Here is what is happening in and around Lakeway.
Kids Holiday Cookie Class at LAC
Kids age 5-8 can create holidays cookies and learn kitchen techniques as well as safety in the Monday, Dec. 23, noon-2PM workshop at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Tuition is $70 and includes everything needed. Go here for complete info and to reserve a spot: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzNTM2NTI=
Lakeway’s Trail of Lights
Enjoy all the holiday light scenes at the annual Trail of Lights. It continues nightly 6PM-midnight throughout December. The walkable display is located below City Hall, at 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road. More parking is available at the adjacent Activity Center,105 Cross Creek. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/Trail-of-Lights
Bee Cave on Ice
Running now through Jan. 5, the Hill Country Galleria hosts an ice skating rink in the Central Plaza. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Hours are Mon.-Thur. 3pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Fri. 12pm-9pm (last session at 8pm); Sat. 10am-10pm (last session at 9pm); and Sun. 10am-7pm (last session at 6pm). The fee is $15/hour, except $10 on Tuesdays (fees include skate rental). More info and you can make reservations here: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/bee-cave-on-ice/2145577106
Take holiday photos at Lakeway Activity Center.
The LAC courtyard (105 Cross Creek) is decked out for the holidays, making it the perfect backdrop for last minute family photos. Stop by to take your photos during regular business hours: 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
Menorah Lighting at Lakeway City Hall
Starting Wednesday, Dec. 25, at 5:30PM, meet outside the front lobby of City Hall each evening through Jan. 2 for the Menorah Lighting.
Give the Gift of the Symphony.
Make the holidays special by giving the Gift of Symphony. EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW ON SALE for “A Night with the Austin Symphony Orchestra.” This will be Lakeway’s 5th annual collaborative concert experience featuring members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and talented musicians with the Lake Travis High School Band and Orchestra. Concert is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4PM, at the Lake Travis Performing Arts Center (3324 Ranch Rd 620 South). Early bird ticket prices range from $15 to $50; or, opt for the VIP option to meet the musicians at a special dinner the evening before the event. Info and tickets here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1960/A-Night-with-the-Austin-Symphony-Orchest
Santa needs your help, making Christmas bright for local families.
12:31 is a LOCAL, registered, 501(c)(3) group,with over 7,000 members serving students and families within LTISD. (Tax ID number–EIN: 88-2279325.) For Christmas, the group hopes to provide gifts to the kids and necessities for more than 40 local families. That is a lot of wish lists to fill, and Santa needs your help. Email mike.dahlhauser@twelvethirtyone.org or go here to join the Facebook group and see what you can do for our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/twelve31
Teen Art Contest Winners on Display at the Library
During December, all the winning entries will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Students in grades 6 through 12 creates original pieces of art inspired by their reading experiences. Stop by to view all 6 award-winning entries and 8 honorable mentions.
Lakeway’s Garbage Collection Schedule for the Holidays
For the holiday weeks of Christmas and New Years, trash and recycling collections by Waste Connections will be adjusted.If your regular collection day is Wednesday, collection will be delayed until Thursday. If your regular collection day is Thursday, collection will be delayed until Friday. If your regular collection day is Friday, collection will be delayed until Saturday. Full info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1666/Holiday-Service-Schedule
Got books to donate? LAC Library needs kids/young adult books.
Maybe take time over the holidays to clear out the old and bring books in good condition to the Lakeway Activity Center library (105 Cross Creek). The library especially needs books for children and young adults.
Pave the Way at LAC.
A commemorative tile in the Lakeway Activity Center courtyard is a great way to honor a loved one, a special occasion or a valued group, even advertise a business. Deadline to order ‘Pave The Way’ tiles this winter is January 31, 2025. Call for info: 512-261-1010.
Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update
The mayor gave a 9-minute update on Dec. 11. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/945017317509481
House Watch
If you are traveling over the holidays or only occupy your home here part-time, Lakeway Police Department provides a House Watch program, at no charge. Just let them know, and officers will perform close patrols of the address and contact you if anything appears suspicious. Call 512-261-2800 for info and go here to sign up: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1305/House-Watch-Request
Recycle your Christmas Tree.
Lakeway’s Public Works Department will accept holiday trees from residents Dec. 26 through Jan. 10, 7AM-3:30PM. Drop off is at 3303 Serene Hills Drive. Remove all decorations from the tree prior to recycling. Full info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/62/Public-Works
New Years—Polar Bear Plunge.
