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In brief 12/18/2024

Owen Brennan was recently named executive director of The Haven. He’s been the nonprofit’s interim leader since Stephen Hitchcock left in July. Supplied photo.

New leader

On January 1, Owen Brennan, interim executive director of The Haven, will officially become the organization’s permanent executive director.

“Owen’s knowledge of The Haven and the local Continuum of Care, his calm presence in accompaniment of people in crisis, and his deep understanding of the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness are the right combination of skills to lead The Haven into the future,” said Rabia Povich, chair of the board, in a December 10 press release.

Since opening in 2010, The Haven has been a resource for community members experiencing homelessness and poverty. 

Brennan has worked for the organization in various roles for more than a decade, most recently as operations director for the nonprofit. He is currently listed as both the executive and operations director on The Haven’s website, and has an extensive background in collaborating with other major players working to address housing insecurity in the Charlottesville area.

The Haven is one of many local nonprofits expected to work with city leaders and the Salvation Army on the creation of a year-round, low-barrier shelter in the city. While The Haven has a low-barrier day shelter, Charlottesville does not currently have a low-barrier, overnight shelter available year-round.

Powering down

File photo.

Albemarle County Public Schools will kick off 2025 with a new personal communication device policy, prompted by an August executive order from Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Starting January 7, students must store phones and similar devices in a locker, backpack, or designated area for the duration of the school day. Exceptions for individualized education plans, 504 plans, and special circumstances will be allowed.

High school students will be able to use devices during non-instructional time for now, but use during lunch and passing periods will be phased out in August 2025. Middle schoolers will continue to operate under current rules, prohibiting phones for the entire school day.

“This initiative supports our goal of helping students stay engaged and achieve academic success,” said Judy Le, chair of the Albemarle County School Board, in a December 10 press release. “Creating device-free classrooms allows students and staff to focus on meaningful learning experiences.”

Procedures for family and staff communication during emergencies will also be updated as part of the new policy.

For the win(s)

Four University of Virginia swimmers set world records at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest on December 12. Current Hoo and Olympic medalist Gretchen Walsh broke her own record in the 100-meter individual medley, posting a time of 55.71 during the semifinal. Her sister, Alex Walsh, joined alum Paige Madden and incoming Cavalier Katie Grimes on the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, breaking another world record during the final event of the day.

Giving season

In more UVA athletics news, the Virginia women’s basketball team received the largest gift in the program’s history, and the second-largest gift to any UVA women’s team ever. The “transformational” donation comes from alum Alexis Ohanian, general partner and founder of early-stage venture capital firm Seven Seven Six. Ohanian is also the co-founder and former executive chairman of Reddit, a popular social media site, and is married to tennis legend Serena Williams.

Hope to help

Inmates at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail will receive “hope packs” from Christ Community Church this holiday season as part of an initiative by Richmond-based organization Good News Global. Charlottesville is one of 30 jurisdictions nationwide participating in the program, according to a December 10 release. Hope packs are given to male, female, and juvenile inmates, and include personalized gifts and necessities.

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In brief 12/11/2024

Four organizations have expressed interest in operating a new grocery store at 501 Cherry Ave., the site of the former Estes IGA supermarket. Photo by Eze Amos.

Fresh ideas

The Cherry Avenue Grocery Community and Stakeholder Engagement Project held its fourth and final Buy Back the Block event on December 9, unveiling both the results of its survey and the names of parties interested in owning and operating a grocery store at 501 Cherry Ave.

The development is on the site of the former Estes IGA supermarket, and is a collaboration between Woodard Properties and Piedmont Housing Alliance. In addition to space for a grocery store and the Music Resource Center, the project is also slated to include two apartment buildings with one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable units.

Current plans have the development applying for a certificate of occupancy in 2027.

More than 500 people completed the survey, with 75 percent indicating they would shop at a grocery store at 501 Cherry Ave. Top priorities of respondents in selecting a grocery store were proximity to home and work, selection of fresh food, and low prices. Most surveyed preferred that the store be either a co-op or owned by someone with “deep roots in Fifeville or other historically Black communities in Charlottesville/Albemarle.”

