Author: Nina Davis

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway…. 

Fawn Season!

Fawn season continues in Lakeway!  Please DRIVE CAREFULLY on residential streets, as newborn fawns are incredibly tiny, fragile, and clueless about traffic.  If you see an adult deer, watch for a straggling fawn.  If you see one fawn, watch for another as multiple births are common.  Also, when walking, ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash; this protects fawns from exuberant dogs and also protects dogs from being kicked and stomped by VERY protective mama does.

Scroll down to the Back to Me section for MANY new fawn photos taken in Old Lakeway.

PARKED fawns are FINE.

Remember—the vast majority of fawns you see around town are FINE, just parked in a safe spot and waiting for Mom to return to feed/clean/move the baby to another safe parking spot.  The above image is from our local fawn expert, Leanne Dupay, a permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife.  512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.)  Take a photo of her chart and SAVE IT IN YOUR PHONE SO YOU HAVE THE INFO WHEN NEEDED.   If the fawn’s ears are curled, its bottom is dirty, it is laying on its side with legs straight out instead of curled up like a cat, or it is wandering around crying, then it needs help.

There is much more info on the Fawn page of my blog.  It also has several local contacts if you find a fawn (or other wildlife) truly in distress. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/

Lakeway Drive to REOPEN July 2.

The culvert replacement on upper Lakeway Drive should wrap up soon, with reopening set for July 2.  Crews will immediately move to replace the culvert on Top O The Lake Drive, which should be a 3-month project.

Pets and Fireworks–Safety Tips

Fireworks panic most pets–dogs AND cats.  Every 4^th of July, pets run away, with many injured, killed or lost forever.  Even though fireworks are NOT ALLOWED within the City of Lakeway (with a fine up to $500), people still do it every year.  Plus, if you live near the city limits, you have to deal with the behavior of non-residents.  PLEASE–prepare for the holiday.  See the above image AND this link for tips: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/how-to-keep-pets-safe-and-calm-during-fireworks/

July 4 PARADE, hot dogs and swimming in Lakeway

Lakeway celebrates on Thursday, July 4, with a parade and more.  The Lakeway Drive parade starts at 8:30AM, at Live Oak Golf Course near the clubhouse, ending at the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  At LAC, there will be a Hot Dog Reception at 9:30AM, plus live music, games and awards.  In the afternoon, the Swim Center (noon-6PM, 3103 Lakeway Blvd.) will offer a special rate of $4 to swim all day.

Independence Day Festival at Hill Country Galleria

On Thursday, July 4, 4-10PM, hit the Galleria for a FREE event, with vendors, fair rides and water games for the kids, live music on the lawn, and fireworks (at dusk).  More info here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/independence-day-festival/2145582361

Spirit of Freedom Monument Recognition—DEADLINE to Apply is July 5.

Lakeway Veterans who served in official periods of armed conflict like the Vietnam War or Gulf War can have their names included on the Spirit of Freedom Monument located in Lakeway Heritage Park.  Applications are now being accepted for additions to the monument for recognition on Veterans Day in 2024.  Deadline to apply is July 5, 2024.  The fee ranges from $325-$425.  Call 512-314-7530 or go here for info and a link to the application: https://lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

Lakeway Drive RE-PAVING starts July 8.

Work funded by our 2022 Transportation Bond continues all summer. Beginning Monday, July 8, portions of Lakeway Drive will be closed to traffic for re-paving work. After that, re-paving Lakeway Boulevard and Lohmans Crossing Road will happen. The plan is for ALL major paving work to be completed by the middle of August.

Lake Travis Democrats Club  

2024 has a hugely important election in November.  LT Dems is working with Western Travis Democrats (a group of local Dem Precinct Chairs) to organize activities including mailings, block walks/lit drops, phone banks, and more.  Go here (scroll down to GOTV and click on More Info) to sign up and help GET OUT THE VOTE this fall: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/copy-of-club-activities

These activities take money.  Printing, postage, signs—it adds up.  Donations are needed.  ACT BLUE makes donating easy and secure.  https://secure.actblue.com/donate/western-travis-democrats-1

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

New City Secretary

Council recently accepted the appointment of Desiree Adair to begin as City Secretary as of July 15.  Lakeway’s long-time City Secretary, Jo Ann Touchstone, left last month and will be missed; she now works for City of Bee Cave, under its new City Manager, Julie Oakley, who also worked for City of Lakeway until recently (and is STILL missed).

Under the Sea

Don’t miss this fun-filled water event, on Saturday, July 20, starting 1PM, at Lakeway Swim Center, transformed for the ocean theme.  Come dressed to get wet and enjoy snacks, giveaways, mermaids, and face painting.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2188/Under-the-Sea

Lakeway BLOOD DRIVE

The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, ­­­July 20.  The event is always well organized, clean and friendly.  You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here:  https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Shark Pool Party

Another Saturday means more water fun at Lakeway Swim Center!  Pop in on July 27 for an exhilarating shark-themed event, with shark giveaways, thrilling shark pool games, and jaw-some decorations. PLUS—last year’s crowd-favorite MECHANICAL SHARK (Bull) will make a return appearance.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1867/Shark-Pool-Party

Sunday Concert Series–Austin Brassworks

On Sunday, July 28, 4PM, Austin Brassworks presents a FREE CONCERT at Lakeway Activity Center.  Enjoy their range of groups and styles – jazz, big band, polka, wind ensemble, brass band, orchestral and, of course, quintet. For more info, go here (and scroll down): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI5MTM3MTA=

TexArts summer production

August 9-25—Motown: A Celebration. Go here for info and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

Council met on June 17. 

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

So, those new microphones on the dais pick up EVERYTHING….

ITEM 4:   Introduction of new police staff.

–Officer Nate Stallings, Officer Mac Runnels, and Officer David Garza, as well as Telecommunicator Kristi Denton, were introduced and welcomed to Lakeway.

ITEM 15:  Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda.

–NONE.

ITEM 16: Financial Report.

–Revenue was $50,000 over expectations, and expenditures were $1,320,000 less than budgeted, putting the city $1,370,000 to the good.

ITEM 17:  Consider a request from Hillsong Development LLC, the owner of the property located at 15617 Flint Rock Road, for determination of whether its new PUD amendment application (including a fire station) is significantly and relevantly different than the prior application (which was denied by Council last month).

–Request was DENIED by a vote of 4/3 (Kilgore, Sherman, Forton), meaning the developer cannot ask for another PUD agreement amendment before May of 2025.

ITEM 18:  LMUD Water Conservation Update.

–General Manager Earl Foster noted that Lake Travis is currently at 42% storage capacity. Area MUDS recently returned to Stage 1 (twice weekly irrigation), due to recent rains.  However, this is temporary, with a return to Stage 2 restrictions likely by September.

ITEM 19:  Revise ordinances to allow power tools on golf courses [specifically for zoning districts P-1 (Public Park), P-2 (Private Park), GB (Greenbelts) and REC (Recreational)] starting at 6:30AM (instead of 7AM), allowing greens keeping ahead of the first daily tee time of 7:30AM.

–After considerable discussion (and several public comments largely condemning habitual golf course maintenance activity and noise earlier than the current start time of 7AM), Council voted 6/1 (Kilgore) to POSTPONE final determination until the July meeting.  In addition, staff was asked to draft ordinance text in a compromise vein (possibly a 6:30AM start time only in summer months and applying only to golf courses, not to parks), as well as gathering data on how neighboring cities handle this and getting the word out via social media and other communication channels so that all affected residents are aware this is being considered.

ITEM 20: Amending the TV2 PUD, being 17.462 acres located across Lohmans Crossing from the completed Tuscan Village and next to the police station, to increase building height of a condo tower from 40’ to 55’ with flat roof, decrease spacing between cluster cottages to 10’, allow parallel parking, and various other changes.

—With no discussion of the actual requested changes (increased condo tower height from 40’ to 55’ and tighter cottage density), Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the request in full.  (NOTE: the developer discussed at ZAPCO and during this Council meeting POSSIBLY needing to increase the cottages to 3 stories and 35’ height, as opposed to 2 stories and 32’ height max allowed in the PUD agreement, but none of that was included in the current changes requested and agendized.)

ITEM 21:  Amending the Square at Lohmans Crossing PUD, being 62.979 acres located at 1935 Lohmans Crossing Road, to extend again and without penalty the deadline (originally October of 2023, and then April of 2024) for the developer to complete its share of Main Street and Lohmans Spur, until June of 2025, plus other minor changes.

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 22: Approval of a 99-year Special Use Permit to build and operate an Autozone (retail auto parts store) on 1.379 acres of land (now vacant and zoned C-1) located at the southeast corner of Bowling LN and FM 620 N.

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 25:  Discussion of possibly restructuring purchase and management of the City of Lakeway’s vehicles, as suggested by Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.

–NO ACTION TAKEN.  Instead, info presented on cost, efficiency and flexibility will be considered during the upcoming budget process.

ITEM 26: Discussion regarding alkali-silica reaction (ASR) detected in swimming pools built between 2017-2023 in Lakeway, specifically how staff should handle inspection fees related to pool repair, demolition, removal, etc.

–After discussion, NO ACTION TAKEN, but staff was asked to bring back at a future meeting options for discounting permit fees for pool replacement due to ASR, notifying residents who got pool permits during the ASR period that this may be an issue, adding a concrete quality test during the pour to the permit process, and more.

ADJOURNED at 10:11PM

View the Agenda and Meeting Packet (scrolling down to City Council documents) here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx  Go here to watch the Council meeting online:  https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/308149

Daring Mighty Things

Boeing had a heck of a time getting its first crewed Starliner up to ISS, but the launch finally happened on June 6, and Starliner docked on June 7 for a 1-week stay.  (Image credit: NASA.)  Now, Starliner’s return to Earth has been repeatedly postponed; the current date is July 2.  NASA blames helium leaks and thruster problems for the delays.  In addition, Starliners’ astronauts have had their spacewalk cancelled twice (so far), due to technical issues.  NASA, Boeing delay Starliner astronaut landing again, to study helium leaks and thruster issues 6/22/24 https://www.space.com/starliner-astronaut-mission-landing-delay-july-2024

Over a thousand years ago and 6,500 light-years away, a star exploded into a supernova.  Dubbed the Crab Nebula, the very bizarre entity has now been captured in new detail by the interstellar Webb telescope.  (Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Tea Temim – Princeton University.)  Iconic Crab Nebula shines in gorgeous James Webb Space Telescope views 6/18/24 https://www.space.com/crab-nebula-james-webb-space-telescope-video-photo

Space junk hit a Florida home recently, crashing through the roof and the top 2 stories of the home but causing no human harm.  Turns out, a 3-ton pallet of giant batteries (see image above) that ISS jettisoned did not burn up in Earth’s atmosphere as expected.  Oops….  The homeowner has filed a damage claim with NASA.  (Image credit: NASA/Mike Hopkins.)  Florida family files claim with NASA after ISS space junk crashes into home 6/24/24 https://www.space.com/space-debris-florida-family-nasa-lawsuit

All ISS personnel bugged out overnight on June 26.  The 9 astronauts moved from their space station quarters to the 3 docked space ships, as debris from a disintegrating Russian satellite reached the area.  The precautionary measure lasted over an hour, after which the ISS returned to normal operations.  (Image credit: NASA.)  ISS astronauts take shelter in Boeing Starliner and other return spacecraft after June 26 satellite breakup 6/27/24 https://www.space.com/iss-astronauts-shelter-return-spacecraft-satellite-breakup

The above image of infant stars in a glowing cocoon was taken by the decades-old Hubble Space Telescope.  It shows RCW 7, a nebula 5,300 light-years from Earth.   (Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, J. Tan/Chalmers University & University of Virginia, R. Fedriani.)  Hubble Telescope spies baby stars in their glowing stellar cocoon 6/27/24 https://www.space.com/infant-stars-stellar-cocoon-hubble-telescope-photo

Above, the Comet Olbers is seen returning to our solar system after a 68-year tour of the universe. (Image Credit: Dan Bartlett.) Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

This 1-minute ad says it all. The Seneca Project: A time for choosing—our freedom or their control. 6/18/24  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbuGSYwJUCo

Texas has 30 million residents, including 10% of America’s women of reproductive age.  With Roe in place, Texas had about 4,400 abortions per month.  In the last 2 years, the draconian restrictions of Texas’ abortion ban allowed just 5 abortions per month.  (See the item below for just 1 of the many horrific consequences of that shift.) Five abortions a month: How Dobbs changed Texas 6/24/24  https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/24/abortion-dobbs-anniversary-pregnancy-complications/

Texas’ ban on early abortions caused a spike in the state’s infant death rate.  Deaths of Texas infants jumped 13% in 2022, a study found, driven by fatal birth defects. Fatal fetal anomalies include trisomy 18 or conditions in which fetuses are missing kidneys or parts of the brain. Many are not discovered until the anatomy ultrasound done at 20 weeks of pregnancy, well after the 6 weeks age limit in Texas’ abortion ban.  Texas abortion ban linked to 13% increase in infant and newborn deaths 6/24/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/texas-abortion-ban-linked-rise-infant-newborn-deaths-rcna158375

Iowa now has a 6-week abortion ban, thanks to its highest court upholding the restrictive law that its Republican controlled legislature repeatedly passed.  Iowa supreme court upholds ban on abortion at six weeks of pregnancy 6/28/24 https://www.npr.org/2024/06/27/nx-s1-5021942/abortion-six-week-ban-iowa-dobbs

SCOTUS briefly leaked an opinion on the remaining abortion case a day early, retracted it, then finally released the same opinion word-for-word and for real on June 27.  Bizarre, even for that bunch….  This is the EMTALA case, where federal law requiring hospitals to offer emergency care to pregnant women met the brick wall of state law (in this case, Idaho) denying abortion to all.  Unfortunately, in a jumbled mess of conflicting opinions, SCOTUS again side-stepped the abortion issue, saying they took the case too early and sending it back to the district court for resolution.  REALLY??? The good news is that while the legal issues are argued women in Idaho can get emergency abortions if needed.  But that doesn’t help women in the other Dark Ages states–including Texas–and the merits of the case will doubtless end up back with SCOTUS later.  AFTER the presidential election.  Because, considering how the other abortion case decided this month was ALSO thrown out on a technicality, it is obvious that the conservative Justices simply don’t want to cause waves in the run-up to the 2024 election.  So, no matter the result in Idaho, abortion will definitely be back on SCOTUS’ docket next term.  Supreme Court allows emergency abortions in Idaho for now 6/27/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court-sidesteps-ruling-emergency-room-abortion-access-dispute-rcna159111

Last week, SCOTUS (with its usual tech glitches, of course) released a jumbled hellscape of democracy-hostile and logically tortured opinions.  The above image is a scorecard of major rulings, updated to the present.  The link below goes to the article with hot links explaining each result.  Basically, if you want to bribe a government official, pay them off AFTER they do you the favor, and all is well.  Courts know better than federal agencies no matter how technical the subject matter, from the FDA to the SEC to the EPA and all the rest of the alphabet–even though Justice Gorsuch repeatedly mixed up laughing gas and smog in an opinion last week, not exactly reassuring…. (Plus, it bears noting that this decision reversed 40 years of precedent and practice; also, this extreme step was taken despite the case being moot due to passage of time and expiration of regulations—so in fact the plaintiffs currently have no issue to be resolved.  But, being late and irrelevant doesn’t stop this far-right SCOTUS from obliging corporations and the billionaires who run them and gift heavily to certain Justices…. ) “Otherwise” doesn’t mean what you think it does.  OR, what Congress thought it meant. Sleeping outside is illegal, unless you have options–then it is fine.  And, downwinders can just hold their breath.  So, SCOTUS is now down to just a few hoarded opinions—including the social media cases and Trump’s immunity claim.  The Court gave up on leaving town as usual by end of June; its website grudgingly admitted on June 27 that opinion release dates now include Monday, July 1. So, in theory, SCOTUS will finally rule on Trump’s ridiculous immunity claim then.  Or, maybe later…. The Major Supreme Court Cases of 2024   https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/09/us/supreme-court-major-cases-2024.html

Back to me….

Still busy, hating the heat, and cranky.  Home ownership is pushing me over the edge, with sky-rocketing insurance rates and multiple maintenance oddities. But, I am lining up some volunteer work.  My Civic got a good report from Honda at its annual check-up.  Even better, Tulip aced her annual vet visit. 

NEVER leave animals in the car, not even for “just a minute.” 

Fawns are really out and about these days!  I took a ridiculous number of deer photos on my morning walks.  The does are starting to gather in their girl herds, with their fawns plus yearlings from last year.  Here are some of my fawn photos, taken in Old Lakeway in the last couple weeks. 

Coronavirus  Update

The summer Covid wavelet continues. As of June 22, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows 3 Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, and death rate) clearly rising. The 4^th indicator is hospitalizations; for that, reporting lags, but data as of June 8 showed little change.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Wastewater viral testing still shows LOW levels of Covid nationwide, but current levels are rising.  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

New Covid vaccines will be available by September, updated to fight the newest variant offshoot called KP.2.  Experts say everyone 6 months and older should get the updated vaccine this fall.  As Covid cases rise, CDC recommends new version of vaccine 6/27/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/covid-cases-rise-cdc-panel-recommends-updated-vaccine-fall-rcna159349

Per the CDC, Covid’s KP.3 variant now causes one-third of all new cases.  Meanwhile, JN.1, the dominant variant during early 2024, is fading fast.  This caused the FDA to reverse a May decision favoring JN.1 vaccine booster for this fall.  Instead, manufacturers have been told to target KP.3 in the new booster.  Moderna and Pfizer are able to handle the change, but Novamax says its JN.1 vaccine is mid-way through production and will be ready late summer as planned.  FDA asks COVID vaccine makers to target KP.2 strain, if feasible, for next shot 6/14/24  https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-asks-covid-vaccine-makers-target-kp2-strain-with-updated-shots-2024-06-14/

Recent Long Covid studies are summarized here: New Insights into Acute and Long Covid 6/21/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/new-insights-into-acute-and-long

If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Here is what is happening in Lakeway…. 

Fawn Season!

Wee fawns are everywhere now.  Please DRIVE CAREFULLY on residential streets, as newborn fawns are incredibly tiny, fragile, and clueless about traffic.  If you see an adult deer, watch for a straggling fawn.  If you see one fawn, watch for another as multiple births are common. Also, when walking, ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash; this protects fawns from exuberant dogs and also protects dogs from being kicked and stomped by VERY protective mama does.

Scroll down to the Back to Me section for TONS of new fawn photos, including a rare melanistic/dark cutie in Old Lakeway.

PARKED fawns are FINE.

Remember—the vast majority of fawns you see around town are FINE, just parked in a safe spot and waiting for Mom to return to feed/clean/move the baby to another safe parking spot.  The above image is from our local fawn expert, Leanne Dupay, a permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife.  512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.)  Take a photo of her chart and SAVE IT IN YOUR PHONE SO YOU HAVE THE INFO WHEN NEEDED. 

If the fawn’s ears are curled, its bottom is dirty, it is laying on its side with legs straight out instead of curled up like a cat, or it is wandering around crying, it needs help. There is much more info on the Fawn page of my blog.  It also has several local contacts if you find a fawn (or other wildlife) truly in distress. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/

Art at the Library

During June, Kathryn Chalfant will exhibit her Expressionist abstract landscapes at Lake Travis Community Library.  Stop by to view the works of this local artist.

July 4 Parade—REGISTER to participate/volunteer to help by JUNE 21 DEADLINE.

Register to participate/volunteer in this year’s parade, held on Thursday, July 4.  The theme is Symbols of Freedom.  Deadline is June 21.  Go here for info and to register your float/performance OR volunteer to help make the event great: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration

Summer Fun at the Library

Join the fun at Lake Travis Community Library!  There are Summer Reading Challenges for kids, teens and adults; pick up a reading log (kids) or punch card (teens and adults) from the library and get a prize when it is completed.  Plus, the library is hosting hour-long camps for kids, boosting reading skills through crafts, science experiments, writing projects, and more.  Camps are 2:30-3:30 on Tuesdays (kids entering kindergarten), Wednesdays (kids entering 1^st and 2^nd grades), and Thursdays (kids entering 3^rd grade and up).   Finally, the library has age-appropriate reading lists plus tons of special programs scheduled throughout the summer.  More info here: https://laketravislibrary.org/summer-reading-program/

Movie Pool Party

Cool off on Saturday, June 22 with a movie pool party at the Lakeway Swim Center, starts at 5PM (movie starts 5:30PM).  The film is Pixar’s Luca, shown on the jumbo screen.  Also–giveaways, popcorn, and lots of swimming in the lap pool.  Bring Chairs and all your viewing setup needs. Daily Swim Center fees Apply.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2075/Summer-Movie-Event

Lake Travis Democrats Club  

—June 26: Banned Book Club 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library.  The book is They Came For the Schools:  One Town’s Fight Over Race and Identity and the New War for America’s Classrooms by Mike Hixenbaugh. 

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

TexArts summer productions

June 7-30—Anything Goes.

August 9-25—Motown: A Celebration.

Go here for info and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

Lake Travis Community Library provides TECH HELP.

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

Spirit of Freedom Monument Recognition—DEADLINE to Apply is July 5.

Lakeway Veterans who served in official periods of armed conflict like the Vietnam War or Gulf War can have their names included on the Spirit of Freedom Monument located in Lakeway Heritage Park.  Applications are now being accepted for additions to the monument for recognition on Veterans Day in 2024.  Deadline to apply is July 5, 2024.  The fee ranges from $325-$425.  Call 512-314-7530 or go here for info and a link to the application: https://lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

Under the Sea

Don’t miss this fun-filled water event, on Saturday, July 20, starting 1PM, at Lakeway Swim Center, transformed for the ocean theme.  Come dressed to get wet and enjoy snacks, giveaways, mermaids, and face painting.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2188/Under-the-Sea

Shark Pool Party

Another Saturday means more water fun at Lakeway Swim Center!  Pop in on July 27, starting 1PM, for an exhilarating shark-themed event, with shark giveaways, thrilling shark pool games, and jaw-some decorations. PLUS—last year’s crowd-favorite MECHANICAL SHARK (Bull) will make a return appearance.  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1867/Shark-Pool-Party

Sunday Concert Series–Austin Brassworks

On Sunday, July 28, 4PM, Austin Brassworks presents a FREE CONCERT at Lakeway Activity Center.  Enjoy their range of groups and styles – jazz, big band, polka, wind ensemble, brass band, orchestral and, of course, quintet. For more info, go here (and scroll down): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI5MTM3MTA=

Blue Meals needs YOU

Here is a chance to do something special for our police officers, just a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and hard work keeping Lakeway safe and running smoothly.  The Lakeway Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA) administers Community Blue Meals, a program to provide duty meals for our officers.  This is funded by citizen donations. As funds are available, LCPAAA works with a local restaurant to cover the cost of meals for officers on duty.  Go here to see details and make a donation: https://cbm-admin.wixsite.com/communitybluemeals

House Watch

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

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

12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3), serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.)  With over 7,000 members, it was created by Mike Dahlhauser. A special project currently running is making sure local families have Summer Meals.  Go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31

Mayor Kilgore in the news, plus his Facebook Update

The mayor had a recent piece on Lakeway in the local papers: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/lake-travis-view/2024/06/13/lakeway-mayor-tom-kilgore-prepare-for-summer-heat-gear-up-for-summer-fun/74083232007/

Plus, he gave a 12-minute live update on June 13.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live?ref=watch_permalink&v=444314178313590

Council meets on Monday, June 17, 6:30pm, at City Hall. 