On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9-10AM, swing by Lakeway Swim Center (3103 Lakeway Blvd.) with your towel and DIVE INTO 2025! This FREE event is fun for all ages. After your bracing plunge, warm up with delicious refreshments and snacks, and relax in the cozy warming location. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2034/Polar-Bear-Plunge
JANUARY
Art at the Library
During the month of January, local artist Lynn Zwern’s contemporary impressionistic watercolors will be on display in the meeting room of Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Plus, meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, Jan. 11, 1-2:30PM.
Puzzle Exchange at the Library
On Saturday, Jan. 11, 10:30-11:30AM, drop by Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) and swap out your jigsaw puzzles with ones that will be new to you. (All puzzles must be in good condition, well-packaged and include all pieces.)
Donate Blood at Lakeway Activity Center.
The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, Jan. 11, 8am-noon. The event is always well organized, clean and friendly. You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES!
The November blood drive had VERY few donors. I was shocked, as Lakeway generally leads the way for giving and volunteerism. What could be more important than giving blood to save lives? Plan to donate on Jan. 11. Plus—talk this up to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers. Let’s start 2025 right and get the LAC Ballroom filled with blood donors.
While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here– https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/
Lake Travis Democrats
—Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30PM at Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Speakers will be Brian Pena (President of the UT Democrats) and Robert Norris (President of Grandparents for Public Schools).
—Banned Book Club: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30PM at Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing). Our book is “Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.
Check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for club activities each month.
Brown Bag Concert Lunch
On Thursday, Jan. 23, from noon-1PM, bring your lunch and drop by the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) to enjoy the Lake Travis Fiddlers. FREE event!
Lakeway COUNCIL
Council met on Dec. 16. Six members attended the meeting, all in person, with Councilmember Brynteson absent (due to illness). RESULTS:
ITEM 12 (within the Consent Agenda): Authorize spending up to $70,000 on a feasibility study for the Birrell Street Bridge (to connect with Lohman’s Spur, part of the 2022 Transportation Bond). UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, along with the rest of the Consent Agenda.
ITEM 16: Financial Report. THE CITY IS $340,000 TO THE GOOD, AS OF END OF NOVEMBER.
ITEM 17: Citizen’s Participation for Items NOT on the Agenda. NO ONE SPOKE.
ITEM 18: WCID17 Quarterly update. GM JASON HOMAN DISCUSSED THE COMPANY’S STRUCTURE, UPCOMING EXPANSION, OUTREACH, ETC. RATHER THAN WATER AVAILABILITY.
ITEM 19: Lakeway Inn and Spa’s Request for $175,000 from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds (to be used for marketing in 2025). UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ITEM 20: Request to Approve Replat of 5.59 Acres at 570 Rupen (for 11 single family residential lots, zoned R-1). UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
ITEM 21: Plan Update on Butler Park in Rough Hollow.
–Provide the same parking layout as previously shown (41 spaces, 2 handicap)
–$113,000 (recently reduced from $160,000) – Bike park features
–$ 67,000 – Shade structures to ensure more playability throughout the day
–$ 20,000 – Concrete masonry unit (CMU) dumpster enclosure versus a wooden fence
–$ 19,500 – Practice Ball Wall
Staff noted that the project remains within the $1.9MIL budget. Plus, if needed, funds could be drawn from the Highland Parks Fund (roughly $500K), which can ONLY be used for Rough Hollow parks. CONSENSUS was for staff to continue with all the suggested items, including all the planned parking (marking some spaces for golf carts), and allowing local biking groups to provide input on the mountain bike route (which is designed for beginners, ages 6-10).
ITEM 22: Lakeway Use of License Plate Readers—Request for Policy Review and Program Approval (pursuant to pilot program during 2024). UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED (as permanent program.)
ITEM 23: Discussion and Action on Charter Change Amendments.
At the last meeting, Council agreed to consider placing 6 Charter amendments on the May ballot, out of 17 suggestions by the Charter Review Committee. The 6 items were discussed, but NO ACTION was taken (due to Councilmember Brynteson being absent). CONSENSUS was direction to staff/City Attorney to adjust the ballot language, as NOTED IN BOLD BELOW, with Council voting at a January meeting on whether or not any of the 6 items will be placed on the May ballot:
–Proposition A Eliminating the Office of City Treasurer: Shall Section 4.06 be deleted, thereby eliminating the volunteer office of City Treasurer, and other Charter provisions be amended as necessary to remove references to the City Treasurer?
