Nina–write or wrong in Lakeway

This ELECTION EDITION highlights info on that topic, plus significant updates on Council issues.  Coronavirus info appears below.

In Lakeway

Lakeway elects a new mayor and 3 council members on May 1, 2021. 

Early voting starts April 19 and ends April 27.  Our Early Voting location is Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek).  Vote for ONE person for mayor, but you can vote for up to THREE people for council (of the 5 running, the top 3 vote-getters win seats). 

Please VOTE!  Our May elections always have very low turnout.  Traditionally, that has allowed the same small group of residents to control the outcome.  Let’s change that!

I created 10 questions and sent them out to all the candidates.  The responses are on a new page on this website—Lakeway May 1 Election.  Today, I added MUCH MORE INFO there.  Click on that page in the Menu above or use this link—https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/

MAYOR–I endorse Tom Kilgore.    

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Having researched the candidates AND having closely followed local politics for years now, I will be voting for TOM KILGORE to be our next mayor, and I hope you will consider doing so, as well. Tom is the level head we need leading the city and managing our growth. For years, he has advocated for building safe roads, conservative financial management, and transparent government.

Tom graduated from West Point and honorably served our country until he retired in 1996. He then went on to a successful career in the energy industry, working in both public and private companies. He retired here in Lakeway to be close to his family. He has been active in city politics for years.

And I do mean “active.”  I have attended or watched online just about every Council meeting for the last 3 years, and I assure you that Tom Kilgore has done the same.  He often provides comments—always on point and insightful—in Citizens Participation.  Tom also was appointed by Council to serve on the recent Charter Review Committee.  And (in a matter close to my heart), Tom stepped up in 2019 with a generous donation to retrofit the spiked metal fencing erected along the brand new police station grounds, making it safe for our kids and wildlife.  Tom’s integrity is exactly what Lakeway needs.

Tom Kilgore knows Lakeway’s issues, and he is the right person to be our next mayor.  Personally, I have serious misgivings about the other candidate for mayor that just START with his complete lack of involvement with Lakeway to date.  I dearly wish this message could be 100% positive, but there are disturbing things in Mr. Babin’s recent past that voters deserve to know.  Schuette Shuts Down Another Deceptive Veterans Charity  11/16/17  https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-47796-452462–,00.html?fbclid=IwAR12AoLuzA95Me0K-7LS8Ma-WW2VItG7PvY1Ty9gMgzFs6NiEsjtN-x5ahU

Click below to visit Tom’s site and learn more about his campaign (you can also request a very cool Kilgore for Mayor sign for your yard): https://kilgoreforlakeway.com/

COUNCIL—I will vote for Gretchen Vance.  As for the rest of the candidates on the ballot for Council, Lakeway is in a world of hurt.  

See my Lakeway May 1 Election page for more info and resources. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/

Follow up on Council’s April 5 meeting–Stratus—Main Street and options for The Oaks: patio homes vs. apartments

Stratus Properties presented options for development of its land, as related to the long overdue completion of Main Street.  It was recently revealed that the city neglected back in 2015 to get an agreement signed regarding the developer’s obligations for building the road section beyond HEB.  Nevertheless, the city passed an ordinance requiring Stratus to start construction in 2021 and complete the middle portion by 2023. 

The tract, still owned by Stratus, is roughly 36 acres, extending from where Main Street now ends at the barricades.  It includes the missing middle section of Main Street.  This will connect to the missing far section of Main Street that is in the Legends tract, ending at Lohmans, where The Hills has its main gate on Wingreen Loop.  THAT is where there will eventually be a stoplight connecting Lohmans to Main Street.  (Legends already has approval for residential and commercial development of its tract and is due to break ground later this year.)

Currently, the Stratus land is approved as a PUD (planned unit development), allowing 70-100 houses (zoned R-2, patio homes) and a hotel/event center.  Stratus made it clear at the meeting it is NOT interested in pursuing this type of development at this time, saying it can’t make enough money on the homes, and another hotel in that area currently makes no sense.  No development now means no road now, per Stratus.

Instead, as what it called “an alternative to move things along,” Stratus proposed a multi-family development—apartments—on about 10 acres of the land that would all be on one side of the road (to the left if you stand at the barricades and look into the vacant land).  There would be 250-275 apartments (1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, no rental pricing provided), in 13 buildings, densely situated.  The buildings are “lake house” style—pitched roofs and lots of wood.  They were shown as 3 stories; most or all of the first floor area would be parking.  No amenities were mentioned, but the drawing shows a clubhouse and pool.  The rest of the land, over on the right side of the road (about 26 acres, bordering Rolling Green) would be undeveloped parkland.

My impression was that the multi-family plan was very spur of the moment, with Stratus just throwing numbers up in the air.  The representatives were poorly prepared, with no solid answers to questions raised.  The whole thing could just be a delaying tactic, and I wonder if Stratus is trying to sell the land.  The fact is that Stratus has the city over a barrel, since we really need Main Street completed before work starts on revamping 620.  And, Stratus’ sudden demand for a dense apartment development in the heart of Lakeway seems abusive.  (Even for that plan, Stratus provided no timeline for the road.)  It may well be that the only way to get Main Street built in the near future is for the city to take the land and build the road itself, hoping to recoup funds from Stratus later.

On the other hand, if there is ANY location within Lakeway appropriate for a dense apartment complex, it is this site, which is next to heavy commercial development.  As mentioned at the meeting, designating a percentage of the apartments as affordable housing should be considered.  The central location and walking access to shops and restaurants are big positives.  Also, having a 4 lane road running through the tract makes it difficult to place luxury homes.  And, having a large park on the Rolling Green side insulates those established homes as well as providing green space for everyone.  (In the patio home version, the houses would be across the entire tract, with a buffer along Rolling Green but no large park.)

Council made no decision at the April 5 meeting.  This is something the community needs to know about and weigh in on, sending comments to the mayor and council members.  The city recently uploaded the Stratus presentation, and that PDF is attached here. To watch the meeting, go here and click on item 5 (the discussion is about an hour)– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/117125

Here is the PDF showing various drawings.

Contact officials with your questions and comments here– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/100/Mayor-City-Council Or email info@lakeway-tx.gov

Council meets on Monday, April 19, 6:30pm. 

This will be an IN PERSON MEETING AT CITY HALL.  [I assume the 3 newcomers on the May 1 ballot have supporters lined up to lead them by the hand to City Hall, to be sure they find it.]  Masks are required, and distancing means there will be reduced seating available.  Comments can be submitted to Council beforehand, but no one can call in to participate.  Citizens Participation requires attendance.

The agenda includes another consideration of the planned development on Flint Rock Road (item 11), after a Traffic Study was reviewed at the April 5 meeting.  Request is for a zoning change from the current R-1 and C-1 to creation of a Planned Unit Development.  Having settled a long-running lawsuit with the city, developer Legacy DCS wants to build 126 detached single-family homes on 25 acres, with several variances.  This development is designed to serve the adjacent hospital complex, and the proposal is more in line with Lakeway’s usual requirements than the recent one for apartments.  But, nearby homeowners are objecting over density and traffic.  The Meeting Packet for April 19 has info on this item.

Also, Stratus is back for another presentation on The Oaks and Main Street (item 15).  See above for a summary of their presentation at the last meeting.  Stratus has provided written answers to some questions from last time, and the document is in the April 19 meeting Packet (pages 166-170).  For the apartment option, Stratus clarified there would be 275 units (750 to 1510 square feet) priced at $1600-1700 (but possibly including some workforce/affordable units), with amenities.  Extensive variances would be required.  Completion date for the road was vague but tied to completion of the project.  (I cannot see how THAT could be done in 2 years.)  For the patio homes option, Stratus was even less specific, but it did say the homes would be high-end with no workforce/affordable units and that the PUD allows 83 homes OR 56 homes plus a hotel.  Stratus stated construction on this option would not start in the foreseeable future, with the same applying to Main Street expansion.  Clearly, Stratus is not interested in doing the right thing for Lakeway.  Here are the new pages from Stratus:

Plus, there is a proposal for a recreation center (item 16) that was last considered a year ago.  Lakeway is being asked to move forward with the YMCA to the pre-design, conceptual design and funding support phases, for $48,000.  Details are in the Meeting Packet, pages 172-187.

And, there is a long list of expensive projects recommended for the Capital Improvement Plan (item 17).

The Agenda concludes with Executive Sessions, away from the public, on 5 separate issues (including what amounts to suing Stratus over Main Street). Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Keep in mind that this is likely the LAST time this Mayor and Council will preside, depending on how long it takes to certify the May 1 vote.  There WILL be a NEW MAYOR and up to 3 new Council members at upcoming meetings, making a majority of the April 19 members LAME DUCKS.  It will be interesting to see how that goes….

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

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

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, the stats just passed some mind-boggling milestones.  There are now over 140 million confirmed cases, as well as over 3 million Covid deaths.  (Due to lack of testing in many countries, both numbers are considered serious undercounts of reality.)  At the world level, Covid remains a deadly and uncontrolled wildfire.

In the US, a worrisome projection became reality as of April 7: Most infections in America are now caused by a contagious virus variant that was first identified in Britain.

America continues to experience a slow but steady rise in cases and hospitalizations, as the fourth surge continues.  As of April 16, over 20 states reported at least a 10% rise in daily average positive cases.  Michigan remains the worst-hit state.  Hospitals across the country report younger patients in this surge, likely due to most seniors having been vaccinated.

The latest Covid controversy seems to be over pandemic passports, which is just secure certification that a person has been vaccinated.  Those who get vaccinated have the right to be able to prove that, as needed for work, school, travel, etc.  Some states—Texas and other red ones, of course—are blocking this, seeming determined to protect those who refuse vaccination, as opposed to protecting public health.  There are consequences for refusing to get vaccinated—practical ones in addition to the whole get-sick-and-maybe-die thing.  Airlines, schools, and businesses worldwide want to protect their workers and customers, and proof of vaccination is the obvious way to do that.  As time passes and the vaccines become widespread, everyone will have to choose to get vaccinated or get out of the way as society moves forward.  A small number of loudly outraged Americans defining freedom as the right to infect others will not be tolerated by the rest of the world.  Here are a couple articles on the issues:

—Likely Legal, ‘Vaccine Passports’ Emerge as the Next Coronavirus Divide  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/politics/vaccine-passports-coronavirus.html

—Should You Be Worried About ‘Vaccine Passports’?  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/opinion/vaccine-passports-covid.html

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Finally, America is setting a GOOD standard for the pandemic!

On April 5, Pres. Biden announced that as of April 19, every adult 18 and up will be eligible for vaccination across the US.  The supply of doses is steadily increasing, so it looks like all adults can actually be vaccinated by this summer.

A new daily vaccination record was set—4.6 million shots were given on April 10.

Among US adults, 30% are now fully vaccinated, with 50% having received at least one dose of vaccine.   Last week, the FDA and CDC agreed to temporarily pause use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, due to 6 reported cases on a rare type of blood clot in people having received the shot. So far, J&J shots have accounted for only about 9 percent of fully vaccinated Americans, but the company is scheduled to deliver a larger proportion of product soon. J&J paused U.S. Calls for Pause on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine After Clotting Cases 4/13/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/politics/johnson-johnson-vaccine-blood-clots-fda-cdc.html

My view is that the FDA and CDC saw that something serious happened and decided an investigation need to be done, to see IF the J&J vaccine caused the blood clots.  Seems to me this is the correct scientific response.  And, it should not make people afraid of ANY of the vaccines.  It shows the process works, AND it proves that ALL the vaccines are being watched closely and are SAFE. If you want to understand this controversial issue, I recommend listening to this excellent podcast. The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause Explained   https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/podcasts/the-daily/johnson-johnson-vaccine-blood-clots-covid.html?rref=vanity

In Texas, more than 6 million people in Texas are fully vaccinated, which is about 20% of the state’s population.

Recent Covid articles I recommend

Covid Hospitalizations At Highest Level In Over A Month As Cases And Deaths Climb  4/16/21 https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2021/04/16/covid-hospitalizations-at-highest-level-in-over-a-month-as-cases-and-deaths-climb/?sh=60213019196d

What Women Need to Know About the Covid Vaccine  4/14/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/well/live/women-covid-19-vaccine.html

Likely Legal, ‘Vaccine Passports’ Emerge as the Next Coronavirus Divide  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/us/politics/vaccine-passports-coronavirus.html

Should You Be Worried About ‘Vaccine Passports’?  4/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/opinion/vaccine-passports-covid.html

Great series of Q&As on side effects from the shots and how to handle them.  Is the Second Dose Bad? If I Feel OK, Is It Working? Can I Take Tylenol?  4/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/well/live/covid-vaccine-side-effects-faq.html

Excellent and reassuring article on why this is all so hard and why we feel so bad.  We Have All Hit a Wall  4/3/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/03/business/pandemic-burnout-productivity.html

Back to me….

I’m painting again! My built-in-1997 home had gold hardware EVERYWHERE.  Some people like that—not me.  I changed out the cabinet pulls, hinges, doorknobs (SO MANY doorknobs….), etc. to modern brushed nickel during the 2 renos.  But, I was stuck with the very gold custom threshold at the front door; inside and outside, it glared blindingly, taunting me….  Rather than have a new one made, I decided to try painting it.  So, after sanding and slapping on a coat of primer, I applied metallic paint in brushed nickel.  (Having been using lovely latex paint recently, I had forgotten that oil paint is sticky to work with and a bear to clean up, plus it STINKS.)  But, I got 2 coats on, and the result is exactly what I wanted.  The threshold now matches all the brushed nickel hardware in the house, and you’d never know it was painted as opposed to coming that way.

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I am scheduled for my second Pfizer vaccination next week.  I can’t wait.

NEWBORN FAWNS ARE HERE! 

