDING COMMITTEE.  ARGUMENT OVER 1 YEAR TERM AND OVER THIS ENTIRE ITEM BEING CREATED TO REMOVE PEOPLE WHO CERTAIN COUNCILMEMBERS DISLIKE. REQUESTED MULTIPLE LANGUAGE OPTIONS, INCLUDING GIVING COUNCIL POWER TO START REMOVAL PROCESS OF ZAPCO MEMBERS.

–Proposition E Changing the Approval Process for Police Department Policies and Procedures: Shall Section 4.07 be amended so that the policies and procedures adopted or changed by the Chief of Police for the Police Department shall be approved by the City Manager and reported to the Council at least annually, instead of having the City Council approve them when adopted by the Chief of Police?

If approved, the Chief of Police would still adopt such written rules relating to police policies and procedures, but instead of having those approved by Council, the City Manager would approve them and report to the Council at least annually regarding the new or revised Department policies and procedures. 

MORE ARGUMENT, THIS TIME OVER COUNCIL’S DUTY TO ASSESS POLICE DEPARTMENT, AS OPPOSED TO THE CITY MANAGER DOING SO.  NO SPECIFIC LANGUAGE CHANGES WERE REQUESTED.  REPEATED REFERENCES TO COUNCIL’S HANDLING OF POLICE MATTERS SEVERAL YEARS AGO RESULTED IN ADDING A THIRD ITEM TO THE EVENING’S EXECUTIVE SESSION (BELOW).

–Proposition F Revising the Residency Requirement for City Manager: Shall Section 4.01 be amended to require the City Manager reside within the boundaries of the Lake Travis Independent School District, instead of within the City limits?

If approved the requirement that the City Manager reside in the City limits would be modified, to require the City Manager to reside within the Lake Travis ISD boundaries within a reasonable time after accepting the appointment.

NO CHANGES.

ITEMS 23, 24 and 25: Executive Sessions on Consultation with Attorney/Police Personnel Matters, Personnel Matters/City Treasurer and on West Austin Business Park legal intervention.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

ADJOURNED at 9:58PM.

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/322824

Next Council Meeting set for Tuesday, Jan. 21.

About a week in advance, check here (scrolling down to City Council items) for the Agenda: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things 

The above image shows the Christmas Tree cluster.  Also known as NGC 2264, it is in the Milky Way galaxy, about 2,500 light-years from Earth.  (Image credit: NASA/CXC/SAO.)  The stars forming the cluster are very young, less than 5 million years old (compared to Earth’s sun, which is 5 billion years old).  NASA space telescopes give Christmas Tree Cluster a festive makeover 12/19/24 https://www.space.com/the-universe/the-christmas-tree-cluster-gets-a-festive-makeover-photos

Mini-chopper Ingenuity was only intended to try a few test flights in the thin atmosphere of Mars, but she ended up flying for nearly 3 years, functioning as a valuable scout for companion rover Perseverance and sending amazing aerial photographs back to Earth.  (Image credit: NASA.)  Then–last January–disaster struck, and rotor damage kept Ingenuity from ever flying again.  Perseverance moved on, leaving Ingenuity alone.  But, now, NASA experts have assessed the chopper, finding systems (rotors aside) operational, sensors functioning, and batteries recharging normally.  So, Ingenuity has a new role–weather station, recording telemetry, taking images every sol and storing data on board. For now, Perseverance is still within range to transfer Ingenuity’s findings to Earth, but that will change soon. Ingenuity can store 20 years of data, and it will be up to NASA to send humans to Mars, in order to and collect Ingenuity and her decades of data, along with the many samples that Perseverance is collecting from Mars.  After crashing on Mars, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter could live on as a weather station for 20 years 12/11/24 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/mars-rovers/after-crashing-on-mars-nasas-ingenuity-helicopter-could-live-on-as-a-weather-station-for-20-years

The above image shows the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters.  (Image credit: Francesco Pelizzo.)  This formation is about 400 light years away from Earth.  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241209.html

If Santa drops a drone down your chimney this year, the linked article will help you fly it legally. After all, drones are everywhere these days—in the skies and in the news.  (Image credit: James Abbott.)  Per the article, recreational pilots must complete the online (and free) Trust test, which teaches you the general rules for flying drones.  With drones, weight is key; drones weighing less than 0.55 pounds can be flown recreationally without having to register with the FAA, but drones weighing weigh between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds must be registered.  Online registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for 3 years.  Generally, you can fly up to 400FT above ground level; if your drone is within 400FT of a structure/building, you can fly up to 400FT above that. You must keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times during flight and if flying an FPV drone with goggles, you will need a spotter to maintain visual line of sight of the drone for you.  Obviously, there are rules against flying in restricted airspace such as close to airports, military bases and other sensitive areas.  (Yes, there’s an app for that—B4UFLY.)  Note that states have their own rules, especially as to privacy.  Finally, commercial pilots must be certified and are subject to even more guidelines.  Drone regulations: everything you need to know for safe and legal drone flight 12/16/24 https://www.space.com/drone-regulations-everything-you-need-to-know

SpaceX has petitioned for a special election to incorporate its Starbase site in Boca Chica, TX, as a city, which it claims will become the Gateway to Mars.  (Image credit: Michael Gonzalez/The Texas Tribune.)  The spaceport, on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, is 25 miles east of Brownsville, in Cameron County.  Spread across acres of previously undeveloped land, Starbase includes launch pads, office space and dozens of portable homes for employees. However, it is surrounded by environmentally sensitive areas and public parkland.  SpaceX wants to turn its Texas launch site into a city 12/12/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/12/spacex-starbase-city-texas-cameron-county/

