Good Morning, South Richmond!

GOV / POLITICS

So it hit last week that the School Board's 4th District representative Jonathan Young had been investigated and cleared after a harassment complaint by a 15-year-old student, but that 1) the Board would be modifying it's conduct policy, and 2) his actions were perceived as “weird,” “odd,” and “awkward”. Three days later Mr.Young resigned his position immediately. Young was the only announced candidate for the 4th District School Board seat in this year’s upcoming election, though there are rumors of at least candidate soon to announce.With more than seven months until whomever is elected this fall takes office, it seems like the School Board will have to appoint an interim 4th District representative. Keep an ear out for that.
I went to Reva Trammell's 8th District Meeting at the Satellite. There was a disco ball and more mayoral candidates than you can shake a stick at.
THURSDAY PM: 5th District Ice Cream Social with Stephanie Lynch & 8th District Town Hall with Nicole Jones. Pick one.

CAN YOU BUY US A CUP OF COFFEE?

It might not sound like much, but your subscription of $3/month would be an amazing vote of confidence in what we’re trying to do. Can you buy us a cup of coffee?

A HARD WEEK FOR THE WORKING MEN

Worker OK after electric shock and fire while trimming trees @ Hill Top Drive
Man injured after hit by backhoe @ 21st & Ingram

ALSO

In response to a rash of violence centered in the East End that has left 8 people dead (including 4 teens) since March 31, the Richmond Police announced a curfew and increased patrols. Here is a map of the gun violence hot spots" in South Richmond per RPD. Worth noting, South Richmond has only seen 2 homicides in 2024. Last year at this time we were at 11, with 4 more to come in the last half of April.
After their early January closed/not closed thing, it looks like *something* new is in the works for Coqui bike shop.
Work is underway on 40 new rental homes on Belt Boulevard. One day soon I'm going to go back and count how many new apartments and homes we've announced this year - feels like a decent amount.
GOOD NEWS! Did you know that Fonticello Park is getting a splash pad?
MORE GOOD NEWS! Work is underway on the new T.B. Smith Community Center on Ruffin Road. This is going to be AMAZING.