Richmond, VA

Excerpt from the article:

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond City Council voted to approve the purchase of a Fan District property to serve as a new animal shelter.

The Tuesday night vote was 7-2 with 5th District Council member Stephanie Lynch and 6th Voter District Council member Ellen Robertson voting against the project.

Last month, Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) Director Christie Chipps-Peters told CBS 6 she believed she found her “dream” property 2310 West Cary Street to serve as the city’s next shelter.

Like many shelters nationwide, RACC regularly posts pleas for help on social media to adopt pets and empty their persistently full shelter currently located on Chamberlayne Avenue.

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/22029541

Keep Virginia Cozy is an organization of volunteers who clean up litter in and around the Richmond area. Their next organized cleanup is Sunday, November 24, at Belle Isle. Follow them on IG or FB to get notified of future events. Learn more Keep Virginia Cozy on their website

Excerpt from the article:

RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond nonprofit Keep Virginia Cozy is just weeks away from completing a major milestone. Since 2017, Keep Virginia Cozy has cleaned up Richmond’s neighborhoods and parks with help from volunteers and businesses. It will soon celebrate 1,000,000 pounds of trash picked up across Richmond. Keep Virginia Cozy's founder Brian Bell said that’s the equivalent of the weight of three pregnant whales.

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Excerpt from the article:

RICHMOND, Va. -- You'll now be able to catch the GRTC Pulse bus from Glen Allen to the City of Richmond.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday at the Henrico Sports and Events complex to kick off that new route.

The Route 1 service expansion is projected to add more than 20,000 monthly riders to GRTC's most popular fixed-route bus.

The route connects downtown Richmond to Virginia Center Commons through Chamberlayne Avenu and Brook Road.

The service operates every 30 minutes, Monday through Saturday, and hourly on evenings and weekends.

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The debate moderators posed 11 questions to the candidates:

1. Tell us why you are the best and most qualified person on this stage to be the next mayor of Richmond.
2. A recent audit of the city finance department found deficient customer service, poor management, and disorganized accounting of taxpayer documents. Please explain what you will do to fix these issues.
3. What steps will you take to improve transparency in municipal government and ensure that citizens have access to public information?
4. SOL pass rates rose in Richmond this year, but are still far below many other school systems in the metro area. What should the mayor’s role be in improving the city school system?
5. Several once-affordable neighborhoods have been rapidly gentrified, increasing the worth of homes, but also making it difficult for long-time residents to afford the taxes that accompany increased assessments. What specific policy do you recommend to buffer the impacts of rising assessments for long-time residents in gentrifying neighborhoods?
6. How do you expect to streamline the city’s permit process and change the perception that nothing gets done with Richmond’s government?
7. Why isn’t more being done to address the number of pedestrians who are being injured or killed on Richmond streets? As mayor, what do you pledge to do first to address the issue?
8. As mayor, how would you see your relationship with the police chief and how would you go about achieving it?
9. What's your sense of the role of VCU in the city?
10. What is your plan for reimagining Monument Avenue if you are elected?
11. What is your position on the recommendations of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission? Which specific parts do you support and which do you not support?

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EDIT: I mistakenly only included the first five questions in the OP.

Excerpts from the event page:

Join us for an engaging evening with the candidates running for city council! This is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their visions for our community, ask questions, and be an informed voter.

What to Expect:

• Candidate introductions
• Moderated Q&A
• Discussion on key issues affecting our city

[...]

The schedule: Because we expect 16 candidates to attend, we will have two groups of eight candidates representing four districts. The first group (Districts 3, 5, 7 and 9) will start at 6:00 and the second group (Districts 1, 4, 6 and 8 will start at 7:15 after a short break. The entire event will end no later than 8:30.