Elon Musk and SpaceX face at least three federal reviews over compliance with reporting rules aimed at protecting national security, the New York Times reported on Dec. 17.  (Image credit: REUTERS.)  The Air Force, the Defense Department’s inspector general, and the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security all have ongoing reviews.  “Elon Musk and his rocket company, SpaceX, have repeatedly failed to comply with federal reporting protocols aimed at protecting state secrets, including by not providing some details of his meetings with foreign leaders,” the Times report said.  In addition, The Times said the Air Force recently denied Musk high-level security access, citing potential security risks.  American allies including Israel flagged concerns that Musk could share sensitive data.  Plus, Musk reportedly has held multiple private calls with Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, raising security concerns.  Elon Musk, SpaceX face federal reviews over security, NYT reports 12/17/24 https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/elon-musk-spacex-face-federal-reviews-over-security-nyt-reports/ar-AA1w2r0I

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

In September of 2021, Texas banned most abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy.  Then, in summer 2022, Texas expanded that ban to ALL abortions from the moment of conception, except to save the life of the pregnant patient.  Texas, like most states, has a maternal mortality committee, responsible for reviewing maternal deaths and near-deaths.  The committee’s last report, released in September, showed that maternal deaths surged in 2020 and 2021 (even with COVID deaths excluded). But, forget about disclosure of maternal deaths in the post-Roe years of 2022 and 2023.  The committee is skipping forward to review deaths from 2024.  Omitting review of the first 2 years under the abortion ban is no coincidence.  In addition, the Texas Legislature is working to remove Texas from the federal maternal death tracking system, blocking disclosure of how many Texas women have been killed by the state’s abortion ban.  Texas committee defends decision to skip reviews of post-abortion ban maternal deaths 12/6/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/06/texas-maternal-mortality-committee-deaths/

Texas AG Ken Paxton has sued a New York doctor for violating Texas abortion laws.  Everyone knew it was coming, but this seems to be the first suit by a red state desperate to interfere in the laws of a blue state.  Paxton accuses Dr. Margaret Carpenter of mailing abortion pills from New York to a 20-year-old woman in Collin County who was 9 weeks pregnant, after a telemed health appointment.  Paxton demands a Texas court block Dr. Carpenter from continuing to violate Texas law, and order her to pay $100,000 for every violation of the state’s near-total abortion ban. (So, $100,000 for the Collin County patient, plus $100,000 for each and every other Texas patient getting pills mailed by Dr. Carpenter.)  Not only is abortion legal in New York under Roe rules, that state has (wisely) adopted a shield law protecting providers from out-of-state investigations and prosecutions, allowing doctors to mail abortion pills into states that have banned the procedure.  Paxton argues that Texas women should be prohibited from accessing abortion in other states because it’s illegal in Texas.  Really?  Nothing else works that way, but for the extreme right, state lines amount to prison bars, trapping Texas women inside the state.  Bet on this case—or one very like it—heading for the US Supreme Court very soon. Ken Paxton sues New York doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills to Texas woman 12/13/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/13/texas-paxton-abortion-pill-mail-lawsuit/

Back to me…. 

My kitty girls all have birthdays in December.  Maxie turned 18, Tulip turned 14, and Peanut turned 12.  So, all month around here, lots of new toys and catnip everywhere…. Plus, all the dried salmon chunks (SO stinky!) they can eat–they ADORE those.

Happily, all 3 cats have been very good about the Christmas decor this year. Ho, Ho, Ho!!!

Our deer herd is still doing the rut dance.  The females hang out together and seem to be very happy campers.  But, I feel sorry for the bucks, each of whom is off on his own for 2-3 months. It isn’t easy being the most studly buck in the history of the world (even if that’s just in your overly-antlered head).  Here are some photos I took in the last couple weeks in Old Lakeway (all does, except for one baby buck).

Coronavirus Update 

Covid-19 activity ticked upward over the last 2 weeks. Indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) increased as of Dec. 14. As always in winter, look for the upward trend to continue as holiday travel and gatherings spread Covid, along with flu and everything else.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Dec. 14, national wastewater viral testing INCREASED from low to MODERATE.  Texas as a state tested LOW (up from MINIMAL levels last time).   https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

This fall’s edition of the Covid-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies. 

Have you gotten the UPDATED Covid-19 shot?  I got mine in early October; during 13 days of poll working, several of my co-workers caught Covid, but I did not.  If you want to be protected this winter, start here: https://www.heb.com/pharmacy/vaccinations This new vaccine was formulated to work against recent variants, so everyone is urged to get vaccinated.  Consider getting it along with your annual flu shot.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best timing, if you recently had Covid or recently got vaccinated.  New COVID, flu vaccines arrive in Austin 8/31/24  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/08/28/covid-flu-vaccine-2024-near-me-austin-texas-tips-pharmacy-doctors-office/74965044007/

Here is what is happening in and around Lakeway.   

Singalong Christmas Show at Lakeway Activity Center.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, there are TWO showings for Sing We Now of Christmas: 2PM and 4PM, at LAC(105 Cross Creek).  This will be the 24^th year for local singers to present an annual Christmas show.  Price of admission is an UNWRAPPED TOY for a child up to age 17 (for LTLov’s Green Santa to distribute to children in needy local families.)

Bee Cave on Ice

Running now through Jan. 5, the Hill Country Galleria hosts an ice skating rink in the Central Plaza. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  Hours are Mon.-Thur. 3pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Fri. 12pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Sat. 10am-10pm (last session at 9pm); and Sun. 10am-7pm (last session at 6pm).  The fee is $15/hour, except $10 on Tuesdays (fees include skate rental).  More info and you can make reservations here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/bee-cave-on-ice/2145577106

Christmas at the Library

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30PM, head over to Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) for their Holiday Party.  Enjoy games, crafts, refreshments, PLUS there will be a VERY SPECIAL GUEST to awe the tots and pose for fun photos.

