Author: Nina Davis

The Coronavirus    In the 2 weeks since my last blog, EVERYTHING changed.  For the worse, of course.

Worldwide, millions of children have been orphaned in the last 18 months, due to their parents/caregivers dying of Covid.  One estimate is that, worldwide, an adult caregiver now dies every 12 seconds.  Given the scarcity of vaccines in most countries, this is not expected to improve much, for years.  The hardest hit areas are Africa, South Asia and Latin America.  The number of Covid orphans already exceeds that from AIDS and other plagues.  This tragic human and economic consequence will burden many countries for a generation.

Indonesia, with patients now needing to bring their own oxygen tanks to hospitals, is the new Covid hub, eclipsing India and Brazil.  In the Philippines, the capitol city of Manila (population 13 million), will be completely locked down Aug. 4-20 with people only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping. Bali delayed its planned July reopening to vaccinated tourists.  In Japan, new cases spiked to the highest level ever, just as the Olympics began; as of July 28, the country was reporting over 10,000 new cases per day, a pandemic high.

Cuba has the most new cases, per capita, in Latin America.

The UK lifted pandemic restrictions in a state of confusion.  “Freedom Day” was rife with worker shortages as many people were self-quarantining due to exposure notices from the government-sponsored app.  That included PM Boris Johnson, in isolation for at least 10 days after being in contact with diagnosed officials.

In the US, the war has changed.  We are suddenly back to losing the fight against the pandemic; instead of a celebratory summer, we are back in Covid hell.  So announced the CDC last week, as it revised how we fight Covid.  So announced President Biden, as he enacted vaccine mandates—the last resort for controlling Covid among an irresponsible populace.  So announced countless state and local entities as well as private businesses following suit, while the Delta variant reignited the pandemic in poorly vaccinated areas nationwide.  The new strategy is to make life harder for the stubborn unvaccinated, whose irresponsible shot refusal not only makes themselves Covid fodder but also endangers everyone else.

The current surge is driven by the Delta variant, accounting for 80-90% of new cases, depending on region.  Even with limited testing, there were over 100,000 new cases reported on July 29 and again on July 30; daily levels have not been that high since the surge in February.  The current surge is expected to continue escalating until peaking in late October.  Experts say:

–Delta is 200 times as contagious as the original Covid-19 virus. 

–Anyone NOT vaccinated WILL get it. 

–Having had Covid in the past does NOT protect against Delta. 

–99% of the people dying now from Covid are UNVACCINATED.

–GET VACCINATED.

Over 25% of all new cases in the US are in Florida, and many hospitals there have more Covid patients now than ever before.  Just 3 states—Florida, Texas and Missouri—together account for over 50% of America’s new cases; they also have Republican governors who blatantly downplayed the pandemic from the start and banned mitigation efforts like mask requirements.  Other states rife with hot spots include Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.  All these states have low vaccination rates and overwhelmed hospitals, yet again.

The virus turn-around caused Google, Apple and Uber to postpone having employees return to work in offices until October.  Other companies large and small are likely to follow their example.

Covid has given us yet another new term—breakthrough infection.  More and more people who are fully vaccinated are testing positive for Covid, many asymptomatic and some experiencing mild symptoms.  These are known as breakthrough infections and are not surprising.  We always knew that the vaccines wouldn’t stop 100% of sickness and that a few people would still get covid—just not severe or deadly cases.  But, the sheer number of breakthrough cases seems larger than expected, and THAT is due to Delta being so contagious.  Check out NYT’s 25-minute podcast from The Daily, on how and why some people get infected even though fully vaccinated, the new finding that THEY ARE CONTAGIOUS, and the new issues that raises.  Breakthrough Infections, Explained  UPDATED podcast 8-2-21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/podcasts/the-daily/breakthrough-infections-delta-variant.html?rref=vanity

Masks are back.  On July 27, the CDC stated EVERYONE (even the vaccinated) should return to wearing masks indoors in public, wherever the virus is surging (for example, areas with a positive testing rate of 8% or higher.)  At present, that includes 2/3 of all counties in the US.  The CDC based this change in masking on new data showing the Delta variant is not only infecting vaccinated people but causing them to carry the virus in great amounts, making them spreaders. This is because, with Delta infections, the viral load in nasal passages is 1,000 times higher than with basic Covid.  So, vaccinated parents and other adults spending time around unvaccinated children can infect them. 

St. Louis has mandated masks for everyone, indoors in public places, as has Washington, DC; both areas have high case-counts now.  The White House and The House of Representatives (actually, ALL federal areas), along with many businesses (including all Disney parks and all Broadway theaters in NYC), are requiring masks be worn by everyone.  Experts note that N95 masks are widely available to the public now, and they are far more effective than fabric or surgical masks.

In the last 2 weeks, US cases have increased 150%, hospitalizations are up 74%, and deaths are up 10%.

In Texas, in the last 2 weeks, cases have increased 209%, hospitalizations are up 80%, and deaths are up 48%.

Texas is again reporting over 10,000 new cases daily, which hasn’t happened since February.  As of July 30, there were 6,251 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19, the most since February.  The current positive test rate is 16.99—more than double what it was 2 weeks back. 

Do you want to live or die?  Here is crystal clear data on the choice.  99.5% of people who died due to COVID-19 in Texas from Feb. 8 to July 14 were unvaccinated.  Texas has seen nearly 9,000 COVID-19 deaths since February. All but 43 were unvaccinated people. 7/21/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/21/coronavirus-texas-vaccinated-deaths/

Austin/Travis County, due to the sharp increase in new cases and hospitalizations   reached the threshold for Stage 5 guidelines on July 30, just 1 week after escalating to Stage 4.  In Stage 4, masks are advised even for vaccinated people in stores and restaurants, when traveling, and in outdoor crowds.  Unvaccinated people (including those only partially vaccinated) should not gather in groups and should only go out for essential purposes. In Stage 5, likely adopted if hospitalizations stay up for 3 days, all travel should cease.  As of July 31, Austin/Travis County has 338 people hospitalized for Covid, a level not seen since February, and only 11 ICU beds are available.

Gov. Abbott issued new orders last week reiterating that no government entity can require masks or vaccinations, decreeing that “personal responsibility” is all Texas needs to fight Covid.  Odd–that hasn’t worked so far.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, France will require Covid passes for all domestic travelers and restaurant patrons.  The Italian government is requiring people to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test for indoor dining, visiting museums and attending shows.

Canada has reached vaccination goals and says it will open its border to Americans August 9, as long as they have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before travel and present a negative test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Israel is offering a 3^rd shot of Pfizer, as a booster, to everyone over age 60 who got vaccinated at least 5 months previously.

In a rare success story, 90 percent of adults in remote Himalayan kingdom Bhutan (population 800’000) have been fully vaccinated.  Vaccine for the first set of shots was donated by India.  A large group of countries (Denmark, Bulgaria, Croatia, China, America, and others) donated the second round of vaccine, but it was the developing nation’s robust cold-chain technology and the eagerness of its people to get vaccinated that guaranteed success.

At least 100 out of America’s 613 athletes participating in the Olympics in Japan are NOT vaccinated.  (That doesn’t include over 70 of the athletes who failed to complete the official health form.)  The IOC says about 85% of ALL athletes are vaccinated, but how that number was reached is vague. 

In the US, studies show that being vaccinated makes you 25 times less likely to die of Covid.  Yet, the split between vaccinated and not vaccinated remains a sharp divide.  99% of recent deaths were among unvaccinated people, and more than 97% of recent hospitalizations occurred among the unvaccinated.

But, since so many people clearly are NOT smart enough, vaccination mandates could no longer be denied.

The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first federal agency to mandate vaccination; it gave 115,000 health care workers (those patient-facing such as doctors, dentists, registered nurses, physician assistants and specialists) a vaccination deadline that is 2 months out. 

California state employees, as well as on-site public and private health care workers, must be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.  New York City municipal employees (including police officers and teachers) must be vaccinated by mid-September or get weekly tests.  New York state workers must be vaccinated or face weekly testing (with patient-facing health care workers NOT given the testing option).  On July 29, President Biden ordered that all federal civilian workers (over 4 million people) must be vaccinated, or they will have to mask, social distance, and test weekly.  The same rules will be applied to all US military personnel.Broadway theaters will require proof of vaccination to attend; the same will be required for performers and staff.  Hundreds of bars in San Francisco will require indoor patrons to prove vaccination or a recent negative test.  The major unions in Hollywood agreed to a short-term plan that would allow studios to require everyone on production sets to be vaccinated.  University vaccine requirements are being upheld by the courts, with over 600 higher learning institutions announcing vaccine mandates. Indiana University’s Vaccine Requirement Should Stand, Federal Judge Rules 7/19/21  https://www.npr.org/2021/07/19/1018010489/indiana-universitys-vaccine-requirement-should-stand-federal-judge-rules

MANY other entities are chiming in to require vaccination for employees—Google, Facebook, Netflix, The Washington Post, California State University, CNN, Saks, Lyft, Uber, and Morgan Stanley.  Countless medical facilities, including the multi-state Mayo Clinic system of hospitals, are requiring employees to be vaccinated.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

UPDATED podcast on NYT’s The Daily, covering current info on breakthrough Covid infections 8-2-21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/podcasts/the-daily/breakthrough-infections-delta-variant.html?rref=vanity

Vaccinated People May Spread the Virus, C.D.C. Reports 7/30/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/30/health/cdc-vaccinated-delta.html

As Infections Rise, C.D.C. Urges Some Vaccinated Americans to Wear Masks Again 7/27/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/27/health/covid-cdc-masks-vaccines-delta-variant.html

‘There’s a disconnect’: After a rapid rollout why has US vaccine effort stalled?  7/26/21 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/26/us-vaccine-effort-nuance-covid-coronavirus

Medical groups call for mandatory vaccination of U.S. health care workers  7/26/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/26/health/health-care-workers-vaccine-requirement.html

The Delta Variant Is the Symptom of a Bigger Threat: Vaccine Refusal  7/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/25/health/coronavirus-vaccine-refusal.html

Covid Has Created a Scale of Family Loss Not Seen Since AIDS  7/20/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/20/opinion/covid-19-orphans.html

Delta variant sweeps through states that dialed back health powers  7/22/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/22/delta-variant-surge-covid-cases-500483

U.S. Life Expectancy Plunged in 2020, Especially for Black and Hispanic Americans, due to the pandemic 7/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/21/us/american-life-expectancy-report.html

Surgeon General Assails Tech Companies Over Misinformation on Covid-19  7/16/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/15/us/politics/surgeon-general-vaccine-misinformation.html

Daring Mighty Things

On July 20, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin had a successful test flight for its version of a space ride.  Its New Shephard is a more traditional capsule launched via rocket, compared to Virgin Galactic’s plane-like craft.  (Clearly, its design team was predominantly male.)  Plus, it went higher into the atmosphere, passing the 62-mile-high Karman line. On board were Bezos, his brother, and 82-year-old female aviator Wally Funk; the 4^th seat went to the 18-year-old son of the highest bidder at a charity auction.  (So, the flight took into space both the oldest and youngest “astronauts” ever.)  While the Virgin Galactic craft is flown by a pilot on board, Blue Origin is flown from the ground, with no crew along for the 10 minute ride.

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Texas state elections

Of course, Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the 2022 AG race; crooks gotta stick together.  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton gets all-important endorsement from Donald Trump over fellow Republican George P. Bush.  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/26/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-2022-donald-trump/

Bush and Paxton will also face Former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eve Guzman in the Republican primary. 

And, by the way—the Texas legislature is in complete disarray.  The Democrats who bugged out to DC on July 12 are still AWOL, so the Texas House lacks a quorum and nothing can get done during the special session.  Unfortunately, that means Gov. Abbott’s May temper-tantrum veto of all funding for the legislative branch still stands.  So, as of Sept. 1, the legislature has no funding and staffers (Republican AND Democrat) are out of work.  The current failed special session ends next week.  Abbott can call another session, with or without the contentious voting rights bill on the agenda, to take care of basics like the budget and the dire issue of banning U-T from ditching the Big 12 for the SEC.  With flaky Abbott, it all depends on how things poll for his re-election campaign.  The Texas Supreme Court has been asked to rule on whether Abbott has the power to defund a co-equal branch of state government, which should be interesting.  Analysis: Texas government has to put Humpty Dumpty together again 7/29/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/29/texas-legislature-budget-veto-greg-abbott/

In Lakeway, there were 3 Council meetings

Lakeway Council had 2 meetings on Monday, July 19. 

During the afternoon Budget Meeting:

Heritage Committee requested funds to clean and polish the Spirit of Freedom monument and to make at least 3 more videos showcasing Lakeway’s history (covering our July 4^th parade tradition, Colorado River and building the dam, and the pioneer roots of local families).  Mayor Kilgore asked that the Heritage Committee investigate honoring ALL who served and not just those serving during recognized conflicts.

Arts Committee requested $13,500 for various visual arts programs, $2,500 for printed materials, and $37,450 for the Austin Symphony collaborative concert with Lake Travis High School.

City Manager Oakley listed several committee/department requests:

–Economic Development requests $25K.

–Wildlife Advisory needs $8,800 for the annual deer census and $2,000 for educational materials.  Council Member Mastrangelo suggested adding additional routes to the census (including Vanguard and the airpark area) which would increase the cost to $10,000, subject to WAC’s discretion.  Mayor Kilgore mentioned additional work on non-deer wildlife issues would be addressed by his soon-to-be-named WAC committee members.

–Parks and Recreation requests $700K total (from Capital Reserve Fund), being $100K for the N. Lakeway Village Trail (a new looped trail with boardwalk and pedestrian bridges in the greenbelt area off Clara Van and connecting to Clubhouse Drive), $55K for a  sidewalk near the Hurst Creek sculpture garden, $445K for the new bridge near the Hurst Creek sculpture garden (after discussion on the high cost, Council asked for options for pedestrian, cart, and vehicle bridges), and $100K for professional parks planning.

–5 vehicles (2 cars and a 4X4 truck for Police Dept., a truck for BDS, and a 4X4 dump truck for Public Works) for $260K (from Capital Reserve Fund).

–Another $122K (from Capital Reserve Fund) for a radio system for the Emergency Coordinator, sealcoat and striping of parking lots at LAC and Swim Center, and new exterior doors for LAC.

Mayor Kilgore asked staff to provide the cost to the city of increasing the homestead exemption for residents over 65 from the current $5K to $15K or even $30K.

Mayor Kilgore pointed out that the city does not observe 3 federal holidays (Veterans Day, Juneteenth and Columbus Day); he asked staff to provide the cost of making those city holidays.  He also noted that the city now observes 1 religious holiday (Good Friday); he suggested that staff be allowed instead to take 1 religious holiday of their choice and asked the cost be calculated for that.

Addendum—Activity Center fees were discussed, being annual membership fees (for residents and for non-residents), room rentals, linen and equipment rentals, plus class fees, and special event fees.  In discussion, Council agreed that membership fees for residents help cover ongoing expenses, separate and apart from construction costs for the building paid decades ago by taxpayers.  In addition, having residents pay a small membership fee enables their groups to get priority and discounted rate for event bookings when 80% of attendees are members.

Go here to watch the meeting online– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/129159

During the evening Regular Meeting:

The Agenda had 30 items, most being fleshed out in the voluminous Meeting Packet.  (For good or bad, most of these items are routine.  There are only a few substantive items, which I noted with an asterisk.*  The city needs to figure out better ways to handle the routine stuff and get it off Council’s plate.)  RESULTS in ALL CAPS.

–The Consent Agenda has items appointing members of the following boards and committees: Ethics, City Building Commission, Zoning and Planning, and Economic Development.  Another item closes down the Public Engagement Committee, since the City’s Communications Director has taken on its work.  (Names and full details are in the Meeting Packet.)  ITEM 6 (ETHICS COMM. NOMINATIONS) WAS WITHDRAWN.  THE REST PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

–Item 16 is the Financial Report.  REVENUE IS UP BY $900K, LARGELY DUE TO SALES TAX AND RESIDENTIAL PERMIT FEES BEING HIGHER THAN PROJECTED.

–*Item 17 is a rate increase request by Waste Management, per the terms of its trash and recycling collection contract with the city.  Increased costs (landfill costs and wages) of $0.76 are offset by increased revenues (recycled materials’ worth) of $0.57, with the result being a requested rate increase of $0.19, to $17.80 (per month, per customer).  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–*Item 18 is acceptance of a donation from The Lakeway Civic Corp. to pay for up to $40k in continued restoration of the Liebelt Cabin. Conditions on the gift are that the City undertake to fund annual maintenance work on the cabin AND pursue grant money to fund making the cabin and its surroundings compliant with the Texas Accessibility Act. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, BUT ABSENT THE CONDITIONS (which LCC changed to suggestions)

–Item 19 is a budget amendment for item 18.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 20 is a request for a short-term rental permit for a condo at World of Tennis.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 21 is a request for a special use permit for 100 years allowing an ambulatory surgery center at 6 Lakeway Center Court.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 22 is a request for a special use permit for 20 years allowing Guaranty Bank and Trust to operate with drive through lanes at 620 and Lakeway Blvd. (at the old location of Plains Capital Bank).  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 23 is a request for preliminary plan approval of MC Bee Creek Subdivision (17 single family lots on 34 acres) at Lakehurst Loop and Lakehurst Road, in the city’s ETJ.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–*Item 24 is a proposed development agreement for 314 Clubhouse Drive.  (See Meeting Packet, starting at page 169.)  This was round 2, for this controversial development.  At Council’s June 21 meeting, action was tabled for a month, to allow the developer to meet with the city and neighboring owners to resolve at least some issues.  June proposal: In the ETJ, at Longwood, the 6.3 acre tract would be annexed to the city with 17 single-family homes built. Zoning would be R-2, they want front facing garages with no turnaround, 15’ set-back, building materials specified, zoning fees waived.  Now, the proposal was for annexation but for 16 single-family homes with R-1 zoning, access via Longwood, no driveway turnaround (but the request for front-facing garages is gone), building materials specified, zoning fees waived. The bottom line remained that, since the tract is not currently within Lakeway’s jurisdiction, the owner is free to develop it per Travis County’s far more lenient rules unless agreement is reached. NOTE: the only real objection nearby homeowners still had was wanting the city to extend Clara Van to the new tract, to handle the construction traffic.  However, they did NOT want the development connected to Longwood, as that would make the entire neighborhood a cut-through to 620.  Cost to extend Clara Van was estimated at $2M-4M, which Council found to be prohibitive; in addition, if the city built a connector road it would (at some point) be punched through to fully connect the neighborhood to 620.  So, the development will be accessed via Longwood.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (with zoning fees and cut and fill handled normally)

–*Item 25 is a change to the building ordinance to address how the city handles the increasingly common development agreement.  Changes include requiring written notice to surrounding landowners within 200 feet (as is already done for zoning changes), having at least 2 Council hearings prior to voting on the agreement, and encouragement for developers to meet with neighboring owners BEFORE the matter gets to Council. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–*Item 26 is discussion of various code provisions:

–a) short term rentals (theoretical 1,000 foot distribution—see Meeting Packet page 209)

–b) golf carts (comparison of regulations by state and nearby cities–see Meeting Packet page 210; cart path illustration–see Meeting Packet page 211)

–c) camping (HB 1025—see Meeting Packet starting with page 212)

–d) BDS regs

There was little discussion of these issues, just a decision of how to prioritize review of them, given that all will be labor intensive for staff, who are occupied with the budget process now.  PRIORITY: BDS ISSUES, GOLF CARTS, AIRPARK ACTIVITY (newly suggested), the rest as time permits

–*Item 27 is first reading of the BDS Design Manual (see Meeting Packet starting with page 221). MINOR CHANGES SUGGESTED.  Second review will be at July 26 meeting, with vote then.

