Author: Nina Davis

What is going on in Lakeway?

September art display

Lake Travis Community Library features the abstract watercolors of local artist and art teacher Lynn Zwern in the meeting room this month.

Lake Travis Film Festival

September 15-18 the 2022 LTFF will host films and events at pop-up locations in Lakeway and Bee Cave (Hill Country Galleria, High5, ContraCommon, La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Lakeway, Star Hill Ranch, Goga, Bee Cave City Hall, and more).  In addition to film screenings, there will be a screenwriter workshop, live script readings, filmmaker meet and greets, parties and gatherings of all sorts.  Go here for complete info: https://www.laketravisfilmfestival.com/

GIVE BLOOD at Lakeway Activity Center

The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, Sept. 17.  The event is always well organized, clean and friendly, getting folks 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/

Lake Travis Democrats

Monthly club meetings resume after the summer break, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Lakeway Activity Center, 6:00PM social/6:30PM meeting.  Speakers include Rochelle Garza, AG candidate; Janet Dudding, State Comptroller Candidate; Anne Howard, Travis County Commissioner Candidate; and Diana Arevalo, Travis County Democratic Party Campaign Manager. Go here for more info: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/club-activities

Sock Hop at LAC

Lakeway Art Committee presents this fun and FREE event on Monday, Sept. 26, 7-9PM, at Lakeway activity Center.  It features The Highlights, plus musicians from People’s Choice. Renowned singers Barbara Calderaro, David Cummings and Howard T. Levine will provide vocals.  Get dolled up in your best 40s and 50s fashions, and bring snacks and beverages.

Aging Well Expo at LAC

On Tuesday, September 27, 8:30 am-12:30 pm, the Lakeway Activity Center hosts the annual Aging Well Expo, presented by Lake Travis Senior Services.  FREE event!  Enjoy complimentary breakfast and coffee at 8:30 am, plus lunch at noon.  Also–Goody Bags, door prizes, exhibits, expert speakers, and more.  Flu shots will be available.  Speakers will address topics including Medicare changes, scam prevention, Alzheimer’s, things you always wanted to ask a doctor about aging, and more.  Come for the whole morning, or stop by as your schedule allows. Go here for speakers’ schedule and registration: https://ltseniorservices.org/aging-well-expo

Mah Jongg at the Library

Lake Travis Community Library hosts in-person American Mah Jongg, on Mondays, 1pm-4pm. Bring cards if you have them, and join in the fun.

Lake Travis Independent Living is Hiring

Need work?  A stellar employer right here in Lakeway, Lake Travis Independent Living is now hiring concierge/front desk help, as well as kitchen workers, meal servers, director of entertainment, and activities coordinator.  Located in the BSW hospital complex, LTIL has the nicest group of staff AND residents you will find anywhere!  (I’m not doing the hiring, but I work there and am happy to recommend the place.)  For info on each position and to apply, go to Indeed and search for Lake Travis Independent Living: https://www.indeed.com

Video of this year’s Lakeway July 4 Parade

Go here to watch the 7-minute video, created by the Lakeway Heritage Center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uO_AF9rQDQ

National Night Out

National Night Out this year is on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.  This annual event encourages citizen engagement with their neighbors and with the police, to strengthen our community and heighten crime-prevention awareness.  It supports local safety programs and organizes neighborhoods to take a stand against crime.  BONUS—you get to know your neighbors and spend time with friends.

In addition, this year, there will be a special Open House at the Lakeway Police Department from 4-6PM. To register a block party, go here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/FormCenter/Police-Department-12/National-Night-Out-SignUp-Form-87

September is National Preparedness Month

Preparation includes being alert to local emergencies, and a great way to do that is by getting Lakeway’s Voyent Alerts.  Weather, wildfire, traffic incidents/road closures, evacuation notices and more will be sent to you via text, email or voice messages.  Go here to register for this FREE service (available even if you live outside Lakeway city limits) https://voyent-alert.com/us/community/#registration

Student Art Contest for Veterans Day Ceremony

City of Lakeway is now accepting student art entries for the City of Lakeway’s 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony, set for Nov. 11, 2022.  The contest is open to students (K-12 grades) within Lake Travis ISD.  Artwork must be original in design. Digital art is preferred, but hand-painted or physically displayed artwork is also accepted. The winning entry will be featured in the City’s Veterans Day Ceremony promotional materials and the event program. Contest deadline is Oct. 21, 2022. Email info@lakeway-tx.gov or go here for more info– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1663

Lakeway Transportation Bond–$17,500,000–on Nov. 8 Election Ballot

Lakeway residents can vote up or down Proposition A, the city’s $17,500,000 (maximum amount) transportation bond, on the Nov. 8 ballot.  Funds will be used “for the purpose of designing, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, upgrading, updating, and equipping streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, pathways, bike and pedestrian system improvements, demolition, repair, and rebuilding of existing streets and other transportation facilities.”  Details are in the above image.  NOTE: The last 2 items are likely either/or.  If the city can come to agreement with Stratus Development on terms of development and completing The Oaks in a timely fashion, Stratus will build Main Street; in that case, the city will build out Birrell to meet it.  If the city and Stratus cannot agree, then the city will have to build Main Street.

Council meets Monday, Sept. 12 at 6:30pm AND Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 8:00am, both at City Hall. 

The Monday night meeting covers the new budget and tax rate, as well as final (maybe) consideration of the Stratus proposal for The Oaks development and completing Main Street.  The Tuesday morning meeting is an Executive Session (held out of public view) solely to “Interview candidates for City Manager.”

Monday meeting’s consequential items include:

ITEM 10: Amending the 2022 Budget to reflect end of year revenue and expenditures.

ITEM 11: Adopting the 2023 Budget as discussed at recent meetings.

ITEM 12: Adopting the 2022 Property Tax Rate as discussed at recent meetings.

ITEM 13: Follow up from Aug. 15 meeting’s review of Stratus’ requested PUD amendment for The Oaks Phase 2 (where Main St. currently ends: 261 apartments, 28 town homes and an 18-acre park, plus completion of Main Street and a bridge over an environmentally sensitive area).  NOTE: Problem areas include high density, lack of parking (Stratus proposes 440 spaces instead of the code-required 532 for the apartment complex and NONE for the park) and the Main Street completion date (Stratus demands 24 months after a construction contract is executed).  This was POSTPONED last month, with negotiations to continue on removing all the town homes from the proposal (so the park is 18 acres) and having the city compensate Stratus for part of the road/bridge cost (up to $1M, compared to the $1.6M Stratus has demanded).  If agreement is not reached, the City will need to build the portion of Main Street with a bridge running through this tract, via funds on the November ballot as a transportation bond.

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 meetings online (live or later): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Council also meets Monday, Sept. 19, 6:30PM at City Hall.

Agenda will be posted on or around Sept. 13, here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

Artemis 1 is ready to go back to the moon.  OK, the “ready” part is in process.  To date, 2 scheduled launches have been scrubbed on the pad (due to an engine bleed and a hydrogen leak).  The next launch window is Sept. 23-27.  Watch for updates here: https://www.nasa.gov/

The ashes of Nichelle Nichols, who died in July and played Lieutenant Uhura in the original “Star Trek” television series and movie franchise, will be launched into space later this year.  Celestis, a private spaceflight company that partners with NASA, will carry more than 200 capsules containing cremated remains, messages of greetings and DNA samples.  The rocket will send a lunar lander toward the moon, then pass the Webb telescope and enter a stable orbit around the sun with the Celestis Memorial Spaceflight payload. At the end of the rocket’s powered burn and coast phase, the flight will become the Enterprise Station, in tribute to the space opera.  Ashes of other Star Trek luminaries will also be onboard, including creator Gene Roddenberry (whose ashes have reached space on previous flights), his wife Majel Roddenberry (Nurse Chapel and Number One), and James Doohan (Scotty). ‘Star Trek’ legend’s ashes will head to deep space on a Vulcan rocket 8/26/22 https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/26/celebrities/nichelle-nichols-ashes-celestis-flight-star-trek-scn/index.html

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Medication abortion is safer than surgical abortion, and with the latter now illegal in most states, women are opting for abortion pills whenever possible.  Turns out, the rules are a bit fluid right now, and providers are pressing the limits.  Some prescribe pills to those not currently pregnant but at risk of becoming so and to women further along than the FDA’s 10-week suggestion.  Others provide tele-medicine consultations and prescriptions without verifying that patients are in states that permit abortion.  Abortion Pill Providers Experiment With Ways to Broaden Access 9/3/22 https://www.yahoo.com/now/abortion-pill-providers-experiment-ways-152110632.html

Texas November Election

The November 2022 election is less than 2 months away.  Voter registration ends Oct. 11.  Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.  Election Day is Nov. 8.

Texas will elect its Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and many more officials.  The governor’s race in particular will be hot and heavy, and the result is key not just for our state but for the country.  Abortion rights, gun safety, election integrity, immigration policy, the power grid—those are just SOME of the issues to consider when evaluating candidates.  For a long time now, Texas has elected the worst among us.  This time, let’s elect the BEST.

Help Western Travis Democrats turn our corner of Travis County BLUE. We are fundraising now, to purchase yard signs for Beto and the other candidates, at bulk rates, then distribute them to area homeowners.  Your donation will put signs in Lakeway yards!  Go here for more info and to donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/western-travis-democrats-1

This in-depth account covers ALL the Texas races. Just add your address, and it fills in the local races on your ballot. Here’s your ballot for the Nov. 8 Texas midterm elections 8/23/22 https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2022/texas-ballot-2022-midterm-election-nov-8/

Mark your calendar to watch the Beto/Abbott debate on Sept. 30.  Gov. Greg Abbott, Beto O’Rourke agree to debate Sept. 30 in Edinburg 9/1/22  https://www.texastribune.org/2022/09/01/greg-abbott-beto-orourke-debate/

Here’s an entry for biggest understatement ever: “There’s an awful lot of people in Texas who would rather not vote for Dan Patrick.”  See more from and about the Dem candidate for Lt. Governor here: Democrat Mike Collier embraces his GOP past as he tries to unseat Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick 9/8/22  https://www.texastribune.org/2022/09/08/texas-lieutenant-governor-2022-mike-collier-dan-patrick/

More recent articles on Texas elections:

—Tarrant County’s Republican county judge backs Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s Democratic challenger 9/4/22 https://www.texastribune.org/2022/09/04/glen-whitley-mike-collier-dan-patrick/

–Not so fast: Greg Abbott, Texas Republicans face a complex election landscape after abortion ruling, Uvalde shooting 9/6/22  https://www.texastribune.org/2022/09/06/texas-2022-election-greg-abbott-beto-orourke/

—6-Minute video interview of AG candidate Rochelle Garza 9/8/22 https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/video/full-interview-democratic-candidate-for-attorney-general-rochelle-garza/#x

—Mysterious group targeting Gov. Greg Abbott reserves $6 million in TV ads ahead of November election 9/9/22 https://www.texastribune.org/2022/09/09/greg-abbott-beto-orourke-tv-ads/

Candidates aside, Lake Travis ISD (which ALREADY gets the largest chunk of our sky-high property tax payments) will ask voters to approve $703 million in bonds, during the November election.  There are 3 separate bond issues to vote yes or no on–for new facilities, district technology and athletic facilities.  Go here for details: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/education/2022/08/18/lake-travis-isd-to-hold-703-million-bond-election-in-november/

Back to me….  

Over 40 years into being a vegetarian, I decided to get off cow’s milk. After a month experimenting with most of the plant-based milks, I’m going with soy milk.  It has the most protein and the highest nutritional value of all the options.  I love soy’s taste and consistency in cereal, but I’m not completely happy with how it changes my coffee (the other options were worse).  Guess I’ll get used to it….

Our deer herd knows it is fall, even if the weather still screams summer.  Suddenly, their movement patterns are shifting, as the deer are grouping together again.  Fawns are tall and lean, with rapidly fading spots.  Rut season is approaching, with the bucks looking formidable, though the does aren’t impressed.

Here are recent photos I took of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.6 billion shots have been given, with 63.2% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.  

In China, every province is recording infections, and over 60 million people are in lockdown.  In many areas, testing facilities are overrun, food markets are bare, and unemployment has soared.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was down 28%, hospitalizations dropped 9%, and deaths decreased 21%.  We are averaging 66,000new cases per day. 35,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 382 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 13%.  

Since January 2020, at least 1 in 3 people who live in the United States have been infected, and at least 1 in 317 people have died.

The Biden administration’s program to mail test kits to all Americans was suspended as of Sept. 2, due to lack of funds.  During 2022, three batches of tests were shipped to all who requested them, amounting to 350 million kits sent to 70 million homes.  However, Congress has failed to provide funding needed to replenish the national stockpile of testing kits. 

A study done in Israel recently found that Pfizer’s Covid treatment Paxlovid was effective in reducing hospitalization and death in patients over 65, with less efficacy in younger patients.  In the US, Paxlovid is recommended to be taken soon after infection onset for patients 50 and over or at high risk for serious disease.

Native American populations have the highest death rate in the US, across all age groups.  This is despite higher vaccination rates than other minorities.  Explanations include high rates of complicating health factors (including obesity and diabetes), widespread poverty, typically poor medical care, and multi-generational living that enables Covid spread.

As for vaccinations in the US, 68% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in last 2 weeks).  Nearly 109 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day fell to 96,000.  

On Aug, 31, the FDA approved 2 new vaccines, made by Pfizer and Moderna and targeting the latest Omicron variants, including now-dominant BA.5.  People age 12 and older are eligible, and the new booster can be given as soon as 2 months after the last initial shot or booster. Among those eligible for the shot, people who haven’t gotten a booster yet in 2022 have the most critical need for the new booster.

The new bivalent Covid-19 vaccine shots will soon be available nationwide, targeting the latest Omicron variants.  As far as timing the new booster, experts say that people generally should wait around four to six months after the last immunization or infection, in order to maximize immune response.  The CDC estimates that getting the new Covid shot will save 9,000 lives and avoid 100,000 hospitalizations. Going forward, the plan is to have new boosters every fall, formulated to guard against the latest variants, much like flu shots are formulated for the latest virus.

The new vaccines, targeted to prevent infection by current versions of the virus, should be available nationwide in September.  However, vaccination efforts at the local, state and federal level are now hampered by lack of funding.  Over the last year, and especially the last 6 months, vaccination sites have closed all over the country.  To date, Congress has failed to provide continued funding for Covid prevention, including vaccination and testing centers.  So, this time, most of the shots will be given at pharmacies and in doctors’ offices.  As always, the Covid vaccination are free to patients, but lack of funding means providers may not be compensated for shots given to uninsured patients. 

In Texas, the positivity test rate is 20%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 20%, hospitalizations dropped 10%, and deaths fell 29%.  We are averaging 6,000 new daily cases, and an average of 20 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 2,900 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

4 things to know about the bivalent booster campaign rollout 9/8/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/09/08/bivalent-booster-cdc-covid-00055346

What to Know About the New Booster Shots 8/31/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/31/well/covid-booster-shots-variants.html

FDA authorizes first revamp of COVID vaccines to target omicron 8/31/22 https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/08/31/1120241293/fda-authorizes-first-revamp-of-covid-vaccines-to-target-omicron

Paxlovid Cuts Covid Deaths Among Older People, Israeli Study Finds 8/30/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/health/paxlovid-efficacy-seniors.html

The government will no longer be sending free COVID-19 tests to Americans 8/29/22 https://www.npr.org/2022/08/29/1119880329/the-government-will-no-longer-be-sending-free-covid-19-tests-to-americans

Fall Vaccination Campaign Will Bring New Shots, Worse Access 8/28/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/28/health/covid-vaccines-money.html

If You’re Suffering After Being Sick With Covid, It’s Not Just in Your Head 8/25/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/25/opinion/long-covid-pandemic.html

What is going on in Lakeway?

Celebration in honor of City Manager Julie Oakley

Attend a casual, come-and-go style gathering on Tuesday, August 30, 4:30PM-6PM at City Hall.  Julie’s last day is Sept. 2, so don’t miss this chance to wish her well.  (Assistant City Manager Joseph Molis will serve as Interim City Manager upon her departure.) 

Display YOUR Art at Lake Travis Community Library!

The library’s meeting room displays local art, rotating monthly.  In September, Friends of the Library Art Committee Apply selects artists to be featured in 2023.  To showcase your art, pick up an application at the library or contact (512) 263-2885 or librarian@laketravislibrary.org

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the lobby you can drop off non-perishable or canned food items, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance.

Want to sell stuff?  LAC members–$30 per booth; Non-Members–$35 per booth.  Call 512-261-1010 to reserve a booth, space permitting.

MISSING DOGGIE—Help Find Leia the Mini Labradoodle.

Leia is still missing.  Her owners think she may have been sold. 

Leia is a 1.5 year old spayed female, weighing 16 lbs., with green eyes, a pink nose, and a red/brown coat.  She is microchipped.  She was wearing a light blue harness.

She disappeared June 26 from a dog sitter’s care in Stoney Creek condos on Lakeway Blvd. (just below Lakeway Drive, near Chandon and backing Live Oak Golf Course).  Her humans and her litter mate, Luke, miss her terribly. There is a REWARD.  Here is the owners’ website, with updated info.  You can contact them with any sightings, as well as make a donation to help cover search efforts. https://findleia.com/

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/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1584

OAK TRIMMING Season

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is allowed July-January.  But, when trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Witches Ride is Back

Register now (at no charge, but staff needs numbers for planning) for this year’s Witches Ride, happening on Saturday, October 22.  That night, residents will gather on bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, skates, scooters, wheelchairs, golf carts, wagons, and their own walking feet on Live Oak Golf Course’s Driving Range. Parks & Rec will provide decorations for the “flight” down Lakeway Drive. Decorate at 5:30PM, ride/roll/stroll at 6PM, then enjoy the carnival until 9PM.   FREE for everyone.  For more info and registration, go there: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1882/Witches-Ride

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include Environmental Coordinator, Emergency Management Coordinator, Chief Building Official, Senior Administrative Assistant, and Finance Director.  Go here for info and to apply: https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

ZAPCO meets Wednesday, Sept. 7, 9AM, at City Hall.

