Richmond Free Press July 11-13, 2019 edition

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JULY 11-13, 2019

Special General Assembly session called Tuesday to deal with gun violence collapses in GOP ploy; showdown expected in November elections

By Jeremy M. Lazarus and George Copeland

Gun control is likely to be a red-hot campaign issue for Virginia’s fall elections in the wake of a special General Assembly session that misfired Tuesday.

Slender Republican majorities in the House of Delegates and state Senate abruptly adjourned the session rather than take up any of the proposed legislation and face heat for killing the bills they oppose.

A frustrated Gov. Ralph S. Northam and his Democratic allies who are pushing tougher gun laws in Virginia vowed to take the issue to voters who will elect all 140 members of the General Assembly on Nov. 5.

The governor called the special session in the wake of the May 31 massacre of 12 people at the Virginia Beach muncipal center on May 31 and the May 26 shooting death of a 9-year-old girl playing in a Richmond park.

Ahead of the session, Gov. Northam had submitted a package of what he called “common sense reforms” for the legislature to consider, including universal background checks, restoring a one-gun-a-month limit on purchases, outlawing silencers and high-capacity bullet magazines, restricting sales Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Passionate gun control supporters rally at the Bank Street entrance to the State Capitol Tuesday, but ended up disappointed after the General Assembly halted any consideration of the measures until Nov. 18. Left, two gun rights advocates brought their weapons to the rally. Virginia is an “open carry” state, meaning it is lawful to openly carry a firearm.

Slot machines hit jackpot in stores around Va.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Andrea R. Hill is a self-confessed “slot machine grinder,” but she still hasn’t visited the new Rosie’s Richmond Gaming Emporium in South Side to try her luck on the array of slot-style machines.

Instead, the Richmond resident prefers to get her daily “gambling fix” at a convenience store near her job, the Quick N Easy in the 4100 block of West Broad Street.

Inside, past the chips and snacks and close to the coolers of beer and sodas, Ms. Hill has her choice of seven cash-operated, computer-controlled machines that mimic the push-button slots of Atlantic City and Las Vegas. The symbols revolve on the screen like slot machines.

Every now and then when the symbols line up right, a player can hit for a jackpot of $2,000.

The store has an arrangement that allows players to get their winnings almost immediately from a clerk.

“It’s fun and I win occasionally. Just the other day, I got a $120 jackpot, but it looks like I’ll be giving that back to the store,” said the 39-year-old pharmacy technician.

“Virginia has come a long way. When I was younger, I used to have to drive out of state to play. Now, these machines are everywhere.”

The convenience store, near Thomas Jefferson High School, is just one of the locations in which these machines have popped up in the past two years. Across the Richmond area and around the state, more than 4,000 similar machines can be found in gas stations, bars and mostly locally owned convenience stores eager for a new stream of revenue.

In a state that has long frowned on gambling, the Virginia Is for Gamblers movement is clearly moving beyond the state-run lottery and parimutuel betting on horse races.

The movement got a big boost two years ago when the General Assembly, seeking to revive horseracing, cleared the way for a $1 billion-plus operation involving machines like the ones at Rosie’s. Instead of random numbers, equipment at Rosie’s with slot-machine faces rely on the results of old races to fuel their results instead of random numbers that typical slots use, according to the regulatory Virginia Racing Commission.

But even before that action, ambitious

Richmond Free Press wins NNPA award The Richmond Free Press continues to win awards.

The latest: An award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association for Best News Pictures.

The award was announced June 27 at the organization’s annual convention in Cincinnati.

Richmond Free Press photographer Sandra Sellars took the three prize-winning photographs during an Aug. 11, 2018, rally in Charlottesville marking the first anniversary of the violent neo-Nazi rally there in which 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer was killed and dozens of others were injured when a self-professed white supremacist drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters. In 2018, hundreds of students and activists marched through CharPlease turn to A4 Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Dr. Joann Henry plays at a bank of slot machines at the Quick N Easy convenience store in the 4100 block of West Broad Street.

private companies began exploiting a loophole in the anti-gambling laws in various states, most notably Duluth, Ga.-based Pace-O-Matic and its Richmond-based subsidiary, Queen of Virginia Skill and Entertainment, and Coleman Music and Entertainment of Jacksonville, Fla. Those companies have been closely reading state laws on gambling to find a way to bypass them. In Virginia, they noticed the law only bans slot machines with three factors — a wager, the offer of a prize or cash and a win based solely Please turn to A4

VSU student gets inspiration from Hollywood internship

By George Copeland

It all started with an app, specifically, a presentation for the app “Sellow” by Virginia State University junior Jaelon Hodges at The Pitch 2019, an entrepreneurial competition in North Carolina held by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in May. While Mr. Hodges’ work developing the app largely involved selling its benefits as a finance-managing service for students, his ability to engage the audience caught the attention of one of the fund’s national ambassadors, actor and producer Terrence Jenkins, better known as Terrence J, former host of BET’s “106 & Park.”

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Jaelon Hodges, right, receives congratulations from actor Terrence Jenkins after learning he was chosen for a $15,000 scholarship for a summer internship with the former BET host of “106 & Park” in Los Angeles.

“When I pitched my app, Terrence J liked my energy, my personality, and he pretty much gave me the internship on the spot,” Mr. Hodges said.

While Sellow earned second place in the competition, Mr. Hodges was chosen for a $15,000 scholarship and an internship with Mr. Jenkins at his Sunset Park Productions management company in Los Angeles.

The opportunity is key to the mission of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, started in 1987, which offers scholarships, research and other opportunities to students at historically black colleges and universities.

“One of the main reasons I Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

August 16-18, 2018

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White nationalist rally sputters in D.C. on anniversary of bloody Charlottesville protest Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Free Press wire report

WASHINGTON on Saturday, marking the year anniversary march down Rugby Road in Charlottesville drew two Hundreds of students and activists during last year’s rally by white supremacists, Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis. Below, A white nationalist rally in the heart of Washington where of the bloody violence that broke out who blocked off part of the campus Saturday dozen demonstrators and thousands of chanting counterprotesters a University of Virginia student expresses her disgust at State Police of Black Lives Matter last August. racially charged members and supporters last Sunday, the one-year anniversary of deadly, white supremacists carrying torches attacked violence in Charlottesville, Va. separated in A large police presence kept the two sides After two hours Lafayette Square in front of the White House. ended early and a few speeches, the “Unite the Right 2” rally the demonstrawhen it began to rain and two police vans took tors back to Virginia. cry from the Sunday’s events, while tense at times, were a far a year street brawls that broke out in downtown Charlottesville by a killed was Heyer Heather paralegal ago, when 32-year-old of counterprowhite supremacist who drove his car into a crowd indicted in late testers. The man, James A. Fields Jr. of Ohio, was in year last June on federal hate crime charges. He was charged in Ms. Heyer’s a Charlottesville court with first degree murder the attack. death. Dozens of other people were injured in a permit to “Unite the Right 2” organizers had been denied one secured but hold a rally in Charlottesville on the anniversary, protesters. for Washington. Organizers planned for up to 400 of At the head of the white nationalist group is University last year’s Virginia graduate Jason Kessler, who helped organize a handful of event in Charlottesville. On Sunday, he emerged with an American fellow demonstrators from a subway station holding by police, while flag and walked toward the White House ringed Nazis. counterprotesters taunted the group and called them from Dan Haught, a 54-year-old computer programmer your rocks you Washington, held a sign saying, “Back under Nazi clowns.” we vastly “We wanted to send a message to the world that outnumber them,” Mr. Haught said. made in Police said at 6 p.m. Sunday that no arrests had been group of counconnection with the rally. Late in the day, a small terprotesters clashed with police in downtown Washington. by white for The violence last year in Charlottesville, sparked Mr. Kessler said Sunday’s rally was aimed at advocating of Confederate nationalists’ outrage over a plan to remove statues and he blamed last year’s violence and sparked “free speech for everybody,” generals from two public parks, convulsed the nation groups and the media. also was one of in Charlottesville on other comparison. condemnation across the political spectrum. It He said he thought Sunday’s rally went well in in office. year first Trump’s was President that of think I moments and the lowest “Everybody got the ability to speak there were Following the deadly rally, President Trump said Charlottesville,” Mr. Kessler told that he was a major improvement over “very fine people” on both sides, spurring criticism that had to be set. It was more attendees, who Reuters. “It was a precedent equating the counterprotesters with the rally important than anything.” was a smatincluded neo-Nazis and other white supremacists.

The counterprotest that began earlier in the day types of racOn Saturday, President Trump condemned “all groups — from black-clad anti-fascists, to supdiverse of tering ism” in a Twitter post marking the anniversary. porters of the Black Lives Matter movement to families who brought children in strollers. Tourists observers and protesters both and took pictures zoomed around on electric scooters.

Sean Kratouil, 17, of Maryland, wore a vest with “Antifa” on the back. He said he was there anti-fascists. peaceful of movement a start to help He said he was concerned that when rallies turn violent, it makes his side look bad.

“Public perception is key,” he said.

On Saturday in the picturesque college town of Charlottesville, hundreds of police officers maintained a security perimeter around the normally bustling downtown district throughout the day. Vehicular traffic was barred from an area of more than 15 city blocks, while pedestrians were allowed access at two checkpoints where officers examined bags for weapons.

But late in the day and Saturday evening, hundreds of U.Va. students and activists took to the streets. Many of the protesters directed their Charlottesville’s in Saturday memorial anger at the heavy police presence, with chants Flowers adorn the curbside was killed and dozens of downtown where 32-year-old Heather Heyer like “cops and Klan go hand in hand.” a white nationalist who drove others were injured on Aug. 12, 2017, by his car into a crowd of counterprotesters.

harshly critiLocal police and the Virginia State Police were year. cized for their failure to prevent the violence last donned a On Sunday morning, activist Grace Aheron, 27, of fellow CharBlack Lives Matter T-shirt and joined hundreds Park lottesville residents who gathered at Booker T. Washington to mark the anniversary of last year’s bloodshed. space public our “We want to claim our streets back, claim the park. back, claim our city back,” Ms. Aheron said at arrested Charlottesville authorities said four people were Sunday.

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Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Star-spangled celebration A youngster with Deborah De Los Santos’ summer camp group waves Old Glory at the Fourth of July ceremony to swear in new U.S. citizens at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Richmond’s Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

Please see more photos, B2.

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Gilpin goes Hollywood

Production trucks line Calhoun Street in Richmond’s Gilpin Court Tuesday where NBA star Kevin Durant, formerly of the Golden State Warriors and who recently signed as a free agent with the Brooklyn Nets, is spending time this week for the filming of the pilot episode of a new streaming series for Apple TV+.

The series, “Swagger,” is based on Mr. Durant’s young years as a top hoops prospect in Washington when he played on the AAU circuit while in middle and high school. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is an executive producer of

Lawsuit refiled seeking Agelasto’s immediate removal from City Council The legal fight to immediately remove 5th District City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto from office continues, but he apparently will not receive any taxpayer money for his defense.

Richmond City Council appears to have ended any consideration of using city funds to assist Mr. Agelasto with legal bills in the wake of a June 28 opinion from City Attorney Allen L. Jackson advising the council that state law would not allow it.

Next up for Mr. Agelasto is a hearing Friday, July 12, in front of Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant, who will hear motions on a request from former 5th District Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson.

Mr. Richardson is seeking a declaratory judgment that Mr. Agelasto has vacated the council seat based on a state law requiring him to live in the district he serves, which could immediately end Mr. Agelasto’s tenure on council.

Mr. Agelasto Mr. Agelasto is seeking a dismissal of the request. He has said he will resign from City Council effective Nov. 30.

Mr. Agelasto also has acknowledged that he and his family moved last summer into a home in the city’s 1st District.

Mr. Richardson filed the suit in February. At the time, he indicated he would not run for the seat if Mr. Agelasto was removed. However, Mr. Richardson recently announced he is seeking to replace Mr. Agelasto in a Nov. 5 special election.

Meanwhile, former 6th District Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin is continuing his bid to have Mr. Agelasto removed immediately despite having his case knocked out of court last month.

On Tuesday, Mr. El-Amin filed new paperwork with Richmond Circuit Court renewing his request for a preliminary injunction as well as a declaratory judgment to end Mr. Agelasto’s tenure and has asked for a new hearing date.

He acted after Judge Marchant last month turned down his request to amend his original suit to include those items. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

VCU goes tobacco free Public streets and sidewalks now are virtually the last refuge for smokers on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus.

On July 1, VCU banned tobacco use of any kind — including e-cigarettes — from its grounds, buildings, dorms and vehicles.

The ban applies to campus visitors as well as to students, faculty and staff.

The only designated areas where smoking is allowed at VCU is in the rear of 700 W. Grace St. and behind the student wellness center at 815 S. Cathedral Place.

The university instituted the ban at the same time as a new state law barring anyone under 21 from purchasing or possessing tobacco products, except for active duty military personnel.

VCU banned tobacco products from its medical campus in 2010.

The new policy extends that ban to the academic campus.

VCU officials said the university would post notices of the policy during the summer, create educational materials and expand smoking cessation programs for smokers associated with the university.

However, students, faculty and staff could face disciplinary action if they violate the ban. Students who are reported would be referred to the Office of Student Affairs, while staff and faculty could face repercussions if reported to the personnel office, officials said.

Campus police also could issue court summonses to student violators who are under 21. The new law governing tobacco purchases provides for a fine of $100 to $500 for individuals convicted of violating it.

Separately, state law provides for a $25 fine for those who ignore signs banning smoking in public spaces.

“VCU is committed to eliminating known health hazards and promoting healthy habits,” Thomas Briggs, VCU assistant vice president for safety and risk management, in promoting the new policy. “The smoke- and tobacco-free campus policy is a start.”

Meanwhile, a separate state law is expanding no-smoking restrictions in public schools in Richmond and across Virginia.

Students have long been banned from smoking on school property. Now the ban is being expanded to adults. The new law requires school boards to put in place policies to eliminate smoking from teachers’ lounges, school offices and school grounds. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

the project being filmed in the Calhoun Family Investment Center in Gilpin Court.

Information about the production by Mr. Durant’s company, Thirty Five Ventures, in

Cityscape

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond conjunction with Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios, was minimal.

“Details about the production are hush-hush and media access to the set location is denied,”

the production’s publicist Linda M. Colangelo told the Free Press. “This is a closed set.”

Filming is expected to continue at Gilpin Court for more than a week, officials said, before moving to other Virginia locations this summer.

According to the Virginia Film Office, “Filming will be primarily from Caroline to Dinwiddie, and Cumberland to James City … with many big city locations as a key palette.”

The Hollywood Reporter stated that it will air on Apple TV’s streaming service, which starts this fall.

Taylor to vie for Democratic nomination for city commonwealth’s attorney

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Newly appointed Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin will have at least one challenger in her bid to replace her predecessor, Michael N. Herring, who is now in private legal practice.

Richmond-based attorney Alexander L. “Alex” Taylor Jr., 57, entered the race Wednesday and announced he also will vie for the Democratic nomination.

Mrs. McEachin, a former deputy commonwealth’s attorney who has worked in the office for more than 20 years, was sworn in July 2 to replace Mr. Herring. Richmond Circuit Court judges followed Mr. Herring’s recommendation and appointed Mrs. McEachin, the wife of 4th District Congressman A. Donald McEachin, to serve until a special election on Nov. 5.

Mr. Taylor, who has 30 years of experience as a lawyer, is engaged in a doorknocking campaign to generate support.

He said the commonwealth’s attorney’s office needs to focus “as much on engaging the community on how best to fight and reduce crime as prosecuting offenders in the courthouse.”

A co-founder of the mentoring group Concerned Black Men of Richmond, Mr.

Taylor said he also ran mentoring programs as a government lawyer at the city and state levels.

“We can do a lot more in the schools to give guidance to kids to help them avoid Mr. Taylor involvement with the criminal justice system when they grow up,” he said.

A Richmond native, Mr. Taylor has been in private practice since 2011 after spending nearly eight years as a senior assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Richmond. His career also includes eight years as an assistant attorney general, where he specialized in extradition and youth programs.

Mr. Taylor earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from the University of Richmond. He spent nearly six years as a military lawyer with the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He is a retired Army Reserve colonel after 33 years of active and reserve service.

Other candidates may still enter the race for the party’s nomination before the filing deadline on Thursday, July 25.

Mrs. McEachin

Candidates must file required paperwork and pay a $2,810 filing fee, or 2 percent of the $140,500 annual salary contributed by the state — although a city supplement boosts the job’s total salary to around

$195,000 a year.

