Podcast appearances and mentions of John Blair

181 - John Blair (surf music historian, Jon and the Nightriders) In episode 181 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with surf music historian and guitarist with Jon and the Nightriders, John Blair. In their conversation John talks about learning guitar at an early age and his first guitar as well as his guitars throughout the years and his current collection. John also takes us through his bands and his early influences and what John thinks was the first “surf song”. John also talks about his experiences with the beginning of surf music in Southern California. John tells us about his first book about surf music and his desire to release a surf single of his own and how that led to the formation of “Jon and the Nightriders” and a show at the Santa Monica Civic that started the revival of surf music. John talks about an album that will be released on July 4th from a show in 1995 called “Legends of Surf Guitar” that he had a large part of producing. John finally tells us about his work fostering cats for a local rescue To find out more about John, his books and his band you can go to his website: johnblair.us Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #JonandtheNightriders #JohnBlair #FenderAmps #FenderGuitars #FenderStrat #SurfGuitar #SurfGuitarHistory #SurfMusic #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT . . . . Please like, comment, and share this podcast! Download Link

Paul Hawksbee was alongside his partner in crime Andy Jacobs for Friday's show. Classic football kits was a strong theme throughout, with author John Blair coming on to talk about his book 'A Culture of Kits'. The guys were also joined in studio by former Chelsea and wellness coach Vinay Menon. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. John Blair, CEO of MedAllies, was created to address the lack of communication and coordination between healthcare providers and the importance of interoperability in healthcare. While healthcare has become more complicated over the years, with advancements in technology and automation, the lack of reimbursement for coordination of care has contributed to the problem of lack of interoperability. There are incentives and penalties associated with interoperability, including information blocking and the Trust Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) initiative, which aims to standardize interoperability platforms and reduce barriers to entry for healthcare organizations. John explains, "But if you look at hospitals, you've got about 70% of the hospitals in the country connected to a national network. That means there's 30% that are not. And then, if you start to break that down and look at rural areas versus urban, there's a big disconnect. These smaller rural hospitals tend to be far less connected than the larger urban hospitals. Then, if you even break it down in the urban areas, you look at certain areas, the more marginalized communities, and again, those hospitals are less likely to be connected. So that's the real issue right now as we're trying to move with interoperability, and as we're making more and more success or having more and more success, there are still those who are falling behind." "Well, interoperability should improve care and care for an individual, the experience for the individual, the efficiency of the individual getting their care amongst multiple providers, and also improve the efficiency for providers in terms of coordination between other providers. And it will cost money to do that. I mean, it costs money for those connections to run these platforms -- millions and millions of dollars to run these annually."  #MedAllies #HealthcareNetworks #Hospitals #Interoperability #HealthcareCosts #TEFCA medallies.com Download the transcript here

Dr. John Blair, CEO of MedAllies, was created to address the lack of communication and coordination between healthcare providers and the importance of interoperability in healthcare. While healthcare has become more complicated over the years, with advancements in technology and automation, the lack of reimbursement for coordination of care has contributed to the problem of lack of interoperability. There are incentives and penalties associated with interoperability, including information blocking and the Trust Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) initiative, which aims to standardize interoperability platforms and reduce barriers to entry for healthcare organizations. John explains, "But if you look at hospitals, you've got about 70% of the hospitals in the country connected to a national network. That means there's 30% that are not. And then, if you start to break that down and look at rural areas versus urban, there's a big disconnect. These smaller rural hospitals tend to be far less connected than the larger urban hospitals. Then, if you even break it down in the urban areas, you look at certain areas, the more marginalized communities, and again, those hospitals are less likely to be connected. So that's the real issue right now as we're trying to move with interoperability, and as we're making more and more success or having more and more success, there are still those who are falling behind." "Well, interoperability should improve care and care for an individual, the experience for the individual, the efficiency of the individual getting their care amongst multiple providers, and also improve the efficiency for providers in terms of coordination between other providers. And it will cost money to do that. I mean, it costs money for those connections to run these platforms -- millions and millions of dollars to run these annually."  #MedAllies #HealthcareNetworks #Hospitals #Interoperability #HealthcareCosts #TEFCA medallies.com Listen to the podcast here

In this episode of HIPcast, Dr. John Blair and Dianne Koval of MedAllies discusses their selection as a QHIM and the excitement that brings to large and small providers. Dianne also shares the importance of the HI Professional within a QHIN and why the future is bright for HI. #HIPcast with Shannan and Seth.

Commentary by Dr. Abdullah Al-Abcha and Dr. John Blair

Kevin and Kieran speak to John Blair, author of A Culture of Kits: The Definitive Guide to Classic Football Shirt Collecting. Follow Kevin on X - @kevinhunterday Follow Kieran on X - @KieranMaguire Follow Producer Guy on X - @guykilty Follow The Price of Football on X - @pof_pod Send in a question: questions@priceoffootball.com Support The Price of Football on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/priceoffootball Check out the Price of Football merchandise store: https://the-price-of-football.backstreetmerch.com/ Visit the website: https://priceoffootball.com/ The Price of Football is a Dap Dip production: https://dapdip.co.uk/ contact@dapdip.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Tom Foley invites Dr. John Blair the CEO of MedAllies for the first of a 2 part series on TEFCA and interoperability. MedAllies has recently been designated a QHIN by the ONC Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE), The Sequoia Project. What does that mean and what value does it bring to healthcare providers? To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

John Blair – A Culture of Kit: The definitive guide to classic football shirt collection…with TRE's Giles Brown

Caroline Barker speaks to the first women of colour crew members to race around Cape Horn. Vuyisile Jaca from South Africa, Junella King from Antigua and Maryama Seck from France made history while taking part in the Ocean Globe Race on the iconic yacht, Maiden. We also hear from Tracy Edwards MBE, who skippered the first ever all female crew to round the horn 35 years ago on the same vessel Could Patrick Mahomes add Olympic Gold to his Super Bowl rings? Winning an Olympic gold medal to go alongside Super Bowl rings is now a very real prospect for NFL, as flag football makes its debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Flag football is five-a-side game, played on a smaller pitch and no contact is allowed. So how did the relatively unknown sport of flag football get to the Olympics? And will we see another US Olympic Dream Team? Milan fashion week is in full flow so what better time to look at the 'haute couture' of the humble and sometimes stylish football kit. We try to distinguish between the fabulous and the fashion faux pas with John Blair author of "A Culture of Kits: The Definitive Guide to Classic Football Shirt Collecting" Plus, we learn about Harry Edwards, Britain's first black Olympic medallist, through a new book: ‘When I Passed the Statue of Liberty I Became Black' by Neil Duncanson.Photo: The crew of The Maiden before setting off round Cape Horn Credit: The Maiden Factor/Kaia Bint Savage/Najiba Noori

John Blair, Partner M&A Attorney at K&L Gates In M&A, it's very common for buyers and sellers to disagree on the value of the business. If both parties cannot agree on the price, the deal could fall apart. However there are certain strategies and tools that both parties can use to compromise and be happy during closing.  In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, John Blair, Partner M&A Attorney at K&L Gates, shares best practices on how to bridge valuation gaps in M&A.  Things you will learn in this episode: •Bridging gaps in M&A Valuation •Earnouts  •Seller Financing •Equity structure  •Market's impact on Bridging M&A Valuation Gaps Ready to take your M&A to the next level with software made to manage each stage of the deal process? See how DealRoom can facilitate your next deal at https://dealroom.net Episode Bookmarks 00:00 Intro 04:13 When to get involved in the M&A Process 07:50 Negotiations during LOI 09:42 Bridging gaps in M&A Valuation 11:09 Using Holdbacks to Bridge M&A Valuation Gaps 13:20 Seller Financing 15:00 Earnouts 16:43 Earnouts on Intellectual Property 18:45 Key Variables in an Earnout 23:14 Earnout payment structure 25:53 Making Earnouts Successful 29:08 Structures of Seller Financing 36:24 Traditional terms of seller financing 38:20 Equity structure 41:04 Stock options 43:52 Minimizing the cash upfront during a sale 46:34 Contents of Letter of Intent 49:14 Advice for first timers 50:01 Craziest Thing in M&A  

Host David Harlow speaks with A. John Blair III, MD, CEO of MedAllies, one of the first cohort of QHINs recently approved under TEFCA. John had been working on health data issues for decades as a practicing physician, as an IPA leader and as a health data exchange executive, and this represents a leap forward in addressing data access, interoperability and usability. John shares some insights on where we are and where we're going on this continuing journey. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

This Day in Legal History: First Meeting of the Supreme CourtOn this day in legal history, a landmark event occurred on February 1, 1790, marking a significant moment in the American judicial system. On this date, the Supreme Court of the United States convened for its inaugural session, a pivotal step in establishing the country's legal framework. This historic meeting took place in the Merchants' Exchange Building in New York City, which was then serving as the national capital. The first assembly of the Supreme Court was an event of monumental importance, symbolizing the operational commencement of the U.S. judiciary under the new Constitution.The Supreme Court's first session was presided over by Chief Justice John Jay, a key figure in the early development of the United States' legal system. Alongside him were five Associate Justices: James Wilson, John Blair, James Iredell, William Cushing, and John Rutledge. These men were the pioneers in the highest court of the land, tasked with laying the foundation for the judicial interpretation of the Constitution. Despite the significance of this event, the initial meeting faced a delay. Due to the transportation challenges of the 18th century, Chief Justice Jay postponed the meeting until the next day, highlighting the logistical difficulties of that era.The primary objective of this first gathering was not to adjudicate cases but to focus on organizing the Supreme Court itself. This organizational session was crucial for setting up the procedures and principles that would guide the Court in its future deliberations. It was not until 1792 that the Supreme Court heard its first actual case, Chrisholm v. Georgia. This case, heard two years later, would mark the beginning of the Court's long history of legal adjudication and interpretation, a legacy that continues to shape American law and society–for better or worse. The establishment of the Supreme Court in 1790 thus stands as a cornerstone in the construction of the United States' legal system, a testament to the foresight and vision of the nation's founders–for better or worse. A Pennsylvania lawyer, Zachary Greenberg, has escalated a challenge against an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination rule for attorneys to the U.S. Supreme Court. Greenberg, associated with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, disputes the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals' August ruling which denied his standing to challenge the rule. The 3rd Circuit found the rule, which prohibits intentional harassment or discrimination, inapplicable to Greenberg's professional activities. However, Greenberg argues that the 3rd Circuit erred in its standing decision due to subsequent revisions to the rule and assurances from a Pennsylvania bar official that he would not be disciplined under it.Greenberg's petition to the Supreme Court claims that changes in policy do not alter the standing issue, even if his complaint adapts to new policies. The rule in question, modeled after an American Bar Association standard, forbids lawyers from knowingly engaging in discriminatory or harassing conduct. Greenberg fears that his presentations on offensive language could be construed as violations of this rule. However, the 3rd Circuit panel opined that the rule does not likely prohibit Greenberg's planned activities.Initially adopted in 2020, the rule was later amended following Greenberg's initial lawsuit. A U.S. District Judge declared the revised rule unconstitutional in March 2022, but the 3rd Circuit reinstated it later. The rule has garnered support from the American Bar Association and other bar groups, while facing opposition from conservative, religious, and civil rights organizations over concerns of potential misuse. The case, Greenberg v. Lehocky, continues to evoke debate on the balance between professional conduct standards and free speech rights within the legal community.Challenge to attorney bias rule heads to US Supreme Court | ReutersElon Musk is advancing plans to relocate Tesla's legal domicile to Texas, following a court defeat in Delaware concerning his compensation at Tesla Inc. Musk, who has already moved Tesla's headquarters and his personal and charitable interests to Texas, is now proposing a shareholder vote to change Tesla's incorporation from Delaware to Texas. This move comes after a Delaware judge invalidated his $55 billion pay package, prompting Musk to seek his followers' opinion on the relocation, which garnered overwhelming support for Texas.Texas has been actively attracting businesses with its low taxes and regulatory environment. The state is also developing its own business-court system, presenting a challenge to Delaware's dominance in U.S. incorporations. However, moving Tesla's legal base to Texas poses risks due to the unpredictability and lengthy resolution times of business disputes in Texas courts, in contrast to Delaware's established corporate-governance laws and experienced Chancery court judges.To address these concerns, Texas is setting up dedicated business courts in major cities, although there are challenges in recruiting experienced judges due to lower salaries compared to Delaware. Musk's interest in Texas also extends to his other ventures, such as SpaceX and a new school planned in Austin. His growing ties to Texas are evident, although his political contributions in the state have been relatively modest. Despite preferring to avoid politics, Musk has shown a warmer relationship with Texas Governor Greg Abbott on social media, aligning with the state's business and social policies.Musk Moves Ahead With Plan to Shift Tesla Domicile to TexasA lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against Orbis Business Intelligence, a British private investigations firm, was dismissed by London's High Court. The suit was related to the Steele dossier, which made allegations about connections between Trump's campaign and Russia. Former U.S. President Trump, currently a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, initiated the data protection lawsuit over claims in the dossier authored by Orbis co-founder and ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. Judge Karen Steyn ruled that Trump's case lacked compelling reasons to proceed. In a witness statement, Trump had asserted that he filed the lawsuit to disprove allegations in the dossier, particularly those regarding supposed "perverted sexual acts" in Russia. These claims, published on BuzzFeed in 2017, were largely unsubstantiated, and Trump's legal team described the report as "egregiously inaccurate," containing false or fabricated allegations.Judge Steyn, in her ruling, did not make any determination regarding the accuracy of these allegations. Orbis contended that Trump's lawsuit was merely an attempt to settle "longstanding grievances" against the company and Steele. Judge Steyn found that Trump had no reasonable grounds for seeking compensation or damages. This London lawsuit is one of many legal challenges involving Trump, who is also facing four separate criminal prosecutions in the United States.Donald Trump's lawsuit over 'Steele dossier' thrown out by UK court | ReutersActor Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie "Rust" in New Mexico. Baldwin entered his plea and waived his right to an arraignment, following a grand jury indictment on January 19. This indictment revived the criminal case which had been previously dismissed.Baldwin, known for his role in "30 Rock," remains free without bond. The case has garnered significant attention, raising questions about firearms safety in film and TV production. Baldwin has consistently denied responsibility for Hutchins' death, maintaining that he was told the gun was "cold" and that it discharged without him pulling the trigger. The original charges were questioned over the possibility of the gun being modified to fire on its own.However, prosecutors pursued the indictment after an independent forensic test concluded the gun could not fire without the trigger being pulled. The shooting not only resulted in Hutchins' death but also wounded director Joel Souza. Evidence presented by the special prosecutor suggests that the live round was introduced to the set by the movie's weapons handler, Hannah Gutierrez. Gutierrez faces a separate trial for involuntary manslaughter charges on February 21. David Halls, the film's assistant director who handed Baldwin the gun, has entered a plea deal. The core issue remains how a live round, which is strictly prohibited on film sets, ended up in Baldwin's gun. Prosecutors have evidence of live rounds on set days before the incident. Gutierrez's attorney disputes the prosecutors' claims, suggesting that the evidence will be clarified during the trial.Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charge | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

The I Love CVille Show headlines: CVille Wants To Build Homeless Shelter (Belmont) Is Belmont Right Spot For A Homeless Shelter? What Is The Right Spot For A Homeless Shelter? UVA Pays 1 Full-Time Admin Per 3 Undergrads Does A Large UVA Staff Gentrify Student Body? Thoughts On Kuttner vs Street Musician Story CVille Police Enforce Noise Ordinances Again? John Blair's Thoughts On AlbCo Public Schools Read Viewer & Listener Comments Live On-Air The I Love CVille Show airs live Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. Watch and listen to The I Love CVille Show on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, iTunes, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Fountain, Amazon Music, Audible and iLoveCVille.com.