–*Item 28 repeals a 2008 city ordinance and extends Lakeway’s ETJ to include the area south of Hwy. 71, as allowed by state law (see illustration on Meeting Packet page 301).  PASSED 6/0 (Council Member Vance having recused herself)

–Item 29 amends building ordinances to align the hours allowed for construction, as listed in various locations of the code already, and to allow exceptions for early concrete pours at commercial sites.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (with staff asked to look at similarly allowing early concrete pours at residential construction sites)

–Item 30—ADJOURNED at 10:22pm. Go here to watch the meeting online– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/129177

Go here for the Meeting Packet (for the evening meeting)— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Lakeway Council met in Special Session Monday, July 26. 

This was largely a Work Session for the FY 2022 Budget, a short meeting (under 45 minutes), basically a step in the budget process that started with reviewing information received from Travis County Appraisal District.  Per TCAD, Lakeway’s tax base increased by 12% from $5.1 billion last year to $5.7 billion this year.  The valuation of existing property went up 8%, plus properties new to the city added 4% to the base.  Also per TCAD, the average taxable home value in Lakeway increased from $559K in 2020 to $661K in 2021.

Council seems agreed that there is no need to consider raising the tax rate, which is now .1645.  In fact, the increase in the city’s tax base means the tax rate can go DOWN, and still generate the same amount of tax revenue.  This magic rate is called the “no new tax rate,” and it would be .1547.  The City Manager is suggesting the slightly lower rate of .1545 which she says will balance the 2022 budget as now envisioned.  (Note that this rate would raise taxes by $19 per home, due to the fact that our residential values rose while our commercial values dropped this year.  This shift in the property tax burden from commercial to residential may or may not be a Covid-19 fluctuation; city staff is getting more info on this.)

The City Manager pointed out that when residents pay their property tax bill, only 7% of the total goes to City of Lakeway.  The rest of the money goes out like this: LTISD–58%, Travis County–16%, MUD—5%, Central Heath—5%, Austin Community College—5%, emergency services—4%.  So, the decision on Lakeway’s tax rate will only affect its 7% piece of the pie.

In addition, a chart of area cites and tax rates for 2021 was shown.  Services provided vary, but Lakeway was pretty much in the middle.  Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock and others have higher rates.  Bee Cave, The Hills, Briarcliff and others have lower rates.

Revenues and expenditures were quickly reviewed, including the new committee and department requests made at the last meeting.  Looking at the big picture, the City Manager summarized the proposed budget (using the .1545 tax rate) as $16.3 million of balanced revenue and expenditures.  This allows the usual transfer of $350K to the Capital Reserve Fund and provides a healthy 33% Fund Balance Ratio.

At its Aug. 16 meeting, Council will propose a tax rate.  (In August, all the Travis County data will be in and numbers finalized, so the proposed budget will be posted online.)  On Sept. 13, there will be a public hearing on the issue.  The Sept. 20 meeting is the deadline to adopt a budget and tax rate.

The Addendum to the Agenda added second review for Building and Development Services’ new Design Manual.  This is seen as a living document, with information to be added and revised as needed, with the goal of making the process easier for owners and developers.  It was approved 6/0.  (Council Member Vance was absent.)

Adjourned: 7:12pm.  Under an hour–this might be a record….

Go here to watch the meeting– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/129546

Back to me….

Have to say, the new surge and the U-turn in Covid stats nationwide and right here in Texas—it has really gotten me down.  Nothing infuriates me more than stupid selfishness; people try to dress it up as “vaccine hesitancy,” but I’m done.  If you refuse to get vaccinated, shame on you.  People try to compare requiring a COVID-19 vaccination to the hullabaloo when seatbelts became law.  Sorry, that is not very apt.  Seatbelts ONLY protect the wearer.  Getting vaccinated for Covid protects EVERYONE.  It protects the person getting vaxxed but also family, friends, store and restaurant employees, the folks at work and on the plane and in line to vote and sitting in meetings and in medical waiting rooms, etc.  It also helps us all by easing hospital admissions AND by encouraging economic recovery.  Most of all, it deters new and nasty variants that will—at some point, if left unchecked—be immune to the vaccines.  The reason we can’t find the perfect comparison for Covid non-vaxxers is that, in modern history, there hasn’t been a situation, like we have today, when people put their own misguided “freedom” ahead of not only their OWN good but of the best interests of EVERYONE.  We have simply reached a new and tragic low in common sense, duty, and morality. 

A lot of the blame rests with the Republican party, as far as I’m concerned.  It cannot be stressed enough: Republicans have become the party of personal IRRESPONSIBILITY.  That obviously applies to everything Covid-related, from wearing masks to getting vaccinated to red state laws banning precautions and forbidding businesses from requiring proof of vaccination.  It also applies to every other plague in America now—spouting “stop the steal” with zero proof of election fraud is irresponsible, ignoring climate change is irresponsible, lack of gun regulation is irresponsible, erratic immigration policy is irresponsible, and it goes on and on.  Now, the GOP is the non-policy party, whose leaders are grasping for power instead of even trying to govern.  This excellent article says is all: Republicans used to laud ‘personal responsibility’. Not with Covid  7/30/21   https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/30/republicans-used-to-laud-personal-responsibility-not-with-covid

So, the house I bought 3 years ago still had the ORIGINAL water heater, from 1996.  Obviously, replacing it has been on my list….  I got 6 local plumbers recommended by Next Door users as doing good work recently, calling and emailing all of them.  It seemed like overkill, but only 3 ever got back to me and came to the house to look things over.  Of those, 1 never supplied the promised estimate.  But, I was happy with one of the other 2 options and had the work done.  Not sure why getting this kind of work done in Lakeway is so difficult.

Good books I recently finished:

The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics 2020, by Steve Benen.  Written by the producer of The Rachel Maddow Show and the source of the show’s blog, this book looks at how the GOP devolved over decades to become unable to craft coherent policy on anything from health care to immigration to budget to foreign policy.  Turns out Trump didn’t originate the non-policy policy; he just happened along at the right time to let it cloak the fact he lacked the intelligence, interest and attention span to create anything more complicated than a sound bite. 

Robert B. Parker’s Someone to Watch Over Me, 2021 by Ace Atkins.  Parker is long gone, sadly, but the estate contracted with various authors to continue writing the stories of several of his beloved protagonists.  Overall, Atkins does well with Spenser, Boston’s best-known gumshoe, in this 48^th book in the series. It isn’t as good as some of Parker’s books, but reading present-day adventures of Spenser, Hawk, Susan and Pearl is literary comfort food.

Both books are available at Lake Travis Community Library.

I’ve been lucky enough to see fawns on my morning walks most days lately.  Here are some recent photos.

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Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

Mom and cub  7/30/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xi_887ph_A

Xiao Qi Ji Makes a Splash 7/25/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zsRtDQTm-U

Tree Dangles & Mommie Wrangles  7/23/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNBxOQLnKFg

MEI XIANG & CUB XIAO QI JI  7/23/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwm1naGApm8

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, the official Covid-19 death toll has now exceeded 4 million people.  Horrific as that number is, experts say the actual death rate is far higher. 

As a wave of infections hit the Asia Pacific region, South Korea (with just 10% of its population vaccinated) recently recorded its highest ever daily case totals.  Indonesia is also setting records.  In Myanmar, surging cases have prompted the military to hoard oxygen, denying it to hospitals and clinics.  A surge in Japan caused a state of emergency in Tokyo; despite cases already popping up in the athletes’ Olympic Village, the Games are still on, but spectators will be banned. 

Last week, Russia recorded its highest number of daily deaths since the pandemic began. The Netherlands opened restaurants and bars a few weeks ago; now, it has a surge of new cases.  Across Africa, the death rate jumped by 40% last week.

The UK still plans to lift all pandemic restrictions on July 19, despite the fact that new infections there are at a 6-month high.  Plus, hospitalizations and deaths are at the highest levels since March.  The Health Secretary tested positive for Covid last week. Experts warn that lifting restrictions, which is being done for political reasons and despite protests, will fuel the current surge further.

In the US, the Delta variant is responsible for well over 60% of infections.  New cases are up 120%, and hospitalizations are up 30%, from 2 weeks previously.  Deaths are also rising again (up 20% in 2 weeks), after falling for months.  Here we go again….

While every state shows a recent uptick in new cases, infection rates in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi are among the highest in the US – and their vaccination rates are among the lowest.  Cases are highest among the middle aged and young adults, who don’t consider themselves at risk.  Missouri hospitals are swamped with Covid patients, creating desperate scenes reminiscent of NYC in 2020; many hospitals in southern Missouri recently ran out of ventilators.  The surge is blamed on paltry vaccination rates (under 20% on some counties), the Delta variant, and mask hostility.  Chicago recently announced that UNVACCINATED people coming from Missouri and Arkansas would have to provide proof of a negative Covid test or quarantine for 10 days before entering the city.

Florida’s new cases last week were 4 times the national average, and deaths were double the national average.  Florida has the 4^th highest hospitalization rate in the country.

Surges are predicted for other states with low vaccination rates, such as Nevada and Texas.

Due to concern over California’s new case rate tripling statewide, Los Angeles County has reverted to a mask requirement for all indoor areas, regardless of vaccination status.

Remember when ventilators were THE coveted hospital tools for Covid?  Now, it is ECMO–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.  With ECMO, a complicated machine does the work of a failing heart and lungs to pump and oxygenate the blood; when even a ventilator isn’t enough, ECMO is the last resort.  But, ECMO is only available in 10% of US hospitals; even then, it is costly and requires one-on-one patient care for monitoring, so use is strictly rationed.  Health care workers have to decide—who gets this scarce resource? The Rationing of a Last-Resort Covid Treatment 7/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/12/us/covid-treatment-ecmo.html

In Texas, the highly contagious Delta variant sparked an outbreak at a Houston-area youth church camp held in June, with over 150 cases. 

As of July 16, new cases in the state were up 90% and hospitalizations were up 38%, from 2 weeks previously.  The testing positivity rate in Texas is now 8%, after being as low as 3% in June. 

In Travis County, hospitalizations are also rising, especially among young adults.  Austin area COVID-19 hospitalizations have doubled among young adults since July 4 7/13/21  https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/coronavirus/2021/07/13/austin-area-covid-19-hospitalizations-have-doubled-among-young-adults-since-july-4/

Austin/Travis County reverted to Threat Level 3 last week, in response.  4 Delta variant cases confirmed; Austin reverts back to Stage 3 COVID guidelines as cases rise 7/15/21  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/07/15/austin-reverts-back-stage-3-covid-guidelines-4-delta-cases-found/7976523002/

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, experts are investigating 2 new variants—Gamma and Lambda. 

Greece is requiring proof of vaccination to enter cafes, restaurants, and bars.  France accelerated vaccinations after announcing shots would soon be required for health care workers, as well as to enter restaurants or attend cultural events. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower just re-opened after being closed for 9 months due to Covid; proof of vaccination or a negative test is required to enter the landmark. 

Africa is still only 1% fully vaccinated.

Israel is recommending a booster shot, but only for vaccinated people who are immune-compromised. 

In the US, about 60% of all Americans are fully vaccinated against Covid-19   Just over 500K shots are given daily now.

The US military reports that 70% of personnel have gotten 1 shot, with 62% now fully vaccinated.

The pandemic has divided the country in a new way.  Now, it is the UNvaccinated population getting sick, being hospitalized, and dying.  Western and northeastern states are largely well-vaccinated, while southern and some midwestern states are poorly unvaccinated and at high risk.  In 2021, vaccination is politicized just as viciously as masking was in 2020, with conservatives not just hesitating to get shots but frequently spreading false negative information and demonizing medical experts.  Now, we have “two Americas” as Dr. Fauci dubbed it.  The split follows political lines down to the county level; counties voting for Biden have high vaccination rates, while counties voting for Trump are poorly vaccinated.  The result is a patchwork of infection surges, overwhelmed hospitals, and spiking death rates in GOP territory.  This is SO ironic, since the vaccines were a BIPARTISAN effort; Trump facilitated creation of America’s vaccines, and Biden distributed them in record time.

The good news is that being FULLY VACCINATED protects against even the Delta variant.  How does the Delta variant dodge the immune system? Scientists find clues. [ONE dose of vaccine stops Delta 10% of the time, but TWO doses stops Delta 95% of the time.] 7/8/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/health/delta-variant-covid-vaccine-immunity.html

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

—England’s Covid unlocking is threat to world, say 1,200 scientists 7/16/21 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/16/englands-covid-unlocking-a-threat-to-the-world-experts-say

—Delta Variant Widens Gulf Between ‘Two Americas’: Vaccinated and Unvaccinated  7/14/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/health/delta-variant-uk-usa.html

–‘We are seeing people passing quicker than before’: What hospitals look like in US Covid hot spots  7/14/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/13/us/us-covid-hot-spots-hospitals/index.html

—Delta variant gains ground in US as outbreaks highlight vaccine divide  7/14/21 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jul/14/us-delta-variant-coronavirus-covid-vaccine-divide

—How does the Delta variant dodge the immune system? Scientists find clues. [ONE dose of vaccine stops Delta 10% of the time, but TWO doses stop Delta 95% of the time.] 7/8/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/health/delta-variant-covid-vaccine-immunity.html

–The Rise of Delta: NYT podcast tells you what you need to know about this dangerous variant, in 20 minutes of plain speaking  7/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/podcasts/the-daily/delta-variant-coronavirus-vaccine.html?rref=vanity

Daring Mighty Things

Virgin Galactic on July 11 successfully executed a publicity-heavy test flight for sending passengers to the edge of space and back, with its billionaire founder, Richard Branson, on board.  From Spaceport America in New Mexico, mothership Eve carried Unity up to about 50,000 feet, then released it.  A rocket then accelerated Unity, with 6 people aboard, to an altitude of 50 miles, where space is black and Earth’s curve is visible.  After about 4 minutes of weightlessness, the ship was pulled back home by gravity.  It then reconfigured its wings to become a glider, allowing it to land near its starting point after a mission lasting about 90 minutes.

Another private company will have its publicity-fest on July 20, with Blue Origin staging a more traditional rocket launch from West Texas, carrying 4 passengers.  Its founder, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, will be on board along with his brother and 82-year-old female aviator Wally Funk; the 4^th seat went to the highest bidder at a charity auction.  While the Virgin Galactic craft was flown by a pilot on board, Blue Origin is flown from the ground, with no crew along for the ride.

Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic flights do not go high enough or fast enough to enter orbit around Earth. Rather, these suborbital flights are more like elaborate roller coaster rides that allow passengers to float for a few minutes while admiring a view of Earth against the black backdrop of space.  While only Blue Origin flights go high enough to break the 62-mile-high Karman line, passengers of both companies get astronaut pins. Here is an update on the wide variety of activity in space these days, from Martian rovers and moon missions to Tom Cruise filming a movie on the International Space Station.  The space race is back on – but who will win?  https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/16/the-space-race-is-back-on-but-who-will-win

Texas state elections

While frantically steering toward re-election in 2022, Gov. Greg Abbott had a rough couple weeks.  So, THAT’s good news for Texas…. As threatened earlier, Gov. Abbott called a special legislative session, then issued a conservative dream-list of topics.  Priority number 1 was passage of the bill restricting voting—the bill that Democrats killed by walking out early from the regular session and breaking quorum back in May.  The 30-day special session began July 8.  That weekend, legislators debated the voting bill in marathon, all-night sessions; every amendment from Democrats was rejected.  Austin was swamped by citizens from across the state who waited as long as 24 hours to be allowed to speak against the bill.  With the final vote set for the next day, on July 12 over 50 Democrats did the only thing they could to stop its passage.  They bugged out, again breaking quorum.  They all flew to Washington, DC, overnight and have since been meeting with members of Congress.  The group of elected Texan refugees is a living, breathing cautionary tale proving the country’s dire need for federal voting rights protections.  Abbott, exposed as an ineffectual buffoon just as he was flexing his re-election muscles, sputtered and spat, ordering their arrest; that is not technically possible until they decide to return to Texas, which isn’t likely to happen until the month-long session ends.  (Texas law, in all its weirdness, does provide that recalcitrant legislators be arrested, taken to the State Capitol, and the entire legislative body LOCKED INSIDE the chamber until the vote is taken.  The procedure is called “cabining,” and I really wonder what the Fire Marshall thinks about the locked doors part.)  What it means to break quorum and what you need to know about the Texas House Democrats’ dramatic departure  7/14/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/14/texas-democrats-walkout-quorum/

In more bad news for Abbott, another Republican entered the 2022 governor’s race.  In addition to “real Republican” Don Huffines, Allen West is crashing the GOP primary.  ‘We don’t like bullies, egomaniacs or jerks’: Allen West crashes Texas governor’s race 7/9/21  https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/09/allen-west-texas-498897  Fairly new to Texas, West is a former Florida Congressman who just stepped down as Texas GOP Chairman.  He has a controversial past, as well, dating back to his military days. U.S. officer fined for harsh interrogation tactics  12/13/03  https://www.cnn.com/2003/US/12/12/sprj.nirq.west.ruling/

In Lakeway

Mayor Kilgore revived the Facebook Live talks on July 8, promising to do this monthly.  He covered several topics, then answered questions.  The most contentious issue addressed was Chief Radford’s resignation.  Mayor Kilgore described the circumstances of that and detailed the hiring process for a successor; the plan is to have a new chief on the job by Oct. 1. The city and the advisory committee handling this (Council members Vance and Smith, plus the mayor) want public input and to that end will release a survey soon, that residents can complete.  Go to Lakeway’s Facebook page to watch the 18-minute recording. https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway

Also, the city formally advertised the police chief job vacancy last week.  Applications are to be taken until Aug. 15.  Go here to read the job listing for this and other open city positions.  https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/careers/

Lakeway Council meets Monday, July 19. 