Coffee with a Cop

On Tue., Dec. 10, 8-10AM, stop by Whataburger (2011 RR 620 South) to meet Lakeway police officers in a relaxed setting. Ask questions, have a chat, and enjoy a hot beverage as well.  Info here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1571/Coffee-With-A-Cop

Lake Travis Democrats—Get Early Bird Rate on Holiday Party NOW.

—Banned Book Club Holiday Party: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6PM at Grill-on Tex Mex (107 RR 620 South.

—Holiday Party: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6PM at La Quinta Inn & Suites (1943 Medical Drive in Lakeway).  Enjoy food (catered by Vivel), music, and fun with your Dem friends.  EARLY BIRD ticket pricing available NOW: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/event-details/lake-travis-dems-tuscan-village-voters-holiday-party

—Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Speakers will be Brian Pena (President of the UT Democrats) and Robert Norris (President of Grandparents for Public Schools).

 —Banned Book Club: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Our book is “Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

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

Movie Night: A Christmas Story at Lakeway Activity Center.

On Friday, Dec. 13, at 6PM, bring the family over to the LAC parking lot (105 Cross Creek) for a FREE outside showing of the holiday film, A Christmas Story, on the massive LED screen.  Bring blankets and chairs, and enjoy hot chocolate and food from vendors.  Later, stroll through the Trail of Lights next door at City Hall.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2109/Christmas-Movie

Classical Ballet: The Nutcracker at Lakeway Activity Center.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, 3PM at LAC (105 Cross Creek), Metamorphosis Dance presents excerpts from The Nutcracker.  This FREE performance is sponsored by Lakeway Arts Committee.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2212/Nutcracker

TexArts Productions

TexArts has holiday and 2025 productions scheduled, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South.  Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

• Through Dec. 15: Elf–The Musical
• Feb. 14-March 2: Tick, Tick … Boom!
• July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Lakeway’s Trail of Lights

Enjoy all the holiday light scenes at the annual Trail of Lights.  It starts on Dec. 6 and continues nightly 6PM-midnight throughout December. The walkable display is located below City Hall, at 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road.  More parking is available at the adjacent Activity Center,105 Cross Creek. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights

Council next meets on Dec. 16.

During the week prior to Dec. 16, check here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

(Results of Council’s Dec. 2 Charter Review meeting are posted below, at the end of this section.)

Holiday Music at the Library.

On Friday, Dec. 20 at 3PM, enjoy holiday music at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). This FREE event is courtesy of local musician and classical guitarist Mark Anthony Cruz.

Give the Gift of the Symphony.

Make the holidays special by giving the Gift of Symphony.  EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE for “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.”  This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Concert is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4PM, at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). Early bird ticket prices range from $15 to $50; or, opt for the VIP option to meet the musicians at a special dinner the evening before the event. Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Santa needs your help, making Christmas bright for local families.

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3) group,with over 7,000 members serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.)  For Christmas, the group hopes to provide gifts to the kids and necessities for more than 40 local families.  That is a lot of wish lists to fill, and Santa needs your help.  Email  mike.dahlhauser@twelvethirtyone.org  or go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31

Swim Center is CLOSED for Renovations.

The Lakeway Swim Center is undergoing a full deck resurfacing and is CLOSED from Nov. 21 through Dec. 18 [UPDATED] to complete the project.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/84/Swim-Center

Lane Closures Continue on Lohmans Spur.

Utility work is ongoing related to the future extension of Lohmans Spur into the new City Center development area.  As a result, the right northbound lane of Lohmans Spur, on BOTH sides of Lohmans Crossing, has been closed since Oct. 7 and will continue that way for several weeks.  Expect congestion and delays at the Lohmans Crossing light near the Police Station.

Teen Art Contest Winners on Display at the Library

During December, all the winning entries will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  Students in grades 6 through 12 creates original pieces of art inspired by their reading experiences. Stop by to view all 6 award-winning entries and 8 honorable mentions.

House Watch

If you are traveling over the holidays or only occupy your home here part-time, Lakeway Police Department provides a House Watch program, at no charge.  Just let them know, and officers will perform close patrols of the address and contact you if anything appears suspicious.  Call 512-261-2800 for info and go here to sign up:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1305/House-Watch-Request

Lake Travis Community Library DELIVERS.

For those homebound due to mobility or medical issues, staff will deliver books, DVDs, audios and more, on a monthly basis.  Call (512) 263-2885 to get started.

New Years—Polar Bear Plunge.

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9-10AM, swing by Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.) with your towel and DIVE INTO 2026!  This FREE event is fun for all ages.  After your bracing plunge, warm up with delicious refreshments and snacks, and relax in the cozy warming location. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2034/Polar-Bear-Plunge

Council met on Dec. 2–CHARTER REVIEW.

All Council members attended in person on the dais.  Only 5 Charter Review Committee members attended (Chairperson Louis Mastrangelo, Sanjeev Kumar, Troy Dunson, Brad Heilman, and Erik Mulloy). RESULTS:

ITEM 6: Council/Charter Review Committee WORKSHOP.  Charter Review committee members presented their 17 suggested Charter changes.  Council’s goal seemed to be understanding where each suggestion originated (a Councilmember, City Manager, City Attorney, etc.), its purpose (housekeeping or something substantive), and the priority placed on it.  (17 ballot proposals would be impractical; Council hopes to limit it to 5 or so items for residents to vote on in May.)