If approved, Section 4.06 and all references to the City Treasurer in Sections 4.01, 8.01, 8.11, and 8.15 would be deleted in their entirety; and the current duties of the City Treasurer will be assumed by the City’s Finance Director and other employees in the Finance Department, with an independent audit of the City’s finances still performed each year by an outside accounting firm.
NO CHANGES.
–Proposition B Eliminating the City Building Commission: Shall Section 7.06 be deleted in its entirety, thereby eliminating the City Building Commission, which is responsible under the City’s development ordinances for determining whether to grant certain variances and waivers, and to make view-blocking determinations under the City’s View Protection Corridor Overlay Ordinance?
If approved, Section 7.06 of the City Charter will be deleted in its entirety, and Council will assign by ordinance the current duties of the City Building Commission to the Planning and Zoning Commission, or to the Building and Development Services Director.
REMOVE MENTION OF VIEW BLOCKING. ADD THAT DUTIES WILL BE MOVED TO OTHER GROUPS.
–Proposition C Eliminating the Board of Ethics: Shall Section 7.05 be amended in its entirety, thereby eliminating the Board of Ethics?
If approved, Section 7.05 would be deleted in its entirety and the reference to the Board of Ethics in Section 11.05 would also be deleted. Council would still be required to adopt a City Ethics Ordinance, which applies to all City officials, employees, and members of City Boards, Commissioners, or Committees.
THE ARGUMENT WAS LARGELY OVER RELYING ON STATE ETHICS RULES OR ADOPTING HIGHER STANDARDS FOR LAKEWAY (AND THE DIFFERENCES IN ENFORCEMENT).
–Proposition D Changing the Process for Appointing Members of City Boards and Commissions and Changing the Terms of Office of Each Member of a Board or Commission: Shall Section 7.01 be amended to change the process for appointing members of City Boards and Commissions so that the Mayor and each Council member shall nominate a person for a one-year appointment to each Board or Commission, subject to Council approval?
If approved, all appointments to City Boards and Commissions would be standardized. At the present time, appointments to some Boards and Commissions are made by the Mayor subject to Council approval, for a term of office that runs concurrently with the Mayor’s term of office; but members of some Boards and Commissions are individually appointed by the Mayor and each Council member, still subject to Council approval, for a term of office that runs concurrently with the Mayor’s term of office in some cases, or for 2-year terms in other cases. If approved members of all City Boards and Commissions would be appointed in a uniform process for a one-year term of office.
CITY ATTORNEY NOTED THAT STATE LAW REQUIRES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS MEMBERS TO SERVE FOR 2 YEARS AND ONLY BE REMOVED FOR CAUSE, PUTTING THAT GROUP OUTSIDE THIS PROPOSED CHANGE. THAT LEAVES ONLY ZAPCO TARGETED, FOR NO STATED REASON, DESPITE BEING A NON-BINDING COMMITTEE. ARGUMENT OVER 1 YEAR TERM AND OVER THIS ENTIRE ITEM BEING CREATED TO REMOVE PEOPLE WHO CERTAIN COUNCILMEMBERS DISLIKE. REQUESTED MULTIPLE LANGUAGE OPTIONS, INCLUDING GIVING COUNCIL POWER TO START REMOVAL PROCESS OF ZAPCO MEMBERS.
–Proposition E Changing the Approval Process for Police Department Policies and Procedures: Shall Section 4.07 be amended so that the policies and procedures adopted or changed by the Chief of Police for the Police Department shall be approved by the City Manager and reported to the Council at least annually, instead of having the City Council approve them when adopted by the Chief of Police?
If approved, the Chief of Police would still adopt such written rules relating to police policies and procedures, but instead of having those approved by Council, the City Manager would approve them and report to the Council at least annually regarding the new or revised Department policies and procedures.
MORE ARGUMENT, THIS TIME OVER COUNCIL’S DUTY TO ASSESS POLICE DEPARTMENT, AS OPPOSED TO THE CITY MANAGER DOING SO. NO SPECIFIC LANGUAGE CHANGES WERE REQUESTED. REPEATED REFERENCES TO COUNCIL’S HANDLING OF POLICE MATTERS SEVERAL YEARS AGO RESULTED IN ADDING A THIRD ITEM TO THE EVENING’S EXECUTIVE SESSION (BELOW).
–Proposition F Revising the Residency Requirement for City Manager: Shall Section 4.01 be amended to require the City Manager reside within the boundaries of the Lake Travis Independent School District, instead of within the City limits?
