The Ridge Runner

Letters to the Ridgerunner

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:21:55 -0600

February 28 on a Saturday afternoon I attended a candidate reception for Sam Brannon and would like to share some of my impressions. Being a POA road
chair man I am always curious about road budgets. Friday night I checked the Hays County budget on their web site for their road budget. This it turned out was not an easy task. I quickly decided the county’s budget posting was not user friendly. It turns out I was not alone. Saturday, when it was time for Sam to speak he said the reason he entered the race was because of the budget. After he and others examined the budget they decided someone needed to run for commissioner. Eventually, Sam was given a through background check and was chosen. Saturday, I got the impression that as a person he has ample courage, a sense of presence and above all, character. He brings a degree in Finance and 17 years experience in consulting, software and corporate financial services to the table. We need someone that knows enough about things and therefore able to ask questions. Where do those who do not ask questions get their answers? Having observed and done business with the county, I understand why Sam chose his message. It is about fiscal responsibility-transparency-local decisions. As a person of some political experience, I like to follow the money. This is why my one question at the meeting was where to obtain a list of contributors. A member of the audience told me to go to the county web site. There I found it under candidate and officeholder then candidate-filed financial report. This task is easy,fast and user friendly. Not having attended a Republican event in many years made me feel uncomfortable at first. I am glad to have gone. The next day in the Sunday paper Scott Burns addressed this issue by saying it is time to think outside the box of our two-party system.

Glynn Schanen
Wimberley

Wimberley adopts groundwater management resolution

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:33:59 -0600

Members of Wimberley’s City Council met Tuesday and voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting the development of a Specific Groundwater Management Area for Jacob’s Well, the resolution will be read into the record by council member Steve Thurber at the Texas Water Development Board meeting this Thursday.

Council had discussed the idea of an SGMA for Jacob’s Well and the Wimberley Valley at length in their regularly scheduled meeting earlier this month, and they directed City Administrator Don Ferguson and city staff to write a resolution that expressed their collective ideas. The resulting resolution states that the City of Wimberley “encourages the creation of a SGMA utilizing an adaptive management strategy to keep the creeks, streams and rivers in western Hays County clean, clear and flowing and to avoid a calamity to the prosperity of Wimberley and the surrounding area in Hays County.” In addition, the resolution “requests the use of an open public process, involving all affected government entities, including the City of Wimberley, utility providers and local stakeholders when creating a SGMA for Jacob’s Well and determining its boundaries, goals and rules.”

Wimberley resident Malcolm Harris thanked city council for its leadership in putting together the resolution. Wimberley Valley Watershed Association President Jack Hollon said, “Cypress Creek is central to the history of the settlement of Wimberley and shapes the culture and arts and the very identity of living in Wimberley. It is also central to the biological health of the riparian area. If we lose the creek, we also lose the centuries old cypress trees there too.”

Councilman Steve Thurber made a motion to accept the resolution as written and Councilman Tom Talcott seconded the motion. City Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution as written. Mayor Bob Flocke said, “I think that this resolution puts Wimberley firmly on the side of conservation of our natural resource. It’s a resolution that doesn’t call for a specific drawdown rate, it leaves it to science to determine an appropriate rate for the aquifer that feeds Jacob’s Well, Cypress Creek and the Wimberley Valley.”

WVWA Urges Public Comment to TWDB to Support Spring Flows and Local Economy

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:28:01 -0600

The TWDB meeting will be held at 9 am on Thursday, March 1st in the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 N. Congress Avenue, Room 170 in Austin, Texas. Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing to offer their support for protecting springflows in the Wimberley Valley. Public comments will be allowed following the WVWA presentation. Emails can be sent to the board directly at boardmembers@twdb.texas.gov. Letters should be addressed to the Texas Water Development Board, Melanie Callahan, Executive Administrator at P.O. Box 13231, Austin Texas 78711-3231. Please ask Melanie to distribute your letter to the individual board members before the meeting for their preparation and consideration.

Learn more about Jacob’s Well and the WVWA appeal here: http://wimberleywatershednews.blogspot.com/2011/11/wvwa-dfc-hearing.html

Paisano!

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:59:45 -0600

Paisano!

Renewal Card Delay will not Prevent Registered Voters' Participating in Upcoming Election

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:19:45 -0600

In response to concerns from the public and to various erroneous emails that are circulating, Hays County Elections Administrator Joyce Cowan is assuring Hays County voters that while ongoing litigation regarding state redistricting plans has delayed the mailing of voter registration certificate renewals, the expiration of voter registration cards on Dec. 31, 2011 will not prevent citizens from voting in upcoming elections.
The Texas Secretary of State’s Office has issued this additional information: As a result of ongoing redistricting litigation, the mailing of new voter registration certificates is delayed. The expiration of your old voter registration certificate on 12/31/2011 does not invalidate your voter registration.