Consequential Agenda items include:  

ITEM 4:   Introduction of new police officers and staff.

ITEM 15:  Citizens Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda.

ITEM 16: Financial Report.

ITEM 17:  Consider a request from Hillsong Development LLC, the owner of the property located at 15617 Flint Rock Road, for determination of whether its new PUD amendment application is significantly and relevantly different than the prior application asking to add a fire station and the ability to lease homes (which was DENIED by Council last month).

ITEM 18:  LMUD Water Conservation Update.

ITEM 19:  Revise ordinances to allow power tools on golf courses [specifically for zoning districts P-1 (Public Park), P-2 (Private Park), GB (Greenbelts) and REC (Recreational)] starting at 6:30AM, allowing greens keeping ahead of the first daily tee time of 7:30AM.

ITEM 20: Amending the TV2 PUD, being 17.462 acres located across Lohmans Crossing from the completed Tuscan Village and next to the police station, to increase building height of a condo tower, decrease spacing between cluster cottages, allow parallel parking, and various other changes.

ITEM 21:  Amending the Square at Lohmans Crossing PUD, being 62.979 acres located at 1935 Lohmans Crossing Road, to extend again and without penalty the deadline (originally October of 2023, and then April of 2024) for the developer to complete its share of Main Street and Lohmans Spur, until June of 2025, plus other minor changes.

ITEM 22: Approval of a 99-year Special Use Permit to build and operate an Autozone (retail auto parts store) on 1.379 acres of land (now vacant and zoned C-1) located at the southeast corner of Bowling LN and FM 620 N.

ITEM 25:  Discussion of possibly restructuring the City of Lakeway’s vehicles, as suggested by Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.

ITEM 26: Discussion regarding alkali-silica reaction (ASR) detected in swimming pools built between 2017-2023 in Lakeway, specifically how staff should handle inspection fees related to pool repair, demolition, removal, etc.

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx    Go here to watch the Council meeting online (live or later): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Daring Mighty Things

Former Apollo astronaut Bill Anders died last week, at age 90.  Back in 1968, Air Force Major Wiliam A. Anders orbited the moon on the Apollo 8 mission, which paved the way for the moon landing in 1969.  But, he is best known for taking the above photograph (image credit: NASA), the first color image ever captured of our own planet.  Dubbed “Earthrise,” Anders’ impromptu shot caught a beautiful Earth rising over the moon, reversing the universal moonrise that humanity has watched since forever.  That aside, it was the terrifying fragility of the far-away blue orb that made his photo famous for forcing a shift in perspective.  Earthrise is credited with inspiring the environmentalist movement. Former astronaut William Anders, who took iconic Earthrise photo, killed in Washington plane crash 6/7/24  https://apnews.com/article/astronaut-william-anders-killed-plane-crash-earthrise-b4d783e0c5613a0e65fc9598a55f90d4

Finally—Starliner launched from Florida!  The left-hand image above shows an Atlas 5 rocket powering Boeing’s FIRST crewed flight on June 5, transporting NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station.  Multiple launches since early May were scheduled then scrubbed for a variety of reasons, including helium leaks.  A day after launch, Starliner (shown in the right-hand image above approaching ISS) successfully docked at the International Space Station, after the astronauts spent an extra hour troubleshooting malfunctioning thrusters.  In addition, several more helium leaks were discovered along the way and after docking.  Originally scheduled for just 1 week, the mission was extended until June 18 and AGAIN until June 22 to allow more time for NASA to assess Starliner’s performance and condition prior to the return trip.  A successful mission would add Starliner to the very short list of ferry services to and from the ISS; for years now, SpaceX was the only private US company doing that. (Image credits: Joe Raedle/Getty Images; NASA Johnson.) Go here to watch video of the launch: Boeing’s Starliner launches astronauts for 1st time in historic liftoff  6/5/24 https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-crew-flight-test-launch

SpaceX got last minute FAA approval and on June 6 launched from Boca Chico Beach, TX, the 4^th uncrewed test flight for its mega-rocket Starship.  (Image credits: Elon Musk via X.)  Results were far better than previous tests, including 2 crucial firsts—BOTH of the mission’s primary segments survived separation and returned to Earth safely and according to plan.  (Complete reusability of Starship is key to the Space-X plan for economic feasibility.) The craft’s booster made a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, and Starship itself landed in the Indian Ocean after a controlled burn. SpaceX Starship launches on nail-biting 4th test flight of world’s most powerful rocket 6/6/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-flight-4-test-launch-success Launch video only: https://videos.space.com/m/l1P49QzZ/blastoff-spacex-starship-launches-to-space-on-4th-test-flight?list=9wzCTV4g’

Oops, never mind, just a test, really….  NASA has issued an official statement assuring Earthlings that 1) last Wednesday’s scary audio from the International Space Station (image credit: NASA) was from a recent medical training SIMULATION, and 2) all personnel are alive and well.  Wednesday night, 8 minutes of audio streamed from the ISS on NASA channels indicating that an astronaut commander on the ISS was in severe distress, suffering from decompression sickness.  NASA insists the audio was part of a medical simulation training ISS personnel and NASA ground crew on handling emergencies; decompression sickness can result when astronauts pass in and out of the ISS for space walks, and it can be fatal.  ‘No emergency situation’ on International Space Station, NASA says after astronaut medical drill audio causes stir 6/12/24  https://www.space.com/no-emergency-situation-on-space-station-leaked-simulation-audio Coincidentally, I’m sure, last Thursday’s scheduled space walk at the ISS was cancelled at the last minute, due to “spacesuit discomfort.”   NASA calls off spacewalk at International Space Station due to ‘spacesuit discomfort’ 6/13/24 https://www.space.com/nasa-astronauts-spacewalk-june-13-2024-postponed

The above image is a lovely spiral galaxy officially known as NCG 4565.  About 40 million light-years away, it looks flat because from Earth we see it edge-on.  So, we call it the Needle Galaxy.  Check this government site daily to see space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Ever wonder what that is up there in the night sky?  The above chart provides a quick and easy answer in most cases. (Image credit: League of Lost Causes.)  Planes move and blink, planets shine solid, stars twinkle, and much more.  https://www.leagueoflostcauses.com/blog/2013/08/astronomy-101.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

On June 13, SCOTUS unanimously refused to make any change to availability or distribution of mifepristone, the medication widely prescribed since 2000 to induce abortions.  (Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.)  The opinion was written by Justice Kavanaugh.  While this is good news for patients and medical providers, it is critical to understand that the good news is TEMPORARY.  The legal merits were not considered, because the case was decided on a legal technicality, with the 9 justices holding the plaintiffs lacked standing.  The case was shoddily manufactured in Texas, with an anti-abortion group claiming possible harm to a group of doctors who might at some point be required to treat a patient who used mifepristone with a poor result.  The ruling was a clear rebuke to the hard-right 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Republican rogue District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of Amarillo, all of whom glossed over the obvious standing problem in order to attack the FDA and attempt to take the abortion medication (safely used for the last 25 years) off the market nationwide, even in states still allowing abortion.  SCOTUS held the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue because they suffered no harm from its availability; they did not use or prescribe it and are not required to treat patients who do (due to federally allowed conscience objections).  However, the ruling made it clear that another plaintiff who could show direct injury or a likely future injury could bring the same case in the future.  Be sure that multiple anti-abortion groups are already scouring the country for likely plaintiffs, which could be individual states.  Like Texas….  To be continued.  And remember—a Republican president would appoint an FDA chief able and willing to pull mifepristone and other drugs off the market with no court intervention at all.  U.S. Supreme Court allows access to abortion pill, unanimously rejecting Texas challenge 6/13/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/13/supreme-court-texas-mifepristone-ruling-abortion/

In what sounds unrelated, silly and definitely small, SCOTUS unanimously gave Trump a victory, with an opinion (written by Justice Thomas) denying copyright protection to a California attorney for the phrase “Trump too small” (which references exactly what you think it does).  Copyright law prohibits protection when a 3^rd party identifies a living person without permission.  All 9 justices rejected plaintiff’s argument that this law violated his First Amendment rights, but the 6 conservative justices did so on grounds of history and tradition.  The 3 liberal justices viewed this rationale with alarm, since First Amendment claims have always been considered against the bedrock principle that the government may not draw distinctions based on speakers’ viewpoints.  Historical perspective and tradition have never been relevant; after all, America’s history has from time to time treated minorities, women and all manner of personal liberties very, very poorly.  But, from today on, there is high court precedent for applying historical norms to First Amendment claims.  Stay tuned.  Supreme Court blocks ‘Trump too small’ trademark bid referring to crude joke  6/13/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-blocks-trump-small-trademark-gambit-rcna137779

A recent study shows that over 170,000 patients traveled out of state for an abortion in 2023.  Texas, the largest state to ban abortion, had the most residents cross state lines for the procedure—over 35,000 (compared to just 2,000 in 2019).  Most Texans fled to New Mexico, Kansas or Colorado for their health care.  (Image credits: Guttmacher Institute.)  Nationwide, traveling patients faced multi-day trips, lost income and child care costs.  171,000 Traveled for Abortions Last Year. See Where They Went 6/13/24 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/06/13/us/abortion-state-laws-ban-travel.html

After months of deliberation, the Amarillo City Council voted 4 to 1 to REJECT a law forbidding use of city roadways to seek an abortion outside Texas.  This made Amarillo the largest conservative Texas city to reject an abortion travel ban.  Other cities and counties in Texas have recently passed ordinances to prohibit traveling through their jurisdictions for an abortion outside the state. This includes the cities of Athens, Abilene, Plainview, San Angelo, Odessa, Muenster and Little River-Academy, plus Mitchell, Goliad, Lubbock, Dawson, Cochran and Jack counties.  Legal experts find such bans dubious and unconstitutional, citing the American precept of interstate freedom to travel. The group of residents who have pushed for the Amarillo ban since last fall will likely petition to put the issue to a vote by residents on the November ballot.  Amarillo City Council rejects so-called abortion travel ban 6/11/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/11/amarillo-city-council-abortion-travel-ban/

On June 12, the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Indiana, voted to oppose in vitro fertilization.  This isn’t a governmental body, but it IS America’s largest and most politically powerful Protestant denomination.  It signals the right’s turn against IVF, which often discards fertilized eggs in the scientific process of aiding millions of Americans to grow their families.  Many on the right find this at odds with their beliefs on when life begins; evangelicals, anti-abortion advocates and other social conservatives see IVF as the “pro-life” movement’s next frontier.  Banning IVF in states and even nationally is their natural next step after Dobbs stripped away abortion rights.  Once IVF also falls, contraception would be next, followed by any number of personal freedoms.  Why the Southern Baptists’ vote opposing IVF could change national politics 6/12/24  https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/12/ivf-southern-baptist-convention-evangelical-00162994

The Texas Supreme Court on June 14 declined to hear an in vitro fertilization case that could have potentially upended access to the procedure in the state.  Instead, via an unsigned order without comment, the justices sidestepped the question of whether, after Dobbs, a frozen embryo has the same rights as a living child.  A divorcing couple divided their assets in early 2022, with frozen embryos going to the husband.  After Dobbs and the Texas abortion ban defining an “unborn child” as starting at fertilization, the wife argued that her frozen embryos had all rights and protections of people under Texas law.  IVF providers disagreed, noting that applying personhood to frozen embryos would make the IVF process impossible.  Obviously, the Texas Supreme Court will rule on this issue; it is not clear if the facts of this case didn’t suit them or if the justices decided to delay a controversial decision until after the November election. Texas Supreme Court rejects case that could have imperiled IVF access 6/14/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/14/texas-supreme-court-ivf/

STILL waiting on the US Supreme Court to rule on an important abortion case,  emergency abortion care for at-risk women.  Plus, of course, Trump’s immunity case is still hanging out there blowing in the wind like an upside-down American flag….  ALSO, it will be interesting to see how far Justice Samuel Alito dares to go as this scandal-ridden court term ends.  Generally, all SCOTUS opinions are released and cases closed in June.  The justices need their 3 months off before starting the next term in October.  (Clarence Thomas has luxury vacations to take, thanks to billionaire benefactors; his recent “Machine Guns are good for America” opinion will no doubt score him major goodies from the NRA, as well. ) This year, with so many high-profile cases and so much bad press to shovel through, it looks like opinions will trickle out well into July. 

Back to me….

Busy.  Hot.  Cranky.  That pretty much covers things for me.  The cats are, however, glorious.

It is SO HOT out there.  Give wildlife a break and some fresh water, preferably in the shade.  Rinse the bowl and add fresh water daily, to avoid breeding mosquitos. (Image credit: Angels Among Us Animal Rescue.)

Fawns are really out and about these days!  I took a ridiculous number of deer photos on my morning walks.  Here are some of my fawn photos, taken in Old Lakeway in the last couple weeks. 

First, this sweet fawn spent a couple days right here in St. Andrews, just down the street from me.

Here is the melanistic fawn.  These darkly pigmented deer are perfectly healthy and very common on and around Yaupon Golf Course, but this is the first one I have seen in the Live Oak Golf Course area of Lakeway.  I have always called the dark deer “chocolates.”  When I lived on Spellbrook Lane at the 6^th hole of Yaupon, chocolate fawns were born and raised in my yard every year; one spring, I had Fudge, Mocha and Cocoa.  Chocolate fawns do have spots, but they are hard to see except when sunlight makes them glint silver.  These deer stay dark as adults. Does can have chocolate fawns whether they are dark or light themselves; twins can be 1 of each color.  (I didn’t get a good photo of this baby’s mama doe, but she is the regular honey color.)

These twins were playing in tall grass with each other and mama doe.

These group shots show 3 fawns parked in the grass, as well as 2 fawns being watched over by a young buck (which was surprising with fawns so small).

Fawns and their very patient moms.

Fawns just being adorable.

Coronavirus  Update

The predicted summer Covid wavelet is here. As of June 8, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows 2 Covid-19 indicators (test positivity and ER visits) clearly rising; the death rate was still flat. The 4^th indicator is hospitalizations; for that, reporting rules have changed, but data as of May 25 still showed little change.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Wastewater viral testing shows LOW levels of Covid nationwide, but current levels are rising.  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine.  So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by).  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Coronavirus Articles

—A Guide to Managing Covid This Summer 6/3/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/03/well/live/covid-symptoms-treatment-flirt-variants.html

—FDA advisers urge targeting JN.1 strain in recipe for fall’s COVID vaccines  6/5/24 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/fda-advisers-urge-targeting-jn1-strain-recipe-falls-110879597

—New Report Underscores the Seriousness of Long Covid 6/5/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/health/long-covid-symptoms-recovery.html

—Long-Term Health Effects of Covid-19: Disability and Function Following SARScoV-2 Infection (2024) https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27756/long-term-health-effects-of-covid-19-disability-and-function

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway…. 

Mermaid Day

On Sunday, June 2, 1-3PM, local mermaids and their friends can gather at Lakeway Swim Center to pal around with “real” mermaids from Lake Travis.  Come dressed to impress the Mer set, as there will be photos, games, prizes, surprises and lots of swimming. Drop-in pool rates apply (but the activities are free).  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1834/Mermaid-Day

New Start Time for Trash and Recycling Pick-Up

Beginning on Monday, June 3, Lakeway residents should have their trash and recycling bins at the curb BY 7AM.  The change from 8AM to 7AM is permanent and intended to help sanitation workers do their jobs during the cooler hours of the day.  For the non-early birds among us, city ordinance allows bins to be moved to the curb starting at 6PM the evening BEFORE collection day; bins should be off the street and out of view by the evening of collection day.  Contact the Solid Waste department at  solidwasteclerk@lakeway-tx.gov or 512-314-7514 with questions regarding trash or recycling services.

Take a SURVEY to help shape the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update, by June 5.

The city is asking Lakeway residents (and others with ties to the city) to take a short survey, about what you consider important as far as shaping and nurturing our home town.  DEADLINE is June 5, so don’t delay.  The questions are rather interesting, and the format is unusual; plus, a comment box is available to clarify your views.  (There were 5 or so questions; it took me 10 minutes to complete.)  Go here and click on Community Dialogue 1 Poll to take the survey: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1547/Comprehensive-Plan

Live Oak Tennis Courts TEMPORARILY closed

The Live Oak Tennis Courts (adjacent to the Live Oak Driving Range at 509 Lakeway Dr.) closed on May 24 for resurfacing.  The City plans to reopen the courts by June 5.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/877/Live-Oak-Tennis-Courts

Lake Travis Democrats Club  

–June 6: The Voucher Scam Live, 6:30PM at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). This interactive, one-hour presentation covers a critical issue facing public education today–education vouchers.  (Don’t be fooled by conservatives now calling vouchers “school choice.”  After all, conservatives never REALLY approve of choice.  Except maybe FLAG choice—right, Justice Alito?)

—June 25: Banned Book Club 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library.  The book is They Came For the Schools:  One Town’s Fight Over Race and Identity and the New War for America’s Classrooms by Mike Hixenbaugh. 

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

Summer Activity Guide

Check out Lakeway’s Summer Activity Guide, with lots of fun things for families and kids to do at the Swim Center, Activity Center, and more: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2190/Activity-Guide

Brush Recycling Offered 1st Thursday of Every Month

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

TexArts summer productions

June 7-30—Anything Goes.

August 6-25—Motown: A Celebration.

Go here for info and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions

Pirate Day

On Sunday, June 9, 1PM, pirates of all ages are invited to stop by Lakeway Swim Center for giveaways, face painting, and a treasure hunt.  Dress for the part, as Jack Sparrow will be there!   Daily Swim Center fees apply. More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2005/Pirate-Day

Summer Fun at the Library

Join the fun at Lake Travis Community Library!  There are Summer Reading Challenges for kids, teens and adults; pick up a reading log (kids) or punch card (teens and adults) from the library and get a prize when it is completed.  Get started at the Summer Reading Kickoff, June 3, 10AM-7PM, with a scavenger hunt, photo booth and games.  Plus, the library is hosting hour-long camps for kids, boosting reading skills through crafts, science experiments, writing projects, and more.  Camps are 2:30-3:30 on Tuesdays (kids entering kindergarten), Wednesdays (kids entering 1^st and 2^nd grades), and Thursdays (kids entering 3^rd grade and up).   Finally, the library has age-appropriate reading lists plus tons of special programs scheduled throughout the summer.  More info here: https://laketravislibrary.org/summer-reading-program/

July 4 Parade—REGISTER now to participate or volunteer.

Register to participate in this year’s parade, held on Thursday, July 4.  The theme is Symbols of Freedom.  Go here for info and to register your float/performance OR to help as a volunteer: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration

Artist Registration now OPEN for Cool Arts

This year’s Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour is on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 24-25, at Lakeway Activity Center and local studios.  Go here for info and to register: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1858/Cool-Arts-Show-Studio-Tour

House Watch

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

Council met on May 20.

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

ITEM 3:  Recognition and Honors.

–After 6 years of service on Council, LOUIS MASTRANGELO left the dais.

ITEM 4:  Oaths of Office, per election results.

— MATT SHERMAN was sworn in for his first term on Council.  Incumbents KELLY BRYNTESON and JENNIFER SZIMANSKI were sworn in for their second term on Council.  (Photo credit: City of Lakeway.)

ITEM 5:  Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem.

–Council Member GRETCHEN VANCE was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem.

ITEMS 9-18: Consent Agenda (as augmented by the Agenda Addendum), including new appointments to Zoning and Planning Commission, PUD Review Committee, and Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. 

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Appointments included: LOUIS MASTRANGELO is named as new member and Chair of ZAPCO.  Council Members BYRNTESON AND SZIMANSKI plus ZAPCO Commissioner MASTRANGELO are named to serve along with Mayor KILGORE on PUD Review.  The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is reconstituted to include: Council Members VANCE and SHERMAN, ZAPCO Commissioners OLSON (serving as Chair) and BERNZOTT, and community residents Patience Aylstock, Rachel Mills, Logan Brown, Josh Cobb, and David Milikan.

ITEM 19:  Financial Report.

–Due to taking in more revenue than expected and spending less than expected (largely due to staff vacancies), the city has a positive budget variance of roughly $1.1M.

ITEM 20:  Citizens Participation for items NOT on this Agenda. 

–No one spoke.

ITEM 21:  Resolution creating the Lakeway Teen Court Program.

–Since this program is required by a recent state law prescribing its terms, the presentation by Judge Kathleen Coble was largely informational.  After nominal discussion, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the program.

ITEM 22:   WCID #17 Water Conservation Update.

–The GM at WCID #17 reported briefly, noting that Lake Travis now stands at 630’ which is 35’ below normal.  He also stated that recent rains should allow avoidance of Stage 3 (NO automatic irrigation) this summer; however, the predicted dry conditions this fall and winter make a difficult 2025 highly likely.  He urged continued conservation, noting that WCID #17 does and will continue to shut off consumers who refuse to follow restrictions.

ITEM 23:   Amending the Cherry Knoll/Hillsong PUD as to 25.949 acres at 15616 Flint Rock Road (authorizing a fire station instead of commercial and parkland).

–After discussion, where the only expressed concern from Council regarded the 126 homes being leased instead of sold, Council DENIED the requested PUD amendments 4:3 (Kilgore, Vance and Sherman in favor).

ITEM 24:  Update on Employee Health Benefits.

–The current provider summarized the last year’s plan use and benefits.  Next year’s plan details will be released soon, including a 4% rate reduction.  NO ACTION TAKEN.

ITEM 25:  Request for $50,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds, from Lake Travis Youth Association.

— UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 26:  City Center Update from developers Legend Communities and Stratus.

–Stratus failed to show up. The Legend Communities spokesman noted that little visible progress was made in the past year, due to the complexity of designing the lift station for the overall project and having to deal with both Lakeway MUD and WCID #17 on water and sewage issues; he stated that once actual construction of the lift station is approved and begins, the next steps of Main Street construction, stop lights, etc., will follow. NO ACTION TAKEN.

ITEM 27:  Ordinance meant to be a first step in reducing collisions on 620 near the hospital and the high school, by authorizing TXDOT to extend the School Zone from just south of Medical Parkway to north of the intersection.

— UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 28:  Discuss Traffic Signal at RM 620 and Pallazza Alto Drive/Flamingo Drive.

–CONSENSUS was that staff should proceed to facilitate this project with TXDOT, since it is needed for public safety, with the city paying as much of the projected $185,000 cost as needed.

ITEM 29:  Discuss Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) in Lakeway pools.

–Staff reported that up to 540 Lakeway pools could be affected, given the number of pool permits issued during the apparent time frame of concrete material contamination (roughly 2019-2023).  After several resident comments and cursory discussion, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, but it was noted that a more complete report, along with a proposal to waive permit fees, would appear at an upcoming meeting.

ITEM 30:  Discuss Traffic Mitigation and Possible Annexation of Flint Rock Road (67% of which is now outside of Lakeway and managed by Travis County).