Matthew chats with Dr. John Blair, CEO of MedAllies (and one-time rodeo cowboy). The two discuss MedAllies position as a QHIN candidate, reinvigorating the interoperability movement, and how MedAllies and others plan to address those significant healthcare interoperability shortfalls that are impacting patient care. 

On this day in legal history, September 26, 1789, John Jay was made the first Chief Justice of the United States after the Senate confirmed his nomination.On this day, September 26, we commemorate a cornerstone moment for the American judicial system: the passing of the Judiciary Act of 1789. Signed by President George Washington, this landmark legislation established the Supreme Court of the United States, laying down the legal framework that would ultimately make it the most significant judicial body in the world. The Judiciary Act provided for a Supreme Court comprised of six justices, and on that very day, Washington nominated John Jay as the first Chief Justice, along with John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson as associate justices. The U.S. Senate wasted no time in confirming all six appointments.While the U.S. Supreme Court was originally established by Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution, the Judiciary Act of 1789 fleshed out the high court's practical structure and functions. It granted the Court ultimate jurisdiction over all laws, especially those challenging their constitutionality. Additionally, the Court was tasked with handling cases involving treaties, foreign diplomats, and maritime law. The first session of the Court took place on February 1, 1790, in New York City's Royal Exchange Building, further cementing its role in American governance.Over the years, the Supreme Court has evolved both in structure and influence. While the number of justices fluctuated during the 19th century, Congress stabilized it at nine justices in 1869—a number that can still be altered by legislative action. Today, the Court stands as a pivotal institution in American society, often playing a decisive role in resolving pressing issues, especially during times of constitutional crisis. Thus, the events of September 26, 1789, mark not just the inception of the Supreme Court, but the beginning of a judicial institution critical to the shaping of American democracy.Stefan Passantino, a former lawyer for the Trump White House, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Andrew Weissmann, a former special counsel prosecutor. The lawsuit alleges that Weissmann falsely claimed that Passantino had improperly coached his client, Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, to lie in her testimony to the House Jan. 6 committee. Passantino denies having done so, labeling the accusation as an "insidious lie" in the legal complaint. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., and asks for a jury award of an unspecified amount exceeding $75,000.This is not Passantino's first legal action related to the Jan. 6 probe. In April, he filed a similar lawsuit against the House committee, stating that members had also spread false information about him. The issue revolves around Cassidy Hutchinson's claim to the committee that Passantino advised her to say she couldn't recall specific details about an incident involving former President Donald Trump on January 6.After Hutchinson's testimony became public, Passantino's law firm, Michael Best & Friedrich, severed its relationship with him. Additionally, a group called Lawyers Defending Democracy filed a complaint to have Passantino's law license revoked over his counsel to Hutchinson. Passantino alleges that Weissmann's actions were driven by "partisan animus" and resulted in "injurious falsehood" against him. He also claims that a statement from Weissmann, made on September 15, has significantly damaged his professional reputation and caused financial losses. As of the reporting date, Weissmann has not responded to requests for comment.​​Ex-Trump Lawyer Passantino Sues Weissmann, Alleging DefamationIn the world of private equity, a phenomenon called "zombie funds" has emerged, characterized by aging firms unable to raise new capital and struggling to exit old investments. This issue has been highlighted by the case of Fenway Partners, once a booming company, now reduced to a three-man team with a lingering investment in a helmet-making company beset by lawsuits. Industry-wide, there's been a decline in new fundraising, partly due to rising interest rates and partly because pension funds have maxed out their allocations to the illiquid asset class of private equity. As a result, many older funds are finding it increasingly hard to liquidate their existing assets.Public pension funds across the U.S. are particularly stuck with such zombie funds. These include funds managed by First Reserve, an energy-sector specialist, and Yucaipa Cos, a money manager led by supermarket mogul and Democratic donor Ron Burkle. Analysts warn that when private equity firms don't raise new funds, it leads to the gradual loss of staff, leaving only a skeleton crew to manage remaining assets, which in turn deteriorates fund performance. This creates a dilemma for investors, as exiting these problematic funds typically means incurring steep discounts.Pensions and endowments can't easily exit these funds, nor replace the managers unless there is evidence of wrongdoing. Reports from 10 major public retirement systems show that they have a median 4% of their private equity portfolios locked up in funds older than 2009, amounting to around $6.8 billion across more than 900 fund investments. These often-underperforming investments can remain stuck for years, eroding returns and tying up valuable managerial time.The first wave of zombie funds emerged after the 2008 financial crisis. Now, a new wave is taking shape as pension funds are steering less cash into private equity, especially towards smaller, untested firms or those with tarnished histories. The phenomenon represents a stark counterpoint to the promise that private equity can offer reliable, long-term returns. The situation is worsened by slowdowns in the mergers and acquisitions and IPO markets, making asset sales more difficult. Therefore, while some funds may survive in a weakened state, others could face dramatic derailment, leaving investors with limited options and less-than-ideal outcomes.Wave of Zombies Is Rising From Private Equity's Slow Carnage (1)The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is considering a significant overhaul of federal credit reporting rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970. The changes could bring additional companies, including data brokers not currently covered, under these rules. Among the proposals is a potential ban on the use of medical debt in consumers' credit reports. The CFPB is also concerned about "credit header data" and may limit when such data can be sold for use by various entities like lenders and law enforcement.The proposed changes would also require major credit reporting companies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to improve their data security measures and overhaul how they handle consumer disputes. They may need to investigate systemic issues based on consumer complaints and notify those affected. Legal disputes are also being revisited; the current bifurcation between legal and factual disputes may be amended to ensure consumer protections.The outline of the proposal was submitted to a small business review panel, and only after their review will a full proposal be developed. The changes are expected to have a far-reaching impact on all businesses involved in consumer data, according to law firms and consumer advocates. Critics argue that some proposals might exceed the CFPB's legal authority, particularly as the agency has faced legal setbacks in federal courts.It's worth noting that the CFPB has focused its outline mainly on the impact of these changes on small businesses, leaving room for potentially even more extensive changes that would mainly affect large credit reporting companies. The formal rule, once issued, is expected to face legal challenges. Both supporters and critics of the proposal agree that the language in the existing credit reporting law might be broad enough to make these significant changes legal, but the agency's recent losses in court cases could create hurdles.CFPB Eyes Broad Expansion of Federal Credit Reporting StandardsThe IRS's new rules, detailed in Notice 2023-63, clarify the definition of software development for tax purposes and require most related expenses to be amortized over time rather than expensed in the current year. This change poses significant challenges for bootstrap software developers—startups that lack typical streams of venture capital and often rely on expensing software development costs immediately. Prior to 2022, Section 174 of the tax code allowed businesses to expense research and development costs in the year they were incurred, which was especially beneficial for startups and small developers.Another issue arising from the new rules is the administrative burden of distinguishing between what constitutes "maintenance activities" and what is considered an "upgrade or enhancement." While maintenance activities are exceptions to the amortization requirement, the definitions are not clear-cut, leading to complications for developers and potential legal disputes.The new tax rules create ambiguity that could discourage innovation by making software acquisition less burdensome than software development from a tax standpoint. Developers have expressed disappointment that recent changes in tax law, specifically the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), did not revert to allowing current-year expensing or provide a narrower definition of "software development."In my colum I suggest that the simplest solution to foster innovation would be to revert to the pre-TCJA current year expensing for software development. Failure to revise these changes could potentially stifle software innovation, especially for startups and smaller companies that were previously incentivized by the ability to expense development costs in the current year.New IRS R&E Rules Risk Stifling Software Innovation for Startups Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Inside its genre ‘guardrails,' WITNESS tells the story of worlds brought together by tragedy – but whose intersection point (a haggard Harrison Ford and a repressed Kelly McGillis) exemplifies the deep, dignified richness of human love and connection. Also, Angus MacInnes dies horribly via grain entrapment and Danny Glover's guts get spilled in cow shit. Watch WITNESS on the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/Witness_1985 Get tickets to the Peter Weir series at the Trylon: https://www.trylon.org/films/category/peter-weir/ “Harrison Ford and the Power of Star Persona in Witness and The Mosquito Coast” by John Blair for Perisphere, the Trylon blog: https://www.perisphere.org/2023/08/25/harrison-ford-and-the-power-of-star-persona-in-witness-and-the-mosquito-coast/ Roger Ebert's 1985 review of WITNESS: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/witness-1985 “Peter Weir's ‘Witness': A Deep, Subtle and Complex Social Comment Disguised as a Police Thriller” by Sven Mikulec for Cinephilia & Beyond (containing an excerpt of Virginia Campbell's interview with Peter Weir for Movieline in 1998): https://cinephiliabeyond.org/peter-weirs-witness-deep-subtle-complex-social-comment-disguised-police-thriller/ Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trylovepodcast and email us at trylovepodcast@gmail.com to get in touch! Buy tickets and support the Trylon at https://www.trylon.org/. Theme: "Raindrops" by Huma-Huma/"No Smoking" PSA by John Waters. Outro music: “Main Theme” by Maurice Jarre from the WITNESS soundtrack. Timestamps 0:00 - Episode 242: WITNESS (1985) 3:05 - The episode actually starts 9:15 - The Patented Aaron Grossman Summary 11:20 - First reactions to WITNESS and its ‘guardrail moments' 21:52 - Is WITNESS too married to its genre inspirations? 43:00 - Peter Weir's rewritten ‘hopeless' ending 53:29 - The Junk Drawer 1:05:01 - Good Grief, Give Me a GIF! 1:09:48 - Cody's Noteys: Bearing WITNESS (August trivia through the years)

John Blair, Alliance Party MLA for South Antrim and member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, discusses fresh concerns on the impact of the PSNI data breach on those affected.

On this episode, Steve and Cody talk about the Supreme Court and try to wring some information out of the silent man from Virginia, John Blair Jr.SourcesAbraham, Henry J. Justices and Presidents: A Political History of Appointments to the Supreme Court (3rd ed.). New York City, NY: Oxford U. Press, 1992.Urofsky, Melvin I. The Supreme Court Justices: A Biographical Dictionary. New York city, NY: Garland Publications, 1994.See pinned tweet for general sources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Hot Seat, Spencer Tenney is joined by John Blair. He is the President of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut. John is joining us today to speak about the Highway Use Tax that was recently implemented in his home state of Connecticut. He fills us in on the origin of the Highway Use Tax, the potential problems with it, and what possible long-term effects will be. ___ Are you looking to buy or sell a transportation business? Reach out to us online and begin the conversation. https://bit.ly/413L4nz --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-hot-seat-tenney-group/message

Join John Mathews, Tony Michas... all along with Special Guests, Documentary Filmmaker Andrew Leavold and Paul John Blair (all the way in Japan) They discuss the world of Mexican Gothic Horror in relation to MEXICO MACABRE: FOUR SINISTER TALES FROM THE ALAMEDA FILMS VAULT!

Surf historian and musician John Blair joins Staci Layne Wilson on this week's Rock & Roll Nightmares podcast to talk about his new documentary, The Sound of the Surf, which features the late Dick Dale, as well as the Bel Airs, the Chantays, and Kathy Marshall. John's own band, Jon and the Nightriders, was at the crest of the second wave of surf music in southern California, and he talks about that, as well as helping to get The Ventures back to the U.S. stage in the early 1980s. Also, Staci reads an excerpt from her #1 bestselling true crime book, Rock & Roll Nightmares: True Stories, Vol 2—the murder of Rainbow drummer Gary Driscoll is one of the most gruesome unsolved mysteries in rock music history.

Join John Mathews, Tony Michas , Ryan Kendall along with Special Guests, Documentary Filmmaker Andrew Leavold and Paul John Blair (all the way in Japan) They discuss the world of Santo in relation to ENTER SANTO: THE FIRST ADVENTURES OF THE SILVER-MASKED MAN - LE Also covered is the upcoming titles of The big Gundown and Remember the Night! Please Follow Andrew here: https://trashvideoarchives.com

S2E3: Host Dr. Anders interviews A. John Blair, III, MD, F.A.C.S. CEO of MedAllies. They discuss interoperability in detail as MedAllies runs a national direct network with over 1.2 million users and is currently applying to become one of the first QHINs as part of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). Take a listen to hear Dr. Blair provide a wonderful overview of QHINs and how they will fit into the new healthcare interoperability ecosystem for all of us who are still trying to get a handle on how it all works. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

In this episode, we are beyond grateful to have in our presence a living legend, a forty-five year, environmental health activist, John Blair…a commercial mortgage banker turned Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist.  See the photo:  https://cdn.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/677914/85339150.jpgHe founded and still serves as president of Valley Watch, Inc. whose purpose is "to protect the [public health and environment of the lower Ohio River Valley. He also published, for three years a monthly newspaper called the Ohio Valley Environment during a really activist surge in the early 1980s.A believer in active civil disobedience, he gained notoriety when he stole the groundbreaking shovels at a Union Carbide hazardous waste facility in Henderson, KY in 1985.  Watch the video:  https://youtu.be/_V-BvOlXoNYIn 1997, John, had an epiphany regarding the need to eliminate coal as an energy source.During the early 2000s, he was instrumental in stopping a number of new coal plants as well as helping establish new rules for national air quality standards and helping to establish a number of small community-based organization that usually successfully fought local environmental issues.Since 2018, he has been working with one of those groups-SW indiana Citizens For Quality of Life in Spencer County, IN to stop a bizarre proposal to build a coal to diesel refinery. We learn the 3 "C's" of environmental activism: Confrontation, Cooperation and Civil Disobedience.Find out one of the best ways to stop a polluting, poisonous behemoth is sometimes to just...steal the shovels...at the groundbreaking...right in front of them...live on the air.We deepen into the powerful mantra "Think globally act locally." and how vital that is right now!Learn the key is Perseverance. The only thing that wins is outlasting the other side.We cheer each other on…Don't give up – Get up!  Don't get depressed - Get Determined!Have the epiphany…You get fired when you speak your mind and when you stay quiet…so you might as well speak your mind.Learn to discern fiction from fact.Set out to change the world and fight injustice.Ask the question…what can I do to help fight for a healthy, viable planet?John says, “Freedom is like a muscle. It atrophies if it is not exercised.”  We know our conversation with this living legend will strengthen us to fight this good fight!Personal Websitehttp://valleywatch.netSocial Media linkfacebook.com/ecoserve------Support Caravan of the HeartMore about Caravan of the HeartA podcast...a blisscast, a variety show for the soul by Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Aim Me Smiley & Renee Ananda, a touring folk music duo, inspirational speakers, retreat leaders, and advocates for this planet and its people.On this podcast, we have heart-to-heart conversations around freeing our dreams and amplifying love in all things. Enjoy an exhilarating mélange of exchanges where the arts meet awareness to champion and elevate the love of yourself, others, and the Earth. Join this caravan of seekers sharing what they find that empowers love in every part of the journey. Summon a revolution of Love through devotion, purpose, creation, Earth care, and community. "Come, come, whoever you are. This is not a caravan of despair." Rumi Love is Spoken HereSupport the show

"Laguna Tropical Surf" celebrates Mothers with Wheeland Brothers' tunes and co-host John Blair's "talk-story" about the surf music of Jon & the Nightriders.Mark Freeman brings the world of surf and local conditions and Michelle Haynes sends mom flowers from afar. Mahalo to Mark Kohls for the Haoli La Makuahine art!