The Richmond City Democratic Committee has scheduled a two-day “firehouse” primary in August to allow voters to choose the party’s candidate. According to the committee, voting will take place 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St. in Downtown, and 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Southside Community Services Center, 4100 Hull Street Road The winner would be considered a virtual shoo-in to win the Nov. 5 special election to fill out the remainder of Mr. Herring’s term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2021. He was re-elected in 2017 to a four-year term. The next general election for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney will be held in 2021.

Problems with paths, grass persist at Monroe Park

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Add Monroe Park to the list of troubled projects for the city Department Public Works.

The department, which is under fire for the still-incomplete revamping of the 17th Street Farmers’ Market after two years, is facing criticism over the quality of the material and workmanship on the gray stone paths installed at Monroe Park during the $7.8 million renovation.

Rain is carving ruts and eroding the paths that DPW’s capital projects division authorized and installed during the park’s overhaul. The paths have become hazardous for cyclists and pedestrians since the park reopened in September 2018. Periodic replacement of the stone dust has been required.

Complaints about the paths also have been made to Alice McGuire Massie, president of the public-private Monroe Park Conservancy that manages the park for the city.

Ms. Massie confirmed the problems with the paths that apparently were first identified by Charles Woodson of the advocacy group Fans of Monroe Park soon after the reopening. He has mentioned problem repeatedly in social media posts.

However, Ms. Massie said the conservancy did not choose the material used for the paths nor was the conservancy involved in the installation. She said the conservancy’s 11-member board also is concerned about the problems with the DPW-installed paths.

She said the conservancy is working with its maintenance partner, Virginia Commonwealth University, to find a non-tar material that could better handle rain and

other conditions. VCU has been reviewing materials and hopes to begin running tests soon, she said.

“We’re working with materials that do not wash away and are in keeping” with the historical look and feel of the paths in the park that dates to 1851, Ms. Massie said.

Sharon North, DPW spokeswoman, stated that Ms. Massie and Mr. Woodson served on the Monroe Park Advisory Committee for the park’s improvement and have known since the 2008 adoption of the park’s master plan that the paths might be troublesome.

Ms. North noted that the master plan’s consultant, Rhodeside & Harwell, “advised that stone dust was an inexpensive and easily installed paving material” that harkens back to the park’s early days, but added that the “one significant drawback to stone dust paving is the amount of maintenance required” to restore it after rain.

Mr. Woodson responded that MPAC recommended the stone dust be placed over “the existing concrete and asphalt sidewalks,” following the successful model used by Colonial Williamsburg.

Instead, he said DPW and its contractors removed all of the paved surfaces and installed the dust over dirt, which he said created the problem.

“MPAC had no say in this decision,” Mr. Woodson stated. “I was amazed when I heard they were removing all of the paving, as it raised the cost of the pathway installation exponentially.”

Ms. Massie also noted that Mr. Woodson has blamed the conservancy for DPW’s recent use of the herbicide Roundup on the park’s Laurel Lawn that faces Laurel Street.

She said the herbicide’s application represented a first step to installing tougher, drought-resistant sod to replace grass killed in May, but she said that the decision on Roundup’s use was made by DPW, not the conservancy.

The grass died when credit card giant Capital One once again put up a hospitality tent for employees attending companysponsored programs at the Altria Theater across the street from the park. This was the third year the McLean-based company has held such a Richmond event for employees from the Mid-Atlantic region.

Ms. Massie said she has been told that current plans call for installation of TifTuf Bermuda grass sod this month to restore the Laurel Lawn, but she said that the conservancy would not have authorized the use of Roundup, a commonly used herbicide since 1974.

She said that the use of the glysophatebased product violates the conservancy’s policy of working with VCU to use sustainable practices to maintain the park.

She said she and other conservancy members would have recommended the use of a vinegar solution or similar natural herbicide and is disappointed that DPW never asked the conservancy’s opinion.

In response, Ms. North confirmed that DPW used Roundup. She stated DPW continues to use the product based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s finding that glysophate continues to be safe for people and animals.

Ms. North noted that the EPA in April released its latest review of the chemical.

According to the interim EPA report, the agency rejected the claim that glysophate is a carcinogen or creates public health risks.

KKK holds recruitment rally in Hanover Associated Press

About a dozen people wearing white Klan robes and waving Confederate flags held a recruitment rally last Saturday outside the Hanover County courthouse.

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office

said that they received multiple calls about the Ku Klux Klan rally outside the courthouse. But officials said no laws were broken and no violence occurred.

The rally north of Richmond lasted about an hour.

The Klansmen waived signs and held

banners urging prospective new members to contact them.

W. Canova Peterson, chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, said he disagrees with the Klan, but was pleased that things remained peaceful.

Richmond Free Press

July 11-13, 2019

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Local News

Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

A strip mall at the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Lombardy Street includes a restaurant and other retail establishments that would be grandfathered in under the plan.

Courtesy of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review

This rendering shows the mixed-use development planned for the Lombardy StreetBrook Road intersection, with apartments and other residences located above offices, shops and businesses in a neighborhood center.

Public hearings slated on zoning change for VUU-Chamberlayne corridor plan

By Ronald E. Carrington

The need to reshape a central corridor for one of North Side’s neighborhoods is the driving force behind a redevelopment plan coming before Richmond City Council this month.

Residents who live near the Virginia Union UniversityChamberlayne Avenue corridor, as well as business owners in the area, are expected to attend a presentation and public hearing on the rezoning and redevelopment plan that is up for approval by the city Planning Commission during its meeting at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, in the 5th floor conference room at City Hall.

Another public hearing is scheduled at the next City Council meeting on Monday, July 22, where the council is expected to approve the plan. However, officials said any changes to the neighborhood would be gradual.

The future neighborhood center, bordered by Chamberlayne

Avenue, Lombardy Street and Brook Road near VUU, will primarily serve Edge Hill and Chamberlayne Court, Battery Park, Ginter Park and other North Side neighborhoods.

Currently, the Lombardy Street corridor, the focal point of the revitalization, is a series of used car lots, auto repair and machine shops, vacant or abandoned buildings including a former animal hospital, deserted parking lots and sidewalks in disrepair. A few businesses that are not automotive related or fast food chains also serve the neighborhood. Most are located in a small strip mall at the intersection of the 2400 block of Northumberland Avenue and Lombardy Street.

In February 2016, City Council adopted the VUU-Chamberlayne Neighborhood Plan rezoning amendment to the city’s master plan.

The current redevelopment plan, created by Urban Design Associates in cooperation with the city’s Department of Planning and Development Review, calls for a higher density, mixed-use neighborhood center, including a pedestrian-friendly retail and

Main pool at Randolph closed, awaiting repair Free Press staff report

Randolph Pool in the near West End, one of seven outdoor pools the city operates, has been out of commission for nearly three weeks, leaving swimmers frustrated, including neighborhood children seeking to cool off.

Tamara Jenkins, spokeswoman for the

city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, said Randolph’s main pool had to be shut down “as the result of an electrical issue with the filtration system.”

Ms. Jenkins noted that Randolph also has a baby pool and diving wells that are open and operating.

She said the department will make the

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repair and reopen the main pool after a replacement part that has been ordered arrives.

She said the department was unaware of the problem before the city pools opened for the season on June 15.

Until the repair is made, she said people can use the smaller pools at Randolph or “any of the other outdoor pools across the city.”

shopping district with apartments and housing located above offices and businesses.

Officials said the plan was derived after significant input from area residents, business owners and representatives of institutions in the area. Present businesses would be grandfathered into the plan; however, any new business owners would have to fit into the rezoning plan.

As envisioned, the corridor would be a community destination or neighborhood walk to have coffee or a meal, pick up dry cleaning or go to a small, corner store.

“Neighborhood residents have expressed approval and are eager to see the area change for the better,” a PDR official stated in response to a Free Press query regarding resistance to the rezoning.

According to PDR, most of the area is either part of the city’s Commercial Area Revitalization Effort, or CARE program, designed to revitalize mature neighborhood commercial districts primarily in low- and moderate-income communities, or located in an enterprise zone that makes the area eligible for assistance with development and expansion.

Adding to the area’s repositioning, VUU is eyeing possible redevelopment of a 1-acre site across from the campus at Lombardy and Brook Road that is currently occupied by Budget Inn-Richmond. In April, VUU issued a request for proposal for development of the site.

City records list the current owner as Surjaya Corp., which purchased the motel in 2006 for $1.2 million. The latest city assessment valued the property at $543,000.

Individuals close to the project who asked not to be identified said the university has financial supporters ready to help make the deal a reality.

Richmond Free Press

A4 July 11-13, 2019

Local News

Special General Assembly session called Tuesday to deal with gun violence collapses in GOP ploy; showdown expected in Nov. elections Continued from A1

to the mentally ill and restoring authority to cities, counties and towns to ban firearms from their government buildings.

In response, Republicans sent all of the bills to the GOPdominated state Crime Commission for study and set a return date of Nov. 18 — 13 days after the election — for the legislature to consider the commission’s recommendations.

The result is to set up a showdown on gun control as voters go to the polls to settle the question of which political party will control the legislature.

While venting frustration, Democrats consider the Republican

Photos by Regina H. Boone for Richmond Free Press

Above left, wearing orange stickers that read, “Guns SAVE Lives,” gun advocates line up to enter the public galleries in the Capitol before Tuesday’s special session. Right, three members of the Legislative Black Caucus give a power salute showing solidarity with gun control advocates Tuesday on their way to a special session of the General Assembly. From left, they are Delegates Joseph C. “Joe” Lindsey of Norfolk, Marcia S. “Cia” Price of Newport News and Lashrecse D. Aird of Petersburg.

From left, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, Gov. Ralph S. Northam and Attorney General Mark R. Herring pray during a “Stop the Gun Violence Rally” last Sunday at Thirty-first Street Baptist Church in the East End. Delegate McQuinn organized the event ahead of Tuesday’s special legislative session.

ploy as a win. Party incumbents and candidates are hoping gun control and public safety will be a winning issue that will help them take the majority.

And behind the scenes, the governor’s leadership on the gun issue will enable him to overcome any lingering concerns over the blackface scandal that has tainted him and help the two other top Democratic officials, Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax and Attorney General Mark R. Herring, who also have been dealing with their own personal conduct scandals.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Kirk Cox of Colonial Heights, Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. “Tommy” Norment of James City County and their GOP colleagues are hoping their efforts to protect the status quo by blocking restrictions on gun sales or possession will help maintain GOP control of both houses.

Ahead of Tuesday’s session, thousands of advocates flooded into Capitol Square to promote or attack the proposed legislation. “Votes and Laws!” was one of the many chants that rose on the grounds during the rallies.

Capitol Police stayed close, and advocates on both sides of the gun issue remained peaceful. Several pro-gun rights advocates openly carried side arms and military-style weapons, which is allowed under Virginia law.

After Republicans pulled off their shutdown of the session, Democrats reacted strongly, labeling the inaction as “pathetic,”

Slot machines hit jackpot Continued from A1

on chance. Knock out one, and a machine can be legal.

And that’s what these companies say they are doing — creating machines that require “skill.”

For example, many of these machines do not generate wins for the player simply by the press of the play button. Instead, when two symbols of the same kind are visible, the player must touch the screen over a third symbol, usually a “wild card,” to get the third symbol in line to create a win.

It’s pretty simple, said Ms. Hill, but that small action is enough to allow the manufacturers to claim that skill is involved.

Players must recognize the situation and act within a short time, 10 seconds or so, to win.

Others require players to use memory.

For example, in one game, circles light up in a pattern that the player has to mimic to have a chance to win.

Courts in Ohio and Pennsylvania have ruled in favor of the manufacturers, and in Virginia, the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has cleared the Pace-O-Matic machines as meeting the “skill” test.

“A lot of times when people look at these machines, they say, ‘It looks like a duck, it quacks like a duck, so it must be a duck.’

But that’s not always the case. And certainly not when it comes to this equipment,” said Brent Jackson, a Richmond attorney who represents Gracies Technologies, a New York-based company that also distributes machines in Virginia.

The Virginia ABC decision is the main reason virtually all the machines are located in restaurants and stores that have

licenses to sell beer and/or wine on and off premises.

In Virginia’s January General Assembly session, the state Senate rejected a proposal that would have created a new regulatory division to monitor the machines in the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Still, despite the ABC’s decision, the legality of the machines is questioned. To date, Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring has not issued a legal opinion, and so far no charges have been brought against businesses that have allowed companies to place machines in their stores.

In Richmond, former Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring regularly received information from police and residents about these machines since they began appearing, but declined to take any action.

Assistant Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Joshua Boyles, whom Mr. Herring assigned to investigate, stated in response to a Free Press query that “our office hasn’t given a green light to any slot-style machines in the city,” except those now at Rosie’s.

However, he declined to suggest that any machines now operating in stores are illegal.

“Whether use of a given machine amounts to illegal gambling or a permissible game of chance is a very fact-specific inquiry,” he stated.

Mr. Boyles previously told the Virginia Mercury that the legal status of the machines “is uncharted territory.”

The first real test of that legality could come in Charlottesville, where Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania on June 7 deemed them illegal and ordered businesses

in that city to remove them within 30 days or face criminal charges.

He has yet to follow through on charges for noncompliant businesses. Pace-O-Matic indicated to a Charlottesville newspaper that it believes its machines meet requirements of the law and that it stands ready to defend its interests.

Still, despite the spread of the machines, they have not generated the kind of buzz that Rosie’s sparked when it opened last week on Richmond’s Midlothian Turnpike.

By contrast, empty chairs at the machines are a common sight in convenience stores and lines rarely, if ever, develop with players waiting to play.

The amount of money being wagered in stores also is a far cry from the Rosie’s gusher. With the opening of outlets in Richmond and Hampton, Rosie’s is on track to rake in from players $100 million or more per month before jackpot and tax outlays.

Pace-O-Matic and other companies are not required to report their earnings or the amount of wagering being done on their machines in Virginia.

Based on information Pace-O-Matic released on its website, the company’s machines in Virginia generated about $9 million between October 2018 and June 2019, before the payout of jackpots and taxes.

The split from machine’s revenues is advantageous to stores. Queen of Virginia reports its games return about 92 percent to players in terms of jackpots, which is typical for a slots operation. The remaining 8 percent of the revenue is split three ways: 40 percent to the location and the remainder evenly split between Queen and its parent, Pace-O-Matic.

VSU student gets inspiration from Hollywood internship Continued from A1

signed on as the TMCF national ambassador was to use my platform to give back, invest and inspire the next generation of young, innovative HBCU leaders like Jaelon,” Mr. Jenkins said in a statement announcing Mr. Hodges’ selection.

Mr. Jenkins was lauded by TMCF President Harry L. Williams for providing students with a guiding hand into the worlds of communications, media and entertainment that are typically difficult to reach for young people of color.

Mr. Hodges shared the internship, typically meant for a single student, with Florida A&M University’s Kennedy Hayden. While this meant splitting the time allotted, Mr. Hodges still managed to walk away from his three weeks in Los Angeles with stories to tell.

Beginning June 3, Mr. Hodges’ primary role at Sunset Park was to look

over film scripts and read screenplays, sometimes accompanying Mr. Jenkins in his day-to-day activities through various studios, with free time devoted to his own projects.

In the fast-moving world of Hollywood, this proximity to Mr. Jenkins gave Mr. Hodges considerable insight into the daily operation of a black entertainment figure.

He said he also honed his observational and critical thinking skills as he worked to complete the tasks assigned.

The internship also allowed Mr. Hodges to occasionally encounter or spot celebrity figures like Keith Powers, Jamie Foxx and Queen Latifah. Combined with the switch in landscape from his native Virginia Beach to California, the weeks left Mr. Hodges in awe.

“It was really amazing. It was a lifechanging experience. It was really humbling being an HBCU student in the area,” Mr. Hodges said.

The experience has been a rejuvenating one for Mr. Hodges, who had felt unsure about furthering his interest in entertainment and television. Now, he works regularly to refine his comedic work, video editing skills and other pursuits on his personal YouTube channel and across his Instagram and Twitter pages. He is driven by a desire for self-improvement, all the while making new friends and associates inside and outside of VSU. “I feel the fire,” Mr. Hodges said. “I make videos all the time now. It really inspired me to make a video every day, interact with somebody every day, make a connection with somebody that you know in your field.”

And while he’ll continue his studies at VSU in the fall, Mr. Hodges said he now carries new motivation that will stay with him beyond college: “Don’t sit around; don’t watch time go by. Be active.”

“shameful” and “flat-out cowardly.”

Gov. Northam set the tone for the party in a message that was repeated with variations by the partisans who agreed with him.

“I called legislators back to Richmond so we could take immediate action to address the gun violence emergency that takes more than a thousand Virginians’ lives each year,” Gov. Northam stated after the shutdown.