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Locate the Virginia Museum of History and Culture: Bing Maps | Google Maps

428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220

Other useful election related links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 27 days from today—live countdown. Early voting is going on now—find your nearest early voting location.
• Check your voter registration status—the deadline to register or update your registration is October 15
• Find which Richmond city district you live in
• RVA Ballotpedia page
• Virginia Public Access Project

What's everybody doing this weekend? Here are some ideas from the RTD:

• My Morning Jacket w/ special guest Jade Bird: Thursday at the Maymont, show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45. musicatmaymont.com
• Armenian Food Festival: Friday and Saturday at St. James Armenian Church, free to attend. facebook.com/ArmenianFoodFestivalRichmond/
• 2nd Street Festival: Saturday and Sunday on Second Street in Jackson Ward, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Free to attend. venturerichmond.com
• Richmond Veg Fest: Saturday at Byrd Park, noon-6 p.m. Free entry; pay as you go. veggiefest.org
• The Corniest Fall Festival Ever: Saturday at Monroe Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free to attend, pay as you go. altriatheater.com
• Oystoberfest: Saturday at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, noon-5 p.m. $2 suggested donation. oystoberfest.com
• Dachtoberfest: Saturday at Richmond Raceway, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 in advance or $15 at the door. www.definc.org
• Powhatan Festival of the Grape: Saturday at Historic Courthouse Village, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $20-$35. powhatanwinefestival.com

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Excerpts from the article:

The city of Richmond finalized the island's purchase earlier in the year and hosted an event Thursday morning to begin the public engagement process on what will be a public park for Richmonders and visitors to enjoy.

[...]

Parks and Rec officials said the public engagement process for the project begins in October. The city wants to hear from residents about the design of the park before finalizing any schematic plans, officials said.

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What’s everybody doing this weekend? We might be in for a wet one - keep an eye on the forecast.

Excerpts from the RTD article:

• Richmond Folk Festival: Friday (6:30 PM to 10 PM), Saturday (Noon to 9:30 PM), and Sunday (Noon to 6 PM) at Richmond’s riverfront. Free to attend. richmondfolkfestival.org
• State Fair of Virginia: Friday thru October 6th (10 AM to 9 PM). Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell. $12-$15.50; free for ages 4 and younger; midway rides extra. statefairva.org
• Kevin Hart: Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM at Altria Theater. Tickets start at $75. etix.com or (800) 514-3849
• Richmond International Film Festival: Now thru Sunday. Times and locations vary. riff.eventive.org
• Pumpkin picking: Opening Saturday at Ashland Berry Farm. All-you-can-carry pumpkins for $30. On the weekends, attractions include a massive inflatable maze, inflatable obstacle course, straw maze, and the animal corral. Kids activities $5-$12. Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM to 5 PM, weekly hours vary. 12607 Old Ridge Road, Beaverdam. ashlandberryfarm.com

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Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they will also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS 6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

City Councilor Andreas Addison sees the opportunity for continued progress in Richmond's future.

"I think the next mayor has to make sure they understand what's at stake," Addison said, "More importantly, what tools are available to make sure that as we grow, it's going to support those who might be on the fringes or on the elements of where they're being priced out."

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Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 41 days from today. (live countdown)
• Check your voter registration status - the deadline to register or update your registration is October 15
• Find which district you live in
• RVA Ballotpedia page
• Virginia Public Access Project

Excerpt from the web site:

The 13th Annual Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) will be held September 24 - 29, 2024. 170 Films from the U.S. and 29 Countries, 30 Live Music Performances & Daily Special Events.

“We are an arts organization that supports storytellers with diverse points of view from all countries. We will not discriminate based on race, gender, or country of origin. We support freedom of speech, respectful dialogue, and meaningful engagement. Several embassies participate in supporting travel for artists and musicians from their country or hosting receptions. Everyone is welcome at RIFF.”

Check the web site for schedules and tickets.

Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they will also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Danny Avula, a medical doctor, public health executive and Richmond resident of about 20 years, said that this election is about selecting a leader who can usher in the next chapter of the city — and that Richmond's mayor should have experience leading local and state-level agencies.

"I don't think there's any private sector leader who would walk in and say, 'Oh, yeah, this is how things should be run. There's different rules," Avula said. "I spent 15 years being successful at leading and transforming local and state government agencies and doing the work of building a team, building culture, and improving service delivery, which is ultimately a huge part of what this job is about."