Five Fridays in one month? What will they think of next? In any case, did you get enough showers this April? And, could someone remind me what May is for? I’ve lost my handbook of trivial facts that pepper up most installments of Charlottesville Community Engagement, a newsletter and podcast that strives to bring something of relevant importance each and every time. I’m the host, Sean Tubbs.What will happen if you sign up? You’ll get each and every newsletter sent to your inbox for free! Consider paying to guarantee more will be produced!On today’s program:The Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations deals a mortal blow to Governor Youngkin’s gas tax holidayA quick look at the commercial and retail market in the Charlottesville areaThe spring running of Foxfield Races is tomorrow And a lawsuit is filed against the City of Charlottesville alleging violations of the Freedom of Information Act First shout-out: The Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign It’s springtime, and one Patreon supporter wants you to know the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign is a grassroots initiative of motivated citizens, volunteers, partner organizations, and local governments who want to promote the use of native plants. This spring the group is working with retailers across the region to encourage purchase of plants that belong here and are part of an ecosystem that depends on pollination. There are plenty of resources on the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Facebook page, so sign up to be notified of lectures, plant sales, and more!FOIA suit filed against CharlottesvilleA pair of activists and a journalist have filed suit against the City of Charlottesville seeking the release of documents they claim should be made available through the Freedom of Information Act. Attorney Jeff Fogel filed a petition Thursday in Charlottesville Circuit Court on behalf of Tanesha Hudson, Cherry Hanley of the People’s Coalition, and Dave McNair of The DTM who submitted two separate requests for information. One was on March 24, 2022. (read the petition)“For the years 2020 and 2021, all records concerning the settlement of claims of police misconduct, or other violation of constitutional rights, by the city or any of its employees, whether or not the claim was filed in an administrative or judicial agency.” A second request was submitted on April 4 which among other items sought the release of “all records concerning the settlement of claims of police misconduct.” The petition includes two exhibits of the results, which contain many redactions. Fogel argues that not all of the information was privileged under state law and that five settlement documents should have been made available as part of the FOIA request. “The above violations of the FOIA Act by Defendant, City of Charlottesville, deprives not only petitioners, but every citizen of the community and other interested persons, the rights granted to them under the provisions of the FOIA Act,” reads paragraph 27 of the petition. Paragraph 28 argues that the city’s policy of requiring non-disparagement clauses or non-disclosure agreements as part of settlement agreements is a violation of a person’s First Amendment rights. The petition seeks an opinion on that interpretation. According to the petition, Hudson settled a First Amendment claim with the city in August 2020 that required her to enter into a nondisclosure agreement. Exhibit A includes redacted correspondence between lawyers hired by both the city and former City Manager Tarron Richardson. Richardson filed suit last year in federal court alleging that the city violated the terms of a nondisparagement clause related to his departure from the city in September 2020. He withdrew from the case in a filing of voluntary dismissal on March 8. (read Exhibit A) (read Exhibit B)“The [Virginia Risk Sharing Association], as the City’s insurer, has the authority to settle a case,” wrote city attorney Lisa Robertson in a March 9 email to former Mayor Nikuyah Walker. “The VSRA attorney appointed to represent City Council dealt with Dr. Richardson’s attorney. No city funds are being paid out.”Walker had wanted more information on how the suit came to be dismissed. The former mayor had been named as a party in Richardson’s case, as had a former city attorney.“Virginia Risk Sharing Association did not assign an attorney to you, John Blair, or [former City Councilor] Heather Hill because Dr. Richardson never served any of you with process,” Robertson wrote. This story was originally out with the incorrected person attributed in the quotation above. A less drunken Foxfield? It’s time again for the annual spring running of the Foxfield Races. That means that Garth Road will be closed between Barracks Farm Road and Free Union Road between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. “Anyone not attending the event should avoid the area,” reads an email from the Albemarle County Police Department. “Keep in mind, heavy traffic delays should be expected until 5:30 pm, even after the roadway reopens.”This will be the first spring races since Foxfield has updated its policies on alcohol. Vehicles that park in tailgating spaces are only permitted two fifths of hard liquor, three bottles of wine, and three six-packs of beer, seltzer, or cider. Those who drive in are permitted to leave their vehicles within 48 hours of the conclusion of the races. Those with tickets for what’s known as the New Orange area are not allowed to bring in any alcohol at all, but can purchase from approved vendors. Several years ago, there was an attempt to sell the property that resulted in a lawsuit. Parts of the property are now under a conservation easement. Rent continues to increase for office and retail space in Charlottesville areaA major Virginia real estate company that specializes in commercial space has published its latest report on the Charlottesville market. Cushman Wakefield | Thalhimer begins with an overall assessment of the economy. “After experiencing its highest unemployment rate on record of 10.2 percent in April 2020, Charlottesville employment has rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels of more than 116,000,” reads the top of the retail report.The vacancy rate for office space is at 9 percent, but some of that is related to the placement of 359,000 square feet of space in the former State Farm Headquarters. Recently constructed space is beginning to fill in. “Apex Plaza delivered in the first quarter with a total of 187,000 square feet,” reads the office report. “Home to Apex Clean Energy and The Southern Environmental Law Center among other tenants.”The report also notes the CODE building is coming online with coworking space and traditional offices. The price to rent these spaces is also increasing. “Overall market rents reached north of $26 per square foot (psf), a historic high, and downtown Class A office rents are averaging north of $35 psf,” the report continues. The retail report notes that more than 155,000 square of retail space have been built since 2020, and more is on the way. “Projects like Albemarle Business Campus and Brookhill Town Center will bring continued growth to the market, delivering office and residential opportunities as well as restaurant and retail spaces, which are now pre-leasing,” reads the retail report.The average asking rent for retail is $19.04 per square foot. As for residential properties, I’ll be posting an anecdotal review of transactions early next week. Paid subscribers will get the first look before that content will go over to Information Charlottesville. Shout-outs for Raised/Razed screening, ebike demonstrationsIn today’s second and this subscriber-supported shout-outs, Preservation Piedmont wants you to know about this Saturday’s premiere of Raised/Razed, a film by filmmaker Lorenzo Dickerson and Jordy Yager about the life and destruction of Vinegar Hill, one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in Charlottesville. The Maupintown Media production charts the lives of residents over nearly a century as they built prosperity in the face of racially discriminatory policies at every level. The film will be willl be shown outdoors at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on the center’s website with donations to be divided between seven Black-led organizations. On Sunday, May 1, from 2:00-4:00. A pair of interested ebike owners in town will be bringing their bikes to Meade Park, and anybody who's interested can stop by, ask questions, and take test rides. They will have some ebikes with seats for children. If you’re going, drop them a line in this form. Virginia Senate panel kills Youngkin bill for three-month waiver of fuel tax When Virginia legislators went to Richmond Wednesday to respond to Governor Youngkin’s 26 vetos and dozens of proposed amendments related to the official 2022 session, a Virginia Senate committee met to consider one of the only policy bills in the special session that’s currently underway.The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 12 to 3 on a motion to waive a bill to halt the motor fuel tax for a three month period. Chair Janet Howell said what Youngkin calls surplus funds are intended to pay for new infrastructure.“In 2020, the General Assembly made significant efforts to provide long-term, bipartisan transportation funding solutions and this included a two-year phased increase in gas taxes,” Howell said. Howell said the bill (HB 6001) would reduce available funding for new transportation projects and maintenance by around $437 million. “I also wanted to emphasize that other approaches supported by the Senate such as a tax rebate check or a refundable earned-income tax credit would likely be more effective options in providing relief to our citizens,” Howell said. Ser Stephen Newman (R-23) said the bill is intended as an emergency measure given the growth in inflation. “Over the last 12 months, the [Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers] has increased by 8.5 percent, the largest 12 month increase since 1981,” Newman said. “In 2020 when the omnibus bill that [Howell] spoke about was passed, the CPI-U was 1 percent.” Newman said the average price of gas was $2.42 a gallon when the bill was passed, an amount that has increase to over $4 a gallon. He disputed the claim that maintenance programs will be affected by the three month waiver. ‘In comparison to past [Six Year Improvement Programs], VDOT’s construction program remains overfunded by over $600 million,” Newman said. Senator Richard Saslaw (D-35) said he didn’t think any money available for transportation should be taken away. “The condition of the roads in Northern Virginia, and I can’t say for the rest of the state, are the worst [I]have seen in the 42 years I’ve been in office,” Saslaw said. Saslaw described Braddock Road as a secondary road that carries 80,000 vehicles a day. “It looks like they have driven tanks up that road,” Saslaw said, “I have never seen roads torn up to the degree that they were and when we left the session in March, on my way home I hit a pothole.” Saslaw said it cost him $300 to get that fixed. The 12 votes to defeat the bill included Republican Senator Emmett W. Hanger (R-24). Moomaw article on 2022 House race is a must-readFor the past few months, I’ve been trying to keep track of a federal lawsuit seeking a House of Delegates election in 2022, a year off of the regular schedule. If that happens, things would have to move very quickly. If you’ve not followed this case, I highly recommend reading Graham Moomaw’s article posted today on Virginia Mercury that goes in-depth into what could be a historic election. Local vehicular fatalities in Albemarle To close up the show today, following up with something from a previous story this month. Earlier this month, the Department of Motor Vehicles reported that Virginia hit a 14-year high in traffic fatalities in 2021, and that the state is on track to surpass that amount this year. Looking locally, there were 16 total fatalities on roads in Albemarle County in 2021, including on Interstate 64. Those were among 968 people killed on roadways in Virginia last year. There have been two deaths in Albemarle so far this year. Help support Town Crier Productions with a paid subscription to this newsletter!For one year now, Town Crier Productions has a promo with Ting!Are you interested in fast internet? Visit this site and enter your address to see if you can get service through Ting. If you decide to proceed to make the switch, you’ll get:Free installationSecond month of Ting service for freeA $75 gift card to the Downtown MallAdditionally, Ting will match your Substack subscription to support Town Crier Productions, the company that produces this newsletter and other community offerings. So, your $5 a month subscription yields $5 for TCP. Your $50 a year subscription yields $50 for TCP! The same goes for a $200 a year subscription! All goes to cover the costs of getting this newsletter out as often as possible. Learn more here! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Round and round and round we go on this 333rd installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement. Where will we stop? In about 16 minutes if you’re listening to the podcast. If you’re reading it, that would depend on your pace, I suppose. Either way, this is February 17, 2022 and we are indeed one third of the way to a thousand editions of this program. I’m your host, Sean Tubbs, and I hope to be here for all three of the years it may take to get there. On today’s program:An update on former City Manager Tarron Richardson’s lawsuit against Charlottesville City CouncilThe Thomas Jefferson Planning District is working on two major housing initiativesA round-up of what’s happening in TJPDC communitiesLouisa Supervisors gets an update on water supply plan for Zion CrossroadsA closed-door group gets an early look at the University of Virginia’s master plan First Patreon-fueled shout-out goes to the Charlottesville Area Tree StewardsIn today’s first subscriber-supported Public Service Announcement, the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards continues to offer classes this winter and spring to increase your awareness of our wooden neighbors and to prepare for the future. The next event is February 22 at 7 p.m. when tree steward Emily Ferguson will help you look beyond the monotonous winter forest by focusing on the finer details that will help you differentiate between species of trees. Learn more at charlottesvilleareatreestewards.org. (register for the February 22 session) And in the second shout-out, there’s still a long-time supporter who wants you to know: "Today is a great day to spread good cheer: reach out to an old friend, compliment a stranger, or pause for a moment of gratitude to savor a delight."Visit infocville.com and click on the Support the Info button to find out how you can support the show and get a shout-out!Richardson lawsuit update Both sides in a federal lawsuit filed by a former city manager against Charlottesville City Council have filed extensions requesting more time to file the next round of legal responses. Dr. Tarron Richardson sued Charlottesville City Council and several individuals by name in the Western District of Virginia last November alleging that the city had denied his first amendment rights by not allowing an op-ed to be published in the Daily Progress months after his resignation in September 2020. In addition to Council, former City Attorney John Blair, current City Attorney Lisa Robertson, former City Councilor Heather Hill, and former Mayor Nikuyah Walker are all named in the suit. Before resigning, Richardson had signed a release and waiver governing his $205,000 in severance that included a mutual non-disparagement clause. On January 26, an attorney for Lisa Robertson filed a motion asking for the suit against her to be thrown out. (read the motion)“The complaint does not state a claim against Robertson, as she did not personally deprive Plaintiff of his First Amendment rights,” reads that motion. “Plaintiff waived his claims against the City, as well as its employees and officials by signing the release.”The motion also states Robertson has qualified immunity and cannot be sued as a private individual. It goes on to refute Richardson’s claim that his publication of the op-ed was stopped by Robertson. Instead, the motion states the then interim city attorney warned Richardson’s counsel twice in February 2021 that the city could pursue action if he broke the non-disparagement clause. On February 8, Richardson’s attorneys filed a motion requesting more time to respond to Robertson’s request to be dismissed, a request granted by Judge Norman K. Moon on February 11. Charlottesville has hired Richard Milnor to represent the city and he filed a motion on January 20 requesting more time to respond to the initial complaint. On February 11, Milnor asked to have until February 28 to respond. Judge Norman K. Moon granted that extension. Yesterday, the suit turned 90 days old which triggered a notice to Richardson’s attorney that summons have not yet been served to Heather Hill, Nikuyah Walker, John Blair, or Robertson. Only the city of Charlottesville has received a summons. Land Use, Environment and Planning Committee to meet tomorrowA regularly-scheduled closed door meeting of planners from Albemarle, Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia is scheduled for tomorrow, and materials are now available from the last meeting.The Land Use, Environmental and Planning Committee (LUEPC) was created after November 2019 when the public Planning and Coordination Council which consisted of elected officials was disbanded. The group also consists of officials from the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority. In January, they got two briefings from the University of Virginia’s Office of the Architect. One was an update on the UVA Grounds Framework Plan, which is a master plan for UVA. The public Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization got the same presentation a week later. (view the presentation)See also: UVA announces three sites for affordable housing projects, December 14, 2021MPO Policy Board briefed on the UVA Master Plan, February 1, 2022The second presentation was a four-slide review of the three sites the University of Virginia has selected as locations for up to 1,500 affordable housing units that would be build in partnership with a private developer. These are at the North Fork Discovery Park, Wertland Street, and the Piedmont site on Fontaine Avenue. Of those three, a rezoning application has been filed with Albemarle County for the North Fork site. (download)Third shout-out goes to Code for CharlottesvilleCode for Charlottesville is seeking volunteers with tech, data, design, and research skills to work on community service projects. Founded in September 2019, Code for Charlottesville has worked on projects such as an expungement project with the Legal Aid Justice Center, a map of Charlottesville streetlights, and the Charlottesville Housing Hub. Visit codeforcville.org to learn about those projects.TJDPC Roundtable: Fluvanna and Nelson both updating Comprehensive Plans this yearTo conclude the show today, let’s return to the February 10 meeting of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. Let’s start with a couple of staff reports. The TJPDC will work with a nonprofit partner to help prevent evictions through a pilot program with funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. (DHCD)“It’s $250,000 for Charlottesville and Albemarle County,” said executive director Christine Jacobs. “That grant actually will have a subrecipient and that will be Piedmont Housing Alliance and that will allow them to hire an eviction prevention case manager as well as a landlord outreach manager which was what we requested in the grant application.”Last year, the city of Charlottesville used $300,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funding to pay Legal Aid Justice Center to also work in the area of eviction prevention. Jacobs said the TJPDC used that funding as a local match to secure the DHCD grant.The TJPDC is also administering a $2 million grant from Virginia Housing to actually construct units. Jacobs said requests for proposals have been received and there three entities have been selected to proceed.“We will then have those three priority applicants submit their formal applications with all of their documentation and then a review panel will look at the feasibility of the project,” Jacobs said.Jacobs said the TJPDC Commissioners will be shown a recommendation at their meeting in April. Last year, the TJPDC completed a regional housing plan which has chapters for each of the six jurisdictions. Keith Smith represents Fluvanna County on the TJPDC Board. (plan website)“We’re starting our comp plan process and it looks like we’re going to be leaning pretty heavily on the work that the Regional Housing Partnership has done,” Smith said. Greene County Supervisor Dale Herring said his locality continues its separation from the Rapidan Service Authority. That entity did not want to proceed with Greene’s vision to create a new reservoir for an urban water supply. “For those who don’t know, we’ll stay with it until we actually own our own water authority,” Herring said. Greene County has recently created its own emergency medical services department and has offered to pay for full time firefighters. However, there may be an issue. “We had one fire department that has asked originally for four staff members,” Herring said. “They came back and asked for seven.” Herring said the county continues to hope to supplement fire service with volunteers, but numbers are dwindling. The TJPDC meetings are also an opportunity for urban communities to brief rural ones on trends that may affect them in the future. City Councilor Michael Payne shared information about the fundamentals informing the creation of the budget for next fiscal year.“We got our assessment increases and the average assessments were up eleven percent,” Payne said. “We’re beginning budget discussions and to afford everything currently in our budget, on top of that 11 percent increase will require a ten cent real estate tax increase.” The major driver is the renovations to Buford Middle School as a major plank in school reconfiguration, as well as an $10 million commitment to affordable housing projects. “So we are going to have to have some difficult, honest, and realistic conversations over the coming weeks about how to get our budget working,” Payne said. Another difficult conversation will be had when the public process related to the upgrade of the zoning code begins later this year. Planning Commission Chair Lyle-Solla Yates is a new member of the TJPDC and he said Rhodeside & Harwell and internal city staff are working on a review. “They’re doing an analysis of what we’ve got versus what our Comprehensive Plan says we need,” Solla-Yates said. “It’s going to be a big project and it’s going to be difficult. We should have something I’m recalling, an initial assessment in mid-April and once we have that we will go into public process and people will share their thoughts and feelings on zoning which is always a good thing.”Nelson County faces a lot of changes and challenges, according to Jesse Rutherford. He’s chair of both the Nelson Board of Supervisors as well as the TJPDC. A Comprehensive Plan review is soon to get underway. “And trying to figure out it is we can thrive as a community, which leads into the bigger thing which is even more important than the Comprehensive Plan - zoning,” Rutherford said. “How do you define things in rezoning? I think affordable housing has to be radically looked at and radically approached as opposed to pandered by the respective demographics in power. At the end of the day its about making sure that everybody and every income bracket has a place to live.” Rutherford said Nelson has many more people who are opting to work from home, and the county’s pledge for universal broadband by 2024 could accelerate a trend. “And we’re starting to see a change in the conversation of what does the future of a rural county look like,” Rutherford said. “Obviously preserving rural is such an interesting thing. Is it preserving trees? Is it water? For some people it’s culture.” That housing plan also has information for Nelson County. The TJPDC next meets on March 3. Louisa Board briefed on new intake for Zion Crossroads water supplyStaying regional to conclude this installment. The Louisa County Board of Supervisors got an update this Monday on the efforts of the James River Water Authority to secure a final permit to proceed with a plan to build a waterline between the James and Zion Crossroads for an urban water supply. One site for an intake is seriously contested by the Monacan Indian Nation because it on a major historical site called Rassawek. Archeological work has been conducted on a nearby site. “[GAI Consultants] who are the Authority’s current archeology consultant is very close to finalizing a phase one archeology report on alternative 1C and they are doing that in conjunction with Gray & Pape who are the Monacan’s selected archeologist so that’s a good team effort and that report is finished,” said Louisa County Administrator Christian Goodwin. If the Monacans agree, the JRWA will apply for a permit for that location from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. “The attorney for the Monacan Indian Nation attended last week’s JRWA meeting and voiced the Monacan’s intent to continue supporting the project if the conditions are met, and those conditions being that we worked with their archeologist Gray & Pape and that no evidence of burials were found and that appears to be the route we are proceeding upon right now,” Goodwin said. The JRWA is next scheduled to meet on March 9. Support the program!Special announcement of a continuing promo with Ting! Are you interested in fast internet? Visit this site and enter your address to see if you can get service through Ting. If you decide to proceed to make the switch, you’ll get:Free installationSecond month of Ting service for freeA $75 gift card to the Downtown MallAdditionally, Ting will match your Substack subscription to support Town Crier Productions, the company that produces this newsletter and other community offerings. So, your $5 a month subscription yields $5 for TCP. Your $50 a year subscription yields $50 for TCP! The same goes for a $200 a year subscription! All goes to cover the costs of getting this newsletter out as often as possible. Learn more here! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