–After extensive citizens participation (unanimously requesting action by Council to make this road safer as soon as possible) and discussion, Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED 1) having city staff move forward to discuss with Travis County prompt traffic mitigation procedures (including banning large trucks and lowering the speed limit) as well as annexation IF the county is not amenable to the above, as well as 2) having the city spend up to $150,000 to proceed with scored resurfacing at both ends of the road (now within city jurisdiction) AND getting the county’s permission to do the same scored resurfacing on the intervening roadway in its jurisdiction.

ITEMS 31-33:  Executive Sessions on 3 items—personnel matters/Zoning and Planning Commission appointments, employee health benefits, and transfer of real property/Sailfish Park.

–NO ACTION TAKEN.

ADJOURNED at 12:34AM.

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx  Go here to watch the Council meeting online:  https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/305804

Daring Mighty Things

The Euclid space telescope was launched into space in 2023, to investigate the “dark universe.”  That includes 2 very mysterious elements, dark energy (the placeholder name given to whatever force is causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate), and dark matter (a form of matter that is effectively invisible because it doesn’t interact with light).  This takes on new importance when you realize that 95% of the universe’s matter and energy is in the dark domain.  Only 5% of the cosmic matter/energy budget is currently understood by scientists.  Euclid’s job is probe and image intricacies of the dark universe. The above image shows a spiral galaxy located 30 million light-years from Earth.  (Image credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA.)  Euclid’s early images are at least 4 times sharper than images taken from ground-based telescopes; covering vast swathes with unrivaled depth, Euclid observes celestial targets in visible light and a near-infrared spectrometer.  The Euclid ‘dark universe detective’ telescope has revealed new images of the cosmos — and they are remarkable 5/23/24 https://www.space.com/euclid-space-telescope-new-images-may-23

Boeing’s first crewed launch of its Starliner capsule was originally scheduled for May 6, but that has been bumped repeatedly due to 2 separate helium leaks on different parts of the craft.  The June 1 launch was scrubbed at the last minute due to an automatic abort, for reasons unclear so far.  The current launch window is noonish on June 2.  The mission is to deliver 2 NASA astronauts to the ISS for a week of experiments, then return them to Earth.  (Image credit: NASA TV.)  Boeing’s Starliner rolls out to pad for June 1 astronaut launch 5/30/24 https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-rolls-out-launch-pad-second-time-photos

SpaceX is pushing for the 4^th test flight (uncrewed) of its gigantic Starship rocket, penciling in June 5 for a launch from its Starbase site in South Texas.  The above image shows Starship during a recent fueling test. (Image credit: SpaceX via X.)  All test flights to date have been spectacularly explosive, though Elon Musk’s line is that “much was learned” from each flight’s “unplanned sudden disassembly.”  Both the FAA and the EPA have investigated the literal fallout from past debacles, and Musk will have to cool his jets on attempt #4 until all regulatory demands are met and authorization for flight is granted.  If Starship ever gets on track, NASA hopes it will ferry people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond.  SpaceX targeting June 5 for 4th test flight of Starship megarocket 5/24/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-targeting-june-5-starship-fourth-test-flight

Heads up!  SpaceX is leaving a trail of large and heavy debris worldwide.  The latest scorched chunk measured about 3 feet square and was made of shredded carbon fiber with metal bolts and plates.  It landed on a hiking trail near Asheville, North Carolina, and has been identified as from SpaceX’s Crew-7 Dragon that flew from the ISS to Florida on March 12.  (Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley.)  Specifically, the debris is a piece of the craft’s tail section (called the “trunk”), that is routinely jettisoned during re-entry.  Previously, it was assumed the trunk would disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere with any surviving debris being negligibly small.  However, the NC hard landing was the 3^rd known trunk chunk to be identified lately, with other locations being in Canada and Australia.  Space debris from SpaceX Dragon capsule crashed in the North Carolina mountains. 5/29/24 https://www.space.com/space-debris-spacex-crew-7-reentry-north-carolina

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

On May 24, Louisiana put the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol on the list of controlled dangerous substances carrying risk of addiction or abuse.  After the Republican-controlled legislature passed the law, Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed it immediately.  Louisiana, which already bans abortion (including those via medication) in nearly all cases, is the first state to take this step.  Now, doctors must get a special license to dispense mifepristone and misoprostol, and the drugs can only be stored in special facilities.  Plus, unprescribed possession of the abortion pills is punishable by 1 to 5 five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.  Experts say all this will make medication abortion more difficult or simply unavailable even in cases fitting the state’s narrow exception of saving the mother’s life.  Louisiana governor signs bill making abortion drugs controlled dangerous substances 5/24/24  https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/24/louisiana-governor-abortion-drugs-00159996

It is good to see that not all Texas border towns are nuts.  In May, Clarendon’s council unanimously voted down a proposed ordinance banning travel through Clarendon city limits to get an abortion elsewhere, curtail sale and possession of medications linked to abortion, AND block Clarendon residents from getting abortions – no matter where they happen to be in the world.  Good call, Clarendon!  Located in the Texas Panhandle with 1,700 residents, Clarendon is the first city known to reject becoming a “sanctuary city for the unborn.”  At least 52 Texas cities have adopted such ordinances; the national count exceeds 70.  The sanctuary city status was pushed in Clarendon, and all over the Teas border territory by anti-abortion pastor Mark Lee Dickson, despite its dubious legality.  Even though Clarendon is a deep-red town, its council decided to go about its duty of providing basic municipal services, instead of indulging in political grandstanding.  They were also concerned that sanctuary status would be divisive, needlessly converting a national issue into a local controversy.  A small Texas town prudently says no to expanding state’s abortion ban 5/17/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/editorials/2024/05/17/a-texas-town-prudently-says-no-to-expanding-the-states-abortion-ban/73675766007/

However, Amarillo is still mulling an abortion travel ban.  After discussion at a May 28 Council meeting, they voted to reconsider the measure at their June 11 meeting.  Proponents demand that Council either approve the ban or put it to a vote in November.  Also slated for consideration on June 11 is an ordinance modeled after Texas’ own Heartbeat Act, to locally (and completely needlessly) prohibit abortion after 6 weeks and define “unborn child” as created at the moment of conception.  As for the abortion travel ban, it would make it illegal to help a person access an abortion outside Texas using local roads and highways.  Everyone with a brain understands such a law would be unconstitutional, but in the current political climate that is trumped by the need for far-right performance rhetoric.  Other Texas cities that already passed ordinances prohibiting travel through their jurisdictions for an abortion outside the state include Athens, Abilene, Plainview, San Angelo, Odessa, Muenster and Little River-Academy; ditto for the Texas counties of Mitchell, Goliad, Lubbock, Dawson, Cochran and Jack.  Despite pressure, Amarillo City Council punts on abortion travel ban petition 5/28/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/amarillo-abortion-travel-ban/

On May 30, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s near-total abortion ban.  Twenty Texas women, along with 2 Texas doctors, brought the suit, insisting that women with complicated pregnancies were being denied medically necessary abortions because doctors were unclear on how and when they could act. In addition, they pointed out that the law lacks any reference to the fetus suffering a fatal abnormality being grounds for abortion.  First, the court decided the women lacked standing to bring suit against the abortion law that caused them dire harm; it dismissed their anguish and physical injuries as irrelevant.  It also found that the law’s “reasonable medical opinion” exception regarding risk to a woman’s life and health withstood constitutional challenge.  Finally, the court ruled the law does not—and need not—authorize abortion for a fetus with a fatal abnormality; again—tough luck for the women carrying them.  Lower courts had sided with the plaintiffs, but Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the case to the far-right Texas Supreme Court on order to keep the state’s abortion law harshly strict and yet vague enough to make doctors fear loss of license and jail time when treating pregnant women.   Texas Supreme Court rejects challenge to abortion laws 5/30/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/31/texas-supreme-court-zurawski-abortion/

STILL waiting on the US Supreme Court to rule on 2 important abortion cases, on the use and availability of abortion pills and emergency abortion care for at-risk women.  ALSO, waiting to see if UPSIDE DOWN Justice Samuel Alito dares to follow up on his Dobbs decision by writing opinions on the 2 abortion cases.  Remember–Justice Alito flew the American flag upside down in his Virginia yard in Jan. of 2021, when doing so symbolized support for Trump’s “Stop the Steal” campaign.  BUT—he ALSO flew the Appeal to Heaven flag, carried by insurrectionists on Jan. 6 AND also a symbol of government according to extreme religious fervor, at his beach home in 2023.  (In both cases, he says “My wife did it.”  Also, Mrs. Alito is a spitter, per the article below.  Lovely….)  My questions: 1) Do the Alitos have a mountain cabin?  2) If so, what flag is flying THERE?  (The above images are courtesy of NY Times.) 

—The Alitos, the Neighborhood Clash and the Upside-Down Flag 5/28/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/us/justice-alito-neighbors-stop-steal-flag.html

—Excellent 25-minute podcast on the Alitos and their insurrectionist flags: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/podcasts/the-daily/the-alitos-and-their-flags.html

A recent article, by longtime SCOTUS expert Adam Liptak, shows the public opinion stats on the pending high court rulings that will be issued any day now (plus rulings recently issued). These include deciding presidential immunity, 2 crucial abortion cases, gun rights, and many other hot-button issues.  Remember—the Judicial branch has ZERO enforcement power. If the Executive branch is ticked off at you, it can fine you and put you in jail. The Legislative branch can take away funding and pass new laws to make its point. But, the courts can only deliver opinions, relying on the people’s respect for rule of law, so that we follow their decisions. A lot of Americans are now gleefully acting like rule of law is out-dated. Another subset of Americans is appalled at how out of touch the far-right SCOTUS is now and increasingly resistant to accepting its fiats. And, then there are the unprecedented and myriad ethical scandals that have recently tainted several conservative Justices and brought their morality and impartiality into serious question.  So, how far will SCOTUS go on this crucial batch of cases, and will the American public follow? The Major Supreme Court Cases of 2024 UPDATED 5/30/24  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/09/us/supreme-court-major-cases-2024.html

Back to me….

Home maintenance is a never-ending adventure, right?  I bought an amazing Belkin surge protector AND was able to hook up all my electronics without incident.  (So, Texas thunderstorms—do your damnedest.)  Also restarted and tested my sprinkler system without incident.  A handy neighbor replaced the ceiling light in my garage, again without incident.  “Incidents” are never good….  Right now, I have a mystery water leak in the garage that shows every indication of becoming a full-fledged incident of the worst kind. 

It is crazy hot and humid, and Texas will stay that way for months.  PLEASE, be careful with pets. 

My sweet Maxie had her cardio workup recently and ACED it!  She was good as gold while getting an echocardiogram and having her blood pressure checked.  (Luckily, the patient purring LOUDLY during testing is not a problem.)  The specialist found the heart size and structure to be normal.  A mild flow obstruction/heart murmur and a slight valve leak are likely from stress/age and previously increased blood pressure (now controlled via a daily pill).  So—GREAT NEWS!

More great news—Pandas Are Coming.  The long-time contractual loans of pandas to American zoos from China expired in the post-Covid years.  Even The National Zoo in DC had to ship its mating pair and their wildly popular cub, Biscuit, back to China in late 2023.  Now, the Biden administration has negotiated a new round of panda loans.  Mating pair Bao Li (male, shown in the left-hand photo above) and Qing Bao (female, shown in the right-hand photo above), both 2 years old, will arrive at The National Zoo later in 2024.  (Photo credits: Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and Conservation Biology Institute.) Several other American zoos are currently being considered for panda pairs, including San Diego and Atlanta (which has the only pandas left in the country—a mating pair and their twin cubs—scheduled to return to China soon).  The Panda Party is back on as giant pandas will return to Washington’s National Zoo by year’s end 5/29/24 https://apnews.com/article/giant-pandas-washington-zoo-china-764f8016d98c01ab579bdbb6dcc3dd6b

IT IS FAWN SEASON!  Please DRIVE CAREFULLY, as newborn fawns are incredibly tiny, fragile, and clueless about roads. 

Remember—the vast majority of fawns you see are FINE, just parked in a safe spot and waiting for Mama to return to feed/clean/move the baby to another safe parking spot. 

The above image is from our closest fawn expert, Leanne Dupay, a permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife. 512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.)   SAVE THIS INFO IN YOUR PHONE SO YOU HAVE IT WHEN NEEDED.

Enjoy this adorable 2-minute video from Texas Parks and Wildlife, with lots of good tips about fawns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUZmdWngGw4&app=desktop

Lots more info (and really cute photos) are on the Fawn page of my blog.  It also has several local contacts if you find a fawn (or other wildlife) truly in distress. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/

I had a few fawn and doe sightings in the last couple weeks.  Here are some of my photos.

Our bucks are living it up these days, completely free of responsibility for nurturing the new fawns and hanging out with their fellows. They LOVE posing for photos. Gotta give the boys some screen time.

Coronavirus  Update

Looks like a summer Covid wavelet is coming. As of May 25, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows 2 Covid-19 indicators (test positivity and ER visits) rising; the death rate was still flat. The 4^th indicator is hospitalizations; for that, reporting rules have changed, but data as of May 11 showed no change.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Wastewater viral testing (above) shows low levels of Covid nationwide.  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html

Feeling yucky?  Wondering if you caught something?  Per the following article, Covid tends to cause a high fever (over 100 degrees), as well as upset stomach (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), body aches, cough with mucus, and debilitating fatigue.  On the other hand, allergies and colds usually don’t cause any of those symptoms; instead allergies and colds tend to give you sneezing and stuffy nose, itchy eyes, ears and throat, mild tiredness, and a DRY cough.  Take a Covid test if possible, and if it is negative but symptoms remain—test again.  Is It Covid, Spring Allergies or a Cold? 5/23/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/23/well/live/allergies-cold-covid-symptoms.html

Anyone interested in Long Covid should read Eric Topol’s latest report, detailing 2 interesting studies.  Long Covid at 3 Years 5/30/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/long-covid-at-3-years

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine.  So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by).  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Here is what is happening in Lakeway…. 

Classical Chamber Music

On Sunday, May 19, 4-5:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center, enjoy a FREE concert.  Musicians include: Violin, Sari Pearce; Cello, Andrew Pearce; and Piano, Rick Rowley.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Lake Travis Democrats Club

–May 19:  Picnic in the Park, 2-4PM at City Park’s Upper Pavilion (502 Hurst Creek Road).  This annual event features picnic food, beer and wine, speakers, guests including elected officials, raffle drawings, and musical entertainment.

–May 28: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library.  The book is SOLD by Patricia McCormick, which was one of the top 10 banned books in 2023.

–June 6: The Voucher Scam Live, 6:30PM at the Lakeway Activity Center. This interactive, one-hour presentation covers a critical issue facing public education today–education vouchers.

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

Street Sign SURVEY—ENDS May 31.

City of Lakeway will be revamping our street signs.  So, residents have the opportunity to take a quick look at new street sign design options and pick their favorite.  Responses will help give guidance to city staff. The survey ENDS Friday, May 31. If you have questions, email info@lakeway-tx.gov   The 1-question survey is here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1893

Primary Runoff Election

Yes—time to vote AGAIN….  The good news is it is a VERY, VERY, VERY short ballot.

Early Voting—May 20-24, 7AM-7PM (until 10PM at Lakeway Activity Center on May 24 ONLY). 

Election Day—Tuesday, May 28, 7AM-7PM.

Closest location is Lakeway Activity Center, but you can vote at any polling place in Travis County.

Go here to find out what—if anything–is on your ballot, by party: https://www.vote411.org/

REPUBLICANS living in Lakeway can go here to confirm my understanding that the only Republican party race in Travis County is in Congressional District 35—on the OTHER side of Austin: https://traviscountygop.org/vote

But, DEMOCRATS living in Lakeway have ONE race to vote on in the Runoff.  Go here to confirm my understanding that the ONLY Democratic race in Travis County is for Justice, Third Court of Appeals Place 2: https://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/may28runoff

Just like last time….  Bring photo ID, preferably Texas drivers license, for fastest processing.  Don’t plan to rely on your cell phone while voting; electronics are banned in the polling place per state law.  If you requested a mail-in ballot but prefer to vote in person, BRING THE MAIL-IN BALLOT WITH YOU so it can be cancelled.

City Hall Art Gallery

Artist Carol Williard van Ginkel opened her art display at City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing) on May 1.  She is an expert at needle painting, creating detailed art with needle and thread.  Stop by anytime during business hours the collection.  MEET THE ARTIST and enjoy refreshments on Monday, May 20, 5:30-7PM at City Hall.  Local artists interested in being featured at City Hall for a 3-month stint can go here to apply: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Learn to Be Water Wise: LMUD Open House, May 20-24.

LMUD, one of several Municipal Utility Districts serving Lakeway, is hosting an Open House at 1097 Lohmans Crossing, on May 20-24.  At 10AM and 2PM daily, experts will deliver presentations on water-related topics (tree care, native plants, rainwater capture, available rebates, and more).  No reservations are required, but arrive early as there is limited capacity.  Plus—refreshments, literature and goodies to take home, including water-saving information and fun/helpful household tools.  Go here for more info and the schedule of presentation topics: https://lakewaymud.org/update/learn-to-be-water-wise-lmud-open-house-may-2023/

Community Dialogue: Defining Vision and Goals for the Lakeway Comprehensive Plan Update

Stop by City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.) on May 21, 6PM, for an introductory meeting regarding Lakeway’s Comprehensive Plan. The City of Lakeway is holding its first Community Dialogue: Defining Vision and Goals.  A presentation will be followed by an interactive open house. Review project boards, provide input, and pose questions to staff and the consultant team. Go here for full info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1547/Comprehensive-Plan

Aloha Pool Party

On May 25, 1-3PM, join the start of summer fun at Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.).  Games, hula dancing, concession food and more!  Drop-in rates apply; free admission with Summer membership pass.  Go here for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1835/Aloha-Pool-Party

Memorial Day Ceremony

On Monday, May 27, at 11AM, join Lakeway residents and officials at Emmaus Catholic Church (1718 Lohmans Crossing) for the annual ceremony honoring military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  More details available soon, check here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2141/Memorial-Day

Mermaid Day

On Sunday, June 2 at 1-3PM, all Mermaids and their friends will gather at Lakeway Swim Center to pal around with “real” mermaids from Lake Travis.  Come dressed to impress the Mer set, as there will be photos, games, prizes, surprises and lots of swimming. Drop in pool rates apply (but the activities are free).  More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1834/Mermaid-Day

Pirate Day

On Sunday, June 9, 1PM, pirates of all ages are invited to stop by Lakeway Swim Center for giveaways, face painting, and a treasure hunt.  Dress for the part, as Jack Sparrow will be there!   Daily Swim Center fees apply. More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2005/Pirate-Day

Anything Goes at TexArts

June 7-30, TexArts presents Anything Goes. Go here for info and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/

Kid Camps this Summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

Sign up NOW, as camps fill up fast.  Go Here and click on the Youth Camps tab: www.lakeway-tx.gov/catalog

July 4 Parade—REGISTER now to participate or volunteer.

Register to participate in this year’s parade, held on Thursday, July 4.  The theme is Symbols of Freedom.  Go here for info and to register your float/performance OR to help as a volunteer: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration

Spirit of Freedom Monument

Lakeway Veterans who served in official periods of armed conflict like the Vietnam War or Gulf War can have their names included on the Spirit of Freedom Monument located in Lakeway Heritage Park.  Applications are now being accepted for additions to the monument for recognition on Veterans Day in 2024.  Deadline to apply is July 5, 2024.  The fee ranges from $325-$425.  Call 512-314-7530 or go here for info and a link to the application: https://lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

Artist Registration now OPEN for Cool Arts

This year’s Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour is on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 24-25, at Lakeway Activity Center and local studios.  Go here for info and to register: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1858/Cool-Arts-Show-Studio-Tour

House Watch

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

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a short live update on May 16.  Go here to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1577423569499442

Council meets on May 20, 6:30PM.

WARNING: This Agenda has 34 Items.  I’m not saying that is a record high, but it is definitely formidable. Hope everyone on the dais eats their Wheaties….

Consequential Agenda items include: 

ITEM 3:  Recognition and Honors.

ITEM 4:  Oaths of Office, per election results.

ITEM 5:  Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem.

ITEM 8: Citizens Participation for the above Items, Item 19 (Financial Report), and the Consent Agenda.

ITEMS 9-18: Consent Agenda, including new appointments to Zoning and Planning Commission and the PUD Review Committee. 

ITEM 19:  Financial Report.

ITEM 20:   Citizens Participation for items NOT on this Agenda.

ITEM 21:  Resolution creating the Lakeway Teen Court Program.

ITEM 22:   WCID #17 Water Conservation Update.

ITEM 23:   Amending the Cherry Knoll/Hillsong PUD as to 25.949 acres at 15616 Flint Rock Road (authorizing a fire station instead of commercial and parkland).

ITEM 24:  Update on Employee Health Benefits.

ITEM 25:  Request for $50,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds, from Lake Travis Youth Association.

ITEM 26:  City Center Update from developers Legend Communities and Stratus.

ITEM 27:  Ordinance meant to be a first step in reducing collisions on 620 near the hospital and the high school, by authorizing TXDOT to extend the School Zone from just south of Medical Parkway to north of the intersection.

ITEM 28:  Discuss Traffic Signal at RM 620 and Pallazza Alto Drive/Flamingo Drive. 

ITEM 29:  Discuss Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) in Lakeway pools.

ITEM 30:  Discuss Traffic Mitigation and Possible Annexation of Flint Rock Road (67% of which is now outside of Lakeway and managed by Travis County).

ITEMS 31-33:  Executive Sessions on 3 items—personnel matters/Zoning and Planning Commission appointments, employee health benefits, and transfer of real property/Sailfish Park.

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx    Go here to watch the Council meeting online (live or later):  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Daring Mighty Things

Last weekend, our sun went wild.  The resulting geomagnetic storm caused unprecedented auroras worldwide.  The above image is Aurora Australis, in Christchurch on May 11.  (Image credit: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP via Getty Images.) 

