Richmond Free Press July 15-17, 2021 edition by Richmond Free Press

VOL. 30 NO. 29

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

School fight

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JULY 15-17, 2021

Students, parents and community members plead for speedy replacement of George Wythe High School regardless of who is in charge. Two-hour public hearing reveals deplorable rodent, structural problems.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus and Ronald E. Carrington

Richmond can build and open by September 2024 a new George Wythe High School and two other school buildings that also are top priorities if City Hall would just begin cooperating with the School Board instead of throwing up roadblocks. That is the view of School Board Vice Chair Jonathan Young, 4th District, a key leader of a five-member School Board majority that took back control Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Petersburg jury awards $300,000 to woman injured by officer Free Press wire report

A Petersburg jury has awarded $300,000 in damages to a Black woman who sued a police officer for excessive force and false arrest after she was forced face-down onto the pavement during a traffic stop. The case began on Feb. 12, 2015, when Monica Cromartie, then 54, was stopped for speeding. Ms. Cromartie said she got out of her car to protest the traffic stop, but obeyed a command from Petersburg Police Officer Brian Lee Billings when he told her to get back in the car. According to Ms. Cromartie, after Officer Billings asked her to roll down her car window, she told him to leave her alone as she complained to someone on her cell phone about the traffic stop. Seconds later, she said, he pulled her out of her car, forced her onto the ground and placed his weight on her back, injuring her forehead, lip, teeth, right eyebrow and both knees before she was handcuffed and put in leg shackles. Most of the encounter was captured by police body camera and introduced during two trials. Officer Billings said during a deposition that he removed Ms. Cromartie from the car to arrest her for obstruction of justice. In 2017, a jury awarded Ms. Cromartie $23,499 in damages for state law claims after finding that Officer Billings assaulted, falsely imprisoned and maliciously prosecuted her on a charge of obstruction of justice. However, the trial judge granted a defense motion that the jury would not be allowed to decide Ms. Cromartie’s claims that Officer Billings violated her Fourth Amendment rights against excessive force and false

arrest, and for an illegal search of her car and her purse, finding that the officer was entitled to immunity on those claims. Ms. Cromartie appealed, and in 2020, the Virginia Supreme Court reversed the trial judge’s ruling and found that the officer was liable on all of the claims in Ms. Cromartie’s lawsuit.

Charlottesville removes Confederate statues that sparked bloodshed

On Monday, a jury in Petersburg Circuit Court awarded Ms. Cromartie $300,000 in punitive and compensatory damages. “She was very glad that after carrying this matter for six years of her life that she finally got the verdict on the constitutional Please turn to A4

Free Press wire report

Ms. Cromartie

Cheers erupted last Saturday as a Confederate statue that towered for nearly a century over downtown Charlottesville was carted away by truck from the place where it had become a flashpoint for racist protests and deadly violence. It was a day of palpable joy and immense relief for scores of residents and visitors who lined neighboring streets to watch the larger-than-life figure of slaveholder and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee as it was hoisted from its pedestal and taken — at least for now — to storage. The statue’s removal came more than five years after racial justice activists had renewed a push to take down the monument, an initiative that drew the attention of white supremacists, neoNazis and other racist groups, culminating in the violent and deadly “Unite the Right” rally in 2017. “I’m ecstatic that we’re here now. It’s sad that it’s taken so much to get us to this point. But this is an incredible day,” said Don Gathers, a local Black activist who long advocated for the statue’s removal. Work to remove the Lee statue, and one of Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson shortly after, proceeded peacefully and without interruption. It was a project held up for years by a long, winding legal fight coupled with changes in a state law that protected war memorials. Also removed Saturday was a statue depicting Sacagawea, and explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, which has Please turn to A4

Barbers strike at Fort Lee and Fort Pickett after attempts to cut pay By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Military personnel at Fort Lee and Fort Pickett in Virginia are struggling to get haircuts. In an apparent first for the Armed Forces, the unionized cadre of mostly Black barbers who keep personnel groomed at the two Virginia posts have gone on strike. Their claim: The contractor hired two years ago to operate the on-base barbershops is trying to reduce their pay $1,000 a month. The barbers began the strike July 4 after Missouri-based Sheffield Barbers LLC made a final offer that fell far short of the barbers’ pay request.

The barbers do 200 to 250 haircuts a week and in past contracts have been paid 55 percent of the cost of a haircut, according to their union. The barbers walked out of the shops after the company made a final contract offer of a 47 percent share, said Kenneth C. “K.C.” Doggette, business agent for Local 572 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, which represents the barbers and other employees at Fort Lee. He said that Sheffield this year boosted the cost of a basic haircut from $12.15 to $13.25. Under previous contracts, the increase Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Fun with Dad Rashe Peoples Jr., 6, takes on the challenge of climbing on playground equipment with the knowledge his dad, Rashe Peoples, has his back. The father and son enjoyed time together last Saturday at Abner Clay Park in Jackson Ward.

Misinformation, distrust keep Black vaccination rates low By Reginald Stuart

In the world of sports, winning the game in the homestretch sometimes seems the toughest part of the challenge. That certainly is the case with getting people immunized against the deadly COVID-19 virus, public health and government officials are finding. Civic and religious leaders are stumped as well, with all collectively pondering why it has been so hard to get some people to realize there is a growing risk of death from the virus, or one of its aggressive variants, absent twin doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson inoculation. It seems like a risk young Black and brown people are willing to take, much to the dismay of their older relatives, friends and mentors. “I think it is probably a distrust of government and authority figures in general,” said Richmond native Jonathan D. Davis, an advertising design teacher at the state Juvenile Justice Department’s Yvonne B. Miller High School and president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters. “If they are not out here getting vaccinated, we could have a whole type of (pandemic) wave in the fall,” he said, echoing the fears expressed by others of a repeat of 2020’s COVID-19

skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccines. Some people talk about government health tests and offer unofficial assertions that the vaccines are some form of “cocktail of unsafe drugs” or unknown medicines and raise red flags about whether the vaccine could impact pregnancy. Ms. Maben said she and her friends got vaccinated before taking Please turn to A4 Mr. Davis

Dr. Harris

Ms. Maben

shut down and gruesome death toll. It’s not just older adults like Mr. Davis, 60, who are voicing concerns about those reluctant to get COVID-19 shots. Anxiety also is being expressed by younger people, like 22-year-old Kayla Maben, a Norfolk State University nursing student from Goochland. “People are not educating themselves enough about the vaccine,” Ms. Maben said. “They are just believing the word on the street,” where unscientific speculation runs rampant both by word of mouth and via the internet, she said. Some websites revisit and enhance the tragic Tuskegee syphilis experiment conducted from 1932 to 1972 by the U.S. Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention targeting uneducated Black men in laying out their

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Free community testing for COVID-19 continues. The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Monday, July 19,1 to 2 p.m., Southwood Resource Center, 1742 Clarkson Road, #A, South Richmond. • Wednesday, July 21, 11 a.m. to noon, Mosby Resource Center, 1536 Coalter St., East End. Appointments are not necessary, but can be made by calling the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by registering online at https://bit.ly/RHHDCOVID.

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A2 July 15-17, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Cityscape

Elections Board chair says state law was followed in certifying House candidates

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The chairman of the Virginia Board of Elections defended the June 30 board action to allow some late-filing Republican nominees for House of Delegate seats to make the Nov. 2 ballot. Chairman Robert H. Brink also rejected any claim that racial preference was involved in the decision-making. In response to a Free Press article published in the July 8-10 edition, Mr. Brink stated the board followed state law regarding the House candidates and also hewed to its policy of blocking candidates who failed to meet the filing deadline for required documents from the ballot. Mr. Brink said that by a 2-1 vote, the board authorized three Republican candidates for the House to make the ballot, even though party officials in each of their respective districts had missed the deadline to certify them as party nominees. A provision of state law requires the board to certify nominees if party officials Mr. Brink fail to do so, Mr. Brink said. Those affected were incumbent GOP Delegate Dave LaRock of Loudoun County, 33rd House District, and two Republicans who are challenging Democratic incumbents, Gina Ciarcia of Prince William County, who is running against Delegate Candi King of Dumfries in the 2nd House District, and Matthew Lang of Fairfax County, who is seeking to unseat Delegate Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum in the 36th House District. Richmond City Councilman Michael J. Jones, who blasted the board’s decision as discriminatory in the Free Press article, now agrees that the board’s action followed state law and was unbiased. Dr. Jones had been knocked off the ballot for the June 8 Democratic primary when he failed to submit his candidate paperwork in time. He was one of three Black candidates who failed to make the primary ballot because of late filings. At the June 30 meeting, the board upheld that policy in refusing to approve filing extensions for two people seeking to run as independents for House seats and three candidates seeking local offices. Mr. Brink said the Free Press report that the policy had been reversed was “completely inaccurate.” Councilman Jones agreed that Mr. Brink was correct. “As it has done in the past,” Mr. Brink concluded, “the board will endeavor to apply the provisions of the Code of Virginia in a consistent and reasoned manner.”

RPS names four new principals By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmond’s George Wythe High School and three elementary schools will have new principals in the fall. Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras announced that Riddick T. Parker Jr. will serve as the new principal of George Wythe High School. He will replace Joseph Pisani, who became principal at the South Side school in 2019. The three new interim elementary school principals are Donalda Chumney at J.B. Fisher Elementary, Ebony Davis at Blackwell Elementary and Rickeita Jones at Woodville Elementary. They are replacing principals Cleveland Walton at Fisher, Teresa Anderson at Blackwell and Shannon Washington at Woodville. All of the former principals are no longer with the district. The new elementary principals are interim appointments because Mr. Parker Ms. Chumney they have not gone through the community panel of the selection process, RPS officials said. All have experience as principals or assistant principal with RPS or in other districts. Mr. Parker was an assistant principal at Ms. Davis Ms. Jones Armstrong High School, where he played an integral role in increasing the school’s graduation and attendance rates. He also previously worked for Baltimore City Public Schools, where he guided the development of innovative literacy and graduation pathway programs. He earned a bachelor’s in history and communications from the University of North Carolina before joining the NFL’s San Diego Chargers in 1995 and playing with the Seattle Seahawks from 1996 to 2000. His pro football career ended with the San Francisco 49ers in 2004. Mr. Parker also earned a master’s in public administration and a graduate certificate in curriculum, instruction and assessment from Walden University; and a graduate certificate in school administration and supervision from Johns Hopkins University. A Richmond native, Ms. Chumney has served as chief academic officer in Connecticut, a superintendent of a school district in New York City and as the principal of a college-preparatory middle school in the Bronx. She began her teaching career in 2004 as a special education teacher of students diagnosed with autism. She is a graduate of American University’s School of Public Affairs and earned a master’s in urban education from Temple University, and a master’s in special education and childhood education from Mercy College. Ms. Davis has served as assistant principal at Highland Springs High School in Henrico, playing an integral role in improving the school’s on-time graduation rate. She was responsible for leading a team that supported students in making academic gains in science and Career Technical Education. She previously has served as a science teacher, dean of students and assistant principal at various schools in Central Virginia. She earned a bachelor’s in chemistry from Norfolk State University, a master’s in education from Strayer University and a master’s in administration and supervision from NSU. Ms. Jones has served as assistant principal at Westover Hills Elementary School. She began her career as a science teacher with RPS, rose to department chair for science in Henrico County Public Schools and was principal of Meherrin Elementary School in Southampton County. Ms. Jones earned a bachelor’s in chemistry from Virginia Union University and a master’s in educational leadership from Virginia State University.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Scaffolding engulfs the state-owned Old City Hall, the 1894 building that once was the center of Richmond’s government in Downtown. The historic building at Broad and 10th streets is undergoing its first renovation since 1983. Old City Hall is regarded as a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture, but the history of its construction was mired in racial bigotry and municipal corruption, according to historical accounts. Skilled Black tradesmen, who had long been a significant force in the building trades, were deliberately excluded from the building’s construction, which took seven years to complete, according to building records. The selected architect, Elijah E. Myers, later was found to have spent $1,500 in bribes to prevent the governing body from selecting a competing design, according to records. The building, which housed city courts and city offices, wound up costing $1.3 million, four times the original $300,000 projection, according to the history. Flaws in workmanship began showing up almost immediately, requiring significant expenditures, and the building was considered outdated by 1915. It was replaced in 1972 with the current City Hall, which is located across Broad Street. In 1977, the last courts moved out, leaving it vacant. The General Assembly approved incorporating the building into Capitol Square in 1981. Currently, most of the offices are rented to private, educational and nonprofit operations.

