Author: Nina Davis

What is going on in Lakeway? 

Trail of Lights

Stroll through Lakeway’s holiday light show any night, behind City Hall (located at Lohman’s Crossing and Sailmaster; park at City Hall or the adjacent Activity Center).  Lights will be on through Jan. 2.

TexARTS Holiday Musical

Celebrate the holiday with the swinging cabaret, A Cool Yule 2022: The Final Fa La La. Final performances are Dec. 17 and 18, 7:30PM.  The productionfeatures songs from Elvis, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Sugarland, Michael Buble, Peggy Lee, and more favorites. The location is the Kam and James Morris Theatre (2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 160).  Go here for more info and tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions/

Menorah Lighting

Starting Sunday, Dec. 18 and for 8 nights at 5:30PM, local Jewish families will light the menorah in front of City Hall.  The community is welcome to attend. To participate in the lighting, email info@lakeway-tx.gov

Holiday Camps

Lakeway Activity Center offers kid camps in December.  For info and to sign up, go here and look under the “Holiday Camps” tab: www.lakeway-tx.gov/classes

Polar Bar Plunge

Celebrate one year ending and another beginning at the Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway BLVD) on Dec. 30, 9-10AM.  After taking the big slide into the leisure pool for a chilly dip, warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.  The first 20 participants get a Lakeway towel.  FREE and FUN event!  Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2034/Polar-Bear-Plunge

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

CHRISTMAS GIFT ALERT!  Tickets are on sale NOW.

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and students at Lake Travis High School will present a 3^rd annual performance at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center. Go here for details and tickets:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Art Exhibit at Lake Travis Community Library

Through December, Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room will display award-winning entries and honorable mentions from the annual Teen Read Week Art Contest.  Participants created original art inspired by personal reading experiences, and Friends of the Library provided cash prizes.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline

This isn’t specific to Lakeway—it is a free national resource that can save lives, and the number recently changed.  Sure, the holidays are fun and full of joy, but they are also stressful and can trigger pain and depression.  If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at988lifeline.org

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live talk on Dec. 15, just a 9-minute update.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/487665573357368

Council Met on Dec. 5.

All members were present at this Workshop meeting, with Council Member Kumar attending via Zoom.  RESULTS: 

ITEM 5: Transportation Bond Update.

Jennifer Ritter of Specialized Public Finance gave a presentation on how and when would be best for the city to issue some or all of the $17.5M in transportation bonds that residents recently voted to approve. While NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, the consensus was that a partial bond will likely be offered next May, and Public Works suggested starting with culvert repair, some of the traffic lights, and resurfacing Lakeway Blvd. and Lakeway Drive. 

ITEM 6: FY 2022 Budget Amendment.

Finance Director Aaron Daigle reviewed several instances where estimates (such as for Hotel Occupancy Tax deposits and parkland fees) need to be replaced with actual numbers.  In addition, significant expenses planned for 2022 (some road work and several vehicle purchases) ended up being pushed to 2023. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. 

ITEM 7: Update on RM 620 overlay zoning district project (staff having completed Task 1 of 5 Tasks).

Senior Planner Charlie Sullivan reviewed staff’s completion of Task 1, summarizing the physical effects of the expansion on 620-facing property owners (as to parking, driveways, set-backs, monument signs, impervious cover, etc.)  He noted 240 impacts, 147 being major ones that would normally be handled with requests to ZAPCO for special use permits or variances.  Importantly, the city’s agreement with TXDOT requires the city to bear any cost to make properties code-compliant after the expansion, so it is in the city’s best interest to work with property owners.  Suggestions included applying a 25’ set-back to all the properties (instead of the 40’ set-back that applies to most commercial land), as well as not revoking grandfathered status due to expansion-caused changes.  It was stated that currently the best guess for TXDOT starting the 620 expansion is in 2025. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, and staff will incorporate suggestions into the city’s overlay plan. 

ITEM 8: Amendments to Tree Ordinance.

City Forester Richard Leon discussed creating a Tree Protection Ordinance that gathers all of the city’s rules on trees into 1 section.  Classes of trees would be protected by location and species, with a Tree Fund established to take payments for removed trees; the city would use the funds to plant new trees or purchase land in order to preserve existing trees. He wants to get Lakeway designated as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Association.  Finally, he favors rescinding the current ban on planting Live Oaks, except in certified oak wilt areas.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, but a proposed ordinance will be revised per the discussion and likely voted on at the next meeting. 

ADJOURNED at 8:01PM. 

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

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/190512

Council Will Meet on Monday, Dec. 19, 6PM at City Hall.

Consequential Agenda items include: 

ITEM 10: Citizens Participation.

ITEM12: Financial Report.

ITEM 13: Request by TexARTS for $70,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax funds.

ITEMS 14-17: Short Term Rental requests for 4 properties–151 World of Tennis, 113 Edgewater Cove, 209 Golf Crest Lane, and 819 Mariner.

ITEM 18: Preliminary Plan approval at 570 Rupen, for a development of 10 single family R-1 lots on 5.59 acres, with $45,000 to be paid to the city in lieu of parkland dedication.

ITEM 20: Amendments to Tree Ordinance.

ITEM 22: Executive Session re: Attorney General Ruling OR2022-35833 as to personnel records to be released or withheld per a public information request.

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

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

Daring Mighty Things

Wow—The Artemis mission’s amazing images include footage of the moon eclipsing Earth.  Go here for a short video: https://www.space.com/artemis-1-orion-moon-eclipse-earth-video

The entire Artemis I mission was textbook, and it concluded with Orion’s perfect splashdown in the Pacific on Dec. 11.  Crewed missions to the moon—first to orbit and later to land, explore, and inhabit–are planned starting in 2024. NASA’s Orion capsule blazes home from test flight to moon 12/11/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/11/nasa-orion-capsule-splashdown-moon-00073403

See the best images from the mission here:  https://www.space.com/10-greatest-images-nasa-artemis-1-moon-mission

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

State legislatures across the country are gearing up to exploit the repeal of Roe, with extreme measures on the table as law-making sessions convene in 2023.  Proposed laws range from total abortion bans to attempts at making abortion pills illegal.  Currently, abortion is banned in 13 states.  If Republican-controlled state legislatures get their way, that number will double in the next 6 months.  With medication abortion now accounting for half the pregnancy terminations in the US, red states are determined to restrict telehealth consultations and ban the mailing of pills from other states and countries.  The state of Texas has sued the FDA, demanding that abortion pills be banned on a federal basis. Onslaught of new abortion restrictions looms in reddest of states 12/13/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/13/abortion-restrictions-us-state-legislatures

On the other hand, the Dobbs decision and the fall of Roe moving the abortion fight from the federal level down to the 50 states has worked out in favor of the pro-choice side in some ways.  In 4 states, abortion issues were on the November ballot; in all 4 cases, voters supported women’s rights and freedom of choice.  Not all states allow ballot initiatives, but look for abortion to come up for popular vote in more states over the next 2 years.  In addition, examining state constitutions closely has turned up existing language that may protect a woman’s right to abortion; courts will be construing language allowing citizens to control the shape of their families and to access the full panoply of health care options.  Also, in some states, the fact that abortion is up for discussion helped Democrats win state seats and sent Republican candidates packing; this, in turn, helps the pro-choice side.  This podcast is illuminating: The Unexpected Ways the left is Winning the Abortion Fight 12/14/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/14/podcasts/the-daily/abortion-rights-roe-v-wade-states.html

Back to me….  

December is eventful at my house, starting out with birthdays for all 3 of my cats.  The big days are nicely spaced a week apart, and by the time the catnip has settled from all that hoopla, Christmas is here.  So, I’ve been busy but will definitely get our tree decorated this weekend…. Here are Maxie, Tulip and Peanut celebrating.

With cold weather coming even to Texas, keep these foods in mind to help our birds withstand the winter.

Yoga with Adriene hosts its annual 30 DAYS OF FREE ONLINE YOGA this coming January.  Adriene is based in Austin, so the program has a fun local flair. I have participated for the last 5 years, and it is always rewarding.  Each day in January, you’ll get an email with a link to that day’s video session (15-30 minutes); participate per your own schedule.  Again, it is FREE and a great way to start a new year.  Get more info and sign up here: https://do.yogawithadriene.com/center?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2022-12-04%20Adriene%20Letter%20%2801GKC9W4BBTDWK9N9Y17D43FTP%29&_kx=60JQ6m0HDFiP_1cZURTRD_loCvvNys57I7HLRg4nj18%3D.RJFGiv

As usual for this time for year, the deer have become elusive. But here are the very few recent photos I was able to get of our herd. 

The Coronavirus

The UK is having its usual winter Covid surge, with infection rates soaring, hospitals full, and the most vulnerable dying.  Unlike the last 2 years, no one wants to take precautions of any kind.  Now, people are expected to “keep calm and carry on.”  Instead of even discussing the pandemic, society insists on moving on. 

China’s zero-Covid policy is no more. After 3 years of the strictest Covid-19 restrictions in the world, Chine abruptly caved to debilitating economic losses and embarrassing social pressures, including the worst public protests since 1989’s Tiananmen Square.  In what experts are calling “a messy pivot,” the government announced in early December that nearly all its repressive rules on testing, quarantine and protections were rescinded, based on the current Omicron variants being less deadly.  The problem is—that isn’t true, certainly not for a nation like China with little immunity built up from past infections, due to the country spending the pandemic to date hermetically sealed.  Plus, China has a low level of immunization, and its locally-created vaccine is far less effective than vaccines used in the rest of the world.  Add in a limited medical system, isolated communities with no health care at all, widespread poverty, and a massive elder population–and the result inevitably will be high infection rates, overrun hospitals, and mass casualties.  In addition to humanitarian concerns, there are others.  China operates as the world’s factory; widespread infections could shut down production, causing world-wide ripples.  From an epidemiological perspective, China’s gigantic unvaccinated population is a breeding found for new variants—some of which could cause deadlier disease and be less susceptible to our current vaccinations and treatments.  Already, a Covid surge is sweeping across China.  Beijing, in particular, looks like a city in lockdown, due to ill and afraid people isolating themselves.  

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, new cases and hospitalizations rose sharply.  This is the second recent big jump for these stats, echoing what happened after Thanksgiving.  But, this time, the death rate soared, as well; over 400 Americans are dying of Covid each day.  See the chart below for current stats. The national testing positivity rate rose to 12%.  

The US government is again shipping COMPLETELY FREE Covid-19 test kits to households requesting them. You can call 1-800-232-0233 or go here to request 4 free test kits: https://www.covid.gov/tests?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20221215&instance_id=80229&nl=the-morning&regi_id=122311001&segment_id=119595&te=1&user_id=85e9340cba19164d75f3915211a487be

If you have test kits on hand that show an old expiration date, know that in many cases the manufacturers provided the FDA with data to EXTEND these dates, with the kits still providing reliable results.  Go here for a chart showing all the kits, with ACTUAL expiration dates: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list

Covid-19 hospitalization in the US increased 30% since Thanksgiving.  With flu and RSV cases also soaring, hospital beds are scarce in many states.

Feeling sick?  This chart may help you figure out why.

With Covid’s winter surge, plus a tough flu and RSV season—things are especially dangerous for our elders and our kids.  Masks protect against all 3 diseases, so it makes sense now to wear masks in crowded public areas like grocery stores, public transportation, meetings, etc.  Also—test before attending holiday events and family gatherings, so you don’t pass along anything to loved ones.

In the US, currently, those age 65 and over account for 90% of new Covid deaths.  This is despite 94% of that group being vaccinated.  One problem is that only 34% of that group got boosters; crucially, only 14% of them got the new bivalent booster that protects against Omicron variants.  Because the immune system weakens with age, vaccines in general are not as effective and the benefit doesn’t last as long with the elderly as with younger people.  This makes boosters even more important for seniors.

According to a CDC review of death certificates filed Jan. 2020 through June 2022, long Covid contributed to nearly 4,000 American deaths.

A recent study found that vaccinations saved 3 million lives in the US.  Over 1 million Americans have died from Covid, but without vaccines the total would have been over 4 million. In addition, vaccines slashed the number of hospitalizations and saved over $1 trillion in medical costs.

On Dec. 15, Congress passed a massive military spending bill.  Republican Senators demanded that, despite Pres. Biden’s objection, it overturn the Pentagon’s 2021 mandate that troops receive the coronavirus vaccine.  Along with the many other vaccinations required in the military, that requirement resulted in over 95% of military personnel being protected against Covid-19.

