By RICH KEITH, Four Points News

The Four Points Traffic Committee sought the  Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen Advisory Committee’s approval last week for the “Road to Vandegrift” but did not get it.

On September 10, the FPTC was seeking a recommendation from the panel to build a secondary access road from Vandegrift HS to the intersection of River Place Boulevard and Four Points Drive.

Michelle Beck testified last week at the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen Advisory Committee meeting. Beck, on behalf of the Four Points Traffic Committee, gave multiple reasons why to build a secondary road from the intersection of River Place Boulevard and Four Points Drive to Vandegrift HS.

Composed of citizens who advise the BCCP Coordinating Committee, the Citizen Advisory Committee decided against recommending the road project.

The panel does not vote, it only recommends, and that gives FPTC some hope.

Alicia Harrison, FPTC member, urges people to come out and support the “Road to Vandegrift” this week at another BCCP meeting with the Coordinating Committee.

“Unless we have a strong showing at the BCCP Committee meeting on Wednesday morning at 10 and we let our elected officials know how important this is, we have little chance of getting this project approved,” Harrison said.

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By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News Contributor

The ICU at Dell Children’s Hospital of Central Texas is not where any parent of a teenage girl wants to be on a Saturday night. For the parents of Danielle Salcedo–a vibrant, happy, passionate, wise fifteen-year-old with a huge smile and bigger heart–this is not a place they ever imagined spending not just their Saturday night but nearly a week as they watched their daughter slowly fade from the ravaging effects of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

But that is not how Danielle should or would want to be remembered. Anyone lucky enough to meet Danielle–and the crowds at Dell Children’s indicated there were many–was graced by the light that shone from inside her.

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By SCOTT W. COLEMAN, Hill Country News

Chris Ross is mad.

The Leander ISD director of athletics recently learned that his department won’t hit its revenue targets for ad-supported school calendars and football programs this year.

It’s not because of a lack of effort. And, it’s not a sign that support for the district’s programs is down, said Ross, as he holds up a copy of three calendars, each supposedly representing a high school football program — each loaded with advertisements.

“There are plenty of folks out there who want to support these schools and these athletics programs,” said Ross. “It’s just a shame that their money isn’t going where they think it is.”

The Leander ISD athletic department says the companies who produced these calendars and sold advertising to local merchants did so in violation of the district’s trademark and license policies.
Photo by Scott W. Coleman

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By LIZ BARNARD, Four Points News

Raj Gadde and Pardha Jasti are excited to bring the global learning center Eye Level to Steiner Ranch.

Eye Level focuses on reading, writing and math, teaching both basic and critical thinking.

Gadde said the location in Steiner is ideal based on the education level of its residents and the importance of academic achievement.

“Basically, there are a lot of families with above average income, with a high level of education and a lot of homes in the area,” Gadde said.

Eye Level learning center is now open in Steiner Ranch. Owners Raj Gadde (left) and Pardha Jasti (middle) picked Four Points because parents show they care about education. Instructor Emily Palese (right) brings worldwide teaching experience to the local center.
Photo by Liz Barnard

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By VAL OLIVAS, Four Points News

President of Austin Community College, Dr. Richard Rhodes, chose to live in Steiner Ranch after falling in love with Austin two decades ago.

While earning his doctorate from the University of Texas and completing both his internship at ACC in 1993 and residency in Austin, Rhodes and his wife, Kate, fell in love with Austin and hoped to return.

In 2011 when Rhodes was hired to be president of ACC, the couple searched many areas of Austin to call home.

“Once we drove into Steiner Ranch and saw the UT Golf Club, I decided this was for us,” said Rhodes with a smile. “This is a beautiful place and the commute is not that bad once you make it to 2222.”

ACC President, Richard Rhodes, lives in Steiner Ranch. He’s photoed here with his family. Standing L-R: daughter-in-law Britney Rhodes; son-in-law Ryan Packer; daughter Kristyn Packer; wife Kate Rhodes; Dr. Rhodes; daughter Karyn Thompson; son-in-law Shane Thompson. Kneeling is son Richard Rhodes; granddaughter Adelayde Packer; and grand-dog Arya.

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