This is a double-header.  Both meetings are in person, at City Hall.  Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate.  Citizens Participation requires attendance.

The AFTERNOON meeting (starting 2pm) is a special session on the budget.  The Agenda just says Work Session: Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.  An Addendum was issued adding Lakeway Activity Center policies to the Agenda. There is no Meeting Packet, so no additional info on this meeting.

The EVENING session (starting 6:30pm) is the regular meeting.  The Agenda has 30 items, most being fleshed out in the voluminous Meeting Packet.  (For good or bad, most of these items are routine.  There are only a few substantive items, which I noted with an asterisk*.  The city needs to figure out better ways to handle the routine stuff and get it off Council’s plate.)

–The Consent Agenda has items appointing members of the following boards and committees: Ethics, City Building Commission, Zoning and Planning, and Economic Development.  Another item closes down the Public Engagement Committee, since the City’s Communications Director has taken on its work.  (Names and full details are in the Meeting Packet.)

–Item 16 is the Financial Report. 

–*Item 17 is a rate increase request by Waste Management, per the terms of its trash and recycling collection contract with the city.  Increased costs (landfill costs and wages) of $0.76 are offset by increased revenues (recycled materials’ worth) of $0.57, with the result being a requested rate increase of $0.19, to a new total of $17.80 (per month, per customer).

–*Item 18 is acceptance of a donation from The Lakeway Civic Corp. to pay for up to $40k in continued restoration of the Liebelt Cabin. Conditions on the gift are that the City undertake to fund annual maintenance work on the cabin AND pursue grant money to fund making the cabin and its surroundings compliant with the Texas Accessibility Act.  NOTE: While the $40K donation is lovely, it is clear that this historic structure will continue to require taxpayer funds. If this is such a wonderful “historical and educational asset” to the city, I wonder HOW MANY PEOPLE visit it annually here in Lakeway?  Also, how much taxpayer money has ALREADY been spent on this cabin since the city accepted it back in 2011? In December of 2020, a request was made for $125K to make emergency repairs in order to keep it standing; Council ended up approving only $14K, but larger expenditures down the road were not ruled out. Personally, I question whether large sums for something like this is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds. Seems to me that the cabin should be donated to someplace like the Bullock Museum, which has the experts and funds to restore and maintain it. Plus, the cabin could be toured and appreciated by the huge number of people who pass through that popular institution on a regular basis, as opposed to the few who stumble over it in Lakeway.  Alternatively, is there any way to use the vast amount of money the city has accumulated in hotel tax funds (the requirement being that the project draws hotel-staying visitors to town), for cabin maintenance and improvements?

–Item 19 is a budget amendment for item 18.

–Item 20 is a request for a short-term rental permit for a condo at World of Tennis.

–Item 21 is a request for a special use permit allowing an ambulatory surgery center at 6 Lakeway Centre Court.

–Item 22 is a request for a special use permit allowing Guaranty Bank and Trust to operate with drive through lanes at 620 and Lakeway Blvd. (at the old location of Plains Capital Bank).

–Item 23 is a request for preliminary plan approval of MC Bee Creek Subdivision (17 single family lots on 34 acres) at Lakehurst Loop and Lakehurst Road, in the city’s ETJ. 

–*Item 24 is a proposed development agreement for 314 Clubhouse Drive.  (See Meeting Packet, starting at page 169.)  This is round 2, for this controversial development.  At Council’s June 21 meeting, action was tabled for a month, to allow the developer to meet with the city and neighboring owners to resolve some issues.  This seems to have happened.  June proposal: In the ETJ, at Longwood, the 6.3 acre tract would be annexed to the city with 17 single-family homes built. Zoning would be R-2, they want front facing garages with no turnaround, 15’ set-back, building materials specified, zoning fees waived.  Now, the proposal is for annexation but for 16 single-family homes with R-1 zoning, access via Longwood, no driveway turnaround (but the request for front-facing garages is gone), building materials specified, zoning fees waived. The bottom line remains that, since the tract is not currently within Lakeway’s jurisdiction, the owner is free to develop it per Travis County’s far more lenient rules unless agreement is reached.

–*Item 25 is a change to the building ordinance to address how the city handles the increasingly common development agreement.  Changes include requiring written notice to surrounding landowners within 200 feet (as is already done for zoning changes), having at least 2 Council hearings prior to voting on the agreement, and encouragement for developers to meet with neighboring owners BEFORE the matter gets to Council.

–*Item 26 is discussion of various code provisions:

–a) short term rentals (theoretical 1,000 foot distribution—see Meeting Packet page 209)

–b) golf carts (comparison of regulations—state and nearby cities; snipped from Meeting Packet page 210 and shown below; cart path illustration–see Meeting Packet page 211)

–c) camping (HB 1025—see Meeting Packet starting with page 212)

–d) BDS regs

–*Item 27 is first reading of the BDS Design Manual (see Meeting Packet starting with page 221).

–*Item 28 repeals a 2008 city ordinance and extends Lakeway’s ETJ to include the area south of Hwy. 71, as allowed by state law (see illustration on Meeting Packet page 301).

–Item 29 amends building ordinances to align the hours allowed for construction, as listed in various locations of the code already, and to allow exceptions for early concrete pours.

–Item 30—ADJOURN!

Go here for both Agendas and the Meeting Packet (for the evening meeting)— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand (by 10am Monday for the afternoon meeting, and by 3pm Monday for the evening meeting) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

My favorite home chore is touch-up painting.  So, I happily hauled out all my paint tins and supplies and went through the house, fixing a year’s worth of boo-boos–so easy and so satisfying.

Spent half a day last week at Best Buy, while the Geek Squad worked its magic with my new laptop.  Love those guys…

With the Delta variant raging and Texas case numbers rising, I am back to wearing a mask indoors.  It is infuriating because this surge is totally unnecessary, since we are blessed with safe and effective vaccines—exactly what we prayed for last summer as we suffered through that hellish surge. 

Here are a couple good books I just finished:

Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal, by George Packer (2021).  Well-written and concise (just 227 pages–refreshing in this era of wrist-wrenching tomes), the author is pitch-perfect on many points.  I followed his analysis of the 4 fractured segments of America today–Free, Real, Smart and Just—each doomed by rabid extremism.  But, I’m not nearly as sanguine as he is that all will, somehow, be well in the end.

Fallen, by Linda Shapiro (2021).  This is the 13^th book in the excellent series, but it works as a stand-alone.  As usual, Sheriff Burkholder solves intriguing crime in Ohio’s Amish country, which provides a distinctive flavor, and the writing is unusually good for the genre.

Both books are available at Lake Travis Community Library.

The deer are much in evidence now.  Fawns are old enough to be very mobile and are running round town with their moms, who have joined together into small groups.  We have at least 3 fawns (a single and twins) spending time in St. Andrews; the twins and their mom tend to show up in my yard evenings to slurp from my birdbath and sometimes spend the night. Please, please, please drive carefully.  If you spot 1 deer near the road, there will be several others around, as well.  Sadly, dozens of our fawns are hit by cars every spring/summer.  Lakeway artist Victoria Waite created adorable yard signs, and if you don’t have one, please consider it.  They are eye-catching, and the reminders help.  To buy one ($20 each), go here—https://www.facebook.com/FawnsAtPlay

I love my sign!  And, here are some fawn photos I took last week.

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Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

—Xiao Qi Ji Practices Pouncing 7/16/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZ05tDs42o

—Outdoor playtime 7/11/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl-bkt0h7eU

—Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Wrestlemania on the Jungle Gym 7/9/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2AAsD7sNiM

—Indoor playtime 7/8/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWJrEqucd2c

HAPPY 4^th of JULY! 

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, the Delta variant is fueling outbreaks in a wide variety of countries, from Europe, to the Middle East, to Asia, to Africa.  France and Italy are worried about surges this summer.  Portugal has imposed curfews in its cities.  The UK recently recorded its highest number of new cases since early February, making the planned end of lockdown later this month doubtful. Australia is locking down again.  The WHO is tracking a new variant, Lambda.  In addition, the Delta variant has a cousin, Delta Plus, which sports a spike protein from the Beta variant.  As Delta Variant Surges, Outbreaks Return in Many Parts of the World  7/1/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/30/world/asia/virus-delta-variant-global.html

In the US, new cases were up 10% last week, after a long period of declining numbers.  The Delta variant continues to spread, accounting for over 25% of new infections nationally but 50% of infections in southern and western states, where vaccination rates are also the lowest in the country. The result is a pattern of localized hot spots. Seeing rising hospitalizations in these areas, health care workers worry that history is repeating itself: just as the last surge in cases was caused by partisan refusal to wear masks, now a surge may well be caused by partisan refusal to get vaccinated.  Yet, our daily death toll has dropped 20% in the last 2 weeks and (for the first time since March of 2020) now averages under 300 per day.  Despite the WHO recommending a return to masking even for the vaccinated, the CDC still says vaccinated Americans don’t need to mask in most situations.  Turning to economic results of the pandemic, millions of older Americans responded to the upended job market and other Covid consequences by deciding to retire early, reversing a trend.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, in the Philippines, people refusing Covid shots are being threatened with jail.  The UAE announced that as of Aug. 20 unvaccinated adult residents will be banned from public places including schools, universities, nurseries, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, gyms, museums, theme parks, resorts, and all other retail outlets (with essential service locations like food markets and pharmacies the only exceptions).  Even Russia’s President Putin, who usually downplays Covid, pleaded with people to get vaccinated; as of now, only 15% of his country is protected.  India has prioritized shots, inoculating up to 8 million people per day lately in an effort to vaccinate one billion people by the end of 2021.  The Vatican issued a statement urging people to get vaccinated, condemning “a pernicious form of hesitancy” driven by fake news, myths and disinformation about vaccine safety, among religious groups.

In the US, we will miss President Biden’s goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated by July 4.  Instead, we are close to 68%; we’ll get to 70% soon, and that number will continue to rise.  Twenty states and DC have now exceeded 70%, while 16 states are below 60%.  Mississippi swirls the drain at 46 percent.   About 1 million Americans get vaccinated every day.

The biggest roadblock to herd immunity, politics aside, seems to be adults age 18-39.  Currently, only 30% in that group are vaccinated.  Reasons are varied, but many feel unthreatened by Covid, are too busy, or have been corrupted by misinformation.  

Louisiana is the latest state to start a lottery (“Shot at a Million”) for people getting vaccinated. 

The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) may protect us for years.  As long as the virus does not evolve much further from the original form, we won’t need booster shots. 

Cruise ships are setting sail again from Florida.  Vaccination cannot be required, thanks to Florida’s Republican governor, but unvaccinated guests must wear masks and pay for frequent testing.

Red states beware.  Studies show that counties with vaccination rates of 30% or less have nearly 3 times the number of new COVID cases as counties with vaccination rates of 60% or more.  Of course, areas with low vaccination rates are predominantly Republican, with the GOP largely having decided to trivialize COVID and talk fear-mongering trash about the vaccines.  The rise of the Delta variant—more contagious and more deadly, yet prevented by the vaccines—will only increase new infections among the unvaccinated.

Still need proof vaccinations save lives?  In Los Angeles, 99.8% of Covid deaths in the last 6 months were in unvaccinated people.

In Texas, as of June 26, just 11.8 million people (40.6% of Texas’ population) are fully vaccinated.  In Travis County, 59% are fully vaccinated.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

They Didn’t Expect to Retire Early. The Pandemic Changed Their Plans.  7/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/02/business/economy/retire-early-pandemic-social-security.html

How Dangerous Is the Delta Variant?  7/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/opinion/covid-delta-variant.html

As Delta Variant Surges, Outbreaks Return in Many Parts of the World  7/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/30/world/asia/virus-delta-variant-global.html

Fauci warns there may soon be ‘two Americas’ as divide widens between places with high and low vaccination rates and the Delta variant spreads  6/30/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/30/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html

Why Young Adults Are Among the Biggest Barriers to Mass Immunity 6/28/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/28/us/covid-vaccine-immunity.html

Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Likely to Produce Lasting Immunity, Study Finds  6/28/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/28/health/coronavirus-vaccines-immunity.html

Nearly all COVID deaths in US are now among unvaccinated  6/24/21 https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-06-24/nearly-all-covid-deaths-in-us-are-now-among-unvaccinated

Anthony Fauci on the Lab Leak Theory and Emailing Mark Zuckerberg–30 minute podcast interview with America’s chief immunologist  6/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/21/opinion/sway-kara-swisher-anthony-fauci.html?campaign_id=39&emc=edit_ty_20210621&instance_id=33504&nl=opinion-today&regi_id=122311001&segment_id=61280&te=1&user_id=85e9340cba19164d75f3915211a487be

Daring Mighty Things

Perseverance and Ingenuity took a selfie on Mars. 

Texas state elections

Greg Abbott for President?  Yikes….  ‘Tip of the spear’: Texas governor leads revolt against Biden  6/21/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/21/texas-abbott-immigration-biden-resistance-495172

Abbott’s spiteful veto of funding for his legislature is headed for the Texas Supreme Court.  Legislators aside, over 2,000 state workers will be denied pay thanks to Abbott’s temper tantrum after Democrats walked out of the Capitol and defeated his pet bill to restrict voting rights.  Democrats and staffers have sued, asking the Texas Supreme Court to intercede.  Texas House Democrats and legislative staffers take Gov. Greg Abbott to court for defunding Legislature  6/25/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/25/texas-greg-abbott-veto-legislature-funding-court/?mc_cid=d7a78f34aa&mc_eid=fc281ae7cc

Beto O’Rourke still has not declared he will run for governor.  Instead, he is concentrating on protecting voting rights in Texas. Beto O’Rourke on Texas: ‘I don’t know that we’re a conservative state’ 7/3/21  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jul/03/beto-o-rourke-interview-texas-politics

In Lakeway

Another great innovation by Mayor Kilgore is including in The Lake Way, the city’s emailed newsletter, a summary of Council meeting results.  This is an easy way to stay informed on local issues.  Go here to sign up for The Lake Way, plus other notifications if desired– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/list.aspx

Council’s June 21 regular meeting

Before getting to the specifics of what happened, I will point out the Agenda for this meeting had 30 items.  The meeting started at 6:30pm, with a full house and people spilling out into the lobby.  I lasted 3 hours (mostly spent on one complex and divisive item) before heading home, giving up on 2 items that I cared about that were buried deep in the Agenda.  I watched the rest online the next day; the meeting lasted nearly 6 hours total, adjourning at 12:09am on Tuesday. 

That’s nuts.  Worse, that is not good government.  Council meetings–with debate, presentations, testimony and interaction of residents, staff and elected officials–should not be a grueling marathon, with the inevitable short-cuts, bad tempers and attention lapses brought on by exhaustion. To be clear, I’m not blaming the current mayor or council.  Worse meetings happened in the last administration, just going by the clock at adjournment.  But, I hope Mayor Kilgore will look into ways to improve this situation.  More meetings?  Earlier start time?  Certain basic items should not be in front of Council at all; it was mentioned that is being reviewed.  Then there’s the opposite—when a new issue is so incendiary that Council Members are deluged with resident emails, calls AND a petition as soon as the Agenda goes out, that issue needs review and community consultation BEFORE being aired at a Council meeting.  (The problematic item on June 21 was consideration of a new Agreement to develop a tract off Clubhouse Drive with major variances; the fact the land is currently in Travis County’s jurisdiction and not subject to Lakeway’s development rules made things that much more difficult.)  Anyway, it was a long and less than satisfactory night all around….

Go here for the Meeting Packet info– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

And, go here to watch the video of the meeting– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/123171

RESULTS IN ALL CAPS

–Item 7 (part of the Consent Agenda)  Making only specified action committees subject to Texas Open Meetings Act, as allowed by state law: PASSED

–Item 13  Disclosure of surveillance system on city street: CAMERAS TO BE REMOVED AND DATA ERASED

It was revealed that, back in January of 2021, the Rough Hollow HOA allowed a company called Flock Safety to install 8 cameras (locations shown on page 33 of the meeting packet) in the public right of way (which is city property), trained on Highlands Blvd. and other heavily used public streets. They record vehicle details, license plate numbers, and time for all traffic, on a 24/7 basis. (These are NOT traffic cams.)  The stated purpose is monitoring for missing persons, outstanding warrants, stolen vehicles and stolen plates. However, the data itself can be sold to third parties, which raises privacy concerns. Then-Chief of Police Todd Radford signed the MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Flock but did so without consulting or notifying the Mayor, Council or City Manager. (The city only recently became aware when a resident asked about the cameras.) Mayor Kilgore reported that the HOA President told him Chief Radford presented this as a city initiative. In addition to there having been no city approval of this, the police department has no policy in place to manage the data or protect officers or the city in the event of a controversy. Bill Hayes of Legends testified that he assumed this was an approved City of Lakeway project; he assured Council he would have the cameras removed immediately, as well as request all accumulated date be erased. No other immediate action was deemed needed. 