On Dec. 8,the FDA authorized the new bivalent booster shot for kids 6 months and older.  It recommended children receive three shots of a Covid-19 vaccine — two doses of the original formulation and a bivalent dose at least two months following the second shot.

In Texas, in the last 2 weeks, infections jumped 69% and hospitalizations surged 57%.  Deaths more than doubled. See the chart below for current stats. The positivity test rate rose to 16%. 

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

White House brings back free at-home COVID test orders as part of “winter preparedness plan” 12/15/22  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/free-covid-tests-at-home-order-online-white-house-winter-surge/

Covid vaccines averted 3 million deaths in U.S., according to new study 12/14/22 https://www.statnews.com/2022/12/13/covid-vaccines-prevented-3-million-deaths/

CDC says long Covid has contributed to thousands of U.S. deaths 12/14/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/14/cdc-long-covid-deaths-00073816

Without a plan in place to minimize infection, a moving on strategy leaves vulnerable people behind 12/13/11  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/13/britain-forget-covid-moving-on-vulnerable-economy

As Covid Spreads Fast, Beijing Isn’t in Lockdown. But It Feels Like It.  12/13/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/world/asia/china-covid-zero-beijing.html

Do You Have Covid, Flu or R.S.V.? 12/13/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/well/covid-flu-rsv-symptoms.html

The Covid Pandemic’s Hidden Casualties: Pregnant Women 12/12/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/08/health/pregnant-women-covid-flu-vaccine.html

‘The situation in the hospitals is grim’: States face brutal virus fallout 12/11/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/11/hospitals-states-virus-flu-covid-00073346

Masking could fight the ‘tripledemic’, experts say. Will anyone listen? 12/10/22 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/10/masks-tripledemic-covid-flu-rsv-us

FDA greenlights bivalent vaccines for children as young as 6 months old  12/8/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/08/fda-greenlights-bivalent-vaccines-for-children-00073006

‘Zero Covid,’ Once Ubiquitous, Vanishes in China’s Messy Pivot 12/8/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/08/world/asia/china-covid-rollback.html

Covid-19 Isn’t a Pandemic of the Unvaccinated Anymore 12/7/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/07/opinion/environment/covid-19-pandemic-elderly-deaths.html

What is going on in Lakeway? 

Season of Giving

Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) makes it easy to give this holiday season.  Through Dec. 15, just drop off these items at LAC:

–new kids’ toys (unwrapped) for LTLOV-Green Santa.

–non-perishable food items for Lake Travis Crisis Ministries.

–pet food, toys, blankets, supplies, etc. for local pet charities.

–new and gently used books for LittleFreeLibrary.org and LAC’s library.

Trail of Lights

Stroll through Lakeway’s holiday light show any night, behind City Hall (located at Lohman’s Crossing and Sailmaster; park at City Hall or the adjacent Activity Center).  Lights will be on through Jan. 2.

Lakeway Sing Along Christmas Show for Green Santa

On Dec. 4, there will be TWO performances at the Lakeway Activity Center of the Sing Along’s Annual Green Santa Performance.  Choose from 2PM and 4PM.  Price of admission is an unwrapped gift for a child 17 or under.

Polar Express + Train Rides

On Dec. 9, 6-8PM, Lakeway Parks and Rec will present “The Polar Express” along with trackless train rides, in the City Hall parking lot (1102 Lohmans Crossing).  Wear holiday PJs and bring lawn chairs and snacks to this FREE event.  Hot chocolate and smores will be provided.

Piano Concert

On Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4PM, Lakeway Arts Committee hosts a FREE piano concert by Kiyoshi Tamagawa at the Activity Center. 

Menorah Lighting

Starting Sunday, Dec. 18 and for 8 nights at 5:30PM, local Jewish families will light the menorah in front of City Hall.  The community is welcome to attend. To participate in the lighting, email info@lakeway-tx.gov

Holiday Camps

Lakeway Activity Center offers kid camps in December.  For info and to sign up, go here and look under the “Holiday Camps” tab: www.lakeway-tx.gov/classes

Polar Bar Plunge

Celebrate one year ending and another beginning at the Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway BLVD) on Dec. 30, 9-10AM.  After taking the big slide into the leisure pool for a chilly dip, warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.  The first 20 participants get a Lakeway towel.  FREE and FUN event!  Go here for info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2034/Polar-Bear-Plunge

A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra

CHRISTMAS GIFT ALERT!  

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and students at Lake Travis High School will present a 3^rd annual performance at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center.

Tickets will be on sale starting Dec. 16.  

Go here for details:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest

Art Exhibit at Lake Travis Community Library

Through December, Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room will display award-winning entries and honorable mentions from the annual Teen Read Week Art Contest.  Participants created original art inspired by personal reading experiences, and Friends of the Library provided cash prizes.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline

This isn’t specific to Lakeway—it is a free national resource that can save lives, and the contact number recently changed.  Sure, the holidays are fun and full of joy, but they are also stressful and can trigger pain and depression.  If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.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/

Lakeway is HIRING

Open positions include Assistant City Manager, Code Compliance Manager, Multimedia Specialist, Aquatic Specialist, Plans Examiner, Building Inspector, and Police Officer. Go here for info and to apply:https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx

Contact City of Lakeway

Complaint?  Question?  Trenchant observation?  Let city staff and elected officials know, here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/FormCenter/Contact-Us-3/Citizen-Feedback-70

Stay Informed

City of Lakeway will send you notices, via email or text, so you stay up to date on local events. Go here to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/list.aspx

Council met on Nov. 21.

Topics included building more hangers at the airpark, a 2^nd reading of the request that the city vacate and sell a lot in Cardinal Hills, paying Lakeway’s $3MIL share of right-of-way fees to expand 620, several special use permits, hiring a new City Manager, and more.

RESULTS: 

ITEM 29: Executive Session re: filling City Manager position—Moved to the start of the meeting, Council went into a brief private session and then came back to the dais and announced the selection committee’s choice of JOSEPH MOLIS. Council UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the choice.  (Mr. Molis has served as Assistant City Manager since late 2020 and as Interim City Manager since September. Go here for his profile:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1696  )

ITEM 11: Nov. 26 was designated as SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY.

ITEM 12: Financial Report–As of Oct. 31 (one month into fiscal year 2023), REVENUE was $139K above projections, and EXPENDITURES were $12K less than projected.

ITEM 13: Citizens Participation—2 PEOPLE SPOKE (One was rather testy, but there was no argument, shouting, or fisticuffs—progress!)

ITEM 15: Acceptance of the Nov. 8 election’s passage of Proposition A/Lakeway Transportation Bond– UNANIMOUSLY PASSED.

ITEM 16: Payment of $3,222,096.70 to TXDOT, being Lakeway’s previously agreed 10% share of costs associated with acquiring the right of way needed for the upcoming widening of Highway 620– UNANIMOUSLY PASSED.

ITEM17: Special Use Permit for a Short Term Rental at 4 Casa Verde–UNANIMOUSLY PASSED.

ITEM 18: Special Use Permit for a Short Term Rental at 105 Palos Verdes–UNANIMOUSLY PASSED.

ITEM 19: Special Use Permit (term of 99 years) for Haythem Dawlett to build (and sell condo units from) 2 new hangers at the airpark–UNANIMOUSLY PASSED with a limit of 4 planes per hanger and requiring the new hangers to match existing hangers in design and exterior color.

ITEM 20: Special Use Permit (term of 30 years) for a liquor store at 2303 RR 620 South (Vista Ridge Shopping Center, by Randalls) –UNANIMOUSLY PASSED. (How many liquor stores does Lakeway need? I think this will be #4 or #5….)

ITEM 21: Final Plat of Lakeway Highlands Phase 3 Section 7, in Rough Hollow–UNANIMOUSLY PASSED.

ITEM 22: Second Reading (and vote on) a request that the City of Lakeway vacate an undeveloped portion of Sparrow Lane extending north of Dave Drive and abutting Lot 99 of Cardinal Hills Subdivision, Unit 4, then selling the land to the owner of Lot 99 (the land’s value being $55,221 per the lot owner but $96,510 per the city)—request was UNANIMOUSLY DENIED.

ITEM 26: Revising the ordinance as to storm sewers and illicit discharge of materials–UNANIMOUSLY PASSED.

ITEM 27: Changing Council meetings BACK to 6:30PM start time—PASSED 5:1 (Byrnteson against), with the proviso that regular meetings return to the good old 6:30PM start time in JANUARY.

ITEM 28: Additional Citizens Participation, if needed–NONE. 

ADJOURNED at 8:40PM.

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

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/190050

Council Will Meet Monday, Dec. 5, 6PM, at City Hall.

Consequential Agenda items include: 

ITEM 5: Transportation Bond Update.

ITEM 6: FY 2022 Budget Amendment.

ITEM 7: Update on RM 620 overlay zoning district project (staff having completed Task 1 of 5 Tasks).

ITEM 8: Amendments to Tree Ordinance.

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

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

Daring Mighty Things

The Artemis I mission is going well.  Orion left lunar orbit as planned on Dec. 1.  It is scheduled to return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Dec 11.

Above, with Earth very far away, Artemis’ capsule Orion looms over the moon, getting within 81 miles from the surface before sling-shotting into orbit.

Here, while flying in a distant retrograde lunar orbit last week, Orion views both the moon and Earth.

Back to me….  

Another busy holiday season…. 

Remember to keep pets safe.

Here are recent photos I took of our herd. 

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, vaccination rates vary widely by region.

In China, unprecedented public protests against the government’s stringent Covid policy started at Beijing universities but spread to Shanghai and throughout the massive country.  Protestors are daring to call for democracy and the end of permanent President Xi Jinping’s rule.  Despite the precaution of holding up BLANK signs, oppressive government forces track citizens via their phones and have responded by beating protesters in the streets and arresting them in droves.  Unlike any other country in the world, China has enforced strict restrictions for close to THREE YEARS.  The last straw may have been a fire in an apartment building, killing a dozen people who were trapped inside by Covid blockades.  Beijing schools switched to online teaching as of Nov. 21, with residents of several districts required to limit their movements as the city’s Covid cases climbed.  The south China city of Guangzhou locked down its largest district on Nov. 21; in-person classes and public transit were suspended, with residents required to present a negative test to leave their homes.  As China’s death rate climbs, the government is pressing the elderly to get vaccinated; that cohort is the most vulnerable yet has the lowest vaccination rate.

In Australia, cases doubled during November, and hospitalizations rose 20%.  Authorities predict the surge there will peak by Christmas.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, new cases and hospitalizations rose sharply.  See the chart below for current stats. The national testing positivity rate rose to 11%.  

This increase in cases and hospitalizations is the norm for this time of year, with Thanksgiving travel and gathering, plus winter weather keeping people indoors.  The entire country is affected, with California and New Mexico seeing the strongest surges. 

Incredibly, only 15% of Americans have gotten the new bivalent booster.  This shot was created to fight the current Omicron variants.  The data shows it works—reducing the infection rate and making severe disease/hospitalization/death far less likely.  GET THE NEW BOOSTER.  All the local pharmacies have it, so the process is easy, quick, and free.  GET IT NOW, so you and those you love are protected over the Christmas holiday. 

After over a year, Omicron variants (BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 at present) still dominate the pandemic.  Omicron first made news LAST Thanksgiving, taking over as the new big bad variant, after Delta had held sway since summer of 2021. In the US as of the end of November, our variant soup includes once-dominant BA.5 accounting for just 19% of new cases. Its descendant BQ.1 accounts for 28%, with its offspring, BQ.1.1., causing 29% of new cases. Thirteen other Omicron subvariants make up the rest.

Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean reinstated mask mandates and other restrictions after recent Covid outbreaks on cruise ships.

The FDA has revoked Covid authorization for the monoclonal antibody known as bebtelovimab (manufactured by Eli Lilly), because it is not effective against the current Omicron variants.  This treatment was previously used to good effect on immune-compromised patients unable to take the oral antiviral Paxlovid.

Twitter users beware.  Per the new and chaotic management: “Effective November 23, 2022, Twitter is no longer enforcing the COVID-19 misleading information policy.”

In Texas, in the last 2 weeks, hospitalizations rose by 49%.  See the chart below for current stats. The positivity test rate rose to 12%.

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

FDA pulls Covid antibody treatment because it’s not effective against dominant omicron variants 12/1/22 https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/01/covid-fda-pulls-antibody-bebtelovimab-because-not-effective-against-omicron-bqpoint1.html

Happy Birthday, Omicron 11/26/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/26/science/omicron-birthday-variant-evolution.html

RSV, covid and flu push hospitals to the brink — and it may get worse 11/20/22  https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/11/20/hospital-capacity-rsv-flu-covid/

What is going on in Lakeway? 

