What is going on in Lakeway?
Art at Lake Travis Community Library
At the library during January, photography by Bill and Rosemary Galloway, a husband and wife team, will be on display in the Community Room.
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Nationally AND in City of Lakeway.
Human Trafficking includes forced labor and sex trafficking. 24.9 million adults and children are subjected to this crime worldwide, which grosses $150 billion a year. Signs someone is a victim of Human Trafficking include physical abuse (bruises, wounds in various stages of healing, and mutilations), a victim being accompanied by another person who is controlling, or a victim that refuses to make eye contact/is afraid to speak in the presence of others. If you think someone is a victim of Human Trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-2423. The Lakeway Police Department also has a dedicated Victim Assistant Coordinator on staff (call 512- 261-2800). More info here: https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/
OAK TRIMMING Season
If you plan to trim oaks, JANUARY IS THE LAST MONTH TO DO IT (until summer). 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
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 ASAP for this FREE event. More info and the registration link are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail
GIVE BLOOD
The next community blood drive at Lakeway Activity Center is on Saturday, Jan. 21, 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! 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/
StoryWalk
From Jan. 23 through Feb. 14, enjoy a Valentine’s Day story while strolling the trail behind City Hall. You’ll find pages from the children’s book “If You Were My Valentine” (written by Lynn Plourde and illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer). This FREE event emphasizes the importance of reading, spending time with friends and connecting with nature.
Community Helper Story Time
On Monday, Jan. 30 at 10:30AM, Lakeway Police Officer Christie Carter will present a special story time at the Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing Rd). Officer Carter will discuss being a police officer and keeping the community safe, as well as reading a story to families attending.
Sock Hop
On Monday, Feb. 6, 7-9PM, the Lakeway Arts Committee presents a FREE and FUN 1940-50s dance event at the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Nostalgic music will be provided by The Highlights, plus musicians from People’s Choice and vocalists Barbara Calderaro, David Cummings and Howard T. Levine. Wear your favorite Memory Lane apparel and bring snacks and beverages.
Masterpiece Concert
On Sunday, Feb. 12, 4-5PM, the Lakeway Arts Committee presents the next Masterpiece Concert at the Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). FREE for residents, the concert will feature music performed by Andrew and Sari Pearce, along with other talented musicians on violin, viola and cello.
Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update
The mayor gave a live update on Jan. 12. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/566454588672195
Council Meets on Tuesday, Jan. 17, City Hall at 6:30PM.
Note that the meeting is on TUESDAY, due to the usual Monday being a federal holiday. Happily, we are back to the usual 6:30PM start time.
Consequential Agenda items include:
ITEM 10: Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Kay Andrews.
ITEM 11: Appointment of Tamara Arguello as Chief Court Clerk.
ITEM 12: Financial Report.
ITEM 13: Citizens Participation (up to 30 minutes, with the rest—if any–heard at end of meeting).
ITEM 14: Special Use Permit for a Home Occupation/DAYCARE CENTER at 702 Vanguard.
ITEM 15: Special Use Permit for a short-term rental at 811 Sunfish.
ITEM 16: First Reading—LTISD Development Agreement.
ITEM 19: Executive Session to obtain legal advice re: Charter Election and Texas Local Government Code chapter 143 (which, if adopted, would make Lakeway’s police officers civil servants instead of city employees).
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
Lakeway ELECTIONS—Coming Soon!
Ready or not, it is election season. Yes–AGAIN. Local elections will be on May 6, with Early Voting starting April 24. (If you aren’t registered to vote, the deadline is April 6.) Campaigning will start soon….
Local elections include Lakeway Mayor and City Council. (Lake Travis ISD school board members will also be on the ballot.) The city’s election page, with full info, is here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/427/Election-Information
Mayor Kilgore was elected in 2021, so he is eligible to run for a second term. (I still have my yard sign, from last time, so I’m all set.) The same is true for Council Member Trecker (except for the yard sign bit). Council Members Vance and Kumar were first elected in 2019 and so are eligible to run for a third (and last consecutive) term. I expect all 4 incumbents will run for re-election this time, but we will know soon. The filing period starts Jan. 18 and ends Feb. 17. The City Secretary promptly posts all candidate applications at the above link, so everyone can follow along.
NOW is the time to speculate on who else will run for Mayor and Council, aside from the incumbents…. Of course, if NO ONE challenges the incumbents, no election is needed and the taxpayers save about $40,000. (It happened in 2020, but that was due to Covid.) In order to protect the innocent, I’ll just use initials for my speculations.