· If you do not have any changes to your voter registration (i.e., you haven’t moved or changed your name), no action is needed at this time.

· If you remain in your county of registration but have changed your residence address or name, you will need to submit your updated information to your county voter registrar and your new voter registration certificate will be mailed to you from your county voter registrar.

· If you have changed your residence address to a new county, you will need to submit a new voter registration application no later than the 30th day before Election Day.

· If you are not sure where you are registered, you can check online.

Once the court approves interim redistricting maps and counties have the opportunity to finalize precinct lines, the county will issue new voter registration certificates. In addition, Ms. Cowan reminds voters that they can expect their new yellow cards before the 2012 primary elections, which are not yet set. They will be valid through Dec. 31, 2013.

For questions about the renewal process or to register to vote, contact the Hays County Elections Department at 512-393-7310 or visit www.co.hays.tx.us/elections.

More Wimberley beauty courtesy of our good neighbor David...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:53:36 -0600

More Wimberley beauty courtesy of our good neighbor David Howard.

Chipping/shredding March 26 to 28

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:02:21 -0600

Spring Chipping and Shredding Service has been scheduled for March 26-28, 2012.
Call or email the office to reserve your time on or before March 21, 2012.
woodcreekpoa@gmail.com or 512-847-9889

Please be sure to include your name, address, and phone number.
Time will be limited to no more than 15 minutes per homeowner and is only available to homeowners who are current on all their maintenance fees.

Please stack your limbs with the butt-end facing the roadway. Limbs should not be larger in circumference than a baseball bat.

The resulting mulch will be taken to the Jacob’s Well Community Garden unless you want it left at your home.

If so please leave a note on your stack.

Future of water called dire

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:05:02 -0600

By John A. Salazar - Your News Network

It’s only been a month since water experts announced the 2012 state water plan, but many worry Texas’ precious resource will continue to disappear if the one-inch thick book of recommendations is not put into practice.
The Texas Water Development Board’s Executive Administrator Melanie Callahan said the state’s water situation is so dire, the worst-case scenario is closer than we think.

“It’s a resource and it has to be managed. It’s not always going to be there,” she said. “If we don’t take care of it, you may go to the tap at some point and it may not be there.”

In order for the recommended water management strategies to be carried out, lawmakers have to take action.

“We’re seeing increasing interest from a number of legislators, an increasing recognition of the importance of this plan,” board member Dan Hardin said.

In a letter sent to Gov. Perry, state representative Lyle Larson from San Antonio laid out some “emergency strategies” to deal with future water needs.

A spokesperson for Gov. Perry told YNN, “Texas is in the midst of a serious drought, and Gov. Perry continues to work with all state agencies, including the Texas Water Development Board, to ensure that the water needs of our citizens and growing economy are addressed now and in the future.”

According to census reports, the Texas population is expected to grow from 25 million to 46 million people in 50 years. The expected growth means water demand will increase by at least 22 percent.

According to the state water plan, accommodating the growing population will cost $53 million.
Those who crafted the state’s water plan say inaction could cost the state even more. A delay could cost the Lone Star State more than $10 billion a year.

Photo

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:42:15 -0600

Community garden taking shape

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:33:00 -0600

Here’s some basic information regarding the Jacob’s Well Community Garden…we anticipate being open for our first growing season by March 1.
Last week over 700 concrete blocks were delivered for the development of 14 raised-bed garden plots measuring 15’ x 4’; 2 blocks high. Three core Garden Committee members were able to measure out those 14 beds and
physically construct nine.

Early this week, AquaTexas had 24 yards (that’s 2 huge dump trucks full) of super soil delivered to the site). Because of the weight of the trucks and the wet ground conditions, the trucks we unable to get up onto the garden area. The soil was dumped alongside the gate with a promise from a local contractor to come back later time to move the soil up onto the garden site. About 85% of that was done yesterday (Friday) via a 4-wheel drivebackhoe; then came the heavy rain…enuf said. A gentleman contractor lives here in our neighborhood and has for PR for his company in payment of services rendered. As soon as I get the particulars: PR will be done!! (update on this: Mike Boss says the e-mail thanks was sufficient…he was glad to be able to help…GOOD neighbor!)