Check for the Agenda here, after Sept. 1: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Council met Monday, Aug. 15, 6:30PM at City Hall, debating airpark rules, Stratus development project/Main Street, property tax rate, transportation bond, Ethics Code changes on employee gifts (yes, AGAIN), and more.

RESULTS:

ITEM 7: Appointing Joseph Molis as Interim City Manager.  UNANIMOUSLY passed (as part of Consent Agenda)

ITEM 14: Financial Report.  REVENUE is $1,049,927 OVER budget projections, and EXPENDITURES are $414,932 UNDER budget projections.

ITEM 15: Officer Pinning Ceremony.  NEW OFFICERS Kent Kurz and Timothy Stack were WELCOMED to Lakeway.

ITEM 17: Ordinance amending Aviation District zoning rules (commercial activity, flying clubs, night flights, flying lessons, aircraft rentals, and more), including presentation by the study committee chair.  RECOMMENDED ORDINANCE CHANGES UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, with modifications suggested by the city’s aviation attorney, an effective date of Nov. 1, and the understanding that enforcement provisions will be set up in the interim.

ITEM 18: Accepting $15,000 Donation to City of Lakeway, for Employee Medical Expenses and Victims Assistance Program, from Mayor Tom and Mrs. Caren Kilgore. APPROVED 4/2 (Mayor Kilgore having recused himself, with Trecker and Szimanski against).

ITEM 19: Stratus’ requested PUD amendment for The Oaks Phase 2 (where Main St. currently ends: 261 apartments, 28 townhomes and a 12-acre park, plus completion of Main Street and a bridge over an environmentally sensitive area).  After discussion, this was POSTPONED until Council’s Sept. 12 meeting, with negotiations to continue on removing all the townhomes from the proposal (so the park is 18 acres) and having the city compensate Stratus for part of the road/bridge cost (up to $1M, compared to the $1.6MIL Stratus now demands).

ITEM 20: Special Use Permit (50 years) for a car wash at 1501 RR 620 S.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 21: Special Use Permit (50 years) for expansion of CubeSmart Self Storage at 15616 Stewart Road.  APPROVED.

ITEM 23: Final Plat of The Enclave at Lohmans Phase 2 (part of The Square at Lohmans Crossing approved PUD, including Main Street, Lohmans Spur, the Roundabout, and the townhouse lots).  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 25: Approve FY 2023 Budget and Propose 2022 Tax Rate.  Various PARKS PROJECTS were reviewed, with at least partial work on priorities (Heritage Center, Live Oak Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts, Activity Center, Swim Center, and Hurst Creek Greenbelt/Sailmaster parking being moved forward to some extent. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED a budget as crafted over the summer.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED a maximum property tax rate of 0.1290, being the no new tax rate and providing an average tax savings of $40/household.  (Final action on both matters to happen in September.)

ADDENDUM ITEM A-1: Ordinance calling a Bond Election on Nov. 8, 2022.  APPROVED at $17,500,000 (costing $80/household, and the vote being 6/1, Szimanski against), with the understanding that even if approved by residents in November, the entire amount need not be issued, but the funds to complete Main Street—with a bridge—would be available IF the city cannot reach a feasible agreement with Stratus.

ITEM 27: Starting REGULAR Council meetings (on 3^rd Mondays/Tuesdays) at 6:00PM (instead of 6:30PM).  APPROVED (starting in October).

ITEM 28: Reconsideration of action taken at the last meeting as to proposed Ethics Code changes re: gifts to police and other city employees. DENIED request to handle the matter piecemeal now, but APPROVED an additional instruction to Ethics Committee to provide alternative recommendations in time to be heard at Council’s October regular meeting (5/2, Trecker and Szimanski against).

ITEM 29: Resolution to join with other local municipalities and direct LCRA to protect the city’s future water supply with certain water management policies.  PASSED 5/2 (Vance and Mastrangelo against).

ITEM 30: Citizens Participation.  THREE PEOPLE ranted with reckless disregard for truth, justice and the American way.

ITEM 31: Executive Session on Lakeway MUD property request. NO ACTION TAKEN.

ADJOURNED at 1:19AM.

View the 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/178876

Daring Mighty Things

The Webb space telescope recently sent home this incredible image of Jupiter.

Webb also provided gorgeous details of the “winking galaxies” featured in the 1946 holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Stephan’s Quintet: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ — and a wonderful James Webb Space Telescope image! 8/19/22 https://www.space.com/stephans-quintet-its-a-wonderful-life

9/6/22 UPDATE: The Artemis launch was scrubbed AGAIN on Saturday morning, Sept. 3, due to a hydrogen leak. The next launch window is  Sept. 19-Oct. 4.  Watch for updates here: https://www.nasa.gov/

8/29/22 UPDATE: The Artemis launch was scrubbed Monday morning due to an engine bleed.  Next available window is Friday morning, Sept. 2. Watch for confirmation here: https://www.nasa.gov/

Artemis 1 is ready to go back to the moon.  The uncrewed mission is scheduled to launch on Aug. 29.  Its moon-orbiting assignment paves the way for a crewed moonshot in 2024, followed by a moon landing in 2025.  NASA’s Artemis 1 megarocket rolls back to launch pad for moon mission 8/17/22 https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-1-moon-megarocket-launch-pad-rollout

Launch is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 29, 8:30AM Eastern/7:30AM Central.  Here is how you can watch it: https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-1-sls-moon-rocket-launch-webcasts

Why not celebrate with a doughnut?  ONLY on Monday, Aug. 29, Krispy Kreme will offer its Artemis Moon Doughnut, featuring cheesecake filling and dipped in cookies and cream icing with a swirl of cookie pieces.

To commemorate the Artemis program, 2 astro-photographers created this composite image showing the moon in the most detailed ever.

Even Snoopy has moon fever.  Snoopy is ‘home again’ on revived NASA poster promoting Artemis I mission success 8/18/22 https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-moon-mission-snoopy-poster

Remember the Apollo moon missions? This article has astronaut recollections and iconic photos from our past moon visits.  ‘Look closely and there’s a tear in Armstrong’s eye’: the Apollo space missions as you’ve never seen them before 8/26/22 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/aug/26/apollo-space-moon-missions-photographs-remastered-neil-armstrong

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

As of Aug. 25, abortion is illegal in Texas at any point during pregnancy under the so-called trigger law now in effect.  It increases criminal and civil penalties for violations.  Abortion was effectively outlawed in Texas under a statute predating Roe v. Wade. Plus, the procedure was severely curtailed in Texas since September of 2021, when a state law took effect prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.  Texans who perform abortions now face up to life in prison, $100,000 fine 8/25/22  https://www.texastribune.org/2022/08/25/texas-trigger-law-abortion/

The far-right’s newest strategy to ban abortion nation-wide is to grant personhood from the moment of conception, thus making any pregnancy termination murder.  Yet another reason to VOTE DEMOCRAT!  Is a Fetus a Person? An Anti-Abortion Strategy Says Yes. 8/21/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/21/us/abortion-anti-fetus-person.html

This 35-minute podcast examines the current push from the right to criminalize abortion as murder, with no exceptions.   Over a dozen states controlled by Republicans are considering this type of legislation, some even pressing for the death penalty for women and those who help them end pregnancies.  The Effort to Punish Women for Having Abortions 8/23/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/23/podcasts/the-daily/abortion-abolition-roe-v-wade.html?rref=vanity

Rape and domestic violence have always been rampant in Texas.  Now, we have forced pregnancy.  Texas has always been tough on women 8/21/22  https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2022/08/21/commentary-texas-has-always-been-tough-on-women-its-worse-now/65407739007/

But, it isn’t just Texas.  Women are still on the losing side of double standards worldwide.  Women’s Work Is Never Done 8/27/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/27/opinion/sanna-marin-women-abortion.html

Keep these things in mind when you vote!

Texas November Election

The November 2022 election is headed our way.  Voter registration ends Oct. 11.  Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.  Election Day is Nov. 8.

Texas will elect its Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and many more officials.  The governor’s race in particular will be hot and heavy, and the result is key not just for our state but for the country.  Abortion rights, gun safety, election integrity, immigration policy, the power grid—those are just SOME of the issues to consider when evaluating candidates.  For a long time now, Texas has elected the worst among us.  This time, let’s elect the BEST. This article covers ALL the Texas races. Just add your address, and it fills in the local races on your ballot. Here’s your ballot for the Nov. 8 Texas midterm elections 8/23/22 https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2022/texas-ballot-2022-midterm-election-nov-8/

Travis County needs POLL WORKERS.  They train and pay; you can request your preferred location.  Anyone interested in working Early Voting (choose morning or afternoon shift) and/or Election Day (work the entire day), go here to get started: https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/election-workers/poll-worker-form/

I’m the new Democratic Precinct Chair for 375 (the blue squarish area in the above image).  Your 2022 voter registration card shows your precinct number.  Or, go here and fill in your details for Voter Lookup: https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do

Several Lake Travis area precincts are working together as a Super Precinct.  We are supporting Beto O’Rourke, Mike Collier, Rochelle Garza, and Democratic candidates all the way down the ballot. 

Now, we are gearing up for the November election, starting with block-walking.  People will be walking their home streets and immediate neighborhoods, using our custom maps of likely Democratic voters and handing out Travis County Democratic Party literature.  If you live in Precinct 375 and are interested in getting involved, I would love to hear from you.  Email me at macwestie99@gmail.com

Candidates aside, Lake Travis ISD (which ALREADY gets the largest chunk of our sky-high property tax payments) will ask voters to approve $703 million in bonds, during the November election.  There are 3 separate bond issues to vote yes or no on–for new facilities, district technology and athletic facilities.  Go here for details: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/education/2022/08/18/lake-travis-isd-to-hold-703-million-bond-election-in-november/

Back to me….  

I’ve been busy working a new job, praying for rain, and jumping into Dem Precinct Chair duties.  Of course, I have to dress the part for THAT….

Over 40 years into being a vegetarian, I decided to get off cow’s milk.  So, I’m auditioning several of the options. So far, I’ve tried soy, rice, almond, and oat milks.  Coconut is up next, and I want to try pea and hemp milks.  As of now, soy is the winner….

I had a few early morning commitments, and a couple other days my morning walks got rained out.  But, here are recent photos I took of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.6 billion shots have been given, with 63% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.

The Marshall Islands, located halfway between Hawaii and the Philippines, is just now having its very first Covid surge.  The remote island nation had no community spread in over 2 years and zero cases in 2021.  Nevertheless, 4,000 people (out of 60,000 total living in the islands) suddenly tested positive in early August.  The capitol city of Majuro is particularly hard hit.  Despite a high vaccination rate (72% of people in Majuro), hospitalizations are climbing; plus, there is a high infection rate among health care workers so many facilities are short-staffed.  The US government has provided CDC staff and Covid treatments including Paxlovid.

China’s latest surge and lockdown is in the city of Chongqing.  Over 10 million people were required to undergo mandatory testing last week, during a heat wave and severe drought.  With temperatures over 100 degrees and power outages from high demand, the streets were jammed with people waiting all day in line for testing.  In the distance, smoke from heat-sparked wildfires stained the sky.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was down 13%, hospitalizations dropped 11%, and deaths decreased 2%.  We are averaging 91,000 new cases per day. 38,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 481 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 15%.  

First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for the coronavirus on Aug. 15.  She reported mild symptoms, was prescribed Paxlovid, and quarantined in South Carolina (where she and President Biden had been vacationing).  She tested negative and returned to her Delaware home on Aug. 22.  Then, on Aug. 24, she remained symptom-free but tested positive, in what is known as Paxlovid rebound.  She will remain isolated in Delaware until testing negative again.

THANK YOU, DR. FAUCI !

Dr. Anthony Fauci announced on Aug. 22 that he will leave government service in December “to pursue the next chapter” of his career.  Age 82 at that time, he will step down as President Biden’s top medical adviser and as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; he held the latter position for 38 years, with over 50 years of service to the agency.

About 16 million Americans have suffered extended Covid symptoms, known as long Covid.  Currently, roughly 4 million are out of work, due to their continuing illness. 

As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 12 weeks).  Nearly 109 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day fell to 193,000.   

The next generation of coronavirus booster shots should be available to Americans age 12 and older as soon as September.  Both Moderna and Pfizer have requested emergency authorization from the FDA for booster shots aimed at BA.5 and another subvariant of Omicron.  Early review shows the new shots, which target the versions of the virus NOW circulating, are effective and safe.  Getting the new shots in arms this fall should minimize the usual winter surge in Covid cases.

Moderna has sued Pfizer and BioNTech over the Covid vaccines.  Moderna claims competitors infringed on patents by copying its groundbreaking mRNA technology.

In Texas, the positivity test rate is 25%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 23%, hospitalizations dropped 26%, and deaths fell 10%.  We are averaging 7,500 new daily cases, and an average of 28 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 2,700 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.

For the first time since mid-June, as of Aug. 19 Travis County’s COVID-19 spread dropped to a low level, using CDC guidelines.  CDC Covid threat levels are based on three things: transmission level (the number of recorded cases per 100,000 people), the number of new COVID-19 cases in area hospitals per 100,000 people, and the percentage of hospital beds taken up by people with COVID-19.  Travis County’s transmission rate was 178.5, below the 200 rate that would push it to the medium level. Hospitalizations for Travis County that week were 8.1 for new admissions. The percentage of people in the hospital with COVID-19 was down to 3.4%.  With a low level of spread, CDC guidelines recommend that people up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters who are not at risk for severe disease don’t need to take precautions such as masking. 

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

Moderna sues Pfizer and BioNTech for patent infringement on Covid vaccine technology  8/26/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/26/moderna-sues-pfizer-biontech-patent-infringement-00053903

Biden Administration Plans for New Booster Campaign Soon After Labor Day 8/23/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/23/us/politics/covid-booster-shots-biden.html

‘Most have thrown their hands up’: has the US forgotten about Covid? 8/19/22 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/19/us-covid-cases-mandates-deaths

Walensky, Citing Botched Pandemic Response, Calls for C.D.C. Reorganization 8/17/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/17/us/politics/cdc-rochelle-walensky-covid.html

Covid vaccine designed to target two variants approved for use in UK 8/15/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/15/covid-vaccine-two-variants-approved-use-in-uk-moderna-omicron

‘Living with Covid’ should be countered by containing the virus once and for all 8/15/22 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/aug/15/cdc-living-with-covid-should-be-countered-by-containing-virus

‘Left to rot’: The lonely plight of long Covid sufferers 8/14/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/14/left-to-rot-long-covid-patients-around-the-world-call-for-more-government-action-00051161

What is going on in Lakeway?

School starts Tuesday, Aug. 16

LTISD classes start this coming week, on Aug. 16.  Expect even MORE traffic and confusion than usual; with limited bus routes available (due to the bus driver shortage), there will be more parents driving kids to and from school.  So, allow more time for travel around school drop off and pick up times.

LTISD Desperately Needs Bus Drivers

The shortage of drivers is so severe that bus service is heavily restricted for the beginning of the school year.  With recent raises, salary STARTS at $23/hour.  Apply here: https://www.ltisdschools.org/

Lakeway Police Alert

Our police department last week had to issue a warning for residents to STOP leaving cars parked in driveways unlocked with KEYS INSIDE.  Also, as to homes, we were reminded to LOCK WINDOWS AND DOORS when leaving the house.  It seems we are reckless morons here in Lakeway, and there has been a rash of thieves taking advantage of that.

August Art Display at Lake Travis Community Library

This month’s art display in the meeting room is the colorful and travel inspired watercolor collection of Ben Kuenemann.  His painting St. Mark’s Square will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to benefit the library.

Lights Out, Texas!

Audubon Texas urges Texans to turn off exterior lights where possible during the fall bird migration, 11PM-6AM, Aug. 15-Nov. 30.

As they say: “Each year during fall and spring migrations, nearly two billion birds travel through Texas in one of the planet’s greatest wildlife spectacles. This fall, one in every three birds migrating through the U.S. will pass through Texas from August 15 through November 30.” Go here for more: https://tx.audubon.org/urbanconservation/lights-out-texas

Cool Arts Show & Studio Tour

Lakeway Arts Committee hosts the 7th annual Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour, including fine visual arts created by 20 Lakeway-area artists, with live music by Christian Wiggs Trio. Paintings, jewelry, pottery and more will be available. The event also features face painting, art projects and more for the kids, plus food trucks.

SHOW is Saturday, August 27, 1-5PM at LAC (105 Cross Creek).  

STUDIO TOURS are Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28.  (Locations to be announced.) Go here for more info (including a preview of upcoming studio tours): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1858/Cool-Arts-Show-Studio-Tour

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8AM to noon.  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable or canned food items, to be donated to local food banks and charities. You can also donate new or lightly used children’s books, for the Free Little Books Bin at the entrance. 

Want to sell stuff? LAC members–$30 per booth; Non-Members–$35 per booth.  Call 512-261-1010 to reserve a booth.

MISSING DOGGIE—Help Find Leia the Mini Labradoodle

Leia is still missing.  Her owners think she may have been sold. 

She disappeared June 26 from a dog sitter’s care in Stoney Creek condos on Lakeway Blvd. (just below Lakeway Drive, near Chandon and backing Live Oak Golf Course).  Her humans and her litter mate, Luke, miss her terribly. There is a REWARD. 

Leia is a 1.5 year old spayed female, weighing 16 lbs., with green eyes, a pink nose, and a red/brown coat.  She is microchipped.  She was wearing a light blue harness. Here is the owners’ website, with updated info.  You can contact them with any sightings, as well as make a donation to help cover search efforts. https://findleia.com/

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on August 11.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/455040126496732

Council met Monday, Aug. 1, debating residential daycare businesses, Code of Ethics/gifts to police officers, increasing the homestead over 65 property tax exemption, 2023 budget, and more.

