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In brief 10/09/2024

Shifting gears

Charlottesville Area Transit will get an upgrade later this month, with several service changes going into effect on October 26.

The service enhancements, announced October 3, are the product of a years-long effort to improve the reliability and frequency of the CAT system. New schedules have been made for all routes to best serve needs based on current usage as measured by automatic passenger counters on buses.

On Route 4, which runs between Cherry Avenue and Harris Road, operations will increase to 30-minute frequency during the week between the peak hours of 6am and 7pm.

More changes are coming for Route 6, for which service will increase to 30-minute intervals on weekdays between 6:30am and 10:30pm and no longer include a stop at the University of Virginia hospital between downtown and Willoughby Square. By removing this detour, CAT hopes to significantly increase efficiency and reduce travel times along the route.

Riders can still access UVA Medical Center through other routes, including Route 4, Route 9, and the Free Trolley.

Beyond routing and frequency changes, CAT will now provide all drivers working eight-hour shifts two 10-minute breaks as part of the city’s collective bargaining agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union.

For more information on the upcoming route changes and service improvements, visit charlottesville.gov.

Roadwork ahead

An entire section of the Blue Ridge Parkway washed away at Milepost 336.
Supplied photo.

Destruction from Hurricane Helene has closed the entire Blue Ridge Parkway indefinitely. The National Park Service and other authorities continue to assess the damage to the scenic route between Virginia and North Carolina.

While local portions of the parkway have sustained minimal damage, according to Nelson County authorities, all 469 miles of the route remain closed as the NPS completes its comprehensive assessment of the parkway. Virginia resources have been diverted to North Carolina, where wreckage is extensive and portions of the road have been completely washed away.

An October 5 update from NPS indicated damage assessments and debris clearage in Virginia are nearly complete, allowing the phased reopening of portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the commonwealth in the upcoming days and weeks. There is no estimate for the reopening of any part of the parkway in North Carolina, and no timeline or cost estimate for repairs.

To monitor the latest updates on the reopening of the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit nps.gov.

Pedestrian fatality

Charlottesville police have arrested 19-year-old Matthew Kozub of Louisa in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash. At approximately 7:25pm on October 3, Mamawa Simai, 64, was struck by a vehicle while crossing the intersection of Elliott Avenue and South First Street. Simai was transported to University of Virginia Medical Center, where she died from her injuries. Kozub was arrested at the scene on an outstanding assault warrant from Louisa County.

Fluid situation

The University of Virginia Medical Center has paused some elective surgeries amid a nationwide shortage of IV fluids. The effort to conserve existing supplies was prompted by the closure of a Baxter International plant in North Cove, North Carolina, due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Prior to its temporary closure, the facility was producing approximately 60 percent of all IV solutions for the United States.

File photo.

Hoos the winner

The University of Virginia football team celebrated a homecoming victory October 5, after an electric come-from-behind 24-14 win over Boston College. With a record of 4-1, this is the best start to a season for the Hoos since 2019. The next test for the Cavaliers comes on October 12 against Louisville, with a 3:30pm kickoff at Scott Stadium.

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In brief 10/02/2024

In memoriam

August 12 survivor Marissa Blair died on September 19 at the University of Virginia Hospital due to complications from pneumonia related to metastatic colon cancer. She was 35 years old.

Blair survived the August 2017 deadly car attack that killed her friend and co-worker Heather Heyer when her then-fiance Marcus Martin pushed her out of the path of the vehicle. In the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo by former Daily Progress reporter Ryan Kelly, Martin can be seen mid-air after being struck by the vehicle.

Following the attack, Blair continued her involvement in anti-racist activism, successfully suing Jason Kessler with eight other survivors for his involvement in organizing the Unite the Right rally.

“Marissa brought so much joy to her family, friends and everyone who knew or crossed paths with her,” reads a portion of the obituary shared by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory. “She was a bright shining light with a true beauty inside and out and will be missed to a degree that words could never express.”

Blair’s service was held on September 28 in Lovingston, Virginia. In addition to flowers, the family requests people plant a memorial tree in her honor. Information on the memorial tree effort can be found in Blair’s obituary (obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com/marissa-blair).

