Nina–write or wrong in Lakeway

Change for the better, getting back to normal, whistling in the dark—whatever….   

Don’t know about you, but I need a CHANGE.  So, considering that Texas’ latest surge has eased dramatically, I am moving Covid coverage to the END of the blog.  World, US and Texas pandemic news are all still covered, including vaccination updates.  (And there is a lot of Covid news this time, mostly good, so be sure to scroll on down to read it.)  But, I really want to get back to what this blog was supposed to be about, when I so cluelessly started playing around with it way back in early 2020, before Covid hijacked our attention, our lives and—to a large and nonsensical extent–our democracy. 

I always intended for the blog to showcase LAKEWAY, everything from our glorious deer to the doings of City Council–often less than glorious but always interesting and vital for every resident to monitor.

In Lakeway 

Our Veterans Day ceremony will be held on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m.  Location is the Recital Hall in the Lake Travis ISD Annex Building, corner of RR 620 S. and Cavalier Drive.  The guest speaker will be Mr. Jim Young, U.S. Army.  Mayor Kilgore will offer remarks, and patriotic music will be performed by the Lake Travis ISD High School Band and Choir.

Our new Police Chief Glen Coen starts work on Nov. 22. A welcome event will be held at the Lakeway Police Department in early December (details still pending).  Info on the new chief is here– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1518 

Lakeway has a new emergency alert system.  Residents can sign up to get notices by text or email.  It is free and simple to do.  Go here for info and to sign up– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1519

Hope you voted in the Nov. 2 election.  All 8 constitutional amendments were approved, as was the LTISD “golden pennies” tax proposal on Lakeway ballots.

ZAPCO meets on Monday Nov. 8, 9am at City Hall

The noteworthy issue is Agenda Item 11, which is ANOTHER request to approve the Nightingale Project.  Owners of 7.76 on 620 at Nightingale Road want to build 248 apartment units in dense configuration that would require several variances.  The land is now zoned as commercial and agricultural, yet some nearby home owners are upset by this proposed residential use of the property.  Many local business owners support the project, as it would be workforce housing and should help with Lakeway’s long-time hiring problems. The matter was reviewed over the summer; ZAPCO denied approval, then the owners withdrew the item from Council review.  Now, the project is back, again proposed as a PUD, which allows the city considerable control.  TXDOT’s assurance of a stop light is firmer now.  Several variances would be needed, including for density, parking spots, and park size and use.

Go here and scroll down to find ZAPCO’s Meeting Packet and Presentation for Nov. 8—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

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

Lakeway Council met in Special Session on Monday, Nov. 1

RESULTS IN ALL CAPS.

Via Addendum, this was added to the Agenda: Affirming appointment of the Chief of Police.

APPOINTMENT OF GLEN KOEN WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.  He graduated from Round Rock High School and from University of Texas-Austin, then worked in the UT security system for 2 decades.  Most recently, he served as Assistant Chief of Police in Mukilteo, WA.

Item 3—Request for $100,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax funding for the Special Olympics Texas Winter Games that will be held in the area during February of 2022. Funding would cover 50% of the advertising and participant lodging expenses, with City of Bee Cave matching the City of Lakeway’s contribution.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Item 4: Amendment to Eastside Landing Development Agreement to eliminate the requirements for the developer to 1) construct Flint Rock Road and 2) subdivide the north side into R-1 lots.  Per the developer, the topography complicates road construction at this time, so it proposes dedication of the 100-foot wide right of way and making an agreed upon payment so the City takes on responsibility for the future extension of Flint Rock Road through the property. Also, the developer wants to transfer the northern 24 acres as 1 single-family lot, instead of dividing that area into R-1 lots at this time. DISCUSSION OF PROS AND CONS, WITH STAFF INSTRUCTED TO CONTINUE WORKING ON THE ISSUES.  AS THIS WAS JUST THE FIRST READING OF THE MATTER, NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

Item 5: Annexation into the city limits of 44 acres known as Eastside Landing.  The property is located at 17301 Flint Rock Road, north of Serene Hills.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Item 6: Zoning Eastside Landing property as R-1 (north 29 acres) and R-3 zoning (the remaining 15 acres). MOTION TO POSTPONE CONSIDERATION UNTIL Nov. 15 MEETING (when related item #4 will be decided) PASSED 5 : 2.

Item 7: Reviewing construction of the Hurst Creek Sculpture Garden Sidewalk and Pedestrian Bridge.  The result would be an ADA pathway from the Justice Center parking lot, through the sculpture garden, connecting to the pedestrian bridge crossing Hurst Creek and joining both the Hamilton and Smith Greenbelt Trails.  Of 5 options considered, the recommended one (Option 5) costs $150K, consisting of an 8’ wide trail and 30’ in length low water crossing bridge with pre-stressed concrete beams with low-profile timber rails on each side; it follows the natural terrain to the creek, would have minimal impact on the trees, and provides maximum walkway through the Garden.  (Other options cost from $106K to $460K.)  OPTION 5 (costing $150K with sod, dirt and irrigation) APPROVED 6 : 1.

Item 8: Executive session—Annual Review of City Manager.  EVALUATION, 3.5% RAISE AND $5K STIPEND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED Go here for the Agenda, Meeting Packet and Presentation— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Go here to watch the Council meeting online–https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/147158

Lakeway Council will meet in Regular Session on Monday, Nov. 15, 6:30pm at City Hall

The Agenda should be available here by Nov. 9– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Daring Mighty Things

America is slated to return to the moon in early 2022.  NASA stacks Orion capsule atop Artemis 1 as moon mission nears 10/29/21 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/oct/29/nasa-stacks-orion-capsule-atop-artemis-1-as-moon-mission-nears

NASA is having a variety of pesky problems getting astronauts ferried back and forth to the International Space Station via SpaceX capsules and rockets.  Weather and health issues have delayed sending a new crew up to ISS.  Worse, the SpaceX capsule now parked at ISS that will bring home the current crew has a faulty toilet, requiring those lucky folks to wear absorbent undergarments during the trip, which is also waiting on good weather.  The astronauts of SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission talk toilet trouble in space and more, but when will they land?  11/5/21 https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-2-astronauts-toilet-trouble-landing

Texas elections

The 2022 races have started, with ads already appearing. Eva Guzman airs early ads in bid to stand out in crowded primary for attorney general 10/24/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/10/24/eva-guzman-texas-attorney-general/

Another Democrat is running for attorney general. Rochelle Garza, a former ACLU lawyer from the Rio Grande Valley, will face at least two other candidates in the March 1 primary–Joe Jaworski, Galveston’s former mayor, and Lee Merritt, Dallas civil rights attorney. Former ACLU lawyer Rochelle Garza decides to run for attorney general after redistricting upends congressional campaign 11/1/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/11/01/rochelle-garza-texas-attorney-general/

Not that anyone expected the Texas governor’s race to be a classy affair, but this doesn’t bode well….  Police called after GOP candidate Allen West admits to ‘flicking’ off someone’s mask  11/3/21 https://news.yahoo.com/police-called-gop-candidate-allen-222056507.html

Back to me….

Daylight Saving Time ends tonight, and I cannot wait.  Not only do I get an extra Sunday hour, but mornings start when they should.  I’m tired of prowling around in the dark on my walks.

This is a great ad, from an unexpected source–the United Nations.  We really do need to stop choosing extinction…. https://www.nbcnews.com/video/dinosaur-tells-u-n-extinction-is-bad-ahead-of-cop26-climate-conference-124809797969

Good books I recently finished (both available at Lake Travis Community Library):

There Is Nothing For You Here (2021), by Fiona Hill—Best known as the National Security Council’s Russia expert who testified against Trump in his first impeachment trial, Hill has an interesting backstory as a disadvantaged child growing up in Northern England’s economically devastated coal country. Some chapters are less engaging than others, but the second half of the book is well worth reading. She analyzes the last 30 years’ toll on the UK, Russia and America, explaining the political allure of strongmen and where the Trump era took us. 

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen (2021), by Rhys Bowen—In the 16^th Royal Spyness mystery, Lady Georgiana spends Christmas of 1935 at Sandringham near the royals, solving crime and keeping an eye on the errant Prince of Wales at the Queen’s request as the King nears his own end and the British empire edges closer to both scandal and war.  This is my favorite escapist series, for the humor and delightful characters, carefully set within an historically accurate backdrop of Britain’s precarious monarchy pre-WWII.  This fun romp is best read after a few of the earlier titles but would also be enjoyed on its own.

So, I have 3 cats who I totally adore.  One is perfect in every way. (Thank you, Tulip!)  One (Peanut) is tubby and on strict vet’s orders to LOSE weight.  One (Maxie) is bony and on strict vet’s orders to GAIN weight.  Exactly how am I supposed to work THAT miracle?  Feeding time is like Goldilocks and the Three Bears….

Our deer herd is in full fall dress.  Coats are now rough and have turned gray-brown, so unlike the sleek honey gold of summer.  Fawns suddenly look all grown up, barely shorter and slighter than their moms.  With rut in full force, the bucks appear tired, while the does are beaming….  Here are some of my favorite recent photos.

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The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, the official Covid death toll has exceeded 5 million people. (This is widely considered to be an under-count, due to lack of Covid testing and questionable reporting in many parts of the world.)  The hardest hit countries are predominantly the most highly developed.  Experts explain this plague anomaly by pointing out that rich countries have higher populations of elderly, cancer survivors and nursing home residents—all especially vulnerable to Covid; poor countries have more children and young adults–who tolerate Covid better.

Currently, some countries are recovering from vicious summer surges, while other countries are now experiencing their worst bouts of Covid ever.

Europe’s case rate has more than doubled in the last month.  Just about every European country, from tiny Slovenia to populous Germany, is suffering a Covid surge.  Last week, Europe reported 60% of the new cases worldwide and half the world’s deaths. Cases and especially deaths are concentrated among the unvaccinated. 

The UK is going through yet another surge, after dropping all restrictions over the summer and declaring things back to normal.  The Netherlands has reinstituted mask restrictions after cases spiked.  Italy is experiencing isolated surges in areas with low vaccination rates. Ukraine reports a severe surge straining medical resources.

Russia is setting new records for daily deaths.  Several regions of the country have extended the 1-week shutdown that Pres. Putin ordered in late October.

China and South Korea also report new surges.  However, Japan, after a severe summer surge of Covid, is now seeing daily cases drop sharply.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, cases have decreased 3%, hospitalizations are down 14%, and deaths dropped 20%.  We are averaging 71,000 new cases per day.  47,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 1,200 people per day.

States in the worst shape currently include Alaska, Idaho, Montana and other western states.  The biggest factor is probably not winter weather; it is vaccine skepticism rampant in those states. Idaho is the least vaccinated state, and its neighbors are doing little better. Colorado’s hospitals are being overwhelmed, with most cancelling non-emergency services and some close to rationing care.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki tested positive last week with a breakthrough infection, after family members tested positive.

On Nov. 8, international tourists are welcome back to the US, after an 18 month-long Covid ban.  Those entering must show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test.

Pfizer reports that its Covid PILL prevented hospitalization and death in 89% of cases, during a trial.  Much like rival Merck’s antiviral pill that claims 50% success, Pfizer’s must be taken within 3-5 days of infection, before serious symptoms appear.  Both pills still need to be evaluated before approval for general use in the US (although Merck’s pill is already approved and being used in the UK).

In Texas, the current positivity test rate is 5%, down from 7% 2 weeks ago. We are averaging 3,200 new cases and 103 deaths daily.  As of now, there are 3,800 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  In the last 2 weeks, cases have decreased 27%, hospitalizations dropped 30%, and deaths are down 44%. 

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, 7.2 billion shots have been given, with 40% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

New Zealand is requiring a large segment of workers to be vaccinated.  The mandate covers those working in restaurants, gyms, bars and hair salons; these businesses already require customers to be vaccinated.

Germany’s parliament members wear colored wristbands proclaiming vaccine status.

Latvia’s Parliament enacted a law allowing businesses to fire workers refusing vaccination.

In the US, 58% of the entire population is fully vaccinated; 68% of adults are fully vaccinated.  On average, we are now giving around 1,280,000 shots per day, including boosters.  About 22 million booster shots have been given.

The U.S. is the least vaccinated affluent country, behind Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and many others. The result of less vaccination is a higher death rate in America.

The FDA and CDC last week authorized Pfizer’s Covid vaccinations for kids age 5-11.  They will get 2 shots, each at 1/3 the adult dosage, spaced 3 weeks apart.  This makes another 28 million Americans eligible for vaccination.

Boosters are being given for all 3 brands of vaccines.  The CDC added depression and schizophrenia to its list of health conditions putting people at risk of severe Covid.  So, people with those mental conditions are eligible for Pfizer and Moderna booster shots.

America’s highest vaccination rate is in Puerto Rico, where over 73% of the population is fully vaccinated.  Authorities say people there are open to shots in part due to widespread concern that local medical facilities—already seen as deficient—not be over-taxed by the pandemic.  In addition, Covid has not been politicized there, as it has been in mainland America.

After Tyson Foods’ August vaccine mandate, over 60K workers got shots. The result is that 96% of the workforce is now vaccinated. 

New York City’s vaccine mandate for all city workers has resulted in 92% compliance (up from 70% when the mandate was announced).  Last week, 9,000 unvaccinated workers (including 2,500 in the police department) were placed on unpaid leave.

The US military is 88% fully vaccinated, after its vaccine mandate was announced 2 months ago.  The Air Force is 97% vaccinated.

Citigroup became the first big bank in the US to require all workers to be vaccinated.

The Biden administration’s OSHA mandate allows until Jan. 4 for companies with 100 or more workers to get everyone fully vaccinated OR submit to weekly testing and mandatory masking.  An estimated 84 million workers are affected.

Job listings, particularly for higher-paying positions, more and more feature a new requirement: proof of vaccination against Covid.

In Texas, only 54% of all residents and 64% of adults are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

Pfizer pill significantly cuts risk of COVID-19 death, company says 11/5/21 https://www.politico.eu/article/pfizers-antiviral-significantly-cut-risk-of-covid-19-deaths-in-study-plans-us-filing/

Frequently Asked Questions About the Biden Administration’s Vaccine Mandate 11/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/vaccine-mandate-biden-osha.html

C.D.C. Recommends Covid Vaccine for Younger Children 11/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/02/health/covid-vaccine-children-cdc.html

Vaccination offers more protection against Covid than prior infection, a C.D.C. study suggests 10/29/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/29/health/cdc-covid-vaccine-protection.html

Should I Mix or Match My Booster Shot? 10/28/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/27/well/live/covid-booster-shot-mix-and-match.html

How Will We Live if Covid Is Here to Stay? 10/27/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/27/opinion/covid-forever-endemic-plans.html

Yes, You’ll Want to Vaccinate Your Kids Against Covid. An Expert Explains Why. 10/26/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/26/opinion/covid-vaccine-kids.html

Worst of US pandemic likely behind us but we can’t drop our guard, experts say 10/25/21 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/25/us-covid-coronavirus-pandemic-experts

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, there is renewed concern about the newish variant, Delta Plus (also known as AY.4.2).  Found in the UK (and already seen in America), it seems to be 10% more transmissible than Delta, but so far there is no evidence it is deadlier or more resistant to the vaccines.

Russia is having record-breaking numbers of new infections (over 35,000 per day) and deaths (over 1,000 per day), on a regular basis now.  President Putin demanded that people “be responsible” and get vaccinated, as he ordered work places to close for at least a week.  The mayor of Moscow was more explicit, locking the city down.  Vaccine hesitancy is rife in Russia, fueled by government distrust.  Despite free and available shots, only 30% of the country is vaccinated. 

Deaths from Covid are at record levels in Ukraine, which has the lowest vaccination rate in all of Europe.  Twin problems there are deep vaccine hesitancy and a glut of fake Covid credentials used use to evade restrictions.

Bulgaria, Hungary and the Czech Republic are also experiencing Covid surges.   All 3 countries have very low vaccination rates.

Singapore’s latest surge caused extension of restrictions another month and is straining hospitals.

The UK is experiencing yet another Covid surge, which experts blame on an abrupt end to restrictions over the summer, plus kids too young to be vaccinated now attending school unmasked.

Africa is sometimes seen as having escaped the worst of the pandemic, with relatively little publicity of hard numbers.  The World Health Organization notes that the continent largely lacks medical facilities, has little Covid testing, and doesn’t officially report deaths—making Covid untracked and therefore invisible to the rest of the world. 

In Brazil, a congressional panel has recommended President Jair Bolsonaro and several aides be charged with crimes against humanity, for intentionally allowing the coronavirus to devastate the country and kill hundreds of thousands unnecessarily.  Originally, the panel suggested mass homicide and genocide charges.

In the US, in the last 2 weeks, US cases have decreased 25%, hospitalizations are down 19%, and deaths dropped 15%.  We are averaging 74,000new cases per day.  56,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 1,500 people per day.

Cases in the U.S. have fallen 50 percent since Sept 1.  But, we are still seeing 5 times the number of case as in June (pre-Delta).  Covid is far from finished.

Covid has gone north.  As the southern part of the country is in better shape every day, the five states with the most new daily cases per capita are Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and Idaho. The five states with the fastest rising caseloads are Vermont, Colorado, New Hampshire, Michigan and Minnesota.  Experts note the northern surge is likely due to cold temperatures driving people indoors, where infection spreads best.

Hospitals throughout Minnesota are at capacity, as Covid numbers on infections, hospitalizations and deaths pass totals not seen since last winter.  National Guard troops are being used to provide health care services.

In Texas, the current positivity test rate is 7%, down from 9% 2 weeks ago. We are averaging 4,500 new cases and 185 deaths daily.  As of now, there are 5,500 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  In the last 2 weeks, cases have decreased 43%, hospitalizations dropped 33%, and deaths are down 29%. 

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, 6.8 billion shots have been given, with 37% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated. 

India has vaccinated over 1 billion people.  Still, only 30% of its eligible population is fully vaccinated.

Canada has adopted national vaccination credentials, after confusion from various provinces promoting different systems.  As of Oct. 30, Canada requires everyone age 12 and older traveling by air, rail or cruise ship to be fully vaccinated.

Italy has become the first nation to require its entire workforce, private as well as public, to be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative test or recent recovery from Covid-19.  The Green Pass, a government-issued certificate generally provided as a phone app, is intended to move the country beyond the pandemic and hasten economic recovery. Non-complying workers go on unpaid leave.  Officials consider the Green Pass a success, with over 500,000 people vaccinated since it was announced.  Italy now has over 80% of its adults vaccinated.

Egypt is requiring all government employees and university students to get vaccinated.

Kuwait has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions for vaccinated people.  Israel will allow vaccinated tourists to enter as of Nov. 1.

In the US, 57% of the entire population is fully vaccinated; 67% of adults are fully vaccinated.  On average, we are now giving around 770,000 shots per day, but that includes boosters.  About 12 million booster shots have been given.

On Oct. 22, the CDC and FDA agreed to authorize boosters for Moderna and J&J recipients along the same lines as previously done for Pfizer recipients.  Six months after the 2^nd dose of Moderna, people 65 years and older as well as younger adults at higher risk due to underlying conditions or work setting can get a half-dose booster.  As for J&J recipients, ALL adults can get a second shot starting two months after their first dose.  Those eligible can choose the brand of booster desired; mixing vaccine brands is allowed though not specifically recommended.

Vaccination for kids age 5-11 are likely to be approved in the next few weeks, and states are gearing up for that process.

Boeing is requiring all US employees to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8.  Delta is the only major US-based airline NOT mandating vaccination for employees.  Instead, the Georgia-based company is relying on a $200 health insurance surcharge for unvaccinated employees, going into effect in November, to increase compliance.  Currently, Delta reports 84% of workers are vaccinated, compared to 99% of workers at rival companies.

Other big companies requiring workers get vaccinated include IBM, GE, Union Pacific and Raytheon.

NYC is requiring all city workers, including police officers and prison guards, to be vaccinated.

After 19 months, the US will lift its travel ban at the Canadian and Mexican borders on November 8, allowing fully vaccinated visitors to enter.  Restrictions are also lifting on vaccinated air travelers. 

In Texas, only 53% of all residents and 64% of adults are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

The C.D.C. endorses Moderna and J.&J. boosters for millions of Americans 10/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/21/health/cdc-mix-match-booster-shot.html

The Unvaccinated May Not Be Who You Think 10/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/15/opinion/covid-vaccines-unvaccinated.html

‘Lurching Between Crisis and Complacency’: Was This Our Last Covid Surge? 10/14/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/14/health/coronavirus-delta-surge.html

What the Future May Hold for the Coronavirus and Us 10/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/health/coronavirus-mutation-variants.html

If You’ve Had Covid, Do You Need the Vaccine?  [YES, you do.] 10/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/health/if-youve-had-covid-do-you-need-the-vaccine.html

Should Passengers Be Vaccinated or Tested to Fly Within the U.S.?  10/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/travel/vaccine-testing-airlines.html

Do I Still Need a Pulse Oximeter? [YES, it can save your life.] 10/5/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/05/well/live/covid-pulse-oximeter.html

Daring Mighty Things

Last week, NASA launched a robot ship on a 6-year trip to Jupiter to study gigantic asteroids trapped in its orbit since basically forever, looking for info on how the solar system originated and other mysteries of life.  The ship is named Lucy, for the famous ancient skeleton (which in turn was named for the Beatles song). Why NASA Is Launching a Robotic Archaeologist Named Lucy 10/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/nasa-lucy-trojans-asteroids.html

The International Space Station went for a spin—AGAIN–last week, thanks to “unexpected” thrusters firing on a Russian craft.  Stop doing that!  Surprise Russian Thruster Firing Prompts Space Station Emergency 10/15/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/15/science/international-space-station-russia.html

Texas elections

Have you voted?  The election is on Nov. 2; early voting ends Oct. 29.   No candidates are on the ballot, but there are several propositions to vote up or down.

