Richmond Civic League Holds ‘Code Refresh’ Meeting On March 5th

Of course, if you follow this site, you already know that Code Refresh is a scam. But it might be useful to attend this meeting and hear for yourself what Richmond neighbors are saying.

Holton Elementary 1600 W Laburnum Avenue, March 5, 6-8pm

According to the email for the meeting, there will be “a special announcement of a new initiative to be voted on by Council, for our community to completely re-evaluate Code Refresh with details to be revealed at the March 5 meeting.”

Learn more at www.richmondcivicleague.com/blog

RVA Environmental Film Festival Continues…

The RVA Environmental Film Festival, which has a long history here, and has been mentioned here many times in the past, continues tonight at the Main Library, Oregon Hill’s branch.

Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 PM – “The Street Project”
Main Library – Richmond Public Library
“The Street Project” will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives from local organizations who seek to make the streets safer for anyone not in a car, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation users.

More upcoming…

Thursday, February 26, 6:00 PM “The Cigarette Surfboard”
University of Richmond, Jepson Hall, Room 118
Hosted by University of Richmond Office of Sustainability
There is a reception with the filmmaker, Ben Judkins, and a Q&A following the film!
Yes – it is about a surfboard made of discarded cigarettes and the activism around that.

Friday, February 27, 5:30 PM – “Common Ground”
ICA/ VCUarts hosted by VCUarts Cinema program.
This film highlights how regenerative farming practices can heal the soil, improve health, and stabilize the economy, while also addressing issues of racism in the food industry.

Saturday, February 28, 2:30 PM- “Teach Me to Be Wild”
The Robins Nature Center – Maymont
A beautiful and touching film about an animal sanctuary and a therapeutic program for ‘at-risk’ youth.
(Free – ticket to Robins Nature Center not required)

Tuesday, March 3, 5:30 PM- “The Little Things that Run the World”
@LaPrade Library hosted by Chesterfield County Public Library
Through striking visuals and authoritative voices, “The Little Things That Run the World” uncovers the essential role insects play in sustaining life on earth.

Stay tuned for the festival’s grand finale, March 7th! (See www.rvaeff.org)

In addition, the MountainFilm On Tour is a great little traveling film festival that is coming to the Ashland Theater this Saturday Night. And, though it is not free admission like the RVAEFF, it is also highly recommended.

OHNA And Upcoming Neighborhood Events

From email:

Dear Oregon Hill Community:

The next OHNA meeting will be February 24 at 7pm.
Agenda and Zoom link will be sent prior to the meeting.

Neighborhood events in February:

Sunday, February 15th at 5:00pm:
Storytelling Gathering at Pine Street Church
(see attached flyer)
This month’s theme: When I Fell in Love
Come tell a short story about how you fell in love – with a person, a place, a hobby, a passion, a calling, or anything that awakened joy and meaning in you. Stories can be funny, tender, surprising, or all of the above, and you’re welcome to come just to listen. Cupcakes and coffee and other beverages served.

Thursday, February 19th at 6:00pm – 8:30pm:
Community Craft Night at Pine Street Church
Bring a craft, a snack, and yourself! Even if you aren’t crafting, come hang out with community and enjoy some productive art making and socializing! Mark your calendar for the next event on March 26th.

Sunday, February 22nd at 9:00am:
Friends of Oregon Hill Parks
Committee meeting at Holly Street Playground, followed by a cleanup at Holly Street Playground from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

RVA News & Events:_______________________________

Code Refresh:
The City of Richmond has extended the comment period on draft two of the Code Refresh maps and use regulations. The comment period, which was originally scheduled to close on Sunday, February 15, has been moved two weeks to Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the interactive tools available at rva.gov/coderefresh and leave comments.

‘So, What’s Next?’ RVA Community Dinner:
– When: Thursday, February 19th, 5:30-7:30 PM
– Where: LabRVA Event Center, 1001 N. 25th St
RSVP by February 12 by clicking here: Please let us know if you would like us to invite others. Info: Email kristine.lalonde@gmail.com

Utility and Water Bill Assistance
METROCARE GAS- Assistance from Department of Public Utilities to help pay heating bills from December 15th thru April 30th. Customers must be at least 30 days past due.
METROCARE WATER- Assistance with water bills. Customers’ bills must be at least 30 days past due. MetroCare may pay one bill payment of last resort, up to $500 per heating season. FYI: Funds are for current charges only. Applicant can only receive MetroCare assistance only once in heating season or once per 12 months. Funds cannot be used for unpaid balances from last heating season or older.
ENERGYSHARE – Dominion Virginia Power helps pay customers’ utility bills.
Energyshare is a 12-month program. The program assists with heating and cooling bills. If approved, customer can receive up to $300 for cooling. June 1st thru September 30th and up to $600 for heating bills October 1st thru May 31st.
Please note: Program may end sooner depending on availability of funds.
For more information: CAPUP 804-788-0050.


Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Valerie L’Herrou, President
John Bolecek, Treasurer
Amanda Bradley, Co-Vice-President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice President
Susan Hill, Co-Vice President
Phaedra Hise, Co-Vice President
Scott Racette, Secretary

JOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86
For events and more: https://ohnarva.org/

Second Storytelling Event: When I Fell In Love

From FaceBook event page:

Join us for our Second Storytelling Event!
You’re invited to “When I Fell in Love”, a storytelling event where we’ll share true stories about the moments that captured our hearts and changed our lives. Come tell a short story about how you fell in love-with a person, a place, a hobby, a passion, a calling, or anything that awakened joy and meaning in you. Stories can be funny, tender, surprising, or all of the above, and you’re welcome to come just to listen.
Cupcakes, coffee, and other beverages served

This is the mushy sequel to the previous event.

OHNA Meeting Tomorrow Evening

From email announcement:

(Editor’s note: Zoom meeting link and password has been redacted, please join or contact OHNA for that information)

OHNA January Meeting
Tuesday, Jan 27, 7pm: The first meeting of 2026! Agenda is attached and below. Materials for action item regarding zoning are attached.
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Winter Storm
Stay safe! Have a plan in case your pipes freeze or you lose power and heat.
> Weather will delay some City services such as trash pickup
If you or someone you know needs shelter: https://rva.gov/human-services/inclement-weather
RVA city Weather Alerts signup: https://rva.gov/node/18466
Power outages: https://myaccount.dominionenergy.com/portal/#/ReportOutage
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Zoning: “Code Refresh”
Comments on the second draft of the re-zoning may be made through February 15. Access interactive map and zoning regs here: https://rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh You can explore the maps and leave your feedback there — or email your comments to Richmond300@rva.gov.

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Parks – Richmond INSPIRE
The Parks’ Department’s Richmond INSPIRE is now live for public review.
Review the draft before March 6, 2026. Parks will start a more formal outreach strategy after the new year.
90% Draft Vision Plan — Richmond INSPIRE Citywide Vision Plan for Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

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OHNA Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, 27, January 2026 • 7:00PM

Welcome

Approval of Minutes:
There are no minutes to approve as December was a social and not a business meeting

Community and local Officials Updates: Police, VCU, Councilmember Lynch

Committee updates:

Zoning, FoOHP, Traffic and Safety, Bylaws, Events

Action items:
OHNA Resolution Requesting Amendments to the proposed Zoning ordinance
Support Tree Planting Project

New Business:

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Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Valerie L’Herrou, President
John Bolecek, Treasurer
Amanda Bradley, Co-Vice-President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice President
Susan Hill, Co-Vice President
Phaedra Hise, Co-Vice President
Scott Racette, Secretary

JOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86
For events and more: https://ohnarva.org/

Protest Against ICE in Monroe Park Tomorrow

From announcement:

Emergency Rally! Today we keep our eyes out for ICE! Tomorrow, no matter what, we demand ICE Out of Virginia!

Following a noticeable increase in reports of ICE activity in the Greater Richmond area, we received a tip from a trusted source that 180 federal immigration agents have been sent to the city by the federal government, as of Jan. 16th.

In response to this violent and unwarranted escalation, Virginia Immigrants for Life, Liberation, Autonomy and Solidarity (VILLAS) and The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality will be holding a rally this Sunday, Jan 18 at 2PM at Monroe Park in Richmond, VA.

Join us in demanding that ICE get out of our state and that local and state officials take concrete measures to protect our communities against ICE aggression!

Let’s demonstrate our love and care for our neighbors by coming together in power and solidarity to say that we are NOT afraid and will NOT allow ICE to terrorize us. ICE is already here, it is up to us to meet the moment.

We keep us safe! In that spirit, please assess your own risk before joining.

To contrast the emptiness and coldness of white supremacy, let’s make this rally colorful and bright. See you there!