Cost of business

Charlottesville staple Eljo’s is for sale by Myles Thurston, who has owned the store for 50 years. If the
menswear business is not purchased by the end of the year, the iconic Barracks Road store will close its doors permanently.

Opened by Elliott and Joseph Hyman in 1950, Eljo’s demographic has shifted away from UVA students over the decades. Most of the store’s current clientele are from outside of Charlottesville, with half of Eljo’s sales now custom-ordered clothing.

Thurston became a partner in the business in 1974, eventually buying Eljo’s from the Hyman brothers in 1984.

“After more than 70 years of business, and more than 50 of them in our family, we have decided it is time to find a new caretaker for Charlottesville’s best custom-designed clothing options for our community’s leading businessmen and professionals,” reads a post from Thurston on Eljo’s website.

Anyone interested in purchasing the business and remaining inventory can contact Thurston directly.

File photo.

Phones down

Emergency and non-emergency phone lines were down for more than nine hours in Fluvanna County on September 28. The Fluvanna County Emergency Communications Center was notified of the interruption at approximately 1:45am, setting up temporary emergency and non-emergency numbers during the outage. Service to both lines was restored the same day at roughly 11:35am.

Underwater

Mint Springs Valley Park is closed following flooding from Hurricane Helene that caused significant damage to the roadway by the park’s entrance. Albemarle County Parks & Recreation shuttered the area indefinitely on September 29. The damage is in a different location than the culvert that burst in early August after Tropical Storm Debby, which closed the park for several days.

Photo via Albemarle County.

Fatal fire

A structure fire in Scottsville killed one person on September 27. Albemarle County Fire Rescue responded to a request for service at about 4:38am in the 4000 block of Jacobs Creek Drive, where crews found a heavily involved fire engulfing a single-wide trailer and spreading to a nearby vehicle. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and had not been identified at press time. Authorities say the fire does not appear suspicious.

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In brief 09/25/2024

Final sale

The sale of Carlton Mobile Home Park officially closed on September 20, preventing the displacement of hundreds of residents. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville took over management of the community the same day.

With the finalization of the sale, Habitat and Piedmont Housing Alliance can move forward in their collaboration with residents of the affordable housing community—the Habitat Carlton Alliance. According to a joint release, HCA is forming a resident council that will “advise Habitat on property management decisions and serve as leaders with the Carlton Mobile Home Park community.”

Under conditions of the sale, CMHP must remain a mobile home park for at least three years. In the interim, the HCA is kicking off discussions with community members.

“The work starts now,” said Habitat President and CEO Dan Rosensweig. “We are sitting down one on one with each family to get to know them and to learn about their dreams and aspirations.”

On the trail

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will join University of Virginia law school students for a voter protection training on September 25. Emhoff’s visit to Charlottesville is his latest appearance for the Harris-Walz campaign in the lead up to Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Early voting began in the commonwealth on September 20, and continues through November 2.

Barracks businesses

Three new businesses are coming to Barracks Road Shopping Center next year, following two recent openings at the complex, Monkee’s and Alumni Hall. Salon chain Drybar and shoe store Appalachian Running Company are expected to open their doors in early 2025, with pizzeria Emmy Squared coming in the spring.

Barracks Road Shopping Center. Photo by Stephen Barling.

Over and out

Construction of a pedestrian bridge across U.S. 29 will shift lanes on southbound Seminole Trail. Work on the pedestrian bridge began September 24 and is the latest in a series of planned Virginia Department of Transportation improvements in the area of U.S. 29 and Hydraulic Road. The bridge will be located near the intersection of U.S. 29 and Zan Road.

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In brief 09/11/2024

Bad medicine?

More than 100 faculty members employed by the University of Virginia Physicians Group called for the immediate removal of Craig Kent, CEO of UVA Health, and Melina Kibbe, Dean of the UVA School of Medicine, in a signed letter of no confidence on September 7.

The letter—signed by 128 faculty members and addressed to the Rector and Board of Visitors—alleges that Kent and Kibbe “have not only undermined but also directly attacked the values that inspired us to study, teach, and work at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and UVA Health.”