There are only two more days left in 2021, but there’s still so much to review and look back on. We’re in the strange time between the past and the future when the present seems like it is time to relax. But there’s no relaxing on Charlottesville Community Engagement, a program that seeks to bring you as much information as I can about what’s happening in local government with a pinch of whatever else seems to fit. I’m your host Sean Tubbs.Charlottesville Community Engagement seeks new readers and listeners. Sign up today for free, and decide later if you’d like to support the work financially!On today’s program:Virginia sets a one-day record for new COVID casesA lawsuit filed by former City Manager Tarron Richardson moves forwardThe Virginia Supreme Court approves new legislative and Congressional maps for the CommonwealthRepublicans continue to file bills that seek to undo measures passed under a Democratic General AssemblyAlbemarle Supervisors learn about the biggest increase in property assessments in county historyIn today’s first two Patreon fueled shout-outs:You’re listening to Charlottesville. Community Engagement. A long-time supporter wants you to know: "Today is a great day to spread good cheer: reach out to an old friend, compliment a stranger, or pause for a moment of gratitude to savor a delight."The second comes from a more recent supporter who wants you to go out and read a local news story written by a local journalist. Whether it be the Daily Progress, Charlottesville Tomorrow, C-Ville Weekly, NBC29, CBS19, WINA, or some other place I’ve not mentioned - the community depends on a network of people writing about the community. Go learn about this place today!Omicron surge continuesVirginia has set a one-day record for new COVID-19 cases with 12,112 reported today by the Department of Health. The previous number was 9,914 reported in mid-January. The percent positivity has increased to 17.4 percent. The Blue Ridge Health District reported 371 new cases, which is also a one-day record. Richardson suit against the city proceedsCharlottesville City Council and other parties have been served with a lawsuit by former City Manager Tarron Richardson. Richardson filed suit in the Western District of Virginia in mid-November alleging breach of contract and violation of his First Amendment rights. A summons was issued to City Council on Tuesday, as well as city attorney Lisa Robertson and former city attorney John Blair. The parties have 21 days to respond. (Former City Manager Sues Charlottesville, November 24, 2021)New legislative districts now in effectVirginia’s new Congressional and legislative districts are now in place for the next nine years, effective immediately. The state Supreme Court has approved new districts for the House of Delegates, state Senate, and the eleven members of the House of Representatives in Congress. These were drawn by two Special Masters after a bipartisan commission failed to reach consensus in October. Those maps were amended following public comments earlier this month. “Redistricting is a complex task, one that requires the balancing of multiple competing factors,” wrote Sean Trende and Bernard Groffman. “Unfortunately, it simply was not possible to incorporate every single request while remaining within the bounds of Virginia and federal law.”Albemarle and Charlottesville will remain in the 5th Congressional District, though Albemarle’s border with Greene and Orange counties will now be its northern edge. The 5th will continue to cover points south to North Carolina including the cities of Lynchburg and Danville, as well as the town of Farmville in Prince Edward County. Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson are also within the 5th. An earlier map drawn by the Special Masters had split Albemarle into two. “The existing congressional map splits 14 counties 16 times,” the masters continued. “The existing Senate of Virginia map splits 46 counties 78 times. The existing House of Delegates map splits 60 counties 138 times. By comparison, the submitted congressional map splits 10 counties a total of 11 times.”A small section of northwest Albemarle is within the 7th District. There’s even a Twitter account. The 5th District formerly extended up into northern Virginia, but the new districts tend not to split counties. Greene and Orange counties entirely within a redrawn 7th District along with Culpeper, Madison, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties, as well as the city of Fredericksburg. Fauquier, Loudoun and Rappahannock counties are now in the 10th District as well as portions of Prince William County. In the Virginia Senate, Albemarle and Charlottesville are now within the new 11th District, as well as Amherst and Nelson counties, as well as a portion of western Louisa County. Fluvanna County and the rest of Louisa are in the 10th. Greene County is in the new 28th district along with Madison, Culpeper, and Orange counties. In the Virginia House of Representatives, the city of Charlottesville is now in the 54th House District as well as some of the urban ring of Albemarle. The rest of Albemarle is now within the 55th House District as well as portions of eastern Nelson County. The rest of Nelson is in the 53rd as well as all of Amherst County and the northern half of Bedford County.  Under the former system, Albemarle was split by four districts. Resources:Final Congressional Map dated December 27, 2021Final Senate Map dated December 27, 2021Final House of Delegates Map dated December 27, 2021Memo from the Special Masters detailing changes from the mapBill filed to revoke localities’ ability to ban firearms on public propertyThe General Assembly begins in less than two weeks and the slow trickle of prefiled legislation is picking up into more of a steady stream. Here are some highlights:Delegate Buddy Fowler (R-Glenn Allen) has submitted a bill to increase the age an infant can be surrendered to a hospital or emergency medical services agency from 14 days to 30 days. (HB16)Fowler has another bill that would exempt members of the military from being prosecuted for paramilitary activities unless there is malicious intent. (HB17)Another bill from Fowler would allow localities flexibility in paying school board members. Currently the law defines the salary for each locality. (HB18)Fowler also submitted a bill allowing public auctions to satisfy liens to be advertised online, whereas currently these must be printed in a newspaper of record. (HB21)Delegate Wendell Walker (R-Lynchburg) filed a bill allowing adults to become free from any medical mandate. (HB22)Walker has also filed a bill repealing a prohibition on firearms in places of worship (HB23)Walker submitted legislation requiring photo identification in order to vote (HB24)Incoming Delegate Tim Anderson (R-Virginia Beach) filed a bill that would exempt the first offense for possession of child pornography from a new program that allows for reduced sentences through credits. (HB25)Anderson also filed a bill that would revoke the ability for localities to adopt ordinances to ban firearms from public property. (HB26)In today’s second subscriber-supported shout-out:Algorithms know how to put songs and artists together based on genre or beats per minute. But only people can make connections that engage your mind and warm your heart. The music on WTJU 91.1 FM is chosen by dozens and dozens of volunteer hosts -- music lovers like you who live right here in the Charlottesville area. Listener donations keep WTJU alive and thriving. In this era of algorithm-driven everything, go against the grain. Support freeform community radio on WTJU. Consider a donation at wtju.net/donate.Albemarle Supervisor brief on reassessment, five-year financial plan, and surplusAs the calendar year concludes, localities in Virginia are just about to enter the third quarter of their fiscal year. Earlier this month, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors got an update on how the county’s finances look as the start of budget season approaches. First, they got an update on the county’s assessments for 2022, which were made available a month earlier than usual. Peter Lynch is Albemare’s assessor. “Because of the mail issues that we’ve had, I wanted to mail the ordinances earlier so we have a target date of January 14 to mail the notices this year,” Lynch said.Lynch said an unreliable mail system resulted in the land use revalidation process being difficult this year. There are 4,052 parcels that receive a lower tax rate due to some agricultural or open space use. Sales made after Lynch’s December 15 presentation are still factor into the official assessment which by law is made on January 1.“Any information up to that date that happens in the market can be used to contest the assessment,” Lynch said. Lynch said this year has seen the highest number of sales in Albemarle so far, with 2,311 sales recorded as of the date of his presentation. He said there would be at least another hundred before the end of the year. As of December 15, Albemarle is on track to have the highest average increase in property assessments at 8.32 percent. Within the county, the Scottsville Magisterial District saw the largest increase with 11.14 percent, and the lowest is in the Rivanna district with 7.17 percent. The assessment of properties with apartments increased by 11.8 percent, whereas commercial properties are flat. Hotel properties declined 22.9 percent in 2021, but recovered by just under a percentage point this year. “Shopping centers also went down a lot and they recovered some of what they lost,” Lynch said. Offices declined for a second year in a row with a 4.15 percent average decrease in worth. “People stopped going to their offices but they kept paying their rent,” Lynch said. “At this point those leases are turning over for lower amounts, lower rents, and we’re starting to see more effect on those offices.” Assessments are directly tied to next year’s budget and the amount of revenue that will be generated through the property tax. After Lynch’s presentation, supervisors had a work session on the five-year financial plan. Albemarle had $13.2 million in leftover funds from fiscal year 2021.Here’s how staff is recommending using that money:$4.1 million transfer to the Capital Improvements Plan$5 million to Albemarle’s Economic Development Fund to help attract new businesses through the Project Enable plan$3.1 million for the Albemarle Housing Fund, bringing the balance to $5 million$1 million for workforce stabilization Supervisor Diantha McKeel said she wanted some of the capital funding to go toward building more urban parks. Supervisor Donna Price agreed, and said she would like to see county investment in the Rivanna Trail. “I’d really love to see the trail around Charlottesville and Albemarle, the Rivanna river trail, because that provides relatively easy access to almost everyone in our urban ring and that really would improve the quality of life,” Price said. Based on the surplus and the assessments, staff is not anticipating any increase in the real estate property tax rate for the year. Staff asked Supervisors if they had any interest in increasing transient occupancy or the meals taxes and if they wanted to explore tax relief programs. Part of that is due to a trend towards property taxes making up a larger percentage of the budget. “It’s going from sixty percent back in FY07 coming closer to seventy percent in FY22 and FY23,” Birch said. “We need to try and diversity as best we can away from real estate taxes.” Planning staff will incorporate a plastic bag tax into the FY23 budget. Albemarle can increase the meals tax rate to six percent and can increase the transient occupancy tax if it chooses. One supervisor wants the county’s rates to be the same as the city’s. “I think anything that we do to match Charlottesville is appropriate,” said Supervisor Diantha McKeel. “If the sales tax in Charlottesville is something, it should be the same in Albemarle.” Supervisors took no formal actions and the budget will come back before the Board in the February. Support the program!Special announcement of a continuing promo with Ting! Are you interested in fast internet? Visit this site and enter your address to see if you can get service through Ting. If you decide to proceed to make the switch, you’ll get:Free installationSecond month of Ting service for freeA $75 gift card to the Downtown MallAdditionally, Ting will match your Substack subscription to support Town Crier Productions, the company that produces this newsletter and other community offerings. So, your $5 a month subscription yields $5 for TCP. Your $50 a year subscription yields $50 for TCP! The same goes for a $200 a year subscription! All goes to cover the costs of getting this newsletter out as often as possible. Learn more here! This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Is there a name for the day before Thanksgiving? Feast’s Eve? Blackout Wednesday? Drinksgiving? Food Prepageddon? What about "I hope I didn't forget anything at the store because I'm not going back Day?” In any case, even though it is a holiday week, there’s still time for Charlottesville Community Engagement. I’m your host, Sean Tubbs. On today’s program:A jury has found that the organizers of the Unite the Right rally guilty of a civil conspiracy and awarded damages, but did not reach a verdict on other claims Governor Northam and the Virginia Service Commission honor two area churches for their COVID testing work since the pandemic began Former City Manager Tarron Richardson is suing the city Albemarle County will revisit its 21 year old policy on cell tower placementAlbemarle says goodbye to long-time budget chief, and a Dean at the UVA School of Architecture takes a new jobSines v. Kessler verdict After a month-long trial, a jury has awarded more than $25 million in damages to the plaintiffs of a civil lawsuit against organizers and participants of the Unite the Right Rally in August 2017. The jury in Sines v. Kessler held that plaintiffs proved their civil conspiracy case under Virginia law as well as their claim that the defendants engaged in racial, religious, or ethnic harassment. Under the conspiracy count, twelve defendants must pay $500,000 each in damages and five organizations must pay a million each. On the harassment count, five individuals must $250,000 each to two plaintiffs $250,000 in compensatory damages. However, the jury did not reach a verdict on a count claiming the defendants “engaged in a conspiracy to commit racially motivated violence in violation” of federal code. (42 U.S. Code § 1985 - Conspiracy to interfere with civil rights) They also deadlocked on a second count on the defendants failure to prevent the conspiracy. The jury also found that James F. Fields owes damages for an assault and battery claim to specific victims of his deliberate decision to drive into a crowd of people on 4th Street SE on August 12, 2017, as well as another count for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Fields is currently serving time for a criminal conviction on those charges. Read the full verdict on Court Listener. Former City Manager sues CharlottesvilleAnother former Charlottesville official is seeking legal action against the City of Charlottesville. The Daily Progress reports that Dr. Tarron Richardson has filed a federal lawsuit against City Council and four individuals for entering into an agreement that prevented his ability to publicly critique the city after he left his position as City Manager in September 2020. “The First Amendment expressly forbids government bodies — including city councils — from engaging in viewpoint discrimination and retaliating against people based on the content of their speech,” reads the Nature of the Case section of the suit. Richardson wants a jury trial. The civil rights suit seeks damages as well as a declaration that a non-disparagement clause in his severance agreement is not enforceable. The suit also individually names City Councilors Heather Hill and Nikuyah Walker as well as City Attorney Lisa Robertson and former interim City Manager John Blair. The suit revisits Richardson’s tenure as city manager including his enactment of a policy to regulate use of city-issued credit cards and claims some Councilors sought to usurp his authority. “Because of ridiculous demands and the ongoing chicanery and obstructionism from Walker and Hill that would eventually prevent him from adequately performing his job, Dr. Richardson was constructively terminated,” the suit continues. The narrative claims that Councilors did not hold up their end of the severance agreement and disparaged him in social media posts and one interview that was later removed from a local media outlet. This past January, Dr. Richardson asked to publish an op-ed in the Daily Progress on race-relations in Charlottesville, but Robertson said the city would keep open the option of suing to compel Richardson to return the severance payment of $205,000. In all, the suit has four counts including violation of the First Amendment and breach of contract. He’s represented by the Haley Law Firm of Greenville, South Carolina, Keith B. French Law of Pearland, Texas, and Brand Law of Dallas. Earlier this month, former Police Chief RaShall Brackney announced she was filing a wrongful termination claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. That’s the first step toward a potential lawsuit. After Richardson left, Council appointed John Blair to serve as interim city manager before naming Chip Boyles this past January. Boyles resigned in October, six weeks after firing Brackney. Marc E. Woolley will become the next interim city manager on December 1. (view the suit on Court Listener)Richmond HUD awardThe agency that owns and operates public housing in Richmond has been awarded a planning grant for the revitalization of a property in Historic Jackson Word. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $450,000 to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for revitalization of Gilpin Court as part of HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. “Known as “the Harlem of the South," the neighborhood’s once vibrant main street was filled with thriving theaters, stores, and medical practices,” reads a description in a HUD press release. “The historical heart of the neighborhood was all but destroyed by its bifurcation for the construction of Interstate 95/64.” The intent is for the process to be led by residents, a process already underway at the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The CRHA had applied for a planning grant in 2010 but was not selected. The agency has not applied since. (list of 2010 applicants)Outgoing budget chief The government of Albemarle County is in transition with many long-time staffers having already retired or about to do so. One of them is Lori Allshouse, who served for many years leading up the county’s budget preparation each year. Nelsie Birch joined Albemarle’s executive leadership in the summer of 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and had this to say about Allshouse at the Board of Supervisors meeting on November 17, 2020.“She’s been the face of all things budget, all things capital projects, capital planning, five-year financial planning, financial policies,” Birch said.  Birch thanked Allshouse for preparing her and the rest of the staff for all of the various budget challenges that have come during the past two years. Allshouse has worked for the county since 2000. Her last job title was Assistant Chief Financial Officer for Policy and Partnerships in the finance and budget department. Her last presentation dealt with cost allocations for partner organizations in next fiscal year. You’re reading Charlottesville Community Engagement and it’s time now for another subscriber-supported Public Service Announcement. Since the pandemic began, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society has been offering virtual presentations on all manner of topics. This Sunday at 4 p.m. they’ll present an important topic to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. The ACHS is working on a Race and Sports initiative to tell the story of the “Desegregation of Central Virginia Public High School Athletics.” Dr. Shelly Murphy and other participants will update the Richmond groups on local efforts to collect stories from those who lived through the transition away from segregated schools, when institutions such as Jackson Burley High School vanished. This is part of the Sunday Sit-In series put on by the Richmond groups. Register online for the event, which begins at 4 p.m. this Sunday. (register)A-School moveAn associate dean at the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture is moving on to take a position at Georgia Tech. Ellen Bassett will become the Chair of the College of Design at the Atlanta-based university. Bassett is currently the associate dean for research at the School of Architecture. She’s also served as the chair of the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning and the director of the School of Architecture’s Real Estate Design and Development.