For Mayor, there will likely just be 1 challenger, put forward by the rabid right (having spent the last 2 years waging toxic and even violent feuds over the airpark, workforce housing and multiple police matters). Historically, it could well be a complete unknown, with zero city government involvement to date; let’s hope they don’t repeat that dumb move. From folks who have at least darkened the doors of City Hall, I see the strongest possibility as either JS (confirming it was the plan all along) or GW (wresting control of City Hall away from Old Lakeway). TR might agree to be used for all the wrong reasons, and THAT race would be bloody. Or, we could be in for a blast from Lakeway’s scandal-ridden political past, with RM filing, or even JB (may the good Lord protect us).
For Council, several people could vie for the 3 seats, which are at large, so the top 3 vote-getters win. MS pops up everywhere lately so is likely to run, while CL hovers over Lakeway like a sour stench. Other possibilities include AE, DV and CF. Again, the rabid right likes to shove forward neophytes who have never bothered to volunteer or serve on committees–so tiresome–so who knows who they will come up with this time….
Speaking of elections, the Texas legislature is now in session (so brace yourself). Not surprisingly, there are a lot of quirks, when it comes to how bills become laws, or fail to do so, in Texas. This article explains it all. Texas Legislature 101: Understanding the state government and how it passes laws 1/10/23 https://www.texastribune.org/2023/01/10/texas-legislature-2023-bills-laws-governor-speaker-lieutenant-governor/
Daring Mighty Things
As noted last time, the International Space Station has a problem. The Soyuz spacecraft that delivered 2 Russian cosmonauts and 1 NASA astronaut in December for a 4-month mission on ISS is unsafe for the March trip home due to a severe coolant leak. Russia has decided to send up an uncrewed Soyuz on Feb. 20, so it can transport the 3 crew members back to Earth on schedule. In the meantime, any emergency requiring evacuation of the 7 people on duty on the ISS would be problematic, as the only intact craft at the station is a SpaceX Dragon with just 4 seats. Russia to launch new Soyuz capsule to replace leaky spacecraft on space station 1/11/23 https://www.space.com/russia-replacement-soyuz-launching-february-2023
NASA will, in the next 2 years, begin construction of Gateway Station, orbiting the moon. The facility will support the planned series of moon missions, including those with long-term stays by astronauts on the moon’s surface. Unlike the fairly roomy International Space Station, Gateway is subject to strict weight limits, constricting its size. Plans currently call for a few segments, each just 6X6 feet, much of which space will be taken by equipment, leaving the 4-person crew very little space and zero privacy. NASA’s moon-orbiting space station will be claustrophobic, architect says 1/7/23 https://www.space.com/lunar-gateway-station-claustrophobic-architect-says
With liberty and justice for all … except women.
Two segments of the Biden administration’s plan to shore up women’s rights recently dropped into place.
First, a federal legal opinion was issued, protecting individuals and entities mailing abortion pills into red states that prohibit abortion. Justice Department clears Postal Service to carry abortion drugs into red states 1/3/23 https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/03/justice-department-postal-abortion-drugs-00076274
Second, the FDA announced that abortion pills can be sold at LOCAL PHARMACIES and not just at health clinics. This makes getting these pills easier, quicker, and cheaper. FDA allows abortion pills to be sold at retail pharmacies, say two drugmakers 1/3/23 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-fda-says-abortion-pills-can-be-sold-retail-pharmacies-new-york-times-reports-2023-01-03/
Already, CVS and Walgreens say they will offer abortion pills in states that do not ban them. Other pharmacy chains should follow. CVS and Walgreens Plan to Offer Abortion Pills Where Abortion Is Legal 1/6/23 https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-01-06/cvs-walgreens-say-they-will-offer-abortion-pills-in-some-states
But, ugly protests are coming soon to local drug stores. Next frontier in the abortion wars: Your local CVS 1/11/23 https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/11/pharmacies-anti-abortion-pills-00077349
Worse, really, is how Alabama’s Republican Attorney General plans to prosecute women getting abortions. Like most red states, Alabama’s law banning abortion only allows prosecution of PROVIDERS—not patients. But, the Alabama AG decided to get creative and will use a law intended to protect kids from exposure to meth labs, barring “chemical endangerment of a child.” Applying that to women getting abortions will jail them as felons. The anti-abortion movement just had a mask-off moment in Alabama 1/13/23 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/13/alabama-attorney-general-anti-abortion-movement
So, two steps forward… and at least two steps back, I guess.
Back to me….
2023…. I’m still not convinced it can be trusted.
I managed to squeeze January’s daily yoga challenge into my schedule. And, I’m also trying to walk more, even on cold mornings. Pretty much, I have finally adjusted to working night shift; I love having my days free and am getting good at sleeping during the day. Best of all, my sweet kitties are being very supportive; of course, everything I know about power naps I learned from my cats.
Still not seeing many deer (which is usual this time of year). With rut season done, Lakeway has switched over to roadside banners featuring our sweet does.