“I expected lawmakers to take this seriously. I expected them to do what their constituents elected them to do — discuss issues and take votes,” he continued. “It is shameful and disappointing that Republicans in the General Assembly refuse to do their jobs and take immediate action to save lives. I expected better of them. Virginians expect better of them.”

Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, a Democrat with statewide ambitions, was even tougher.

“Republicans in the General Assembly proved today that they are not just spineless but flat-out cowardly,” he stated.

“By not allowing for a single vote on legislation or a single word of debate on commonsense gun control bills, they dishonored the victims of gun violence across Virginia.

“Richmond is ready to protect our children, our employees and all our residents.

In November, Virginians will have an opportunity to elect state representatives who are willing to do the same,” he noted.

A sign held at Tuesday’s “I think it’s tragic that we are rally at the State Capitol. not going to take any action, at least until Nov. 18,” Democratic Delegate Jeffery M. Bourne of Richmond said after the adjournment. “How many more lives are we going to lose by not enacting common sense gun safety bills into law to prevent guns from getting in the hands of people who don’t need them?”

Republicans were unrepentent.

“The Crime Commission is a widely respected, bipartisan panel known for its substantive work on matters of public policy,” Speaker Cox stated, without mentioning the commission’s nine members include six Republicans and three Democrats.

“The commission has the resources and expertise to carefully examine the bills set forward in this session, the results of the investigations into the shootings in Virginia Beach, and come back with a detailed report just as the Virginia Tech Review Panel did” following the 2007 massacre of more than 30 students and faculty at that school “Gov. Northam should have followed the precedent set after the Virginia Tech murders,” Sen. Norment stated.

“Having failed to follow a proven example that led to bipartisan consensus, that responsibility falls to us. By tasking the Crime Commission with this important assignment, we are establishing a thorough and reasoned process that will lead to broad consensus.”

“We all came in here with great optimism and we were defeated by the reality. And that is disappointing,” Henrico Democratic Delegate Lamont Bagby remarked.

Sheila Bynum-Coleman, who is challenging Speaker Cox in the Chesterfield County-Colonial Heights district, hopes his action will boost her chances for an upset in November.

“From calling gun safety ‘hasty and suspect’ to labeling the special session ‘an election year stunt,’ Speaker Cox demonstrated that he sides with the gun lobby over safe schools and safe streets,” said Ms. Bynum-Coleman, whose daughter was severely injured when she was shot in 2016.

“While today was undoubtedly a disgraceful day in the political history of our Commonwealth, I am confident we will persevere once we elect a pro-gun safety majority in November.”

Richmond Free Press wins NNPA award Continued from A1

lottesville streets in a show of unity and solidarity against hate and to criticize a heavy police presence.

The NNPA represents more than 200 newspapers owned by African-Americans across the United States.

The theme for this year’s convention: “Celebrating 192 Years of the Black Press in America: Innovation, Transformation and Empowerment.”

Two Democratic presidential candidates addressed the publishers during the five-day event. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont delivered a keynote address on June 28, while U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California opened the June 27 awards dinner via a video message of support and encouragement for the black press.

Publisher Brenda Andrews of the New Journal and Guide newspaper in Norfolk won the coveted Publisher of the Year Award.

Top honors at this year’s awards ceremony went to The Miami Times, which received the John B. Russwurm Trophy for the highest score in the awards categories.

In 1827, Mr. Russwurm co-founded with Samuel E. Cornish Freedom’s Journal, the country’s first African American-owned and operated newspaper, with the credo: “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.”

Richmond Free Press

July 11-13, 2019

A5

News

2018: A record year for exonerations

by The Innocence Project

By Frederick H. Lowe

The Innocence Project got Gregory Counts released from prison in 2018.

The Innocence Project reported that a record nine clients were exonerated and released from prison in 2018 for crimes they didn’t commit.

Maddy deLone, executive director of The Innocence Project, wrote in the spring 2019 issue of “The Innocence Project in Print” that the nine exonerations were the most in a single year in the organization’s 26-year history.

Exonerations continued into 2019 with three more men being released from prison for crimes they didn’t commit.

Incarceration took a toll on the 12 men who were locked behind bars for a combined

total of nearly 300 years.

“Time away from their homes, families and loved ones cannot be replaced,” Ms. deLone wrote.

Gregory Counts of New York, one of the exonerated, said, “I went to jail when I was 19. I did 26 years — over half of my life in jail. I need to see the world.”

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. vacated rape, sodomy and kidnapping charges against Mr. Counts after a woman who claimed she was the victim admitted to lying. DNA and other physical evidence eliminated Mr. Counts as a suspect.

Malcolm Alexander, an exoneree in Louisiana, said, “Freedom is a new life. It’s like

being reborn. It’s giving a chance to live a life I had been denied.”

The Innocence Project determined Mr. Alexander’s attorney was incompetent.

Genetic testing eventually eliminated him as the perpetrator of a rape.

Mr. Alexander left prison with a smile on his face and his black Labrador Retriever named “Innocent.”

In another matter, New York created the first statewide commission to study prosecutorial misconduct, such as a failure to disclose exculpatory evidence or discrimination in jury selection.

Special to Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarToday.com

Malcolm Alexander was released from prison in 2018 after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit.

Councilwoman Robertson working to create jobs bus Richmond Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson is hoping to build on the job and career fair she sponsored June 29 at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, which attracted 121 job seekers.

“We always hope to serve more, but those who came were seriously looking for a job.

Many had arrived before 10 a.m.,” when the event started, said Ms. Robertson, who represents the city’s 6th District.

Ms. Robertson said, as a result, she is working with GRTC and a nonprofit in a bid to

create a jobs bus that could travel to different neighborhoods to enable potential workers to interview near their homes, rather than requiring them to travel.

She said she also learned that more advance work needs to be done. That includes helping job seekers to create résumés and brush up on interview skills.

She said she also wants to have companies post the jobs they are seeking to fill well before the job fair so that potential employees can better match their skills to the needs.

Couple trying to save James Weldon Johnson cabin Free Press wire report

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.

A New Jersey couple is working to preserve a crumbling hilltop cabin in western Massachusetts where noted African-American author, educator and songwriter James Weldon Johnson wrote one of his most famous works.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Rufus Jones and Jill Rosenberg-Jones purchased a summer home in 2011 on a 5-acre property in Great Barrington that once belonged to Mr. Johnson. They’re now turning their attention to saving the cabin where Mr. Johnson wrote “God’s Trombones,” a 1927 book of spiritual poetry.

Mr. Johnson was an early leader of the NAACP and also a college professor at Fisk University, diplomat and songwriter.

In 1934, four years before his death, he was appointed the first African-American professor at New York University, where he taught literature and culture.

Mr. Johnson is perhaps best known for penning the lyrics to

“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” which has become known as the “Negro National Anthem.”

Mr. Jones and Ms. Rosenberg-Jones said the cabin, perched in an ancient hemlock

grove, has fallen into disrepair and could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore.

The couple created a foundation in 2016 to help keep Mr. Johnson’s legacy alive.

About 1 in 12 African Americans have

Upcoming Free Health Seminars We’ll be offering the following free health seminars at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Kelly Education Center, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue. Registration is recommended. Free parking available.

July 16, 2019 | 5:30 p.m.

The Power of Advanced MRI in Prostate Cancer July 23, 2019 | 5:30 p.m.

Getting Older and Urological Issues Affecting Men August 7, 2019 | 5:30 p.m.

Less is More: Deprescribing Medications Register online at vcuhealth.org/events or call (804) 628-0041 for more information.

Sickle Cell Trait.

When two people with Sickle Cell Trait have a child, there is a 1 in 4 chance with each pregnancy, that the child will have a painful life threatening disease called Sickle Cell Disease.

Do you have Sickle Cell Trait?

GET TESTED! For more information, call

SICKLE CELL ASSOCIATION OF RICHMOND - OSCAR

804-321-3311

190711-Free Press.indd 1

6/28/19 9:19 AM

NEW BUS STOP AMENITIES PUBLIC NOTIFICATION MEETINGS GRTC is partnering with Bon Secours to enhance amenities at select bus stops in Richmond’s East End. At these meetings, participants will be presented with the bus stop locations being considered first for improvements. An interactive survey will help GRTC prioritize which stops are most important to the community to receive enhanced amenities first. Feedback will also be welcome for future stop improvements.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Transit Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting Presentation Included in Agenda 5th Floor Conference Room -Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219 Wednesday, July 24, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Main Branch - Richmond Public Library 101 E Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219 Thursday, July 25, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School 1000 Mosby St., Richmond, VA 23223 Wednesday, July 31, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM George Mason Elementary School 813 N. 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 Thursday, August 1, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM East End Branch - Richmond Public Library 1200 N 25th St., Richmond, VA 23223 Tuesday, August 13, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Market @ 25th, Community Room 1330 N. 25th St., Richmond, VA 23223 Wednesday, August 21, 2019 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Market @ 25th, Community Room 1330 N. 25th St., Richmond, VA 23223 Additional community meetings will occur. Please visit ridegrtc.com or call 804-358-4782 for the latest list of opportunities to contribute input.

GRTC staff will provide information and gather survey feedback at the Market @ 25th on the following dates (times vary): July 25, 26, 31 August 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22 GRTC staff will also be at the Creighton Resource Center Anniversary at 2150 Creighton Rd. on July 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Please send any routing questions or comments to: Email planningcomment@ridegrtc.com Phone: (804) 358-4782 Mail: Planning Division, GRTC Transit System, 301 East Belt Boulevard, Richmond VA 23224 Meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. GRTC strives to provide reasonable accommodations and services for persons who require assistance to participate. For special assistance, call Carrie Rose Pace at 804-474-9354 or email carrie.rosepace@ridegrtc.com at least 72 hours prior to the public meeting. Si usted necesita servicios de tradución para participar, por favor mande un correo electrónico a: carrie.rosepace@ridegrtc.com. GRTC Transit System’s CARE and CARE Plus services provide origin-to-destination Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services to residents of the Richmond Region. To schedule a reservation, please call (804) 782-CARE (2273), email webcarecvan@ridegrtc.com, or fax (804) 474-9993.

Richmond Free Press

Blooms over Overbrook Road

Editorial Page

A6

July 11-13, 2019

Enough is enough from the GOP

Insulting.

That’s the treatment Republican lawmakers dished out to all Virginians on Tuesday when they shut down a special General Assembly on gun violence and public safety without any discussion, debate or action.

Dozens of bills had been submitted addressing this critical issue in Virginia, where thousands of families have been directly impacted by gun violence in recent years.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam, a Democrat, called the special session just days after 12 people were shot and killed by a Virginia Beach city employee in a May 31 massacre at their municipal center and after 9-year-old Markiya Dickson was killed in crossfire on a Richmond park playground on May 26.

But Republicans who control slim majorities in both the state Senate and the House of Delegates showed their contempt for victims’ families and the welfare of all Virginians by failing to take up even one bill.

Instead, Republicans pushed everything off to a study by the state Crime Commission and adjourned until Nov. 18 — after the fall general election when all 140 seats in the General Assembly are up for balloting.

Well, we say, “Enough is enough.” This devaluing of human life and lack of concern for the safety and well-being of Virginians and their communities must stop.

Just like we believe the time has come for action on curbing gun violence in our streets and communities, schools, churches, government buildings and playgrounds, the time has come for Virginia voters to bounce out of office the lawmakers who refuse to even consider basic gun safety and gun control measures. When Nov. 5 rolls around, these GOP lawmakers have got to go.

We urge Virginians to vote for candidates who are unbought and unbossed by the National Rifle Association. Vote for candidates who support universal background checks before all gun purchases; a ban on assault weapons and bump stocks, such as the type used in the Las Vegas massacre in October 2017; a ban on silencers and high-capacity magazines, such as those used by the Virginia Beach shooter; a statewide prohibition on carrying guns into government buildings; and new authority to take guns out of the hands of those deemed a risk to the public because of mental illness or past violence.

These are just a few of the common sense measures Gov. Northam and others proposed that were supposed to be considered at Tuesday’s special session, but were squelched by the senseless GOP power play.

Enough is enough.

It’s time now for the safety of all Virginians to be put ahead of partisan interests and the gun lobby.

Equal pay

We congratulate 15-year-old tennis phenom Coco Gauff for her terrific performance at Wimbledon and the members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team who brought home the FIFA World Cup this week.

Their skill, training and dedication to their respective sports have given people worldwide something to cheer about. They are a joy to watch, and we wish them continued success.

We also must remember that while we are enjoying their stellar performances, this is a profession for these athletes. They should be paid in sums equal to that of their male counterparts.

Wimbledon went through this some time ago when women competitors were denied equal pay with male players. But because of the advocacy of players and pressure from supporters and the public, winners of the men’s and women’s singles tournaments will each walk away with the same amount this year — a cool $2.9 million.

Unfortunately, members of the U.S. women’s soccer team had to file a lawsuit earlier this year to get the U.S. Soccer Federation to understand they are serious about equal pay. The suit, now in mediation, has garnered global attention and support for the women. Fans gathered in the World Cup stadium in Lyon, France, erupted into a chant of “Equal pay!” after the Americans’ victory last Sunday.

The women’s games garnered major TV audiences worldwide and brought in ads and sponsorships for the games. It is the second consecutive world championship for the American women and the fourth overall for the team. The U.S. men’s team can’t boast the same.

The solution is simple and global: Equal pay for women in sports and all professions.

A Fourth of July travesty

President Trump’s ego-driven, militaristic Fourth of July display has come with a big price tag.

According to the latest figures announced by the Pentagon and the National Park Service, the president’s public show in Washington of tanks and military equipment, jet and aircraft flyovers and a huge fireworks display cost America’s taxpayers $3.7 million.

That’s too bad, particularly when the federal deficit soared 77 percent in the first four months of 2019 to $310 billion.

That’s up from $176 billion a year ago, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

It’s also too bad because America is being led by a man who proves almost daily how little he knows about this nation. And he shows us just how little he cares.

Reading from his prepared text on July 4, President Trump said: “In June of 1775, the Continental Congress created a unified Army out of the Revolutionary Forces encamped around Boston and New York, and named after the great George Washington, commander in chief. The Continental Army suffered a bitter winter of Valley Forge, found glory across the waters of the Delaware and seized victory from Cornwallis of Yorktown.

“Our Army manned the air, it rammed the ramparts, it took over the airports, it did everything it had to do, and at Fort McHenry, under the rocket’s red glare it had nothing but victory. And when dawn came, their star-spangled banner waved defiant.”

There were no airports or air travel in America in the 1700s.

And the battle at Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to pen a poem that became the lyrics for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” took place during the War of 1812, not during the Revolutionary War. Geez.

Our only question: Could President Trump answer the civics questions on the U.S. citizenship test given to the immigrants he so despises?

We think not.

Running for exposure

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Twenty-four people are running for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States. From where I sit, at least half of them are only running for exposure, for the vice presidential nod, for cabinet secretary, to push a platform or simply to be seen. Their ambitions have made the process turgid and impractical, often amusing and only sometimes illuminating.

The candidates do best when they have time to expound on their ideas, as they did at the Rev. William J. Barber II’s Poor People’s Congress on June 17 or at the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s National Rainbow Coalition International Convention June 28 through July 2.

Rev. Barber’s meeting drew nine candidates, each of whom had the opportunity to give a 4-minute speech and 26 minutes of questioning from Rev. Barber.

The Rainbow PUSH gathering drew seven candidates who had about 15 minutes to address those assembled.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Mayors Bill de Blasio and Pete Buttigieg had press conferences with Rev. Jackson.

U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris and Cory Booker did not attend Rev. Jackson’s meeting, although Sen. Harris did get to Rev. Barber’s

Julianne Malveaux and pledged to support a debate dedicated to poverty issues.

With a crowded field and calendar, it is clear that everybody can’t be everywhere, but I’d like the two African-American senators to explain why they snubbed Rev. Jackson, a leader who provided the very foundation for them to run for office.

Memo to candidates Andrew Yang, Marianne Williamson, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, Mayor Wayne Messam of Miramar, Fla., and a few others: What are you running for, really?

You’ve got ideas, but doesn’t everybody? But you have about as good a chance of being president as the proverbial snowball has a chance of surviving Hades.

You’ve raised a little money and you’ve got a skeleton staff. Why not sit home and write op-eds

about your good ideas? Somebody will publish them.

Memo to Beto O’Rourke: Just like the South lost the Civil War, you lost the U.S. Senate race in 2018. Losing a statewide competition is hardly the foundation for a successful presidential run. You were a nondescript congressman who sponsored little legislation, a Democratic sensation mainly because you came close to toppling the odious Sen. Ted Cruz.

But what do you stand for other than white male exuberance, jumping up on tables with the wild hand gestures? Run for U.S. Senate in Texas again. Maybe you’d win and really make a difference!