Lake Travis ISD has Proposition A on local ballots.  It is asking to move revenue from 1 part of the existing tax rate structure to another with the result that $3 million STAYS LOCAL and is not recaptured by the state’s funding formula.  Pass or fail, this proposition will NOT change your tax bill.  (Unfortunately, the blurb appearing on the ballot makes it sound like a tax increase, likely dooming it.)  Read more here: Lake Travis school district tax rate election gives voters the option to keep dollars local 10/7/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/lake-travis-view/2021/10/07/lake-travis-school-district-what-to-know-tax-rate-election-2021/6006770001/

In addition, there are 8 constitutional amendments on the ballot.  Read this to decide yes or no:  8 statewide propositions on Texans’ November 2021 ballot and what they mean 9/24/21 https://communityimpact.com/houston/conroe-montgomery/election/2021/09/24/8-statewide-propositions-on-texans-november-2021-ballot-and-what-they-mean/

Republican Allen West is challenging Abbott in the GOP primary for governor in 2022.  On Oct. 10, West announced he had Covid-19; he was hospitalized with complications but was since discharged.  Of course, he assured his MAGA faithful that he is NOT vaccinated and IS taking ivermectin.  Well, at least he’s been dewormed.  Allen West, unvaccinated Republican running for governor in Texas, has Covid  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/10/allen-west-unvaccinated-republican-governor-texas-covid

Ugh, someone being a BAD influence on Greg Abbott really is the worst of all worlds.  “Extremely influential” or “delusional ideas of grandeur”? GOP primary foe Don Huffines sees impact as Gov. Greg Abbott pushes rightward  10/14/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/10/14/greg-abbott-2022-don-huffines/

That noxious pall recently lifting was the Texas legislature adjourning.  May they stay gone a long time, so we can try to recover from the damage done in 2021’s 3 sessions.  Happily, Abbott failed to get them to validate his outrageous ban on vaccine mandates by privately owned businesses.  Texas bill to block COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employers failed in Legislature after business groups rallied against it 10/18/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/10/18/texas-covid19-vaccine-mandates-bill

In Lakeway  (I’m starting with the GOOD news…. )

Lakeway’s got some new deer in town.

If you haven’t stopped by the Sculpture Garden (on Lohmans, in front of the Justice Center, across from the Activity Center) lately, do so and meet some new friends.  I went last weekend, and I actually froze a ways off and quietly pulled out my camera, for fear of spooking the gorgeous family of deer–a proud buck watching over his doe and twin fawns.  I’m told the deer were donated by Van and Katherine Leigh.  Much appreciated!  Thanks to the Arts Committee, as well.  These pieces are a wonderful addition to Lakeway’s eclectic sculpture collection.

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GO VOTE! 

Early voting ends Oct. 29.  Election is Nov. 2.  See the info and links in the Texas elections area above to decide yes or no.

ZAPCO met on Oct. 12. 

Lucky item 13 on the agenda was The Square on Lohmans, Legend’s zombie town-center proposal. The request was a zoning change from residential/commercial/GUI to PUD for 69 acres (including a segment of Main Street).  They voted 5/2 to APPROVE the town-center type proposal, sending it on to Council for final decision (as far as anything is EVER final with Legend).  So–322 residences (SF homes, townhomes and rental apartments) plus extensive retail/restaurants/office space, a hotel, amphitheater and much more.  Plus, a pedestrian-centric Main Street instead of the efficient vehicle corridor we sorely need.

ZAPCO did try to plug a few holes in the proposal sent on to Council (although, as several commissioners noted at the meeting, this is just a drop in the bucket on a project this complex):

–Minimum of 50% of each commercial building’s frontage provides minimum 6′ shade, to make it useable in summer;  

–Restaurant/bar/concert use of the roof-top gardens on the commercial buildings will require special use permits;

–No on-street parking will be allowed in the residential areas; and

–Council will specify dates certain for construction start and completion of 4-lane Main Street. 

Council met on Oct. 18.  (And, the result is that our Main Street connection is at least TWO YEARS away.  And, that is ONLY if we get very, very lucky AND Legend delivers on its promises.  So, plan accordingly….)

RESULTS in ALL CAPS. (Council approved The Square on Lohmans at Item 19.)

ITEM 11—Citizens Participation for items NOT on the Agenda.  NONE

ITEM 14—Revise and consolidate the Preliminary Plans covering Phases 1, 2 and 3 of Legend’s Lakeway Highlands/Rough Hollow 1,555 acre development.  TABLED UNTIL NOV. 15 MEETING (need info from LCRA and/or engineer on water quality issue)

ITEMS 15/16—Annexation/zoning of 48 acres at 17301 Flintrock Road, as R-1 and R-3 for Eastside Landings development. TABLED UNTIL NOV. 1 MEETING (due to a notification issue)

ITEM 17—Amending the Future Land Use Map as to 4 specified locations. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

ITEM 18—Zoning change for 3602 Wild Cherry, a 1 acre lot, from residential to commercial. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

ITEM 19—The Square on Lohmans: zoning change for 69 acres from residential/commercial/GUI to PUD (including a segment of Main Street). 

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS:

–all roads to be STARTED within 12 months of agreement’s approval date and COMPLETED within 24 months of agreement’s approval date;

–this PUD agreement is contingent on approval of an agreement at the Nov. 1 Council meeting, re: completion of the Lohman’s Spur segment passing through the Tuscan Village PUD tract;

–vertical construction traffic limited to Lohman’s Spur;

–installation of pop-up bollards to close roads to vehicle traffic;

–removing Rolling Green connection from the PUD map;

–on-street parking allowed in townhome area;

–5% of the rental apartments committed to Travis County’s affordable housing program, if applicable/if it can be worked out;

–rooftop gardens on commercial buildings required to get special use permits;

–commercial building fronts must have a minimum of 50% shade;

–as to the requirement that 65% of exteriors be masonry, no more than 20% of that amount can be stucco; and

–removing language allowing pervious concrete/asphalt (due to its maintenance issues).

ITEM 20—Executive Session on employee matters, including annual review of the City Manager and update on the hiring process for a new Police Chief.  NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION, NO ACTION Go here to watch the Council meeting https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/141827

Go here for the Agenda, Meeting Packet and Presentation— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Back to me….

Still loving the free time.  I thought it was just me, but apparently “the great resignation” is quite the trend nationwide.  No idea what the other people are doing, but I’m experimenting with NOT doing certain things, and being comfortable with it.  Obviously, it is great to have freedom to do the things we want to do.  The reverse is also vital—being free to decline doing things we are expected to do or just are in the habit of doing, but that really aren’t positive, needed or desired now.  It is not as easy as it sounds….

Good books I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):

Wildland—The Making of America’s Fury (2021), by Evan Osnos—This excellent overview of 3 disparate American communities through the last 20 years makes a good case for how we got to today’s ugly, divided and dangerous crossroads.  (SPOILER—Trump is just a degenerate, fetid, pus-oozing symptom—not the cause.)  Whether the answer helps us improve things now is another matter.

The Heron’s Cry (2021), by Ann Cleeves—This is the second book in her Two Rivers series.  Detective Venn is definitely no Vera Stanhope, and Cleeves’ Shetland Island mysteries are my favorites.  But, the author is adept at immersing the reader in her distinctive settings, and this is a good escapist read.

Please DRIVE CAREFULLY.  The deer are deep into rut season.

Here are some of my favorite photos, recently taken on my early morning walks, showcasing our fabulous fawns who are growing up way too fast.

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The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, new cases dropped more than 30 percent since Sept. 1.  Experts credit increasing vaccination rates in many countries, as well as exhaustion of the Delta variant.

After 560 days, Norway lifted pandemic restrictions.  Nepal re-opened to tourists.  India is seeing relief after months of crushing disease, with current new case and death totals lower than seen since early spring.

However, Jordan’s Crown Prince of Jordan tested positive for Covid-19.  War-torn Syria is struggling with a Covid surge and hospitals with no supplies or equipment to help patients; less than 2% of its population is vaccinated.

In the US, new daily cases dropped 35% since Sept. 1, as the Delta wave ebbed in hard-hit southern states.

In the last 2 weeks, US cases have decreased 20%, and hospitalizations are down 21%.  Finally, deaths are decreasing; the rate dropped 14% in the last 2 weeks.  We are averaging 98,000new cases per day.  70,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 1,700 people per day.

Midwestern states (Minnesota, Michigan, Wyoming, N. Dakota, and others) are now in trouble, with Covid infections and hospitalizations rising sharply.  Hospitals state-wide in Alaska and Idaho remain so overwhelmed with unvaccinated Covid patients that they are still forced to ration care, treating only those most likely to survive.

Big pharma’s Merck announced that its new antiviral pill, molnupiravir, was shown in a clinical trial to cut in half the risk of hospitalization or death when given to high-risk people early in their Covid-19 infections. This efficacy is lower than that the 75-80% success rate of the monoclonal antibody treatments now available; antibodies were originally administered as a time-consuming infusion, but recently hospitals have changed to a single injection method. The federal government has placed advance orders for Merck’s drug.  It still has to go through submission and review before FDA approval.

Over 120,000 children in the US lost a parent or caregiver due to Covid-19, so far.

The official death toll in the US passed 700,000 last week.  Recent deaths are 99% unvaccinated, concentrated in the south, and include people younger than ever.  Twice the number of rural residents are now dying of Covid-19, compared to city dwellers. With vaccines available to all adults since the spring, the last 200,000 deaths were preventable (some say VOLUNTARY).  200,000 AMERICANS DIED BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO GET VACCINATED.

Covid has reduced life expectancy worldwide.  Out of everyone, US males lost the most time– 2.2 years relative to 2019 levels.  Losses of this magnitude haven’t been seen since WWII.

US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh tested positive on Oct. 1, despite being vaccinated in January.  He reported no symptoms from the breakthrough case but had to miss Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s investiture ceremony and participate remotely for in-person arguments that started last week after 18 months of only phone communications. 

Covid certainly isn’t over.  Costco recently instituted new buying limits on toilet paper, water and other essential items, due to continued high volume purchasing, as well as port delays, labor shortages and supply chain issues—all because of the pandemic.

We have seen wave after wave of high Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths.  The big question is: Will the Delta surge, now ebbing, be the LAST SURGE?  Are we done riding the pandemic rollercoaster?  Experts are divided.  Some say the worst is over, due to the ever-increasing rate of vaccinations.  Others point out that cold weather and major holidays (with associated gatherings and travel) are just ahead, all of which increase spread.  Plus, a variant even more contagious than Delta or resistant to our vaccines could emerge at any time.

In Texas, things are definitely improving.  The current positivity test rate is 9%, down from 13% 2 weeks ago. We are averaging 7,800 new cases and 250 deaths daily.  As of now, there are 8,600 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  In the last 2 weeks, cases have decreased 35%, hospitalizations dropped 29%, and deaths finally reversed trend–down 14%. 

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, 6.4 billion shots have been given, with 35% of the population fully vaccinated. 

Portugal has fully vaccinated 98% of its eligible population.

Much of Asia is having great success with vaccinations.  South Korea, Japan and Malaysia are vaccinating their populations at a higher rate than the US; their current cases, hospitalizations and deaths are low.  Asians tend to prize community good over personal freedom, and the culture does not encourage misinformation or conspiracy theories.

Australia and New Zealand are relaxing travel restrictions, but ONLY for vaccinated people. 

Africa still lags on vaccinations, with only 9 countries having vaccinated even 10% of the population. Overall, just 4% of Africa is vaccinated.

The Vatican is requiring all employees and visitors to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test. (Interestingly, there is no “religious beliefs” exemption.) 

Canada announced that all air and rail passengers must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 12.  Also, all federal employees, the military, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers must be vaccinated by Oct. 29.

France is encouraging shots by providing free testing to people who are vaccinated.

Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, has long raged against Covid and vaccines; his wife got vaccinated recently while in New York City for the UN General Assembly.

The US is donating ANOTHER 500 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries not able to vaccinate their own populations.  This brings the total to more than 1.1 billion doses donated by America.

In the US, 56% of the entire population is fully vaccinated; 65% of adults are fully vaccinated.  On average, we are now giving around 950,000 shots per day, but that includes boosters. 

60 million Americans are covered by the CDC’s September Pfizer booster ruling, with 20 million eligible now.

RED COVID.  This is how a recent NY Times article summed up the current situation.  Vaccine hesitancy started out based on many factors, but most have been resolved in recent months.  The one that remains is party affiliation; 86% of Democratic voters are vaccinated, compared to only 60% of Republican voters.  Since the unvaccinated account for very nearly all deaths now, Republicans are dying in droves, compared to Democrats.  Odd that GOP politicians are unconcerned about voter deaths, if only for practical purposes….

Last summer saw a spike in vaccinations in Hispanics.  Now, 73% of Hispanic adults are vaccinated, exceeding 72% of white adults who are vaccinated.

Vaccine mandates are working across the country.  Businesses and government entities are reporting big jumps in vaccination rates, as workers meet deadlines.  The NYC public school system reports 96% of teachers are vaccinated, along with 99% of principals; over 43,000 shots were given to this group since the mandate was announced in August.  New York reported the vaccination rate of its health care workers jumped from 75% to 92% as over 100,000 workers got a shot.  United reported that 99% of its workforce is vaccinated, per its mandate.  Tyson Foods reported its mandate increased vaccinated workers from under 50% to over 90% of the workforce, with 1 month left in the grace period.

AT&T is requiring its workers to be vaccinated.  American Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue and AlaskaAir are following United’s lead and requiring employees to be vaccinated.  The San Diego school district is requiring all staff and students (age 16 and up) to be vaccinated. City of Los Angeles will, as of Nov. 4, require people to provide proof of full vaccination in order to enter most indoor businesses, including bars and restaurants, salons, gyms, museums, and movie theaters.  Those not vaxed due to medical condition or religious objection can instead provide proof of a recent negative test.

The NBA has a vax rate of 95% of players and staff.  It recently announced that unvaccinated players won’t be paid if they miss a game due to local laws requiring vaccination to enter large public gatherings. Louisiana’s largest nonprofit health insurer, Ochsner Health, announced it would charge an additional $200 per month, for anyone NOT vaccinated.  This reflects the high cost of hospital care for Covid-19. Covid-19 is now the leading cause of death for law enforcement officers.  A large segment remains unvaccinated, with their unions fighting vaccine mandates.

YouTube recently announced it has banned videos pushing mis-information on vaccines and is closing the accounts of notorious anti-vaccine activists.

In Texas, only 52% of all residents and 62% of adults are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

The Covid Fable 10/8/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/08/briefing/covid-restrictions-delta-caseload.html

How to Use Rapid Home Tests (Once You Find Them) 10/7/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/07/well/live/covid-rapid-at-home-test.html

Pfizer Asks F.D.A. to Authorize Its Covid-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11  10/7/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/07/us/politics/pfizer-fda-authorization-children-5-11.html

A Guide for Covid-19 Risk in Your County 10/3/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-risk-map.html

U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses 700,000 Despite Wide Availability of Vaccines  10/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/01/us/us-covid-deaths-700k.html

Merck says a trial shows it has produced the first effective antiviral pill for Covid 10/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/01/us/merck-antiviral-pill-covid.html

Red Covid 9/27/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/27/briefing/covid-red-states-vaccinations.html

Answers to Your Questions About Covid Booster Shots  9/24/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/booster-shots-questions-answers.html

Daring Mighty Things

Captain Kirk is going into space.  Sort of.  Actor Bill Shatner is scheduled to leave the planet as Jeff Bezos’ guest on Blue Origin’s Oct. 12 flight.  He will be 1 of 4 passengers, shooting 60 miles up for a few minutes of weightlessness and a nice view into the inky darkness of space beyond.  If things go as planned, Shatner at age 90 will become the oldest human to do so.  (But, he won’t be the first Enterprise member to leave Earth; the ashes of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and Scotty portrayer James Doohan blasted into deep space years ago.) William Shatner will fly to space aboard Blue Origin rocket 10/4/21) https://apnews.com/article/william-shatner-star-trek-blue-origin-space-jeff-bezos-e10877d624a4cc0be9385585c2647cdd

Speaking of theatrics, a Russian film crew (director, actress and astronaut advisor) is on the International Space Station now for a 2-week stay, shooting the first feature-length film in space.  A Russian Film Crew Has Boarded the Space Station  10/5/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/05/science/russia-space-launch.html

Texas elections

Texas has an election coming up on November 2.  Early voting runs from Oct. 18-29.   No candidates are on the ballot, but there are several propositions to vote up or down.

Lake Travis ISD has Proposition A on local ballots.  It is asking to move revenue from 1 part of the existing tax rate to another, with the result that $3 million STAYS LOCAL and is not recaptured by the state’s funding formula.  Pass or fail, this proposition will NOT change your tax bill.  Unfortunately, the blurb appearing on the ballot makes it sound like a tax increase, likely dooming it.  Read more here: Lake Travis school district tax rate election gives voters the option to keep dollars local 10/7/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/lake-travis-view/2021/10/07/lake-travis-school-district-what-to-know-tax-rate-election-2021/6006770001/

In addition, there are 8 constitutional amendments on the ballot.  Read this to decide yes or no:  8 statewide propositions on Texans’ November 2021 ballot and what they mean 9/24/21 https://communityimpact.com/houston/conroe-montgomery/election/2021/09/24/8-statewide-propositions-on-texans-november-2021-ballot-and-what-they-mean/

Matt Dowd for Texas Lt. Governor!  Finally—someone enters the 2022 Texas elections who I can vote for proudly.  Matthew Dowd, former George W. Bush strategist, to run as Democrat for Texas lieutenant governor 9/29/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/29/matthew-dowd-texas-lieutenant-governor/

What about Matthew McConaughey for Governor?  In a podcast with Kara Swisher, he refuses to answer the salient questions.  He is very entertaining, even charming.  Well, of course he is—THAT is his thing.  But, he shows nothing to indicate he has the intelligence, dedication or tenacity necessary to be Governor of Texas, particularly now when we face so many dire crises.  From his rather annoyingly lofty comments, he is still “measuring” whether politics is where he can do the most good.  Re: party affiliation, all his middle of the road talk sounds like he sees himself as decidedly centrist and an Independent.  Bottom line, this gifted actor acted interested in the possibility of running.  Is Texas Ready for Matthew McConaughey? 10/7/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/07/opinion/sway-kara-swisher-matthew-mcconaughey.html

In Lakeway

Council hasn’t had a meeting since my last blog, and it doesn’t meet until Oct. 18.

ZAPCO meets on Oct. 12, 9am at City Hall.  Lucky item 13 is The Square on Lohmans, Legend’s zombie town-center proposal. For background, go here to watch item 10 of the Sept. 13 joint session that Council and ZAPCO had, including a Legend presentation and officials discussing this– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/139436

Legend’s request is to change zoning from residential and commercial to PUD for 69 acres (up from 57 acres in September) on Lohmans.  This is the very dense town center development proposed in lieu of the 130 single-family homes Council approved there in 2019.  Legend never moved forward on that, and its portion of Main Street has not been started.  Now, it wants to build 322 residences (single family, multifamily and rentals above commercial space), as well as much, much more on the tract, all geared toward walkability. The result looks like a Main Street so cluttered, choked and congested that it completely fails to provide the efficient connector road we so desperately need.  ZAPCO will review the project and either approve or disapprove it; Council will then decide the matter.

Go here (and scroll down to ZAPCO) to find the Meeting Packet, which has a raft of materials—a lot being new info, drawings, etc.–on the current version of the proposed development (starting about half-way through the voluminous document)—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

You can speak for 3 minutes at the meeting.  (Unfortunately, since Monday is a holiday, the deadline for submitting written comments was 3pm Friday, Oct. 8).  Go here to watch the ZAPCO meeting online (live or later)—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

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GO VOTE!  There is a proposition-only election on Nov. 2.  Early voting runs from Oct. 18-29.   See the info and links in the Texas elections area above to decide yes or no.

Back to me….

So, free time … what a concept!  Not sure if this is early retirement or just an in-between-jobs phase, but I’m really enjoying it. 

Good books I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):

—Madam Speaker (2021), by Susan Page—This meticulously researched book covers Nancy Pelosi from her parents’ political path all the way through the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.  Overall fascinating, it really grabs attention when she finally enters national politics herself at age 46, then shoots quickly to the top of Democratic leadership where she has wielded power for over 30 years.

—The Boy from the Woods (2020), by Harlan Coben—This is a good read, but I expected more from the debut of a new protagonist set in Coben’s richly drawn world.  Even with back-up from supporting characters well-known from the Myron Bolitar series, the eponymous Wilde is disappointingly cardboard.  The only real surprise, for me at least, was on the very last page. 

Please DRIVE CAREFULLY.  The deer are doing their fall thing.  My morning walks follow pretty much the same pattern, but I see far fewer deer than in the summer. 

For photos here, this time I’m showcasing the lovely does in our herd, starting with Clarice, a mature doe who generally hangs out on upper Vanguard.  For nearly 2 years, she was increasingly hobbled by a big shard of PVC pipe embedded above her right front hoof.  (No, I don’t usually name deer; I got tired of referring to her as the gimpy doe, so I named her after Rudolf’s sweetheart in the Christmas classic.)  Last summer, Clarice was barely mobile and clearly in severe pain.  Now, after state-approved intervention, she is recovered and running with the herd; she sometimes limps very slightly but overall it is hard to identify her now–except, I swear she grins at those of us who helped her.  I would love to give credit where credit is due, but the pros involved required me to sign an NDA. But, I can send a HUGE thank you to CAFA for paying a big chunk of the cost of helping this sweet doe get back to normal.

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The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, countries are in completely different phases, as far as Covid-19.

South Africa is easing restrictions as cases decline.  Australia plans to lift its tight international travel restrictions by year-end.   At the UN General Assembly last week, Brazil’s health minister tested positive for the coronavirus. South Korea’s new cases are at record levels, after a long holiday weekend featuring travel and gatherings. Russia is experiencing higher daily death rates than ever before in the pandemic, blaming vaccine hesitancy.

In the US, 1 in 8 Americans has been infected with Covid. 

