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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Whitetail does and their young fawns in Lakeway, TX
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.
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
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.
Annie Karni and Katie Rogers, The New York Times
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.
Eileen Putman/AP
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.
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
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….
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.)
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.
TravisCounty 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.
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
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.
Snowfall in St. Andrews, Lakeway
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.
Deer in Lakeway
Cute ducks!
Ducks braving the cold on Live Oak’s 14th hole pond
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.
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
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….
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
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.
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.
Maxie and Tulip in the new kitty bed from SantaNapping as an art form
The deer are always less visible this time of year. I took long walks through The Hills recently, and spotted some of their deer.
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
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 2nd 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:
Liebelt Cabin in Lakewayon 12-18-20
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.
Ho, Ho, Ho! My decorating is done, along with packages wrapped and shipped. Yikes, EVERYTHING is just harder and more fraught this year.
Christmas mantleChristmas tree with Elf Cat Inspectors Peanut, Maxie and Tulip
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.
As was inevitable, the victory of Biden-Harris has verified by recounts, certified by officials, and acknowledged by all but Trump and his most desperate lackeys. Official transition of administrations is progressing, and most prominent appointments for the incoming group were announced. Despite an inauguration downplayed due to the pandemic, January 20 will be a stellar day marking a second chance for America to defeat Covid, recover international standing, and return to normalcy.
The Coronavirus
Last spring, April was the big bad month, when America had the most Covid cases. Then, October came along, with even more cases—1.9 million. And then, we more than doubled that in November, with over 4 million cases. Now, over 200,000 new cases PER DAY has become the norm. December is, tragically, on pace to blow November out of the water….
The best advice I have heard is this: Assume everyone you meet has Covid, so always wear a mask and social distance. And, if you traveled or gathered recently, assume YOU have Covid, so get tested and isolate.
With more cases, hospitalizations in America from the virus topped 100,000 last week, more than double the number at the beginning of November. After many months of dealing with COVID-19, medical personnel are decimated. Many died, and more are sick; the rest are exhausted, discouraged and overwhelmed. And, with the entire country surging now, there is no place to call for help. The result is that, in more and more hospitals all over the country, there are not enough doctors, nurses, and respiratory specialists to keep patients alive.
Last week, the US on Dec. 2 recorded its highest daily death toll–2,760–since the pandemic began. There are 1,440 minutes in the day. So, in recent days, 1 person–and usually 2 people–died of Covid EVERY SINGLE MINUTE.
As terrible as the recent numbers are, experts say things will only get worse, as the delayed effects of Thanksgiving travel are felt, compounded by cold weather pushing people indoors, Christmas shopping/travel/gatherings, and continued politicization of masks. Vaccines are coming, but their benefit won’t be felt for several months. The Biden administration cannot start to turn around America’s pathetic pandemic response until Jan. 20.
Unlike last spring, when we had summer weather coming to open up safer outdoor activities, plus state and local authorities wising up to enact restrictions, there is nothing on the horizon to save us from a nightmare winter. If all goes well with the new administration rolling out vaccines over the next several months, things should improve by next summer, but only for those left alive and well.
In Lakeway
Council has an online meeting on Monday, Dec. 7, at 6:30pm. Agenda items include Liebelt Cabin’s $125,000 renovation project, updates on Wildfire Mitigation Plan/Hamilton Greenbelt Wildfire Fuels Reduction Project (plans and costs for 2021), a request for a new pool at World of Tennis, appointment of Laurie Higginbotham, Steve Smith and Louis Mastrangelo to the new Police Policies and Procedures Review Committee, creating the new Legislative Committee and appointing Laurie Higginbotham and Sandy Cox to it, and setting the 2021 Council meeting dates. Then, there are 4 closed door executive sessions on legal issues re: Project Granite, The Oaks PUD/Stratus/Main Street extension, Cherry Knoll litigation/development, and storm water drainage at 601 Dragon. In this largely administration session, one of these items sticks out like a ramshackle sore thumb….
Liebelt Cabin, in Lakeway
Should City of Lakeway spend $125,000 to restore Liebelt Cabin? This Civil War-era structure was moved to City Hall grounds from its original site in 2011, when The Oaks was developed. Now, Phase 1 work is estimated at $60K, and Phase 2 work is estimated at $65K, all to be completed by spring/summer of 2021. Details are in the Meeting Packet, which can be viewed here (scroll down to City Council Meeting Packets and click on Dec. 7 for the PDF). https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
I am shocked that this kind of expense is even being considered now. Just recently, officials were threatening us with a property tax increase to pay for supposed necessities. Renovation of this structure is definitely NOT a necessity. People and businesses in Lakeway are hurting, and while we hope things will improve soon, this is NOT to time to spend $125K of public funds on the cabin. (I’m not sure there is EVER a time for that kind of expenditure.) If this structure is an historic gem, then my suggestion is donating it to The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. They likely have the funds needed to restore and preserve it. In addition, it could be viewed by everyone visiting the museum, as opposed to the few people stumbling on it here in Lakeway. If the cabin cannot be given away, then all costs associated with it should be paid for with donations and NOT with taxpayer funds.
Anyone with strong views on this issue should contact Council and the mayor BEFORE the Monday meeting, since it looks like a vote to approve the expenditure will be taken then. Email them from this page– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/100/Mayor-City-Council or submit a public comment request (see below) to phone in and speak during the meeting.
By the way, what is NOT being handled at this meeting includes:
–Disclosure of the results of the 2020 deer count, performed in late October.
–Terms of the proposed new agreement governing Legends in Rough Hollow, as that development winds down the build begun in 1997.
Maybe next time….