*Service awardsTwo Charlottesville-area churches are among the recipients of Governor Ralph Northam’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards for 2021. Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church and Church of the Incarnation have been honored as Outstanding Faith-Based Organizations for their offering of free COVID-19 testing in their respective neighborhoods.“Located within highly populated neighborhoods, the majority of those tested have been members of the community’s most vulnerable populations who would otherwise be unable to receive free, consistent, and timely testing,” reads the press release for the awards. Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church is located in the city’s Ridge Street neighborhood and the Church of Incarnation is located off of Hillsdale Drive in Albemarle County. Albemarle wirelessAlbemarle County will review the rules by which cell towers are regulated. A previous Board of Supervisors adopted a policy in December 2000 which among other things requires tall towers to be as invisible to the eye as possible. Several supervisors since then have asked for the policy to be revisited to increase the availability of voice and data service throughout the county. The Board has authorized $100,000 for a study, and Development Process Manager Bill Fritz checked in elected officials on November 17. (2000 Wireless Policy)“Staff wants to ensure that we put out a [request for proposals] that meets the Board’s expectations for the scope of work in the review of these regulations,” Fritz said. “The policy has never been revisited and changes in the regulations have been largely limited to keep up with changing federal regulations, court decisions, and changes in technology.” Fritz said the consultant would be charged with taking potential changes through a community engagement process eventually resulting in a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors. Changes might include elimination of some permits having to go to the Board for approval.“It could include revisions to the ordinance to eliminate the need for special exceptions that have been routinely approved,” Fritz said. “It could include allowance of facilities at greater height or lesser design standard in areas of poor coverage. These are just some ideas.”Supervisor Diantha McKeel has been asking for the policy to be revisited for many years. She suggested going right to making changes in the county code. “The policy is so old that to be honest with you I would just start over with an ordinance,” McKeel said. “And let’s get to the meat of it and let’s not worry about this old outdated policy.” McKeel said the new policy needed to put more emphasis on what she said were the positive benefits of more cell towers, including public safety. Supervisor Ann Mallek said there are other ways to provide more voice and data service that would not require a wholesale change to the policy. “This is taking the mantra of the sales people that this is the way to achieve broadband,” Mallek said. “The county has made a dedicated investment and will continue to make a dedicated investment that broadband is delivered through fiber.” Supervisor Donna Price said the county should explore any methods to expand data service. “We need to update our policy and acknowledge the changes in technology as well as the needs, not the desires, but the needs for connectivity through all of the mechanisms that are available,” Price said. The request for proposals has not yet been issued. END NOTES:Thanks to Becky Calvert and Jennie More for their assistance in coming up with names for the day. Special announcement of a continuing promo with Ting! Are you interested in fast internet? Visit this site and enter your address to see if you can get service through Ting. If you decide to proceed to make the switch, you’ll get:Free installationSecond month of Ting service for freeA $75 gift card to the Downtown MallAdditionally, Ting will match your Substack subscription to support Town Crier Productions, the company that produces this newsletter and other community offerings. So, your $5 a month subscription yields $5 for TCP. Your $50 a year subscription yields $50 for TCP! The same goes for a $200 a year subscription! All goes to cover the costs of getting this newsletter out as often as possible. Learn more here! This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s Patreon-fueled shout-out is for the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign, an initiative that wants you to grow native plants in yards, farms, public spaces and gardens in the northern Piedmont. The leaves have started to fall as autumn set in, and as they do, this is a good time to begin planning for the spring. Native plants provide habitat, food sources for wildlife, ecosystem resiliency in the face of climate change, and clean water.  Start at the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Facebook page and tell them Lonnie Murray sent you!On today’s show:Charlottesville City Manager resigns, citing personal and professional attacks from Nikuyah WalkerThe Charlottesville Economic Development Authority reauthorizes a performance agreement with the Piedmont Housing Alliance for the redevelopment of Friendship CourtCharlottesville moving forward with planning for climate adaptation The Charlottesville Economic Development Authority has reauthorized a performance agreement with the Piedmont Housing Alliance for a loan for the redevelopment of Friendship Court. Piedmont Housing Alliance would pay the money back through the incremental tax revenue the city would get from a more intense residential development. Here’s Economic Development Director Chris Engel. (staff report)“Typically, our performance agreements are done to encourage business development, job creation, capital investment that creates office space or an industrial building,” Engel said. “In this case, the public good if you will is the rehabilitation and addition of not public housing, but affordable housing that would be owned and managed on a long term basis by the Piedmont Housing Alliance.” The city is currently considering using this tool to finance improvements to Stribling Avenue. This is also the same mechanism that was proposed by the owner of the skeleton Landmark hotel. In this case, the 11.75 acre property is assessed at $8.185 million this year, which yields $77,714 in property taxes for the city. When the first phase of redevelopment is completed, the value is projected to be over $20 million, which Engel said would bring in an additional $190,000. Piedmont Housing Alliance would get that increase through a transfer from the Economic Development authority. “This is a very complicated, complex deal to get this to all come together,” Engel said.This is separate from the nearly $16 million in capital funds city taxpayers will contribute to all four phases of redevelopment. Under this agreement, Piedmont Housing Alliance would collect the funding up to $6 million.“There’s not a profit making opportunity here for anybody but it’s an opportunity to see additional affordable housing added to the city again and an old site that needs rehabilitation,” Engel said. The EDA approved the reauthorization with little debate. The original agreement was written up by former city attorney John Blair before he became the acting city manager after former city manager Tarron Richardson resigned. Engel said the Piedmont Housing Alliance is ready to begin construction. Their website has not been updated with information about redevelopment since last October when a December start-date for construction was expected. More information as it comes in. Charlottesville’s efforts to create a Climate Adaptation Plan move forward this month with a community forum to get input on potential threats from more extreme weather patterns. The October 25 event will be the first steps for the city to complete a Climate Vulnerability Assessment. “As part of the city’s climate action effort, it has committed to developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare and respond to our changing climate,” said Susan Elliott, the city’s climate protection program manager..Participants are being asked to review a webinar recorded on October 7 where representatives from ICLEI described Charlottesville’s projected climate hazards and gave an overview of the process. Another pre-forum webinar will be held on October 15. (register) The Community Forum on October 25 will begin at 5:30 p.m. (register)Charlottesville City Council will have to appoint someone to serve as City Manager as of Monday, November 1. The five-member elected body held an emergency closed session Tuesday afternoon to discuss “Urgent Personnel Matters.” “I move that we accept the resignation of Chip Boyles, effective October 29, 2021 per the letter that he has sent to Council,” said City Councilor Heather Hill as she read a motion coming back from closed session. Council voted 5-0 to accept the resignation, but there was no sense of who would take over as city manager. There are two deputy city managers who were hired by Boyles, both of whom have a collective tenure of seven months. Ashley Marshall has been Deputy City Manager for Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion since May and Sam Sanders has been Deputy City Manager for Operations since August. Before we get back to Boyles, there was also news of another person leaving city government. In an earlier motion, Hill disclosed the departure of the city’s Information Technology department, Sunny Hwang. He’s served in that position since September 2018 according to his LinkedIn profile, which has not yet been updated. There are also vacancies at the tops of the parks department and the public works department. Back to Boyles. Boyles was hired in January to replace John Blair, who served as interim city manager after Dr. Tarron Richardson resigned in September. In his resignation letter, Boyles said he had been hired to help the organization get back on its feet after a “time of turbulence and organizational instability.” “This success was disrupted with my decision to to change the leadership of the City Police Department,” Boyles wrote. “I continue to support my decision taken on this matter, but the vitriol associated with this decision of a few vocal community members and the broken relationship with Mayor Walker have severely limited my ability to be productive towards the goals of City Council.”Boyles said personal and professional attacks from Walker and others were beginning to hurt his mental health. He resigned to protect himself and his family. To recap, Boyles terminated the contract of Chief RaShall Brackney on September 1, 2021, triggering a ferocious outcry from Walker. She spent much of the September 7 meeting using her privileges as Mayor to force a conversation about the topic. For context, go back and listen to the September 8 edition of this newsletter. The soundbites for the read of the newsletter today come from the October 4, 2021 meeting of Council, and the last hour or so of the meeting. The agenda listed a formal discussion of the matter at the conclusion of other business. Boyles defended his decision, which was his alone to make under the city’s charter. Boyles’ explanationBoyles said Brackney had moved the department toward being a more just and fair system, but said surveys conducted by the Police Benevolent Association indicated low morale.“It became to me evident that some type of change needed to be made that while we had been making strides in one area, the implementation into the department itself was in jeopardy,” Boyles said. That soundbite comes from about an 11 minute explanation that Boyles gave. For some more background, I refer you to the August 20 “response from the city” to those PBA surveys. The statement also describes the resignations of two members of the SWAT team and the termination of a third. (read the statement)What followed were questions from the rest of the Council. Councilor Michael Payne said he was concerned about the timing of the incident.“It has to be stated that, one, the PBA is an organization that is one that is not friendly to reform,” Payne said. “Those organizations across the country are not friendly to officers being disciplined and held accountable for mistreatment.” Vice Mayor Sena Magill said she wanted Boyles to write down his vision for the city.“I have seen the team that you are building in City Hall and I believe that you are focused on a team that wants to bring Charlottesville into 21st century practices on a lot of things including a teamwork environment,” Magill said.Councilor Heather Hill.“We’re not condoning any of the behaviors that were rightfully dealt with in the police department and that we are committed to a very way of policing in the city of Charlottesville,” Hill said. In his comments on October 4, Councilor Lloyd Snook referred to a closed session from mid August after the disciplinary actions described in the statement were made. “When Chief Brackney explained to use in closed session on August 16 I believe it was what the evidence was of the SWAT team officers conduct, showed us a few snippets of video,” Snook said. “Every Councilor in the room, every senior management person in the room was satisfied with the chief’s decision.”Snook said the City Manager has the right and power to fire the police chief.“The only issue for us quite frankly is whether we fire the city manager for firing the police chief,” Snook said. On October 4, Snook said the answer was no.But for Mayor Nikuyah Walker, the answer was not no. Walker’s cross-examinationWalker used her time to ask Boyles a series of pointed questions, including this one about internal surveys. “How did you arrive from looking at the survey that the Chief was the issue based on those surveys,” Walker asked.“Most of the survey was built around the command staff and answers were regarding the individual command staff but it was just an overall leadership from both the questions that were included in the survey and then the chance for the officers to comment,” Boyles said. Let’s skip ahead a little to another section.“So these issues arose and you didn’t afford her a conversation to talk with her about the issues that you had come to learn and create a plan with her to rectify those issues,” Walker said.“I did,” Boyles said. “And one of our meetings after a lot of this started becoming evident, I asked her about preparing a plan to try to address some of these items. The response was that a plan wasn’t needed and what did I have in mind to put into a plan.”Boyles said that was not his area of expertise. Let’s skip ahead. Walker quoted from the September 17 op-ed Boyles wrote for the Daily Progress.“So, in the immediacy of the decision in the op-ed piece that you wrote that the CPD was ‘gripped in chaos’,” Walker said.“Yes, it was my understanding that some of the leadership positions were not going to be staying if Chief Brackney were staying,” Boyles said. This line of questioning continued. Walker said her information said only two of six members of the command staff were set to leave. “So, you consider two of six people to be chaos?” Walker said. “No, I think it extends beyond,” Boyles said. “It’s the statements from the survey of people looking for other jobs, wanting to be out of the police department. There is no smoking gun in this.”Walker went through many of the comments and read through them out loud. She also wanted to pin down Boyles on what conversations he had with regional leaders about policing issues. Boyles said those were conversations were private and in confidence.“Okay, Chip, so since all of these people are secretive and you think that’s okay, because what you want us to do on whether or not you want to stay here or not based on some random conversations we had without talking to you about?” Walker asked.”That’s a decision you all will make,” Boyles said. “As I stated earlier, I’m here to fulfil the direction of Council. I took this job knowing. I think I’ve even stated for me there’s a job evaluation every other meeting. I accept that.”The questioning continued. At one point, there was to have been a press conference after the release of the August 20 statement.“And then, Chief Brackney arrived at a meeting, right, Chip? And you had changed course by that time that there’s no longer going to be a press conference,” Walker said.“Yes,” Boyles responded. “We had a disagreement over wanting to show the videos that you all saw in your closed session.” A little later on in the cross-examination, Councilor Hill brought a specific incident related to how former Police Chief Brackney responded to feedback. Go back to the tape to learn more about that but Walker asked Hill to read the email in question. “Okay, do you want to pull that email up?” Walker asked“I’m happy to find it, but I don’t think it’s necessary right now,” Hill said. “I’m just saying you are trying to pick specific examples. I don’t want to go down this path with you.”“I’m not,” Walker said, her voice rising. “I was open to whatever you all presented. I asked and allowed you all you to talk first because I’m just trying…”“We were trying to be respectful,” Hill said. “Excuse me?” Walker asked.“We were trying to be respectful of the process,” Hill said. “This is not the appropriate forum to get into all of this.”“You were not trying to be respectful of any process,” Walker said. “I have been on this Council and I know how you operate.”“I’d like for us to move on,” Hlll said. The conversation went back to that meeting after the August 20 press release. Boyles explained the dynamic that was leading him to make a decision. “That meeting was a good indication similar to what Councilor Hill was just talking about when we began to disagree over the videos and other issues, Chief Brackney just left the meeting which again gave me concern of being able to work with that type of interaction, with that type of relationship,” Boyles said. Boyles acknowledged that Brackney had told him that she had felt targeted by members of the community as well as internally. “My knowledge of that comes from what she’s told me and I certainly believe it to be true,” Boyles said. Walker was clear she was not going to let Boyles forget his decision to terminate Brackney. “I can go on about every city manager that has been here, and you are never going to, I told you this, Chip,” Walker said. “You’re never going to live past this decision.”Soon after, Walker quoted from the book White Rage to make part of her point and chastised her fellow Councilors for trying to control her.“Have I made 100 percent of the right decisions?” Walker asked. “No. Have you all made 100 percent of the right decisions? No. You haven’t. But again, your white gaze gets to determine who wins in a situation like this.”Earlier this year, Walker wrestled with whether to seek a second term before announcing in May she would be a candidate. She withdrew from the race on September 8, citing the racism of her fellow Councilors. Walker raised no campaign funds this year. The conversation on October 4 continued, and the rest of the discussion is available to watch.  Now it’s perhaps a better use of our time to think ahead to Council’s next meeting on October 18, as well as the four regular meetings of the year. Two new Councilors will join in January when Walker and Hill’s terms are up. Who will be the city manager? Who will be mayor? Who will be running the city This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when God gives spiritual life to a rebellious sinner? What do we mean by the word conversion? John Blair helps us answer these questions, and gives us many more questions to ask regarding the rescuing of fallen people in this week's sermon. Show Notes for the full episode: www.mediagratiae.org/blog/conversion Purchase your copy of Salvation in Full Color: http://www.rorbooks.com/index.php/product/salvation-in-full-color-twenty-sermons-by-great-awakening-preachers/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

