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The Market was robbed for beer, One car accident in Steiner cigarettes over the weekend By LYNETTE HAALAND Lynette.FourPoints@gmail.com
The Market at Steiner Ranch was burglarized over the weekend and police are looking for the suspect. “The burglar smashed the front door, breaking the glass, and entered the store,” said Keith Brown, Co-Owner of The Market located at 4300 N. Quinlan Park Rd. Surveillance cameras inside the store give clues about the suspect. “The description of the suspect in this case is: approximately 6’ tall, thin build, wearing a grey hooded jacket, blue jeans (tight fitting) and a white belt. There is no photo to release at this time,” said Roger Wade, Travis County Sheriff ’s Office Senior Public Information Officer. The suspect stole cigarettes, beer and lighters. He was seen in the video filling up a bag. “That tells you that it wasn’t an adult,” Brown said. “There was only one person inside, we don’t know if there were more outside.” Store owners do not know exactly what time it happened. The MARKET, 5
A one car accident happened in Steiner Ranch on Jan. 14. This car would have likely gone into a home on Country Lake Drive if it wasn't for a couple of decorative boulders and large potted plants that stopped it. The driver of the car was going too fast in a residential neighborhood and did not negotiate the turn properly, sources say.
ACF kids make backpacks for Austin’s homeless
Keith Brown and Matt Young co-own The Market at Steiner Ranch. Their specialty market and delicatessen was broken into over the weekend. The suspect stole beer, cigarettes and lighters.
Austin Energy’s proposed rate increase is being met by opposition By LYNETTE HAALAND Lynette.FourPoints@gmail.com Last week’s Austin City Council’s public hearing on Austin Energy’s suggested rate hikes brought out many against the proposal. Dozens of people spoke at the Jan. 12 public hearing. They directed their comments to the City Council, which will decide whether to adopt the increase. Council chambers were packed. Last week prior to the meeting, Homeowners United For Rate Fairness sent a letter to Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell stating 10 reasons why HURF opposes the rate increases for the 45,000 homeowners who are Austin Energy customers outside of the City of Austin. Steiner Ranch’s Mark Farrar is
Executive Director of HURF and several months ago he launched Austin Energy Rate Protest, a website to inform neighbors about AE’s plans. Farrar thinks the HURF letter made an impact because the Mayor is not backing the rate increase as proposed. On Sunday Mayor Leffingwell stated in a blog post on his website that he does not support Austin Energy’s proposed rate increase for several reasons, including that it places most of the burden on homeowners and renters. Additionally the Mayor acknowledged that out-of-city Austin Energy customers - like communities in Four Points - should possibly pay a lower rate, since they do not receive the benefits of being in the city.
Austin Energy spends about $150 million on city operations that are not directly related to the electric business, such as parks, roads and police and that do not benefit those outside the city limits. “What became clear very quickly (at the public hearing) is that a broad cross section of our community does not support Austin Energy’s current proposal,” Leffingwell said in his post. Council Members Sheryl Cole and Kathie Tovo told news sources on Sunday that they do not support the rate proposal either. The City Council plans to hold a Tuesday work session intended to allow its members to dig into specifics about the complicated new rate structure. Austin Energy proposes rais-
ing its rates for the approximately 400,000 customers. The utility has not raised base rates in 17 years. A home which uses an average of 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month over the year would see its rates rise about $16 a month. Large homes that use an average of 6,269 kilowatt-hours a month over a year would see its rates rise about $154 a month. Austin Energy officials hope the rates are approved soon so that they can be in place by summer, allowing for an expected review by the state Public Utility Commission. Utility officials say Austin Energy will be strapped even more financially if new rates are not put into place by the summer. The utility is operating at annual deficits of about $50 million.
On Sunday afternoon Austin Christian Fellowship hosted a service project to help homeless in the Austin area. Around 50 participated in the event which included elementary aged kids, parents and teen helpers. Everyone brought a backpack and then filled it
with toiletries, water, socks and snacks. “They all took the backpacks we made and we gave them a list of suggested locations where they can give those out,” said Julie Washington, ACF Director of Children's Ministries. “Isn’t that awesome!”