Staffing shortage leads to temporary state mental hospital shutdown Free Press wire report

Virginia temporarily closed admissions at five mental hospitals last week amid a staffing crisis. The move will allow the hospitals to reduce the number of patients through attrition, not discharges, until there are enough employees to care for patients safely, an official said. Five of the state’s eight facilities for adults are affected: Central State Hospital near Petersburg, Eastern State Hospital near Williamsburg, Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Burkeville, Western State Hospital in Staunton and Catawba Hospital near Roanoke. “Despite our aggressive recruiting and retention strategies, state hospitals continue to lose staff while admissions continue to rise,” said Alison Land, state commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. “It is no longer feasible to operate all state beds in a safe and therapeutic environment,” she added in a message announcing the step.

Since July 1, 63 patients and employees have been injured at the state’s mental hospitals because of the shortage, Ms. Land said. “The challenges faced by the state hospitals are now an immediate crisis for two reasons,” Ms. Land said. “First, the level of dangerousness is unprecedented and second, recent admissions are occurring in an environment that is no longer adequately staffed.” Virginia’s behavioral health institutions have struggled with a surge of people in psychiatric crisis since the “bed of last resort” law enacted in 2014 prevented the release of people from emergency custody if they pose a threat to themselves or others. Admissions under temporary detention orders have increased by almost 400 percent at state mental hospitals since 2013. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents, the state’s only psychiatric facility for youths, is operating only 18 of its 48 beds because it doesn’t have enough employees to care

for more patients. The closures will put pressure on private psychiatric facilities. Virginia will need all available private beds for temporary detention to be open, even for challenging patients, Ms. Land said. “In addition, the commonwealth needs every possible step-down and long-term care facility to be ready to accept patients who are ready for discharge from state facilities,” she said. The state is accelerating efforts to discharge patients who are ready, but Ms. Land said it is complicated by a lack of adequate community programs and services to accept them. These hospitals have operated with high numbers of patients for years and the pandemic has made it tougher, Alena Yarmosky, a spokeswoman for Gov. Ralph Northam, said in a statement. Gov. Northam will propose putting federal American Rescue Plan funding toward “boosting staff salaries, hiring critical workers and ensuring the well-being of patients and staff,” Ms. Yarmosky said.

Court ruling allows handgun sales to 18- to 20-year-olds

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

If you are old enough to vote, you are old enough to own a handgun, a panel of the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided Tuesday. By a 2-1 margin, the panel threw out federal laws that bar licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to 18- to 20-year-olds— handing a huge victory to 2nd Amendment supporters and creating disarray among federal officials charged with enforcing gun laws against underage sales. “Our nation’s most cherished constitutional rights vest no later than 18,” Judge Julius N. Richardson wrote in an opinion in which Judge G. Steven Agee joined and from which Judge James A. Wynn Jr. dissented. “And the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms is no different.” “…Despite the weighty interest in reducing crime and violence,” Judge Richardson continued, “we refuse to relegate either the Second Amendment or 18- to 20-year-olds to second class status.” Tuesday’s ruling was prompted by a lawsuit by 19-year-old Natalia Marshall, a University of Virginia student who said she wanted a handgun as protection from an abusive ex-boyfriend. A federal law, enacted in 1968, bars

federally licensed dealers from selling handguns to persons under age 21. But those age 18 and over are still permitted under federal law to purchase handguns from a private party. They also are allowed to buy long guns from a dealer. Rejecting arguments from the government and gun safety groups, the majority decision overturned a lower court ruling dismissing a case brought by Ms. Marshall, who was 18 at the time, and Tanner Hirschfeld, 20. Mr. Hirschfield, now 21, was dismissed as a plaintiff in the appeal, with Ms. Marshall allowed to continue as she still cannot purchase a weapon from a federally licensed dealer. For now, nothing immediately changes. The opinion was remanded to the lower court in the Western District of Virginia for further proceedings. If the decision stands, the initial impact would be felt in the states within the appellate court’s jurisdiction, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland and West Virginia. In those states, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives would be barred from preventing licensees from selling firearms to young people at least 18 years of age. The U.S. Justice Department, which defended the 21 age limit, is digesting the ruling and initially declined comment.

Department lawyers could request that the appellate court’s 15 judges rehear the case or appeal to the Supreme Court, potentially setting the stage for a national decision. In his dissent, Judge Wynn wrote that his colleagues did not conduct the proper analysis in reaching their conclusion and were secondguessing Congress, which had imposed a limited burden on those under 21. He noted that the federal laws at issue do not bar 18- to 20-year-olds from buying shotguns and rifles, from possessing handguns or from buying from unlicensed sellers, though separate state laws might bar such transactions. Because the Second Amendment “alone protects a direct and lethal right to endanger oneself and others,” Judge Wynn stated that that majority failed to give the “substantial deference to the judgments of Congress,” which, he stated, created the age limit on licensed dealer sales in 1968 to promote public safety after holding hearings and reviewing detailed information related to the history of youthful misuse of firearms, scientific research, crime data and other information. “I, therefore, would not usurp the legislative role by invalidating these measures based on a judicial assessment that they have not worked,” Judge Wynn wrote.

Ambassadors needed for Washington Football Team training camp

The Washington Football Team is looking for volunteers to serve as ambassadors at its training camp in Richmond Tuesday, July 27, through Saturday, July 31. Volunteers support the team and represent the City of Richmond through their role answering questions and helping visitors at the camp, including highlighting local restaurants and points of interest and tourism spots. While ambassadors aren’t paid, they can earn incentives based

on the number of shifts they work. Shifts last about five hours. The incentives include Washington Football swag bags, daily raffles, game tickets and on-site discounts. Applications to become an ambassador will be accepted until Wednesday, July 21, at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFTTCAmbassadors2021. Details about the program and the incentives: rva.gov/parksrecreation/volunteer-initiatives.

Richmond and Henrico health districts host immunization, school physical clinics

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are hosting clinics for school-age students to get vaccines and physicals. A clinic for childhood immunizations and the COVID-19 vaccine for Richmond Public Schools families will be held noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St. in the East End, and at River City Middle School, 6300 Hull Street Road in South Side. A clinic for school physicals for elemen-

tary students and immunizations for all school-age students will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richmond City Health District, 400 E. Cary St. No sports physicals are available, and appointments must be made by calling (804) 205-3501. According to state requirements, students new to elementary schools must have a physical exam and up to date on their vaccinations. Additionally, seventhand 12th-grade students also must have

certain immunizations. While COVID-19 vaccines are not required to attend public school, health officials encourage students age 12 and older to get the vaccine to protect themselves and others. Details on these and other clinics: (804) 205-3501. Details on vaccine requirements for youths: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ richmond-city/childhood-immunization/

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Richmond Free Press

A4 July 15-17, 2021

News

Students, parents and community members plead for speedy replacement of George Wythe Continued from A1

of school construction from the city. But Mayor Levar M. Stoney, who believes the city should lead the construction effort in collaboration with the School Board, says the board is the obstacle. At a community meeting on Monday, he called the delay the School Board is creating “disrespectful.” Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras has said a new Wythe would not be open until 2027 with RPS in charge. Based on the city’s already approved plan to invest another $200 million in school buildings as of July 1, 2023, Mr. Young said there would be more than enough money to replace George Wythe, build a new Woodville Elementary School in Church Hill and develop the proposed 1,000-seat Career and Technical Education High School in a former Philip Morris factory in South Side. Mr. Young said the School Board could beef up the city funds with a projected $15 million in proceeds from the sale of the current Richmond Technical Center campus. He also noted the cost to develop the CTE school in South Richmond could be reduced by as much as 30 percent through the use of historic tax credits. “This is all doable if the posturing can stop and we can get down to business,” Mr. Young said. “All three buildings could be under design around the same time. They could all be ready to be put out for construction bids around the same time, as well. If we get busy, all three buildings could be designed, built and opened within three years.” He spoke Wednesday about making the three new buildings a reality. On Tuesday night, the School Board held a twohour public hearing at which students, parents, teachers, community leaders and others decried the decaying condition of the 61-year-old George Wythe building and pleaded for speedy action to replace the high school where mice, rats and structural problems are all too common. Mr. Young said the speakers were preaching to the choir. “Replacing George Wythe has been a top priority for the School Board since at least 2017, if not before” Mr. Young noted. “Everyone agrees. “Yes, the push is on to get it done. But unfortunately, it will take more than a snap of the fingers to make it happen,” he continued. “No matter who leads this effort, it will take at least three more years to put a new building in place. The goal and focus of all of us is to make that happen as fast as

possible.” Mayor Levar M. Stoney, who has not mentioned the prospect of building anything else but a new Wythe, insists that only the city’s internal staff and its consultants could get a new Wythe done in three years. Mr. Young said the mayor is right “about the need for speed.” But he said the mayor’s claim that the School Board would take three extra years to build a new high school is inaccurate. “Henrico built two high schools in 33½ months,” he said. “It doesn’t pass the laugh test to contend that Richmond would need 72. Proponents of the sixyear narrative know that.” He noted that Mayor Stoney is now promising to deliver a new George Wythe in 2025 if the city is in charge. But he said that timetable can be speeded up. He said at the School Board’s next meeting on Monday, July 19, he will seek board approval to set the capacity of the new George Wythe at 1,600 students and the proposed size at 260,000

square feet, a reduction from the previously proposed 2,000seat high school of 300,000 square feet. He said that the school’s current and projected enrollment indicate that the smaller size and seating capacity would be sufficient given that the proposed CTE school would pick up a significant number of students from Wythe and other city high schools. He said reducing the size of the building should reduce the cost to $110 million or less, or $30 million below the $140 million the city has projected to spend. School Board member Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, another key member of the board majority, echoed the need for stretching the dollars to get more buildings. In her view, the city’s cost projection is justification for the School Board to retain control. She stated that the city is trying to spend too much on the Wythe building, while leaving thousands of other children to attend equally decrepit buildings.

“The students at Wythe have waited too long, just as the students at Woodville Elementary have,” Ms. Gibson wrote in a post. “So, if we can save millions of dollars, build more schools and truly engage the community in the process — that would be a win all around.” Mr. Young said he also plans to propose that the School Board set up an evaluation

committee that would include RPS facilities staff and city officials involved in building to review the responses from architectural firms from the request for proposals that Mayor Stoney issued to design the new George Wythe. Mr. Young said he welcomed the mayor’s decision to issue the RFP to move along the process of securing a design team. Monday, the mayor again

called on the School Board to designate representatives to an evaluation panel his administration is creating to review the proposals. The mayor said that if the School Board does not participate in his administration’s panel, the process would end since he also acknowledged again that the School Board is entitled under state law to handle school construction.

