Monthly Archives: July 2009

(Community Matters) Steven is hunting for a small office to sublet until Christmas. He’s working on a creative project and needs a quiet space between the River and 45th. He doesn’t need phone or internet (or any other distractions), just someplace where he can close the door and get work done.

We’d appreciate any leads!

(Community Matters) Dad asked to see the garden – here you go

the building in the background is the pool house

ughh, next project replace the south fence? gotta do it before the bamboo wall fills in. We’ve just trenched the south and east borders of the back yard and inserted a bamboo barrier 2.5 feet in the ground. It’ll create an even denser wall of bamboo. Imagining we should replace the old fence prior. Though, might be able to do so using another material – gotta work on that.

The retaining wall and the gate into Wheatsville have been bears – but, they’re nearly done (the previous retaining wall was 70ish years old and not constructed to today’s standards. The new one stands from 9 feet at the south end to maybe 6 on the north – topped by a 6-foot fence (yards of concrete & rebar? we don’t even want to go there). A lot of time and money trying to get it right and to save the huge pecan tree between us, Wheatsville and our neighbor. The last bit of fencing left is in the tree well. I can’t even remember whether our side, their side or down the middle. Thankfully, the wall is on Wheatsville’s landlord’s property and they paid for the project.

and, then . . . move pool equipment under the stairwell.

(Community Matters) Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA) is leading the charge to overturn Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The Congressman is an Iraq war veteran, former West Point professor, criminal prosecutor, a husband and a father.

(Community Matters) Sounds like hogwash.

(Community Matters) El Paso men kicked out of restaurant for kissing in public. Are you kidding me? Feels like some sort of backlash, after the Ft. Worth bar raid.

De Leon said the officer told the group it was illegal for two men or two women to kiss in public. The five men, he said, were told they could be cited for homosexual conduct

what’s up with that – citations for homosexual conduct? I think these officers need to be told that the Supreme Court overturned Lawrence v Texas. Same excuse used by the Texas Capitol grounds police who broke up two lovers kissing on the Capitol grounds a few years ago.

(Community Matters)

Over 60 kids from the Creative Steps Day Camp were kicked out of The Valley Swim Club because they were black. When the black children arrived (they’d paid nearly $2,000 to join) and entered the pool, the white children got out, said one of the parents. “I heard this lady, she was like, ‘Uh, what are all these black kids doing here?’ She’s like, ‘I’m scared they might do something to my child,'” reported Dymire Baylor, one of the children asked to leave. Pool attendants reportedly admitted minorities are not allowed at the club, and in a statement, the president of the club said, “There was a concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion…and the atmosphere of the club.” P.S. This happened in 2009.

So, despite restatements: “Tempers further flared after the club’s president [emphasis mine] John Duesler issued a statement Tuesday saying ‘There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club.'”

Followed the next day by: “Our Valley Club deplores discrimination in any form, as is evidenced by our multi-ethnic and diverse membership. Whatever comments may or may not have been made by an individual member is an 0pinion not shared by The Valley Club Board.”

(Community Matters) Michael Barnes is reporting that Lowell Lebermann has passed away. Condolences to his family – especially Jenny – and friends. He contributed a great deal to Austin and to Texas. He’ll be missed.

(Community Matters) Given that consumer spending averages about 2/3 of the US Economy, June as a weak month for retail sales is definitely not a good sign.

(Community Matters) Far Right (read bigoted social conservatives) are arguing that Thurgood Marshall and Cesar Chavez aren’t important enough historically to be included in Texas’ social studies curriculum. Dallas Morning News article

Lest women (including many straight ones who abandoned the LGBT community when Rep. Rose voted against gay adoption and for “defense of marriage”) feel safe, they are recommending excluding Anne Hutchinson as well.

There are a couple of other identity groups who easily cast off concerns about LGBT equality despite their own vulnerabilities, but I’ll stop there today.

(Community Matters) Graham Reynolds, Shawn Sides, Kirk Lynn, Carrie Fountain (all four Rude Mechs company members), Michael & Rachel Feferman (C3 Productions), Katie Pearl (director), Steve Moore (playwright & biz entrepreneur), Matthew & Glenda Hinsley (performing artists & nonprofit entrepreneur) & Michael Mitchell (playwright) – what a terrific dinner party list.

We’d been trying to get together with each for sometime, even better all together. Super conversations about art, the business of art, the creative process and more.

(Community Matters) Evidently I earlier tweaked another candidate’s sensitivities when I blogged about self-funding – wasn’t meant personally. I’m undeclared in the race for US Senate.

And, in answer to the question about Jack McDonald’s fundraising, I don’t think any of the reported total includes self funding – other than perhaps a contribution to open bank accounts. Obviously, he has the capacity to substantially self fund, and I expect he will do so – though he hasn’t to date. Posted from my blackberry