DO NOT assume a fawn has been abandoned.  Mama does leave newborns in safe areas to rest while they forage.  Parked fawns tend to curl up like cats and nap.  The spot chosen may seem exposed; fawns are safer from predators out in the open than they would be hidden in a wooded area.  Does don’t go far, and often other deer in her group keep watch.  Removing a fawn that is not in danger or clearly in distress causes terrible harm.

If the fawn is wandering around or bleating, it may need help.  If the ears are curled at the tips or its bottom is dirty, Mom hasn’t been around in a long time and the fawn needs help.  If the fawn has been injured or is being attacked by fire ants, it needs help.  Otherwise, don’t get close enough to frighten it into moving from its assigned spot, and let Mama Doe return.

If you do find a fawn or other deer in distress, here are people to call:

–Lakeway police animal control officer Andrea Greig  (cell)  512-261-2852.

–Wildlife rescue expert Leanne Dupay  512-694-1811 (she lives in The Hills.)

–Animal rehabber Emily Ash  512-773-5653  (she lives in Bee Cave)

–All Things Wild animal rehab  512-897-0806

–Austin Wildlife Rescue  512-472-9453

All this info and more is on my website’s Parked Fawn page; see Menu above or click here– https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer

Since I have not seen any fawns yet, here are some recent photos of our adult deer in town.

  

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

I am impressed with how dedicated this panda mom is; she really seems to love playing and interacting with her very demanding cub pretty much constantly.  And, it is a VERY good thing that panda cubs are so well-padded, as Biscuit takes a lot of slips and falls as he careens around non-stop.

Xiao Qi Ji and Momma’s Delightful Life  4/14/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKtInWasvJw

Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Rip Roaring Funfest in the Panda House  4/10/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPR78nHKj1Q

 Xiao Qi Ji & Momma’s Sweet Day 4/6/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsAkJiK6GgY

Watch Xiao Qi Ji Climb and Tumble  4/2/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7syodg5x1Jc

The Coronavirus

In the US

New cases are now climbing.  Again.  Just like experts warned would happen if precautions were suddenly ignored.  The daily new case average over the last week was 65,000, which is 19% higher than 2 weeks ago.  Of the 30 states with rising numbers, Michigan is in the worst shape, in crisis statewide with many hospitals overwhelmed.  New York and New Jersey are also surging.  Experts blame reckless business and restaurant openings, cancellation of mask requirements, a burst of travel, an uptick in sporting event attendance, and rapidly spreading variants.  Many states (including Texas) have severely curtailed testing, so actual new case numbers are higher than reported. 

Dropping our guard now makes no sense.  Everyone will be vaccinated very soon.  But, you have stay alive until then.

In Texas

A win for masks! On 3/26, a Travis County court rejected arguments by egregious Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and refused to strike down Austin/Travis County orders that customers wear a face covering in local businesses.  In doing so, Judge Livingston displayed unusual common sense, as follows:

–Judge Livingston was concerned that Abbott’s latest executive order prohibited local officials from enforcing mask mandates but allowed individual businesses to require customers to wear a mask — or enter without one.  That gives business owners, who can make those decisions without any scientific basis at all, more power over people’s health than local health authorities who are medical experts.  “What makes sense about that?” the judge asked.

— Judge Livingston  asked “What are the the state interests in preventing a jurisdiction from trying to keep their people safe?”  The state lawyer replied: “Preserving the freedom of individual choice.”  Livingston responded that individual choice would seem to allow infected people to “spew and infect others” by declining to wear a mask. “Why should a person with a deadly virus have more power than the person trying not to catch the deadly virus?” she asked.

As the state inevitably wastes taxpayer money on fighting for its right to kill as many Texans as it likes, the awesomely sensible ruling of Judge Livingston will be overturned; the appeals courts and especially the Texas Supreme Court are toxic Republicans.  But, in the meantime, masks were required over spring break and well beyond, keeping countless people well, out of hospitals, and alive.  Judge allows Austin, Travis County mask mandate to continue, rejecting Texas AG Ken Paxton’s arguments  3/26/21  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/03/26/austin-mask-mandate-continues-texas-ken-paxton-rejected/7011102002/

A recent study of the 50 states plus DC ranked Texas near the bottom (47 out of 51), as far as overall safety during Covid-19.  Here is how Texas ranked on the specific factors considered:

• 41st – Vaccination Rate
• 42nd – Positive Testing Rate
• 38th – Hospitalization Rate
• 45th – Death Rate
• 17th – Transmission Rate

Safest States During COVID-19  4/1/21  https://wallethub.com/edu/safest-states-during-covid/86567

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Having met his original goal very early, Pres. Biden on March 25 doubled it to a new goal of 200 million shots in the first 100 days of his administration.

April 2 was a record-breaking day, with over 4 million shots administered!  More than 20 million shots were given last week.

To date, over one-third of American adults (more than 90 million people) have received at least 1 vaccine dose, and about 15% are FULLY vaccinated.  Over 140 million doses have been administered and we are averaging over 2.5 million shots per day.  At this pace, half of the nation’s population will have at least one dose by mid-May.

On March 29, Pres. Biden announced there would soon be a vaccine site located within 5 miles of 90% of Americans.

Almost all states have announced timelines for meeting the Biden administration’s directive that all adults be eligible for vaccination by May 1.  Several states have already opened up to universal eligibility.

In Texas, only 14% of the 29 million population has been fully vaccinated.  Just five states — Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Utah — rank lower on per capita vaccinations, but Texas still opened up eligibility to EVERYONE age 16 & up, as of March 29.  This made 22 million more people eligible to join the battle for vaccine appointments.

In Travis County, about 13% the adult population is fully vaccinated, with 30% having gotten at least 1 shot.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

–Protect your vaccine card—this article points out why it will be important down the road.  What You Need to Know About Your Vaccine Card  4/1/21 https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-vaccine-card.html

–Important new info on herd immunity. It’s possible to reach herd immunity, then lose it. Repeatedly. Here’s what you can do to help prevent that from happening 3/31/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/30/health/herd-immunity-covid-shifts/index.html

–This article has practical tips on pain relievers, alcohol, tattoos or dermal fillers, staying hydrated, and more.  What Not To Do When You Get A COVID-19 Vaccine  3/30/21 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-not-to-do-covid-vaccine-shot_l_6061f129c5b66d30c746bc96

–This podcast has useful info on what to expect when getting the 1^st shot/2^nd shot, when people are fully protected AND what they can do then, vaccination progress nationwide, the 4^th vaccine coming, and much more. The Daily podcast discusses all things vaccination  3/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-vaccinations-joe-biden.html?rref=vanity

–Three experts respond to questions from readers about what they can do after getting vaccinated.  I Got My Covid Vaccine. Now Can I Hug My Mom?  3/19/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/opinion/covid-vaccine-guidelines.html

–For the first time in decades, vaccines are having a moment. Will it last?  3/15/21 https://www.statnews.com/2021/03/15/for-the-first-time-in-decades-vaccines-are-having-a-moment-will-it-last/

–Covid-19’s big public health lesson: Ask people to be careful, not perfect  3/15/21 https://www.vox.com/22315478/covid-19-coronavirus-harm-reduction-abstinence

On the national stage

In the 3 weeks since I posted a blog, there were THREE mass shootings in the US—Atlanta, Boulder and Los Angeles—with a total of 22 people dead.  As always, Republicans in Congress refuse to consider even the most basic gun safety legislation such as universal background checks, waiting periods, and banning assault weapons for personal use—despite overwhelming bipartisan support among the American public for these measures.  Gun safety is a federal issue, and Congress must act.

Georgia’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a package of laws restricting voting rights AND allowing state legislators to overturn election results they dislike.  Georgia’s 2020 election was reviewed repeatedly with no voter fraud found, and these blatantly racist laws are a direct result of Trump’s Big Lie.  (What Georgia’s Voting Law Really Does  4/2/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/us/politics/georgia-voting-law-annotated.html )  Worse, similar legislation is pending in several states across the country (including Texas, where voting is already restricted).  The right to vote is the core of democracy, and states cannot be allowed to run amok with restrictions designed to favor one party over another.  Voting rights is a federal issue; again, Congress must act.

If the Democrats cannot figure out how to use their majority control in the House and the Senate, while also holding the presidency, to enact meaningful reform on voter rights, gun safety and many other crucial issues, then our democracy is truly broken.

In Texas

Rep. Chip Roy joined the Bottom of the Barrel Bunch, swirling around with fellow-dregs Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, AG Paxton, and Sen. Cruz—all Texas officials who shame the state and those Texans trying to live here with heads held high. 

Why?  Rep. Roy made these hateful comments at a March 18 Congressional hearing on—of all things–violence against Asian Americans: “We believe in justice. There’s old sayings in Texas about ‘find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree.’  …You know, we take justice very seriously, and we ought to do that. Round up the bad guys. That’s what we believe. Hang ’em high,” he told the Statesman. Asked about the racial connotations of lynching for minorities in America, Roy said, “Yeah, so? It was a metaphor for justice.” Rep. Chip Roy calls Texas lynching an example of justice, then doubles down: ‘I meant it’  3/18/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/18/texas-congressman-chip-roy-invoke-lynching-causes-uproar/4756789001/

No, lynching is NOT a metaphor for justice. Lynching is a method of murder. Even in Texas. 

In Lakeway

Keep your dogs out of Lake Travis! 

LCRA received test results on March 23, 2021 showing toxicity from blue-green algae in algae samples taken from Lake Travis (as well as Inks Lake and Lake Marble Falls). This can be fatal to animals.

May 1 election

Lakeway elects a new mayor and 3 council members on May 1, 2021.  Early voting starts April 19.  Vote for ONE person for mayor, but vote for THREE people for council (of the 5 running, the top 3 vote-getters win seats). 

For obvious reasons, Lakeway’s ridiculous May elections always have very low voter turnout.  So, to help get the word out about this election and the candidates (3 of them brand new to local politics), I created 10 questions and sent them out to all the candidates.  The responses are on a new page on this website—Lakeway May 1 Election.  Click on that page in the Menu above or use this link—https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/

Follow up on Council’s March 15 meeting

Discussion of the proposed Cherry Knoll development PUD zoning change was markedly anemic.  Objections made from the dais and/or in citizens participation included increased traffic on Flint Rock (as well as safety concerns about likely pedestrian crossings), housing density, and lack of parking to serve the commercial area and make the public space viable.  Officials asked for completion dates on project phases, to be sure the amenities are completed promptly (unlike several OTHER Lakeway developments).  Concerns that the project was being pushed through in order to facilitate settlement of the developers’ lawsuit against the city (including a citizen complaint that ZAPCO’s prior review of the project was cursory, for that reason), resulted in the matter being tabled until the April 19 Council meeting.

Also, Council approved spending $17,000 for restoration work on the Liebelt Cabin, as well as asking Lakeway Civic Corporation for a grant covering the rest of the $54,000 in work needed at this time. 

Council meets on Monday, April 5, 6:30pm, online only.

The agenda includes a presentation of Main Street options by Stratus Properties (item 5).  This is the contested middle section of the much-needed and long-delayed road connecting to Lohmans that to date the developer of HEB and The Oaks has refused to build.  (It was recently revealed that the city failed back in 2015 to get an agreement signed regarding the particulars of the developer’s obligations for building the road section beyond HEB.  Nevertheless, the city passed an ordinance requiring Stratus to start construction in 2021 and complete the middle portion by 2023.)   Mayor Cox teased this presentation in a recent Facebook talk, but unfortunately the Meeting Packet has zero information, so there is no indication of what Stratus is proposing as far as road configuration or timeline.  By the way, this is an example of when citizen participation is a farce—how can anyone know if they agree or disagree or have something to say by the deadline of 3pm day of the meeting, when the whole thing is a secret?

The Flint Rock Road traffic study will be presented (item 6.)  Again, the Meeting Packet contains no information.

There is also a proposed budget amendment (item 8).  City Manager Oakley requests an across the board 2% staff salary increase, with the $180,000 needed to fund this stated to be available in city funds due to an increase in sales tax receipts.

I am hoping that the 3 newbie candidates for mayor/council will surface during Citizens Participation and introduce themselves to the community.

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

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

I got my first vaccine shot (Pfizer) in late March.  YIPPEE!

Our hummingbirds are back.  I put my feeder out last week and had customers hovering and sucking up breakfast the very next morning.

Our deer are still being elusive.  On the other hand, in 2020 the first photo of a newborn fawn parked in Lakeway was posted on Next Door on April 12.  Keep your eyes open!  In the meantime, here are some of my favorite 2020 photos—TWIN FAWNS.

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

–Xiao Qi Ji & Momma Show Us What Panda Love Is  3/15/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmmHlGCXc7Y

–Giant Panda Mei Xiang Xiao Qi Ji – Play time 3/16/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKm7ga5YKjI

–Xiao Qi Ji Working On Those Rolling and Sliding Skills! 03-20-21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53LvK0UCt6Y

–Xiao Qi Ji & Momma Have a Rip Roaring Fun Morning 4/1/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B48vlmRKU5k

Fun site with recordings of bird songs.  For a quick nature fix, go here and click on a bird in the image, and you’ll hear a short recording of its song.  Very interesting, and my 3 cats all love it.  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/bird_songs_interactive/index.html

HAPPY EASTER!!!

For anyone looking for my usual every-other-week blog to be posted today—not happening. 

One thing I do in my blog is highlight issues coming up in the upcoming week’s Lakeway Council meeting.  March has 5 Mondays and Council meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Mondays, so there is NO MEETING next week.  And, the Agenda for the April 5 meeting won’t be released until next Friday.  So, my next blog will be posted NEXT weekend.  (I am going to aim for Saturdays, though, instead of Sunday nights—we’ll see….)

Besides, I don’t have time to blog this weekend, being crazy busy watching the World Figure Skating Championships from Stockholm.  Like everyone else, of course….