H-E-B trying to improve the health of Texans By LESLEE BASSMAN, LYNETTE HAALAND Those who began 2012 with a commitment to leading a healthier lifestyle, the Four Points H-E-B is trying to help. It kicked off its Healthy at H-E-B program last week with freebies and discounts on many items, including bulk foods, power bars and vitamins. “Obesity is a huge problem in the U.S. and we’re trying to tackle that, not only for our employees but for the public as well,” said Kevin Polk, HEB Four Points Healthy Living Manager. Healthy at H-E-B is a comprehensive commitment to improving the health of Texans and provide them with fresh, healthy food that is affordable and easy to prepare, according to H-E-B officials. To demonstrate its commitment, HE-B is investing an estimated $20 million in lower prices on fresh produce across its 335 store chain in Texas and Mexico. “We are facing a health crisis in Texas,” said Craig Boyan, President and Chief Operating Officer. “Last June, Texas was listed as the
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13th most obese state in the nation. An estimated 64 percent of the total population and one in five Texas kids are now considered overweight or obese. Given our position as the leading food retailer in the state, we have a unique opportunity to help those who want to make a change for themselves and their families.” In addition to lower prices on produce, the 107-year-old grocery chain is offering its new Healthy Savings meal solutions, packages of fresh ingredients with recipes for preparing a healthy meal for four for under $10 after a $4 coupon. H-E-B will also challenge customers to get fit with contests such as Slim Down Showdown, in which 25 contestants from around the state compete for a $10,000 grand prize. “With Healthy at H-E-B, we want to do everything we can to give customers the tools they need to adopt healthy habits such as cooking and eating healthy meals at home and getting at least 150 minutes of exercise per week,” said Kate Rogers, Vice President of CommunicaHEALTHY, 2
Leslee Bassman
H-E-B kicks off “Healthy at H-E-B” program for customers this weekend. H-E-B Four Points Healthy Living manager Kevin Polk and Healthy Living Lead Emilie Marrero assist shoppers with purchases for a fitter lifestyle.
Kids, parents and teens helped fill backpacks toiletries, water, socks and snacks on Sunday afternoon as a service project for Austin area homeless people.
Homeowners United For Rate Fairness send letter to Mayor January 12, 2012 Hon. Lee Leffingwell, Mayor City of Austin 301 West Second St Austin, TX 78701 Dear Mayor Leffingwell: By way of introduction, Homeowners United For Rate Fairness
(HURF) is an association of homeowners who are customers of Austin Energy (AE) and live outside the City of Austin. The mission of HURF is to advocate on behalf of the 45,000 Austin Energy customers who reside outside the City of Austin. The purpose of this letter is to
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advise you that HURF is opposed to the proposed Austin Energy rate increase, for the reasons stated below. (1) We have no confidence in the estimates and assumptions used by Austin Energy to justify the proposed rate increase. The viability of Austin Energy’s
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proposed rate plan hinges on the accuracy of the utility’s calculations and projections. However, history indicates that management’s ability to make credible forecasts is problematical. In 2008, for example, management projected a FY 2009 operating deficit of $27 million, but the
ultimate shortfall was $77 million-almost 200 percent more than estimated. In 2009, a deficit of $11 million was forecast for FY 2010, but the actual number was $68 million. More recently, a shortfall of $52 million was estimated for FY
LETTER, 4
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When Doug Macis lost his grandfather 12 years ago, he stepped into role his grandfather had always occupied — the family cook. “I knew all my grandfather’s recipes. He taught me growing up,” Macis said. “To remember him, I was doing it through food.” Playing family cook may have eased his mind, but it took an enormous toll on his body. Over the years, Macis gained nearly 250 pounds, putting the 6’3 former basketball player at 440 pounds. “Things were just not right with me,” said Macis, a 40-yearold administrative assistant at the H-E-B store on Brodie Lane and William Cannon in Austin. “I had always been happy-go-lucky and I was having issues at work, issues at home. All my health numbers were out of whack. I was diabetic and had high cholesterol.” The image of his three young nephews having to bury their uncle finally jolted Macis into action, and he entered H-E-B’s first Slim Down Showdown competition for employees in 2011.
With the help of a therapist, a nutritionist, a life coach and a gym membership, Macis lost 80 pounds and has significantly improved his health numbers, not to mention his outlook on life. Since his first week in the Slim Down Showdown — when Macis broke down because he could not even do three sit-ups without cramping — he has completed a triathlon and swims and lifts weights regularly. Macis also works out with his fellow Slim Down contestants to help stay on the path of healthy living. “The scale doesn’t reward you like you think it should, you have to look to other positives to keep you going,” Macis said. One of the most profound benefits of Macis’ Slim Down journey has nothing to do with calories or calisthenics. “When you look within, you start to understand why people are the way they are. It has opened my eyes,” Macis said. “I try to be less judgmental and more understanding. I want to mimic that support that I got during this contest.”
Doug Macis, H-E-B Administrative Assistant, lost 80 pounds last year and improved his health numbers and his outlook on life - all part of enrolling in his work's Slim Down Showdown challenge.