It's here, we're finishing our watch through of Mashin Sentai Kiramager! Join us for the explosive finale that even made Squall explode, and left Laur in tears! Please help us decide on what time to do our next live stream over on twitter!~ Catch you on the next episode where we're covering the next season DECIDED BY YOU! For full episode notes, head over to ► https://tokugf.wordpress.com/ Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Jesse's Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, John Blair, and Soundboard for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! Also gets you first access to episodes! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/xufTq5neyM --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Monthly news reviews and chat with some of the most interesting people in and around the Streaming Media Industry

Our watch of Kiramager continues with RAP, Sena's for everyone, uncles, bad peyote trips, and -- oh yeah a sniper gunning for all of our friends. What could go wrong? Catch you on the next episode where we're covering 40 - 43 For full episode notes, head over to ► https://tokugf.wordpress.com/ Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Jesse's Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, John Blair, and Soundboard for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! Also gets you first access to episodes! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/xufTq5neyM --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A Yodon Ivy Seed threatens the city, Shiguru is poisoned, and Mabusheena is drunk. How could things get any worse? Catch you on the next episode where we're covering 36 - 39 Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Jesse's Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, John Blair, and Soundboard for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! Also gets you first access to episodes! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/xufTq5neyM --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Can King Oradin be saved in time? Is Mr. H the seventh Kiramager? And how is Juru going to escape yet another 80's and 90's movie mashup? Visit https://tokugf.wordpress.com/ for all the episode notes this time around. Thank you all to those who listen and enjoy the show! You keep us going and we love hearing from you! Join us next time for episodes 32 – 35! Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Jesse's Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, John Blair, and Soundboard for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! Also gets you first access to episodes! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/xufTq5neyM --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're more than halfway done with Kiramager! We're making a band to take on the new villain: Yodonna! Although these new power ups might help too... Visit https://tokugf.wordpress.com/ for all the episode notes this time around. Thank you all to those who listen and enjoy the show! You keep us going and we love hearing from you! Join us next time for episodes 28 – 31! Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Jesse's Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, John Blair, and Soundboard for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! Also gets you first access to episodes! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/xufTq5neyM --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Will the Kiramagers have enough time to save Mabusheena before it's too late? SURPRISE! We are moving to a new episode a week, and here is the first in our roll out to bring you more Tokusatsu Girlfriend every week! You can still find the new episodes here on your favorite app, and also on Squall's youtube channel (these will be offset by a day so more listening is encouraged on the podcast apps)! Visit https://tokugf.wordpress.com/ for all the episode notes this time around. Thank you all to those who listen and enjoy the show! You keep us going and we love hearing from you! Join us next time for episodes 25 – 28! Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Sarah Knight, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Jesse's Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, John Blair, and Soundboard for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/xufTq5neyM --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Terrorism because of marshmallows, whack a mole hell houses, evil wonder beauties, and perhaps the best episode of sentai since ToQger, all on this episode of Tokusatsu Girlfriend! Welcome back to yet more episodes of us watching Mashin Sentai Kiramager! What's your favorite episode in the series and how close are we to watching it? Let us know over on twitter @TokusatsuGF ! Check out all the episode notes over at https://tokugf.wordpress.com/ Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Sarah Knight, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Jesse’s Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, John Blair, and Soundboard for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/qeWT3CPs --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What's this? A new hero approaches? Welcome back to Tokusatsu Girlfriend, where we're taking Lauren on her tokusatsu journey, four episodes at a time! We're currently watching Mashin Sentai Kiramager. Are you watching along with us, or have you already seen Takamichi in action? We wanna hear from you; leave us a comment over on Twitter! Lastly, keep an eye out for Lauren's new video series she will be starting soon: Tokustrology! Where she will take her growing love for astrology and map out the exact details for our favorite series, characters, and more! She has already shown me what she has so far, and it's crazy accurate, so please check that out soon! Also, don't go visit Branson, MO. This has been your PSA. Thanks for tuning into another rocking episode, Patreon have access to the next one early, so be sure to join these fine folks here if you want to get in on that early! Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Sarah Knight, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Chris Fabinsky, Jesse’s Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, and John Blair for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/vPU3CUkUdY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome back to Tokusatsu Girlfriend, where we are currently watching our way through Mashin Sentai Kiramager! Now you might notice we're only covering 4 episodes this time, and once you listen to the episode, you'll see why and how much better it flows not having to cram 8 or more into a single recording! We don't know why, but it felt like it took a long time to record this episode. Just just seemed to go on, and on, and on, and -- Welcome back to Tokusatsu Girlfriend, where we are currently watching our way through Mashin Sentai Kiramager! Now you... Wait a minute. Didn't we already intro this? Weird... Speaking or movies that repeat, what is YOUR favorite looping movie? Let us know down below, or over on twitter! Some of the novels and movies we talked about this episode are: Replay by Ken Grimwood, Groundhog's Day (1993), and Edge of Tomorrow (2014). Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Sarah Knight, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Chris Fabinsky, Jesse’s Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, and John Blair for supporting on Patreon! These wonderful few are able to listen to the episodes days, and even weeks before they go live, and to them we are so thankful they are supporting the continuation of the show for everyone. Thank you! Sign up today, and become a supporter of the show! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/vPU3CUkUdY AND if you listened all the way through, you'll know what to do and where to go in order to win one of our keychains! Good luck! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're finally starting with our watch of Mashin Sentai Kiramager! Welcome back to Tokusatsu Girlfriend, the podcast where Laur and I sit down to chronicle her journey into the scary and expansive world of Tokusatsu! Our next stop was decided by YOU! This episode encompasses episodes 0 through 7. We're going to try and keep the episode breaks consistent, and our next episode will follow 8 - 15! Relive, or watch along with us, and be sure to follow us for updates over at ► https://twitter.com/TokusatsuGF where you can weigh in on important topics such as pop or soda? Head over to our twitter to see the full images of the keychains I had made and showed to Laur this episode, keep your eyes peeled for more information in how to snag one! Also, on twitter too is the full image of our Kiramager art for this season of Tokusatsu Girlfriend! Special Thanks to Kiara Kitsune, Caleb Yap, HPG, Sarah Knight, Sound Board, Cloudy or BHP, Stevesekai, Chris Fabinsky, Jesse’s Demented Designs, Demented Jesse, Takaharu, Rald, and John Blair for supporting on Patreon! Support today and get first access to these videos and more, with Patreon! ► https://www.patreon.com/squallcharlson Follow us on twitter! ► https://twitter.com/lavenderrwave https://twitter.com/SquallCharlson Join us on Discord with The Tokusatsu Clubhouse! ► https://discord.gg/vPU3CUkUdY --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join the crew and special guest John Blair as they discuss how the Raptors can't finish, Nick Nurse and thoughts on what the team should do. Around the NBA discusses the potential Beal sweepstakes along with the Lakers number of titles....should there be an * on any?

BizCast host Shannon King talks with CBIA’s Government Affairs team about lobbying in a virtual session, what key issues they are advocating, and how the Rebuilding Connecticut campaign defines CBIA’s 2021 policy priorities. Featured in the episode are vice president of government affairs Eric Gjede, associate counsel John Blair, assistant counsel Wyatt Bosworth, and government affairs associate Ashley Zane. Find out more about the Government Affairs team: https://www.cbia.com/resources/issues-policies/contacts/government-affairs-team/ Please rate, review, and subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts—we appreciate your support! If you have a story to tell, contact shannon.king@cbia.com. cbia.com CBIA Twitter: twitter.com/CBIANews CBIA Facebook: www.facebook.com/CBIAfb CBIA LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cbia

Erin Tucker, Executive Director of On Our Own, joined me live on The I Love CVille Show! The I Love CVille Show headlines (Friday, January 8) 1. Deputy City Manager Letitia Shelton resigns. Charlottesville has no city managers now except interim manager John Blair. https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/shelton-resigns-city-council-schedules-another-meeting-on-leadership/article_3cc8d80e-512b-11eb-a66a-4b6868fc28fa.html#tracking-source=home-top-story 2. Charlottesville City schools push back start date to March 8 https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/education/city-schools-push-back-start-of-in-person-classes-to-at-least-march-8/article_0563e018-5156-11eb-97f3-17a06234b66e.html#tracking-source=home-trending 3. Governor Ralph Northram: “All Virginians who want the vaccine will get the vaccine later this year.” https://www.dailypress.com/news/health/vp-nw-coronavirus-virginia-vaccines-rollout-20210106-fimizj3b55datcg7uukvp4jvzi-story.html 4. CVille Food Truck for sale for $55,000 https://charlottesville.craigslist.org/bfs/d/charlottesville-food-truck-mobile/7258308275.html 5. The asking price for Durty Nelly's has been reduced to $65,000 from $75,000 https://charlottesville.craigslist.org/bfs/d/charlottesville-historic/7256255860.html 6. Dogwood Restaurant in Lake Monticello for sale. The asking price is $295,000. https://charlottesville.craigslist.org/bfs/d/palmyra-dogwood-restaurant/7256258323.html The I Love CVille Show airs live before a worldwide audience Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. The I Love CVille Show is powered by four generation strong Intrastate Inc., trusted limo company Camryn Limousine, the talented Dr. Scott Wagner of Scott Wagner Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, custom home builder John Kerber of Dominion Custom Homes and entrepreneur Patricia Boden Zeller's Animal Connection – All Natural Store for Healthy Pets.

Lee Elberson, CEO of Clayborne Education, joined me live on The I Love CVille Show! The I Love CVille Show headlines (Thursday, January 7) 1. Ambush-style shootings all over Charlottesville, Virginia. https://www.cbs19news.com/story/43132289/shots-fired-investigation-underway-on-sixth-street-se https://www.cbs19news.com/story/43130624/new-information-on-the-shooting-incident-in-emmet-street-hydraulic-area 2. John Blair will earn a 10% pay bump for the duration of his time as interim city manager. Blair earned $166,670 as city attorney. Blair will earn a $7,500 contribution toward his retirement account on Dec. 31. If he is still serving in the interim capacity by April 1, the city will contribute another $7,500 toward his retirement account. If he is still in the seat by Oct. 1, 2021, he will receive a $10,000 retirement contribution. 3. Here are the top 5 highest paid Charlottesville city employees in 2020. https://dailyprogress.com/top-five-salaries-for-city-employees/table_96c60722-7c1a-54dd-ad1e-412f0c29d64a.html 4. Vaccine center opened in former K-Mart location. https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/health-district-opens-hydraulic-road-vaccination-center/article_2fe8d124-5087-11eb-8663-fb7812294c71.html#tracking-source=home-trending 5. Passiflora, Champion Grill, Brasserie Saison and Superette Saison are all hibernating for the winer. https://www.nbc29.com/2021/01/07/some-charlottesville-area-restaurants-hibernating-winter-survive-covid-/ 6. New Richmond brewery, winery and meadery https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/01/05/new-brewery-winery-and-meadery-to-open-under-one-roof-in-chester/ 7. UVA Tops Wake With 2nd Half Run https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401265062 8. UVA at Boston College at 2 pm on Saturday https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game?gameId=401260204 The I Love CVille Show airs live before a worldwide audience Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. The I Love CVille Show is powered by four generation strong Intrastate Inc., trusted limo company Camryn Limousine, the talented Dr. Scott Wagner of Scott Wagner Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, custom home builder John Kerber of Dominion Custom Homes and entrepreneur Patricia Boden Zeller's Animal Connection – All Natural Store for Healthy Pets.