Personally, I trust the city is looking into at least 3 troubling issues raised here: 1) What other things did Chief Radford do without informing the City Manager, Mayor or Council, or obtaining the required authorization?  2) What role did Legends play?  3) Did anyone profit from this?

–Item 14  5.5 acre tract on Rupen is being looked at for development yet again, this time for 12 single family homes, R-1 zoning: APPROVED

–Item 18  Special Use Permit for Village Square for a bakery known as Love and Cookies: APPROVED

–Item 19  Special Use Permit for Lohmans Crossing Shopping Center for a tea/baked goods/ice cream shop known as Pearl’s Tea Café: APPROVED

–Item 23  Adoption of First Amended and Restated Development Agreement for Rough Hollow Lakeway Highlands (page 114 of the Meeting Packet). Legends wants a variance for all 68 homes in its Highlands Phase 3, Section 6B to allow front-facing garages so they can have 3-car garage auto-courts.  This concession is demanded even though Legends got VERY favorable treatment–more condos, and even a storage facility—in the recently negotiated new development agreement the city just ironed out for completion of Rough Hollow: APPROVED

–Item 24  Adoption of Development Agreement for 314 Clubhouse (page 177 of the Meeting Packet). Now in the ETJ, at Longwood, the 6.3 acre tract would be annexed to the city with 17 single-family homes built. Zoning would be R-2, they want front facing garages with no turnaround, 15’ set-back, building materials specified, zoning fees waived, developer has 5 years to begin construction.  POSTPONED UNTIL THE JULY 19 COUNCIL MEETING, to allow time for the developer to work with the city and residents.

During Citizen’s Participation, a resident quoted rude and belittling comments made by Council Member Kumar at the site inspection.  Unfortunately, his smug attitude went a long way toward inflaming resident animosity and derailing the meeting.

 –Item 25  Adoption of Development Agreement for East Side Landing by Legacy DCS (page 208 of the Meeting Packet). Now in the ETJ, near the western end of Flint Rock Road, the 43.88 acres would be annexed to the city. During the platting phase of development, a 100-foot right-of-way for the extension of Flint Rock Road would be dedicated to the City, allowing the proposed extension of Flint Rock Road to Bee Creek Road in accordance with the Thoroughfare Plan. The number of single-family homes is not specified. A portion would be R-1 zoning; another portion would be R-3 zoning (with front-facing garages). Building materials are specified; developer has 5 years to start and 10 years to complete.  APPROVED

–Item 26 Reviewing traffic rules for golf carts. To summarize, as of NOW: driver must be licensed; allowed on roads posted at 30mph or less; only allowed during daylight hours; only allowed for transportation to/from a golf course; must use recreation lane or path when provided; and violations are subject to fines up to $500.  In addition, there are various state law provisions.  COUNCIL DESIRES TO CHANGE THE LOCAL ORDINANCE TO ALLOW MORE CART USE AND DIRECTED STAFF TO INVESTIGATE OPTIONS, WITH ACTION AS EARLY AS JULY.

–Item 27 Police chief advisory committee to be formed, being a search team composed of Mayor Kilgore and 2 council members to assist the City Manager in identifying and interviewing candidates to fill the vacancy. COMMITTEE IS MAYOR KILGORE, PLUS COUNCIL MEMBERS SMITH AND VANCE.

–Executive Sessions: Item 28—ETJ; Item 29—police department; and Item 30–601 Dragon.  NO ACTION ADJOURNED 12:09am

Council’s June 28 Special Meeting

What a difference a week makes….  After June 21’s contentious session, this week’s meeting was calm and informative, discourse was civil, and it wrapped up before anyone needed to call 911.  Sure, it was a budget meeting, but still—nicely done!  One caveat—including at least some of the Budget info in the Meeting Packet would help immensely those following along from home; Mayor Kilgore promised to do this as the budget process develops, estimates firm up, and bids are received.

Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

And, go here to watch the meeting— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/123518

RESULTS:

Item 3: Chris Rea from Lake Travis Fire Rescue updated everyone on wildfire mitigation efforts in HGB I and II, consisting of removing downed trees and establishing shaded fuel breaks.  (See the Meeting Packet for extensive info, including maps.)  He confirmed completion of HGB I by 8/21 and HGB II by 3/22.  Also, he stated the $158K unspent from the $350K allocated should be sufficient to complete this phase of the project.  Next area is North Lakeway Village, likely done in spring/summer, 2022.  (For that work, the $46K total will be met with a $37K FEMA grant and $9K of city funds.)  Questions were raised about maintenance work later on; Chris said maintenance is far less expensive than the original clear out; originally, he estimated $3,500/acre, then agreed this seemed high and promised to provide specifics later. [No action was needed, as the plan and funding were approved previously.]

As noted at the meeting, Lake Travis Fire Rescue will come to your house and perform a FREE Home Ignition Zone Assessment of the exterior.  You just need to live within the ESD 6 jurisdiction, which is Lakeway and surrounding areas (a map is linked on the webpage below). I did this in 2019, and it was a great experience.  Chris walked the lot with me, pointing out fire vulnerabilities and what could be done to correct them.  I also got a 16 page report on my property that was very helpful.  I was able to make several of the suggested changes, to make my yard and home less vulnerable to fire. If interested, go to the city’s “Be Wildfire Ready!” page https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/235/Wildfire-Readiness and scroll down to Get your free Home Ignition Zone Assessment for contact info. 

Item 4—TML Health Care Proposal for an employee benefits package.  (TML is a non-profit risk pool.  Considerable info is in the Meeting Packet).  Cost for the coming year will increase by 3%, which amounts to $31K.  For health insurance, they are switching to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s network and claim payments.  It was noted that city employees had roughly $650K in Covid-related expenses (testing, vaccinations, and treatment) for the year ending 5/21.  [No action needed, as this will be handled as part of the budget approval process.]

Item 5–WORK SESSION: Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. The City Manager reported that TCAD does not yet have final numbers, so everything is estimated for property taxes.  The “no new revenue rate” is 0.1563 as of now.  Residential values are up, and commercial values are down.  The result is that even if the city does not raise its tax rate, the increased valuations will result in higher property tax bills for residents.  (As always, appraised values are determined by Travis County, not City of Lakeway.  In addition, City of Lakeway gets less than 10% of the property tax payments that residents make; other taxing authorities get most of what we pay–the big winner is LTISD, followed by Travis County and your MUD.)

As far as revenues, franchise fees are down, due to a change in state law.  Sales tax revenues are up.  Activity Center and Swim Center revenues should return to normal in the coming year.

Expenditures, as far as proposed new and big-ticket items, include: a crime scene tech for the Police Department; a maintenance operator for Parks and Rec; $157K for 4 positions previously approved but only partially funded; 3%-3.5% salary increases for employees, costing $350K; health care increase for employees, costing $31K; subscription for an alert notification app to send emergency and routine text messages to residents, costing $6K; new vehicles for Police Department (2 Tahoes and a 4X4), Public Works (4X4 dump truck), and Building & Development (a small pick-up); subscription for an app for the Police Department to track officer training; new signage for Canyanlands trail system, costing $10K; city-wide training for emergency preparedness; retention pond repair and maintenance ($30K allocated); franchise fee audit ($10K allocated); service contract for dispatch consoles at the Police Station; electronic device data extraction service for the Police Department; maintenance service for cameras inside the Police Station; Witches Ride, a Halloween event to be sponsored by Parks and Rec, costing $25K; 4 AC units for the Activity Center; parking lot work at Swim Center and Activity Center; replacing some exterior doors at City Hall; an expert consultant to assist the Economic Development Committee; and additional items to be submitted by various departments and committees.

All together, the city is now looking at $16M in expenditures.  The usual annual transfer of $350K to the Capital Reserve Fund seems feasible, leaving a 45% fund balance ratio.  So, a larger transfer to CRF may be possible.

More budget meetings are coming up, including afternoon of July 19; that will be a double-header, with a regular Council meeting that evening.  At the July 26 meeting, we should have TCAD’s final numbers.  At the Aug. 16 meeting, Council needs to propose a property tax rate.  More data will be available at the Sept. 13 work session.  The property tax rate will be adopted at the Sept. 20 meeting.

Mayor Kilgore asked staff to look at the current set-up for Activity Center memberships for residents, revenue generated, city funding for LAC, options, etc., as related to the budget.  [No action needed at this time.]

Addendum—Purchase by the city of 601 Dragon “in order to address significant drainage issues in the area around the property, and in order to allow this property to retain its current state as the natural drainage channel for run-off in this part of Lakeway.”  It will remain undeveloped, and some channel work may be needed.  Purchase price (not stated) is within the appraised value range.  Council voted unanimously to purchase this tract.

Adjourned at 8:16pm.  Wow, shank of the evening….

Back to me….

Still catching up on life after Covid, now that I’m safely vaccinated.  Doctor’s appointment for me, vet appointment for Tulip, maintenance check for the car, house stuff, on and on….

The election fiasco in New York City added ranked voting to my list of Things I Don’t Plan to Ever Understand.  Other items on that list include cryptocurrency, Middle East relations, jazz, France, US Senate rules, map-reading, celestial mechanics, programming my sprinklers, and just about any form of insurance.

Still reading a lot.  Recommendations (both are at Lake Travis Community Library):

— After the ­Fal­l: Be­ing Amer­i­can in the ­World We’ve ­Made, by Ben Rhodes (2021) The senior aide to Pres. Obama traveled extensively after 2018, finding America’s fingerprints everywhere and connecting democratic struggles in Hungary, Hong Kong and, Russia to what is now happening here at home.  This book will not cheer up anyone. But it presents many intriguing ideas….

— Win, by Harlan Coben (2021) Forget about this series’ usual hero, Myron Bolitar.  This time, the focus is all on his ultra rich and quite possibly psychotic sidekick, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III.  Win is a nice antidote to the sometimes too-nice-guy Myron, and the dark humor is bitingly yummy.

My morning walks are earlier now, due to the heat, and I’m seeing even more sweet fawns. 

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Panda cub videos of Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

Xiao Qi Ji’s Early Morning Burst of Cuteness  7/1/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B02my3fZ_M

Total Goofball’s Awesome Morning  6/30/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6UhQY3BkBs

Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Big Romp in the Panda House 06-19-21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFXo7VTELvs

Have a proud and happy Juneteenth!  This has long been celebrated in Texas, and it is wonderful to see it honored as a federal holiday.

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, more people have already died of Covid-19 in 2021 than died in all of 2020.  The actual death count is between 7 and 13 million, so far.  The pandemic is worsening in Latin America and Asia. Russia is also surging, thanks to the virulent Delta variant and widespread distrust of the state-sponsored vaccine. In Africa, new cases increased by 45% last week. 

While most wealthy nations are doing better, largely thanks to widespread vaccination, the UK is experiencing a surge from the Delta variant.  As a result, a planned re-opening was delayed 4 weeks.

Japan says the Olympics, due to start in just a month, will happen.  With new cases dropping 70% from last month’s peak, the country is planning to drop emergency restrictions soon.  But, Japan is only 15% vaccinated, and a recent poll shows 83% of the populace wants the event cancelled.

Canada is still struggling with high Covid cases and slow vaccinations.  It is extending the bar on nonessential travel across the U.S. border by another month, until at least July 21.

In the US, both New York and California re-opened on June 15.

Travel nationwide has rebounded big-time; TSA is processing over 2 million air travelers per day on weekends now, for the first time since March of 2020.  (Air travelers shrank to less 100,000 per day in April of 2020.)

Deaths from Covid have dropped 90% to an average of 375 people lost daily, since peaking in January at over 3,000 per day.

However, our new case numbers are no longer dropping.  The plateau is due the Delta variant, which is the most contagious form of the virus AND tends to cause a more severe illness, very quickly.  (It doubles the risk of hospitalization, compared to the Alpha variant.)  Basically, Delta is the worst variant, so far.  Spreading fast through America, Delta is causing over 10% of our new infections; that percentage is expected to double every 2 weeks.  Experts warn Delta will pass the Alpha variant to become dominant here by fall, resulting in a spike of hospitalizations and deaths in areas with large pools of unvaccinated people.  Happily, our vaccines seem to protect against the Delta variant, but the unvaccinated are at high risk.

The US government is investing over $3 billion in developing an antiviral pill to cure Covid-19 when taken at the start of an infection.  The program was created by the Biden administration in January.  Now, Merck and 2 other companies have products in clinical trials, and it is possible that FDA-approved pills will be available by the end of 2021. Since America’s herd stupidity is preventing our achieving herd immunity, an antiviral pill may be the next best thing.  A Pill to Treat Covid-19? The U.S. Is Betting on It.  6/17/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/health/covid-pill-antiviral.html

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, roughly 20 percent of the population has received at least one shot of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Pakistan has a vaccine hesitancy problem and isn’t screwing around.  Officials are blocking cellphone service for those not yet vaccinated and suspending the salaries of government employees who have not been vaccinated.

The Biden administration announced America will buy and donate 500 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine to 92 low/middle income countries.  The vaccines will be administered by Covax, the WHO-backed initiative working to expand global access to vaccines.

In the US, about 45 percent of the entire U.S. population is fully vaccinated.  That’s roughly 150 million people.

Vermont became the first state to vaccinate over 80% of adults, just last week.  Both New York and California have now vaccinated over 70% of adults. 

Other states continue lotteries and freebies for the vaccinated.  Washington state is going its own way, with Joints for Jabs–a free marijuana joint from a participating marijuana retailer for adults getting a shot.

Vaccination is being required for all sorts of activities, including getting tickets for Broadway shows opening soon.

Another powerful impetus for getting vaccinated is keeping your job.  Businesses (including hospitals and senior living facilities, for obvious reasons) are requiring employees to get vaccinated, or be fired.  Of course, the most obstinate anti-vaxxers are suing, but courts are siding with employers trying to safeguard customers and employees–and remain open as the country recovers. 

During the first 150 days of the Biden administration, over 300 million shots were given.  However, lately the vaccination rate has dropped to well under 1 million shots per day.  This is jeopardizing reaching President Biden’s goal of 70% of adults at least partly vaccinated by July 4.  Fourteen states plus Washington, DC, have met the 70% goal.  As a nation, to date, we are at 65%.  Biden is on track to fall short of vaccinating 70% of American adults by the Fourth of July  6/17/21  https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/17/president-bidens-fourth-of-july-covid-vaccination-goals-are-in-jeopardy.html

In Texas, less than 40% of the population is vaccinated.  However, Travis County reports 47% vaccinated.

As always with the pandemic, Gov. Abbott did the wrong thing regarding businesses trying to protect their employees and customers so they can reopen safely.  Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill to punish businesses that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination  6/7/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/07/texas-vaccine-passports-covid-19/

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

—A Pill to Treat Covid-19? The U.S. Is Betting on It.  6/17/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/health/covid-pill-antiviral.html

—As Pandemic Recedes in U.S., Calls Are Growing for an Investigative Commission  6/16/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/16/us/politics/coronavirus-investigative-commission.html

—What You Need to Know About Your Vaccine Card  6/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/vaccine-covid-card.html

—What Are the Roadblocks to a ‘Vaccine Passport’?  6/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/vaccine-passport.html

—Many Post-Covid Patients Are Experiencing New Medical Problems, Study Finds  6/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/health/covid-19-patients.html

—A new coronavirus variant is on the rise. Here’s why experts are concerned  6/14/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/14/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

—If you have long Covid, don’t give up hope. Recovery is possible  6/10/21 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/10/long-covid-hope-recovery-symptoms

—Yes, Your Employer Can Require You to Be Vaccinated  6/9/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/09/business/covid-vaccine-employer-rules.html

—Teens Are Rarely Hospitalized With Covid, but Cases Can Be Severe  6/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/04/health/coronavirus-teenagers-hospitalizations.html

Daring Mighty Things

It is getting crowded on Mars.  China recently landed a rover named Zhurong (translating to God of Fire). The size of a car, Zhurong’s 90 day mission is to investigate ice far underground as well as study the geology, soil, and atmosphere of Mars.

Here is an update on America’s Perseverance rover as it continues to explore Mars–NASA’s Perseverance Rover Begins Its First Science Campaign on Mars  6/9/21  https://mars.nasa.gov/news/8963/nasas-perseverance-rover-begins-its-first-science-campaign-on-mars/

Texas state elections

Texas elects a Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General AND Lakeway will elect a new state senator, in November of 2022–which will be here before we know it.  (See my previous blog for background.)  Personally, I cannot wait to VOTE OUT our current roster of miscreant office-holders.  As the usual Republicans jockey for position in the various races, there is a lot going on now.  So far, the likely Democratic challengers are playing it cool.