Art Exhibit at Lake Travis Community Library

For all of November and December, Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room will display award-winning entries and honorable mentions from the annual Teen Read Week Art Contest.  Participants created original art inspired by personal reading experiences. Friends of the Library provided cash prizes.

Lights Out, Texas! Through the end of November, please.

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

GREEN SANTA Donations

LTLov’s Green Santa gives toys and assistance to Lake Travis children and families at or below the poverty line.  YOU can help by dropping off donations at Lake Travis Community Library by Wed., Nov. 30.  Suggested gifts include sports equipment, dolls, puzzles and games, gift cards, toddler toys, and art supplies.  Cash donations can be made via Venmo or checks payable to LTLov. (See the Sing Along entry below for another opportunity to donate.)

Lights On!

On Friday, Dec. 2, 6-8PM, Lakeway’s Lights On marks the official beginning of the holiday season, with the first lighting of the Trail of Lights behind City Hall (located at Lohman’s Crossing and Sailmaster; park at City Hall or the adjacent Activity Center).  Santa and Mrs. Claus will of course be on hand, supervising the cookie decorating, marshmallow roasting, Reindeer Games, music, and more.  All FREE, but please bring non-perishable food items to benefit Lake Travis Crisis Ministries.  All the fun stuff is detailed here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1427/Lights-On

Lakeway Sing Along Christmas Show for Green Santa

On Dec. 4, there will be TWO performances at the Lakeway Activity Center of the Sing Along’s Annual Green Santa Performance.  Choose from 2PM and 4PM.  Price of admission is an unwrapped gift for a child 17 or under.

Polar Express + Train Rides

On Dec. 9, 6-8PM, Lakeway Parks and Rec will present “The Polar Express” along with trackless train rides, in the City Hall parking lot (1102 Lohmans Crossing).  Wear holiday PJs and bring lawn chairs and snacks to this FREE event.  Hot chocolate and smores will be provided.

History of Lakeway Bus Tours

Usually held in spring, these popular bus tours will be offered on Friday, January 20, 2023.  Choose from 9:15AM, 11:15AM, and 1:15PM.  Register NOW for this FREE event, which is expected to fill up quickly.  More info and the registration link are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail

Lake Travis Community Library DELIVERS

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

Veterans Day Video

IF you missed Lakeway’s Nov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony, watch the video here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1426/Veterans-Day-Ceremony

Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update

The mayor gave a live update on Nov. 17, just 10 minutes long.  Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/457807636270825

Transportation Bond PASSES

Approximately 10,196 Lakeway residents voted in the Nov. 8 election.  Lakeway’s Prop A passed with 66.71% of the vote.  Most of the bond funds will go toward culvert improvements, traffic lights, and resurfacing and depth repair for existing streets, but $4 million could be used to build out and add a bridge to Birrell Street (assuming Stratus fulfills its obligation to build Main Street through its tract behind HEB). https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/election/2022/11/08/lakeway-transportation-bond-for-improvements-new-road-passes/

Council Met on Nov. 7

All members were present on the dais.  RESULTS:

ITEM 5: Officer pinning ceremony. Chief Koen introduced 2 NEW OFFICERS and 2 NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS to the city.  Go here and watch the first few minutes of the proceedings to meet these officers: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/189100

ITEM 6: Texas Special Olympics 2023 requests $200,000 from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund.  APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, with the proviso the applicant must correct its submission form to show funds to be used for advertising as state law allows for HOT funds.

ITEM 7: Lady Cavalier’s Holiday Basketball Tournament requests $56,000 from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund. POSTPONED until the Nov. 21 meeting, at the request of staff, so the submission form can be revised.

ITEM 8: Annexation of the section of Bee Creek Road from the Highlands Blvd. traffic circle to State Highway 71.  APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 10: Revising Code of Ethics as to gifts received by city employees, including police officers.  After extensive and often heated discussion, the ordinance change suggested by Ethics Committee was APPROVED, by a vote of 4:3 (Kilgore, Vance and Kumar opposing), but with several material additions, changes and deletions.  As to the most controversial issue on gift reporting and transparency, the city review committee was scrapped, as was employee reporting of gifts received.  Instead, a charity giving more than $3,000 per year must file a report with the city, just listing the number of gifts and the total given (with no identifying or personal information on the recipient). In my view, Lakeway’s exemplary Code of Ethics was gutted by the vote of 4 Council members.

ITEM 11: Revising the penalty ordinance against night flying to comply with recent changes to the Aviation Code defining terms, as well as specifying a maximum fee of $500 per offense. Again, after heated discussion, this PASSED 4:3 (Trecker, Brynteson and Szimanski opposing).

NOTE: This is NOT a happy Council, nor—in my opinion–a well-functioning body.  As they say, one bad apple spoils the whole barrel.  Also, elections matter.

ADJOURNED: 10:43PM.

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

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/189100

Council meets Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:00pm, at City Hall.

Topics include building more hangers at the airpark, a 2^nd reading of the request that the city vacate and sell a lot in Cardinal Hills, paying Lakeway’s $3MIL share of right-of-way fees to expand 620, several special use permits, another Exec Session on filling the City Manager job, and more.

Consequential Agenda items include: 

ITEM 11: Proclaiming Nov. 26 as Small Business Saturday.

ITEM 12: Financial Report.

ITEM 13: Citizens Participation (up to 30 minutes, with more time at end of meeting, if needed).  [Behave, people, if only in appreciation of this item being returned to the front of the Agenda, after several ugly episodes got it banished to the end of the night.]

ITEM 15: Canvassing the election returns as to Proposition A/Lakeway Transportation Bond.

ITEM 16: Payment of $3,222,096.70 to TXDOT, being Lakeway’s previously agreed 10% share of costs associated with acquiring the right of way needed for the upcoming widening of Highway 620.

ITEM17: Special Use Permit for a Short Term Rental at 4 Casa Verde.

ITEM 18: Special Use Permit for a Short Term Rental at 105 Palos Verdes.

ITEM 19: Special Use Permit (term of 99 years) for Haythem Dawlett to build and operate 2 new hangers at the airpark.

ITEM 20: Special Use Permit (term of 30 years) for a liquor store at 2303 RR 620 South (Vista Ridge Shopping Center, by Randalls).

ITEM 21: Final Plat of Lakeway Highlands Phase 3 Section 7, in Rough Hollow.

ITEM 22: Second Reading (and vote on) a request that the City of Lakeway vacate an undeveloped portion of Sparrow Lane extending north of Dave Drive and abutting Lot 99 of Cardinal Hills Subdivision, Unit 4, then selling the land to the owner of Lot 99 (the land’s value being $55,221 per the lot owner but $96,510 per the city).

ITEM 26: Revising the ordinance as to storm sewers and illicit discharge of materials.

ITEM 27: Changing Council meetings BACK to 6:30PM start time. (Looking forward to the interesting story that must come with this one.)

ITEM 28: Additional Citizens Participation, if needed.

ITEM 29: Executive Session re: filling City Manager position.

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

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

Daring Mighty Things

Success!  Artemis 1 blasted off in the wee hours of Nov. 16.  After 4 delays (2 technical, 2 due to hurricanes) in September and October, this much-anticipated launch was flawless.  Artemis will reach the moon on Nov. 21, orbit it at various altitudes, and then head back home, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 11.  The uncrewed flight is a massive test of current technology, including a dozen mannequins (NASA calls them Moonikins) on board equipped with sensors registering force, temperature, radiation and much more, to help NASA prepare for later flights carrying astronauts to the moon and beyond.  This article details what the mission will include and when: https://www.space.com/artemis-1-moon-mission-next-steps?utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9

The above image shows Artemis in space, an hour after launch, with Earth peering up from the lower right.  Part of the space capsule, known as Orion, is shown in its own external camera view, specifically its Orbital Maneuvering System engine, auxiliary engines, and solar array.  This shot was taken when the craft was 57,000 miles from Earth (about 20% of the way to the moon), while traveling at nearly 5,500 mph.

Before launch, Artemis 1 fed a LOT of people with a sweet tooth.  This image shows a replica made of CAKE in the foreground, with the actual rocket in back.  The cake version was 3’ tall, while the rocket assembly stood well over 300’ high. 

Above is the Webb telescope’s new image of Wolf–Lundmark–Melotte, a dwarf galaxy positioned 3 million miles away from Earth.  Aside from being so very pretty, the galaxy—located in the constellation of Cetus–is one of the most remote members of the local galaxy group that contains our galaxy. Being isolated and without interaction with other galaxies, WLM is perfect for the study of how stars evolve in smaller galaxies.

Divers off the coast of Florida filming a History Channel documentary on downed World War II aircraft discovered a huge sheet of wreckage from Challenger, the space shuttle that exploded shortly after launch in 1986, killing all 7 astronauts aboard.  Partly buried in the sandy bottom, the debris measures well over 15’X15’ and is the largest remnant of the tragedy discovered in decades.  Recovery measures are underway.  https://www.space.com/space-shuttle-challenger-debris-found-history-channel?utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9

 With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Five states—California, Michigan, Vermont, Kentucky and Montana—had abortion-related propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot.  In all five states, voters chose to protect a woman’s right to choose.  Voters deliver ringing endorsement of abortion rights on midterm ballot initiatives across the US  11/9/22 https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/09/politics/abortion-rights-2022-midterms

On the other hand, the abortion pill that many women have turned to after being denied access to surgical abortion is now under attack by the right.  Anti-abortion organizations sued HHS and the FDA (in a Texas court, of course) on Nov. 18, trying to reverse the FDA’s approval of the abortion medication mifepristone. The drug was approved 22 years ago.  Anti-abortion groups seek to overturn FDA approval of abortion pill 11/18/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/18/anti-abortion-groups-seek-to-overturn-fda-approval-of-abortion-pill-00069542

Back to me….  

I’m both shocked and disgusted overall by the election results in Texas.  Other states had both high turnout and sensible voting when the vital issues of abortion rights and election denial were on the ballot.  Yet, Texas had LESS voter turnout—with notably few younger voters–than in the 2018 mid-terms.  AND, by and large, the same tired and corrupt GOP hacks won yet again in Texas—despite our state leaders limiting voting rights AND stripping away the right to abortion here a full year before the Supreme Court did that to the rest of the country.  Also—despite Beto O’Rourke providing the often demanded young and fresh political option.  Maybe Texas is just a lost cause.

Also, I’m still unnerved by those couple hours last week when it looked like the US could well be at war with Russia.  While that missile strike in Poland/NATO territory now seems to have been a tragic accident, so much remains on edge, with bad actors and simple human error always in the mix. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  It is officially time to stress out over the holidays….  Pet owners, remember to keep them safe during this hectic holiday. (The items listed below are dangerous to CATS, as well as to dogs.)

Also, KEEP YOUR PETS AND ANY VISITING PETS SAFE AND INDOORS.  Coyotes are always in and around Lakeway, but there have been frequent sightings lately.  That is common this time of year, when coyote pups are old enough to be out and about on their own.  Cats and small dogs are easy prey for coyotes.  City of Lakeway’s website has extensive wildlife info, including a coyote page with good info on keeping pets and people safe. https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1924/Coyotes

Local social media posts report several bucks being hit by cars in Lakeway recently.  Rut season continues through December, with bucks chasing does, often across our roads.  PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY, especially around dawn and dusk.  Install deer whistles (under $10 at auto stores or from Amazon) on your vehicle.  At night, use high beams.  If you see ONE deer, look for MORE deer.  SLOW DOWN.

Here are recent photos I took of our herd. For some reason, my close sightings lately were all does.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.96 billion shots have been given, with 65% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

This chart shows the vaccination types and rates for regions around the world.

China reacted to concern over its growing economic downturn by relaxing very slightly some of its long-term Covid restrictions.  In an effort to ease international travel, people entering China will quarantine for 8 days instead of 10 days; testing is also reduced and penalties on airlines removed.  Domestically, contact tracing has been limited, which should reduce the mass testing that previously led to millions of people abruptly held under government quarantine. However, “zero Covid” remains China’s official policy.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, new cases and hospitalizations continued slowly rising, while deaths dropped.  See the chart below for current stats. The national testing positivity rate rose slightly to 8.4%.   

As for vaccinations in the US, 68.5% of the entire population is fully vaccinated.