Memo to Julián Castro: Don’t patronize your own community by speaking Spanish poorly. I think Latino people care more about your policy positions than your Spanish language ability.

Good move in going after Beto O’Rourke in the debates on immigration issues. Wrong move in missing the Poor People’s Congress after confirming that you’d be there.

Memo to Joe Biden: You’re better than your act, better than your debate performance, better than your wandering, longwinded speeches. I know you’ve

Disparity continues in homeownership Nearly 90 years ago, Kelly Miller, a black sociologist and mathematician, said, “The Negro is up against the white man’s standard, without the white man’s opportunity.” As the first black man to enroll as a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University in 1908, M r. M i l l e r also authored a book entitled “Race Adjustment,” published in 1908.

Ironically, despite the passage of time, Mr. Miller’s words express the same sentiment held today by many black Americans.

While economists, public policy think tanks and other entities may sing a chorus of how well the American economy is performing and expanding, people of color — especially black and brown people — have yet to see or feel economic vibrancy in our own lives, particularly when it comes to housing and homeownership.

Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies released on June 25 its annual report, The State of the Nation’s Housing, that chronicles recent trends and issues.

“The limited supply of smaller, more affordable homes in the face of rising demand suggests that the rising land costs and the difficult development environment make it unprofitable to build for the middle market,” said Chris Herbert, JCHS’s managing director.

Among this year’s key findings: • Since 2018, the monthly housing payment on a medianpriced home has been $1,775; • In 2019, the cost of a median-

priced home rose by 4 percent to $261,600; a comparable home in 2011 was priced far lower at $177,400.

• Nearly $52,000 would be required to make a 20 percent down payment on a median priced home. Even if buyers opted for an FHA 3.5 percent down payment mortgage, more than $9,000 would be needed to pay it, closing costs and

Charlene Crowell related fees.

• In rental housing, 4 million units of housing priced at $800 or less were lost between 2011 and 2019. Also, since 2010, renters now include consumers earning $75,000 or more.

When homeownership is possible, housing costs can be better contained with fixed interest rate mortgages, tax credits and eventual equity. Even so, the Harvard report finds that only 36 percent of all consumers could afford to buy their own home in 2018. With higher priced homes in 2019, the affordability challenge worsens.

“It is equally noteworthy that once again this key report shares how consumers of color continue to face challenges in becoming homeowners, noted Nikitra Bailey, an executive vice president with the Center for Responsible Lending. “According to the report, only 43 percent of blacks and 47 percent of Latinx own their own home, while white homeownership remains at 73 percent. This 30 percent disparity deserves further examination and proportional remedies.

“Greater access to safe and affordable credit, better fair housing enforcement, preservation of anti-discrimination laws — including disparate impact

— can play a role in eliminating homeownership gaps,” Ms. Bailey continued. “Further, as the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are publicly debated, a renewed commitment to serve all creditworthy borrowers must be embraced.”

On the same day as the Harvard report’s release, President Trump signed an executive order that establishes a new advisory body that will be led by U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

Eight federal agencies will work with state and local government officials to remove “burdensome governmental regulations” affecting affordable housing.

“Increasing the supply of housing by removing overly burdensome rules and regulations will reduce housing costs, boost economic growth, and provide more Americans with opportunities for economic mobility,” Dr. Carson stated.

If Dr. Carson means that local zoning rules favor singlefamily homes over multi-family developments is a fundamental public policy flaw, he may be on to something. However this focus misses the crux of the affordable housing crisis: Wages are not rising in line with increasing housing costs. And now, after the housing industry continues to cater to more affluent consumers, while many older adults choose to age in place, the market has very little to offer those who want their own American Dream, including some who are anxiously awaiting the chance to form their own households.

Time will tell whether new advisors and proposals remember the lessons from the Great Recession.

The writer is communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending.

The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you.

We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

been doing you for a long time, and the wordy gaffes seem to work for you. Actually, they don’t. There’s nothing wrong with saying you made a mistake; nothing wrong with apologizing to Anita Hill, which you haven’t done yet; and nothing wrong with talking about busing unapologetically. If you don’t get your act together, Sens. Warren and Harris are going to make mincemeat out of you.

It’s only July, seven long months before the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 3. And eight months before the delegate-rich Super Tuesday, March 3, when at least 15 states, including Texas and California, will hold primaries and 1,321 Democratic delegates will be up for grabs. What we must know, even at this point, is that all 24 candidates aren’t running for president. At least half of them are simply running for exposure and most of the nation is not paying attention.

The writer is an economist and author.

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Richmond Free Press

July 11-13, 2019

Letters to the Editor

‘We must do better’

I had three, young African-American men murdered in my district just in the week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday.

It is such an emotionally draining and troubling condition for our people for there to be such cowards willing to take the life of another with a gun.

Far too often, this happens because we, the adults in their lives, have not raised them to be men who can resolve conflicts without resorting to violence and to live in peace.

That is why we must do better.

What our community really needs are grown men to help our sons grow into strong persons who can forgive others’ trespasses as we all are enjoined to do.

The killings too often stem from petty insults and disputes that trigger uncontrolled

Layton Construction Company, LLC is currently seeking bids from qualiďŹ ed Subcontractors and Suppliers for two upcoming projects. Richmond, Virginia and surrounding area businesses are invited to attend a preconstruction Meet & Greet to learn more about opportunities associated with the following projects.

anger that evidences why rage is listed as a deadly sin.

In at least one case, the killing resulted from a neighborhood conflict that has been going on for two years. What began as simmering anger ultimately boiled over into all consuming bitterness and resentment that led to gunfire, murder and eternal brokenness in a new telling of the ancient Cain and Abel story.

For those who died, let us hereby highly resolve to do all we can to prevent these horrific and bloody outcomes that wreak havoc on our families and our neighborhoods.

ELLEN F. ROBERTSON Richmond The writer represents the 6th District on Richmond City Council.

Chippenham Hospital OR Expansion/Rightsizing Project The project consists of 20,000 SF building addition for expanded Surgery Waiting, (4) new ORs and Prep/Post Op positions. The addition includes a new Drop Off Canopy and Mechanical Penthouse; 4,000 SF interior renovation of existing Same Day Surgery Services. The duration of the project is approximately 13 months. Bid Packages associated with the project include the following: Selective Demolition • Concrete • Masonry • Structural Steel • Architectural Casework • Metal Wall Panels • Membrane RooďŹ ng • Applied FireprooďŹ ng • Firestopping • WaterprooďŹ ng & Joint Sealants • Doors, Frames & Hardware • Entrances, Storefronts & Curtainwall • Interior Glass & Glazing • Drywall • Hard Tile • Acoustical Ceilings • Resilient Flooring & Carpet • Terrazzo Flooring • Painting • Specialties • Window Treatments • Fire Suppression • Plumbing • HVAC • Electrical • Telecommunications • Access Control • Site Demo & Earthwork • Sidewalks & Paving • Landscaping & Irrigation • Site Utilities Johnston-Willis Hospital NICU and Bed Renovations Project The project consists of 20,000 SF Multi-phase interior renovation of existing spaces for new Respiratory Therapy, (10) NICU bays and supporting spaces, (5) Med/Surg Beds, and (2) triage bays and Nursery. The duration of the project is approximately 14 months. Bid Packages associated with the project include the following: Selective Demolition • Firestopping • Joint Sealants • Doors, Frames & Hardware • Interior Glass & Glazing • Drywall • Hard Tile • Acoustical Ceilings • Resilient Flooring & Carpet • Painting • Specialties • Window Treatments • Fire Suppression • Plumbing • HVAC • Electrical • Telecommunications • Access Control

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Use the right name for newly renamed boulevard Re ‘A true champion’: Thousands celebrate dedication of Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Free Press June 27-29 edition: His name is Arthur Ashe Jr. His father’s name is Arthur Ashe.

Why has the City of Richmond taken it upon themselves to name the boulevard

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RAY TAAXLIB-DEEN MUHAMMAD Richmond The writer is with the Foundation to Abolish Color Definition for Americans.

What:

Preconstruction Meet & Greet

When:

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Where:

CJW Johnston-Willis Hospital Atrium Auditorium 1401 Johnston-Willis Drive Richmond, VA 23235

Layton Construction Company, LLC and HCA are strongly committed to the development and implementation of initiatives which promote the inclusion of all local construction-related businesses with an emphasis on minority and womenowned business enterprise ďŹ rms. Please join us at the preconstruction Meet & Greet to explore more opportunities with this project For more information regarding bid packages associated with this project, please contact: Amber Tannehill, Estimator at (615) 484-5334 or Email: atannehill@laytonconstruction.com To RSVP for the upcoming Meet & Greet, please contact: Rhea Kinnard at (615) 941-8396 or Email: kinn0167@aol.com

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY, FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER GV, GREENSVILLE COUNTY POWER STATION CASE NO. PUR-2019-00086 •Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominionâ€?) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider GV. •Dominion requests a total revenue requirement of $136.855 million for its 2020 Rider GV. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hear the case on November 7, 2019, at 10 a.m. •Further information about this case is available on the State Corporation Commission’s website at: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

2Q 0D\ 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ G E D 'RPLQLRQ (QHUJ\ 9LUJLQLD Âł'RPLQLRQ´ RU Âł&RPSDQ\´ SXUVXDQW WR † $ RI WKH &RGH RI 9LUJLQLD ÂżOHG with the State Corporation Commission (“Commissionâ€?) an annual update of the Company’s rate adjustment clause, Rider GV (“Applicationâ€?). Through its Application, the &RPSDQ\ VHHNV WR UHFRYHU FRVWV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKH *UHHQVYLOOH &RXQW\ 3RZHU 6WDWLRQ Âł*UHHQVYLOOH &RXQW\ 3URMHFW´ RU Âł3URMHFW´ D PHJDZDWW QRPLQDO QDWXUDO JDV ÂżUHG combined-cycle electric generating facility and associated transmission interconnection facilities located in Greensville County, Virginia.

In Case No. PUE-2015-00075, the Commission approved Dominion’s construction and operation of the Greensville County Project and also approved a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider GV, for the Company to recover costs associated with the construction of the Project. The Greensville County Project began commercial operations in December 2018.

In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider GV for the rate year beginning April 1, 2020, and ending March 31, 2021 (“2020 Rate Yearâ€?). The two components of the proposed total revenue requirement for the 2020 Rate Year are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True Up Factor. The Company is requesting a Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of $136,997,000 and an Actual Cost True Up Factor revenue requirement of ($142,000). Thus, the Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $136,855,000 for service rendered during the 2020 Rate Year. Dominion notes that it calculated this revenue requirement using an XSGDWHG OHDG ODJ VWXG\ DQG UHTXHVWV WKDW WKH LVVXH EH OLWLJDWHG LQ WKH 5LGHU *9 GRFNHW UDWKHU WKDQ WKH 5LGHU % 5 6 DQG : GRFNHWV ÂżOHG VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ For purposes of calculating the Projected Cost Recovery Factor in this case, Dominion utilized a rate of return on common equity (“ROEâ€?) of 10.75%, for which the Company has requested Commission approval in Case No. PUR-2019-00050. For purposes of calculating the Actual Cost True Up Factor, the Company utilized an ROE of 9.2% for the period of January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, as approved by the Commission in its November 29, 2017 Final Order in Case No. PUR-2017-00038.

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If the proposed Rider GV for the 2020 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider GV on April 1, 2020, would increase the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.41. The Company indicates it has calculated the proposed Rider GV rates in accordance with the same methodology as used for rates approved by the Commission in the most recent Rider GV proceeding, Case No. PUR-2018-00084, though certain parameters have changed because of competitive market conditions and the option for Large General Services customers to select a competitive service provider.

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on November 7, 2019, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD WR UHFHLYH WHVWLPRQ\ IURP PHPEHUV RI WKH SXEOLF DQG HYLGHQFH UHODWHG WR WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ IURP WKH &RPSDQ\ DQ\ UHVSRQGHQWV DQG WKH &RPPLVVLRQœV 6WDII $Q\ SHUVRQ GHVLULQJ WR WHVWLI\ DV D SXEOLF ZLWQHVV DW WKLV KHDULQJ VKRXOG DSSHDU ¿IWHHQ PLQutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff.

The Commission also granted Dominion’s request to litigate any issues related to the Company’s updated lead/lag study in this docket, Case No. PUR-2019-00086.

The public version of the Company’s Application, as well as the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, are available for public inspection during regular business hours DW HDFK RI WKH &RPSDQ\œV EXVLQHVV RI¿FHV LQ WKH &RPPRQZHDOWK RI 9LUJLQLD &RSLHV DOVR PD\ EH REWDLQHG E\ VXEPLWWLQJ D ZULWWHQ UHTXHVW WR FRXQVHO IRU WKH &RPSDQ\ /LVD 6 Booth, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. &RSLHV RI WKH SXEOLF YHUVLRQ RI WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ DQG RWKHU GRFXPHQWV ¿OHG LQ WKLV FDVH DOVR DUH DYDLODEOH IRU LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQV WR UHYLHZ LQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQœV 'RFXPHQW &RQWURO &HQWHU ORFDWHG RQ WKH ¿UVW ÀRRU RI WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD EHWZHHQ WKH KRXUV RI D P DQG S P 0RQGD\ WKURXJK )ULGD\ H[FOXGLQJ KROLGD\V ,QWHUHVWHG SHUVRQV DOVR PD\ GRZQORDG XQRI¿FLDO FRSLHV IURP WKH &RPPLVVLRQœV ZHEVLWH http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

2Q RU EHIRUH 2FWREHU DQ\ LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQ ZLVKLQJ WR FRPPHQW RQ WKH &RPSDQ\ÂśV $SSOLFDWLRQ VKDOO ÂżOH ZULWWHQ FRPPHQWV RQ WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ ZLWK -RHO + 3HFN &OHUN 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ F R 'RFXPHQW &RQWURO &HQWHU 3 2 %R[ 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD $Q\ LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQ GHVLULQJ WR ÂżOH FRPPHQWV HOHFWURQically may do so on or before October 31, 2019, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact discs or any other form RI HOHFWURQLF VWRUDJH PHGLXP PD\ QRW EH ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH FRPPHQWV $OO VXFK FRPPHQWV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R 385 2Q RU EHIRUH $XJXVW DQ\ SHUVRQ RU HQWLW\ ZLVKLQJ WR SDUWLFLSDWH DV D UHVSRQGHQW LQ WKLV SURFHHGLQJ PD\ GR VR E\ ÂżOLQJ D QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ ,I QRW ÂżOHG HOHFWURQLFDOO\ DQ RULJLQDO DQG ÂżIWHHQ FRSLHV RI WKH QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ VKDOO EH VXEPLWWHG WR WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DW WKH DGGUHVV DERYH $ FRS\ RI WKH QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practiceâ€?), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement RI WKH VSHFLÂżF DFWLRQ VRXJKW WR WKH H[WHQW WKHQ NQRZQ DQG LLL WKH IDFWXDO DQG OHJDO EDVLV IRU WKH DFWLRQ $Q\ RUJDQL]DWLRQ FRUSRUDWLRQ RU JRYHUQPHQW ERG\ SDUWLFLSDWLQJ DV D respondent must be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH $OO ÂżOLQJV VKDOO UHIHU WR &DVH 1R 385 2Q RU EHIRUH 6HSWHPEHU HDFK UHVSRQGHQW PD\ ÂżOH ZLWK WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DQG VHUYH RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQÂśV 6WDII WKH &RPSDQ\ DQG DOO RWKHU UHVSRQGHQWV DQ\ WHVWLPRQ\ DQG H[KLELWV E\ ZKLFK WKH UHVSRQGHQW H[SHFWV WR HVWDEOLVK LWV FDVH DQG HDFK ZLWQHVVÂśV WHVWLPRQ\ VKDOO LQFOXGH D VXPPDU\ QRW WR H[FHHG RQH SDJH ,I QRW ÂżOHG HOHFWURQLFDOO\ DQ RULJLQDO DQG ÂżIWHHQ FRSLHV RI VXFK WHVWLPRQ\ DQG H[KLELWV VKDOO EH VXEPLWWHG WR WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DW WKH DGGUHVV DERYH ,Q DOO ÂżOLQJV UHVSRQGHQWV VKDOO comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits $OO ÂżOLQJV VKDOO UHIHU WR Case No. PUR-2019-00086. $OO GRFXPHQWV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ LQ WKLV GRFNHW PD\ XVH ERWK VLGHV RI WKH SDSHU ,Q DOO RWKHU UHVSHFWV DOO ÂżOLQJV VKDOO FRPSO\ IXOO\ ZLWK WKH requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

@FreePressRVA

The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case $ SULQWHG FRS\ RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQœV 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DQG DQ RI¿FLDO FRS\ RI WKH &RPmission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address above.