We have verbal reservations for several garden plots. At this point, 14 will be this early season’s limit. If enough interest is shown, further development will be made for September 1 (Fall gardening) openings. Guttering to be attached to our garden shed roof was donated by a Committee member. This, of course, will be used to direct rainwater into the soon-to-be added 1000-gallon water tank. We have much yet to do but we feel much better about our progress.

Correction

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:41:48 -0600

The information posted here regarding the Homestead Exemption was incorrect. According to Hays County’s Elections Administrator and an alert poster in the comments section, this matter was resolved in 2007. There will be no amendment on the ballot this May. OOPS!

Protest Aqua Texas rate increase

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:47:20 -0600

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

To: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Water Supply Division

Utilities & Districts Section MC 153

P.O. Box 13087

Austin TX 78711-3087

Date:_______________

Re: NOTICE OF PROPOSED RATE CHANGE

Aqua Texas, Inc., Aqua Utilities, Inc, Aqua Development, Inc., Harper Water Company, Inc, & Kerrville South Water Company, Inc. (‘Aqua Texas”)

CCN Numbers 11157, 12902, 11421, and 11484

Company address: 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 400W, Austin, TX 78723

My Aqua Texas account or meter number:_____________________

I am a ratepayer in an unincorporated area known as Woodcreek North in Hays County, Texas. My PWS# is 1050039.

I am filing this letter in protest to the proposed rate change set to go into effect on February 21, 2012.

Please do not grant yet another rate increase to Aqua Texas.

Sincerely,

_________________________________

Water is Wimberley…help preserve both.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:41:53 -0600

Water is Wimberley…help preserve both.

More beauty on the Blanco

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:32:48 -0600

More beauty on the Blanco

Voter registration cards delivery delayed

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:38:41 -0600

Hays County Elections Administrator Joyce Cowan has announced that ongoing litigation regarding state redistricting plans has delayed the mailing of voter registration certificate renewals. “Voters are expecting new voter registration cards to replace their blue cards, which expired Dec. 31, 2011,” Cowan said. “However, until the federal courts finalize the Texas redistricting plans, the mailing is on hold.” Voters who had blue voter registration cards can expect their new yellow cards before the 2012 primary elections, which are not yet set. They will be valid through Dec. 31, 2013.

For questions about the renewal process or to register to vote, contact the Hays County Elections Department at 512-393-7310 or visit www.co.hays.tx.us/elections

Hooray for the horney toad!!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:34:52 -0600

Hooray for the horney toad!!

One of Wimberley’s wonders: Jacobs Well

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:27:38 -0600

One of Wimberley’s wonders: Jacobs Well

Anita Fournier's Foodinis

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:43:00 -0600

February

Now we have left Valencia and are working our way through central Spain in the region of La Mancha. We all know that Cervantes wrote Don Quixote and had his character going to war with the windmills on these plains. Does “the rain in Spain, really fall mainly on the plain”? Heaven only knows, but we do know that more fusion takes place here with garlic, saffron, paprika, and olives and that foods have a Moorish touch. Let’s not forget the vineyards. This region’s vineyards have always been known for their precious local white grape. Today there is expansion into the reds, the Merlots, Cabernets and Syrah are taking over. Well, not “taking over” but pushing their way into the mix.

The Spanish meals are very much like the Italian meals, in that they are a time for conversation, laughter, serious talk, and simply for the pleasure of eating. I have never been able to understand how or why people in this country rush through a meal. We do lead busy lives, but there is no reason why the whole family should not sit down together and eat. This is what being part of a family means.

There is usually one daily meal in Spain that includes soup. I always looked forward to this meal and would often eat a Castilian soup known as “Sopa De Ajo Con Huevos”. It is a garlic soup with egg. So I will share this recipe with you and let you be the judge as to how you like it. I picked this up in a small café in Central Spain. This recipe yields about four servings. double it for eight.

Sopa De Ajo Con Huevos ~ Garlic and Egg Soup
2 garlic cloves 4 tomatoes
4 slices of white bread 2 tablespoons of olive oil
sea salt & pepper 4 eggs

I suspect you will find this recipe in most households in Spain. Remove the crusts from the bread (use a rustic bread). Pound the garlic cloves in your mortar and fry them in oil. When the garlic is golden, add the bread and fry it slightly. Add the tomatoes and fry, then add two pints of cold water water. Bring this to a boil and just before serving, beat the yolks of four eggs and add this to the soup. Sometimes poached eggs are used in this dish with added paprika, prosciutto, and parsley. Hearty country bread can be used as I said, “rustic”.
This is a simple dish but tasty one! What the Spaniards had in mind when they dreamed this recipe up, I believe was it is a “stick to your ribs”, filling soup, and very inexpensive to make.