ITEM 7: DISCUSSION of Proposed Charter Amendments.  After Charter Review Committee exited, Council had a limited discussion.  In most cases, it was just to rank items by priority; few subjective comments were made.  The 17 suggested changes were put into 3 categories (rejected, just handle via ordinance, and consider for Charter change), as follows (the numbers refer to item placement on the original list of 17 suggestions.)

Consider for Charter change—

• #1 Removal of City Treasurer Role: Amendments to remove the Treasurer position and redistribute its responsibilities to the Finance Director. 
• #2 Elimination of City Building Commission (CBC): Repealing provisions for a Building Commission whose remaining functions can be moved to the Zoning and Planning Commission (ZAPCO) and Board of Adjustment (BOA).
• #7 Board of Ethics Removal: Eliminating the Board of Ethics, with responsibilities managed via ordinances.
• #13 Board Appointments: Updating the appointment process [in fact, the proposal is a radical overhaul of the city’s committee appointment process and our volunteer system] and terms for board, commission, and committee members.
• #16 Police Department Governance: Allowing the City Manager to approve police policies and procedures. 
• #17 Residency Requirement Removal: Removing the residency requirement for the City Manager. 

Handle via ordinance—

• #5 Contingent Appropriations: Changing the budget contingency fund requirement to a minimum percentage of revenues. 
• #6 Property Tax Payments: Transitioning property tax collection to the County Tax Assessor. 
• #12 Public Records Access: Modernizing references to public record availability per the Texas Public Information Act.
• #15 Interim City Manager Roles: Establishing clear provisions for temporary or interim City Manager appointments.

Rejected—

• #3 City Attorney Management: Updating governance to ensure the City Attorney is managed by the City Council. 
• #4 Municipal Judge Appointment: Shifting the appointment of the Municipal Judge to the City Manager with Council approval. 
• #8 City Secretary Title Update: Renaming the City Secretary to City Clerk, with corresponding updates throughout the Charter. 
• #9 Court Clerk Title Update: Changing the title of Court Clerk to Court Administrator.
• #10 ZAPCO Jurisdiction Revision: Removing references to the Zoning and Planning Commission regulating development in the ETJ.
• #11 Council Term Limits Clarification: Adding language to clarify term limits and election cycle requirements. 
• #14 City Manager and Staff Relations: Clearly defining boundaries between the City Council and the City Manager’s supervisory roles. 

Council’s deadline (per state law) for calling a May election as to Charter changes is Feb. 14. Council instructed the City Attorney to prepare ballot language for the 6 items prioritized above for Charter change (items 1, 2, 7, 13, 16 and 17), if possible to be reviewed and discussed at the Dec. 16 Council meeting.

ADJOURNED at 9:24PM.

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/321568

Daring Mighty Things 

No, the above image isn’t my technical screw up.  It is Cosmic Latte, the official color of our universe.  It is what experts say the result would look like if all the stars, planets and everything else in the universe got tossed into a really big blender.  (Image Credit: Karl Glazebook and Ivan Baldry.) https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241201.html

Currently, NASA is working on decommissioning the aging International Space Station.  In continuous service since 1998, ISS is now considered a problem child with constant repairs, unexpected breakdowns, and increasing safety concerns for the humans stationed there. Plans are for ISS, in 2031, to be sent into a “safe, controlled deorbit.”  Some of the station should burn up during re-entry, with anything left ending up in “remote ocean territory.”  Nasa recently announced that Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been chosen (via a contract valued at $843 million) to design the deorbit vehicle that would guide the ISS in total (all 450 tons of it) to its fiery death.  Now, people are starting to question whether that suicide dive could harm Earth, including by polluting air and water.  Agencies worldwide are asking questions; one thing missing is solid international law covering this kind of thing.  Suggested options include disassembling the ISS in space and returning it to Earth in chunks, as cargo on Earth-bound ships.  Another option might be jettisoning pieces of the station outward into deep space.  Will the International Space Station’s 2031 death dive cause pollution problems? 12/4/24 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/will-the-international-space-stations-2031-death-dive-cause-pollution-problems

Last week, NASA announced delays in the Artemis program, specifically the crewed missions previously planned for 2025 and 2026.  Instead, Artemis 2 won’t take a crew of astronauts sling-shotting around the moon in an Orion capsule before 2026, and Artemis 3 won’t land astronauts in an Orion capsule on the moon until 2027.  The reason for the delay was, basically, space travel is hard.  (Image above is of uncrewed Artemis 1’s successful launch in 2022, credit: Getty.)  NASA delays Artemis 2 moon mission to 2026, Artemis 3 astronaut landing to mid-2027 12/5/24 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/nasa-delays-artemis-2-moon-mission-to-april-2026-artemis-3-lunar-landing-to-mid-2027

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

Want your holiday donations to support your views in the current political climate?  A recent New York Times article profiled a great option this way:

The Abortion Pill Sustainability Fund, a subsidiary of the nonprofit Healthcare Across Borders, offers a way to support doctors risking their safety to offer this essential care, allowing them to reach more women in need. The fund works with a network of doctors who operate on a sliding-scale basis. The Abortion Pill Sustainability Fund partly reimburses doctors for the free or low-cost care they’re offering, helping them to stay afloat. Supporting Local News, and Doctors Taking a Risk 11/29/24  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/29/opinion/charity-holiday-gift-local-news-doctors.html

Donate to the Abortion Pill Sustainability Fund here: https://healthcareacrossborders.org/donate/

Texas continues to shame the nation and kill its own residents. In 2023, Porsha Ngumezi, the 35-year old mother of 2, died at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, after suffering a miscarriage at 10 weeks.  Instead of performing the standard dilation and curettage/D&C procedure to clear her uterus and stop the hemorrhaging, the obstetrician on duty delayed, through 2 transfusions, causing her an agonizing and drawn-out death. Experts say it was completely unnecessary.  They  blame Texas’ strict yet vague abortion law, which includes fines, loss of license and jail time for medical professionals violating it.  A Third Woman Died Under Texas’ Abortion Ban. Doctors Are Avoiding D&Cs and Reaching for Riskier Miscarriage Treatments 11/25/24 https://www.propublica.org/article/porsha-ngumezi-miscarriage-death-texas-abortion-ban?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=majorinvestigations&utm_content=feature

Back to me…. 