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A7

Richmond Free Press

A8 July 11-13, 2019

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Crystal Dunn’s defense helps U.S. team to World Cup victory

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Crystal Dunn, center right, celebrates with teammates on being the world’s No. 1 after last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over The Netherlands at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Lyon, France.

Crystal Dunn won her shining soccer reputation scoring goals.

She also won a gold medal preventing them.

The quick, savvy left back was like a 5-foot-1 human obstacle course on defense in helping the U.S. Women’s National Team win the FIFA Women’s World Cup last Sunday in Lyon, France.

It was the team’s second consecutive World Cup title for the American team and their fourth overall.

Wherever the ball was headed, opponents had to slip past Dunn.

And that was like trying to sneak a T-bone past a hungry wolf.

The Americans allowed only two goals in elimination victories over France (2-1) and England (2-1) before defeating the team from The Netherlands 2-0 in the final.

The U.S. champions were feted Wednesday in a ticker tape parade in New York City.

During Group F play, the U.S. team posted three straight shutouts against Thailand, Chile and Sweden.

Throughout two weeks of competition in the FIFA World Cup, Dunn was effective shadowing the other side’s top rightside striker, often the biggest threat.

It marked a dramatic shift in roles.

Dunn had been a prolific scorer at the University of North Carolina and in the pro ranks with the National Women’s Soccer League before switching positions to better serve Uncle Sam. “Yes, I have multiple identities,” she told the French media.

“I think of myself as a footballer — just trying to impact the game from a different angle on the field.”

Dunn had 14 goals in 2013 for UNC, earning the accolade of ACC Offensive Player of the Year. She had 15 goals in 21

History of VCU’s Franklin Street Gym still remembered as building closes Virginia Commonwealth University’s McLeod, a transfer student from Virginia Jesse Dark, Bernard Harris and Edmund Franklin Street Gymnasium has a date State University, became the program’s Sherod. Another notable Ram of that era was Richard Jones, aka “Dickie Red,” first African-American player. with the wrecking ball.

It’s also where VCU defeated the Col- from state champion Maggie L. Walker The Rams’ (and Green Devils’) longtime basketball home will be leveled lege of Charleston 142-83, a one-game High School in Richmond.

The “new” Franklin Street Gym drew next spring and replaced by a six-story record that still stands.

The last game ever played at the “old” attention in 1971 when the Virginia STEM academic building.

A construction company can knock Franklin Street Gym was the Rams’ 87-81 Squires, an ABA team, chose the gym down buildings, but it can’t erase the win over Hampden-Sydney College on for its preseason camp. Among Virginia history. Archives are built to be sledge- Feb. 19, 1970. Benny Dees coached VCU Squires players running through drills at the Franklin Street Gym were Charlie the final two years at the old facility. hammer proof.

The original gym was a photographer’s Scott and a then-unknown rookie, Julius In the beginning ...

The original Franklin Street Gym at nightmare. One shutterbug said it was Erving.

The “new” gym only seated about 805 W. Franklin St. opened prior to the like “shooting in a mine shaft.”

Jim Granger, a sports reporter at the 1,500. At the time, it was said to be out1952-53 season, and Willis McCauley time for WWBT-12, pleaded on air with dated before it was ever built. To allow was there. for more fan seating, teams sat on folding The school was known as Richmond VCU to “add a few lightbulbs.”

The first game at the “new” and chairs at ends of floor.

Professional Institute at that time, prior In 1971, the Rams began moving their to its 1968 merger with the Medical better-illuminated gym was a VCU 105College of Virginia to form Virginia 86 matinee victory over Bluefield State bigger games to the Richmond Coliseum.

However, they continued Commonwealth University. playing some at the Franklin Ed Allen served as a oneStreet Gym through the 1978man coaching staff, as well 79 season. as the baseball coach and The final game at the athletic director. “new” gym was a Rams 85“When we started practice 48 win over Baltimore on that fall (in 1952), the gym Jan. 31, 1979, under Coach hadn’t been completed,” Dana Kirk. recalled McCauley, who was Here’s a secret. The rim at captain of the basketball team. the west end of new gym was “We practiced a few weeks about 1.5 inches shorter than with no backboards or rims. the standard 10-foot height.

We just ran through drills.”

The Rams always shot at that Before that, the Rams, end during the first half of then known as the Green their games and put the games Devils, practiced and played away early. That’s a real home most games at the Downtown court advantage.

YMCA. The team’s nickname The Rams lost much of changed from the Green their “home edge” in playDevils to the Rams in 1963, ing for three decades at the in part, because Allen was Richmond Coliseum. Duran alumnus of the University ing that period, VCU rarely of Rhode Island that had the got to practice on the same nickname Rams. He preferred floor upon which it played the name Rams to the Green its games.

Devils.

VCU continued playing at With little fanfare, Bill Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press the Coliseum until the opening Woodson joined the program Entrance to Virginia Commonwealth University’s of the 7,700-seat Siegel Center in 1960.

Franklin Street Gym on Nov. 19, 1999, with a win “I went to Coach Allen’s office in August and asked if I could on Dec. 5, 1970. It was considered the over the University of Louisville.

Since the Rams called Franklin Street play,” Woodson recalled. “He asked me Rams’ homecoming.

On Dec. 28, 1970, in the new build- Gym home, the program has grown until where I’d played in high school. I told him Hermitage, and he said, ‘Fine, you’re ing, the Rams, under Coach Chuck Noe now it is a perennial power in the Atlantic and the NAIA umbrella, drew national 10 Conference. The Rams have been to eight on the team.’ ” Woodson has remained with the headlines with a 63-56 overtime win over NCAA Tournaments in the last nine years, program as the game night clock keeper the University of Minnesota, a member including a Final Four run in 2011.

Few people attending games at the of the Big 10. since the 1980s.

On Feb. 20, 1971, Charles “Jabo” Franklin Street Gym could have imagined The gym was expanded with an addition that opened in December 1970. The Wilkins scored 40 points (matching his the coming transformation.

Former Coach Noe once referred to new building was immediately adjacent jersey number) in a win over Virginia to the east of the old building, with the Union University. Prior to the game, his fledgling program as “the red-haired stepchild” in the state of Virginia. The old and new gym facilities separated by Wilkins’ No. 40 was retired.

On Feb. 2, 1973, Virginia Union Rams had no conference affiliation and double doors.

“When someone asks me about Frank- defeated VCU 77-75. It marked the had difficulty finding schools willing to lin Street Gym, I asked them, ‘Which only game VCU ever lost at the “new” play against them. The Rams played a puny 19-game schedule in 1971-72 and one? The one on the alley or the one on Franklin Street Gym. Rams basketball was slow in gaining 20 games in 1972-73.

Franklin Street?’ ” McCauley said.

In 1970-71, VCU had an all-AfricanSpectators entered the “old” gym popularity and good seats were always American starting lineup at a time when through a side door between Franklin available.

But there was one notable exception. most majority white schools were just Street and a cobblestone alley. The enOn Feb. 10, 1971, a few hundred dipping their toes into integrating their trance to the “new” gym was right on Old Dominion University fans arrived teams and didn’t want to play against Franklin Street.

During the 1950s, RPI had many at VCU with pre-purchased tickets in an all-black team. At the time, schools veterans on the team and played against hand. The problem was the gym was with as many as three African-American already filled to capacity and the Mon- players in the lineup were referred to numerous military installations.

“We played against (baseball star) archs fans, understandably steaming, as “outlaw schools.” VCU was on the “most wanted” list.

Willie Mays when he was at Fort Eustis were turned away.

The Rams grew out of the Franklin Because of that incident, VCU and and Don Newcombe when he was at ODU would not play again until 1977. Street Gym much like a young child Fort Pickett,” McCauley said.

At that time, VCU had big-time tal- grows out of its training wheels and into Here is a sampling of highlights from ent even if it wasn’t a well-recognized a 10-speed bike. the Franklin Street Gym: But things have got to start someThe original gymnasium was the home basketball program.

Among VCU’s NBA-bound players where. And with VCU, many of its first court for the Rams’ all-time scorer, Len Creech, and all-time single-game scorer, who competed in the “new” Franklin tentative dribbles were at the Franklin Don Ross. That’s also where Charles Street Gym were Gerald Henderson, Street Gym.

games in 2015 for the Carolina Courage, winning the National Women’s Soccer League MVP honors.

Across the Atlantic at the World Cup, she was content letting teammates Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe do the scoring while she helped shut the door at the other end.

From Long Island, N.Y., Dunn, who was the last woman cut from the 2015 World Cup roster, turned 27 on July 3 while in France.

Dunn was joined on the U.S. team’s 23-woman roster by four other African-Americans — Adrianna Franch, Jessica McDonald, Christen Press and Mallory Pugh.

Dunn is the squad’s shortest player and among the few who are married. She tied the knot last year with native Frenchman Pierre Soubrier, a former trainer with the WNSL Washington Spirit.

Coincidentally, the U.S. team faced host France in the knockout round quarterfinals with Soubrier and other family members in attendance.

“My in-laws, they’re French, and they want their side to do well,” Dunn told the media after the U.S victory.

“But, obviously, I’m part of the family now and they’re rooting for and want me to go all the way.”

And before a worldwide audience, she showed the “D” in Dunn stands for Defense.

After the game, the Lyon stadium was filled with fans’ chants calling for equal pay, demonstrating a compelling reminder that the record-setting team continues to be the epicenter of the ongoing battle for fair treatment.

The prize money for this year’s Women’s World Cup is $30 million, while the 2018 Men’s World Cup prize totaled $400 million. The U.S. men’s team did not qualify for the last World Cup tournament.

The U.S. women’s team filed a pay discrimination lawsuit on March 8 against the U.S. Soccer Federation. In the lawsuit, the team outlined that if they played and won 20 exhibition games in a year, “female players would earn a maximum of $99,000 or $4,950 per game, while similarly situated male players would earn an average of $263,320 or $13,166 per game.”

Before the World Cup games began, the players and the soccer federation agreed to mediation.

Hannah McKay/Reuters

Serena Williams goes in for a powerful return during her quarterfinal match Tuesday against Alison Riske of the United States. Below, Cori Gauff keeps her eye on the ball during her fourth round match Monday against Romania’s Simona Halep.

Coco’s magic carpet ride ends; Serena playing for title No. 24

Cori “Coco” Gauff was not well known prior to arriving at Wimbledon as the world’s 313th ranked player.

Oh, how that’s changed.

From anonymity, the 15-year-old Tony O’Brien/Reuters Atlanta-to-Florida transplant emerged as practically a household name after three stunning victories in the main draw.

In upset fashion, Gauff defeated five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round, and later beat tennis pros Magdaléna Rybáriková of Slovakia and Polona Hercog of Slovenia to advance to the quarterfinals.

She demonstrated a powerful serve and a two-handed backhand, lots of foot speed and uncommon maturity for her age.

She wasn’t blinded by the lights.

But Gauff’s magic carpet ride ended in the fourth round on Monday with a 6-3, 6-3 loss to the tournament’s seventh-seed, Simona Halep of Romania, who is ranked 27th in world.

Gauff’s Wimbledon experience figures to make her an even tougher competitor in the future.

“I learned a lot,” Gauff told the media following her defeat.

“I learned how to play in front of a big crowd. I learned how to play under pressure. I learned a lot and I’m really thankful for the experience.”

Halep broke Gauff’s serve five times and benefited from 29 unforced errors.

It didn’t appear Gauff was at her best physically. The match was halted at one juncture so Gauff could be treated by a trainer.

Still, she is the youngest player ever to qualify for the Grand Slam.

“I tried my best today but it wasn’t meant to be — thank you London,” she wrote on her Instagram account soon after the match.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams has a solid chance during this tournament to match Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

Serena, who is seeded No. 11, defeated American Alison Riske on Tuesday 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals.

She is scheduled to play Barbora Strycová, 33, of the Czech Republic on Thursday, July 11.

July 11-13, 2019 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Rev. Lacette R. Cross The return of Black Pride RVA, Virginia’s first Black Pride festival, is almost here. And for the Rev. Lacette R. Cross, a founder of the festival and co-organizer of this year’s event, the anticipation comes with mixed emotions.

“I am excited and nervous and stressed — all of the good things,” Rev. Cross says with a laugh.

It’s an understandable mood and an improvement from her outlook going into the inaugural festival last year, which came with a creeping doubt that the event would be successful in its goals of creating a space to educate the public and champion the black LGBTQexperience.

The 44-year-old’s doubt was erased as more than 500 attendees last year showed that the ideas behind Black Pride RVA were on the mark.

Black Pride RVA was created in reaction to the dismissal local LGBTQ people of color felt in the aftermath of the June 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Forty-nine people were killed and 53 others were wounded before police shot and killed the shooter, a 29-year-old security guard.

LGBTQ people of color felt excluded from the planning of community vigils and tributes held locally, Rev. Cross says.

Darryl Roman “DJ” Burt II, 29, a financial aid officer at Keiser University in Florida who had close family ties to Richmond and Amelia County, was killed in the rampage. His funeral and burial were held in Amelia County.

“Black Pride RVA is not just a moment. It’s part of a movement of marginalized people raising our voices and organizing in a way that says, ‘We’re here and our experiences deserve to be celebrated and this is what we want to be able to bring to our city,’ ” Rev. Cross says.

The second annual festival, slated for July 18 through 21, will span a suite of locations that include Bryan Park and

Spotlight on a founder of Black Pride RVA

the headquarters of Diversity Richmond on North Side and will include a Day of Purpose to include workshops, HIV testing, health and fitness vendors, entertainers and music.

Black Pride RVA has a lot more hands on deck both individually and organizationally this year, with an assortment of old and new groups sponsoring events and a large spread of vendors ready for the festivities.

“I think any time you do something for the first time, people want to see if you’re really about it, right? They want to see are you going to sustain it and how successful is the event going to be,” says Rev. Cross, who serves as chairperson for the 2019 festival committee, whose membership doubled since last year’s event.

“Because our exposure has increased since then, and the ways we’ve been a part of the community more, sponsors were more willing to say, ‘Yes, we want to come in,’ ” she notes.

One of those sponsors is Virginia Pride, whose board questioned the need for Black Pride RVA in 2018, but ultimately backed it, Rev. Cross says. She sees this continued support as an acknowledgment of the gaps Black Pride RVA fills in “the fabric of pride festivals throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

In Rev. Cross’ view, this solidarity contributes to a rise in awareness of racial identity and how it intersects with other identities, something she says is a clear and present need in Richmond.

“That visibility has allowed us to have conversations that have been historically difficult, and allowed us to see one another more as complex human beings, instead of just all painted by one brush,” Rev. Cross says.

Meet this LGBTQ advocate and this week’s Personality, the Rev. Lacette R. Cross:

Black Pride RVA Events Thursday, July 18 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. — Paint with Pride! Exotic Paint Night, Studio Two Three, 3300 W. Clay St. Two sessions. Tickets: $25 in advance; $45 at the door.

9 p.m. — Welcome Mixer & FUN-raiser, Thirsty’s Bar & Grill, 3516 Forest Hill Ave., with a portion of proceeds to benefit Black Pride RVA. Friday, July 19 6 to 8 p.m. — Black Pride Reception, Urban Hang Suite, 304 E. Broad St. Tickets: $10.

10 p.m. — Friday Fun Night Pride Party, Godfrey’s, 308 E. Grace St. Pre-party meet and greet with Ms. Black Pride RVA 2019 at 9 p.m. Tickets: $5; $6 after 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 20 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Day of Purpose, Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave. Free and family friendly.

9 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Black Pride RVA Official After-Party, Diversity Richmond. $10; $50 for VIP tables.

Sunday, July 21 10 a.m. to noon — United Worship Service, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 1902 Rosewood Ave. Noon to 8 p.m. — Pride in the Park Tailgate Party, Bryan Park, Shelter No. 3, 4308 Hermitage Road. Bring your own food and beverages. Free.

Details and tickets: www.blackpriderva.com, BPRVA2019.

Eventbrite.com or (804) 293-0797

Occupation: Pastor of Restoration Fellowship RVA and director of volunteerism and outreach for Side by Side, a nonprofit dedicated to helping LGBTQ youths.

No. 1 volunteer position: Cofounder of Black Pride RVA and chair of the 2019 festival committee.

Date and place of birth: May 12 in Oceanside, Calif.

Current residence: Richmond’s Manchester area.

Education: Bachelor’s in social work from The Catholic University, 2009; master’s of divinity, Virginia Union University School of Theology, 2012; master’s of theology, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2016; and working on doctor of ministry at VUU, with graduation anticipated in 2021.

Family: Single with no kids; three younger brothers.

