What is going on in Lakeway?
4th of July Festivities
MISSING DOGGIE—Help Find Leia the Mini Labradoodle
Leia disappeared June 26 from a dog sitter’s care in Stoney Creek condos on Lakeway Blvd. (just below Lakeway Drive, near Chandon and backing Live Oak Golf Course). Her humans and her litter mate, Luke, miss her terribly. There is a REWARD.
Leia is a 1.5 year old spayed female, weighing 16 lbs., with green eyes, a pink nose, and a red/brown coat. She is microchipped. She was wearing a light blue harness. Full info (and you can report any sightings) here: https://findleia.com/
Leia’s humans have set up a GoFundMe account, to help pay for trackers and other expenses in the effort to recover her. If you can donate, please do. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-find-leia-the-mini-jedi-labradoodle?qid=34de56e5cc9efe412c2449e951d6440e
ZAPCO Meets on Wednesday, July 6
Zoning and Planning has its monthly meeting Wed., July 6, 9AM at City Hall. The latest proposal by Stratus for its Main Street development was scheduled for this meeting but has been delayed until the August meeting. The July Agenda includes proposed changes to the city’s view protection process. Go here, scroll down to ZAPCO, and download the Agenda and/or the Meeting Packet for details on this and the other scheduled items: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
Brush Recycling Offered 1st Thursday of Every Month
City of Lakeway offers free yard waste drop off for Lakeway residents the first Thursday of every month, at the Public Works Department (3303 Serene Hills Drive) 7AM-3:30PM. In July, that is on Thursday, July 7. Limit is one pickup truck load of yard waste or up to one 8’X5′ pile. Go here for details, including what is accepted: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1584
OAK TRIMMING Season
Oak pruning is a violation of Lakeway ordinance February through June, due to higher likelihood then of spreading Oak Wilt. Trimming Oaks is allowed July-January. But, when trimming, pruning seal must be applied within 10 minutes to all cuts on all Oak trees. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1059/Oak-Pruning-Schedule
Lake Travis Community Library hosts Summer Camps
Through July, the library continues camps for elementary-aged kids, who will read aloud or listen to stories and participate in activities including crafts, creative writing projects, cooking, science experiments, and more. Limited to 16 participants per camp. Pick up your Library Camp pass at the circulation desk 30 minutes prior to the start of your camp. Schedule: Tuesdays at 2pm: kids entering 4th grade and up; Wednesdays at 2pm: kids entering 2nd and 3rd grade; Thursdays at 2pm: kids entering 1st grade; and Fridays at 2pm: kids entering Kindergarten. Call512-263-2885 for info.
Summer Camps at LAC
Lakeway’s summer camps continue through Aug. 12, with slots available. More info here: https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog/index?filter=Y2F0ZWdvcnklNUIxMTQ1MiU1RD0xJnNlYXJjaD0mcmVudGFsJTVCZnJvbSU1RD0mcmVudGFsJTVCdG8lNUQ9
Sunday Afternoon Concert Series
Composer/Pianist Maxwell Milliano Talai, Jr. will present a free concert at LAC (105 Cross Creek) on Sunday, July 24, 4PM. More info here: https://lakeway-tx.gov/1862/Sunday-Afternoon-Concert-Series
Lake Travis Democrats
This long-time Lakeway organization recently premiered a website. https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ Check it out for local activities (Banned Book Club, Happy Hour, park walks and more), as well as ways to get involved in upcoming political races (yard signs, postcard writing, registering voters). You can also connect via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LTDEMS You won’t find a nicer group of people anywhere!
Lakeway is HIRING
Open positions include Deputy Court Clerk, Environmental Coordinator, Finance Director, 911 Dispatcher, and Assistant Police Chief. Go here for info and to apply: https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/Jobs.aspx
Parks Town Hall—Submit your Comments
City Manager Julie Oakley’s Parks Town Hall last week covered proposed plans for 11 areas in the city’s parks system, from Swim Center modernization ($3.6 million), to adding pickle ball courts at the Live Oak tennis area ($1.6 million), to a huge revamp of City Park ($7.8 million).