I predicted a steep learning curve for the 2 new Council members, but as of August it is getting tedious.  Add in what looked to me like blatant political machinations and off the charts self-absorption, and you have this meeting where the city’s business did NOT get done (despite some heroic efforts by others).  Truly, the verbal mayhem on the dais Aug. 1 was uglier than the physical attack in the audience at the previous meeting. 

Also, if they want shorter meetings (as was mentioned), STOP ALL THE BREAKS.  3-4 breaks eat up nearly an hour.  When someone has a call of nature, they should just excuse themselves; as long as 4 members remain on the dais, it won’t break quorum, and adults really don’t need to go potty as a group.  Otherwise, keep your butt in the chair, pay attention, listen more than talk, behave yourself, aim for doing the right thing for Lakeway, don’t sulk like a badly-parented toddler, don’t read speeches OR indulge in personal over-sharing OR blather on just to hear your own voice/push a political agenda, and DO THE WORK–so everyone can get home at a decent hour with Lakeway a little bit better place to live.

RESULTS:  The mayor and all 6 Councilmembers attended in person.

ITEM 3: MOMENT OF SILENCE for Chuck Petter, who recently passed after over 25 years of service to Lakeway’s City Building Commission.

ITEM 6: Arts Committee 2023 Budget Request ($55,000). UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED adding this item to the proposed budget for consideration in full.

ITEM 7: Work Session—2023 Budget.

Per City Manager Oakley, all necessary tax information has been received from Travis County.  The confirmed no new tax rate is 0.1290 (down significantly from the current 0.1545 and 0.1645 last year).  This results in $40 average savings to homeowners.  As always, homeowners’ property tax payment goes largely to LTISD, Travis County and various other taxing authorities, with City of Lakeway’s share around 7%.  Hotel Occupancy Tax funds held by Lakeway will total around $9.5M in the coming year, but state law strictly limits how these funds may be spent.  Council will formally propose the tax rate at the Aug. 15 meeting, while the Sept. 12 meeting is the required public hearing, and Council will adopt the budget and tax rate at the Sept. 19 meeting.

ITEM 8: Revising the Home Occupation ordinance to add a special section covering DAYCARE operations. 

State law recognizes 3 categories of daycare centers—listed, registered and licensed.  Departing from decisions reached last month, Council VOTED 5/2 to require ZAPCO and Council review of ALL residential daycare SUPs, whether a listed or registered facility.  (A licensed facility must be in a commercial area.)  As to an extra/relief worker, the business owner can make that request in the SUP application, to be evaluated case-by-case.

ITEM 9: Revising the Code of Ethics, including regulating GIFTS TO CITY EMPLOYEES (police officers and others).

Council reviewed requested language, with any single gift over $50 needing approval by a committee (City Manager, Asst. City Manager, and the employee’s department head), the committee having just 72 hours to act.  Also, the new gift rules would apply to an employee’s family members.  After numerous bizarre statements that took things far off the rails of decorum, accuracy and sanity, Council VOTED TO REJECT THE ENTIRE PROPOSED ORDINANCE UPDATE and send it back to Ethics Committee (apparently in hopes of a miracle from on high to resolve things).  This means that ALL city employees, including police, remain subject to the Ethics Code’s existing gift limit of $50 PER YEAR, period.  Since our Charter only allows the Ethics Committee to fix this, a drastic option is to put a Charter amendment on the ballot.

ITEM 10: Revising the ordinance to increase the Over Age 65 Property Tax Homestead Exemption from the current $15,000 to $30,000.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEM 11: Discussion of changing the time for Council meetings.  The CONSENSUS was agreement to start REGULAR (3^rd Monday) meetings at 6:00PM, instead of 6:30PM, as of September, after officially amending the controlling ordinance at the Aug. 15 meeting.  (NOTE: SPECIAL meetings can be called for any day and set for any time specified in the Agenda.)

ADDENDUM added 2 items—

A-1 Interim Legislative Agenda  State issues including the need for more sheriffs and constables on our state highways, a pilot safety program for HWY 71, and cooperation between LTISD Board and police officers were discussed.  CONSENSUS was that at this early stage any elected official can advocate generally on these issues.

A-2 Transportation Bond   Proposed legal language for the bond proposal was discussed.  CONSENSUS was that staff work with the bond attorney to drop the smaller $5M Serene Hills/Delsie Drive bond and remove the Flint Rock/Medical Parkway signal from the larger $17.9M bond. The result will be a single bond of $17.5M, covering several road improvements (itemized at the July meeting but including mill and resurface of Lakeway BLVD/ Lakeway DR/Lohmans Crossing, plus building the Stratus share of Main Street with a bridge, culvert repairs, 2 traffic signals and more).  Language will be considered and adopted at the Aug. 15 meeting, since Aug 22 is the deadline to get the transportation bond on the November ballot.  There will be no parks bond this year.

ADJOURNED 11:56PM.

View the 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/178075

ZAPCO met Wednesday, Aug, 3, 9AM, at City Hall.

The Aviation Committee’s proposed ordinance changes covering airpark activity (commercial activity, flying clubs, night flights, flying lessons, aircraft rentals, and more) were recommended to Council (with 2 relatively minor amendments). 

Stratus’ requested PUD amendment for The Oaks (261 apartments, 28 townhomes and an 18-acre park, plus completion of Main Street and a bridge over an environmentally sensitive area) was recommended to Council (with a minor amendment).  Look for Council to explore the lack of parking (for the apartment complex—just 440 spaces instead of the code-required 532–AND the park area) and the Main Street completion date.

Legend’s requested PUD amendment for Tuscan Village 2 (270 dwellings on 17 acres, located on Lohmans next to the police station) was needed to coordinate constructing Main Street for the adjacent Square at Lohmans.  It was recommended to Council, BUT ZAPCO denied the unrelated request to remove the age 55 and over restriction the developer originally demanded over a decade ago for this project.  (Senior housing is routinely allowed to be more dense, in part because the lack of kids means far fewer car trips, yet the developer is not offering to build fewer dwellings in exchange for opening them up to all ages.)  Look for Legends to cry like a baby before Council, but Council will need a super-majority to overrule ZAPCO on the age restriction.

View the Meeting Packet and/or Presentation (scrolling down to ZAPCO documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Go here to watch the ZAPCO meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/178224

Council will meet Monday, Aug. 15, 6:30PM at City Hall, debating airpark rules, Stratus development project/Main Street, property tax rate, transportation bond, Ethics Code changes on employee gifts (yes, AGAIN), and more.

Consequential items include: 

ITEM 7: Appointing Joseph Molis as Interim City Manager.

ITEM 14: Financial Report.

ITEM 15: Officer Pinning Ceremony.

ITEM 17: Ordinance amending Aviation District zoning rules (commercial activity, flying clubs, night flights, flying lessons, aircraft rentals, and more), including presentation by the study committee chair.

ITEM 18: Accepting $15,000 Donation to City of Lakeway, for Employee Medical Expenses and Victims Assistance Program, from Mayor Tom and Mrs. Caren Kilgore.

ITEM 19: Stratus’ requested PUD amendment for The Oaks Phase 2 (where Main St. currently ends: 261 apartments, 28 townhomes and an 18-acre park, plus completion of Main Street and a bridge over an environmentally sensitive area).  NOTE: Problem areas include high density, lack of parking (Stratus proposes 440 spaces instead of the code-required 532 for the apartment complex and NONE for the park) and the Main Street completion date (Stratus demands 24 months after a construction contract is executed).

ITEM 20: Special Use Permit (50 years) for a car wash at 1501 RR 620 S.

ITEM 21: Special Use Permit (50 years) for expansion of CubeSmart Self Storage at 15616 Stewart Road.

ITEM 23: Final Plat of The Enclave at Lohmans Phase 2 (part of The Square at Lohmans Crossing approved PUD, including Main Street, Lohmans Spur, the Roundabout, and the townhouse lots).

ITEM 25: Approve FY 2023 Budget and Propose 2022 Tax Rate.

ITEM 26: Calling a Bond Election on Nov. 8, 2022.  NOTE: The bond is for various transportation projects.  The amount is EITHER $13,300,000 OR $17,500,000, depending on whether Council approves the Stratus PUD amendment (see above); if not, the city will have to build that section of Main Street, and the bond will be $17,500,000.

ITEM 27: Starting REGULAR Council meetings (on 3^rd Mondays/Tuesdays) at 6:00PM (instead of 6:30PM).

ITEM 28: Reconsideration of action taken at the last meeting as to proposed Ethics Code changes re: gifts to police and other city employees.

ITEM 30: Citizens Participation. (The bad behavior of one rotten apple last month got this item shoved to the end of the agenda, a detriment to everyone–shame on you, Nancy….)

ITEM 31: Executive Session on Lakeway MUD property request.

View the 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

The amazing Webb interstellar telescope captured this breath-taking image of the Cartwheel galaxy, which is about 500 million light-years from Earth.  This picturesque galaxy was created eons ago when 2 smaller galaxies collided.  Webb Captures Stellar Gymnastics in The Cartwheel Galaxy 8/2/22 https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2022/webb-captures-stellar-gymnastics-in-the-cartwheel-galaxy

Ghost Robotics has created robots modeled on dogs, and they will be tested at Cape Canaveral, specifically for damage assessment and patrol.  The robots respond to voice commands, and can be operated autonomously or by a human controller.  Planned uses include military, emergency management, public safety and industrial inspection. US Space Force tests robot dogs to patrol Cape Canaveral 8/8/22  https://www.space.com/space-force-robot-dogs-cape-canaveral

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Well, this was refreshing!  If deep-red Kansas can vote overwhelmingly to protect women’s rights, any state can, including Texas.  The Kansas victory shows that Democrats can fight for abortion rights and win  8/4/22  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/aug/04/the-kansas-victory-shows-that-democrats-can-fight-for-abortion-rights-and-win

Ugh, maybe not ANY state.  Indiana’s lawmakers went the other way, imposing a near-total ban.  Indiana becomes first US state post-Roe to ban most abortions 8/6/22  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/06/indiana-assembly-passes-anti-abortion-bill-sends-it-to-governor

August 26 is traditionally Women’s Equality Day.  The League of Women Voters has a plan for celebrating the day in this troubled year of INequality.  https://www.lwv.org/equal-rights/womens-inequality-day?utm_source

Texas November Election

The November 2022 election is coming up fast.  Voter registration ends Oct. 11.  Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.  Election Day is Nov. 8.

Texas will elect its Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and many more officials.  The governor’s race in particular will be hot and heavy, and the result is key not just for our state but for the country.  Abortion rights, gun safety, election integrity, immigration policy, the power grid—those are just SOME of the issues to consider when evaluating candidates.  For a long time now, Texas has elected the worst among us.  This time, let’s elect the BEST.

Travis County needs POLL WORKERS.  They train and pay; you can request your preferred location.  Anyone interested in working Early Voting (choose morning or afternoon shift) and/or Election Day (work the entire day), go here to get started: https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/election-workers/poll-worker-form/

I’m the new Democratic Precinct Chair for 375 (that blue squarish area in the above image).  Your 2022 voter registration card shows your precinct number.  Or, go here and fill in your details for Voter Lookup: https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do 

Several Lake Travis area precincts are working together as a Super Precinct.  We are supporting Beto O’Rourke, Mike Collier, Rochelle Garza, and Democratic candidates all the way down the ballot.  Go here and put your address in to see your sample ballot: https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Sample_Ballot

Now, we are starting to gear up for the November election, starting with block-walking.  People will be walking their home streets and immediate neighborhoods, using our custom maps of likely Democratic voters and handing out Travis County Democratic Party literature.  If you live in Precinct 375 and are interested in getting involved, email me at macwestie99@gmail.com

Back to me….  

It is hot—hot—hot in Texas.  It has FELT LIKE August since May, and now August is here for real.  Please put out water for wildlife and strays, in the shade if possible.  A bucket, plastic bin, planter tray, or an old pot will do.  Rinse and add fresh water daily, so you don’t breed mosquitoes.

Wildlife Committee’s 2 new banners (featuring delightful does) are up!  DEER LIVE HERE, TOO.  These will rotate among Old Lakeway locations until rut season in late fall, when the buck banners take their place. 

We are also working on getting more yellow diamond deer crossing signs erected, specifically near Old Lakeway locations with the highest number of deer/vehicle accidents.  It is a process….  Don’t wait—SLOW DOWN and DRIVE CAREFULLY, right now.

Fawns have been largely elusive lately. Here are recent photos I took of our herd, including bucks and does (plus a close friend).

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.4 billion shots have been given, with 62.8% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.

Japan is struggling with a surge in cases, its worst during the entire pandemic, thanks to the BA.5 subvariant.  Over half its new cases are concentrated in people age 30 and younger.

China’s lockdowns proliferate amid its latest Covid surge, and its tourist hubs are compromised. On Aug. 6, over 80,000 tourists were caught in the sudden lockdown of Sanya, a beach resort in southern China.  They cannot leave until testing negative for Covid on 5 PCR tests over 7 days.  Tibet is also experiencing a surge of cases, its first in the entire pandemic; to date, there is no lockdown, but mass testing is going on in Tibet’s 2 largest cities, Lhasa and Shigatse.

Australia reports that Covid-19 is now the 3^rd cause of death there, after heart disease and dementia.

North Korea’s dictator announced last week that his country’s Covid outbreak was vanquished, providing no details.  Experts are skeptical, as the isolated and impoverished country completely lacks Covid testing, treatment and vaccines.

New Zealand on August 1 reopened its borders completely to international visitors, for the first time since early 2020.  This is despite being one of the top seven countries worldwide for average daily Covid cases per 100,000 people.

In the European Union, its agency equivalent to America’s FDA has begun reviewing a variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.  The new vaccine targets the original strain of the Covid virus AND the recent Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 responsible for most current infections.  The hope is the new vaccines will be ready for use this fall, before the expected winter surges.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was down 15%, hospitalizations dropped 3%, and deaths increased 13%.  We are averaging 105,000 new cases per day, 42,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 491 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 17%.  

President Biden as of August 7 tested negative after his second round of Paxlovid treatment, returning to his regular schedule of public appearances and travel.

On Aug. 11, the CDC relaxed various protocols like quarantines and social distancing, saying this: “COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, however, with so many tools available to us for reducing COVID-19 severity, there is significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death compared to earlier in the pandemic. We’re in a stronger place today as a nation, with more tools—like vaccination, boosters, and treatments—to protect ourselves, and our communities, from severe illness from COVID-19. We also have a better understanding of how to protect people from being exposed to the virus, like wearing high-quality masks, testing, and improved ventilation.  This guidance acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, but also helps us move to a point where COVID-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives.”  Vaccination, boosters, masking indoors, and ventilation are emphasized as the best ways to protect yourself and others.  https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0811-covid-guidance.html

As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 10 weeks).  Nearly 108 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day dropped to 275,000. 

In Texas, the positivity test rate is 28%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 15%, hospitalizations dropped 7%, and deaths rose 16%.  We are averaging 9,800 new daily cases, and an average of 31 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 3,700 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

To date, at least 1 in 4 Texans have been infected, a total of 7,588,881 reported cases. At least 1 in 323 Texans have died from the coronavirus, a total of 89,859 deaths.

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated.  

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

COVID czar Ashish Jha wants to make vaccines great again.  8/12/22 https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2022/08/covid-czar-ashish-jha-wants-a-new-generation-of-vaccines.html

When Will the Pandemic End? And Other Pressing Questions, Answered 8/12/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/12/opinion/pandemic-covid-questions.html

C.D.C. Eases Covid Guidelines, Noting Virus Is ‘Here to Stay’ 8/11/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/11/health/virus-cdc-guidelines.html

We Are Still in a Race Against the Coronavirus 8/10/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/10/opinion/coronavirus-evolution-vaccines.html

How We Mourn Covid’s Victims 8/9/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/09/us/covid-deaths-memorials.html

What is going on in Lakeway?

MISSING DOGGIE—Help Find Leia, the Mini Labradoodle

Leia is still missing.  Her owners now think she may have been sold. 

She disappeared June 26 from a dog sitter’s care in Stoney Creek condos on Lakeway Blvd. (just below Lakeway Drive, near Chandon and backing Live Oak Golf Course).  Her humans and her litter mate, Luke, miss her terribly. There is a REWARD. 

Leia is a 1.5 year old spayed female, weighing 16 lbs., with green eyes, a pink nose, and a red/brown coat.  She is microchipped.  She was wearing a light blue harness. Here is the owners’ website, with updated info.  You can contact them with any sightings, as well as make a donation to help cover search efforts. https://findleia.com/

NEW National Suicide Hotline

The NEW number to call OR text is 988.  The Suicide and Prevention Lifeline is staffed at all times with trained crisis workers to provide understanding, support and resources.  More here: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

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/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1584

OAK TRIMMING Season July-January

This summer’s family movie night series concludes on Friday, August 5, with a showing of Shark Tale at 6PM in City Park (502 Hurst Creek).  Bring blankets and folding chairs to get comfy on the lawn.  Craig O’s Pizza will be available at concessions.  No pets or alcohol allowed at this FREE event, with treats, music and yard games provided.

Big Band Bash

On Aug. 8, from 7-9PM  Lakeway Activity Center hosts the Big Band Bash, a FREE event with the 17-piece Republic of Texas Big Band, featuring David Cummings and Lisa Clark on vocals. Bring your own beverages and snacks.  For details, call 512-261-1010 or go here: www.lakeway-tx.gov/1880/big-band-bash

Cool Arts Show & Studio Tour

Lakeway Arts Committee hosts the 7th annual Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour, including fine visual arts created by 20 Lakeway-area artists, with live music by Christian Wiggs Trio. Paintings, jewelry, pottery and more will be available. The event also features face painting, art projects and more for the kids, plus food trucks.

SHOW is Saturday, August 27, 1-5PM at LAC (105 Cross Creek).  