The letter further alleges that Kent and Kibbe have undermined physicians’ ability to prioritize patient safety and have created a negative environment for the faculty.

UVA President Jim Ryan has responded to the letter of no confidence, not only standing by Kent and Kibbe, but speaking against the methodology of the aggrieved faculty.

“The letter itself is daunting. There are many accusations. There are few details. Some of these accusations are fairly evident references to specific matters that we have already addressed or are actively working on,” said Ryan in a message to UVA Health faculty. He acknowledged the need to address new claims, but he indicated a need for due process and full investigation. “We will then take the appropriate steps based on what we find. Once the dust of this particular controversy settles, we will figure out how best to move forward as a community.”

Ryan’s response also highlighted that the 128 signees represent roughly 9 percent of the health system faculty, and that he has personally received messages of support for Kent and Kibbe from other faculty members.

Craig Kent and Melina Kibbe. Photos via UVA Communications.

Moving forward

Charlottesville City Schools commemorated the 65th anniversary of integration in local schools with a ribbon-cutting at the newly renamed Trailblazer Elementary School.

Formerly Venable Elementary, Trailblazer was one of the first integrated schools in Charlottesville. In 1958, Virginia Gov. Lindsay Almond Jr. closed both Venable and Lane High School rather than integrate the schools following a ruling by Judge John Paul. On September 5, 1959, Paul ordered the immediate transfer of 12 stude​​nts, now known as the Charlottesville 12, to Venable and Lane.

The Charlottesville 12 and their courageous role in integration are the inspiration for the elementary school’s new name.

“Students who desegregated Charlottesville City Schools in 1959 joined us to cut the ribbon on the newly renamed @TrailblazerElem this morning,” shared Charlottesville City Schools on X/Twitter. “We thank these trailblazers for their leadership and courage and for inspiring our current students to blaze their own trails today.”

“Education was important … it’s not about the color of your skin but the goodness and greatness that lies within,” said Charles Alexander, one of the Charlottesville 12, in an interview with CBS19. “I want [current students] to learn and blaze a new trail and become listeners, thinkers, and set the course for a better future for themselves.”

New neighbor

Effective September 9, Kellie Brown is Charlottesville’s Director of Neighborhood Development Services. Brown previously worked with the Arlington County Planning Division and has more than 15 years of experience in community planning. “I’m really excited to support the exciting work that the City of Charlottesville is doing to implement its comprehensive plan and new zoning ordinance,” she said in a city press release announcing her appointment. “My goal is to build on the community’s work over the last several years to chart a path for a sustainable and equitable future.” 

Federal attention

Two men have been indicted on federal conspiracy and kidnapping charges in connection with a January 8, 2023, fatal shooting in Belmont. Ricardo Franco-Ordaz and Jordan Perez, both of Texas, allegedly kidnapped and held multiple undocumented migrants for ransom at the U.S.-Mexico border in early 2023. A ransom exchange in Charlottesville’s Belmont neighborhood resulted in the death of another suspected kidnapper, Osvaldo Lopez-Hernandez. None of the suspected perpetrators or victims have any known ties to Charlottesville.

You don’t say

Despite calling in Virginia State Police on student protesters this May, the University of Virginia was number one in the latest college free speech rankings from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. As of press time, UVA has not dropped its University Judiciary Committee charges against several student protesters and has continued to withhold degrees from demonstrators who were arrested on May 4.

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Deep dish

Charlottesville resident Rachel Drame has been charged with arson of an unoccupied structure in connection with an August 11 fire at Vocelli Pizza.

The fire caused approximately $30,000 in damage to the pizzeria, and investigators with the Albemarle County Fire Marshal office quickly determined the blaze was suspicious after first responders found the storefront and nearby trash cans aflame. If convicted of the class four felony, Drame faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

While she was originally arrested the day of the fire on charges of public intoxication, Drame was released on recognizance, according to the Virginia Court Case Information System. She was then arrested in connection with the arson on August 15 and is being held without bond at Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail.