3/30/21 UPDATE on Lakeway election info

Candidate questionnaire responses were posted today on a brand new page created for the May 1 election.  Check the Menu or click here–https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/lakeway-may-1-election/

REMEMBER TO VOTE on May 1, or via early voting starting April 19.

Covid Vaccination update

I got my first COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer) last week.  Or, in Trekkie parlance—I can report a hull breach of the best kind.  I had to go to BSW in Marble Falls, but they were amazing, and it was well worth the trip.  IT IS SUCH A RELIEF TO KNOW THE END IS IN SIGHT!

Dear Daylight Savings Time,

I WANT MY HOUR BACK!

Also, if you stole an hour from MONDAY, no one would care. Also, why do ALL my kitchen appliances have clocks?

Sincerely,

Just another person struggling to re-set that weird clock in the den….

The Coronavirus

In the US

Positivity….  Optimism….  Trends in a good direction….  It took a full year, but things are looking up, according to most experts.  A year ago, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that “things will get worse before they get better.”  Looks like we are finally at the “getting better” part.

New cases are still falling—slower than desired, but definitely not surging.  Right now, we are just below last summer’s awful peak, so we really need that number to keep dropping.  Importantly, hospitalizations continue to plummet.  Warm weather is here or on the way, encouraging more activity outside where infections happen far less.

Things to worry about include the variants, spring break travel (more people flew on March 12 than on any day in a year), and the several reckless governors opening up states completely and removing mask rules too early.  (Gov. Abbott of Texas is a prime offender in that category; his pathetic need to cater to Trump by flipping off the Biden administration could cause a surge in Texas that delays the health and economic recovery we all want.)  Also, testing has dropped sharply nationwide; if we are not testing, then our data is unreliable.  Finally, Americans continue to die of Covid in droves–12,000 in the last week.  Their families certainly are not feeling optimistic now.

The American Rescue Plan (with strong bipartisan support among the public) was passed in the House and Senate thanks to heroic efforts by the Democrats–and despite every single Republican in Congress voting against helping families and the economy recover from Covid.  The President immediately signed it into law, and benefits are already rolling out.  This bill provides direct payments, extension of unemployment benefits, health insurance subsidies, business aid, school funding, Covid vaccination and testing aid, funding for state and local governments, and MUCH MORE to fight Covid, assist families and build back the economy.

President Biden’s March 11 address acknowledged a full year of hardships and tragedy.  As he said: “The past year was filled with the loss of life and the loss of living for all of us. … Over a year ago, no one could have imagined what we were about to go through, but now we’re coming through it.”  He went on to explain our current improving situation and offer a plan of action to get the nation in a place to celebrate July 4 safely with family and friends, declaring independence from Covid.  But, that goal can only be reached if we all work together.  We all need to get vaccinated, wear masks and take other precautions— and encourage everyone we know to do the same.  Biden Tells Nation There Is Hope After a Devastating Year  3/11/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/us/politics/biden-coronavirus.html

TEXAS continues best efforts to kill residents

As of March 12, Gov. Abbot dropped all Covid restrictions.  All businesses are fully open.  The mask mandate is rescinded.  (Yes, Abbott IS up for re-election in 2022.)  Gov. Greg Abbott ends statewide mask mandate, moves to open Texas 100%— actions at odds with health experts, federal officials  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2021/03/02/texas-covid-restrictions-governor-greg-abbott-news-conference-today-lubbock/6885317002/

If he had to jump the gun and open businesses 100%, at least that helps struggling companies and would just be the usual political nonsense.  But, opening businesses makes masks MORE Important, to protect workers and to keep from spiking a surge and having to shut down all over again.  There is just NO upside to dropping masks, except to allow selfish and ignorant people to crow about their freedom to sicken and kill the rest of us.  Especially for essential workers (and everyone who now has to go back to work in suddenly opened up businesses and face an unmasked public), dropping the mask rule is a hazard.  We are a couple months away from everyone being vaccinated, so why increase risk now, when we are so close to the finish line?  The result could well be a Covid surge that would not only kill people, it would cause businesses to close again and further ravage our economy.  Clearly, Abbott is trying to look defiant after having to ask for federal funds to bail Texas out of the February power grid disaster.  And, as he struggles to build up GOP support for his 2022 re-election campaign, sabotaging the Biden administration’s request for masks during his first 100 days in office is a cheap way to cater to the Trump crowd.  Unfortunately for Texas, saving lives is NOT Abbott’s priority.  This image says it all….

Happily, local officials in Austin and Travis County are continuing their own mask mandate, despite the inevitable lawsuit by the state. The case won’t be heard for 2 weeks, and the district court ruled masks required in the interim.  Delay lets Austin, Travis County enforce mask mandates for now  3/12/21https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/03/12/austin-mask-mandate-travis-county-judge-lora-livingston-texas-ken-paxton/4663189001/

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

As of March 13, 14% of American adults have been fully vaccinated (up from 6% as of Feb. 28.)

The Biden administration originally set a goal of 100 million shots in its first 100 days in office. Projections have that goal being met on March 19–well over a month EARLY.  The pace of shots administered continues to ramp up, averaging well over 2 million per day.  The goal is to reach 3 million shots per day by the end of March.

Among the recent glut of good news was President Biden’s announcement that America will have enough vaccine stock on hand to vaccinate ALL adults, as of the end of May.  Accordingly, states have been instructed to make all adults eligible for shots by May 1, so everyone can get scheduled.  To assist in administering shots, the federal government will be recruiting medical personnel out of retirement, training volunteers, and sending FEMA staffers to the states, as needed.  Also, a federal database is being created, to ease registration and scheduling.

In addition, the U.S. has contracted to purchase an additional 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the summer.  That stock will be available to inoculate children, once the FDA approves it. In Texas, vaccination performance continues to underwhelm, ranking bottom of the barrel among the 50 states.  So far, just 5 million Texans have gotten a shot, with just over half that amount fully vaccinated.  Great–only 25 million Texans to go….  With countless people in the 1A and 1B groups still unable to get appointments, Texas opened availability to those 50 and older starting March 15.  (That’s me—yippee!)  Yet, Texas refuses to help essential workers get vaccinated.  (I’m sure Gov. Abbott has more campaign donors in their 50s than working in essential jobs, so the policy makes sense for him.)  Why does Texas rank near last in percentage of residents vaccinated against COVID-19?  3/14/21  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/coronavirus/2021/03/14/covid-vaccine-why-does-texas-rank-low-vaccination-rates/6943753002/

In Travis County, just under 100,000 people are fully vaccinated. City of Lakeway has a survey running, to see how many people in the Lake Travis area need a shot, in order to gauge demand for a local mass vaccination event.  That would likely be held at BSW Medical Center here in Lakeway.  Stay tuned….  Go here to take the quick survey—https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/laketravisvaccinationsurvey

Need help getting a vaccination appointment?  Check out this article–Flustered vaccine seekers in Central Texas turn to Kendra’s Covid Coaches to navigate appointment process  3/4/21https://www.statesman.com/story/lifestyle/2021/03/04/vaccine-seekers-turn-kendras-covid-coaches-navigate-appointment-process/6904656002/

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

—How America’s Covid Nightmare Ends  1 hour podcast. Dr. Ashish Jha joins Ezra Klein for an upbeat and informative discussion of our immediate future 3/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/12/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ashish-jha.html

—One in three Americans has lost someone to Covid    3/6/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/obituaries/people-died-coronavirus-obituaries.html

—The short-term, middle-term, and long-term future of the coronavirus  3/4/21 https://www.statnews.com/2021/03/04/the-short-term-middle-term-and-long-term-future-of-the-coronavirus/

—How Close is the Pandemic’s End?  The Daily’s 30 minute podcast discusses reasons why the US has seen the 3^rd surge stall right now, detailing each of the variants, comparing Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine to the other 2 vaccines now in use, and prospects for actually taming Covid.  3/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-vaccines-variants.html?rref=vanity

—One and Done: Why People Are Eager for Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine  3/4/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/health/covid-vaccine-johnson-and-johnson-rollout.html

—How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus Variants  3/3/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/03/opinion/contributors/protect-against-coronavirus-variants.html

—Here is how Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine differs from Pfizer’s and Moderna’s  2/28/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/28/us/jj-vaccine-pfizer-moderna-differences.html

On the national stage

Dare mighty things–update

Perseverance on Mars—testing the robot is going well.

In Texas

The week that Texas froze solid

Just an update on the Texas power grid disaster that killed over 100 people in February.  Adding insult—and fraud—to injury….  It turns out that ERCOT overcharged for energy during the storm, failing to lower rates as the storm abated and use dropped.  The result was $16 BILLION in excess charges to consumers.  In any other state, those excess charges would be refunded, as a matter of common decency and good business.  Not in Texas.  Nope—the Public Utility Commission decided that would be too difficult.  After all, everything is bigger in Texas—including utility bills during an emergency, and the fraud and corruption.

Regarding the Texas state legislature, the good news is that it is in session only 120 days every TWO years.  The bad news is that we are right in the middle of a session. Its hearings on the disaster have accomplished nothing other than public whining about how expensive it would be to harden the grid so that it functioned reliably in winter.  Most members of ERCOT and the Public Utilities Commission governing it have resigned, which gives cover to those really to blame.  Abbott will replace those people with others of the same ilk, and nothing will change.  The next big storm will be even worse, and more Texans will die than in 1989, 2011, and 2021, all because Republicans simply cannot be taught that climate change is real.

Also, of course, Ted Cruz is STILL a walking and smirking abomination.

Finally, Abbott’s pathetic performance as governor means that pretty much anyone (EXCEPT Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick) would be an improvement.  Possible challengers include actor Matthew McConaughey (no thank you–governing done well is not a hobby for dilettantes) and former US Representative Beto O’Rourke (yes, please—Texas needs at least ONE senior political leader it can be proud of).

Nothing will change UNTIL Texans vote for decent candidates and turn the state BLUE.

In Lakeway

Nothing is happening yet regarding Lakeway’s May 1 election, other than candidate signs sprouting up along major roads and in yards.  A candidate forum or two should be scheduled soon.

Council’s March 1 meeting was a snooze, as predicted.  Well, far as the public knows, anyway.  The secret executive session (on the police department, per the agenda) lasted 90 minutes–longer than the rest of the meeting combined.

Council meets on Monday, March 15, 6:30pm.  Online only.  The agenda includes 2 items from the storm-cancelled Feb. 16 meeting.  The most notable regards the proposed Cherry Knoll development on Flint Rock Road, item 7 this time.  Request is for a zoning change from the current R-1 and C-1 to creation of a Planned Unit Development.  Having settled a long-running lawsuit with the city, Developer Legacy DCS wants to build 126 detached single-family homes on 25 acres, with several variances.  This development is designed to serve the adjacent hospital complex, and the proposal is more in line with Lakeway’s usual requirements than the recent one for apartments.  But, nearby homeowners are objecting over density and traffic. In addition, in item 10, the historic and decrepit Liebelt Cabin is back under consideration.  At the Dec. 7, 2020, meeting, Council approved spending $14,000 for repairs.  (Note: the request then was for restoration work estimated at a shocking $125,000.)  Restoration work now suggested is estimated at $54,000, and it looks like they want to spend up to $17,000 in city funds and apply for local grant funding to cover the rest. 

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

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

What a difference a month makes!  Mid-February dumped 6” of snow on us, and now the fruit trees are blossoming all over Lakeway. 

My mom’s birthday was March 11.  She would have been 82.  I tell myself she would have hated living through Trump’s mad reign and the pandemic, but still….  Deanna Davis-Turner died July 3, 2016, from lung cancer, even though she stopped smoking cold-turkey back in 1993.  I’m sure there are worse ways to go, but struggling for every breath is right up there, especially since deep down she felt she did it to herself.  People think they can stop smoking “later” and it will be fine.  STOP NOW–and pray it saves your life.

Also, Peanut had her annual vet visit last week.  Guess what—even cats gain weight during Covid….

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Deer sightings have been few and far between lately, which happens this time of year.  Maybe they are off on spring break…..  I have been sorting my 2020 photos, so here are a few favorites—wee fawns this time.

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

Rolling and playing outside with Mom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNsg9dTsYyc

Romping indoors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2uMMqBkMN4

Having fun in the yard with Mom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuc4FdlmNdc

Hard to believe, but my first blog was posted on March 15, 2020—so I have been doing this a year now.   Happy WordPress Anniversary, I guess!

The Coronavirus

America passed 500,000 Covid deaths on Feb. 22.  There are just no words….  But, for me anyway, this graphic of simple dots, one per death, captures the year-long progression of the pandemic and conveys the death rate in the US.  It started out ominous, quickly reached over-whelming, and then became devastating. On the Front Page, a Wall of Grief 2/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/21/insider/covid-500k-front-page.html

The Biden administration acknowledged the tragedy with a simple candle-light vigil at the White House.

That horrible milestone aside, there is a lot of good news on Covid.  The number of new cases has dropped significantly since the January peak of America’s third surge.  Hospitalizations have dropped, as well.  Nursing home deaths are sharply down, seemingly due to aggressive vaccination in that demographic.

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity

Vaccinations in much of the US stalled last week due to the winter storm.  Shipments were delayed, sites shut down, and an uncertain number of doses spoiled.  (Texas has admitted to losing over 900 doses due to the storm.)  Still, we celebrated a nice milestone on Feb. 25—50 million doses administered since the Jan. 20 inauguration.  This puts the Biden administration well ahead of pace to reach its goal of 100 million doses in its first 100 days.  Now administering around 1.5 million shots per day, they are aiming for 3 million shots per day, and the vaccine supply should be able to accommodate that soon.  For one thing, the weekly vaccine supply to states of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will increase by one million doses, to 14.5 million.  Plus, the FDA has approved storage of Pfizer’s vaccine in standard freezers for up to 2 weeks, easing logistics.