STUDIO TOURS are Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28.  (Locations to be announced.) Go here for more info (including a preview of upcoming studio tours): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1858/Cool-Arts-Show-Studio-Tour

National Night Out

National Night Out this year is Tuesday, October 4.  This annual event encourages citizen engagement with their neighbors and with the police, to strengthen our community and heighten crime-prevention awareness.  It supports local safety programs and organizes neighborhoods to take a stand against crime.  BONUS—you get to know your neighbors and spend time with friends. To register a block party, go here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/FormCenter/Police-Department-12/National-Night-Out-SignUp-Form-87

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include Senior Administrative Assistant (Parks and Rec), Chief Building Official and Environmental Coordinator (both BDS), Emergency Management Coordinator, Finance Director, City Manager, Police Officer, and 911 Dispatcher. Go here for info and to apply:https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

Council had TWO Meetings on July 18:

–Budget Session July 18 at 2PM

RESULTS: Afternoon BUDGET meeting: Mayor Kilgore, plus Councilmembers Vance, Kumar, Brynteson and Szimanski were present.

Heritage Committee Chair Vickie Taylor presented a request for $20,550 total, including a Quarter Century Luncheon, 2 Heritage Trail Bus Tours (1 in spring and 1 in fall), a mini-movie, and more.  Mayor Kilgore suggested a 3^rd bus tour (perhaps in winter and aimed at new residents), given the extreme popularity of these annual tours.

Wildlife Advisory Committee Chair Ted Windecker presented a request for $21,500 total, including the annual deer survey, additional “slow down” signage in Old Lakeway consisting of deer crossing signs and deer banners, a wildlife art contest for kids, and more. 

The Economic Development Chair was unable to attend, but the Assistant City manager presented a request for $25,000 in order to proceed with a professional Market Analysis, to explore leakage (spending by Lakeway residents outside the city) and verify Lakeway’s retail footprint (spending in Lakeway by non-residents).

The Arts Committee Chair was unable to attend and will present a budget request at the Aug. 1 meeting.

No vote was taken, but discussion on the dais was positive and encouraging.  The mayor summed up the consensus as satisfaction with what was presented and asked staff to continue with budget preparation accordingly.

The City Manager continued the 2023 Budget process, with review of a list of needed expenditures.  Several items (including a multi-department drone, new chairs and camera system for Council Chambers, tire changer for Public Works, and a forensic computer for the Police Station) were approved for purchase in the current year, since funds are available.  COLA and merit raises for staff were approved, along with new staff positions.  Staff was asked to finalize the Facilities Needs Assessment so that renovating the old Justice Center can be considered (to ease overcrowding at City Hall).  Staff was also asked to provide more info on certain parks projects (Heritage Center, Live Oak Tennis/Pickleball Court, and the most pressing of the Activity Center and Swim Center upgrades), as possible uses for surplus funds.

View the 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/177290

–Regular Session July 18 at 6:30PM (after a slight melee during Citizens Participation, covering regulating gifts to police and other city employees, day care home businesses, golf carts, accessory structures, and more)

Evening REGULAR meeting: All members were present, except Councilmember Trecker.  RESULTS in ALL CAPS:

ITEM 8: Financial Report.  REVENUE is up $814K.  EXPENDITURES are $373K to the good.

ITEM 9: Citizens’ Participation. TWO PEOPLE SPOKE, in the nastiest manner possible, shaming our lovely city.  One had to be physically removed from the meeting after striking a member of the audience. 

ITEM 11: More changes to the HOME OCCUPATION ordinance, including a new separate section governing DAY CARE businesses operating in the home.

Council discussed allowing 1 non-resident day care worker on an occasional basis BUT limiting operations to 3 unrelated kids, as state law does for listed facilities.  They went into Executive Session when the resident suing the city over this matter demanded at least 7 unrelated kids be allowed, or her suit will continue.  Consensus was reached to keep 3 kids max, BUT day care providers may request an SUP (to be reviewed by ZAPCO and Council) allowing more kids and workers, on a case-by-case basis.  DEFERRED to Council’s Aug. 1 meeting for staff to draft suggested changes.

ITEM 12: Proposed revisions to the city’s Code of Ethics.

Council discussed extensive revisions, most importantly those attempting to legitimize significant cash and in kind gifts that have for many years been passed along by Lakeway Police Foundation to the city’s police officers, without disclosure to city officials and in violation of our ethics rules prohibiting any employee from accepting gifts.  (Gits received by police range from meals on a daily basis to cash gifts exceeding $10,000—sometimes to meet emergency needs, but not always.)  Complicating matters is the fact the foundation’s donors are not officially named, leaving the city and police officers open to allegations of conflict of interest and preferential treatment.  The most controversial section of the proposed changes allows such gifts, IF from a charitable organization and approved by a committee. 

NOTE: Councilmember Szimanski READ a LONG SPEECH during what was supposed to be Council discussion, demanding little or no restrictions on gifts to police officers.  This is something that has never happened in the many years I have observed Council.  Along with her uncivil manner toward her peers on the dais, it stopped meaningful discussion and wasted considerable time.  Worse, it raised the question: WHOSE WORDS WAS SHE SPOUTING?

DEFERRED to Council’s Aug. 1 meeting, with staff instructed to revise language so the gift approval committee is City Manager, Asst. City Manager and the gift recipient’s Department Head; committee must act within 72 hours; and the gift rules also apply to family members of employees.

ITEM 13: Proposed revisions to GOLF CART ordinances (first reading).

Council discussed suggested changes, still undecided on whether to require city registration or rely on the state’s licensing.  Certain city streets are still deemed unsafe for golf carts, but review by the police department is ongoing.  Some members pressed for a simple rubber stamp of state rules, but the consensus was Lakeway should tailor the ordinance to specific needs, as do most local cities.

NO ACTION NEEDED other than staff being asked to investigate the state licensing process and tweak the ordinance per comments, prior to second hearing of the matter at the next meeting.

ITEM 14: More changes to ordinances covering ACCESSORY STRUCTURES on residential lots, including airplane hangers and courtyard structures in front of primary homes. 

Council agreed to exclude hangers from the size/footprint/lease rules for accessory structures.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEM 15: Special Use Permit (50 years) for expansion of the CubeSmart storage facility at 15616 Stewart Road. 

Owner was absent, so Council’s questions went unanswered.  DEFERRED until Council’s Aug. 15 meeting.

ITEM 16: Special Use Permit (30 years) for a liquor store at 2418 620 South.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEM 17: Approval of Final Plat for The Enclave at Lohmans, being 15 acres known as Phase 2 and part of Phase 1 (including town homes, Main Street, Lohmans Spur, roundabout) of the 59-acre Square at Lohmans approved PUD.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEMS 18 and 19: Annexing and zoning as parkland 29 acres in Rough Hollow. [This was approved by Council in May, but faulty notification of neighboring property owners back then required an encore review.]  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEMS 20 and 21: Changing the Future Use Map and zoning of 8.9 acres in Rough Hollow from commercial to residential/R-5 condo, per the revised PUD.  [This was approved by Council in May, but faulty notification of neighboring property owners back then requires an encore review.]  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEMS 22 and 23: Preliminary Plan revision and Final Plat approval for 46 acres at Serene Hills Pass and Madrone Canyon Drive.  (These actions are required to reflect technical changes needed re: turnaround locations, drainage, water quality and utility easements, after Preliminary Plan approval in 2019 and Final Plat approval in 2020.)  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEMS 26 and 27: Executive Sessions on litigation (Christopher W. Levy v. City of Lakeway) and filling the City Manager position.

NO ACTION as to the lawsuit.  COMMITTEE CREATED, with Mastrangelo as Chair plus Kumar and Brynteson, to hire a new City Manager.

View the 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/177302

Council meets Monday, Aug. 1, 6:30PM at City Hall, debating residential daycare businesses, Code of Ethics/gifts to police officers, increasing the homestead over 65 property tax exemption, 2023 budget, and more.

ITEM 6: Arts Committee 2023 Budget Request ($55,000).

ITEM 7: Work Session—2023 Budget.

ITEM 8: Revising the Home Occupation ordinance to add a special section covering daycare operations.

ITEM 9: Revising the Code of Ethics, including regulating gifts to city employees (police officers and others).

ITEM 10: Revising the ordinance to increase the Over Age 65 Property Tax Homestead Exemption from the current $15,000 to $30,000.

ITEM 11: Discussion of changing the time for Council meetings.

View the 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

ZAPCO meets Wednesday, Aug. 3, 9AM, at City Hall.

The agenda includes review of the new airpark ordinance as proposed by committee, yet another proposal/delaying tactic by Stratus for its Main Street tract (and building the &%$#@ road, as promised pre-HEB), and requested revision of the Tuscan Village 2 PUD by Legend.

To send comments to ZAPCO beforehand (by noon on Monday, Aug. 1), go here and create a Public Comment Form: https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

View the Meeting Packet and/or Presentation (scrolling down to ZAPCO documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

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

Daring Mighty Things

The International Space Station’s useful life is scheduled to end along with the current decade.  But, the commercial stations anticipated to take its place in low Earth orbit may not be ready in time.  Currently, NASA is trying to generate interest, but private companies are reluctant to commit to the lofty project without guarantees of activity and profits.  To date, NASA lacks funding to cover the hefty costs of construction.  Space station successors may not be ready in time to replace aging lab: report 7/22/22  https://www.space.com/nasa-replace-iss-space-station-gap-safety-panel

For that matter, Russia announced, it will pull out of ISS participation “after 2024,”to build its own space station after over 2 decades of global partnership.  Currently, the US and Russia always have at least 1 astronaut aboard ISS who routinely catch rides back and forth on the other country’s spaceships.  Russia Says It Will Quit the International Space Station After 2024 7/26/22 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jul/26/russia-opt-out-international-space-station-2024-build-own-outpost

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

The Guardian reviews abortion laws around the country, including Kansas, where abortion is currently legal but the Aug. 2 election ballot includes a referendum.  The dystopian American reality one month after the Roe v Wade reversal  7/25/22 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/25/us-abortion-bans-states-after-roe-v-wade

Medication abortions now account for over half of all abortions in the country.  With the fall of Roe and abortions suddenly illegal in half the states, this will rise.  Consequently, blocking access to these pills is the new priority for red states.  The NY Times has an excellent overview of access to the pills used in medication abortion, various ways to get them, how Republican states are trying to block them, and the legal hurdles involved.  The New Abortion Battleground 7/25/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/briefing/abortion-pills-mail-roe-v-wade.html

In Texas, blue cities are doing what they can.  Democratic cities in Texas push to blunt impact of state’s abortion ban 7/29/22  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/29/democratic-cities-texas-abortion-ban-roe-v-wade

Texas November Election

The November 2022 election is nearly here. Voter registration ends Oct. 11.  Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.  Election Day is Nov. 8.

Texas will elect governor, lt. governor, attorney general, and many more key officials.  The governor’s race in particular will be hot and heavy, and the result is key not just for our state but for the country.  Abortion rights, gun safety, election integrity, the power grid—those are just SOME of the issues to consider when evaluating candidates.  For a long time now, Texas has elected the worst among us.  This time, let’s elect the BEST.

So, that blue squarish area in the above image is Travis County Precinct 375, covering a large chunk of Lakeway.  It has just over 3,500 registered voters.  (The lake runs along the top, and Lakeway Blvd. borders the bottom, with Challenger running along the right side and Rough Hollow on the left side.)  Your 2022 voter registration card shows your precinct number.  Or, go here and fill in your details for Voter Lookup: https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do

I’m the new Democratic Precinct Chair for 375.  (Well, I will be after the August swearing in.)  Several Lake Travis area precincts are working together as a Super Precinct.  We are supporting Beto O’Rourke, Mike Collier, Rochelle Garza, and Democratic candidates all the way down the ballot.  Go here and put your address in to see your sample ballot: https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Sample_Ballot

Recent redistricting changed things.  For instance, Precinct 375 is no longer in State Representative Vikki Goodwin’s district.  Instead, in our part of Lakeway, the choices are Dem. Pam Baggett vs. Rep. Ellen Troxclair.

Now, we are starting to gear up for the November election.  Plans include encouraging registration, urging high voter turnout via block-walking and phone banking/texting, and distributing candidate yard signs. In particular, we need to organize block-walking.  People will be walking their home streets and immediate neighborhoods, using our custom maps of likely Democratic voters and handing out Travis County Democratic Party literature.  If you live in Precinct 375 and are interested in getting involved, I would love to hear from you.  Email me at macwestie99@gmail.com

Back to me….  

Busy, busy, busy!  After working from home for several years and then toying with early retirement, I started a part-time job a couple weeks ago—out in the real world with actual people, I get dressed and leave the house, and everything.  Big change, and the cats are a bit peeved….  Plus, I took on the precinct chair thing (see the Texas November Election section above).  I also applied to work the polls during the November election.  HELP IS NEEDED!  Anyone interested in working Early Voting and/or Election Day, go here to get started: https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/election-workers/poll-worker-form/

City of Lakeway is in overdrive now with Council doubling up with Budget meetings along with regular sessions handling some really important and controversial issues.  This week’s ZAPCO meeting should be VERY interesting, as well.

By August, most of our fawns will be lanky youngsters, still spotty but getting tall and more independent.  They still don’t understand traffic hazards, so please slow down and drive carefully.  Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway Drive, Lohmans Crossing and Hurst Creek Road are all high danger areas, but our herd and its most vulnerable members roam all over Old Lakeway. SLOW DOWN!  If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another.

In August, the Wildlife Committee’s deer banners change from fawn banners to doe banners.  We have 2 new images this year and a new slogan, so look for them around town—and LOOK OUT for all our deer.

Here are recent photos I took of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.3 billion shots have been given, with 62.5% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

Diminishing economic growth, soaring prices, kinked supply chains, sudden shortages, damaging market fluctuations, inexplicable ups and downs in previously reliable economic statistics.…  It’s the pandemic, stupid.  Not only did Covid-19 (and the world’s botched handling of it) kill untold millions of us, the pandemic fundamentally changed the world economy, and not for the better.  Production, transportation, working conditions, travel, education, migration, political systems, consumer confidence—all were upended since early 2020—often multiple times as surges hit.  From China and the US down to the smallest countries, all are experiencing some version of inflation, shortages, political turmoil and economic mayhem, and no one so far has a working solution.  Just like its health consequences, the economic consequences of the pandemic are unprecedented.  And continuing, with no end in sight.  Read more here: The World Economy Is Imperiled by a Force Hiding in Plain Sight 7/16/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/16/business/global-recession-risk.html

In Europe, the word is: “everyone has Covid.”  This is thanks to an explosion of BA.5 cases across the continent. But, in the absence—so far—of a large number of severe cases, overwhelmed ICUs or deaths, no restrictions are being implemented.  Europeans seem resigned to living with Covid.

Australia is seeing a surge in cases AND hospitalizations.  Hospitals now have more Covid patients than ever before during the pandemic; there are delays of several days for a bed, and care is postponed for many patients.  So far, officials are not imposing restrictions, but they are advising mask wearing in pubic and working from home whenever possible.

China is fighting Covid outbreaks in over a dozen cities, with an increasingly alarming economic downturn nationwide.  New lockdowns have quarantined millions.  On July 27, one million people in a suburb of Wuhan (in central China and where Covid-19 arose) were placed under lockdown when 4 asymptomatic cases were identified.

Africa, which has long lagged in vaccinations due to lack of vaccines and the support infrastructure to administer them, in June showed a 74% increase in shots compared to May.  This was credited to mass vaccination campaigns in 16 countries.  Still, only 6 African countries have vaccinated over 10% of the population.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was down 5%, hospitalizations rose 10%, and deaths increased 3%.  We are averaging 124,000new cases per day. 44,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 436 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 18%.  

Half of all Covid-19 infections occurred in the first half of 2022, which is astounding considering the relatively casual attitude we have adopted to the pandemic this year.  The good news is that only one-tenth of the total deaths have occurred so far in 2022.  Experts project that the endemic version of Covid may infect half the population and kill 100,000 Americans annually.

“BA.5 is everywhere.”  That’s what the experts say. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is now responsible for well over 80% infections in the US.

The White House announced on July 21 that President Biden had Covid-19 and was in isolation.  Vaccinated and boosted, his symptoms were mild and he took Paxlovid, an antiviral drug used to minimize the severity of Covid-19. As of July 27, the President was testing negative and out of isolation.  However, he had a relapse and tested positive on July 30, despite being symptom-free, so he headed back into isolation.  This rebound effect is fairly common with Paxlovid, so he will take another course of treatment and likely be fully recovered soon.

As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 8 weeks).  Nearly 108 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day climbed to 314,000. 

Updated vaccines, designed to offer better protection against BA.5, are expected from Pfizer and Moderna by September.  All Americans can expect a booster in the fall, calculated to blunt the usual winter surge of Covid infections.

In Texas, the positivity test rate is currently 30% (same as 2 weeks ago).  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 10%, hospitalizations rose 12%, and deaths jumped 73%.  We are averaging 11,500 new daily cases, and an average of 27 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 4,000 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

A recent study found that Austin’s famous bats (which are Mexican free-tailed bats), can get COVID-19.  However, they do NOT seem to become ill or spread the disease to humans. Austin’s bats can get COVID-19, study finds, but do they spread it? 7/19/22  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/coronavirus/2022/07/19/austin-bats-can-get-covid-do-bats-spread-covid-what-to-do-if-contact-with-bat/65377374007/

Only 63% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated.

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

Biden Administration Plans to Offer Updated Booster Shots in September 7/28/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/28/us/politics/covid-booster-shots.html

Covid study finds millions have long-term smell or taste problems 7/27/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/27/covid-study-finds-millions-have-long-term-smell-or-taste-problems

How to Live With Covid When You Are Tired of Living With Covid 7/26/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/25/well/live/covid-ba5-precautions.html

I’m a Virologist, and I’m Setting the Record Straight on Variants and Reinfections 7/22/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/opinion/covid-omicron-variants-reinfection.html

Endemic Covid-19 Looks Pretty Brutal 7/20/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/20/opinion/covid-19-deaths-vaccines-endemic.html

Covid cases are skyrocketing again. States have no new plans.  7/20/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/20/states-meet-new-covid-wave-00046640

The World Economy Is Imperiled by a Force Hiding in Plain Sight 7/16/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/16/business/global-recession-risk.html

What is going on in Lakeway?