Roughly half the country is seeing flat or dropping case numbers, with the other half showing a rise in cases.  Generally, southwestern states have the highest rates.  Experts expect the usual winter surge to hit in force soon after the traveling and gathering associated with Thanksgiving.  This would be less of an issue if more people had gotten the new booster that protects against the current variants.

Cruise ships are STILL not safe.  On Nov. 13, Carnival’s Majestic Princess docked in Sydney, Australia, with over 800 Covid-positive passengers.

As of mid-November, Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 made up 45% of cases in the country, up from about 33 percent one week previously.

While dominant variant BQ.1.1 has not turned out to cause cases any more severe than its predecessors, BQ.1.1 is resistant to monoclonal antibodies (Evusheld and Bebtlelovimab) that worked well against the other Omicron variants. That means we now lack preventive therapy for immunocompromised people, as well as backup therapy when Paxlovid isn’t successful.

Studies show the usual Covid symptoms remain—cough, loss of smell, sore throat, fever, exhaustion.  But, some odd symptoms are being reported, as well.  These include hair loss, body numbness or tingling, purple blisters on the feet, hairy tongue (actually, a fuzzy overgrowth of cells), and more.

While the chaos, uncertainty and stress caused by the pandemic aggravated mental health issues for pretty much everyone, it did so specifically for those infected by Covid-19.  A large 2021 study found that over 50% of Americans with Covid reported symptoms of major depressive disorder after a coronavirus infection.  Symptoms arose up to a year after diagnosis.  Experts point out that Covid’s effects on the brain are myriad and not yet understood; patients can get depression, strokes, anxiety, memory disorders and sensory disorders, while some suffer no neurological or psychiatric conditions.

A large study done last spring by Veterans Affairs found that Paxlovid treatment reduced the incidence of Long Covid by 26%.

Covid funding is up to Congress.  The Biden administration has asked Congress to approve $8 billion in funding to prepare for a domestic Covid-19 winter surge, plus $1 billion to aid the global vaccination effort.  In addition, $4 billion would go toward developing next-generation vaccines and therapeutics through Project Warp Speed.  Without an infusion of funds, it is unlikely the US will produce the two most coveted kinds of next-generation vaccines: nasal sprays that can block more infections, and universal coronavirus shots to defend against a wider array of ever-evolving variants.

U.S. special climate envoy John Kerry tested positive for Covid-19 on Nov. 18 while at the global climate talks in Egypt.  He is fully vaccinated and boosted and experiencing mild symptoms; Mr. Kerry is self-isolating and meeting with others remotely to wrap up negotiations.

In Texas, in the last 2 weeks, new cases jumped by a whopping 57%, while hospitalizations and deaths rose somewhat.  See the chart below for current stats. The positivity test rate rose to 7.1%

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

The End of Vaccines at ‘Warp Speed’ 11/18/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/18/health/covid-nasal-vaccines-warp-speed.html

5 Unusual Covid Symptoms–and what to do about them 11/16/22 https://www.nytimes.com/article/unusual-covid-symptoms.html

As the Pandemic Drags On, Americans Struggle for New Balance 11/14/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/14/health/covid-attitudes-masks.html

Cruise ship with 800 Covid-positive passengers docks in Sydney 11/13/22 https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/13/australia/australia-covid-majestic-princess-cruise-passengers-intl-hnk

Covid Depression Is Real. Here’s What You Need to Know 11/12/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/12/well/long-covid-depression-symptoms-treatment.html

Masks Cut Covid Spread in Schools, Study Finds 11/10/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/10/health/covid-schools-masks.html

Covid Patients Coming Off Ventilators Can Take Weeks to Regain Consciousness 11/7/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/07/health/covid-patients-ventilators-consciousness.html

Nirmatrelvir and the Risk of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19  11/5/22 https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.03.22281783v1

LAKEWAY—GO VOTE!

If you didn’t vote by mail or during Early Voting, then Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 8, is your LAST CHANCE.  Hours are 7AM-7PM.  Lakeway’s closest locations are the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and the Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center (607 RR 620 N., with easy access at the Kollmeyer stoplight). 

Lakeway Transportation Bond–$17,500,000.

If you have NEVER complained about Lakeway traffic, then you can vote no.  For the other 99.9% of Lakeway residents–VOTE YES on Lakeway Prop A.

The city made a pretty cool explainer video that in under 4 minutes highlights how the bond money will be used.  Go here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc_uOhlHjRI

Lakeway’s unhinged far-right conservatives threaten their neighbors.

One Lakeway couple who got this hate letter due to their Beto sign did an interview last week with Austin’s Fox 7.  Here’s the link: https://www.fox7austin.com/news/voter-intimidation-lakeway-texas-threatening-letter-beto-orourke-greg-abbott

Info on the candidates and the LTISD bonds is in the Texas Election section below.

What is going on in Lakeway? 

Art Exhibit at the Library

Starting Nov.1 and continuing through December, Lake Travis Community Library’s meeting room will display award-winning entries and honorable mentions from the annual Teen Read Week Art Contest.  Participants created original art inspired by personal reading experiences. Friends of the Library provided cash prizes.

Christmas Sale

On Nov. 8, 10AM-6PM, Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Store (440 Medical Parkway) kicks off the holiday season with a winter wonderland of Christmas décor items for sale.

Veterans Day Ceremony

City of Lakeway will honor all who served in the military at a ceremony on Nov. 11, at 11AM, at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Go here for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1426/Veterans-Day-Ceremony

The Nutcracker and more classical ballet

On Sunday, Nov. 13, 4-5PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center, Metamorphosis Dance presents professional and aspiring dancers performing excerpts from The Nutcracker and other classical ballet pieces.  For more info on this FREE performance, go here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1685

Lights On!

On Friday, Dec. 2, 6-8PM, Lakeway’s Lights On FREE event marks the beginning of the holiday season, with the first lighting of the Trail of Lights behind City Hall (at Lohman’s Crossing and Sailmaster—park at City Hall or the adjacent Activity Center).  Santa and Mrs. Claus will of course be on hand, supervising the cookie decorating, marshmallow roasting, Reindeer Games, music and more.  FREE, but please bring non-perishable food items to benefit Lake Travis Crisis Ministries.  All the fun stuff is detailed here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1427/Lights-On

Lakeway Sing Along Christmas Show for Green Santa

On Dec. 4, there will be TWO performances at the Lakeway Activity Center of the Sing Along’s Annual Green Santa Performance.  Choose from 2PM and 4PM.  Price of admission is an unwrapped gift for a child 17 or under.

New Rules for Golf Carts

In October, Council (IMO, unadvisedly caving in to a few loud voices and ignoring safety and traffic flow considerations) passed a new ordinance allowing golf carts on many–but not all–Lakeway streets.  THIS DOES NOT GO INTO EFFECT UNTIL JAN. 1, 2023.  Importantly, drivers must be licensed (NO KIDS AT THE WHEEL), everyone must be seated, no lap riding (no babies/toddlers held by adults), during DAYLIGHT only, must have liability insurance, must have a State of Texas license plate, must have safety equipment, etc.  Violations subject to $500 fine.  For the MANY more rules and links to state regs, go here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2033/Golf-Cart-Use

Council SPECIAL Meeting on Nov. 2

The ONLY Agenda items for this special meeting were two Executive Sessions, on hiring of a new City Manager and re: sale/lease/exchange of real property.

There was NO ACTION TAKEN at the meeting on either Agenda item.  They did spend 2.5 hours in Executive Session on the hunt for a new City Manager, before adjourning at 8:44PM.

Next Council Meeting will be on Nov. 7, 6:00pm, at City Hall. Topics include another try at revising the Code of Ethics rules on gifts to employees/police officers, adjusting night flying rules and penalties, annexing Bee Creek Road, and HOT Fund requests by 2 groups.

Consequential items include:

ITEM 5: Officer pinning ceremony.

ITEM 6: Texas Special Olympics 2023 requests $200,000 from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund.

ITEM 7: Lady Cavalier’s Holiday Basketball Tournament requests $56,000 from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund.

ITEM 8: Annexation of the section of Bee Creek Road from the Highlands Blvd. traffic circle to State Highway 71.

ITEM 10: Revising Code of Ethics as to gifts received by city employees, including police officers.

ITEM 11: Revising the penalty ordinance against night flying to comply with recent changes to the Aviation Code defining the term, as well as specifying a maximum fee of $500 per offense.

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

Texas November Election

VOTE  VOTE  VOTE   Election Day is Nov. 8, 7AM-7PM  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE

VOTE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE BALLOT, for Democratic candidates.  For instance, the Republican candidate running for Travis County Clerk is a MAGA devotee who campaigned on getting rid of election machines and returning to paper ballots, so vote for Democrat Dyana Limon-Mercado.

ELECTION INFO

In the governor’s race, Beto and Abbott held a debate on Sept. 30.  Go here to watch the fast-paced and quite entertaining 55-minute debate (there is also a handy synopsis): https://www.reformaustin.org/elections/missed-beto-abbotts-debate-watch-it-here/

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 https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2022/texas-ballot-2022-midterm-election-nov-8/

Here’s what you need to cast your ballot in Central Texas. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2022/10/18/early-voting-texas-election-2022/69568897007/

Candidates aside, Lake Travis ISD 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/   You can also listen to LTISD Supt. Norton’s succinct review of the bond proposals to Lakeway Council, by going here and fast-forwarding to minute 22: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/186702

Daring Mighty Things

As shown above, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory caught the sun smiling on Oct. 26. Viewed in ultraviolet light, coronal holes are dark patches on the sun and indicate where solar wind is escaping into space.  Whether this particular smile appears happy or kind of menacing to you (I vote for the latter), the result was a solar storm–mass and energy from the solar surface–that reached Earth last weekend.  As a result, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, which among other things predicts space weather) issued solar storm warnings for several days, including possible power grid fluctuations, interference with satellite operations, and increased aurora visibility. Luckily, the resulting changes to our planet’s magnetic field had no serious reported negative impacts.  https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/alerts-watches-and-warnings

Above, 2 images show the difference between the venerable Hubble telescope orbiting Earth and the brand-new Webb telescope parked a million miles away.  Both show the same cosmic landscape known as Pillars of Creation—mountain-like formations of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula, one of the busiest star nurseries in the Milky Way galaxy.  The Hubble shot was taken 27 years ago, using visible light, while Webb now captures infrared light to produce gobsmacking images highlighting details no human eye has ever seen.

On Oct. 24, a cargo ship already docked with the International Space Station performed a five-minute engine burn, shoving the orbiting apparatus out of the path of space debris.  Not for the first time, the ISS used a thruster burn to modify its orbital position and dodge an incoming fragment of a satellite destroyed in a 2021 Russian anti-satellite test.  Normal station operations were not compromised.  The proliferation of space debris resulting from this and similar tests has prompted several nations (including the Republic of Korea, Germany, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom) to work to reduce the problem.

We get a total lunar eclipse on Nov. 8, as the full moon moves completely into Earth’s shadow.  In Lakeway, the “blood moon” totality runs from 4:16am-5:41am.

Artemis 1 is back on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center and scheduled to launch on or after Nov. 14.  Its uncrewed flight around the moon and back will lay the foundations for a crewed moon orbit mission likely in 2023 and then landing astronauts on the moon as early as 2024.  Watch here for updates and to view the launch: https://www.space.com/

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Women all over the country are turning to abortion pills, after the Supreme Court allowed states to ban surgical abortion last summer.  One telemedicine service, Aid Access, openly provides pills in states with abortion bans; its average number of daily inquiries rose form 83 when Roe was in effect, to 218 currently.  The legality is debatable, and red states are threatening action.  Some blue states passed laws shielding providers who perform abortions for women traveling from states with bans. Over the summer, Massachusetts passed a law shielding its providers when they offer telemedicine abortions to people within red states.  The New Abortion Landscape 11/2/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/02/briefing/abortion-pills.html

A kinder, gentler experience…  That is something in short supply these days, isn’t it?  Well, a service called Elevated Access was created to ease the difficulties—impossibilities in some states—pregnant people now face after the rights that women had for 50 years were stolen by the current extreme conservative SCOTUS.  Pilots across the country are volunteering their services and their planes to fly women to and from the 3,000 general aviation airports scattered across the country.  Elevated Access gets women to the health care they have decided is best for them–without money, delays, paperwork, TSA, or regard for state lines and conflicting laws.  Already having completed hundreds of missions, the program recently flew its first all-female pilot mission, involving seven states and two solo female pilots flying a 1,400-mile relay to transport a client.  (Just 6% of pilots in the US are female.)  The passengers are anonymous; the only thing that those being transported need to divulge is weight, so the small planes can be balanced for safety.  Elevated Access connects passengers to pilots through referrals by its partner organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation.  Volunteer pilots are carefully screened, with references and backgrounds checks; to participate, pilots must have twice the flight experience the FAA requires for a commercial license.  Most pilots do these flights in their spare time, and their own anonymity protects them from possible reprisals at their regular jobs.  Each flight costs several hundreds of dollars in fuel and plane fees, all borne by the volunteer pilots. The pilots flying passengers across US state lines for abortions 10/30/22 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/30/us-abortion-flights-elevated-access

Back to me….  