HEALTHY, FROM 1
tion and Engagement. The company launchedHealthy at H-E-B in 2004 with its 76,000 employees. (See side story with employee Doug Macis who lost 80 pounds last year.) "The next big step is engaging our customers in our health journey. Our goal is to be the health resource for all Texans who are looking for guidance and support,” Rogers said. Keith Cansler Each month, H-E-B’s team of dietitians will select recom512-796-1710 mended items that follow govkeith@appleleasing.com ernment guidelines around In Business For More Than 25 Years! reduced sugar, fat and sodium content, and will provide recipes and demonstrations with the And Never Leave Your Home or Office! featured products in a series of seven pilot stores in Austin, San • 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5S CVT........................................................................ $288 Antonio and Waco. Beginning in March, H-E-B • 2012 Ford Fusion SEL.................................................................................... $330 will launch an 8-week challenge $ • 2012 Nissan Maxima S CVT.......................................................................... 369 for both employees and custom• 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 4 Door........................................ $378 ers to encourage them to cook $ and eat from home at least one • 2012 Ford Explorer........................................................................................ 379 additional night per week and to $ • 2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab SLT 2x4 HEMI.................................................. 389 try at least one new recipe and • 2012 Acura TL................................................................................................. $439 one new fruit or vegetable each $ week. • 2012 Nissan Armada SV................................................................................. 461 Participants will be asked • 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-250 Sport................................................................. $499 to track their progress online for a chance to earn incentives and prizes. Customers will also be asked to submit their favorite unTake the “dealership hassle” out of the car buying experience! healthy recipe to be modified by All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. The price for listed H-E-B’s team of dietitians. vehicles as equipped does not include charges such as: License, Title, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes, Dealer Prep, Smog Fees, Credit Investigation, Optional Credit Insurance, Physical Damage of Liability Insurance, or Delivery Fees. DEALER makes no representations, expressed or implied, to any actual or prospective purchaser or The Top 100 will be pubowner of this vehicle as to the existence, ownership, accuracy, description or condition of the listed vehicle's equipment, accessories, price, specials or any warranties. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to the sale of this vehicle. 12k miles per year first payment due at signing plus TT&L, 60 month term lished this fall in a Healthy at HE-B cookbook.
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LISD’s Life Science Institute offers learning opportunities for parents In Leander ISD, we believe in the power of life-long learning and encourage our students to never end their quest for knowledge. In fact, our commitment to providing learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom allows us to bring parents into the learning process to model life-long learning for their children, while empowering them to become “teachers” too. One upcoming activity designed to engage adults in learning experiences is the LISD Life Science Institute, a series of classes created specifically for teachers, parents and community members that focuses on current issues and local resources related to life science. The first seminar of the Life Science Institute is set for Thursday, February 2 at 4 p.m. at the LEO Center in room 112. Guest speakers are
Pamela R. Owen, Ph.D., who will discuss the impact wildfires have on local wildlife, and Christopher Murray, who will address how citizens can experience nature in preserves located in the Austin area. The event is free, but those interested in attending are asked to reserve a seat by calling 570-0289. Additional Life Science Institute seminars are planned for February and March. Through the Life Science Institute, LISD will broaden parents’ knowledge of the natural world and science-related resources right in our own backyard. More importantly, we believe we will bridge the learning experiences that students have in our classrooms to conversations parents can have around the dinner table. Another program that equips parents with the skills to be
teachers at home is appropri- ity to support learning at home. ately called Parents as Teachers. (LISD’s Parents as Teachers proInstructors with the Parents as gram currently serves families Teachers program work with zoned to attend Bagdad, Fauparents and their children, from bion, Giddens, Knowles, Mason, birth to age four, to nurture Plain, Pleasant Hill, Whitestone school readiand Winkley elness. While ementaryschools. kindergar ten If you are zoned may seem in for one of these the far distant schools and are future to parinterested in ents of such learning more young chilabout Parents as dren, Parents BRET CHAMPION Teachers, please as Teachers call 570-0320.) instructors reinforce the notion No matter what their age, we that it’s never too early to start know that the home is where our preparing for school. children learn the most impor The program provides nu- tant lessons. Yet some parents merous resources, including in- struggle with talking to their dividualized child development children about tough subjects, information, age-appropriate such as sexual health, peerlearning experiences and group pressure and personal boundsocialization opportunities to aries. While LISD maintains empower parents with the abil- that sexuality education begins
at home with parents as the primary educators, the district strives to provide parents with fact-based information to help them feel confident in addressing this important subject. One way the district does this is by periodically hosting informational workshops through Austin Life Guard, an abstinencebased curriculum provider that covers topics found in the LISD Health Matrix and in the state standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. These workshops give parents helpful tips for communicating with their children, allow them to review the curriculum, explore statistics from health officials and ask questions of Austin Life Guard and LISD staff. The next workshop is scheduled for April 18 at Leander Middle School, beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about these parenting
Steiner Ranch Old Pros present Coffee gift to LISD at Austin Toros game with the LISD Board The Steiner Ranch Old Pros presented a check to Leander ISD at a recent Austin Toros basketball game to support after school activities at Canyon Ridge and Four Points middle schools. Superintendent Bret Champion accepted the one thousand dollar gift to LISD at the Toros’ Dec. 18 game. SROP is a charitable men’s organization that focuses on promoting the participation of youth in sports and education opportunities in the Four Points area. “Giving children the opportunity to participate is central to SROP’s mission,” said Tyler Elwood, SROP co-founder and chairman. “These funds are just the beginning of SROP’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of children in this area,” Tyler added. This first donation will be distributed to students that lack the financial means to participate in many of the after school activities that LISD provides. As part of the SROP family night charity event, SROP members, along with their families were in attendance for the Austin Toros basketball game versus the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Before the game R.C. Buford, General Manager for the San Antonio Spurs, spoke to the group about the importance of athletics in lives of children. Children of SROP members were on hand during the opening ceremonies of the game as basketball buddies, getting to meet the Austin Toros basketball players and standing with them on the court while the national anthem was sung. The children also helped out during the game by collecting towels and handing out water to the
The Steiner Ranch Old Pros presented a $1,000 check to Leander ISD at a recent Austin Toros basketball game to support after school activities at Canyon Ridge and Four Points middle schools. LISD Superintendent Bret Champion accepted the gift.