In addition, on Feb. 27 the FDA granted emergency approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  This means we will soon have a 1-dose option in the vaccine arsenal, as well as millions more doses on the way.  Some people are worried that the J&J vaccine allowed more asymptomatic and mild infections in its trial than the 2 existing vaccines did; experts point out that the comparison is flawed, since J&J’s trial was during a period when aggressive variants were present—something the first 2 vaccines did not encounter in their trials months earlier.  Importantly, the J&J vaccine eliminated both hospitalization and death in its clinical trial.  Which vaccine should you take?  The one you can get FIRST.  Here is a great article on this topic–Which Vaccine Should You Get?  2/26/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/26/opinion/us-covid-vaccines.html

In the US, about 6% of the population has been fully vaccinated.  A slightly larger group has gotten just 1 shot.

In Texas, about 1.5 million people have been fully vaccinated, with another 1.5 million getting the first shot.  (Texas has a population of nearly 30 million.)

In Travis County, about 60,000 people are fully vaccinated (5% of the population), with another 70,000 having gotten the first shot.   Also, a mass vax site will open soon at Circuit of the Americas.

In the US, polls now show 55% of people want to get vaccinated.  That number has steadily increased each month since December.  I suspect more and more people will opt for a shot as soon as they are eligible, as time passes and everyone sees that the vaccines are safe and in fact protect us from serious illness and death.

4^th wave coming

Experts warn that a fourth wave of infection may be on the way. 

Yes, new cases are down, but they have leveled off at a very high mark.  This is the case in America and worldwide.  Expert suggest it is due to the more contagious variants.

The variants are increasing, with a brand new one (B.1.52) identified and spreading rapidly in New York City.  That variant now represents about 30% of all cases there.

If Covid still has us on a yo-yo of recurring surges, we must stay vigilant to avoid spiraling up on another high arc of infection, hospitalization and death. The vaccines will help, but they are not enough—not yet.  So, we need to keep masking, distancing and taking all the other precautions.  Now is NOT the time to drop our guard—like certain states (likely including Texas as soon as next week, with our feeble governor frantic to bolster his re-election chances) are doing by revoking mask mandates and removing other Covid restrictions.  For more, check out this article–The Coronavirus Is Plotting a Comeback. Here’s Our Chance to Stop It for Good https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/25/health/coronavirus-united-states.html

After just one year, Covid is completely enmeshed in our lives.  The vaccines and the ongoing vaccination process in America are center-stage.  Proof of that is something that took awhile to jump out to me as odd.  I’m talking about all the media accounts of the winter storm that brought Texas to its knees.  They all discussed how the power went out, water pipes froze and often burst, roads were closed, countless people suffered, and many died.  And, then, something like this was mentioned—“Vaccine distribution was halted.”  A year ago, even just 3 months ago, that simple sentence did not exist.  Nor did all the hope standing behind that sentence, that we are finally on the way to defeating Covid and reclaiming a version of normalcy. 

Recent Covid articles I recommend…. (in addition to the 3 above)

—Death, Through a Nurse’s Eyes  2/24/21 This 15-minute film offers a firsthand perspective of the brutality of the pandemic inside a Covid-19 I.C.U.  (Be sure to send this to anyone you know who still minimizes Covid, thinks vaccines are unimportant, or refuses to mask.) https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000007578176/covid-icu-nurses-arizona.html

—What Dr. Fauci is, and is not doing, now that he’s fully vaccinated for Covid  2/23/21 https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/23/what-dr-fauci-can-do-now-that-he-is-fully-vaccinated-against-covid.html

—Dr. Fauci on 500,000 American deaths and much more 2/21/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/21/fauci-500-000-covid-deaths-terrible-470556

—Children and Covid—When will kids get vaccinated? 25-minute podcast with transcript 2/19/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-pandemic-children-vaccinations.html?rref=vanity

—How to Buy a Real N95 Mask Online  2/17/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/17/technology/personaltech/buy-real-n95-mask.html

—Plan Your Vaccine  Everything you need to know about getting a Covid-19 vaccination as the rollout extends across the U.S.  2/17/21 www.planyourvaccine.com

—Covid-Linked Syndrome in Children Is Growing and Cases Are More Severe  2/16/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/16/health/covid-children-inflammatory-syndrome.html

—7 Myths About the Coronavirus Vaccine  2/13/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/13/opinion/covid-vaccine-safe.html

On the national stage

Dare mighty things

On Feb. 18, NASA landed a sophisticated rover on Mars.  It was flawless!  Perseverance is the size of a car, and it brought along a mini-helicopter, Ingenuity. 

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Go here for a 3-minute video of the landing–https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap210223.html

Keep in mind a hidden message that NASA engineers put onto the descent parachute of the Perseverance rover. The colors on the chute panels were a binary code that translates into “Dare mighty things.”

Texas froze solid

Sure, we can land a robot on Mars, but we cannot keep the lights on in Texas–the energy-production capitol of the world.

Just like happened in 1989 and again in 2011, when a severe winter storm hit earlier this month, the state’s power grid failed, and millions of Texans were without power—not for just a few hours or a day but for as long as 4 days and 4 nights.  This happened while temperatures plunged as low as 6 degrees and remained well under freezing for a week.  So, pipes froze, and often burst, creating additional pain, damage and peril.  Also, water treatment plants went offline due to power loss, rendering water unsafe to drink; many Texans had to boil water or rely on donated bottled water for up to a week.  The death toll is still uncertain, but it is likely around 100 people, more than died in Hurricane Harvey.

Even worse than what happened is what ALMOST happened.  ERCOT (the ironically named Energy Reliability Council of Texas) insists that if it had not implemented the pervasive and long-term blackouts, the entire state grid would have collapsed.  That would have resulted in severe systems damage state-wide that would have taken weeks to months to repair, before power was restored.  That horror show was narrowly averted, with just 3-4 minutes leeway, if ERCOT is to be believed.

This all happened because Texas manages a privately operated power grid, isolated from any other state.  As a result, there is no way to import additional power when needed.  No other state in the country goes it alone.  Texas likes it that way, because it allows avoidance of pesky federal regulation that comes with an interstate power grid. 

Crucially, ERCOT is controlled by Texas officials.  Despite the lessons of 2 recent catastrophic winter storms, these officials failed to demand a power reserve.  They failed to require the system to be hardened to withstand frigid temperatures.  They failed to stop energy providers from price-gouging consumers with variable-rate plans.  Instead, Texas officials continue to allow Texas to be at risk for catastrophic power grid collapse.

For more, check out this article–Texas Is a Rich State in a Rich Country, and Look What Happened  2/25/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/25/opinion/texas-climate-change.html

Texans froze, Ted fled

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Ted Cruz is the most hated man in the Senate, and that goes back YEARS.  In a typical move for him, Cruz opposed federal relief for Hurricane Sandy, arguing the east coast should take care of itself.  (Of course, he flip-flopped when Hurricane Harvey decimated Texas.)  Just recently, he managed to outdo his blatant support of Trump’s deadly insurrection by abandoning his suffering constituents (and his dog, Snowflake, left behind inside the “freezing” Cruz home in Houston) during the winter storm, jetting off to sunny Cancun.

Cruz epitomizes the worst in politics and human nature.  He doesn’t speak, he shouts insults.  He doesn’t legislate, he grifts.  He doesn’t help organize relief for constituents, he skips town.  (And, when he was shamed into returning early from Mexico, Cruz failed to quarantine for 7-10 days as required by the CDC after international travel.  Instead, he immediately showed up and posed for photos at a water give-away that others had organized.) 

His nicknames are “Lucifer in the flesh” and “Satan’s spawn.”  Frequent comments about him:

–“There are 2 kinds of people: People who hate Ted Cruz.  And Ted Cruz.” 

–“So, why is it that people take such an instant dislike to this guy?  Because it saves time.” 

— “If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you.”  (That one is from his fellow Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham.)

So, two things. 1) Why does this foul excuse for a human being represent Texas in the US Senate?  There are better choices than this strutting sneer.  Time to VOTE HIM OUT!  Right now, his approval rate is 25%.  He is up for re-election in 2024, but we need to get started.  2) Not only do people hate Ted Cruz on a major scale, but his foul public behavior and slimy rhetoric make people far and wide HATE TEXAS.  We really don’t need that.  Decent officials not only improve life for their constituents on a day-to-day basis, but they represent us well on the national level.  Again—VOTE TED CRUZ OUT.  Preferably with a Democrat, but at this point I’d take pretty much anyone with a moral compass.

In Lakeway

To follow up on local issues from last time….

Regarding the May 1 local election, we will elect a new mayor.  Candidates are Tom Kilgore and Alain Babin.  Also, we will elect 3 Council members.  Seven people originally filed to run, but 2 dropped out.  Candidates are: incumbent Sanjeev Kumar, incumbent Gretchen Vance, former member Keith Trecker, Kelly Brynteson, and Steven Clark.  Need full info on all Lakeway election matters?  Go here—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/427/Election-Information

Council meets on Monday, March 1, 6:30pm.  This is an ONLINE meeting.  The Agenda is NOT a re-do of the Feb. 16 meeting that was cancelled due to the storm.  (Look for the Cherry Knoll re-zoning issue to pop back up later in March.)  Instead, items are largely house-keeping matters.  At least, nothing pings my radar….   Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

I was SO lucky with the storm—never lost power, no frozen pipes, no tree damage, and even my internet was up and running.  Truly, the cats and I were blessed!  But, it was amazing what iced over and stayed that way; my garbage bins froze shut, and the metal gate to my backyard was frozen in place for a few days.  I patrolled my yard twice daily, filling the birdfeeders and knocking snow and ice off everything I could reach with my trusty broom.  (Gotta buy a shovel….) 

Just another unprecedented event, I guess.  After 2020 and the early part of 2021, I am REALLY sick of living through all that word entails. 

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Our deer made it through the storm!  After being stuck at home, I really enjoyed my morning walks recently, and the deer seemed happy to be out and about, as well.

Panda cub update:

Xiao (AKA Biscuit) turned 6 months old last week.  Apparently, that’s when baby pandas get to go play outside.  As the first 2 short videos below show, Biscuit really loves that!

–Xiao Qi Ji’s Wonderful Morning Outside https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odAWfS6c52A

–Adventure Awaits! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLoyN4gUkq4

–First Taste of Applesauce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btsx9CuinxQ

So, March….  Wonder what “unprecedented” insanity this month will bring?

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Here’s something even Democrats and Republicans can agree on—chocolate is GOOD!

The Coronavirus

Nationally

Most signs point to the pandemic, once again, being in retreat.  With national new cases in the 100,000 per day range instead of twice that like in January, new case counts are dropping in nearly every state.  So are hospitalizations; instead of 130,000 Covid patients, current hospitalizations are down to 75,000.  Deaths are still high; a record was set on Feb. 12, with 5,344 Americans reported dead that day alone.  Hard to believe, but we are close to half a million Americans dead of Covid.

Experts continue to caution about the spread in the US of several worrisome variants, which could quickly reverse the current hopeful trends.  The UK variant is expected to be dominant in the US by March, and it seems to be more contagious and more deadly.  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/13/world/europe/covid-uk-variant-deadlier.html  This is obviously not the end of COVID-19, and it is crucial to continue precautions. 

Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity– are speeding along nicely.  Recently, the 7-day average exceeded 1.5 million shots administered per day–3 times the activity in January.  (Unfortunately, the current winter storm conditions in a large part of the country will slow things down temporarily.)  To date, over 50 million shots are reported administered in the US.

And, the forecast is even rosier, due to the Biden administration recently securing another 200 million doses total from Pfizer and Moderna, to be delivered by summer.  https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/11/white-house-200-million-more-covid-vaccine-doses-.html

Plus, Johnson and Johnson’s one-dose vaccine should be approved for emergency use later this month, providing another option.

In fact, all this good news allowed Dr. Fauci to predict that ALL AMERICAN ADULTS will able to get vaccinated very soon:  “I would imagine by the time we get to April, that will be what I would call, for better wording, ‘open season.’  Namely, virtually everybody and anybody in any category could start to get vaccinated.”  I am REALLY looking forward to “open season” if it means I can get vaccinated.  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/11/us/fauci-covid-vaccine-april.html

Texas

Cases and hospitalizations are dropping.  Over 40,000 Texans are now dead from Covid, but the daily death rate is starting to decrease.

Vaccinations are going local, with small stocks of doses distributed to local pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens and HEB, throughout the state.  (I am thrilled, because that is definitely where I want to be vaccinated, as soon as I’m eligible.)

Nearly 3 million shots have been administered in the state, with over 1 million Texans now fully vaccinated.  (Just 28 million Texans to go….)

Travis County has given over 130,000 shots, with over 45,000 people fully vaccinated.  The Austin Convention Center is still being used for Covid patient overflow.

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

—US could have averted 40% of Covid deaths, says Lancet panel examining Trump’s policies  2/11/21 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/10/us-coronavirus-response-donald-trump-health-policy

—What CDC found about wearing 2 masks  2/10/21 https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/masks-cdc-study-finds/story?id=75789183

—Fauci looking ahead to more vaccines in March, April  2/7/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/07/fauci-vaccines-march-april-466776

—In Line for Vaccination, and Not Getting Younger  2/5/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/health/coronavirus-vaccination-elderly.html

—The Coronavirus Is a Master of Mixing Its Genome, Worrying Scientists  2/5/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/health/covid-variants-genome-recombination.html

—A Rocky Road On The Way To Herd Immunity For COVID-19  2/3/21 https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/02/03/963373971/a-rocky-road-on-the-way-to-herd-immunity-for-covid-19

—The Pandemic Is Heading Toward a Strange In-Between Time  2/2/21 https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/02/will-there-be-another-surge-spring-mystery/617900/

On the national stage

The impeachment trial resulted in 57 of 100 senators voting to convict Trump of incitement of insurrection, including 7 Republicans.   Unfortunately, that was 10 short of the required 2/3 super-majority.  Cowards abound in the GOP….  Without Trump, the horrors of Jan. 6 would NOT have happened.  Period.  History will damn him, along with all his craven enablers.  In the meantime, various criminal court cases will be keeping Trump on edge.