Looking forward to returning to normal time this weekend, so that mornings are light sooner.  I’m spending my “extra hour” cuddling with my sweet kitty girls.

Rut season is in full swing, and our bucks are quite full of themselves.  Our does are skittish. There is lots of dashing around, and no one is checking for traffic both ways.  PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY.  

Here are recent photos I took of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.92 billion shots have been given, with 65% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

The pandemic insists on expanding our vocabulary.  The latest new term is: variant soup.  This term reflects the sudden proliferation of active variants, just A FEW of which are BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, B.1.1.7, BQ.1.1, BQ.1.1.10, XBB.1, XBB.3, BA.2.75, BA.4.6.3, P.3, and CH.1.1.

In China, Shanghai reported 10 new Covid cases over the last weekend of October.  As a result, on Oct. 31, the Shanghai Disney theme park without warning locked its gates and closed.  Not only were visitors denied entrance indefinitely, those already inside were required to show a negative Covid test in order to leave.  Similarly, visitors and employees at a sprawling Ikea store in Shanghai were trapped inside due to a spate of positive tests in the area. Also, in Zhengzhou, employees at an iPhone plant jumped fencing to escape quarantine, after a rash of positive tests there triggered the country’s usual harsh zero-Covid policies. With a population of 1.5 billion, China is now recording 1,000 new Covid cases per day; that would be considered minimal in other countries, but China persists in a strict no-Covid policy with millions of people under lockdown in 200 areas nationwide.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was up 6%, hospitalizations rose 2%, and deaths decreased 12%.  We are averaging 40,000 new cases per day. Roughly 27,400 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 318 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 8.9%.   

The above shows the predicted start of the pendulum swinging upward again, after a summer of falling numbers and an early fall at plateau.  Several western states (including Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah) saw new cases rise 50% in the last 2 weeks.  Over 20 states had hospitalizations rise 20% or more in that period.

In the United States, the variant gaining ground is BQ.1.1.   As of Nov. 3, it and near-twin BQ.1 together were causing 35% of our new cases; responsible for 17% of new cases as of Oct. 25, the doubling time is about 1 week. (BA.5 is currently responsible for 39% of our new cases but seems to be fading.)  Experts are looking to France for guidance, since BQ.1.1 has been dominating infections there for weeks; the good news is that France has seen no increase in case severity, with hospitalizations declining there. 

The new bivalent Covid vaccine protects against BQ.1.1, BA.5, and all the other known variants.  So—GET THE NEW BOOSTER.

Symptom rebound has gotten publicity in connection with taking Paxlovid, an approved Covid-19 treatment.  However, a recent study found that 44% of 2021 Covid patients (before Paxlovid was available) got better, then suffered a recurrence of symptoms one or more times, before final recovery within 4 weeks.  So, Covid rebounds happen, Paxlovid or not.

As for vaccinations in the US, 68.5% of the entire population is fully vaccinated.

President Biden got the new bivalent booster on Oct. 25.

A new study at Emory University provided lab evidence that the new bivalent booster bolsters our defense against the new and more immune evasive variants (including BQ.1.1).  Importantly, the study found that the antibody response is significantly better with the bivalent booster than with just one or two of the original boosters. 

In addition, clinical results released Nov. 4 by Pfizer and BioNTech showed the bivalent booster caused a 4-fold increase in levels of neutralizing antibody directed to BA.5 compared with the original monovalent booster.  One month after getting the new booster, clinical trial participants over 55 had antibody levels about four times as high as those who received the original booster. The study measured the levels of neutralizing antibodies against two sister subvariants of Omicron, BA.4 and BA.5.

Pfizer and BioNTech last week started a trial studying a COMBINED vaccine, protecting against Covid-19 AND the flu.  The single-dose vaccine candidate is a combination of Pfizer’s mRNA-based flu shot and the companies’ Omicron-tailored COVID-19 booster shot.

In Texas, the positivity test rate is 6.2%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 1%, hospitalizations dropped 10%, and deaths fell 24%.  We are averaging 1,600 new daily cases, and an average of 9 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 1,300 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

New Booster Shot Targets Covid Variants More Effectively, Pfizer Says 11/4/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/04/us/politics/covid-booster-pfizer.html

New Covid Variants Are Circulating. Here’s What to Know. 11/4/22 https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-variants-nightmare.html

Pfizer, BioNTech start COVID-flu combination vaccine study 11/3/22 https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizer-biontech-begin-study-combination-vaccine-covid-flu-2022-11-03/

Covid-19 Symptoms Can Rebound Even if You Don’t Take Paxlovid 10/27/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/27/well/live/covid-symptoms-rebound-paxlovid.html

Over 2,000 Guardian readers told us about their long Covid fight. Here are their stories 10/25/22 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/oct/25/long-covid-fight-guardian-readers

Among Seniors, a Declining Interest in Boosters 10/22/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/22/health/covid-vaccination-elderly.html

LAKEWAY—GO VOTE!

This is a brand-new section of the blog, covering Lakeway-centric info on the upcoming election.

EARLY VOTING for the November Election.

Avoid the crowds and vote Monday, Oct. 24-Friday, Nov. 4.  Hours are 7AM-7PM, except noon-6PM on Sunday.  Lakeway’s closest locations are the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) and the Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center (607 RR 620 N., with easy access at the Kollmeyer stoplight). 

Lakeway Transportation Bond–$17,500,000.

If you have NEVER complained about Lakeway traffic, then you can vote no.  For the other 99.9% of Lakeway residents–VOTE YES on Lakeway Prop A.

The city made a pretty cool explainer video that in under 4 minutes highlights how the bond money will be used.  Go here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc_uOhlHjRI

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 chart above. 

HANDS OFF the signs!

In this country, everyone has the right to support chosen political candidates, including displaying political signs. But, every election, certain people feel the need to vandalize and even steal election signs from roadsides and from yards.  This time, Beto signs are being damaged and stolen in record numbers.  Also, in local yards, Beto signs are being removed and REPLACED with Abbott signs.  That is trespassing, as well as theft. 

Even if I knew nothing about Abbott’s heinous policies running Texas into the ground and making us the butt of jokes nationwide for the last 8 years, the rude and lawless actions of his supporters would make me vote blue.

Lakeway politics sink to disgusting new low.

This letter is being mailed via US Postal Service to Old Lakeway residents displaying Beto yard signs.  Signed “Your Lakeway neighbors,” it is anonymous–as usual with cowardly bullies. 

The Lakeway Police Department takes the threats in this letter seriously and is investigating, so anyone getting the letter should take it to the police station. You can also report it to the FBI.  USPS has this site for reporting this kind of nastiness: https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/threatening-letters-and-cyberbullying?fbclid=IwAR2XXxmL8stM5wohuFOs-y9Juaw0rH3hrr9nChxVfc1x4IIolw-WWfHPzIQ

If you are up to it, local media (Community Impact, Texas Tribune, Statesman, KXAN Investigates, etc.) would also likely cover this, as the threats are unusually ugly, even in these divisive times.

Info on the candidates and the LTISD bonds is in the Texas Election section below.

What is going on in Lakeway? 

Band of the Hills Concert

This Arts in the Afternoon FREE concert will be held Sunday, October 23, 4PM, at the Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, next to the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek).  Band of the Hills has entertained crowds around Central Texas for over 20 years, performing a variety of music from classical to seasonal favorites. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 9:30AM to 12:30PM, there will be a FREE DROP OFF of household hazardous waste at Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.). This is ONLY for residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave and The Hills/customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD.  Bring a picture ID or water bill for proof of residency. Reservations are REQUIRED, and only specified items will be accepted (for instance—batteries and paint: YES; light bulbs and tires: NO).  Call Lakeway Solid Waste at (512)314-7514 or email solidwasteclerk@lakeway-tx.gov for info.  You can also go here to see the list of accepted items and make a reservation: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aca728a1f4c07-household4

Prescription Take-Back

Lakeway participates in the National Take-Back Initiative, allowing the public to surrender for destruction any expired/unwanted/unused controlled pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications.  Drop off items on Saturday, Oct. 29, 10AM-2PM, at the Lakeway Police Department parking lot (1941 Lohmans Crossing Road).  This is FREE, anonymous, and open to the public, with no reservation needed. For more info including what can be dropped off and what is NOT accepted, call Lakeway PD at 512-261-2800 or go here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1682

Just FYI, you can drop off expired/unwanted/unused controlled pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications AT ANY TIME at Lakeway Police Department.  Just go inside and use the bin in the lobby.

Nosferatu—A Symphony of Horror

On Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7PM, celebrate Halloween and support the LTHS Music Department by attending this special showing of the classic 1922 black and white silent film, enhanced by a LIVE ORCHESTRA.  Our own Lake Travis High School Chamber Orchestra will perform. Dress up, as prizes will be given for Best Vampire and more.  Call 512-261-1010 or go here for more info and to buy $5 tickets: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/calendar.aspx?eid=4340

Christmas is coming….

On Nov. 8, 10AM-6PM, Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Store (440 Medical Parkway) kicks off the holiday season with a winter wonderland of Christmas décor items for sale.

Veterans Day Ceremony

City of Lakeway will honor those serving in the military at a ceremony on Nov. 11, at 11AM, at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Go here for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1426/Veterans-Day-Ceremony

The Nutcracker and more classical ballet

On Sunday, Nov. 13, 4-5PM, at the Lakeway Activity Center, Metamorphosis Dance presents professional and aspiring dancers performing excerpts from The Nutracker and other classical ballet pieces.  For more info on this FREE performance, go here:  https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1685

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

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

Lakeway is Hiring!

Open positions include Activity Center crew leader, aquatic specialist, environmental coordinator, multimedia specialist, plans examiner, building inspector, code compliance manager, and police officer.  Go here for more info and to apply: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/124/Current-Job-Openings

Mayor Tom’s Facebook Live Talk

Go here to listen to the mayor’s 10-minute address on Oct. 12, covering current Lakeway matters: https://www.facebook.com/events/682961846175747

Council Met on Oct. 17.

RESULTS:

ITEM 2: Moment of Silence–Honoring former Lakeway mayor and long-time volunteer, STEVE SWAN, who died on September 23.

ITEM 8: Appointment of Finance Director–AARON DAIGLE, CPA.

ITEM 14: Financial Report–REVENUE was over projections by $285K and EXPENSES were below projections by $1.4M, resulting in a positive variance of roughly $1.7M.

ITEM 15: Presentation from LTISD on the 3 bond propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot–SUPT. NORTON provided a succinct review of the THREE bond proposals (for building 3 schools, technology, and sports improvements) TOTALING $703M.

ITEM 16: Update on the Hamilton Greenbelt fuel mitigation project–The 3-year project to create shaded fuel breaks and remove downed and dead material was budgeted at $350K but recently was completed by Lake Travis Fire Rescue for $70K under that. The next area is North Lakeway, and then the rest of the city’s parks will be handled, to some extent paid for with grant money.  

ITEM 17: Revising the ordinance on use of golf carts on city streets—APPROVED 6/1 with revisions including:

–Liability insurance required;

–Daytime only;

–Passengers must all be seated, with no lap riding; and

–Banned on certain streets (top of Lakeway Drive, Lohman’s Spur, Serene Hills Drive, Flintrock Road, Bee Creek Road, Lohman’s Crossing from Wingreen Loop to 620 (as well as Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 620).

Plus, state law requires drivers to be licensed, prohibits carts on roads with speed limit over 35MPH, and requires carts to have safety equipment and a Texas license plate.

NOTE: Registration by City of Lakeway will NOT be required.  EFFECTIVE DATE is Jan. 1, 2023.  Look for considerable education of the public in the interim.

ITEM 19: Final Plat approval for Eastside Landings, building 30 R-1 single family homes on 15 acres located at 17301 Flintrock Road—UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

ITEM 20: First reading of a request by a neighboring homeowner for the city to vacate a small section of undeveloped right of way property on Sparrow Lane in Cardinal Hills–NO ACTION TAKEN as this was just the first reading, but there was considerable discussion on the merits and staff was asked to research various options before a decision is reached at the November meeting.