players. Money raised at the event from proceeds of ticket sales will help the SROP fund more opportunities for children in the year to come. SROP is a men’s organization that holds monthly meetings at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse.
Past events have hosted speakers such as Champion, Bobby Steiner, Dallas Federal Reserve Economist Keith Phillips, and representatives from Formula 1 Austin, Garrison Brothers Distilleries and the Austin Toros.
workshops, or if you have questions about Austin Life Guard, please contact LISD Assistant Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness, Ray Langlois at 5700168. These programs are just a few of the ways LISD is providing parents with the resources and knowledge to deepen their children’s education. I invite you to visit www.leanderisd.org to get more information or to find other parent learning opportunities such as Eighth-Grade Parent Nights and Financial Aid Saturdays. Know that your involvement plays an important part in sustaining our culture of lifelong learning because the most influential teachers our students will ever have are parents just like you. Have a great week!
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The Leander ISD Board of Trustees is hosting “Coffee with the Board” on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in the library at Deer Creek Elementary, 2420 Zeppelin Dr., Cedar Park. The event is an informal opportunity for parents and community members to sit and discuss school-related issues with their elected school board officials. Board President Will Streit, Board Vice President Pamela Waggoner and Board member Don Hisle are scheduled to attend. For more information on the LISD Board of Trustees, visit www.leanderisd.org.
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Opinion
Thursday
Page 4 • January 19, 2012
What do you think of Austin’s proposed ban on disposable paper and plastic bags at local checkout counters?
Local architect is part of Comanche Trail history Last week I met one of the oldest resi- end retreats including small cabins around dents in Four Points. Ray Brown was having 600 square feet. They served as gathering coffee at our local Starbucks with his friend points for fishing parties and recreational Trooper Keeton. Trooper was a walking use, the Comanche Trail Community Asbillboard for Texas Tech so I sociation website states. wanted to say hello to a fellow Significant development of CoRed Raider. Next thing I knew manche Trail started after World I was at their table and we were War II ended. In 1946, the first plat chatting like old friends. of 24 waterfront lots was recorded Ray, an architect, is turning by H. O. Fisher. The next year Bob 80 in March! He lives on CoWentz platted a number of lots and manche Trail and has his office platting continued through the ’50s in Lakeway. Over his career, early ’60s. LYNETTE and Ray has designed some 50 cus Permanent homes began in the tom homes in Lakeway and a HAALAND early 1960s after major road imnumber in Comanche Trail. provements were made. Only re The local community sits on some of our cently have home sizes in Comanche Trail richest Four Points history, Ray said. Sev- increased substantially. eral hundred years ago, Comanche Trail Ray Brown has literally had a hand in was a travel route created by the Comanche the development of this community. He nation. The “trail” was actually branching bought property decades ago and has detrails that followed water sources. By 1857 signed a number of the 250 plus Comanparts of the trail appeared on maps, accord- che Trail homes. No two are alike, he said. ing to Wikipedia. Much like his creative neighbors who he Fast forward a century, the area off of speaks so highly of. Lake Travis was starting to fill with weekLETTER, FROM 1
out-of-city customers are forced to pay a pro- rata share of this enormous amount. Members of the EUC have repeatedly cautioned the City Council that continued reliance on the utility as a “cash cow” could cause problems at the Texas Public Utility Commission, should Austin Energy’s new rates be appealed. They have also said that excessive spending of AE’s money on non-utility items is a bad practice that could affect the long-term financial health of the utility. The amount of the transfer should be reduced or eliminated when the utility is running a deficit, since there would be no “profit” to transfer. It is counterintuitive to require a business enterprise that is bleeding money to pay large sums to a third party. (4) Transfer policies must be reformed. It is often said that transferring Austin Energy’s revenues to the City’s operating budget, and assigning non-utility costs to AE, are analogous to the dividends paid by investor-owned utilities. In actuality, there is no resemblance between the two. Most investor-owned utilities pay dividends according to profitability, which is why some pay no dividends at all. However, though Austin Energy has accumulated operating deficits totaling $245 million since 2008, hundreds of millions of the utility’s dollars continue to be spent for non-utility purposes. Also, Austin Energy’s transfers and assigned costs represent 15 percent of its gross revenues. However, the dividends of investor-owned utilities average less than 5 percent (e.g., El Paso Electric - 2.5%, Center Point Energy - 3.9%.) Plainly, the excessive use of Austin Energy funds for non-utility purposes is a major factor behind the proposed rate increase. The need for the current increase, and future increases, will be significantly alleviated when the City Council adopts a narrower transfer policy that is more consistent with dividend policies in the private sector. (5) Outside ratepayers are being subjected to multiple increases in the cost of electric service. Oddly, Austin Energy staff differentiate between electric “rates” and “bills.” They say basic “rates” have not increased in 17 years, but they fail to mention the increases in customers’ “bills” that have oc-
