August 15 Newsletter: Debating leaf blowers
Weather: A warm and muggy weekend, but the showers should leave town today.
On this date in 1992, the board of directors of Downtown Richmond, Inc., meets to review ideas to stop the exodus of stores from the downtown area. The meeting is held in Henrico County.
Tuesday night: Join us at Vasen Brewing as we look back on the UCI Road World Championships, 10 years later. Sign up for free here.
Should Richmond ban gas-powered leaf blowers?
In May, Alexandria became the first locality in the state to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, which are often criticized as being annoyingly loud and bad for the environment.
One Richmond council member floated the idea, but said feedback was mixed, and he didn't plan to pursue it anytime soon. Read more here.
Seeking friendship, a group of men ended up breaking down barriers
A group of men decided to intentionally start a conversation that crossed racial lines. In addition to dialogue, they ended up starting an ongoing friendship. Read more from Bob Rayner here.
Today in sports:
NASCAR is a once-a-year event now in Richmond. Here's what you need to know: After sending one of our races to Mexico City, Richmond Raceway is seeing an increase in interest for Saturday's main event.
Jerry Lindquist: At Colonial Downs, jockeys face the risks of riding after a serious injury in late July: The jockey who was airlifted to VCU last month says he's done riding, while others acknowledge the risks of the profession.
Book excerpt: The year Tuckahoe Little League became globally famous: In 1968, the Tuckahoe reached the title game of the Little League World Series, winning over the town in the process.
Karl Huber's work contributes to the flourishing of Byrd Park
A retired scientist with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation who came to Richmond in 1980, Huber has become a familiar face around Byrd Park.
“There’s maybe 3,000 trees in Byrd Park, and Karl probably knows every single one of them,” said Dana Marshall, president of Richmond Tree Stewards.
In other news
- VCU’s Class of 2029 to move in this weekend (VCU)
- Kings Dominion explains Halloween Haunt pricing change amid pass holder backlash (CBS 6)
- Henrico board concerned vape shops are skirting regulations (Times-Dispatch)
The editor's desk
This weekend is the best of the year for sports fans looking to catch live action in the area. In addition to NASCAR, there will be Flying Squirrels baseball and Richmond Kickers soccer.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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