If a grocery store is not possible, survey respondents favored options like a farmers’ market, child-care facility, or nonprofit community center. Many meeting attendees said a grocery store is still their preferred choice, and they would like additional details before moving forward with any alternative.

Beyond the survey results, those who were at the event also heard from Fifeville Neighborhood Association President Carmelita Wood about potential groups interested in owning and operating the store: Good Food Grocery, the newly formed Food Co-op steering committee, Laziz Local Produce, and Goodwill Industries.

Suit dismissed

Following the dismissal of her Title IX lawsuit last month, complainant Jane Doe reiterated to The Daily Progress her distrust in and frustration with the University of Virginia. The December 9 article details both the complaint, court proceedings, and UVA’s response.

Doe accuses a now-former professor and department head of repeated instances of sexual harassment beginning during her January 2019 study abroad program. The professor, identified as Gabriel Finder by Charlottesville DTM, resigned prior to disciplinary action, has been barred from working at UVA, and was stripped of his emeritus status.

UVA leadership was first informed of a “consensual relationship” between Doe and the professor in January 2020, at which point the Title IX office became involved. Though Doe initially claimed the relationship was consensual, she later said she had reevaluated her relationship with the professor and wanted to hold him accountable. A formal Title IX investigation was opened on March 19, 2020.

The final investigation report was not released until April 30, 2021.

In his memorandum opinion, U.S. District Judge Robert Ballou—a double Hoo and current lecturer at UVA law school—issued a summary judgment dismissing the suit. He further found the delay did not rise to the level of “deliberate indifference,” as stated in the suit, and said Doe’s on-time graduation with a 3.98 showed she was not prejudiced by UVA.

Thomas Jefferson Statue at the University of Virginia

Burnout

A December 8 fire at the University of Virginia Sigma Pi fraternity house on Virginia Avenue displaced 13 students in the middle of final exams. Charlottesville Fire Department responded to the single-structure fire around 1:30pm. The blaze caused significant structural damage, but no injuries were reported. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

What a racket

After 10 years in business, Moose’s by the Creek will close at the end of 2024, according to owners Melinda “Moose” Stargell and Amy Benson. In a December 8 Facebook post announcing the closure, they shared, “We’ve won awards, received many accolades and reviews and have cooked many meals but none of that could’ve been possible without YOU…our customers, friends and family.” At the end of the post, they teased that “something new” will be announced soon.

New road forward

In a rare show of bipartisanship, District 5 Rep. Bob Good worked with Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine to advance the creation of an emergency access road to Wintergreen. The road will be built near Milepost 9.6, connecting Laurel Springs Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway. “Currently there is only one road in and out of Wintergreen,” said Warner in a December 5 release. “This greatly hinders the ability of first responders to get into town, and impacts public safety for all residents.”

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In brief 12/04/2024

Supplied photo.

Feeding frenzy

Local food equity nonprofit Cultivate Charlottesville launched a fundraising campaign to help cover a $500,000 budget shortfall. Without the donations, the organization may close as soon as spring 2025, according to a November 26 social media post.

“Cultivate Charlottesville is at a critical funding crossroads,” shared the organization. Among other challenges, the nonprofit cited staffing changes, depleted savings, and grants falling through as contributing factors to possibly closing. “Our work is focused on the local food system, and we’re calling on the local community to help us reach our fundraising goal.”

The potential closure of Cultivate Charlottesville puts a strain on already under-resourced food equity efforts. While it terminated Fresh Farmacy deliveries in July, Local Food Hub will shut down entirely at the end of the year. Cultivate Charlottesville was one of the nonprofits expected to help bridge the offerings lost with the closure of LFH.

Through its partnership with Charlottesville City Schools, Cultivate has worked with 20,500 students in its community gardens since its launch in 2007. The nonprofit has also grown and distributed more than 100,000 pounds of fresh produce to community members in public and subsidized housing.