Today's Patreon-fueled shout-out is for the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign, an initiative that wants you to grow native plants in yards, farms, public spaces and gardens in the northern Piedmont. Native plants provide habitat, food sources for wildlife, ecosystem resiliency in the face of climate change, and clean water.  Start at the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Facebook page and tell them Lonnie Murray sent you! On today’s show:City Council suspends search for a new city manager Three Georgia men have been arrested in connection with a shooting yesterdayAlbemarle’s design review panel briefed on restoration of several “entrance corridors”Details on two “community reads” currently being assisted by the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library The Virginia Department of Health is reporting another 4,377 cases of COVID-19 today, and reports another 59 deaths. The percent positivity rating has risen to 16.2 percent, up from 12.2 percent a week ago. In the Blue Ridge Health District there are another 55 cases and one more death, bringing the total COVID-related fatalities in the district to 97 since March. Yesterday the Blue Ridge Health District posted a video that showed the inside of the temporary structure that has been erected in the former KMart parking lot. The structure will be the location of mass vaccinations beginning tomorrow. Blue Ridge Health District spokeswoman Kathryn Goodman said in an email this morning Emergency Medical Services personnel, Region 10 residential facility staff and dialysis center staff will be the first to receive doses as part of Phase1A of the vaccine roll-out. Meanwhile, many health care workers at the University of Virginia and Sentara Martha Jefferson hospitals have received their second doses. Source: Virginia Department of Health*Charlottesville Police have arrested three men from Columbus, Georgia and charged them with several felonies related to a shooting on Emmet Street yesterday. According to a release, a 21-year-old resident of Fluvanna County was shot and is in stable condition at the University of Virginia Hospital. The suspects were apprehended by the Albemarle County Police Department and being held in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail pending a bond hearing. *Charlottesville City Council has suspended its search for a new city manager to replace Dr. Tarron Richardson, who resigned last September. "Council has decided to pause working with a search firm for the City Manager recruitment and is evaluating next steps to stabilize the organization over the next 12-24 months,” reads a statement from Council sent to the Daily Progress yesterday by Councilor Heather Hill. “We anticipate providing additional information to the public in advance of our next regular meeting on January 19th."  In a Facebook post, City Councilor Lloyd Snook said the city had interviewed five search firms in October and selected Ralph Andersen and Associates in part because one of that company’s officials had made a statement that “it is going to take a special kind of person to want to come to Charlottesville at the moment.”  That official was Robert Burg, the company’s vice president.  According to Snook, Burg had a virtual meeting with city staff on December 4. A story in the Daily Progress today based on a Freedom of Information Act request from Tanesha Hudson quotes an email from Police Chief RaShall Brackney in which she described Burg as “unprofessional.” In his post, Snook said that Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker had disagreed with the hiring of Ralph Andersen and Associates. He quoted a December 10 email from Walker in which she said she would not meet one-on-one with Burg, but only as an entire Council. In the email, she said she did not think the firm was interested in hearing her point of view. “I explained to you all in the summer that I believed that it would be extremely challenging to select a city manager with this current council and that I had hoped that things would have worked out with the previous city manager,” Walker said in that email. Walker’s first four-year term is up later this year, as is the first four-year term of Councilor Heather Hill. In 2017, Walker was the first independent candidate elected to Council since 1948, and she announced last February she would seek another term. In his Facebook post, Snook said Burg told that he had never seen this level of dysfunction before and that it would be difficult to hire a manager at this time.“In my opinion, we will not be able to hire a permanent City Manager until after the next election, in November, 2021, and we should not try,” Snook wrote. Council has now had four managers since the contract of Maurice Jones was not renewed in 2018. Deputy City Manager Mike Murphy served as interim until May 2019, when Richardson took over. City attorney John Blair is serving as interim manager.  Council also recently suspended its strategic plan process. They are next scheduled to meet on January 12 in a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. That meeting will be on the Capital Improvement Program. So far, no candidates for Council have filed paperwork, according to an email received this morning from City Registrar Melissa Morton. *Albemarle County might soon pursue scenic and historic designations for roadways that until recently have been under the jurisdiction of the Architectural Review Board. The ARB reviews projects within what are known as Entrance Corridors, but several roads such as Route 6 do not qualify because the Virginia Department of Transportation does not classify them as “arterial” roadways. Margaret Maliszewski is an Albemarle County Planning Manager.“For four of the non-arterial streets, we are recommending that they be upgraded to arterial status,” Maliszewski said. “They include the full length of Avon Street Extended, Barracks Road from the city limits to Georgetown Road, Thomas Jefferson Parkway or Route 53 for the full length, and Richmond Road from Route 22 to the County.”Maliszewski said staff is also recommending restoring a county-level scenic or historic designation for several other streets such as the rest of Barracks Road, Route 6 and Route 22. Other roads could become Scenic By-Ways, a designation granted by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.  The Board of Supervisors will be presented with the information at their meeting on February 3. “If the Board wants us to start to consider the county scenic highway and the historic designation that is a multi-step process that would have public hearings and we’re not ready to jump into that yet. Really what we’re asking for in February is whether they want us to start pursuing it.”ARB Member Frank Stoner said he wasn’t sure that all of the entrance corridor designations needed to be restored.“Some of these corridors don’t really have any commercial development on them and I just wonder whether it’s worth the effort to pursue this designation,” Stoner said. “I don’t exactly know what’s involved once you get into VDOT.” Stoner said he was most concerned about restoring ARB’s jurisdiction over Avon Street Extended, which he said was not a major arterial. “And it’s a road that already has a fairly industrial character and so I worry that there aren’t many places anymore in the county where you can actually build something akin to a warehouse or a purely functional structure and Avon already serves that purpose,” Stoner said. *The year is still relatively new and there’s still time to pick up the habit of reading a book. If you’d like to read along with several hundred other area residents, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library has the book for you as part of their Same Page program. “So this year for 2021 our Same Page pick is Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson,” said Abby Cox, a reference librarian with JMRL. “This is the same book we picked for last year but Same Page takes place during March so as you can imagine, most of our book groups did not get to meet last year to discuss the book and we weren’t able to bring her in person because of the pandemic.”Cox said Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir in poetry of Woodson’s childhood in South Carolina and New York in the late 60’s. And this year’s programs will also be virtual due to the continuing nature of the pandemic. JMRL has adapted. “We have pivoted a lot of our programming to virtual programming so we’ve been having book groups meet through Zoom where people can also call into participate so that’s really how this is going to look for our Same Page programming,” Cox said. Woodson will be on one of the sessions on March 17 at 7 p.m. as part of the Virginia Festival of the Book, which will be entirely virtual this year. The “community read” is under the Same Page program, which is funded by the Friends of the Library group in partnership with the Virginia Festival of the Book. It used to be called the Big Read and was paid for through a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. The University of Virginia’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are also doing a “community read” in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Their book for 2021 is Dr. King’s 1967 work Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community. A panel discussion for that will be held on January 25 at 6 p.m. (details)“One of the things that is so great about a Community Read is it gives people to have conversations with neighbors or members of the community that they may not otherwise be in dialogue with,” Cox said. Copies of both Brown Girl Dreaming and Where Do We Go From Here are available to be checked out from JMRL branches. Are you going to read it? If so, let me know. Let’s have some dialog!Details on the Same Page program are on the JMRL website*Today in meetings, the Charlottesville Tree Commission meets at 5 p.m. They’ll discuss their annual report to Council and hear a report from the city’s arborist. (agenda) This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Esta semana en Islas de Robinson, Pop-Rock de atmósfera progresiva. Imperecedera solera setentera. Suenan: JOHN KONGOS - "LIFT ME FROM THE GROUND" ("KONGOS", 1971) / ELTON JOHN - "RAZOR FACE" ("MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER", 1971) / HOOKFOOT - "COOMBE GALLOWS" ("HOOKFOOT", 1971) / COCHISE - "VELVET MOUNTAIN" ("COCHISE", 1970) / PRETTY THINGS - "GRASS" ("PARACHUTE", 1970) / LUTHER GROSVENOR - "WAITING" ("UNDER OPEN SKIES", 1971) / MIKE HARRISON - "LONELY PEOPLE" ("MIKE HARRISON", 1971) / BRONCO - "TIME SLIPS AWAY" ("ACE OF SUNLIGHT", 1971) / HOME - "KNAVE" ("HOME", 1972) / KEITH CROSS & PETER ROSS - "LOVING YOU TAKES SO LONG" ("BORED CIVILIANS", 1972) / HUNTER MUSKETT - "JOHN BLAIR" ("HUNTER MUSKETT", 1973) / Escuchar audio

