Category Archives: politics

Hot Weekend For Protests

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Those are scenes from down on Brown’s Island today where the March on the Mansion protest was staged. People from all over Virginia braved traffic and heat to attend and let Gov. McAuliffe and his Dominion friends know how wrong their energy policies are and what they are doing to the citizens and environment of the Commonwealth.

It was nice to see former neighbors Gayla and Gene Mills perform their song “Oregon Hill” on the stage before the speakers began.

Tomorrow, I understand there is a March for Bernie starting at noon in Monroe Park.

New Petition Asks For Political Debate On Water Utility Reform

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Building on previous efforts, a new online petition asks local candidates to address water utility reform issues.

Of course, this issue has been brought up before here, and more recently in the Washington Post.

From the new petition language:

We need our local elections to be more than just popularity contests. To that end, citizens need to demand more substantive discussion of issues and platforms. In the last six years or so, issues have been consistently raised by grassroots citizens in regard to reforming the City of Richmond’s water utility.
We point to the previous Change.org petition, “Reform Richmond’s Water Rates”, with over 1700 signatures. We reference the Sierra Club Falls of the James’ statement on how there are also significant conservation concerns with the City utility’s relatively high base rate for residents. We call your attention to the recent Washington Post editorial, with the headline, Richmond Is Ripping Off It’s Residents”. It is outrageous that small volume residential citizens can pay as much as 78% of their water/sewer bill for service charges, while some above average volume users can pay as little as 11%. Furthermore, we note that the City administration has broken its promise to list all charges on their billing.

We the undersigned feel that the Richmond water rates are a vital but neglected issue that should be addressed in this election in November. The undersigned request that all candidates address this issue and request that all debates include these 3 questions:

Will the candidate support removing the federal income tax surcharge on the water rates?
Will the candidate support lowering the base service charge that all customers must pay before receiving the first drop of water?
Will the candidates support discontinuing the use of the water utility as a cash cow for the city’s general fund?

Primary Voting Tomorrow

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From Times Dispatch article:

In a redrawn 4th District that now includes the cities of Richmond and Petersburg — and now favors Democrats — there is primary competition Tuesday for the Democrat and Republican nominations in what has become an open seat.
Five-term Henrico County Sheriff Mike Wade is squaring off against Chesterfield County resident Jackee Gonzalez for the GOP nomination.
State Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, and Chesapeake Councilwoman Ella Ward are seeking the Democratic nomination. Ward was the Democratic candidate who lost to Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-4th, in 2012.
Virginians do not register by party, but primary voters in the 4th District will be asked whether they wish to cast ballots in the Democratic contest or the Republican contest. Under state law, voters may cast ballots in one primary or the other, not both.

How will Oregon Hill vote?

Monroe Park This Weekend

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While the Richmond Police Department prepares security for Presidential candidate Trump’s appearance at the Richmond Coliseum on Friday, protesters are planning an-anti-Trump rally in Monroe Park for that evening and the weekend.

If that was not enough, the Richmond Recreational Dispute Group (RRDG) will be hosting their second annual meeting in Monroe Park this Saturday. From announcement:

Hi! It’s time again for RRDP to host our second event. After our success on Mayo Island we figured we’d hold our second event earlier in the year to fit in a third. We promote engaging in disputes of different varieties including civil, uncivil (shouting matches), and untraditional (Bare knuckle and gloved). WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING “TRAIN PEOPLE” AFTER FEBUARIES INCIDENT. At least in the untraditional activities. Large groups are encouraged for group activities. Pizza will be provided but come early. Things kick off at 10PM, possible alternate location is the old Pleasant’s downtown parking lot.

Now, regardless of whether or not any of this is real, Monroe Park supporters are still concerned about the park itself- from Cherry Street neighbor Todd Woodson:

Friends- as of April 14, 2016, its been two years since City Council approved the lease for Monroe Park without, in my opinion, fully vetting the leadership of the Monroe Park Conservancy. The city announced last winter that the park would close in May. I requested updates from both Charles Samuels and the Conservancy months ago on the timeline for renovations and they have failed to even respond. Samuels is not running for reelection to the second district council seat this year.
Perhaps if more people emailed and asked what’s going on, we could get an answer. Please email both Councilman Charles Samuels and Alice Massie with the Conservancy and ask why there has been no progress and in fact, more deterioration over the last two years plus. Thanks- Here are the email addresses:
charles.samuels@richmondgov.com
amassie@monroepark.com

One final note: Despite my best hopes, it does not look like anyone seriously took up my challenge and it does not look like I will be crawling.

TrumpHillary

This Week

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Coal Ash Stories film screening tonight.
(***Group Bicycle Ride to Event!***, Meet at Oregon Hill Overlook at 6:45, Enjoy Gorgeous Views of James River, Arrive at 7:00 to Rag & Bones Bicycle Co-op)

VCU-Community Meeting on the Gladding Residence Center Capital Project tomorrow evening.

