December 1, 2021 News-Dispatch

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DECEMBER 1, 2021 VAX MANDATE

GO GREEN

Ascension hospitals mandate vaccines for all employees.

Hays County’s $75 million bond park projects being reviewed..

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News-Dispatch

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HaysNewsDispatch.com

Vol. 42 • No. 10

Serving Hays County, TX

County adopts anti-semitism resolution BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Following a wave of anti-semetic rhetoric seen in recent months in Austin and San Antonio, a number of similar incidents hit too close to home here in Hays County – and the Hays County Commissioners Court made it clear that it wants push back against the rhetoric. During its regular meet-

The FBI found in 2019 that attacks against Jews or Jewish institutions made up 60.3% of all religious-based hate crimes. As such, the court has found an “urgent need to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities.”

ing on Nov. 23, the court unanimously approved an anti-semitism resolution in light of anti-semetic letters that began showing up in front of homes in rock-filled plastic bags across several cities in the

county last month. Anti-semitism is a form of hostility and religious prejudice against Jewish people. Following Judge Ruben Becerra’s meeting with members of the county’s

Jewish community, it became clear that the county should take the lead and stand in solidarity with residents in order to send a message that discriminatory and hate-motivated behavior will not be

HALTED

tolerated. The FBI found in 2019 that attacks against Jews or Jewish institutions made up 60.3% of all religious-based hate crimes. As such, the court has found an “urgent need

Christmas on Mercer

Dripping Springs extends moratorium

MORATORIUM, 10

ANTI-SEMITISM, 10

ANOTHER ROUND

County judge pursues second term STAFF REPORT

BY MEGAN WEHRING DRIPPING SPRINGS — The Dripping Springs City Council is extending the temporary development moratorium for 90 days. The council originally instituted a moratorium on Nov. 18, to run through Nov. 27. The 90-day extension will be effective through Feb. 20, 2022, unless the council again extends the moratorium. To update land use regulations and address wastewater availability, the city will not accept permit applications for new development in the city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction without a waiver for 90 days. The moratorium can be extended beyond 90 days if deemed necessary. Extending the moratorium will allow for an administrative exceptions process with the option to appeal before city council. Exceptions include projects where wastewater capacity is not impacted and no land use change is requested, projects that have received a Grandfather Status, ongoing projects and development agreements. Waivers may be granted by the city council for projects that are prohibited by the moratorium, but are considered to not detrimentally affect the

to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities,” including synagogues, schools, cemeteries and other institutions. The resolution concludes that the county wishes to affirm its commitment to the well-being and safety of its Jewish community members and ensure they know they are

PHOTO BY HALEY HENRY Come on out to the 17th Annual Christmas on Mercer Street, Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a holiday festival with live entertainment, pictures with Santa Claus and plenty of kids activities. The evening portion will include the town tree lighting with caroling and more. Above, attendees from the 2019 Christmas on Mercer pet one of the ponies from the Red Arena.

Coming Up A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN WIMBERLEY

Tom Mula’s play, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, opens on the Wimberley Players stage through December 12. An entertaining twist on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, this tale is written from his business partner’s point of view. Marley, a mean, sour, pruney old man, is condemned to eternity with a malicious little hell-sprite named Bogle. But Marley is given a chance to free himself. If he can

SCAM ALERT

redeem Scrooge, a man he knew to be worse than he was, he can save himself. And so begins a journey of laughter and terror, redemption and renewal during which Scrooge’s heart is opened but not before Marley, in this irreverent, funny, and deeply moving story, discovers his own. There will be nine performances, both live and streaming. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at wimberleyplayers.org or by calling 512 847-0575.

Don’t be a victim. See what scams are prevalent in Hays County right now.

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Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a holiday festival with live entertainment, pictures with Santa Claus and plenty of kids activities. The evening portion will include the town tree lighting with caroling and more.

CHRISTMAS ON MERCER STREET CHRISTMAS ON MERCER STREET Come on out to the 17th Annual Christmas on Mercer Street, Saturday,

BUDAFEST

Budafest is the place to be for holiday fun with the whole family. Come on Friday night as the festival kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony and a small ornament market. Then

The News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323

HAYS COUNTY — Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra will be seeking a second term next year. Becerra is running for re-election in the primary election on March 1, 2022. He was elected to his first BECERRA term in 2018. Since then, he has worked to create a public defender’s office, assessed the need for a centralized no-kill animal shelter and the creation of a Center for Mental Wellness, Education and Research with a dedicated veterans affairs wing. “We’ve accomplished a lot in the last few years, but we’re just getting started. We have more work to do, together,” Becerra said in a news release. “This is the moment where we can choose to keep our positive momentum going and bounce back post COVID stronger than ever before.” Becerra wants to focus on increasing county government transparency, protecting water resources, growing a business-friendly community and continuing citizen-focused projects in his next term. He is also looking to improve roads and bridges, water and wastewater and broadband resources by maximizing federal infrastructure funds.

come back Saturday to explore all that Budafest has to offer from craft vendors to family-friendly activities like a snow area to a night parade with a firework show. Visit Budafest.org for more information.

MUSIC AND FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Mars Beads, Fourth Rock Records and 2 Moons Art Loft in Dripping Springs open their doors to the public on Dec. 3, 6 to 9 p.m. for in-store performances by local bands. Samples of local cheese, chocolate and wine will also be served.


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