Lakeway’s Republican State Senator Dawn Buckingham announced she won’t seek a third term because she is instead running for Texas Land Commissioner.  Good news for Lakeway….  Republican state Sen. Dawn Buckingham running for Texas land commissioner https://www.dailytrib.com/2021/06/08/buckingham-seeking-gop-nomination-for-texas-land-commissioner/

As for Lakeway’s Senate seat, there’s this–Former Austin council member Ellen Troxclair announces run for Texas Senate https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/06/09/austin-city-council-member-ellen-troxclair-running-texas-senate/7625380002/

Former Texas Supreme Court justice Eva Guzman wants to be Attorney General.  She is challenging incumbent Ken Paxton and Current Land Commissioner George P. Bush in the Republican primary next March.  Eva Guzman, former Texas Supreme Court justice, joins GOP primary challenge against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/09/eva-guzman-texas-supreme-court/

Greg Abbott is very, very busy running for a 3^rd term as Governor.  Sitting next to the disgraced president of the NRA, he recently signed the “everyone gets a gun in Texas” law that he ushered through the state legislature this year.  No paperwork, no background check, no waiting period, and no gun safety training–because the GOP doesn’t think Texas has enough gun violence as it is.  Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill to allow Texans to carry handguns without a permit  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2021/06/16/permitless-carry-texas-gov-greg-abbott-sign-bill-allow-handguns/7438186002/

Plus, with a straight face, Abbott announced Texas will build a wall on the southern border.  Texans can kiss goodbye at least $250K in taxpayer funds, but it is highly doubtful Abbott intends to do any wall-building; he is playing to Trump’s immigrant-fearing base for votes, period.  That’s why there are no details available on where the wall will be built, how many miles it will be, materials, total cost, etc.  Not to mention the BIG issue—how the $%#@ any state can just decide to build a wall or in any way determine America’s foreign policy—which is a FEDERAL matter, for obvious reasons.  Abbott’s public appeal for wall donations was hilarious; donors better read the fine-print to be sure the money can’t be siphoned off to pay Abbott’s campaign expenses.  Gov. Greg Abbott announces Texas is providing initial $250 million “down payment” for border wall https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/16/texas-border-wall-greg-abbott/

In Lakeway

Council next meets on Monday, June 21, 6:30pm. 

This is an in-person meeting at City Hall.  Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate.  Citizens Participation requires attendance.

Mayor Kilgore immediately made good on his campaign promise to publish meeting info on the city website earlier than the 72 hours prior required by law.  So, the Agenda and Meeting Packet went up last week on Tuesday morning, instead of skidding in on Friday night.  Very nice!

The Agenda includes 30 items (with 226 pages in the Meeting Packet).  Here’s my take on anything mildly interesting:

–Item 7 (part of the Consent Agenda) Making only specified committees subject to Texas Open Meetings Act, as allowed by state law. These would be the action committees (ZAPCO, CBC, BOA and Ethics).  The advisory committees (such as Heritage, Arts, Parks and Rec, WAC, etc.) will be run less stringently, saving staff time and effort. I checked and was assured these Meetings will still be on the city calendar, and the public can still attend them.

–Item 11 Citizen’s Participation FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA.  You know who you are….  This segment will be limited to 30 minutes total, with any additional people wanting to vent for 3 minutes on non-Agenda topics needing to wait until the end of the meeting.  (This is still a kindness, as other administrations made EVERYONE wait until the bitter end.)

–Item 13 Disclosure of surveillance system–4 “safety cameras” operating in Rough Hollow.  (Locations are shown on page 33 of the meeting packet.)

–Item 14 That 5.5 acre tract on Rupen is being looked at for development yet again, this time for 12 single family homes, R-1 zoning.

–Item 18 Special Use Permit for Village Square for a bakery known as Love and Cookies (It’s pretty much always a yes from me, when it comes to bakeries….) 

–Item 19 Special Use Permit for Lohmans Crossing Shopping Center for a tea/baked goods/ice cream shop known as Pearl’s Tea Café (Yes again, from me….)

–Item 23 Adoption of First Amended and Restated Development Agreement for Rough Hollow Lakeway Highlands (page 114 of the Meeting Packet). Finally, something juicy. Legends wants a variance for all 68 homes in its Highlands Phase 3, Section 6B to allow front-facing garages so they can have 3-car garage auto-courts and still have large backyards.  Problem is, these are R-1 homes, and they don’t qualify for a variance under the city’s rules.  Plus, the city just spent over a year ironing out and supposedly settling everything so Legends could finally finish Rough Hollow (started in 1997) under a brand new agreement.  Now, just a couple months later, Legends demands more concessions (and tried to sneak it through CBC).  I don’t think so.  Legends got VERY favorable treatment in the new agreement—more condos, and even a storage facility, both being BIG money-makers for them.  Enough!  Legends should be subject to the same rules applied to everyone else, and I strongly suspect all the folks who have been denied a front-facing garage variance agree with that.

–Item 24 Adoption of Development Agreement for 314 Clubhouse (page 177 of the Meeting Packet).  Now in the ETJ, at Longwood, the 6.3 acre tract would be annexed to the city with 17 single-family homes built. Zoning would be R-2, they want front facing garages with no turnaround, 15’ set-back, building materials specified, zoning fees waived, developer has 5 years to begin construction.

–Item 25 Adoption of Development Agreement for East Side Landing by Legacy DCS (page 208 of the Meeting Packet).  Now in the ETJ, near the western end of Flint Rock Road, the 43.88 acres would be annexed to the city. During the platting phase of development, a 100-foot right-of-way for the extension of Flint Rock Road would be dedicated to the City, allowing the proposed extension of Flint Rock Road to Bee Creek Road in accordance with the Thoroughfare Plan. The number of single-family homes is not specified. A portion would be R-1 zoning; another portion would be R-3 zoning (with front-facing garages).  Building materials are specified; developer has 5 years to start and 10 years to complete.

–Item 26 Reviewing traffic rules for golf carts.  (Meeting packet has the city’s current rules on page 233.)  To summarize, as of NOW: driver must be licensed; allowed on roads posted at 30mph or less; only allowed during daylight hours; only allowed for transportation to/from a golf course; must use recreation lane or path when provided; and violations are subject to fines up to $500.  There’s no indication as to whether current rules are being tightened or loosened.

–Item 27 Police chief advisory committee to be formed, being a search team composed of Mayor Kilgore and 2 council members to assist the City Manager in identifying and interviewing candidates to fill the vacancy.

–Executive Sessions: Item 28—ETJ; Item 29—police department; and Item 30–601 Dragon.

Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

Back to normal due to being vaccinated isn’t all kittens, sunshine, and fresh-baked pie.  No, there are also long-postponed dental appointments, home service calls, and other not very fun stuff.

I’m doing a lot of reading lately.  Gotta recommend this one—Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service (2021), by Carol Leonnig.  Everything I thought I knew about the Secret Service—how it began, what it does, training, standards, and the way it protects Presidents—was totally wrong.  This book is scrupulously researched, but a lot of fascinating and frankly juicy details make it a good read.  In the end, though, it exposes chasms of mismanagement, human foibles and cover-ups at the very top of our government, making the book terrifying in the way only factual accounts can be. 

Completely different but also excellent was Andy Weir’s Pro­jec­t Hail Mary (2021).  Instead of being stranded on Mars, this time Weir’s science expert/hapless hero ends up in another solar system searching for a way to save Earth from a dying sun and bumping into intelligent alien life along the way.  This book balances dire action with loads of humor and endless unexpected twists; it is the kind of read you happily lose sleep over.  I wonder who will star in the movie version—maybe Nathan Fillian….

Lake Travis Community Library has both books.

This is such a lovely time to watch our precious deer! I see sweet does with new fawns on most morning walks, sometimes even twins (no more triplets, but see my last blog for photos of that encounter).  Here are some recent photos.

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Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

–Xiao Qi Ji & Momma Togetherness  6/14/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROkQJipGSmk

–Giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji and his mother, Mei Xiang, playing  6/12/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ50i51bJ3c

STAY HYDRATED!

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, things are still dire but generally improving.  New Covid cases have dropped over 20% since the April peak.  India has seen its new case numbers drop in each of the last 3 weeks.  Restrictions on behavior and vaccinations are being credited for the improvement, along with natural immunity from past infections and the virus’ seasonal cycles.

On the other hand, uncontrolled Covid cases in Japan prompted the State Department to warn Americans against traveling there for the summer Olympics.  Postponed from 2020, the July games are in jeopardy of being canceled at the last minute, largely due to Japan’s abysmally low vaccination rate (6%) and fears among the Japanese public about hosting the event.  International fans are prohibited, but 15,000 athletes are scheduled to attend; at least that many judges, officials, VIPs, and broadcasters will also enter Japan if the event proceeds.

In the US, we passed the mind-numbing milestone of 600,000 Covid dead, back in late May.

But, the positive test rate is now generally around 3% nationally, for the first time since testing really got started over a year ago.  New cases have dropped 50% since May 1, 75% since mid-April, and 90% from the January peak.  Even better, the number of people hospitalized with Covid is smaller than at any time in the last 11 months. The daily death rate still averages around 500, but that should drop along with hospitalizations. Of course, the cause of all this good news is VACCINATIONS.

In Texas, we passed 50,000 people dead from Covid.

Even before the CDC relaxed mask use by vaccinated people, Gov. Abbott inexplicably ordered that Texas government entities may not require masks for UNvaccinated people.  He specifically included public schools in this order, so even though kids under 12 cannot be vaccinated (which will continue into the coming school year), it is illegal for schools to require masks even if there is a surge of cases in the school or the community.  Gov. Greg Abbott says no public schools or government entities will be allowed to require masks 5/18/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/18/greg-abbott-texas-mask-mandate/

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, most countries are still struggling with vaccinations.  Only about 10% of the world’s population is vaccinated.  Mostly, the problem is vaccine supply, but some people are reluctant to get the shot.  (Thailand apparently noted America’s success with bribing people to do the right thing and is raffling off live cows to people getting vaccinated.)  The supply problem, at least, will get a boost by the US soon, with President Biden recently announcing that 80 million excess doses will be shipped out by the end of June, with the first 25 million shipping this week.  Most (19 million) are being donated to COVAX, with the rest going directly to various low-income countries.  Biden Announces a Donation of 19 Million COVID-19 Vaccines to COVAX, With More to Follow  6/3/21 https://time.com/6053576/us-donate-covid19-vaccines-covax/

In the US, we are averaging 1.8 million shots per day.  Over 50% of American adults are fully vaccinated, with 65% having gotten at least 1 shot.  Kids 12-15 are generally eager to get protected in order to enjoy summer activities, with over 2.5 million already getting the first shot.  Vaccination demand in this newly eligible age group has exceeded expectations and is credited with putting daily vaccination numbers back on an upward trend.  The other cause of the current active vaccination pattern is eagerness of adults to remove their masks and get back to normal for summer activities and travel.

President Biden’s goal of getting 70% of American adults vaccinated by July 4 has already been met in 12 states (mostly on the west coast and in the northeast).  However, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Wyoming are at well under 50% (with most of the deep south under-performing).  To get them and the rest of the country in gear, the President dubbed June a “National Month of Action” with a national canvassing effort resembling a get-out-the-vote drive and including celebrities and social media influencers.  Free child care is available while parents get vaccinated AND in the event they have side effects from the shot.  Private companies are offering paid leave to employees to get vaccinated, as well as ponying up giveaways of sports tickets, gift certificates and cash prizes to sweeten the deal.  If the 70% goal is met on the national level, Anheuser-Busch will give all adults a $5 credit towards free beer.

The public is encouraged to jump in and help get everyone vaccinated.  Go here for info, ideas and opportunities for community canvassing, text and phone banks, and more. https://wecandothis.hhs.gov/

On the state level, Ohio’s million dollar and free college ride lotteries significantly boosted its vaccination rates.  So, California, New York, Maryland, Colorado and Oregon are creating their own lotteries.  CVS is also offering prizes (cruises, dating app packages and Super Bowl tickets) to people getting their shots there.  United Airlines is giving vaccinated travelers a chance to win free flights worldwide. Still, some experts say America will likely never reach herd immunity, due to the vaccine-hesitant group and the fact that Covid will continue to rage and mutate around the world in many countries where vaccines are not going to be widely available for years.  However, our growing vaccination totals are suppressing the virus and providing great benefits. The U.S. May Never Hit the Herd Immunity Threshold. That’s OK.  5/28/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/opinion/herd-immunity-covid-us.html

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

Americans are celebrating steps toward normalcy. But the real test of Covid-19 progress is 2 weeks away, expert says  6/3/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/02/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html

On the Covid Front Lines, When Not Getting Belly Rubs  5/31/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/31/world/asia/dogs-coronavirus.html

Covid summer: Fauci warns US not to ‘declare victory’ despite lowest rates in a year 5/31/21 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/31/dr-anthony-fauci-interview-covid-coronavirus-vaccines-summer

We Were Called to Sacrifice as a Nation. We Didn’t Answer.  5/30/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/30/opinion/memorial-day-covid-national-service.html

Immunity to the Coronavirus May Persist for Years, Scientists Find  5/26/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/26/health/coronavirus-immunity-vaccines.html

How the Covid pandemic ends: Scientists look to the past to see the future  5/19/21 https://www.statnews.com/2021/05/19/how-the-covid-pandemic-ends-scientists-look-to-the-past-to-see-the-future/

Meet the Four Kinds of People Holding Us Back From Full Vaccination  5/18/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/18/opinion/covid-19-vaccine-hesitancy.html

New Honor System on Masks: ‘Am I to Trust These People?’  5/18/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/us/masks-cdc-covid.html

Daring Mighty Things

–Ingenuity had a glitch during a test flight last week, but the mini-copter recovered–Nasa’s Mars helicopter goes on ‘stressful’ wild flight after malfunction  5/28/21 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/28/nasa-mars-helicopter-goes-on-stressful-wild-flight-after-malfunction-ingenuity

–Synopsis and footage of the project so far–3 Months On Mars: Perseverance  3/18/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNrTttvdIMc

Texas state elections

We got through the presidential election in 2020 and also the Lakeway election just last month.  Now, attention is turning to November of 2022–when Texas elects a governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.  In my view, the Lone Star state REALLY needs to clean house.  Will 2022 finally be the year Texas TURNS BLUE?  Or, maybe a lovely purple?

As for the governor’s race, Gov. Abbott has declared he will run for a third term.  (Eight years already with Greg Abbott at the helm–no wonder Texas is such a mess.)  Of course, Former Guy Trump has endorsed his Texan Mini Me.  Republicans will challenge Abbott, maybe including Dan Patrick; he says he won’t do it, but he says a LOT of things….  Far right Republican and former state senator Don Huffines has declared he will fight Abbott in the primary.  Republican former state Sen. Don Huffines launches primary challenge to Gov. Greg Abbott  5/10/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/10/don-huffines-texas-greg-abbott/ Plus, Allen West just resigned as GOP Party Chair and will try for a state office, likely governor.  Allen West resigns as chair of Texas Republican Party  6/4/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/04/texas-allen-west-republican-resigns/

The hot question is which Democrats might vie for governor.  One possibility is former HUD Secretary Julian Castro.  Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke is also considering a run (yes please!). Beto O’Rourke Hints at 2022 Bid, Embarks on Statewide Tour  6/3/21 https://www.newsweek.com/beto-orourke-hints-2022-bid-texas-governor-voting-bill-1597184

Then, there is actor Matthew McConaughey, whose party affiliation is unknown. Yet, he is flirting with running (heaven help us). Matthew McConaughey making calls as he weighs running for Texas governor 5/16/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/16/matthew-mcconaughey-texas-governor-run-488536

As for Lt. Governor, Dan Patrick seems to be running again.  So far, it looks like he will be challenged by Republican Dan Bullis and Democrat Mike Collier.

In the Attorney General race, Ken Paxton says he will run again (unless, of course, he is in prison by 2022).  Land Commissioner George P. Bush recently said he wants the AG job, which sets up a tough choice for the Former Guy—who to endorse?  Paxton attended Trump’s Jan. 6 insurrection speech, put his name on a lawsuit that tried (and failed) to get the US Supreme Court to award Trump a second term, and now spends all his time suing the Biden administration just for grins. On the other hand, George P. Bush has long pandered to Trump, who calls him “the only Bush who likes me.”  My money is on Bush getting the orange nod, because being Republican royalty makes him more newsworthy than Paxton, who is best known for managing to hold public office for YEARS while multiple felony indictments simmer in the background.  Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announces run for attorney general against Ken Paxton  6/2/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/02/george-p-bush-ken-paxton-texas-attorney-general/

By the way, Texas politics may become a continuing category in my blog.  Input would be appreciated–send a Comment.

In Lakeway

Get your Covid-19 vax PLUS 10% off shopping at Randalls

Randall’s Pharmacies are giving free COVID-19 vaccinations on a walk-in and appointment basis. People also get 10% off the next shopping visit.  They have Pfizer (approved for age 12 and up) as well as Moderna and J&J vaccines.  (This may vary by location.)  Go here for info–https://www.randalls.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html?deeplinkuid=d51e03b0-799e-45ef-8d7b-bcb21f5256d2&cmpid=em_ran_sou_cb__ahoc__20210522&HHID=200015741188&Theme=COVID19_Awareness_CVIS

Council’s May 17 meeting 

Our brand spanking new mayor, Tom Kilgore was sworn in!  Gretchen Vance, Sanjeev Kumar, and Keith Trecker were also sworn in as Council Members.

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Mayor Kilgore named Louis Mastrangelo as Mayor Pro Tem.

Council unanimously approved the final plat of the 11 acre Rough Hollow Community Park.  Formerly known as the Butler Tract, Legends agreed with Council that the park needs an official name signifying it is open to ALL Lakeway residents.  Dedication is likely a year out, since the land still needs to be graded.

Also, Legacy Development made a high-level initial presentation of a possible future residential project on 38 acres off Flint Rock Road for luxury single-family homes via a development agreement. (This is NOT Legacy’s recently approved PUD project on Flint Rock Road.)  Topics included road construction, garage orientation, exterior construction materials, in lieu of parkland fees, cut/fill variance, and building height maximum.  This was ONLY a preliminary presentation, with no action taken.  IF the developer decides to move forward, the usual ZAPCO hearing, formal notices, and authorization process will be followed.

Council also accepted Chief Radford’s resignation (effective June 7) and approved the separation agreement per his employment contract.  The Chief was invited to make a statement, where he indicated he was asked to resign.  He did not say who asked him to resign or give a reason for that; the city cannot elaborate due to employment laws.  Citizen Participation comments (only 3 made) indicated Radford is seen as a victim, and a portion of the audience became raucous. 