Yes, it is finally fall in Texas.  So, instead of sweating on morning walks, my nose runs.

Somehow, it is already Christmas season.  Last week, my neighbors and I got St. Andrews decked out for the holidays.

For our deer herd, rut season continues, with solitary bucks wandering around trying to look all tough and studly, while does hang out in groups talking trash about the boys.  Or, so it seems to me….  Here are some photos I took in the last couple weeks in Old Lakeway and in The Hills.

Coronavirus Update

Covid-19 activity stayed low over the last 2 weeks. Indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) remain flat as of Nov. 30.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Nov. 30, national wastewater viral testing remains LOW (and Texas as a state still tested MINIMAL).  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

This fall’s edition of the Covid-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies. 

Have you gotten the UPDATED Covid-19 shot?  I got mine in early October; during 13 days of poll working, several of my co-workers caught Covid, but I did not.  If you want to be protected this winter, start here: https://www.heb.com/pharmacy/vaccinations This new vaccine was formulated to work against recent variants, so everyone is urged to get vaccinated.  Consider getting it along with your annual flu shot.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best timing, if you recently had Covid or recently got vaccinated.  New COVID, flu vaccines arrive in Austin 8/31/24  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/08/28/covid-flu-vaccine-2024-near-me-austin-texas-tips-pharmacy-doctors-office/74965044007/

Here is what is happening in Lakeway.   

Swim Center is CLOSED for Renovations.

The Lakeway Swim Center is undergoing a full deck resurfacing and is CLOSED from Nov. 21 through Dec. 10 to complete the project. (The Dec. 7 swim meet has been CANCELLED.)  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/84/Swim-Center

Lane Closures Continue on Lohmans Spur.

Utility work is ongoing related to the future extension of Lohmans Spur into the new City Center development area.  As a result, the right northbound lane of Lohmans Spur, on BOTH sides of Lohmans Crossing, has been closed since Oct. 7 and will continue that way for several weeks.  Expect congestion and delays at the Lohmans Crossing light near the Police Station.

WEST library location is OPEN.

The new library addition, known as West, is now OPEN.  Located on 71 in Spicewood (21209 State Hwy. 71 78669), West is a newly renovated 5,000-square-foot facility providing easy access to library services for Bee Creek, Briarcliff, Rough Hollow, Spicewood, and Travis Settlement, plus the Sweetwater and West Cypress Hills developments. At West, patrons will find books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs, as well as public computers with printing services, a dedicated children’s area, a study room, a covered patio, and a drive-thru window for reserve pick-up and returns.  A notary public, interlibrary loans and the library’s digital collection will also be available.  West is managed by Assistant Library Director Raj Kamat, who has been with the Lake Travis Community Library for over 6 years. Currently, West is open Monday: 10am – 7pm; Tuesday: 10am – 4pm; Wednesday: 10am – 4pm; and Saturday: 10am – 4pm.  See the Lake Travis Community Library fundraising page for naming opportunities still available at West: https://laketravislibrary.org/fundraising/

Lakeway TRASH COLLECTION over Thanksgiving holiday runs one day late.

Waste Connections WILL collect garbage and recycling during Thanksgiving Week (Nov. 25-30).  Scheduled collections on Monday-Wednesday will be as usual.  If you are scheduled for Thursday collection, that will bump out to Friday.  If you are scheduled for Friday collection, that will bump out to Saturday.

House Watch

If you are traveling over the holidays or only occupy your home here part-time, Lakeway Police Department provides a House Watch program, at no charge.  Just let them know, and officers will perform close patrols of the address and contact you if anything appears suspicious.  Call 512-261-2800 for info and go here to sign up:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1305/House-Watch-Request

Need a RIDE?  Want to VOLUNTEER to drive seniors?

Chariot is a FREE service providing rides (for medical appointments and grocery shopping) to non-driving folks age 60 and over. Chariot has been operating across Central Texas (including Lakeway!) since 1988. Riders must be mobile to use the service; wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.  Mission statement: “Chariot enriches lives and communities by providing transportation and socialization to non-driving seniors, helping them to age in place.”  Volunteer drivers, who must be over 21 with a high school diploma or higher plus a valid driver’s license, are critical to Chariot’s success and use their own vehicles.  Click this link or call 512-445-5552 for info and to either set up a ride or volunteer as a driver: https://chariot.org/

Lake Travis Community Library provides TECH HELP.

Drop in from noon to 2PM Monday-Thursday and work with one of the tech coaches (1938 Lohmans Crossing).  They can help with questions about your smartphone, tablet, computer OR any of the library’s own services like the Libby app.  They also provide help via email or phone, and there is a weekly ZOOM session.  More info is here:  https://laketravislibrary.org/tech-coach/

Lake Travis Democrats—Get Early Bird Rate on Holiday Party NOW.

Holiday Party: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6PM at La Quinta Inn & Suites (1943 Medical Drive in Lakeway).  Enjoy food (catered by Vivel), music, and fun with your Dem friends.  EARLY BIRD ticket pricing available NOW: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/event-details/lake-travis-dems-tuscan-village-voters-holiday-party

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

Give the Gift of the Symphony.