Speaking of tyrants, here’s a book recommendation: On Tyranny—Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, by Timothy Snyder (2017).  This tiny book (smaller than my hand and only 125 pages) has HUGE insight into our times, plus practical advice on navigating our political reality—and maybe even changing it.   Lake Travis Community Library has 2 copies of the paperback version.  Amazon sells it in multiple formats.

In Lakeway

To follow up on local issues from last time….

May 1 Lakeway election

Election Day is May 1, but early voting starts April 19.  (If you want to vote by mail, you must apply by April 20, but earlier is better.)

We will elect a new mayor.  Candidates are Tom Kilgore and Alain Babin.

We will elect 3 Council members.  Seven people are running–Kelly Brynteson, Kelley Dinderman, Jessica Howard, Sanjeev Kumar, Steven Clark, Keith Trecker, and Gretchen Vance.

Need full info on all Lakeway election matters?  Go here—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/427/Election-Information

Feb. 1 Council meeting

Council voted unanimously to approve the new Rough Hollow development agreement, with its many terms favorable to the developer, Legends.  As demanded, they get 2 very lucrative items–additional condos (generally discouraged in Lakeway) plus a storage facility (something Lakeway has refused to allow anywhere else in town for many years now).  The advantages to Lakeway under the new agreement are nebulous, at best. Still, it was obvious this new agreement would be approved; the discussion allowed was just window-dressing.  Until Lakeway’s ethics rules prohibit officials from lobbying for and voting on issues concerning those who made campaign contributions to them, our government will be shadowed by far more than the mere appearance of impropriety.

Another item of note was discussion of a Main Street Plan.  A consultant lectured on the benefits of the city creating a Public Improvement District (PID) in order to treat as one entity the balance of the road to be built, which runs across land owned by 2 developers (Legends and Stratus).  The PID would raise bond funds needed to finance the project, with the developers supposedly on the hook to pay that off—not taxpayers.  So, Stratus is clearly still NOT on board to start building its segment of Main Street this year as the city has mandated. Go here to watch the Feb. 1 Council meeting online– https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/112357

Council has its next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6:30pm.

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

The most interesting item is #11, the proposed Cherry Knoll development on Flint Rock Road, involving a zoning change from the current R-1 and C-1 to creation of a Planned Unit Development (PUD).  Having settled a long-running lawsuit with the city, developers want to build 126 detached single-family homes on 25 acres, with several variances.  This development is designed to serve the adjacent hospital complex, and the proposal is more in line with Lakeway’s usual requirements than the recent one for apartments.  But, nearby homeowners are objecting over density and traffic.

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

I zipped out to Walmart early last week for necessities.  Coming home, the odometer on the Civic I bought last June hit 500 miles just as I glided into my garage.  Thanks to Covid, it is still on the second tank of gas.

Now, I’m trying to stay warm and keep my feeders filled for the hungry birds.  Also, hoping my trees hold up under all the ice, my skylight survives intact, the power stays on, and no pipes break….

The deer did not show up my walks lately, so I’ll continue looking back at the best photos from 2020—does and their young fawns this time.

Panda cub update:

Sweet cuddles–https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DlXgFfJ6n0

Sometimes, Mama doesn’t share–https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l65llwYV20Y

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, we passed 100 million cases as of Jan. 25.

In the US, January was the deadliest month, so far, in the pandemic.  In the past couple weeks, new case and hospitalization numbers in most states started trending downward.  Some states are back to levels reported in November—still too high but reduced from December/January.  But, the death rate remains 3,000-4,000 per day.

The nation finally had an opportunity to mourn, just before the presidential inauguration, when the death toll stood at 411,000 Americans. COVID-19 Memorial Ceremony at Lincoln Memorial–2 minute video 1/19/21 https://www.theguardian.com/global/video/2021/jan/19/biden-and-harris-hold-vigil-for-400000-covid-19-dead-as-bells-toll-across-us-video

Texas surpassed 2 million confirmed COVID-19 cases Jan. 27, just two and a half months after reaching 1 million. The state also added a record 467 fatalities to the virus death toll that day, but that record fell on Jan. 28, with 471 deaths.

Travis County is still reporting out of control new cases, but hospitalizations have dropped.  As of Jan. 30, per Gov. Abbott’s misguided rule, area businesses and restaurants returned to 75% occupancy, and elective medical procedures recommenced.  Experts warn this guarantees resurgence, as Texas continues its deadly roller coaster ride with Covid.

Some experts think the US is in the very early stages of herd immunity.  They assume about 100 million Americans have actually had the virus; for every person testing positive, three more likely had it without being diagnosed, studies suggest. Another 24 million people have received a vaccine shot. That means 1/3 of the population has some degree of immunity from the virus, which could be enough to begin slowing the spread.  Still a long way to go to get the needed 75-85% of the population immune, and that ignores the mutants….

Covid has, as predicted, mutated.  The mutated viruses seem to be more contagious and possibly more deadly than the original.  Several variants have been identified, and all have been found in the US. 

Vaccinations, the safe path to herd immunity, are still a mess, pretty much everywhere.  States complain they don’t get enough doses, but most can’t seem to handle what they do get.  In its first week in office, the Biden administration arranged for an additional 16% weekly distribution to the states, as well as committing to provide delivery info to states 3 weeks in advance, to aid scheduling.  Also, the federal government has secured 300 million additional doses, to arrive in summer.  The Biden administration is solving, one by one, the many logistical problems previously neglected. 

As of now, Texas has reportedly received over 3 million doses but only administered about 2 million shots.  The state announced in December that everyone 65 and up or with special conditions is eligible for vaccination, expanding the initial eligible group to over 8 million Texans.  Unfortunately, the state did not bother to 1) first vaccinate health care workers and senior care residents; 2) make it clear that Texas would not have sufficient vaccine—16 million doses–for all these people FOR MANY MONTHS; or 3) create a central registration/reservation network for shots to be arranged.  As a result, “eligible” Texans who can’t arrange a shot are confused, frustrated, outraged and panicked; overall, it is demoralizing.  I hope that by the time I am eligible, things are running much more smoothly.

As far as NEW vaccines, there was bad news and pretty good news lately.  Both of the Merck vaccines failed early testing and have been cancelled.  Novavax says its data won’t be ready until March.

Johnson & Johnson just released preliminary results showing the vaccine was 72% effective in US clinical trials. In South Africa, where the worst of the variants so far known is common, the efficacy rate dropped to 57%.  BUT, the vaccine prevented severe illness in 85% of cases overall, and there were NO reported deaths.  Experts say that more than compensates for any deficiencies compared to the 2 vaccines approved so far.  BONUS—the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires ONE SHOT and standard refrigeration, doses will be cheap, and the manufacturer is a major player able to produce the vaccine quickly and in bulk.  All of this adds up to a very practical and useful option for the US and elsewhere. 

Human decency aside, the rapid development of mutant viruses demonstrates that the ENTIRE WORLD must be vaccinated in order to defeat Covid here at home.  Otherwise, the virus will mutate wherever it runs rampant, the mutations will be less susceptible to our vaccines, and everyone becomes vulnerable all over again.  Happily, President Biden is having America join COVAX, as well as support the WHO’s international vaccination programs. More and more epidemiologists warn that an upcoming surge is coming in the next few weeks, eclipsing anything seen so far, due to the mutant viruses that we are just starting to see and understand.  The best protection is widespread vaccination.  Since limited doses are now available, we may have to postpone the recommended second doses, in order to get more people protected as soon as possible.  (Additional shots can be administered down the road, and by then the vaccines may well be adjusted to fight a broader range of viruses.)  This is something the CDC and Biden administration have resisted, but recent developments may change that very soon.  See this Jan. 29 interview of Michael Osterholm, a Biden advisor, for the rationale: Osterholm on COVID variants: We need to understand what’s coming 1/29/21 https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/01/29/osterholm-on-covid-variants-we-need-to-understand-whats-coming

Recent Covid articles I recommend….

–Dr. Fauci unleashed is a very good thing! Fauci on What Working for Trump Was Really Like  1/24/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/24/health/fauci-trump-covid.html Banished by Trump but Brought Back by Biden, Fauci Aims to ‘Let the Science Speak’  1/21/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/us/politics/fauci-trump-biden-coronavirus.html

–Amazing compilation of info on all things vaccine, in Q&A form.  Save this link; if you don’t need this info now, you will later. Answers to All Your Questions About Getting Vaccinated for Covid-19  1/27/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/well/covid-vaccine-questions.html

–Great, now we have mutants to worry about…. Worrisome New Coronavirus Strains Are Emerging. Why Now?  1/27/21 https://www.wired.com/story/worrisome-new-coronavirus-strains-are-emerging-why-now/?fbclid=IwAR1T_dC3tCINy8n_cPkIR5eBHMI-Qt3ZwmfcjeKiA-ifwEGqoGBsCHYw75E

–I love a good podcast, and here are 2 EXCELLENT ones! The Daily podcast has the excellent Donald McNeil clearly explain the current Covid stats today (trend in new cases/hospitalizations/deaths, plus the several mutations, vaccine issues, etc.), in 25 minutes.  1/27/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/27/podcasts/the-daily/coronavirus-cases-testing-variants-vaccine.html?rref=vanity NYT’s Ezra Klein podcast interviews Dr. Vivek Murthy: “The Man with a Plan to Beat the Pandemic.”  Dr. Murthy is Pres. Biden’s nominee for Surgeon General, as well as co-chair of the Biden administration’s coronavirus task force.  90 minutes.  (There is a transcript link, to just read it, if desired.)  1/26/21  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/26/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-vivek-murthy.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20210126&instance_id=26410&nl=the-morning&regi_id=122311001&segment_id=50262&te=1&user_id=85e9340cba19164d75f3915211a487be

On the national stage

Jan. 20 Inauguration

It was a hard-won battle, and that made the swearing-in of Biden-Harris all the better.  What a relief.…  Being able to breathe freely again.  Feeling safe again.  Having hope again.  Competent, compassionate adults are in charge again.  Truth is told, experts are respected, intelligence is valued, morals matter again.  After four years of hell, America is back.

I think ALL inaugurations should be virtual.  It felt like the entire country was experiencing it together, online and via TV, from the morning swearing-in all the way through to the star-studded nationwide evening gala—all beautifully done and a joy to watch.

Impeachment

The trial begins Feb. 8.  Over the weekend, Trump’s several attorneys all resigned.  (Good for them, and I bet there is an interesting story there….)  Wonder if Trump will have to go with Drippy Rudy after all?  Maybe Trump will represent himself, spewing out all those unused Twitter posts he has been holding in for weeks now.  Or just leave the country before certain state lawsuits against him get even uglier.

Trump and his MAGA rioters must pay for what they did to our Capitol, and by extension to our entire country.  Due to the continuing threats of violence from Trump supporters, the war-like fencing will remain indefinitely.  Our sacred places may be safer, but they are also changed forever in a very ugly way.  THAT is Trump’s legacy.

Brian Sicknick, the Capitol Police Officer who Trump’s mob beat to death on the Capitol steps, will lie in honor in the Rotunda next week.  Maybe that will help Republicans in the Senate to put aside their ambitious self-interest and find the honor to stand up for America. 

In Lakeway

Updates

To follow up on local issues from last time….

— Everyone’s favorite shortcut was miraculously restored!  The parking lot gates opened up just as suddenly as they had been locked.  Also, Stratus appealed to Board of Adjustments the requirement to extend Main Street by 2023, but then cancelled the hearing at the last minute.  Hmmmm….

—GOOD news for our deer!  The Jan. 19 Council meeting was shocking.  In a GOOD way. 

Remember, last year this time, Council followed the recommendation of the Wildlife Advisory Committee (WAC) and voted to return to culling (via TTT), even though the most recent survey then showed the herd slightly decreasing in size.  (They were only stymied in doing so because the city waited too long to get going as far as state permitting and hiring a trapper.)

This time, the wildlife biologist (who has performed all 4 annual surveys) explained the Nov. 2020 results.  He counted 15 more deer than in 2019, during the 27 miles driven, which is negligible. The biologist noted that over 4 years, there has been no real difference at all.  He stated that there was no need for the city to take any action against the deer.  Importantly, he noted the herd is “fat and happy,” definitely not starving or sick.  When asked if continued lack of culling would result in a dramatic herd increase, he said no; he thinks the numbers are likely to decrease.  Further, when asked what would happen if the city DID remove a large number of deer, he said that because Lakeway lacks boundaries, other deer from outside the area would move into Lakeway to exploit the freed-up resources. 

This last point is critical, as it exposes the futility and fiscal irresponsibility of culling, which Lakeway did for nearly 2 decades, mindlessly trapping and killing deer every season, only to have new animals replace them—to be killed next time, on and on.  This was explained in 2019 at a WAC meeting by urban wildlife biologist Laura Simon when she made an excellent presentation on humane and sensible methods of dealing with deer.  She was ignored and berated by a majority of WAC members, as all were who tried to make suggestions OTHER than killing deer.  Importantly, these bullies do NOT include the 2 WAC members at the Jan. 19 Council meeting, data guru Ted Windecker and interim chair Pam Bunn.  In addition, the mayor stated that “2 more members” recently resigned from WAC, and the committee lacks quorum to meet.

Finally, Council discussed city stats on deer encounters.  Preliminary data shows an increase in carcasses/collisions in 2020.  They asked for more details, including the locations, whether fawns or adults, and whether due to vehicles or predators. 