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2011, but the final number was only $6.5 million. Further questions regarding the credibility of Austin Energy’s numbers have been raised as a result of the recent audit of the utility’s finances and operations. The cost of the $281,000 audit (“Benchmarking and Program Review”), which was completed months ago, was paid by Austin Energy ratepayers. Yet AE and its auditor, Navigant Consulting, have copyrighted the audit to restrict its distribution. According to a report by YNN News, ratepayers may look at some parts of the audit, but complete sections of the document have been removed. An AE attorney explained that the redacted sections contain trade secrets that cannot be disclosed. Attempting to hamper public access to the audit suggests that it contains information that is not helpful to Austin Energy. This episode does not engender confidence in the credibility of the information supplied by the utility. (2) The proposed Austin Energy rate plan continues the City’s current practice of requiring out-ofcity ratepayers to (a) subsidize the cost of services rendered to Austin citizens and (b) maintain the City’s tax rate at an artificially-low level. We are opposed to this unfair and discriminatory practice. We estimate that 15 percent of every monthly AE bill paid by outof-city AE customers is diverted to the City’s general fund or otherwise spent on City services and projects unrelated to the utility. This 15 percent surcharge is hidden in the rates of outside-city customers; it is mandatory; and it has the same effect as a tax. Outside ratepayers cannot vote on the council members who impose and collect the 15 percent tax that is imputed into their bills. The clear result is taxation-without-representation. Because of the 15 percent tax, outside ratepayers are double taxed. They must pay taxes to fund their own local services, and also pay another tax to fund services and other benefits for Austin’s citizens. This situation is unjust, and must be corrected. (3) The transfers of Austin Energy’s revenues are excessive. The City Council’s use of $178 million of Austin Energy’s revenues for non-utility purposes is unreasonable. It is also unreasonable that
Four Points News
Kim Forlizzi Alara at Cantebrea Crossing “I agree with it. We’re putting too much plastic into the earth. My father was a geologist and said we are destroying our earth. Before they had plastic, everyone brought sacks or boxes.”
Satyam Vellanki Steiner Ranch
Pamela Stein Gables Grandview
Barbara Wells Grandview Hills
“I think it’s good. The only drawback is right now I use it as a garbage bag at home. So, now, I would have to buy plastic bags for garbage.”
“I think it’s a necessary movement. However, it will be very inconvenient for a lot of people. Unless change is enforced, change will not be made.”
“Although I support it, I think it’s going to be really, really tough to remember to bring grocery bags on top of all this kid stuff.”
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curred during the same Your Community Newspaper time. In fact, customers’ bills have increased by 10 PERSONNEL Editor & Publisher...........................................................................LYNETTE HAALAND percent just during the Advertising Sales Representative....................................................HOLLIE KENNEY past five years, due to fuel Circulation....................................................................................................FRED FRANCO charges. In addition, a Reporter.................................................................................................LESLEE BASSMAN January 1, 2012 increase Creative Services..............................................................................JENNIFER ROBERTS in the fuel charge has Contributors.................................................................BRET CHAMPION, RICH KEITH raised bills by another 5 percent. Published weekly in Four Points, Texas by Four Points News LLC. For subscription information, email inquiries to Despite AE’s distincfourpointsnews.bookkeeping@gmail.com tions between “rates” and “bills,” the utility’s customers are paying 15 percent more today than they paid five posed by Austin Energy is com- high rates will incentivize high- while Austin Energy’s rates are esyears ago. If the proposed 2012 rate plicated and confusing. No other consumption customers to reduce calating. increase is implemented, individual electric utility in Texas has a rate their consumption. However, we During the past five years, statecustomers’ bills will be 25 to 45 per- structure resembling it, which are not aware of any studies pro- wide average residential electric should raise concerns. The City’s duced by AE which support that rates fell by 14 percent. If the procent higher than five years ago. posed rate increase is adopted, Under Austin Energy’s rate plan, own residential rate advisor said it belief. “will be among the most complex Implementing the 5-tier rate residential customers’ bills will have the future electric bills of many homeowners will be higher than their rate structures in the country… structure would simply make the increased by 15 percent, and their mortgage payments. That is unac- [and] fails AE’s ‘simple and under- contentious rate plan even more rates will have been increased by 10 standable’ principle.” controversial. What reason would to 30 percent at a time when rates ceptable. (6) The revenue