City Manager Resigns

Julie Oakley recently resigned as City Manager, effective Sept. 2.  She has taken a position at a top national accounting firm, after over a decade serving the city as Financial Director, Assistant City Manager and City Manager. I hate seeing her go, but I wish her well and completely understand her career move—especially in light of the ugliness she endured here the last couple years.  She was hounded, attacked, investigated and followed by private investigators, all organized and funded by several former officials and the rest of our rabidly backward Old Guard, determined to regain control over Lakeway. This group recently filed a lawsuit against Julie and the City of Lakeway. 

The long-term harassment would have made anyone look elsewhere for work, and it demonstrates Lakeway’s increasingly toxic atmosphere. I got a taste of it during the recent Council election, which is non-partisan per our City Charter; the same far-right extremists funded a PAC that flooded tens of thousands of dollars into the campaigns of 2 other candidates, with no concern for experience, competence or integrity.  Arrogant bullies, they are determined to drag Lakeway back to the good old days when they ran City Hall for their own financial gain and glory, terrorized residents via abusive police and BDS practices, and killed deer just because they could. 

This is another shameful chapter for Lakeway. What happened to Julie Oakley was horrific.  Who will they go after next?

An Impact article is here: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/city-county/2022/07/06/lakeway-city-manager-julie-oakley-announces-resignation-in-september/

MISSING DOGGIE—Help Find Leia the Mini Labradoodle

Leia is still missing.  She disappeared June 26 from a dog sitter’s care in Stoney Creek condos on Lakeway Blvd. (just below Lakeway Drive, near Chandon and backing Live Oak Golf Course).  Her humans and her litter mate, Luke, miss her terribly. There is a REWARD. 

Leia is a 1.5 year old spayed female, weighing 16 lbs., with green eyes, a pink nose, and a red/brown coat.  She is microchipped.  She was wearing a light blue harness.

Here is the owners’ website, with full info.  You can contact them with any sightings, as well as make a donation. https://findleia.com/

Lake Travis Community Library

Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange

On Thursday, July 21, 4-5:30PM, bring your used puzzles (in good shape with ALL the pieces) and swap them with other puzzle lovers.  Email librarian@laketravislibrary.org or call (512) 263-2885 with any questions.

Art Exhibit

July’s art exhibit is a curated collection of pencil and charcoal drawings by Lakeway artist R.G. Rives.  In addition, he is donating ALL PROCEEDS of art sold to the library.

FREE Frozen Treats

On July 25, 3:30-5PM, an outdoor event will offer free summer treats from Kona Ice–Tiger’s Blood, Blue Raspberry, Monster Mango and more fun flavors.

Taking Applications for Teen Volunteers

Teens interested in volunteering at Lake Travis Community Library this fall need to apply by the July 31^st deadline. Mature, dependable, and at least 13 years of age, volunteers commit to one weekly shift (2 or 3 hours). Email Teen Volunteer Coordinator Beth Yoder for more information: byoder@laketravislibrary.org  Apply here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/34033728

Sunday Afternoon Concert Series

Composer/Pianist Maxwell Milliano Talai, Jr. will present a free concert at LAC (105 Cross Creek) on Sunday, July 24, 4PM.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Summer Movies in the Park

This summer’s family movie night series concludes on Friday, August 5, with a showing of Shark Tale at 6PM in City Park (502 Hurst Creek).  Bring blankets and folding chairs to get comfy on the lawn.  Craig O’s Pizza will be available at concessions.  No pets or alcohol allowed at this FREE event, with treats, music and yard games provided.

Lake Travis Film Festival

On September 15-18, the 2022 LTFF will host films and events at pop-up locations in Lakeway and Bee Cave (Hill Country Galleria, High5, ContraCommon, La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Lakeway, Star Hill Ranch, Goga, Bee Cave City Hall, and more).  In addition to film screenings, there will be a screenwriter workshop, live script readings, filmmaker meet and greets, parties and gatherings of all sorts.  Volunteers are still needed!  Go here for info and to sign up to be part of the fun: https://www.laketravisfilmfestival.com/

DONATE Blood

As always, I had a great experience donating blood today at the Lakeway Activity Center. It was well organized, clean and friendly; I was done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES!

The group We are Blood is at LAC every 2 months. (Upcoming dates are Sept. 17 and Nov. 19.)  Other locations nearby include Rough Hollow Yacht Club and BSW Hospital in Lakeway. Once you get started, it is super easy to be on the schedule for regular blood donations at the location of your choice.  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/

Travis County: Community Spread of Monkeypox

Health officials confirmed that we have multiple local cases confirmed now, among people who have not traveled out of the county recently.  Monkeypox is spread by contact with bodily fluids–through sex, touching skin lesions or handling items (sheets, utensils, etc.) that have been exposed to the infection.  Symptoms include a pimple-like rash, fever and chills.  Illness lasts around 3 weeks, and monkeypox is fatal in 1% of cases.  A vaccine is available for people exposed to the virus.  Austin Public Health advises residents to take precautions as monkeypox cases rise 7/14/22 https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/2022/07/14/austin-public-health-advises-residents-to-take-precautions-as-monkeypox-cases-rise/

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on July 14.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/3283185875334021

ZAPCO met on Wednesday, July 6, reviewing view protections in Old Lakeway.

The most consequential item on the Agenda was review of the View Protection Conditional Overlay ordinances for Old Lakeway. View blocking determinations are handled by the City Building Commission (CBC), but the controlling zoning ordinances are ZAPCO’s jurisdiction. City staff and CBC suggested changes be made to clarify and limit view protection, in order to streamline the administrative process and ease the burden on residents trying to build new homes or renovate existing homes. Suggested changes included limiting view protection to lake views ONLY and limiting it to properties within 500 feet of the lake (the BLUE area in the image). Many residents objected, via citizen participation testimony demanding that ALL views (golf course, vista, sunset, etc.) be protected, and that all properties within the overlay zone (the RED area in the image, as well as the blue area) continue to be eligible for protection. Considerable discussion on the dais indicated the commissioners agreed that all views should be protected, any distance limitation should be considerably more expansive than 500 feet, regulation of views being blocked by vegetation/cedars should be reviewed, view channeling could help, and the trick is to balance property owners’ rights to build with neighbors’ rights to preserve their views. They voted to create a joint subcommittee with CBS to review the matter in depth and work with city staff, then present proposals at ZAPCO’s Oct. 5 meeting, with the goal of recommending ordinance changes for Council’s Oct. 17 meeting.

View the Meeting Packet (scrolling down to ZAPCO documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Go here to watch the July 6 meeting (advance to Item 6 for the view protection discussion): https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/176689

Council’s Special Meeting on July 11 covered aviation committee update, parks proposals, transportation project overview, and more.

RESULTS

ITEM 3: Update on Aviation Zoning District Study Committee.

Following 7 Committee meetings to date, Chair Ron Massa presented an UPDATE on its conclusions:

–FLYING CLUBS to be allowed but subject to a special use permit from Council;

–COMMERCIAL FLIGHT to be limited and better defined;

–PRIMARY FLIGHT TRAINING to be restricted to the plane’s owner/family members (rentals not allowed); and

–NIGHT OPERATIONS to be prohibited (with better/enforceable definitions).

The committee plans to present full recommendations to ZAPCO on Aug. 3.  Assuming ZAPCO then sends the matter on to Council, Council would hear it on Aug. 15.

Note that the Committee is not making recommendations as to enforceability of ordinances.  Per the Mayor, the City Prosecutor is making recommendations there.  In addition, the aviation attorney the city hired for this project will provide guidelines for the Special Use Permit required for Flying Clubs.  All that should be available at Council’s Aug. 15 meeting.

ITEM 4: Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan—Review of proposed projects, as to details and costs.

Parks and Rec Director Andra Bennett SUMMARIZED TOP PROJECTS that were highlighted at the recent Town Hall. 

Council discussed the pros and cons of the projects, just a first step in creating a plan to improve the city’s park system over the next 10-15 years.  Staff was asked to proceed according to these PRIORITIES:

–Activity Center exterior play area;

–Live Oak Tennis and Pickleball Courts (in a configuration not yet decided);

–Smith Greenbelt (possibly only as to a parking area adjacent to Sailmaster, in order to accommodate the existing pickleball courts there);

–Butler Park (1 or 2 fields/Ninja obstacle course yet to be determined);

–Serene Hills (balancing unexpected resident concerns about privacy/noise/safety with the benefits of an ADA compliant play area for families);

–Heritage Center (with further review of options, including expanding the monument in place and moving the museum building across the street);

–Swim Center (likely with only urgently needed improvements made currently and the rest phased for later on); and

–City Park (also likely done in phases).

Note that funding would be partially from the city’s Parkland Fund (largely money that developers contributed per ordinance). The large projects would likely require a bond.

ITEM 5: Transportation project update.

Members PRIORITIZED THESE PROJECTS as possibly included in an upcoming bond or bonds:

–620 widening (Lakeway’s share of right of way costs);

–resurfacing Lohmans, Lakeway Dr., and Lakeway Blvd.:

–signals at Lohmans and Main St., Flint Rock and Wild Cherry, and Flint Rock and Medical Parkway;

–culvert repair on Lakeway Dr. and Top O’ the Lake;

–Main Street ($4.2 million earmarked for the Stratus portion of Main St. with a bridge, in case the developer continues to stall on construction);

–Delsie extension (in some form); and

–Serene Hills widening.

ITEM 6: Presentation on potential bond projects.

After discussion, the consensus was to MOVE FORWARD to call a transportation bond or bonds for the Nov. 8 election, at the Aug. 15. Council meeting.

ITEM 7: Potential projects to be funded by Lakeway’s $4M share of the American Rescue Plan Act.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED $713K for Building and Development Services (including computers and software system) and Activity Center (front doors) expenditures.

ITEM 8: FY 2023 Budget Work Session

City Manager Julie Oakley presented an OVERVIEW OF PROJECTED REVENUE AND EXPENSES for the coming year, based on a no new revenue property tax rate of 0.1281.  She noted the city is in excellent financial shape.  Suggested expenditures NOT included in the proposed budget total just over $1M and include COLA and merit raises for staff, 2 new positions, 3 vehicles, and new chairs and camera system for Council Chambers. Mayor Kilgore asked for numbers on increasing the over 65 homestead exemption from the current $15K to $25K or $30K (to help offset the county’s increase in assessed values).  Details and charts on all the financial info are in the Presentation; go here and scroll down to City Council Meeting Presentations: : https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

ITEMS 9 and 10: Executive Sessions covering pending litigation against the city (Christopher W. Levy v. City of Lakeway) and legal issues re: the Cherry Knoll litigation settlement and development agreement.  NO ACTION TAKEN.

ADJOURNED: 1:01AM

View the Meeting Packet And 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/176922

Council has TWO Meetings on July 18: Budget Session at 2PM and Regular Session at 6:30PM (covering day care home businesses, golf carts, accessory structures, and more)

The afternoon BUDGET meeting includes budget requests from 4 committees—Arts, Economic Development, Heritage, and Wildlife.  The City Manager will also guide Council through the next step in setting a property tax rate and adopting the 2023 budget.

Consequential items for the evening REGULAR meeting include:

ITEM 9: Citizens’ Participation.

ITEM 11: More changes to the HOME OCCUPATION ordinance, including a new separate section governing DAY CARE businesses operating in the home.

ITEM 12: Proposed revisions to the city’s CODE OF ETHICS.

ITEM 13: Proposed revisions to GOLF CART ordinances (first reading).

ITEM 14: More changes to ordinances covering ACCESSORY STRUCTURES on residential lots, including airplane hangers and courtyard structures in front of primary homes.

ITEM 15: Special Use Permit (50 years) for expansion of the CubeSmart storage facility at 15616 Stewart Road.

ITEM 16: Special Use Permit (30 years) for a liquor store at 2418 620 South.

ITEM 17: Approval of Final Plat for The Enclave at Lohmans, being 15 acres known as Phase 2 and part of Phase 1 (including town homes, Main Street, Lohmans Spur, roundabout) of the 59 acre Square at Lohmans approved PUD.

ITEMS 26 and 27: Executive Sessions on litigation (Christopher W. Levy v. City of Lakeway) and filling the City Manager position.

View the 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

NASA’s Webb deep-space telescope was launched on Christmas Day, 2021.  It is now parked 1 million miles from Earth, at Lagrange point 2. This was its first official image, peering 13 billion years into the past to find the earliest stars.  Just looking at Webb’s images makes you a time traveler.  Go here to see more stunning images: Behold! The James Webb Space Telescope’s stunning 1st science images are here. 7/12/22  https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-1st-photos The Daily podcast from July 15 explains it all.  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/15/podcasts/the-daily/webb.html

The Saturn V rocket will be featured on Alabama’s dollar coin.  To be issued in 2024, the coin honors the rocket created at NASA’s Huntsville, Alabama, facility to take America to the moon. NASA’s Saturn V moon rocket to launch onto 2024 US dollar coin 7/8/22 https://www.space.com/saturn-v-rocket-alabama-innovation-2024-coin

with liberty and justice for all … except women

Across the country in backward states (with Texas leading the motley pack), feckless Republican officials are now drafting legislation to block the right to travel, trapping women in no-abortion states.  Also, they vow to interfere with the mail, so that abortion pills cannot be delivered.  The latest threats involve using phones to track locations and internet searches and social media posts to monitor pregnancy and abortion discussion/planning, with criminal repercussions.

This article and the underlying tragedy of a 10 year old girl demonstrate the current sad state of affairs.  A 10-Year-Old Endures the Predictable Result of an Abortion Ban 7/14/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/opinion/10-year-old-abortion.html

Is this the America we signed up for?

Back to me….  

Our fawns are growing fast.  And, that means they are running around more, including on or near roads.  Plus, late fawns are still being born.  PLEASE slow down and drive carefully.  Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway Drive, Lohmans Crossing and Hurst Creek Road are all high danger areas, but our herd and its most vulnerable members roam all over Old Lakeway. SLOW DOWN!  If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another.

Want your own FAWNS AT PLAY sign?  Displaying a sign in your yard helps remind drivers to slow down and watch for these precious babies.  These signs were created in 2021 by a local artist, Victoria Waite. She sells them for $20 to cover her costs of getting them printed at Stokes.  She is on Next Door and Facebook and can be contacted those ways.  Or, email her: victoria.waite.art@gmail.com

Here are recent photos I took of our sweet fawns.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.2 billion shots have been given, with 62% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

The World Health Organization warned last week that COVID-19 is “running freely” through Europe.

China continues to experience Covid outbreaks scattered all across the country.  Macau remains locked down, and 3 mainland cities recently followed suit, with businesses closed and widespread mandatory testing.  Even Shanghai, newly freed of most restrictions after 3 months of harsh lockdown, is seeing a surge of cases; residents are stocking up on food, medications and other essentials, in case they are again confined.  With all the business shutdowns and the cost of massive testing, China’s economy has faltered during the pandemic.  This, in turn, triggered uncertainly and product shortages that negatively impacted just about every other country’s economic health, including the US.

Bangladesh reports a surge in cases, linked to recent religious holiday celebrations.

Japan’s Covid death rate is just one-twelfth that of the US, credited in large part to nearly universal mask-wearing in Japan.  While no mandate was ever declared there, masks were and are still are worn in public settings, as a matter of social responsibility.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was up 14%, hospitalizations rose 20%, and deaths increased 8%.  We are averaging 130,000 new cases per day. 40,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 419 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 17%.  

BA.5 is now the dominant virus in the US and is being termed “the worst of the variants.”  It evades immunities built up from past infections and, to some extent, vaccination.  It tends to hit the upper respiratory system, nose to throat.  Symptoms are similar to Omicron–coughing, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain. However, patients are less likely to lose their senses of taste and smell, or to experience shortness of breath.

Recently, new cases have increased in 38 states.  Hospitalizations are up in 43 states. (BOTH are definitely true in Texas; see below.)  Many hospitals are experiencing nursing staff shortages, much like during earlier surges.  The biggest surges have been in states with the lowest vaccination rates, including Louisiana, Wyoming and Arkansas.  Being vaccinated and boosted provides some protection, but there are still break-through cases, and some are serious and even fatal.  Consider masking in indoor public areas; use a quality mask that fits tightly, and wear it properly.  Look for good ventilation and air filtration.  Order take-out and skip sporting events and concerts for now.  Delay travel.  Test regularly and get treatment promptly if you do test positive.

New York City is experiencing a surge, with testing positivity rates over 15%.  Hospitalizations are climbing.  Officials and the public alike lack enthusiasm for restrictions.

States are closing public testing sites.  As a result, the country’s lab-based PCR testing capacity in July will be only half of what it was in March.  Home tests are being used more and more; unlike PCR tests, the vast majority of the positive results from home test kits are not included in official data.  Not everyone who gets infected realizes it, and many don’t bother with testing. States are updating results-tracking sites less frequently than previously.  Due to all of that, the public and even health experts lack clear and current info on Covid-19.  This means trend-spotting is problematic, including warnings on when and where increased precautions should be taken.

Hawaii, the last state to require masks in schools, will drop the mandate as of Aug. 1.

As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 6 weeks).  Over 107 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day dipped to 233,000, in part due to summer holidays. 

On June 13, the FDA granted emergency use authorization to Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine.  It uses traditional vaccine technology, as opposed to messenger RNA vaccines.  Available for people 18 years and older, it requires a two-dose series administered three weeks apart.

Vaccine manufacturers are now updating the 2020 vaccines for the next booster campaign, planned for this fall.  The new vaccines will protect us better from the ultra-contagious Omicron subvariants, specifically the recent BA.4 and BA.5.  Pfizer and Moderna have indicated that vaccines formulas based on these new forms of the virus will not be ready before October.