Make the holidays special by giving the Gift of Symphony.  EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE for “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.”  This will be Lakeway’s 5^th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Concert is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4PM, at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). Early bird ticket prices range from $15 to $50; or, opt for the VIP option to meet the musicians at a special dinner the evening before the event. Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Bee Cave on Ice

Running now through Jan. 5, the Hill Country Galleria hosts an ice skating rink in the Central Plaza. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  Hours are Mon.-Thur. 3pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Fri. 12pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Sat. 10am-10pm (last session at 9pm); and Sun. 10am-7pm (last session at 6pm).  The fee is $15/hour, except $10 on Tuesdays (fees include skate rental). More info and you can make reservations here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/bee-cave-on-ice/2145577106

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a 12-minute live update on Nov. 14.  Go here to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/573354795280582

Council next meets on Dec. 2.

Tentatively, the Dec. 2 Special Meeting will be a joint session with Council and the Charter Review Committee.  If, so, the group will explore the 17 Lakeway Charter changes recently proposed by the committee.  Two of the items were voted down by residents in 2020. Several items were suggested by staff as procedural clean up measures. But, other items would make substantive changes to how the city operates, particularly as to volunteers and committee appointments, as to the Ethics Committee, as to our elections, and as to the power distribution among Mayor, City Manager and Council.  Changes that Council accepts must be voted on by residents, likely in the May, 2025, local election.  During the week prior to Dec. 2, check here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

(Results of Council’s Nov. 18 meeting are posted below, at the end of this section.)

TexArts Productions

TexArts has holiday and 2025 productions scheduled, presented at its NEW theater located in the heart of Lakeway at 1110 Ranch Road 620 South.  Go here for details and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

• Nov. 22-Dec. 15: Elf–The Musical
• Feb. 14-March 2: Tick, Tick … Boom!
• July 11-Aug. 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Light Up the Plaza

On Friday, Nov. 29, head over to Hill Country Galleria for its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, in the Central Plaza.  Event runs 5PM-9PM; tree lighting is set for 6:30PM.  Family fun includes live music, ice-skating, giveaways, face painting and refreshments. FREE admission and parking.  More info here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/light-up-the-plaza/2145577001

Drop off Green Santa gifts for kids at the library by Dec. 3.

LTLov’s Green Santa program provides gifts and toys to local children and families in need. Suggested gifts include sports equipment, dolls, puzzles, gift cards, toddler toys, and art supplies. Drop off donations by Tue., Dec. 3, at Lake Travis Community Library(1938 Lohmans Crossing). Cash donations are also accepted via Venmo.  Info here: https://ltlov.org/#green-santa

Lights On!

Lakeway kicks off the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6PM, with the official lighting of the Trail of Lights.  This FREE annual family event takes place in the Lakeway City Hall Parking Lot (1102 Lohmans Crossing); additional parking is available nearby at Lakeway Activity Center and the Justice Center. In addition to the light ceremony, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves will be there to meet children, listen to holiday wishes, and pose for photos. Plus—live music, s’mores and a variety of food from local vendors, and more holiday cheer.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1427/Lights-On

Lakeway’s Trail of Lights

Enjoy all the holiday light scenes at the annual Trail of Lights.  It starts on Dec. 6 and continues nightly 6PM-midnight throughout December. The walkable display is located below City Hall, at 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road.  More parking is available at the adjacent Activity Center,105 Cross Creek. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights

Singalong Christmas Show at Lakeway Activity Center.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, there are TWO showings for Sing We Now of Christmas: 2PM and 4PM, at LAC(105 Cross Creek).  This will be the 24^th year for local singers to present an annual Christmas show.  Price of admission is an UNWRAPPED TOY for a child up to age 17 (for LTLov’s Green Santa to distribute to children in needy local families.)

Movie Night: A Christmas Story at Lakeway Activity Center.

On Friday, Dec. 13, at 6PM, bring the family over to the LAC parking lot (105 Cross Creek) for a FREE outside showing of the holiday film, A Christmas Story, on the massive LED screen.  Bring blankets and chairs, and enjoy hot chocolate and food from vendors.  Later, stroll through the Trail of Lights next door at City Hall.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2109/Christmas-Movie

Classical Ballet: The Nutcracker at Lakeway Activity Center.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, 3PM at LAC (105 Cross Creek), Metamorphosis Dance presents excerpts from The Nutcracker.  This FREE performance is sponsored by Lakeway Arts Committee.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2212/Nutcracker

Holiday Music at the Library.

On Friday, Dec. 20 at 3PM, enjoy holiday music at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing), courtesy of local musician and classical guitarist Mark Anthony Cruz.

New Years—Polar Bear Plunge.

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9-10AM, swing by Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.) with your towel and DIVE INTO 2026!  This FREE event is fun for all ages.  After your bracing plunge, warm up with delicious refreshments and snacks, and relax in the cozy warming location. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2034/Polar-Bear-Plunge

Council met on Nov. 18.

RESULTS–All members attended the meeting, in person on the dais. 

ITEM 11 (part of the Consent Agenda):  Allowing golf course maintenance (and the noise it produces) to start at 6:30AM YEAR-ROUND (instead of just during the summer, May-Sept., but 7AM the rest of the year), with city staff able to grant permission for a 6AM start time on a limited basis (up to 6 days a year).

–The Item was pulled from the Consent Agenda.  In discussion, members agreed that the early start allowed for the summer was NOT intended to extend year-round.  However, especially in light of NO public objections this time around, members were open to golf course needs, since it is one of Lakeway’s oldest and largest businesses.  Council UNANIMOUSLY AGREED to a 6:30AM daily start time, as a 6-month trial, with review in May. (Residents should document and report any violations—activity/noise prior to 6:30AM–so they can be part of that review.)

ITEM 13: Citizens Participation for items NOT on the agenda.

