Richmond, VA

Excerpt from the article:

RICHMOND, Va. — As the city has revealed limited information about what caused the third significant issue to impact its drinking water system within a matter of months, records reviewed by CBS 6 could shed light on the problems at Richmond's Water Treatment Plant leading up to the current boil water advisory.

An apparent maintenance request dated May 12 showed that plate settlers, a type of sediment filter at the plant, were noted as needing be cleaned to "remove alum sludge."

The maintenance request stated cleaning the plates could "prolong the use" of the sedimentation basins "with increased flow going throughout" and indicated that the plates may have been "clogged."

...

The work order was updated with an action item that stated an employee requested on May 14 for plate settlers to be "thoroughly washed and cleaned" but they were "informed by operations this was not a good time" and it would need to be done at a later date.

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

Excerpt from the article:

RICHMOND, Va. — A boil water advisory caused by an operational issue at Richmond's water treatment plant earlier this week has been lifted by VDH, per an announcement from the city.

The advisory has been lifted after two sets of water samples came back negative for any harmful bacteria, with one taken Tuesday night and the other midday Wednesday.

“I’m deeply grateful to the residents and businesses for enduring this unexpected boil water advisory,” said Mayor Danny Avula in the announcement. “Residents and businesses expect better, and I am as committed as ever to finding the problems and fixing them. Doing this work requires being honest about what’s working and what’s not and I pledge my ongoing commitment to doing just that.”

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ETA the official press release from the city (Archive.org)

Looks like most of the reports are from the Museum District, the Fan, and Scott's Addition areas. ~~I haven't seen anything in the news yet.~~

Snapshot of relevant post on other social media site that shall not be named

EDIT: Added a link to local news coverage. Fortunately, there is no boil water advisory, let's hope it stays that way. 🤞

EDIT 2: As of 11:30 AM, the article I linked above has been updated to reflect that some neighborhoods are now under a boil water advisory.

Excerpt from the article:

While the city's initial communication about the situation at 9 a.m. on Tuesday said the water was safe and a boil water advisory was not needed, an update sent at 11:30 a.m. issued an immediate boil water advisory for communities served by the Ginter Park Tank, which include:

• Byrd Park
• Brookland Park
• Carver
• Carytown
• Chamberlayne
• The Fan
• Ginter Park
• Jackson Ward
• Laburnum Park
• the Museum District
• the North Side
• Oregon Hill
• Randolph
• Scott’s Addition
• VCU’s Monroe Park campus
• Windsor Farms
• Parts of the city center

"Some customers in this area may experience a total loss of water service, while others may experience varying degrees of loss in water pressure," the city said in a statement. "Impacted residents are encouraged to take conservation steps immediately and boil water before consuming it. City officials remain in close contact with the Virginia Health Department to assess and remedy the situation. Once the water pressure is back to normal in the impacted areas, Department of Public Utilities personnel will begin the process of flushing the system and subsequently lifting the advisory."

EDIT 3: Added a link to the press release on RVA.gov.

Excerpt:

Below is a checklist for safe water use during this time:

• Do not drink tap water during this boil water alert.
• Do not drink from water fountains in parks, public or private buildings that receive water from the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities.
• Do not use ice made from water today. Discard the ice and sanitize the ice machine and/or ice trays.
• Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
• Do not wash your dishes using tap water – use boiled water or use paper plates.
• Do not wash your fruits and vegetables with tap water – use boiled or bottled water.
• Do not brush your teeth with tap water -- use boiled or bottled water.
• Do not cook with tap water, unless your food will be boiled vigorously for three minutes.

Temporary water conservation tips:

• Eliminate or shorten shower times.
• Avoid unnecessary toilet flushes.
• Avoid washing clothes for as long as possible.
• Postpone washing dishes if possible.
• Check all faucets, shower heads and under cabinets for drips.

Please share this information with everyone in your household, local friends and family, and others who may have not received this advisory directly.

Excerpt from the article:

RICHMOND, Va. -- Twenty-five more children were gifted a custom adaptive bike based on their abilities thanks to a Richmond nonprofit founded by an Army veteran.

The children and their families gathered at AMF Bakery on West Laburnum Avenue on Sunday to be fitted for their new bikes along with some riding lessons.

James Howard started Richmond Empowering Abilities for Children with Cycles or REACHcycles after he medically retired from the Army in 2010 after numerous combat injuries and a stateside swimming injury left him a quadriplegic.

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

Pretty late but Richmond and Henrico's boil advisories have been lifted. Thank god that fiasco is over and enjoy the now-restored water!

Currently raining where I'm at but they are calling for more snow this afternoon/evening

Excerpt from the article:

In just under a decade, Richmond has gone from a few festive spots with holiday tree lightings and fancy Christmas decorations (we’re looking at you, The Jefferson) to full-on temporary name changes and themed menu drops. Today, you can’t swing a stocking without hitting a holiday pop-up bar.

So we’ve gathered them up, from the new to the tried and true, for your December drinking pleasure. That’s right, you’ve found the only guide you’ll need for Richmond’s sleighful of sparkling holiday bars and pop-ups. Check out our two experienced writers’ brief notes on the vibes, menus, prime hours, reservation details and even dress codes for nearly 40 spots (yes, you read that right). Most of them are local, with a few out-of-town suggestions.

Read the full article | Archive.today

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.

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

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.

Read the full article | Archive.today

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?

Read/watch the full coverage | Archive.today

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.

Read the full event page | Archive.org | Archive.today

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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."

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

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

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

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.

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