Weather: High of 83 on a beautiful fall day.

On this date in 1980, the Salisbury Country Club is told by a federal judge it cannot refuse to admit Black members.

Today's newsletter sponsored by the 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward: Enjoy live music on three stages, great food, shopping, a kids’ zone, and more – all for FREE – at the 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward, this Saturday and Sunday. Learn more.

‘Still classy but very modern’: Historic Woman’s Club home gets a $2.4 million makeover

For over a century, the beating heart of the Bolling Haxall House has been its auditorium — a place where women could gather to hear and discuss new ideas about art, culture, politics and the world. 

Last week, the 1,200-member club unveiled a major renovation that leaders say will bring the auditorium into the 21st century while still honoring its legacy as a mainstay of intellectual life in the city’s downtown. Read more here.

Amelia Street School will embrace nature with new trail

The school, located near Maymont, serves students ages 5 to 21 with intellectual, behavioral or complex health needs. 

In addition to its education purpose, the installation will help capture 25,000 gallons of stormwater annually to conserve and protect the nearby James River. Read more here.

Richmond solar energy proposal fails to pass as Council meeting turns chaotic

A proposed deal to put solar panels on dozens of Richmond’s city-owned rooftops might be dead. Or it might be brought back to life in a few days. At the end of a chaotic City Council meeting Monday night, no one seemed sure what had just happened. Read more here.

• With little fanfare, City Council adopts Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan
  • The plan lays out four priorities, or “big moves,” that Richmond should pursue to protect its historically and culturally significant buildings.
• City will resume tax auctions on delinquent properties, part of an overall ramping up of collection efforts
  • The administration touted the move as a step towards building public trust in the basics of government.

High school football games of the week

Varina plays its third game this season against a state champ, this time from North Carolina. Plus, Huguenot looks to bounce back against L.C. Bird, and Manchester's defense has yet to allow double-digit points but faces a tough test. Read more here.

Sunday Bagel is the latest entrant in Richmond's bagel wars

The popular pop-up just opened in Jackson Ward, but is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Richmonder crew unanimously agreed that the bagels were delicious, and we would return, though the cost was a little steep. Read more here.

By the numbers

Today's sponsor:

2nd Street Festival

See acclaimed R&B artist Stokley headlining the Main Stage on Saturday, and Plunky & Oneness on Sunday – all for FREE – along with 30 other performers at the 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward. Learn more.

In other news

• City Council takes first step toward immigration ‘trust policy’ (VPM)
  • The policy would build on the city’s public stance that it does not cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 
• Starbucks shutters Fan, Short Pump locations as part of mass closure (Richmond BizSense)
  • The building’s owner said he’s already been talking to some prospective new users to take over the space.
• State attorney general launches investigation of cellphone-tracking firm used by City Hall (Times-Dispatch)
  • The city contracted Placer AI to determine how many people have visited Richmond parks and to build profiles for those visitors.

The editor's desk

Thanks to VCU's Baldacci Institute for hosting David Brooks on Monday night at the Library of Virginia. He encouraged the audience to seek out conversations, particularly with people you don't think you have much in common with, to build common ground and community.

Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org

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