The surge is slowly weakening.  In the last 2 weeks, US cases have decreased 16%, and hospitalizations are down 14%, but deaths are up 26%.  We are averaging over 123,000 new cases per day.   More than 87,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages over 2,000 people per day.

The US recently passed several grim milestones as far as deaths from Covid.

–One in 500 Americans has died from coronavirus. 

–More Americans have died from Covid-19 so far than died of the 1918/19 influenza epidemic.

–An exhibit of 650,000 white flags, representing Americans who have died of COVID-19, opened Sept. 17 in Washington, DC.  Covering more than 20 acres of the National Mall, the flags have messages painted on them memorializing lost loved ones.

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The surge states in the south are seeing fewer cases, but cases are rising in the northeast, mountain west, and the upper midwest.  Hospitalizations are still high, with 25% of ICUs full nationwide.  Idaho’s hospital crisis now extends across the entire state, with ALL hospitals now rationing care to those most likely to survive.  In addition, Idaho’s woes have spilled over to neighboring Washington state; Covid patients are crossing the border, forcing Washington’s hospitals to delay non-critical care for its own residents.  Alaska became the second state to institute rationed care (helping only those patients most likely to survive), due to a crushing tide of unvaccinated patients.

On Sept. 20, an NYT newsletter aptly summed up America’s current Covid situation as: “slowly getting less terrible.”  Deaths are still rising, but new cases are dropping slightly, as are hospitalizations is some areas (though many facilities remain overwhelmed with severe cases).  Experts say the improvement MIGHT be due to Delta’s pattern in other countries of booming for a couple months and then subsiding (for reasons not really understood).  On the other hand, kids going back to school in-person, and a return to large-scale travel, sports and entertainment this fall could well cause another surge.  The kicker is the looming return of cold weather, sending everyone inside where Covid spreads most easily.  No one wants to predict where Covid is going.  So, GET VACCINATED.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now requires masks be worn by all visitors and workers in the temples.

In Texas, we are averaging 12,000 new cases and 300 deaths daily.  As of now, there are 12,000 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  The current positivity test rate is 13%.  In the last 2 weeks, cases have decreased 33%, hospitalizations dropped 15%, and deaths are up 19%. 

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, 6.1 billion shots have been given, with 33% of the population fully vaccinated. 

Cuba developed vaccines of its own and is giving shots to kids as young as 2 years.  The UAE and China are vaccinating kids age 3 and up. Cambodia is vaccinating kids as young as age 6. Ireland has vaccinated 90% of adults, the highest rate in Europe.  China has vaccinated 71% of its population—1 billion people. Denmark (76% vaccinated) lifted the last of its Covid restrictions (which had included travel restrictions and vaccine passports to enter crowded venues), citing the success of its vaccination program.  Italy is extending its “health pass” requirement to all workers, roughly 23 million people; vaccination or a recent test will be required as of mid-October. Pope Francis has urged everyone to get vaccinated for the common good and because “humanity has a history of friendship with vaccines.”

In the US, 55% of the entire population is fully vaccinated.  On average, we are now giving around 750,000 shots per day. 

Pfizer booster shots were recently approved for people vaccinated 6 months previously and in 4 groups: 1) 65 and older; 2) living in institutional settings like nursing homes; 3) with underlying medical conditions putting them at risk for severe Covid; and 4) frontline workers with occupational exposure including health care workers, first responders and educators.  This rather complicated result blends conflicting recommendations from the FDA and the CDC, covering a large swath of Americans but not the entire population. (This is ONLY for Pfizer; Moderna and J&J submitted booster shot requests and supporting data later, but similar rulings are expected soon.)

US has the lowest vaccination rate in the Group of 7 wealthy democracies (lower than Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan).  We had long been near the bottom, but Japan’s recent vax surge overtook America, dumping us in last place.

In the US, the younger age groups have the lowest vaccination rate, while the oldest have the highest rate.  The difference is vast—from roughly 40% to 80%. 

Pfizer announced that shots should be approved for kids age 5-11 later this fall.

West Virginia had early vaccination success, but that waned and now the state has one of the lowest vaccination rates.  New cases and hospitalizations are now at record high levels.

As of Oct. 1, vaccination is mandatory for new immigrants to the US.  Seattle is requiring vaccination or recent testing for indoor activities.  Whirlpool is offering employees $1,000 to be vaccinated

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee is requiring all athletes (as well as all staff and others using its facilities) to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in the Winter Games, to be held in Beijing in February of 2022.  The rule will be applied to all future Games, as well.

In Texas, only 51% of all residents are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

–C.D.C. Chief Overrules Agency Panel and Recommends Pfizer-BioNTech Boosters for Health Care Workers, Teachers and Other Workers at Risk  9/24/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/24/world/covid-boosters-vaccine-cdc-director.html

–US children aged 5 to 11 on track to receive Pfizer vaccine by Halloween 9/20/21 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/sep/20/pfizer-covid-vaccine-children-5-to-11-trial

–CDC study finds Moderna vaccine is best at preventing Covid-19 hospitalization 9/17/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/17/cdc-study-finds-moderna-vaccine-is-best-at-preventing-covid-19-hospitalization-51256

–The J.&J. Conundrum  (Everything you need to know if you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) 9/13/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/13/briefing/johnson-and-johnson-boosters-explainer.html

Daring Mighty Things

On Sept. 15, SpaceX launched the first all-tourist crew into orbit.  A billionaire covered the trip’s $220 million tab. The 4 non-professional astronauts spent 3 days in high orbit, up to 360 miles above Earth’s surface; that is 150 miles higher than the orbit of the International Space Station, and dwarfs last summer’s 60 mile high slingshot flights.  The craft was flown autonomously, with no pilot on board; the passengers had no flight duties.  So, this amounts to a giant leap for space tourism.  In addition, the project raised over $200 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. On Sept. 18, the craft splashed down off the Florida coast.

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Texas state elections

Now, THIS could get interesting…. Expect a formal announcement soon.  Beto O’Rourke Draws Closer to Entering Texas Governor’s Race 9/19/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/19/us/texas-beto-governors-race.html

Poor Ken Paxton; even his pals stab him in the back.  House Freedom Caucus member Matt Krause challenges Ken Paxton for Texas attorney general 9/16/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/15/matt-krause-texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton/

This is a good overview of the 2022 GOP primary, centering on calls for Paxton (who re-defines “embattled” thanks to his many personal legal woes) to resign.  As one challenger says, Paxton has shot himself in the foot repeatedly yet still wants to lead everybody out onto the battlefield.  Attorney General Ken Paxton’s three Republican challengers criticize his legal problems — and pitch themselves as the best GOP nominee  9/23/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/23/ken-paxton-attorney-general-republican-primary-2022/

In Lakeway

Mayor Kilgore gave an update of several city issues (search for new police chief, the dangers of feeding the deer, proposed mega-development of Main Street area AGAIN, 2022 budget and tax rate, and Constitution Week) via Facebook on Sept. 16.  https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/377146457206173

Lakeway Council met in Special Joint Session with Zoning and Planning on Monday, Sept. 13, 6:30pm, in-person, at City Hall.

Consequential Agenda items include:

–Item 3—Moment of silence honoring Bill Snider, recently deceased, who was a senior building inspector for the city.

–Item 5-8–Consent Agenda, which includes: additions/change to city staff paid holidays; and appointments to Capitol Area Council of Government, Arts Committee and Heritage Committee.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY AND IN FULL

–Item 9—Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.  Procedural and tax rate details are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/501/Budgets-and-Tax-Rate  Fiscal details are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36844/FY22-DRAFT-PROPOSED-BUDGET

This was a PROCEDURAL REVIEW of the tax rate and budget adopted previously.  City Manager Oakley stated the only substantive change since last month’s meeting was an additional expense of $18,000 to replace the security camera system at City Hall.  The tax rate and 2022 budget will be finalized at the Sept. 20 Council meeting.

–Item 10—Joint Work Session for ZAPCO and Council on THE SQUARE AT LOHMANS.  In 2019, Legend Communities was given approval for commercial and single-family residential development of 57 acres.  The tract includes 1 of 2 missing segments of road needed to connect Main Street to Lohmans.  Legend never moved forward with the 2019 plan and now wants to change to a PUD based around “commercial, mixed-use, and single-family residential uses for these properties, focused around a town square and main-street concept.”  This looks a lot like the extremely dense City Center plan that residents largely hated and Council rejected in 2019, instead adopting what was touted as a compromise plan.  And, it sounds like Legend is now holding Main Street hostage, to get approval for even more favorable terms.  How many bites of the apple does Legend get?  Here we go again….  Here are 2 images from the Presentation (and why isn’t the approved 2019 proposal shown in the comparison list?)

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At the meeting, Legend made a lengthy PRESENTATION on yet another proposal for this Main Street development, with questions from ZAPCO and Council members, ending with discussion of the pros and cons.  The developer will make some changes based on the meeting and then this will be reviewed by ZAPCO, then Council.

Legend is holding a Town Hall on this, Sept. 28 at 6pm, at the Rough Hollow Welcome Center.

Go here for the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and Presentation— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx Go here to watch the video– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/139436

Lakeway Council had a regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 20.

Consequential Agenda items include:

Item 12—Adopting FY 2022 Budget (as discussed at previous meetings, with voluminous details in the Meeting Packet)  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY RECORD VOTE

Item 13—Approval of 2021 property tax rate of 0.1545  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY RECORD VOTE  [This is per $100 of valuation.  A full penny less than the previous year’s rate, it is the lowest tax rate in the city’s history.]

Item 14—Final Plat for an HEB to be built on 21 acres at Hwy. 71 and Serene Hills Drive  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Item 17—Preliminary Plan for Hillsong, a development on 25 acres at Flint Rock Road and Wild Cherry Drive, to include 126 detached single-family homes plus a commercial and park component.  NOTE: ZAPCO’s recent approval was conditioned on issues with the right-in, right-out design at Flint Rock Road being resolved by Council.  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED with specification that a raised barrier be used to prevent left turns in and out except for emergency vehicles

Item 21—Interlocal Agreement for Victim Services, allowing Lakeway and Bee Cave to share the services of a victim services coordinator and associated volunteers  UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Item 22—Report on Community Services Coordination by Mayor Kilgore. Consensus was reached that the city would take steps to organize a directory of available support services in the area, to be used by first responders assisting residents as well as published on the city’s site.

Go here to watch the meeting— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/139805

Back to me….

Talk about perspective!  Recently, Jupiter exhibited a burst of light that experts think was from impact of debris, likely the size of a bus, that broke off a passing comet or meteor and crashed into the planet.  That kind of thing can really ruin one’s day….

Our deer are gearing up for fall.  Their coats are roughing up, most of the fawns are tall and nearly spotless, and the smaller groups of summer are joining up into larger ones.  Looks like rut season started early this year; maybe Mother Nature is as screwed up as the rest of us.  Bucks are sparring already, and they are busy scraping the velvet off their antlers.  DRIVE CAREFULLY.  During rut, the deer have other things on their minds than you….

Here are some photos I took of our magnificent bucks the past few months.  They are in chronological order, July to now.  In the bottom one (taken last week), the buck industriously scraped his antlers raw on vegetation as I watched, cheerfully exposing the blood vessels that had nourished the velvet for months.

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The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, the World Health Organization has recognized a new Covid-19 “variant of interest” because preliminary evidence shows it may evade antibodies.  First found in Columbia months ago, it is called “Mu” but is formally known as B.1.621.

Vietnam, with only 3% of the population vaccinated, extended Covid restrictions through September, color-coding Hanoi neighborhoods based on infection levels.  Also, a court there sentenced a man to 5 years in prison for violating Covid travel restrictions and spreading the virus to several others, one of whom died. In the Philippines, where new cases are at a record high level, nurses are threatening mass resignations due to the crushing caseload of Covid patients. 

In the US, we are now averaging over 145,000 new cases per day.   More than 100,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages over 1,600 people per day. In the last 2 weeks, US cases have decreased 7%, hospitalizations are unchanged, and deaths are up 29%. 

Total reported cases in the US have exceeded 40 million; that is more people than live in California, and amounts to 20% of all cases worldwide.  Over Labor Day weekend this year, 3 times the number of people were hospitalized for Covid, compared to that holiday weekend in 2020.  Delta is now causing 99% of cases. 

More pediatric cases—over 250,000—were recorded in the first week of September, than at any time in the pandemic.

In Idaho, hospitals are so over-crowded they are officially rationing care, giving ICU beds to those most likely to survive; others get palliative care to minimize suffering until death.  Tennessee has set new hospitalization records every day of September.  Several counties in Oregon requested refrigerated trucks to hold the bodies of Covid victims, until overwhelmed local mortuaries can accept them (just as many southern states did in August). A federal surge team of medical personnel was dispatched to Children’s Hospital New Orleans, to assist in caring for the overwhelming number of very young patients with severe Covid, including infants and many children on ventilators. Hawaii is experiencing more cases and hospitalizations that at any other time in the pandemic.  Tourists are discouraged from coming to the islands, and 95% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated local residents.  Also, hospitals across Hawaii’s island chain are low on oxygen due to demand increasing by 250% in the last month, and getting more is difficult; liquid oxygen is too flammable to be safely flown in, and cargo ships take a month to arrive. 

Native American tribes across the country are using their sovereign powers to declare mask mandates in schools within their territory; this includes the Navaho Nation’s 133 schools with students from preschool to 12th grade, operating in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.  Pennsylvania’s governor issued a mask mandate for all schools, public and private, covering teachers, staff, students and visitors. Arizona, whose governor has banned mask mandates, has thousands of teachers and students in quarantine.

Google delayed its return to offices yet again—this time, until January of 2022.  Countless companies are following suit, many leaving things open-ended and not bothering to specify dates at this point. Kansas sent state workers back home to work remotely.

In Texas, we are averaging 18,000 new cases and 250 deaths daily.  As of now, there are over 14,000 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  The current positivity test rate is 17%.  In the last 2 weeks, cases have increased 10%, hospitalizations remain the same, and deaths are up 36%. 

Covid hospitalizations in total may be leveling off, just under the high mark set last winter.  However, more children are severely ill and hospitalized with Covid than ever before; this seems to be coming from spread at in-person schools.  Experts fear a general resurgence from Labor Day holiday celebrations and travel.

Over 5,000 Texans died in the last month.  On Sept. 8 alone, Austin Public Health reported 23 Travis County deaths from Covid-19, a record high daily count. 

On Sept. 6, there were no ICU beds available in Central Texas, for the first time ever during the pandemic.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, 5.6 billion shots have been given, with 29% of the population fully vaccinated. 

Scotland is requiring proof of vaccination for entry to crowded public areas including nightclubs, music festivals, soccer grounds, live events and anything expected to draw more than 10,000 people.

Vaccination progress in several Asian countries (Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong) has leaders relaxing restrictions or at least planning to do so soon.

In the US, 54% of the entire population is fully vaccinated, while roughly 70 million eligible Americans remain unvaccinated.  On average, we are now giving 723,000 shots per day. 

Infection rates are clearly determined by vaccination rates in states across the country.  Massachusetts has a very high vaccination rate and a low infection rate.  States like South Carolina and Mississippi have low vaccination rates and high infection rates. 

Studies have confirmed that unvaccinated people are 5 times more likely to get infected, 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die, compared to vaccinated people. 

Last week, President Biden issued several executive orders designed to push the remaining 70M/20% of eligible but unvaccinated Americans to do the right thing.  As he said: “We’ve been patient.  But our patience is wearing thin, and the refusal has cost all of us.”  Truer words were never spoken.  He also referred to Republican governors who have banned attempts to mandate masks or require vaccines.

“If those governors won’t help us beat the pandemic,” he said, “I will use my power as president to get them out of the way.”  Bravo!  The new mandates focus on the American workforce, applying to about 2/3 of all workers.  OSHA will require all businesses with 100 or more workers to get vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.  All federal employees and contractors must be vaccinated.  All hospitals and other health care facilities that receive Medicare/Medicaid payments (and they ALL get these funds) must get their 17 million employees vaccinated.  Private companies will provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated.  President Biden also requested that large entertainment venues require proof of vaccination or a negative test for entrance, and he asked doctors to prioritize urging all their patients to get vaccinated.

Amtrack is requiring all workers to get vaccinated or undergo regular testing.  In NYC, Broadway has returned with 2 productions, lighting up theaters that went dark in March of 2020; masks and proof of vaccination are required.

Los Angeles, the nation’s second largest school system, became the first major district to require vaccination of students age 12 and older (being nearly half a million kids in the district), in order to attend in-person classes.  Unvaccinated students will be served via online learning.

Colleges and universities across the country are switching from vaccination incentives to mandates.  Many are banning the unvaccinated from classes; others are denying them campus housing, WIFI, and other perks or assessing hefty daily or weekly fines.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be back in full force this year, requiring all participants and staff to be vaccinated and masked.

In Texas, only 48% of all residents are fully vaccinated. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

Biden Is Right: Vaccine Refusal ‘Has Cost All of Us’ 9/10/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/10/opinion/biden-covid-vaccine.html

Unvaccinated People are 11 Times More Likely to Die of COVID-19, New Research Finds 9/10/21 https://www.npr.org/2021/09/10/1036023973/covid-19-unvaccinated-deaths-11-times-more-likely

Inside an Oregon hospital amid an absolutely stunning’ Covid surge 9/9/21 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/09/oregon-hospital-coronavirus-unvaccinated

Why We Can’t Turn the Corner on Covid 9/6/21 https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/09/06/why-we-cant-turn-the-corner-on-covid-509349

The W.H.O. lists Mu as a ‘variant of interest.’ 9/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/world/americas/mu-variant-who.html

Worried About Breakthrough Infections? Here’s How to Navigate This Phase of the Pandemic. 9/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/breakthrough-infections-covid-19-coronavirus.html

We Work at the A.C.L.U. Here’s What We Think About Vaccine Mandates 9/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/opinion/covid-vaccine-mandates-civil-liberties.html

Why This Covid Chapter Might Be the Hardest of All 9/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/opinion/covid-guidelines-masking.html

The Hard Covid-19 Questions We’re Not Asking 8/30/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/30/opinion/us-covid-policy.html

DARING MIGHTY THINGS

Mini-chopper Intrepid is helping NASA plot the best course for rover Perseverance to explore on Mars.  Helicopter Sees Potential Rover Road Aheadhttps://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/my-favorite-martian-image-helicopter-sees-potential-rover-road-ahead

And, Perseverance is now on a rock-sampling tour of Mars.  NASA’s Perseverance Rover Stashes First Mars Rock Sample 9/7/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/science/nasa-mars-rock-sample.html

Oops, turns out that Richard Branson’s July rollercoaster ride to the edge of space veered off course.  The FAA is now investigating allegations the pilots’ decisions in flight were made to avoid bad publicity rather than ensure safety.  Unity is grounded until this is resolved.  FAA grounds Virgin Galactic’s core spaceship pending probe into Richard Branson’s flight  9/2/21 https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/2/22654516/spaceshiptwo-richard-branson-faa-virgin-galactic

Texas state elections

Why does the dumbest and cruelest stuff erupt out of Texas on a regular basis?  Ludicrous legislation, the wackiest conspiracy theories, duplicitous officials, deranged candidates—we have the worst of the worst, and we are inflicting them on the entire country.  It’s embarrassing….

This includes the latest Constitutional attack by the Texas GOP.  (Gov. Abbott hopes it helps him get re-elected—always his gold standard.)  Want to understand the insane Texas bounty hunter law that just ended women’s Constitutional right to abortion in Texas, with a craven assist from the Republican-appointed majority on the US Supreme Court?  Listen to this podcast— https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/03/podcasts/the-daily/texas-abortion-law-supreme-court-roe-v-wade.html?rref=vanity

Will Joe Straus challenge Abbott or Patrick?   Republican state lawmaker urges former Speaker Joe Straus to challenge Abbott or Patrick  9/3/21 https://www.caller.com/story/news/local/texas/state-bureau/2021/09/03/why-moderate-texas-republican-wants-joe-straus-run-2022/5718000001/

Abbott continues to use the legislature as his re-election pre-show, calling a THIRD Special Session.  Hasn’t the Texas Legislature done ENOUGH damage?  The agenda includes harassing transgender student athletes, banning vaccine mandates and redistricting Texas to favor GOP candidates even more than currently.    Gov. Greg Abbott calls special legislative session for redistricting, other conservative priorities starting Sept. 20 9/7/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/07/texas-special-session-redistricting/

This article is worth including if only for the headline.  But, don’t be fooled—Abbott will take a bite out of dogs, cats and any other Texas resident if he calculates it will garner him re-election votes.  And, his refusing to sign Senate Bill 474 last May resulted in the suffering and death of countless dogs left outside in the Texas summer heat.  This belated backtracking doesn’t remove that shame.  Analysis: Man bites dog, tries to make amends 9/8/21  https://texasnewstoday.com/analysis-man-bites-a-dog-and-tries-to-make-amends/450754/

In Lakeway

Wildlife Advisory Committee

The reconstituted Wildlife Advisory Committee (WAC) had its first meeting last week.  (The old WAC last met in Feb. of 2020.)  Committee members: Ted Windecker, Chair; Pam Bunn; Mike Burke; Nina Davis; Julie Martenson; Ted McKnight; and Georgia Migliuri.

At last week’s meeting, the chairman reviewed Lakeway’s decades-long history of action against the deer, as well as the results of recent professional surveys showing a herd that appears stable and healthy, despite no culling being done since 2017.  A subcommittee was formed to develop citizen educational materials and events regarding living with deer and our other wildlife.  Also, Council will be asked to approve an annual deer survey to be done in late fall so we can continue to monitor the herd. 

Lakeway Council meets in Special Joint Session with Zoning and Planning on Monday, Sept. 13, 6:30pm, in-person, at City Hall. 

Consequential Agenda items include:

–Item 3—Moment of silence honoring Bill Snider, recently deceased, who was a senior building inspector for the city.