Go here to view slides of the presentation, with details on each plan: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1979/Town-Hall-Series
Community Impact has a good article detailing the projects: https://communityimpact.com/austin/lake-travis-westlake/parks-recreation/2022/07/02/lakeway-requests-feedback-on-11-major-park-projects/
The city wants feedback from the public before items are considered by Council in this summer’s budget meetings. Send your comments on any/all of the 11 projects here: info@lakeway-tx.gov
Lakeway City Council Met on June 21
RESULTS in ALL CAPS, including re: home businesses and golf carts:
ITEM 8: Financial Report. REVENUE IS AHEAD OF PROJECTIONS BY $689K (8 months into the fiscal year). EXPENDITURES ARE $330K LESS THAN PROJECTED.
ITEM 9: Citizens Participation. SIX PEOPLE SPOKE (1 on water quality and the other 5 on potential road extensions in The Preserve, as discussed at Council’s recent Transportation Workshop).
ITEM 11: Preliminary Plan approval for Enclave at Yaupon, a residential development at 314 Clubhouse Drive for 16 single family homes on 6.36 acres, per terms of a development agreement. APPROVED (with a sidewalk on one side of the street) 6:1 (Brynteson)
ITEM 12: Preliminary Plan approval for Eastside Landing, a residential development at 17301 Flintrock Road for 30 single family homes on 19.667 acres, per terms of a development agreement. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
ITEM 13: Preliminary Plan revision approval for Serene Hills/WCID 17 re: effluent storage tanks, pump station and irrigation fields on 23 acres east of Serene Hills Drive and north of Hwy. 71. UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
ITEM 15: Revising the ordinances re: accessory structures on residential lots. After discussion, POSTPONED until July regular meeting, so staff can revise text clarifying rules related to accessory structures.
ITEM 16: Revising the ordinances re: administrative timeline for land development requests/plan and plat approvals by ZAPCO and Council in order to comply with new state law (HB 3167, effective on September 1, 2019 and commonly known as the Shot Clock Law). UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
ITEM 17: Revising the ordinances re: Home Occupation/operating a business from a residence.
Changes from the last review include:
–Adopt the state’s definition of nuisance;
–Prohibit vehicular signage;
–Prohibit outside display at the residence, EXCEPT as typical for a residential area; and
–Prohibit inventory storage at the residence EXCEPT for products made on site.
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, with staff instructed to draft a SEPARATE ORDINANCE specifically covering DAYCARE businesses operated out of residences (including level of state licensing required, number of children allowed, and additional workers), for consideration at the July regular meeting.
ITEM 18: Discussion of ordinance changes re: operation of golf carts on public streets.
Members asked STAFF TO REVISE TEXT, for review at the next regular meeting, on these agreed points:
–Getting rid of the current “to/from golf course” requirement;
–Carts generally allowed on streets with speed limit of 35MPH or less;
–So, carts allowed on Lakeway Drive, Lakeway BLVD, Highlands BLVD, and Lohmans Crossing (but ONLY from the Wingreen Loop/The Hills intersection to Lakeway BLVD and beyond), as well on as all our residential streets;
–BUT, carts NOT allowed on Lohmans Crossing from Wingreen Loop/The Hills intersection to 620, Serene Hills Drive, Bee Creek Road, or Flint Rock Drive.
–The police department was asked to provide input on the above, as far as where carts should be allowed/disallowed;
–Operator must be a licensed driver;
–Registration Permit required (undecided if issued by state or by city) IF the cart will ever travel on public streets in Lakeway (off the golf course, beyond The Hills, and past the gates of private street areas like Flint Rock Falls);
–Only during daylight;
–Must display slow-moving vehicle emblem;
–Must have state-mandated safety equipment (headlights, tail lights, horn, mirrors, etc.);
–Must have liability insurance;
–No towing of trailers;
–No lap riding;
–No overloading of passengers (restricted to number of people cart was made to accommodate);
–Stay off sidewalks; and
–Significant fines for violations ($500 max by statute).
NOTE: Council discussion was unusually lengthy, disjointed and unproductive, particularly as to ITEMS 17 and 18. Also, the recording is problematic; Council took a break after ITEM 17, and the recording picked up halfway through ITEM 18 (though at least part of the early discussion appears at the very end of the recording). As a result, making sense of the last half of the meeting was more challenging than usual.
ADJOURNED 12:20AM
The Meeting Packet is here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
Go here to watch the Council meeting online: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/175960
Council BUDGET Meeting
The first budget session is scheduled for July 11, 6:30PM at City Hall.