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 43 days from today. (live countdown)
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page
• Virginia Public Access Project

Key dates leading up to November 5th (from the article):

• September 20 — First day of early, in-person voting. Most localities allow early voting during business hours, and many provide satellite voting locations too.
• October 15 — Deadline to register or update voter registration. Click the link for more resources on both registering and checking your voter registration status can be found.
• October 25 — Deadline to request a mail-in ballot. Check with your local registrar for details in your area.
• October 26 — First day of Saturday in-person voting. The only other early Saturday option is November 2.
• November 2 — Final day of early, in-person voting. Local election offices close at 5 p.m. that day.
• November 5 — Election Day polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your Election Day polling place and other important details through the Virginia Citizen Portal.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 46 days from today. (live countdown)
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page
• Virginia Public Access Project

What's everybody doing this weekend? Looks like the weather will turn favorable for outdoor activities.

Excerpts from the RTD article:

• St. Benedict Oktoberfest: Toast to fall at St. Benedict Oktoberfest. The fall celebration happens in the heart of the Museum District with authentic German food, music, a huge beer list and fun. 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Hanover and Belmont avenues. Free entry; pay as you go. (804) 254-8810 or StBenedictOktoberfest.com.
• Iron Blossom Music Festival: The Iron Blossom Music Festival returns for its second year at the Bon Secours Training Center. Caamp, Mt. Joy, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and the Turnpike Troubadours will headline the two-day festival, in addition to many others. Festival-goers can enjoy Richmond-favorite food trucks, craft cocktails and a craft bazaar featuring local vendors. 1 to 10 p.m. both days. 2401 W. Leigh St. $216 two-day pass, $135 single-day pass; limited ticket options left. Parking passes sold separately. ironblossomfestival.com
• Maymont Bier-Garden: Get your dirndls and lederhosen ready for Maymont Bier-Garden. Savor delicious Bavarian specialties crafted by Capital Ale House and more fun festival treats from your favorite food trucks. There will also be a Marketplatz filled with local artisans, Bavarian dancers, oom-pah classics, yard games, fire pits, live performances and a Kinderzone. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. $10 admission, $6 for ages 3 to 16. Carriage House Lawn at Maymont, 1700 Hampton St. maymont.org
• Jim Gaffigan: Seven-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer and producer Jim Gaffigan will visit the Altria Theater for his “Barely Alive” tour. 7 p.m. 6 N. Laurel St. $42.75. altriatheater.com
• RVA East End Festival: The RVA East End Festival is back after a two-year hiatus. This family-friendly event for the RVA community will feature performances by the Richmond Symphony, the Celebration Male Chorus, the Dap Mallory Band, James “Saxsmo” Gates and many more. The festival raises money for arts programs in Richmond Public Schools. Noon-9 p.m. Chimborazo Park, 3201 E. Broad St. Free to attend. rvaeastendfest.wixsite.com/rva-east-end-festiva

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Excerpt from the article:

Spirit Halloween is teaming up with the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU to help support young patients who may be spending the holiday at the hospital.

Now through Halloween, you can support the fundraising campaign by using a 10 percent off coupon in-store or by entering the code “GIVING2024” online.

The popular Halloween costume and decoration store will donate that 10 percent back to the Children’s Hospital in Downtown Richmond.

In-store shoppers can also donate at the checkout.

The money goes to the hospital’s Child Life team, a network of specialists who support patients and their families by making the experience less scary for kids.

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Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they'll also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Community organizer Maurice Neblett calls himself a common man going into politics.

After a moment of silence at his suggestion, Neblett explained that this election is a crucial time and is not just about a vote.

"It's about the future of our children, because this vote is going to make a great impact on the generations to come," Neblett said. "It's about transparency for us. We've started this campaign with transparency and accountability from the start, because we know how important it is to communicate and have that trust with the community."

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 50 days from today. (live countdown)
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page

Summary:

• VA Pridefest - Saturday the 14th - Noon to 8 PM - Bon Secours Training Center - free entry, pay as you go
• 43rd Street Festival of the Arts - Saturday the 14th - 10 AM to 4 PM - West 43rd St. and Forest Hill Ave - free to attend
• Virginia Distilled - Saturday the 14th - 6 PM - Virginia Museum of History & Culture - $60
• Strad Fest - now through Sunday - various start times - Dominion Energy Center - tickets free to $86
• Family Day: Brazil - Saturday the 14th - 11 AM to 3 PM - Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - free

Read the whole article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they'll also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Former lead city councilor Michelle Mosby said this election is about Richmond's next chapter, and ensuring everyone's voice is heard.