Check these links for some gorgeous images:  

—Jaw-dropping northern lights from massive solar flares amaze skywatchers around the world. ‘We have a very rare event on our hands.’  5/11/24 https://www.space.com/spectacular-northern-lights-rare-solar-flares-may-2024

—Wondering what the Northern Lights looked like in Texas? See photos shared on social media 5/13/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/2024/05/13/northern-lights-texas-aurora-borealis-photos-social-media/73668190007/?utm_source=naas-newsletter_dailybriefing&utm_content=daily%20briefing%20-%20austin%20tx&utm_campaign=newsletter_dailybriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_term=adhoc

Wanna relive the eclipse? APOD has a stunning 1-minute video, fast-forwarding through the event.  Hit the link below, then click on Discover the Cosmos at top left and scroll down to May 6’s A Total Solar Eclipse from Sliver to Ring https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

On May 6, Boeing’s Starliner had to abort its very first crewed launch for the International Space Station due to a buzzing noise that turned out to be a helium leak.  Currently, the launch is scheduled for May 21.  The above image shows the craft being rolled off the launch pad for repairs.  (Image credit: NASA via X.)  Helium leak delays Boeing’s 1st Starliner astronaut launch to May 21 5/14/24 https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cft-launch-delay-helium-leak

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

This is one of those “only in Texas” things, in the worst way.  A Texas attorney and anti-abortion crusader, Jonathan Mitchell, has for years filed countless legal petitions and lawsuits against abortion providers, researchers and funds, seeking information about who may want or need an abortion.  Now, he is taking the women themselves to court, for LEAVING THE STATE to receive medical care, along with anyone who helped them do so.  Mitchell currently represents 2 Texas men, who allege their girlfriends went out of state to receive abortions, without their consent.  His strategy is using fear and intimidation to make women think they don’t dare try to leave Texas, despite the fact that interstate commerce—including individual travel—has always been a legal mainstay in America.  As noted in the article: “It’s not about a lawsuit, it’s about using fear to induce compliance.”  Anti-abortion crusader’s deposition requests generate fear, but no findings 5/10/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/10/texas-courts-abortion-jonathan-mitchell/

Speaking of travel bans in Texas, the Amarillo City Council is being forced to consider a policy that outlaws using local streets to access an abortion in other states.  This is because supporters of the travel ban gathered enough signatures to advance the issue.  Their petition will be formally presented to Council on May 28.  Council can consider it then, and must do so within 30 days. As of now, many ultra conservative towns and counties along the Texas border have enacted laws purporting to ban use of local roads to access abortion care in another state.  These include the cities of Athens, Abilene, Plainview, San Angelo, Odessa, Muenster and Little River-Academy, as well as Mitchell, Goliad, Lubbock, Dawson, Cochran and Jack counties.  NOTE: NONE of these laws has been tested in court; legal experts contend they are just political bravado.  On the other hand, city leaders in Clarendon refused to pass a “sanctuary city for the unborn” ordinance.  Llano and Chandler have deferred decisions on such a travel ban.  Amarillo City Council must vote on abortion travel ban following successful voter petition 5/16/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/16/amarillo-texas-abortion-travel-ban-vote/

Still waiting on the US Supreme Court to rule on 2 important abortion cases—the use and availability of abortion pills and emergency abortion care for at-risk women.  A recent article, by longtime SCOTUS expert Adam Liptak, shows the public opinion stats on the MANY pending high court rulings that will be issued any day now. These include deciding presidential immunity, 2 crucial abortion cases, gun rights, and many other hot-button issues.  Remember—the Judicial branch has ZERO enforcement power. If the Executive branch is ticked off at you, it can fine you and put you in jail. The Legislative branch can take away funding and pass new laws to make its point. But, the courts can only deliver opinions, relying on the people’s respect for rule of law, so that we follow their decisions. A lot of Americans are now gleefully acting like rule of law is out-dated. Another subset of Americans is appalled at how out of touch the far-right SCOTUS is now and increasingly resistant to accepting its fiats. And, then there are the unprecedented ethical scandals that have recently tainted several conservative Justices and brought their morality and impartiality into serious question.  (The latest revelation on that front was last week’s bombshell that Justice Samuel Alito flew the American flag upside down in his Virginia yard during Jan. of 2021, when doing so symbolized support for Trump’s “Stop the Steal” campaign. The above image of the incident is courtesy of NY Times.)  So, how far will SCOTUS go on this crucial batch of cases, and will the American public follow? The Major Supreme Court Cases of 2024 5/16/24  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/09/us/supreme-court-major-cases-2024.html

Back to me….

PLEASE be careful with pets and the heat, especially in cars.  Remember—they depend on you.

My Citizens Police Academy classes ended last week with a fun graduation ceremony.  There should be another session in spring of 2025, and I recommend it for any resident interested in what our police force can and cannot do, if you can devote 3 months of Tuesday evenings to it.  One plus is joining the Alumni Association, which functions as a dedicated volunteer group helping out at city activities.

I got a Covid vax booster last week.  Being in that (super fun!) “65 and older” group as well as doing a lot of public-facing stuff these days, it seemed smart to reinforce protection, since my last booster was 8 months back.  The only issue was a mildly sore forearm for 24 hours. 

Also, I got my spring cleaning done, so I can work the polls again next week. Yes–ANOTHER election is upon us, with Early Voting for the Primary Runoff on May 20-24.  Election Day is May 28 (see election info above).  See you at the polls!

IT IS FAWN SEASON!  Please DRIVE CAREFULLY, as newborn fawns are incredibly tiny, fragile, and clueless about roads. 

I saw a new fawn twice last week, on Kite.  The first morning I saw the baby, he was just hours old, still hunched over and figuring out how to get all those legs walking in the same direction.  He settled briefly on a lawn before skittering over to a shrub bed and curling up against the house. I was happy to see Mama Doe next door, munching and keeping an eye on her little one.  A couple mornings later, I saw that same doe in that same yard.  She walked up to that same shrub bed and grunted; that same baby bounced out and started suckling.  After a minute, Mama headed over to some trees, and in there she let the baby drink his fill, then cleaned him up.  In just 48 hours, the wee fawn was much stronger and very sure on his legs.  Soon, the pair headed off to find the next parking spot where the fawn could rest while Mama foraged.  (Yes, photos are below.)

Remember—the vast majority of fawns you see are FINE, just parked in a safe spot and waiting for Mama to return to feed/clean/move her baby to another safe parking spot.

If the fawn’s ears are curled or its bottom is dirty, Mom has been gone too long, and it needs help.  Our closest expert is Leanne Dupay, permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife 512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.)    

Lots more info (and really cute photos) are on the Fawn page of my blog.  It also has several local contacts if you find a fawn (or other wildlife) truly in distress. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/

City of Lakeway has good deer coverage on its site.  (I helped set that up a few years back, so it borrows some text and photos from my Fawn page.)  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1728/Lakeways-White-Tail-Deer-Herd

Deer aside, the city’s general wildlife page has helpful info on many of the other critters living with us in Lakeway. https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1918/Lakeway-Wildlife

Here are some of my deer photos from the past couple weeks, starting out with the sweet fawn and his mama doe on Kite. And, by the way, there are still a LOT of big-bellied does out there, so more new fawns will be coming our way soon.

Coronavirus  Update

As of May 11, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows 3 of the Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, and deaths) flat or slightly dropping, after trending down over the last couple months.  The 4^th indicator is hospitalizations; for that, reporting rules have changed, but data as of April 27 showed a mild uptick.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Experts say a new variant called KP.2 is now causing over 25% of new Covid infections in America.  KP.2 is one of the variants known as “FLiRT,” which may be more infectious and better at evading our immune defenses.  Currently, cases are not rising, but a summer surge is possible.  There’s a New Covid Variant. What Will That Mean for Spring and Summer? 5/10/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/10/well/covid-flirt-variants-symptoms.html

The latest round of Covid cases are showing these symptoms: fever or chills; cough; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; headache; muscle aches; difficulty breathing; fatigue; new loss of taste or smell; “brain fog” (feeling less wakeful and aware); and gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting). New COVID variant FLiRT has emerged. Here are the symptoms to watch for 5/9/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2024/05/09/new-covid-variant-flirt-symptoms-texas/73625240007/

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine.  So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by).  Shots are available at local pharmacies.  If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

Sorry this blog is posting a day late.  At the last minute, I was called in to work the polls on Election Day—so that took up 15 hours yesterday.  Happily, we had FABULOUS results.  Speaking of which….

If you just want a summary—For Council, we kicked Chris Levy to the curb despite his huge money dump, endless avalanche of signs, and exceptionally dirty campaign strategies.  We passed the Parks bond.  TCAD got 3 excellent Board members.  Our schools won a milestone victory, keeping 2 quality incumbents on the LTISD Board and rejecting PAC-funded challengers with dubious qualifications.  All this makes me hopeful that people are finally waking up, doing their own research, and voting for qualified people instead of letting money and agenda-ridden social media influencers determine their votes.  In fact, ALL of my vote choices WON in this election. Well done!

Here are the result details, all from Travis County Elections, with all vote centers reporting: https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/TX/Travis/120748/web.317647/#/summary

Here is what is happening in Lakeway…. 

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

FREE weekly concerts through May 11, every Saturday, 7-9PM, on the Central Plaza Lawn of the Hill Country Galleria.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to get comfy.  Performance schedule is here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/saturday-night-concert-series/2145580934

Art at the Library

During May, local artist Sherri Lipman McCauley exhibits her fiber artwork (quilts, collage, and surface design) in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Top section of Lakeway Drive CLOSED, now through July.

Culvert replacement started on April 9, with Lakeway Drive CLOSED from Lakeway Boulevard to Cross Creek.  Through traffic will need to use Cross Creek and Lohmans instead. This is part of the recent Transportation Bond, improving Lakeway’s roads.  The project will likely be in progress to July.

Fox on the Fairway

The Lakeway Players will present “The Fox on the Fairway,” on May 9-11.  Doors open at 6:30PM; curtain rises at 7:30PM.  The Spring Show is, as usual, BYO Dinner Theater.  The production is billed as a hilarious romp about life, love and golf.  Tickets are $20-$33.  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/

Puzzle Exchange

On May 11, 10:30-11:30AM, exchange jigsaw puzzles with other puzzle fans at Lake Travis Community Library. Items must be in good shape with all pieces.

Inside Austin Gardens Tour

On Saturday, May 11th, from 9AM-3PM, the Travis County Master Gardeners are hosting their Inside Austin Gardens Tour.  You can peek inside 4 unique private gardens, designed and maintained by fellow gardening enthusiasts, combining sustainable practices for Central Texas with a focus on beautiful native plants: The Suburban Farm; The Woodland Escape; The Elevated Garden; and The Work-In-Progress.  Go here for more info and tickets: https://insideaustingardens.org/

SORRY, the Heritage Trail bus tours have been CANCELLED. Fall bus tours should be scheduled soon.

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Spring tours are scheduled!  Grab a reservation fast, as these always fill up.  Bus tours visit 20 historical locations, with narration by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee.  Tour day is Friday, May 17.  Times: 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 1:15 PM.  Board at Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing), where you can also visit the historic Liebelt Cabin.  Go here for info and to reserve your seat:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Blood Drive

The next blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center is on Saturday, ­­­May 18.  The event is always well organized, clean and friendly.  You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here– https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Classical Chamber Music

On Sunday, May 19, 4-5:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center, enjoy a FREE concert.  Musicians include: Violin, Sari Pearce; Cello, Andrew Pearce; and Piano, Rick Rowley.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Lake Travis Democrats Club   

–May 19:  Picnic in the Park, 2-4PM at City Park’s Upper Pavilion (502 Hurst Creek Road).  This annual event features picnic food, beer and wine, speakers, guests including elected officials, raffle drawings, and musical entertainment.

–May 28: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library.  The book isSOLD by Patricia McCormick., which was one of the top 10 banned books in 2023.

–June 6: The Voucher Scam Live, 6:30PM at the Lakeway Activity Center. This interactive, one-hour presentation covers a critical issue facing public education today–education vouchers.

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

Community Dialogue: Defining Vision and Goals for the Lakeway Comprehensive Plan Update

Stop by City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.) on May 21, 6PM, for an introductory meeting regarding Lakeway’s Comprehensive Plan. The City of Lakeway is holding its first Community Dialogue: Defining Vision and Goals.  A presentation will be followed by an interactive open house. Review project boards, provide input, and pose questions to staff and the consultant team. Go here for full info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1547/Comprehensive-Plan

Lakeway Quarter Century Luncheon—registration deadline is May 17.

Those residing in Lakeway 25 years or more are invited to a special luncheon on May 31, 11AM-1PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center.  Celebrate and nurture connections with other long-time residents.  Free, but reservations are required; deadline to register is May 17.  Go here for info and to reserve your seat: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI5OTE5MjA=

Anything Goes at TexArts

June 7-30, TexArts presents Anything Goes. Go here for info and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/

Kid Camps this Summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

Sign up NOW, as camps fill up fast.  Go Here and click on the Youth Camps tab: www.lakeway-tx.gov/catalog

July 4 Parade—REGISTER now to participate or volunteer.

Register to participate in this year’s parade, held on Thursday, July 4.  The theme is Symbols of Freedom.  Go here for info and to register your float/performance OR to help as a volunteer: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration

Artist Registration Open for Cool Arts.

This year’s Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour is on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 24-25, at Lakeway Activity Center and local studios.  Go here for info and to register: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1858/Cool-Arts-Show-Studio-Tour

Council next meets on May 20.

Recently elected members will be sworn in (hopefully not sworn AT), and long-time member Louis Mastrangelo will exit the dais (due to the term limit of 6 consecutive years, per the City Charter.)  About a week prior, check here for the Agenda: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

On May 6, Boeing’s new spaceship, Starliner, is scheduled for its first-ever crewed launch.  (Image credit: ULA via YouTube.)  Starliner will deliver 2 astronauts to the International Space Station for a 10-day visit, finally coming online to operate alongside SpaceX as NASA’s commuter service.  Watch the cool 3-minute video showing the assembly and stacking of the Atlas V rocket, mating it with the Starliner spacecraft, rolling the stack to SLC-41, and more.  Watch ULA assemble Atlas V rocket ahead of Boeing Starliner astronaut test flight 5/2/24 https://www.space.com/ula-starliner-cft-atlas-v-stacking-video

The Ring Nebula is about 2,500 light-years away from Earth and measures roughly 1 light-year across. The image of it shown above was made by combining views from 3 different telescopes.  (Image Credit: Hubble, Large Binocular Telescope, Subaru Telescope; Composition and Copyright: Robert Gendler.)  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

The new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) captured sharp images of the Horsehead Nebula, revealing never seen details.  (Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, K. Misselt–University of Arizona–and A. Aberge–IAS/University Paris-Saclay, CNRS.)  This much-studied star-forming region is located 1,300 light-years from Earth.  Watch a 1-minute video here: Horsehead Nebula rears its head in gorgeous new James Webb Space Telescope images 4/29/24 https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-horsehead-nebula

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

As of May 1, 21 states ban abortion or restrict it more stringently than the US did for nearly 50 years under Roe.  The above image shows abortion availability nationwide, with AZ and FL updated per recent events.  As shown, women living in the South 1) with an unwanted pregnancy OR 2) suffering pregnancy complications requiring termination are in dire straits.  Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country 5/1/24 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/us/abortion-laws-roe-v-wade.html

In Texas (it is ALWAYS Texas, for the deeply crazy stuff), a man recently filed a legal action to investigate his former partner’s out-of-state abortion.  This was after his attorney threatened legal action (“wrongful-death claims against anyone involved in the killing of his unborn child”) when the woman first discussed going to Colorado for a legal abortion.  Now, Colin Davis has disclosed his former partner’s abortion to a state district court in Texas, asking for the power to investigate what he terms potentially illegal activity. The petition claims Davis could sue either under the state’s wrongful-death statute or the Texas vigilante law allowing private citizens to file suit against anyone who “aids or abets” an illegal abortion. Targeting an abortion legally occurring outside Texas is a new strategy by antiabortion activists to achieve the goal of stopping women from traveling out of state to end their pregnancies.  Interstate travel has always been sacrosanct in America, and crossing state lines for abortion care remains legal nationwide. Several Texas cities and counties have passed local ordinances attempting to stop women seeking abortions from using highways passing through their jurisdiction. Davis’ attorney also represents another Texas man suing several women for helping his ex-wife obtain abortion pills. Texas man files legal action to probe ex-partner’s out-of-state abortion 5/3/24 https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2024/05/03/texas-abortion-investigations/

Since Dobbs, Alabama bans abortion, even for rape and incest.  Alabama is now moving to ban women from LEAVING THE STATE for reproductive care.  Other Republican-controlled state legislatures are heading down that path.  (See above, as to Texas.)  Watch the chilling 30-second ad highlighting the issue here.  California Governor Newsom launches abortion travel ban ad campaign in Alabama 4/22/24 https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/newsom-launches-alabama-ad-campaign-focused-on-abortion-travel-bans/

Arizona has time-travelled back to the present, with its legislature finally voting to repeal the 1864 abortion ban that its ultra-right state supreme court revived last month.  Last week, 2 Republican lawmakers joined with all the Democrats to kill the old law for good.  Unfortunately, the state constitution delays the law’s effective date until 90 days after the legislative session ends—likely next fall, unless Republicans keep the session open.  Until then, Arizona’s abortion ban is total.  Once the antique law’s repeal takes effect, the state would revert to a 15-week ban passed in 2022, with exceptions for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest. Pro-choice groups are trying to get a constitutional amendment on the November ballot allowing Arizona voters to decide the abortion rights issue.   Arizona Senate passes repeal of 1864 abortion ban 5/1/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/arizona-senate-repeal-abortion-ban-rcna150024

On April 24, SCOTUS heard oral arguments in ANOTHER abortion case, Moyle v. US.  This one covers EMTALA (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), which requires federally funded hospitals to give patients, including pregnant ones, stabilizing care.  The case deals with that federal law’s conflict with the many state laws now restricting abortion, like in Texas and Idaho.  Justice Barrett was the only conservative justice at all concerned with the woman’s health, while her male cohorts went down the fetal personhood path.  A ruling is expected early summer.  US supreme court appears divided after hearing arguments on emergency abortion care 4/24/24 https://www.theguardian.com/law/2024/apr/24/us-supreme-court-abortion-rights-emtala  Listen to the case’s oral argument here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2023/23-726

Back to me….

Being a poll worker for Early Voting’s 9 days is a big commitment but always worth it.  The choice of morning or afternoon shifts really helps, making the hours doable. As usual, the best part was seeing Lakeway pals again for the first time in ages.  On the other hand, working Election Day is a brutal slog lasting up to 15 hours, with inevitable crises and a frequently frantic pace.  But, when there aren’t enough people willing to work, I do it; as usual, there was a great team working well together.  The best part of the May 4 Election Day was learning the SUPER results as soon as I got home.  Well done, Lakeway!

Maxie update: My sweet girl got a good report at her vet check-up.  Meds have her blood pressure back to normal, her breathing is much better, and her appetite is back.  Now, we are waiting on a heart consult end of May.

Our fawns are here!  I haven’t seen any yet, but I have heard multiple reports of sightings in Lakeway.  DRIVE CAREFULLY, as they are so tiny, fragile, and clueless about roads.

Working Early Voting’s morning shift kept me away from my usual morning walks, so I haven’t seen many deer lately AT ALL.  So, enjoy some squirrel photos I took recently

Coronavirus  Update

Much like last time, as of April 27, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows the various Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) leveling off, after trending down over the last couple months.  Concern remains this may be an early warning of a new Covid wave on the way.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine.  So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by).  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

During APRIL, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES.  Yesterday’s April 20 blog was the usual version—Lakeway events, space stuff, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc.  Today, April 21, I am posting the ELECTION ISSUE—covering everything you will see on your ballot–Lakeway Council, $22MIL Lakeway Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis Central Appraisal District Board.  In May, things go back to normal.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Early voting runs April 22-30, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.  The closest polling place is Lakeway Activity Center. Hours are 7AM-7PM, except Sunday noon-6PM.  On the last 2 days, April 29 and 30, LAC will be open until 10PM.

There are 4 things happening in this election—3 Lakeway Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Lakeway Parks bond gets voted up or down, 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled, and 3 Travis Central Appraisal District Board seats get filled.  Each is covered right here, with info I have gathered, my impressions, and tons of links for you to get MORE info if desired.

Go here to put in your name and birthday and SEE YOUR BALLOT for this election: https://sites.omniballot.us/48453/app/sampleBallot/vr

As a frequent poll worker, I offer this tip: bring written notes on your election picks, because it can get confusing in the moment.  Do NOT rely on a text, notes or a link saved on your phone; cell phone use is prohibited in the polling place by state law.

LAKEWAY COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open.  Four candidates are running.  The 3 getting the most votes will win. Everyone has 3 votes. (Sorry, but there IS math involved….)

Just want the down-and-dirty version?  Here is all you need to know!

Want MORE?  Read on!

Media Coverage:

1–Community Impact candidate profiles and Q&As. https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lakeway-city-council-candidates/

2–League of Women Voters candidate profiles and Q&As.  To see the brand-new online VOTERS GUIDE, go here: https://lwvaustin.org/Voters-Guide    Scroll down and select the English version of the Guide.  (Other language versions are in progress.)  Once that opens, scroll to page 16 for coverage of Lakeway Council race. (Coverage of LTISD Board starts on page 35, and coverage of TCAD Board starts on page 5.)

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

All 3 events are done, but you can watch them online—

1–Lakeway’s first Council Candidate Forum was sponsored by We the People on April 11.  It was excellent (the best overall, in my opinion).  All 4 candidates attended, and some very relevant questions were posed.  If you missed the event or just want to review some issues, here is the YouTube link for 90 minutes of viewing pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhbRSK3_4n0

2–Know Your Vote was sponsored by Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce on April 18.  The Council portion of the event can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76L8v_ylJ1o

3–The Local Election Candidate Symposium, hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress on April 16, covered most of the ballot items and can be watched here:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558656714084    (I’m told this link will work for people not in the sponsoring group or even on FB at all.)  The recording is 2 hours long and worth watching in full, but here are some shortcuts to specific items.

–The recording started a bit early, so press the PLAY arrow and pull the progress bar at the bottom to about 17:30 to hear Mayor Kilgore update the community on the multiple swastikas drawn on walls, signs and buildings all over the Lakeway area.  He then goes on the review the Lakeway Parks Bond that will be on the ballot for the May 4 election.

–Around minute 26, candidate Daniel Wang, running for Travis Central Appraisal District Board in Place 2, speaks and explains this brand-new election very well.  (You will have three TCAD Board elections on your May 4 ballot.)

–At minute 42, the LTISD Forum starts, with incumbents Dr. Phillip Davis and Lauren White (both long-time educators), answering several questions from the moderator and the audience.  Unfortunately, the other 2 LTISD Board candidates, (Christy Comfort, running against Lauren White; and Craig Cancienne, running against Dr. Davis) declined to attend.  Also, there was a heckler who interrupted the LTISD portion of the event, around 1 hour 13 minutes.  The Lakeway Police Officer present quieted him down pretty fast.  Not, however, before Council candidate Chris Levy, from the back of the room, shouted inappropriate comments urging him on.  And, I’m sorry to say that the heckler was the spouse of LTISD Candidate Christy Comfort.  Odd campaign strategy all around….

–At 1 hour 19 minutes, the Lakeway Council Candidate Forum starts.  All 4 candidates participated–incumbents Kelly Brynteson and Jennifer Szimanski, plus challengers Matt Sherman and Chris Levy.  Everyone was on their game, covering several current and specific issues.

My election analysis….

If you want EVERYTHING, read my March 9, March 23, and April 7 blogs.  Bits and pieces will re-appear here, but not everything.

People always ask me who to vote for.  Well, start with election math: No matter what, 3 of the 4 candidates will win. 

And, elections are usually about WHO WINS.  But, I think this election is all about WHO LOSES.  That must be Chris Levy.  (I promise to explain why—keep reading and looking at the images.)  But remember—if any of the other 3 candidates ends up losing, then Levy wins.  And, Lakeway loses in countless and likely irreparable ways.

Vote for Kelly Brynteson, an incumbent.  Experience matters.

VOTE for Matt Sherman.  Matt is a dedicated and driven advocate for Lakeway residents of all ages, interests and viewpoints, plus he already has valuable experience in high-level city matters (see below).  Truly, Matt is the bright spot in this election. 

