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March 27 Newsletter: Dueling protests

Weather: High of 70, evening showers expected

On this date in 1972, Vice Mayor Henry Marsh petitions the State Board of Education to enforce compulsory school attendance laws, stating that too many parents “do not choose to insist on the child’s right to receive an education,” according to a Times-Dispatch account.

Two anti-Trump protests will take place downtown Saturday. Organizers disagree over who’s to blame.

The groups, RVA Indivisible and 50501 Virginia, collaborated on the first two "No Kings" protests, each of which drew large crowds. But they said they differed in vision over what Saturday's should look like.

  • RVA Indivisible will host a festival at Monroe Park, while 50501 Virginia will have a protest march and speakers beginning at Kanawha Plaza.

“I don’t see a problem with people having two different ways to express their opposition to what’s happening in our country,” one organizer said. The two groups disagree over who chose to break off from the other. Read more here.

In code refresh, proposal to allow small businesses in neighborhoods draws mixed reviews

As Richmond considers a sweeping overhaul of its 1970s-era zoning ordinance, planners propose allowing certain small commercial uses within neighborhoods, either with a conditional use permit or, in denser residential and mixed use districts, by right.

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During World War II, Richmond carried out a citywide rezoning that sought to remove business and industrial uses from residential areas. 

Supporters point out that many of Richmond’s most desirable neighborhoods have shops, restaurants and services in easy walking distance of homes. Detractors point to potential noise, litter, crime, and parking issues. Read more here.

'We are managing so much change': Mayor, experts discuss the path ahead for Richmond

With Virginia and the nation set to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding this year, Mayor Danny Avula said 2026 will be “a big year for history and storytelling in Richmond.”

“My hope for us here in Richmond this year is that we use this commemoration as a vehicle for repair, for relationship building,” he said at his State of the City address. “That we model what it means to reckon with difficult history while imagining new possibilities for our city.” Read more here.

'Teacher of life': Benedictine's Gibrall mentored, guided cadets over the years

The Benedictine Prep community is mourning the loss of former athletic director and announcer Barry Gibrall on Monday, a longtime fixture at the school.

  • Gibrall owned and operated three restaurants early in his career: one in the Fan, one downtown, and one not far from the UR campus, where he graduated.

“I looked at Mr. Gibrall not just as a schoolteacher but as a true friend and a mentor,” said Ed Davis, who won a basketball championship at North Carolina after graduating from Benedictine. Read more here.

ALSO: J.R. Tucker girls basketball coach retiring after 37 years

Branch director Kristin Cavallo will return to her role as CEO of Martin

Local advertising powerhouse Martin, formerly known as the Martin Agency, has a new CEO, but it's a familiar face.

Kristin Cavallo, who left Martin to run The Branch Museum of Design, announced Thursday she is returning to the head role at the company.

  • Danny Robinson, who succeeded her, is retiring to accept a residency as an artist in France.

Cavallo led the rebranding of the Branch, and the museum gained renown recently for its exhibition of Christian Siriano dresses, which Cavallo said was the most successful exhibition in the museum's history. Read more here.

In other news

The editor's desk

It's been great to see the renaissance of the Branch Museum, one of Richmond's architectural gems. Hopefully the momentum can continue under new leadership.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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