To donate to Cultivate Charlottesville, visit cultivatecharlottesville.org/donate.

Follow the money

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the financial records of former United Way president and CEO Kristi Williams after the nonprofit paused operations in early November.

Williams left her role with United Way of Staunton, Augusta County & Waynesboro just before the nonprofit shut its doors temporarily. She worked with the organization in various roles since October 2018, according to her LinkedIn profile.

While rising operating costs were previously cited as the reason for the closure, questionable transactions that occurred during Williams’ tenure raised concerns for investigators and board members.

In a November 20 filing obtained by The Daily Progress, ACSO requested a search warrant for Williams’ financial records with DuPont Community Credit Union going back to January 2023. The warrant application also includes an affidavit with copies of checks totaling more than $20,000 written and signed by Williams.

For information about resources and updates on the operational pause of UWSAW, visit united waysaw.org.

Kristi Williams. Photo via LinkedIn.

So far so good

University of Virginia men’s basketball interim Head Coach Ron Sanchez held his first Coaches Corner at Dairy Market on December 2, after taking over the program from former coach Tony Bennett weeks before the start of the 2024-2025 season. Despite Bennett’s sudden departure, the Hoos have had a respectable 5-2 start under Sanchez’s leadership. The Cavaliers’ next big test comes on December 4, when the team will face the undefeated Florida Gators in Gainesville. Tipoff is at 7:15pm.

UVA men’s basketball interim Head Coach Ron Sanchez held his first Coaches Corner on December 2. Photo via UVA Athletics Communications.

Big discovery

Construction crews uncovered a literal pillar of history while working near the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on November 26, according to UVAToday. The stone pillar was unearthed near the building’s lower north plaza and is believed to have been buried by workers in the early 20th century. The pillar was previously part of a wall along University Avenue.

Christmas pun

Spruce Lee is the official name of Charlottesville’s 2024 holiday tree. The tree will be lit December 6 during the annual Grand Illumination at Ting Pavilion, where it will remain throughout the holiday season. Beyond the fun, this year’s naming contest also served as an informal introduction to ranked-choice voting, which will be used in the 2025 Democratic Charlottesville City Council primaries. Spruce Lee won with 59 percent of the vote, coming out ahead of runner-up Boots with the Fir.

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In brief 11/27/2024

Former 5th District Congressman Denver Riggleman is expanding his Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group. Supplied photo.

Big RIIG

A cybersecurity and risk intelligence firm founded by former Republican congressman Denver Riggleman recently secured $3 million in seed funding. His company, Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group, said in a November 19 press release that the money will go toward the launch of AI solutions and expanding its workforce and client support.

RIIG specializes in open-source intelligence, using AI technology to offer security and risk management for organizations across government and business sectors. In an evolving cybersecurity landscape, the firm boasts access to 17 intel agencies and collaborations with commercial and academic partners.

Funding was led by the Felton Group, a family office of Charlottesville-based hedge fund manager Jaffray Woodriff. 

“RIIG applauds the support of Felton Group and their appreciation of the vision laid out for advanced AI, cyber threat identification and analysis products set for delivery in 2025,” Riggleman said in the release. 

For Riggleman, the firm represents a return to his business and technology roots. He co-founded a contracting company in 2007 that supported the intelligence community and Department of Defense programs.

The Felton Group invested earlier this year in two other companies with local ties—Caju AI, a platform offering customer engagement solutions, and DoorList, an event-management application. Woodriff, a University of Virginia alum, donated $120 million to establish the university’s School of Data Science in 2019.

Welcome Home (Depot)

Supplied image.

An increasing number of shopping centers have struggled over the last
two decades, creating a “dead mall” phenomenon across the U.S. Charlottesville’s  Fashion Square is no exception, and is trying to buck the trend—starting with a Home Depot set to open in summer 2025.

The home-improvement retailer announced plans for a July 2025 opening following the purchase of the shuttered Sears in September 2022. The new store will create more than 100 jobs, according to Albemarle County, and marks the first Home Depot in the area.

