I remember a farmer’s lament appropriate for these times-
“It’s always something, if it’s not one damn thing it’s another, but it’s always something!”

So here are some somethings/local updates:
Bouldin Stroll on Thursdays Update
Given the number of heat advisories we’ve had this week alone, it seems like poor judgement to encourage anyone to get out and walk in this weather. We are postponing the official Stroll until we can all be outside for longer than 5 minutes without looking like a glazed doughnut.
Please take care of yourselves and look for an email in a few months to get the Stroll up and running (or walking) again.
Thank you! Kate Francis
VP of Neighborhood Issues, BCNA

W. Mary closure between Newton St. and East Bouldin Creek .
West Mary Street Storm Drain Relief System
West Mary St. Notice-CoA notice of repairs to W. Mary St. between Newton St. and East Bouldin Creek . The Mary Street Storm Drain Relief system will help reduce the risk of flooding for several homes within the project area.
More Info HERE http://austintexas.gov/marystorm
And HERE: http://austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Watershed/MaryStFAQfinal.pdf

Algae along Lady Bird Lake– keep your dogs safe!
http://austintexas.gov/article/toxins-detected-algae-lady-bird-lake?mc_cid=17eb8830f7&mc_eid=07bee00faf

CoA services being cut back-Bulk collections are suspended until further notice. http://austintexas.gov/bulk

Residents need to help keep right of way clear.
http://austintexas.gov/news/austin-public-works-asking-residents-help-keep-right-way-clear?mc_cid=17eb8830f7&mc_eid=07bee00faf

West Nile virus
Austin, Texas – The year’s first positive pool of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus has been identified in the 78756-zipcode of Travis County.
Please check your property for standing water and clear it-those little wigglers grow up fast.
http://austintexas.gov/news/pool-mosquitoes-positive-west-nile-virus-identified-travis-county

Covid-19
Appears we ended June and will end July with a spike in cases and stage 4: Risk. It is hard to pin down all the causes: willful Ignorance, terminal stupidity or folks just having to get out, socialize and party.
We have intelligent neighbors, up on rules, guidelines and responsibilities, so y’all know what to do….. stay safe, healthy and sane! It’s up to us!
Follow the city’s guidelines-better information then from the Feds or the State.
http://www.austintexas.gov/covid19

Bouldin Stroll on Thursdays

Hello neighbors,

The steering committee of the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association has been discussing ways that neighbors can stay connected during these isolated times. We’re proposing a Bouldin Stroll on Thursdays from 6-8pm. Get out and sit in your front yard or on your porch, go for a walk and wave and chat to neighbors, take the kids on their bikes around the hood. Many of you already do this, but sometimes having a reminder on the calendar is a nice way to make sure you are connecting with others, and it gives us all an opportunity to check on those who may not have a lot of social interactions in their life these days. This is very informal and there is no official starting time or location. Consider it a motivation to get out if you are finding yourself stuck in a rut and craving a wave from a kind (masked) face.

If you are setting up a table with something to offer people coming by, or want others to join you in your yard for a distanced drink, please reply all to any of my email reminders to let others know how to find you.

By now we all know the guidelines to follow. Please wear your masks to keep others safe. If you are feeling under the weather, or have been in a situation that would make you more likely to have been exposed, please do not risk the health of others, stay home, and join us another time.

I would love to hear feedback on this. Would you like to do it more often, add something to it, or does the idea of so many people out and about at the same time worry you? Comments are welcome.
Thank you,
Kate Francis
VP of Neighborhood Issues, BCNA

Celebrate the Fourth of July, 2020
We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.
An experiment worth celebrating and like all experiments always needing a tweak here, a nudge there and an occasional poke.
But worthwhile, so let’s celebrate!
Cheers, Gary Hyatt, web lackey
More history HERE: https://www.bouldincreek.org/tag/events/page/2/

COVID-19 update: Appears we ended June and start July with a spike in cases and stage 4: Risk. It is hard to pin down all the causes: willful Ignorance, terminal stupidity or folks just having to get out, socialize and party. But we will pay-having lost our first engagement in our war against this virus. If we can’t act responsibly, not only do we put family, friends and others at risk and increase the financial burden of medical care but also may well force the closure of some of our small businesses.
It’s up to us!
http://www.austintexas.gov/covid19

A couple of items from our SOCO neighbors as they get standardized signage and get shown bogus “Face Mask Exempt” card….WOW!
Linked HERE