The Dec. 7 meeting will be held online, starting at 6:30pm. If you wish to speak on any item, submit a public comment form on the city website before 3:00 pm Monday, December 7, 2020. Complete the form here– https://lakeway-tx.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
My Thanksgiving was lovely. I did exactly what I wanted to do—took a long hike and then nested happily at home with cuddly cats, my favorite cinnamon roll and a pot of coffee, and an excellent figure skating competition to watch on TV.
I finally got all the fall household cleaning done! With cold weather finally here, I also winterized the exterior and shut down the sprinklers. More rain, please.
December is birthday palooza at my house, with all 3 cats having milestone events this month. Peanut turned 8 last week, while Tulip hits 10 next week, and Maxie marks 14 shortly before Christmas. The house will be awash in catnip all month….
Birthday Girl PeanutMaxie, Peanut and Tulip napping communallyMaxie, Tulip and Peanut sharing a sunbeam
As for the deer, well, it was a parade of bucks recently. They all seem very proud of themselves, and a bit tired….
Whitetail deer BUCKS, in Lakeway
Panda cub updates: Cubbie got a real name and started walking!
As the following article says—“In less than 10 months, Covid-19 has killed more people than strokes, suicides and car crashes typically do in a full year — combined.” It goes on to give a terrible context to a quarter million Americans dead of Covid, compared to other leading causes of death. Covid has killed 250,000 people in the US: Comparing this to other leading causes of death 11/18/20 https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/18/health/covid-19-deaths-us-250k-trnd/index.html
Vermont is not the same as Texas or California or Montana, but Vermont DID have a lot of Covid challenges and met them in creative and effective ways that any part of the country could learn from, as this article shows. Social distancing is a luxury many can’t afford. Vermont actually did something about it 11/19/20 https://www.vox.com/2020/11/19/21541810/vermont-covid-19-coronavirus-social-distancing
While tending to their own COVID surges, most other countries are staring agape at America’s outrageous election theatrics, as our democracy quite possibly circles the drain. At least we are providing cheap entertainment….
In the US
Starting with something vastly positive—America is back in space! Last week’s successful SpaceX-NASA launch was the first official crewed mission launched from American soil since the shuttle era. It also used the first ever NASA-certified commercial human spacecraft system. (The launch of 2 astronauts in April was a test mission, not a working mission.) On Nov. 15, four astronauts flew a Dragon spacecraft called Resilience, on a Falcon 9 rocket, to dock with the International Space Station. The nighttime launch was dazzling, and the Falcon rocket returned home, to be reused. Previously, since shuttle Atlantis last flew in 2011, American astronauts had to hitch rides to the ISS on Russian spacecraft.
NASA/Joel KowskyNASA/ISS team, with the Resilience crew in red
Sorry, that is it, as far as lauding American excellence, as we now come to our continuing twin crises—the election and Covid, both of which got that way due to the sheer ignorance of a very large segment of our population.
The election
Joe Biden STILL won the election, and he and Kamala Harris will be sworn into office Jan. 20. Until then, apparently, we are required to go through fresh hell every day, thanks to the Trump administration’s pathetic grasping at any strategy, no matter how insane, to throw out votes and hold onto power. At this point, dozens of his court cases have failed, with judges noting the complete lack of evidence, shocking over-reach, and blatant disregard for democracy. This article shows just how ridiculous Trump’s lawsuits are–Trump loses lawsuit that sought to block Pennsylvania win for Biden 11/21/20 https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/21/trump-loses-l.html Trump has moved on to inviting state legislators in swing states to come in for White House confabs, which seem to run the gamut from bribery to intimidation. He is using much the same tactics on governors, local election officials, and anyone else in a position to help him deny reality and negate the election.
Trump has also forbidden his administration’s employees to work with the incoming Biden administration, in violation of the rules and norms governing orderly transfer of power. This includes the GSA implementing the transition process as a practical matter (communications clearance, office space, computer access, basic funding, etc.)—something that has been done as a matter of course after every previous presidential election in modern times. Just after the election, Trump fired many people in key roles and appointed stooges in their place; speculation is that he plans to make sweeping changes in our war footing and foreign policy, as well as effect environmental outrages—things that cannot be easily undone come January. With Biden and Harris still locked out of intelligence briefings, there are security concerns. And, with Covid raging and vaccine administration preparations underway, that is a key area where delay in transition could well cost lives.
The coronavirus
Of course, the entire country is on fire with Covid now, due to non-existent or inadequate mitigation efforts in most states and the GOP’s politicization of masks, social distancing and common sense. Rural areas, small towns, most cities—it is everywhere and spreading unchecked. Every day sets records for new cases (nearly 200,000 per day), hospitalizations (over 83,000 people) and deaths (1,500-2,000 PER DAY and climbing). It is impossible to grasp how bad things are, before they get even worse.
Hospitals everywhere are overwhelmed, with medical workers pleading for people to take precautions. Yet, airlines report adding flights to accommodate brisk ticket sales. Thanksgiving is expected to be celebrated as usual by many if not most Americans—families traveling near and far to gather for meals, football and shopping the sales. IN A PANDEMIC THAT HAS ALREADY KILLED OVER A QUARTER MILLION OF US AND IS RIGHT NOW RAGING ACROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.
People blame “pandemic fatigue” and say we are tired of taking precautions. Well, the pandemic doesn’t get tired. And, if America as a whole had taken adequate precautions for long enough, we would all be in a better situation now, and maybe we could safely enjoy the holiday. But, that didn’t happen, and now we pay the price, one way or the other. EITHER, we hunker down and follow expert advice to control the spread of the disease, even at the expense of Thanksgiving traditions. OR, we make ourselves and our loved ones sick, possibly killing people, just for a turkey dinner and the inevitable family squabble.