Although foot traffic has declined, Fashion Square sits at the busy intersection of U.S. 29 and Rio Road. Home Depot has agreed to support the county in its Rio29 plan to create a mixed-use, walkable hub at the site. In addition to the former Sears location, Home Depot purchased much of the remaining spaces in the mall for a total investment of more than $26 million.

“This public-private partnership jumpstarts the first development with speed, cleans up environmental contamination present at the site, and significantly contributes to transportation connectivity through the Rio29 area,” Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Andrews said during an August meeting.

Self improvement

Diving back into the headlines, UVA swimmer Gretchen Walsh bested her own American record with a time of 47.35 seconds in the women’s short course 100 butterfly at the Tennessee Invitational on November 21. An Olympic medalist, Walsh made waves earlier this year when she set the world record in the long course 100-meter fly during the U.S. Olympic trials semi-finals. She won four gold and two silver medals at the Paris Olympics, where she competed on Team USA alongside her sister Alex, also a UVA student-athlete. UVA second year and fellow Olympic medalist Claire Curzan set another American record on the last day of the meet, with a time of 1:46.87 in the 200-meter backstroke.

Location TBD

The Salvation Army is looking for a new spot for its thrift store ahead of the anticipated conversion about turning the site into a low-barrier shelter, according to a November 20 Charlottesville Tomorrow article. The creation of a low-barrier, year-round shelter has long been a top priority for city and local nonprofit leaders amid a rising unhoused and housing insecure population. Work on the shelter could begin as early as next year.

Zones of interest

In a bonus newsletter released November 21, Charlottesville City Schools shared updates about its ongoing elementary rezoning project, including the extension of the feedback period through the end of 2024. More information about potential phasing of the rezoning will be available once the community advisory committee reaches a final recommendation, according to Superintendent Royal Gurley.

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In brief 11/20/2024

Photo by Rammelkamp Foto.

No shrinking Violet

Despite a report of its impending closure, Violet Crown isn’t going anywhere, according to a statement published on the movie theater’s social media accounts.

“While we are aware of the potential sale of the property, it is our understanding that this sale has not yet closed and no decision is final,” shared Violet Crown Charlottesville in a November 13 Facebook post. “As far as we are concerned, we have years left on our lease term and fully intend to operate through all of them and beyond, if at all possible.”

Rumors circulated over the impending closure of Violet Crown when The Daily Progress published an article earlier the same day. According to the Progress, the owners of the Downtown Mall property where the theater is located are in the process of selling.

In a November 14 press release, Violet Crown lambasted the DP article, calling it “inaccurate” and “misinformation.” The theater also shared that the Progress allegedly denied a request for correction, citing that “every business eventually closes.”

Although it’s uncertain exactly when a sale could occur, the city’s Board of Architectural Review will hear from Jeffrey Levien November 19 regarding a “pre application conference” for the property, according to the meeting agenda. Levien has proposed building an 18-story apartment complex at the location, which would increase housing supply while towering above other downtown buildings. His previous projects include Six Hundred West Main and a forthcoming hotel at 218 W. Market St., a property he sold in mid-September but will stay involved in as a partner.

Violet Crown has been operating on Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall since 2015. The theater made news last fall when Austin, Texas-based Elevate Entertainment Group bought the location. Since acquiring Violet Crown, EEG has invested in improvements to the theater’s seating and dining areas.

Not so fast

A Palmyra woman has been arrested in connection with a November 12 car chase from Lake Monticello into Albemarle County. The defendant, Linda Jean Eckert, faces additional charges in Fluvanna and Albemarle in connection with the incident.

According to a release from the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office, the chase started when Eckert was seen allegedly violating a protective order and trespassing near a Lake Monticello residence, then fled the scene, disregarding an officer’s order to stop. Officers reported she continued to flee law enforcement and was driving recklessly.

Eckert is also suspected in a hit-and-run incident that occurred during the pursuit on Union Mills Road. She was arrested after being stopped by police on Route 29, which briefly closed its northbound lanes due to the chase.