–Item 5-8–Consent Agenda, which includes: additions/change to city staff paid holidays; and appointments to Capitol Area Council of Government, Arts Committee and Heritage Committee. –Item 9—Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.  Procedural and tax rate details are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/501/Budgets-and-Tax-Rate  Fiscal details are here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36844/FY22-DRAFT-PROPOSED-BUDGET

–Item 10—Joint Work Session for ZAPCO and Council on THE SQUARE AT LOHMANS.  In 2019, Legend Communities was given approval for commercial and single-family residential development of 57 acres.  The tract includes 1 of 2 missing segments of road needed to connect Main Street to Lohmans.  Legends never moved forward with the 2019 plan and now wants to change to a PUD based around “commercial, mixed-use, and single-family residential uses for these properties, focused around a town square and main-street concept.”  To me, this looks a lot like the extremely dense City Center plan that residents largely hated and Council rejected in 2019, instead adopting what was touted as a compromise plan.  And, it sounds like Legends is now holding Main Street hostage, to get approval for even more favorable terms.  How many bites of the apple does Legends get?  Here we go again….  (See the Meeting Packet for maps.  See the Presentation for project details.)  Here are 2 images from the Presentation (and why isn’t the approved 2019 proposal shown in the comparison list?):

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Go here for the Agenda, Meeting Packet and Presentation— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx 

To send comments to Council beforehand (by 3pm Monday) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx 

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

Back to me….

Every year, I hate it when September arrives and then the 11^th rolls around.  Now, 20 years later, I can’t forget, but I really don’t want to remember that awful time in detail.  Just too painful, still.

Some now say that 9/11 was a test; if so, America failed, spectacularly.  I read somewhere that 9/11 incited a nervous breakdown in America, even drove it mad.  Maybe so. Instead of rising to the challenge or the occasion or even above the muck, we sank lower than imaginable.  A conservative columnist I very rarely agree with captured how I regard 9/11 now: “Less like an unimaginable tragedy, and more like a harbinger of a bad century to come.”  The next twenty years brought so much bedlam and death–endless wars, economic meltdown, Covid-19, hateful division, insurrection, threats to democracy that no one would have believed possible 2 decades back, and climate change becoming our inescapable present as opposed to a murky distant possibility.  Looking back, Sept. 11, 2001 seems like the beginning of the end. 

Good books I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):

—The Madness of Crowds (2021) by Louise Penny—Number 17 in the series, this one returns Chief Inspector Gamache to Three Pines with its oddball denizens and spectacular Canadian scenery.  Sure, there’s a murder or two to solve, but the real story explores all the established characters.  For them, the pandemic is blessedly in the past, yet so much has changed. 

—Never Ask Me (2020), by Jeff Abbott—This stand-alone thriller by a local author is good escapist fare.  It is set in posh Lakehaven, located just went of Austin, so there are many fun local references.

The deer continue to amaze me on my morning rambles.  I heard that a fawn was born August 20 on Vanguard but didn’t really believe it since our fawns tend to arrive April to June.  Then, I saw the baby—the size of a cat but happy and healthy, suckling from its mama.  

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May God bless our troops.

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, Russia reports a large uptick in new cases and deaths.  Israel is suffering a surge, despite achieving a high vaccination rate early on; experts say this points to vaccine efficacy fading with time.  Iran is having its worst surge yet.  Malaysia is battling a massive jump in cases, blamed on a low vaccination rate; responding to public anger over mismanagement of the crisis, the Prime Minister and his entire Cabinet resigned. Japan’s surge has worsened, with ICUs in Tokyo full.  Australia, with a record number of new cases, extended its Sydney lockdown and curfew another month. In the Philippines, Manila’s lockdown has also been extended; Manila’s largest hospital closed its ER last week due to the entire facility being overwhelmed with Covid cases.  Long-term surges in many African countries seem to be plateauing.

In the US, we are now averaging over 150,000 new cases per day.   More than 98,000 Americans are now hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages over 1,200 people per day. In the last 2 weeks, US cases have increased 21%, hospitalizations are up 28%, and deaths are up 95%.  While stats are all still climbing, the rate is slowing for new cases and hospitalizations.

On Aug. 26, nearly 100K people were hospitalized for Covid, a level not seen since early January–before vaccinations were available.  Over 95% of patients are unvaccinated.  Nearly all the cases are caused by the Delta variant.

US hospitals are increasingly overwhelmed.  Currently, 25% of all ICUs nationwide are full.  Florida last week had more cases, hospitalizations and deaths THAN EVER BEFORE IN THE PANDEMIC.  Residents of Orlando and other areas were asked to stop watering lawns and conserve water; the liquid oxygen that some purification systems use is now needed by hospitals.  Mississippi’s surge continues; the state’s hub hospital in Jackson opened its SECOND tent facility in a garage, to provide more ICU beds for Covid patients.  Hospitals throughout the south have buckled—in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and more—swamped with far more Covid patients than staff can handle and therefore unable to care for accident victims, stroke/heart attack patients or the chronically ill that habitually occupy hospital beds.  Refrigerated trucks are being used in Florida, Alabama and Texas to store corpses until overwhelmed funeral homes can take them.

Two weeks after the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in S. Dakota, which featured 700K visiting bikers (the majority defiantly unmasked and unvaccinated), active Covid cases in the state jumped 450% since early August.  In that time, the positive test rate increased from 10% to 40%.  Looks like Sturgis 2021 was a super-spreader event, just like Sturgis 2020 was.

More companies are delaying workers coming back to the office, due to the surge.  PWC bumped its return date to November.  Charles Schwab and Apple employees won’t return to the office until 2022. NYC’s planned re-opening has been stunted by Delta; IBM temporarily closed its NYC offices, many other businesses have delayed re-opening, trade shows and other big events are being cancelled, and tourism remains scant.

Illinois now has a state-wide mask mandate for indoor public places.  Boston is requiring masks indoors in public places.  On the other hand, Tennessee’s Republican governor ordered that parents can opt out of school mask mandates.  This is despite the state having its highest surge of cases since January and being very poorly vaccinated.

The war over mask mandates in school has a new participant—the federal Department of Education.  With bans on masks in school existing in 8 states (Florida, Texas, Arizona, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Utah–all now hosting Covid surges), Pres. Biden announced Aug. 18 that the federal education agency would treat mask bans as a bar to students’ right to a safe education, triggering its civil rights enforcement authority.  In addition, Pres. Biden pleaded with certain red-state governors to put the safety and uninterrupted education of kids ahead of their own political gain, noting that federal funds are available to pay any fines or lost salaries by school districts for requiring masks against state law.

In Texas, we are averaging 16K new cases and 184 deaths daily.  As of now, there are 14K Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  The current positivity test rate is 16%.  In the last 2 weeks, cases have increased 17%, hospitalizations are up 27%, and deaths are up 110%.  As with national numbers, the stats are still climbing but not as steeply as in early August.

Gov. Abbott tested positive on Aug. 17, the day after attending an indoor mask-free fund-raising event.  He got infected despite his advantages of daily Covid testing and having had THREE vaccination shots; he also started monoclonal antibody therapy immediately, despite saying he was asymptomatic.

Rice University in Houston delayed its fall start date and moved all classes online for at least 2 weeks.  University of Texas responded to Covid cases on campus and the state’s ban on mask mandates by giving professors permission to move classes online for the first part of the semester; hundreds of faculty, staff and graduate students have signed petitions demanding mask and vaccine mandates.

The number of nursing homes with at least 1 Covid case among residents or staff has shot up nearly 800% in the past month. Roughly 76% of nursing home residents in Texas are fully vaccinated against the virus, but only 56% of nursing home staff members are fully vaccinated.

The school mask mandate wars in Texas are increasingly confusing, with school districts and local judges issuing mask rules faster than GOP-controlled courts can strike them down.  As of now, Texas Education Agency (TEA) is not enforcing Abbott’s mask mandate ban due to all the pending court challenges; TEA is encouraging school boards to consult local authorities in deciding what to do and REQUIRING notice to parents of any positive COVID test in a classroom or extracurricular activity.  Texas Supreme Court temporarily allows school mask mandates to remain 8/19/21https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/19/texas-drops-mask-mandate-ban-schools-506339

The National Rifle Association cancelled its annual meeting, scheduled for early September in Houston, due to the Covid surge.

Last week in San Antonio, 26 minutes went by with no ambulances available to respond to 911 calls from the city’s 1.5 million residents.  In Austin, ambulances frequently sit unused because paramedics are so understaffed and overworked.  Also in Austin, Covid-19 hospitalizations reached 720 on Aug. 20, the highest EVER since the pandemic began.  Across the state, hospitals routinely report ZERO beds available in their ICUs.

On Aug. 25, Texas hit a record low for the number of available staffed intensive care unit beds–just 306 beds available for more than 29 million people.  (Within the state, Travis County was in the very worst shape, with only 4 ICU beds available for over 3 million residents.)

The state asked the federal government for five mortuary trailers in anticipation of a potential spike in deaths.

Travis County last week exceeded 100K total Covid cases, with 943 deaths.  The current number of people (over 630 patients) hospitalized locally for Covid is a new high, as is the number of patients on ventilators.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, slightly more than 5 billion shots have been given, over 80% in high and middle income countries.  Africa has the lowest vaccination rate of any continent, with efforts not even begun in many countries because no vaccines are available.

Greece is pushing vaccination by barring the unvaccinated from restaurants, cafes, clubs and sporting events. In Moscow, free cars are given to lucky vaccinated people in weekly drawings.  Vaccinated Indonesians get a free (live) chicken, while vaccinated Romanians get a free sausage sandwich.

In the US, roughly 80 million eligible Americans remain unvaccinated.  52% of the entire population is fully vaccinated, as are 63% of adults and 82% of those 65 and older.  The vaccination rate is up lately (whether due to mandates or fear of Delta).  On average, we are now giving 876,000 shots per day.  

The FDA on Aug. 23 granted full approval of the Pfizer vaccine for those age 16 and up.  That long-awaited move will trigger an avalanche of vaccine mandates by businesses and government entities.  Full approvals for Pfizer as to age 12-15 and for the Moderna and J&J vaccines are expected soon.

The Pentagon has ordered all 1.4M active service members to get vaccinated.

Companies requiring all workers to get vaccinated include: United Airlines, CVS, Chevron, Disney, and Goldman Sachs. Delta Airlines has a raft of carrots and sticks to encourage workers to get vaccinated; the latest is that unvaccinated workers will have to pay $200 additional per month for health insurance, reflecting the high cost of Covid hospitalizations for Delta employees—all unvaccinated to date.

Ohio State University is requiring all students, faculty and staff (100K total) to be vaccinated for the fall term.  Others doing much the same include Louisiana State and University of Minnesota.

The Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 16 announced it is the first NFL team to vaccinate 100% of its players and coaches.  Within the NFL, 92% of players are vaccinated; unvaccinated players face loss of eligibility and paychecks if they cause an outbreak.

Chicago is requiring all city workers to be vaccinated.  In New York state, all health care workers, public and private and including nursing home workers, must have at least 1 shot by Sept. 27.

Pres. Biden announced Aug. 18 that nursing home/long-term care workers in contact with Medicare/Medicaid patients must be vaccinated (or facilities lose federal funds).

Illinois is requiring all school staff and eligible students to be vaccinated.  New York City is requiring all school staff (150K people) to be vaccinated by Sept. 27, without the option of testing.  In addition, NYC is requiring high school student athletes participating this fall in high-risk sports to be vaccinated in order to play.  Oregon is requiring teachers and school staff to be vaccinated. New Jersey is also requiring school staff to be vaccinated, including those at private and charter schools. 

Pfizer/Moderna booster shots will be available to all this fall.  The time-table was originally announced as 8 months after the last shot, but that will likely shift to 6 months after the last shot.  This is due to growing evidence that the vaccines become less protective against infection as time goes on. This shows the dramatic effect of a booster shot, as far as increasing immunity:

In Texas, only 47% of all residents are fully vaccinated.  58% of adults and 78% of those 65 and older are fully vaccinated. 

San Antonio ISD became the first school district in Texas to mandate vaccinations for all teachers and staff. 

State-supported colleges and universities are forbidden by Gov. Abbott to require vaccines on campus, so instead they are bribing students and staff to get shots.  Prizes run from free parking and concert tickets to chances at free tuition.

Willie Nelson’s Aug. 22 concert required attendees to show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test. The Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct. 1-10) will require all patrons to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test.

Harris County last week started giving $100 gift cards to people getting a first vaccination shot.  The vaccination rate there shot up by 700%.

Travis County is giving 2 additional days of paid leave to all workers showing proof of vaccination. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

Show Me the Data!  8/27/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/27/opinion/covid-data-vaccines.html

The F.D.A. grants full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. 8/23/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/23/us/politics/fda-approval-pfizer-vaccine.html

Desperate Texas doctors turn to antibody treatments to slow down surging COVID-19 hospitalizations 8/23/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/23/coronavirus-texas-antibody-treatment-regeneron-doctors/

More people hospitalized, on ventilators for COVID-19 in Austin area than ever before 8/21/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2021/08/10/texas-travis-county-covid-tracker-latest-case-trends-hospital-data/5551871001/

The Quiet Rage of the Responsible 8/19/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/19/opinion/covid-masks-vaccine-mandates.html

Ready for a COVID-19 vaccine booster? Your questions answered about getting a third dose.  8/18/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2021/08/18/covid-booster-vaccine-symptoms-pfizer-moderna-third-dose-johnson-johnson/8184202002/

Troubling CDC vaccine data convinced Biden team to back booster shots 8/17/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/08/17/cdc-data-booster-shots-505637

Texas state elections

As far as Ken Paxton, this headline says it all.  Embattled Texas AG Ken Paxton releases anonymous internal investigation clearing himself. 8/24/21 https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Embattled-Texas-AG-Ken-Paxton-releases-anonymous-16408398.php Unfortunately, that article is behind a paywall, but you can go here for more. Scandal-plagued Texas AG says he’s been cleared by his own office 8/25/21  https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/scandal-plagued-texas-ag-says-he-s-been-cleared-his-n1277606?cid=eml_mra_20210825&user_email=6ed7408ec573645e45ac2a65b61d1e1e6ab1b9effbafc1d30d0a407afca1b325

Ted Cruz also thrust himself into the news, resulting in another self-explanatory headline.  Ted Cruz says he’d be a “disloyal jackass” if he didn’t vote for Greg Abbott for governor in Republican primary 8/19/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/19/greg-abbott-reelection-ted-cruz/

One of the Republicans challenging Abbott in 2022 relied on his spouse for headlines.  Allen West, GOP candidate for governor, calls wife’s DWI arrest in Dallas “insidious” 8/21/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/21/texas-candidate-allen-west-police/

Dan Patrick shoved an entire shoe rack in his mouth to grab his own shameful headline.  Dan Patrick said the unvaccinated Black community is driving the COVID surge. We fact-checked him. 8/27/21  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/politifact/2021/08/27/no-covid-surge-cant-pinned-black-population/5601748001/

In Lakeway

Council met in Regular Session on Monday, Aug. 16, 6:30pm, in-person, at City Hall.  Also, the proposed FY2022 budget has been posted on the city’s site (see link below).  Meeting RESULTS in ALL CAPS. (Most of the meeting was held with 6 members in attendance; Council Member Vance arrived at 7:25 for the start of item 20.)

Mayor Kilgore kicked things off by noting that the 2020 Census has Lakeway population at 19,189.  (That tabulation is over a year old, so we’re likely over 20K strong now.)

–The Consent Agenda (items 4-12) includes appointment of members to the Board of Ethics, Parks and Recreation Committee, and Wildlife Advisory Committee (names are in the Meeting Packet), as well as awarding contracts after bidding solicited for civil engineering services and street striping (details in Meeting Packet).  ALL ITEMS WERE APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, AFTER 1 NAME WAS SWAPPED OUT FOR WAC.

–Item 13 is Citizens Participation (for items not on the Consent Agenda).  ONE PERSON SPOKE

–Item 14 is the Financial Report. REVENUE IS $1M OVER AND EXPENDITURES ARE $450K UNDER THE SCHEDULED AMOUNTS.

–Item 15 is a request by Tex Arts for $50K of Hotel Occupancy Tax funds. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 16 is an increase in trash and recycling fees from $22.14 to $22.33 per month for each household (subsequent to the provider’s rate increase request being approved last month).  APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 17 deals with the city’s franchise agreement with Austin Energy, maintaining the payment amount of 3% gross electric revenues from customers within Lakeway and extending the term for three years (instead of the requested 10 years and in order to coordinate with PEC’s franchise agreement, which now has a 2% rate with Lakeway—all to facilitate renegotiations with BOTH companies in 3 years).  APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 18 is a law enforcement interlocal agreement between the city and LTISD (which recently created its own police department; this standard agreement allows the 2 forces to work together in overlapping jurisdictions, with Lakeway PD taking the lead for any serious crimes happening on campus).  APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 19 is a special use permit for short-term rental (STR, less than 30 days) at 1819 Lakeway Boulevard.  A few negative citizen comments demonstrated common misunderstandings about short-term rentals.  So, take note: 1) City officials do NOT have legal authority to forbid the practice of short-term rentals in Lakeway, since the courts and Texas law hold that people have the right to use their residential property in this way. 2) Cities are allowed to regulate the practice in some ways; Lakeway limits STR to 25 single family homes AND requires at least 1,000’ distance between them.  Currently, we only have 15 STR permits out for single family homes (mostly due to the 1,000’ limit).  3) There is no number or distance limit for condos (World of Tennis, Casa Verde, etc.).  4) We used to be able to limit the number of occupants and the number of cars parked, but that is no longer allowed by state law.  5) There is no limit to the number of times a property can be rented per year.  6) City staff does keep track of any complaints (such as for noise) neighbors make to the police department, and repeat offenses will get permits revoked. (Only 1 complaint–for noise–is on record for all STR properties over the last several months.)  APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 20 is a trio of requests relating to the proposed Nightingale Project, on 7.76 acres at 309 Ranch Road 620 North.  Considerable info is in the Meeting Packet, pages 87-248.  The current proposal is 248 rental units of Workforce housing (reduced rent for those making 60% or less of the area median income), with a parking garage and a privately-maintained one acre park, accessible to the public, to be built with several variances.  To allow this project via PUD (Planned Unit Development), applicant is asking for 3 things: change the property’s future land use map designation from commercial to residential; reduce the minimum PUD district size from 8 acres, as stated in the Code of Ordinances, to 7.76 acres; and change zoning from the current C-1 (Office/Retail) and AG (Agricultural) to PUD.  Many local businesses support this project, as it would provide lower cost housing to help staff our struggling businesses.  Residential neighbors insist it is too dense and lacks parking (despite a lot of improvement in both areas since ZAPCO’s May meeting, plus access from 620 will be via a stop light at Nightingale); people really cannot expect that land to remain undeveloped, and I doubt they will be happy with commercial use, either.  At the meeting, questions were raised as to whether TXDOT was committed to a traffic signal at 620 and Nightingale, as stipulated by the developer at the last ZAPCO meeting.  The developer suggested tabling Council’s decision until the September meeting so this could be clarified.  Council noted that ZAPCO assumed the traffic light was a given but still voted down the proposed development. So, Council declined to table the issue.  DEVELOPER WITHDREW THE APPLICATION, ENDING THE MATTER.

–Item 21 is approval of the FY 2022 budget and proposal of 2021 property tax rate.   The proposed budget was posted on the city’s site 8-13-21 https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36734/FY-22-General-Fund-Draft-Budget City Manager Oakley reviewed budget several items:

–Lakeway’s tax base increased by 12%, from $5.1 billion last year to $5.7 billion this year. 

–Average taxable home value in Lakeway increased from $559K in 2020 to $661K in 2021.

–When residents pay their property tax bill, only 7% of the total goes to City of Lakeway; the city’s average tax levy is $945. 

–The “no new tax rate” would be 0.1547; she says 0.1545 will result in $16.3 million of balanced revenue and expenditures.  (Previous tax rate was 0.1645, a full penny more per $100 valuation.)

–This budget allows the usual transfer of $350K to the Capital Reserve Fund and provides a healthy 33% Fund Balance Ratio.

–As for expenditures, the big increases are a 5% increase for personnel (COLA and merit raises for staff) and an 80% increase in Capitol Outlay largely due to needing to purchase 5 vehicles.

–On Sept. 13, there will be a public hearing on the issue.  The Sept. 20 meeting is the deadline to adopt a budget and tax rate.

Tax rate of 0.1545 per $100 valuation–APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY (which means the rate cannot be increased)

–Addendum #1: Increase of Lakeway’s over age 65 homestead property tax exemption.  Per the City Manager, 2,404 homes (23% of properties on the tax roll) now qualify for the current $5K exemption; the exempted value is roughly $12M and it saves $19T in taxes/$8 per 65+ homeowner.  Increasing the exemption to $15K would save $57T in taxes/$24 per 65+ homeowner (shifting the $38T difference to other owners, residential and commercial, at roughly $7/each).  APPROVED 5/0 (with 2 abstentions)

–Addendum #2: Review of a Nov. 16, 2020 ordinance re: Stratus and The Oaks’ development and setting a date certain for beginning its portion of the Main Street extension.

As the Mayor pointed out, the start date in the ordinance has passed.  Despite multiple attempts at outreach by the city, Stratus has failed to respond with any plans.  After discussion, Council AGREED the Mayor should communicate to Stratus that the city needs a proposal by Council’s next meeting on Main Street or a vote will be taken to enforce the ordinance.

–Items 22, 23, and 24 are Executive Sessions, where Council will consider (behind closed doors) a Lakeway MUD property request, police department matters, and legal advice relating to certain developments in the ETJ. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS STARTED 8:14PM; COUNCIL BACK IN OPEN SESSION 8:53PM.

–Item 25 is action, if any, on items discussed in the Executive Sessions.