requirement The proposed structure is mod- the City Council have for adopting elsewhere in the state are declincited by Austin Energy is excessive eled after the rate design of a ma- a punitive structure that is being re- ing. This will make Austin Energy jor California utility that has since jected or abandoned by other elec- unique in Texas, but not in a good and must be reduced. tric utilities around the nation? way. Austin Energy’s estimated rev- abandoned it. As noted by the City’s rate advi (8) The proposed increase will (10) Many Austin Energy cusenue requirement has been closely studied by numerous parties, sor, “this structure is unlikely to re- cause rate shock for many custom- tomers will be paying the highest electric rates in Central Texas. including utility attorneys, rate main in effect for long in the coun- ers, and must be phased in. In the private sector, investor- If the proposed rate increase is consultants hired by the City and try.” members of the City’s own Electric Further, the proposed rate owned electric utilities change their implemented, the 210,000 AusUtility Commission. Without ex- structure is punitive. The bills of rates often, sometimes even daily. tin Energy residential customers ception, all of the parties concluded low-consumption ratepayers, for For any utility, whether public or who use more than 1000 kWh per that the revenue requirement is ex- example, would be increased by 50 private, waiting 17 years to increase month will pay the highest marginal summer electric rates in Central cessive and should be reduced by percent overnight. Also, the pro- rates signifies poor management. amounts ranging from $14 million posed structure would force higher- Instituting an immediate $126 Texas. AE’s new residential rates consumption customers (including million increase would create a fi- might be competitive with the rates to $100 million. We concur that the revenue re- large families and low-income fam- nancial shock for tens of thousands of some utilities in the state. Howquirement is excessive. We believe ilies) to subsidize the bills of other of AE’s customers. To punish rate- ever, having rates that are remarkpayers in this manner for Austin ably higher than the rates charged that the revenue requirement could customers. be reduced by a minimum of $45 The City’s rate advisor stated that Energy’s lack of planning would be in nearby areas will make it difficult for the utility to meet any rational million without impairing the util- “the 5-tier structure charges high- irresponsible. usage customers much higher rates Under Austin Energy’s proposal, affordability standard, and will ity, and even the $100 million figure than the cost of service and there- large increases for certain commer- drive future growth to non-served may be too small. (7) The proposed rate structure fore, in my opinion, fails the ‘fair- cial customers would be phased in areas, contrary to the City’s stated is complex and punitive. The struc- ness’ principle.” The advisor also over three years, to alleviate rate policies of discouraging sprawl. ture needs to be revised to conform noted that tiered rates have been shock. Regardless of the amount of Thank you for considering this to the prevailing rate designs of rejected [in various jurisdictions] the increase that is finally approved, information. investor-owned and municipally- “and replaced by simpler, less-puni- the same phase-in plan must be aptive rates. ” plied to all AE customers. Sincerely yours, owned electric utilities in the state. Austin Energy staff assert that (9) Statewide rates are declining Mark L. Farrar The 5-tier rate structure pro-
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hursday Four PToints News January 19, 2012 • Page 5 www.FourPointsNews.com
Concordia ESD 6 and District 4 Fire Commissioners reappointed will host
Community Events Jan. 25
Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt, Precinct 2, reappointed Jerry Stein as Fire Commissioner to the Emergency Services District 6 Board of Commissioners and Charles Cannon as Fire Commissioner to the Emergency Services District 4 Board of Commissioners. Eckhardt is grateful for their continued service.
Concordia University Texas MBA program hosts info session for prospective students from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/84ne4ey.
Construction continues on Flores Mexican Restaurant
Jan. 28 Leander ISD Board of Trustees Coffee from 10 -11:30 a.m. Deer Creek Elementary library 2420 Zeppelin Dr. Cedar Park
Flores Mexican Restaurant plans to open its new Four Points site at the Trails at 620 in early February. “We’re building our own free standing building that is almost two and a half times bigger,” said Jose Flores, who helped his family build their four-chain restaurant over the last two decades. Flores has out grown its space after nearly six years located in a small shopping center near the Four Points Home Depot. The restaurant will be one of the first to open at the new Trails at 620 located across RR 620 from Concordia University Texas and near the Grandview Hills neighborhood. “We’ll have the homemade flour tortillas being made up front, customers like that. We’ll have a nice playscape for the kids,” Flores said.
Feb. 3 Pennies for Pasta Viper Cancer Fundraiser Finishes
Feb. 8 Four Points Whataburger Grand Opening 5pm - 8pm
Feb. 9 Viper Band Fundraiser - Last day to order mulch from www.vhsband.com/mulch
Feb. 17 Four Points Chamber of Commerce hosts Whataburger Ribbon Cutting at 10am
MARKET, FROM 1 Market closed at 10 p.m. and the last employee left at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night. The incident happened between then and 4:30 a.m. when the first employee arrived for their shift on Sunday morning.