If approved the requirement that the City Manager reside in the City limits would be modified, to require the City Manager to reside within the Lake Travis ISD boundaries within a reasonable time after accepting the appointment.
NO CHANGES.
ITEMS 23, 24 and 25: Executive Sessions on Consultation with Attorney/Police Personnel Matters, Personnel Matters/City Treasurer and on West Austin Business Park legal intervention. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
ADJOURNED at 9:58PM.
View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/322824
Next Council Meeting set for Tuesday, Jan. 21.
About a week in advance, check here (scrolling down to City Council items) for the Agenda: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
Daring Mighty Things
The above image shows the Christmas Tree cluster. Also known as NGC 2264, it is in the Milky Way galaxy, about 2,500 light-years from Earth. (Image credit: NASA/CXC/SAO.) The stars forming the cluster are very young, less than 5 million years old (compared to Earth’s sun, which is 5 billion years old). NASA space telescopes give Christmas Tree Cluster a festive makeover 12/19/24 https://www.space.com/the-universe/the-christmas-tree-cluster-gets-a-festive-makeover-photos
Mini-chopper Ingenuity was only intended to try a few test flights in the thin atmosphere of Mars, but she ended up flying for nearly 3 years, functioning as a valuable scout for companion rover Perseverance and sending amazing aerial photographs back to Earth. (Image credit: NASA.) Then–last January–disaster struck, and rotor damage kept Ingenuity from ever flying again. Perseverance moved on, leaving Ingenuity alone. But, now, NASA experts have assessed the chopper, finding systems (rotors aside) operational, sensors functioning, and batteries recharging normally. So, Ingenuity has a new role–weather station, recording telemetry, taking images every sol and storing data on board. For now, Perseverance is still within range to transfer Ingenuity’s findings to Earth, but that will change soon. Ingenuity can store 20 years of data, and it will be up to NASA to send humans to Mars, in order to and collect Ingenuity and her decades of data, along with the many samples that Perseverance is collecting from Mars. After crashing on Mars, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter could live on as a weather station for 20 years 12/11/24 https://www.space.com/space-exploration/mars-rovers/after-crashing-on-mars-nasas-ingenuity-helicopter-could-live-on-as-a-weather-station-for-20-years
The above image shows the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. (Image credit: Francesco Pelizzo.) This formation is about 400 light years away from Earth. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap241209.html
If Santa drops a drone down your chimney this year, the linked article will help you fly it legally. After all, drones are everywhere these days—in the skies and in the news. (Image credit: James Abbott.) Per the article, recreational pilots must complete the online (and free) Trust test, which teaches you the general rules for flying drones. With drones, weight is key; drones weighing less than 0.55 pounds can be flown recreationally without having to register with the FAA, but drones weighing weigh between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds must be registered. Online registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for 3 years. Generally, you can fly up to 400FT above ground level; if your drone is within 400FT of a structure/building, you can fly up to 400FT above that. You must keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times during flight and if flying an FPV drone with goggles, you will need a spotter to maintain visual line of sight of the drone for you. Obviously, there are rules against flying in restricted airspace such as close to airports, military bases and other sensitive areas. (Yes, there’s an app for that—B4UFLY.) Note that states have their own rules, especially as to privacy. Finally, commercial pilots must be certified and are subject to even more guidelines. Drone regulations: everything you need to know for safe and legal drone flight 12/16/24 https://www.space.com/drone-regulations-everything-you-need-to-know
SpaceX has petitioned for a special election to incorporate its Starbase site in Boca Chica, TX, as a city, which it claims will become the Gateway to Mars. (Image credit: Michael Gonzalez/The Texas Tribune.) The spaceport, on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, is 25 miles east of Brownsville, in Cameron County. Spread across acres of previously undeveloped land, Starbase includes launch pads, office space and dozens of portable homes for employees. However, it is surrounded by environmentally sensitive areas and public parkland. SpaceX wants to turn its Texas launch site into a city 12/12/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/12/spacex-starbase-city-texas-cameron-county/
Elon Musk and SpaceX face at least three federal reviews over compliance with reporting rules aimed at protecting national security, the New York Times reported on Dec. 17. (Image credit: REUTERS.) The Air Force, the Defense Department’s inspector general, and the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security all have ongoing reviews. “Elon Musk and his rocket company, SpaceX, have repeatedly failed to comply with federal reporting protocols aimed at protecting state secrets, including by not providing some details of his meetings with foreign leaders,” the Times report said. In addition, The Times said the Air Force recently denied Musk high-level security access, citing potential security risks. American allies including Israel flagged concerns that Musk could share sensitive data. Plus, Musk reportedly has held multiple private calls with Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, raising security concerns. Elon Musk, SpaceX face federal reviews over security, NYT reports 12/17/24 https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/elon-musk-spacex-face-federal-reviews-over-security-nyt-reports/ar-AA1w2r0I
With liberty and justice for all … except women.