One does not normally sit down to a meal considered lunchtime until 2:00 p.m. Dinnertime is about 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.

A typical menu Dinner Menu would be Trucha en aceite (trout in oil)
   Sopa de Ajo Con Huevos (Garlic & Egg soup)
   Pastel (a flan)
   Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken)

Preparing these dishes as we travel along, the fun for me is shopping the markets for the ingredients. Each Wednesday vendors set up their wares across Ranch Road 12 across from Ozona Bank. Shoppers stroll through looking for what they need. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have more vendors and a larger market? I hope if this happens there will be the addition of more food items.We also have a great kitchenware shop on the square. They can help you choose any items you need. I believe in patronizing the local shops.

I covered this before but would like to repeat that the three things necessary when preparing Spanish foods are a mortar and pestle, a casuela, and a paella pan. The mortar should be of marble, ceramic or stoneware. I use stoneware. I recommend that the casuela 12 to 13 inches in diameter. It is brown earthenware that has been used in Spanish kitchen for centuries. The paella pan  I prefer is 16 inches in diameter and is carbon-steel. Remember that paella is NOT paella unless a paella pan is used. It is considered a “deadly sin” otherwise.
As we leave La Mancha, I leave you with this thought, relax and unwind when having your meals, no matter whether you eat alone or with others. Savor the food before you!
Hasta la vista
Anita Savino Fournier

WPOA chooses new Board members

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:24:42 -0600

The dust created by the just concluded election for three members of the WPOA Board of Directors is settling a bit as the results are announced. Sally Caldwell, Mike Regan, and Liz Sumter were elected to serve the community by property owners who participated in the election either by mailing in, by electronically returning their ballots or by voting in person on January 21.

It would be nice to believe that now that the votes have been counted and certified, the communities of Eagle Rock and Woodcreek North could get on with business without the constant buzz of complaint, accusation and personal attack that characterized the run up to this election. Sadly, it will not be so. For whatever reason and to whatever end, those intent on attacks and specious complaint will not let up merely because this election has been decided.

There is much at stake for Wimberley area people during coming years. We will have to grapple with difficult questions about how much development can a water deficient area such as this sustain. It will be necessary to work together to find solutions that will promote the preservation of our beautiful valley while being fair to all. It is the Ridgerunner’s belief that this will not be accomplished should the future fall into the combative and unreasonable hands of those unwilling to compromise. We therefore applaud the decision of the property owners who chose to vote with the future in mind rather than to ratify the petty grievances of a few.

Immediately after the meeting on Saturday, the Board met and chose the following officers: President, Merry Merian, Vice President, Liz Sumter, Secretary, DuAnne Redus, Treasurer, Keith Haney. All these officers will serve on the Association’s various committees in addition to their work as officers. Names of chairmen and members of committees will be published and available on the WPOA website.

The Ridgerunner would like to take this opportunity to thank our long-time Treasurer Linda Germaine for her service and dedication. Linda is moving on to work with other organizations. We wish her the best.

The Midland Boys: An Editorial

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:01:18 -0600

This bit of arrogance was noted in the comments section of the Hays County Roundup. “We will take the WPOA out one section at a time.” The effort has begun and several sections of Woodcreek North have been taken over by Wimberley Springs Partners, hereinafter referred to as the Midland Boys. As individual property owners represented by our peers on the WPOA board, we are here to tell the Midland Boys not to count on it.

Property owners in the affected sections have been promised there will be no increase in their yearly maintenance fee. That this is no longer the case if an owner wants to sell his property or refinance a loan. The deed restrictions that govern each section under WPOA are replaced by those of the Midland Boys when a section is taken. Has anyone been able to plow through the loose leaf note book full of deed restriction information provided by them to find out exactly what the restrictions are?

The upshot of this is that it is the Midland Boys’ attempt to mitigate the results of a poor investment by contriving to have the individual property owners’ maintenance fees become a source of income for them rather than an asset to our community as is the case with our existing Association.

We can and must do everything in our power to fight each attempt to take over our community. It “ain’t broke” and there is nothing for the Midland Boys to “fix.” Individual owners can mount petitions in each section that refuse a take over. Petition drives in sections already taken can possibly undo those take overs as well. With determination, we can keep our community’s future in our own hands and not under the control of the Midland Boys.
~~Mickey Trent, Editor