The really crazy thing is that we do seem close to the end of this nightmare, with good vaccines likely available in a few months. That is the BEST news possible! But, if people get sick and die now, it will be too late for them, and for their families. We should be taking all possible precautions now, in order to BE AROUND for the vaccines and ALIVE AND HEALTHY at the end of the pandemic. Cancel Thanksgiving plans THIS year, so that NEXT year we aren’t looking at empty chairs around our tables and remembering the family members who died of Covid after the 2020 celebrations that we recklessly insisted on having.
57 years ago, this was a very, very bad day in Texas. On Nov. 22, 1963, our 35th President, John F. Kennedy, was shot and killed during a motorcade in Dallas.
In Lakeway
At its Nov. 9 meeting, ZAPCO considered revision of The Oaks PUD ordinance, requiring developer Stratus to begin building the Main Street 4 lane segment on its land by March 15, 2021 and complete the project by March 15, 2023. Most of the Commissioners were miffed at not being privy to the legal issues discussed by Council and the city’s attorney in Executive Session at its Nov. 2 meeting. In the end, ZAPCO unanimously agreed to this revision, sending it back to Council for action.
The Council meeting on Nov. 16 was in-person, despite the current COVID surge in the area. Guess the Mayor and Council members were feeling lucky…. Council followed up on the Main Street issue by revising The Oaks PUD ordinance as planned, to require Stratus to begin building the 4 lane segment on its land by March 15, 2021 and complete the project by March 15, 2023. Of course, that guarantees nothing as far as getting Main Street connected to Lohmans Crossing. The Mayor mentioned during the meeting that Stratus has been unresponsive on this point for months; this will almost certainly end up in litigation, which will be expensive and will waste time getting the road completed prior to the 620 reconfiguration. The city’s failure to get an agreement covering the road signed back in 2014 by Stratus is outrageous and hugely problematic. There should be consequences to those who presided over this lapse. Mayor at that time was Dave DeOme, soon-to-be Mayor Joe Bain was on Council then, and Steve Jones was City Manager. Deputy City Manager Chessie Zimmerman was in charge of managing this PUD; she left the city’s employ in 2017, going to work for … Stratus. Hmmm—coincidence?
Council also got a summary of work done by a sub-committee that has reviewed the Rough Hollow PUD Agreement, signed in 1997 and amended 8 times since then. The stated goal is to reach a new and simplified agreement as the project reaches completion in the next 4 years, and they have been negotiating with developer Legends for months now. While details were not given, some current ordinances will come into play instead of 1997 ordinances, which has long been seen as ridiculously advantageous for Legends these decades later; however, the developer will get numerous concessions on this point in the form of variances (again—no details given). Water quality protections are supposedly increased, along with preservation of more trees. A sore point has been Legends failing to build the water access park and sports field the original agreement required; it sounds like those will never happen, but concessions include a scenic overlook, common areas, trails, open space and parking. Very lucrative goodies that Legends gets in the new agreement include 3 more years to complete the build-out, an additional section for development with large lots (and big sales prices), 40 additional condos, and ability to build a climate-controlled storage unit (for luxury cars and wine storage). The mayor indicated that Council would review the draft agreement, which will be discussed in detail at a future meeting; the agreement itself should be included in the Meeting Packet for that future meeting, and made available to the public that way.
In addition, Council canvassed the election results, with Propositions A, B, C, F and G passing as Charter revisions. It also decided to create a subcommittee to review police department policies, supposedly as required periodically by the Charter. Finally, Council approved sale of 7 acres of city land (located across from the Swim Center, off Trophy Drive) to Lakeway MUD, for $476,375 (as appraised). The land will be used for reclaimed water storage, with a tank and elevated tower.
Who remembers G&G? Followers of figure skating will never forget Sergei Grinkov andEkaterina Gordeeva. Decades after winning 2 Olympic gold medals, they are legendary, for their breath-taking pairs skating and for their tragic love story.
Today is the 1-year anniversary of my falling on a walk and breaking my wrist. After a series of casts and splints, plus some physical therapy, it is back to about 75%, and I think that is as good as it will get.
At least 2 deer were fatally impaled on metal fences in Lakeway recently, as reported on social media. Sadly, this happens frequently, as deer try to leap the spiked and open picket metal fences that are so popular in this area. Right now, the deer are in rut, with the does running and the bucks chasing…. CAFA worked hard to get City of Lakeway to ban dangerous fences, and this was accomplished in 2018. But, that only covered NEW fencing, and there are countless dangerous fences in place—in private yards, on business lots, enclosing The Hills, etc. Here are examples of dangerous metal fences—
Dangerous fencing–spiked and open picket
There are several ways to make these fences safe. I had Sierra Fence Company weld a rail across the top, making my open picket fence safe, back in 2018. But, it is fairly easy to remove the protruding pickets or spikes yourself. My fence page has a video of Lakeway resident Hamil Cooper doing exactly that. There are lots of before & after photos. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/dangerous-fences/
A teenager died after impaling his neck on a spiked fence around a Dallas pool in 2019. Recently ,in San Antonio, a roof worker fell off the house and was impaled on the home-owner’s metal fence and very seriously injured. These fences are dangerous to people, as well as to wildlife. If you have one of these on your property, please make it safe.
No one wants precious deer like these to die impaled on a fence.
Worldwide, 2 weeks ago, there were just over 50 million cases. The total will exceed 60 million in the next day or so. Daily death counts now usually exceed 10,000.