Barbers strike after attempts to cut pay Continued from A1

should have boosted the barbers’ share to $7.29 for each cut. Mr. Doggette said the company countered with $6.24 per cut, or about the same amount the barbers received in 2017 when the base price of a cut was $11.25. Based on the volume of cuts for each barber, the $1 difference between the union ask and the company’s offer is equal to about $1,000 a month for each barber, Mr. Doggette said. He said the company’s offer was even more galling because the barbers essentially had their incomes cut 20 percent during the pandemic, with each restricted to working every other day to maintain social distancing in the shops. That

meant four-day work weeks, rather than five. Officials at Sheffield not respond to a request for comment. The company also operates barbershops at five military bases in other states. Mr. Doggette said that along with picketing, Local 572 has filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board in hopes of gaining federal intervention to force the company to bargain. In 2017, the NLRB upheld a similar complaint against Sheffield involving barbers at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Meanwhile, Mr. Doggette said Sheffield is actively trying to recruit replacement barbers, with support from the Army and Air Force Exchange Services that hired the company to run the barbershops on the two bases.

Misinformation, distrust keep Black vaccination rates low Continued from A1

a trip to Miami in May. “They were doing what they could to protect themselves and others,” she said. “You got to take the chance and get the shot.” Despite stepped up efforts by city government and health officials, the numbers paint a bleak picture. In Virginia, only 33.4 percent of the Black population is fully vaccinated, according to state Health Department data. Among Latinos, the percentage rises slightly to 37.9 percent, while 42 percent of the state’s white population is fully vaccinated. The vaccination figures are even lower in Richmond among Black people and Latinos, who comprise 47 percent and 31.2 percent of the city’s population respectively. According to state data, only 26.6 percent of Black people in Richmond, and 33.7 of Latinos, are fully vaccinated, while 49.6 percent of white people in the

city are vaccinated. Since the start of the pandemic, Black people and Latinos across the nation have disproportionately been hardest hit by the virus. According to the latest data in Virginia, Black people are only 19 percent of the state population but make up 22 percent of COVID-19 cases statewide and 25 percent of deaths. Latinos, who are 9 percent of Virginia’s population, make up 16 percent of cases and 6 percent of deaths statewide. More than 683,000 cases of COVID-19 have been logged in Virginia resulting in more than 11,460 deaths. Today’s young people “are driven by different things,” said Dr. Emanuel C. Harris, president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity, a group of more than 50 ministers representing congregations across the metro area including in Richmond and Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland and

Amelia counties. The “young generation is not afraid of death,” as they hear news of it almost every day, unfortunately, Dr. Harris said. The discussion about the pandemic may seem confusing to some, he said, and many just don’t want to talk about it. Dr. Harris, senior pastor for the past nine years at Jerusalem Baptist Church — Manakin in Goochland County, said the region actually has made great strides in tackling the virus since the spread began in March 2020. He said early on, member pastors were divided about 50-50 in how to address the crisis. The thinking of the religious leaders has changed “a lot” since then, Dr. Harris said. “Those of us who have been on the front lines and seen it have lost members and done funerals. It’s not a game to us,” he said. For sure, various COVID-19 data sets show a steady downward drop in vaccinations compared to a dramatic surge in earlier months

Petersburg jury awards $300,000 to woman Continued from A1

claims that she was looking for, something that demonstrates that the conduct of this officer was not acceptable for the City of Petersburg or for the state,” said Andrew Bodoh, one of her attorneys. Attorney Tom Roberts, who also represented Ms. Cromartie in her lawsuit, said she has lingering physical and psychological injuries, including a scar above her eye and a missing tooth. He said the jury heard testimony that after her encounter with Officer Billings, Ms. Cromartie did not call the police during two incidents, one involving the threat of domestic assault by her estranged husband and another when a neighbor

showed up at her home with a baseball bat after an argument with her grandchildren. “She chose not to call the police because of her experience with Officer Billings that made her demonstrably fearful of interacting with the police in the very situation where police should have been called,” Mr. Roberts said. Petersburg police did not immediately respond to two emails seeking comment on Tuesday. Mr. Billings, who retired from the police department months after the encounter, testified he was not disciplined for his actions. Mr. Billings did not immediately respond to an email or to a message left Tuesday on a phone number listed in his name.

Charlottesville removes Confederate statues Continued from A1

been criticized for a depiction of the Native American guide and interpreter some view as subservient and weak. Couples, families with small children and activists looked on Saturday. The crowd intermittently chanted and cheered as progress was made fairly quickly. Hymns at one point wafted down the street as musicians performed from the front steps of a church. “Good atmosphere, good vibes, good energy,” said Jim Henson, a resident of nearby Barboursville who came to witness the “historic” event. Ralph Dixon, a 59-year-old Black man born and raised in Charlottesville, was documenting Saturday’s activities, a camera draped around his neck. Mr. Dixon said he was brought as a schoolchild to the park where the Lee statue stood. “All the teachers, my teachers anyway, were always talking about what a great person this was,” he said. He said his understanding of Gen. Lee’s legacy and the statue’s message evolved as he matured. He said it was important to understand the statue was put in place not directly after the Civil War but during the Jim Crow era when Black Americans’ rights were being stripped away. He said there was no reason for the statue to stay, especially after the violent rally on Aug. 12, 2017, which left 32-yearold Heather Heyer dead and dozens more injured after a car plowed into a crowd of peaceful counterprotesters. A Virginia State Police helicopter assisting with the rally also crashed that weekend, killing the pilot and a trooper. The “Unite the Right” rally drew neo-

Nazis, skinheads, Klansmen and other racist groups for what was the largest gathering of such far-right extremists in at least a decade. They met at the base of the Lee statue and then brawled in the streets nearby with anti-racist counterprotesters before the car attack. The violence sparked a national debate over racial equity, further inflamed by former President Trump’s insistence that there was “blame on both sides.” The most recent push focused on removing the Lee monument began in 2016, thanks partly to a petition started by a Black high school student, Zyahna Bryant. After the Charlottesville City Council voted to remove the statue, a lawsuit was quickly filed, putting the plans on hold. White supremacists then began to seize on the issue. “To the young people out there, I hope that this empowers you to speak up on the issues that matter, and to take charge in your own cities and communities,” Ms. Bryant said, standing beside Mayor Nikuyah Walker while addressing the crowd before removal work began. “No platform for white supremacy. No platform for racism. And no platform for hate.” On Saturday, at least a handful of opponents of the removal were present, including a man who heckled Mayor Walker after she spoke. But there was no visible, organized protest presence. Many who object to taking down Confederate monuments say doing so amounts to erasing history. Charles “Buddy” Weber, a white local attorney who was a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the city, said in a phone interview that he wondered if history will view the push to remove monuments as a sincere and effective attempt at racial reconciliation.

“My personal view is that this act is not going to improve the life of anybody in the city of Charlottesville,” he said. The city had announced the plans for Saturday only a day prior. Earlier last week, Charlottesville had finally completed procedural steps necessary under a new state law to legally begin the removals. After the Lee statue was gone, both workers and the crowd moved to a park about two blocks away for the Jackson statue removal. It took nearly an hour after a crane lifted the statue off its pedestal to situate the piece on a truck and secure it. But instead of dwindling, the crowd grew, many waiting with rapt attention to see it hauled away. “It’s quite a day. It’s just a feeling of relief to see that statue be dragged out of here backwards and back into history where it belongs,” Rabbi Tom Gutherz of the nearby Congregation Beth Israel said after the truck rumbled off, taking the Jackson monument away. Only the statues, not their stone pedestals, were removed Saturday. They will be stored in a secure location until the Charlottesville City Council makes a final decision about what should be done with them. Under state law, the city was required to solicit parties interested in taking the statues during an offer period that ended July 8. The city received 10 responses to its solicitation. Kristin Szakos, a former Charlottesville City Council member, said that “folks in this community have been trying to get these statues down for a hundred years.” She added: “I think that we’re finally ready to be a community that doesn’t telegraph through our public art that we are pretty fine with white supremacy.”

when the public health message was targeted toward protecting the elderly and ill. President Biden’s push to get 70 percent of adult Americans vaccinated with at least one dose by the Fourth of July gave a big boost to the efforts by state health officials. Radio, newspaper and television commercials about the vaccine flooded local markets with the additional launch of a variety of incentives to get people to roll up their sleeves and get a shot. In metro Richmond, vaccines are being given at community outreach festivals, gospel concerts and pop music shows, ice cream shops, Walmarts and independently owned pharmacies. “At VCU Medical Center,

we offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all our patients, whether they see us for a routine appointment or seek our care unexpectedly for an emergency,” said Laura Rossacher, director of public affairs for VCU Health. VCU has myriad efforts to get people to get vaccinations, she said. Mr. Davis said vaccine efforts now may require a focused, intense campaign aimed at young people age 12 and older, just as the early campaigns targeted the elderly and most vulnerable healthwise. “Even if we just focus in the Richmond area, we need some leaders, young stars, singers and rappers,” he said. “Somewhere, we need to get a coordinated effort.”

Free COVID-19 vaccines Continued from A1

Testing will be offered while test supplies last. COVID-19 testing also is available at various drug stores, clinics and urgent care centers throughout the area for people with and without health insurance. Several offer tests with no out-of-pocket costs. A list of area COVID-19 testing sites is online at https://www. vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/richmond-and-henrico-area-covid19-testing-sites/ The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine? The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walkup COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Friday, July 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – City Hall Vaccination Event, 900 E. Broad St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Henrico West Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer. • Sunday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1400 Perry St. • Monday, July 19, 1 to 3 p.m. – Coventry Gardens Apartments, 201 Newbridge Circle, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. • Tuesday, July 20, 1 to 3 p.m. – State Department of Aging & Rehabilitative Services, 2001 Maywill St., Suite 202, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 6 to 7 p.m. – Oakwood Arts, 3511 P St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. • Wednesday, July 21, 3 to 6 p.m. – George Wythe High School, 4314 Crutchfield St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. • Friday, July 23, 9 a.m. to noon – Henrico West Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Pfizer; 3 to 5 p.m. – Creighton Family Transition Coaches, 1111 N. 25th St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. • Wednesday, July 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Washington Football Team Training Camp, 2401 W. Leigh St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; 3 to 6 p.m. – George Wythe High School, 4314 Crutchfield St., Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. Children ages 12 to 15 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments are not required, but individuals can schedule an appointment online at vax.rchd.com or by calling (804) 205-3501. VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine. On Monday, Gov. Ralph S. Northam called for $353 million from Virginia’s $4.3 billion portion of funds from the federal American Rescue Plan to be used for economic recovery efforts for small businesses and industries affected by the pandemic. Locally, new efforts are underway to promote COVID-19 vaccine education and distribution. The Richmond and Henrico health districts are partnering with the public school systems to offer physicals and vaccinations to children to meet state health requirements ahead of the new school year. The Chesterfield Health District is hosting community information teams to promote vaccination clinics and to provide health education and registration for those yet to be vaccinated. The effort will include door-to-door canvassing in neighborhoods and businesses in Chesterfield, Powhatan and Colonial Heights. According to data released Wednesday by the Virginia Department of Health, more than 4.4 million people are fully vaccinated in Virginia, or 51.8 percent of the population, while 59.6 percent of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. State officials reported 683,614 cases of COVID-19 statewide on Wednesday, along with 30,900 hospitalizations and 11,467 deaths. Virginia’s seven-day positivity rate is 2.4 percent. Last week, it was 2 percent. According to state data, African-Americans comprised 22.5 percent of cases statewide and 25.1 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 16 percent of cases and 6.5 percent of deaths. Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, July 14, 2021 Cases Hospitalizations Deaths Richmond 17,301 844 274 Henrico County 26,070 1,129 639 Chesterfield County 28,983 1,037 450 Hanover County 8,348 319 168

Richmond Free Press

July 15-17, 2021 A5

Honoring their legacy Leroy M. Bray Jr. Gordon Coleman Gloria C. Collins

The

Ford Tucker Johnson Jr. Milton Johnson Celia E. Jones

Robert B. Dalton

Clarence A. Jones

Joseph E. Ellison

John J. McCall

Marise L. Ellison

Frank George Pinkston

Wendell T. Foster Jr.

