Sept. 12 Newsletter: Diamonds aren't forever
Weather: A pleasant weekend, with highs in the upper 70s.
On this date in in 1994, City Manager Robert C. Bobb announces a nearly $1 million plan to fight crime in Richmond. The state agrees to send an additional 60 troopers to assist.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Museum of History & Culture, hosting a “Revolutionary” Symposium on October 4 as part of their America 250th slate of programs. Register at VirginiaHistory.org/symposium.
Avula says he cannot back Gilpin redevelopment plan unless housing authority meets eight demands
Mayor Danny Avula has said he cannot back the Richmond housing authority’s plans to redevelop Gilpin Court unless the authority takes several major steps, including withdrawing its proposal to transfer any part of the court to a subsidiary.
“The things he is asking for RRHA to do are in no way outlandish or outside of scope. It is actually what they are required to do,” Councilor Stephanie Lynch said.
RRHA indicated it would hold a Friday press conference to respond. Read more here.
Former RPS chief talent officer sues School Board members, Kamras over meeting where 18 employees called for her dismissal
The lawsuit alleges that the board and Kamras permitted employees to defame Maggie Clemmons during open comment at a School Board meeting, and asks for more than $6.35 million in damages.
The lawsuit alleges that it was “settled policy” of the School Board not to allow complaints against specific employees during public comment.
Read more, including a look at the legal precedents, here.
Gibson pushing for robust FOIA library in package of City Hall transparency measures
After running on more government transparency in the 2024 elections, first-term Richmond City Councilor Kenya Gibson is trying to deliver on those promises by pushing to make more city records and data available online.
- One would make all FOIA requests public, regardless of who requested them, though the mayor said he can't support the proposal at the moment given its cost and potential privacy implications.
- The second would require information on city contracts to be posted to a data portal.
- A third proposal would require more members of Council-appointed boards and commissions to file economic disclosure forms to avoid conflicts of interest.
Jon Baliles: Paying tribute to The Diamond in its final days
The Times-Dispatch ran an editorial in April 1985 that prophetically said, “The Diamond should be Richmond baseball fans’ best friend well into the 21st Century.”
After 40 great years, our ballpark has been a steady and reliable companion (albeit with some drama over maintenance issues and its replacement), and it has always been there when we needed an outlet, distraction or just an evening to enjoy baseball with friends and family. Read more here.
High school football report: Dinwiddie visits Highland Springs for highly anticipated matchup
Rob Witham takes a weekly look across the high school football scene, including his weekly Super 12 poll. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
The 2025 Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History
The VMHC presents a one-day event where historians, practitioners, and members of the public gather to explore our shared past.
Attendees can expect a variety of interesting discussions, including:
- 16 panels comprising more than 50 experts representing more than 20 colleges, universities, and public history institutions.
- A keynote panel featuring leading scholars of the American Revolution, Drs. Alan Taylor, Karin Wulf, and Sarah McCartney.
- Special museum experiences and a reception.
Register at VirginiaHistory.org/symposium.
In other news
- Virginia State, Hampton shut down due to threats impacting HBCUs (HBCU Gameday)
- JetBlue plane, Applebee's windows damaged during Richmond airport incident (CBS 6)
- 384 motorists illegally passed Chesterfield school buses in a single day (Times-Dispatch)
The editor's desk
On a recent edition of the Sharp's Island podcast, Andrew Freiden chided me for not telling a dad joke with enough gusto during my appearance. I'll get to work finding some better material for next time.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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