In the US, cumulative cases passed 12 million on Nov. 19, after hitting 11 million just 6 days prior. Daily new cases have been well over 100,000 the entire month of November; last week, daily new cases neared the 200,000 mark, which experts predict will be exceeded regularly after Thanksgiving. Hospitalizations hit an all-time high of 61,964 people on Nov. 10; as of today, that has jumped to 83,870 Americans currently hospitalized for Covid. Our death toll passed the quarter million mark on Nov. 13, with 1,000-2,000 more now dying daily. Experts say roughly 1 in 100 Americans are now contagious.
In Texas, we have more confirmed cases than any other state, passing the 1 million mark for cumulative cases on Nov. 13. Lately, new cases exceed 10,000 per day, often setting new records. Loving County, Texas (population 169, near Odessa) was the last county in the entire country to register a Covid case, doing so on Nov. 17. Hospitalizations are rising statewide; today the total is 8,245, up from 6,080 just 2 weeks ago. The statewide positivity rate has increased from 10% to 12% in the last 2 weeks. Coronavirus patients now make up more than 15% of the total hospital bed capacity in six regions of Texas (El Paso, Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland-Odessa, San Angelo and Laredo); this threshold triggers tighter restrictions. Regions including Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler and Paris are expected to exceed the threshold next week. Deaths are rising, as well. Daily death counts have exceeded 100 since Nov. 10; totals have been as high as 230 (on Nov. 19). El Paso remains the area hardest hit, with hospitals overflowing and patients being air-lifted all over the state. Morgues in El Paso are overwhelmed, even with a dozen refrigerator trucks temporarily housing excess bodies. They lack personnel to handle the bodies, as well; area prisoners have been pressed to do the work, and the National Guard is helping out.
Travis County reported 306 new cases on Nov. 18 and 368 new cases on Nov. 20, the highest numbers of daily cases since the July surge. Active cases were estimated at 2,216 for Travis County on Nov. 20.
Don’t worry, Dr. Fauci is safe from Trump’s petty wrath. As a career federal employee and esteemed director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, he is protected by federal civil service regulations from being fired or demoted for political reasons. Trump says he might fire Fauci. Technically, he can’t 11/2/20 https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/11/02/can-trump-fire-fauci/
Created, maintained and expanded by funding from many countries and the hard work of countless experts, this enduring monument to peaceful scientific excellence is a plus on humanity’s balance sheet. On a clear night, look up and watch the ISS glide by; 250 miles above, it orbits every 90 minutes. https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/home.cfm
Moon over ISS Image Credit: Derek Demeter (Emil Buehler Planetarium)
In the US
Again, we have twin crises demanding attention: the election and the pandemic.
ELECTION–Success!
Biden-Harris
As for the election, Joe Biden won the presidency. And, Kamala Harris will be the FIRST ever female vice-president. What an enormous RELIEF. Hearing the Saturday morning announcement made it totally worth having been glued to MSNBC and Steve Kornacki’s awesome Big Board for all the days AND nights since Nov. 3.
Steve Kornacki on MSNBC
Biden-Harris overwhelmingly won the popular vote AND the electoral college vote to end the horror show we endured for 4 years. Trump hasn’t conceded, but common decency is not in his nature; happily, there is no need, as a legal matter, for the loser to do anything. If necessary, he will be forcibly removed in January, and (after extensive White House decontamination), the Biden family will move in, and the new administration will take charge. The damage done in crucial areas like COVID mitigation, orderly staff hand-overs, seamless military policy, etc.–not to mention America’s world standing–will be considerable, but obviously Trump has no regard for such things.
Both images created by Cuban-American artist Edel Rodriguez, for Der Spiegel
But, this COVID election highlighted the vastly differing voting laws across our 50 states. Since the right to vote is basic to our democracy, voting standards and protections should be balanced across the country, not subject to inroads by state legislatures or governors, of either party. ALL Americans should be able to:
— register to vote easily;
— vote by mail if desired;
–deliver ballots to secure and accessible drop-off boxes, as an option to mailing; and
–vote early in person if desired.
Not only would these options protect voting rights and promote participation in elections, they would result in TIMELY and accurate election results—which the 2020 election proved is NOT currently the case in many states.
The states that struggled with delayed results did so because their legislatures failed to offer voting options. Those states lacked early in-person voting, so voters had to choose between voting by mail or risking COVID infection at over-crowded voting locations on Election Day—resulting in an enormous number of mail-in ballots. Texas, on the other hand EXTENDED its usual in-person early voting period from 12 days to 18 days; the result was people safely voting in record numbers AND officials being able to tabulate totals, including hefty but not overwhelming mail-in ballots, by midnight on Election Day. Critically, the late-result states also refused to allow mail-in ballots to be processed before Nov. 3, even though officials knew early on that an avalanche of mail-in ballots was coming and begged their legislatures and governors for leeway to handle it.
Obviously, steps need to be taken to facilitate fast and reliable ballot handling by USPS, as opposed to the strategic disabling of the mail system than happened in 2020.
CORONAVIRUS–continued grim failure….
Last week, America reported new cases in record numbers—well over half a million cases in less than a calendar week—surpassing peaks from last spring and summer. Over 57,000 Americans are now hospitalized with COVID, very close to record highs in the past. The death toll is also near record levels, with well over 1,000 Americans now dying every day.
Also last week, Trump‘s Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and several other West Wing staffers were newly diagnosed with COVID, in the fourth (disclosed) White House outbreak since last summer.
President-Elect Biden has already declared COVID mitigation to be a priority. Details on his plans are to be announced as early as Nov. 9.
In Texas
We had HUGE voter participation for this election. And, over half of the registered voters in Texas voted early. (735,000 more Texans voted EARLY this year than voted in the ENTIRE 2016 presidential election, including on Election Day.) In the end, 66% of the 17 million registered Texas voters cast ballots in the 2020 general election. Texas failed to turn blue this year, but maybe next time….