Community Conversations: ReRVA – Public Spaces
Tuesday, April 5, 6-8 p.m., The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond, VA
Continue the conversation.
Part of the Community Conversations series on revitalizing, recycling and re-imagining Richmond, find out how Public Spaces are being redefined throughout the city. Whether for recreation, environmental initiatives or reflection, public spaces are shaping why people move to and remain in Richmond. Event is free.

Mayoral candidate forum on Wednesday at VUU.

5th District meeting this Thursday.

Power Dialogue Friday, April 8, 8:30-noon at VCU, 2-5pm at UR Robins Center
The VA Power Dialog will engage college and university students from across the Commonwealth of Virginia in meaningful conversation with state regulators, officials, and peers on how our state will help meet the U.S. climate commitment of 30% cuts in global warming emissions by 2030. The day’s events will conclude with an interactive poster session and tabling. A collaborative network of twelve colleges and universities will host the event at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond. Registration is free. For more information and to register: BLOG.RICHMOND.EDU/VAPOWERDIALOG

Don’t forget about the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k this Saturday. There will be associated traffic closings.

The Tredegar book talk that was scheduled for last month and had to be canceled due to tornado warnings is being rescheduled for April 19th.

Volunteer Opportunity: Que Pasa Festival Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Canal Walk in Historic Downtown Richmond
Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC) hosts the annual Que Pasa Festival as a celebration and showcase of Virginia’s diverse Latino community and businesses. The festival will include food, drinks, music, and a variety of games and activities for people and families of all ages. VAHCC is looking for volunteers to help us make this a successful and memorable event. Volunteers will provide assistance in a variety of tasks, including setting up and breaking down, admissions, and beverage sales, and volunteer shifts are available throughout the day from 6:00am until 9:00pm. Volunteers who stay for 4 or more hours get a free meal! If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please register here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form?EQBCT=9ff305896f8547e88f3dbb0352c9c50a

Wilder Announces For Mayoral Race

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In a somewhat surprising move, former Governor and former Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder stated late this afternoon that he would be running for a second term as Mayor.

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While known for past abruptness and eccentricity, Wilder, now a VCU professor, has managed to surprise even the most jaded local political advisors with this latest announcement. It is jarring given that he is scheduled to moderate a Mayoral candidate forum just later this week. According to early media followup, Wilder said that he plans to fulfill that moderator duty and still debate opponents “with one hand tied behind my back”. He described his platform as one of “transparency and public accountability”, right before going into a closed meeting with local business leaders.

In other mayoral candidate news, former state Delegate Joe Morrisey announced a politician’s baby-kissing competition and said he enjoyed commenters’ ‘Better Call Joe’ cracks in reference to ‘Better Call Saul’. Activist Rick Tatnall announced that he would be taking his van on a summer tour of other localities named Richmond so he could bring back what’s best for Richmond. Activist Alan Schintzius announced that he had asked Rick if he could borrow his van this summer. Activist Lillie Estes announced a new inspirational slogan for her campaign. Chad Ingold announced he would be teaching some more classes and passing out a syllabus soon. City Council President Michelle Mosby announced that she is thinking about buying a new car, maybe one of those new Teslas. Councilperson Hilbert said he appreciated all of the candidates’ announcements so far and might make one of his own. Councilperson Jon Baliles said something quietly that folks had trouble hearing but also was heard saying that his statement would be available on his FaceBook page later. Baliles’ old rival, Bruce Tyler, said something testy in response, but testily added that no, he did not care to repeat it. Jack Berry, former director of Venture Richmond, suggested that Richmond residents better vote for him or the Folk Festival may not happen this year. Charlie Diradour reminded voters that he was running for City Council, not Mayor, while Councilperson Charles Samuels reminded voters that he was not running for Council or Mayor. Silver Persinger is engaged to be married.

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Editor’s note:
Alright, folks, I hope I covered everybody. And yes, all the posts on OregonHill.net today were April Fool’s Day pranks and should fall under the protected category of parody, which means most of them are fiction. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Homeless Concerned About Monroe Park Closure

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Television station WRIC has a news story on how homeless advocates are still trying to find temporary solutions for the announced, upcoming closure of Monroe Park for renovations.

Excerpt:

Without the safety of Monroe Park, things become even more difficult for the city’s homeless.

“It’s a place where people find community, so we’re trying to move (food & clothing) services to another location,” Izen said.

Some are pushing for Abner Clay Park to become a temporary gathering space, although the proposal has been met with opposition from some who live, work and worship nearby.

“Whatever we do, we need to make sure we still have those services including tree canopy and bathrooms,” said Izen.

There will be a public forum on Saturday, March 26 at Monroe Park to get the relocation plan moving forward. The meeting will start at 2pm.

Bernie Sanders March In Monroe Park Tomorrow

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From local Bernie campaign:

Tomorrow join people across the country marching in support of Bernie at our Richmond march! Saturday Jan 30th 2016 at 12 noon at Monroe Park. Facebook event page with more info is at www.facebook.com/events/430536570480131/. Bring your enthusiasm and your Bernie gear (if you don’t have any, make your own!).

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Click here for previous editorial on the Bernie campaign.