Fluvanna authorities are continuing to investigate the incident according to a November 13 release. Eckert was charged with violating a protective order, trespassing, disregarding a law enforcement signal to stop, and reckless driving in Fluvanna; and obstruction of justice, eluding, and hit-and-run in Albemarle. She is currently in custody.

Lifeguard shortage

As winter approaches, Charlottesville is already looking ahead to next summer when families will flock to the Onesty Family Aquatic Center and Booker T. Washington Park pool. The city will consider hiring an outside firm to manage these locations, citing the ongoing lifeguard shortage as an obstacle to independently staffing its pools.

Rake it in

Around 600 people volunteered for Habitat for Humanity’s 11th annual rake-a-thon November 16 to raise funds for local affordable housing. Many University of Virginia students offered helping hands, including those from HUVA, the school’s Habitat Club. “UVA has such a large population in the City of Charlottesville. I think it’s important that students are concentrating their efforts to the entire city as a whole and not just the UVA campus,” said volunteer Achille Guest in an interview with CBS 19.

File photo.

Ctrl + Alt + Heal

A recent study by UVA Health physicians found that Chat GPT outperformed a group of 50 doctors in accurately diagnosing patients. Doctors working with traditional tools versus with A.I. assistance reported similar results, but Chat GPT alone surpassed both groups. Rather than replacing physicians with A.I., a November 13 UVA Health article about the study suggested the findings show the need for more training on optimal use of the technology.

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In brief 11/13/2024

University of Virginia students gathered on Grounds last week to protest climate change and strategize ways to protect reproductive, LGBTQ+, and workers’ rights. Photo via Dan Addison / UVA Communications.

Looking ahead 

In the days after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, Charlottesville progressive groups organized to process results, bolster community, and strategize.

For those focused on combating climate change, Trump’s promises to support the fossil fuel industry and pull out of the Paris Agreement have garnered concern. Dozens of University of Virginia students gathered with the Sunrise Movement, a national organization advocating for political action on employment and climate change, in a November 8 walkout. Leaders called Trump’s victory “a massive threat to our generation” in a press release the day before the protest.

Sunrise UVA also joined a wider call among Democrats for the party to rebuild trust with the working class. Exit polls show Trump resonated with larger numbers of voters without a college degree, as well as those concerned about the economy, among other groups.

“The wealth gap in our country is increasing, and working people cannot afford living essentials for themselves and their families,” said Kelsey Levine, Sunrise UVA leader and a UVA graduate student, in an email to C-VILLE. “In this election, the Democratic party moved toward the center when it needed to put forward policies with bold changes.”

Another student group, the UVA chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America organized November 7 to strategize on protecting reproductive rights, the LGBTQ+ population, workers’ rights, and liberation movements across the globe. 

In the post-Roe era, the Harris campaign made abortion access a primary issue. It’s unclear what moves Trump, who shifted his abortion policy throughout his campaign, will make on the issue, although he has consistently said abortion rights decisions should fall to the states. 

“Now is the time to start building a collective future, because if anyone is going to do it, it has to be us,” YDSA posted in a written statement.

Del. Amy Laufer said the election results were “disappointing,” but “there is still work to do.” Photo by Eze Amos.

This position aligns with releases from both Albemarle County and Charlottesville Democratic committees. Charlottesville Dems hosted a November 8 potluck to “build the bonds that make us strong and resilient,” per an Instagram post. Albemarle Democrats offered three events hosted by Del. Amy Laufer, who represents the 55th District in the House of Delegates.

“The results … were disappointing, but there is still work to do,” Laufer wrote. “Let’s try to gear up for next year’s election cycle, as it is so important to keep Democrats in the House of Delegates and the State Senate.”

Never forget

The University of Virginia will honor Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry on November 13, the second anniversary of the fatal shooting on Grounds, which resulted in their deaths and the injury of two more students. Community members are invited to join in remembrance at the UVA Chapel at 1:55pm, when the chapel bell will ring the first verse of “Amazing Grace,” followed by three chimes.