PLEASE WATCH FOR DEER AS YOU DRIVE, ESPECIALLY AROUND DUSK AND DAWN AND PARTICULARLY IN OLD LAKEWAY.
Here are a few recent deer photos.
The Coronavirus
China’s tragic Covid odyssey continues. December’s sudden reversal of government policy—from rigid testing and long-term isolation to zero controls—has resulted in widespread infections and resulting stress on the usual service providers. Hospitals are not only seriously over-crowded–they lack ventilators and even basic supplies like ibuprofen to bring down fevers in patients with Covid or other diseases. Funeral operators are so overburdened that services are restricted to 10 minutes instead of allowing mourners the usual several hours of leave-taking. Other countries experienced these things years ago when Covid first blazed through with little to no restrictions or vaccinations to impede it, but China failed to learn lessons from the rest of the world. As always, the elderly are the most vulnerable to Covid, and in China that generation has the lowest vaccination rate, in part due to skepticism about China’s home-grown vaccines. As the virus spreads through China’s cities and out into rural areas that have little to no medical resources, some see the older generation as being sacrificed by a government that over-protected against Covid for years and abruptly pivoted in order to reopen a rebelling society and restart a badly faltering economy. Experts are concerned that Covid running through China’s immense unprotected population will result in a rise of new variants, which could be more deadly and/or more resistant to existing vaccines than the current variants. Private enterprise is getting creative; a bank is rewarding wealthy new customers depositing the equivalent of $500,000 with free Covid vaccination shots—using proven safe and effective mRNA vaccines from the West. In the meantime, the Chinese government is, according to the W.H.O., falsifying records to minimize current cases, hospitalizations and deaths. A reported death toll of 60,000 so far in 2023 is likely incomplete.
In the US, in the last 2 weeks, the official stats show new cases and hospitalizations rose slightly. However, deaths soared 79% to an average of 566 Americans per day. See the chart below for current stats. The national testing positivity rate was roughly stable at 14%.
In December, Covid infections in the US doubled over the previous month. Also, over 10,000 Americans died, which is higher than any month since last summer. The CDC blames the latest Omicron strain, XBB1.5. Enabled by holiday travel and gatherings, this variant is more easily transmitted than others, though it does not seem to cause more serious disease. The elderly are most at risk, but only 38% of those 65 and older have gotten the new booster shot formulated to better protect against the current variants.
Variant XBB.1.5, nicknamed Kraken, is one of the latest descendants of Omicron and a fusion of two different BA.2 variants. It is the most transmissible variant yet, spreading faster worldwide than any other variant to date. It arose in or around New York state in late October and is now particularly prevalent in the Northeast (responsible for 75% of cases there), as well as causing 35-40% of all Covid infections in the US. As of the end of December, the number of cases in the US doubled weekly. BB.1.5 is spreading more than twice as fast as its closest competitor, the BQ.1.1 variant. Experts caution Kraken isn’t the last variant, stressing that the only way we can understand Covid-19’s evolution and prepare for even worse variants is to step up sequencing. However, funding cut-backs in the US and worldwide have slashed budgets, with sequencing being cut and testing centers closing.
A recent study in Israel of 700,000 people age 65 or older showed that the new bivalent booster reduced hospitalizations by 81% and reduced deaths by 86%. These results were mirrored in a new CDC report on Covid hospitalizations in the US, along with significant protection for younger people. GET BOOSTED!
We now lack specialized Covid-19 treatments that can be used for the most vulnerable population. The monoclonal antibodies that were so successful treating the early variants are useless against the current forms of Covid-19. That leaves antiviral drugs like Paxlovid; they DO work against the current variants. BUT, they are not safe for immune-compromised people because they interact with drugs they likely take. With Covid-related government funding largely dried up at this point, there is little impetus for pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs.
In Texas, in the last 2 weeks, infections rose 10%, hospitalizations increased 26%, and deaths jumped 59%. See the chart below for current stats. The positivity test rate rose to 21%.
Recent Covid Articles I Recommend
Health Experts Warily Eye XBB.1.5, the Latest Omicron Subvariant 1/7/23 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/07/science/covid-omicron-variants-xbb.html
Covid cases, hospitalizations spike as new variant gains foothold 1/6/23 https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/06/covid-cases-hospitalizations-spike-as-new-variant-gains-foothold-00076747
China is burying the stats on its Covid nightmare 1/5/23 https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/covid-china-deaths-rcna64453
Could new Omicron variant XBB.1.5 fuel further Covid infections? 1/3/23https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/03/could-new-omicron-variant-xbb15-fuel-further-covid-infections
Once-favored Covid drugs ineffective on Omicron may be putting millions at risk 1/1/23 https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/01/omicron-covid-antibody-drugs-immunocompromised-00075285