Daring Mighty Things
NASA on June 20 executed a successful wet dress/full fuel test for the upcoming moonshot. This was the last hurdle for Artemis 1; in the next few months, an SLS rocket will launch an uncrewed Orion on a month-long journey to the moon and back. Then, NASA plans to fly astronauts into moon orbit aboard Artemis 2, while Artemis 3 will land astronauts on the moon, roughly 4 years from now. NASA’s Artemis 1 moon rocket passes crucial fueling test despite leak 6/21/22 https://www.space.com/artemis-1-moon-rocket-wet-dress-rehearsal-success
Up at the International Space Station on June 16, a docked Russian cargo ship executed an emergency maneuver to shove the ISS out of the way of space debris which could have catastrophically damaged the station. The debris was from a Soviet-era Cosmos 1408 satellite destroyed by Russia in Nov. 2021. International Space Station dodges orbital debrisfrom Russian anti-satellite test 6/20/22 https://www.space.com/space-station-dodges-russian-satellite-debris
For the 50% of Americans no longer included in the Pledge of Allegiance’s “with liberty and justice for all.”
Because THIS:
Has been overturned by THIS:
For the record, I hate the idea of abortion. But, the only thing worse is what a shockingly arrogant and reckless Supreme Court did in June: allowing the government to step in and ban abortion with no exceptions, no recourse, and no reasonable window for choice. This ruling isn’t about preserving life; it is about power—taking power from the female half of the population and especially from young, poor, and minority women. The intent is to reverse the country 50 years, to a time certain groups today see as a golden age because they were in charge and women were subservient and oppressed.
Banning abortion is just the first step; any and all “privacy rights” are at risk. Next year this time, we will be in an even worse place. And, Texas officials are determined to lead the way backward.
Below are links to explanations of the ruling, as well as links to resources to track abortion status by state and locate current providers, get legal advice and financial help, obtain pills/medication abortion (the last 2 sites provide pills in advance), make donations, and more. Unfortunately, this is info women now need for themselves, their daughters, and other females in their orbit. I strongly suggest taking steps that are available now, because they may well be cut off soon. Plan ahead.
And, every election, review candidates with this issue in mind. And VOTE, while you still can.
Roe v. Wade is Overturned 6/25/22 30 minute podcast https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/podcasts/the-daily/roe-wade-abortion-supreme-court.html
My state just banned abortion. What are my options? 6/25/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/25/abortion-ban-options-travel-pills-financial-legal-help
Donate to groups assisting women needing care. This site has several groups working in Texas: https://abortionfunds.org/funds/
Updated status of abortion laws in US states: https://states.guttmacher.org/policies/
Find abortion providers: https://www.abortionfinder.org/
Legal info: Repro Legal Helpline https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/sma-contact-the-helpline/
Financial help: https://abortionfunds.org/need-abortion/
Medication abortion: Abortion Pills Take the Spotlight as States Impose Abortion Bans 6/26/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/26/health/abortion-medication-pills.html
This is What a Post-Roe Abortion Looks Like 8-minute video detailing how to get medication abortion pills and manage your own abortion 6/29/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/29/opinion/abortion-pill-roe-wade.html
Just the Pill https://www.justthepill.com/
Hey Jane https://www.heyjane.co/
PLAN C https://www.plancpills.org/
Aid Access (will provide pills in advance) https://aidaccess.org/en/ https://aidaccess.org/en/i-need-an-abortion
Women on Web (will provide pills in advance) https://www.womenonweb.org/
Back to me….
Pets owners, PLEASE prepare for 4th of July fireworks through Monday night, and safeguard your dogs and cats. Every year, many precious pets panic and are lost over this holiday. Here in Lakeway, shooting off fireworks in the city limits is prohibited by ordinance; however, some residents do it anyway, as do people just outside city limits. This article has good info: 8 Tips for Helping a Dog That’s Scared of Fireworks https://www.petmd.com/dog/8-tips-helping-dogs-thats-scared-fireworks?utm_source=NewsletterSubscribers&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=062822Newsletter&utm_campaign=Newsletter
FAWNS ARE ALL OVER LAKEWAY! PLEASE slow down and drive carefully. Social media posts indicate speeding/careless drivers are killing new fawns and/or mama does even more than usually happens this time of year. Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway Drive, Lohmans Crossing and Hurst Creek Road are all high danger areas, but our herd and its most vulnerable members are all over Old Lakeway. SLOW DOWN! If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another.