Change over

University of Virginia Vice Provost for Global Affairs Stephen Mull has begun his work leading the State Department transition between the Biden and Trump administrations. Mull was tapped for the job in late September, regardless of the outcome of the election, and started work on October 28. His assignment is expected to last through January 2025.

Naming rights

Residents have until November 15 to submit preliminary names for this year’s Downtown Mall Christmas tree. The tree will be lit at the Grand Illumination at the Ting Pavilion on December 6. Last year’s Christmas tree was named Spruce Willis, though some fans are campaigning for a return of the Oatmeal dynasty (for those unaware, see: c-ville.com/the-big-picture-4).

Last year’s Downtown Mall Christmas tree was named Spruce Willis.
Photo by Stephen Barling.
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In brief 11/06/2024

Elizabeth Irvin. Photo by Stephen Barling.

Culture of care

The Women’s Initiative received a grant of $50,000 from Sentara Health, according to an October 31 press release. The grant will support the organization’s culturally responsive mental health care offerings, including Sister Circle, Bienestar, and LGBTQ+ programs.

Founded in 2007, The Women’s Initiative is a Charlottes­ville-based nonprofit supporting women and others affected by gender-related trauma. In addition to traditional counseling and support groups, the WI also offers culturally responsive programming.

One such program, Sister Circle, focuses on supporting and building community for Black women and other BIPOC people. In addition to culturally focused counseling, Sister Circle hosts regular events for Chihamba West African dance, yoga, and writing.

“I am so grateful for the renewed investment from and long-time partnership with Sentara and their recognition of the vital need for culturally responsive mental health care,” said Elizabeth Irvin, executive director of The Women’s Initiative,
in the release. “Through our programs and their support, we continue to work to address health disparity, so that all members of our community have an opportunity to heal and thrive.”

For more information on The Women’s Initiative and its programming, visit thewomensinitiative.org.

Clean sweep

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Virginia to strike roughly 1,600 voter registrations in a program that targeted noncitizens but actually removed several U.S. citizens from the rolls. The ruling came on October 30, less than a week before Election Day. The case could return to the court, but only after the election. There is no evidence of non-citizens voting in Virginia.

Up in the air

All eyes are on UVA men’s basketball this week as the team opens its season following former head coach Tony Bennett’s retirement. In the wake of Bennett’s announcement, Charlottesville native Chance Mallory decommitted and Jalen Warley confirmed his transfer. The team’s first game is at home on November 6 against Campbell State. Things will get tougher for the Hoos later in the month when they face No. 12 Tennessee on November 21. 

Making moves

Charlottesville Area Transit begins updated routes on Saturday, November 9, after years of community calls for more frequent and accessible service. Route 4, between Cherry Avenue and Harris Road, and Route 6, including Ridge Street and Prospect Avenue, will both see weekday buses running every 30 minutes from 6:30am to 7pm, with additional evening options. These changes stem from CAT’s 10-year strategic plan to improve the bus system. For more information on the route changes, visit charlottesville.gov.

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In brief 10/30/2024

Gov. Glenn Youngkin says he will appeal a recent lower court’s ruling to the Supreme Court. File photo.

Roll it back

On October 27, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling ordering the Youngkin administration to add more than 1,500 Virginians back onto voter rolls. Both Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares said they will appeal the case to the Supreme Court, calling the decision an attempt at undermining election integrity.

The decision comes on the heels of a Department of Justice suit alleging an August 7 executive order by Youngkin ordering the daily removal of voters identified as noncitizens by Department of Motor Vehicles records, violates a provision of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The legislation prohibits the systematic removal of voters from rolls within 90 days of federal elections.

District Court Judge Patricia Giles of Alexandria ordered the commonwealth to reinstate the voters on October 25. The Fourth Circuit not only upheld Giles’ decision, but declined a request from Miyares to stop enforcement of the order.