Separate hearings have been set for the public intoxication and arson charges, and no connection between the offenses has been made as of press time. Drame’s next appearance in connection with the pizzeria fire is scheduled for 10:30am on August 28.

According to a post on the pizzeria’s Facebook, Vocelli Pizza will remain closed until repairs are completed. A timeline for reopening has not yet been announced.

Weekend availability

The Emergency Food Network is now open
on Saturdays, according to an August 16 press release.

Open since 1973, EFN provides free food to Charlottesville and Albemarle residents. Those in need can contact the nonprofit at 979-9180 between 9am and noon on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday for same-day food pick up at 900 Harris St. from 1:30 to 3:30pm.

“Since the expiration of increased pandemic SNAP benefits, demand for our services has been at capacity and we knew we needed to do more,” said EFN Board Chair Miette Michie. “A weekend day may be more convenient for those in need who are working weekday hours.”

Beyond food, EFN also provides personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies on request. The nonprofit does not require any financial information from those in need to receive donations.

For more about EFN, visit emergencyfoodnetwork.org.

Carjacking arrests

Charlottesville City Police have arrested two people in connection with a carjacking that occurred on August 14. The incident took place at approximately 10:08pm in the area of 7 ½ and Pine streets, with initial reports indicating a firearm was involved. Officers located the stolen vehicle, which was occupied by multiple people, the next morning in the 600 block of Cherry Avenue. A local juvenile and an 18-year-old from Chester County were arrested after attempting to flee the vehicle. Officers also recovered a replica firearm during the investigation. CPD asks that anyone with information contact Crime Stoppers at 977-4000.

Knighthood

In addition to a new name, Buford Middle School (soon to be Charlottesville Middle School) is getting a new mascot next fall, according to an August 16 press release from Charlottesville City Schools. After conducting two community surveys, CCS selected the Young Knights as the new mascot. Both the mascot and new name officially go into effect in fall of 2025.

Move-in madness

The University of Virginia’s move-in is in full-swing this week, with the bulk of first-year students set to arrive on August 22 and 23. Locals looking to dodge the chaos should avoid the UVA area, especially Alderman and McCormick roads. Upperclassmen move-in continues throughout the weekend, so make sure to finish any grocery store runs before Thursday if you want to avoid the out-of-town and student traffic.

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Home court

Former University of Virginia basketball star Kyle Guy is returning to Charlottesville as Athlete Development Mentor/Special Assistant for the Hoos.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kyle and his family back to Charlottesville,” said UVA men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Bennett in an August 7 release announcing Guy’s return. “Kyle is not only one of the best players I’ve ever coached, but also one of the finest young men I’ve met. He will make an immediate impact on our program, working with our players and sharing the expertise and competitive fire he’s gained throughout his collegiate and professional [careers].”

During his time as a player at Virginia, Guy was a member of the 2019 National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship winning team, making several key plays during the March Madness tournament. He went on to play professionally for five seasons, with three years in the NBA and two seasons playing abroad in Spain.

Guy’s return to Charlottesville marks the official end of his professional career and his transition into coaching.

“I want to sincerely thank Coach Bennett and Carla Williams for trusting me with the opportunity to come back and begin this next chapter of my life,” said Guy in the release. “I’m beyond excited to help this team and the University in any way needed. I’m also excited for my kids to see the work never stops! Fail harder!”

Rain check

Image via EOSDIS Worldview.

Several people and animals were evacuated from Misty Mountain Camp Resort in Albemarle County in the middle of the night on August 9, when rain from Hurricane Debby caused flash flooding around 3:30am.

Water from the storm rushed in and out of the campground, resulting in no injuries but partially submerging multiple RVs.

“I saw a car … floating on down the road,” camper Keith Hebert told CBS19. “We just weren’t planning on this; this about ruined our weekend.”