Reason for Black Pride RVA: As Lucille Clifton writes, “Celebrate with me that every day something has tried to kill me and has failed.”

Importance of celebration: The demonstration of radical self-love that allows us to say we are here, we are resilient, we are our amazing selves.

I got involved because: I held the first meeting because I was sick and tired of complaining and wanted to see if there were others who wanted to do something as well.

Message festival will send: Black Pride RVA is a party with a purpose. We hope people will get to celebrate the fullness of who they are, learn necessary information and recognize that community matters.

Differences between Black Pride RVA and PrideFest: Black Pride RVA was created from a tradition of black LGBTQ persons gathering to connect, raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and party. Black Pride RVA is different for three reasons: We center on education and health/wellness awareness, we unapologetically celebrate black/African-American culture

Join us for An Evening with MARGOT LEE SHETTERLY Author of the New York Times bestselling book that inspired the film, HIDDEN FIGURES: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race

AUGUST 8 at 6:00 pm Virginia Museum of History & Culture 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, Virginia 23220 Seating is limited.

Tickets available through July 26 at Tickets.VirginiaHistory.org For more information call 804.340.1800

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in its fullness and we host events over three or four days. Black people and persons of color who are LGBTQ deserve a dedicated space to revel in the fullness of living life at the intersection of race and LGBTQ identity.

Black Pride is the only festival questioned in a city that prides itself on nearly every racial/ ethnic festival possible such as Greek, Cambodian, Irish, Filipino, etc.

Estimated LGBTQ population in city: 5 percent of 223,170, or 11,159.

Goal of festival in five years: Black Pride RVA would like to be headlining a known artist, host a full day of education and arts and be viewed as a tourist destination for our neighbors to the north, south, east and west.

Perception of LGBTQ community in Richmond: Richmond is a progressive city with a conservative spirit. There are amazing things happening that let us know the city is accepting and ready to grow as a city

that fully affirms and celebrates LGBTQ persons.

Perception of black LGBTQ: Black LGBTQ persons are known in this city and still others choose to simply live their lives without the need to “come out.” Coming out within black communities is not viewed in the same way as socially described.

Therefore, African-Americans who are also LGBTQ make choices about how they show up in the world. Being LGBTQ is not a primary identity marker for plenty of persons, especially here in the South.

Reason public should participate: It’s fun!!! And very informative. Plus who doesn’t like a good party.

Outlook at start of the day: Each day I wake up I say a prayer of gratitude and a prayer of guidance.

I am always ready to have a productive and impactful day.

How I unwind: By watching the sunset, sitting quietly and watching mindless TV. A quote that I am inspired by: “The dripping water smooths the rock.”

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Watch sci-fi apocalyptic action movies.

Best late-night snack: Popcorn or blue corn chips.

If I had more time, I would: Travel more.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: Always be kind/ polite to others. There’s nothing wrong with speaking even if they don’t speak back.

Person who influenced me the most: Chandra Jackson.

What I’m reading now: “Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance” by Edgar Villanueva.

My next goal: Create a leadership development fellowship program specifically for LGBTQ persons of color.

Richmond Free Press

B2 July 11-13, 2019

Happenings New U.S. citizens

About 100 people from nearly 50 countries took the oath of allegiance to become U.S. citizens during an Independence Day ceremony outside the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond. Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals presided over the ceremony and administered the oath as family, friends and area residents watched. Left, Dina Zain, originally of Sudan, waves a U.S. flag, while Felicia Baffour of Ghana shows off her new citizenship documents as she stands with her husband, Dave Baffour, and their children, Jaiden and Victoria. The family lives in Fredericksburg.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Black media icons scaling back, possibly closing Free Press wire reports

It has been a rough few days for the black media.

First, Ebony magazine and its sister publication, JET magazine, may be closing their doors for good.

And then the publisher of the storied Chicago Defender newspaper announced last week that it will no longer publish a print version.

In announcing the move to digital-only beginning Thursday, July 11, Real Times Media CEO Hiram E. Jackson said last Friday the newspaper has made significant investment in digital media because of changes in the publishing landscape.

Mr. Jackson noted the Defender currently prints 16,000 newspapers. He said the newspaper reaches at least 10 times more people on its digital platform.

Mr. Jackson said Real Times’ other news-

papers, the Michigan Chronicle and the New Pittsburgh Courier, will continue to offer a print version.

The newspaper was founded in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott and reached the peak of its influence at mid-century when it was a frequent critic of racial inequities in the nation’s Southern states.

The Defender delivered news of monumental events — the funeral of Emmett Till, the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the election of President Obama — but also of everyday life for black Americans.

Mr. Jackson said the decision was an economic one. Newspapers throughout the industry have seen a decline in print advertising and readers turning to the internet.

Black newspapers often are an afterthought when it comes to advertising dollars, Jean Patterson Boone, publisher of the Richmond Free Press told the New York Times.

Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union to host Community Day Saturday Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union will host a Community Day from noon to 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 13, at The Market @ 25th grocery store, 1330 N. 25th St., it has been announced.

The event will feature local vendor tasting

stations, a showcase of memorabilia that former students from city schools have collected and visits with representatives from the credit union, which operates an ATM at the store.

Details: Randy Cooper, (804) 233-8872.

Fourth of July fans

Rain couldn’t dampen the Fourth of July holiday spirit of spectators who donned rain gear and huddled under umbrellas to hear the Richmond Concert Band perform at Richmond’s Dogwood Dell. The annual performance ushered in a fireworks show despite stormy weather last Thursday that canceled other area events.

Photos by Ava Reaves

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LOS ANGELES A Disney-owned cable network has taken aim at critics who disagree with the decision to cast Halle Bailey as Ariel in the upcoming adaption of “The Little Mermaid.”

Freeform posted an open letter on Sunday in support of Ms. Bailey after some on social media used the hashtag #NotMyAriel Ms. Bailey to object to an African-American woman portraying the red-headed mermaid princess of the animated film.

But the network said, “Danish mermaids can be black because Danish people can be black.”

Ms. Bailey is half of the sister duo Chloe x Halle. She will star in the live-action version of “The Little Mermaid” that will include songs from the 1989 animated Disney hit, as well as new tunes from original composer Alan Menken and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Ms. Bailey will join Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina in the film.

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Regardless of the financial challenges, the Richmond Free Press, which has a weekly circulation of 35,000 and a draw of around 130,000 readers, has no intention of going the way of The Defender and eliminating its print edition.

“We’re a miracle,” Mrs. Boone told the New York Times. “We are a miracle and most black newspapers are a miracle.”

The National Newspaper Publishers Association, a trade organization for African-Americanowned newspapers, currently counts 218 such publications across 40 states that attract 22.2 million readers between print and online each week.

Although the country may look different now, the enduring challenges of racism make the black press just as essential now, said Benjamin Chavis Jr., NNPA’s president and chief executive.

As for Ebony and JET, former employees of the company took to Twitter last week using the hashtag #EbonyOwes to air their frustrations with the company, as it has fired all of its employees with little to no notice.

According to USA Today, members of Ebony magazine’s digital team say they’ve been fired and haven’t received their final paychecks in the latest controversy to hit the struggling publication that has chronicled black life in America for decades.

Michael Gibson, co-chairman and founder of Austin, Texas-based Clear View Group, which owns Ebony, declined to comment to USA TODAY on the digital team’s dismissal, citing a “policy of not commenting on any employment practices or issues.”

The Chicago Tribune previously reported

how Ebony was being pressed by the National Writers Union to pay more than $200,000 it alleged the magazine owed to freelance writers who contributed stories back in 2017. The drama sparked the hashtag #EbonyOwes on Twitter.

According to a report on Ebony.com, the magazine’s previous owner, Johnson Publishing Co., filed for bankruptcy liquidation in April, which Ebony said would not affect its operations.

“EBONY Media Operations, LLC brands, which include EBONY magazine, EBONY.com, digital magazine JET and jetmag.com and its related businesses, have viably operated independently of Johnson Publishing Company dba/ Fashion Fair Cosmetics (JPC) since Black-owned Ebony Media Operations, LLC (EMO) purchased the media assets of JPC in 2016. Black-owned investment firm CVG Group LLC assisted in the formation of EMO,” a statement read. “EMO is unaffected by the Chapter 7 bankruptcy announcement regarding the dissolution of JPC. EMO is not able to comment further and is not familiar with the facts or events of the JPC business.”

The first issue of the iconic magazine hit stands 74 years ago and took the industry by storm. Founded by John H. Johnson in November 1945, the black-owned publication has always strived to address African-American issues, personalities and interests in a positive and self-affirming manner.

Timeless editions of Ebony featured some of the biggest stars in black America, including issues covered by Diana Ross, Sidney Poitier, as well as President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama.

Richmond Free Press

July 11-13, 2019 B3

Faith News/Directory

A.M.E. Church installs Right Rev. Adam J. Richardson as senior bishop The Right Rev. Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr. of Florida was installed as senior bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church during its annual Council of Bishops and General Board Meeting Worship Serivce on June 26 in Birmingham, Ala. He succeeds the late Right Rev. McKinley Young, who had served as the denomination’s 115th senior bishop since 1996.

Bishop Young died in January.

The senior bishop occupies a key role in the A.M.E. Church and is the active bishop with the longest tenure of service. The senior bishop is first in the order of precedence among the Council of Bishops.

The position has existed since the denomination’s incorporation in 1816, however, the first formal investiture ceremony wasn’t held until the denomination’s 2004 General Conference. “I am honored for service at this time in the history of our church,� Bishop Richardson said during his investiture.

“I seek an interest in your prayers that I may rise to the occasion, that inadequacies may not be too glaring. Whatever successes, whatever achievements, the credit, the glory will belong to God in Christ.�

Bishop Richardson, who was the head drum major of the Marching 100 Band at Florida A&M University as an undergraduate, went on to earn a master’s of divinity and doctor of sacred theology degrees Bishop at the Interdenominational Theological Richardson Center in Atlanta.

As a bishop, he has served churches in Virginia, North Carolina, Washington and Maryland, Florida, the Bahamas and in several African nations, including Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, Ivory

Coast, Togo, Benin and South Africa.

Prior to his election, he served as pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Tallahassee, Fla. He has served as president of the Council of Bishops and represented the A.M.E. Church on a number of ecumenical bodies, including the World Methodist Council and the National Congress of Black Churches.

Bishop Richardson will serve as senior bishop until his retirement in 2024. He and his wife, Dr. Connie Speights Richardson, have two adult children, Judge Monique Richardson of Leon County, Fla., and Trey Richardson, a hospital radiographer and professional musician.

Founded in 1787 by Richard Allen, the African Methodist Episcopal Church is the world’s oldest denomination founded

by African-Americans. It has more than 2 million members in 40 countries on five continents.

Baby Archie is christened Reuters

WINDSOR, England Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the 2-month-old son of Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, was christened last Saturday in a small, private ceremony at Windsor Castle.

The ceremony was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in the castle’s Private Chapel, Buckingham Palace announced.

Queen Elizabeth II did not attend because of a prior engagement, BBC News reported.

In accordance with royal tradition, the Lily Font and water from the River Jordan were used during the christening. Archie, who was born on May 6, wore a handmade replica of the royal christening robe that has been used for the last 11 years, including the christenings of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The original Royal Christening Robe was used for generations of royal babies before that, dating back to 1841, when it was commissioned by Queen Victoria. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to share the happiness of this day, and would like to thank everyone around the world for their ongoing support,� a royal communications spokesperson told BBC News. “They feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this special moment with family and Archie’s godparents.�

Buckingham Palace has not said who Archie’s godparents are.

On their official Instagram page, Prince Harry and Meghan shared two official photographs of the occasion taken in the Green Drawing Room and the Rose Garden at Windsor Castle.

The family portrait included Prince Harry’s father, Prince Charles; Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland; as well as Prince Harry’s older brother, Prince William, and his wife, Kate. Prince Harry and William’s maternal aunts, Sarah McCorquodale and Jane Fellowes, also posed for the picture.

A second black and white photograph showed Archie in his parents’ arms in the Rose Garden.

Several newspapers have carried reports criticizing Prince Harry and Meghan for accepting public funds for their wedding and for renovations for their new house but denying the public a view of the baby and his parents arriving at the

Chris Allerton/pool photo via Reuters

This official photograph from the christening of Archie, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, shows the baby’s family in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle near London where the christening was held last Saturday. The proud parents, seated center, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, show off baby Archie in his christening robe. With them are, from left, Prince Harry’s stepmother, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Harry’s father, Prince Charles; Ms. Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland; Prince Harry’s aunts, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale; Prince Harry’s brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

christening ceremony.

Prince William and Kate organized media facilities for the christenings of their three children, in which arrivals at the church were filmed.

Royal fans gathered near Windsor castle on Saturday, some with banners and flags, despite the well-publicized, private nature of the occasion.

Baby Archie is seventh in line to the British throne.

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

“I think it’s very hurtful to the fans, very, very hurtful,� said Anne Taley, 63, from Cardiff. “We’ve had the fingers, we’ve had the toes. When are we ever going to see the baby?� she added referring to previous discreet pictures posted by the royal couple.

Cheryl Bolson, 53, from Southampton, said she accepted the christening was a private, family event but added, “It would be nice if they were to come out afterwards and just maybe show the public that the baby’s been christened.�

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in May 2018 at Windsor Castle, west of London.

1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 s Office: (804) 644-1402

Serving Richmond since 1887

Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

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SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

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Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You�

ALL ARE WELCOME

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

2300 Cool Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223 804-795-5784 (Armstrong High School Auditorium)

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

C

e with Reverence elevanc R g in Dr. Alvin Campbell, Interim Pastor bin â?– om

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Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Come Join Us! Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

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WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

- Matthew 4:23

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net

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Remember...

At New Deliverance, You Are Home!

See you there and bring a friend.

THIRD SUNDAY 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Church Higher Achievement 823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

“Working Together with God, as God Works on Us�

Join Us for Sunday Morning Worship Each week at 10:30 A.M.

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

efuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to dnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and an never become a reality‌. I believe that unarmed truth and

8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service

7204 Bethlehem Road • Henrico, VA 23228 • (804) 672-9319

WEDNESDAY SERVICES

SUNDAY JULY 14, 2019

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

SUNDAY

P���R�M J��R��� BAP���� C��RC� R�V. A����� V. C�A�M��, PA���R HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

We look forward to having your family fellowship with our family.

1 Corinthians 3:9

MORNING SERVICE 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 Rev. Dr. Marlene Fuller Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

REVIVAL

JULY 16 - JULY 19, 2019

Praise & Worship 7 p.m.; Service 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Rev. Michael Lomax Rev. Dr. Theodore Brown Westwood Baptist Church Quioccasin Baptist Church

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Sunday Morning Worship

Friday, July 19, 2018 Rev. Dr. Lakeisha Cook St. Paul Baptist Church-Southside Campus

www.pjbcrichmond.org

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

Noonday Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

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CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

SATURDAY

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 5th Grade

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS� online!

Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.�

Visit www.ndec.net.

ENROLL NOW!!!

Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old.

For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

B4 July 11-13, 2019

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

William F. Brown, co-creator of ‘The Wiz,’ dies at 91 Free Press wire report

William F. Brown, an author and illustrator who was best known for writing the book of the Tony Award-winning 1975 musical “The Wiz,� died Sunday, June 23, 2019, at a hospital in Norwalk, Conn. He was 91.

His granddaughter, Sara Fitzpatrick, did not cite a precise cause of death.

Born in Jersey City, N.J., in 1928, Mr. Brown moved to New York City after attending Princeton University and landed his first job as a writer for Look Magazine in 1950.

After a year in the Army, he worked at an ad agency and produced advertising for television before branching out as a freelance writer, playwright and, for several years, the co-creator of a syndicated comic strip.

A versatile and all-purpose writer, he left advertising in the mid-1950s to become a freelance writer. He published humor books, wrote for musical revues and contributed jokes and kits to dozens of TV shows, including “Love, American Style� and programs hosted by Johnny Carson, Dean Martin, Jackie Gleason and Merv Griffin.

He wrote and illustrated a comedic book, “The Girl in the Freudian Slip,� in 1959, then repurposed the title for his first Broadway play, a comedy about a lecherous psychoanalyst, which ran for three days in 1967.

Through the years, Mr. Brown also wrote for dozens of commercial projects, sometimes collaborating with Ken Harper, a New York radio broadcaster.

Mr. Brown

Mr. Harper approached Mr. Brown with the idea of reworking “The Wizard of Oz� as a musical with an all-black cast. Mr. Brown placed the familiar story, originally set in Kansas, in an urban environment, with Dorothy as an African-American girl in New York City. Charlie Smalls composed a score built on upbeat rhythm and blues music.