What a shame this ugly situation created during the Cox administration was allowed to bleed over to the Kilgore administration and taint what should have been a positive first Council meeting.  Mayor Cox called more than 1 special Council meeting at the close of her term, scrambling to wrap up certain things on her watch.  Yet, accepting Chief Radford’s resignation got dumped on Tom Kilgore the very night he was sworn into office.  Most people leave a nice note on the desk of the successor; Sandy Cox left a stink bomb.

Go here to watch this Council meeting— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/121575

Council’s special budget session meeting set for June 7 has been cancelled. 

So, the next Council meeting is, as of now, set for June 21, with another budget work session scheduled for June 28.  As meeting dates approach, go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Back to me….

Busy, busy, busy.  Even mundane shopping trips to Walmart and Costco are fun again, now that I’m vaccinated and Covid is under control.

I also spent time in Best Buy huddling with the Geek Squad over a computer purchase.  My primary laptop started acting up in 2020, so I made a deal with the universe, promising to buy new one if my old one limped through the pandemic.  I almost have it up and running, but no matter how advanced the device is, it still comes out of the box thinking it is a toaster…. 

I couldn’t help noticing that a certain Former Guy ditched HIS blog after just 29 days.  Seems he was embarrassed by the low readership (or maybe there just weren’t enough donations coming in from it).  Well, it may not be a beacon of freedom, but I’m quite happy with my blog, which debuted (only occasionally from my desk, thanks to the joys of laptop mobility) well over a year ago (on March 15, 2020).  Community response has been gratifying, and I enjoy doing it; that latter bit, to be honest, is really my bottom line these days.  Trump’s underwhelming blog ends with an embarrassing whimper  6/2/21  https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-s-underwhelming-blog-ends-embarrassing-whimper-n1269348?cid=eml_mra_20210602&user_email=6ed7408ec573645e45ac2a65b61d1e1e6ab1b9effbafc1d30d0a407afca1b325

Our precious deer…. Please slow down and watch for them, particularly now with new fawns running around.

I was on my walk one morning last week and happened on a doe, cleaning up her 2 newborn fawns. I froze and watched them from a distance, and it was amazing.  They were in a safe spot, at the back of a condo complex, right by a pond and under some trees.  Then, the doe stood up, and I saw her third fawn sitting there! The triplets were all wobbly but lively, as mama ate the placenta just like she should. Sorry the photos are so bad, but I didn’t dare approach for fear of spooking the family; zoom can only do so much, plus it was very shaded under the trees.

Plus, I saw this doe and new fawn on Vanguard.

Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit): The cub weighs 45LBS at 9 months old.  The Washingtom Zoo is now open again, so lucky visitors are getting in-person looks at this sweetie.

—Playtime 5/30/21

—Xiao Qi Ji’s Fired Up Unbearable Cuteness  5/30/21

—Xiao Qi Ji Greets His Fans (GORGEOUS close-ups) 5/28/21

—Xiao playing outside with Mom  5/26/21

—Happy 9 Month Birthday, Xiao  5/21/21

—‘Little Miracle’ panda cub makes public debut as National Zoo reopens  5/21/21 https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/miracle-panda-cub-makes-public-debut-national-zoo/story?id=77825899&cid=social_fb_abcn&fbclid=IwAR11eSoO1UVZRT3ax7Li17PNbfqj-Eo-ma4c80PdsZkibtrjWRLkjlNaG-s

For anyone looking for my usual every-other-week blog to be posted—not happening. 

One thing I do in my blog is highlight issues in the upcoming week’s Lakeway Council meeting.  May has 5 Mondays, and Council meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays, so there is NO MEETING this week.  And, the Agenda for the June 7 meeting hasn’t been released yet.  So, my next blog will be posted NEXT weekend. 

Memorial Day

Besides, this is Memorial Day weekend.  I hope everyone has a safe and rejuvenating holiday, taking time to remember the military heroes who gave their lives for our country.  America is the land of the free because of their sacrifice, and that of their families.

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, new cases have fallen for the last 2 weeks. However, India’s death toll remains horrendous, with people dying due to hospitals running out of oxygen; it has become impossible to cremate all the bodies, so many are being dumped in rivers.  Cases are still rising in Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia.  Brazil and most of South America are also in trouble.

In the US, the infection rate has steadily dropped; it is 30% lower than 2 weeks ago, and 20% lower than last week.  Currently, hospitalizations and deaths are down to levels not seen in over a year–since April of 2020.  The feared 4^th surge seems to have been avoided, due to vaccination, past infections resulting in acquired immunity, and mask-wearing.  ‘Turning the Corner’: U.S. Covid Outlook Reaches Most Hopeful Point Yet  5/6/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/06/us/covid-case-hospitalizations-update.html

Look Mom—no masks! Things are going so well, the CDC now says fully vaccinated people can safely bare their faces indoors and outside!  Basically, being vaccinated makes Covid no more risky than getting in a car or going for a swim.  There are a few common sense exceptions (wear masks while using public transportation and when visiting hospitals or other medical settings, nursing homes, homeless shelters, or prisons).  Of course, people still must follow any local laws or rules set up by businesses as to masking and social distancing. 

Hate masks?  Then, GET VACCINATED!  Fully vaccinated? You can ditch the mask, CDC says  5/13/2 1https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-plans-drop-mask-requirements-fully-vaccinated-people-n1267249

This boils down to: IF YOU ARE VACCINATED, YOU CAN RETURN TO A NORMAL LIFE, WITHOUT ENDANGERING YOURSELF OR OTHERS.  As long as you are NOT vaccinated, you remain a hazard to yourself and those around you, as well as providing a vector for the virus to spread and mutate.  PLEASE GET VACCINATED.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, less than 10% of the population has received a shot.  The world may need to learn to live with the virus 5/9/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/09/world/virus-herd-endemic.html

The US recently came out in support of patent waivers to help all countries get access to vaccines.  However, that would be a long process, and many practical obstacles remain.  US declares support for patent waiver on Covid-19 vaccines  5/5/21  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/05/us-declares-support-for-patent-waiver-on-covid-19-vaccines

In the US, 58% of American adults have gotten at least 1 shot.  President Biden’s new goal is vaccinating 70 percent of American adults with at least 1 shot by July 4. Over 250 million shots have now been given by the Biden administration.  But, the pace of vaccination has slowed, for many reasons.  U.S. Vaccinations Are Slowing. What’s to Blame?  5/4/21  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/04/us/vaccine-rollout-slowing.html

Basically, we are in the middle of the vaccination process.  Middles are always hard.   But, we must keep at it.  As much improved as things are in the US, we are still seeing an average of 600 people dying of Covid every day.  Many unvaccinated adults are not refusing to get a shot—they just need the shots to come to them.  They Haven’t Gotten a Covid Vaccine Yet. But They Aren’t ‘Hesitant’ Either. 5/12/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/12/us/covid-vaccines-vulnerable.html

So, the focus has shifted from large vaccination hubs to smaller clinics.  Now, there are over 80,000 vaccine sites, many operating on a walk-in basis.  Nearly every American has a vaccine site within 5 miles of home.  For those needing transportation, Uber and Lyft will provide MILLIONS of free rides.

Also, states are getting creative in encouraging vaccinations, setting up clinics at businesses, parks, places of worship, and transportation hubs.  Rewards started with free donuts and sports/concert tickets before ramping up to monetary incentives like $100 savings bonds.  Now, for Ohio residents, those vaccinated are entered into weekly lotteries to win $1million (adults) and free rides for 4 years of public university (teens).

For teens, there was a huge advance last week.  The Pfizer vaccine was approved for use in kids age 12-15, opening up safe in-person school, summer camp, and family vacations.  The F.D.A. authorizes the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 12 to 15  5/10/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/10/health/pfizer-covid-vaccine-teens.html

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

–Everything you need to know about the new CDC mask guidance for fully vaccinated people  5/13/21 https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-cdc-mask-guidance-for-fully-vaccinated-people-111921733671?cid=eml_mda_20210514&user_email=6ed7408ec573645e45ac2a65b61d1e1e6ab1b9effbafc1d30d0a407afca1b325

–Why Herd Immunity is Slipping Away  25 minute podcast 5/7/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-herd-immunity-vaccine.html?rref=vanity

–U.S. Vaccinations Are Slowing. What’s to Blame?  5/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/04/us/vaccine-rollout-slowing.html

–The Other Side of Languishing Is Flourishing. Here’s How to Get There.  5/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/04/well/mind/flourishing-languishing.html

–Reaching ‘Herd Immunity’ Is Unlikely in the U.S., Experts Now Believe  5/3/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/03/health/covid-heard-immunity-vaccine.html

–Children Now Account For 22% of New U.S. COVID Cases. Why Is That?  5/3/21 https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/05/03/993141036/children-now-account-for-22-of-new-u-s-covid-cases-why-is-that

Daring Mighty Things

Ingenuity, NASA’s mini-copter exploring Mars, did so well in testing that it has been awarded a whole new mission.  The original goal was just to see if a helicopter could fly in the thin atmosphere of Mars.  Scientists were so impressed with Ingenuity’s performance they doubled its lifespan from 30 to 60 days.  Now, they have decided to use Ingenuity over the next several months for aerial reconnaissance of the surrounding landscape, to assist exploration by the rover, Perseverance.  NASA Mars Helicopter Makes One-Way Flight to New Mission 5/7/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/science/mars-helicopter-nasa-ingenuity.html

Here is a 2 minute video of Ingenuity flying over Mars: Ingenuity Helicopter’s 5th flight on Mars with Dust Devil behind (video by Perseverance)  5/8/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ6F1Wt6_wU

60 Minutes did a great 13 minute segment on the entire project, that includes stunning footage of Mars: Perseverance rover, Ingenuity helicopter, and the search for ancient life on Mars  5/9/21  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRrFRL5v0ig

More Martian scenery: Perseverance Rover Captures Unidentified Flying Object at the Top of ‘Santa Cruz’ Hill on Mars  5/13/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFMRRF7EQbw

In Lakeway

The end of an era….

Police Chief Radford resigned on May 14.  Lakeway Police Chief Todd Radford resigns after 14 years with department  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/lake-travis-view/2021/05/14/lakeway-chief-police-todd-radford-resigns/5100520001/?fbclid=IwAR2650b_OMKanIsAd8HpEyibg4w8Co5aXCW1pyzoibWMJmqHksItMVEea1Y

Follow up on Council’s May 3 meeting

This lame duck session was largely house-keeping, with Council: formally resolving the city’s lawsuit over the Cherry Knoll development (due to the PUD being recently adopted); introducing our new Emergency Management Coordinator; rescinding/revising/extending Lakeway’s Covid-19 regulations; and (after an executive session) adopting unspecified policies for the police department.

In addition, they discussed several proposed projects under the Capitol Improvement Plan.  City staff will use the feedback provided to flesh out the projects and timeline for action down the road.  It sounded like the $445K new bridge between the Sculpture Garden/Justice Center and the Hamilton Green Belt will be brought forward for safety reasons (engineering to be done in 2021 and construction done in 2022).  Also, Council wants the police department’s current new CAD/RMS software to be reviewed now, with immediate problems resolved, since replacing the system will not happen quickly or cheaply. (Per the City Manager, $200K remains from the Police Station bond, that could be used toward the estimated $600K price tag for a new system.)  A robust discussion took place regarding cost sharing of $300K for the (eventual) stoplight at Lohmans and Main.  Since Wingreen Loop, The Village of the Hills’ main entrance/exit, will also be connected by that crucial intersection, The Hills must pay up.

Go here to watch this Council meeting online—https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/120268

Council also had a Special Meeting on May 12

This was largely to canvass the official results of the May 1 election.   As we already knew, Tom Kilgore won the contest for mayor (hallelujah!), and the 3 Council seats were won by Gretchen Vance, Sanjeev Kumar, and Keith Trecker.  Also, the periodic renewal of a 0.25% sales tax to pay for road repairs passed.  Full voting details by precinct are included in the Meeting Packet for this session.  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Here is a photo of the overall results as reported by Travis County—

Council next meets on Monday, May 17, 6:30pm. 

This is an in-person meeting at City Hall.  Masks are required, and distancing means there will be reduced seating available.  Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate.  Citizens Participation requires attendance.

The Agenda includes recognition of departing Mayor Cox and Council Member Howell.  Also, Tom Kilgore will be sworn in as our new Mayor, along with Gretchen Vance, Sanjeev Kumar, and Keith Trecker as Council Members.  Plus, a new Mayor Pro Tem will be named.  Finally, as far as city personnel matters, Council will act on Chief Radford’s resignation.

In addition, Legends is asking for approval of the final plat of the Rough Hollow Community Park.  Also, Legacy Development has an initial presentation of a possible future project off Flint Rock Road (NOT Legacy’s recently approved PUD project).  Topics include road construction, garage orientation, exterior construction materials, in lieu of parkland fees, cut/fill variance, and building height maximum.   (Details are in the Meeting Packet.)

Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

ZAPCO and Nightingale Project

Finally, ZAPCO’s May 10 meeting included initial review of the contentious Nightingale Project, a proposed $75 million multi-family development on 620, at the old Pope Enterprises site next to Cardinal Hills.  The developer wants to change the site’s future land use map designation from the current commercial to residential and then wants to build under a Planned Unit Development; the PUD would amount to R-8 zoning with several variances allowing 294 apartments (with a pool and other amenities) in 2 buildings (4 stories tall, with 1 story under-grade), plus a 1 acre public park and a parking garage.  The land is just shy of 8 acres, so it would be very dense; the proposal amounts to 37 units per acre, as opposed to the city’s maximum 12 units per acre.   Parking provided would be just 441 spaces, well short of the 629 spaces that ordinance requires for the planned apartment units.  The developer claims there would be a stop light on 620 at Nightingale, but the resulting traffic on the roads surrounding the tract is concerning. 

The interesting thing about this proposal is that it would be WORKFORCE HOUSING, meaning workers in a certain income range would get a break of $500 to $1,000 per month on rent.  Local business owners commented at the meeting that this affordable housing would be a first for our area and would help immensely in hiring workers to support Lakeway businesses of all kinds.  Of course, many residential neighbors commented against the project, worried about traffic, parking, and in some cases just upset the tract would be developed at all.  Yet, this property fronts 620 and obviously will be built out at some point; the requested residential zoning seems to be a step up from the current commercial designation. 

The proposal got a very fair hearing at ZAPCO.  It was noted that our Comprehensive Plan favors BOTH commercial development (for additional sales tax revenue) and workforce housing (to supply workers for our businesses), with the location in question a prime spot for BOTH types of development.  In the end, the matter was tabled for up to 90 days and detailed notes were given to the developer, requesting many very specific changes (the most important being less apartments and more parking) IF it wants ZAPCO to consider recommending the proposal to Council.  I’m pretty sure we will hear more about this development soon. Go here to watch the meeting (item 6)– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/120589

Back to me….

So, I am 3 weeks past my second Pfizer shot and thus FULLY VACCINATED.  I can quit worrying about getting sick, and mostly my mask can stay in my pocket.  After well over a year, I’m thinking about getting back to normal….  Life is good.

I adore my new yard sign, and Lakeway drivers certainly need to be reminded to watch for newborn fawns.  Sadly, dozens of our fawns are hit by cars every spring/summer.

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Lakeway artist Victoria Waite created these signs and sold 50 immediately on Next Door.  She just had another batch of these adorable signs printed.  They will go quick!  To buy one ($20 each), go here—https://www.facebook.com/FawnsAtPlay

I FINALLY SPOTTED A FAWN!  This one was a few days old, hanging out with Mama Doe and a few yearlings on Vanguard.  I also saw a VERY expectant doe—twins are in there, at least…. Plus, my favorite twins from last year are still inseparable, and I will add the latest shot I got of them, as well as one of a very confident Great Blue Heron who hangs out at the pond near Live Oak’s 14^th hole.

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Panda cub video updates on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

—Mei Xiang Loves Munching On Her Cub 05-13-21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UATAXe1-wTI

Let’s see what Xiao Qi Ji does up in his favorite tree & how Mei rolls with her baby  5/6/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGr7Nh2wxk0

Lakeway ELECTION RESULTS

Heartfelt CONGRATS to MAYOR TOM KILGORE!  No one deserves the win more than Tom, but the REAL winner here is City of Lakeway.  Truly, Happy Days are Here Again….

More good news is that Gretchen Vance was re-elected to Council.  The other 2 Council winners are Sanjeev Kumar and Keith Trecker.

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, we are as sick as we have ever been.  While the US and some nations are vaccinating and doing better with the pandemic, other nations (India and Brazil being the worst-hit) are now on fire with Covid.  The result is more new cases (close to 1 million documented per day) worldwide than EVER recorded.  Deaths are also at record levels.  Aside from the human tragedy, this means that the virus now has unparalleled opportunity to mutate, threatening our precious vaccines.

In the US, the 4^th surge seems under control.  Over the last 2 weeks, new cases have dropped 27%.  The country is averaging around 55,000 new daily infections, and the daily rate tends to be well under 1,000 people.  Still, the death total is now over 590,000, so we creep toward the mind-boggling milestone of 600,000 dead of Covid-19.

The CDC updated mask guidelines last week.  Now, people who are fully vaccinated can be OUTDOORS WITHOUT A MASK, except in heavy crowds like concerts or sports events.  Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People  4/27/21  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, over one billion vaccine doses have been administered.  Sounds impressive, but that is only 14 doses for every 100 people. Tracking Coronavirus Vaccinations Around the World  4/29/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-vaccinations-tracker.html

In the US, over 100 million Americans are fully vaccinated.  That is 40% of the adults in the country, while 55% of the adults have gotten at least 1 shot.

The Biden administration delivered a heroic 220 million shots in its first 100 days.  However, the pace has slowed recently; the country averaged less than three million shots a day over the last week, down from a peak of more than 3.3 million per day.  This was due in part to the recent issues with the J&J vaccine.  Also, we have largely covered the elderly and the other at-risk groups, as well as those people eager enough to fight for limited appointments and travel to large hub centers for a shot.  Now, unvaccinated adults include the busy, the inattentive, the unconcerned (mostly younger adults), the politically contrary, and the die-hard anti-vaxxers.   