Charlottesville is almost 200 miles inland, but the city and surrounding areas are still at risk for dangerous conditions from hurricane remnants. As we approach the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, the City of Charlottesville is reminding residents to stock up on supplies, ensure outdoor furniture is secured, monitor weather conditions, and avoid flooded areas.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Burning questions

The Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating a suspicious fire that occurred on August 11, resulting in an estimated $30,000 of damage to Vocelli Pizza. Albemarle County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:45am, where they discovered the front of the pizzeria and two trash cans ablaze. Anyone in the area near the time of the fire or with information should contact the Albemarle Fire Marshal’s Office at 296-5833.

Park plans

The Charlottesville Department of Parks & Recreation will present its key findings from months of public comments at 6pm on August 20 at Carver Recreation Center. The findings will inform the city and PROS Consulting as they develop a master plan for the department, which will guide Parks & Recreation for at least the next 10 years.

Cause for celebration

After weeks of fundraising efforts, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville’s offer to purchase Carlton Mobile Home Park has been accepted. The offer—which was put together in record time following notification that an anonymous buyer offered $7 million for the property in early June—is a joint effort between Habitat, Piedmont Housing Alliance, Legal Aid Justice Center, and the City of Charlottesville. “[We] are thrilled and relieved to know that the Bolton family has accepted the offer we put before them on behalf of the residents who live in the community,” posted Habitat on Facebook on August 8. “We are humbled to know that the residents of the Carlton community were willing to take this leap of faith with us. We look forward to working closely with the residents in the months and years to come.”

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Split decisions

Virginia swimmers were in the spotlight this week, with stunning highs and devastating upsets at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Current and former Hoos Kate Douglass, Paige Madden, Gretchen Walsh, and Emma Weber earned a stunning 11 medals. Returning Olympian Douglass won gold in the 200 breaststroke, the first Cavalier to ever win gold in an individual event.

In the relay pool, Douglass, Walsh, and Weber also won the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, setting a new world record in the event. Walsh added yet another gold medal and world record to her resume in the mixed 4×100 medley relay, tying the all-time record for fastest 100-meter butterfly split.

UVA alumna Paige Madden also had a stellar showing in both individual and relay events, taking home silver in the women’s 4×200-meter free relay and bronze in the 800-meter freestyle.

The women’s 200-meter individual medley final was a mixed bag for the Hoos. While Douglass added a silver medal to her repertoire, Alex Walsh finished with the third best time but was disqualified due to an illegal turn when switching from backstroke to breaststroke.

Local high schooler Thomas Heilman won his first Olympic medal, achieving silver as part of the men’s 4×100-meter medley relay. The UVA 2029 commit swam well but did not progress to the final in either of his individual events.

Bigger and better

File photo.

Charlottesville’s Sabroso Festival is set to be bigger than ever this year, with the event moving from Washington Park to Ting Pavilion on the Downtown Mall.

The Latin American culture festival—set for September 21 from 1 to 10pm—will feature activities and entertainment for people of all ages, including live music, dancing, and face-painting. Last year’s celebration saw roughly 4,500 attendees, prompting the move to a larger venue. Salvadoran band La Maquina will headline the event.

This year marks the 12th annual Sabroso Festival hosted by Sin Barreras, a local nonprofit that advocates for immigrants and the Latinx community.

“Cville Sabroso is our Latino community’s way of sharing our vibrant cultures (beautiful music and dances, food, crafts, and traditions) and our love of Mexico, Central America, and South America with the broad[er] Charlottesville community,” shared Sabroso Fest and Sin Barreras co-founder Fanny Smedile in a August 1 release.

According to festival chair Andrea Jacobs, support for the expansion has been ample and exceeded the organizers’ expectations. “We’ve already blown past our initial goal of 20 committed sponsors and exhibitors by August 1, and we’re expecting all the available booths to be taken by mid- to late August,” she shared.

For more information on Cville Sabroso Festival, visit the event’s Facebook page or the Sin Barreras website.

Help wanted

Charlottesville Police responded to two instances of shots fired this week and are seeking public assistance locating a suspect in connection with an earlier incident. No injuries have been reported in connection with the shootings at the 900 block of Grady Avenue and the area of Prospect Avenue and Bailey Road, which occurred on July 31 and August 2 respectively. Casings were found on or near both scenes. CPD is also searching for Gustavo Junior Laurent in connection with a July 28 shooting on East Market Street.