–One person spoke, regarding a chronic problem with dogs allowed off leash at City Park.

ITEM 14: Financial Report. 

–At the start of the fiscal year, the city is $537,000 to the good, budget-wise, largely due to timing of various revenues and expenditures that will likely balance out as the year progresses.

ITEM 15: Amending the Hillsong PUD Agreement, which covers 25.949 acres at 15617 Flint Rock Rd., specifically changing the commercial use of the 3.09 acre portion (now owned by Travis County Emergency Services District Six/Lake Travis Fire and Rescue) to GUI so that a fire station (50’ max height) can be built there, plus replacing the approved public park with a $567,000 fee-in-lieu and allocating impervious cover between the 3.09 acre portion and the 22.859 acre home build portion (126 residences). 

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. (Don’t get too excited; construction on this fire station won’t start before 2030.)

ITEM 16: Approval of a 100-year Special Use Permit so that a general use STORAGE FACILITY CAN BE BUILT IN ROUGH HOLLOW, specifically on 4.5 acres at 1900 Highlands (adjacent to the traffic circle).  [NOTE: The storage facility was added in a PUD Amendment back in 2021, when terms were renegotiated; community benefits (including dedication of parkland as promised in the original PUD) were balanced with financial incentives to the developer (including additional condos and this storge facility).  However, city code establishes guidelines for approval of special uses like storage facilities, including evaluating the effect on the neighborhood and considering whether it would be a nuisance.  Lakeway has long denied storage facilities within city limits.  In 2019, the same developer tried to add a storage facility to a Town Center/Tuscan Village 2 mixed use tract; ZAPCO reviewed the request per code guidelines and unanimously denied it, such that the developer withdrew the proposal. Surely, Rough Hollow deserves the same consideration and protection as central Lakeway.]

–After very brief discussion and 2 residents commenting against it, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED a storage facility in Rough Hollow.

ITEM 17: Creating an Animal Shelter Advisory Committee to oversee care of lost, stray, abandoned and surrendered animals at Lakeway’s Animal Control Facility.  Proposed committee members: 1) Veterinarian Heidi Moore; 2) Councilmember Jennifer Szimanski; 3) Animal Control Officer Andrea Greig; 4) Mike Dwinal of Highland Lakes Canine Rescue; and 5) Police Lt. Jason Brown.

— UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEM 18: Discussion/possible action re: role of the Economic Development Committee.

–After discussion, Council asked for a formal EDC report at the December or January Council meeting, so that further action could be taken then. 

ITEM 19: Resolution casting the city’s 10 votes in the election for 5 seats on the Travis County Appraisal District Board of Directors.  (Lakeway previously nominated Thomas Kilgore, Gretchen Vance, Matt Sherman, Jim Gray and Ken Bautsch.)

–After discussion about giving all 10 votes to 1 nominee to maximize chances of getting a non-Austin person elected, Counsel AGREED (6/0/1 Szimanski abstaining) to give all 10 votes to Thomas Kilgore.

ITEM 20: Discussion/possible action re: Rebel Park and Sailfish Park. (A report by Mayor Kilgore was recently added to the Meeting Packet, indicating the issue is finding the best way to correct errors made when these properties were deeded to the city in 1995 as parkland, even though the tracts may not meet the state definition of parkland.)

–Council discussed the issue, and a few residents made comments.  By state law, parks—but not green space–must be ADA compliant, now exposing the city to liability.  Due to steep topography, neither tract is suitable for development as a park, though the land is valuable as green space, for humans and for wildlife.  Some of the land likely could be used for homes or commercial purpose, which no one favors.  An additional complication is that several adjacent homeowners have built docks that encroach on these tracts, resulting in title problems.  The city might normally sell the submerged land to them, except that parkland cannot be sold without voter approval; in 2012, the city tried to get voter approval to sell the submerged land to those homeowners, but that failed.  Possible solutions mentioned in discussion included doing a deed correction/revision, trying another ballot initiative, somehow changing the designation from parkland to green space, and taking action to cause the land to revert to the donor (Lakeway Civic Corp.) which could request a zoning change and then re-gift it to the city as green space, etc. (NOTE: the city attorney was skeptical that some of the suggestions were legal options.) After discussion, COUNCIL DIRECTED STAFF to pursue the possibility with LCC of deed correction/revision as first choice and ballot initiative as second choice; returning the land to LCC was not favored.

ITEM 21: Executive Session on West Austin Park legal intervention.

–NO ACTION TAKEN.

ADJOURNED at 9:45PM. 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/320605

Daring Mighty Things 

In the above image, a distant and tiny Earth is setting behind the moon’s bright edge, as seen from an external camera on the outbound Orion spacecraft during day 6 of the Artemis 1 mission on November of 2022.  (Image credit: NASA, Artemis 1.)  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241120.html

NASA’s Orion capsule, shown above, is now being tested in the altitude chamber at Kennedy Space Center, prior to taking 4 astronauts into orbit around the moon in 2025.  (Image credit: Lockheed Martin/David Wellendorf.)  Artemis 2’s Orion capsule goes into altitude chamber to prep for 2025 moon mission 11/14/24  https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/artemis-2s-orion-capsule-goes-into-altitude-chamber-to-prep-for-2025-moon-mission