ITEM 21: Amendment of Code of Ethics as to gifts received by city employees—POSTPONED until the Nov. 2 meeting, at staff’s request.

ITEM 22: Citizens Participation–ONE COMMENT.

ITEM 23: Executive Session on filling the City Manager position–NO ACTION TAKEN.

ITEM 24: Executive Session on a potential economic development project–NO ACTION TAKEN.

ADJOURNED: 10:10PM.  

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, go here: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/186702

Next Council Meeting will be on Nov. 7.

The Agenda will be available around Nov. 2, here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

WEBB’s gorgeous space images get a lot of attention now, but the veteran orbital telescope Hubble is still capturing awesome shots.  That includes the above image of Terzan 4, a globular cluster near the center of the Milky Way.

DART worked!  NASA’s experimental crash last month of a space ship into a small asteroid 7 million miles from Earth succeeded in significantly changing that asteroid’s orbit around a larger asteroid.  That means this strategy could deflect the course of an asteroid heading toward Earth. NASA says its asteroid defense test was a success 10/11/22 https://www.npr.org/2022/10/11/1128132956/nasa-dart-success-asteroid-dimorphos

A total lunar eclipse is coming up on Nov. 8.  Total lunar eclipse: How to prepare for next month’s eclipse of the moon https://www.space.com/total-lunar-eclipse-dress-rehearsal?utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9

Texas November Election

Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.  Election Day is Nov. 8.

VOTE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE BALLOT, preferably for Democratic candidates.  For instance, the Republican candidate running for Travis County Clerk is a MAGA devotee who campaigned on getting rid of election machines and returning to paper ballots, so vote for Democrat Dyana Limon-Mercado.

ELECTION INFO

In the governor’s race, Beto and Abbott held a debate on Sept. 30.  Go here to watch the fast-paced and quite entertaining 55-minute debate (there is also a handy synopsis): https://www.reformaustin.org/elections/missed-beto-abbotts-debate-watch-it-here/

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/

Here’s what you need to cast your ballot in Central Texas. 10/18/22 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2022/10/18/early-voting-texas-election-2022/69568897007/

Candidates aside, Lake Travis ISD is asking voters to approve $703 million in bonds, to fund and expand our schools.  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/   You can also listen to LTISD Supt. Norton’s recent and succinct review of the bond proposals to Lakeway Council, by going here and fast-forwarding to minute 22: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/186702

 With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Some states, including Massachusetts and California, are requiring colleges and universities to offer abortion pills, as medical abortion takes up the slack for surgical abortions now banned in half the country.  Barnard College to offer abortion pills on campus next year 10/7/22  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/barnard-college-abortion-pills-on-campus/

Abortion clinics are hitting the road—and the water, including the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico—to meet the needs of patients from red states, with doctors using RVs and ships as mobile clinics.  Mobile abortions take off ‘on wheels, at sea’ to fill gaps left by shuttered clinics 10/19/22  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/oct/19/mobile-abortion-shuttered-clinics-on-sea-on-wheels-roe-v-wade

The Dept. of Defense is establishing travel and transportation allowances for service members and their dependents living in no-abortion states, to ease access.  In addition, the federal government will support DoD health care providers subjected to state penalties or loss of license for performing abortions. Pentagon will pay for service members to travel for abortions 10/20/22  https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/20/pentagon-will-pay-for-service-members-to-travel-for-abortions-00062782

Some politicians are blaming doctors for the deadly results of anti-abortion legislation, playing ridiculous games with semantics.  What Does ‘Abortion’ Mean? Even the Word Itself Is Up for Debate 10/18/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/18/us/abortion-roe-debate.html

Back to me….  

Rut season is ongoing, so bucks are active, competitive, and should be viewed from afar. Does are skittish. PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY.  

Here are recent photos I took of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.86 billion shots have been given, with 68.4% of the planet’s population getting at least 1 shot. 

Japan has reopened its borders to overseas visitors, ending over 2 years of isolation.  Mid-October, Japan removed a 50,000 daily cap on arrivals, reinstated waivers for short-term visas, and stopped requiring tourists to visit as part of group tours.

China’s war against Covid has intensified, related to a crucial Communist Party meeting where President Xi Jinping expanded his authority. After widespread travel during a week-long national holiday in early October, daily Covid counts more than doubled, causing fears of spread to Beijing, where the meeting was held. To be sure it would not be disrupted, local officials (who use China’s pandemic strategy to show party loyalty) increased the usual restrictions, with lockdowns and mandated mass testing and quarantines disrupting life for millions of people. In the popular travel destination in Yunnan, for instance, the government canceled flights, trapping crowds of angry tourists at an airport.  However, vaccination in China has all but ended, and there is no campaign for booster shots.  Despite the government’s harsh approach to Covid restrictions, it doesn’t require vaccination, and the public there is highly skeptical of shots.  Official numbers are not available, but experts say the percentage of Chinese citizens who are vaccinated is very low. 

Epidemiologists are reviewing Covid protocols and results nation by nation, to help establish best practices for future use.  Japan has the best result regarding deaths, with only 45,500 dead so far in the pandemic.  The US has a death rate NINE TIMES that of Japan.  Only 1 in 2,758 people died in Japan, compared with 1 in 315 Americans dying of Covid.  This is despite the fact that 25% of Japan’s population is over age 65; in the US, that vulnerable age group is only 15% of the population.  In addition, Japan’s population is densely congregated, which encourages contagion.  However, Japan is more health conscious, with low rates of obesity and diabetes—2 risk factors for severe/fatal Covid.  Also, Japan was able to get 83% of its population fully vaccinated quickly, while in the US vaccination faltered due to political issues, and our vax rate never reached even 70% of the population.  But, the primary reason for Japan’s success seems to be nearly universal acceptance of mask wearing.

Europe is entering a winter surge, with new daily cases steadily increasing in the UK, Germany and elsewhere.

A recent Scottish study looked at 33,000 adults and found that half of all Covid patients still suffer symptoms 6 months after diagnosis.  Long-term problems include tiredness, headache, muscles aches, joint pain, and difficulty breathing.

Several new variants are being closely watched worldwide. BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 now account for 11% of US cases, up from 3% two weeks ago. Other Omicron variants are growing steadily, including BA.4.6, BF.7, plus XBB which is surging in Singapore.  Studies show all the new variants are susceptible to the new Covid vaccine.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was down 5%, hospitalizations dropped 1%, and deaths decreased 5%.  We are averaging 38,000 new cases per day. Roughly 27,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 361 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 8.7%.   

All summer, the US had relatively good Covid numbers, with cases and hospitalizations falling sharply. Recently, that sharp drop has bent to become nearly flat. This will likely become an upward curve soon, as winter and the usual Covid wave hit us.

Many cities now routinely testing wastewater for Covid.  Authorities in Boston and New York City are concerned over a sudden surge in Covid virus levels starting the second week of October.

According to the World Health Organization, 10% to 20% of Covid survivors have lasting symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, long after the acute infection is resolved.  In the US, 7.5 million and 23 million people developed long Covid. Estimating 1 million Americans out of the workforce at any given time, the fiscal result is over $50 billion in lost income.

As for vaccinations in the US, 68% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in 8 weeks).  Over 111 million booster shots have been given, including nearly 20 million shots of the new bivalent booster.  Average shots administered per day rose to 722,000.   

The FDA and CDC on Oct. 12 authorized booster shots for youngsters.  Pfizer’s booster shot is available to children 5 and up, while Moderna’s shot is available to children 6 and older, both at least 2 months after completing the initial 2-shot vaccination.  An approved booster for kids under 5 is expected later in the year.

In addition, the CDCadded Covid-19 vaccines to the childhood, adolescent and adult immunization schedules.

India, Iran and Russia have approved their own vaccines inhaled through the nose.  China has a vaccine that is swallowed.  But, the US has neither easy-to-administer option in the pipeline, largely due to lack of funding from Congress.  A small clinical trial using just 30 human subjects tested a nasal-spray version of the Covid-19 vaccine jointly developed by the University of Oxford researchers and AstraZeneca, finding it failed to offer the desired protection.  Only a minority of subjects reported an antibody response in the respiratory mucous membranes, and the immune response that was measured in the blood was found to be weaker, compared to a shot-in-the-arm vaccination.

Dr. Anthony Fauci got his bivalent booster on Oct. 6, live on The Late Show.  He and host Stephen Colbert also shopped for Halloween candy and tried on sunglasses at the local pharmacy….  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6hzXaShwlk

Relatively few people have gotten the new bivalent booster so far, despite it being widely available and free.  About half are seniors.  Looking forward to the holidays?  GET THE NEW BOOSTER, to protect yourself and your family as you travel and gather to celebrate this winter.

In Texas, the positivity test rate is 6.9%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 18%, hospitalizations dropped 15%, and deaths fell 19%.  We are averaging 1,600 new daily cases, and an average of 12 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 1,500 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated.  

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

CDC advisers recommend adding Covid shots to routine immunization schedules for kids, adults 10/20/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/20/cdc-advisers-recommend-adding-covid-shots-to-routine-schedules-for-kids-adults-00062739

Dr. Anthony Fauci: long Covid is an ‘insidious’ public health emergency 10/17/22 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/oct/17/fauci-interview-long-covid-risk-emergency-response-coronavirus

Another Covid Wave Could Be Coming. Here’s How to Make Your Holiday Plans 10/17/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/15/well/covid-holiday-plans.html

As White House Presses for Booster Shots, Americans Are Slow to Get Them 10/15/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/15/us/politics/covid-booster-shots.html

Without a nasal vaccine, the U.S. edge in fighting Covid is on the line  10/15/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/15/without-a-nasal-vaccine-the-u-s-edge-in-fighting-covid-is-on-the-line-00061930

New Omicron Subvariants Spread Amid Concerns of Next Coronavirus Wave 10/14/22 https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-10-14/new-omicron-subvariants-bq-1-bq-1-1-spread-amid-concerns-of-next-coronavirus-wave

Nearly Half of Covid Patients Haven’t Fully Recovered Months Later, Study Finds 10/12/22 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/half-covid-survivors-fully-recovered-months-study/story?id=91444148

F.D.A. Authorizes Updated Covid Booster Shots for Children 5 to 11  10/12/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/12/us/politics/covid-booster-shots-kids.html

Europe likely entering another COVID wave, says WHO and ECDC 19  10/12/22 https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/europe-likely-entering-another-covid-wave-says-who-ecdc-2022-10-12/

AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 nasal-spray version fails in trial  10/11/22  https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/astrazenecas-covid-19-nasal-spray/

The marked contrast in pandemic outcomes between Japan and the United States 10/8/22 https://erictopol.substack.com/p/the-marked-contrast-in-pandemic-outcomes

What is going on in Lakeway?

Art Display at Lake Travis Community Library

Through October, local artist Georgia Hagan’s highly detailed and realistic animal portraits will be displayed in the meeting room. 

Big Band Bash Visits Rough Hollow

The October dance party, held on Monday, Oct. 10 at 7-9PM, will relocate to the Rough Hollow Welcome Center (903 Highlands Boulevard). 

Preventing Identity Theft

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10:30AM at Lake Travis Community Library, Sgt. Jason Brown of the Lakeway Police Department will discuss how residents can protect themselves against the growing problem of identity theft.

Garage Sale at Lakeway Activity Center

The next community garage sale is Saturday, Oct. 15, from 8AM to noon.  (This is the LAST garage sale in 2022.)  Admission is FREE, but in the LAC lobby you can drop off non-perishable or canned food items, to be donated to local food banks and charities.  You can also donate new or gently used children’s books, for the Free Little Books bin at the entrance. Want to sell stuff?  LAC members-$30 per booth; Non-Members-$35 per booth.  Call 512-261-1010 to reserve a booth, space permitting.

Shred Day!

Lake Travis Senior Services hosts Shred Day 2022, on Tuesday, October 18, 9-11AM, at Lakeway Aquatic Physical Therapy Parking Lot (900 RR 620S).  ATI Secure Docs will be onsite with trucks and locked bins to collect ONE BOX of your papers to take back to their secure warehouse for shredding. FREE, but donations are accepted to benefit the local non-profit LT Senior Services.   Call 512-766-3658 for more info.