Tonsler tipoff

The Tonsler League kicked off its annual playoffs on August 4, with teams Elite Company, Takeover, Ballywood, and Hitlist progressing to semi-finals on August 8. Undefeated champs Elite Company play Ballywood at 6:30pm, with Takeover set to face Hitlist at 7:30pm. The top two teams will meet in the playoff final at 7:30pm on August 10. Before tipoff for the men’s final, the Tonsler League will host a women’s tournament from 5 to 7pm that evening. All events are free and open to the public.

Wheel-y good

Cyclists with Journey of Hope will stop in Charlottesville on August 7 before continuing their 4,000-mile cross-country trip. This year marks the 37th annual trek to raise awareness for people with disabilities. The cyclists will pedal into town at 3:15pm on August 7, visiting local partner CrossFit SPRC at 943 Second St. SE.

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Moving forward

After meeting with current residents of Carlton Mobile Home Park, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville announced it is working to secure financing to place an offer for the property in a July 26 press release. Habitat has until August 6 to make an offer on the park, or the sale of the land on which it is sited to an unknown, third-party buyer for $7 million can proceed.

Opened in the 1970s, Carlton Mobile Home Park houses approximately 60 families. If the sale of the property goes through and tenants are served eviction notices, displaced residents will be faced with the extremely difficult task of finding comparably priced affordable housing.

According to Habitat, lot rates at CMHP currently range between $375 and $450 per month. There are currently no units available at or near that rate in the Charlottesville area in any online listings. 

Habitat, Piedmont Housing Alliance, and the Legal Aid Justice Center began pursuing a potential partnership with residents immediately after tenants received notice of the anonymous offer on June 7. More than 40 percent of residents signed a petition indicating their support for Habitat placing an offer on CMHP, exceeding the 25 percent margin legally required.

Residents confirmed their interest in Habitat purchasing the park in a meeting with all three nonprofits. Based on the community conversation, Habitat and partners agreed to keep CMHP a mobile home park for at least three years while considering future plans and to cap annual rent increases at either five percent or $15 monthly, whichever is less.

Under Virginia law, manufactured home park owners must provide tenants with notice of a purchase offer at least 60 days before the potential closing date. The owner must consider any additional offers to purchase made by “an entity that provides documentation that it represents at least 25 percent of the tenants with a valid lease.”

Park owners do not have to consider offers made after the 60-day window.

It is currently unclear if the owners of CMHP were intending to sell the park when they received the anonymous offer. However, Virginia law requires park owners to provide tenants with a 90-day notice of any potential listings or sale. The 60-day window provided to residents indicates the anonymous offer was made without a listing or prior intent to sell.

As the August 6 deadline for Habitat to make an offer quickly approaches, the group and its partners are focused on financing.

“This is, admittedly, one of the most challenging efforts we’ve ever been involved in given the timeline imposed upon the process,” said Habitat President and CEO Dan Rosensweig in the release. “We and our partners feel deeply that, given the enormous stakes for the families, we have a moral and ethical imperative to do everything we can to prevent displacement.”

In a comment via email, Habitat Communications Manager Angela Guzman shared that PHA has taken the lead on procuring funds for the offer. “They have narrowed conversations down to a couple of lenders,” she says. “Funding seems to be lining up.”

COVID outbreak

Four residents and one employee of the Charlottesville Salvation Army, the city’s only year-round homeless shelter, have tested positive for COVID in the past week. Arrangements have been made for COVID-positive residents to quarantine in hotel rooms. If the spread continues, the shelter’s soup kitchen may have to switch to only providing take-out meals. Luckily, no further cases of the virus have been identified following consistent testing of residents and staff. Last year alone, the Salvation Army served more than 60,000 meals and provided accommodations for 15,000 guests.

Swimming in silver 

University of Virginia swimmers Gretchen Walsh and Kate Douglass helped lead Team USA to an Olympic silver medal in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay on July 27, setting a new American record of 3:30.20. After achieving an Olympic record in the 100-meter butterfly during semifinals, Walsh took home silver in the event on July 28, with teammate Torri Huske winning gold. As of press time, Walsh will compete in the 100-meter freestyle on July 30, with the event final set for July 31. Two-time Olympian Douglass will dive back into the pool for the 200-meter breaststroke on July 31.