So, the good news is that there seems to be no interest in returning to culling our deer.  (This could change at any time; a year ago, these same officials voted to cull when the survey showed fewer deer than now.)  Annual surveys will continue.  WAC needs to be properly staffed; in addition to deer, Lakeway has MANY other wildlife issues they should be handling.  Negative deer encounters are being monitored and investigated.  If anything needs to be addressed, I hope they refer to Laura Simon’s Humane Society plan for urban deer management and use any available funds for public education and solutions on living with our wildlife.

Go here to watch the Jan. 19 Council meeting online (click on item 10 for the deer) https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Here is a great article covering this issue: Lakeway revisits controversial deer management program  1/22/21 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/lake-travis-view/2021/01/22/lakeway-city-council-has-first-discussion-its-deer-management-program-year/6663575002/

Council has its next meeting on Monday, Feb. 1, 6:30pm. 

This is an ONLINE meeting.  Lots going on. Go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

Agenda item 10 is re-authorization of a road maintenance tax.  This should be routine, funding annual road maintenance.  However, it is possible it is something more—such as funding for the city to build the Main Street extension while Stratus delays and/or sues.  (The Meeting Packet has the fiscal data copied from the previous item, in error.)

Agenda item 14 is Report on the Main Street Plan.  Hmmmm….

Agenda item 13 is the new Rough Hollow development agreement—likely the last review with Council voting yes or no.  (For anyone trying to find info in the 400 page meeting packet, scroll down to page 331 for this item.)

This matter was handled very oddly at the last 2 meetings.  There was little or no review of each change and discussion of the pros and cons, as happens with similar issues.  Since the proposed agreement is taking the place of about 10 previous ones, dating back to 1997, it is not reasonable or even possible for residents to do this on our own.  Why isn’t this being done on the dais?  We were told the new agreement would simplify and clarify the requirements for Legends to finish development in Rough Hollow in the next few years.  We were also told that water quality protections would be increased; I don’t know if that is accurate.  We were told that more trees would be protected; I don’t know if that is accurate. 

We were told that in some cases Legends would be required to follow CURRENT building ordinances, as opposed to the 1997 ordinances they have been able to follow up to now; I don’t know if that is accurate—and I certainly don’t know what variances are being allowed, so that Legends gets to KEEP the benefits of long-gone lesser standards.  For instance, I think Legends should have to follow the 2019 ordinance requiring flat-topped fencing, for the safety of people and wildlife.  In 2020, Legends installed extensive open picket metal fencing over the many retaining walls running through The Vineyards (near Lupine School); this was allowed because it was approved in the agreements many years earlier.  While there are not that many deer in Rough Hollow, there are a lot of children, who climb retaining walls and fences, so this is a major safety concern.

Overall, it feels like things are being hidden, and that is particularly true as to park land requirements in the original agreement that Legends never bothered to fulfill.  What happened to the sports fields?  Instead of the promised water access park, the new agreement provides a water view area—that is not the same at all!  Plus, the new agreement would let Legends build a ton of extra condos AND a storage facility, even though Lakeway is generally condo-averse and has disallowed storage facilities for years now.  

The storage facility in particular seems like a serious negative.  Importantly, this facility has been touted all along as for luxury car and wine storage.  But, that is NOT what the agreement says. The language is this: “Provide for luxury car suites and/or wine storage or other generally accepted climate-controlled storage uses.”  OR OTHER GENERALLY ACCEPTED CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE USES.  Around here, nearly all storage facilities are climate controlled, which basically means AC so stuff doesn’t melt in the summer.  ANYTHING can be stored.  This amounts to no real restrictions on use of this facility.  There seems to be this idea that Rough Hollow residents need to store their high-end toys.  Well, maybe.  But this facility would not be restricted to Rough Hollow owners.  It would draw customers—and traffic—from up and down HWY 71.  Surely, if some Rough Hollow residents need storage, they can find it already built nearby on 71.  I once managed an area storage facility–not for long, as quite frankly I could not stomach it.  While things mostly ran smoothly during the day, nights were a very different story.  Certain units were highly trafficked at night.  (Just sweeping up the parking lot in the mornings was … educational.  And sometimes a biohazard.)  Also, some units were used as sales venues for the stored items.  The contents being stored and sold seemed, in many cases, dubious at best.  Despite rules to the contrary, there is every chance that customers would store fireworks, guns, exotic animals, drugs, etc.—and arrange sales on site, as well.  All this would be a serious negative for any residential area.

 Finally, when residents complained at the last meeting about the new agreement’s lax water quality assurances, a Council member dismissively stated the point of the agreement was to streamline and clean up the jumble of past agreements, NOT to make major changes.  Really?  Then, why is Legends able to make major changes to its decided benefit—such as building many more condos and the storage facility, both highly lucrative to the developer?

I’m submitting comments for the meeting, and I encourage anyone else with concerns to do so as well.

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

May 1 Lakeway election

Just what we need—another election….  Since Lakeway insists on electing officials in May, we will be voting for mayor and 3 council seats (those now held by council members Vance, Kumar and Howell).  Election Day is May 1, but early voting starts April 19.  (If you want to vote by mail, you must apply by April 20, but earlier is better.)

To run for one of the vacancies, file an application at City Hall by Feb. 12.  Fresh blood is definitely needed….

Want to see who has already filed to run?  Need full info on all Lakeway election matters?  Go here—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/427/Election-Information

Back to me….

I’m staying home more than ever now and double-masking if I must go out in public.  I work full-time from home anyway, so I’m busy enough.  Still, curbside pick-up of books and DVDs at Lake Travis Community Library is a godsend!  And, I always have projects to tackle; this weekend, I reorganized my kitchen and laundry room.  Plus, my 3 kitty girls keep me happy and sane.  Well…. sane-adjacent. 

As tends to happen this time of year, the deer have been few and far between lately.  Many mornings, I saw NONE on my walks, and my camera has gone unused.  So, to celebrate their apparent safety from culling for another year, I will add a few of my favorite deer photos from 2020—bucks only this time. (Bucks are the BEST subjects—unlike timid does and skittish fawns, bucks have no fear and often seem to preen for the camera.)

Panda cub updates:

–Cubbie munches on bamboo for the first time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVBGiUD9bjk&list=PL9S_88he0gqqLkfnxLssmDjgOi5UJjAQW&index=1

–Cubbie gets a sweet treat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaqpeUmvg5M&list=PL9S_88he0gqqLkfnxLssmDjgOi5UJjAQW&index=4

Bye-bye, January!  Thanks for a safe inauguration and the good deer news, but the rest—not so much.

Recent articles I recommend….

—One Year, 400,000 Coronavirus Deaths: How the U.S. Guaranteed Its Own Failure  1/17/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/17/us/covid-deaths-2020.html

—C.D.C. Warns the New Virus Variant Could Fuel Huge Spikes in Covid-19 Cases  1/15/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/15/health/covid-cdc-variant.html

—How Much COVID-19 You’re Exposed To Matters. Here’s How To Reduce It.   1/15/21 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-much-covid-exposed-matters_l_5ffef16cc5b6c77d85ebca97

—One Mask Is Good. Would Two Be Better?  1/12/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/health/coronavirus-masks-transmission.html

—Moderna doesn’t expect Covid vaccine data for young children until 2022, CEO says  1/11/21 https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/11/covid-vaccine-moderna-doesnt-expect-data-for-young-children-this-year.html

—Along with vaccine rollouts, the U.S. needs a National Hi-Fi Mask Initiative  1/7/21 https://www.statnews.com/2021/01/07/national-hi-fi-mask-initiative-needed-with-vaccine-rollouts/

—We’re entering year two of the pandemic. Here’s what happens next.  1/5/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/04/us/coronavirus-pandemic-year-two-trnd/index.html

Insurrection.  Impeachment.  Mutant Covid strains.  Sudden vaccine shortage.  Local roadblocks.  Lakeway considering killing our deer again.  2021 is just FULL of surprises, so far….

The Election and Insurrection

Everyone knows Dec. 7 is the day that will live in infamy, due to the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in WWII.  Well, Jan. 6 is the day that will live in ignominy, due to Trump’s MAGA thugs.  America has never been so shamed.

The good news is that Biden-Harris were duly certified by Congress on Jan. 6 as having won the November 3 electoral college vote, and they will be sworn in on Jan. 20. 

The bad news came just as America is scraping Trump off its heel,  as he redefined “sore loser” by inciting a riot at his Jan. 6 (“You’ve gotta come.  It will be wild.”) rally.  After spouting his usual “they stole the election” lies, he sent his MAGA hoard to the Capitol to “stop the steal” and “fight” and “take back the country.”  (Trump promised to come with them–“I’ll be there with you.” He lied.  Duh.)  The mob followed his instructions.  They erected a gallows and chanted “hang Pence” and “kill Pelosi.”  They brought guns and zip-tie handcuffs.  They planted pipe bombs on Capitol grounds.  Breaking windows and bashing in doors, they soon overcame a pathetically (and suspiciously) inadequate police presence and sacked the Capitol Building while Congress was in session counting the electoral votes.  MAGA thugs murdered a police officer, beating him to death with a fire extinguisher, and seriously injured dozens more officers.  (They actually beat officers with Blue Lives Matter flag poles.  So much for Republicans being the law and order party.)  Shamefully, they raised the Confederate flag in the Capitol for the first time in history.  Somehow, they infiltrated the unmarked offices of senior Congressional members, tucked away deep in the building. They urinated and defecated in the halls and on desks, as Secret Service and other officers eventually evacuated VP Pence and Congress members to secure locations, where they hid for nearly 4 hours as the Capitol was pillaged.  Four members of the mob died (1 shot by police as she broke through a door, 1 crushed by fellow rioters, 1 from a heart attack and 1 from a stroke.)

While sheltering in basement safe rooms, Pence and Congressional leaders called area governors for National Guard assistance and military leaders for aid, but hours passed with no help because Trump failed to approve activation of troops.  (The media was told by White House staff that Trump was watching it all on TV, relishing the mayhem.)  Trump eventually issued a lukewarm statement suggesting calm and telling his people “I love you, you’re very special.”  Finally, the situation was so dire that troops arrived on Pence’s say-so and cleared the Capitol.  Meanwhile, Trump’s domestic terrorists prowled the House and Senate galleries and ransacked offices.  They defaced statues.  They stole government laptops and official documents.  And they recorded it all on their phones, posting victory videos online, which the FBI is finding very helpful in the resulting criminal investigation of these far-right militia members, Proud Boys, white supremacists, QAnon loons, and willfully ignorant sadistic bullies devoted to Donald Trump.  Already, many of the faithful are demanding pardons from Trump, saying he invited them and they were just doing what they were told.  And what he told them to do was insurrection, a blatant and deadly attack on government.

Every last one of these felons should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, including conspiracy and insurrection charges.  So should their fearful leader, Trump, who created the mob and directed it to wreck the Capitol.  Finally, Republican enablers such as Senators Cruz and Hawley, who used this crisis for their own political ends, should be removed from office for aiding insurrection and subverting the Constitution.

This ugly stain on America will never be erased.  As difficult and unpleasant it may be, all those responsible must be exposed, investigated and held accountable, just as any vicious wound must be exposed, cleaned and treated in order to heal—not just covered with dirty rags.  We must not take the easy path or fall for the argument that unity is paramount, to let the how and why of this be covered up.  If we don’t fully investigate and prosecute this horrific crime (just as we do crimes committed by groups NOT 99% white, for instance), if we just digest it and pretend to move on for expediency–then, the next occurrence will be worse, far worse. 

On the local level here in Lakeway, THANK YOU to all the MAGA folks who suddenly removed Trump signs and flags from their yards, after Jan. 6.  As for those who still display Trump signs and flags, even after this atrocity, well….  I defend your right to make a political statement, however pathetic, misguided and dangerous I personally believe it to be.  And, I apologize in advance for vomiting on your lawn. 

Impeachment

The House immediately moving to impeach Trump was the right thing to do, in order to protect the nation and rein in this dangerous president. 

It is unfortunate that the McConnell-helmed Senate refuses to take up its Constitutional duty of the trial portion of impeachment, but that just means the matter will be handled by a Democrat-controlled Senate later this month.  Once Trump is convicted of inciting insurrection, a simple majority can strip him of the perks of being a former president (including getting classified briefings from various departments) and bar him from ever again holding federal office.  (Many Republicans are secretly desperate for that last bit to happen, since it is their best hope of salvaging the GOP.) 

There is an old-world saying, when someone gets the hugely awful thing that was coming to him.  Hoist with his own petard.  Shakespeare used the phrase, and it evokes the image of someone so grossly flatulent that his foul gas lifts him up, before he falls back to land with a splat in the fetid mess.  It is disgusting, but that is the point, because it happens to disgusting people enmeshed in disgusting things.  The phrase came to mean, more broadly, being taken out by one’s own bad act, as when a bomber is killed in the blast, or some evil plot backfires in glorious poetic justice, and the bad actor gets his comeuppance.

And that is exactly what happened to Donald Trump.  His MAGA supporters of all stripe—the intentionally ignorant, the grasping and greedy, the Fox News devotees, the crawled-out-from-under-rocks racists and xenophobes, and the violently insane conspiracy theorists—were all for many years squirted out of Trump like noxious gas.  The sheer mass of the toxic pile lifted him up during his presidency, in turn encouraging him to commit worse and worse atrocities.

But, Trump finally went too far, inciting riot and insurrection on Jan. 6 that resulted in chaos, death, betrayal, and an unprecedented attack on American democracy.  And, Trump dropped down with a resounding splat, to huddle alone and covered in his own filth.  Desperately trying to hose themselves clean of the muck at this late date, Trump’s political appointees have fled, his contributors have withdrawn, his banks have dropped him, and his business associates have reneged on deals.  Social media finally got brave enough to ban Trump for the greater good, universities rescinded their honorary degrees, lawyers declined representation, and long-time associates aren’t taking his calls.  The shocked and scared rats are finally deserting Trump’s sinking ship. 