Larry Pridgen

Anderson J. Franklin

Ceotis L. Pryor

Donald Vincent Goode

Raymond B. Randolph Jr.

Woodrow B. Grant

Samuel F. Shaw

Albert Van Graves Jr.

Charles Melvin Sherrod

George Wendall Harris

Virginia G. Simms

Thalma Y. Hickman

Ronald B. Smith

Joanna Hinton

Barbara A. Thornton

Carolyn Ann Horne

Randolph A. Tobias

Richard C. Jackson

Patricia A. Washington

Elizabeth Patricia Johnson

Lois B. White

n Feb. 22, 1960, 34 Virginia Union University students were arrested following a peaceful sit-in protest at the whites-only lunch counter of Thalhimers Department Store in downtown Richmond. The Richmond 34 sit-in ultimately led to the integration of Thalhimers and inﬂuenced legislation in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels have announced the following initiatives to honor the legacy of the Richmond 34: • Retirement of the No. 34 by the Flying Squirrels organization never to be worn on-ﬁeld again • Creation of a Richmond 34 Legacy mural at The Diamond painted by Richmond-based painter & sculptor Andre Shank • Plans to host Richmond 34 Legacy Weekend, a two-day event to be held in conjunction with home games July 16-17 • Establishment of the Richmond 34 Legacy campaign to provide education outreach opportunities to schools • Career advancement & mentorship program for Virginia State University & Virginia Union University students

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Richmond Free Press

Crepe myrtles in North Side

Editorial Page

July 15-17, 2021

Washington Football Team This week marks the year anniversary of enlightenment for the NFL Washington Football Team, which announced on July 13, 2020, that it was dropping the offensive name the franchise had used since 1933. What a difference a year makes! Team owner Dan Snyder finally listened to the voices of Native American rights groups, fans, team haters, political figures, investment firms and others—chiefly mega sponsor FedEx and other corporate partners whose money provided the right pressure—that the racist name needed to go and the team needed to rebrand. We remind our readers that the Richmond Free Press stood at the vanguard in October 2013 when late Free Press founder and publisher Raymond H. Boone delineated that the newspaper was “expunging” the name from its news and editorial columns. Mr. Boone wrote at the time that the name was both insulting to Native Americans and divisive. The racist moniker was never used again in Free Press news and editorial content. What a difference a year makes! Since Mr. Snyder’s announcement last year of the name’s retirement, our nation has experienced a continued awakening about equality, equity, fairness, justice and valuing our fellow human beings. Through last summer’s worldwide protests over police abuse and injustice with the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis to the universal and humbling grip of the pandemic on people and communities around the globe, we have seen cities and towns bring down statues honoring conquerors, Confederates and white supremacists who had little regard for the people they sought to annihilate, enslave and/or exploit. Communities also have stripped those names from schools, roads, bridges and buildings and come together in consensus to rename them for people and places that inspire and uplift. In Washington, many fans of the burgundy and gold scoff at the “blandness” of the NFL team’s interim handle – Washington Football Team. But as team president Jason Wright—a former player who became the first Black president of an NFL team in history when he was named last August— announced this week, the new name and logo will have “no linkage to Native American imagery.” The franchise, he said, has nixed the proposal emanating from season ticketholders to call the team the “Washington Warriors.” Mr. Wright said that feedback from Native Americans and others “revealed a deep-seated discomfort” with that suggestion. “Such an embrace of potentially Native-adjacent iconography and imagery would not represent a clear departure that many communities have so forcefully advocated for us to embrace, and that frankly, we set out to do when we started this process a year ago,” he stated. We are glad Mr. Wright and the Washington franchise are listening. Respect comes from active listening and engagement. In the first week alone, the team received more than 5,000 submissions of names. Thousands more have come in each month, officials said. The team has been working with Code and Theory, a New York-based agency, on a new name and logo and “is now down to a shortlist … based on our strategic approach, research process and insight phase,” Mr. Wright said. Richmond and its residents are invested in the team in many ways, and not solely because of the $10 million-plus the city put up to build the team’s training facility on West Leigh Street. Scores of people turn out in burgundy and gold jerseys—and bring their children who also are wearing team colors—to watch the players go through their drills even in boiling summer heat. They crowd the sidelines eagerly hoping to snag an autograph from their favorite players. They root each season for the team’s success. We hope the new team name, which is to be announced in early 2022, will reflect and honor the loyalty and love from fans of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds and the spirit of hope and goodwill arising from the latest awakening. And we hope that the new moniker will be something we can all grow to embrace and be proud of.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Justice movement will not be deterred The right wing majority on the U.S. Supreme Court has undercut the federal Voting Rights Act again. Having gutted the section that required pre-approval of state voting laws to protect the rights of minorities to vote in Shelby v. Holder, Republicanappointed justices now have castrated the backup clause, Section 2, that bans racial discrimination in election practices in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee. The result will open the floodgates even further to the wave of partisan laws that Republicans are pushing in states like Texas, Georgia, Florida and across the country to suppress the votes of African-Americans and other people of color. The right wing justices continue their assault on the meaning and power of the Voting Rights Act, a triumph of the Civil Rights Movement that Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, noted represents the “best in America.” The reaction against the Civil Rights Movement continues. Every movement for equal justice under the law in this

country has been met with a brutal reaction. When reformers tried to limit the spread of slavery into new states coming into the republic, the slave states seceded, launching the Civil War, the deadliest war in American history. After losing the war, when the federal government began

Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Reconstruction to free the slaves and guarantee equal political and economic rights to all, the reaction was brutal, with lynching and terrorism — led by the Ku Klux Klan and others — spreading to suppress the newly freed slaves. In the end, segregation — America’s version of apartheid — spread through the South and the hope of the civil rights amendments was crushed. Now, after the Civil Rights Movement, the Voting Rights Act and the election of former President Obama, the reaction has been fierce. Across the country, Republican legislators have sought to make it harder for African-Americans and other people of color to vote. The long lines that mark inner-city voting sites are a graphic demonstration of the success of those efforts because many people can’t take the

hours off from work to cast a ballot. In each era, the lawless reaction — and blatant violations of the Constitution — have been ratified by disgraceful decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court ratified segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson, inventing the doctrine of separate but equal — a concept that existed only in the judge’s imaginations and not in the realities of any of the former slave states. Voter suppression following the Civil Rights Movement was ratified in Shelby v. Holder and now in Brnovich vs. the DNC, that have essentially gutted the Voting Rights Act, the crown jewel of the Civil Rights Movement. The so-called “conservative” justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are rewriting the laws passed by Congress to serve their own partisan purposes. Now the excuse is to limit voter fraud, even though there is no evidence of such fraud other than in the ravings of partisan politicians. This struggle will continue. Clearly Republicans across the country have decided that rather than seeking to win the votes of African-Americans and other people of color, they would rather pass measures to suppress their vote — from discriminatory changes in voting

Use stimulus aid for summer jobs for youths “The Harlem Youth Action Project was a city-funded attempt to keep some of the smarter kids off the street ... the next time I saw JET magazine there I was, all the way in the top left-hand corner of a news photo, leaning over Dr. King with my trusty tape recorder in my hand, looking for the last word. I was anything but a Power Memorial junior; I was starting to feel like what I thought of as a man.” — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar When I was sworn in as mayor of New Orleans in 1994, I was taking the helm of a city that led the nation in violent crime. Although I had many bold and ambitious plans for the city, confronting violent crime had to my first priority. A major component of my anti-crime agenda involved summer jobs for teenagers, which not only would give young people an alternative to criminal activity, but also provide income to families in need. With a lot of hard work, our program was successful. Violent crimes and murders dropped by 60 percent, the unemployment rate was cut in half and New Orleans’ poverty rate fell dramatically. Today, the nation finds itself facing another rise in violent crime. We’re also faced with another opportunity to reduce not only the crime rate, but

the unemployment and poverty rates, too. The Biden administration has recognized the importance of summer jobs for youths in combating a rising crime rate. In its report, Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety, released more than a week ago, the administration noted that young people are disproportionately likely to be involved in gun violence either as perpetrators or victims. Youth employment programs, including summer jobs programs, can reduce their involvement in violence by as much as 45 percent. That’s

Marc H. Morial why cities across the nation have an obligation to use the funding they received through the American Rescue Plan to create summer jobs. Of the $350 billion directed to state and local governments, more than $45 billion is directly targeted to metropolitan city governments where violent crime is most serious. One study cited by the Biden administration showed that violent crime arrests dropped dramatically among students who took part in Chicago’s “One Summer Chicago Plus.” The program offered an eightweek summer job at minimum wage, an adult job mentor and, for some youths, a cognitive behavioral therapy-based curriculum. The researchers wrote:

“Summer jobs programs can reduce a hugely socially costly outcome at a relatively low cost; we estimate that social benefits are likely to justify program costs, and may outweigh them by as much as 11 to 1.” A Brookings Institution study of Boston’s Summer Youth Employment Program found a 35 percent reduction in arrests among participants. More importantly, the effects appear to be lasting. These programs do more than keep young people occupied. They teach valuable social and emotional skills that can alter the course of a young person’s life. Youth who participated in Boston’s program showed improved attitudes toward their communities. They were more likely to report that they had a lot to contribute and that they felt connected to their neighborhood. They also were more likely to report knowing how to manage their emotions, how to ask for help when they needed it and how to constructively resolve conflict with a peer. Boston already has announced that it will use American Rescue Plan funds to expand the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program. As the nation emerges from the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial that we avoid past patterns and practices that created the economic despair that contributes to violent crime. Summer jobs for youths are a proven solution. The writer is president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you. We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

practices, to gerrymandering of districts, to — most dangerously — empowering Republican legislatures to overturn the results of an election. Once more, people of conscience must stand up and organize to protect the right to vote and to counter those who would suppress it. Once more, right wing justices have written another shameful chapter of judicial ignominy that must simply be overturned. Once more, Congress must act to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to counter the brazen efforts of the court’s right wing to neuter it. Once more, those standing in the way of equality under the law will find that the movement for justice will not be deterred. The writer is founder and president of the national Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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Richmond Free Press