In Texas, the positivity test rate continues to rise–currently 30%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases increased 19%, hospitalizations rose 30%, and deaths dropped 6%.  We are averaging 12,700 new daily cases, and an average of 15 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 3,600 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated (no change in the last 6 weeks).

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

The BA.5 Covid variant is causing US cases to rise – should you be worried? All you need to know  7/15/22  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/15/covid-ba5-us-wave-what-you-need-to-know

Novavax Covid-19 vaccine wins FDA authorization 7/13/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/13/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-wins-fda-authorization-00045707

The ‘worst variant’ is here 7/13/22  https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/13/world/coronavirus-newsletter-intl-07-13-22/index.html

‘Headed in a bad direction’: Omicron variant may bring second-largest US Covid wave 7/8/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/08/usa-omicron-variant-covid-wave

What the BA.5 Subvariant Could Mean for the United States 7/7/22 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/07/07/us/ba5-covid-omicron-subvariant.html

Updated Covid Shots Are Coming. Will They Be Too Late? 7/4/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/04/health/updated-covid-vaccines-omicron.html

What is going on in Lakeway?

4^th of July Festivities

MISSING DOGGIE—Help Find Leia the Mini Labradoodle

Leia disappeared June 26 from a dog sitter’s care in Stoney Creek condos on Lakeway Blvd. (just below Lakeway Drive, near Chandon and backing Live Oak Golf Course).  Her humans and her litter mate, Luke, miss her terribly. There is a REWARD. 

Leia is a 1.5 year old spayed female, weighing 16 lbs., with green eyes, a pink nose, and a red/brown coat.  She is microchipped.  She was wearing a light blue harness. Full info (and you can report any sightings) here: https://findleia.com/

Leia’s humans have set up a GoFundMe account, to help pay for trackers and other expenses in the effort to recover her.  If you can donate, please do. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-find-leia-the-mini-jedi-labradoodle?qid=34de56e5cc9efe412c2449e951d6440e

ZAPCO Meets on Wednesday, July 6

Zoning and Planning has its monthly meeting Wed., July 6, 9AM at City Hall.  The latest proposal by Stratus for its Main Street development was scheduled for this meeting but has been delayed until the August meeting.  The July Agenda includes proposed changes to the city’s view protection process.  Go here, scroll down to ZAPCO, and download the Agenda and/or the Meeting Packet for details on this and the other scheduled items: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

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.  In July, that is on Thursday, July 7. 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/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1584

OAK TRIMMING Season

Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is allowed July-January.  But, when trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule

Lake Travis Community Library hosts Summer Camps

Through July, the library continues camps for elementary-aged kids, who will read aloud or listen to stories and participate in activities including crafts, creative writing projects, cooking, science experiments, and more.  Limited to 16 participants per camp. Pick up your Library Camp pass at the circulation desk 30 minutes prior to the start of your camp.  Schedule: Tuesdays at 2pm: kids entering 4th grade and up; Wednesdays at 2pm: kids entering 2nd and 3rd grade; Thursdays at 2pm: kids entering 1st grade; and Fridays at 2pm: kids entering Kindergarten.  Call512-263-2885 for info.

Summer Camps at LAC

Lakeway’s summer camps continue through Aug. 12, with slots available.  More info here: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog/index?filter=Y2F0ZWdvcnklNUIxMTQ1MiU1RD0xJnNlYXJjaD0mcmVudGFsJTVCZnJvbSU1RD0mcmVudGFsJTVCdG8lNUQ9

Sunday Afternoon Concert Series

Composer/Pianist Maxwell Milliano Talai, Jr. will present a free concert at LAC (105 Cross Creek) on Sunday, July 24, 4PM.  More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Lake Travis Democrats

This long-time Lakeway organization recently premiered a website.  https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/  Check it out for local activities (Banned Book Club, Happy Hour, park walks and more), as well as ways to get involved in upcoming political races (yard signs, postcard writing, registering voters).  You can also connect via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LTDEMS  You won’t find a nicer group of people anywhere! 

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include Deputy Court Clerk, Environmental Coordinator, Finance Director, 911 Dispatcher, and Assistant Police Chief.  Go here for info and to apply: https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

Parks Town Hall—Submit your Comments

City Manager Julie Oakley’s Parks Town Hall last week covered proposed plans for 11 areas in the city’s parks system, from Swim Center modernization ($3.6 million), to adding pickle ball courts at the Live Oak tennis area ($1.6 million), to a huge revamp of City Park ($7.8 million). 

Go here to view slides of the presentation, with details on each plan: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1979/Town-Hall-Series

Community Impact has a good article detailing the projects: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/parks-recreation/2022/07/02/lakeway-requests-feedback-on-11-major-park-projects/

The city wants feedback from the public before items are considered by Council in this summer’s budget meetings.  Send your comments on any/all of the 11 projects here: info@lakeway-tx.gov

Lakeway City Council Met on June 21

RESULTS in ALL CAPS, including re: home businesses and golf carts:

ITEM 8: Financial Report. REVENUE IS AHEAD OF PROJECTIONS BY $689K (8 months into the fiscal year). EXPENDITURES ARE $330K LESS THAN PROJECTED.

ITEM 9: Citizens Participation.  SIX PEOPLE SPOKE (1 on water quality and the other 5 on potential road extensions in The Preserve, as discussed at Council’s recent Transportation Workshop).

ITEM 11: Preliminary Plan approval for Enclave at Yaupon, a residential development at 314 Clubhouse Drive for 16 single family homes on 6.36 acres, per terms of a development agreement.  APPROVED (with a sidewalk on one side of the street) 6:1 (Brynteson)

ITEM 12: Preliminary Plan approval for Eastside Landing, a residential development at 17301 Flintrock Road for 30 single family homes on 19.667 acres, per terms of a development agreement.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEM 13: Preliminary Plan revision approval for Serene Hills/WCID 17 re: effluent storage tanks, pump station and irrigation fields on 23 acres east of Serene Hills Drive and north of Hwy. 71.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEM 15: Revising the ordinances re: accessory structures on residential lots.  After discussion, POSTPONED until July regular meeting, so staff can revise text clarifying rules related to accessory structures.

ITEM 16: Revising the ordinances re: administrative timeline for land development requests/plan and plat approvals by ZAPCO and Council in order to comply with new state law (HB 3167, effective on September 1, 2019 and commonly known as the Shot Clock Law).  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

ITEM 17: Revising the ordinances re: Home Occupation/operating a business from a residence. 

Changes from the last review include:

–Adopt the state’s definition of nuisance;

–Prohibit vehicular signage;

–Prohibit outside display at the residence, EXCEPT as typical for a residential area; and

–Prohibit inventory storage at the residence EXCEPT for products made on site.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, with staff instructed to draft a SEPARATE ORDINANCE specifically covering DAYCARE businesses operated out of residences (including level of state licensing required, number of children allowed, and additional workers), for consideration at the July regular meeting.

ITEM 18: Discussion of ordinance changes re: operation of golf carts on public streets.  

Members asked STAFF TO REVISE TEXT, for review at the next regular meeting, on these agreed points:

–Getting rid of the current “to/from golf course” requirement; 

–Carts generally allowed on streets with speed limit of 35MPH or less;

–So, carts allowed on Lakeway Drive, Lakeway BLVD, Highlands BLVD, and Lohmans Crossing (but ONLY from the Wingreen Loop/The Hills intersection to Lakeway BLVD and beyond), as well on as all our residential streets; 

–BUT, carts NOT allowed on Lohmans Crossing from Wingreen Loop/The Hills intersection to 620, Serene Hills Drive, Bee Creek Road, or Flint Rock Drive.

–The police department was asked to provide input on the above, as far as where carts should be allowed/disallowed;

–Operator must be a licensed driver;

–Registration Permit required (undecided if issued by state or by city) IF the cart will ever travel on public streets in Lakeway (off the golf course, beyond The Hills, and past the gates of private street areas like Flint Rock Falls);

–Only during daylight;

–Must display slow-moving vehicle emblem;

–Must have state-mandated safety equipment (headlights, tail lights, horn, mirrors, etc.);

–Must have liability insurance;

–No towing of trailers;

–No lap riding;

–No overloading of passengers (restricted to number of people cart was made to accommodate);

–Stay off sidewalks; and

–Significant fines for violations ($500 max by statute).

NOTE: Council discussion was unusually lengthy, disjointed and unproductive, particularly as to ITEMS 17 and 18.  Also, the recording is problematic; Council took a break after ITEM 17, and the recording picked up halfway through ITEM 18 (though at least part of the early discussion appears at the very end of the recording).  As a result, making sense of the last half of the meeting was more challenging than usual.

ADJOURNED 12:20AM

The Meeting Packet is here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/175960

Council BUDGET Meeting

The first budget session is scheduled for July 11, 6:30PM at City Hall.

Daring Mighty Things

NASA on June 20 executed a successful wet dress/full fuel test for the upcoming moonshot.  This was the last hurdle for Artemis 1; in the next few months, an SLS rocket will launch an uncrewed Orion on a month-long journey to the moon and back. Then, NASA plans to fly astronauts into moon orbit aboard Artemis 2, while Artemis 3 will land astronauts on the moon, roughly 4 years from now.  NASA’s Artemis 1 moon rocket passes crucial fueling test despite leak 6/21/22 https://www.space.com/artemis-1-moon-rocket-wet-dress-rehearsal-success

Up at the International Space Station on June 16, a docked Russian cargo ship executed an emergency maneuver to shove the ISS out of the way of space debris which could have catastrophically damaged the station.  The debris was from a Soviet-era Cosmos 1408 satellite destroyed by Russia in Nov. 2021.  International Space Station dodges orbital debrisfrom Russian anti-satellite test  6/20/22 https://www.space.com/space-station-dodges-russian-satellite-debris

For the 50% of Americans no longer included in the Pledge of Allegiance’s “with liberty and justice for all.”

Because THIS:

Has been overturned by THIS:

For the record, I hate the idea of abortion.  But, the only thing worse is what a shockingly arrogant and reckless Supreme Court did in June: allowing the government to step in and ban abortion with no exceptions, no recourse, and no reasonable window for choice.  This ruling isn’t about preserving life; it is about power—taking power from the female half of the population and especially from young, poor, and minority women.  The intent is to reverse the country 50 years, to a time certain groups today see as a golden age because they were in charge and women were subservient and oppressed. 

Banning abortion is just the first step; any and all “privacy rights” are at risk. Next year this time, we will be in an even worse place.  And, Texas officials are determined to lead the way backward.

Below are links to explanations of the ruling, as well as links to resources to track abortion status by state and locate current providers, get legal advice and financial help, obtain pills/medication abortion (the last 2 sites provide pills in advance), make donations, and more.  Unfortunately, this is info women now need for themselves, their daughters, and other females in their orbit.  I strongly suggest taking steps that are available now, because they may well be cut off soon.  Plan ahead.  

And, every election, review candidates with this issue in mind.  And VOTE, while you still can.

Roe v. Wade is Overturned 6/25/22  30 minute podcast https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/podcasts/the-daily/roe-wade-abortion-supreme-court.html

My state just banned abortion. What are my options? 6/25/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/25/abortion-ban-options-travel-pills-financial-legal-help

Donate to groups assisting women needing care. This site has several groups working in Texas: https://abortionfunds.org/funds/

Updated status of abortion laws in US states: https://states.guttmacher.org/policies/

Find abortion providers: https://www.abortionfinder.org/

Legal info: Repro Legal Helpline https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/sma-contact-the-helpline/

Financial help: https://abortionfunds.org/need-abortion/

Medication abortion:  Abortion Pills Take the Spotlight as States Impose Abortion Bans 6/26/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/26/health/abortion-medication-pills.html

This is What a Post-Roe Abortion Looks Like 8-minute video detailing how to get medication abortion pills and manage your own abortion 6/29/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/29/opinion/abortion-pill-roe-wade.html

Just the Pill  https://www.justthepill.com/

Hey Jane https://www.heyjane.co/

PLAN C  https://www.plancpills.org/

Aid Access (will provide pills in advance)  https://aidaccess.org/en/  https://aidaccess.org/en/i-need-an-abortion

Women on Web (will provide pills in advance)  https://www.womenonweb.org/

Back to me….  

Pets owners, PLEASE prepare for 4^th of July fireworks through Monday night, and safeguard your dogs and cats. Every year, many precious pets panic and are lost over this holiday.  Here in Lakeway, shooting off fireworks in the city limits is prohibited by ordinance; however, some residents do it anyway, as do people just outside city limits. This article has good info: 8 Tips for Helping a Dog That’s Scared of Fireworks https://www.petmd.com/dog/8-tips-helping-dogs-thats-scared-fireworks?utm_source=NewsletterSubscribers&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=062822Newsletter&utm_campaign=Newsletter

FAWNS ARE ALL OVER LAKEWAY!  PLEASE slow down and drive carefully.  Social media posts indicate speeding/careless drivers are killing new fawns and/or mama does even more than usually happens this time of year.  Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway Drive, Lohmans Crossing and Hurst Creek Road are all high danger areas, but our herd and its most vulnerable members are all over Old Lakeway. SLOW DOWN!  If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another.

Want your own FAWNS AT PLAY sign?  Displaying a sign in your yard helps remind drivers to slow down and watch for these precious babies.  These signs were created in 2021 by a local artist, Victoria Waite. She sells them for $20 to cover her costs of getting them printed at Stokes.  She is on Next Door and Facebook and can be contacted those ways.  Or, email her: victoria.waite.art@gmail.com

Remember the doe on Vanguard limping around in agony for over a year, due to PVC pipe embedded around her hoof?  After medical care last August, she healed quickly and was soon completely mobile.  This spring, she had a fawn. Here they are!

Here are more recent photos of precious new additions to our herd. 

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.1 billion shots have been given, with 62% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

China continues to battle Covid surges in several areas, sticking with its zero-Covid policy. Macau is facing a new surge, and the gambling mecca is shutting down hotels and casinos.  However, China halved the time that people arriving from overseas must stay in a government Covid-19 quarantine facility, from two weeks to one week (plus 3 days in home quarantine and with regular testing all along.)  Further, in-school classes are re-starting in Beijing, despite authorities announcing last week that mass mandatory testing and travel restrictions could be in place for the next five years.  Also, Shanghai last week reported no new cases, prompting officials there to declare victory over Covid.  Shanghai’s restrictions are minimal at this point; however, many residents remain traumatized by months of living under severely unpleasant conditions, with experts concerned about PTSD and other long-term mental illness on a large scale. 

Europe is experiencing a summer surge, in countries including the UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands and Denmark.  Just in the UK, 1 in 50 people living in England are now infected; 1 in 30 people living in Scotland are infected.  Experts say the infections are largely caused by Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, which are 10% to 15% more infectious than previous variants. 

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was up 12%, hospitalizations rose 10%, and deaths increased 23%.  We are averaging 114,000new cases per day. 33,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 387 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 15%.  

Overall, since January 2020, at least 1 in 4 people who live in the United States have been infected, and at least 1 in 327 people have died.

The current Covid surge is different from earlier ones, in that death rates remain relatively low.  Currently, over 300 people die each day, just one-tenth the loss we saw in January 2021’s surge.  The reason seems to be that, with most Americans being vaccinated or previously infected now, there are fewer large pools of unprotected people.  Still, the virus is now killing more than twice as many Americans as die daily from suicide or car crashes.  Additionally, many Covid survivors are debilitated, some of them for long after their infection.  Experts warn that with growing complacency, the next surge will find more victims and result in a higher death rate.

New York City’s Broadway district went from masks required to masks optional, as of July 1.

New York City last week opened the country’s first Test to Treat sites, mobile clinics set up outside pharmacies.  People testing positive for Covid get a prescription for Paxlovid, the FDA approved treatment that minimizes symptoms when taken early.  Prescriptions can be filled immediately at the adjoining pharmacy, at no charge.

In late June, Dr. Anthony Fauci tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time in a month, shortly after completing a course of the virus treatment Paxlovid.  Experts say a Covid rebound is fairly common, and Dr. Fauci is now on a second course of the drug, crediting it with keeping him out of the hospital.

As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 4 weeks).  Over 106 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day rose to 356,000. 

On June 28, an expert FDA committee recommended an UPDATED BOOSTER shot of coronavirus vaccine targeting the Omicron variants.  The latest variants, known as BA.4 and BA.5, are now responsible for over half of current infections.  The implication is that by fall we will need an updated booster, in order to be protected from the expected winter Covid surge.

In Texas, the positivity test rate continues to rise–currently 26%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases increased 55%, hospitalizations rose 35%, and deaths jumped 95%.  We are averaging 10,700 new daily cases, and an average of 16 people die each day.  As of now, there are 2,700 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend

F.D.A. advisers recommend updated boosters that target forms of Omicron 6/28/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/us/politics/covid-vaccines-omicron-fda.html

Where can the youngest U.S. children get vaccinated? Maybe not at your local pharmacy. Here’s why. 6/24/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/24/us/covid-vaccine-children-access.html

COVID vaccines saved 20M lives in 1st year, scientists say 6/23/22 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/covid-vaccines-saved-20m-lives-1st-year-scientists-85607592

Despite Another Covid Surge, Deaths Stay Near Lows 6/20/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/20/health/covid-deaths-plateau.html

Vaccines for Young Children Are Coming, but Many Parents Have Tough Questions 6/18/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/18/health/covid-vaccines-children.html

What is going on in Lakeway?

Lake Travis Community Library hosts summer camps

Through June and July, the library is hosting camps for elementary-aged kids, who will read aloud or listen to stories and participate in activities including crafts, creative writing projects, cooking, science experiments, and more.  Limited to 16 participants per camp. Pick up your Library Camp pass at the circulation desk 30 minutes prior to the start of your camp.  Schedule: Tuesdays at 2pm: kids entering 4th grade and up; Wednesdays at 2pm: kids entering 2nd and 3rd grade; Thursdays at 2pm: kids entering 1st grade; and Fridays at 2pm: kids entering Kindergarten.  Call 512-263-2885 for info.