Swimmer Gretchen Walsh helped Team USA earn the silver on July 27.
Photo via UVA Athletics Communications.

Shooting at Holly’s

CPD seeks assistance locating suspects and a vehicle (believed to be a mid-2000s Honda Accord) involved in a shooting that occurred at Holly’s Diner on July 23 around 11:22pm. Holly’s Diner hosts karaoke every Tuesday night, an event that draws consistent crowds. One person was shot but is expected to recover with minimal injuries.

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Pedestrian fatality

Charlottesville City Police are investigating the death of 42-year-old Edward Anderson, who was fatally struck by a vehicle in the 700 block of Nassau Street on July 6. The driver of the vehicle has not been charged or publicly identified, though there are contradictions between official accounts and claims made by community members on social media.

In a release shortly after the incident, CPD shared preliminary information based on witness accounts and information at the scene. According to the department, “further investigation and statements obtained indicated that Mr. Anderson attacked the female while she was in her parked vehicle. As the female attempted to flee the attack, she struck Mr. Anderson with her vehicle. The attack appears unprovoked, and the involved parties are not believed to be known to one another.”

The driver of the vehicle was an adult female and was still at the scene when officers arrived. CPD says an investigation is ongoing, but no charges have been filed in connection with Anderson’s death.

After the statement by CPD, allegations quickly emerged online contradicting the preliminary official account of the incident. CPD Chief Michael Kochis held a press conference on July 15 to address community concerns about the lack of arrest and contradicting reports.

“This tragedy has not only shaken two families, but also our community,” said Kochis. “In an attempt to communicate why there was not an immediate arrest, we put out preliminary information based on independent eyewitness accounts and initial evidence on the scene. Some may have taken this release as an indication that a conclusion had been reached in less than 24 hours. That is not true.”

Kochis called on community members to cease online speculation, directly mentioning a since-deleted Facebook post that was “very different than eyewitness accounts and the evidence at the scene.” In the post, the user alleged that she witnessed the incident and that the driver backed up over Anderson after hitting him before leaving the scene.

Detectives have reportedly spoken to the poster and determined that she was not an eyewitness but was instead repeating community speculation.

Comments below a livestream of the press conference show some community members remain critical of the official account of the incident. Several people expressed frustration with the withholding of the driver’s identity and race.

CPD is reportedly waiting on several key forensic reports, including the autopsy and lab reports on the vehicle and the weapon allegedly used by Anderson, which Kochis identified as a pair of scissors.

At press time, the investigation into Anderson’s death remains open and charges have not been filed against the driver. C-VILLE continues to follow the investigation.

Communities of care

The Charlottesville Human Rights Commission is hosting state legislators and representatives from HRCs in Virginia Beach, Alexandria, and Fairfax to provide community-centered legislative advice. Democratic leaders including Albemarle County Del.  Katrina Callsen and state Sen. Creigh Deeds will be in attendance. This initiative will help inform the commission’s recommendations for city council regarding the prioritization of human rights in local legislation ahead of the 2025 General Assembly session. Community members are encouraged to attend the  hybrid meeting on Thursday, July 18.

Trailblazing

On Sunday, July 14, Sen. Tim Kaine made a stop in Albemarle County while on the campaign trail. The Virginia Senator attended the canvass launch for the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Coordinated Campaign, where he shared his support for local Democratic leadership. He seeks reelection to a third term in office, having served as a Virginia senator since 2013.

File photo.

Keeping cool

The city of Charlottesville celebrated the expansion of crucial food bank cold storage with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11. With the completion of the expansion project, the cold storage capacity at Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has nearly tripled to 560 square feet. According to Charlottesville City Hall, the center provided aid to 22,000 community members in 2023. The expansion of the space will enhance the center’s ability to distribute fresh fruit and nutritious vegetables through its pantry networks and related services. “The City of Charlottesville is extremely proud to support them in their important work,” said Grants Analyst Anthony Warn in a press release.