July 15-17, 2021 A7

Letter to the Editor

Setting the record straight on state Elections Board action Re “Councilman Michael Jones blasts ‘blatant discrimination’ by state Board of Elections,” Free Press July 8-10 edition: I write to address several issues related to the Richmond Free Press article, “Councilman Michael Jones blasts ‘blatant discrimination’ by state Board of Elections.” At its June 30 meeting, the board considered two separate and distinct agenda items dealing with candidate-related information. I’d like to set the record straight on both of them. First, under § 24.2-511 of the Code of Virginia, local party officials are required to certify the names of nominees to the state board. The state code states that if the party official fails to do so, the state board “shall” declare that the candidate is the nominee. Accordingly, the board accepted the certification of three nominees due to the local party’s failure to provide certification on time: Republican candidates for the House of Delegates in Districts 2, 33 and 36. The board had taken the same action in the case of Democratic and Republican candidates for the House of Delegates in 2019. Second, § 24.2-503 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the board to extend the filing deadline for candidates to submit two required forms: the Certificate of Candidate Qualification and the Statement of Economic Interests. If the board grants this extension, it applies to all affected candidates, regardless of the individual circumstances of their failure to file. The filing deadline serves a valuable purpose: It provides finality and certainty at this stage of the election process. Earlier this year, I made clear that while the board previously had extended the deadline due to the failure of multiple candidates to comply with the law, there was “no assurance that the Board will grant an extension of the deadline in the future.” I

reiterated that message on June 1 and urged candidates who had any questions about the filing of those forms to consult the department’s Candidate Bulletins. Following the June 8 filing deadline, several candidates for state and local office requested an extension under § 24.2-503. At the board’s June 30 meeting, none of the members of the board offered a motion to do so. This was the exact sequence of events when the board declined to grant a deadline extension for several candidates, including Dr. Jones, earlier in the year. In summary, the board’s actions on June 30 were not a “stunning reversal” of past

practices. The board did not vote to “allow seven white candidates extra time.” And the statement that “Two independent candidates for the House of Delegates and three candidates for local offices also were granted deadline extensions” is completely incorrect. As it has done in the past, the board will endeavor to apply the provisions of the Code of Virginia in a consistent and reasoned manner, with the goal of promoting an efficient, accessible, secure and transparent election process in the Commonwealth. ROBERT H. BRINK Chairman, Virginia Board of Elections

SURVEY Dear Richmond Free Press readers:

We need your help! dŚĞ sŝƌŐŝŶŝĂ WƌĞƐƐ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƟŶŐ Ă ƐƵƌǀĞǇ ŽĨ ůŽĐĂů ŶĞǁƐƉĂƉĞƌ ƌĞĂĚĞƌƐ͘ /ƚ ŝƐ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ ŽƵƌ ƌĞĂĚĞƌƐ͛ ƚŚŽƵŐŚƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶƐ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ŐŽĂů ŝƐ ƚŽ ůĞĂƌŶ ŵŽƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ŚŽǁ ǇŽƵ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ǇŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ŶĞǁƐ͕ ǁŚĂƚ ŶĞǁƐ ŝƐ ŵŽƐƚ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ƚŽ ǇŽƵ ĂŶĚ ǁĂǇƐ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ĂŶĚ ĞǆƉĂŶĚ ůŽĐĂů ŶĞǁƐ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͘ ZĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ŶŽǁ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ĞǀĞƌ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ŐŽ ƚŽ ŚƩƉ͗ͬͬďŝƚ͘ůǇͬsW ͲŵĞŵďĞƌͲƐƵƌǀĞǇͲƐƵŵŵĞƌͲϮϬϮϭ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƐƵƌǀĞǇ͘ dŚĞ ĚĞĂĚůŝŶĞ ŝƐ ϱ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ &ƌŝĚĂǇ͕ :ƵůǇ Ϯϯ͘

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER B, BIOMASS CONVERSIONS OF THE ALTAVISTA, HOPEWELL, AND SOUTHAMPTON POWER STATIONS FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING APRIL 1, 2022 •Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider B.

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•In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) to approve Rider B for the rate year beginning April 1, 2022, and ending March 31, 2023 (“2022 Rate Year”). •For the 2022 Rate Year, Dominion requests a revenue requirement of $15.5 million, which would decrease the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.15. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on November 17, 2021, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. $Q HYLGHQWLDU\ KHDULQJ ZLOO EH KHOG RQ 1RYHPEHU DW D P HLWKHU LQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V VHFRQG ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by electronic means. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling. •Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. 2Q -XQH 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ ³'RPLQLRQ´ RU ³&RPSDQ\´ ¿OHG ZLWK WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ ³&RPPLVVLRQ´ DQ DQQXDO XSGDWH RI WKH &RPpany’s rate adjustment clause, Rider B (“Application”) pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”). Through its Application, the Company seeks to recover costs associated with the major unit conversions of the Altavista, Hopewell, and Southampton Power Stations from coal-burning generation facilities into renewable biomass generation facilities (collectively, the “Biomass Conversion Projects” or “Conversions”). ,Q &DVH 1R 38( WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DSSURYHG WKH SURSRVHG &RQYHUVLRQV DV PDMRU XQLW PRGL¿FDWLRQV XQGHU &RGH $ DQG UHLVVXHG DPHQGHG FHUWL¿FDWHV RI public convenience and necessity for the Altavista, Hopewell, and Southampton Power Stations (the “CPCN Order”). The CPCN Order also authorizes Dominion to recover costs associated with the construction of the Biomass Conversion Projects. All three Biomass Conversion Projects became operational in 2013. In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider B for the rate year beginning April 1, 2022, and ending March 31, 2023 (“2022 Rate Year”). The two components of the proposed total revenue requirement for the 2022 Rate Year are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-Up Factor. The Company is requesting a combined Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of $18,965,000 and a combined Actual Cost True Up Factor revenue requirement of ($3,466,000). Thus, the Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $15,500,000 for service rendered during the 2022 Rate Year. For purposes of calculating the revenue requirement in this case, Dominion utilized a rate of return on common equity of 9.2%, approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR2019-00050. If the proposed Rider B for the 2022 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider B on April 1, 2022, would decrease the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by approximately $0.15. The Company indicates it has calculated the proposed Rider B rates in accordance with the same methodology as used for rates approved by the Commission in the most recent Rider B proceeding, Case No. PUR-2020-00099. 7KLV $SSOLFDWLRQ LV RQH RI VL[ ¿OLQJV 'RPLQLRQ PDGH RQ RU DERXW -XQH IRU UHFRYHU\ RI IXQGV UHODWHG WR FDSLWDO SURMHFWV ,I WKH UHYHQXH UHTXLUHPHQWV LQ WKHVH ¿OLQJV DUH approved as proposed, the cumulative impact would be a monthly increase of approximately $0.41 for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. 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On November 17, 2021, at 10 a.m., a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses, with no public witness present in the &RPPLVVLRQ¶V FRXUWURRP 2Q RU EHIRUH 1RYHPEHU DQ\ SHUVRQ GHVLULQJ WR R൵HU WHVWLPRQ\ DV D SXEOLF ZLWQHVV VKDOO SURYLGH WR WKH &RPPLVVLRQ D \RXU QDPH DQG E WKH telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by ¿OOLQJ RXW D IRUP RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V ZHEVLWH DW scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. 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Crabtree, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or lcrabtree@mcguirewoods.com. 2Q RU EHIRUH 1RYHPEHU DQ\ LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQ PD\ ¿OH FRPPHQWV RQ WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ E\ IROORZLQJ WKH LQVWUXFWLRQV RQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V ZHEVLWH scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments RU E\ ¿OLQJ VXFK FRPPHQWV ZLWK WKH &OHUN RI WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ F R 'RFXPHQW &RQWURO &HQWHU 3 2 %R[ 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2021-00111. 2Q RU EHIRUH 6HSWHPEHU DQ\ SHUVRQ RU HQWLW\ ZLVKLQJ WR SDUWLFLSDWH DV D UHVSRQGHQW LQ WKLV SURFHHGLQJ PD\ GR VR E\ ¿OLQJ D QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ ZLWK WKH &OHUN RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DW WKH DGGUHVV DERYH RU DW VFF YLUJLQLD JRY FON H¿OLQJ 6XFK QRWLFH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ VKDOO LQFOXGH WKH HPDLO DGGUHVVHV RI VXFK SDUWLHV RU WKHLU FRXQVHO 7KH UHVSRQGHQW simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. 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VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA

Richmond Free Press

A8 July 15-17, 2021

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Chris Paul wants NBA championship ring While it would seem he has it all, Chris Paul has a conspicuously empty space in his jewelry box. In his 16th season, the NBA point guard extraordinaire, who is dubbed the “Point God,” is still hunting for his first NBA championship ring. “Bling” is about all that’s missing from CP3’s glittery résumé, and that could change soon. In his first season with the Phoenix Suns, the 36-year-old native of WinstonSalem, N.C., has helped the Suns to within a few jump shots of their first—and his first—NBA crown. There won’t be any premature celebrations. “I do a pretty good job of staying in the moment,” he told NBC Sports following the Suns’ Game 2 victory July 8 over the Milwaukee Bucks. “So for me, I don’t get too high. I don’t get too low. I stay even keel.” Paul is showing no signs of decline despite having played some 1,090 NBA regular season games and 125 playoff contests.

The 6-footer had 32 points and nine rebounds in the Suns’ victory in Game 1, and 23 points and eight assists in the Game 2 win. Despite Paul’s 19 points and nine rebounds, the Suns lost to Milwaukee 120-110 in Game 3 last Sunday. Paul’s achievements (minus a ring) take a back seat to few. Here is a sampling: • He was a consensus All-American at Wake Forest University before entering NBA after two college seasons. • Two-time Olympic gold medalist • 11-time NBA All-Star • 10-time All-NBA • Nine-time NBA All-Defensive • 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year • 2021-22 salary of $41.36 million • Led the NBA in assists four times and in steals six times • Career NBA averages of 18.3 points and 9.4 assists for the regular season and 20.7 points and 8.3 assists in the playoffs. CP3 is among the versatile athlete/actors seen on the floor and during TV commercials. He has endorsements from Air Jordan and State Farm and has a regular TV comedy

gig with “Jake from State Farm.” He’s not the only jump shooter in his family. Paul’s older brother, Charles “C.J.” Paul, played basketball for Hampton University and University of South Carolina-Upstate and now serves as CP3’s manager. Paul travels in fast company. Among his best friends is LeBron James, who was a groomsman in Paul’s 2011 wedding to Jada Crawley. James (@kingjames) and Paul (@cp3) are very close and communicate regularly on Twitter. Following the Suns’ Game 1 win in the NBA Finals, James tweeted, “One down. three to go.” After Game 2, James added, “Two down. two to go.” Paul ranks with the greatest point guards in NBA history, right up there with Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Steph Curry, Isiah Thomas, Oscar Robertson and Walt Frazier. The difference between Paul and those others is that they have rings and he doesn’t. There’s still time. Paul and the Suns haven’t set yet.

Something missing?

2020 Championship ring for LA Lakers

Here are some NBA legends who never got a championship ring: Carmelo Anthony, Charles Barkley, Elgin Baylor, Vince Carter, Patrick Ewing, Allen Iverson, Bernard King, Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Nash, John Stockton, Dominique Wilkins, Chris Webber.