Parks Town Hall

City Manager Julie Oakley’s next Town Hall will take place on Thursday, June 30, 5:30PM, at City Hall.  This one covers our current parks, plus plans for the city’s parks system.  After a brief introduction, participants can visit different stations for more info. 

To view videos from previous Town Halls on Building and Development and on Transportation, go here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1979/Town-Hall-Series

Summer movies in the park

Fun family entertainment continues on Friday, July 1, with a showing of Captain America: The First Avenger at 6PM in City Park (502 Hurst Creek).  Bring blankets and folding chairs to get comfy on the lawn.  No pets or alcohol allowed at this FREE event, with treats, music and yard games provided.  A movie is also planned for the first Friday in August.

4^th of July Parade and Celebration

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/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1584

Mayor Kilgore’s June 16 Facebook Update

Go here to watch the mayor’s 10-minute update on city matters.  https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=1040293066873053

RESULTS: Council’s June 6 Transportation Work Session/Committee Work Session

Transportation Work Session.

All the projects were explained and discussed, with road expansion in The Preserve and in Serene Hills generating over an hour of Citizen Participation comments (all negative).  From discussion on the dais, it sounds like the priority items as of now include repaving Lohmans, LW Drive and LW Blvd; pedestrian work on LW Drive and LW Blvd; connecting Birrell to Lohmans Spur; the 620 right of way charge; and some form of relief in The Preserve and in Serene Hills.  However; the Mayor asked Councilmembers to prioritize all the items, from must have down to maybe later.  Also, staff was asked to gather additional info on many items, to facilitate further consideration of these projects and decision-making during the summer budget process.

Committee Work Session. 

Duties were discussed for the city’s various advisory committees—Arts, Economic Development, Heritage, Parks and Rec, and Wildlife.  (The other committees are statutory, with duties defined by ordinance.)  After discussion, Parks and Rec was disbanded, as related functions are currently handled by city staff and a consultant.  It was noted that Heritage and Wildlife need Councilmembers to volunteer to be liaisons.

Go here to watch the meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/175033

To view the Meeting packet, click the link, scroll down to City Council Meeting Packets, and click on June 6. https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Tuesday, June 21, Lakeway City Council Meeting, 6:30PM at City Hall

Council will discuss revising ordinances on home businesses, accessory structures, and golf carts, plus several other items. Consequential Agenda items include:

ITEM 8: Financial Report.

ITEM 9: Citizens Participation.

ITEM 11: Preliminary Plan approval for Enclave at Yaupon, a residential development at 314 Clubhouse Drive for 16 single family homes on 6.36 acres, per terms of a development agreement.

ITEM 12: Preliminary Plan approval for Eastside Landing, a residential development at 17301 Flintrock Road for 30 single family homes on 19.667 acres, per terms of a development agreement.

ITEM 13: Preliminary Plan revision approval for Serene Hills/WCID 17 re: effluent storage tanks, pump station and irrigation fields on 23 acres east of Serene Hills Drive and north of Hwy. 71.

ITEM 15: Revising the ordinances re: accessory structures on residential lots.

ITEM 16: Revising the ordinances re: administrative timeline for land development requests/plan and plat approvals by ZAPCO and Council in order to comply with new state law (HB 3167, effective on September 1, 2019 and commonly known as the Shot Clock Law).

ITEM 17: Revising the ordinances re: Home Occupation/operating a business from a residence.  Proposed changes include:

–Allow a home occupation permit holder to utilize a contractor/temporary employee in the case of an absence;

— Prohibit retail sales or outside display/storage of products at the residence;

–Prohibit commercial signage, including vehicular signage;

–Remove redundant criteria;

–Remove the requirement that the home occupation “effectively be undetectable”;

–Allow customers to visit the home so long as there is no unreasonable increase in traffic or parking issues; and

–Allow the home occupation to occur outside the home and in accessory structures.

ITEM 18: Discussion of ordinance changes re: operation of golf carts on public streets.   Staff has drafted possible changes based on rules in other cities, including:

–City registration permit issued by the Police Department;

–Geographic restriction to designated areas;

–Prohibition of operation on streets with a speed limit greater than 30 mph;

–Prohibition of operation on sidewalks and trails other than those designated for golf cart use;

–State-mandated safety equipment, such as headlights, tail lights, horn, mirrors, etc.

–Display of a slow-moving vehicle emblem;

–No towing of trailers; and

–No lap riding.

The Meeting Packet is 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

From the International Space Station last week, NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins captured a gorgeous shot of the moon floating just above Earth’s atmosphere.

The interstellar Webb telescope is wrapping up its extensive set-up phase and is still scheduled to release the first quality images by July 12, despite being repeatedly hit by micrometeoroids.  James Webb Space Telescope hit by micrometeoroid just months into flight 6/8/22 https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-suffers-micrometeoroid-impacts

Elon Musk got some good news—his company can continue operations at Starbase, SpaceX’s facility near Brownsville, TX, without the strict and time-consuming review of an environmental impact statement. The facility is now prepping the huge Starship vehicle for its first orbital test flight.  The FAA’s ruling does require SpaceX take over 75 actions to reduce environmental impact on the area, which includes privately owned homes and the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge.  SpaceX’s Starship rocket project can continue in South Texas, FAA review finds 6/13/22 https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-faa-environmental-review-approval

Back to me….  

Even for summer in Texas, things have been hot, hot, hot, with no end–AND NO RAIN–in sight. Remember to hydrate, and watch out for pets; don’t walk dogs on scorching hot sidewalks or pavement during the day, and NEVER leave a pet in the car.

FAWNS ARE ALL OVER LAKEWAY!  PLEASE slow down and drive carefully.  Social media posts indicate speeding/careless drivers are killing new fawns and/or mama does in greater numbers than usually happens this time of year.  Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway Drive, Lohmans Crossing and Hurst Creek Road are high danger areas, but our herd and its most vulnerable members are all over Old Lakeway. SLOW DOWN!  If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another. 

Here are some recent photos I took recently of precious new additions to our herd.  

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12 billion shots have been given, with 61% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

In early June, China eased a month-long shutdown and started dropping Covid restrictions in Beijing, allowing eat-in dining and gradually opening schools and businesses.  Everyone still had to wear a mask, have their temperature checked, and take PCR tests for everyday activities like riding the subway or going to work.  This came a couple weeks after Shanghai’s severe lockdown was eased. Then, on June 10, the tide turned.  In response to an uptick in new Covid cases, high alert was again declared and both Shanghai and Beijing were hit with new lockdowns, shutdowns, and mass testing drives.  Per the Chinese leadership: “Persistence is victory.”

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate remained stable, hospitalizations rose 6%, and deaths increased 20%.  We are averaging 102,000 new cases per day. 30,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 316 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 13%.   

Cases and hospitalizations continue to decline in the midwest and northeast, but states in the south and the west report rising numbers.  Wyoming, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas all report sharp increases in cases and hospitalizations.

Still, most experts see the spring surge as plateauing at this point.  Some warn that the new variants are as yet not well understood and could trigger a sharper surge this summer.

Omicron’s recent subvariants known as BA.4 and BA.5 are expected to take over as the dominant strains in the US this month.  Currently, BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 account for nearly all our cases.  To date, each new strain is somewhat more contagious than the last, indicating better ability to evade immunities.  So far, no Omicron variant has caused infections of higher severity.

From the start of the pandemic, Latino and Black Americans had higher death rates than white Americans.  In 2020 and early 2021, Latinos and Blacks were more than twice as likely to die of Covid.  This was explained as due to whites being more prosperous, with better health care, fewer complicating diseases, and better living conditions; plus, minorities were initially more suspicious of betting vaccinated.  However, in the last year vaccination rates for minorities have soared, (largely due to grassroots programs).  As a result, these statistics have reversed, and the Covid death rate for white Americans is 14% higher than for Blacks and 72% higher than for Latinos, per the CDC.

The US dropped its testing requirement for people entering the country on international flights, as of June 12.  The rule dates from early 2021 and was rescinded in light of vaccinations and treatment options now available.

On June 15, Dr. Anthony Fauci tested positive for Covid-19, reporting mild symptoms.   At age 81, he is fully vaccinated and boosted, and he is being treated with the antiviral medication Paxlovid.

As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated No change in the last 2 weeks).  Over 104 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day rose to 304,000. 

The CDC ion June 18 approved Moderna’s and Pfizer’s vaccines for children under 5. The FDA did so last week.  49 states pre-ordered millions of doses from the federal government this month.  However, Florida not only failed to order vaccine for state agencies, until June 17 it also blocked pediatricians there–eager to vaccinate their youngest patients–from ordering; due to Florida’s delay, orders will arrive there up to 2 weeks later than in the other 49 states, where White House officials say shots could roll out as early June 21.  Moderna’s regimen is for 2 shots, while Pfizer’s regimen is for 3 shots.  A psychological milestone in Covid-19 becoming normalized in our society, this means everyone in the U.S. can get vaccinated.  (Infants under 6 months will need to wait, as is the norm with vaccines.)  

In Texas, the positivity test rate continues to rise–currently 21%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases increased 25%, hospitalizations rose 37%, and deaths jumped 55%.  We are averaging 7,000 new cases, and an average of 8 people die each day.  As of now, there are 2,000 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

The newest Omicron variants, BA.4 and BA.5, were detected in Texas AND in Travis County as of early June.

Due to an increase in the spread of coronavirus locally, the CDC on June 9 moved Travis County from low to medium status for COVID-19.  This happens when an area’s transmission rate rises to more than 200. Travis County on June 9 reported 202.99 new cases per 100,000 people.

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated (no change in the last 2 weeks).

Recent Covid articles I recommend

C.D.C. recommends vaccinations of young children. 6/18/22 https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0618-children-vaccine.html

The Case for Vaccinating Kids Under 5 6/15/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/15/opinion/moderna-pfizer-under-5-vaccine-covid.html

How Long Does Covid Immunity Last? Will a Second Illness Be Worse? How Can I Prepare?  6/11/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/11/well/live/covid-reinfection.html

Moderna says new trial results show that a revised vaccine works better against Omicron.  6/8/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/08/us/politics/moderna-vaccine-booster-omicron-variant.html

My Family Got Covid. So Why Did We Test Negative? 6/6/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/02/well/live/covid-testing-household-transmission.html

New COVID-19 omicron variants show up in Travis County as cases rise 6/6/22 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2022/06/06/austin-tx-omicron-covid-cases-travis-county/7530098001/

Reporting Home Covid Test Results Can Be Confusing. Here’s How to Do It. 6/4/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/04/well/at-home-covid-test-results-report.html

Here is what is going on in Lakeway.

Lake Travis Community Library art display

During June, stop by the library’s meeting room to view the landscapes and abstracts of Diane Whooley. The artist was born and raised in Ireland, then lived and worked all over the world.

Donation of children’s books needed

Ever wondered about the big silver box that sits outside the entrance to the Lakeway Activity Center?  As the “Reading is Cool” logo hints, it is a Little Free Library, stocked with books, some for adults but mostly for kids of various ages—all free.  Currently, kids’ books are needed, so if you have some in good condition, please donate.  (It is tax deductible; just ask for a receipt.)  Call the Activity Center at 512-261-1010.

The Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 registered book-sharing boxes worldwide. There are 5 of these gems in Lakeway. For their stories and location, go here: www.LittleFreeLibrary.org

Lake Travis Community Library provides TECH HELP

Drop in from noon to 2PM Monday-Thursday and work with one of the 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/

Lake Travis Community Library DELIVERS

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

CoolArts 2022 Registration

Registration opened June 1 for Lakeway Arts Committee’s 7th annual Cool Arts Show and Studio Tour, featuring live music and fine visual art created by local artists, plus fun activities for kids.  Event will be held August 27 at LAC. The cost is $25, and the artist must be a member of Lakeway Activity Center.  For info, call 512-261-1010 or click here: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTIwODg3MjQ=

Piano concert at LAC

On Sunday, June 26, at 4PM, classical pianist Kiyoshi Tamagawa performs at Lakeway Activity Center.  More info on this FREE event is here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series

Summer camps starting soon

Lakeway Activity Center will offer a variety of camps this summer, with Kidventure hosting Camp Lakeway.  For info, call Kidventure at 512-263-8992, email LAC@lakeway-tx.gov  or visit https://kidventure.com/austin-summer-camp/

Summer movies in the park

Fun family entertainment continues on Friday, July 1, with a showing of Captain America: The First Avenger at 6PM in City Park (502 Hurst Creek).  Bring blankets and folding chairs to get comfy on the lawn.  No pets or alcohol allowed at this FREE event, with treats, music and yard games provided.  A movie is also planned for the first Friday in August.

4^th of July celebration—parade theme is SHE’S A GRAND OLD FLAG

–Parade registration deadline is June 21.

Event details and a link to register to participate in the parade are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration

–Volunteers are needed.

City of Lakeway Parks & Rec is looking for volunteer helpers for the celebration taking place Monday, July 4 (including prep work that weekend).  Needs include Shuttle Cart Drivers, Photographer, Golf Carts & Drivers, Convertible Vehicles & Drivers, Staging Volunteers, Parade Route Volunteers, Decoration Volunteers, and Banner Holders.  To volunteer, call 512-314-7532 during business hours, email paradechair@lakeway-tx.gov  OR complete the volunteer form found here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/FormCenter/Administration-5/City-of-Lakeway-Volunteer-Form-83

Council’s Transportation Work Session/Committee work Session

Monday, June 6: Lakeway City Council Special Meeting–TRANSPORTATION Work Session and Committee Work Session–6:30PM at City Hall.

City Manager Julie Oakley will present a Transportation Work Session on traffic projects including recent Transportation Town Hall resident comments and engineering study conclusions on up to 15 projects.  These include connecting Birrell to Lohmans Spur ($3M); Main Street’s section through the Stratus tract, with a bridge spanning an environmentally sensitive area ($4.25M, IF the city builds it, as opposed to Stratus doing so); 620 expansion/Lakeway’s share of right of way cost ($3.2M); needed culvert improvements; needed resurfacing of Lakeway Blvd ($4.3M), Lakeway Drive, and Lohmans Crossing; pedestrian safety improvements on Lakeway Blvd and Lakeway Drive; new traffic signals; Delsie Drive and Joseph Drive extension options; Serene Hills Drive expansion ($4.8M); and more.

I strongly suggest everyone review the Meeting Packet, which has detailed info on the many projects, including options, schematics and projected costs in many cases.  As for costs, the big-ticket projects will result in 1 or more transportation bond issues on our November ballots.  To get the PDF of the meeting packet, click the link, scroll down to City Council Meeting Packets, and click on June 6. https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Committee Work Session.  Few details have been provided so far, but this seems to be a review of responsibilities and expectations of the city’s various committees, in relation to city departments and staff.

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

Daring Mighty Things

Boeing’s crewless test flight completed a successful mission to and from the ISS, returning safely to Earth on May 25.  This paves the way for crewed missions later this year, providing an option to SpaceX flights for getting astronauts and supplies to the station.  NASA, Boeing Complete Starliner Uncrewed Flight Test to Space Station 5/25/22  https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-boeing-complete-starliner-uncrewed-flight-test-to-space-station

Back to me….

I was a poll worker for the May 24 Primary Runoff Election.  My assigned location was the ISD Education Building out on 620; it is usually pretty quiet there, but we had a steady flow of traffic and ended up with 317 voters for the day.  Overall, it was a very interesting process. I was lucky to be serving with several fun and experienced people, so I learned a lot. 

Now, I have a couple online projects, and I’m job-hunting for something interesting, nearby and part-time.  Also, I’m loving my long early morning walks, reading the Randall Silvis detective series, and watching DVDs of all 3 seasons of Keeping Faith (fabulous legal noir set in gorgeous Wales).  And, of course, spending quality time with the cats.

The FAWNS ARE HERE!  PLEASE slow down and drive carefully.  Dozens of fawns are hit by cars in Lakeway every spring, and every time it is just tragic all around.  If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another.  Here are some recent photos I took of our deer herd.

 

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 11.9 billion shots have been given, with 60% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

China’s lockdown of millions of residents in Shanghai began to lift last week, as a result of new cases waning.  Fences around apartment complexes started coming down, but masks are required, testing within 72 hours is needed to enter public places or use public transit, restaurants are closed to inside dining, and harsh quarantine remains for anyone testing positive. Still, newly freed residents celebrated by honking car horns and shooting off fireworks.  The severe 2 month-long lockdown exemplified China’s zero-tolerance policy on Covid; in addition to the terrible human toll, it decimated China’s economy.  Just the massive amount of testing done consumed a significant part of the country’s GNP.  It was also a huge negative for the world’s economy, particularly snarling the supply chain.  For instance, the US currently has a severe shortage of imaging dye, delaying and rationing medical tests, that is due to the Covid closure of General Electric’s Shanghai manufacturing plant.

North Korea’s Covid surge is dubbed a “fever outbreak” by officials.  Despite nearly 3 million cases, they claim that less than 100 deaths have resulted.  They also claim the outbreak is nearly vanquished.  Given North Korea has no vaccination program, nearly non-existent medical care and widespread malnutrition, the rosy claims may well be state propaganda.

Japan, after 2 years of being closed to visitors, will start allowing foreign tourists into the country in June.  However, only TOUR GROUPS will be allowed in, and just in limited numbers and from selected countries.  Negative tests both prior to and after arrival will be required.  Tour group leaders must police participants’ observance of Japan’s mask mandate and other Covid restrictions.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, cases decreased 6%, hospitalizations dropped 1%, and deaths decreased 12%.  We are averaging 102,000 new cases per day. 24,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 264 people per day.  Note that statistics may be skewed due to the Memorial Day holiday.  Plus, cases and hospitalizations are up in half the states (including Texas), but nationwide this was balanced by improvement in the northeast and midwest. 