Want your own FAWNS AT PLAY sign? Displaying a sign in your yard helps remind drivers to slow down and watch for these precious babies. These signs were created in 2021 by a local artist, Victoria Waite. She sells them for $20 to cover her costs of getting them printed at Stokes. She is on Next Door and Facebook and can be contacted those ways. Or, email her: victoria.waite.art@gmail.com
Remember the doe on Vanguard limping around in agony for over a year, due to PVC pipe embedded around her hoof? After medical care last August, she healed quickly and was soon completely mobile. This spring, she had a fawn. Here they are!
Here are more recent photos of precious new additions to our herd.
The Coronavirus
Worldwide, 12.1 billion shots have been given, with 62% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.
China continues to battle Covid surges in several areas, sticking with its zero-Covid policy. Macau is facing a new surge, and the gambling mecca is shutting down hotels and casinos. However, China halved the time that people arriving from overseas must stay in a government Covid-19 quarantine facility, from two weeks to one week (plus 3 days in home quarantine and with regular testing all along.) Further, in-school classes are re-starting in Beijing, despite authorities announcing last week that mass mandatory testing and travel restrictions could be in place for the next five years. Also, Shanghai last week reported no new cases, prompting officials there to declare victory over Covid. Shanghai’s restrictions are minimal at this point; however, many residents remain traumatized by months of living under severely unpleasant conditions, with experts concerned about PTSD and other long-term mental illness on a large scale.
Europe is experiencing a summer surge, in countries including the UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands and Denmark. Just in the UK, 1 in 50 people living in England are now infected; 1 in 30 people living in Scotland are infected. Experts say the infections are largely caused by Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, which are 10% to 15% more infectious than previous variants.
In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the new case rate was up 12%, hospitalizations rose 10%, and deaths increased 23%. We are averaging 114,000new cases per day. 33,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and an average of 387 people die each day. The national testing positivity rate is 15%.
Overall, since January 2020, at least 1 in 4 people who live in the United States have been infected, and at least 1 in 327 people have died.
The current Covid surge is different from earlier ones, in that death rates remain relatively low. Currently, over 300 people die each day, just one-tenth the loss we saw in January 2021’s surge. The reason seems to be that, with most Americans being vaccinated or previously infected now, there are fewer large pools of unprotected people. Still, the virus is now killing more than twice as many Americans as die daily from suicide or car crashes. Additionally, many Covid survivors are debilitated, some of them for long after their infection. Experts warn that with growing complacency, the next surge will find more victims and result in a higher death rate.
New York City’s Broadway district went from masks required to masks optional, as of July 1.
New York City last week opened the country’s first Test to Treat sites, mobile clinics set up outside pharmacies. People testing positive for Covid get a prescription for Paxlovid, the FDA approved treatment that minimizes symptoms when taken early. Prescriptions can be filled immediately at the adjoining pharmacy, at no charge.
In late June, Dr. Anthony Fauci tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time in a month, shortly after completing a course of the virus treatment Paxlovid. Experts say a Covid rebound is fairly common, and Dr. Fauci is now on a second course of the drug, crediting it with keeping him out of the hospital.
As for vaccinations in the US, 67% of the entire population is fully vaccinated (no change in the last 4 weeks). Over 106 million booster shots have been given. Average shots administered per day rose to 356,000.
On June 28, an expert FDA committee recommended an UPDATED BOOSTER shot of coronavirus vaccine targeting the Omicron variants. The latest variants, known as BA.4 and BA.5, are now responsible for over half of current infections. The implication is that by fall we will need an updated booster, in order to be protected from the expected winter Covid surge.
In Texas, the positivity test rate continues to rise–currently 26%. In the last 2 weeks, new cases increased 55%, hospitalizations rose 35%, and deaths jumped 95%. We are averaging 10,700 new daily cases, and an average of 16 people die each day. As of now, there are 2,700 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.
Recent Covid articles I recommend
F.D.A. advisers recommend updated boosters that target forms of Omicron 6/28/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/us/politics/covid-vaccines-omicron-fda.html
Where can the youngest U.S. children get vaccinated? Maybe not at your local pharmacy. Here’s why. 6/24/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/24/us/covid-vaccine-children-access.html
COVID vaccines saved 20M lives in 1st year, scientists say 6/23/22 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/covid-vaccines-saved-20m-lives-1st-year-scientists-85607592
Despite Another Covid Surge, Deaths Stay Near Lows 6/20/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/20/health/covid-deaths-plateau.html
Vaccines for Young Children Are Coming, but Many Parents Have Tough Questions 6/18/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/18/health/covid-vaccines-children.html