While Miyares argued the order would add noncitizens back to voter rolls, the circuit court panel echoed Giles’ determination that, “‘neither the Court nor the parties … know’ that the people ‘removed from’ the voter rolls under the challenged program ‘were, in fact, noncitizens,’ and that at least some ‘eligible citizens … have had their registrations canceled and were unaware that this was even so.’”

A review of court records by the Richmond Times Dispatch shows several legal voters had their names removed from rolls based on outdated or incorrect DMV records.

Group project

Charlottesville City Schools has partnered with Virginia Career Works on an effort to improve students’ career readiness and help fulfill future workforce needs, according to an October 23 press release.

As part of the collaboration, the district and workforce group plan to create programming for specific hiring sectors to create paths to employment, drawing inspiration from and expanding on existing initiatives at the Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center.

“The feedback from our industry partners has been invaluable to make sure that our students are prepared for careers,” said Stacey Heltz, principal of CATEC and career and technical education coordinator for CCS. “The partnership with VCW will expand the reach and depth of this advisory network.”  

CCS Superintendent Royal Gurley also highlighted the importance and potential widespread benefits of the collaboration. “By working closely with industry leaders, Charlottesville City Schools is securing a bright future,” he said, “not just for high school students, or the adults who take classes at CATEC, but also for the city as a whole.”

A Charlottesville City Schools and Virginia Career Works collaboration was inspired by initiatives at CATEC. Photo by Rob Garland Photography.

Walk this way

Darden Towe Park’s Free Bridge Lane will be closed to cars starting November 1 for a one-year trial period promoting walking, running, and biking. The pathway, located along the Rivanna River, serves as part of Albemarle County’s 2019 plan supplementing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Parking will still be available at the lot on the north end of the road.

In memoriam

Professor Emeritus Charles J. Goetz, an economist who taught at University of Virginia School of Law for more than 30 years, died October 16 at age 85. After earning his Ph.D. in economics at UVA in 1965, Goetz played a major role in expanding the influence of economics in the legal field. He is remembered by students and colleagues for both his groundbreaking work and generous spirit.

Economist and UVA law school professor Charles J. Goetz passed away on October 16. Photo via UVA Law/UVA Communications. 

Bed news

Charlottesville may add two new shelters after City Manager Sam Sanders recommended a $5.25 million budget with funding for the city’s rising homeless population. Projects planned in partnership with The Salvation Army would add 100 beds to the Ridge Street campus and a new 50-bed low-barrier option at the organization’s Cherry Avenue thrift store. Sanders also proposed adding public bathrooms downtown.

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In brief 10/23/2024

Photo via UVA Athletics Communications.

Off court

Tony Bennett retired as head coach of the University of Virginia men’s basketball team after leading the program for 15 years.

UVA announced Bennett’s immediate retirement on October 17, shocking the Cavaliers faithful since it came just 20 days before the team starts its regular season and four months after the coach signed a contract extension that would have kept him at the university through 2030. For Bennett, the decision was made after months of deliberation and a growing discomfort with the changing world of college basketball.

“It’s not fair to these guys, and this institution that I love so much, to continue on when you’re not the right guy for the job,” a choked-up Bennett said during an October 18 press conference. “I’m a square peg in a round hole. That’s what it is.”

In his time at UVA, Bennett, the winningest coach in program history, led the Hoos to a 364-136 record, with two ACC Tournament titles, six ACC regular season championships, 10 NCAA tournament appearances, and a 2019 NCAA championship. The three-time national coach of the year was also named ACC coach of the year four times. Ten Virginia players were selected in the NBA Draft during Bennett’s tenure at the university.

Associate head coach Ron Sanchez was named interim head coach for the 2024-25 season. Sanchez, who led the University of North Carolina Charlotte men’s basketball team from 2018 to 2023, is no stranger to the program, having been on Bennett’s staff for 12 years, including three years at Washington State and nine years at UVA.

“I’m at peace,” Bennett said during the press conference. “When you know in your heart it’s time, it’s time.” 

Just the ticket

File photo.

After a 45-day warning period, Albemarle County began issuing citations on October 21 for motorists caught speeding in the Hydraulic Road school zone.