At 16, Jalen Lewis is youngest baller to sign pro contract in U.S. history

Jalen Lewis has become the youngest professional basketball player in U.S. history. The 16-year-old Oakland, Calif., resident has signed a contract with Overtime Elite, OTE, that is valued north of $1 million. A 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward, Lewis would have been a junior this upcoming season at Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd High School. ESPN had ranked him as America’s No. 2 overall prospect for the Class of 2023. He already had scholarship offers from the

likes of UCLA, Kentucky, Kansas and Duke. Based in Atlanta, OTE previously signed brothers Matt and Ryan Bewley from Orlando, Fla., and brothers Ausar and Amen Thompson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to similar contracts. The minimum OTE contract is worth $100,000 per season. OTE also has numerous international players under contract. OTE teams will play prep and international teams while being affiliated with the NBA’s G-League. Coaching OTE will be Kevin Ollie, who coached the University of Connecticut to the 2014 NCAA championship. OTE sponsors include current NBA

stars Devin Booker, Trae Young and Pau Gasol and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The OTE’s G-League entry this past season included the likes of Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and former Richmonder Isaiah Todd. All are likely to be selected in this month’s NBA draft. Players are not eligible for the NBA draft until they are 19 years old, meaning Lewis could play for OTE three seasons before signing an NBA contract. OTE athletes will receive traditional schooling as well as courses in life skills and financing. While losing all high school and college eligibility, they will be guaranteed $100,000 in future college tuition.

U.S. basketball team hopes to return from Tokyo carrying the gold The U.S. men’s basketball team is headed to the Tokyo Olympics with a chip on its shoulder, but with history on its side. While the Americans have dominated international hoops for decades, the United States is coming off a humbling seventh-place finish at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China. The United States was eliminated from the 2019 championship with an 89-79 loss to France. The Americans also lost to Serbia before defeating Poland for a far under expectations seventh place. Spain won the 2019 World Cup, defeating Australia in the final, with France third. The 2020 Olympics were postponed because of the pandemic and moved to this year. Revenge is in sight for the red, white and blue. As fate would have it, the U.S. team’s first game in Tokyo will be Sunday, July 25 against those same French players, featuring NBA defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert. The United States will then play Iran Kevin Durant July 28 and the Czech Republic July 31 in Group A at Saitama Super Arena. Pool play will be followed by quarterfinals, semifinals and eventually the finals on Aug. 7. Twelve nations are competing. The U.S. team roster features 6-foot-10 Kevin Durant, who already has two Olympic gold medals from the 2012 and 2016 games. Adding more firepower to Coach Gregg Popovich’s attack are four of the NBA’s top 10 scorers from this past season—Bradley Beal (31.1 points average), Damian Lillard (28.8), Zach LaVine (27.4) and Jayson Tatum (26.4). Durant, who was the leading scorer in both 2012 and 2016, is seeking to join Carmelo Anthony as only the second American to play on three gold medal teams. Anthony helped win the gold at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics and was on the bronze medal team in 2004. Since basketball was introduced into the Olympics in 1936 in Berlin in a rainy outdoors, the Americans have ruled. The United States has won 15 gold medals, one silver and two bronze. No other country is close. Americans are looking for a fourth straight championship. The team defeated Serbia 96-66 in the finals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro; topped Spain 107-100 in 2012 in the

America’s team Here’s the roster of players who will represent the United States in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo later this month. Players are listed with their NBA team: • Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) • Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards) • Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) • Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) • Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors) • Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons) • Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) • Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls) • Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) • Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers) • Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks) • Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) Coach: Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)

London Olympics; and downed Spain again in the 2008 games in Beijing. The U.S. team has won six of the last seven Olympics. The exception was a thirdplace finish in 2004 in Athens. Uncle Sam’s contingent won the first seven Olympics before losing in the controversial 1972 finals to the Soviet Union in Munich. Durant is the tallest and oldest — he’s 32 — member of the 2021 contingent. If there is anything missing from this year’s squad, it might be in the rebounding department. Kevin Love and Draymond Green, both of whom played in 2016, are the only others with Olympic experience. None of the NBA’s first 11 rebounding leaders from the 2021 season are on Coach Popovich’s roster. Some are foreign citizens, while others chose not to play for personal reasons such as injuries and fear of the coronavirus. There are no 7-foot players on the U.S. Olympic team this year. Missing are the two headliners from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship. Superstar LeBron James, MVP of the 2020 NBA Finals, chose not to play but to devote time to The Tune Squad and promoting the new Space Jam movie. James’ Los Angeles teammate, Anthony Davis, chose not to play due to injury. Team USA has hit two speed bumps in its Olympic preparations. Competing in Las Vegas exhibition games that started July 10, the team lost to Nigeria 90-87 and to Australia 98-94. The games have no bearing on the team’s Olympic standing.

Mathieu Joseph, Daniel Walcott and Gemel Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Stanley Cup champs Tampa Bay Lightning made history with all-Black forward line The Tampa Bay Lightning made headlines July 8 by capturing their second straight National Hockey League Stanley Cup. On May 10, the franchise made a different kind of headline—and history—in terms of diversity. That night, the Lightning started an all-Black forward line of Mathieu Joseph, Daniel Walcott and Gemel Smith in the regular season finale against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla. It was the first time in NHL history for a team to start an all-Black forward line, although it has occurred in minor league

hockey. “It’s a step in the right direction,” Joseph said to NHL.com. “My goal and the goal of players of color in the league is to showcase the sport to their families or other people of color. It’s great recognition for sure.” A 24-year-old from Quebec, Joseph played mostly as a right wing during the season. Left wing Walcott, a 27year-old native of Quebec, was making his NHL debut. Lightning Coach Jon Cooper “did something really special here tonight to promote us young guys,” Walcott said. “To step on the ice for my first NHL

game—it felt good.” Playing center forward was Smith, a 27-year-old native of Toronto and older brother of the Detroit Red Wings’ Givani Smith. The Joseph-Walcott-Smith front line was a one-night occurrence. The trio did not regularly play together as forwards during the playoffs. Despite the progress, there were fewer than 50 players of color out of some 700 players on NHL rosters this season. The NHL’s first Black player was Willie O’Ree, who played with the Boston Bruins during the 1957-58 season.

Former NBA player-coach Reggie Theus named AD, coach at Bethune-Cookman

Bethune-Cookman University is Theus also was head coach two hoping a big-name former athlete will seasons – 2008 and 2009 – for the lead to big-time success in athletic NBA Sacramento Kings, posting a competition. 44-62 mark. Reggie Theus, 63, will serve as Theus also has served as head coach athletic director and head basketball at New Mexico State University (41-23) coach for the MEAC school located and Cal State Northridge (53-105). in Daytona Beach, Fla. Bethune-Cookman opted out of the The 6-foot-7 former standout at 2020-21 season due to the pandemic. Reggie Theus University of Nevada-Las Vegas averThe Wildcats were 16-18 in 2019-20 aged 18.5 points in an NBA career from 1978 under Coach Ryan Ridder, who left Bethuneto 1993. He was a two-time NBA All-Star in Cookman to become head coach at University 1981 and 1983 with the Chicago Bulls. of Tennessee-Martin.

Jordan Lawlar snagged sixth in MLB draft

Perfect Game National Showcase. The Arizona Diamondbacks are With the 10th overall pick, the hoping fleet-footed Jordan Lawlar will New York Mets selected Vanderbilt be their shortstop of the future. With the sixth pick in this week’s University pitcher Kumar Rocker, son Major League Baseball draft, Arizona of former Washington Football Team selected Lawlar from Jesuit College lineman Tracy Rocker. Preparatory School in Dallas. The right-hander was 14-4 this past season for Vanderbilt, with a The 18-year-old hit .412 as a high 2.73 earned run average and 179 school senior, with six homers, 37 runs Jordan Lawlar strikeouts in 122 innings. Vanderbilt batted in and 32 stolen bases. Lawlar drew much attention in the spring by lost to Mississippi State University in the Colrunning the 60-yard dash in 6.45 seconds at the lege World Series final.

July 15-17, 2021 B1

Section

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Julian M. Day Spotlight on 2021 Henrico County Firefighter of the Year After nearly a decade of service in multiple localities, Julian M. Day received a new kind of spotlight last month. Mr. Day was named the 2021 Firefighter of the Year for Henrico County by the Short Pump Ruritan Club during a ceremony held June 22 at Shady Grove United Methodist Church. The club, which recognized someone from each section of Henrico County’s public safety units, honored Mr. Day, a firefighter-paramedic, for his continued outstanding service to the greater Short Pump community. Mr. Day, who is stationed in the western part of the county at Westerre Firehouse #22 on Westerre Parkway, says he was surprised by the award, which requires a nomination from someone within the county fire department. But it is a welcome reminder of his importance to the department and the value he brings to it and the county. “It makes me proud to have peers who not only appreciate my accomplishments but believe they need to be recognized,” Mr. Day says. The Henrico County native grew up around the profession. His father, Arthur Day, is a retired firefighter with the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services. “I was hooked from a young age!” Mr. Day says. As a student at Hermitage High School, he also participated in the Henrico Fire Explorers, a worksite-based program for teens and young

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adults to provide them with life skills and career opportunities. He performed well in competitions based on the Firefighter Combat Challenge and continued to participate in the program until he aged out during his sophomore year at Virginia Commonwealth University. Mr. Day’s interest in the field wouldn’t stop there, however. He served four years as a volunteer with the Hanover County Fire-EMS Department and has worked for the Henrico Division of Fire for the last five years. He also is working on his master’s in homeland security and emergency preparedness at VCU and expects to complete it in December. “I thoroughly enjoyed the curriculum (in homeland security and emergency preparedness) and fell in love with it in undergrad,” Mr. Day says. As a firefighter and paramedic, Mr. Day’s work is intense and dangerous. Training requires a great deal from participants, both physically and mentally. The experience, however, is “100 percent worth it,” Mr. Day says, as his dayto-day work affords him the chance to be a positive force in the lives of many. And the rewards are numerous, he says, whether it’s the experience of meeting a man he and others on his shift helped revive after a cardiac arrest, or the enthusiasm of kids waving to their passing fire truck. In a time where the demands and hazards of the pandemic continue to impact his work,

First reaction to the news of being selected: Disbelief. What this award means to me: It makes me proud to have peers who not only appreciate my accomplishments but believe they need to be recognized. I have been a firefighter for: Nine years; five years with the Henrico County Division of Fire. Who or what inspired me to become a firefighter: My father worked for the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services. I was hooked from a young age! Dangers of firefighting: Responding to calls on the interstate, house fires with hoarding conditions. Mr. Day sees his work as more important than ever. And with new confirmation that his work is recognized, appreciated and celebrated by his fellow firefighters and others, Mr. Day is looking to give his all for years to come. Meet Henrico’s Firefighter of the Year and this week’s Personality, Julian M. Day: Top honor: Short Pump Ruritan Club’s 2021 Henrico County Firefighter of the Year. Date and place of birth: July 23 in Henrico County. Where I live now: Henrico County. Occupation: Firefighter-paramedic. Education: Hermitage High

School; bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency preparedness, Virginia Commonwealth University; postbaccalaureate certificate in homeland security and emergency preparedness, VCU; and working on master’s in homeland security and emergency preparedness, VCU. Family: Parents, Marilyn Day and Arthur Day; brother, Jarratt Day; and fiancée, Abigail Jordan. Ruritan Club is: A national organization dedicated to improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill and community service.