In Lakeway
We only had propositions on the ballot this time, no elections. Of the 7 proposed Charter changes, 5 passed and 2 failed (D and E).
The FAILED proposals concern the City Manager and volunteer treasurer. Our City Manager will continue to be required to live in Lakeway (which reduces the candidate pool and increases the salary to be paid). There will continue to be a volunteer treasurer listed in the Charter; since this function has long been performed by paid Finance Dept. staff, I doubt anything will change as a practical matter.
The PASSED proposals were:
–A: Our annexation process will follow state law.
–B: Our mayor and council members will serve 2 year terms.
–C: Successive terms of our officials will be limited to 3 terms (6 years straight, and up to 7 years straight in the case of a partial 1 year term).
–F: How we handle ballots when a candidate dies or withdraws will follow state law.
–G: How we issue bonds will follow state law.
Council, at its Nov. 2 online meeting, among other things, :
–Hired an Assistant City Manager, Joseph Molis;
–Created a standing Economic Development Committee (9-15 members to be appointed by Mayor Cox), its meetings to be PRIVATE and NOT subject to the Open Meetings Act; and
–Instructed staff to investigate an annual “High Quality Event” for Lakeway to sponsor (to further the work of the Economic Development Committee and preparatory to hiring an Event Coordinator).
The next Council meeting is Nov. 16. I’m guessing it will be in-person, but who knows….
Finally, I am told the 2020 deer count is underway. This is a full month ahead of the timeline used for the last 3 annual counts, so comparisons will be problematic. These previous counts indicated a slightly decreasing deer population in Lakeway, which was supported by the city’s own statistics on things like collisions, carcass pick-ups and resident complaints—all dwindling as well. Hopefully, the results of the 2020 count will be released to the public before any Council action is taken. Not only was Lakeway’s decades-long culling barbaric and inhumane, it was also unnecessary and failed to reduce the deer population long-term since Hill Country deer simply wandered inside city limits to take advantage of available resources and territory. As a practical matter, past culling cost the city hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars; now, with the COVID economy reducing tax revenue, Lakeway has no funds to waste. By the way, the Wildlife Advisory Committee last met in February and seems to have been disbanded, although it is still listed on the city site. While other committees have met sporadically or not at all during the pandemic, their monthly meetings are still listed on the city calendar, then cancelled if nothing urgent comes up; WAC has not appeared on calendars since June.
Back to me….
Great quote: “What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.” It is from a poem by the late Charles Bukowski, whose work seems unpalatable overall. But, it feels like there is a lot of fire lately….
I recently fell in love with the old TV series Justified (2010-2015), escaping ugly reality with something very different, watching all 6 seasons of stellar entertainment in record time. Yet, that show’s distinctive theme song perfectly captures 2020 – “Long Hard Times to Come.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9BEoG0e-L8 But, I’m hoping the recent election signifies a turn-around on that theme.
Otherwise, marathon election-watching was punctuated with fall cleaning and coping with some changes on my online job.
The deer are less visible, as they always are this time of year. But, here are a few recent photos. Also, a cheeky squirrel….
Worldwide, we passed 50 million Covid cases on November 7.
In the US, we passed 10 million Covid cases on November 6.
In Texas, there are now over 6,000 people hospitalized (with this number climbing steadily), the daily death rate recently has been well over 100 people, and the positivity rate now exceeds 10% (and is also climbing steadily). El Paso remains the hardest-hit area, with makeshift hospitals and morgues, as well as military medical assistance; the city is also under a judicial shutdown order that has so far survived legal challenge by restaurant owners and by AG Paxton, acting on behalf of Gov. Abbott. But, many other areas across the state are surging.
The news remains dominated by the election and the coronavirus. At this point, the two incendiary issues are impossible to separate.
Regarding COVID, the nasty concept of herd immunity KEEPS popping up. That is due to the White House not only advocating it now as an option but leaking clues this is nothing new. For months, I have suspected this was the Trump administration default strategy. It explains their do-nothing approach, as well as their interference with any state or local official who DOES try to stop COVID. That is why they ignored medical experts and politicized masks/social distancing, and why Trump and others have insisted for MONTHS that it is going away, we are turning the corner, and there is no reason to be afraid. This, despite America having lost over 230,000 people–more deaths than any other country in the entire world. Now, the White House is finally to the point of admitting this is policy. No lockdowns, no closures, no testing, no contact tracing, no masks, no social distancing—just pretend all is well.
For example, just today, several members of the vice-president’s immediate staff tested positive, but Pence will continue campaigning throughout the nation this coming week, rather than isolate per CDC guidelines for those exposed. Truly, with all the rallies (with no masks or social distancing) in the very states currently surging with new cases and full hospitals, the Trump campaign is actively spreading COVID-19. Cheap, easy, deeply stupid, with zero regard for human life—herd immunity has Trump written all over it.
Of course, medical experts worldwide—epidemiologists, immunologists, infectious disease specialists, virologists, and physicians in the trenches treating COVID patients—vociferously condemn herd immunity as reckless, futile, inhumane, based on a fallacy, and likely to result in MILLIONS of needlessly dead Americans. Why is that?
–Even people in low-risk groups can suffer serious damage to heart, lungs, or other organs. Children are not invulnerable; some develop an inflammatory syndrome that can be fatal. A growing group of survivors remain ill to some extent for many months. We don’t begin to understand the long-term effects of even mild cases of this new disease.
–HOW are we supposed to protect the old and the vulnerable, with society fully open and no precautions taken generally?
–Herd immunity, in the history of the world and its myriad diseases, has NEVER been achieved without the benefit of a vaccine. So, assuming how it would work with COVID-19 is just guesswork.