Vote for Jennifer Szimanski, an incumbent.  Experience matters.

Happily, Kelly, Matt and Jenny are, by random drawing, the top 3 names listed on your ballot in the Council race.  So—just vote for 1, 2 and 3.  And you are done!

Seriously, do NOT vote for the 4^th candidate, Chris Levy.  He has zero experience volunteering for the city.  His volatile and self-serving nature would be catastrophic on the dais, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests, the Old Guard and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us. (Much more on Mr. Levy, below.)

The Candidates

Matt Sherman is a 5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve.  He now serves as Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, as well as a Commissioner on the Zoning and Planning Commission.  (Image credits: Matt Sherman for Council.)  His campaign website and Facebook page have considerable informative content and are here:  https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com/  https://www.facebook.com/mattshermanforlakeway

Kelly Brynteson is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.)  Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/kellyforlakeway   https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2007/Councilmember-Kelly-Brynteson

Jennifer Szimanski is a 12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.)  Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077428167465 https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2006/Councilmember-Jennifer-Szimanski

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway.  He is also a NIGHTMARE.  This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity.  Be skeptical as to his alleged military history and connections to area businesses and charities; he is quite creative in discussing his qualifications, I’ve found.  Levy is all over social media, but he refuses to answer questions about his policies for Lakeway.  Instead, Levy posts, on Next Door for example, scathing diatribes against whoever most recently irked him, and he immediately blocks comments so that no one can respond; drive-by posting is cowardly for anyone, but for a candidate to do that hints at far worse to come if he takes office.  Over on Lakeway Broadcast, Levy is famous for posting wild allegations and vicious threats, but he deletes everything as soon he gets pushback; by then, the damage is done.  (For instance, Levy posted he has “conclusive evidence” that a respected city official who is NOT running in this election is responsible for damage to Levy’s campaign signs; he refuses to understand the damage that spring storms always do to signs and also never ponied up any evidence at all that anyone other than Mother Nature took out his signs.)  On his own campaign’s Facebook page, Levy BLOCKS access to it for all but his pals; so much for transparency and informing voters, right?  But, you can try to get in:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

Still think Levy might be OK on Council?  Keep reading!

Campaign Finance Reports

Council candidates filed their first Campaign Finance Report with the city in early April, covering all contributions and expenditures from the start of the campaign to March 25.  (A second report is due on April 26, and then a final report is filed after the May 4 election.)  All reports can be seen here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2132/Current-Candidate-Filings

Reports like this reveal a lot about candidates—who is donating to them (and how much), plus how they use the money.  Is the report transparent?  Do the numbers balance?  Did the candidate spend money like water?  (If so, KEEP THEM AWAY FROM OUR TAX DOLLARS.)  The 2 incumbents’ reports were pretty boring; both had major funding in prior elections and bought their signs back then, so ….  But, the 2 challengers in this race could not be more different, as their reports demonstrate.  Matt did things right, and he exercised fiscal restraint.  Levy’s report doesn’t come close to balancing; the only thing that is clear is his wild over-spending as of March 25—with 6 weeks to go before the election. 

MATT SHERMAN received $805 in contributions and spent $5,665.  He funded early expenses (mostly signs) by making a loan to his campaign.  So, all expenses flow through the campaign account, which is less messy and prone to error than when candidates pay for campaign items with their credit cards.  Matt capped contributions at $100, which means he can’t be pressured later by a big contributor.  For expenses, Matt paid Stokes $2,792 for signs. The only other major expense is $1,596 for advertising. He paid $515 for shirts, $356 for sign materials, and $245 for his website; the rest was for event supplies and financial fees.  Matt’s report is crystal clear and balances to the penny.

CHRIS LEVY received $8,000 in contributions.  His only cash contributor was Gretchen Nearburg, who ponied up $5,000.  In addition, Kim Mulloy sponsored a campaign event that Levy reported as an in-kind contribution of $3,000.  Per the report (see the image above), Levy has, so far, spent $54,067.  He argues it was “only” $34,000, but he has not amended his report.  Either amount is crazy for a local race for a volunteer position.  Levy paid Stokes $8,203 for signs, plus another $1,185 to Home Depot for stakes and the rest needed to erect all those big signs.  Plus, Levy paid someone $3,248 in salary for general campaign work, that seems to be largely pounding sign stakes into the ground.  (If you think Levy’s endless signs have ruined every lovely vista in town, he spent nearly $13,000 doing it—so far.)  Advertising is an even bigger expense; Levy paid $19,033 to Community Impact for ads, plus another $1,319 for advertising and logos.  Of course, more expenses (signs, advertising, events, etc.) will appear on the second campaign report, due April 26.

Levy is not a nice guy.  PART 1.

If you are on Next Door or Lakeway Broadcast, you already know this. Levy is his own worst enemy in this regard; I’m told that he has been suspended from Next Door at least 6 times in the last year or so.  Gotta wonder why they keep letting him back in….  His online antics can be unpleasant (and some of that is detailed above in the text under his photo), but here I’m talking about some nasty stuff Levy gets up to OFFLINE. 

On Broadcast, Levy’s Council run has prompted local residents—mostly women—to relate disturbing real life things he did after a disagreement.  In some cases, they say Levy mailed threatening letters to them—or just left disturbing notes at the door.  In other cases, they say he repeatedly slow-rolled past their homes until he got noticed and his implied threat was delivered.  Sounds unlikely, right?  Well, I know personally how Chris Levy reacts when thwarted. During the 2023 election, his comments to and about me on social media were threatening enough that the police were informed (NOT by me), and my house was put on their list for enhanced patrols. 

Then in 2024 Levy decided to run for Council.  So, he mailed me a Christmas card.  In FEBRUARY.  About when he filed as a candidate.  And, he scrawled this on the envelope: “Not sure how we forgot about you….”  Obviously, Levy and I are not card-exchanging pals.  Levy wanted me to understand that HE KNOWS WHERE I LIVE, in hopes of intimidating me and keeping me quiet about his candidacy.  Didn’t work….

Here is what he mailed to me. (I covered the photos and names of his wife and daughter, although Levy himself posts their images all over his Facebook campaign page and elsewhere online, as well as using them in his print advertising.) Levy WEAPONIZED his family Christmas card….

Levy is not a nice guy.  PART 2.

Several residents, including me, have tried over and over to get Levy to clarify his policies, elaborate on his plans for the city, and answer questions that we posed to ALL the candidates.  We get absolutely nothing back, except delays, excuses and whining about how unfairly he is treated. 

So, on April 3, I arrived at City Hall just a couple minutes before my Zoning and Planning meeting was to start.  Levy accosted me near the front door and demanded I talk to him. I reminded him that as a ZAPCO Commissioner, I needed to get inside for the meeting. I asked him to discuss his policies for Lakeway in a public forum and also post that Old Lakeway recording he made, so all residents can decide how to vote; he refused on both counts. No surprise there….  I went inside for the meeting. Levy drove away. He didn’t bother to go inside and engage in city business.  Not exactly the model of a good Councilmember….

But Levy didn’t stop there.  That night, he posted on his campaign Facebook page a message needling me about the encounter.  When I posted a response, he panicked and removed the whole thread—that HE had started.  That’s why he only wants to communicate on his Facebook page; he deletes anything that doesn’t fit his narrative and blocks all but his sycophants.  And, that’s why it doesn’t work to post policy questions there in hopes of getting answers from him about anything. Levy uses his campaign page to play hide and seek with voters.  Here are the contemporaneous screenshots I took before Levy erased everything.

Levy was NEVER a nice guy (AKA—Levy’s bizarre Old Lakeway misadventure).

I related this sorry saga (Levy attacking his neighbors, recording over an hour of foul-mouthed rants about them, and uploading it to YouTube) in detail in my March 9 blog; backtrack to that if you missed it.  Recently, someone posted the entire transcript on Broadcast.  Levy has been asked to upload his recording, but he refuses.

Below are some of Levy’s comments to his pal on the phone.  They are full of hate toward his neighbors, making fun of them for being older folks and denigrating their homes as cheap $%@#holes.  This is directly from the recording he made and uploaded, for whatever bizarre reason….  People send me stuff, so I have heard the recording.  I decided not to upload it here, because it features and identifies other people, who didn’t know they were being recorded.  Still, Levy is threatening to sue me and several Lakeway residents he assumes are involved, for outing him on this.  Even though HE made the recording, and HE uploaded it publicly.  That’s Chris Levy.  That is what bullies do.

One last thing.  Levy DOES NOT DENY HE SAID ALL THIS TRASH.  Instead, he is playing the victim, whining that he has changed since 2017.  Don’t buy it. The guy on the recording is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, at candidate events, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, at Council meetings, on and on.  And, he is NOW threatening to sue anyone who dares to thwart him.  Of course he is.  In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way. 

But—you decide.  In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “I went to this meeting, what they did was they took this first development neighborhood in Lakeway, right? And this group of people who own these 1971, pre-71 homes, you know, like the least valuable homes in Lakeway. And they created this thing called Old Lakeway. They got the city to let them put signs up in our neighborhood that now declare our neighborhood as Old Lakeway. And so they have also come up with this concept called the Lakeway 300, which are basically the first 300 homes built in Lakeway, pre-April 71. They’re the least valuable homes in Lakeway, these 300 homes.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And I have it all recorded. I’ll let you listen to it. I’ll send you the file because, dude, they jumped on me with knives when I started to point out what they were doing was going to be… They basically hate rich people and they hate our generation and they hate Rough Hollow. They hate The Hills and they hate new homes. And basically, because they all own these $300,000 shithole homes that are 46 years old, they don’t want people building new homes around them. But what they don’t realize is the new homes are what make their homes valuable.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

This is grim stuff, I know.  But, because of that pesky election math, residents cannot afford to sit out this election, even if is distasteful or you aren’t excited about the options.  For the same reason, just voting for 1 of the non-Levy candidates isn’t enough.  Remember—3 candidates win, no matter what.  And Levy has money and connections; he saturated Lakeway with his signs for name recognition. 

If YOU don’t vote—LEVY will win. 

If YOU don’t vote for ALL OF THE OTHER 3 CANDIDATES—

LEVY will win. 

For the reasons mentioned here—and many more–Chris Levy is NOT someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway. This election, all residents need to decide about that, and vote accordingly.  Consider his zero experience with city matters, how he acts, what he says and does.  Vote for Matt, Kelly and Jenny.  Just don’t vote for Chris Levy. 

Please consider the above.  Ask around.  Think about who you want running Lakeway. 

PARKS BOND

After several years of planning, Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot. 

This fun and informative 3-minute video shows exactly what the bond will do: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=3367941976836194

The funds would be used on 5 of our parks.  Our long-time favorite recreational areas, City Park and the Swim Center, would get much-needed renovations and upgrades, so they can serve the city’s growing population well into the future.  The Activity Center would get minor updates.  The Live Oak Tennis Courts would be expanded.  Finally, brand new Butler Park in Rough Hollow would be built from the ground up, finally providing families on that side of town with a wide variety of conveniently located recreational opportunities.  See the chart above for a breakdown per park.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc.  People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can you really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park?  For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway.  I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future. For more details, the city has gathered extensive info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

There are 2 contested seats this year.  In Place 1, incumbent Dr. Phillip Davis is challenged by Craig Cancienne.  In Place 2, incumbent Lauren White is challenged by Christy Comfort. 

Media Coverage:

1–Community Impact recently published candidate profiles and Q&As.  Since the School Board runs in Places, there is an article on the Place 1 candidates (both men), and an article on the Place 2 candidates (both women).

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-1-candidates/

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-2-candidates/

2–League of Women Voters’ Q&As.  To see the brand-new online VOTERS GUIDE, go here: https://lwvaustin.org/Voters-Guide   Scroll down and select the English version of the Guide.  (Other language versions are coming soon.)  Once that opens, scroll to page 35 for coverage of LTISD Board. Candidate Craig Cancienne did not participate. (Coverage of Lakeway Council race starts on page 16, and coverage of TCAD Board starts on page 5.)

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

The events are done, but you can watch them online.

1–WATCH the 4/16 Local Election Candidate Symposium, hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress, here  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558656714084    (I’m told this link will work for people not in the sponsoring group or even on FB at all.)  The recording is 2 hours long and worth watching in full, but you can fast forward to minute 42, when the LTISD Forum starts, with incumbents Dr. Phillip Davis and Lauren White (both long-time educators), answering several questions from the moderator and the audience.  Unfortunately, the other 2 LTISD Board candidates, (Christy Comfort, running against Lauren White; and Craig Cancienne, running against Dr. Davis) declined to attend.  Also, there was a heckler who interrupted the LTISD portion of the event, around the 1 hour 13 minute mark.  The Lakeway Police Officer present quieted him down pretty fast.  Not, however, before Council candidate Chris Levy, from the back of the room, shouted inappropriate comments urging him on.  And, I’m sorry to say that the heckler was the spouse of LTISD Candidate Christy Comfort.  Odd campaign strategy all around…. 2–WATCH the April 18 Forum hosted by Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOxb7PyCB9k (Unfortunately, Dr. Phillip Davis was unable to attend due to a medical emergency.)

There are 2 contested seats this year.  Incumbents Lauren White and Phillip Davis are seeking another term. https://www.facebook.com/laurenwhiteforlaketravis  https://www.facebook.com/Vote4PhillipDavis 

–Both White and Davis are former long-time teachers.  Their challengers Cancienne and Comfort have no discernible experience or training in education.

–Both White and Davis are supported by concerned and involved members of the community seeking to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC (directly tied to Gov. Abbott) from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

—Lauren White and Phillip Davis OPPOSE book banning.  They OPPOSE school vouchers.  They are fighting for literacy instead of wasting money on political stunts, and they are working to keep our tax dollars in Lake Travis ISD. 

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Phillip Davis and Lauren White. 

Here is a link with candidate info, videos and more: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Confused about all the fuss over book banning?  This March 28 article on how library materials are reviewed/banned locally at LTISD is helpful in understanding the process.  It also identifies the tiny number of parents responsible for exploding this issue since 2021.  Lake Travis ISD emerges as a battleground for school book bans 3/28/24 https://www.kut.org/education/2024-03-28/lake-travis-school-book-ban-library-austin-texas

As far as vouchers, the analogy below sums it up, as far as I’m concerned.  (Thanks to LT Dems for the image.)

TRAVIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT BOARD

3 seats on the TCAD Board get filled.  Similar to ISD, this Board runs in Places. So, there are 3 separate races to vote in, picking 1 candidate for each place. 

This is a brand-new election, as previously these were appointed positions. So, voters may not understand what this Board does.  In summary, Appraisal District Boards do not make decisions about property value.  Instead, they appoint members to appraisal review boards, which hear valuation protests from taxpayers and can decide to lower property values. Here is an article explaining this new election: Texans will face another election after approving property tax cuts https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/11/texas-appraisal-district-board-elections/

While this is technically a non-partisan election (so candidates’ party preference will not appear on the ballot), the rest of the Appraisal District Board is Republican, so it would really help to get Democrats elected.  Plus, the elected Board members seem to have more power than the appointed members. Here is a short but informative video explaining exactly what this Board does and introducing the 3 Dem candidates, Jett Hanna, Shenghao “Daniel” Wang, and Dick Lavine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UVcj-30Ogo

Media Coverage:

1–Community Impact candidate profiles and Q&As.  https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/election/2024/04/19/meet-the-candidates-running-for-the-travis-central-appraisal-district-board/

2–League of Women Voters’ Q&As.  To see the brand-new online VOTERS GUIDE, go here: https://lwvaustin.org/Voters-Guide    Scroll down and select the English version of the Guide.  Once that opens, scroll to page 5 for coverage of TCAD Board.  Unfortunately, candidate Bill May did not participate.  (Lakeway Council race coverage starts on page 16, and coverage of LTISD Board starts on page 35.)

Candidate Forums:

The TCAD candidates did not debate at local events.  But, Place 2 Candidate Danial Wang appeared at the 4/16 Local Election Candidate Symposium, hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress.  He gave an excellent summary of how this new election is happening and what the Board does.  Watch the event here:   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558656714084    (I’m told this link will work for people not in the sponsoring group or even on FB at all.)  The recording is 2 hours long and worth watching in full, but you can fast forward to minute 26 and TCAD Candidate Wang.

The above image on the LEFT gives the background better than I can.  The above image, on the RIGHT, is courtesy of the Jett Hanna campaign and has a summary of each race and links for each candidate.  It also shows the party affiliation of each candidate. As it notes, Democrats are Jett Hanna, Shenghao “Daniel” Wang, and Dick Lavine. Republicans are Don Zimmerman, Matt Mackowiak, and Bill May.  And, Jonathan Patschke is Libertarian.  That should be a good starting point for any more research you want to do.

Early voting is April 22-30, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

Pick your candidates

Make a plan to vote—early or on election day.  

And—VOTE!

Be brave like Ukraine.

During April, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES.  Today’s blog is the usual version–Lakeway’s upcoming events, space news and images, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc.  Tomorrow, April 21, I’ll post the ELECTION ISSUE, covering everything you will see on your ballot—Lakeway Council, $22MIL Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis Central Appraisal District Board.  After that, the election is over and things go back to NORMAL, with just ONE blog every other Saturday.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway…. 

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

FREE weekly concerts through May 11, every Saturday, 7-9PM, on the Central Plaza Lawn of the Hill Country Galleria.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to get comfy.  Performance schedule is here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/saturday-night-concert-series/2145580934

ArtWalk

!!!WEATHER PERMITTING!!!  Join in on the first Lakeway Art Walk–featuring local art, crafts, music, performing arts, food, and more–over the weekend of April 19-21.  Activities happen at the Activity Center, Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various art studios around Lakeway.  Go here for a full schedule of activities over the 3 days: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Volunteer to plant flowers at the Lakeway Swim Center, on Monday, April 22, 11AM.  Everything you need will be provided, plus snacks.  Go here for full info and to register: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1838/Earth-Day

Enchanted Forest

Through April 29, dawn to dark, stroll along the decorated trail behind City Hall and enjoy magical lights, ethereal abodes, charming creatures, and fun surprises all along the way.  Many features light up at dusk for a magical evening stroll.  Free parking at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohman’s Crossing).  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1816/Enchanted-Forest-Walk

Lake Travis Democrats Club   

 –April 23, 6:30PM: Banned Book Club, at Lake Travis Community Library. Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian  by Sherman Alexie.  Critically acclaimed, this novel is said to be the most frequently challenged book from 2010 to 2019, due to depictions of alcohol, poverty, bullying, violence, sexuality and bulimia. 

–May 19:  Picnic in the Park.  Details to come.

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

TRAFFIC ALERT: Top section of Lakeway Drive CLOSED, now through July.

Culvert replacement will take place started on April 9, with Lakeway Drive CLOSED between Cross Creek and Lakeway Boulevard.  Through traffic will need to use Cross Creek and Lohmans instead.  This is part of the recent Transportation Bond, improving Lakeway’s roads.  The project will likely be in progress through July.

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

Our excellent mayor gave a 12-minute live update on April 11.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/272505245948239

Become a Democratic Precinct Chair!

If you can spare a few hours per month, you can really make a difference in 2024—a HUGE election year! The Travis County Democratic Party will train you, and you will have a support system from local precinct chairs in our Super Precinct. There are 6 local precincts that need a chair:  

• 293 (Bee Cave).
• 364 (Falconhead West, Majestic Hills, Serene Hills, Fox Creek Estates, La Capana goes over to LTHS).
• 365 (North side of Hwy 71 near Lake Travis Middle School includes Bee creek Vistas, Bowden, Travis Settlement, Crosswind).
• 370 (Buffalo Gap west of 620 and East side of 620 including Cardinal Hills Estates, Apache Shores, Yacht Harbor).
• 371 (North Lakeway 620 near Randall’s The Vistas of Lakeway, Travis Oak Trails, Cardinal Hills, Arbolago. Borders Kollmeyer).
• 374 (North Lakeway, Hurst Creek Road area).

If you live in one of the above areas, contact Carrie Jones at P362@traviscountydemocrats.org  to learn more.

May 4 Star Wars movie — Solo: a STAR WARS Story

On Saturday, May 4, catch Solo: a STAR WARS Story, at City Park (502 Hurst Creek Road).  Event opens at 5:30, and film rolls at 6PM.  Bring blankets and chairs to relax on the grass, and enjoy pizza and refreshments outdoors on the lower level, near the playscape.  Dress like your favorite Star Wars character and enter the contest for prizes.  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1974/Star-Wars-Movie

Cinco de Mayo

On Sunday, May 5, 1-3PM, celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Lakeway Activity Center.  Enjoy free food (for the 1^st 100 attendees), a mocktail margarita machine (suitable for all ages), a live Mariachi Band, authentic Mexican dancing, and fun contests with prizes.  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2118/Cinco-de-Mayo

Fox on the Fairway

The Lakeway Players will present “The Fox on the Fairway,” on May 9-11.  Doors open at 6:30PM; curtain rises at 7:30PM.  The Spring Show is, as usual, BYO Dinner Theater.  The production is billed as a hilarious romp about life, love and golf.  Tickets are $20-$33.  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/

Inside Austin Gardens Tour

On Saturday, May 11th, from 9AM-3PM, the Travis County Master Gardeners are hosting their Inside Austin Gardens Tour.  You can peek inside 4 unique private gardens, designed and maintained by fellow gardening enthusiasts, combining sustainable practices for Central Texas with a focus on beautiful native plants: The Suburban Farm; The Woodland Escape; The Elevated Garden; and The Work-In-Progress.  Go here for more info and tickets: https://insideaustingardens.org/   

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Spring tours are scheduled!  Grab a reservation fast, as these always fill up.  Bus tours visit 20 historical locations, narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee.  Tour day is Friday, May 17.  Times: 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 1:15 PM.  Board at Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing), where you can also visit the historic Liebelt Cabin.  Go here for info and to reserve your seat:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Blood Drive at LAC

The next blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center is on Saturday, ­­­May 18.  The event is always well organized, clean and friendly.  You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here:  https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

Classical Chamber Music

On Sunday, May 19, 4-5PM at Lakeway Activity Center, enjoy a FREE concert with repertoire from Schubert and Dvorak.  Then, stay for the reception 5-6PM.  Musicians include: Violins–Sandy Yamamoto and Sari Pearce; Viola–Nick Hammel; Cello–Andrew Pearce; and Piano–Colette Valentine.

Kid Camps this summer—at Lakeway Activity Center.

Sign up NOW, as camps fill up fast.  Go Here and click on the Youth Camps tab: www.lakeway-tx.gov/catalog

Spirit of Freedom Monument

Lakeway Veterans who served in official periods of armed conflict like the Vietnam War or Gulf War can have their names included on the Spirit of Freedom Monument located in Lakeway Heritage Park.  Applications are now being accepted for additions to the monument for recognition on Veterans Day in 2024.  Deadline to apply is July 5, 2024.  The fee ranges from $325-$425.  Call 512-314-7530 or go here for info and a link to the application: https://lakeway-tx.gov/97/Heritage-Center-Park

Council met on ­­­April 15. 

All 7 members attended the meeting, all in person.  RESULTS:

ITEM 20: New Motor Officer Wesley Wilson was pinned and introduced to residents.