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Most memorable moment as a firefighter: Meeting a man my shift and I helped revive after he experienced a cardiac arrest while running. How I start the day: Positively. I am a “glass half full” kind of guy. Three words that best describe me: Passionate, com-

How I unwind: Reading, watching movies or playing with our Goldendoodles – Tater and Donut. What I have learned about myself during the pandemic: Sometimes we all just need a reason to slow down and enjoy the life around us. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Following “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” television series. Quote that I am most inspired by is: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela At the top of my “to-do” list: Finishing “A Promised Land” by former President Obama. I started it at Thanksgiving! Best thing my parents ever taught me: The world owes you nothing. If you want something, you have to go out and earn it. Person who influenced me the most: I feel like I’m an equal representation of both of my parents. Book that influenced me the most: “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins. Next goal: Completing my master’s degree.

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Training to be a firefighter is: Physically and mentally demanding, but 100 percent worth it.

Best late-night snack: A good peanut butter cookie!

Criteria used for selection for this honor: A nomination from someone within the Henrico County Division of Fire.

“Get A Fresh Start” Keep paying on your house and car as long as you owe what they are worth.

Joy of the job: Waving to kids of all ages when we drive by and seeing their faces light up as they wave back.

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Mail to: P.O. Box 4595, Richmond, VA 23220 422 E. Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23219 (Franklin & 5th Sts.) We are a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and we help people file for bankruptcy.

Web Address: McCollumatLaw.com E-mail: rudy@mccollumatlaw.com

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Senior Connections Call (804) 343-3005

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Get tickets at VirginiaHistory.org/Tickets

Partners in History JULY 1ST 2021 THROUGH JANUARY 3RD 2022 In partnership with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Oliver W. Hill’s Desk during his 22-year career with the Richmond ﬁrm of Hill, Tucker & Marsh

Richmond Free Press

B2 July 15-17, 2021

Happenings

Can you spell ‘historic?’ John Raoux/Associated Press

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Zaila Avant-garde twirled around in a spin, her smile radiating from the clear braces covering her teeth as confetti fell from the ceiling. The 14-year-old from Harvey, La., had reason to twirl and spin, and most importantly, she had more than enough reasons to smile. After spelling the word “murraya,” a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees, Zaila became the first African-American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The contest has existed for nearly a century. “Now I get to get a nice trophy, which is the best part of any win,” Zaila exclaimed in an ESPN interview right after her history-making victory. Zaila also took home the $50,000 first prize. “Not only has she competed in spelling bees for two years, she already holds three Guinness World Records for dribbling, bouncing, and juggling basketballs. All before the ninth grade,” New York Times writer Maria Cramer noted.

Zaila Avant-garde, 14, is first African-American Scripps National Spelling Bee winner

In an interview with “Good Morning America,” Zaila remarked that she hopes more African-American students will participate and fare well in the Scripps Spelling Bee. “It is a gate-opener to being interested in education,” Zaila proclaimed. Celebrities and others praised Zaila for her victory. “Three Guinness World Records and now the national spelling bee champ! Congrats, Zaila—your hard work is paying off. We’re all proud of you,” former President Obama tweeted. “There’s a Black girl from New Orleans named ZAILA AVANT GARDE currently competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee today, and no one talks to me about anything else,” movie producer Franklin Leonard tweeted just before Zaila’s victory. “Remember to twirl like Zaila Avant-garde today,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated. The website www.latestcelebarticles.com celebrated the victory by adding Zaila to the A-list. The site’s authors detailed Zaila’s journey, noting that she was the regional spelling champion in New Orleans in 2019. She is the IJA Juggling Silver Medalist and Kaplan Hexco

Bee Champion, according to her Instagram bio. Zaila achieved her first world record in 2019 for the most bounce juggles with three basketballs in one minute at 231. Zaila classified spelling as a “side pastime” despite having practiced for seven hours each day. “She is a basketball prodigy who aspires to play in the WNBA one day and owns three Guinness World Records for simultaneously dribbling several balls,” the website noted. The spelling bee championship came down to Zaila and Chaitra Thummala, a 12-year-old from San Francisco. Chiatra spelled the word “fewtrils,” and Zaila followed up by spelling “retene.” Chiatra misfired on the word “neroli oil” and opened the way for Zaila to claim the title. An official told Zaila to spell “murraya” and explained that it meant a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees having pinnate leaves with imbricated petals. “Does this word contain like the English word ‘Murray,’ which would be the name of a comedian?” Zaila asked. She then asked for the language of origin before nailing it. “I got it,” Zaila exclaimed.

Diane Walker stepping down from NBC12 after 41 years She has been on Richmonders’ side for 41 years. Now Diane Walker, who spearheads NBC12’s “12 On Your Side” segment to help resolve people’s issues and complaints, is retiring. Her last day is Friday, July 16. According to the local television station’s website, Ms. Walker is stepping down to Ms. Walker spend more time with family and friends. Ms. Walker has won numerous awards since joining the station in 1980. She has filled several positions through the years, including as a weekend anchor. She took over the 10 p.m. news slot in 1994 when WWBT launched Fox News at 10, and also took on the investigative role with “12 On Your Side.” “I thank God for putting me right where I was supposed to be,” Ms. Walker said in an article about her retirement published on the station’s website. “I thank you for entrusting me with your personal stories all these years.” Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Honoring true trailblazers Ms. Belsches

Ms. Hill

Dr. Sanford

Free, virtual panel to discuss slave housing sites in Richmond and Virginia Historic Richmond, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, rehabbing and revitalizing the city, is hosting a free virtual panel next week titled “The History and Documentation of Slave Housing in Virginia.” The free event will be held on Zoom at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 22, and will cover the experiences of enslaved and free Black people in Richmond and include photos of dwellings for the enslaved that still exist within Richmond and plans for recording and interpreting the sites. Panelists are public historian and researcher Elvatrice Belsches; historic architect Jobie Hill, former preservation architect and project manager of Mulberry Row enslaved quarters at Monticello; and archaeologist Dr. Douglas Sanford, co-founder of the Virginia Slave Housing Project and professor emeritus of historic preservation at the University of Mary Washington. Registration is required. Details and registration: https://historicrichmond.com/event/ the-history-and-documentation-of-slave-housing-in-virginia/

Engine Company No. 9 & Associates celebrated the 71 anniversary of the hiring of the first professional Black firefighters in Virginia. Ten men were hired July 1, 1950, by the City of Richmond and were stationed at Engine Company No. 9 at the corner of 5th and Duval streets. Sundays commemoration of the historic hiring featured several speakers, including reflections by family of the 10 trailblazers. Above, Pat Page Whitfield, the daughter of Arthur L. Page, one of the 10 who went on to become a deputy battalion chief, addresses the audience. Her family stands with her at the podium. The other trailblazers were Charles L. Belle, William E. Brown, Douglas P. Evans, Harvey S. Hicks II, Warren W. Kersey, Bernard C. Lewis, Farrar Lucas, Arthur C. St. John

and Linwood M. Wooldridge. Also attending the ceremony were Fire Chief Melvin D. Carter, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille and City Council member Ellen Robertson. The commemoration was held on the site of the former station, which was torn down in 1968, and where a historic marker has been placed. Above left in red is Betty L. Squire, president of Engine Company No. 9 and Associates, which organized the event. A mural by artist Sir James Thornhill honoring the firefighters and the first four Black police officers hired in Richmond is being completed in Jackson Ward. It is to be unveiled during a celebration in early August.

Fayetteville State clears tuition debt for nearly 1,500 students Free Press wire report

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Fayetteville State University has used pandemic relief funds to clear $1.6 million in tuition debt for nearly 1,500 students. The Fayetteville Observer reported July 11 that the historically Black school utilized money from the federal legislation known as the American Rescue Plan. Signed into law in March, it provided nearly $40 billion to higher education institutions in response to the COVID-19

pandemic. FSU cleared tuition that was not covered by federal student grants or loans. The school also plans to use $4.7 million in federal funds to provide free summer classes to 1,400 undergraduates through the summer of 2023. “The university is focused on students’ success by clearing past due balances and erasing debt,” FSU spokeswoman Joy Cook said. “When the burden of financial stress is taken away, student success increases.”

Richmond Free Press

July 15-17, 2021 B3

Faith News/Directory

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sisterly soirée Sisters Nylah Doswell, from left, Nyaja Plummer and Nasya Doswell share a laugh and enjoy pizza during a Daughters of the King Soiree last Saturday in Byrd Park. The group meets monthly in various locations and is a ministry and mentorship program for young women sponsored by The Church of God in Richmond located in South Side.

Educator, counselor Susie Banian succumbs at 82 Free Press staff

Susie Ann Banian, a veteran Richmond teacher and guidance counselor who also sang in multiple church and community choirs, has died. Known for her tart humor and vocal ability, the Richmond native succumbed to illness Sunday, June 20, 2021. She

Ms. Banian

Riverview

Moore Street Missionary

Baptist Church Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

Baptist Church

was 82. Ms. Banian’s life was celebrated Saturday, July 10, during a funeral at Garland Avenue Baptist Church. The youngest of 13 children, Ms. Banian began her career in education after graduating from Maggie L. Walker High School and Virginia Union University. She taught middle school and

high school science courses for more than 20 years, then earned a master’s degree from Virginia State University and became a guidance counselor in 1988. Ms. Banian guided students at Boushall and Elkhardt middle schools before retiring in 2000. Along with raising two

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

1408 W. Leigh Street · Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358—6403

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus All regular activities have been suspended until further notice. Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith

All church ac�vi�es are canceled un�l further no�ce. Follow us on Facebook for “A Word from Moore Street’s Pastor” and weekly Zoom worship info.

children with her now deceased husband, Willie L. Garnett Jr., Ms. Banian made choral singing a big part of her life. As a student, she sang in the VUU Choir and also sang in choirs at First African Baptist Church and GarlandAvenue Baptist Church most of her life. She also sang with the Delta Pearls, the choir of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, of which she was a longtime member. She also was a member of The Bon Tons, The Anonymous Pinochle Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include her sons, Arden B. Garnett and Joseph L. Garnett Sr.; nine grandchildren; and several greatgrandchildren.

Senior Citizen Sunday July, 18, 2021

Morning Worship 10 am Speaker:

Elder Delores Hardy Up Coming Event

��

ANNIVERSARY

Rev. Robert C. Davis Sunday July, 25th, 2021 Morning Worship 10 am Speaker:

Rev. Wendell Johnson

Pastor, Jerusalem Baptist Church

Drive In (weather permitting) or join us on Facebook UBCSOUTHRICHMOND

Union Baptist Church

1813 Everett Street Richmond, Virginia 23224 804-231-5884 Reverend Robert C. Davis, Pastor

“The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church

Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify.

500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Be safe. Be blessed.

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622

Back Inside

Worship With Us This Week!

“Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.” Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: 1(503)300-6860 Code:273149#

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Broad Rock Baptist Church

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org

Pastor Kevin Cook

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Antioch Baptist Church 1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835

SERVICES

A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Facebook Fax (804) 359-3798 sixthbaptistrva www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

“Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M.

Come worship with us! Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary. Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

“Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, Services Are Cancelled, until further notice; but, please join us, by visiting BRBCOnline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church).”

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

e with Reverence elevanc R g in Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin ❖ om

The doors of the church are open for worship! No registration required. Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

Looking 10:30 a.m. Sundays

for a welcoming place to worship this week?