But, remember, Trump’s supporters were there with him all the way to the noxious end.  They facilitated and cheered every foul act he committed for 4 years.  Had Trump won the election—or had the Jan. 6 riot somehow continued his presidency as planned—they would STILL be by his side.  And Trump would STILL be the disgusting monster that has now been exposed.  Jumping back in horror NOW is sheer hypocrisy.  It is far too little and much too late.  Trump’s toxic muck will stick to his supporters forever.

Trump’s last crime against the country may well be turning DC into a military Green Zone, teeming with military troops and bristling with wire fencing and a near-complete shutdown of the city.  That is because Trump STILL refuses to concede the election and clearly call off his ravening hordes.  Per the FBI, far-right militants are threatening to attack DC again, with the inauguration a likely target, as well as state government buildings across the country.  So, an ugly war-like backdrop will blight the coming inauguration, already cut to the bone by Covid.  On the other hand, counting the troops on duty, Biden’s pandemic inauguration may well have a larger crowd than the skimpy attendance Trump’s budget-busting inauguration attracted.

The Coronavirus

Worldwide, we recently passed 2 million people dead of Covid.  It took 9 months for Covid to kill the first 1 million, but just 3 months for the second million to die.

In the US, the total dead passed 400,000 on Jan. 15 with scant notice.  (Remember when the total hit 100,000 in late May, and everyone was stunned at the melancholy milestone?  Well, we hit 200,000 in mid-September and 300,000 on Dec. 11.)  Now, we keep setting records for most daily deaths–3,000, 4,000, higher.   As for new cases, a quarter million per day has become the norm.  Hospitals across the country are overwhelmed.

Texas joined the more-than-30,000 dead club, along with CA and NY.  Daily stats report 300-400 people dead.  New cases are typically over 20,000 per day.  Current hospitalizations are at 14,000.

Travis County is also experiencing record cases and deaths.  Along with the vast majority of the state, it surpassed Gov. Abbott’s hospitalization threshold, so retail and restaurant occupancy was cut from 75% to 50%, and elective medical procedures were banned.   (This ineffectual response is typical from our Trump-puppet governor.)  Austin is now treating overflow Covid patients in a field hospital set up at the Convention Center. 

In the latest of Trump’s many Covid failures, it turns out that Project Warp Speed (which term unfairly denigrates all things Star Trek) grossly over-stated the amount of vaccine available, with stock recently promised to states not actually in existence.  Something else the Biden administration will have to fix….

Most states seem unable to administer the vaccines already on hand, which is infuriating, particularly with the current deadly surge that seems at least partly due to new and extra-contagious mutant strains of the virus.  Of course, America had to be told about these new strains by other countries that test for them–just like they perform contact tracing and do the other hard work that is necessary to survive a pandemic but that the US just can’t seem to get off the ground. 

Texas reports getting nearly 2 million doses, yet it has vaccinated less than 1 million people.  What are we waiting on?  I would love to get vaccinated, but it will be months before I’m eligible.  Like most people, I am fine with rules and tiers and waiting for my turn, as long things are clear, fair and well-managed.  This mess is none of that.

In Lakeway

Locally, everyone is in a tizzy about gates suddenly being erected to stop traffic cutting through a certain very popular parking lot, as we all prefer to run our errands to HEB, the post office, etc., WITHOUT risking getting on 620.  The blame lies with city officials, who allowed HEB and the many satellite businesses in The Oaks to open in 2014 BEFORE the developer built the road to handle the traffic these businesses generate.  Worse, the city failed to get the agreement for later build of the road properly signed.  Then, officials let the situation fester.  So, all these years later, we have MORE development, MORE traffic, and STILL no internal road connecting to Lohmans.  And, 620 is slated to be re-done in 2023, with long-term re-routing and closures; without an alternate internal road, we will have gridlock that makes our current situation look good.  But, Stratus is not interested in building a multi-million dollar road now just because we need it, so Lakeway can 1) sue them or 2) build the road with taxpayer money and THEN sue them.  Both options stink.  By the way, the Mayor in 2014, when this problem was created, was Dave DeOme.  His successor, Joe Bain, signed the 2015 and 2016 amendments to the Stratus agreement.  Maybe they and the several Council members serving back then should direct traffic in the cut-through parking lot until the road gets built.

Council’s next meeting will be on Tuesday (due to MLK Day on Monday), Jan. 19, 6:30pm.   It is being held ONLINE.

Agenda items include the 2020 deer survey.  Last summer, it was stated that this survey would determine if culling would be reinstated (with funds set aside for this in the budget.)  The agenda says discussion and vote, so they could decide to go back to culling via TTT or TTP.  The survey is included in the Meeting Packet; this monster of a document has nearly 400 pages, so I will add the survey here as a PDF. 

Wildlife Advisory Committee seems to have been disbanded.  Its last meeting was a full year ago, and it was not calendared then cancelled if no urgent business, as was done in 2020 for other committees due to Covid. 

From my reading of this survey, done in November, a grand total of 15 more deer were counted than in 2019, during the 27 miles driven.  (That minimal difference is well within the range of error.)  Looking at the 4 surveys done, the results are: 2017–351 deer, 2018–402 deer, 2019–393 deer, and 2020–408 deer.  Those counts are remarkably stable.  The results certainly don’t indicate the herd is growing dangerously.  On the last page of the report, the surveyor indicates that he does NOT think the herd will increase.  In addition, he says that while a hunting ranch might want to cull, an urban area like ours may well have a different view.

According to the last statistics the city released on deer encounters (car accidents, carcass pick-ups, and nuisance complaints), those numbers were on the decline, as well.  So, there seems to be no reason to return to the inhumane trapping and killing of our deer.  In addition, in these hard economic times, using taxpayer funds ($100,000 or so per year) for such a divisive program is fiscally unsound as well as unconscionable.  Many Lakeway residents enjoy the deer and feel their presence is part of what makes living here special.  I hope Council and the Mayor honor that, but I have given up expecting rational decisions.  Last January, they voted to return to TTT despite that year’s survey showing a DROP in herd size, and they were only stymied in doing so because the city waited too long to get going as far as state permitting and hiring a trapper.  Maybe the same logistics apply this January, or maybe they have already taken those preliminary steps.  Guess we’ll soon find out.  If you don’t want our deer killed, let Council know ASAP.  (Email them and/or arrange to speak by phone for 3 minutes during the Jan. 19 meeting, all via the link below.)

The Agenda has several other items, including discussion of the new Master Park Plan.  In addition, the new Rough Hollow agreement will be discussed in detail; it may come to a final vote.  Last time, the most contentious issue was allowing Legends to add a storage facility (for cars and wine), but there is also the matter of water access and sports parks required by the original agreement but never created.  Officials who accepted campaign contributions from Legends owner Haythem Dawlett and CEO Bill Hayes should recuse themselves from discussion as well as voting, but that hasn’t happened with Legends matters so far.

The Agenda and Meeting Packet can be found here— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting (there is a 3pm deadline on the meeting date) about any agenda item, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

The snow was very pretty, but no more for a few years, please.  If I wanted to worry about driving on ice and having my skylight compromised by a heavy load of snow, I would live in Michigan.

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When I see deer on my morning walks now, I wonder if they will soon be hunted, trapped and killed again by the city.  There are so many insane things happening at this time; I pray that this doesn’t become another one.

Cute ducks!

Panda cub update:

Toys! https://www.facebook.com/nationalzoo/videos/227061128898233

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It pretty much HAS to be an improvement over 2020, right?

Recent articles I recommend….

Turns out that a Covid test can tell more than that you are infected; it can tell how sick you are likely to get and whether you might die.  From the article: Dozens of research papers published over the past few months found that people whose bodies were teeming with the coronavirus more often became seriously ill and more likely to die, compared with those who carried much less virus and were more likely to emerge relatively unscathed. The results suggest that knowing the so-called viral load — the amount of virus in the body — could help doctors predict a patient’s course, distinguishing those who may need an oxygen check just once a day, for example, from those who need to be monitored more closely, said Dr. Daniel Griffin, an infectious disease physician at Columbia University in New York. Little effort has been made to track viral loads in Covid-19 patients. This month, however, the Food and Drug Administration said clinical labs might report not just whether a person was infected with the coronavirus, but an estimate of how much virus was carried in their body. “This is a very important move by the F.D.A.,” said Dr. Michael Mina, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “I think it’s a step in the right direction to making the most use of one of the only pieces of data we have for many positive individuals.” You’re Infected With the Coronavirus. But How Infected?  12/29/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/29/health/coronavirus-viral-load.html

The vaccines are here, but only for a few of us–for now.  Here are some good articles on relevant issues.

–What the Vaccine Side Effects Feel Like, According to Those Who’ve Gotten It  12/28/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/28/us/vaccine-first-patients-covid.html

—How will you be told when it’s your turn for a COVID-19 vaccine? It’s complicated. 12/24/20 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/12/24/covid-vaccine-eligibility-how-when-americans-notified/4008128001/

—Here’s what you need to know about who is eligible and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas  12/23/20 https://www.texastribune.org/2020/12/23/coronavirus-vaccine-texas/

—Hang in There, Help Is on the Way  12/18/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/18/well/live/getting-through-covid-guide.html

The Election

Biden-Harris STILL won the election, and they will STILL be sworn into office on Jan. 20.  BUT, Trump’s attempted coup continues, 2 months after he lost the election.  On January 6, lame duck V-P Pence and the US Senate are threatening to stage a truly asinine spectacle.  Instead of the Constitutionally-mandated statement of electoral votes previously certified by electors from all the states (306 for Biden, 232 for Trump), we are promised crazy objections, heated discussions, wild allegations, outlandish alternatives, and other nauseating displays of slavish devotion to a deranged puppet master.  And THEN there will be the Constitutionally-mandated statement of electoral votes previously certified by electors from all the states (306 for Biden, 232 for Trump).  Obviously, Republicans have no business to handle more important than their own warped self-interest and nothing but contempt for the American people and our democracy.  https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/02/ted-cruz-electoral-college-challenge-453430

Yet another deeply stupid lawsuit originating in Texas and promoting Trump’s coup attempt has been shot down in court (by judges who are all Republican appointees). https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/01/louie-gohmert-lawsuit-pence-453387

The great state of Georgia elects 2 US Senators on Jan. 5.  Fingers crossed that the Democrats win both races, so that Republicans lose their stranglehold on the Senate and the incoming administration can get crucial things done. 

The Coronavirus

The vaccines are miraculous.  THANK YOU, to all our titans of science!  But, vaccines are not an immediate fix.  America has over 330 million people; so far, we have struggled to get 4 million vaccinated.  Do the math….

Early estimates are that about 25,000 American lives will be saved by vaccines by March.  Great!  BUT, widespread mask wearing would save 50,000 lives by March.  So, wear a mask!  For more, read this article–This Is the Test of Our Lifetimes 12/11/20  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/opinion/sunday/coronavirus-vaccine-united-states.html

Speaking of vaccines, the Trump administration has logged yet another pandemic failure as the dolts stumble out the door.  (I’m sure the Biden administration is keeping a list.)  Operation Warp Speed promised 20 million vaccinations before 2020 ended, but only 4 million Americans have gotten the vaccine.  Many mistakes were made, but this seems to be the central issue: “We’ve taken the people with the least amount of resources and capacity and asked them to do the hardest part of the vaccination — which is actually getting the vaccines administered into people’s arms,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health.Federal and state officials have denied they are to blame for the slow rollout. Officials behind Operation Warp Speed, the federal effort to fast-track vaccines, have said that their job was to ensure that vaccines are made available and get shipped out to the states. President Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday that it was “up to the States to distribute the vaccines once brought to the designated areas by the Federal Government.” “Ultimately, the buck seems to stop with no one,” Dr. Jha said. For more, go here–Here’s Why Distribution of the Vaccine Is Taking Longer Than Expected  12/31/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/31/health/vaccine-distribution-delays.html

Another good article on the delays–We Came All This Way to Let Vaccines Go Bad in the Freezer? 12/31/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/31/opinion/coronavirus-vaccines-expiring.html

Having trouble processing the death toll numbers?  I am.  Over 360,000 dead in the US, millions dead worldwide….   Remember when we grappled with 100,000 dead Americans in late May?  200,000 dead in mid-September?  300,000 dead as of Dec. 10?  As the numbers soar, my mind shuts down.  I found out why in a recent article which in part says this—In the face of one of the biggest mass casualty events in American history, we are growing increasingly numb to death, experts say — numb to the crisis and tragedy it represents and to the action it requires in response. Something happens in the brain when fatalities reach such high numbers, say psychologists who have studied genocides and mass disasters. The casualties become like a mountain of corpses that has grown so large it becomes difficult to focus on the individual bodies. “In fact, the more who die, sometimes the less we care,” Psychologist Paul Slovic said in an interview. In greater numbers, death becomes impersonal, and people feel increasingly hopeless that their actions can have any effect. “Statistics are human beings with tears dried off,” Slovic said. “And that’s dangerous because we need tears to motivate us.”

“Think about the disasters that have captured our national attention … A hurricane like Katrina hits. News crews show the devastation, and people open their wallets,” said Lori Peek, who directs the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder. “But this pandemic isn’t a camera-ready event like that.” Instead of a single discrete event — like the twin towers collapsing on Sept. 11, 2001 — the pandemic has unfolded as an invisible, slow-creeping, chronic hazard. Over time, our brains gradually tune out the danger.  Go here to read the entire article–Why Americans are numb to the staggering coronavirus death toll 12/21/20  https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/why-americans-are-numb-to-the-staggering-coronavirus-death-toll/?amp=1

The Covid stats now reported on official sites are soaring, breaking awful records set during the spring and summer surges.  America has over 20 million cases, with 360,000 dead; daily death counts are 3,000-4,000 now.  125,000 are hospitalized.  Across the country in states as disparate as North Carolina and California, hospitals are out of ICU beds, personnel, oxygen, medication and supplies; many facilities can ONLY care for those patients most likely to survive.  Mortuaries cannot keep up. 