ITEM 21:  Citizens Participation for Items NOT On the Agenda—no one spoke.

ITEM 22:  Financial Report showed a net positive of roughly $900,000 on hand, half-way through the fiscal year.

ITEM 23:  The Annual Audit Report from Singleton, Clark and Company was clean and unmodified.

ITEMS 24 and 25:  Changing the Future Land Use Map designation from Commercial to Residential AND changing zoning from Commercial to Planned Unit Development, all as to a proposed residential development of 48 units on 5.36 acres located at 300 Birrell Street. [Since ZAPCO recommended denial of these changes, Council would need a super majority vote (3/4 of all members, being 6 out of 7) in favor, to approve the development.]

–Extensive discussion revealed Council had largely positive views of the proposal, except for the de At applicant’s request for more time to meet this requirement, Council agreed to postpone decision until the June meeting.

ITEM 26: Request for a Special Use Permit in order to operate a massage business for 10 years, at 900 RR 620S (Lakeway Commons Shopping Center).

–UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 28: Accepting Lakeway Police Foundation’s donation for refurbishing the Police Department’s gym and for victim services.

–$20,348 was donated by the Lakeway Police Foundation.

ITEM 29: Hotel Occupancy Tax Review and Strategic Plan Presentation.

–After reviewing and discussing the limited options under state law for using the $8,600,000 the city now holds in HOT funds, Council asked staff to pursue seeking a legislative carve-out during the 2025 session that would open up more appealing possibilities. 

ITEM 30:  Transportation Bond Update.

–Staff indicated the bond money is now being used for items including culvert improvements, road resurfacing and traffic signals.

ITEM 31: Discussion Regarding Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees.  [NOTE: YET AGAIN.  At least this time, the heading makes it clear this regards ALL committees and ALL volunteers now serving on them.]

–It was proposed that staff survey area towns and prepare a draft ordinance changing Lakeway’s appointment process from what our Charter provides to some version of what our neighbors are doing; the point seemed to be having a draft ordinance handy for Council to use in case Charter Review Committee decided NOT to change the current appointment process OR did suggest changes but voters rejected them.  After considerable discussion, Council APPROVED 6:1 (Kilgore) simply passing the matter on to the now-operating Charter Review Committee.

ITEM 32: Discuss Appointments to the Planned Unit Development Committee. 

–After discussion, the consensus was for staff to draft an ordinance adding Council’s ZAPCO Liaison and a ZAPCO Commissioner to the PUD Review Committee.

ADJOURNED at 10:47PM.

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx  Go here to watch the Council meeting online:  https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/302701

Daring Mighty Things

Boeing’s first crewed Starliner spacecraft is on track to launch May 9 (or thereabouts).  It will (finally) join SpaceX as a private company shuttle service for astronauts commuting between Earth and the International Space Station.  (Image credit: Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images.)  Boeing Starliner spacecraft rolls out to Atlas V rocket ahead of 1st astronaut launch 4/16/24  https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-rollout-integration-rocket-astronaut-spaceflight

Musk’s Starship is the largest rocket ship ever, but now he says it isn’t tall enough.  (Image credit: SpaceX via X.)  The final version needs to be 500 feet tall, a full 20% taller than it is now, to reach Mars as part of NASA’s Artemis mission.  Men and their rockets….  SpaceX’s giant Starship will be 500 feet tall for Mars missions, Elon Musk says 4/13/24  https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-500-feet-tall-mars-missions-elon-musk

Meet SpaceHopper, a 3-legged robot built to jump around on moons and asteroids.  (Image credit: Dominik Lindegger.)  Its triangular body has an articulated leg (with a knee and a hip joint) at each corner, so the little guy can push off, kick to propel itself through space, and stick the landing.  It is designed to function in little to no gravity.  This little robot can hop in zero-gravity to explore asteroids 4/14/24  https://www.space.com/spacehopper-robot-explore-asteroids-zero-gravity

Ginny will never fly again, but the wee chopper with the broken rotor is still collecting data. (Image credit: NASA.) The 4-pound miniature helicopter was the first vehicle to fly in the thin gravity of another planet, completing 72 missions on Mars instead of the planned 5 test flights.  Rotor damage in February grounded the craft, but she continued communicating new photos and data back to Earth through companion rover Perseverance.  However, Perseverance has been moving away from the chopper for months now and will soon be out of local comms range.  Ginny is expected to continue collecting data on weather, dust patterns and more for up to 20 years.  The hope is that when human explorers finally reach Mars, they locate Ginny and gather the accumulated data.  Ingenuity team says goodbye to pioneering Mars helicopter 4/17/24  https://www.space.com/mars-helicopter-ingenuity-team-says-goodbye

Above is the Great Carina Nebula, an enormous star nursery about 7,500 light-years from Earth.  (Image Credit & Copyright: Demison Lopes.)  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

April 8’s eclipse produced endless gorgeous images. The above composite above shows totality’s solar corona (as seen in Arkansas) in the middle, flanked by the stunning “diamond ring” phase seen just before and afterward.  (Image credit: Wright Dobbs.)  Again, can’t beat this site for daily awesome images: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

Earlier this month, Arizona returned to 1864.  That’s not quite as far back as when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, but close enough for women.  The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on April 9 that a 160-year-old abortion ban is now enforceable, thanks to the ultra-conservative SCOTUS striking down the protections of Roe v. Wade.  So, in Arizona, abortion is again outlawed from the moment of conception.  Anyone who performs an abortion or helps a woman obtain one commits a FELONY, punishable by 5 years in prison; the only exception is a vague one for saving the woman’s life.  Initially, the Arizona legislature seemed poised to strike down the ancient law, but far-right Republicans blocked that effort.  Democrats are trying to organize a ballot initiative so voters can determine how abortion is handled in the state.  Arizona Supreme Court rules a near-total abortion ban from 1864 is enforceable 4/9/24  https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/arizona-supreme-court-ruling-abortion-ban-rcna146915

The above image shows abortion bans in the US.  (Image credit: NYTimes.)  BUT, it doesn’t include the RECENT bans in Florida and Arizona, so the current picture is even more dire than shown.  In particular, Florida’s new ban makes being female in the American South truly dangerous.  Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country 4/9/24 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/us/abortion-laws-roe-v-wade.html

On April 24, SCOTUS hears oral arguments in ANOTHER abortion case.  This one regards EMTALA (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), which requires federally funded hospitals to give patients, including pregnant ones, stabilizing care.  The case deals with that federal law’s conflict with the many state laws now restricting abortion, like in Texas and Idaho.  Arguments balancing the woman’s life and welfare with that of the fetus will almost certainly allow the most conservative Justices to tout fetal personhood, which has far-ranging implications for IVF, contraception, and more.  Texas, Idaho abortion bans test against federal emergency medicine rule 4/17/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/17/texas-idaho-supreme-court-abortion-emergency-care/

Listen to this 1-hour podcast from Slate, which explains the issues and the stakes, very well.  (Just click on the PLAY arrow under the purple Amicus logo.)  The Jurisprudence of Bleeding Out  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jurisprudence-of-bleeding-out/id928790786?i=1000652290865

To listen to SCOTUS orals on April 24, SCOTUS generally streams live audio, starting at 9AM Central, here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx   Later in the day, the recording should be available here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_audio/2023

Back to me….

The eclipse was less than 2 weeks ago, but it seems like forever, right?  Lakeway lucked out with the clouds thinning shortly before the big event, and I had a perfect vantage point for totality just by sitting in the cul de sac by my house with neighbors.  The above image doesn’t compare to pro shots we’ve all seen, but it isn’t bad for a 15-year old point and shoot digital camera, no accessories or tripod, and me fumbling around in sudden darkness.

Still crazy busy, still with little to show for it.  I would LOVE a few relaxing evenings at home….

For some reason, I had a sudden and irresistible urge to rearrange the furniture.  I did that regularly for a couple years after moving in and doing multiple rounds of reno, but that is all ancient history.  So far, though, I like the new set-up.  More importantly, it has Full Feline Approval.

To follow up from last time, I can report Maxie (above) is doing better.  Still getting regular follow-ups so her meds can be adjusted.  Still purring like a motorboat. Still giving me hugs with those long arms….

Here are a few new deer photos, including a couple young buck still looking rumpled in winter coats. The does are nesting under the trees, and some are sporting big bellies.  Fawn season will be here soon!

Coronavirus  Update

As of April 13, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows the various Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) leveling off, after trending down over the last couple months.  Some experts are concerned this may be an early warning of a new Covid wave on the way, especially with wastewater test levels rising in parts of the country.   https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

Also concerning is the new raft of variants, many bundled in groups of closely related mutations.  (The largest group goes by FLiRT.)  Read this for more on these issues: Are We FLiRTing With A New Covid Wave? 4/18/24 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/are-we-flirting-with-a-new-covid

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine.  So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by).  Shots are available at local pharmacies.  If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Look for my final ELECTION BLOG, posted on April 21.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! 

Early Voting: April 22-30.  Election Day: May 4.

SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!

During APRIL, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES.  Yesterday’s April 6 blog was the usual version—Lakeway events, space stuff, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc.  Today, April 7, I am posting the ELECTION ISSUE—covering everything you will see on your ballot–Lakeway Council, $22MIL Lakeway Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis County Appraisal District Board.  The same split will happen next time, on April 20 and 21.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.  Please VOTE!

There are 4 things happening in this election—3 Lakeway Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Lakeway Parks bond gets voted up or down, 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled, and 3 Travis County Appraisal District Board seats get filled.  Each is covered right here, with info I have gathered, my impressions, and tons of links for you to get MORE info if desired.

Go here to put in your name and birthday and SEE YOUR BALLOT for this election: https://sites.omniballot.us/48453/app/sampleBallot/vr

LAKEWAY COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open.  Four candidates are running.  The 3 getting the most votes will win. Everyone has 3 votes. (Sorry, but there IS math involved….)

Just want the down-and-dirty version?  Here is all you really need to know!

Want MORE?  Read on!

Media Coverage:

–Check out Community Impact’s candidate profiles and Q&As, here: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lakeway-city-council-candidates/

–League of Women Voters’ Candidate Q&A: Coming soon.

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

—April 11, 7PM: We the People will host a Council Candidate Forum, at the Rough Hollow Pavilion (903 Highlands Blvd.). See above image. Come early for the social gathering at 6:30PM.  FYI, this sponsor may not be a favored group of yours, but their candidate gatherings in recent years have been well worth attending. 

–April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM:  The Local Election Candidate Symposium will be hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress, at the Lakeway Activity Center.  This will include candidates for the Lakeway City Council, LTISD Board, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District.  Plus–Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway’s Park Bond proposition. 

–UPDATE—April 18, 6PM: Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce will host a COUNCIL Candidate Forum at the Lakeway Activity Center.  This will be followed by an LTISD Candidate Forum at 7:30PM.

WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on events, links to media Q&As, etc.

My election analysis….

If you want a really deep dive, read my March 9 and March 23 blogs, which both opened with Election coverage.  Bits and pieces will re-appear here, but not everything.

People always ask me who to vote for.  Well, start with election math: No matter what, 3 of the 4 candidates will win.  

And, elections are usually about WHO WINS.  But, I think this election is all about WHO LOSES.  That must be Chris Levy.  I promise to explain why—keep reading.

Vote for Kelly Brynteson, an incumbent.

VOTE for Matt Sherman.  Matt is a dedicated and driven advocate for Lakeway, plus he already has experience in high-level city matters (see below).  Truly, Matt is the bright spot in what is otherwise a pretty dreary election.  When I vote for Matt, I will smile.

Vote for Jennifer Szimanski, an incumbent..

Happily, Kelly, Matt and Jenny are, by random drawing, the top 3 names listed on your ballot in the Council race. 

So—just vote for 1, 2 and 3.  And you are done!

Seriously, do NOT vote for the 4^th candidate, Chris Levy.  He would be catastrophic on the dais, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests, the Old Guard and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us. (Much more on Mr. Levy, below.)

The Candidates

Matt Sherman is a 5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve.  He now serves as Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, as well as a Commissioner on the Zoning and Planning Commission.  (Image credits: Matt Sherman for Council.)  His campaign website and Facebook page have considerable informative content and are here:  https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com/  https://www.facebook.com/mattshermanforlakeway

Kelly Brynteson is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.)  Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/kellyforlakeway   https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2007/Councilmember-Kelly-Brynteson

Jennifer Szimanski is a 12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.)  Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077428167465 https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2006/Councilmember-Jennifer-Szimanski

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway.  He is also a NIGHTMARE.  This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity. Levy is all over social media, but he refuses to answer questions about his policies for Lakeway.  Instead, Levy posts, on Next Door for example, scathing diatribes against whoever most recently irked him, and he immediately blocks comments so that no one can respond.  Drive-by posting is cowardly for anyone, but for a candidate to do that hints at far worse to come if he takes office. On his own campaign’s Facebook page, Levy BLOCKED it early on to all but his pals; so much for transparency and informing voters, right?  I confronted him on Next Door about this, and as of March 22, he removed the blocks.  But, if anyone comments there with a view he doesn’t like or with a policy question for him, he threatens to block them.  And, he routinely deletes posts on his page—even his own comments—after he blows up and shows his true nature. (When dealing with Levy, screenshots are mandatory.) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

Campaign Finance Reports

Council candidates filed their first Campaign Finance Report with the city last week, covering all contributions and expenditures from the start of the campaign to March 25.  (A second report is due on April 26, and then a final report is filed after the May 4 election.)  All 4 reports can be seen here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2132/Current-Candidate-Filings

Reports like this say a lot about candidates—who is donating to them (and how much), plus how they use the money.  Is the report transparent?  Do the numbers balance?  Did they spend money like water?  (If so, KEEP THEM AWAY FROM OUR TAX DOLLARS.)  The 2 incumbents’ reports were pretty boring; both had major funding in prior elections and bought their signs back then, so ….  But, the 2 challengers in this race could not be more different, as their reports demonstrate.  Matt did things right, and he exercised fiscal restraint.  Levy’s report doesn’t come close to balancing; the only thing that is clear is his wild over-spending—and there is still a month to go before the election.

MATT SHERMAN received $805 in contributions and spent $5,665.  He funded early expenses (mostly signs) by making a loan to his campaign.  So, all expenses flow through the campaign account, which is less messy and prone to error than when candidates pay for campaign items with their credit cards.  Matt capped contributions at $100, which means he can’t be pressured later to help out a big contributor.  For expenses, Matt paid Stokes $2,792 for signs.  The only other major expense is $1,596 for advertising (in the upcoming issue of Community Impact, I believe). He paid $515 for shirts, $356 for sign materials, and $245 for his website; the rest was for event supplies and financial fees.  Matt’s report is crystal clear and balances to the penny. 

CHRIS LEVY received $8,000 in contributions.  His only cash contributor was Gretchen Nearburg, who ponied up $5,000.  In addition, Kim Mulloy sponsored a campaign event that Levy reported as an in kind contribution of $3,000.  Per the report (see the above image above), Levy has, so far, spent $54,067.  Or, maybe closer to $33,000.  Hard to tell, as Levy’s report is full of errors and inconsistencies.  Either amount is crazy for a local race, and a volunteer position….  Instead of funding his campaign with an early loan, Levy went the credit card route. 

Levy paid Stokes $8,203 for signs, plus another $1,185 to Home Depot for stakes and the rest needed to erect all those big signs.  Plus, Levy paid John Cummings (of May, TX) $3,248 in salary for general campaign work, that seems to be largely pounding sign stakes into the ground.  (If you think Levy’s signs have ruined every lovely vista in town, he spent nearly $13,000 doing it—so far.)  Advertising is an even bigger expense; Levy paid $19,033 to Community Impact, plus another $1,319 to Sarita Geisel for advertising and logos.  Adding a few events expenses brings Levy’s total as itemized to around $33,000.  Yet, page 2 of his report clearly says expenditures were $54,067.  So, where did the other $21,000 go?  Oddly, the report says the $54,000 is roughly $30,000 from credit cards and $24,000 from personal funds.   My best guess is that he or his treasurer (Lauren Frederick, of Liberty Hill, TX, who Google says is a CPA/tax preparer) got confused and reported Levy’s subsequent payments TO his credit card as expenditures, creating duplications.  The math is still way off, but that’s for Levy to correct and file an amended report.  We’ll see. Of course, more expenses (signs, advertising, events, etc.) will appear on the second campaign report, end of April.

Levy is not a nice guy.  PART 1.

On Broadcast, Levy’s Council run has prompted local residents—mostly women—to relate disturbing things he did after a disagreement.  In some cases, they say Levy mailed threatening letters—or just left disturbing notes at the door.  In other cases, they say he repeatedly slow-rolled past their homes until he got noticed and his implied threat was delivered.  Sounds unlikely, right?  Folks are just being mean to the poor guy, maybe?  Well, I know personally what Chris Levy will do and how he reacts when thwarted. During the 2023 election, his comments to and about me on social media were threatening enough that the police were informed (NOT by me), and my house was put on their list for enhanced patrols. 

Then, in 2024, Levy decided to run for Council. So he mailed me a Christmas card. In FEBRUARY. About when he filed as a candidate. And he scrawled on the envelope: “Not sure how we forgot about you…. ” Obviously, Levy and I are not card-exchanging pals. Levy wanted me to understand that HE KNOWS WHERE I LIVE, in hopes of intimidating me and keeping me quiet about his candidacy. Didn’t work….

Here is what he mailed to me. (I covered the faces and names of his wife and daughter, although Levy himself posts their images all over his Facebook campaign page and elsewhere online, as well as using them in his print advertising.)

Levy is not a nice guy.  PART 2.

Several residents, including me, have tried over and over to get Levy to clarify his policies, elaborate on his plans for the city, and answer questions that we posed to ALL the candidates.  We get absolutely nothing back, except delays, excuses and whining about how unfairly he is treated. 

So, on April 3, I arrived at City Hall just a couple minutes before my Zoning and Planning meeting was to start.  Levy accosted me near the front door and demanded I talk to him. I reminded him that as a ZAPCO Commissioner, I needed to get inside for the meeting. I asked him to discuss his policies for Lakeway in a public forum and also post that Old Lakeway recording he made, so all residents can decide how to vote; he refused on both counts. No surprise there….  I went inside for the meeting. Levy drove away. He didn’t bother to go inside and engage in city business.  Not exactly the model of a good Councilmember….

But Levy didn’t stop there.  That night, he posted on his campaign Facebook page a message needling me about the encounter.  When I posted a response, he panicked and removed the whole thread—that HE had started.  That’s why he only wants to communicate on his Facebook page; he deletes anything that doesn’t fit his narrative.  And that’s why it doesn’t work to post policy questions there in hopes of getting answers from him about anything. Levy uses his campaign page to play hide and seek with voters.  Here are the contemporaneous screenshots I took.

Levy’s bizarre Old Lakeway misadventure.

I related this sorry saga (Levy attacking his neighbors, recording over an hour of foul-mouthed rants about them, and uploading that to YouTube) in detail in my March 9 blog; backtrack to that if you missed it. 

Below are some of Levy’s comments to his pal on the phone.  They are full of hate toward his neighbors, making fun of them for being older folks and denigrating their homes as cheap $%@#holes.  This is directly from the recording he made and uploaded, for whatever bizarre reason….  People send me stuff, so I have heard the recording.  I decided not to upload it here, because it features and identifies other people, who didn’t know they were being recorded.  Still, Levy is threatening to sue me and several Lakeway residents he assumes are involved, for outing him on this.  Even though HE made the recording, and HE uploaded it publicly.  That’s Chris Levy.  That is what bullies do.

One last thing.  Levy DOES NOT DENY HE SAID ALL THIS TRASH.  Instead, he is playing the victim, whining that he has changed since 2017.  Don’t buy it.  The guy on the recording is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, at Council meetings, on and on.  And, he is NOW threatening to sue anyone who dares to thwart him.  Of course he is.  In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way. 

But—you decide.  In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “I went to this meeting, what they did was they took this first development neighborhood in Lakeway, right? And this group of people who own these 1971, pre-71 homes, you know, like the least valuable homes in Lakeway. And they created this thing called Old Lakeway. They got the city to let them put signs up in our neighborhood that now declare our neighborhood as Old Lakeway. And so they have also come up with this concept called the Lakeway 300, which are basically the first 300 homes built in Lakeway, pre-April 71. They’re the least valuable homes in Lakeway, these 300 homes.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And I have it all recorded. I’ll let you listen to it. I’ll send you the file because, dude, they jumped on me with knives when I started to point out what they were doing was going to be… They basically hate rich people and they hate our generation and they hate Rough Hollow. They hate The Hills and they hate new homes. And basically, because they all own these $300,000 shithole homes that are 46 years old, they don’t want people building new homes around them. But what they don’t realize is the new homes are what make their homes valuable.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

This is grim stuff, I know.  But, because of that pesky election math, residents cannot afford to sit out this election, even if is distasteful or you aren’t excited about the options.  For the same reason, just voting for 1 of the non-Levy candidates isn’t enough.  Remember—3 candidates win, no matter what.  And Levy has money and connections; he saturated Lakeway with his signs for name recognition. 

If YOU don’t vote—LEVY will win. 

If YOU don’t vote for ALL OF THE OTHER 3 CANDIDATES—LEVY will win. 

For all the reasons mentioned here—and many more–Chris Levy is NOT someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway. This election, all residents need to decide about that, and vote accordingly.  Consider his zero experience with city matters, how he acts, what he says and does.  Vote for Matt, Kelly and Jenny.  Just don’t vote for Levy. 

Please consider the above.  Ask around.  Think about who you want running Lakeway. 

PARKS BOND

After several years of planning, Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot. 

The funds would be used on 5 of our parks.  Our long-time favorite recreational areas, City Park and the Swim Center, would get much-needed renovations and upgrades, so they can serve the city’s growing population well into the future.  The Activity Center would get minor updates.  The Live Oak Tennis Courts would be expanded.  Finally, brand new Butler Park in Rough Hollow would be built from the ground up, finally providing families on that side of town with a wide variety of conveniently located recreational opportunities.  See the chart above for a breakdown per park.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc.  People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can you really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park?  For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway.  I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future. The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Community Impact recently published candidate profiles and Q&As.  Since the School Board runs in Places, there is an article on the Place 1 candidates, and an article on the Place 2 candidates.

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-1-candidates/

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-2-candidates/

Candidate Forums:

UPDATE:

–April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM:  The Local Election Candidate Symposium will be hosted by Lake Travis Democrats and Voices for Progress,at the Lakeway Activity Center.  This will include candidates for the Lakeway City Council, LTISD Board, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District.  Plus–Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway’s Park Bond proposition. 

—April 18, 7:30PM: Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce will host an LTISD Candidate Forum at the Lakeway Activity Center.  Come early for the Lakeway COUNCIL Candidate Forum at 6PM.  

There are 2 contested seats this year.  Incumbents Lauren White  https://www.facebook.com/laurenwhiteforlaketravis  and Phillip Davis https://www.facebook.com/Vote4PhillipDavis  are seeking another term.

Both are former teachers. 

Both are supported by Lake Travis Voices for Progress, in order to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

Lauren White and Phillip Davis OPPOSE book banning.  They OPPOSE school vouchers.  They are fighting for literacy, instead of wasting money on political stunts, and they are working to keep our tax dollars in Lake Travis ISD. 