The government, businesses, and private groups are targeting these various holdouts in different ways.  Pres. Biden announced a new federal program to give workers paid leave to receive their vaccination, saying: “No working American should lose a single dollar from their paycheck because they chose to fulfill their patriotic duty of getting vaccinated.”  West Virginia is giving a $100 savings bond to people who get vaccinated.  Many businesses, as well as colleges and universities, are hosting on-site vaccination clinics; in addition, they are REQUIRING employees/students to get vaccinated, to guard against outbreaks that could cripple operations.  So far, it has not taken this step, but the federal government may require the military to get vaccinated; currently the Covid vax is optional, since it is under emergency approval, but the military has long required its personnel to take myriad vaccinations, depending on location.  Even non-military federal employees and contractors could be required to get vaccinated.  Some are suggesting it is time for widespread cash incentives, in order to get enough adults vaccinated to reach herd immunity and stifle Covid.  (Approved vaccines for those under age 16 are in process, but movement there is not expected before fall.)

In Texas, about 8 million people/34% of the adults are fully vaccinated.

In Travis County, roughly 400,000 people/40% of the adults are fully vaccinated.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

–How Pfizer Makes Its Covid-19 Vaccine  4/28/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/health/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine.html

—Got vaccinated? Here’s all the free stuff you can get  4/26/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/24/business/vaccine-freebies/index.html

—Answers to All Your Questions About Getting Vaccinated for Covid-19  updated 4/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/well/covid-vaccine-questions.html

—Answers to All Your Questions About Getting Vaccinated for Covid-19  updated 4/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/well/covid-vaccine-questions.html

—Patients With Long Covid Face Lingering Worrisome Health Risks  4/22/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/22/health/covid-patients-health-risks-long-term.html

—What Do You Do When the Kids Are Still Unvaccinated?  4/22/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/22/opinion/unvaccinated-kids.html

—The Years We’ve Lost to Covid  4/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/21/well/covid-statistics-years-life-lost.html

—Irrational Covid Fears  4/19/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/briefing/european-soccer-league-mars-helicopter-navalny.html

—There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing  4/19/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

Daring Mighty Things

Ingenuity, the adorable mini-helicopter on Mars, made several successful flights, starting on April 19.  NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter makes maiden flight on Mars in a “Wright brothers moment”  4/19/21 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mars-ingenuity-helicopter-maiden-flight/

In fact, Ingenuity is such a success story, its trial has been extended another 30 days.  NASA extends Mars helicopter Ingenuity’s high-flying mission on Red Planet 4/27/21 https://www.space.com/nasa-mars-helicopter-ingenuity-mission-extended

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Somewhat closer to home, NASA and Space-X successfully launched 4 astronauts to the International Space Station on April 23.  This was the first flight ever to re-use both the capsule AND the rocket for the trip.  Watch here– SpaceX Crew-2 Launches  4/23/21   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq-FwAEcrWI

In Lakeway

There are 4—yes, 4—Council meetings to cover here, 2 regular and 2 special.

Follow up on Council’s April 19 meeting

Council voted unanimously to approve a planned development (PUD) on Flint Rock Road, allowing developer Legacy DCS to build 126 detached single-family homes on 22 acres, plus 3 acres of commercial/park space, with several variances.  Legacy agreed to add a right in/right out to the complex and to landscape the entire commercial area as a park in Phase 1. The next step will be drafting a Development Agreement governing the project, but this solidifies settlement of the land owner’s long-running lawsuit with the city.

Also, Stratus was back for another presentation on The Oaks and Main Street.  (See previous blogs for more info and links to plans and written statement.) The developer reiterated that if we stick with the current PUD requiring 70-100 patio homes (that Stratus hopes to sell for up to $1 million each) and possibly a hotel, construction would NOT happen in the foreseeable future.  While it might be possible to hurry this along with bond funding via a PID, Stratus has never used that option and hinted of delay.  Its preference is clearly building 275 apartments on 8 acres on one side of the road, leaving the other 26 acres as dedicated parkland.  Stratus said it could start on THAT option by end of 2021 and complete it all in 24 months, with occupancy of the apartments tied to completion of the road.  (NOTE that the configuration of the road was never mentioned.  Is Stratus building all 4 lanes of the road, or only 2 lanes, with Lakeway responsible for expanding it?)  The few citizen comments made favored this option, due to the benefit of a large park in the heart of town.  Council members also loved the park option, especially since it includes the existing ponds, as well as deeming apartments and a park to be good transition areas between the commercial use at one end of Mail Street and the R-1/single family homes already approved for the Legends tract at the other end (emptying out onto Lohman’s at Wingreen Loop).  Community input was requested, but Council directed staff to work with Stratus to better define the apartment/park option.

Council decided to move forward with pre-design, conceptual design and funding support phases on a proposed YMCA recreation center.  Information obtained should facilitate a decision on whether this is something that works for Lakeway.  The city will split the $48,000 total cost of this investigation with LTISD.

Council also reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan, approving 3 Parks and Recreation projects, utilizing $484,000 previously set aside for the department in 2021.  These projects are replacing the playscape at City Park for $300k, replacing the projection trailer with an LED mobile screen trailer for $130K, and installing a sidewalk near the Hurst Creel Sculpture Garden for $54K.  Other proposed Capital Fund projects for 2022 and 2023 include: landscaping at various parks for $100K; Hurst Creek Sculpture Park Bridge for $445K; various park trails for $130K; new CAD/RMS software system for the police department at around $600K; an enclosed modular shooting range for the police department at $470K, to allow on-site arms training and certification for police officers; crosswalk at Lakeway Blvd. and Lakeway Drive, at $90K; Lakeway Drive pavement overlay at $411K; and Lakeway Blvd. milling and overlay at $3.3 million.  (The 3 road projects will likely be added to the transportation bond needed to fund Lakeway’s share of the 620 retrofit project.) Go here to watch this Council meeting online–https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/119656

Follow up on Council’s April 26 meeting

The Mayor scheduled a surprise special meeting, held in person on April 26.  Lame ducks go quack, quack, quack….

Council approved reviewed a roster of bills for the city to support or oppose, from the predictably sordid melange now pending at the Texas legislature.  (This item seems to be the reason for this extra meeting.)  It voted to SUPPORT assessing internet sales tax by location, requiring county approval for purchase of a facility to house the homeless, making it easier to annex a right of way, and continuing alcoholic beverage sales to go.  It voted to OPPOSE requiring candidate party affiliation to appear on ballots in local elections, assessing penalties on cities for defunding the police, allowing disannexation of properties not receiving all city services, allowing zoning variances based on the owner’s financial hardship, removing territory from emergency services areas, and stopping cities from using lobbyists at the legislature.  

Council also approved an ordinance terminating the city’s employment contracts, other than its contract with the City Manager or as specified by statute, and making everyone else at will employees.  (As the city attorney stated, they tried to clean up related language in the ordinances, but it got unexpectedly complicated as to the prosecutor, judges, etc. They also specified when the City Manager can hire/terminate personnel and when Council gets involved.) This was teed up at the last meeting following an Executive Session; the publicly given reason was that the city has multiple employee contracts with varying terms.  Various comments hinted that the police chief got the short end of this stick.

Go here to watch this Council meeting online—https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/119994

Council next meets on Monday, May 3, 6:30pm.

This is an in person meeting at City Hall.  Masks are required, and distancing means there will be reduced seating available.  Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate.  Citizens Participation requires attendance.

The new Mayor and Council member/s will NOT yet be certified or sworn in, so anything accomplished will be more lame duck action. However, the Agenda is largely house-keeping items.

The city’s lawsuit over the Cherry Knoll development is formally resolved, due to the PUD being adopted at the last meeting.

The city’s new Emergency Management Coordinator will be introduced. 

Our existing Covid-19 regulations need to be rescinded/revised/extended.

Capital Improvement projects for 2022 and 2023 will be discussed.  (Most are mentioned in the April 26 meeting review, above.)

Finally, there are 4 Executive Sessions (police department, personnel matters, economic development project, and legal advice). Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Finally, ANOTHER extra Council meeting has been set for 10am on Wednesday, May 12. 

No Agenda is available yet, but this could well just be the outgoing ceremony/swearing in of new officials.

Back to me….

I got my SECOND vaccine shot (Pfizer) in late April.  The side effects were just a little more pronounced than with the first shot—body aches, swollen lymph nodes and a really sore arm—but they only lasted a couple days.  I still need a couple weeks to build up antibodies and be fully protected, but the relief I feel now is immense.

Another painting project is checked off my list.  I hauled this handy storage chest around for decades, and I barely remember the house whose décor it matched.  Now, it looks great in my kitchen and holds extra cases of canned and bags of dry cat food.  Plus kitty treats, can’t forget the treats….

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Nearly every day now, lucky folks post on Next Door adorable images of newborn fawns parked in their yards.  Personally, I have seen NO babies  yet.  So, here are some of my favorite squirrel photos from over the years.  I love squirrels….

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Panda cub updates on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

—Xiao Qi Ji’s Precious Play While Momma Rests  5/1/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmi4OOEnLLU

—Xiao Qi Ji’s The Cutest, Hungriest Little Pest Ever 04/25/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtfHHUcuhtQ

—A Sweet Day for Momma Bear and Baby Bear—and just a quick visit with Papa Bear 04/21/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wupjRMvOBrs

This ELECTION EDITION highlights info on that topic, plus significant updates on Council issues.  Coronavirus info appears below.

In Lakeway

Lakeway elects a new mayor and 3 council members on May 1, 2021. 

Early voting starts April 19 and ends April 27.  Our Early Voting location is Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Vote for ONE person for mayor, but you can vote for up to THREE people for council (of the 5 running, the top 3 vote-getters win seats). 

Please VOTE!  Our May elections always have very low turnout.  Traditionally, that has allowed the same small group of residents to control the outcome.  Let’s change that!

I created 10 questions and sent them out to all the candidates.  The responses are on a new page on this website—Lakeway May 1 Election.  Today, I added MUCH MORE INFO there.  Click on that page in the Menu above or use this link—https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/

MAYOR–I endorse Tom Kilgore.    

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Having researched the candidates AND having closely followed local politics for years now, I will be voting for TOM KILGORE to be our next mayor, and I hope you will consider doing so, as well. Tom is the level head we need leading the city and managing our growth. For years, he has advocated for building safe roads, conservative financial management, and transparent government.

Tom graduated from West Point and honorably served our country until he retired in 1996. He then went on to a successful career in the energy industry, working in both public and private companies. He retired here in Lakeway to be close to his family. He has been active in city politics for years.

And I do mean “active.”  I have attended or watched online just about every Council meeting for the last 3 years, and I assure you that Tom Kilgore has done the same.  He often provides comments—always on point and insightful—in Citizens Participation.  Tom also was appointed by Council to serve on the recent Charter Review Committee.  And (in a matter close to my heart), Tom stepped up in 2019 with a generous donation to retrofit the spiked metal fencing erected along the brand new police station grounds, making it safe for our kids and wildlife.  Tom’s integrity is exactly what Lakeway needs.

Tom Kilgore knows Lakeway’s issues, and he is the right person to be our next mayor.  Personally, I have serious misgivings about the other candidate for mayor that just START with his complete lack of involvement with Lakeway to date.  I dearly wish this message could be 100% positive, but there are disturbing things in Mr. Babin’s recent past that voters deserve to know.  Schuette Shuts Down Another Deceptive Veterans Charity  11/16/17  https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-47796-452462–,00.html?fbclid=IwAR12AoLuzA95Me0K-7LS8Ma-WW2VItG7PvY1Ty9gMgzFs6NiEsjtN-x5ahU

Click below to visit Tom’s site and learn more about his campaign (you can also request a very cool Kilgore for Mayor sign for your yard): https://kilgoreforlakeway.com/

COUNCIL—I will vote for Gretchen Vance.  As for the rest of the candidates on the ballot for Council, Lakeway is in a world of hurt.  

See my Lakeway May 1 Election page for more info and resources. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/

Follow up on Council’s April 5 meeting–Stratus—Main Street and options for The Oaks: patio homes vs. apartments

Stratus Properties presented options for development of its land, as related to the long overdue completion of Main Street.  It was recently revealed that the city neglected back in 2015 to get an agreement signed regarding the developer’s obligations for building the road section beyond HEB.  Nevertheless, the city passed an ordinance requiring Stratus to start construction in 2021 and complete the middle portion by 2023. 

The tract, still owned by Stratus, is roughly 36 acres, extending from where Main Street now ends at the barricades.  It includes the missing middle section of Main Street.  This will connect to the missing far section of Main Street that is in the Legends tract, ending at Lohmans, where The Hills has its main gate on Wingreen Loop.  THAT is where there will eventually be a stoplight connecting Lohmans to Main Street.  (Legends already has approval for residential and commercial development of its tract and is due to break ground later this year.)

Currently, the Stratus land is approved as a PUD (planned unit development), allowing 70-100 houses (zoned R-2, patio homes) and a hotel/event center.  Stratus made it clear at the meeting it is NOT interested in pursuing this type of development at this time, saying it can’t make enough money on the homes, and another hotel in that area currently makes no sense.  No development now means no road now, per Stratus.

Instead, as what it called “an alternative to move things along,” Stratus proposed a multi-family development—apartments—on about 10 acres of the land that would all be on one side of the road (to the left if you stand at the barricades and look into the vacant land).  There would be 250-275 apartments (1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, no rental pricing provided), in 13 buildings, densely situated.  The buildings are “lake house” style—pitched roofs and lots of wood.  They were shown as 3 stories; most or all of the first floor area would be parking.  No amenities were mentioned, but the drawing shows a clubhouse and pool.  The rest of the land, over on the right side of the road (about 26 acres, bordering Rolling Green) would be undeveloped parkland.

My impression was that the multi-family plan was very spur of the moment, with Stratus just throwing numbers up in the air.  The representatives were poorly prepared, with no solid answers to questions raised.  The whole thing could just be a delaying tactic, and I wonder if Stratus is trying to sell the land.  The fact is that Stratus has the city over a barrel, since we really need Main Street completed before work starts on revamping 620.  And, Stratus’ sudden demand for a dense apartment development in the heart of Lakeway seems abusive.  (Even for that plan, Stratus provided no timeline for the road.)  It may well be that the only way to get Main Street built in the near future is for the city to take the land and build the road itself, hoping to recoup funds from Stratus later.

On the other hand, if there is ANY location within Lakeway appropriate for a dense apartment complex, it is this site, which is next to heavy commercial development.  As mentioned at the meeting, designating a percentage of the apartments as affordable housing should be considered.  The central location and walking access to shops and restaurants are big positives.  Also, having a 4 lane road running through the tract makes it difficult to place luxury homes.  And, having a large park on the Rolling Green side insulates those established homes as well as providing green space for everyone.  (In the patio home version, the houses would be across the entire tract, with a buffer along Rolling Green but no large park.)

Council made no decision at the April 5 meeting.  This is something the community needs to know about and weigh in on, sending comments to the mayor and council members.  The city recently uploaded the Stratus presentation, and that PDF is attached here. To watch the meeting, go here and click on item 5 (the discussion is about an hour)– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/117125

Here is the PDF showing various drawings.

Contact officials with your questions and comments here– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/100/Mayor-City-Council Or email info@lakeway-tx.gov

Council meets on Monday, April 19, 6:30pm. 

This will be an IN PERSON MEETING AT CITY HALL.  [I assume the 3 newcomers on the May 1 ballot have supporters lined up to lead them by the hand to City Hall, to be sure they find it.]  Masks are required, and distancing means there will be reduced seating available.  Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate.  Citizens Participation requires attendance.

The agenda includes another consideration of the planned development on Flint Rock Road (item 11), after a Traffic Study was reviewed at the April 5 meeting.  Request is for a zoning change from the current R-1 and C-1 to creation of a Planned Unit Development.  Having settled a long-running lawsuit with the city, developer Legacy DCS wants to build 126 detached single-family homes on 25 acres, with several variances.  This development is designed to serve the adjacent hospital complex, and the proposal is more in line with Lakeway’s usual requirements than the recent one for apartments.  But, nearby homeowners are objecting over density and traffic.  The Meeting Packet for April 19 has info on this item.

Also, Stratus is back for another presentation on The Oaks and Main Street (item 15).  See above for a summary of their presentation at the last meeting.  Stratus has provided written answers to some questions from last time, and the document is in the April 19 meeting Packet (pages 166-170).  For the apartment option, Stratus clarified there would be 275 units (750 to 1510 square feet) priced at $1600-1700 (but possibly including some workforce/affordable units), with amenities.  Extensive variances would be required.  Completion date for the road was vague but tied to completion of the project.  (I cannot see how THAT could be done in 2 years.)  For the patio homes option, Stratus was even less specific, but it did say the homes would be high-end with no workforce/affordable units and that the PUD allows 83 homes OR 56 homes plus a hotel.  Stratus stated construction on this option would not start in the foreseeable future, with the same applying to Main Street expansion.  Clearly, Stratus is not interested in doing the right thing for Lakeway.  Here are the new pages from Stratus:

Plus, there is a proposal for a recreation center (item 16) that was last considered a year ago.  Lakeway is being asked to move forward with the YMCA to the pre-design, conceptual design and funding support phases, for $48,000.  Details are in the Meeting Packet, pages 172-187.

And, there is a long list of expensive projects recommended for the Capital Improvement Plan (item 17).

The Agenda concludes with Executive Sessions, away from the public, on 5 separate issues (including what amounts to suing Stratus over Main Street). Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Keep in mind that this is likely the LAST time this Mayor and Council will preside, depending on how long it takes to certify the May 1 vote.  There WILL be a NEW MAYOR and up to 3 new Council members at upcoming meetings, making a majority of the April 19 members LAME DUCKS.  It will be interesting to see how that goes….

To send comments to Council beforehand (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, the stats just passed some mind-boggling milestones.  There are now over 140 million confirmed cases, as well as over 3 million Covid deaths.  (Due to lack of testing in many countries, both numbers are considered serious undercounts of reality.)  At the world level, Covid remains a deadly and uncontrolled wildfire.