Saturday Night Concert Series

Hill Country Galleria hosts concerts on the Central Plaza Lawn every Saturday night through Oct. 22, 7-9PM.  FREE, and dogs are welcome.  Bring a blanket to lounge on the lawn. Go here for more info: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/Saturday-Night-Concert-Series-w-Vallejo/2145563721/

Public Safety Day

This FREE annual event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 20, 11AM-2:30PM, at Lake Travis Elementary School (15303 Kollmeyer Drive).  Kids and adults can interact with first responders as well as their equipment.  Central Texas agencies will attend with their helicopters, police cars, motorcycles, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue boats, ATVs, K-9’s, horses, fire mitigation equipment, incident command centers, SWAT apparatus, casualty tents and more.

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.  Contest deadline is Oct. 21, 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. Email info@lakeway-tx.gov or go here for more info– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1663

Witches Ride is back

This year’s Witches Ride happens Saturday, October 22.  That night, residents will gather on bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, skates, scooters, wheelchairs, golf carts, wagons, and 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, go here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1882/Witches-Ride

Band of the Hills Concert

This Arts in the Afternoon FREE concert will be held Sunday, October 23, 4PM, at the Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden, next to the Lakeway Justice Center (104 Cross Creek).  Band of the Hills has entertained crowds around Central Texas for over 20 years, performing a variety of music from classical to seasonal favorites. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 9:30AM to 12:30PM, there will be a FREE DROP OFF of household hazardous waste at Lake Travis Regional Reuse & Recycling Center (3207 Neidhardt Dr.). This is ONLY for residents of Lakeway, Bee Cave and The Hills/customers of WCID 17, Hurst Creek MUD, and Lakeway MUD.  Bring a picture ID or water bill for proof of residency. Reservations are REQUIRED, and only specified items will be accepted (for instance—batteries and paint: YES; light bulbs and tires: NO).  Call Lakeway Solid Waste at (512)314-7514 or email solidwasteclerk@lakeway-tx.gov for info.  Or, go here to see the list of accepted items and make a reservation: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44aca728a1f4c07-household4

Prescription Take-Back

Lakeway participates in the National Take-Back Initiative, allowing the public to surrender for destruction any expired/unwanted/unused controlled pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications.  Drop off items on Saturday, Oct. 29, 10AM-2PM, at the Lakeway Police Department parking lot (1941 Lohmans Crossing Road).  This is FREE, anonymous, and open to the public, with no reservation needed.  Call Lakeway PD at 512-261-2800 for more info.

Nosferatu—A Symphony of Horror

On Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7PM, celebrate Halloween and support the LTHS Music Department by attending this special showing of the classic 1922 black and white silent film, enhanced by a LIVE ORCHESTRA.  Our own Lake Travis High School Chamber Orchestra will perform. Dress up, as prizes will be given for Best Vampire and more.  Call 512-261-1010 or go here for more info and to buy $5 tickets: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/calendar.aspx?eid=4340

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

Pedernales Electric Cooperative is changing street lighting.

PEC and partner Pike Electric Corporation will be doing inventory, inspections, and upgrades of roadway lighting in this area. The new LED lights being installed are designed to report their own outages, and they are Dark-Sky Friendly. The project should be completed by the end of 2022.  Call 888-554-4732 for more info.

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

The city made a pretty cool explainer video that in under 4 minutes highlights how the bond money will be used.  Go here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc_uOhlHjRI

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.” 

Next Council Meeting is on Monday, Oct. 17.

The meeting will start at the NEW EARLY time of 6:00PM.  The Agenda will be posted around Oct.12, here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

On Sept. 28, astronauts at the International Space Station watched from orbit as Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida. Expedition 68 astronaut Bob Hines took the above photo.

Above is a satellite image of something else recently happening here on Earth—natural gas bubbling up to the surface after leaking into the Baltic Sea from one of the damaged Nord Stream pipelines.  This was likely caused by Russian sabotage.

Artemis 1’s moon mission now has a launch window of Nov. 12-27.  Hurricane Ian pushes Artemis 1 moon launch to mid-November 10/1/22 https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-1-moon-mission-november-launch?utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9 Watch for updates here: https://www.nasa.gov/

NASA experimented with saving the planet from a killer asteroid.  It went well. Known as the DART project, an unmanned space craft traveled 7 million miles and then, moving at 14,000 mph, plowed into a small asteroid, with the goal of shifting its established orbit around a larger asteroid; the point was gathering data on deflecting a future body headed toward Earth.  Bam! NASA spacecraft crashes into asteroid in defense test  9/26/22  https://www.politico.com/news/2022/09/26/nasa-spacecraft-asteroid-crash-defense-00058942

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

Just another practical consequence of SCOTUS killing off Roe: For women who can find a way to get an abortion now, the cost is much higher–including travel expenses, lost work days, and childcare fees.  Since half those looking to get abortions are at or below the poverty level, some charities are stepping up to help cover the extra costs. What It Costs to Get an Abortion Now 9/28/22 https://news.yahoo.com/costs-abortion-now-184145760.html

Texas November Election

Voter registration ends Oct. 11.  Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.  Election Day is Nov. 8.

Last chance!  Candidate yard signs are available, FREE–including delivery within Lakeway.

As Dem Chair for precinct 375 in Lakeway, I’m part of Western Travis Dems. We have a PAC that got donations to buy Dem candidate signs in bulk, and we are distributing them all over the area.  Here are the top candidates (some signs are in VERY short supply): Beto O’Rourke (Governor); Mike Collier (Lt. Governor); Rochelle Garza (Attorney General); and Pam Baggett (HD19 Representative).

Email me at macwestie99@gmail.com  I just need to know your address and which signs you want.

Did you miss the Beto/Abbott debate on Sept. 30?  Beto won, of course, but the well-run event showcased the platforms and philosophies of both candidates very well.  Go here to watch the fast-paced and quite entertaining 55-minute debate (there is also a handy synopsis): https://www.reformaustin.org/elections/missed-beto-abbotts-debate-watch-it-here/

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/

Candidates aside, Lake Travis ISD 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’m still transitioning to a good little vampire, working the night shift.

Scientists predict that NEXT MONTH, by Nov. 15, 2022, the Earth will host 8 billion people.  That is twice as many people on the planet just 50 years ago. No wonder everything is so screwed up….

Hope everyone is conserving water, especially here in the parched Hill Country.  The above image (the Sept. 26 entry on NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day site https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html ), illustrates how little water is present on Earth.  And, the amount of fresh/drinkable water is even smaller.  As the image was captioned by NASA: Although oceans of water cover about 70 percent of Earth’s surface, these oceans are shallow compared to the Earth’s radius. The illustration shows what would happen if all of the water on or near the surface of the Earth were bunched up into a ball. The radius of this ball would be only about 700 kilometers, less than half the radius of the Earth’s moon, but slightly larger than Saturn’s moon Rhea which, like many moons in our outer Solar System, is mostly water ice. The next smallest ball depicts all of Earth’s liquid fresh water, while the tiniest ball shows the volume of all of Earth’s fresh-water lakes and rivers.

With rut season starting up, our awesome bucks are front and center, not to mention sassy.  PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY.  Here are recent photos I took of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.8 billion shots have been given, with 63.6% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

In China, the government’s stubborn zero Covid attitude continues.  People are becoming accustomed to living with long-term lockdowns, mandatory testing, closures, health checkpoints, and seemingly arbitrary rules about everything.  Coping tactics include buying extra refrigerators and freezers to store food in case of sudden quarantine, as well as learning the tricks of the various testing sites and QR-coded institutions.

A recent study in the UK showed recent new cases at the end of September increasing by 30% over the previous week.  As of Oct. 7, 2% percent of the population of England had Covid, while infections continued to rise across all parts of the nation.  Experts say this indicates the usual fall surge is starting there.  In the past, surges in the UK presaged surges in the US.  GET THE NEW BIVALENT BOOSTER, to be protected this winter.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was down 26%, hospitalizations dropped 11%, and deaths decreased 11%.  We are averaging 40,000 new cases per day. 27,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 380 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 9%.   

A recent study found that 5% of global Covid-19 survivors developed long-lasting taste and smell problems.  Over 2 years into the pandemic, researchers found that an estimated 15 million people still have problems perceiving odors, while 12 million struggle with taste.  With the early Covid variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta), up to 50% of patients reported loss or dire changes in taste and/or smell.  But, with the current Omicron variants, only about 17% of patients have these symptoms.  While most people recover normal taste and smell, 7.5%had not done so two years after their Covid-19 infection cleared. The loss tends to persist in women, those with severe existing nasal congestion, and those with greater initial severity of the taste or smell loss.

Doctors now say hair loss is a frequent symptom, though noticed AFTER having Covid.  Over 20% of people hospitalized with Covid-19 report temporary hair loss. Even in milder cases, hair loss is frequently reported, along with better known symptoms including loss of smell, cognitive impairment and sexual dysfunction.  Hair loss occurs in males and females of all ages, but it is usually temporary, lasting up to 6-9 months.

Paxlovid, the highly successful treatment for Covid, is still not being used nearly enough.  Only 25% of those people eligible are taking Paxlovid, despite the fact that people NOT taking it are 4 times more likely to die.  Experts recommend that anyone over age 50 OR with conditions making them susceptible to severe disease take the treatment as soon as they test positive.  Widespread use of Paxlovid (or another treatment, which is monoclonal antibodies) could cut the Covid death rate from the current 400 per day to just 50 per day.  Reasons for Paxlovid’s lack of popularity include media reports of side effects (the worst being a temporary metallic taste in the mouth) and rebound cases (which are statistically rare, very minor in severity, and do not detract from the drug’s success in reducing hospitalizations and saving lives).  Crucially, the strongest predictor of fatal Covid cases is party affiliation, with general Covid skepticism still rife among Republicans; of the 20 states with the lowest use of Paxlovid now, 18 voted for Trump in 2020.

Experts are tracking several new variants that could take hold to cause the usual winter surge in Covid cases.

As for vaccinations in the US, 68% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 6 weeks).  Nearly 110 million booster shots have been given, including 11.5 million shots of the new bivalent booster.  Average shots administered per day rose to 633,000.   

The NEW BIVALENT BOOSTER is available at area pharmacies.  It protects against the hyper-contagious Omicron variants.  Anyone 12 and over is eligible.  In order to get maximum effect from the bivalent booster, people should wait 4-6 to six months after previous immunization OR getting Covid. 

Seriously, GET THE NEW BIVALENT BOOSTER.  The last time vaccines matched the circulating strain of Covid–early in the pandemic–they were 90 to 95 percent successful in preventing infections. That is what the new bivalent vaccine offers now.  Plus, it will provide greater protection against future variants and may even help to prevent long Covid.  Contact your local pharmacy or doctor’s office to schedule an appointment.

In Texas, the positivity test rate is 8%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 45%, hospitalizations dropped 22%, and deaths fell 32%.  We are averaging 2,000 new daily cases, and an average of 15 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 1,800 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated.  

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

The Power of Paxlovid 10/7/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/07/briefing/covid-treatment-paxlovid.html

Long Covid: What science has learned about the loss of smell and taste 10/1/22 https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/01/health/long-covid-smell-taste-loss-wellness

What to Do if You’re Experiencing Hair Loss After Covid 9/30/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/30/well/live/hair-loss-covid.html

Half of Adults Have Heard Little or Nothing About New Covid Boosters, Survey Finds 9/30/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/30/health/omicron-booster-covid.html

Rising Covid-19 cases in the UK may be a warning for the US 9/27/22 https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/27/health/uk-fall-wave-covid-us

What is going on in Lakeway?

Sock Hop at LAC

Lakeway Arts 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, Sept. 27, 8:30AM-12:30PM, 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

Lake Travis Town Hall

Lakeway Mayor Tom Kilgore, Texas Rep. Vikki Goodwin, LTISD Trustee Lauren White, and Bee Cave Mayor Kara King will discuss traffic, schools and more on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6PM-8PM, at the Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing).

Saturday Night Concert Series

Hill Country Galleria hosts concerts on the Central Plaza Lawn every Saturday night through Oct. 22, 7-9PM.  FREE, and dogs are welcome.  Bring a blanket to lounge on the lawn. Go here for more info: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/Saturday-Night-Concert-Series-w-Vallejo/2145563721/

Masterpiece Concert Series

On Oct. 2, 4-5PM, at Lakeway Activity Center, Lakeway Arts Committee presents a FREE concert of live classical music.  Go here for more info: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2026/Fall-Concert-Series

National Night Out

National Night Out this year is on Tuesday, Oct. 4.  This annual event encourages citizen engagement with 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, 4-6PM.