During tryout performances in Baltimore, Detroit and Philadelphia, the project was almost scrapped before Mr. Brown rewrote parts of the book, and director Geoffrey Holder revitalized the staging and costumes.

When “The Wiz� opened on Broadway in January 1975, reviews were tepid and expectations were low. But the sheer energy of the production proved irresistible and the musical became a word-of-mouth sensation, playing to sold-out audiences for four years.

Mr. Brown was nominated for a Tony Award and won a Drama Desk Award for his writing. “The Wiz� claimed seven Tony Awards in 1975, including best musical. Mr. Holder won Tony awards for costume design and directing. “Dorothy’s search for Oz,� the late Mr. Holder told the New York Times in 1975, “is a universal story of growing up. Everyone — black, red or green — goes through it; that rebellion, that confusion about what the world is like, all those fears, until they know that they can always go back and find it. What is it? That love they have at home, of course.�

Revived on Broadway in 1984, “The Wiz� was presented as a live musical on NBC in 2015 and has been produced countless times at theaters around the country (It is currently in production in Richmond for the Virginia

Repertory Theatre at the November Theatre in Downtown through Aug. 4).

In 1978, it was adapted as a movie, directed

by Sidney Lumet and starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.

Mr. Brown had no involvement with the film, which received poor reviews and was a box office bomb. “I hated it,� he told the Connecticut Post in 2009. “They took all of the magic out of it.�

Mr. Brown went to Hollywood to discuss ideas for the movie with the studio executives. “They said, ‘We’ll be in touch,’ � he recalled, “but that was that.�

In 1968, Mr. Brown wrote the book for an off-Broadway musical, “How to Steal an Election,� which included a score by folk singer Oscar Brand. He also composed material for entertainers Joan Rivers and Joel Grey and in 1995 was the head writer for a large-scale musical event marking the dedication of the Korean War Memorial in Washington.

From 1972 to 1981, Mr. Brown had a syndicated comic strip with Mel Casson, originally called “Mixed Singles� and later “Boomer,� about the romantic misadventures of young people.

His marriage to Ann Distler ended in divorce.

Survivors include his wife since 1981, Tina Tippit of Westport, Conn.; two children from his first marriage, Debra Brown of Greenville, S.C., and William Todd Brown of Bennington, Vt.; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Veterans Administration revises policy on religious displays

By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision permitting a cross to remain on a public highway, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has revised its policies on religious symbols in displays at VA facilities.

Veterans Administration Secretary Robert Wilkie announced July 3 that the new policies will reduce inconsistencies among VA facilities. “We want to make sure that all of our veterans and their families feel welcome at the VA, no matter their religious beliefs. Protecting religious liberty is a key part of how we accomplish that goal,� he said in a statement. “These important changes will bring simplicity and clarity to our policies governing religious and spiritual symbols, helping ensure we are consistently complying with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution at thousands of facilities across the department.�

The revised policies “allow the inclusion in appropriate circumstances of religious content in publicly accessible displays at VA facilities.�

They also permit patients

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RNS photo by Adelle M. Banks

The 40-foot Bladensburg Peace Cross stands at an intersection in Bladensburg, Md., northeast of Washington, D.C. Below, a Catholic Bible within a plexiglass case on a prominent POW/MIA table display in the entrance of the VA medical facility in Manchester, N.H., is one example of what would be allowable under the VA’s new policies.

to request and be provided with sacred texts, symbols and religious literature during treatment at facilities or visits to VA chapels. And they allow the VA “to accept donations of religious literature, cards and symbols at its facilities and distribute them to VA patrons under appropriate circumstances or to a patron who requests them.�

The announcement noted the June 20 decision by the nation’s highest court in which it permitted the so-called “Peace Cross,� a World War I monument in Bladensburg, Md., to remain in a traffic circle. The VA said the case “reaffirmed the important role religion plays

2IVERVIEW

"APTIST #HURCH 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

“Working For You In This Difficult Hour�

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1858

¹4HE 0EOPLE´S #HURCH²

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcofďŹ ce1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com

Photo courtesy of Military Religious Freedom Foundation

“The Church With A Welcome�

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2019 Upcoming

8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship

Ticketed Event

Barky’s

“A White Affair�

Sunday, July 21, 2019 The Event Center 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Usher Badges • Clergy Shirts • Collars • Communion Supplies • Much More!

18 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 • (804) 643-1987 Hours M-F 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Honoring God ... and serving people THANKS TO YOU for over 64 years and looking for 64 more years

St. Peter Baptist Church Worship Opportunities

Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) Joseph Jenkins, III. • Jason K. Jenkins • Maxine T. Jenkins

Join u s

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During the month of July, all Sunday Worship Services will be held at 10 a.m. Church School will be held at 8:30 a.m. “The Net at

!�

2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

country,� said MRFF President Mikey Weinstein.

The MRFF previously has complained about similar Bible displays at other locations, such as a Navy hospital in Japan and an Air Force base in Wyoming.

First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit legal organization that sent a letter in May to Secretary Wilkie requesting “a VA-wide policy that permits Bibles to be included in POW/MIA remembrance displays,� applauded the revamped policies. “This new VA policy is a welcome breath of fresh air,� said Mike Berry, director of military affairs for First Liberty Institute, which also helped defend the Maryland cross monument. “The Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of religious displays with historic roots such as those commonly found in VA facilities. We commend the VA for taking this necessary and positive action.�

Ebenezer Baptist Church

$R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

in the lives of many Americans and its consistency with Constitutional principles.�

The VA’s policy revisions come two months after an Air Force veteran filed suit against the director of the Manchester VA Medical Center in New Hampshire seeking the removal of a Bible from a POW/MIA table at that facility. “As a Christian, he respects and loves all his military brothers and sisters and does not want to be exclusionary by the placement of the Christian Bible,� the suit states.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which the suit states received complaints from 14 other veterans about the display, decried the VA’s revamped rules. “These brand new VA policies ‌ are nothing more than a transparent and repugnant attempt to further buttress and solidify fundamentalist Christianity as the insuperable official religion of choice for the VA, our Armed Forces and this

Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

Broad Rock Baptist Church 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

4th Sunday UniďŹ ed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

“MAKE IT HAPPEN�

Pastor Kevin Cook

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2018-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! A 21st Century Church Come Worship With Us! With Ministry For Everyone

Wear Your Favorite T–Shirt

Bible Study is now in recess for summer break and will reconvene on September 19th.

Please refer to your daily readings located in your Sunday’s bulletin or visit our website.

Sunday, July 14, 2019 11:00 AM Youth Jam Worship Message by: Pastor Bibbs All Youth Invited!

2019 SUMMER

Summer Camp 5 Star In Full Swing

GOSPEL JAZZ VESPERS

This is a FREE EVENT

11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wed. 6:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

3UNDAY *ULY th P M P M

Thank You Community For Helping Us Reach Our Goal!

“Come join us for a captivating evening and an unforgettable experience.�

-OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org drbibbs@sixthbaptistchurch.org

(near Byrd Park)

Richmond Free Press

July 11-13, 2019 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, July 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-166 To amend City Code § 9-58, which assigns polling places in the city, for the purpose of reflecting changes to the street name for the polling places for Precinct 204 and Precinct 215.

Ordinance No. 2019-167 To amend and reordain City Code § 9-58, which assigns polling places in the city, to relocate and establish a new polling place for Precinct 302.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances, including descriptions and maps of proposed boundary and polling place changes, are available for inspection by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, July 15, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, July 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-168 To approve the use of the property known as 738 Goodes Street for the storage of sulphurous, sulphuric, nitric, picric, hydrochloric, or other corrosive acid, in accordance with City Code § 30- 454.1(2).

The subject property is zoned M-2 Heavy Industrial. The City’s Master Plan recommends Industrial land uses for the subject property and all surrounding properties. Primary uses include a wide variety of manufacturing, processing, research and development, warehousing, distribution, office warehouse and service uses. Office, retail and other uses that complement industrial areas are often secondary support uses. The mix of industrial uses and character of such areas may vary depending on the location and available highway access. Typical zoning classifications that may accommodate this land use category: OS, M-1, and M-2.

Ordinance No. 2019-169 To amend City Code §§ 30-428.1, 30-428.3, and 30-428.6, concerning permitted principal uses, accessory uses, and yards, respectively, and to amend ch. 30, art.

IV, div. 15 by adding therein new §§ 30-428, concerning the intent of the district, 30-428.10, concerning requirements for areas devoted to parking or circulation of vehicles, and 30-428.11, concerning building façade fenestration, for the purpose of modifying elements of the RO-3 Residential-Office District to promote walkable neighborhoods.

Ordinance No. 2019-170 To amend City Code §§ 30-440.1, 30-440.2, 30440.4:1, 30-440.6, and 30-440.7, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, principal uses permitted by a conditional use permit, requirements for areas devoted to parking or circulation of vehicles, height, and building façade fenestration in the B-4 Central Business District, and to amend ch. 30, art. IV, div. 22 by adding therein a new § 30-440, concerning the intent of the district, for the purpose of modifying elements of the B-4 Central Business District and promoting dense, transit-oriented development with greater building height than elsewhere in the region.

Ordinance No. 2019-171 To amend City Code §§ 30-950.2, 30-950.3, and 30-950.4, concerning plan of development Continued on next column

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overlay districts, and to amend ch. 30, art. IX, div. 6 of the City Code by adding therein a new § 30-950.5, concerning pre-application meetings, for the purpose of creating an Arts District Station/ Monroe Ward Plan of Development Overlay District POD-2 bounded generally by Belvidere Street on the west, Broad Street on the north, the Downtown Expressway on the south, and 9th Street on the east.

Density. As stated in the plan, the primary use is single-family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semipublic uses.

city ordinance by written notice of veto delivered to the city clerk within 14 calendar days of council’s actions, subject to override thereafter by the council with a vote of six or more of the currently filled seats on council at any regular or special meeting held within 14 calendar days of the clerk’s receipt of the notice of veto, notwithstanding any requirement set forth in this charter or any other law that the council act to adopt the ordinance that is the subject of the veto by a certain date; however, the appointment of members of a redevelopment and housing authority in the city shall be made by the council; and

Ordinance No. 2019-172 To amend the official zoning map for the purpose of designating certain street blocks as “priority streets” and certain street blocks as “street-oriented commercial streets” in the area bounded generally

by Belvidere Street on the west, Broad Street on the north, the Downtown Expressway on the south, and 9 th Street on the east.

Ordinance No. 2019-173 To rezone properties in the Monroe Ward area bounded by Belvidere Street to the west, the Downtown Expressway to the south, Fourth and First Streets to the east, and to the north by Main Street and the alley between Grace and Franklin Streets. To create a Plan of Development Overlay district in an area bounded

by Belvidere Street to the west, Broad Street to the north, the Downtown Expressway to the south, and Ninth Street to the east. The Pulse Corridor Plan calls for a future land use designation of downtown mixed-use: high-density pedestrianand transit-oriented development that is urban in form and features a mix of office buildings, apartments, and a mix of complimentary uses.

Ordinance No. 2019-174 To rezone properties in the VUU/Chamberlayne Neighborhood Plan area, along both sides of: Lombardy Street between Brook Road and Chamberlayne Avenue; Graham Road between Lombardy Street and Chamberlayne Avenue; Overbrook Road between Lombardy Street and Chamberlayne Avenue; and Chamberlayne Avenue between the 2300 and 2900 blocks.

The VUU/Chamberlayne Plan envisions a walkable neighborhood center along Lombardy and Chamberlayne with a mix of uses including retail, restaurants, dwellings and offices, with screened parking and a safe pedestrian environment.

Ordinance No. 2019-175 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1101 Oakwood Avenue for the purpose of a two family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is R-5 Single Family Residential. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single Family Low Density land uses which includes, single family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre.

The proposed density of the development is approximately 25 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2019-176 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3151 Moody Avenue for the purpose of two twofamily detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property along Moody Avenue for Single‑Family (Low‑Density) land use.

Primary uses in this category are single‑family detached dwellings at up to seven units per acre.

The proposed density of the development is approximately 15 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2019-177 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3205 P Street for the purpose of up to eight single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. The subject property is zoned in the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for single‑family (medium density.) Primary uses in this category are single‑family and two‑family dwellings, both detached and attached at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. The proposed development would have a density of 26 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2019-178 To authorize the special use of the property known as 4000 Hopkins Road for the purpose of a storage building as a principal use, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for the property is R-3 Single‑Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s current Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single Family Low Continued on next column

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia PUBLIC Notice Proposed City Charter Amendments Pursuant to section 15.2202 of the Code of Virginia, notice is hereby given to all interested persons that the City Council of the City of Richmond will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 22, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following resolution: Resolution No. 2019-R018 To request the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia to introduce and support the enactment of legislation to amend sections 5.05 and 6.11 of the Charter of the City of Richmond to clarify that the Council shall have 14 calendar days from the date of the City Clerk’s receipt of the Mayor’s notice of veto of any budget ordinance, or any portion thereof, to override such veto, notwithstanding the requirement of section 6.11 that the Council adopt the budget by no later than May 31 of each year.

Patrons – Ms. Gray and Ms. Robertson Approved as to form and legality by the City Attorney BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND: That, in accordance with section 15.2-202 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia is hereby requested to introduce and support the enactment of legislation to amend sections 5.05 and 6.11 of the Charter of the City of Richmond as set forth in the document entitled “Requests of the City of Richmond for City Charter Amendments during the 2020 Session of the General Assembly of Virginia,” a copy of which is attached to and made a part of this resolution.

Requests of the City of Richmond for City Charter Amendments during the 2020 Session of the General Assembly of Virginia Amended Sections: § 5.05. General duties; mayor.

It shall be the duty of the mayor to: (a) Attend, or appoint a designee empowered to answer questions and make recommendations on behalf of the mayor to attend, all meetings of the council with the right to speak but not to vote; the mayor or his designee shall have the right to attend a closed meeting pursuant to § 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia, unless the council determines that the subject matter of the closed meeting includes the office of the mayor and that inclusion of the mayor or his designee shall be detrimental to the purpose of the council’s deliberations; (b) Keep the council advised of the financial condition and the future needs of the city and of all matters pertaining to its proper administration, and make such recommendations as may seem to the mayor desirable; (c) Oversee preparation of and submit the annual budget to the council as provided in Chapter 6 of this charter; (d) P e r f o r m s u c h other duties as may be prescribed by this charter or which may be required of the chief executive officer of a city by the general laws of the Commonwealth, or by ordinances adopted by the council, provided that the mayor shall have the power to veto any Continued on next column

(e) I s s u e such regulations as may be necessary in order to implement the mayor’s duties and powers.

EXPLANATION: Subsection (d) of section 5.05 is understood to apply if the Mayor decides to veto a budget ordinance, appropriation ordinance, or ordinance providing for additional revenue in its entirety instead of vetoing only particular line items in a City budget ordinance.

The first paragraph of section 6.11 requires that the Council adopt the budget, the appropriation ordinances, and the ordinances providing for additional revenue no later than May 31 of each year. The amendments to section 5.05 clarify that the City Council is not required to act on a veto in less than 14 calendar days after the City Clerk receives notice of the veto, notwithstanding the May 31 deadline. § 6.11.

Adoption of budget, appropriation ordinance and ordinances for additional revenue.

Not later than the thirtyfirst day of May in each year the council shall adopt the budget, the appropriation ordinances and such ordinances providing for additional revenue as may be necessary to put the budget in balance. If for any reason the council fails to adopt the budget on or before such day, the budget as submitted by the mayor shall be the budget for the ensuing year and the appropriation ordinance and the ordinances providing additional revenue, if any, as recommended by the mayor shall have full force and effect to the same extent as if the same had been adopted by the council, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this charter.

The mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of any city budget ordinance by written notice of veto delivered to the city clerk within 14 calendar days of council’s action. Council may thereafter override the mayor’s veto with a vote of six or more of the currently filled seats on council at any regular or special meeting held within 14 calendar days of the city clerk’s receipt of the notice of veto, notwithstanding any requirement set forth in this charter or any other law that the council act to adopt the ordinance that is the subject of the veto by a certain date. Vetoes of any one or more items shall not affect other items not vetoed.

EXPLANATION: The second paragraph o f s e c t i o n 6 . 11 i s understood to apply if the Mayor decides to veto only particular line items in a City budget ordinance instead of vetoing a budget ordinance, appropriation ordinance, or ordinance providing for additional revenue in its entirety.