Stop by & see what God is up to at MMBC. 823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office

Weekly Worship: Sund Church School: Sund Bible Study: Wednesdays

“I refuse to accept the view th bound to the starless midnigh bright daybreak of peace a become a reality…. I believ unconditional love will

—Martin Lu

Richmond Free Press

B4 July 15-17, 2021

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-132 As Amended To authorize the special use of the property known as 501 Oliver Hill Way for the purpose of warehouse, brewery, and food and beverage manufacturing uses, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2021-150 To amend the official zoning map for the purpose of rezoning certain properties in t h e G r e a t e r S c o t t ’s Addition neighborhood, in order to implement the adopted Richmond 300 Master Plan, and to amend the official zoning map for the purpose of designating certain street blocks as “priority streets” and certain street blocks as “street-oriented commercial streets” in the Greater Scott’s Addition neighborhood. Ordinance No. 2021-151 To amend the official zoning map for the purpose of rezoning certain properties in the Science Museum, Allison Street, and VCU&VUU Pulse BRT Station Areas, in order to implement the adopted Richmond 300 Master Plan and Pulse Corridor Plan, and to amend the official zoning map for the purpose of designating certain street blocks as “priority streets” and certain street blocks as “street-oriented commercial streets” in the Science Museum, Allison Street, and Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Union University Pulse BRT Station Areas. Ordinance No. 2021-182 To authorize a Creighton Court Redevelopment Preliminary Community Unit Plan permitting the development of a residential community of up to 700 dwelling units on approximately 38 acres of land located at 3070 Nine Mile Road, 3100 Nine Mile Road, 2101A Creighton Road and portions of adjacent unimproved public rights-of-way in Tate Street and Tuxedo Boulevard, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in an R-53 Multifamily Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary uses are single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family and open space. Secondary uses are large multi-family, r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural, and government. Residential density is not specified for this land use designation. Ordinance No. 2021-183 To authorize the special use of the property known as 412 West Franklin Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling and a dwelling unit within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. The current zoning for this property is RO‑3 Residential Office. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Downtown Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/ office/personal service, multi‑family residential, cultural, institutional, government, and open space. Residential density is not specified for this land use designation. Ordinance No. 2021-184 To amend Ord. No. 2020-164, adopted Aug. 10, 2020, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2020-191, adopted Sept. 28, 2020, and Ord. No. 2021-089, adopted Apr. 26, 2021, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to submit an amended Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an application for the receipt of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds; accepted funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the total amount of $16,318,561.00; and appropriated $16,318,561.00 for various projects, to reallocate $600,000.00 in previously appropriated CDBG-CV funds, and authorize the submission of a further amended version of the amended Annual Action Plan. Ordinance No. 2021-185 To authorize the Chief Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Resort Casino Host Community Agreement between the City of Richmond and RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC, for the purpose of facilitating the development of a resort casino project in the city of Richmond. Ordinance No. 2021-186 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Community Support Agreement among City of Richmond, Casino Owner, Casino Manager and Casino Developer between the City of Richmond, RVA Entertainment Holdings, L L C , R i c h m o n d VA Management, LLC, a n d R i c h m o n d VA Development, LLC, for the purpose of facilitating the fulfillment of certain negotiated community benefits in connection with the development of a resort casino project in the city of Richmond. Ordinance No. 2021-187 To declare a public necessity for the acquisition of and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept from certain property owners a retaining wall and variable width retaining wall maintenance easement and the dedication as public right-of-way of a portion of certain properties located within the 7 West subdivision lo ca te d a t We st 7 th Street and Semmes Avenue, consisting of 0.23± square feet, for the purpose of providing for the City’s ownership and maintenance of that certain retaining wall and public right-of-way within the 7 West subdivision. Ordinance No. 2021-188 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and Virginia Union University for the purpose of funding the implementation of a mentoring program for youths aged 18 and under and their families in the Gilpin Court and Jackson Ward neighborhoods. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, July 15, 2021, 1:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2021-189 To p r o v i d e f o r t h e crediting of receipts of business, professional, and occupational taxes in excess of $32,713,958.00 d u r i n g F i s c a l Ye a r 2021-2022 to a special reserve assigned to support the reduction of business, professional, and occupational taxes applicable to certain businesses. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, July 15, 2021, 1:00 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2021-198 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (“CVTA”) and the City of Richmond Regarding Distribution and Use of Funds Under Chapter 1235 of the 2020 Virginia Acts of Assembly for the purpose of establishing the terms and conditions for the distribution and use of funds from the Central Virginia Transportation Fund to improve local mobility. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 12:00 p.m.) This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020-093, adopted April 9, 2020, as most recently amended by Ordinance No. 2021-181, adopted June 28, 2021. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

Continued from previous column

meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx. To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the July 26, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar. Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Citizen Participation Instructions” attached to the July 26, 2021 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk. Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANGEL RIVERA DAVILA, Plaintiff v. SHERITA TAYLOR, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002247-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit from is to obtain a divorce the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 23rd day of August, 2021 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ALTOMEEZE HARRIS-HYDE, Plaintiff v. EMANUEL HYDE, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002198-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 19th day of August, 2021 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

The agenda for the Richmond City Council

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JOCELYN LOWE Plaintiff v. ADRIENNE AVERY, Defendant. Case No.: CL21001118-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 13th day of August, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

Continued on next column

Video of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// r i c h m o n d v a . l e g i s t a r. com/Calendar.aspx. To watch the meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

Continued from previous column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JASON TYNDALL Plaintiff v. ORQUIDEA TYNDALL, Defendant. Case No.: CL21002180-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 13th day of August, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

described as 3019 Terminal Avenue, Tax Map Number C009-0593/002, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Inez Fleming. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, INEZ FLEMING, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that INEZ FLEMING, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before AUGUST 12, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that ALEXANDRIA D. BOWEN, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before AUGUST 12, 2021 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On and Off Premises/Mixed Beverages on Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Ashley Barnes, Owner NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER In Re: Raelynn Elaine Deutsch, a minor By Bethany Danielle Duke, Mother and Next Friend, Petitioner. Case No.: CL21002253-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain the entry of a Name Change Order. It is ORDERED that the Charles Louis Deutsch, whose whereabouts are unknown, and who is the father of Petitioner Raelyn Elaine Deutsch, a minor, appear here on or before the 17th day of August, 2021 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

PROPERTY Notice of Acquisition of Property: The Valentine Museum hereby acquires title to the objects listed below as of 6/12/2021. The last known lender on record is listed below & no claims have been made on the property after 65 days pursuant to Code of VA § 55.1-2606. Lender: Unknown Address: Unknown Loan Date: 1943 Description: Animal Hide (L.43.114) Lender: Mrs. James E. Covington Address: 6106 Three Chopt Road Loan Date: February 4, 1947 Description: Pink and Blue Chiffon Evening Gown (L.47.2a-d) Lender: Miss M. Katharine Cary Address: 1715 Park Avenue Richmond, VA Loan Date: 1947 Description: Lamp and globe (L.47.8, .8b) Lender: The Rev. and Mrs. Day Carper Address: Southern Presbyterian Church Mission, Bibanga, Belgian Congo Loan Date: January 10, 1948 Description: Rattle (L.48.01.09a) Lender: [Unknown First Name] Claiborne Address: Unknown Loan Date: April 14, 1949 Description: Teapot (L.49.2 a-c) Lender: Mr. J.A. Jamison Address: 4100 Hermitage Road Richmond, VA Loan Date: June 1, 1950 Description: One Wedding Dress, Dressing Gown and Cape (L.50.06.02-04a,b)

LICENSE Ashley Lawrence Barnes Trading as: Main Street Steakhouse 1112 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. RONALD RAY BELTON, JR, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-1972 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3624 Walmsley Boulevard, Tax Map Number C009-0948/014, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Ronald Ray Belton, Jr. An Affidavit having been filed that ALEXANDRIA D. BOWEN, who may be a creditor with an interest in said property has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and

Lender: Unknown Address: Unknown Loan Date: 1972 Description: Beaker (L.72.06) Lender: Unknown Address: Unknown Loan Date: 1972 Description: Identification Tag “National League / of Women / Voters” (L.72.147.16) VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. INEZ FLEMING, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL21-2640 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly Continued on next column

Richmond Free Press call

644-0496 Follow the Free Press on @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. EOE M/F/D/V

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: RFP No. 210000628: Parking Management Operation Services Pre-Proposal Conference Call Meeting: July 21, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. For all information pertaining to this RFP conference call, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV). Proposal Due Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021/Time: 3:00 P.M.

NOTE: Offerors choosing to submit proposals through hand-delivery should allow extra time for delivery of proposals. Hand-delivered proposals will be accepted only during the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday at the 9th Street entrance to City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Offerors choosing to hand-deliver proposals must sign in at the security desk on the 1st Floor before delivering proposals to the 11th Floor, Suite 1104. Proposals will not be accepted after the Due Date and Time listed above. Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV), or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

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VCDC seeking VCDCisis currently currently seeking a a full-time Asset Manager full-time Development Officer totojoin team. join our our team. For more details For and how andmore howdetails to apply visit:to apply visit: www.vibrantcommunities.us www.vibrantcommunities.us

Power Distribution, Inc. – Richmond, VA. Electrical Power Engineer III. Design new electrical equipment, such as electrical transformers, reactors, protection systems with low voltage circuit breakers & fuses, electrical wiring schematics, & other power & electrical systems & component design. Travel 15% to attend mtgs & tech. disc., observe manufacturing processes, & evaluate vendors. Send resume tohttps://eaton. taleo.net/careersection/conf_ex/jobdetail. ftl?job=102021. Requisition ID: 102021.

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK’S OFFICE, CITY OF RICHMOND /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐǇͬ,ƵŵĂŶ ZĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐͬ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟǀĞ ŽŽƌĚŝŶĂƚŽƌ /ŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚǇ ĨŽƌ ĞŶĞƌŐĞƟĐ͕ ĚĞƉĞŶĚĂďůĞ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ŝŶ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ ĐŽƵƌƚ͛Ɛ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ dŚĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ŵƵƐƚ ŚĂǀĞ /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐǇ ƐŬŝůůƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉĞƚĞŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ DŝĐƌŽƐŽŌ KĸĐĞ͘ DƵƐƚ ŚĂǀĞ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƵƐŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞƐ͘ DƵƐƚ ďĞ ĚĞƚĂŝůͲŽƌŝĞŶƚĞĚ͕ ƉŽƐƐĞƐƐ ĞǆĐĞůůĞŶƚ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟǀĞ ĂŶĚ ,ƵŵĂŶ ZĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƉŽƐƐĞƐƐ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ďƵĚŐĞƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐŝŶŐ͘ ĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ŝŶƚĞƌĂĐƚ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵůůǇ ŝŶ Ă ĚŝǀĞƌƐĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ͘ WƌŝŽƌ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ Ă ĐŽƵƌƚ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ŝƐ Ă ƉůƵƐ͘ Ks Z > dd Z E Z ^hD W> ^ ^h D/d dK͗ ŝƌĐƵŝƚ ŽƵƌƚ ůĞƌŬ ŵƉůŽǇŵĞŶƚΛZŝĐŚŵŽŶĚŐŽǀ͘ĐŽŵ KZ Z/ ,DKE /Z h/d KhZd > Z<͛^ K&&/ W Z^KEE > W ZdD Ed ϰϬϬ EKZd, ϵ d, ^dZ d Z/ ,DKE ͕ s/Z'/E/ ϮϯϮϭϵ EK t ><Ͳ/E^ KZ W,KE >>^͕ W> ^ K

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Lender: Unknown Address: Unknown Loan Date: 1950 Description: One stuffed animal (bunny) and one pincushion (L.50.2.11 & .13) Lender: Mrs. Djenane M. Lemmon Address: 2 606 Park Avenue Richmond, VA Loan Date: 1951 Description: Medicine spoon (L.51.11)

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