Better Government Asks Chief Questions

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Scott

Questions from individual citizens did not get answered, but with more interest in the canal, now Better Government is posing questions. From Better Government:

May 13, 2013

VIA EMAIL TO: ray.tarasovic at richmondgov.com

Police Chief Ray J. Tarasovic
Police Headquarters
200 West Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23220

Re: Canal Wall Destruction Investigation

Dear Chief Tarasovic,

On April 16 Better Government Richmond sent you a letter regarding criminal and civil investigations of the destruction of the pre-Civil War canal wall on City property that took place in October 2012. We asked if the Richmond Police Department had conducted an investigation of this apparent crime and, if so, the status of the investigation. A copy of the letter was sent to Mr. Gene Lepley, Jr., your Director of Media Relations.

We have not received any response from you. This is disappointing since you describe yourself as a “transparent person” and say you “believe in sunshine.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 20, 2013)

We repeat our request for information. Please send us free copies of the records that indicate the current status of the investigation. Please see §2.2-3704 of the Code of Virginia for your response options.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors
Better Government Richmond

Better Government – US LLC
By: C. Wayne Taylor, Secretary

Copy:
Mr. Gene Lepley, Jr., Director of Media Relations
Mr. Michael Herring, Commonwealth’s Attorney
Honorable Parker C. Agelasto
Press

Celebrate Richmond Bike Month Friday

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Scott

From City press release:

Richmond, VA — Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ Pedestrian, Bicycling, and Trails Commission invites the city of Richmond to participate in Richmond Bike Month during May. The goal of the 2nd Annual Richmond Bicycle Commuter Challenge to show how easy, affordable, and healthy bike commuting can be.

“The Richmond Bicycle Commuter Challenge is a great way for our residents to learn and experience the tremendous health and sustainability benefits of bicycling. It is my hope that local businesses and large employers alike partner with us to promote a healthy Richmond, and be a central resource in increasing the overall health of our city,” commented Mayor Jones. “My Administration has the goal of making Richmond one of the most bicycle and pedestrian-friendly cities in the country.”

Participants are encouraged to ride their bicycle to and from work, and report days commuted at the end of each week for the entire month of May. Riding a bicycle for only part of the commute, such as to join a car pool, ride the bus can still be counted. Participants can register now online and log their weekly commutes at www.riderichmond.net/bike-month-commuter-challenge. All commutes must be reported on the website by Friday, June 7, and the results will be announced by Friday, June 15.

“This is an opportunity to encourage everyone to try bike commuting and possibly make cycling a routine as well as a healthy travel option for commuting or running errands. Richmond Bike Month will also allow Richmond area cyclists to see the City’s infrastructure improvements, including widespread bike parking racks and improved bike routes across the city,” said the City’s Bicycle Coordinator Jakob Helmboldt.

Mayor Jones and the Pedestrian, Bicycling, and Trails Commission will celebrate Richmond Bike Month on Friday, May 17, 2013, at 7 a.m. during the Bike to Work Day rally at Monroe Park, 620 West Main Street. The public is encouraged to attend and participate by bicycling to work that day.

Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians have shared rights and responsibilities when using city streets. Please visit the Richmond Bicycle Commuter Challenge link on www.Richmondgov.com for safety tips and laws.

# # #

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Scott

This Wednesday is a red Wednesday, which means trash and recycling pickup. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. They do not belong on the sidewalk after tomorrow night.

In terms of local recycling, two events this Saturday: One is an e-cycling (and tires!) day held by the City on the Boulevard, and the other is the Big Yard Sale at the University of Richmond.

Byrd House Market Tomorrow

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Scott

From email announcement:

Chickens & YOU Training Returns to WBCH
The ordinance passed, the education commences. Become a certified Master Chicken Farmer(c): May 15 and 16 – www.ChickensAndYOU.com. To register for the course, go to www.ChickensAndYou.Eventbrite.com.

This week at BHM
3:30 Ribbon Cutting! Meet our new Executive Director: Shelia S. Givens
Harry Gore Returns! Singer/songwriter Richmond guitarist
Facepainting and Children’s activities under the mulberry tree
Student Boxes from Agriberry and Epic Gardens and Byrd Farm
Baby Livestock from new vendor Wandering Cow (for children of all ages)
Nonprofits: Virginia League for Planned Parenthood and Virginia Poverty Law Center

Easy Stopping, Easy Shopping
SNAP EBT Welcome!
Massage, Student Boxes! Hot Coffee! Great Foods!
Ready to eat: Cafe 2100, Goatacado, The Grey Hill Cafe
New Feature: Complete Vendor List at byrdhousemarket.blogspot.com
in addition to the market map and product search!!!

Today’s Haiku
Temp’rature dropped. But
plopping no drops, it’s chill what’s
reaped when you’ve sown

Next week’s Market May 21
Wild Heaven, Vegan Awareness
Student Boxes
Massage
Storytelling
and the blush of summer’s bountiful promise
_____________________

Ana Edwards, Manager
Byrd House Market & Library Programs
Grace Arents Library & Education Center
William Byrd Community House
www.wbch.org / 804.643.2717 ext.306

Renovations Close Lane Of Laurel Street Temporarily Near Monroe Park

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Scott

From City announcement:

For Immediate Release
May 8, 2013
For more information, contact:
Sharon North – (804) 646-5607

Lane Closure – Laurel Street
WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works

WHAT: Lane Closure

WHEN: Monday, May 13 through Friday June 17

WHERE: Laurel Street between Cathedral Place and West Franklin Street

BACKGROUND: The northbound lane of the aforementioned street will be closed to allow for renovations at 801 W. Franklin Street.

###

821 Celebrates 3

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Scott

From 821 Cafe’s FaceBook page:

Today marks 3 years since we opened our new restaurant. It has been sooo amazing and look forward to some exciting new things to happen this summer! Thank you richmond, we are glad you took a chance with us

Swollen River

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Scott

Food Punk Blog Features Greta Brinkman and Vinyl Conflict

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Scott

Local blog FoodPunk features a day with neighbor Greta Brinkman:

One Day in RVA is a series on the fabulous folks who enrich our city on the daily. Greta Brinkman is someone I never get to spend time with and whom I admire deeply.

In this fun post, Greta introduces us to her pets, a cornbread recipe, her music collection (or at least her thumb drive), neighborhood record store Vinyl Conflict, and her aband’s trip to Raleigh, among other things.

Cannons for J.E.B. On Saturday

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Scott

From email from Hollywood Cemetery:

This message is to notify you that there will be a memorial ceremony for J. E. B. Stuart on Saturday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m.

There will be cannon volleys fired as a part of the memorial service. The
participants have assured me that the minimum amount of powder will be used
in the volleys.

Thank you for assisting us in getting this message out to the surrounding
neighbors.

General Lee once said about J.E.B, ” He never brought me a false report.”

Byrd House Market Tomorrow! Opening Day For The Season

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Scott