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Lauren White and Phillip Davis. 

To meet the candidates, attend LT DEMS’ Local Election Candidate Symposium, April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center.  All 4 LTISD candidates were invited.  (Other local election candidates will be there, as well, including those running for Lakeway City Council, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District, plus Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway Parks Bond proposition.)

Here is a link with candidate info, videos and more: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Confused about all the fuss over book banning?  This March 28 article on how library materials are reviewed/banned locally at LTISD is helpful in understanding the process.  It also identifies the tiny number of parents responsible for exploding this issue since 2021.  Lake Travis ISD emerges as a battleground for school book bans 3/28/24 https://www.kut.org/education/2024-03-28/lake-travis-school-book-ban-library-austin-texas

As for vouchers, the analogy stated above sums it up, as far as I’m concerned.  (Thanks to LT Dems for the image.)

Need this free yard sign for the LTISD election?  The folks at Voices for Progress will deliver one to you.  Just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdceri4wyWGXVcK6b4SEAnRymKYBUsP_SDQhT1aYdSbO-dUwA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3lhFSZ8FSvtUhOT3JCn3NwwsfVI0KehNud8ucJ7V3xOw6PUHHz7xYxcMA

TCAD BOARD

3 seats on the Travis County Appraisal District Board get filled.  This is a brand new election, as previously these were appointed positions. Similar to ISD, this Board runs in Places. So, there are 3 separate races to vote in, picking 1 candidate for each place.  While this is technically a non-partisan election (so candidates’ party preference will not appear on the ballot), the rest of the Board is Republican, so it would really help to get Democrats elected. Plus, the elected Board members seem to have more power than the others.

The above image gives the background better than I can.

The above image, courtesy of the Jett Hanna campaign, has a summary of each race and links for each candidate.  It also shows the party affiliation of each candidate. As it notes, Democrats are Jett Hanna, Shenghao “Daniel” Wang, and Dick Lavine. Republicans are Don Zimmerman, Matt Mackowiak, and Bill May.  And, Jonathan Patschke is Libertarian.  That should be a good starting point for any more research you want to do.

Again, to meet the candidates, attend LT DEMS’ Local Election Candidate Symposium, April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center.  (Other local election candidates will be there, as well, including those running for Lakeway City Council and LTISD Board, plus Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway Parks Bond proposition.) 

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

So, pick your candidates, make a plan to vote—early or on election day.  And—VOTE!

May Ukraine Have Peaceful Skies Again.

During April, Lakeway’s LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, my blog splits into TWO ISSUES.  Today’s blog is the usual version–Lakeway’s upcoming events, space news and images, women’s rights updates, deer photos, etc.  Tomorrow, April 7, I’ll post the ELECTION ISSUE, covering everything you will see on your ballot—Lakeway Council, $22MIL Parks Bond, Lake Travis ISD Board, and Travis County Appraisal District Board.  The same split will happen next time—April 20 and 21.

Here is what is happening in Lakeway…. 

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

FREE weekly concerts through May 11, every Saturday, 7-9PM, on the Central Plaza Lawn of the Hill Country Galleria.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to get comfy.  Performance schedule is here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/saturday-night-concert-series/2145580934

Solar Eclipse–Monday, April 8

Per Lakeway PD and Mayor Kilgore: Due to the anticipated VERY LARGE number of people visiting our area and just driving through town, residents should plan ahead (for example, gas up your car and shop BEFORE MONDAY) and stay close to home on eclipse day. 

All classes and programs are CANCELLED at the Swim Center and Activity Center on Monday, just like they are at LTISD.  Lakeway administrative offices will be closed.

Eclipse timeline (per City of Lakeway site):

12:17pm eclipse begins/1:35pm FULL eclipse begins/1:38pm FULL eclipse ends/2:27pm eclipse ends.

See the above image for eye safety tips, courtesy of City of Lakeway’s eclipse page.

In addition to viewing the eclipse from home, to see professional images along several states you can tune into “Eclipse Across America,” a 2-hour show in ABC, National Geographic and several other channels, starting at 1PM Central.  Or—watch online at www.space.com

Lakeway is hosting its own outside viewing party, on Monday, April 8, noon-2PM in the Activity Center parking lot (105 Cross Creek).  Extra parking is available nearby at the Justice Complex and City Hall.  (If it is storming or raining, this event will be cancelled.)  Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2081/Solar-Eclipse

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a 12-minute live update INCLUDING ECLIPSE INFO FOR RESIDENTS, on April 4.  Go here to watch:  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/338104202591114

TRAFFIC ALERT: Top section of Lakeway Drive CLOSED April 9 through July.

Culvert replacement will take place starting April 9, with Lakeway Drive CLOSED between Cross Creek and Lakeway Boulevard.  Through traffic will need to use Cross Creek and Lohmans instead.  This is part of the recent Transportation Bond, improving Lakeway’s roads.  The project will likely be in progress through July.

Solid Waste Bill Increase

The city’s new contract with Waste Connections has gone into effect.  Residents will see a small rate increase for trash and recycling.  Quarterly payments have gone up to $80.55.  Still the best deal in town….

Wilderness Run/Walk

Sponsored by Lakeway Friends of the Park, this year’s run/walk is on Saturday, April 13.  There will be a 5k main course, as well as a 1-mile course for the kids.  This FREE EVENT has prizes for the top finishers.  Registration is at 8:30AM.  The walk/run starts at the Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden located next to the Lakeway Justice Complex (104 Cross Creek).  Details here: https://www.lakewayfop.org/

Lake Travis Democrats Club   

–April 16, 6:30- 8:30 PM:  The Local Election Candidate Symposium, at the Lakeway Activity Center.  This will include candidates for the Lakeway City Council, LTISD Board, and the Travis County Tax Appraisal District.  Plus–Merrie Fox, State Senate Candidate 25, and an overview of the City of Lakeway Parks Bond proposition. 

–April 23, 6:30PM: Banned Book Club, at Lake Travis Community Library. Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.  Critically acclaimed, this novel is said to be the most frequently challenged book from 2010 to 2019, due to how it depicts alcohol, poverty, bullying, violence, sexuality and bulimia. 

–May 19:  Picnic in the Park.  Details to come.

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

Singalong Dinner Shows

Lakeway Singalong presents “That’s Life” for its spring performance, at Lakeway Activity Center.  Two dinner shows are on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20.  Doors open at 6PM, with dinner at 6:30PM.  Tickets are $45; get reservations NOW, as these performances sell out fast.  For reservations, go here and click on the City Events and Performances tab:  https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

ArtWalk

Join in on the first Lakeway Art Walk–featuring local art, crafts, music, performing arts, food, and more–over the weekend of April 19-21.  Activities happen at the Activity Center, Hamilton Greenbelt, Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, and various art studios around Lakeway.  Go here for a full schedule of activities over the 3 days: https://lakeway-tx.gov/2129/ArtWalk

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Volunteer to plant flowers at the Lakeway Swim Center, on Monday, April 22, 11AM.  Everything you need will be provided, plus snacks.  Go here for full info and to register: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1838/Earth-Day

Fox on the Fairway

The Lakeway Players will present “The Fox on the Fairway,” on May 9-11.  Doors open at 6:30PM; curtain rises at 7:30PM.  The Spring Show is, as usual, BYO Dinner Theater.  The production is billed as a hilarious romp about life, love and golf.  Tickets are $20-$33.  Go here for info and tickets: https://www.thelakewayplayers.com/

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

The spring tours are scheduled!  Grab a reservation early, as these always fill up.  Bus tours visit 20 historical locations, narrated by a member of the Lakeway Heritage Committee.  Tour day is Friday, May 17.  Times: 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 1:15 PM.  Board at Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing), where you can also visit the historic Liebelt Cabin.  Go here for info and to reserve your seat:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Council meets on ­­­April 15. 

About a week prior, check here for the Agenda: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

Destruction on a scale visible from space….  The above images show Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge back in 2023, and then after it collapsed when a cargo ship rammed a support pillar on March 26.  The satellite images were taken by Colorado-based Maxar Technologies.  Tragic Baltimore bridge collapse aftermath seen from space 3/27/24 https://www.space.com/satellites-baltimore-bridge-francis-scott-key

Forget the romantic notion of the moon as “timeless.”  (Image credit: NASA.)  The White House last week directed NASA to establish a unified standard of time for the moon and other celestial bodies.  International norms in space are needed due to the lunar race among several nations and private companies.  The plan is to have Lunar Time in place by 2026.  White House directs NASA to create time standard for the moon 4/2/24 https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/white-house-directs-nasa-to-create-time-standard-for-the-moon-1.6830658

As Women’s History Month ended, coming to a close, Space.com reached out to over 50 women leaders in space exploration, asking for advice, inspiration or general thoughts about their journey.  (Image credit: Space Frontiers/Archive Photos/Getty Images.)  The group ranges from astronauts to CEOs and government officials to private entrepreneurs.  We asked over 50 women space leaders for words of inspiration. Here’s what they told us 3/30/24 https://www.space.com/women-in-space-quotes-inspirational-science-history-month

The above left-hand image (credit: Phil Hart) from Australia shows the solar corona at the peak of the April 20, 2023 total solar eclipse. The above right-hand image (credit: Dan Bartlett) shows the comet known as Pons-Brooks, soaring over Earth on March 30.  This stunning comet, with its ion tail and green coma, should be visible on April 8 during solar eclipse totality.  To find it, look AWAY from the solar corona of the eclipsed sun.  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

Texas Republicans got caught on video, stating their plans for women in our state.  The death penalty for women seeking abortion was just the start.  The video shows Paul Brown, the director of policy for AATX, saying all women who have abortions should to be prosecuted for murder. “The same penalty for harming or killing a born person is also imposed by God in his law for killing a preborn person.”  Incest and rape make no difference.  Brown also says that IVF and Plan B are murder.  Texas GOP Meets Group Suggesting Death Penalty for Women Who Seek Abortions 3/28/24 https://www.newsweek.com/texas-gop-meeting-death-penalty-women-abortions-1884950?fbclid=IwAR0YbZqKxkPSfmV-Ju6EUBetfXgrFlT8oUOOyb8oeju3pC6dAOQim0kLiVQ_aem_AVULQBt4IEr54EnjJlh5YkZCYSZrge8oqcpKp38-ngEJNchp3PjmjPpDbZCNetW6_PbdzEy-SWegMVHkxQxzHRJb

The Florida Supreme Court approved a 6-week abortion ban, starting in May.  But, it also approved a November ballot proposition to amend the state constitution to allow abortion until 24 weeks, with exceptions for later abortions when needed for the patient’s health (as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.)  NOTE: The constitutional amendment requires 60% of voters to approve it.  Florida Supreme Court allows 6-week abortion ban to take effect, but voters will have the final say 4/1/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/florida-supreme-court-abortion-rights-ballot-measure-rcna142568

After Dobbs, the number of abortions rose, as woman all over America turned to medication abortion.  What used to be relatively rare became mainstream, allowing women to coordinate their own medical care in relative privacy.  Tele-health consults, mail order prescriptions, online help desks, and peer-to-peer networks combined to make medication abortion a safe and manageable option.  US Supreme Court abortion drug hearing looming, study shows how self-managed abortion became more common post-Dobbs 3/5/24 https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/25/health/self-managed-medication-abortion-surge-post-dobbs/index.html

Dobbs has downgraded health care for women eager to become mothers, by making the recommended early prenatal care hard to find.  Some doctors hope to avoid difficult situations by refusing to see women less than 12 weeks along; after that, miscarriages are less likely, but this policy denies women valuable early care and testing.  Other doctors refuse to act on early indications of problems, making women wait until serious complications arise; then, the risk of infertility and death are higher for women, but doctors aren’t likely to be questioned.  Louisiana shows the risks for pregnant women in a post-Roe America 3/21/24 https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/abortion-ban-louisiana-pregnancy-health-care-rcna144379

On March 26, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the Texas case attempting to ban or at least severely limit use of mifepristone, the main drug approved by the FDA over 20 years ago and now used in medication abortions world-wide.  You can listen here to listen (click on FDA v. Alliance Hippocratic Medicine, March 26): https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_audio/2023

I listened live on March 26.  Easily, half the discussion was on the shaky standing of the anti-abortion plaintiffs (a few doctors, a theologian and a dentist) who claim they at some point MIGHT be called on to assist a patient suffering side effects of the drug, despite existing federal protection for conscience objections.  All the Justices aside from Alito seemed skeptical, to varying degrees.  The merits of the case were not fully explored.  Justices Thomas and Alito did squeeze in the antiquated Comstock Act (passed in the 1800s to suppress everything related to sex) as grounds to prohibit mailing of the drug.  Also, Justice Barrett waved her flag for fetal personhood.  However, those parts of the conversation were pointing the way for future cases.  The discussion wrapped up after just 90 minutes; 2-3 hours is not uncommon with major cases.  It felt like most minds were already made up, although a decision probably won’t be released until June.  SCOTUS will likely take the easy road and dismiss this case for lack of standing. 

However, the far-right will have learned much from the process, and next time will likely argue the Comstock Act bans mailing of mifepristone, tele-med consultations, and so on, all on the specious grounds of mifepristone being a risky drug.  In fact, in the last 24 years, mifepristone has been proven safer than Tylenol and Viagra.  Yet, no one is trying to stop tele-med consults and mailing for Viagra.  Be assured, that if the far-right defeats the FDA as to mifepristone, it will then go after contraceptives.  Also, if Trump becomes President again, he would name a new FDA Chief, who could immediately make mifepristone hard to obtain or simply take it off the market entirely—with zero help from the courts.

Here is a great idea—Congress should repeal the Comstock Act.  But, only a BLUE WAVE of Representatives and Senators in November will allow that.  Justices Thomas and Alito want to use a ‘zombie law’ to restrict abortion 3/28/24 https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-comstock-act-rcna145147

ANOTHER abortion case is scheduled for SCOTUS oral argument, on April 24. This one regards EMTALA (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), which requires federally funded hospitals to give patients, including pregnant patients, with stabilizing care.  The case deals with that federal law’s conflict with state laws restricting abortion, like in Idaho.  Arguments balancing the woman’s life and welfare with that of the fetus will almost certainly allow the most conservative Justices to tout fetal personhood, which has far-ranging implications for IVF, contraception, and more.  The Supreme Court Got It Wrong: Abortion Is Not Settled Law 3/26/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/26/opinion/supreme-court-abortion-mifepristone.html

A NYTimes editorial in the aftermath of the March 26 mifepristone oral argument is worth reading in full.  But here is its conclusion:

“In short, there is no silver bullet for reproductive rights. The judiciary is no haven, not as long as the current Supreme Court majority holds; state and lower federal courts aren’t much better, going by the Alabama I.V.F. ruling and the decisions that pushed the mifepristone case to the Supreme Court. At the same time, voter support for reproductive rights won’t make a difference if they can’t use ballot measures to make that support known. That is why any successful strategy to protect or restore abortion rights must understand reproductive rights and representative democracy as inextricably linked. That means understanding the stakes of the elections in November. If Mr. Trump’s party wins solid control of the House and Senate, this could put Americans’ reproductive rights at further risk, especially if Republicans first decide to do away with the filibuster. That would lower the threshold for passing legislation such as a 15-week abortion ban, which Mr. Trump seems likely to support. Voters will be faced with a stark choice: the choice of whether to protect not just reproductive rights, but true equality for women.”  The Persistent Threat to Abortion Rights  3/30/24  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/30/opinion/abortion-drug-supreme-court.html

Back to me….

I have been frantically busy lately.  Just not really sure doing what….  I’m trying to increase my cardio, while still keeping up with yoga and weights.  Started spring cleaning.  Wrapped up several online projects, but as always new ones popped up in their place.  Decided to cut WAY back on sodium intake, which is loads of fun….

My senior cat, Maxie, is now 17 years old.  Her thunderous purr has been the background music of my life all that time.  Always happy and healthy, Maxie suddenly became frail and ailing.  Our vet did exhaustive testing, with 3 scary and seemingly unrelated results.  For now, 2 medications have helped a lot, and Maxie is maybe 75% back to her normal wonderful self.  She sees a specialist in May.  

Here are a few new deer photos.  Lately, I have been walking later in the day, when they are less visible and mostly nestled in the trees.

Coronavirus  Update

The New York Times discontinued its weekly Covid updates, in late March.

I’m now watching the CDC’s Data Tracker.  As of March 30, it shows the various Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) all trending down over the last week.  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home

There is a new drug to fight Covid-19. Pemgarda was approved recently by the FDA to help prevent Covid in those most at risk from the virus.  It can be used preventively for immunocompromised people ages 12 and older.  It keeps virus from attaching to human cells and is given through an IV.  Pemgarda is intended for those not currently infected or recently been exposed; it cannot be given within 2 weeks of a person getting a COVID vaccine.  (See the link below in the Articles section.)

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine.  So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by).  Shots are available at local pharmacies.  If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—CDC Vaccine Update: Recommendations, Data on COVID-19, RSV, Influenza, and PCV21 4/5/24  https://www.pulmonologyadvisor.com/home/topics/lung-infection/cdc-vaccine-updates-on-covid-19-rsv-influenza-pcv21/

—FDA OKs New Treatment to Prevent COVID in High-Risk People 3/26/24 https://www.webmd.com/covid/news/20240326/fda-oks-new-treatment-to-prevent-covid-high-risk-people\

Be brave like Ukraine.

This is LOCAL ELECTION SEASON, so the blog begins with a special section dedicated to the upcoming Lakeway Local Election.  Don’t worry–all the fun Lakeway events are covered here, as usual, just below the Election section.

May 4 LOCAL ELECTION

Early voting starts April 22, with Election Day on Saturday, May 4.

There are 3 things happening in this election—3 Lakeway Council seats get filled, a $22MIL Lakeway Parks bond gets voted up or down, and 2 Lake Travis ISD Board seats get filled.  Each is covered right here, with info I have gathered, plus tons of links for you to get MORE info if desired.

COUNCIL

Three Council seats are open.  Four candidates are running.  The 3 getting the most votes will win. Everyone has 3 votes.  (Sorry, but there IS math involved….)

Just want the down-and-dirty version?  Here you go!

Want more?  Read on!

Media Coverage:

Check out Community Impact’s candidate profiles and Q&As, here: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lakeway-city-council-candidates/ NOTE: Jennifer Szimanski failed to participate in this FREE publicity.  As an incumbent, does she plan to coast on name recognition, as opposed to making any effort to inform voters?

Candidate Meet and Greets/Forums:

Candidate events have been a hard sell this year.  (There seems to be a fear of exposing a certain candidate to, well, actual living humans.)  BUT—good news!  Looks like there will be some events, after all. Here is what is set so far:

—April 11: We the People will host a candidate forum.  I’m told the details are same as last year–7PM, at River in the Hills (1310 Ranch Rd 620 S., near The League and Santa Catarina).  Confirmation to follow.  FYI—This sponsor may not be a favored group of yours, but their candidate gatherings in recent years have been good events and well worth attending.  Everyone was welcome.

—April 16, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center: Lake Travis Democrats’ monthly meeting will feature some candidates running for Lakeway Council and Lake Travis ISD.  

WATCH FUTURE BLOGS for updates on the candidates, info on events, links to media Q&As, etc.

My election analysis….

This election is NOT a pretty one.  1) There are fewer decent candidates than seats that will be filled, regardless. 2) One of the candidates would be a disastrous choice.  3) Can’t argue with election math.  And, I have really, really tried….

—VOTE for MATT!  Matt Sherman is far and away the best choice.  Matt is a bright and driven advocate for Lakeway, plus he already has experience in high-level city matters (see below). 

–In my perfect world, Jennifer Szimanski would be voted off Council.  News flash: This is NOT my perfect world….

–Honestly, Kelly Brynteson is not on my Good List, either.  But, she is NOT a full-time puppet of the Old Guard/Elite’s Committee to Protect Lakeway PAC, like Councilmembers Szimanski, O’Brien and Forton.  For whatever reason, sometimes Kelly gets it right on the dais.

–The bottom line: Chris Levy on the dais would be catastrophic, tipping Council over to complete mayhem and a body that serves developers, special interests, the Old Guard and Lakeway’s elite, at the cost of the rest of us—the home owners and businesses that fund the city and do our best to practice decency, fairness and transparency, along with the volunteers who have served Lakeway for decades. (More on Mr. Levy, below.)

Election math is a bi$ch.  So, here is my best advice:

Chris Levy is a nightmare, so vote for the other 3 and pray for divine intervention.

The Candidates

Matt Sherman is a 5-year Lakeway resident living in The Preserve.  He now serves as Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, as well as a Commissioner on the Zoning and Planning Commission.  (Image credits: Matt Sherman for Council.)  His campaign website and Facebook page have considerable informative content and are here:  https://www.mattshermanforlakeway.com/  https://www.facebook.com/mattshermanforlakeway

Kelly Brynteson is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Flintrock, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.)  Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/kellyforlakeway   https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2007/Councilmember-Kelly-Brynteson

Jennifer Szimanski is a 12-year Lakeway resident living in Rough Hollow, currently seeking a second term. (Image credit: City of Lakeway.)  Her Facebook page and official bio are here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077428167465 https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2006/Councilmember-Jennifer-Szimanski

Chris Levy is a 16-year Lakeway resident living in Old Lakeway.  This candidate has ZERO experience serving the city in any capacity.  For weeks, Levy BLOCKED his campaign’s Facebook site to all but his pals; so much for transparency and informing voters, right?  I confronted him on Next Door about this, and as of March 22 he removed the blocks. Of course, he has scrubbed the page squeaky clean. But, as long as his good mood lasts, you can check out his campaign page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

I related Levy’s bizarre Old Lakeway misadventure (attacking his neighbors, recording over an hour of foul-mouthed rants about them, and uploading it to YouTube) in detail in the last blog; backtrack to that if you missed it.  He removed the recording prior to running for Council, but people had already downloaded it–as YouTube allows.  So, now the recording and a transcript of the most shocking segment are circulating. 

Want to hear the recording for yourself? Post on his campaign Facebook page asking him to upload it there, in full. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

Below are some of Levy’s comments to his pal on the phone.  They are full of hate toward his neighbors, making fun of them for being older folks and denigrating their homes as cheap $%@#holes.  This is directly from the recording he made and uploaded, for whatever bizarre reason….  People send me stuff, so I have heard the recording.  I decided not to upload it here, because it features and identifies other people, who didn’t know they were being recorded.  Still, Levy is threatening to sue me and several Lakeway residents he assumes are involved, for outing him on this.  Even though HE made the recording, and HE uploaded it publicly.  That’s Chris Levy.  That is what bullies do.

I already knew that Chris Levy is NOT someone I want at City Hall making decisions for Lakeway.  This election, all residents need to make a decision on that, and vote accordingly.  Consider how he treated his close neighbors and decide whether you want someone with his attitude on Council, controlling your city.  VOTE FOR MATT.  And, sure, vote for Kelly.  Vote for Jenny, even.  Just DON’T vote for Levy.