City Attorney reported that, as to Item 24, because the Lazy 9 MUDs (located in the ETJ area south of 71 that was captured at the July meeting) are in advance stages, Lakeway should decline imposing its ordinances on them, assuming they proceed to obtain all Travis County and LCRA approvals as planned.  The City Manager needs authorization to sign a memorandum of understanding detailing this.  APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

—Item 2: ADJOURNED 8:56PM.

Go here to watch this meeting— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/130514

Back to me….

I’m thinking that America is doomed, as far as an adequate response to Covid.  It has been 18 months, and we are still wallowing in it.  As a nation, we are 1) too stupid to comprehend the complex science involved; 2) too paranoid to accept that science evolves and expert guidance changes when dealing with a “novel” virus; and 3) too stubborn to just shut up and do as we are told by the few of us who have grasped points 1 and 2.  I mean, gulping down livestock doses of ivermectin—really??? 

SPACs (special-purpose acquisition companies) have long been on my (extensive) list of Things I Do Not Understand.  I finally get them. They allow unlikely/shady people to raise money for unspecified purposes with little to no transparency or regulation; as the article says—the only reason for doing a SPAC is to lure money in from ill-informed and greedy suckers desperate for a deal.  SPACs are bad.  Move on.  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/21/business/dealbook/spac-market-future.html

Good books I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):

—I Alone Can Fix It (2021) by Carol Lennig and Philip Rucker—Three books came out in July on Trump’s disastrous final year in office, and I’m glad I saved this one for last; it is far and away the best-sourced and most complete.  And, yes—I can still be shocked and nauseated by what Trump says and does.  These Washington Post journalists covered it ALL—campaign, pandemic, election loss/Big Lie, insurrection, pardons and impeachment #2.  Among the many revelations I haven’t seen elsewhere are numerous comments from military leaders—Generals Estes, Millay, McCarthy and more—often deeply concerned about Trump’s mental capacity and how far he would go to stay in office; no surprise there, except their concerns explain why there was zero military presence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, despite the desperate need for it and even after VP Pence begged for help. The book also details how the adults on the White House staff gradually faded away after Nov. 3 and then deserted in droves after Jan. 6, leaving Trump to be managed by Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and on-and-off-again lawyer Giuliani, both of whom opened the gates to their even smarmier cohorts.  Just as he did with the other authors, Trump insisted on hosting Lennig and Rucker at Mar-a-Lago for a final Q&A among the retirees waiting for the buffet to open.  There, Trump shared his one big regret—that he did not crush BLM protests with military might.  Because, he’s still convinced he handled Covid-19 perfectly. 

—Transient Desires (2021), by Donna Leon—This series is like a vacation in Venice with knowledgeable locals guiding the way.  In the 30th installment, the remarkably well-read Commissario Guido Brunetti solves crimes along the city’s scenic canals and despite endemic local corruption at every level.  It is the perfect antidote to Covid concerns and political mayhem.

Still seeing sweet fawns on my morning walks, but their spots are fading and they are growing up fast.

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Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit) who turned ONE YEAR OLD on Aug. 21:

Giant Panda Xiao Qi Ji Celebrates His First Birthday at Smithsonian’s National Zoo 8/21/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDIbeZDfZgA

Giant panda’s big day–National Zoo’s cub turns 1  8/21/21 https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/national-zoo-giant-panda-cub-turns-1/65-01c76d3f-c5b6-4a25-8037-4a3e07fbd109?fbclid=IwAR11pUNC5yRy_jbjmYdG-VdNEYHvlKhPMGWLxrdCMwOmJ9dgChB2baWDkbE

The Best (And Cutest) Moments From The Giant Panda Cub’s First Year At The Zoo 8/20/21 https://www.npr.org/local/305/2021/08/23/1030271834/the-best-and-cutest-moments-from-the-giant-panda-cub-s-first-year-at-the-zoo

The Coronavirus   

Worldwide, reported infections have exceeded 200 million.  Deaths are over 4 million.  Both numbers are thought to be far lower than reality due to minimal testing and poor reporting in many countries.

Iran is seeing out of control daily cases and deaths.  Australia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are combating severe surges.  Martinique and Guadeloupe, 2 French territories in the Caribbean, are having their first Covid surges.

Japan reported an explosion of new cases and an “impending disaster” as the country set records for daily new case rates most of last week.  Over 400 infections were reported among the competitors and others while in Japan for the Olympics. 

In the US, the Delta variant is still winning the current battle of the war against Covid.  The country is averaging over 125,000 new cases per day.   More than 72,000 Americans are now hospitalized with Covid, and the average death rate is over 650 per day and rising sharply.

Louisiana and Florida spent the last couple weeks vying to lead the nation in new cases.  If they were independent countries, they would lead the world.  Indoor mask mandates were reinstated in Louisiana.  Florida lacks the leadership to take that measure; it has more Covid cases, hospitalizations and deaths now that at any point in the pandemic.

University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson has responded to the state’s surge (leaving the entire state without available ICU beds for a full week) by converting its garage to a field hospital for Covid patients.  It will be staffed by federal health care workers.

Missouri hospitals are still overwhelmed in most areas, though the surge may have crested there. Special ambulance squads are parked outside full hospitals to ferry patients to other facilities for care—often several counties away and even out of the state.

Oregon is experiencing a sudden surge in hospitalizations with a severe shortage of staff.  National Guard troops are being deployed to assist with care. Oregon is requiring masks be worn indoors, in public spaces, throughout the state. Of course, this is a terrible time for the new school year to be starting.  New Jersey and Virginia will require masks in schools. 

In Arkansas, parents went to court over the state’s BAN on mask mandates in schools; a judge blocked the ban, for now.  Arkansas judge temporarily blocks the state’s ban on mask mandates   https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/06/world/covid-delta-variant-vaccine?campaign_id=154&emc=edit_cb_20210806&instance_id=37362&nl=coronavirus-briefing&regi_id=122311001&segment_id=65629&te=1&user_id=85e9340cba19164d75f3915211a487be#arkansas-mask-mandate-asa-hutchinson

Concert tours were starting up again, but now many are being cancelled.  Stevie Nicks cancelled her entire 5-show 2021 tour (including her ACL Festival date). Other tour cancellations include Counting Crows and Limp Bizkit. Jason Isbell cancelled his Houston show; he only plays venues requiring proof of vaccination or a current negative test to attend.  Michael Bublé and Counting Crows have postponed tour dates.

Amazon, Wells Fargo, BlackRock, The New York Times, and countless smaller companies nationwide have delayed planned returns to in-person work due to the surge. 

In the last 2 weeks, US cases have increased 66%, hospitalizations are up 74%, and deaths are up 116%.

Experts now say the best-case long-term result with Covid is that we tame—not eliminate—it.  To get there, vaccination must become the norm.  Very nearly all adults are thus protected, and kids get vaccinated early on along with all the other usual shots.  Breakthrough cases will happen, but they are mild. Since everyone is protected from serious disease, hospitalization and death by vaccination, masking and other precautions are NOT needed.  Once we get to this point, Covid will—finally—be reduced to “just like the flu”—yukky but not dire.  The glaring exceptions will be among the unvaccinated, whose suffering and death should serve as a cautionary tale to others. To keep those exceptions from overwhelming hospitals and imploding the economy, we must get a lot more adults vaccinated AND get vaccines approved for even the youngest children.  BUT–how long until we get there, and how many more people will die needlessly?  Plus, of course, there’s no guarantee we ever convert that sunny scenario to reality.  It can be derailed in several ways, including continued vaccination failure, new variants emerging that are not blocked by the existing vaccines, or another ugly surprise from this aptly named “novel” virus. This one-hour podcast (there’s a link to a written transcript) with epidemiologist Dr. Céline Gounder is an excellent overview of Delta, where we are now, and what to expect; happily, she is overall optimistic.  The Good News and Bad News about the Delta Variant 8/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/06/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-celine-gounder.html

In Texas, in the last 2 weeks, cases have increased 58%, hospitalizations are up 86%, and deaths are up 150%. Over 75% of new cases in Texas are due to Delta.

Texas is reporting 14,000 new cases daily.  As of now, there are 11,261 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.  The current positivity test rate is 19%.

Over 50 Texas hospitals had no available ICU capacity last week.  Houston hospitals erected tents for extra capacity; still, Covid patients are being transferred to hospitals out of the city and even out of the state.  The Austin metropolitan area (comprised of 11 counties, with over 3 million people) was down to 2 ICU beds off and on over the last several days.  Children and even infants are in ICUs and on ventilators, in high numbers not seen in previous surges.  Covid hospitalizations (over 95% are unvaccinated) are expected to exceed 15,000 later this month.

Large urban school districts, in light of the surge and increased hospitalization of children, are ignoring Gov. Abbott’s bizarre decree against mask mandates.  (As well they should, since his emergency powers are limited to measures protecting public safety; REQUIRING masks protects public health, but how can BANNING masks do so?)  State courts issued temporary injunctions last week against Abbott’s mask ban, specifically for Dallas and San Antonio schools.  School districts in Austin/Travis County and Houston, and more will require masks, as well.  (Fort Worth was also on that list, until 4 parents sued and got a judge to enter a restraining order, which may or may not stand.)  If Abbott dares to follow through with the threatened fines and loss of school funding, it will all end up in the courts.

Austin Community College has adopted a mask mandate.  University of Texas has NOT done so to date; as a state school, it is bowing to Abbott’s edict.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, booster shots are becoming controversial.  Germany, France, Hungary and Russia are offering booster shots to high-risk people (the elderly and those with compromised immune systems).  The UK says it has purchased extra vaccines in case boosters are needed in the fall.  The companies making vaccines are VERY much in favor of boosters, for obvious reasons.  Others feel no one should be offered a third shot until some level of vaccination has been reached world-wide; this is not just altruistic, since the pandemic won’t be stopped until all countries have access to vaccines.  The World Health Organization recently called for a moratorium on boosters until late September, so that all countries have a chance to vaccinate at least 10% of their populations.  The US government position is that boosters GENERALLY are not now needed (though stock vaccine has been purchased), and the issue is being monitored. BUT, an extra shot for those whose immune system is compromised (such as organ transplant patients) was recently approved. The F.D.A. authorized a third dose of Covid vaccines for immunocompromised people 8/13/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/12/us/covid-vaccine-booster-pfizer-moderna.html

Germany has always provided free Covid testing.  Now, unvaccinated people have to pay for testing.

In the US, just over 50% of the entire population is FULLY vaccinated.  And, on Aug. 2 we reached the milestone of 70% of American adults getting at least 1 shot, a month after the hoped-for date of July 4.  Still, that leaves over 90 million eligible people unvaccinated.  The good news is that vaccinations are up; we are now averaging over 700K shots per day.

Vaccine mandates are proliferating.  This ruling helped, strongly indicating there is no legal impediment to mandates, even for emergency authorization vaccines.  The Supreme Court won’t block Indiana University’s vaccine mandate 8/12/21  https://apnews.com/article/health-courts-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-c10f02b467c86e2b61c6743aedd4fc69

The New York Stock Exchange is requiring vaccinations to enter its trading floor.  Tyson Foods is requiring its entire workforce of over 120,000 people to be vaccinated.  Walmart, the country’s largest private employer, announced vaccine mandates for employees, BUT ONLY for the 17K people working at its headquarters and NOT for its 1.6 million store employees; for them, Walmart is increasing its cash incentive to get a shot, to $150.  Microsoft will require all employees and visitors be vaxxed by September.  BlackRock is requiring workers be vaccinated upon a delayed return to offices in October.  Amtrak is requiring all employees be vaccinated or test weekly.  CNN fired 3 workers who violated policy by returning to in-person work unvaccinated. 

San Francisco as of Aug. 20 will require FULL vaccination for patrons of indoor dining, bars, nightclubs, gyms, concerts, theaters and other events held inside; testing is not an option.  Workers in SF are being given until October to get vaccinated.  New York state will require public transport workers be vaccinated or tested weekly by September and is considering the same for other frontline workers including teachers, healthcare workers and nursing home workers. New York City will require proof of vaccination to access indoor spaces—including restaurants, gyms, movies, concerts, and other performances, starting in September. Virginia is requiring all state workers to be vaccinated. Washington, DC is requiring all public workers to be vaccinated.  Washington state is requiring state workers and heath care providers to be vaccinated.  Hawaii is requiring all public workers (including public school teachers) be vaccinated.  California is requiring all teachers and school staff (at public and private schools) to be vaccinated or face weekly testing. The nation’s largest teachers’ unions now support mandating vaccines for teachers.  LA and Chicago are requiring all teachers and school staff to be vaccinated.  Some Ohio judges are requiring vaccination for allowing prisoners probation. 

A study done in 10 US states found over 1 million doses were wasted from December, 2020-July, 2021.  Reasons include breakage, storage/transportation problems, expiration, and shots that were prepared but not used after people did not show up for appointments.  The highest loss rate found was 2% in a given state.  Extrapolating to all 50 states yields an estimated 5 million wasted doses so far.

The FDA plans to complete the process for FINAL approval (as opposed to the current emergency authorization) of the Pfizer vaccine in early September.

In Texas, of all state residents, only 44% are fully vaccinated, with 53% of those age 12 and up fully protected.  Both numbers are well below the national averages.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

Texas Hospitals Are Already Overloaded. Doctors Are ‘Frightened by What Is Coming.’ 8/11/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/11/us/covid-texas-hospitalizations-icu.html

Austin warns of ‘catastrophe’ as Texas again becomes epicenter of pandemic  8/9/21 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/09/austin-catastrophe-epicenter-again-pandemic

Fears as more children falling ill in latest US Covid surge and school approaches 8/8/21 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/08/us-children-covid-delta-latest-surge

‘This Is Really Scary’: Kids Struggle With Long Covid 8/8/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/08/health/long-covid-kids.html

What to Do With Our Covid Rage 8/7/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/07/opinion/sunday/covid-unvaccinated-anger.html

The Good News and Bad News about the Delta Variant 8/6/21 (one hour podcast with link to a written transcript) https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/06/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-celine-gounder.html

Is the Future Just a Spike Protein Stamping on a Human Face, Forever?  8/5/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/opinion/covid-delta-vaccinated-flu.html

Should I Mask? Can I Travel? What About Hugs? How Delta Is Changing Advice for the Vaccinated  8/3/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/03/well/live/covid-delta-variant-vaccine-symptoms.html

Daring Mighty Things

There was an emergency in space, lasting an hour.  On July 29, the International Space Station–a complex and delicate network of modules, arrays, antennas and equipment that all together is larger than a football field—abruptly spun 1 and a half revolutions and stopped upside down, due to an accidental thruster firing by a newly docked Russian craft.  To correct orbital position, the ISS fired its own thrusters to forward flip 180 degrees, returning to normal.  There were seven astronauts on board.  All seems to be well, but the ISS was not built for gymnastic stunts, and nothing like this ever happened in its previous 22 years of existence.  It Was His Day Off. Then the Space Station Went for a Spin.  8/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/science/nasa-space-station-zebulon-scoville.html

Texas state elections

There wasn’t much election news recently, except for Gov. Abbott wreaking havoc as he feebly works his best Trump impression. 

So, the first special legislative session in Texas limped to an end on Aug. 6, and Gov. Abbott immediately called a second special session starting Aug. 7.  His pet priorities include the vote-restricting bill that nuked the previous session.  Gov. Greg Abbott announces special legislative session starting Saturday, covering elections, federal COVID-19 funding, quorum rules  8/5/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/02/greg-abbott-texas-special-legislative-session/

With Congress on vacation, the AWOL Texas Democratic reps militating in DC for national voter registration protections are coming home.  The bad news is that the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court on Aug. 10 ruled the Dems can be arrested upon their return to Texas and forcibly returned to House chambers; just for practice, apparently, the House locked inside its less-than-quorum membership last week. Texas Supreme Court allows for arrest of Democrats who don’t show up to Legislature  8/10/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/08/10/texas-greg-abbott-democrats-special-session/

The good news is that Abbott caved on his spiteful veto of all funding for the legislative branch when Dems first broke quorum over voting rights back in May. So, Capitol workers and government contractors will get paid.  After his veto didn’t lure Democrats back to work, Gov. Abbott extends funding for legislative branch 8/7/21  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2021/08/07/texas-gov-greg-abbott-restores-legislative-branch-funding-special-session/5514626001/

In Lakeway

Go here for Mayor Kilgore’s Aug. 11 video update on Covid, the police chief search and more– https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway

Lakeway Council meets in Regular Session on Monday, Aug. 16, 6:30pm, in-person, at City Hall. 

Also, the proposed FY2022 budget has been posted on the city’s site (see link below). 

Consequential Agenda items include:

–The Consent Agenda (items 4-12) includes appointment of members to the Board of Ethics, Parks and Recreation Committee, and Wildlife Advisory Committee (names are in the Meeting Packet), as well as awarding contracts after bidding solicited for civil engineering services and street striping (details in Meeting Packet).

–Item 13 is Citizens Participation (for items not on the Consent Agenda).

–Item 14 is the Financial Report.

–Item 15 is a request by Tex Arts for $50K of Hotel Occupancy Tax funds.

–Item 16 is an increase in trash and recycling fees from $22.14 to $22.33 per month for each household (subsequent to the provider’s rate increase request being approved last month).

–Item 17 deals with the city’s franchise agreement with Austin Energy, maintaining the payment amount of three percent gross electric revenues from customers within Lakeway and extending the term for three years (instead of the requested 10 years).

–Item 18 is a law enforcement interlocal agreement between the city and LTISD.

–Item 19 is a special use permit for short-term rental at 1819 Lakeway Boulevard. –Item 20 is a trio of requests relating to the proposed Nightingale Project, on 7.76 acres at 309 Ranch Road 620 North.  Considerable info is in the Meeting Packet, pages 87-248.  The current proposal is 248 rental units of Workforce housing (reduced rent for those making 60% or less of the area median income), with a parking garage and a privately-maintained one acre park, accessible to the public, to be built with several variances.  To allow this project via PUD (Planned Unit Development), applicant is asking for 3 things: change the property’s future land use map designation from commercial to residential; reduce the minimum PUD district size from 8 acres, as stated in the Code of Ordinances, to 7.76 acres; and change zoning from the current C-1 (Office/Retail) and AG (Agricultural) to PUD.  Many local businesses support this project, as it would provide lower cost housing to help staff our struggling businesses.  Residential neighbors insist it is too dense and lacks parking (despite a lot of improvement in both areas since ZAPCO’s May meeting, plus access from 620 will be via a stop light at Nightingale); people really cannot expect that land to remain undeveloped, and I doubt they will be happy with commercial use, either.  This project was voted down at the Aug. 9 ZAPCO meeting.  Go here to view discussion of item 9: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/130144

–Item 21 is approval of the FY 2022 budget and proposal of 2021 property tax rate.   The proposed budget was posted on the city’s site 8-13-21–https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36734/FY-22-General-Fund-Draft-Budget

–Items 22, 23, and 24 are Executive Sessions, where Council will consider (behind closed doors) a Lakeway MUD property request, police department matters, and legal advice relating to certain developments in the ETJ.

–Item 25 is action, if any, on items discussed in the Executive Sessions.

–Addendum #1 adds this—possible increase of Lakeway’s over age 65 homestead property tax exemption.

–Addendum #2 adds this—review of a Nov. 16, 2020 ordinance re: The Oaks’ Main Street extension.

–Item 26—Adjourn. Go here for the Agenda (with Addendum 1 and Addendum 2) and the Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand (by 3pm Monday) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form– https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

I’m pretty much staying home again, to avoid Delta.  Also staying off ladders, to avoid breaking a hip or something since hospitals are full….

So, I have plenty of time to read.  Good books I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):

—Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency (2021), by Michael Wolff—I don’t like the author’s writing style (and haven’t read his other Trump books), and for me the first half of this book chronicling the last stage of the 2020 campaign was just so-so.  But, his coverage of how White House insiders managed, manipulated and isolated Trump from election day through Jan. 6, the second impeachment, and trading the Oval Office for Mar-a-Lago’s lobby is riveting.  Plus, Wolff’s scoop on the 3 stooges who reluctantly appeared as Trump’s lawyers during the impeachment trial in the Senate is laugh-out-loud funny and explains SO MUCH of what happened (and didn’t happen) on camera.  Wolff demonstrates that the Trump who walked into office as President was exactly the same as the Trump who left 4 years later.  Despite countless failures, disasters and disgraces, he never changed or learned or grew or transformed; he never got better, and he was never ashamed.

—Frankly, We Did Win This Election (2021), by Michael C. Bender—This is a well-written account of Trump’s last year in office, by the Wall Street Journal reporter who covered him since the beginning.  Bender (who Trump condemns as overly harsh but still favors due to his “beautiful hair”) provides new details on the Lafayette Square/Bible debacle, the super-spreader Tulsa rally, Trump’s rabid hyena impression at the first debate, Trump’s own case of Covid, the shock of election night, Jan. 6 in all its glory, the odd Trump/Pence relationship, impeachment 2.0, and more.  Bender closes with an eerie portrait of Trump’s life post-presidency, holding court in the lobby of Mar-a-Lago among the other faded septuagenarians with their trophy wives, discussing the menu and golf every bit as seriously as politics, and preening in the adulation of the crowd—even if it is just applause as he enters the dining room for meatloaf.

I feel zero pity for Trump, but both these books make it crystal clear that he is damaged mentally and psychologically, to the point he should be confined for everyone’s protection.  Instead, his staff and political allies keep him propped up for their own benefit, and the purely transactional relationship he has with family members means they will do the same as long as cash and power dribble down to them.

—Forget the Alamo (2021), by Bryan Burrough, Chris Tomlinson, and Jason Stanford—Any book that sets Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s hair on fire goes on my must-read list, and this one did not disappoint.  For a history book, it is delightfully light and often downright funny; as the authors say—they don’t take themselves too seriously.  They do, however, slay several beloved Alamo myths and expose the truth that territorial Texas rebelled against Mexico back in 1836 to protect slavery.  Plus, the doomed heroes of the Alamo were slave owners.  (Not having grown up in Texas, I didn’t realize any of that was “news.”  I also didn’t realize Texas today requires kids be taught the Alamo defenders were “heroic.”)  The story didn’t end in 1836, of course, and the book covers the modern era of Alamo handling by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, University of Texas, General Land Office, and—oddly enough—British musician Phil Collins.