–One ugly guess is how many people would need to get (and survive) COVID, before we approach herd immunity. The usual estimate is 60-80% of the population. To date, about 8% of Americans have been infected. So, the goal is to do the last few months again and again—9 more times—and see what happens then?
–Another ugly guess is the death toll. Most experts say millions of Americans would die, if this experiment proceeds. Of course, minorities have been disproportionately hard-hit so far, and that would continue.
–The horrific process of trying to achieve herd immunity would max out our medical system–over-flowing hospitals, exhausting supplies of everything from PPE to steroids and other palliative drugs, and compromising medical personnel. The result of that havoc would be excess deaths. Remember when a stated goal of bending the curve was to avoid overwhelming hospitals, to minimize deaths?
–Herd immunity requires that those who recover get long-term immunity. That is NOT the case with many viruses, such as regular flu and the common cold. Although rare so far, re-infection IS being seen with COVID-19, even at this early stage.
But, don’t believe me. Here are several articles, from a variety of respected sources, detailing the horrors of herd immunity. Take your pick.
—THE JOHN SNOW MEMORANDUM: ongoing project originally published in The Lancet 10-14-22. This is the rebuttal to The Great Barrington Declaration. Here, in an ongoing collaboration, medical experts condemn the herd immunity strategy. https://www.johnsnowmemo.com/
The election is just over a week away. Finally! The second and last debate curbed the worst impulses of our combative president (though he still lied like a rug), allowing Biden to set out clear policy on things like COVID response, foreign interference in our elections, immigration reform, and climate change. Plans, goals, policy—sounds like someone knows how to govern. Refreshing!
On a lighter note, here are 2 politically inspired but super-fun musical numbers.
This lyrical take on Evita may be the BEST ad yet from The Lincoln Project. Covita–“I broke my promise, won’t keep my distance…. Don’t cry for me, Secret Service….” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tZVnbDq9B4
In Texas
78% of eligible voters statewide are registered for the current election. Amazingly, of the 850,000 eligible voters in Travis County, 97% are registered (breaking all records).
A record turnout for voting is expected in Texas, possibly as high as 75-80% of eligible voters; 65% voted in 2016.
Already, over 7 million votes have been cast in Texas—more than in any other state. With another week of early voting still to go, that amounts to 80% of the TOTAL votes cast in 2016 (including election day). Whether standing in line to vote early or mailing in ballots, Texans are making a political statement.
If you requested and received a mail-in ballot but prefer to vote in person, be sure to take your mail-in ballot. A special clerk at the start of the voting process will have you sign a paper to cancel the mail-in ballot, and then you proceed to vote normally.
The election includes SEVEN propositions for Lakeway voters. See my previous blog for details on these propositions. (I voted YES on all of them, except for Proposition C. That one would extend successive terms of service by local officials from the current 2 terms to 3 terms. That is a change from 4 years to 6 years straight, and up to 7 years if someone served a partial term; that seems excessive. I voted NO on Prop C.)
If you are still looking to receive your mail-in ballot OR want to track the status of a ballot you already mailed back, go here— https://votetravis.com/vexpress/submit.do Scroll down to Voter LookUp near the bottom. Add name and birth date (you can skip the unique identifier). Select BBM Status (Ballot By Mail). It will tell you the status of your ballot. For info or help–Travis County Tax Office Voter Registration Division 512-854-9473.
Ballots can be mailed in (with voters urged to do so as early as possible) or dropped off at approved sites; there is ONLY 1 approved site per county. The Travis County site is out by the airport. (Voters must drop off completed ballots IN PERSON and show ID. Voters in Texas CANNOT drop off mail-in ballots at polling places.)
Council, at its Oct. 19 in-person meeting, accepted the initial report from its Economic Advisory Committee. Suggestions included making Lakeway friendlier to business, creating an annual signature event, and taking advantage of the coming 620 reno to “reshape the corridor.” All this is to be managed by a new standing Economic Development Committee. Details were sparse. Among other things, Council also 1) adopted the Thoroughfare Plan discussed previously; 2) awarded $50,000 in HOT funds to the second annual Lake Travis Film Festival; and 3) directed the City Manager to create Lakeway’s Coronovirus Relief Program and sign the Interlocal Agreement to accept CARES Act funds for it from Travis County. Go here to watch this Council meeting online— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/87344
The next Council meeting is billed as a Work Session, on Nov. 2. Online only or in-person? Who knows….
Finally, Mayor Cox, in her Oct. 22 Facebook Live talk, stated the western segment of the Main Street extension will break ground in 2021. This is the Legends segment branching off Lohmans opposite The Hills entrance. Unfortunately, the missing center segment (behind HEB and on land still owned by Stratus) is very problematic. It was announced at a recent Council meeting that Stratus never signed the agreement to build this segment of road, so all the city can do is try to leverage cooperation via the PUD, which has not worked so far. Likely, a lawsuit will be required. As the mayor mentioned, it would be disastrous if Main Street is not completed by the time 620 is shut down for widening and long-term restructuring, which could happen as early as 2022. In addition, she teased a coming re-statement of the Rough Hollow development agreement.
Back to me….
I voted mid-morning the first Thursday of early voting and only had a short wait. VERY happy to get that done!
Maxie got a good report on her blood work, so all is well.
My back yard, even though tiny, has vexed me since moving into St. Andrews in 2018, and I finally gave up on handling it myself. Weeds, dirt, bugs, snakes—ugh, no thanks. A wonderful yard service spent an afternoon hacking back the overgrowth and then a full day re-doing the tattered ground covering and replacing the variegated mulch and pebbles with lovely slate gravel. Now, instead of cursing every time I look out there, I grin.