Comic by Sam Hurt via Austin Chronicle

Get out and VOTE (Note from neighbor Melynda Nuss)
June 29th is your first chance to VOTE EARLY for the JULY 14 RUNOFF! We have several important races on the ballot this time, including choosing a new District Attorney and County Attorney, picking Kirk Watson’s successor in the Texas State Senate, and choosing which candidate is going to beat John Cornyn in the fall. Early voting runs from June 29-July 10th, with polls closed July 3rd and 4th for Independence Day. Election Day is July 14th.
Like everything else this year, voting is going to be a little different. There will be no more grocery store early voting locations — it’s too hard to social distance. And only a limited number of people are allowed indoors, so the County Clerk advises everyone to bring some water an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun in case you have to wait outside. There will be hand sanitizer and disposable ballot “pens” to use with your touch screens. Also, because of the 4th of July weekend, the only weekend voting day is Sunday, July 5th. The early voting period is longer than usual this election; I’d advise you to take advantage of it. You really do NOT want to be in a line on Election Day.
The other big news: Gardner Betts (across from the HEB on South Congress) is NOT a polling place this time. Our closest early voting locations are Travis High School, 1211 East Oltorf, and City Hall. On Election Day there will also be polls open at 1511 South Congress and 1100 Cumberland Rd — in addition to City Hall and Travis High.
Also see Attached for early voting locations.

If you think it seems odd to vote in July, you’re right. The runoff was originally scheduled for May, but it was moved on account of COVID.
Check votetravis.com and vote411.org for more information about your closest polling place and about what’s going to be on the ballot. You can find information on the candidates in the Austin Chronicle. And may the force be with you.

Bouldin Bulletin
Hot off the press is the June-July Bouldin Bulletin.
The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form. HERE:
Following local health guidelines this issue of the Bouldin Bulletin is to be distributed ONLINE ONLY – in order to prevent unnecessary contact among neighbors and delivery volunteers.
Thanks to John Shobe, our Publisher, Ronnie Dittmar, editor, and Rob Clayton our web admin. for bringing us into the world of digital publishing – a potentially more mobile-friendly, color, version of the Bouldin Bulletin.
Also thanks to neighbors for articles and to our advertisers.

South Congress Parking Strategy
This will have neighborhood wide impact but especially Yellow and Lavender Sectors.
Information HERE: https://downtownaustin.com/what-we-do/socoparking/
And HERE: http://www.bouldincreek.org/wp-content/uploads/South-Congress-Parking-Strategy_draft-recommendations-and-survey.pdf

Healthy Streets Initiative
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin Transportation is working to create places that promote physical and mental health and also provide safe options to access jobs and services. With direction from Austin City Council (Resolution 20200507-062), Austin Transportation has initiated a Healthy Streets Initiative that will connect previously disconnected portions of the active transportation network and create more space for daily physical activity.
More info HERE:
http://www.austintexas.gov/HealthyStreets

West Mary Street Storm Drain Relief System
West Mary St. Notice-CoA notice of repairs to W. Mary St. between Newton St. and East Bouldin Creek . The Mary Street Storm Drain Relief system will help reduce the risk of flooding for several homes within the project area.
More Info HERE http://austintexas.gov/marystorm
And HERE:
This project includes installing a storm drain pipe and upgrading two inlets on Mary Street between Newton Street and East Bouldin Creek. This pipe will help collect rain water and reduce the chances of homes flooding in this area. The project will help relieve pressure on the existing, undersized storm drain system.
Latest update mailed out to nearby residents state construction is expected to start
Thursday June 11 and should be complete by October 2020.
Work hours currently are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There may be occasional weekend work..
Stephanie Lott Outreach Coordinator Watershed Protection
Stephanie.Lott@austintexas.gov 512-974-2799

EVENTS DOWN THE HILL
Whether you’re interested in avoiding traffic, parking issues, or strolling to a good time, here are the websites to discover the goings and on of which to be aware:
LONG CENTER
http://thelongcenter.org/events/
PALMER AUDITORIUM
https://www.palmereventscenter.com/events/

Note: all meetings subject to change during current health regulations.
BCNA Meeting Schedules:
BCNA General Association Meeting:
2ndTuesday, every other month
BCNA Steering Committee Meeting:
1st Monday, each month
BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting:
3rd Monday each month