Drivers going 10 or more miles per hour over the speed limit are subject to a $100 fine, though the citations are not reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles. With the enforcement of citations, Albemarle County Police hope to see a decline in speeding by the Lambs Lane campus that includes Albemarle High, Journey Middle, and Greer Elementary.

Between September 3 and October 11, ACPD reviewed and issued 4,902 warnings, according to a release from the county.

“With the transition to full enforcement, we aim to see improvements in driver behavior, ensuring a safer environment for students, families, and staff as they travel to and from school,” the county said. “For school children and other vulnerable road users, drivers must stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. Driving too fast for certain conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes.”

For more information on the speed cameras and citations, visit the Albemarle County website.

Not too much

Hometown rock group Dave Matthews Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in a Cleveland, Ohio, ceremony on Saturday, October 19. Other inductees included Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Peter Frampton, and Mary J. Blige. Matthews followed up the event with a social media post recognizing the band’s beginnings in Charlottesville and thanking longtime manager Coran Capshaw. 

Photo by Tristan Williams.

Almost there

The final phase of Biscuit Run Park—a 1,190-acre state park off Scottsville Road—has begun. Heralded as Albemarle County’s largest park, Biscuit Run’s first phase has included the installation of the park’s eastern entrance off Route 20, a trailhead with 75 parking spots, and public restrooms. Construction crews are currently focused on the Route 20 entrance. Expect delays on Route 20 for the rest of the month.

Shooting death

Following what Charlottesville police have described as a “gang-related” shooting the night of October 19, one person is dead and another injured. Police were called to Rio Hill Apartments in the 1600 block of Rio Hill Drive around 8pm, where they found the deceased, 23-year-old Charlottesville resident Zerrion Eubanks-Warfield. “The incident involved multiple gunshots, with several vehicles and apartments struck,” police said in an October 20 statement.

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In brief 10/16/2024

Supplied photo.

Welcome home

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville celebrated the area’s newest homeowner, Binta Rose, with a dedication ceremony on October 12. The four-bedroom house was built by Habitat in 2016, repurchased at market value, and renovated for the Rose family.

Rose, who works at the University of Virginia Student Health and Wellness Center, is a longtime Charlottesville resident. After the death of her son Rahmean Rose-Thurston in a motorcycle accident in 2020, Rose lost her rented home and moved in with family. Her sister, also a Habitat homeowner, encouraged her to apply to the program.

Moving forward with the purchase of the home was a difficult decision for Rose and her family, with the site of her son’s fatal accident close by. “Even when I didn’t think it was time for me to take [the house in the] Burnet [neighborhood], I think God said, ‘No Binta, it’s time for you now,’” she told Habitat ahead of the dedication. “God gave me the strength to pick me up. I feel like I could write a book about how I overcame so many obstacles in my life that tried to stop me or knock me down and I got back up.”

Get out the vote

The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Virginia on October 11 for violating the National Voter Registration Act. The suit is a response to an August 7 executive order by Gov. Glenn Youngkin that calls for daily updates to voter registration lists through comparison with Department of Motor Vehicles data identifying non-citizens. The DOJ suit alleges Youngkin’s EO violates the “quiet period” provision of the act, which prohibits systematic purging of voter rolls within 90 days of federal elections. Youngkin responded to the suit, calling it an attempt by the Biden-Harris administration to undermine election integrity.

Care package

Region Ten has received a one-time $3 million grant from the Youngkin administration, according to an October 14 press release. The funding is part of a larger Right Help, Right Now initiative investing in emergency room alternatives. The nonprofit plans to use the funds to expand services at its Crisis Receiving Center at the Region Ten Old Lynchburg Road campus.

’Tis the season

With Halloween around the corner, it’s not only spooky season, but flu season, too! The Blue Ridge Health District is offering free vaccinations on October 16 from 5 to 7pm at Charlottesville High School. Vaccines are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those ages 3 years old and up. More information about upcoming vaccination clinics can be found at vdh.virginia.gov/blue-ridge.