The first paragraph of section 6.11 requires that the Council adopt the budget, the appropriation ordinances, and the ordinances providing for additional revenue no later than May 31 of each year. The amendments to section 6.11 clarify that the City Council is not required to act on a veto in less than 14 calendar days after the City Clerk receives notice of the veto, notwithstanding the May 31 deadline.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, July 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2018-289 As Amended To amend ch. 24, art. I of the City Code by adding therein a new § 24-4 for the purpose of requiring the Department of Public Works to [conduct a study] produce a report of the conditions of all streets, roads, and bridges in the city and to provide [a] such report to City Council by no later than Feb. 1, [2019] 2020, and by no later than Feb. 1 each year thereafter.

Ordinance No. 2019-146 To erect all-way stop signs at the intersection of West 14 th Street and Perry Street. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-147 To erect all-way stop signs at the intersections of Spring Street and South Pine Street, Spring Street and South Laurel Street, Albemarle Street and South Laurel Street, and Albemarle Street and South Cherry Street, with a painted stop line at each intersection.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-159 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2711 East Broad Street for the purpose of a dwelling unit within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single‑Family Medium Density. Primary uses for this category include single‑family and two‑family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre. The density of the parcel if developed as proposed would be approximately 12 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2019-160 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1515 Hull Street for the purpose of an artist woodworking studio, upon certain terms and conditions. This property is situated in a B-5 Central Business District. The City of Richmond’s Downtown Master Plan designates the subject property as a Downtown Urban Center Area which is characterized by higher d e n s i t y, m i x e d ‑ u s e development, typically arranged on a fine grained street network, with wide sidewalks, regular tree planting, and minimal setbacks.

Ordinance No. 2019-161 To rezone the property known as 1039 West Grace Street from the R-73 Multifamily Residential District to the B-5 Central Business District. The Master Plan calls for community commercial uses for the property. Primary uses include office, retail, personal service and other commercial and service uses, intended to provide the shopping and service needs of residents of a number of nearby neighborhoods or a section of the City.

Ordinance No. 2019-162 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $72,385.09 in revenues from SMG; to amend the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Economic Development called the 1 7 th S t r e e t F a r m e r s Market Special Fund; and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Economic Development’s 1 7 th S t r e e t F a r m e r s Market Special Fund by $72,385.09 for the purpose of providing funding for expenses r e l a t e d t o t h e RVA On Ice skating rink and associated 17 th Street Farmers Market improvements.

Ordinance No. 2019-163 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $13,500.00 in anticipated registration fees from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ firefighter Continued on next column

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training event; to amend the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services called the Fire Special Events Special Fund; and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Fire Special Events Special Fund by $13,500.00 for the purpose of providing funding for expenses related to a firefighter training event to be held Sept. 4, 2019, through Sept. 6, 2019.

the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the design and construction of a traffic signal modernization project at the three-way intersection of Semmes Av e n u e , F o r e s t H i l l Avenue, and Dundee Av e n u e a s w e l l a s pedestrian markings and sign improvements on Forest Hill Avenue and West 34 th Street.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

services. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, July 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

Ordinance No. 2019-164 To amend ch. 12, art.

IV of the City Code by adding therein a new § 12-123, concerning fees for Fire and Emergency Services training events, and to amend Appendix A of the City Code by adding therein a new fee for § 12-123.

Ordinance No. 2019-185 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Stadium Use Agreement between the City of Richmond and Navigators Baseball LP, for the purpose of granting Navigators Baseball LP a right to use the property known as The Diamond, located at 3001 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

Ordinance No. 2019-179 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the construction of a paved path, a bicycle lane, and an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible ramp to connect the Virginia Capital Trail at the intersection of Dock Street and South 17 th Street with the northern terminus of the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-180 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the construction of a shared-use bridge over the Kanawha Canal and a paved path on the south side of the Kanawha Canal to improve access to the southern Canal Walk. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-181 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for Phase II of the design and construction of a half mile long shared-use path and enhanced crossings paralleling Stony Run Road from its intersection with Williamsburg Avenue to its intersection with Government Road.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-182 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for Phase III of the design and construction of a half mile long shared-use path and enhanced crossings paralleling Stony Run Road from its intersection with Government Road to its intersection with Jennie Scher Road.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-183 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the installation of updated traffic signals, traffic circulation enhancements, and pedestrian safety improvements on Semmes Avenue and other streets surrounding the Patrick Henry School of Science and A r t s . ( CO M M I T T EE : Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-184 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of Continued on next column

Ordinance No. 2019-186 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Certificate of Completion for the benefit of Church Hill North Phase 2B LLC and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority at such time as the Chief Administrative Officer has determined that a certain deed condition requiring the construction and development of certain parcels of land as an affordable housing development has been fulfilled and completed.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-188 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to submit a Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an application for the receipt of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS ( H O P WA ) f u n d s ; t o accept funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the total amount of $7,480,634.00; and to appropriate $7,480,634.00 for various projects. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, July 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-189 To amend City Code §§ 26-401, concerning the amount of exemption for rehabilitated residential or multifamily qualified structures, and 26-404, concerning that amount of exemption for rehabilitated commercial or industrial qualified structures, for the purpose of reducing the exemption period for rehabilitated residential and multifamily qualified structures from ten years to five years; reducing the exemption period for rehabilitated commercial and industrial qualified structures outside of an Enterprise Zone from seven years to three years; reducing the exemption period for rehabilitated commercial and industrial qualified structures within an Enterprise Zone from ten years to five years; and removing the provision allowing a partial tax exemption for renovated residential or multifamily real estate exceeding the square footage limitations set forth in City Code § 26-399. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, July 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-190 To amend Ord. No. 2019044, which appropriated and provided funds for financing the school budget for the fiscal year commencing Jul. 1, 2019, and ending Jun. 30, 2020, to make transfers from the contingency reserves major classification to other major classifications to facilitate the implementation of the School Board’s strategic plan.

Ordinance No. 2019-191 To amend and reordain the fees set forth in Appendix A of the City Code for sections 28-193(3), 28194(2) (concerning fees for large volume general gas service), 28-199(d) (concerning flexibly priced interruptible gas service), and 28-200(4) (concerning unmetered gaslight service), to establish revised charges for such Continued on next column

Ordinance No. 2019-192 To amend and reordain certain fees set forth in Appendix A of the City Code for sections 28-650 (concerning fees for residential wastewater service), 28-651 (concerning fees for commercial wastewater service), 28-652 (concerning fees for industrial wastewater service), 28653 (concerning fees for state and federal wastewater service), and 28-654 (concerning fees for municipal wastewater service), to establish revised charges for such services. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, July 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER RACHAEL MILLER, Plaintiffs, v.

CODY DAVIS, Defendants.

Case No.: CL19001895-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 22nd day of July, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DOUGLAS BRANCH, Plaintiffs, v.

ROXANNE BRANCH, Defendants.

Case No.: CL19001967-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 30th day of July, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND John Marshall Courts Building CHEVELLE RENAE ALLEN-STEVENSON, Plaintiff, v REGINALD ALDA STEVENSON, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL19-2976 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart in excess of one year.

It appearing from an affidavit filed by the plaintiff that the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown, it is ORDERED that the defendant appear before this Court on or before August 16, 2019, to protect his interests herein.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk Locke & Quinn Shannon S. Otto 4928 West Broad Street P.O. Box 11708 Richmond, VA 23230 Telephone: (804) 285-6253 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ERIN LLOYD, Plaintiff, v.

BRIAN HUNTRESS, Defendant.

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B6 July 11-13, 2019

Richmond Free Press

Sports Plus Public Meetings

Interstate 95 Corridor Improvement Plan You are invited to attend a meeting or use an online platform to learn about the Interstate 95 Corridor Study and provide input on potential improvements.

Alkin Barkley

Travon Willis

VUU Golf Team wins CIAA academic award

Postseason honors continue to roll Freshmen Alkin Barkley of Johanin for the Virginia Union University nesburg, South Africa, and Travon Golf Team.

Willis of Indian Trails, N.C., led the Coach E. Lee Coble’s Panthers way in the classroom with perfect won the CIAA Tournament this past 4.0 GPAs. Barkley is majoring in spring for the first time in 48 years business accounting, while Willis is and advanced to the NCAA Division an engineering major.

II Tournament.

Also, because of the team’s Since then, VUU has been awarded stellar season athletically and acaCoach Coble the CIAA’s Freddie Vaughn Highest demically, VUU has been presented Academic Award for the golf team having a a $2,000 grant from the National Negro Golf combined 3.60 GPA. Association.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board, with support from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), is developing an I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan as requested in Senate and House of Delegate resolutions (SJR 276 and HJR 581) adopted by the 2019 General Assembly.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board has initiated a data-driven study to develop the I-95 Corridor Plan which will (i) identify key problem areas along the corridor, and (ii) identify potential solutions and areas for additional review and study.

You are invited to provide input on the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan online or at an in-person meeting, the first in a series of online feedback opportunities and meetings between now and this fall. The purpose of this first series of meetings is to gather public input on safety and congestion concerns on I-95 in the Commonwealth. There will be a brief presentation at the beginning of each meeting followed by time for the public to provide input on safety and congestion issues in the corridor. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will take your comments into consideration as it develops the Plan. Comments can be submitted via email to: VA95corridorplan@vdot.virginia.gov.

The online comment form will be available at va95corridor.org beginning July 15, 2019. You can find meeting materials there as well. Attendance at the meetings in not required in order to submit comments online.

The first comment period will end August 21, 2019. Additional comment opportunities will be available throughout the study.

Public meetings will be held at the below-listed dates and times at the noted locations.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 South County Middle School 8700 Laurel Crest Drive Lorton, VA 22079 6–8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 James Monroe High School 2300 Washington Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401 6–8 p.m.

Thursday, July 25, 2019 Virginia State University Multipurpose Center 20809 2nd Avenue Petersburg, VA 23803 5–7 p.m.

Virginia Union University Golf Team

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

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Case No.: CL19001841-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 6th day of August, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., Courtroom 2 and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 Law Office of 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

payment of delinquent taxes: 2nd Street North 1016 N0000085006 5th Avenue 3311 N0051186006 19th Street East 206 S0000237021 20th Street East 127 S0000353024 21st Street West 208 S0000418008 29th Street North 1908 E0120427019 Bancroft Avenue 310 N0001258075 Blue Ridge Avenue 5215 E0100110009 Campbell Avenue 5416 E0100138027 Carver Street 2016 E0001237021 Corbin Street 4408 N0180401001 Enfield Avenue 1418 S0071228010 Enslow Avenue 3211 N0001061015 Florida Avenue 3521 N0001266022 Hazelhurst Avenue 442 N0001456040 Hazelhurst Avenue 444 N0001456027 Keswick Avenue 1817 S0070982010 Krouse Street 2900 S0080527053 Krouse Street 2902 S0080527054 Krouse Street 2904 S0080527055 Krouse Street 2906 S0080527056 Krouse Street 2908 S0080527057 Krouse Street 2910 S0080527058 Krouse Street 2912 S0080527059 Krouse Street 2914 S0080527060 Krouse Street 2916 S0080527061 Lumkin Avenue 2101 S0080527062 Lynhaven Avenue 4114 S0090185013 Lynhaven Avenue 4204 S0090225007 Marx Street 414 S0000320001 Maury Street 1813 S0000234034 Minor Street 201 N0000375001 Redd Street 2100 ½ E0000665040 Richmond Street 2100 E0000764001 Stegge Avenue 1809 S0071133017 Thurman Street 20 S0070875001 Warwick Avenue 2114 S0071682001 Warwick Avenue 2313 S0071629014 Warwick Avenue 2317 S0071629012 The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata costs of publication hereunder.

Gregory A. Lukanuski, Deputy City Attorney Office of the City Attorney for the City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia (804) 646-7949

Alice E. Harris and Alderette E. Griffin.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ALICE E. HARRIS, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, ALDERETTE E. GRIFFIN, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that ALICE E. HARRIS, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, ALDERETTE E. GRIFFIN, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re ELIJAH LEE Case No. J-096015-06-07 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) for Kenneth Wray Lee (Father) and Unknown (Father) of Elijah Lee, child, DOB 03/28/2012, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father & Kenneth Wray Lee (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 09/09/2019, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #4

Notice Judicial Sale of Real Property Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ALICE E. HARRIS, et al.

Defendants.

Case No. : CL18-4789 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1810 Bath Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000946/027, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record,

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

BORIS COX, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6114 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1800 Albany Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000288/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Boris Cox and Gertrude Smith.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, BORIS COX, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and GERTRUDE SMITH, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that BORIS COX, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, GERTRUDE SMITH, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney

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VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DEANTA TAHEEM LEE, JR. Case No. J-095501-08 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) for Unknown (Father) of Deanta Taheem Lee, Jr. child, DOB 09/17/2017, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 09/09/2019, at 9:20 AM, Courtroom #4

Property

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900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

LEE E. CARNEY, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6234 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1115 North 29th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000568/031, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Lee E. Carney and Annie Carney.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, LEE E. CARNEY, upon information and belief deceased, or her/his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and ANNIE CARNEY, upon information and belief deceased, or her/his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that LEE E. CARNEY, upon information and belief deceased, or her/his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, ANNIE CARNEY, upon information and belief deceased, or her/his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

JIMMIE LEE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4944 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2513 Robert Moore Circle, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N000-0663/017, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Jimmie Lee.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JIMMIE LEE, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description Continued on next column

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need further information on these policies or need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Title VI Specialist at 804-786-2730 (TTY users call 711).

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of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that JIMMIE LEE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, SHOWERMAN, LLC, an entity cancelled in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ERIK S. DOWDYE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5840 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2115 Keswick Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0071030/029, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Erik S. Dowdye.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ERIK S. DOWDYE, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS, David Yager, President, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action; that DISCOVER BANK ISSUER OF THE DISCOVER CARD, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and SHOWERMAN, LLC, an entity cancelled in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be creditors with an interest in said property, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that ERIK S. DOWDYE, THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS, David Yager, President, DISCOVER BANK ISSUER OF THE DISCOVER CARD, Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

RUTH M. PINKSTON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6027 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2111 Edwards Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000398/016, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Ruth M. Pinkston.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, RUTH M. PINKSTON, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that RUTH M. PINKSTON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB# 19-1879-6JOK J.R. Tucker High School Due: August 7, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/

BUILDING MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST (5)

Exciting Career Opportunities!

Join RRHA and make a positive difference in revitalizing communities and lives. Excellent benefits for full-time employees. Please see and apply through INDEED for complete details and to submit your resume. Drug Screen, background and DMV check required.

EOE/D/V/F/M

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond.

To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com.

EOE M/F/D/V

Director of Community Revitalization

County of Henrico, Virginia

IRC108402.

Directs the activities of the County’s Community Revitalization program and functions; does related work as required.

For a more specific description of duties and qualifications and to apply, visit our iRecruitment site on the Internet at http:// henrico.us/services/jobs/. Deadline 7/29/2019.

EOE.

Fourth Baptist Church is seeking a part time Minister of Music.

Candidate must have a minimum of 5-7 years of experience. Candidate must have a college degree in music or an equivalent arts degree, must be able to read music, play piano, organ and keyboard, be knowledgeable in the use of related technology and software. Candidate must be able to offer a blended style of music, i.e. Hymns, Anthems, Traditional Gospel, Praise and Worship and Contemporary Praise and Worship. Salary is competitive.

Application deadline is July 13, 2019. Please email all resumes to George Dorman at grgdorm@aol.com.

FULL-TIME SENIOR PASTOR Thirty-first Street Baptist Church of Richmond VA, located in historic Church Hill, seeks a full-time senior pastor. The pastor’s education, training, and experience should include seminary degree(s) and a minimum of three years in a ministerial leadership role in a Baptist church. The pastor will be responsible for church leadership, both spiritual and biblical, through preaching, teaching, training, counseling and evangelism.

Demonstrating godly leadership and keen administrative skill, the pastor will minister to the current needs of the church, while preparing and equipping the fellowship with the tools to assist membership sustainability for the next generation church. The pastor will work collaboratively with the Trustees, Deacons, Deacons Auxiliary Ministry, staff and congregation to uphold and cultivate the church mission and vision while developing disciples.

Mail resumes to: THIRTY-FIRST STREET BAPTIST CHURCH 823 N. Thirty-first Street Richmond, Virginia 23223 ATTN: Pastor Search Committee Email resumes to: info@31sbc.org

TRANSIT SYSTEM

GENERAL UTILITY Starting Rate: $17.21 per hour Closing Date: Open Until Filled Full Time

GRTC Transit System seeks a detailed oriented individual, 21 years of age or older, who can work independently and in a team environment to perform various vehicle service duties.

This position requires weekend and weekday availability. The hours will vary depending on shift. High school education required. Must have, at a minimum, a valid Virginia Class B CDL Learners Permit with P Endorsement required.

Candidates must have a good driving record with positive points and must be able to pass a background check along with a pre-employment drug test and a DOT physical. Candidates may apply online at www.ridegrtc.com. No paper applications accepted.

GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

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