To register a block party, go here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/FormCenter/Police-Department-12/National-Night-Out-SignUp-Form-87

Public Safety Day

This FREE annual event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 20, 11AM-2:30PM, at Lake Travis Elementary School (15303 Kollmeyer Drive).  Kids and adults can interact with first responders as well as their equipment.  Central Texas agencies will attend with their helicopters, police cars, motorcycles, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue boats, ATVs, K-9’s, horses, fire mitigation equipment, incident command centers, SWAT apparatus, casualty tents and more.

Mayor Kilgore on Facebook Live

Go here for the mayor’s Sept. 15 update: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway

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 Stratus Development builds Main Street as recently agreed, the city will build out Birrell to meet it.  If Stratus screws the pooch (which seems likely), then the city will have to build Main Street.

Council met on Monday, Sept. 12, AND on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Monday meeting RESULTS:

The meeting began with a tribute to Richard Drury and Pat Pavone, two Lakeway residents who recently passed away.  They were both WWII veterans, and video clips featuring these 2 residents were played from the Heritage Center’s video project.

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

ITEM 11: Adopting the $17MIL 2023 Budget as discussed at recent meetings. NO ACTION, as this is the first hearing, but items remain substantially as previously discussed.

ITEM 12: Adopting the 2022 Property Tax Rate as discussed at recent meetings. NO ACTION, as this is the first hearing, but the proposed tax rate remained 0.1290.

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 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, and the Main Street completion date.  This was POSTPONED last month, with negotiations to continue on removing all the townhomes from the proposal (so the park is 22 acres) and having the city compensate Stratus for part of the road/bridge cost (Stratus demanded $1.6MIL).  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. PASSED 5/2 (Kilgore and Brynteson against), with the amendments of: reducing the payment by the city to $1M, waiving the $400K parkland fee, and moving forward dedication of the parkland.  NOTE: Main Street/bridge construction is to begin within 6 months, AND construction must be completed within 2 years, or steep fines and loss of the $1M payment from the city could result. This is roughly a full year AFTER the other developer is due to complete its portion of Main Street.  Also, Councilmember Szimanski failed to recuse herself from this issue and voted in favor of Stratus, despite her close family relationship with a Stratus executive.

ADJOURNED at 9:03PM.

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

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/184228

At Tuesday’s meeting, all members were present.  There were no Citizens Participation comments.

On request, Council invited residents Charles Edwards and Clint Garza, plus Wendy Askey (Director of Human Resources) to join them in Executive Session, where it interviewed 4 candidates (including Interim City Manager, Joseph Molis) behind closed doors.  After the interviews in Tuesday’s all-day Executive Session, Council agreed to have Human Resources proceed with background checks on the finalists, who were not disclosed.

Council also met on Monday, Sept. 19.

RESULTS:

All members were present initially, with Major Kilgore and Councilmember Kumar attending via teleconference; Kilgore lost connection at 6:26pm (during discussion of Item 16). Kumar exited after Item 17.

 Consequential items include:  

ITEM 12: Financial Report as of 8/31/22.  REVENUE IS OVER projections by $1,295,626.  EXPENDITURES ARE UNDER projections by $534,428.  RESULT IS NET POSITIVE of $1,830,054.  

ITEM 13: Adopting the 2023 Budget as discussed at recent meetings. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.  FY 2023 revenue is projected at $17,959,712, with total General Fund expenditures at $17,824,660.  (Property taxes are the largest funding source, at 39%.  Lakeway Police Department gets the largest chunk of the budget–38%.)  Including Capital Reserve Fund and other expenditures, a total of $31MIL in spending is planned for the coming fiscal year.   

ITEM 14: Adopting the 2022 Property Tax Rate as discussed at recent meetings.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the no new revenue rate of .1290, resulting in $40 tax savings for the average resident.   

ITEM 16: Special Use Permit for a short-term rental at 154 World of Tennis. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED (6:0). 

ITEM 17: Amendment to Tuscan Village 2 PUD (approved in 2014 for 270 housing units but not yet built) re: connecting Lohman’s Spur to Main Street AND removing the age 55 or older restriction originally in place for 231 housing units (21 cottages and 210 multifamily units) in the upcoming development.  APPROVED 4:2 (Trecker and Brynteson against) with the age restriction removed for all the cottages but only for half of the apartments. 

ITEM 18: Traffic Signal Cost Sharing Agreement for the planned signal on Lohmans at Wingreen Loop, to access the new Main Street.  The estimated cost of $400,000 is proposed to be paid as follows: City of Lakeway–$200,000; The Hills–$100,000; developer Legend Communities–$100,000. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED (5:0) 

ITEM 19: Discussion of the city’s no thru trucks ordinance.  City staff provided traffic accident statistics for Flint Rock Road and Serene Hills.  Possibility of restricting truck use/cut through traffic on various roads (especially Flint Rock, which is partially in Travis County’s jurisdiction) was discussed, along with doing speed and/or traffic studies. NO ACTION TAKEN. Staff was instructed to continue looking into a city-wide strategy on this issue.

ITEM 21: Citizen’s Participation.  NONE.  

ADJOURNED at 8:32PM.

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

Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/184613

Daring Mighty Things

The interstellar Webb telescope sent home a gorgeous image of the Orion Nebula.

Webb also captured this stunning view of Neptune.

Artemis 1 is ready to go back to the moon.  Sort of….  To date, 2 scheduled launches have been scrubbed on the pad (due to an engine bleed and a hydrogen leak).  Then, those problems seemed solved so a launch was scheduled for Sept. 27.  However, the approach of Tropical Storm Ian nixed that, so we’re now looking at October.  In the meantime, the 32-story high rocket will likely be rolled off the pad and under shelter. Watch for updates here: https://www.nasa.gov/

With liberty and justice for all … except women.

VOTE BLUE.  Or, risk having Ted Cruz loitering in the waiting room for all your reproductive health appointments….

Gov. Newsom of California has erected billboards in several red states that have highly restricted or banned abortion, including this billboard in Texas.

Last week, a bill was introduced in the US Senate that would make abortion a federal crime, nationwide.  VOTE DEMOCRAT–because if the Republicans get control of Congress, this will just be the start of how they turn back the clock on human rights in America.  GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham introduces 15-week abortion ban in the Senate 9/13/22  https://www.npr.org/2022/09/13/1122700975/gop-sen-lindsey-graham-introduces-15-week-abortion-ban-in-the-senate

Along with many other issues, the loss of reproductive rights has changed the electorate, just in time for the 2022 midterms.  ‘I can’t stay silent’: Roe reversal powers new generation to sign up and vote 9/18/22  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/18/roe-v-wade-abortion-us-politics-november-midterms

Texas November Election

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/

Candidate yard signs are now available, FREE–including delivery within Lakeway.

As Dem Chair for precinct 375 in Lakeway, I’m part of Western Travis Dems. We have a PAC that is taking donations to buy Dem candidate signs in bulk, and we are distributing them all over the area. Here are the candidates (some signs are in VERY short supply): Beto O’Rourke (Governor); Mike Collier (Lt. Governor); Rochelle Garza (Attorney General); Pam Baggett (HD19 Representative); Vikki Goodwin (HD 47 Representative); Janet Dudding (Comptroller); Susan Hays (Ag Commissioner); and Jay Kleberg (General Land Office Commissioner).

Request yard signs here: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdk5o…/viewform

Or, you can email me at macwestie99@gmail.com  I just need to know your address and which signs you want.

If you can donate to the PAC, so that we can purchase more signs—GREAT! Go here to donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/western-travis-democrats-1

Voter registration ends Oct. 11.  Early voting is Oct. 24-Nov. 4.  Election Day is Nov. 8.

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

Candidates aside, Lake Travis ISD 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….  

GET YOUR NEW COVID SHOT. I was at the Lakeline Walmart a couple weeks ago and heard they just got the NEW Covid vaccine, formulated to protect against the latest variants.  It was the Pfizer version, and I was able to get a shot then and there.  Since my original Covid card was full (with the 2 initial shots and 2 boosters), they started a new card for me.  As for reaction, it was minimal–my arm was sore and I had a mild headache for half a day. I’m thrilled to get that done!

Recently, I increased my work schedule to full-time.  And, I’m currently on the night shift.  Adopting the vampire lifestyle is a process….

Rut season is near–when the bucks chase the does, and no one is looking both ways before crossing the street.  SLOW DOWN AND DRIVE CAREFULLY.  Roadside in Old Lakeway, the current “Deer live here, too” banners will soon be replaced with rut banners featuring impressive bucks, including a new image (one of my photos) that Wildlife Committee recently selected in order to add variety.

Here are recent photos I took of our herd.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, 12.7 billion shots have been given, with 63.4% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

In China last week, protests against the government’s pandemic restrictions followed a horrific bus crash.  The bus was carrying people to mandated Covid quarantine, and 27 died in the accident.  Massive online protests railed against China’s continuing zero Covid tolerance, with its resulting harsh treatment of citizens and nationwide economic losses.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was down 18%, hospitalizations dropped 14%, and deaths increased 12%.  We are averaging 54,000 new cases per day. 30,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 430 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 11%.  

Of late, new cases, hospitalizations and the test positive rate all dropped significantly.  Deaths from Covid remain high, roughly twice the death rate seen in a bad flu season.

One in 3 women and one in 5 men are likely to develop long Covid, per a study done in Europe.  Data showed that 10%-20% of Covid patients ended up with long-term symptoms including severe fatigue, breathlessness and cognitive dysfunction.   The study found that at least 17 million Europeans developed long Covid during the first 2 years of the pandemic.

Thirteen Covid variants were discovered in rapid succession in 2020, identified with Greek letters.  (Remember Delta?)  But the last one, Omicron, arrived on the scene nearly a year ago, last November.  Since then, Omicron has undergone several changes of its own, but no new variants have been found. Experts think the future of Covid-19 will be based on Omicron. Omicron’s BA.5 causes the vast majority of current Covid cases, but its latest spawn, BA.2.75.2, seems to be even better at evading immunities.

As for vaccinations in the US, 68% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 4 weeks).  Nearly 110 million booster shots have been given.  Average shots administered per day rose to 484,000.  

In the last 2 weeks, millions of doses of boosters targeting the hyper-contagious Omicron variant became available at pharmacies, nursing homes and clinics across the country.  These new shots from Pfizer and Moderna are called bivalent vaccines, protecting against the hyper-contagious Omicron variants.  Very likely, this is the start of an annual Covid inoculation routine, just like with flu shots, with the goal of avoiding fall and winter infection surges. Anyone 12 and over is eligible.  If it has been at least 2 months since your last booster shot, check your local pharmacy, health clinic and doctor’s office to get a free bivalent booster.

According to doctors and immunologists, in order to get maximum effect from the bivalent booster, people should wait 4-6 to six months after immunization OR getting Covid.

Seriously, GET THE NEW BIVALENT BOOSTER.  The last time vaccines matched the circulating strain of Covid, early in the pandemic, they were 90 to 95 percent successful in preventing infections. That is what the new vaccine offers now.  Plus, it will provide greater protection against future variants and may even help to prevent long Covid.  Contact your local pharmacy or doctor’s office to schedule an appointment.

Boosters aside, only 6% of kids under five have had their first shots, according to the CDC.  That is the lowest rate by far of any age demographic.

In Texas, the positivity test rate is 14%.  In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 41%, hospitalizations dropped 20%, and deaths ROSE 16%.  We are averaging 3,500 new daily cases, and an average of 23 Texans die each day.  As of now, there are 2,200 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19. 

Only 62% of all Texas residents are fully vaccinated.

Recent Covid Articles I Recommend

Why Omicron Might Stick Around 9/22/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/22/science/omicron-covid-variant.html

Covid vaccination rates in US children under five lag despite effectiveness 9/22/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/22/covid-child-vaccination-rates-us-low

‘Very Harmful’ Lack of Data Blunts U.S. Response to Outbreaks 9/21/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/20/us/politics/covid-data-outbreaks.html

How do I know if my symptoms are from Covid or the flu? 9/20/22 https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-flu-symptoms.html

How long should I wait to get a bivalent booster if I recently had a shot or contracted Covid? 9/20/22 https://www.nytimes.com/article/bivalent-booster-covid.html

New Boosters Test Covid-Weary Nation. Shots Are Here. Do Americans Care? 9/18/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/18/us/covid-vaccine.html

There’s Terrific News About the New Covid Boosters, but Few Are Hearing It 9/15/22  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/15/opinion/covid-booster-shot.html

WHO: 17 million in Europe experienced long COVID-19  9/13/22 https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-pandemics-united-nations-tel-aviv-ae0256b4bd88670f91672ead7c3be608

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