A report was filed with the Travis County Sheriff ’s Office. On Monday morning detectives came by to see if other surveillance photos of another Austin area crime matched the suspect but they did not, Brown said. No money was taken. “We were very fortunate in that part,” he said. But still it was a costly break in. The Market owners have insurance but the losses did not meet the deductible. The door was replaced within hours after the discovery of the break in. This is the first time The Market has been broken into. Brown
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Boston-based fiction writer Daphne Kalotay will be in Austin this week to accept an award from the Writers' League of Texas for her recent novel, Russian Winter. On Jan. 20, Kalotay will visit Concordia University Texas in Four Points. She will give a reading from the novel and answer questions about the life of a professional writer. The event will take place in Building A auditorium at Concordia from noon to 1:15 p.m.
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Congratulations to the Class of 2012 VHS superlative winners. Nominations were done by seniors in October. All seniors had the opportunity during the first semester to vote using Naviance. Superlative winners will be photographed and included in the yearbook. Best Looking: Rand Fredrickson and Madison Tierney Most Athletic: Yuron Shears and Cody Cox Friendliest: Grant Joseph and Diane Kim Most Talented: Joe Grismore and Ashlee Cloud Best Smile: James Gonzales and Lauren Smith Most Spirited: Andrew Barstow and Moriah Gonzalez Most Likely To Star In A Reality Show: Parker Morrow and Glenda Radtke Most Altruistic: Tyler Handrick and Kristen Abbarno Most Original: Rainer Swan and Mitzi Naiser Most Intellectual: Matthew Szostak, Andrew Toungate (tie) and Anna Zanot Wittiest: Cody Witt and Jenna Diven Best Dressed: Drew Higginbotham and Sofia Colorado Most Likely To Be President: Michael Lundy and Taylor Watson Most Likely To Succeed: Cameron Corinaldi and Ashley Munoz Mr. and Miss VHS: Dominick Caputo and Cody Cox
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hopes that crime is not on the rise in Four Points with this incident following the Four Points Bank of America robbery on Dec. 30. “I don’t know if it’s moving into the area or if we are just more aware of it,” he said. If anyone saw anything suspicious during the possible hours of this crime, please call the Robbery Tip Line 512-974-5092, Crime Stoppers at 472-TIPS, or text “Tip 103” + your message to CRIMES. “We’ve got to stop it before it happens to someone else,” Brown said.
author this Friday
Class of 2012 VHS superlative winners
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Stars of the Week
Thursday
January 19, 2012 • Page 6
B A S K E T B A L L
Cody Witt -
Grant Wilburn -
Cole Adams -
Megan Welliver -
Junior
Freshman
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Swimming and Dive: My favorite part about swim team is to compete with others, improve my time and being part of such a talented group of swimmers.
Cameron Corinaldi -
T H E A T E R
Senior
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Theater: I like theatre because it is a lot of fun to act and spend time with the cast and crew of productions. Vandegrift Theatre is great because the director is really nice and we are always putting on fun shows. In our in-class production, Little Women, I acted as Mr. Brooke, a tutor. Earlier this year, I worked on the sound crew for our Fall Show, The Odd Couple. I liked doing the sound because it gave me a chance to experience the “behind the scenes” to putting on a show. This spring, I’ll be acting as Goren, a man with only one leg, in our One Act Play, Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon.
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nallyHS A (36 to 36), Rouse HS (30 to 28), Pflugerivlle HS (45 to 15) and Connally HS B (60 to 18). The first dual was for seeding in pools. Black and Silver got placed in two different pools and then won their respective pools each. The Black team won 44 out of 48 total matches and Silver won 30 out of 40 total matches.
The Vandegrift High School Girls Basketball Team hosted the Marble Falls Lady Mustangs on Friday, Jan. 13. The Lady Vipers won by a score of 37-17 and improved their district record to 3-3. The Lady Vipers begin the second half of district play this week by hosting Cedar Park's Lady Wolves on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Sophia Duffield (#3, junior) finishing a drive with a nice jump shot over the Mustang defense. John Lichtenberger
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Favorite part about being involved in Viper Theater: Viper Theater is filled with so many amazing people with so many wonderful talents. There is room for everyone to share their abilities and for everyone willing to learn something new. I love the chance to create something different and entertaining for the audience and watch them enjoy something not only I, but the rest of the cast and crew, have worked hard on.
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Lady Vipers win against Mustangs, 37 - 17
Sophomore
Goal for this Viper Wrestling Season: I like wrestling because when you’re on the mat it is just you and your opponent. There is no way to cheat out of it, no excuses, and for us Vandegrift Wrestlers – No Regrets!
512-313-3000 www.concordia.edu
Viper Wrestling does well at Pflugerville ISD Duals It was a small dual format tournament with 8 teams and the Vipers provided two of those teams. "We placed Black team 1st and Silver team 2nd at the PISD Duals," said Greg Cooper, Viper Wrestling Coach. The Black team won all for of their duals - Connally HS B (66 to 12), Travis HS (60 to 6), Hendrickson HS (63 to 18) and Connally HS A (52 to 18). The Silver team started out with a tie - Con-
Freshman
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Soccer: I love viper soccer because of how close all the girls are and how competitive we are!