Our deer continue to post for close-ups, but a couple squirrels nearly upstaged them.
Deer in LakewaySquirrels in Lakeway
Here are a two new baby panda video updates. What a chunky cutie!
Worldwide, many countries are preoccupied with COVID flare-ups, but at least America provided comic relief with shockingly poor handling of the pandemic while running the least democratic election in the history of our supposed democracy.
In the US, another COVID surge is the worst October surprise of all. We exceeded 8 million cases on Oct. 12. The total will go over 9 million any day now.
In October, the rise in cases was steady, and then it spiked last week. The U.S. topped 65,000 new cases on Thursday, Oct. 22. This was the highest tally since the July peak. It was immediately followed by over 85,000 new cases on Oct. 23. In the spring, heavy cases were concentrated in the northeast. Summer infections raged in the south and west. Now, the outbreaks are scattered in pockets across the country, often in rural areas with limited medical resources.
Hospitalizations rose 40% in October. So far, over 500,000 Americans have been hospitalized. Those who survive face heavy medical bills; even if they have insurance, many are seeing surprise big-ticket billing items.
Death counts are flat so far, but this lagging indicator is sure to rise soon.
In Texas, last week’s new daily cases were nearly as high as back in August. Hospitalizations continue to climb. As of Oct. 23, over 5,000 Texans were hospitalized, up from 3,600 on Oct. 11.
Hot spots include Dallas, El Paso, Amarillo and Lubbock. Austin and Travis County show numbers among the lowest in the state, so far.
First, we suffered through a presidential debate with one participant acting like a cross between a spoiled toddler and a rabid hyena. Debate procedure rules, agreed to by both sides, were ignored by Trump. Later, it was disclosed that the entire White House contingent arrived at the debate location too late to be tested on-site for COVID-19—as both sides had agreed—yet, the debate proceeded. And, it surprised no one that the Trump staff and family attending the debate did so WITHOUT MASKS—even though both sides agreed masks would be worn by the audience.
Then, the First Couple and what seems like most of the government contingent in Washington, DC, contracted COVID-19. White House staff, Trump campaign staff, even Pentagon officials tested positive and/or had to isolate due to exposure. Guess America hasn’t turned the corner after all…. And, there is a very obvious reason for that.
If, as many have said, refusing to wear a mask now is like driving while drunk, then the Trump administration amounts to an inbred clan of unapologetic substance abusers who very predictably caused a multi-vehicle pile-up of epic proportions. Not only were many reckless “drivers” injured, but so were countless others who just happened to be in the vicinity. But, here is where the drink driving metaphor fails: each of THOSE infected people exposed THEIR contacts to the infection, and on and on. (This is especially true, since little contact tracing has been attempted; with the White House refusing to release vital info like Trump’s last negative test date, it is impossible to know who is at risk.) Plus, countless medical personnel attending the ill were put at risk. All this happened due to the Trump administration’s long-running, blatant, and reckless refusal to follow the simple advice of medical experts—wear masks, social distance, and avoid mass gatherings.
From the pathological to the sublime…. Also in Washington DC , this tribute on The Elipse features 20,000 empty chairs. As overwhelming as this image is, remember—each chair represents TEN dead Americans. And counting….
Empty chairs who represent a fraction of the more than 200,000 lives lost due to COVID-19, are seen during the National COVID-19 Remembrance, at The Ellipse outside the South side of the White House, Oct. 4, 2020, in Washington. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)
America now has over 219,000 dead. The pandemic is raging out of control in many states including Wisconsin (where hospitals are overwhelmed), Utah, Montana, Wyoming and other western states.
I am proud to support Joe Biden and look forward to his capable guidance in defeating COVID-19 and in healing our divided nation.
864511320
In Texas
Ballots are now in the process of being mailed to Texans who requested to vote by mail. Here is how to check on your ballot. Go here—https://votetravis.com/vexpress/submit.do Scroll down to Voter LookUp near the bottom. Add name and birth date (you can skip the unique identifier). Select BBM Status (Ballot By Mail). It will tell you the status of your ballot. For info or help–Travis County Tax Office Voter Registration Division 512-854-9473 tax_voters@traviscountytx.govwww.traviscountytax.org
Ballots can be mailed in (with voters urged to do so as early as possible) or dropped off at approved sites. (Voters must drop off completed ballots IN PERSON and SHOW ID. Voters in Texas CANNOT drop off mail-in ballots at polling places.)
Gov. Abbott did his best to limit voting in Texas during a pandemic by reducing ballot drop off locations to 1 per county, with an October 1 order. While arguably workable for rural counties with small populations, a single drop-off location is ludicrous in urban areas, including Houston’s Harris County which has nearly 5 million people spread across 2000 square miles. Gov. Greg Abbott limits counties to one absentee ballot drop-off location, bolstering GOP efforts to restrict voting https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/01/greg-abbott-texas-vote-mail/
Last week, a federal district court struck down this order, as violating the voting rights of elderly and disabled Texans likely wanting to vote by mail and hand-deliver ballots to be sure they are counted. Of course, Gov. Abbott and his felonious AG Ken Paxton have appealed. As of now, an appeals court has placed a hold on multiple ballot drop-offs, pending review. This will likely go at least to the Texas Supreme Court. Abbott’s limit on drop-off locations stands, for now https://www.statesman.com/news/20201009/abbottrsquos-order-limiting-ballot-drop-off-sites-stands-for-now
Finally, be careful at the polls. Gov. Abbott’s mask order specifies that voters, poll workers and poll watchers are NOT required to wear masks.