I had to replace my exercise bike (RIP, NordicTrack).  Amazon sent me a new one—in a VERY heavy box that was bigger than I am and filled with a sea of parts, bolt-thingees, and a teeny-tiny tool set.  It took 3 hours and ruined a Sunday, but I ended up with something that looks a lot like an exercise bike.  Every time I use it, I’m shocked that it works.

I’m seeing deer on my morning walks, but their location is very different than in previous summers.  Wonder why….  Here are some photos I took recently.

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Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit) who turns ONE YEAR OLD on Aug. 21:

Fun and informative article by one of Xiao’s keepers: Caring for Giant Pandas: Stories from a Real-Life Zoo Guardian 8/8/21 https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/caring-for-giant-pandas-stories-real-life-zoo-guardian?fbclid=IwAR0GlmUYEKiLFFJaYtnKszM3sljiizHsAyLOlBISbDnwHWQeL4ZPvZs2Fmg

Xiao Qi Ji: A Memoir, With Love by Dr Q  8/12/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkNda53kwlA

Xiao Qi Ji and Mei Xaing  8/7/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-XS7K9_w0E

Xiao–Trotting Little Cutie Has Fun in the Yard  8/3/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHGYJM8Wg-U

The Coronavirus    In the 2 weeks since my last blog, EVERYTHING changed.  For the worse, of course.

Worldwide, millions of children have been orphaned in the last 18 months, due to their parents/caregivers dying of Covid.  One estimate is that, worldwide, an adult caregiver now dies every 12 seconds.  Given the scarcity of vaccines in most countries, this is not expected to improve much, for years.  The hardest hit areas are Africa, South Asia and Latin America.  The number of Covid orphans already exceeds that from AIDS and other plagues.  This tragic human and economic consequence will burden many countries for a generation.

Indonesia, with patients now needing to bring their own oxygen tanks to hospitals, is the new Covid hub, eclipsing India and Brazil.  In the Philippines, the capitol city of Manila (population 13 million), will be completely locked down Aug. 4-20 with people only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping. Bali delayed its planned July reopening to vaccinated tourists.  In Japan, new cases spiked to the highest level ever, just as the Olympics began; as of July 28, the country was reporting over 10,000 new cases per day, a pandemic high.

Cuba has the most new cases, per capita, in Latin America.

The UK lifted pandemic restrictions in a state of confusion.  “Freedom Day” was rife with worker shortages as many people were self-quarantining due to exposure notices from the government-sponsored app.  That included PM Boris Johnson, in isolation for at least 10 days after being in contact with diagnosed officials.

In the US, the war has changed.  We are suddenly back to losing the fight against the pandemic; instead of a celebratory summer, we are back in Covid hell.  So announced the CDC last week, as it revised how we fight Covid.  So announced President Biden, as he enacted vaccine mandates—the last resort for controlling Covid among an irresponsible populace.  So announced countless state and local entities as well as private businesses following suit, while the Delta variant reignited the pandemic in poorly vaccinated areas nationwide.  The new strategy is to make life harder for the stubborn unvaccinated, whose irresponsible shot refusal not only makes themselves Covid fodder but also endangers everyone else.

The current surge is driven by the Delta variant, accounting for 80-90% of new cases, depending on region.  Even with limited testing, there were over 100,000 new cases reported on July 29 and again on July 30; daily levels have not been that high since the surge in February.  The current surge is expected to continue escalating until peaking in late October.  Experts say:

–Delta is 200 times as contagious as the original Covid-19 virus. 

–Anyone NOT vaccinated WILL get it. 

–Having had Covid in the past does NOT protect against Delta. 

–99% of the people dying now from Covid are UNVACCINATED.

–GET VACCINATED.

Over 25% of all new cases in the US are in Florida, and many hospitals there have more Covid patients now than ever before.  Just 3 states—Florida, Texas and Missouri—together account for over 50% of America’s new cases; they also have Republican governors who blatantly downplayed the pandemic from the start and banned mitigation efforts like mask requirements.  Other states rife with hot spots include Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.  All these states have low vaccination rates and overwhelmed hospitals, yet again.

The virus turn-around caused Google, Apple and Uber to postpone having employees return to work in offices until October.  Other companies large and small are likely to follow their example.

Covid has given us yet another new term—breakthrough infection.  More and more people who are fully vaccinated are testing positive for Covid, many asymptomatic and some experiencing mild symptoms.  These are known as breakthrough infections and are not surprising.  We always knew that the vaccines wouldn’t stop 100% of sickness and that a few people would still get covid—just not severe or deadly cases.  But, the sheer number of breakthrough cases seems larger than expected, and THAT is due to Delta being so contagious.  Check out NYT’s 25-minute podcast from The Daily, on how and why some people get infected even though fully vaccinated, the new finding that THEY ARE CONTAGIOUS, and the new issues that raises.  Breakthrough Infections, Explained  UPDATED podcast 8-2-21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/podcasts/the-daily/breakthrough-infections-delta-variant.html?rref=vanity

Masks are back.  On July 27, the CDC stated EVERYONE (even the vaccinated) should return to wearing masks indoors in public, wherever the virus is surging (for example, areas with a positive testing rate of 8% or higher.)  At present, that includes 2/3 of all counties in the US.  The CDC based this change in masking on new data showing the Delta variant is not only infecting vaccinated people but causing them to carry the virus in great amounts, making them spreaders. This is because, with Delta infections, the viral load in nasal passages is 1,000 times higher than with basic Covid.  So, vaccinated parents and other adults spending time around unvaccinated children can infect them. 

St. Louis has mandated masks for everyone, indoors in public places, as has Washington, DC; both areas have high case-counts now.  The White House and The House of Representatives (actually, ALL federal areas), along with many businesses (including all Disney parks and all Broadway theaters in NYC), are requiring masks be worn by everyone.  Experts note that N95 masks are widely available to the public now, and they are far more effective than fabric or surgical masks.

In the last 2 weeks, US cases have increased 150%, hospitalizations are up 74%, and deaths are up 10%.

In Texas, in the last 2 weeks, cases have increased 209%, hospitalizations are up 80%, and deaths are up 48%.

Texas is again reporting over 10,000 new cases daily, which hasn’t happened since February.  As of July 30, there were 6,251 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19, the most since February.  The current positive test rate is 16.99—more than double what it was 2 weeks back. 

Do you want to live or die?  Here is crystal clear data on the choice.  99.5% of people who died due to COVID-19 in Texas from Feb. 8 to July 14 were unvaccinated.  Texas has seen nearly 9,000 COVID-19 deaths since February. All but 43 were unvaccinated people. 7/21/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/21/coronavirus-texas-vaccinated-deaths/

Austin/Travis County, due to the sharp increase in new cases and hospitalizations   reached the threshold for Stage 5 guidelines on July 30, just 1 week after escalating to Stage 4.  In Stage 4, masks are advised even for vaccinated people in stores and restaurants, when traveling, and in outdoor crowds.  Unvaccinated people (including those only partially vaccinated) should not gather in groups and should only go out for essential purposes. In Stage 5, likely adopted if hospitalizations stay up for 3 days, all travel should cease.  As of July 31, Austin/Travis County has 338 people hospitalized for Covid, a level not seen since February, and only 11 ICU beds are available.

Gov. Abbott issued new orders last week reiterating that no government entity can require masks or vaccinations, decreeing that “personal responsibility” is all Texas needs to fight Covid.  Odd–that hasn’t worked so far.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, France will require Covid passes for all domestic travelers and restaurant patrons.  The Italian government is requiring people to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test for indoor dining, visiting museums and attending shows.

Canada has reached vaccination goals and says it will open its border to Americans August 9, as long as they have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before travel and present a negative test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Israel is offering a 3^rd shot of Pfizer, as a booster, to everyone over age 60 who got vaccinated at least 5 months previously.

In a rare success story, 90 percent of adults in remote Himalayan kingdom Bhutan (population 800’000) have been fully vaccinated.  Vaccine for the first set of shots was donated by India.  A large group of countries (Denmark, Bulgaria, Croatia, China, America, and others) donated the second round of vaccine, but it was the developing nation’s robust cold-chain technology and the eagerness of its people to get vaccinated that guaranteed success.

At least 100 out of America’s 613 athletes participating in the Olympics in Japan are NOT vaccinated.  (That doesn’t include over 70 of the athletes who failed to complete the official health form.)  The IOC says about 85% of ALL athletes are vaccinated, but how that number was reached is vague. 

In the US, studies show that being vaccinated makes you 25 times less likely to die of Covid.  Yet, the split between vaccinated and not vaccinated remains a sharp divide.  99% of recent deaths were among unvaccinated people, and more than 97% of recent hospitalizations occurred among the unvaccinated.

But, since so many people clearly are NOT smart enough, vaccination mandates could no longer be denied.

The Department of Veterans Affairs became the first federal agency to mandate vaccination; it gave 115,000 health care workers (those patient-facing such as doctors, dentists, registered nurses, physician assistants and specialists) a vaccination deadline that is 2 months out. 

California state employees, as well as on-site public and private health care workers, must be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.  New York City municipal employees (including police officers and teachers) must be vaccinated by mid-September or get weekly tests.  New York state workers must be vaccinated or face weekly testing (with patient-facing health care workers NOT given the testing option).  On July 29, President Biden ordered that all federal civilian workers (over 4 million people) must be vaccinated, or they will have to mask, social distance, and test weekly.  The same rules will be applied to all US military personnel.Broadway theaters will require proof of vaccination to attend; the same will be required for performers and staff.  Hundreds of bars in San Francisco will require indoor patrons to prove vaccination or a recent negative test.  The major unions in Hollywood agreed to a short-term plan that would allow studios to require everyone on production sets to be vaccinated.  University vaccine requirements are being upheld by the courts, with over 600 higher learning institutions announcing vaccine mandates. Indiana University’s Vaccine Requirement Should Stand, Federal Judge Rules 7/19/21  https://www.npr.org/2021/07/19/1018010489/indiana-universitys-vaccine-requirement-should-stand-federal-judge-rules

MANY other entities are chiming in to require vaccination for employees—Google, Facebook, Netflix, The Washington Post, California State University, CNN, Saks, Lyft, Uber, and Morgan Stanley.  Countless medical facilities, including the multi-state Mayo Clinic system of hospitals, are requiring employees to be vaccinated.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

UPDATED podcast on NYT’s The Daily, covering current info on breakthrough Covid infections 8-2-21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/podcasts/the-daily/breakthrough-infections-delta-variant.html?rref=vanity

Vaccinated People May Spread the Virus, C.D.C. Reports 7/30/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/30/health/cdc-vaccinated-delta.html

As Infections Rise, C.D.C. Urges Some Vaccinated Americans to Wear Masks Again 7/27/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/27/health/covid-cdc-masks-vaccines-delta-variant.html

‘There’s a disconnect’: After a rapid rollout why has US vaccine effort stalled?  7/26/21 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/26/us-vaccine-effort-nuance-covid-coronavirus

Medical groups call for mandatory vaccination of U.S. health care workers  7/26/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/26/health/health-care-workers-vaccine-requirement.html

The Delta Variant Is the Symptom of a Bigger Threat: Vaccine Refusal  7/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/25/health/coronavirus-vaccine-refusal.html

Covid Has Created a Scale of Family Loss Not Seen Since AIDS  7/20/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/20/opinion/covid-19-orphans.html

Delta variant sweeps through states that dialed back health powers  7/22/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/22/delta-variant-surge-covid-cases-500483

U.S. Life Expectancy Plunged in 2020, Especially for Black and Hispanic Americans, due to the pandemic 7/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/21/us/american-life-expectancy-report.html

Surgeon General Assails Tech Companies Over Misinformation on Covid-19  7/16/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/15/us/politics/surgeon-general-vaccine-misinformation.html

Daring Mighty Things

On July 20, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin had a successful test flight for its version of a space ride.  Its New Shephard is a more traditional capsule launched via rocket, compared to Virgin Galactic’s plane-like craft.  (Clearly, its design team was predominantly male.)  Plus, it went higher into the atmosphere, passing the 62-mile-high Karman line. On board were Bezos, his brother, and 82-year-old female aviator Wally Funk; the 4^th seat went to the 18-year-old son of the highest bidder at a charity auction.  (So, the flight took into space both the oldest and youngest “astronauts” ever.)  While the Virgin Galactic craft is flown by a pilot on board, Blue Origin is flown from the ground, with no crew along for the 10 minute ride.

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Texas state elections

Of course, Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the 2022 AG race; crooks gotta stick together.  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton gets all-important endorsement from Donald Trump over fellow Republican George P. Bush.  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/26/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-2022-donald-trump/

Bush and Paxton will also face Former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eve Guzman in the Republican primary. 

And, by the way—the Texas legislature is in complete disarray.  The Democrats who bugged out to DC on July 12 are still AWOL, so the Texas House lacks a quorum and nothing can get done during the special session.  Unfortunately, that means Gov. Abbott’s May temper-tantrum veto of all funding for the legislative branch still stands.  So, as of Sept. 1, the legislature has no funding and staffers (Republican AND Democrat) are out of work.  The current failed special session ends next week.  Abbott can call another session, with or without the contentious voting rights bill on the agenda, to take care of basics like the budget and the dire issue of banning U-T from ditching the Big 12 for the SEC.  With flaky Abbott, it all depends on how things poll for his re-election campaign.  The Texas Supreme Court has been asked to rule on whether Abbott has the power to defund a co-equal branch of state government, which should be interesting.  Analysis: Texas government has to put Humpty Dumpty together again 7/29/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/29/texas-legislature-budget-veto-greg-abbott/

In Lakeway, there were 3 Council meetings

Lakeway Council had 2 meetings on Monday, July 19. 

During the afternoon Budget Meeting:

Heritage Committee requested funds to clean and polish the Spirit of Freedom monument and to make at least 3 more videos showcasing Lakeway’s history (covering our July 4^th parade tradition, Colorado River and building the dam, and the pioneer roots of local families).  Mayor Kilgore asked that the Heritage Committee investigate honoring ALL who served and not just those serving during recognized conflicts.

Arts Committee requested $13,500 for various visual arts programs, $2,500 for printed materials, and $37,450 for the Austin Symphony collaborative concert with Lake Travis High School.

City Manager Oakley listed several committee/department requests:

–Economic Development requests $25K.

–Wildlife Advisory needs $8,800 for the annual deer census and $2,000 for educational materials.  Council Member Mastrangelo suggested adding additional routes to the census (including Vanguard and the airpark area) which would increase the cost to $10,000, subject to WAC’s discretion.  Mayor Kilgore mentioned additional work on non-deer wildlife issues would be addressed by his soon-to-be-named WAC committee members.

–Parks and Recreation requests $700K total (from Capital Reserve Fund), being $100K for the N. Lakeway Village Trail (a new looped trail with boardwalk and pedestrian bridges in the greenbelt area off Clara Van and connecting to Clubhouse Drive), $55K for a  sidewalk near the Hurst Creek sculpture garden, $445K for the new bridge near the Hurst Creek sculpture garden (after discussion on the high cost, Council asked for options for pedestrian, cart, and vehicle bridges), and $100K for professional parks planning.

–5 vehicles (2 cars and a 4X4 truck for Police Dept., a truck for BDS, and a 4X4 dump truck for Public Works) for $260K (from Capital Reserve Fund).

–Another $122K (from Capital Reserve Fund) for a radio system for the Emergency Coordinator, sealcoat and striping of parking lots at LAC and Swim Center, and new exterior doors for LAC.

Mayor Kilgore asked staff to provide the cost to the city of increasing the homestead exemption for residents over 65 from the current $5K to $15K or even $30K.

Mayor Kilgore pointed out that the city does not observe 3 federal holidays (Veterans Day, Juneteenth and Columbus Day); he asked staff to provide the cost of making those city holidays.  He also noted that the city now observes 1 religious holiday (Good Friday); he suggested that staff be allowed instead to take 1 religious holiday of their choice and asked the cost be calculated for that.

Addendum—Activity Center fees were discussed, being annual membership fees (for residents and for non-residents), room rentals, linen and equipment rentals, plus class fees, and special event fees.  In discussion, Council agreed that membership fees for residents help cover ongoing expenses, separate and apart from construction costs for the building paid decades ago by taxpayers.  In addition, having residents pay a small membership fee enables their groups to get priority and discounted rate for event bookings when 80% of attendees are members.

Go here to watch the meeting online– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/129159

During the evening Regular Meeting:

The Agenda had 30 items, most being fleshed out in the voluminous Meeting Packet.  (For good or bad, most of these items are routine.  There are only a few substantive items, which I noted with an asterisk.*  The city needs to figure out better ways to handle the routine stuff and get it off Council’s plate.)  RESULTS in ALL CAPS.

–The Consent Agenda has items appointing members of the following boards and committees: Ethics, City Building Commission, Zoning and Planning, and Economic Development.  Another item closes down the Public Engagement Committee, since the City’s Communications Director has taken on its work.  (Names and full details are in the Meeting Packet.)  ITEM 6 (ETHICS COMM. NOMINATIONS) WAS WITHDRAWN.  THE REST PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

–Item 16 is the Financial Report.  REVENUE IS UP BY $900K, LARGELY DUE TO SALES TAX AND RESIDENTIAL PERMIT FEES BEING HIGHER THAN PROJECTED.

–*Item 17 is a rate increase request by Waste Management, per the terms of its trash and recycling collection contract with the city.  Increased costs (landfill costs and wages) of $0.76 are offset by increased revenues (recycled materials’ worth) of $0.57, with the result being a requested rate increase of $0.19, to $17.80 (per month, per customer).  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–*Item 18 is acceptance of a donation from The Lakeway Civic Corp. to pay for up to $40k in continued restoration of the Liebelt Cabin. Conditions on the gift are that the City undertake to fund annual maintenance work on the cabin AND pursue grant money to fund making the cabin and its surroundings compliant with the Texas Accessibility Act. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, BUT ABSENT THE CONDITIONS (which LCC changed to suggestions)

–Item 19 is a budget amendment for item 18.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 20 is a request for a short-term rental permit for a condo at World of Tennis.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 21 is a request for a special use permit for 100 years allowing an ambulatory surgery center at 6 Lakeway Center Court.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 22 is a request for a special use permit for 20 years allowing Guaranty Bank and Trust to operate with drive through lanes at 620 and Lakeway Blvd. (at the old location of Plains Capital Bank).  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–Item 23 is a request for preliminary plan approval of MC Bee Creek Subdivision (17 single family lots on 34 acres) at Lakehurst Loop and Lakehurst Road, in the city’s ETJ.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–*Item 24 is a proposed development agreement for 314 Clubhouse Drive.  (See Meeting Packet, starting at page 169.)  This was round 2, for this controversial development.  At Council’s June 21 meeting, action was tabled for a month, to allow the developer to meet with the city and neighboring owners to resolve at least some issues.  June proposal: In the ETJ, at Longwood, the 6.3 acre tract would be annexed to the city with 17 single-family homes built. Zoning would be R-2, they want front facing garages with no turnaround, 15’ set-back, building materials specified, zoning fees waived.  Now, the proposal was for annexation but for 16 single-family homes with R-1 zoning, access via Longwood, no driveway turnaround (but the request for front-facing garages is gone), building materials specified, zoning fees waived. The bottom line remained that, since the tract is not currently within Lakeway’s jurisdiction, the owner is free to develop it per Travis County’s far more lenient rules unless agreement is reached. NOTE: the only real objection nearby homeowners still had was wanting the city to extend Clara Van to the new tract, to handle the construction traffic.  However, they did NOT want the development connected to Longwood, as that would make the entire neighborhood a cut-through to 620.  Cost to extend Clara Van was estimated at $2M-4M, which Council found to be prohibitive; in addition, if the city built a connector road it would (at some point) be punched through to fully connect the neighborhood to 620.  So, the development will be accessed via Longwood.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (with zoning fees and cut and fill handled normally)

–*Item 25 is a change to the building ordinance to address how the city handles the increasingly common development agreement.  Changes include requiring written notice to surrounding landowners within 200 feet (as is already done for zoning changes), having at least 2 Council hearings prior to voting on the agreement, and encouragement for developers to meet with neighboring owners BEFORE the matter gets to Council. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

–*Item 26 is discussion of various code provisions:

–a) short term rentals (theoretical 1,000 foot distribution—see Meeting Packet page 209)

–b) golf carts (comparison of regulations by state and nearby cities–see Meeting Packet page 210; cart path illustration–see Meeting Packet page 211)

–c) camping (HB 1025—see Meeting Packet starting with page 212)

–d) BDS regs

There was little discussion of these issues, just a decision of how to prioritize review of them, given that all will be labor intensive for staff, who are occupied with the budget process now.  PRIORITY: BDS ISSUES, GOLF CARTS, AIRPARK ACTIVITY (newly suggested), the rest as time permits

–*Item 27 is first reading of the BDS Design Manual (see Meeting Packet starting with page 221). MINOR CHANGES SUGGESTED.  Second review will be at July 26 meeting, with vote then.

–*Item 28 repeals a 2008 city ordinance and extends Lakeway’s ETJ to include the area south of Hwy. 71, as allowed by state law (see illustration on Meeting Packet page 301).  PASSED 6/0 (Council Member Vance having recused herself)

–Item 29 amends building ordinances to align the hours allowed for construction, as listed in various locations of the code already, and to allow exceptions for early concrete pours at commercial sites.  PASSED UNANIMOUSLY (with staff asked to look at similarly allowing early concrete pours at residential construction sites)

–Item 30—ADJOURNED at 10:22pm. Go here to watch the meeting online– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/129177

Go here for the Meeting Packet (for the evening meeting)— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Lakeway Council met in Special Session Monday, July 26. 