Mosby, who sat on the Audit Committee during her time on city council, said she would make sure that department leadership are experienced in local government, and that departments are appropriately staffed.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

They’ve done a similar piece for Maurice Neblett, which I’ll post as a top level link tomorrow.

Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they'll also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS 6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Harrison Roday, who has a background in nonprofit and business leadership, said he shares values with the people of Richmond like affordable housing, investing in schools, and supporting neighborhoods.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

They've done a similar piece for Michelle Mosby, which I'll post as a top level link tomorrow.

On the topic of fairs and festivals, here's a rundown from the article:

• Chesterfield County Fair (August 23-31) - more info
• Happily Natural Day (August 31) - more info
• Pridefest (September 14) - more info
• Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts (Now through September 21) - full schedule
• Iron Blossom Music Festival (September 21-22) - more info
• East End Festival (September 21) - more info
• St. Benefict Oktoberfest (September 20-22) - more info
• State Fair of Virginia (September 27 through October 6) - more info
• Richmond Folk Festival (September 27-29) - more info
• 2nd Street Festival (October 5-6) - more info
• Armenian Food Festival (October 4-5) - their website seems to be broken at the moment

Read the full article | Non-paywalled version | Archive.today

Excerpts from the article:

The City of Richmond announced on Monday that the Double-A baseball team and the Richmond Economic Development have formally signed the lease and development agreement for a new $117 million stadium to be built just south of The Diamond as the anchor of the overall Diamond District development.

[...]

The signed documents include the Squirrels agreeing to a 30-year lease of the 10,000-seat stadium, which will be owned the EDA, managed and operated by the team, and paid for by bonds issued last month by the city.

[...]

The lease calls for the Squirrels to pay $3.2 million in rent annually for the first 10 years of the 30-year agreement. The rent will then drop to $1.34 million for the 11th year and rise 3% each year thereafter. That equates to $66 million paid by the Squirrels over the life of the lease.

Virginia Commonwealth University will also pay a yet-undisclosed amount of rent to the EDA for its baseball team’s use of the new stadium.

Those rents will be used to pay off $40 million in lease revenue bonds that are funding infrastructure improvements for the Thalhimer-led first phase of the overall Diamond District development. The stadium is to be financed using $130 million in general obligation bonds, which are to be paid back using tax revenue generated by the overall 67-acre, $2.4 billion project.

[...]

Monday’s announcement said the stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 baseball season.

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Monday evening, the Richmond Crusade for Voters hosted a City Council candidate forum at Third Street Bethel AME Church in Jackson Ward, which was rescheduled because of Tropical Storm Debby.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Locate Third Street Bethel AME Church: Bing Maps | Google Maps
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 82 days from today. (live countdown)
• Similar article from the Richmond Mayoral Forum on August 1
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page

The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival is back for its 12th annual array of popular performing artists this weekend at Maymont.

...

"A lot of people have probably seen the lineup for this year. We've got Fantasia, Ludacris; Wyclef is our artist in residence," Burruss said. "We've also got St. Paul in the Broken Bones, which is a phenomenal group, Bob, James Lee, Ritenour, Monica, Andra Day, and the list goes on and on."

The list also includes Gregory Porter, Regina Belle and hometown favorite Elliott Yamin from season 5 of "American Idol." Yamin, who recently appeared on CBS 6's "Virginia This Morning," is excited to be back for a second year.

Check out the official lineup.

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Excerpt from the article:

Richmond Crusade for Voters is hosting a mayoral candidate forum from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday night at Third Street Bethel AME Church on 614 North 3rd Street in Jackson Ward.

“Our mission is to help educate the voters,” said Bernice E. Travers, chair of the Crusade’s Research Committee. "These forums are one way we are carrying on that mission nearly 70 years after our founding. Everyone is welcome to attend to gain a better understanding of the candidates and their positions.”

The five candidates are:

• 1st District Councilmember Andreas Addison
• Local and state public health leader Dr. Danny Avula
• Former 9th District Councilmember Michelle Mosby
• VUU graduate Maurice Neblett
• Bridging Virginia founder Harrison Roday

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 96 days from today. (live countdown)

Locate Third Street Bethel AME Church: Bing Maps | Google Maps

Learn more about Richmond Crusade for Voters, the organization hosting tonight's event.

Watch/read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today