One last thing.  Levy DOES NOT DENY HE SAID ALL THIS TRASH.  Instead, he is playing the victim, whining that he has changed since 2017.  Don’t buy it.  The guy on the recording is the same guy who for many years and TO THIS DAY causes trouble wherever he can–on social media, in the polling place parking lot, in court suing the city, at Council meetings, on and on.  And, he is NOW threatening to sue anyone who dares to thwart him.  Of course he is.  In my experience, he is mean, he is a bully, he oozes grievance and entitlement, and there is nothing that he won’t do to get his way. 

For me, all that makes Chris Levy Lakeway’s worst nightmare as an elected official. 

But—you decide.  In his own words:

CHRIS LEVY: “I went to this meeting, what they did was they took this first development neighborhood in Lakeway, right? And this group of people who own these 1971, pre-71 homes, you know, like the least valuable homes in Lakeway. And they created this thing called Old Lakeway. They got the city to let them put signs up in our neighborhood that now declare our neighborhood as Old Lakeway. And so they have also come up with this concept called the Lakeway 300, which are basically the first 300 homes built in Lakeway, pre-April 71. They’re the least valuable homes in Lakeway, these 300 homes.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And dude, I got to tell you, a lot of my rich neighbors, we’re thinking about getting a lawyer and suing this guy.”

CHRIS LEVY: “And I have it all recorded. I’ll let you listen to it. I’ll send you the file because, dude, they jumped on me with knives when I started to point out what they were doing was going to be… They basically hate rich people and they hate our generation and they hate Rough Hollow. They hate The Hills and they hate new homes. And basically, because they all own these $300,000 shithole homes that are 46 years old, they don’t want people building new homes around them. But what they don’t realize is the new homes are what make their homes valuable.”

CHRIS LEVY: “Yeah. There were 22 people there. Half of them were senior citizens.”

If you want to hear the recording for yourself, post on his campaign’s Facebook page asking him to upload it there.   ALL OF IT; if he edits out the worst bits, lots of people will know.  He owes that much to Lakeway.  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480009185

PARKS BOND

After several years of planning, Lakeway Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 5 meeting to put a $22MIL parks bond on the May ballot. 

The funds would be used on 5 of our parks.  Our long-time favorite recreational areas, City Park and the Swim Center, would get much-needed renovations and upgrades, so they can serve the city’s growing population well into the future.  The Activity Center would get minor updates.  The Live Oak Tennis Courts would be expanded.  Finally, brand new Butler Park in Rough Hollow would be built from the ground up, finally providing families on that side of town with a wide variety of conveniently located recreational opportunities.  See the chart above for a breakdown per park.

The $22MIL bond will add about $100 to the annual property tax bill on a home valued around $750K (the average here).

I see this as a legacy—what current residents will leave for our kids, grandkids, and all future residents of Lakeway. I moved here in 2009, but I have read and heard about all the kerfuffle that accompanied creation of City Park, Hamilton Greenbelt, the Activity Center, the Swim Center, etc.  People ranted that each of those was TOO MUCH MONEY, NOT NEEDED, CRAZY OVERREACH, blah, blah, blah. And yet, now that we have these amazing amenities, they are used and beloved by an enormous number of residents. They play a large part in making Lakeway a wonderful place to live. Can you really imagine Lakeway WITHOUT the Greenbelts? WITHOUT the Activity Center? WITHOUT City Park?  For me, that would be a sadly depleted Lakeway.  I’m willing to pay a little more in property taxes, to refresh and expand our parkland legacy and enrich Lakeway’s future. The city has gathered info on the bond here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2162/2024-Parks-Bond

LTISD School Board Election

Community Impact recently published candidate profiles and Q&As.  Since the School Board runs in places, there is an article on the Place 1 candidates, and an article on the Place 2 candidates.

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-1-candidates/

— https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2024/03/11/election-qa-meet-the-lake-travis-isd-board-of-trustees-place-2-candidates/

There are 2 contested seats this year.  Incumbents Lauren White  https://www.facebook.com/laurenwhiteforlaketravis  and Phillip Davis https://www.facebook.com/Vote4PhillipDavis  are seeking another term. Both are supported by Lake Travis Voices for Progress, in order to block the far-right Lake Travis Families PAC from controlling all 7 seats on the Board.

Lauren White and Phillip Davis OPPOSE book banning.  They OPPOSE school vouchers.  They are fighting for literacy, instead of wasting money on political stunts, and they are working to keep our tax dollars in Lake Travis ISD. 

If you agree these things are vital, VOTE to Re-Elect Lauren White and Phillip Davis.  Even better—SUPPORT them so they can continue fighting for our kids.  (Their opponents are being showered with money from Lake Travis Families PAC, just like in the last couple elections.)  Here is a link with more candidate info, videos AND the fundraiser hosted by Lake Travis Voices for Progress so you can easily make a donation: https://www.betterunite.com/ltv4p-2024ltisdschoolboardelection?fbclid=IwAR1qDom7gIn1a7wuLvBwhNRoNoiCWVCHjEkXdmkMHU7u-e2WQv5-T2VGpDc

Need this free yard sign for the LTISD election?  The great folks at Voices for Progress will deliver one to you.  Just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdceri4wyWGXVcK6b4SEAnRymKYBUsP_SDQhT1aYdSbO-dUwA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3lhFSZ8FSvtUhOT3JCn3NwwsfVI0KehNud8ucJ7V3xOw6PUHHz7xYxcMA

You made it through the ELECTION SECTION–congrats! The usual fun stuff is next.

Here is what ELSE is happening in Lakeway…. 

City Hall Art Gallery

Lakeway artist Penny Jamrack has her work on display at City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd.).  Her specialty is portraiture, but she is also inspired by the natural beauty of plants, birds, and animals.Local art is displayed at City Hall rotating every 3 months.  Local artists interested in displaying at City Hall should check here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2040/City-Hall-Art-Gallery

Lake Travis Democrats Club   

March 26: Banned Book Club, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library. Book: Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

April 16: Monthly Meeting, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center.  Some candidates for Lakeway Council and Lake Travis ISD will be on hand to introduce themselves.  

Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for details and more activities each month. 

LMUD Water Meetings

On Tuesday, March 26 and Thursday, April 4, 7-8PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek), Lakeway Municipal Utility District will host meetings for the public.  Plan to attend to get updates on the current restriction and planning for future watering restrictions; feedback will be accepted, as well.  Final decisions are expected in May.  LMUD’s site is here: https://lakewaymud.org/

Household Hazardous Waste Day

On Wednesday, March 27, from 9:30AM-12:30PM, FREE drop-off for hazardous items is available to residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave and The Hills, plus customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD.  Bring photo ID or water bill to show eligibility.  Location is Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.).  RESERVATIONS are required.  Items MUST be in original labeled containers.  Paint accepted per household is limited to 30 one-gallon containers.  Check here for lists of accepted items and DISALLOWED items AND to make your reservation:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ACA728A1F4C07-48253369-household#/

Junior Firefighter Academy—deadline to apply is April 2.

Lake Travis Fire and Rescue is hosting its FIRST Junior Firefighter Academy this summer, July 16-19, 9AM-4:30PM.  Location is Station 605, 3048 Steiner Ranch Boulevard.  Cost is $25.  Open to students age 12-15, it will provide an immersive experience in firefighting and EMS.  Due to the expected demand, applications will be picked by random lottery.  Go here for full info and to apply: https://www.ltfr.org/junior-firefighter-academy/?fbclid=IwAR0rhpRJfhqE2YXHkepZlTfbYArB4JQPlE-7ZUDVzhukxP2iZcwv_G_zB80

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, April 6 from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable/canned food items, as well as pet food, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff?  Booths are 10’X10’ and include a 6’ x 3’ foot table and 2 chairs.  LAC members pay $30 per booth; non-members pay $35 per booth.  Call 512-261-1010 for info.  See booth locations and register online registration here (in the Garage Sale tab): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Saturday Night Concerts at The Galleria

FREE weekly concerts start on Saturday, April 6, 7-9PM, on the Central Plaza Lawn of the Hill Country Galleria.  The spring series continues through May 11.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to get comfy.  Performance schedule is here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/saturday-night-concert-series/2145580934

Solar Eclipse–Monday, April 8

Per Lakeway PD and Mayor Kilgore: Due to the anticipated VERY LARGE number of people visiting our area and just driving through town, residents should plan ahead (for example, gas up your car and shop early) and stay close to home on eclipse day.

Eclipse timeline (per City of Lakeway site): 12:17pm eclipse begins; 1:35pm FULL eclipse begins; 1:38pm FULL eclipse ends; 2:27pm eclipse ends.

See the above image for eye safety tips, courtesy of City of Lakeway’s eclipse page.

In addition to viewing the eclipse from home, to see professional images along several states you can tune into “Eclipse Across America,” a 2-hour show on ABC, National Geographic and several other channels, starting at 1PM Central. 

Lakeway is hosting its own outside viewing party, on Monday, April 8, 1PM in the Activity Center parking lot. Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2081/Solar-Eclipse

Wilderness Run/Walk

Sponsored by Lakeway Friends of the Park, this year’s run/walk is on Saturday, April 13.  This FREE EVENT has prizes for the top finishers.  Registration is at 8:30AM.  The walk/run starts at the Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden located next to the Lakeway Justice Complex (104 Cross Creek).  Details here: https://www.lakewayfop.org/

Singalong Dinner Shows

Lakeway Singalong presents “That’s Life” for its spring performance, at Lakeway Activity Center.  Two dinner shows are on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20.  Doors open at 6PM, with dinner at 6:30PM.  Tickets are $45; get reservations NOW, as these performances sell out fast.  For reservations, go here and click on the City Events and Performances tab:  https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog

Beautify Lakeway for EARTH DAY

Volunteer to plant flowers at the Lakeway Swim Center, on Monday, April 22, 11AM.  Everything you need will be provided, plus snacks.  Go here for full info and to register: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1838/Earth-Day

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on March 14, with 12 minutes of city info.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/1128060478396511

Lakeway’s Own Police Officer/Animal Protection Officer Needs Our Help.

Andrea Greig, one of our police officers since 2005 and now our Animal Protection Officer, is currently fighting a very tough form of cancer. She is always there for Lakeway–helping people, their pets and our wildlife with endless energy, compassion and devotion. Now, if you can, please be there for her and donate to a GoFundMe account, helping cover her medical expenses. Here is the link for info and donations:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/4q2ytg-help-andrea-kick-cancers-butt

Council met on March 18. 

All 7 members attended the meeting, all in person on the dais.  RESULTS:

ITEM 10 (within the Consent Agenda): Increasing each resident’s trash and recycling bill (currently $22.33 per month) to $26.85 per month, due to the recent rate increase in Waste Management’s contract. 

–PASSED UNANIMOUSLY as part of the Consent Agenda.

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

—CHRIS LEVY spoke, purporting to deliver a $12,500 donation to the City of Lakeway from Lakeway Police Foundation, to be used to refurbish the gym at our Police Station.  However, for ethical purposes, city ordinance requires gifts over $2,000 to be reviewed by staff and, in the event certain standards are met, then approved by Council during a properly noticed public hearing.  Since these requirements were not followed, the matter was delayed until the next Council meeting.  Any candidate for Council should have a better grasp on city procedures and ordinances than Mr. Levy displayed here.  Worse–THIS RULE WAS STATED IN THE MEETING PACKET as to Item A.1, which clearly he didn’t bother to read.  Another Councilmember prone to political grandstanding is NOT needed.

ITEM 16: Financial Report.

–Due to spending less and receiving more revenue than budgeted through February, the city is roughly $1MIL to the good.

ITEM 17: Presentation from Central Texas Water Coalition.

–NO ACTION TAKEN, but the report was as dire as the recent one by LMUD—possibly more so.  Lake Travis suffers from severely compromised inflows, ever-increasing overuse, and historically low rainfall.  As a result, the panic mark of 600,000 acre feet is expected to be reached by August.  Consider that every gallon used for your yard is a gallon that will never flow from the taps in your kitchen or bathroom.

ITEM 18: Joint Meeting—Council and Charter Review Committee.

–NO ACTION TAKEN.  Five members of the Charter Review Committee were introduced–Troy Dunson, Brad Heilman, Jessica Putonti, Amber Hart, and Erik Mulloy.  Unfortunately, they NEEDED to be introduced, even to longtime volunteers and the most seasoned followers of city matters.  (The committee has 2 more members; former Councilmember Sanjeev Kumar was not present, and Chairman Louis Mastrangelo remains on Council until the May election.)  A very loose timeline was discussed.  (See image.)  Council rather grudgingly agreed that members would not attend Charter Review Committee meetings (which will be closed to the public), unless specifically invited. 

ITEM 19:  REZONING–Ordinance changing Future Land Use Map from Commercial to Residential and changing Zoning from Office/Retail to Planned Unit Development, to allow 48 Residential units on 5.36 acres at 300 Birrell.  (NOTE: ZAPCO voted down this proposal 6:1. See plan image.)

–POSTPONED until the April 15 meeting, because the FLUM portion of the item was omitted from the actual Agenda, such that the required public notice failed to happen.  Embarrassing all around, especially since this item was the meatiest one of the night. 

ITEM 20: Amending the ordinances as to special use permits for Gaming/Software/Sweepstakes businesses (limiting them to 3 active permits at a time within the city, and no operation within 1,500’ of each other, schools, places of worship or residences).

–PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 22: Discussion of Length and Number of City Council Meetings.

–SURPRISE …. Nothing much is going to change.  Ironically, this meeting ended relatively early, and still it was far longer than necessary.  A simple way to trim meeting length is to eliminate Council’s own “breaks.”  During this shortish meeting (less than 3 hours long), 2 breaks were called.  Breaks balloon to multiple times the stated length.  Worse, they fail to provide the audience with any break at all; we have to remain in chambers, idling around until Council members drag themselves back to the dais to do the work.  Another way to shorten Council meetings is to disallow Councilmembers from READING THEIR REMARKS ENDLESSLY FROM THEIR PHONES/DEVICES.  This always makes me wonder who REALLY wrote the message.  Plus–sincerity and brevity tend to go together.

A.1 Accept Donation for Employee Gym Equipment.

–First, there was freewheeling (also, disingenuous) discussion of Mayor Tom Kilgore and Caren Kilgore’s $15,500 donation to the city, to be used to refurbish the gym at our Police Station and made via a nationally known charitable trust.  Then, there was a ridiculous (and ridiculously long) break.  Then, Council VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the donation. 

ADJOURNED at 9:27PM.

View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx  Go here to watch the Council meeting online:  https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/300048

Daring Mighty Things

On March 4, the International Space Station was passing over N. Dakota when it took a gorgeous photo of neighboring Michigan, surrounded by ALL 5 of the Great Lakes.  Look for mitten-shaped Michigan at the upper right of the image, as the lakes glitter in the sunlight.  (Image courtesy of the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center.)  NASA captures stunning image of Michigan, all 5 Great Lakes from 259 miles up 3/4/24  https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/nasa-captures-stunning-image-of-michigan-all-5-great-lakes-from-259-miles-up.html

Russia’s Soyuz was scheduled to blast off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstanon on March 21, delivering an American astronaut and 2 Russians to the International Space Station.  The launch was aborted just 21 seconds before blast off.  Basically, the craft had a dead battery, as confirmed by Roscosmos, the Russian space agency.  The launch was re-scheduled for as early as March 23.  (Image credit: NASA TV.)  Russian Soyuz rocket suffers rare last-minute abort during launch of 3 astronauts to ISS 3/21/24 https://www.space.com/soyuz-rocket-launch-abort-expedition71-astronauts

Musk’s 3^rd try was NOT the charm, though it did exhibit some flair early on.  (Image credit: SpaceX via X.)  The March 14 launch from SpaceX’s facility near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas thrilled spring break crowds on nearby South Padre.  Starship achieved Earth orbit, qualifying it as the largest man-made object ever to reach outer space.  Some tests were completed (opening payload doors, transferring fuel, etc.), but the planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico never happened; comms ceased 48 minutes after launch during a fiery re-entry, and both Starship and its booster rocket were lost.  Musk claimed victory, but clearly much needs to be corrected before crewed flight can be considered NASA plans to use Starship to take Artemis astronauts to the moon, in 2025.  Admittedly, SpaceX has gone far; this launch happened on the 22nd anniversary of the company’s founding in 2002.  SpaceX launches giant Starship rocket into space on epic 3rd test flight 3/14/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-third-test-flight-launch

The FAA initiated its third “mishap investigation” immediately after Starship’s spectacular landing failure on March 14.  (Investigation #2 only closed on 3/13—just hours before the latest launch.)  SpaceX is already touting mission #4, but the FAA will not grant a launch license until the current mishap investigation is complete and SpaceX has implemented all required corrective actions.  (Image credit: SpaceX.)  FAA to oversee investigation of SpaceX Starship’s 3rd test flight 3/15/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-third-test-flight-faa-investigation

Boeing is prepping its Starliner capsule for the vehicle’s first-ever astronaut launch.  That mission, called Crew Flight Test (CFT), should launch in early May from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending 2 NASA astronauts to the ISS for a roughly 10-day stay.  Boeing’s Starliner, which has suffered several failures and resulting delays, will then augment SpaceX as American options for shuttling personnel to and from the ISS.  (Image credit: Boeing via X.)  Boeing begins fueling Starliner capsule ahead of 1st astronaut launch  3/19/24 https://www.space.com/boeing-begins-fueling-starliner-first-astronaut-launch

NASA is testing the Orion capsule prior to sending astronauts to the moon in it.  (Image credit: NASA Glenn Research Center/YouTube.)  Over the next 8 months, simulated emergencies will include lightning strikes, deafening acoustics, and countless abort scenarios.   After a successful moon voyage, NASA’s Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft helps prepare for the next 3/13/24 https://www.space.com/artemis-1-orion-spacecraft-moon-testing-astronauts

Sprawling out 50 million light-years away from Earth, the Markarian Chain is a string of galaxies.  Two of the galaxies, NGC 4438 and NGC 4435 (AKA The Eyes) appear above, emerging from a close encounter when gravitational tides distorted their stars, gas and dust.  (Image Credit & Copyright: Mike Selby.)  Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations:  https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.   

At the March 19 event, Lake Travis Democrats hosted Wendy Davis, the former State Senator and warrior for Texas women’s health and reproductive rights.  She discussed her new role at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and more with moderator Laurie Higginbotham, local attorney and former Lakeway City Councilmember.  (Image Credit: Lake Travis Democrats.) Topics included AG Paxton’s efforts to track/stop women crossing the Texas border for reproductive care and whether the Texas legislature will enable that via a state law next session, the Allred vs. Cruz race for Senate, ramifications of Dobbs and our state’s abortion ban, likelihood the “personhood” argument will result in a Texas ban on IVF, AG Paxton’s current $2BIL lawsuit against Planned Parenthood, Gov. Abbott’s years-long refusal to accept federal funds for reproductive health, and much more.  Watch the 1 hour video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-jIrZnHdMToTkKdmTpG6jXqvcYhha55a/view

On March 26, the US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the Texas case attempting to ban mifepristone, the main drug approved by the FDA over 20 years ago and now used in medication abortions world-wide.  Want to know more beforehand? Dahlia Lithwick’s March 23 1-hour podcast on Amicus explains the background of the case and what the far-right is really doing.  Listen here (just click the PLAY arrow under the purple SLATE logo to listen for free, without an Apple subscription): How The Mifepristone Case Reached SCOTUS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-the-mifepristone-case-reached-scotus/id928790786?i=1000650157224

On March 26 (and later) you can listen to the oral arguments:

–SCOTUS generally streams live audio, starting at 9AM Central, here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx

–Later in the day, the recording should be available here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_audio/2023

Musician Olivia Rodrigo is promoting awareness and access to reproductive health care in several tangible ways, during her “Guts” world tour.  At her March 12 concert in St Louis, MO, free emergency contraceptives, condoms, and info on abortion access resources and the Missouri Abortion Fund were circulated to fans.  National Network of Abortion Funds will have a booth at all her North American concerts.  Finally, she established Fund 4 Good, to fund community-based nonprofits championing girls education and reproductive rights and preventing gender-based violence.  Olivia Rodrigo Makes Free Emergency Birth Control Pills Available at Missouri Concert After State Narrows Reproductive Rights 3/13/24 https://variety.com/2024/music/news/olivia-rodrigo-plan-b-condoms-contraceptives-concert-1235940694/

Texas strikes again….  The notoriously far-right 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Texas law requiring parental consent for minors to get contraception, even at federally funded Title X clinics.  Since 1970, these clinics have provided free contraception to anyone regardless of age, income or immigration status.  For over 50 years, federal courts Federal courts repeatedly held that clinics cannot require parental consent.  But—no longer, in Texas.  Hmmm, why does THAT timeline for losing reproductive rights sound so familiar?????  5th Circuit upholds Texas law requiring minors to obtain parental consent for contraception 3/13/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/12/texas-parental-consent-birth-control-fifth-circuit-title-x/

The Texas Medical Board released proposed guidance for medical exceptions to the state’s abortion ban.  However, anyone expecting specific and practical help to doctors in saving patients while following the law was sorely disappointed.  Instead of a list of allowed procedures, the proposal just restates general definitions.  The board’s proposed rule defines “medical emergency” as “a life threatening condition aggravated by, caused by or arising from a pregnancy that is certified by a physician places the woman in danger of death or a serious impairment or a major bodily function unless an abortion is performed.”  Plus, the board said its process would be “separate and independent” from any in a criminal trial, instead of shielding doctors prosecuted under the abortion law.  Texas Medical Board proposes new guidance for abortion medical exceptions 3/22/24  https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/22/texas-medical-exception-board-abortion-guidance/

Back to me….

I’m finally over the cold from he$$.  Ugh. 

I have been attending Citizen’s Police Academy, a weekly seminar hosted by Lakeway PD.  The Police Department comes up a lot at the various city meetings I attend, but I’m learning tons from lectures and other training via the seminar.  My ride-along is coming up soon, along with lots of hands-on training.  Any interested Lakeway resident should consider applying for future academy sessions.  Info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1378/Citizens-Police-Academy

Here are a few new deer photos.  The herd is still wearing its winter coat, thick and all roughed up, just in case we get any more cold weather.  Silly deer….

Coronavirus  Update

Covid numbers continue to fall.  As of March 2, the New York Times correlated the CDC’s statistics for the US.  Across the country, a daily average of 4,255 people were being hospitalized for lab-confirmed Covid-19, which is a 11% DROP from 2 weeks ago. Total hospitalizations for lab-confirmed Covid-19 sank by 13% over that time to 16,896 Americans. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/us/covid-cases.html

REMINDER— Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had not gotten the latest vaccine.  So, if you never got the updated Covid booster, get it now.  Those age 65 and older should get ANOTHER dose of the updated vaccination this spring (if 4 or more months have gone by).  Shots are available at local pharmacies. 

If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid.  It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases.  And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking.  Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status.  Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html

Recent Covid-19 Articles

—What’s Next for the Coronavirus? 3/22/24  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/health/coronavirus-evolution-immunity.html

—Eric Topol: Covid, 4 years on 3/13/24  https://erictopol.substack.com/p/covid-4-years-on

—Why covid patients who could most benefit from paxlovid still aren’t getting it 3/13/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/13/grapevine-texas-covid-paxlovid/

—The Fourth Anniversary of the Covid Pandemic 3/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/briefing/covid-pandemic-anniversary.html