In Lakeway
Council, at its Sept. 28 meeting, FINALLY adopted the 2021 budget and set the property tax rate. After months of threatening a significant tax hike, the final vote was 7-0 for keeping the 2019 and 2020 rate of 16.45 cents per $100 valuation. That means that, if your home is valued the same as last year, then the Lakeway share of your property tax bill will be the same as it was last year. (Sorry—your tax bill as a WHOLE will go up, because the other taxing entities—Travis County, LTISD, your MUD, etc.—are increasing their tax rates. Lakeway gets less than 10% of what we pay in property taxes.)
Sure, they got to the right result, but why did it take them so long? Since June, everyone except Smith was totally dismissive about the Lakeway portion of our property tax bills “only” going up $50-$100 bucks to pay for all the shiny things they wanted. Suddenly, those SAME people found it against their principles for homeowners to pay $1 or EVEN 1 CENT extra in taxes to Lakeway next year. The epiphanies just kept rolling in, from one council member to the next, until every last one of them had a Come to Jesus moment right there on camera. Again—correct result, but one heck of a weird process.
Council also presented a report on the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for The Oakes (HEB and all the rest) with Stratus Properties. Several discrepancies were disclosed, but the major one relates to the still-missing road connecting Main Street to Lohmans. Absent that critical artery, in the FIVE years now gone by since the stores opened, we have gotten used to short-cutting through parking lots to avoid 620, but that isn’t optimal or safe. Turns out, Stratus NEVER SIGNED THE AGREEMENT requiring them to build that road for the city; Stratus also NEVER POSTED A BOND guaranteeing they do this. Interestingly, Lakeway Deputy City Manager Chessie Zimmerman was in charge of managing this PUD; she left the city’s employ in 2017, going to work for Stratus. Conflict of interest, perhaps? Also, Dave DeOme was Mayor of Lakeway 2009-2015, while the PUD was negotiated and HEB and the other stores were allowed to open without the road being built or the paperwork even being signed; residents unhappy about this may want to complain to him. And—surprise!—Stratus has not responded to recent requests to remedy these issues. Council voted Sept. 28 to press Stratus to move forward with the road. This will end up in court. Go here to watch this Council meeting online—https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events
Early voting for the November 3 election starts Oct. 13 and ends Oct. 30. Our location is Lakeway Activity Center, next to City Hall on Cross Creek. (You CANNOT early vote at Randalls as in past elections).
The election includes SEVEN propositions for Lakeway voters. While no local officials are up for election, these are proposed changes to the City Charter, which is basically Lakeway’s Constitution. Aside from the two items relating to the terms of our elected officials (Prop B and C), these are basically housekeeping measures.
I’m not going to waste time discussing the bizarrely named Save Lakeway campaign, except to say that I won’t be following the advice of five fuddy-duddies, who are backed by the felonious developer they sold Lakeway to decades ago. I am voting YES for all EXCEPT Prop C, which gets a big NO.
Specifically:
Proposition A—This matches Lakeway’s annexation process to state law. I’m voting YES.
Proposition B–This brings the Charter into compliance with the state Constitution as far as our officials being elected for 2 year terms (as they always have been). I’m voting YES.
Proposition C—This extends successive terms of service from the current 2 terms to 3 terms (from 4 years to 6 years straight, and up to 7 years if someone served a partial term). That seems excessive. I’m voting NO.
Proposition D—This would change things, so that our City Manager no longer has to live within the Lakeway city limits. That requirement limits the candidate pool and means we have to pay more in salary to offset Lakeway’s high home costs. I’m voting YES.
Proposition E—This deletes the volunteer Treasurer, moving those duties to Finance Department staff (as currently exists). I’m voting YES.
Proposition F—This defers to state law on how to handle ballots when a candidate dies or withdraws before the election. I’m voting YES.
Proposition G—This defers to state law on issuing bonds. Council (by super-majority of 5 out of seven votes) would be able to approve issuance of bonds. I’m voting YES.
But, do you REALLY want to get the skinny on Charter changes and understand how Council rashly appointed former mayors and ex-council members (plus a couple good guys) to the Review Committee and then failed to rubber-stamp the majority’s self-serving recommendations, resulting in mayhem and all those ugly signs studding certain yards in Old Lakeway? Then you need to watch the Charter Reviews items in Council meetings held on May 4, June 1, and July 6 Enjoy! https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events
Back to me….
My mail-in ballot arrived last week. I will try voting in person at the Activity Center next week. If it is crowded or doesn’t feel safe, I will mail my ballot from Westlake. (Lakeway’s post office is a black hole in the best of times.)
I got my last overdue medical matter tended to AND picked up my new glasses. (My eyes felt better immediately!) Maxie had her annual exam. In addition to her vaccination, she got poked for a geriatric blood panel. “Geriatric”–talk about adding insult to injury! We refer “Senior,” thank you very much.
Lovely weather we had there for a bit, then summer closed back in on us. Still, our deer are already working on their winter coats. Here are some of my favorite recent photos.
Worldwide, new cases soared. Last week, there were over a million new cases in a 3 day period, the sharpest increase ever, due to surges in Europe and the United States and continued outbreaks in India, Brazil and other countries.
In the US, daily new case totals tend to be 50,000 or higher now. On Oct. 9, we had over 61,000 new cases; only the worst days of the summer surge had higher numbers. Experts say we need to reduce that to less than 20,000 new daily cases. Things are going in the wrong direction, as we face election gatherings, cold weather and major holidays.
In Texas, hospitalizations are rising. Two weeks ago, on Sept. 27, 3217 Texans were hospitalized with COVID. As of today (Oct. 11), that number is 3622. Also, the testing positivity rate fluctuates from 6% to 9%, but it never drops close to the safe range of 2%.