Starship is loud.  REALLY loud.  New studies show that SpaceX’s new Starship rocket far exceeds projected maximum noise levels, generating a sonic boom so powerful it risks property damage in the densely populated residential community near its South Texas launch site.  (Image credit: Meridith Kohut for The New York Times.)  Starship is as tall as a 30-story building, and it generates 10 times as much noise as the Falcon 9 rocket that SpaceX now uses to get cargo and astronauts to orbit.  For residents of South Padre Island and Port Isabel, just 6 miles from the launch site, the noise during the October test flight was the equivalent of standing 200 feet from a Boeing 747 plane during its takeoff.  It was about 1.5 times as loud on the ground as the Concorde sonic boom; when supersonic Concorde jets were still in service, the US banned them from flying over domestic land.  In South Texas, car alarms go off, and normal life is disrupted in countless ways with every launch.  Structural damage is being documented.  There are dozens of homes in Boca Chica village, less than two miles from the launchpad, and in rural areas nearby. The area is also surrounded by a national wildlife refuge and state park that are home to several endangered or threatened birds and turtles, which may also be harmed by the noise and vibrations.  SpaceX plans to launch its very loud mega-rocket from 2 sites near Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as well as from South Texas.  Per SpaceX, as many as 400 launches will happen in the next 4 years.  SpaceX Starship’s Sonic Boom Creates Risk of Structural Damage, Test Finds 11/18/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/18/us/politics/spacex-starship-sonic-boom-damage.html

SpaceX’s 400-foot-tall Starship mega-rocket launched its 6^th test fight on Nov. 19, from its South Texas facility.  (Image credit: SpaceX.)  It succeeded in carrying a plush banana into orbit but failed to execute the “chopsticks” booster catch it managed on test flight #5. In theory, Starship will deliver NASA astronauts to the moon in 2026.  SpaceX Starship launches banana to space, skips giant rocket catch on 6th test flight 11/19/24 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starship-launches-banana-to-space-skips-giant-rocket-catch-on-6th-test-flight-video-photos

With liberty and justice for all … except women.  

On Nov. 18, a federal judge in Wyoming struck down 2 state laws that ban surgical abortion and pills used in medication abortion, as violating the Wyoming constitution.  The judge found that Wyoming’s Life Act and Medication Abortion Ban “impede the fundamental right to make health care decisions for an entire class of people, pregnant women.”  As a result, abortion is now available in Wyoming until fetal viability.  The state is expected to appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court.  Judge strikes down Wyoming’s abortion laws, saying they violate state constitution 11/19/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/judge-strikes-wyomings-abortion-bans-saying-violate-state-constitution-rcna180731

Federal laws allow pills used in medication abortion to be accessed by women nationwide.  Now, several states with abortion bans are challenging the federal laws with the antiquated pronatalist argument. The attorneys general of Idaho, Kansas and Missouri claim that abortion access is causing them to lose population, with decreased births inflicting “a sovereign injury to the state itself.”  This is the latest twist in the Texas case purposely placed with abortion foe Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, the only sitting judge in the Northern District of Texas; last year, the US Supreme Court found the doctors who originally brought the case lacked standing. Kacsmaryk is likely to buy the argument that states need to make women have more babies, sending the case up to the far-right 5th Circuit Appeals Court; the next stop will be SCOTUS, again.  The New Anti-Abortion Argument Takes Us Back to the 19th Century 11/18/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/18/opinion/abortion-medication-courts.html

Back to me….

If you are planning to cook for Thanksgiving—and even if you aren’t—here is a tip: CLEAN THE FILTER IN YOUR DISHWASHER.  If this isn’t on your list of routine fun chores, trust me, it should be.  The filter collects food bits, so build up causes your dishwasher to smell, function poorly, leak, and break down.  Paying a big plumber’s bill is even worse when it is to fix something totally preventable, like a clogged dishwasher filter. 

Plus, this is easy to do.  Pull the lower rack out of the way and inspect the bottom of your dishwasher for something looking like a filter.  (As with so much in life, your cell phone’s flashlight helps a lot with this.)  Remove the filter.  Gag.  Dump the worst of the mess into the garbage can.  Use an old toothbrush to scrape off the rest, then scrub the filter with your favorite cleaner.  Replace the filter.  Vow to do this chore regularly. Brag to your friends and scare them into doing this, too.

This is really NOT rocket science, but if you need an actual tutorial, try this (the image above was taken from this page): How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-filter-5085457

Rut season is underway, so watch for adult deer rampaging through the streets.  Actually, things are generally much more sedate than that; this is Lakeway, after all.  I have seen deer on most of my recent morning walks, often groups of several placid females–mature does, plus females born earlier this year and too young to be of interest to the VERY mature buck invariably lurking with high hopes just outside each group.  (Happily, Lakeway’s bucks are morally superior to Matt Gaetz, in that regard.)  Here are some of the photos I took in the last couple weeks.

Coronavirus Update

Covid-19 infections stayed flat or dropped a bit. Indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) flattened or ticked up slightly, as of Nov. 16.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

As of Nov. 16, national wastewater viral testing remains LOW (and Texas as a state tested MINIMAL).  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

Long term studies of 2020 Covid patients show that getting Covid—even a mild case—DOUBLES THE RISK of having a heart attack or a stroke over the next THREE YEARS.  For reasons not yet understood, the risk was heightened for people with blood type A or B.  This is just 1 more reason to stay current with your Covid-19 vaccination.  COVID-19 may increase heart attack and stroke risk for years  10/9/24  https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/10/09/covid-19-may-increase-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-for-years

This fall’s edition of the Covid-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies. 

Have you gotten the UPDATED Covid-19 shot?  I got mine in early October; during 13 days of poll working, several of my co-workers caught Covid, but I did not.  If you want to be protected this winter, start here: https://www.heb.com/pharmacy/vaccinations This new vaccine was formulated to work against recent variants, so everyone is urged to get vaccinated.  Consider getting it along with your annual flu shot.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best timing, if you recently had Covid or recently got vaccinated.  New COVID, flu vaccines arrive in Austin 8/31/24  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/08/28/covid-flu-vaccine-2024-near-me-austin-texas-tips-pharmacy-doctors-office/74965044007/