Police responded Thursday night to a mugging near the intersection of Cherry and Albemarle. A student was approached by 2 black males (one of which had a handgun). They demanded money but he did not have any. There were no injuries. Muggers fled and there were no arrests.
This week in addition to Flynn’s garlic fries, we have Nate’s Tacos. Here is what some have said about Nate on the net: “Incredible! I highly suggest you take any chance you get to have one of Nate’s tacos.” – Nathan Hughes, Richmond Business and Commercial News. “Whatever his secret is, the stuff he serves is delicious and served with a Cheshire cat’s smile.” – Jason Guard, Camelized Opinions
On behalf of Oregon Hill residents, I wish to express my appreciation for Michael Paul Williams’ Times Dispatch column this morning.
The school has increased its enrollment by 9,000 students during the past decade. But it has struggled to keep pace — from a standpoint of resources and faculty — to fulfill its academic mission.
Critics of school President Eugene P. Trani, who is stepping down in July, have long complained that he has placed development and enrollment growth above academics. They might call the U.S. News & World Report ranking the chickens coming home to roost.
As the Trani era ends, his successor’s main task will be to restore confidence in academic integrity and to enhance — or repair — VCU’s national stature.
VCU’s promise must not be compromised by its unbridled growth. The school must scale down its ambitions to meet its academic mission. If it is to become a true up-and-comer, quality — not quantity — must be job one.
Despite the hard feelings, Oregon Hill residents are sorry that VCU did not get nationally ranked, we do want what is best for our neighbors (including students getting a quality recreational center), but we are also happy to see that common sense is coming to bear.
Have you lost or or would you like a cat? (via Craig’s List)
There is an adorable friendly black cat, who responds to the name “snuffles” currently on my back porch. On the skinny side so he may have been a stray, but is so people friendly you could never tell. He is craving for attention and love. He likes soy milk and will rub up against anything he can. He also follows you around no matter how far you go and if he loses sight will run as fast as possible to catch up with you again.
I would keep him if I could, but I can’t. If this is your cat, or if it sounds like a cat you would be interested in, I really want to find him a good home. I’m not sure how he acts around other cats or anything.
What are the three best things about the Byrd House Market? Food, Music, and Friends! This week we’ll have the Stainless Tree-oh (local jazz band) and Flynn’s Foods fabulous garlic fries cooked to order. So come by and connect with friends and make some new ones while you’re there!
But how much premium will VCU pay?
Thanks,
Scott
Begin forwarded message:
From: DPU – Communications
Date: August 18, 2008 3:27:19 PM EDT
To: DPU – Communications
Subject: News release: New water rates underscore conservation effort
New Rate Underscores Conservation Message
RICHMOND, VA—In an effort to encourage water customers to conserve water when supply is scarce, the City of Richmond instituted a water conservation rate, effective July 1, 2008. During designated periods of either voluntary or mandatory conservation, customers who make the decision to use more than 140 percent of their normal winter water usage (water consumed during December, January, and February) will pay a higher commodity rate on their excess usage.
“Rates are set to drive customer behavior,” said Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Public Utilities Director Chris Beschler. “The behavior that we want to promote is to protect one of our most precious natural resources so that we all are doing our part to help the environment. This water conservation rate provides a financial incentive for water customers to do just that,”
Under this water conservation rate, DPU water customers will pay a 50 percent premium on water used over and above 140 percent of their normal winter water usage during voluntary conservation measures, and a 100 percent premium during mandatory water conservation measures.
The following is an example of what an average customer would pay using more than the normal l winter water usage during voluntary or mandatory water conservation measures:
For an average water customer whose winter monthly consumption = 8 Ccf
Conservation charge threshold (8 Ccf X 140%) = 11 Ccf
Actual monthly consumption during conservation period = 20 Ccf
Consumption subject to conservation rate (20 Ccf – 11 Ccf) = 9 Ccf
Voluntary conservation measures were implemented August 11, 2008 in the City of Richmond and surrounding counties when water levels in the James River dropped below the 1,200 cfs trigger level. For more information on conservation measures during either voluntary or mandatory water conservation periods, visit DPU’s website at www.RichmondGov.com/DPU; click on “Water Utility;” and then click on “Water Utility Page” in the drop down menu, or contact DPU’s Customer Care Center at 644-3000.
Contact: Angela Fountain, DPU Communications, 646-7323
Hard copy attached
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities
Communications Division
730 E. Broad Street, 6th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
(O) 804.646.5224, (Fax) 804.646.4858
Email: DPUC@richmondgov.com
ACORN is accepting nominations for this year’s Golden Hammer Awards. If you know of an outstanding (I-can’t-believe-they-fixed-that-wreck) renovation project with a completion date of Sept.1, 2007 and Aug.15, 2008, let ACORN know by sending in a nomination form before Sept.1 (and, yes, you can nominate your own project!).
Richmond.com takes a comprehensive overview of Richmond’s 5th District — looking at both the boundaries and key landmarks of this diverse district, as well as a solid snapshot of the candidates and issues behind the upcoming School Board and City Council elections:
Located smack in the middle of the city, the Central District is in the center of the city and is one of two districts that crisscross the James River. It covers a diverse swath of the city, from Oregon Hill near Virginia Commonwealth University south across the river to Hull Street.
It includes the communities of Woodland Heights, Springhill, Reedy Creek, Carytown, Oregon Hill, parts of the Fan and Swansboro. Maymont and Byrd parks are also in the 5th District.
Pretty low it seems. But back to this project…this is before adding the water. Tuitions Gone Wild, indeed!
The corner of Laurel and China has seen a lot of action lately. On Sunday night, police evicted three or four squatters who were living in a tent in the backyard of a vacant house. The owner says renovations on the house should be finished this Fall. On Monday afternoon a car going up the wrong the way on Laurel hit a truck that was trying to cross Laurel on China. No word on how serious the injuries were, but this may add to calls for more street signs and traffic enforcement.