In September of 2021, Texas banned most abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy. Then, in summer 2022, Texas expanded that ban to ALL abortions from the moment of conception, except to save the life of the pregnant patient. Texas, like most states, has a maternal mortality committee, responsible for reviewing maternal deaths and near-deaths. The committee’s last report, released in September, showed that maternal deaths surged in 2020 and 2021 (even with COVID deaths excluded). But, forget about disclosure of maternal deaths in the post-Roe years of 2022 and 2023. The committee is skipping forward to review deaths from 2024. Omitting review of the first 2 years under the abortion ban is no coincidence. In addition, the Texas Legislature is working to remove Texas from the federal maternal death tracking system, blocking disclosure of how many Texas women have been killed by the state’s abortion ban. Texas committee defends decision to skip reviews of post-abortion ban maternal deaths 12/6/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/06/texas-maternal-mortality-committee-deaths/
Texas AG Ken Paxton has sued a New York doctor for violating Texas abortion laws. Everyone knew it was coming, but this seems to be the first suit by a red state desperate to interfere in the laws of a blue state. Paxton accuses Dr. Margaret Carpenter of mailing abortion pills from New York to a 20-year-old woman in Collin County who was 9 weeks pregnant, after a telemed health appointment. Paxton demands a Texas court block Dr. Carpenter from continuing to violate Texas law, and order her to pay $100,000 for every violation of the state’s near-total abortion ban. (So, $100,000 for the Collin County patient, plus $100,000 for each and every other Texas patient getting pills mailed by Dr. Carpenter.) Not only is abortion legal in New York under Roe rules, that state has (wisely) adopted a shield law protecting providers from out-of-state investigations and prosecutions, allowing doctors to mail abortion pills into states that have banned the procedure. Paxton argues that Texas women should be prohibited from accessing abortion in other states because it’s illegal in Texas. Really? Nothing else works that way, but for the extreme right, state lines amount to prison bars, trapping Texas women inside the state. Bet on this case—or one very like it—heading for the US Supreme Court very soon. Ken Paxton sues New York doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills to Texas woman 12/13/24 https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/13/texas-paxton-abortion-pill-mail-lawsuit/
Back to me….
My kitty girls all have birthdays in December. Maxie turned 18, Tulip turned 14, and Peanut turned 12. So, all month around here, lots of new toys and catnip everywhere…. Plus, all the dried salmon chunks (SO stinky!) they can eat–they ADORE those.
Happily, all 3 cats have been very good about the Christmas decor this year. Ho, Ho, Ho!!!
Our deer herd is still doing the rut dance. The females hang out together and seem to be very happy campers. But, I feel sorry for the bucks, each of whom is off on his own for 2-3 months. It isn’t easy being the most studly buck in the history of the world (even if that’s just in your overly-antlered head). Here are some photos I took in the last couple weeks in Old Lakeway (all does, except for one baby buck).
Coronavirus Update
Covid-19 activity ticked upward over the last 2 weeks. Indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths) increased as of Dec. 14. As always in winter, look for the upward trend to continue as holiday travel and gatherings spread Covid, along with flu and everything else. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
As of Dec. 14, national wastewater viral testing INCREASED from low to MODERATE. Texas as a state tested LOW (up from MINIMAL levels last time). https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html
This fall’s edition of the Covid-19 vaccine is available in local pharmacies.
Have you gotten the UPDATED Covid-19 shot? I got mine in early October; during 13 days of poll working, several of my co-workers caught Covid, but I did not. If you want to be protected this winter, start here: https://www.heb.com/pharmacy/vaccinations This new vaccine was formulated to work against recent variants, so everyone is urged to get vaccinated. Consider getting it along with your annual flu shot. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best timing, if you recently had Covid or recently got vaccinated. New COVID, flu vaccines arrive in Austin 8/31/24 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/08/28/covid-flu-vaccine-2024-near-me-austin-texas-tips-pharmacy-doctors-office/74965044007/