Texas has over 1.5 million confirmed cases, with 28,000 dead and 12,000 now hospitalized.  Nearly every hospital region is over the Covid patient threshold set by Gov. Abbott, yet he does nothing.  Worse, he and his felonious Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Austin officials for trying to protect public safety by limiting gatherings over the New Year’s holiday.  Abbott and Paxton care more about looking good to Republicans in Washington than about saving lives in Texas.   Remember that when they come up for re-election.

This surge is largely due to Thanksgiving traveling and gathering.  So, a month from now, we will experience the results of even more reckless behavior during Christmas and New Years.  With relief from vaccines several months away, the worst is yet to come.

In Lakeway

Council’s Dec. 21 meeting included the first review of the proposed restatement of the Rough Hollow Development Agreement.  The existing RH PUD dates from 1997, with 8 amendments through the decades.  The stated purpose of the restatement is to simplify, clarify and update the provisions needed as the project is finally completed in the next 4 years.  Rather comically, the discussion derailed early on, with multiple public comments attacking developer Legend Communities, for recently announcing plans to build on certain empty lots previously deemed unfit for development; adjacent owners relied on those inferior lots staying greenbelt and now fear both crowding and loss of property value due to low area comps.  At least 1 Council member happily hopped down that rabbit hole, much to the ire of others who want this new agreement accepted and not drawn off-course for a “tangential” issue.  Actual discussion of the agreement’s provisions was surprisingly limited.  For instance, the previously touted requirement that Legends follow CURRENT ordinances, as opposed to 1997 ordinances as is now allowed, was not mentioned; even earlier, it was clear it would NOT be a blanket update to current law, with several variances still benefiting Legends.  The parks issue was also skirted; the original agreement required the developer to provide a shore access park and a sports field park, which are missing as of now.  Finally, there WAS public comment against the proposed storage facility that Legends wants to build near the roundabout at the Hwy. 71 end of the development.  Legends SpokesBot Bill Hayes insisted this would be an asset for the community, being tailored for luxury cars and wine storage; he agreed to provide an architectural rendering of the storage facility to facilitate discussion.  It was stated that the public can read the agreement now.  The draft IS in the online Meeting Packet for this meeting, but most of the exhibits are missing or incomplete and many cross-references don’t match up.  No action was taken.  Discussion on this topic will continue at future meetings.

The only other critical issue discussed at the meeting was a rehash of forcing Stratus to construct the middle Main Street segment 2021-2023.  This was decided at the November meeting but a mistake on public notice require a re-do.  This time, an attorney representing Stratus spoke.  Unfortunately, he was not moved by public comment on behalf of Santa noting that Stratus has been on the Naughty List for 7 years now for failing to build this road. Instead, he made it clear that Stratus’ position is that building the road prior to development of the tract was NOT what was agreed and is not feasible.  Yep—this is going to court.

Go here to watch this Council meeting online—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events

Council’s next meeting will be on Tuesday (due to MLK Day that Monday), Jan. 19.   That is the only meeting currently scheduled for the month.  Hopefully, there will be disclosure of the results of the 2020 deer count, performed in October.  Likely, the Rough Hollow agreement will be discussed in detail; it may come to a vote.  It seems to me that officials who accepted campaign contributions from Legends owner Haythem Dawlett and CEO Bill Hayes should recuse themselves from any vote, but that hasn’t happened so far….

Back to me….

Christmas and New Years were both quiet but lovely.  The cats and I are blessed.

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The deer are always less visible this time of year.  I took long walks through The Hills recently, and spotted some of their deer.

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Panda cub update: Little Xiao goes rock climbing—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9D-isZ7QdY

More animals!  Check out this Oregon zoo video.  It looks like an amazing facility, and the video is just TOO cute with lots of happy animal antics.  Otters and ice cubes, perfect combo! Top Moments Of Cuteness And Rascality At The Oregon Zoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6kNKbLG28c

Recent articles I recommend….

As COVID-19 vaccine distribution starts, here are key facts about Pfizer, Moderna shots  12/17/20 https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/as-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-starts-here-are-key-facts-about-pfizer-moderna-shots/ar-BB1bZ8Ch

Answers to Your Questions About the 2 New Covid Vaccines in the U.S.  12/14/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/14/well/live/covid-vaccine-questions.html

When Can We Start Making Plans?  12/16/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/16/well/live/life-after-covid.html

What You Need to Know About Getting Tested for Coronavirus  12/9/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/well/live/covid-coronavirus-testing.html

Here’s Why Vaccinated People Still Need to Wear a Mask 12/8/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/health/covid-vaccine-mask.html

The Swiss Cheese Model of Pandemic Defense  12/5/20 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/05/health/coronavirus-swiss-cheese-infection-mackay.html

The Election

Biden STILL won the popular election, defeating Trump by more than 7 million votes.  Biden STILL won the Electoral College, 306 to 232.  Trump is STILL a loser–and a really, really, really bad one at that.

ALL of Trump’s nutso lawsuits have failed miserably, and he or his minions filed over 50 of them.  The Kraken one, the Ghost of Hugo Chavez one, the several suits filed in the wrong courts, the ones where conservative judges that Trump himself appointed delivered scathing rebukes to him, even the one where Texas whined that other states voted wrong—they all failed, just like Trump failed to win re-election in November.  Trump’s attempts to intimidate and/or bribe officials into changing their state election result also came up short.  Thank goodness our judges, just like our state and local campaign officials, have the sense, decency, and moral fiber to do their jobs, without being swayed by partisan affiliation OR political pressure.  Special kudos to the Supreme Court, which quickly and unanimously shut down both cases that came before it, finding NO EVIDENCE OF VOTER FRAUD.

On Dec. 14, the Electoral College functioned flawlessly, with electors from every state certifying the vote as cast in November.  The Biden-Harris victory was affirmed.

Let’s hope we make it to January 20.

The Coronavirus

Since my last blog, TWO vaccines have been approved for emergency use.  Truly, it is a Christmas miracle.  The Pfizer vaccine shipped to hospitals across the country last week, and vaccine administration began.  This coming week, the Moderna vaccine should go the same route.  (Both vaccines are based on new MessengerRNA technology and require 2 shots, 3-4 weeks apart, for full protection.)  All states are prioritizing front-line medical workers and long-term care facility residents and staff.  Since small amounts of vaccine doses are available now, it will take time to get those initial groups covered.  Then, essential workers will be next in line; this is a very large and varied group, and states will have differing guidelines as to priority.  Experts say that vaccinating this group will take months, so the rest of us likely won’t be able to get a shot before next summer.

As far as I’m concerned, just the prospect of protection via vaccination makes staying home and taking all precautions well worth it.  Any downside is temporary, and the important thing is staying healthy and alive until becoming eligible for a vaccine.

Sadly, MANY Texans and MANY Americans will not live long enough to get vaccinated.  In tragic counterpoint to the giddy news on the vaccine front, we are experiencing the worst surge to date.  It is exactly what experts warned would happen, when people refused to wear masks in the fall and gathered for Thanksgiving celebrations. 

Last week, America had over 1 million new confirmed cases in just 5 days.  We are up to 17 million known cases, and experts forecast a quarter million new cases daily as the new norm.  Some states are particularly hard hit, but the entire country is compromised. 

Hospitalizations are soaring nationwide.  Over 114,000 people are in our hospitals, many of them out of space and short on staff.   The result is “rationed care” which means some people—Covid patients and other sick and injured just in the wrong place at an impossible time—lose out.  There is still no cure, and celebrity-touted experimental treatments like monoclonal antibodies are in very short supply and work best when used early in the infection.  Mostly, Covid patients just get supportive care–supplemental oxygen, steroids such as dexamethasone, and proning (which is just physically turning them periodically to lie on their stomachs to ease breathing).   A ventilator is the last resort.

Deaths are incomprehensible.  We blew past the 300,000 mark last week.  (That is the same as the entire population of Pittsburgh.)  With the daily death rate habitually over 3,000 now, we are likely to lose another 100,000 Americans in just one month.

Texas is edging up to the same terrible numbers we had last summer, as far as cases (well over 10,000 new cases per day now), hospitalizations (nearly 10,000 patients) and deaths (over 25,000—the 2^nd highest state total, after California, with 200-300 more dying every day).  Gov. Abbott refuses to do anything and has prohibited local action. 

Vaccines won’t curb infections for MONTHS.  Supply is limited, and the process is far from quick and easy.  America has over 330 million people, and a lot of them aren’t yet confident about taking a vaccine. 

The best advice I have seen is to consider the miracle vaccines a welcome light at the end of the tunnel, but understand THE TUNNEL IS VERY LONG AND VERY DARK.  AND, THERE BE DRAGONS…. We still have a scary trip ahead before reaching sunny shores, and we want to get there along with all our friends and family members.  The only protection is the same as it has been since the start of the pandemic—wear a mask, social distance, wash hands, don’t gather indoors, avoid travel, and stay home whenever possible.  Doing all that EVEN DURING THE HOLIDAYS is hard but makes it more likely that you AND your loved ones will be alive to celebrate together normally NEXT YEAR.

And, on a festive note, rest assured that–thanks to Dr. Fauci–Santa got vaccinated and can safely go on his appointed rounds Dec. 24.  As Dr. Fauci recently assured the children of the world: “I took care of that for you because I was worried that you’d all be upset. So what I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can move on, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go.”  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/19/anthony-fauci-vaccinate-santa-claus-coronavirus

Maybe next year this time, thanks to our men and women of science, we will ALL be good to go.

In Lakeway

Mayor Cox, in her Dec. 17 Facebook talk, stated that Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lakeway is one of the hospitals getting the Pfizer vaccine, with the first shipment slated to arrive Dec. 18.  Of course, for now, approved recipients are medical personnel and care facility residents.  But, it is nice to know that our local hospital will be a vaccine site.  She also said that with Texas and Travis County cases AND hospitalizations shooting sharply upward now, it is critical to avoid gatherings, wear masks, etc.  But, she then segued to city meetings and announced returning to in-person meetings for “life style” committees starting in January, which makes no sense at all.

Council at its Dec. 7 meeting considered spending $125,000 to restore the historic Liebelt Cabin.  (See my previous blog for background.)  During discussion, it came out that 1) the city applied for a $20,000 LCRA grant but failed to get it; 2) it may apply for another grant, but it is only for $10,000;  3) additional known possible grant sources are dried up for 2021 and 2022, due to the pandemic; 4) the usual bidding process was NOT followed for this project; 5) the structure is leaking through the walls even worse than through the roof; and 6) even if $125,000 is spent, there is no guarantee the cabin can be saved.  Questions on why preventive measures were not taken before the emergency stage was reached were not answered.  It became clear the cabin is a vanity project for certain people.  In the end, Council unanimously authorized spending $14,000 (already budgeted for the cabin) to slow temporarily the deterioration and look into options to resolve the problem.

I walked by City Hall on Dec. 18 and was surprised the structure still had not even been protected with a tarp, particularly as there was heavy rain on the way. Here is a current photo:

Council meets again on Dec. 21, 6:30pm.  This will be an IN-PERSON meeting at City Hall, despite the current record-breaking COVID surge. The Agenda includes:

–Appointing Erin Carr as Director of Building and Development Services.  She has served as Interim Director since Charlotte Hodges left the Director’s job abruptly last spring.

–As to Serene Hills, considering 1) allowing payment of $128,000 to the City in lieu of the parkland improvements in the original plan; 2) accepting 8 acres of parkland; and 3) approving a Final Plat.

–Reviewing the proposed new and improved Rough Hollow Development Agreement.  Key points to consider are the degree to which water quality and existing trees are protected, what the city gets instead of the shore access park and the sports park required in the original agreement but never provided by the developer, and what Legends gets in return for any concessions it makes (starting with more condos and a storage facility).  The draft agreement is in the Meeting Packet (link below). 

–Going through the motions of a re-do on amending the PUD ordinance for The Oakes to require developer Stratus to begin construction of Main Street’s middle segment by March 15, 2021 and complete it by March 15, 2023.  This is needed due to a public notice error when they did this at the November meeting.

–Reviewing a proposed general overhaul of the city’s PUD ordinance.

So, there is still no disclosure of the results of the 2020 deer count, performed in late October.

The Meeting Packet PDF, including the proposed new Rough Hollow PUD Agreement for public review, is available here—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx

To send comments to Council beforehand and/or request to speak in person at the meeting, go here and create a Public Comment Form–https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx

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

Back to me….

Ho, Ho, Ho!  My decorating is done, along with packages wrapped and shipped.  Yikes, EVERYTHING is just harder and more fraught this year.

I got my second Shingrix vaccine recently.  Since I had a very mild reaction to the first shot, I was surprised by how yucky I felt for a couple days after the second shot.  Still, it beats getting Shingles, and I am glad to get that wrapped up before all efforts turned to the Covid vaccinations.

December is one long birthday bash for my 3 cats.  Peanut had her birthday early this month.  Tulip turned 10, and Maxie hit 14 since my last post.  Other houses smell Christmasy this time of year; mine smells like catnip.

The deer are definitely suited up in their winter coats now.

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Panda cub updates:

–Pandas bark.  Who knew? https://wtop.com/animals-pets/2020/12/video-national-zoos-baby-panda-lets-out-a-feisty-bark/

–Thank you, Santa!  The Smithsonian National Zoo’s three giant pandas will stay in Washington, DC for another three years, upholding a decades-long tradition.  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/08/trump-fails-to-disrupt-panda-diplomacy-as-chinas-famed-bears-remain-at-us-zoo?utm_term=0d936a9e167b557fe1ef635655280b7e&utm_campaign=USMorningBriefing&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=usbriefing_email

Merry Christmas!