In the US, a worrisome projection became reality as of April 7: Most infections in America are now caused by a contagious virus variant that was first identified in Britain.

America continues to experience a slow but steady rise in cases and hospitalizations, as the fourth surge continues.  As of April 16, over 20 states reported at least a 10% rise in daily average positive cases.  Michigan remains the worst-hit state.  Hospitals across the country report younger patients in this surge, likely due to most seniors having been vaccinated.

The latest Covid controversy seems to be over pandemic passports, which is just secure certification that a person has been vaccinated.  Those who get vaccinated have the right to be able to prove that, as needed for work, school, travel, etc.  Some states—Texas and other red ones, of course—are blocking this, seeming determined to protect those who refuse vaccination, as opposed to protecting public health.  There are consequences for refusing to get vaccinated—practical ones in addition to the whole get-sick-and-maybe-die thing.  Airlines, schools, and businesses worldwide want to protect their workers and customers, and proof of vaccination is the obvious way to do that.  As time passes and the vaccines become widespread, everyone will have to choose to get vaccinated or get out of the way as society moves forward.  A small number of loudly outraged Americans defining freedom as the right to infect others will not be tolerated by the rest of the world.  Here are a couple articles on the issues:

—Likely Legal, ‘Vaccine Passports’ Emerge as the Next Coronavirus Divide  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/politics/vaccine-passports-coronavirus.html

—Should You Be Worried About ‘Vaccine Passports’?  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/opinion/vaccine-passports-covid.html

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Finally, America is setting a GOOD standard for the pandemic!

On April 5, Pres. Biden announced that as of April 19, every adult 18 and up will be eligible for vaccination across the US.  The supply of doses is steadily increasing, so it looks like all adults can actually be vaccinated by this summer.

A new daily vaccination record was set—4.6 million shots were given on April 10.

Among US adults, 30% are now fully vaccinated, with 50% having received at least one dose of vaccine.   Last week, the FDA and CDC agreed to temporarily pause use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, due to 6 reported cases on a rare type of blood clot in people having received the shot. So far, J&J shots have accounted for only about 9 percent of fully vaccinated Americans, but the company is scheduled to deliver a larger proportion of product soon. J&J paused U.S. Calls for Pause on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Clotting Cases 4/13/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/politics/johnson-johnson-vaccine-blood-clots-fda-cdc.html

My view is that the FDA and CDC saw that something serious happened and decided an investigation need to be done, to see IF the J&J vaccine caused the blood clots.  Seems to me this is the correct scientific response.  And, it should not make people afraid of ANY of the vaccines.  It shows the process works, AND it proves that ALL the vaccines are being watched closely and are SAFE. If you want to understand this controversial issue, I recommend listening to this excellent podcast. The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause Explained   https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/podcasts/the-daily/johnson-johnson-vaccine-blood-clots-covid.html?rref=vanity

In Texas, more than 6 million people in Texas are fully vaccinated, which is about 20% of the state’s population.

Recent Covid articles I recommend

Covid Hospitalizations At Highest Level In Over A Month As Cases And Deaths Climb  4/16/21 https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2021/04/16/covid-hospitalizations-at-highest-level-in-over-a-month-as-cases-and-deaths-climb/?sh=60213019196d

What Women Need to Know About the Covid Vaccine  4/14/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/well/live/women-covid-19-vaccine.html

Likely Legal, ‘Vaccine Passports’ Emerge as the Next Coronavirus Divide  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/politics/vaccine-passports-coronavirus.html

Should You Be Worried About ‘Vaccine Passports’?  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/opinion/vaccine-passports-covid.html

Great series of Q&As on side effects from the shots and how to handle them.  Is the Second Dose Bad? If I Feel OK, Is It Working? Can I Take Tylenol?  4/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/well/live/covid-vaccine-side-effects-faq.html

Excellent and reassuring article on why this is all so hard and why we feel so bad.  We Have All Hit a Wall  4/3/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/03/business/pandemic-burnout-productivity.html

Back to me….

I’m painting again! My built-in-1997 home had gold hardware EVERYWHERE.  Some people like that—not me.  I changed out the cabinet pulls, hinges, doorknobs (SO MANY doorknobs….), etc. to modern brushed nickel during the 2 renos.  But, I was stuck with the very gold custom threshold at the front door; inside and outside, it glared blindingly, taunting me….  Rather than have a new one made, I decided to try painting it.  So, after sanding and slapping on a coat of primer, I applied metallic paint in brushed nickel.  (Having been using lovely latex paint recently, I had forgotten that oil paint is sticky to work with and a bear to clean up, plus it STINKS.)  But, I got 2 coats on, and the result is exactly what I wanted.  The threshold now matches all the brushed nickel hardware in the house, and you’d never know it was painted as opposed to coming that way.

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I am scheduled for my second Pfizer vaccination next week.  I can’t wait.

NEWBORN FAWNS ARE HERE! 

DO NOT assume a fawn has been abandoned.  Mama does leave newborns in safe areas to rest while they forage.  Parked fawns tend to curl up like cats and nap.  The spot chosen may seem exposed; fawns are safer from predators out in the open than they would be hidden in a wooded area.  Does don’t go far, and often other deer in her group keep watch.  Removing a fawn that is not in danger or clearly in distress causes terrible harm.

If the fawn is wandering around or bleating, it may need help.  If the ears are curled at the tips or its bottom is dirty, Mom hasn’t been around in a long time and the fawn needs help.  If the fawn has been injured or is being attacked by fire ants, it needs help.  Otherwise, don’t get close enough to frighten it into moving from its assigned spot, and let Mama Doe return.

If you do find a fawn or other deer in distress, here are people to call:

–Lakeway police animal control officer Andrea Greig  (cell)  512-261-2852.

–Wildlife rescue expert Leanne Dupay  512-694-1811 (she lives in The Hills.)

–Animal rehabber Emily Ash  512-773-5653  (she lives in Bee Cave)

–All Things Wild animal rehab  512-897-0806

–Austin Wildlife Rescue  512-472-9453

All this info and more is on my website’s Parked Fawn page; see Menu above or click here– https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer

Since I have not seen any fawns yet, here are some recent photos of our adult deer in town.

  

Panda cub updates on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

I am impressed with how dedicated this panda mom is; she really seems to love playing and interacting with her very demanding cub pretty much constantly.  And, it is a VERY good thing that panda cubs are so well-padded, as Biscuit takes a lot of slips and falls as he careens around non-stop.

Xiao Qi Ji and Momma’s Delightful Life  4/14/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKtInWasvJw

Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Rip Roaring Funfest in the Panda House  4/10/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPR78nHKj1Q

 Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Sweet Day 4/6/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsAkJiK6GgY

Watch Xiao Qi Ji Climb and Tumble  4/2/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7syodg5x1Jc

The Coronavirus

In the US

New cases are now climbing.  Again.  Just like experts warned would happen if precautions were suddenly ignored.  The daily new case average over the last week was 65,000, which is 19% higher than 2 weeks ago.  Of the 30 states with rising numbers, Michigan is in the worst shape, in crisis statewide with many hospitals overwhelmed.  New York and New Jersey are also surging.  Experts blame reckless business and restaurant openings, cancellation of mask requirements, a burst of travel, an uptick in sporting event attendance, and rapidly spreading variants.  Many states (including Texas) have severely curtailed testing, so actual new case numbers are higher than reported. 

Dropping our guard now makes no sense.  Everyone will be vaccinated very soon.  But, you have stay alive until then.

In Texas

A win for masks! On 3/26, a Travis County court rejected arguments by egregious Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and refused to strike down Austin/Travis County orders that customers wear a face covering in local businesses.  In doing so, Judge Livingston displayed unusual common sense, as follows:

–Judge Livingston was concerned that Abbott’s latest executive order prohibited local officials from enforcing mask mandates but allowed individual businesses to require customers to wear a mask — or enter without one.  That gives business owners, who can make those decisions without any scientific basis at all, more power over people’s health than local health authorities who are medical experts.  “What makes sense about that?” the judge asked.

— Judge Livingston  asked “What are the the state interests in preventing a jurisdiction from trying to keep their people safe?”  The state lawyer replied: “Preserving the freedom of individual choice.”  Livingston responded that individual choice would seem to allow infected people to “spew and infect others” by declining to wear a mask. “Why should a person with a deadly virus have more power than the person trying not to catch the deadly virus?” she asked.

As the state inevitably wastes taxpayer money on fighting for its right to kill as many Texans as it likes, the awesomely sensible ruling of Judge Livingston will be overturned; the appeals courts and especially the Texas Supreme Court are toxic Republicans.  But, in the meantime, masks were required over spring break and well beyond, keeping countless people well, out of hospitals, and alive.  Judge allows Austin, Travis County mask mandate to continue, rejecting Texas AG Ken Paxton’s arguments  3/26/21  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/03/26/austin-mask-mandate-continues-texas-ken-paxton-rejected/7011102002/

A recent study of the 50 states plus DC ranked Texas near the bottom (47 out of 51), as far as overall safety during Covid-19.  Here is how Texas ranked on the specific factors considered:

• 41st – Vaccination Rate
• 42nd – Positive Testing Rate
• 38th – Hospitalization Rate
• 45th – Death Rate
• 17th – Transmission Rate

Safest States During COVID-19  4/1/21  https://wallethub.com/edu/safest-states-during-covid/86567

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Having met his original goal very early, Pres. Biden on March 25 doubled it to a new goal of 200 million shots in the first 100 days of his administration.

April 2 was a record-breaking day, with over 4 million shots administered!  More than 20 million shots were given last week.

To date, over one-third of American adults (more than 90 million people) have received at least 1 vaccine dose, and about 15% are FULLY vaccinated.  Over 140 million doses have been administered and we are averaging over 2.5 million shots per day.  At this pace, half of the nation’s population will have at least one dose by mid-May.

On March 29, Pres. Biden announced there would soon be a vaccine site located within 5 miles of 90% of Americans.

Almost all states have announced timelines for meeting the Biden administration’s directive that all adults be eligible for vaccination by May 1.  Several states have already opened up to universal eligibility.

In Texas, only 14% of the 29 million population has been fully vaccinated.  Just five states — Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Utah — rank lower on per capita vaccinations, but Texas still opened up eligibility to EVERYONE age 16 & up, as of March 29.  This made 22 million more people eligible to join the battle for vaccine appointments.

In Travis County, about 13% the adult population is fully vaccinated, with 30% having gotten at least 1 shot.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

–Protect your vaccine card—this article points out why it will be important down the road.  What You Need to Know About Your Vaccine Card  4/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-vaccine-card.html

–Important new info on herd immunity. It’s possible to reach herd immunity, then lose it. Repeatedly. Here’s what you can do to help prevent that from happening 3/31/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/30/health/herd-immunity-covid-shifts/index.html

–This article has practical tips on pain relievers, alcohol, tattoos or dermal fillers, staying hydrated, and more.  What Not To Do When You Get A COVID-19 Vaccine  3/30/21 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-not-to-do-covid-vaccine-shot_l_6061f129c5b66d30c746bc96

–This podcast has useful info on what to expect when getting the 1^st shot/2^nd shot, when people are fully protected AND what they can do then, vaccination progress nationwide, the 4^th vaccine coming, and much more. The Daily podcast discusses all things vaccination  3/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-vaccinations-joe-biden.html?rref=vanity

–Three experts respond to questions from readers about what they can do after getting vaccinated.  I Got My Covid Vaccine. Now Can I Hug My Mom?  3/19/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/opinion/covid-vaccine-guidelines.html

–For the first time in decades, vaccines are having a moment. Will it last?  3/15/21 https://www.statnews.com/2021/03/15/for-the-first-time-in-decades-vaccines-are-having-a-moment-will-it-last/

–Covid-19’s big public health lesson: Ask people to be careful, not perfect  3/15/21 https://www.vox.com/22315478/covid-19-coronavirus-harm-reduction-abstinence

On the national stage

In the 3 weeks since I posted a blog, there were THREE mass shootings in the US—Atlanta, Boulder and Los Angeles—with a total of 22 people dead.  As always, Republicans in Congress refuse to consider even the most basic gun safety legislation such as universal background checks, waiting periods, and banning assault weapons for personal use—despite overwhelming bipartisan support among the American public for these measures.  Gun safety is a federal issue, and Congress must act.

Georgia’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a package of laws restricting voting rights AND allowing state legislators to overturn election results they dislike.  Georgia’s 2020 election was reviewed repeatedly with no voter fraud found, and these blatantly racist laws are a direct result of Trump’s Big Lie.  (What Georgia’s Voting Law Really Does  4/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/us/politics/georgia-voting-law-annotated.html )  Worse, similar legislation is pending in several states across the country (including Texas, where voting is already restricted).  The right to vote is the core of democracy, and states cannot be allowed to run amok with restrictions designed to favor one party over another.  Voting rights is a federal issue; again, Congress must act.

If the Democrats cannot figure out how to use their majority control in the House and the Senate, while also holding the presidency, to enact meaningful reform on voter rights, gun safety and many other crucial issues, then our democracy is truly broken.

In Texas

Rep. Chip Roy joined the Bottom of the Barrel Bunch, swirling around with fellow-dregs Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, AG Paxton, and Sen. Cruz—all Texas officials who shame the state and those Texans trying to live here with heads held high. 

Why?  Rep. Roy made these hateful comments at a March 18 Congressional hearing on—of all things–violence against Asian Americans: “We believe in justice. There’s old sayings in Texas about ‘find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree.’  …You know, we take justice very seriously, and we ought to do that. Round up the bad guys. That’s what we believe. Hang ’em high,” he told the Statesman. Asked about the racial connotations of lynching for minorities in America, Roy said, “Yeah, so? It was a metaphor for justice.” Rep. Chip Roy calls Texas lynching an example of justice, then doubles down: ‘I meant it’  3/18/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/18/texas-congressman-chip-roy-invoke-lynching-causes-uproar/4756789001/

No, lynching is NOT a metaphor for justice. Lynching is a method of murder. Even in Texas. 

In Lakeway

Keep your dogs out of Lake Travis! 

LCRA received test results on March 23, 2021 showing toxicity from blue-green algae in algae samples taken from Lake Travis (as well as Inks Lake and Lake Marble Falls). This can be fatal to animals.

May 1 election

Lakeway elects a new mayor and 3 council members on May 1, 2021.  Early voting starts April 19.  Vote for ONE person for mayor, but vote for THREE people for council (of the 5 running, the top 3 vote-getters win seats). 

For obvious reasons, Lakeway’s ridiculous May elections always have very low voter turnout.  So, to help get the word out about this election and the candidates (3 of them brand new to local politics), I created 10 questions and sent them out to all the candidates.  The responses are on a new page on this website—Lakeway May 1 Election.  Click on that page in the Menu above or use this link—https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/

Follow up on Council’s March 15 meeting

Discussion of the proposed Cherry Knoll development PUD zoning change was markedly anemic.  Objections made from the dais and/or in citizens participation included increased traffic on Flint Rock (as well as safety concerns about likely pedestrian crossings), housing density, and lack of parking to serve the commercial area and make the public space viable.  Officials asked for completion dates on project phases, to be sure the amenities are completed promptly (unlike several OTHER Lakeway developments).  Concerns that the project was being pushed through in order to facilitate settlement of the developers’ lawsuit against the city (including a citizen complaint that ZAPCO’s prior review of the project was cursory, for that reason), resulted in the matter being tabled until the April 19 Council meeting.

Also, Council approved spending $17,000 for restoration work on the Liebelt Cabin, as well as asking Lakeway Civic Corporation for a grant covering the rest of the $54,000 in work needed at this time. 

Council meets on Monday, April 5, 6:30pm, online only.

The agenda includes a presentation of Main Street options by Stratus Properties (item 5).  This is the contested middle section of the much-needed and long-delayed road connecting to Lohmans that to date the developer of HEB and The Oaks has refused to build.  (It was recently revealed that the city failed back in 2015 to get an agreement signed regarding the particulars of the developer’s obligations for building the road section beyond HEB.  Nevertheless, the city passed an ordinance requiring Stratus to start construction in 2021 and complete the middle portion by 2023.)   Mayor Cox teased this presentation in a recent Facebook talk, but unfortunately the Meeting Packet has zero information, so there is no indication of what Stratus is proposing as far as road configuration or timeline.  By the way, this is an example of when citizen participation is a farce—how can anyone know if they agree or disagree or have something to say by the deadline of 3pm day of the meeting, when the whole thing is a secret?

The Flint Rock Road traffic study will be presented (item 6.)  Again, the Meeting Packet contains no information.

There is also a proposed budget amendment (item 8).  City Manager Oakley requests an across the board 2% staff salary increase, with the $180,000 needed to fund this stated to be available in city funds due to an increase in sales tax receipts.

I am hoping that the 3 newbie candidates for mayor/council will surface during Citizens Participation and introduce themselves to the community.

Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

I got my first vaccine shot (Pfizer) in late March.  YIPPEE!

Our hummingbirds are back.  I put my feeder out last week and had customers hovering and sucking up breakfast the very next morning.

Our deer are still being elusive.  On the other hand, in 2020 the first photo of a newborn fawn parked in Lakeway was posted on Next Door on April 12.  Keep your eyes open!  In the meantime, here are some of my favorite 2020 photos—TWIN FAWNS.

Panda cub updates on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

–Xiao Qi Ji & Momma Show Us What Panda Love Is  3/15/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmmHlGCXc7Y

–Giant Panda Mei Xiang Xiao Qi Ji – Play time 3/16/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKm7ga5YKjI

–Xiao Qi Ji Working On Those Rolling and Sliding Skills! 03-20-21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53LvK0UCt6Y

–Xiao Qi Ji & Momma Have a Rip Roaring Fun Morning 4/1/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B48vlmRKU5k

Fun site with recordings of bird songs.  For a quick nature fix, go here and click on a bird in the image, and you’ll hear a short recording of its song.  Very interesting, and my 3 cats all love it.  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/bird_songs_interactive/index.html

HAPPY EASTER!!!