This was largely a Work Session for the FY 2022 Budget, a short meeting (under 45 minutes), basically a step in the budget process that started with reviewing information received from Travis County Appraisal District.  Per TCAD, Lakeway’s tax base increased by 12% from $5.1 billion last year to $5.7 billion this year.  The valuation of existing property went up 8%, plus properties new to the city added 4% to the base.  Also per TCAD, the average taxable home value in Lakeway increased from $559K in 2020 to $661K in 2021.

Council seems agreed that there is no need to consider raising the tax rate, which is now .1645.  In fact, the increase in the city’s tax base means the tax rate can go DOWN, and still generate the same amount of tax revenue.  This magic rate is called the “no new tax rate,” and it would be .1547.  The City Manager is suggesting the slightly lower rate of .1545 which she says will balance the 2022 budget as now envisioned.  (Note that this rate would raise taxes by $19 per home, due to the fact that our residential values rose while our commercial values dropped this year.  This shift in the property tax burden from commercial to residential may or may not be a Covid-19 fluctuation; city staff is getting more info on this.)

The City Manager pointed out that when residents pay their property tax bill, only 7% of the total goes to City of Lakeway.  The rest of the money goes out like this: LTISD–58%, Travis County–16%, MUD—5%, Central Heath—5%, Austin Community College—5%, emergency services—4%.  So, the decision on Lakeway’s tax rate will only affect its 7% piece of the pie.

In addition, a chart of area cites and tax rates for 2021 was shown.  Services provided vary, but Lakeway was pretty much in the middle.  Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock and others have higher rates.  Bee Cave, The Hills, Briarcliff and others have lower rates.

Revenues and expenditures were quickly reviewed, including the new committee and department requests made at the last meeting.  Looking at the big picture, the City Manager summarized the proposed budget (using the .1545 tax rate) as $16.3 million of balanced revenue and expenditures.  This allows the usual transfer of $350K to the Capital Reserve Fund and provides a healthy 33% Fund Balance Ratio.

At its Aug. 16 meeting, Council will propose a tax rate.  (In August, all the Travis County data will be in and numbers finalized, so the proposed budget will be posted online.)  On Sept. 13, there will be a public hearing on the issue.  The Sept. 20 meeting is the deadline to adopt a budget and tax rate.

The Addendum to the Agenda added second review for Building and Development Services’ new Design Manual.  This is seen as a living document, with information to be added and revised as needed, with the goal of making the process easier for owners and developers.  It was approved 6/0.  (Council Member Vance was absent.)

Adjourned: 7:12pm.  Under an hour–this might be a record….

Go here to watch the meeting– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/129546

Back to me….

Have to say, the new surge and the U-turn in Covid stats nationwide and right here in Texas—it has really gotten me down.  Nothing infuriates me more than stupid selfishness; people try to dress it up as “vaccine hesitancy,” but I’m done.  If you refuse to get vaccinated, shame on you.  People try to compare requiring a COVID-19 vaccination to the hullabaloo when seatbelts became law.  Sorry, that is not very apt.  Seatbelts ONLY protect the wearer.  Getting vaccinated for Covid protects EVERYONE.  It protects the person getting vaxxed but also family, friends, store and restaurant employees, the folks at work and on the plane and in line to vote and sitting in meetings and in medical waiting rooms, etc.  It also helps us all by easing hospital admissions AND by encouraging economic recovery.  Most of all, it deters new and nasty variants that will—at some point, if left unchecked—be immune to the vaccines.  The reason we can’t find the perfect comparison for Covid non-vaxxers is that, in modern history, there hasn’t been a situation, like we have today, when people put their own misguided “freedom” ahead of not only their OWN good but of the best interests of EVERYONE.  We have simply reached a new and tragic low in common sense, duty, and morality. 

A lot of the blame rests with the Republican party, as far as I’m concerned.  It cannot be stressed enough: Republicans have become the party of personal IRRESPONSIBILITY.  That obviously applies to everything Covid-related, from wearing masks to getting vaccinated to red state laws banning precautions and forbidding businesses from requiring proof of vaccination.  It also applies to every other plague in America now—spouting “stop the steal” with zero proof of election fraud is irresponsible, ignoring climate change is irresponsible, lack of gun regulation is irresponsible, erratic immigration policy is irresponsible, and it goes on and on.  Now, the GOP is the non-policy party, whose leaders are grasping for power instead of even trying to govern.  This excellent article says is all: Republicans used to laud ‘personal responsibility’. Not with Covid  7/30/21   https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jul/30/republicans-used-to-laud-personal-responsibility-not-with-covid

So, the house I bought 3 years ago still had the ORIGINAL water heater, from 1996.  Obviously, replacing it has been on my list….  I got 6 local plumbers recommended by Next Door users as doing good work recently, calling and emailing all of them.  It seemed like overkill, but only 3 ever got back to me and came to the house to look things over.  Of those, 1 never supplied the promised estimate.  But, I was happy with one of the other 2 options and had the work done.  Not sure why getting this kind of work done in Lakeway is so difficult.

Good books I recently finished:

The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics 2020, by Steve Benen.  Written by the producer of The Rachel Maddow Show and the source of the show’s blog, this book looks at how the GOP devolved over decades to become unable to craft coherent policy on anything from health care to immigration to budget to foreign policy.  Turns out Trump didn’t originate the non-policy policy; he just happened along at the right time to let it cloak the fact he lacked the intelligence, interest and attention span to create anything more complicated than a sound bite. 

Robert B. Parker’s Someone to Watch Over Me, 2021 by Ace Atkins.  Parker is long gone, sadly, but the estate contracted with various authors to continue writing the stories of several of his beloved protagonists.  Overall, Atkins does well with Spenser, Boston’s best-known gumshoe, in this 48^th book in the series. It isn’t as good as some of Parker’s books, but reading present-day adventures of Spenser, Hawk, Susan and Pearl is literary comfort food.

Both books are available at Lake Travis Community Library.

I’ve been lucky enough to see fawns on my morning walks most days lately.  Here are some recent photos.

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Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

Mom and cub  7/30/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xi_887ph_A

Xiao Qi Ji Makes a Splash 7/25/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zsRtDQTm-U

Tree Dangles & Mommie Wrangles  7/23/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNBxOQLnKFg

MEI XIANG & CUB XIAO QI JI  7/23/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwm1naGApm8

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, the official Covid-19 death toll has now exceeded 4 million people.  Horrific as that number is, experts say the actual death rate is far higher. 

As a wave of infections hit the Asia Pacific region, South Korea (with just 10% of its population vaccinated) recently recorded its highest ever daily case totals.  Indonesia is also setting records.  In Myanmar, surging cases have prompted the military to hoard oxygen, denying it to hospitals and clinics.  A surge in Japan caused a state of emergency in Tokyo; despite cases already popping up in the athletes’ Olympic Village, the Games are still on, but spectators will be banned. 

Last week, Russia recorded its highest number of daily deaths since the pandemic began. The Netherlands opened restaurants and bars a few weeks ago; now, it has a surge of new cases.  Across Africa, the death rate jumped by 40% last week.

The UK still plans to lift all pandemic restrictions on July 19, despite the fact that new infections there are at a 6-month high.  Plus, hospitalizations and deaths are at the highest levels since March.  The Health Secretary tested positive for Covid last week. Experts warn that lifting restrictions, which is being done for political reasons and despite protests, will fuel the current surge further.

In the US, the Delta variant is responsible for well over 60% of infections.  New cases are up 120%, and hospitalizations are up 30%, from 2 weeks previously.  Deaths are also rising again (up 20% in 2 weeks), after falling for months.  Here we go again….

While every state shows a recent uptick in new cases, infection rates in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi are among the highest in the US – and their vaccination rates are among the lowest.  Cases are highest among the middle aged and young adults, who don’t consider themselves at risk.  Missouri hospitals are swamped with Covid patients, creating desperate scenes reminiscent of NYC in 2020; many hospitals in southern Missouri recently ran out of ventilators.  The surge is blamed on paltry vaccination rates (under 20% on some counties), the Delta variant, and mask hostility.  Chicago recently announced that UNVACCINATED people coming from Missouri and Arkansas would have to provide proof of a negative Covid test or quarantine for 10 days before entering the city.

Florida’s new cases last week were 4 times the national average, and deaths were double the national average.  Florida has the 4^th highest hospitalization rate in the country.

Surges are predicted for other states with low vaccination rates, such as Nevada and Texas.

Due to concern over California’s new case rate tripling statewide, Los Angeles County has reverted to a mask requirement for all indoor areas, regardless of vaccination status.

Remember when ventilators were THE coveted hospital tools for Covid?  Now, it is ECMO–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.  With ECMO, a complicated machine does the work of a failing heart and lungs to pump and oxygenate the blood; when even a ventilator isn’t enough, ECMO is the last resort.  But, ECMO is only available in 10% of US hospitals; even then, it is costly and requires one-on-one patient care for monitoring, so use is strictly rationed.  Health care workers have to decide—who gets this scarce resource? The Rationing of a Last-Resort Covid Treatment 7/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/12/us/covid-treatment-ecmo.html

In Texas, the highly contagious Delta variant sparked an outbreak at a Houston-area youth church camp held in June, with over 150 cases. 

As of July 16, new cases in the state were up 90% and hospitalizations were up 38%, from 2 weeks previously.  The testing positivity rate in Texas is now 8%, after being as low as 3% in June. 

In Travis County, hospitalizations are also rising, especially among young adults.  Austin area COVID-19 hospitalizations have doubled among young adults since July 4 7/13/21  https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/coronavirus/2021/07/13/austin-area-covid-19-hospitalizations-have-doubled-among-young-adults-since-july-4/

Austin/Travis County reverted to Threat Level 3 last week, in response.  4 Delta variant cases confirmed; Austin reverts back to Stage 3 COVID guidelines as cases rise 7/15/21  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/07/15/austin-reverts-back-stage-3-covid-guidelines-4-delta-cases-found/7976523002/

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, experts are investigating 2 new variants—Gamma and Lambda. 

Greece is requiring proof of vaccination to enter cafes, restaurants, and bars.  France accelerated vaccinations after announcing shots would soon be required for health care workers, as well as to enter restaurants or attend cultural events. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower just re-opened after being closed for 9 months due to Covid; proof of vaccination or a negative test is required to enter the landmark. 

Africa is still only 1% fully vaccinated.

Israel is recommending a booster shot, but only for vaccinated people who are immune-compromised. 

In the US, about 60% of all Americans are fully vaccinated against Covid-19   Just over 500K shots are given daily now.

The US military reports that 70% of personnel have gotten 1 shot, with 62% now fully vaccinated.

The pandemic has divided the country in a new way.  Now, it is the UNvaccinated population getting sick, being hospitalized, and dying.  Western and northeastern states are largely well-vaccinated, while southern and some midwestern states are poorly unvaccinated and at high risk.  In 2021, vaccination is politicized just as viciously as masking was in 2020, with conservatives not just hesitating to get shots but frequently spreading false negative information and demonizing medical experts.  Now, we have “two Americas” as Dr. Fauci dubbed it.  The split follows political lines down to the county level; counties voting for Biden have high vaccination rates, while counties voting for Trump are poorly vaccinated.  The result is a patchwork of infection surges, overwhelmed hospitals, and spiking death rates in GOP territory.  This is SO ironic, since the vaccines were a BIPARTISAN effort; Trump facilitated creation of America’s vaccines, and Biden distributed them in record time.

The good news is that being FULLY VACCINATED protects against even the Delta variant.  How does the Delta variant dodge the immune system? Scientists find clues. [ONE dose of vaccine stops Delta 10% of the time, but TWO doses stops Delta 95% of the time.] 7/8/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/health/delta-variant-covid-vaccine-immunity.html

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

—England’s Covid unlocking is threat to world, say 1,200 scientists 7/16/21 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/16/englands-covid-unlocking-a-threat-to-the-world-experts-say

—Delta Variant Widens Gulf Between ‘Two Americas’: Vaccinated and Unvaccinated  7/14/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/14/health/delta-variant-uk-usa.html

–‘We are seeing people passing quicker than before’: What hospitals look like in US Covid hot spots  7/14/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/13/us/us-covid-hot-spots-hospitals/index.html

—Delta variant gains ground in US as outbreaks highlight vaccine divide  7/14/21 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jul/14/us-delta-variant-coronavirus-covid-vaccine-divide

—How does the Delta variant dodge the immune system? Scientists find clues. [ONE dose of vaccine stops Delta 10% of the time, but TWO doses stop Delta 95% of the time.] 7/8/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/health/delta-variant-covid-vaccine-immunity.html

–The Rise of Delta: NYT podcast tells you what you need to know about this dangerous variant, in 20 minutes of plain speaking  7/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/podcasts/the-daily/delta-variant-coronavirus-vaccine.html?rref=vanity

Daring Mighty Things

Virgin Galactic on July 11 successfully executed a publicity-heavy test flight for sending passengers to the edge of space and back, with its billionaire founder, Richard Branson, on board.  From Spaceport America in New Mexico, mothership Eve carried Unity up to about 50,000 feet, then released it.  A rocket then accelerated Unity, with 6 people aboard, to an altitude of 50 miles, where space is black and Earth’s curve is visible.  After about 4 minutes of weightlessness, the ship was pulled back home by gravity.  It then reconfigured its wings to become a glider, allowing it to land near its starting point after a mission lasting about 90 minutes.

Another private company will have its publicity-fest on July 20, with Blue Origin staging a more traditional rocket launch from West Texas, carrying 4 passengers.  Its founder, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, will be on board along with his brother and 82-year-old female aviator Wally Funk; the 4^th seat went to the highest bidder at a charity auction.  While the Virgin Galactic craft was flown by a pilot on board, Blue Origin is flown from the ground, with no crew along for the ride.

Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic flights do not go high enough or fast enough to enter orbit around Earth. Rather, these suborbital flights are more like elaborate roller coaster rides that allow passengers to float for a few minutes while admiring a view of Earth against the black backdrop of space.  While only Blue Origin flights go high enough to break the 62-mile-high Karman line, passengers of both companies get astronaut pins. Here is an update on the wide variety of activity in space these days, from Martian rovers and moon missions to Tom Cruise filming a movie on the International Space Station.  The space race is back on – but who will win?  https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/16/the-space-race-is-back-on-but-who-will-win

Texas state elections

While frantically steering toward re-election in 2022, Gov. Greg Abbott had a rough couple weeks.  So, THAT’s good news for Texas…. As threatened earlier, Gov. Abbott called a special legislative session, then issued a conservative dream-list of topics.  Priority number 1 was passage of the bill restricting voting—the bill that Democrats killed by walking out early from the regular session and breaking quorum back in May.  The 30-day special session began July 8.  That weekend, legislators debated the voting bill in marathon, all-night sessions; every amendment from Democrats was rejected.  Austin was swamped by citizens from across the state who waited as long as 24 hours to be allowed to speak against the bill.  With the final vote set for the next day, on July 12 over 50 Democrats did the only thing they could to stop its passage.  They bugged out, again breaking quorum.  They all flew to Washington, DC, overnight and have since been meeting with members of Congress.  The group of elected Texan refugees is a living, breathing cautionary tale proving the country’s dire need for federal voting rights protections.  Abbott, exposed as an ineffectual buffoon just as he was flexing his re-election muscles, sputtered and spat, ordering their arrest; that is not technically possible until they decide to return to Texas, which isn’t likely to happen until the month-long session ends.  (Texas law, in all its weirdness, does provide that recalcitrant legislators be arrested, taken to the State Capitol, and the entire legislative body LOCKED INSIDE the chamber until the vote is taken.  The procedure is called “cabining,” and I really wonder what the Fire Marshall thinks about the locked doors part.)  What it means to break quorum and what you need to know about the Texas House Democrats’ dramatic departure  7/14/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/14/texas-democrats-walkout-quorum/

In more bad news for Abbott, another Republican entered the 2022 governor’s race.  In addition to “real Republican” Don Huffines, Allen West is crashing the GOP primary.  ‘We don’t like bullies, egomaniacs or jerks’: Allen West crashes Texas governor’s race 7/9/21  https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/09/allen-west-texas-498897  Fairly new to Texas, West is a former Florida Congressman who just stepped down as Texas GOP Chairman.  He has a controversial past, as well, dating back to his military days. U.S. officer fined for harsh interrogation tactics  12/13/03  https://www.cnn.com/2003/US/12/12/sprj.nirq.west.ruling/

In Lakeway

Mayor Kilgore revived the Facebook Live talks on July 8, promising to do this monthly.  He covered several topics, then answered questions.  The most contentious issue addressed was Chief Radford’s resignation.  Mayor Kilgore described the circumstances of that and detailed the hiring process for a successor; the plan is to have a new chief on the job by Oct. 1. The city and the advisory committee handling this (Council members Vance and Smith, plus the mayor) want public input and to that end will release a survey soon, that residents can complete.  Go to Lakeway’s Facebook page to watch the 18-minute recording. https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway

Also, the city formally advertised the police chief job vacancy last week.  Applications are to be taken until Aug. 15.  Go here to read the job listing for this and other open city positions.  https://tx-lakeway.civicplushrms.com/careers/

Lakeway Council meets Monday, July 19. 

This is a double-header.  Both meetings are in person, at City Hall.  Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate.  Citizens Participation requires attendance.

The AFTERNOON meeting (starting 2pm) is a special session on the budget.  The Agenda just says Work Session: Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.  An Addendum was issued adding Lakeway Activity Center policies to the Agenda. There is no Meeting Packet, so no additional info on this meeting.

The EVENING session (starting 6:30pm) is the regular meeting.  The Agenda has 30 items, most being fleshed out in the voluminous Meeting Packet.  (For good or bad, most of these items are routine.  There are only a few substantive items, which I noted with an asterisk*.  The city needs to figure out better ways to handle the routine stuff and get it off Council’s plate.)

–The Consent Agenda has items appointing members of the following boards and committees: Ethics, City Building Commission, Zoning and Planning, and Economic Development.  Another item closes down the Public Engagement Committee, since the City’s Communications Director has taken on its work.  (Names and full details are in the Meeting Packet.)

–Item 16 is the Financial Report. 

–*Item 17 is a rate increase request by Waste Management, per the terms of its trash and recycling collection contract with the city.  Increased costs (landfill costs and wages) of $0.76 are offset by increased revenues (recycled materials’ worth) of $0.57, with the result being a requested rate increase of $0.19, to a new total of $17.80 (per month, per customer).

–*Item 18 is acceptance of a donation from The Lakeway Civic Corp. to pay for up to $40k in continued restoration of the Liebelt Cabin. Conditions on the gift are that the City undertake to fund annual maintenance work on the cabin AND pursue grant money to fund making the cabin and its surroundings compliant with the Texas Accessibility Act.  NOTE: While the $40K donation is lovely, it is clear that this historic structure will continue to require taxpayer funds. If this is such a wonderful “historical and educational asset” to the city, I wonder HOW MANY PEOPLE visit it annually here in Lakeway?  Also, how much taxpayer money has ALREADY been spent on this cabin since the city accepted it back in 2011? In December of 2020, a request was made for $125K to make emergency repairs in order to keep it standing; Council ended up approving only $14K, but larger expenditures down the road were not ruled out. Personally, I question whether large sums for something like this is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds. Seems to me that the cabin should be donated to someplace like the Bullock Museum, which has the experts and funds to restore and maintain it. Plus, the cabin could be toured and appreciated by the huge number of people who pass through that popular institution on a regular basis, as opposed to the few who stumble over it in Lakeway.  Alternatively, is there any way to use the vast amount of money the city has accumulated in hotel tax funds (the requirement being that the project draws hotel-staying visitors to town), for cabin maintenance and improvements?

–Item 19 is a budget amendment for item 18.

–Item 20 is a request for a short-term rental permit for a condo at World of Tennis.

–Item 21 is a request for a special use permit allowing an ambulatory surgery center at 6 Lakeway Centre Court.

–Item 22 is a request for a special use permit allowing Guaranty Bank and Trust to operate with drive through lanes at 620 and Lakeway Blvd. (at the old location of Plains Capital Bank).

–Item 23 is a request for preliminary plan approval of MC Bee Creek Subdivision (17 single family lots on 34 acres) at Lakehurst Loop and Lakehurst Road, in the city’s ETJ. 

–*Item 24 is a proposed development agreement for 314 Clubhouse Drive.  (See Meeting Packet, starting at page 169.)  This is round 2, for this controversial development.  At Council’s June 21 meeting, action was tabled for a month, to allow the developer to meet with the city and neighboring owners to resolve some issues.  This seems to have happened.  June proposal: In the ETJ, at Longwood, the 6.3 acre tract would be annexed to the city with 17 single-family homes built. Zoning would be R-2, they want front facing garages with no turnaround, 15’ set-back, building materials specified, zoning fees waived.  Now, the proposal is for annexation but for 16 single-family homes with R-1 zoning, access via Longwood, no driveway turnaround (but the request for front-facing garages is gone), building materials specified, zoning fees waived. The bottom line remains that, since the tract is not currently within Lakeway’s jurisdiction, the owner is free to develop it per Travis County’s far more lenient rules unless agreement is reached.

–*Item 25 is a change to the building ordinance to address how the city handles the increasingly common development agreement.  Changes include requiring written notice to surrounding landowners within 200 feet (as is already done for zoning changes), having at least 2 Council hearings prior to voting on the agreement, and encouragement for developers to meet with neighboring owners BEFORE the matter gets to Council.

–*Item 26 is discussion of various code provisions:

–a) short term rentals (theoretical 1,000 foot distribution—see Meeting Packet page 209)

–b) golf carts (comparison of regulations—state and nearby cities; snipped from Meeting Packet page 210 and shown below; cart path illustration–see Meeting Packet page 211)

–c) camping (HB 1025—see Meeting Packet starting with page 212)

–d) BDS regs

–*Item 27 is first reading of the BDS Design Manual (see Meeting Packet starting with page 221).

–*Item 28 repeals a 2008 city ordinance and extends Lakeway’s ETJ to include the area south of Hwy. 71, as allowed by state law (see illustration on Meeting Packet page 301).

–Item 29 amends building ordinances to align the hours allowed for construction, as listed in various locations of the code already, and to allow exceptions for early concrete pours.