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New additions

Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed five new members to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors on June 28. With this slate of selections, 13 members of the BOV are now Youngkin appointees and hold a majority of the board.

The BOV comprises 17 voting members and is responsible for approval of policies, the university’s budget, and long-term planning. Appointees are eligible to serve up to two four-year terms and must be confirmed by the Virginia General Assembly.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project, three of the five appointees—Dan Brody, Marvin Gilliam Jr., and David Webb—made major contributions to Youngkin’s 2021 campaign for governor.

Brody, an Albemarle County resident and president of Health Data Services, graduated from UVA with an economics degree in 1973. He also donated $25,000 to the Youngkin campaign in 2021, according to VPAP. Additionally, he contributed $30,000 dollars to Spirit of Virginia—a Political Action Committee heavily associated with Youngkin—and $25,000 to the governor’s Inaugural Committee.

A graduate of UVA CLAS ’82, Webb now lives in Virginia Beach and is the vice chairman of commercial real estate giant CBRE’s Capital Markets Group. VPAP data indicates that Webb contributed $84,000 to the Youngkin campaign, $25,000 to Spirit of Virginia, and $400 to Youngkin’s Inaugural Committee.

A former coal mining executive, Gilliam is a returning face to the BOV, having previously served on the Board from 2010 to 2014. Public campaign donation records indicate that Gilliam gave $120,000 to Youngkin’s 2021 campaign, the largest contribution of those appointed this year. Gilliam has an extensive record of campaign donations to Republicans across Virginia, including $150,000 to the Spirit of Virginia PAC and $50,000 to Youngkin’s Inaugural Committee. 

The two other appointees, Dr. David Okonkwo and Porter Wilkinson, do not appear to have donated to Youngkin based on information from VPAP. Okonkwo currently serves as a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh, while Wilkinson is the counselor and chief of staff for the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Drawing connections

Supplied photo.

Local artists from the Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention Center and the Starr Hill Pathways program got the opportunity
to show off their artwork in student commissions for the Equity Center at the University of Virginia. The commissions were highlighted at the annual Starr Hill Pathways Student Expo on June 28 at John Paul Jones Arena.

The art installations are part of a collaboration between the Equity Center, the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, the Charlottesville Mural Project, and BRJDC intended to center the voices of local youth in each piece.

For their project, creatives from BRJDC made three fabric murals measuring the same size as the detention center doors. The fabric murals are on display at the Equity Center’s office on the Downtown Mall at 201 W. Main St.

The Starr Hill Pathways mural, created by students in the Creative Arts pathway of the program, highlights local youth’s interpretation of diversity. The mural, which features the word “diversity” in bright colors amid blossoming roots, is also located in the Equity Center.

Crash into me

Former Dave Matthews Band violinist Boyd Tinsley was charged with Driving Under the Influence on June 24 in Albemarle County. Neither driver was injured as a result of the two-vehicle crash, but Albemarle County Police arrested Tinsley at the scene on suspicion of DUI. Tinsley is out on bond but is currently dealing with other legal issues surrounding a potential breach of settlement connected to the sexual assault allegations that prompted him to leave DMB in 2018. Tinsley’s arrest is not expected to have any impact on, let alone ruin, DMB’s current tour.

Change of pace

As of July 1, Virginia motorists are subject to new laws passed by the General Assembly, impacting uninsured motorists, farm use vehicles, disabled parking placards, and owners of manufactured homes. Drivers without insurance can no longer pay an uninsured vehicle fee and are now required to attain coverage at or exceeding Virginia’s liability limits. Other changes include the replacement of informal farm use placards with official Department of Motor Vehicles-issued plates, the elimination of the fee for disabled parking placards, and a new process for proof of ownership transfer for manufactured homes. For more information on these changes, visit dmv.virginia.gov.

Higher power

Former Cavalier Bridget Williams soared to new heights at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials on June 30, winning the women’s pole vaulting final. Williams, née Guy, graduated from the University of Virginia in 2019 and was thrice named an All-American during her time in Charlottesville. Williams will represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics later this month.