Recent studies indicate ACTUAL new cases are as much as 30 times the official reports, because nearly everyone tests at home now.

As of May 25, Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 became the dominant form of Covid in America.

Since early 2020, 1 in 4 Americans was infected with Covid, with 1 in 330 Americans dying of Covid.

During 2021, Covid-19 was the third leading cause of death in the US, after heart disease and cancer.  The same was true in 2020.

Studies have found that long Covid symptoms afflict about 1 in 5 adult survivors, including people who had mild or even no symptoms early on.  Median length of long Covid symptoms (including overwhelming fatigue, fever, cough, shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, loss of taste/smell, and much more) is 15 months.

Mask mandates are back.  Schools in Philadelphia, Providence, Berkeley and Brookline now mandate masks again, due to the latest surge.  Several colleges nationwide have done the same.  Studies show that masks do work to reduce Covid infection, but studies also show that mask mandates do not necessarily help.  Experts explain the absurdity this way: Masks ONLY work when they are high quality and are worn consistently and properly; forcing unwilling people to do this is a losing battle. 

As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated.  About 103 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day decreased to 281,000. 

Dr. Ashish Jha, White House Covid-19 response coordinator, on June 2 announced that vaccination shots for kids under age 5 could be available as soon as June 21.  The FDA and CDC are wrapping up review of test results, but approval for America’s 18 million kids 6 months-4 years old is expected soon. 

In Texas, the positivity test rate continues to rise–currently 19%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases increased 55%, hospitalizations rose 26%, and deaths dropped 44%.  We are averaging 5,500 new cases and 5 deaths daily.  As of now, there are 1,500 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated.  

In the last week, new COVID-19 cases in Texas were at 131% of what the CDC says is a high level of community transmission.

Recent Covid articles I recommend

‘We’re playing with fire’: US Covid cases may be 30 times higher than reported 6/2/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/01/us-covid-surge-cases-rate

What the Pandemic Can Teach Us About Endings 6/1/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/opinion/coronavirus-pandemic-end.html

Why Masks Work, but Mandates Haven’t 5/30/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/31/briefing/masks-mandates-us-covid.html

White House Pushes to Get Paxlovid Pills in More Covid Patients’ Hands 5/26/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/26/us/politics/paxlovid-white-house-covid-deaths.html

Pfizer, BioNTech report 80 percent efficacy of Covid-19 vaccine for youngest children 5/23/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/23/pfizer-biontech-report-covid-19-vaccine-efficacy-children-00034304

Here is what is going on in Lakeway.

Lake Travis Community Library Art Display

Through May, visit the library’s meeting room to view an exhibit by local artist Julie Schmidt.

Aloha Pool Party

On Saturday, May 28, 5-8PM, Lakeway Swim Center will host an evening of fun in the sun at.  Enjoy luau games, learn to dance the Hula from a Kona Hawaii instructor, dine on Chick Fil A with Polynesian sauce (from concessions), and more.  Plus, the leisure pool will be open for swimming.  Luau attire is welcome.  Free admission with summer membership pass; otherwise, drop-in rates apply. https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1835/Aloha-Pool-Party

Memorial Day Service

Lakeway’s Memorial Day observance will be held on Monday, May 30, at 10AM, at Church of the Resurrection of the Lord, Emmaus Catholic Parish, 1718 Lohmans Crossing Road.  The guest speaker will be 40-year Lakeway resident Brig. Gen. Richard T. Drury, USAF (Ret.).  Lakeway’s Sing Along group will provide patriotic music.  Go here for details: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1511/Memorial-Day-Ceremony

Summer movies in the park

Fun family entertainment kicks off on Friday, June 3, with a showing of The Parent Trap at 6PM in City Park (502 Hurst Creek).  Bring blankets and folding chairs to get comfy on the lawn.  No pets or alcohol allowed at this FREE event, with treats, music and yard games provided.  Movies are also planned for the first Fridays in July and August.

4^th of July celebration—parade theme is SHE’S A GRAND OLD FLAG

—Parade registration deadline is June 21. Event details and a link to register to participate in the parade are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/718/July-4th-Celebration

—Volunteers are needed. City of Lakeway Parks & Rec is looking for volunteer helpers for the 4th of July Celebration taking place Monday, July 4 (including prep work that weekend).  Needs include Shuttle Cart Drivers, Photographer, Golf Carts & Drivers, Convertible Vehicles & Drivers, Staging Volunteers, Parade Route Volunteers, Decoration Volunteers, and Banner Holders.  To volunteer, call 512-314-7532 during business hours, email paradechair@lakeway-tx.gov  OR complete the volunteer form found here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/FormCenter/Administration-5/City-of-Lakeway-Volunteer-Form-83

GIVE BLOOD

As always, I had a great experience donating blood today at the Activity Center. It was well organized, clean and friendly; I was done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES! The group We are Blood is at LAC every 2 months. Some other locations nearby are Rough Hollow Yacht Club and BSW Hospital in Lakeway. Once you get started, it is super easy to be on the schedule for regular blood donations at the location of your choice.  You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here– https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/

COUNCIL met on May 16.

RESULTS in ALL CAPS

ITEM 4: Recognition and honors for: Councilmembers Laurie Higginbotham and Steve Smith, and Police Captain David Crowder.  ONLY SMITH WAS IN ATTENDANCE, receiving a commemorative glass sailboat.

ITEM 5: Swearing in newly elected Councilmembers.  MASTRANGELO, SZIMANSKI AND BRYNTESON WERE SWORN IN.

ITEM 12: Financial Report: REVENUE WAS AHEAD BY $470K (with 99% of the year’s property tax collected, with sales tax collection 9% over projections, and with $200K excess sales tax now expected to be collected by year-end). EXPENDITURES WERE $185K LESS THAN PROJECTED.

ITEM 13: Appointment of a Mayor Pro Tem.  GRETCHEN VANCE WAS NAMED MAYOR PRO TEM.

ITEM 14: Citizens Participation. 1 PERSON SPOKE (suggesting Lakeway’s spike in population means we should change to districts for Council elections, as opposed to all members being elected at large).

ITEMS 17 and 18: Annexation of 29 acres off Highlands Blvd. in Rough Hollow and rezoning the tract as parkland, in accordance with the approved consolidated preliminary plan. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEMS 19 and 20: Annexation of 16 acres south of Tomichi Trail and east of Rough Hollow Elementary School in Rough Hollow and rezoning the tract as R-1 (although the only allowed use is for water quality ponds and a greenbelt, with no construction of homes), consistent with the approved consolidated preliminary plan.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 22: Revising the ordinance covering outdoor storage of lawn and home items, including accumulated refuse and junk, as well as portable storage units.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

The 3 Executive Sessions were moved up in the Agenda: 

ITEM: 24: Executive Session on Lakeway MUD property request.

ITEM: 25: Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and other confidential matters with the city attorney.

Item A1, added to the Agenda, on May 13: Executive Session to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation and duties of a public employee or officer, per Texas Government Code 551.074.

Council left the room at 8:01PM, returning at 9:29PM.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, during Executive Session or later in the meeting, as to the 3 items.

ITEM 23: Revising the Home Occupation ordinance to allow some home businesses to operate while protecting residential neighborhoods.  ZAPCO recommended numerous restrictions, including no more than one employee not living at the dwelling (and that employee is limited to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week), no more than 3 customer-related round trips per day, and (for daycare businesses) no more than 4 unrelated children and no more than 6 total children. [NOTE: The city is currently being sued for disallowing, per the current law, a daycare business to be run from a home on Vanguard.]

Council reviewed the proposed changes line by line, making minor changes.  Citizens Participation was surprising scant—only 1 resident spoke, other than the daycare operator who is suing the city and her 2 Washington, DC, attorneys. Subsequent discussion on the dais revealed all Council members favor a total ban of employees on site.  In addition, there was disfavor toward ZAPCO’s suggestions limiting customer trips to 3 per day and limiting the number of children allowed in a daycare business.  Various members indicated the issue was balancing the rights of homeowners to use their property as they see fit, with the rights of neighbors to peaceful enjoyment of their property purchased when local law prohibited businesses in residential neighborhoods.  Creating a separate ordinance governing daycare businesses was discussed.  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to postpone the matter until the JUNE 21 MEETING, with staff instructed to use the evening’s feedback to further revise the ordinance.

ADJOURNED 10:57PM.

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/173819

The Meeting Packet is here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Council’s Transportation Work Session

Council is hosting a special work session on transportation issues on Monday, June 6, 6:30PM, at City Hall.  Residents who attended the April Transportation Town Hall will be familiar with our many current transportation issues, including replacing decayed culverts, adding needed sidewalks, widening Serene Hills, connecting Birrell to Lohmans Spur, the much-delayed Main Street expansion, the city’s cost share of expanding 620, and more. The work session will explore options for the most pressing issues, prior to summer budget meetings and in anticipation of putting one or more municipal bonds on the November ballot for resident consideration.

Texas Elections

The Primary Runoff Election is on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.  Vote at Lakeway Activity Center, 7AM-7PM.  Other area locations include Bee Cave City Hall and Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center.

Democrats vote in races for Lt. Governor (Mike Collier vs. Michelle Beckley) and Attorney General (Rochelle Garza vs. Joe Jaworski ). 

Republicans will vote for Attorney General (Ken Paxton vs. George P. Bush). 

Ballots for both parties will have contests for Land Commissioner, with Democrats voting for Comptroller and Republicans voting for Railroad Commissioner.  Democrats living in District 21 will have a US House race on the ballot (Claudia Andreana Zapata vs. Ricardo Villarreal).  Republicans living in several area districts will have US House races and state House and Senate contests (including Ellen Troxclair vs. Justin Berry on Lakeway ballots for those living in District 19). 

Go here for more info: 2022 Texas primary runoff election: What you need to know before voting 5/13/22 https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/vote-texas/2022-texas-primary-runoff-election-may-24-voting-austin/269-c051cebd-182f-4ab7-a0cc-a60e2732e841

Also, League of Women Voters has an excellent voters guide online.  Go here and scroll down to select “Click here for Voters Guide”: https://lwvaustin.org/voter-guide#gsc.tab=0

Daring Mighty Things

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft had a successful launch via an Atlas V rocket last week, soon docking with the International Space Station and carrying a test dummy and station supplies on board.  After failure of 2 previous test flights, this uncrewed flight is key to Starliner’s mission of ferrying astronauts to and from ISS, as an alternate to the ongoing SPACEX flights. Starliner is scheduled to return to Earth next week.  Liftoff! Atlas V Clears the Launch Pad with Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner Spacecraft 5/19/222 https://blogs.nasa.gov/oft-2/2022/05/19/liftoff-atlas-v-clears-the-launch-pad-with-boeings-cst-100-starliner-spacecraft-2/

NASA has imaged the black hole at the center of our galaxy.  Turns out, it looks like a Halloween doughnut.  1st image of supermassive black hole at the center of Milky Way galaxy revealed 5/12/22 https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/12/world/milky-way-center-black-hole-image-scn/index.html

Back to me….  

The fabulous thing about losing the Council race is that I can return to my normal life. Most importantly–the cats are getting their lunch served on time again.  All is well….

The FAWNS ARE HERE!  Drive carefully.  Dozens of fawns are hit by cars in Lakeway every spring, and every time is just tragic all around.  If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another. 

Here are some recent photos of our deer herd, including one of a newborn fawn on Sunfish; Mama was watching from the next driveway.    

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 11.8 billion shots have been given, with 60% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.   

Testing has dropped up to 90% worldwide, compared to a few months ago.  Some countries have all but stopped testing due to Covid fatigue.  In other countries, testing is of little use because anti-viral drugs are not available for anyone testing positive.  Lack of testing means no screening for new variants and thus no warning of what may be on the way as Covid’s next ugly surprise.  

South Africa is having its fifth Covid surge.  Positive testing rates are over 40%.  

In China, Shanghai’s lockdowns continue, with no end in sight as the government persists in its zero-Covid mentality.  The populace is becoming more militant as restrictions tighten. 

In what is supposedly its first Covid outbreak, North Korea announced an Omicron surge on May 12.  In response, it declared a “severe national emergency” and went into full lockdown of its entire population (25 million).  Over 2 years ago, the secretive nation closed its borders as the sole protection against Covid.  Testing has long been scant in North Korea, and reportedly NONE of its population is vaccinated.

New Zealand plans to fully open its borders in July.  The island nation with 5 million residents closed its borders in March of 2020.  It eventually achieved a high vaccination rate and reports one of the lowest death rates (17 deaths per 100,000 people).  On May 16, the country’s prime minister announced she had tested positive.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, cases have increased 53%, hospitalizations are up 30%, and deaths decreased 19%.  We are averaging 108,000 new cases per day. 24,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 300 people per day.  

The nation swings from struggling to cope with the milestone of 1 million dead to trying to ignore it.  It is legitimately hard to grasp loss on that scale, particularly as the death toll could have been drastically reduced in so many ways.  For instance, half the deaths occurred after vaccinations were widely available.  Also, the deaths were NOT evenly distributed. Age was a huge factor, with 75% of the dead age 65 or older; 20% of the dead lived in nursing homes. Hispanics died at 4 times the rate of whites; blacks died at 3 times the rate of whites. Essential workers were also fodder for Covid.  Among regions of the country, the south experienced the highest death rate—nearly 400,000 people, largely due to poor vaccination rates, lack of quality medical care, and high levels of underlying disease.  Worldwide, the US had more Covid deaths than any other country. To bring the overall loss of 1 million Americans into focus, Covid-19 killed more Americans than died in TWO DECADES of car crashes. Also, the Covid death toll is higher than our dead in ALL wars combined.  This interactive article is a stunning account of how the unthinkable happened.  How America Reached 100 Million Deaths 5/13/22  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/05/13/us/covid-deaths-us-one-million.html

With cases and hospitalizations rising again, across one-third of the country and especially in the northeast, the CDC is advising people in those areas to wear masks indoors in public spaces, yet again.

New York City is experiencing its fifth Covid surge, largely caused by Omicron progeny BA.2.12.1.  New daily case totals are over 4,000, even with most testing done at home and not included in official totals.  Hospitalizations are rising moderately.

Remember getting FREE test kits in the mail, twice now?  Round 3 is now available.  The White House will send Americans eight more at-home tests.  Just go here to place your order for 8 FREE test kits: covidtests.gov

Omicron’s many variants are increasingly able to reinfect people who had an earlier version of Covid-19, even recently.  This surprises most experts, who assumed infection would grant some degree of immunity for at least several months.  Instead, people are getting infected 2-4 times a year.  For those who are vaccinated, the infections are generally mild, but each time routines are interrupted and work is missed; plus, the variant spreads to other people.  Each infection brings the possibility of long Covid—having debilitating symptoms for months or even years.  And, every infection is a fresh opportunity for a new variant to evolve.  So far, experts can only recommend updating the vaccines as frequently as possible to cope with the latest variants and getting boosters multiple times a year. 

Congress is reluctant to keep funding the pandemic response.  As a result, the Biden administration is having to cut back on everything from vaccine production to testing and anti-viral medications.

On May 16, the FDA issued a warning about counterfeit over the counter Covid tests kits.  The counterfeits mimic Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Tests and iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kits. Results from these tests cannot be trusted.  More info is here, including ways to identify the counterfeit test kits: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/counterfeit-home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

As for vaccinations in the US, 66% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 6 weeks).  Average shots administered per day decreased to 366,000.  About 102 million booster shots have been given.  

The CDC is now recommending all adults over age 50 get a SECOND booster (4 months after the first booster).  Prior to the current surge in cases, a second booster was recommended for those 65 and older.

On May 19, the CDC authorized Pfizer booster shots for kids age 5-11, 5 months after receiving the second shot of their original vaccination.

In Texas, the positivity test rate is on the rise, currently 13%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases increased 31%, hospitalizations rose 8%, and deaths fell 6%.  We are averaging 3,500 new cases and 10 deaths daily.  As of now, there are 1,200 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated.  

Recent Covid articles I recommend

A Better Understanding of Long Covid 5/20/22  35 minute podcast https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/podcasts/the-daily/long-covid-symptoms.html

The C.D.C. recommends Pfizer-BioNTech boosters for children 5 to 11  5/19/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/19/health/pfizer-vaccine-booster-kids.html

Over 75 Percent of Long Covid Patients Were Not Hospitalized for Initial Illness, Study Finds 5/18/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/18/health/long-covid-hospitalization.html

How Often Can You Be Infected With the Coronavirus? 5/16/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/16/health/covid-reinfection.html

The Lost Americans 5/14/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/14/us/covid-one-million-deaths.html

How America Reached 100 Million Deaths 5/13/22  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/05/13/us/covid-deaths-us-one-million.html

What if Delaware disappeared? 1 million Covid-19 deaths explained in 4 charts. 5/11/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/11/1-million-covid-deaths-00031142

White House warns of Covid surges in the winter 5/8/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/08/white-house-warns-of-covid-surges-this-winter-00030901

Sorry, everyone.  I lost. 

My heartfelt thanks to ALL my supporters!  I re-established many relationships during the campaign and made countless new friends, as well.  That was the best part of the experience and what I will cherish going forward.  Of course, I will continue to work to MAKE LAKEWAY EVEN BETTER.

Clearly, partisan PAC money played a huge role in the election results—at the Council level and in our school board races. In my opinion, that is very bad news for Lakeway and our school system. 

I’m really sorry I let Lakeway down.  But, there was a lot going on in the background that may come out later—or possibly not at all.  Sadly, local politics are subject to the same ugly slings and arrows we have become accustomed to at the state and national level.

On a practical note—YARD SIGNS.  Unfortunately, they cannot be recycled.  I am happy to come pick up your sign.  Just email your address to  nina4lakeway@gmail.com

If you want the gory details, here is a local article: Incumbent Mastrangelo, newcomers Szimanski and Brynteson win Lakeway council seats 5/7/22 https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2022/05/07/incumbent-mastrangelo-newcomers-szimanski-and-brynteson-win-lakeway-council-seats/