–Item 30—ADJOURN!

Go here for both Agendas and the Meeting Packet (for the evening meeting)— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand (by 10am Monday for the afternoon meeting, and by 3pm Monday for the evening meeting) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

My favorite home chore is touch-up painting.  So, I happily hauled out all my paint tins and supplies and went through the house, fixing a year’s worth of boo-boos–so easy and so satisfying.

Spent half a day last week at Best Buy, while the Geek Squad worked its magic with my new laptop.  Love those guys…

With the Delta variant raging and Texas case numbers rising, I am back to wearing a mask indoors.  It is infuriating because this surge is totally unnecessary, since we are blessed with safe and effective vaccines—exactly what we prayed for last summer as we suffered through that hellish surge. 

Here are a couple good books I just finished:

Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal, by George Packer (2021).  Well-written and concise (just 227 pages–refreshing in this era of wrist-wrenching tomes), the author is pitch-perfect on many points.  I followed his analysis of the 4 fractured segments of America today–Free, Real, Smart and Just—each doomed by rabid extremism.  But, I’m not nearly as sanguine as he is that all will, somehow, be well in the end.

Fallen, by Linda Shapiro (2021).  This is the 13^th book in the excellent series, but it works as a stand-alone.  As usual, Sheriff Burkholder solves intriguing crime in Ohio’s Amish country, which provides a distinctive flavor, and the writing is unusually good for the genre.

Both books are available at Lake Travis Community Library.

The deer are much in evidence now.  Fawns are old enough to be very mobile and are running round town with their moms, who have joined together into small groups.  We have at least 3 fawns (a single and twins) spending time in St. Andrews; the twins and their mom tend to show up in my yard evenings to slurp from my birdbath and sometimes spend the night. Please, please, please drive carefully.  If you spot 1 deer near the road, there will be several others around, as well.  Sadly, dozens of our fawns are hit by cars every spring/summer.  Lakeway artist Victoria Waite created adorable yard signs, and if you don’t have one, please consider it.  They are eye-catching, and the reminders help.  To buy one ($20 each), go here—https://www.facebook.com/FawnsAtPlay

I love my sign!  And, here are some fawn photos I took last week.

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Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

—Xiao Qi Ji Practices Pouncing 7/16/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZ05tDs42o

—Outdoor playtime 7/11/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl-bkt0h7eU

—Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Wrestlemania on the Jungle Gym 7/9/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2AAsD7sNiM

—Indoor playtime 7/8/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWJrEqucd2c

HAPPY 4^th of JULY! 

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, the Delta variant is fueling outbreaks in a wide variety of countries, from Europe, to the Middle East, to Asia, to Africa.  France and Italy are worried about surges this summer.  Portugal has imposed curfews in its cities.  The UK recently recorded its highest number of new cases since early February, making the planned end of lockdown later this month doubtful. Australia is locking down again.  The WHO is tracking a new variant, Lambda.  In addition, the Delta variant has a cousin, Delta Plus, which sports a spike protein from the Beta variant.  As Delta Variant Surges, Outbreaks Return in Many Parts of the World  7/1/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/30/world/asia/virus-delta-variant-global.html

In the US, new cases were up 10% last week, after a long period of declining numbers.  The Delta variant continues to spread, accounting for over 25% of new infections nationally but 50% of infections in southern and western states, where vaccination rates are also the lowest in the country. The result is a pattern of localized hot spots. Seeing rising hospitalizations in these areas, health care workers worry that history is repeating itself: just as the last surge in cases was caused by partisan refusal to wear masks, now a surge may well be caused by partisan refusal to get vaccinated.  Yet, our daily death toll has dropped 20% in the last 2 weeks and (for the first time since March of 2020) now averages under 300 per day.  Despite the WHO recommending a return to masking even for the vaccinated, the CDC still says vaccinated Americans don’t need to mask in most situations.  Turning to economic results of the pandemic, millions of older Americans responded to the upended job market and other Covid consequences by deciding to retire early, reversing a trend.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Worldwide, in the Philippines, people refusing Covid shots are being threatened with jail.  The UAE announced that as of Aug. 20 unvaccinated adult residents will be banned from public places including schools, universities, nurseries, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, gyms, museums, theme parks, resorts, and all other retail outlets (with essential service locations like food markets and pharmacies the only exceptions).  Even Russia’s President Putin, who usually downplays Covid, pleaded with people to get vaccinated; as of now, only 15% of his country is protected.  India has prioritized shots, inoculating up to 8 million people per day lately in an effort to vaccinate one billion people by the end of 2021.  The Vatican issued a statement urging people to get vaccinated, condemning “a pernicious form of hesitancy” driven by fake news, myths and disinformation about vaccine safety, among religious groups.

In the US, we will miss President Biden’s goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated by July 4.  Instead, we are close to 68%; we’ll get to 70% soon, and that number will continue to rise.  Twenty states and DC have now exceeded 70%, while 16 states are below 60%.  Mississippi swirls the drain at 46 percent.   About 1 million Americans get vaccinated every day.

The biggest roadblock to herd immunity, politics aside, seems to be adults age 18-39.  Currently, only 30% in that group are vaccinated.  Reasons are varied, but many feel unthreatened by Covid, are too busy, or have been corrupted by misinformation.  

Louisiana is the latest state to start a lottery (“Shot at a Million”) for people getting vaccinated. 

The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) may protect us for years.  As long as the virus does not evolve much further from the original form, we won’t need booster shots. 

Cruise ships are setting sail again from Florida.  Vaccination cannot be required, thanks to Florida’s Republican governor, but unvaccinated guests must wear masks and pay for frequent testing.

Red states beware.  Studies show that counties with vaccination rates of 30% or less have nearly 3 times the number of new COVID cases as counties with vaccination rates of 60% or more.  Of course, areas with low vaccination rates are predominantly Republican, with the GOP largely having decided to trivialize COVID and talk fear-mongering trash about the vaccines.  The rise of the Delta variant—more contagious and more deadly, yet prevented by the vaccines—will only increase new infections among the unvaccinated.

Still need proof vaccinations save lives?  In Los Angeles, 99.8% of Covid deaths in the last 6 months were in unvaccinated people.

In Texas, as of June 26, just 11.8 million people (40.6% of Texas’ population) are fully vaccinated.  In Travis County, 59% are fully vaccinated.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

They Didn’t Expect to Retire Early. The Pandemic Changed Their Plans.  7/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/02/business/economy/retire-early-pandemic-social-security.html

How Dangerous Is the Delta Variant?  7/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/opinion/covid-delta-variant.html

As Delta Variant Surges, Outbreaks Return in Many Parts of the World  7/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/30/world/asia/virus-delta-variant-global.html

Fauci warns there may soon be ‘two Americas’ as divide widens between places with high and low vaccination rates and the Delta variant spreads  6/30/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/30/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html

Why Young Adults Are Among the Biggest Barriers to Mass Immunity 6/28/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/28/us/covid-vaccine-immunity.html

Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Likely to Produce Lasting Immunity, Study Finds  6/28/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/28/health/coronavirus-vaccines-immunity.html

Nearly all COVID deaths in US are now among unvaccinated  6/24/21 https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-06-24/nearly-all-covid-deaths-in-us-are-now-among-unvaccinated

Anthony Fauci on the Lab Leak Theory and Emailing Mark Zuckerberg–30 minute podcast interview with America’s chief immunologist  6/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/21/opinion/sway-kara-swisher-anthony-fauci.html?campaign_id=39&emc=edit_ty_20210621&instance_id=33504&nl=opinion-today&regi_id=122311001&segment_id=61280&te=1&user_id=85e9340cba19164d75f3915211a487be

Daring Mighty Things

Perseverance and Ingenuity took a selfie on Mars. 

Texas state elections

Greg Abbott for President?  Yikes….  ‘Tip of the spear’: Texas governor leads revolt against Biden  6/21/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/21/texas-abbott-immigration-biden-resistance-495172

Abbott’s spiteful veto of funding for his legislature is headed for the Texas Supreme Court.  Legislators aside, over 2,000 state workers will be denied pay thanks to Abbott’s temper tantrum after Democrats walked out of the Capitol and defeated his pet bill to restrict voting rights.  Democrats and staffers have sued, asking the Texas Supreme Court to intercede.  Texas House Democrats and legislative staffers take Gov. Greg Abbott to court for defunding Legislature  6/25/21  https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/25/texas-greg-abbott-veto-legislature-funding-court/?mc_cid=d7a78f34aa&mc_eid=fc281ae7cc

Beto O’Rourke still has not declared he will run for governor.  Instead, he is concentrating on protecting voting rights in Texas. Beto O’Rourke on Texas: ‘I don’t know that we’re a conservative state’ 7/3/21  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jul/03/beto-o-rourke-interview-texas-politics

In Lakeway

Another great innovation by Mayor Kilgore is including in The Lake Way, the city’s emailed newsletter, a summary of Council meeting results.  This is an easy way to stay informed on local issues.  Go here to sign up for The Lake Way, plus other notifications if desired– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/list.aspx

Council’s June 21 regular meeting

Before getting to the specifics of what happened, I will point out the Agenda for this meeting had 30 items.  The meeting started at 6:30pm, with a full house and people spilling out into the lobby.  I lasted 3 hours (mostly spent on one complex and divisive item) before heading home, giving up on 2 items that I cared about that were buried deep in the Agenda.  I watched the rest online the next day; the meeting lasted nearly 6 hours total, adjourning at 12:09am on Tuesday. 

That’s nuts.  Worse, that is not good government.  Council meetings–with debate, presentations, testimony and interaction of residents, staff and elected officials–should not be a grueling marathon, with the inevitable short-cuts, bad tempers and attention lapses brought on by exhaustion. To be clear, I’m not blaming the current mayor or council.  Worse meetings happened in the last administration, just going by the clock at adjournment.  But, I hope Mayor Kilgore will look into ways to improve this situation.  More meetings?  Earlier start time?  Certain basic items should not be in front of Council at all; it was mentioned that is being reviewed.  Then there’s the opposite—when a new issue is so incendiary that Council Members are deluged with resident emails, calls AND a petition as soon as the Agenda goes out, that issue needs review and community consultation BEFORE being aired at a Council meeting.  (The problematic item on June 21 was consideration of a new Agreement to develop a tract off Clubhouse Drive with major variances; the fact the land is currently in Travis County’s jurisdiction and not subject to Lakeway’s development rules made things that much more difficult.)  Anyway, it was a long and less than satisfactory night all around….

Go here for the Meeting Packet info– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

And, go here to watch the video of the meeting– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/123171

RESULTS IN ALL CAPS

–Item 7 (part of the Consent Agenda)  Making only specified action committees subject to Texas Open Meetings Act, as allowed by state law: PASSED

–Item 13  Disclosure of surveillance system on city street: CAMERAS TO BE REMOVED AND DATA ERASED

It was revealed that, back in January of 2021, the Rough Hollow HOA allowed a company called Flock Safety to install 8 cameras (locations shown on page 33 of the meeting packet) in the public right of way (which is city property), trained on Highlands Blvd. and other heavily used public streets. They record vehicle details, license plate numbers, and time for all traffic, on a 24/7 basis. (These are NOT traffic cams.)  The stated purpose is monitoring for missing persons, outstanding warrants, stolen vehicles and stolen plates. However, the data itself can be sold to third parties, which raises privacy concerns. Then-Chief of Police Todd Radford signed the MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Flock but did so without consulting or notifying the Mayor, Council or City Manager. (The city only recently became aware when a resident asked about the cameras.) Mayor Kilgore reported that the HOA President told him Chief Radford presented this as a city initiative. In addition to there having been no city approval of this, the police department has no policy in place to manage the data or protect officers or the city in the event of a controversy. Bill Hayes of Legends testified that he assumed this was an approved City of Lakeway project; he assured Council he would have the cameras removed immediately, as well as request all accumulated date be erased. No other immediate action was deemed needed. 

Personally, I trust the city is looking into at least 3 troubling issues raised here: 1) What other things did Chief Radford do without informing the City Manager, Mayor or Council, or obtaining the required authorization?  2) What role did Legends play?  3) Did anyone profit from this?

–Item 14  5.5 acre tract on Rupen is being looked at for development yet again, this time for 12 single family homes, R-1 zoning: APPROVED

–Item 18  Special Use Permit for Village Square for a bakery known as Love and Cookies: APPROVED

–Item 19  Special Use Permit for Lohmans Crossing Shopping Center for a tea/baked goods/ice cream shop known as Pearl’s Tea Café: APPROVED

–Item 23  Adoption of First Amended and Restated Development Agreement for Rough Hollow Lakeway Highlands (page 114 of the Meeting Packet). Legends wants a variance for all 68 homes in its Highlands Phase 3, Section 6B to allow front-facing garages so they can have 3-car garage auto-courts.  This concession is demanded even though Legends got VERY favorable treatment–more condos, and even a storage facility—in the recently negotiated new development agreement the city just ironed out for completion of Rough Hollow: APPROVED

–Item 24  Adoption of Development Agreement for 314 Clubhouse (page 177 of the Meeting Packet). Now in the ETJ, at Longwood, the 6.3 acre tract would be annexed to the city with 17 single-family homes built. Zoning would be R-2, they want front facing garages with no turnaround, 15’ set-back, building materials specified, zoning fees waived, developer has 5 years to begin construction.  POSTPONED UNTIL THE JULY 19 COUNCIL MEETING, to allow time for the developer to work with the city and residents.

During Citizen’s Participation, a resident quoted rude and belittling comments made by Council Member Kumar at the site inspection.  Unfortunately, his smug attitude went a long way toward inflaming resident animosity and derailing the meeting.

 –Item 25  Adoption of Development Agreement for East Side Landing by Legacy DCS (page 208 of the Meeting Packet). Now in the ETJ, near the western end of Flint Rock Road, the 43.88 acres would be annexed to the city. During the platting phase of development, a 100-foot right-of-way for the extension of Flint Rock Road would be dedicated to the City, allowing the proposed extension of Flint Rock Road to Bee Creek Road in accordance with the Thoroughfare Plan. The number of single-family homes is not specified. A portion would be R-1 zoning; another portion would be R-3 zoning (with front-facing garages). Building materials are specified; developer has 5 years to start and 10 years to complete.  APPROVED

–Item 26 Reviewing traffic rules for golf carts. To summarize, as of NOW: driver must be licensed; allowed on roads posted at 30mph or less; only allowed during daylight hours; only allowed for transportation to/from a golf course; must use recreation lane or path when provided; and violations are subject to fines up to $500.  In addition, there are various state law provisions.  COUNCIL DESIRES TO CHANGE THE LOCAL ORDINANCE TO ALLOW MORE CART USE AND DIRECTED STAFF TO INVESTIGATE OPTIONS, WITH ACTION AS EARLY AS JULY.

–Item 27 Police chief advisory committee to be formed, being a search team composed of Mayor Kilgore and 2 council members to assist the City Manager in identifying and interviewing candidates to fill the vacancy. COMMITTEE IS MAYOR KILGORE, PLUS COUNCIL MEMBERS SMITH AND VANCE.

–Executive Sessions: Item 28—ETJ; Item 29—police department; and Item 30–601 Dragon.  NO ACTION ADJOURNED 12:09am

Council’s June 28 Special Meeting

What a difference a week makes….  After June 21’s contentious session, this week’s meeting was calm and informative, discourse was civil, and it wrapped up before anyone needed to call 911.  Sure, it was a budget meeting, but still—nicely done!  One caveat—including at least some of the Budget info in the Meeting Packet would help immensely those following along from home; Mayor Kilgore promised to do this as the budget process develops, estimates firm up, and bids are received.

Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

And, go here to watch the meeting— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/123518

RESULTS:

Item 3: Chris Rea from Lake Travis Fire Rescue updated everyone on wildfire mitigation efforts in HGB I and II, consisting of removing downed trees and establishing shaded fuel breaks.  (See the Meeting Packet for extensive info, including maps.)  He confirmed completion of HGB I by 8/21 and HGB II by 3/22.  Also, he stated the $158K unspent from the $350K allocated should be sufficient to complete this phase of the project.  Next area is North Lakeway Village, likely done in spring/summer, 2022.  (For that work, the $46K total will be met with a $37K FEMA grant and $9K of city funds.)  Questions were raised about maintenance work later on; Chris said maintenance is far less expensive than the original clear out; originally, he estimated $3,500/acre, then agreed this seemed high and promised to provide specifics later. [No action was needed, as the plan and funding were approved previously.]

As noted at the meeting, Lake Travis Fire Rescue will come to your house and perform a FREE Home Ignition Zone Assessment of the exterior.  You just need to live within the ESD 6 jurisdiction, which is Lakeway and surrounding areas (a map is linked on the webpage below). I did this in 2019, and it was a great experience.  Chris walked the lot with me, pointing out fire vulnerabilities and what could be done to correct them.  I also got a 16 page report on my property that was very helpful.  I was able to make several of the suggested changes, to make my yard and home less vulnerable to fire. If interested, go to the city’s “Be Wildfire Ready!” page https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/235/Wildfire-Readiness and scroll down to Get your free Home Ignition Zone Assessment for contact info. 

Item 4—TML Health Care Proposal for an employee benefits package.  (TML is a non-profit risk pool.  Considerable info is in the Meeting Packet).  Cost for the coming year will increase by 3%, which amounts to $31K.  For health insurance, they are switching to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s network and claim payments.  It was noted that city employees had roughly $650K in Covid-related expenses (testing, vaccinations, and treatment) for the year ending 5/21.  [No action needed, as this will be handled as part of the budget approval process.]

Item 5–WORK SESSION: Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. The City Manager reported that TCAD does not yet have final numbers, so everything is estimated for property taxes.  The “no new revenue rate” is 0.1563 as of now.  Residential values are up, and commercial values are down.  The result is that even if the city does not raise its tax rate, the increased valuations will result in higher property tax bills for residents.  (As always, appraised values are determined by Travis County, not City of Lakeway.  In addition, City of Lakeway gets less than 10% of the property tax payments that residents make; other taxing authorities get most of what we pay–the big winner is LTISD, followed by Travis County and your MUD.)

As far as revenues, franchise fees are down, due to a change in state law.  Sales tax revenues are up.  Activity Center and Swim Center revenues should return to normal in the coming year.

Expenditures, as far as proposed new and big-ticket items, include: a crime scene tech for the Police Department; a maintenance operator for Parks and Rec; $157K for 4 positions previously approved but only partially funded; 3%-3.5% salary increases for employees, costing $350K; health care increase for employees, costing $31K; subscription for an alert notification app to send emergency and routine text messages to residents, costing $6K; new vehicles for Police Department (2 Tahoes and a 4X4), Public Works (4X4 dump truck), and Building & Development (a small pick-up); subscription for an app for the Police Department to track officer training; new signage for Canyanlands trail system, costing $10K; city-wide training for emergency preparedness; retention pond repair and maintenance ($30K allocated); franchise fee audit ($10K allocated); service contract for dispatch consoles at the Police Station; electronic device data extraction service for the Police Department; maintenance service for cameras inside the Police Station; Witches Ride, a Halloween event to be sponsored by Parks and Rec, costing $25K; 4 AC units for the Activity Center; parking lot work at Swim Center and Activity Center; replacing some exterior doors at City Hall; an expert consultant to assist the Economic Development Committee; and additional items to be submitted by various departments and committees.

All together, the city is now looking at $16M in expenditures.  The usual annual transfer of $350K to the Capital Reserve Fund seems feasible, leaving a 45% fund balance ratio.  So, a larger transfer to CRF may be possible.

More budget meetings are coming up, including afternoon of July 19; that will be a double-header, with a regular Council meeting that evening.  At the July 26 meeting, we should have TCAD’s final numbers.  At the Aug. 16 meeting, Council needs to propose a property tax rate.  More data will be available at the Sept. 13 work session.  The property tax rate will be adopted at the Sept. 20 meeting.

Mayor Kilgore asked staff to look at the current set-up for Activity Center memberships for residents, revenue generated, city funding for LAC, options, etc., as related to the budget.  [No action needed at this time.]

Addendum—Purchase by the city of 601 Dragon “in order to address significant drainage issues in the area around the property, and in order to allow this property to retain its current state as the natural drainage channel for run-off in this part of Lakeway.”  It will remain undeveloped, and some channel work may be needed.  Purchase price (not stated) is within the appraised value range.  Council voted unanimously to purchase this tract.

Adjourned at 8:16pm.  Wow, shank of the evening….

Back to me….

Still catching up on life after Covid, now that I’m safely vaccinated.  Doctor’s appointment for me, vet appointment for Tulip, maintenance check for the car, house stuff, on and on….

The election fiasco in New York City added ranked voting to my list of Things I Don’t Plan to Ever Understand.  Other items on that list include cryptocurrency, Middle East relations, jazz, France, US Senate rules, map-reading, celestial mechanics, programming my sprinklers, and just about any form of insurance.

Still reading a lot.  Recommendations (both are at Lake Travis Community Library):

— After the ­Fal­l: Be­ing Amer­i­can in the ­World We’ve ­Made, by Ben Rhodes (2021) The senior aide to Pres. Obama traveled extensively after 2018, finding America’s fingerprints everywhere and connecting democratic struggles in Hungary, Hong Kong and, Russia to what is now happening here at home.  This book will not cheer up anyone. But it presents many intriguing ideas….

— Win, by Harlan Coben (2021) Forget about this series’ usual hero, Myron Bolitar.  This time, the focus is all on his ultra rich and quite possibly psychotic sidekick, Windsor Horne Lockwood, III.  Win is a nice antidote to the sometimes too-nice-guy Myron, and the dark humor is bitingly yummy.

My morning walks are earlier now, due to the heat, and I’m seeing even more sweet fawns. 

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Panda cub videos of Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit):

Xiao Qi Ji’s Early Morning Burst of Cuteness  7/1/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B02my3fZ_M

Total Goofball’s Awesome Morning  6/30/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6UhQY3BkBs

Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Big Romp in the Panda House 06-19-21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFXo7VTELvs