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Junior
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Basketball: The team and traveling.
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Soccer: I really like the bond between the team we have had for the last couple of years, definitely something special to be a part of.
S W I M M i N G
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Megha Pandya -
Senior
Favorite part about being involved in Viper Basketball: I like my team the most because we have all known each other and have been playing together now for almost 3 years. We’re like family.
S O C C E R
Four Points News
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VHS Boys win over Marble Falls, 72 - 66 The Vandegrift High School Boys Basketball team played against Marble Falls on Friday Jan. 13. The game went into overtime but the Vipers played and fought hard and won. The final score was Vandegrift 72, Marble Falls 66. Senior Raine Hoffmain draws 3 pointer.
Thomas Graham
CMYK
Viper Soccer Spotlight
Four Points News www.FourPointsNews.com
Thursday
January 19, 2012 • Page 7
Lady Vipers won 2-0 against the recent scrimmage versus Bowie. #2, Junior Clarrissa Branca, and #18, Sophomore Keyana Noorbakhsh, helped their team win the victor
2012 Vandegrift Lady Vipers Soccer Schedule Date 1/24 1/27&28 2/3 2/7 2/10* 2/14* 2/17* 2/21* 2/24* 2/28* 3/2* 3/8* 3/20* 3/23* 3/27 3/30 4/3
Opponent N.B. Canyon Kerrville Tourney Dripping Springs St. Stephens Marble Falls Vista Ridge Lake Travis Rouse Cedar Park Marble Falls Vista Ridge Lake Travis Rouse Cedar Park Westlake Bi-District AREA
Location Home Kerrville Home St. Stephens Away Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Westlake TBD TBD
Time 5:30/7pm Fri 2 Sat 10, 3 5/7:00pm 5pm 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 5:30/7:30 6pm TBD TBD
Team JV/Varsity Varsity JV/Varsity Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity JV/Varsity Varsity Varsity Varsity
* Denotes District game
Q& A with Lady Viper Soccer Coach Jennifer Hardy
1. What has to happen for your team to be successful this season? They are all already talented play-
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ers so to be successful this season we are looking to come together as a team even more and look to increase our speed of play.
right now, but could have a major impact on your season? Why?
My biggest concern for this season is staying healthy. Last year we had some issues with injury in the middle of district play. This year I took precautions and decided to carry a larger roster and therefore have more depth.
I think my entire team is a hidden treasure! Seriously though, we are still a very new program and many people have never even heard of Vandegrift. I think that gives us a little bit of an edge each time we head into the season and even more so the play off season. That won’t last for long though, this group of girls will force people to take notice.
3. Who is Vandegrift’s biggest rival or biggest game to prepare for and why?
5. Do you have a story to share about a team habit that most don’t know about?
Cedar Park is without a doubt our biggest rivalry game. Many of the players here would have been at CP had Vandegrift not been built. A lot of the girls play club together as well. I think it’s just a built in contest of which school is better.
I love that the girls always sing “Hail to the bus driver” as we turn into the school when returning from a successful away game or trip. It always makes me laugh.
2. What is your biggest concern heading into the season?
4. Is there a hidden treasure on your team might be unknown
6. What motivates you as a coach and why did you choose the sport you did? These girls motivate me to do
what I do. They are such talented, smart group of young women. Sometimes it’s enough just to be around them and get to know them. The privileged part is getting to watch them all come together as a family and relate that into a bonded team on the field. I choose this sport because I love the game of soccer and I love what it looks like when everything just clicks. People who say soccer is boring have been watching the wrong games! 2010 record overall: 14-5-3 District play: 4-2-3 Returning statistical leaders: Quinn Zullkowski Leading scorer and leading over all points New comer of the year last year: Mason Everett 2yr first team all-district picks: Ali Jones, Taylor Allen Top newcomers: Megan Welliver Freshman Forward
2011-2012 Vandegrift Lady Vipers Soccer Roster Nikki barouxis Lauren Brigham Clarissa Branca Naomi miller Brook heitman Megan Steichen Anna zanot Quinn zullkowski Rachael Landry
99 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Regan Williams Bailey Phillips Taylor allen Ali jones Paige Welch Karina batek Mason Everett Savannah Cavanaugh Keyana noorbakhsh
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Cody cox Landry Everett Kyndal howard Megan welliver
18 19 20 21
Coach- Jenifer Hardy Assistant- Kaylin Tindol
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Page 8 • Four Points News, Thursday, January 19, 2012
CMYK
Sweetheart contest to be held by Four Points News We want to hear your Sweetheart Story and possibly publish it in our Valentines issue. Tell us why the love of your life is so amazing and you may win a prize! You may have a fun engagement story to share or recall a time when you knew you were made for each other. Entries should be emailed to FourPointsNews.Edit@gmail.com by Wed. Feb. 1st and be about 300 words in length. Please include a photo of you and your sweetheart.
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