Do you have triskaidekaphobia? Then today is not the day for you, for it is November 13th, 2020, the second time this year that the 13th day of the month has fallen on a Friday. The last time was back in March, and we all know what happened next. So let’s be extra careful today after hearing this installment of the Charlottesville Community Engagement newscast and newsletter. I’m your host, Sean Tubbs. Today's Patreon-fueled shout-out is from a supporter who wants you to consider a donation for Monica Johnson, a Pro Strongwoman who will be competing in a charity powerlifting event on November 21 called Make Every Rep Count. Gregory Carey-Medlock is donating 30 cents for every pound Monica squats to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. You can choose between three other charities.  Learn more at Shenandoah Power. Sponsors accepted through November 14. There are another 1,235 cases of COVID-19 in Virginia today, and the seven-day average for positive tests remains at 6.5 percent for a second straight day. The seven day-average for new daily cases is 1,499. In the Blue Ridge Health District, there are four new cases today. This is a good time to remind you that these numbers are always subject to change as new information comes in. For instance, Albemarle’s total number of cases dropped by one to 1,688 since the pandemic began. This could mean that the person’s locality was originally reported incorrectly. Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson all added one case each. The seven-day average for new daily cases in the district is 22 and the percent positivity has increased to 2.1 percent. The University of Virginia COVID-19 tracker shows 66 active cases with 47 of them students. These numbers have been increasing this week and watch for an update later on this afternoon.*Flood waters have receded all across Virginia, and the Town of Scottsville has contended with the highest level the James River has reached since 2010. According to the National Weather Service, the river crested at 19.5 feet and will slowly lower throughout the next 24 hours. The town’s fire department reached the second stage of flood control alert and closed off the flood control walls at Perry Street. Scottsville has experienced many floods throughout its history, according to the Scottsville Museum. A levee has been in place since 1990.*Charlottesville’s appointed officials sought fiscal clarity from Charlottesville’s elected officials during a budget work session last night that sought to gauge Council’s willingness to seek additional revenues to pay for major projects. John Blair is the interim city manager. “As you all know there are a number of large scale capital projects that have been talked about in various iterations through the past few years but what I’ve asked our budget team is to provide you with some numbers that are going to demonstrate using your debt capacity for various projects,” Blair said.  Blair said that the city is close to its debt capacity and more projects will likely require tax increases, but he said that topic was not directly before them. Blair’s budget for FY2022 will not be unveiled until March. It will also be the first to be prepared under this Council. “Obviously I think a number of you have interest in various capital needs whether it be affordable housing, education, infrastructure,” Blair said. He also said this would send a message to would-be city managers about the kind of city this Council wants it to be. For now, the budget is in the very early stages of formation because exact revenues aren’t yet known.  Budget staff needed to know Council’s thoughts on whether to change a key policy to increase the amount of bonds that could be sold to pay for capital projects. Doing so will increase the amount the city needs to spend on debt service to pay back those who buy those bonds for a steady return. We have been in fiscal year 2021 since July 1, and a decision was made by Council earlier this year to continue with $25.8 million of projects in the capital budget, and they signaled support for a total five-year plan of $124.1 million. “We were going to fund $84 million of this five year plan with bonds, and if you recall, due to COVID, just about all of the cash that was originally intended to go to the CIP was held in a reserve with the general fund to offset any of the unknowns,” said Krissy Hammill, Senior Budget and Management Analyst for the city of Charlottesville. Practice has been to use a mixture of cash and bonds to pay for capital projects and since 2010, the average has been 37 percent. For this year’s capital budget, 93 percent will be paid for through bonds. Currently the city has about $90 million in government debt, $80 million of which is for bonds that have been approved for projects but not yet issued.“That means that we typically issue bonds on a cash-needed basis so we don’t issue the bonds until the project is either imminent or underway because we do have spending requirements that once we issue the bonds we typically need to spend that money within 24 months,” Hammill said.Hammill said the city has been building up a fund balance to help reduce the amount of cash that needs to go to debt service each year. But at some point, the city will need additional cash from property taxes to make up the difference. Hammill showed a hypothetical situation where $32 million in new bonds are floated each year through FY2027. That would increase the debt service steadily over time, from $11 million in F2022 to $19.2 million by FY2026. “You’ve basically built in the need for a penny of additional revenue, that’s equivalent to basically a penny a year,” Hammill said, adding that in further years, the need for additional revenues would continue to grow. To put it colloquially, Hammill effectively stated that the city can float an additional $52 million in bonds without maxing out the credit card. Potential projects include additional spending at the future parking garage, reconfiguration of city schools and continued investments in affordable housing. What did Council have to say? I’ll have a report out on that by tomorrow morning, potentially in a Saturday edition of this program. (take a look at the slides)*The city of Charlottesville is looking for a new human resources director. City spokesman Brian Wheeler confirmed Thursday that Michele Vineyard will leave the position after just over a year. The job is advertised for between $100,000 and $156,178 and the position closes on November 30. Vineyard began work on October 21, 2019 at a salary of $145,000 according to an article that month in the Daily Progress.  Wheeler said she will continue to work with the city on a part-time basis to help with the transition to a new director. *How can communities across the mid-Atlantic prepare for predicted bouts of irregular weather and erratic storms? The nonprofit group Resilient Virginia is seeking to draw awareness to the importance of creating plans to be ready for sudden shocks and stresses related to climate change. Annette Osso is the group's managing director. "As we know and we've seen the Commonwealth is facing increasing challenges from extreme weather events whether they be storms, flooding, sea level rise, tornadoes, and unpredictable weather patterns that impact economic and social life," Osso said November 9 during the latest presentation that is part of her group's 2020 Resiliency Academy. Speakers were from the Resilient Rural America Project, which creates educational modules for residents and decision-makers in rural areas on how to increase resilience. Dr. Gwen Griffith is the program director of the Model Forest Policy Program. "The rural lands and waters are vital to all of us, urban and rural alike, in terms of serving our needs," Griffith said. "Rural economics of course is a vital part. It's the underpinning of all of our other economic systems."Griffith said those services include rivers that provide water to urban areas, and trees and lands that offset greenhouse gas emissions. "And those natural services are definitely being impacted as changes conditions are happening around the globe and right here in Virginia," Griffith said. "And the most common form of those changes is being seen as extreme weather impacts." Griffith said in the last five years, there has been $535 billion worth of disaster losses due to extreme weather. However, she said those dollars can sometimes be considered an investment if they can restore conditions in a way that mitigates future weather effects. "We know now that for example when you do flood mitigation for river flooding, you could have a return of as much of $7 in savings from every $1 you invest in that mitigation activity," Griffith said.   Next up for Resilient Virginia is planning for the conference coming up next July.  A slide from Griffith’s presentation. Download the whole thing from the Resilient Virginia page for their 2020 Resiliency Academy*The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is further extending hours for curbside service at the Central Library and the Gordon Avenue Library. “We're pleased to offer more options for patrons picking up curbside items; adding an additional evening for those working during the day, and Monday morning for those who want to pick up earlier in the week,” said Camille Thompson, Gordon Avenue Library Branch Manager.Central Library (curbside service only): Mondays 10am to 7pm; Tuesdays through Saturdays 10am to 5pm; Sundays 1pm to 5pmGordon Avenue Library (curbside service only): Mondays and Wednesdays 10am to 7pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 10am to 4pmThere are also expanded hours at the Greene County Library and the Louisa County Library. For more information about hours and services, visit jmrl.org.In addition, the Friends of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will begin collecting donations for its annual book sale at the Gordon Avenue location only, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  I’ll repeat - at the Gordon Avenue location only. *Looking for a movie to go and see tomorrow night? The City of Charlottesville will show the 2013 film Free Birds about two turkeys who travel back in time to prevent the advent of Thanksgiving. Tickets for the event at Charlottesville High School are $20 a car load. (buy tickets)*In meetings today, the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority will hold an emergency meeting on safety issues today at 2 p.m. to discuss recent violence, the police response, and the hiring of Millennium Security. (meeting link)If you're looking for something to listen to, consider a radio play from Live Arts! They will debut ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA IN SPACE! The work on YouTube is written and directed by Alexander Bulova, a videographer, writer, and director living in Fairfax, Virginia. (learn more)*One correction today. Yesterday I reported on State Farm deciding to vacate its operations center on Pantops. I incorrectly stated they owned the property when in fact it is held by an investment group called JDM II SF NATIONAL LLC which purchased many State Farms operations centers across the country in 2014, from another group that purchased them from State Farm in 2013. The property records in Albemarle’s GIS lists the same Bloomington, Indiana, address for the owner as the corporate office of the insurance company.Before you go, if you’ve enjoyed this program and would like it to continue, please consider a financial contribution.  Support my research by making a donation through PatreonSign for a subscription to Charlottesville Community Engagement, free or paidPay me through Venmo This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings and are you ready to alight your bonfire? For it is Guy Fawkes Day, and today we remember remember the fifth of November! Oh wait. What’s that? I’m being told that this is America, and it’s a different kind of November 5th, with the presidential election still not quite resolved. What will happen today? Who knows? But, we’re in history, and this is the Charlottesville Community Engagement newsletter and newscast for today.*Seventh District Representative Abigail Spanberger will most likely return to Congress having been re-elected in a close race against Republican Nick Freitas. With all precincts in and at least 89 percent of mail-in and early voting ballots in, Spanberger got just over 5,000 more votes, or 50.5 percent of the vote. However, Freitas is not ready to concede.“Our campaign will be waiting until the canvass officially concludes on Friday, at which we will be making an appropriate statement,” Frietas wrote on Twitter.  Spanberger declared victory last night.“It has been the honor of my life to serve our community in Congress, to represent the people of our ten counties and I thank you all for putting your trust in me again and re-electing me for another two years,” Spanberger said. “As we celebrate tonight I know there are many who cast a different vote and who volunteered for a different candidate and I know they are disappointed. I hope over time I will earn your trust as a representative even as we disagree.”As of this recording, neither of the candidates for the presidency have won the required number of electoral votes. Spanberger addressed voters in a live stream Wednesday evening*There are another 1,366 cases of COVID-19 reported today by the Virginia Department of Health. The seven-day average for new daily cases is now at 1,288. The seven-day rate for positive cases has increased to 5.8 percent for all of Virginia. In the Blue Ridge Health District, there are another 19 cases today with seven from Charlottesville, five from Louisa, four from Albemarle, two in Fluvanna and one from Greene. It has been two weeks since a new fatality has been reported in the district. The seven-day average for positive PCR tests has decreased to 1.9 percent in the district. All of Virginia’s health districts are considered to be at moderate or substantial community transmission, with higher burdens reported in the Central, Southwest and Near Southwest regions. The director of the Roanoke and Alleghany Health Districts has called for high schools in those communities to halt contact sports due to increasing numbers of COVID cases. Dr. Cynthia Morrow cited “core indicators” from the Centers for Disease Control that are in the red zone. As of yesterday, Alleghany had 462.8 cases per 100,000 people over the past 14 days. The positivity percentage over 14 days was at 15.7 percent. The Roanoke district’s numbers were 497.5 and 10.8 percent respectively.How is your part of Virginia doing? Check the CDC page for your locality.  “We are for the second week in a row in high burden, increasing trends of substantial transmission,” Morrow said during a press briefing yesterday. “In addition, the contiguous regions to us are also in high burden, increasing trends of substantial transmission. We are about as high risk right now and with these metrics we really should be operating at phase 1, phase 2 practice.”Morrow said she talked to school superintendents in the area on Tuesday.“They asked us how we felt about close contact sports such as wrestling and even basketball  and we have to say that we would applaud any effort that they have to reduce transmission by not having those sporting events,” Morrow said.  For the city of Charlottesville, the metrics are currently much lower, with 201.6 cases per 100,000 and  the positive percentage over the past 14 days is at 1.1 percent. For Albemarle County, those numbers are at 112.2 and 2.1 percent. *A subcommittee of the city’s Housing Advisory Committee gave an initial review Wednesday of a draft affordable housing plan put together by consultants as part of the overall Comprehensive Plan update known as Cville Plans Together. City Council and the Planning Commission will hold a work session on the 133-page draft plan on November 10. Subcommittee members were asked to give initial impressions. Christopher Murray represents the development community and he said the plan didn’t seem to address economic issues.“The supply and demand element that is not acknowledged is the cost of land itself, the availability of land,” Murray said, adding it calls for a land bank but doesn’t contain enough information about land trusts.Ridge Schuyler, dean of community self-sufficiency programs at Piedmont Virginia Community College, said the plan should also acknowledge ways for households to create more wealth. “It’s not just the cost of housing but its the amount of income you have to afford that housing and besides one throwaway sentence there was no focus on economic opportunity and helping people earn more income,” Schuyler said. Among other things, the plan calls for a dedicated $10 million a year in capital funds for affordable housing projects. Last month, the city gave the final approval of $3 million in funds for public housing renovation and redevelopment as well a final approval for a $5.5 million forgivable loan to the Piedmont Housing Alliance for the first phase of the redevelopment of Friendship Court.  In all there are to be four phases “The document does a good job of highlighting [Charlottesville Housing and Redevelopment Authority] and public housing redevelopment but does not once mention Friendship Court redevelopment and I think that’s a gap,” said Piedmont Housing director Sunshine Mathon. “I would like to get into a little bit about the proposed $10 million a year because I think there are some nuances to that number that we should flesh out and make sure we are all clear on.” Realtor S. Lisa Herndon wanted more emphasis in the plan on pathways to home ownership. “I definitely believe 100 percent believe that there are multiple ways to create home ownership especially looking at subsidies and I truly am against simply just having a great focus on redeveloping public housing,” Herndon said. “I think that is a model that truly needs to be rethought of.” Chris Meyer said he was concerned about a call in the plan for seeking state legislation to allow for rent control. “I was a little concerned when I saw a lot of new suggestions on regulations of landlords and rental properties including a cap on home rentals or regulated rental prices and other things,” Meyer said. “I did like though that they started talking about helping tenants engage in those processes.” City Councilor Michael Payne said he wanted to see more information in the plan about land banks and land trusts.“I think the funding is also a really important question especially in light of our budget challenges and given the election results in the Senate I also think that the likelihood of additional money from the federal government is also a lot lower,” Payne said. You can watch all of the HAC Policy Subcommittee meeting here. Learn more about the plan *The city has hired a community development director from Georgia to serve as its next Director of Neighborhood Development Services. Parag Agrawal currently works in Milton, a city of about 40,000 people in Fulton County. Before that he served in similar positions in Rhode Island and Bridgeport, Connecticut. “Parag is a experienced development professional who has a breadth of experience that’s very needed in the Neighborhood Development Services department,” said interim city manager John Blair. Agrawal said he looks forward to beginning work on November 30. “The Department has an excellent team of staff members who are very committed, dedicated, and knowledgable and are working on some very important projects that will make our city more sustainable and more affordable,” Agrawal said. “I will say that the city of Charlottesville is such a great city because the residents of Charlottesville are so actively engaged.” Agrawal replaces Alexander Ikefuna who was demoted in February but will remain with the city. Parag Agrawal begins work in Charlottesville on November 30 *There are two meetings today. The Natural Heritage Committee will see a presentation on wildlife corridors from the Virginia Transportation Research Council from one of the state’s leading experts on reducing vehicle collisions. Earlier this year, the General Assembly passed legislatio n to create a Wildlife Corridor Action Plan to identify locations where steps can be taken. (meeting info)The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission will meet at 7 p.m. They will be introduced to a new search tool that’s designed to help people find affordable housing. That’s a project of the TJPDC’s Regional Housing Partnership. According to the executive director’s report, there will be a discussion on altering the name of the TJPDC. The Thomas Jefferson Health District will become the Blue Ridge Health District on January 1. The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system could also soon get a new name.“We have in the past considered both a change from Thomas Jefferson as well as change from Planning District Commission to either Regional Commission or Regional Council,” Boyles wrote. “Should you desire staff to pursue options, we could report back to you in February.”And while not strictly a government meeting, the Center will have a virtual presentation from the owners of the Ragged Mountain Running Shop on their walk last year across England. That begins at 4 and is open to all. (info)Thanks for reading. Want to support this work? Support my research by making a donation through PatreonSign for a subscription to Charlottesville Community Engagement, free or paidPay me through Venmo This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

It’s Tuesday the Thirteenth of October which may not be an actual scary thing, but it is 2020, so let’s be a little extra careful today. I’m Sean Tubbs and this is the Charlottesville Community Engagement Newscast and Newsletter. If you’ve only read if to this point, today’s the day to listen. Don’t be scared to click the button!Today’s installment, and all the other installments, is made possible by contributions from readers and listeners either through purchasing a subscription to this newsletter or setting up a monthly donation through Patreon. All of it goes to making sure I can continue keeping an eye on things for the foreseeable future. About ten percent of you so far are doing so, and I thank you for that. *As the newsletter goes to production, there are several information technology problems affecting state government websites. That includes the Virginia Department of Health as well as the registration database for voter registration. The problem traces to a fiber cut in Chester according to a tweet from the Virginia Information Technologies Agency. Crews are working on the issue. Yesterday, the Albemarle registrar reported that over 20,000 ballots have been cast by county residents, or about a quarter of the total registered voters. Almost 11,400 votes were made in-person and 9,431 were received in the mail.  Charlottesville’s registrar reported there have been 4,738 in-person voters and 3,197 mail-in ballots received as of yesterday at 11:40 a.m. Charlottesville’s new fire chief will start on December 1 after wrapping up a long stint in central Florida. Dr. Hezedean Smith has been with the Orlando Fire Department since 1996 and is its current assistant chief. “In looking forward to starting my role on December 1, it will be a very special day for my family and I because I will join an organization that embodies itself as a family with integrity, respect,  and excellence,” Smith said. Smith began his public safety career in the Air Force. He has a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership and a master’s degree in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix. “It is worth noting that Dr. Smith has over thirty years of experience in the fire service and that he has an extensive array of experience from operations, to budgeting, to [Information Technology] to EMS operations as well,” said interim city manager John Blair. Smith said he looked forward to starting work. “Given the current challenges facing our nation, state and city, I look forward to utilizing my skills, my knowledge of emergency services and leadership and management skills to help move our city forward,” Smith said. Smith fills a vacancy left when Fire Chief Andrew Baxter resigned following a public dispute with former City Manager Tarron Richardson. Richardson himself resigned last month. The city is seeking a search firm to help with finding a permanent replacement. *Today in meetings, we report on Buckingham County for the first time. The Board of Supervisors there will hold a public hearing on a zoning change that would allow “core sampling for commercial use in an agriculturally zoned district with a special use permit.” Last month, the county’s zoning administrator told a Canadian company that work they had been conducting was in violation. The group Friends of Buckingham is calling for the change to be denied because it could lead to gold mining operations which would be harmful to the environment. Aston Bay Holdings has arrangements to explore nearly 5,000 acres of land in the county as they announced last March.“The parcel contains a recent gold discovery located adjacent to the past producing Gold – Pyrite Belt of Central Virginia,” reads the website. “The focus of exploration will be an associated gold-in-soil anomaly that extends for a distance of over 900 metres (m) with values up to 0.4 grams/tonne (g/t) Au in soil.”Virginia has a long history of gold mining but there has no been active commercial mines since 1947, according to the Virginia Department on Mines, Minerals and Energy. The Buckingham County Board of Supervisors begins at 6 p.m. and can be viewed on YouTube. *The Charlottesville Planning Commission will consider a multifamily dwelling unit on vacant land in Fifeville, south of the University of Virginia. The 2013 Comprehensive Plan calls for this to be low density residential, but the applicant is proposing a way forward. After that discussion, Commissioners will be briefed by consultants on the comp plan update. Jennifer Koch with Rhodeside and Harwell described the process to the Commission back in August. (meeting info)"The effort that we're calling Cville Plans Together is an effort that we as a consultant are working with NDS, the Planning Commission and others to continue the update to the Comprehensive Plan that was started in 2017, 2018," Koch said. "That includes a big focus on housing and housing affordability with a specific housing plan that will be part of the housing chapter of the Comprehensive Plan."The Albemarle Planning Commission meets at 6 p.m. for a work session related to a recycling facility by the airport that processes material from demolished buildings.  (meeting info)At the same time, Albemarle will hold a town hall meeting this evening for active and former military personnel who work for local government and the school system. One of the speakers will be Col. Lettie J. Bien (Ret.), Program Coordinator for the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Defense Affairs Committee (DAC). The event is being put on by the Albemarle County Veterans Affinity Group. The Greene Board of Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. and one of the items on the agenda is an initiation of that county’s Comprehensive Plan, which was last adopted in June 2016. There will also be an update on the Shenandoah National Park, which gets a new superintendent this month when Patrick Kenney takes over.“Compared to 2019, Shenandoah National Park is enjoying a slight increase in visitation and in entrance fees,” writes Bill Henry in an email. “Visitation through August was up 1.6 percent. Weekends have seen visitation numbers that rival October leaf season weekends.” There will also be a presentation for a proposal for Stanardsville to become twinned with the village of Tarland in Scotland.“They both are nestled in a rural landscape, surrounded by rolling fields in the foothills of nearby mountains,” reads the materials. “The Piedmont region of Virginia and the Howe O’ Cromar in Aberdeenshire.” This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

This is a special edition of the Charlottesville Community Engagement newscast and newsletter for September 11, 2020. Charlottesville City Council met today at a meeting that brings to a close a brief chapter in the city's government history. At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Tarron Richardson was the city manager, the top administrative official and Council's main hire. "I move to approve the resolution accepting Dr. Richardson's resignation,” said Vice Mayor Sena Magill. (resolution accepting Dr. Richardson’s resignation)(resolution amending Dr. Richardson’s contract) City Attorney John Blair will serve as acting city manager and deputy city attorney Lisa Robertson will serve as acting city attorney. Richardson's resignation is effective September 30, but Blair will take over duties tomorrow. Here's Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker."On behalf of the Charlottesville City Council I would like to thank him for his service and I wish him well in his future endeavors," Walker said."For the past sixteen months it has been an honor to as your city manager," Richardson said. "I would like to thank City Council, the residents, and business owners for the opportunity to serve this community. Due to personal reasons I have decided that the time is right for me to tender my resignation."Mayor Walker said a robust search for a replacement would be found. In the meantime, John Blair will work with Richardson as he assumes the position in the short-term."I would like to thank the Council for the honor to serve as a temporary bridge until we get a new city manager hired for Charlottesvlle," Blair said. "I deeply believe that this city, its residents, its Council and its workforce can work together and we can make this city a more just, fair, equitable and prosperous place." Richardson said he was ready to leave."We worked through COVID which took up a lot of time," Richardson said. "We worked a lot of hours and then from that with the untimely death of George Floyd we started having a number of protests and different things like that in the city and working day in and day out, many many hours, takes a toll on you mentally and physically." The audio version of edition this contain consists of questions and answers from the press and the public. Take a listen, and share with your friends, family and co-workers. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

This brief look and listen at our region is sponsored today by the Charlottesville Podcasting Network, bringing you public affairs programming since 2005, cvillepodcast.com offers hours of audio from the community’s recent past. That’s cvillepodcast.com. *The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and the Charlottesville City Council have both voted to limit occupancy in indoor restaurants and to require facial coverings in indoor spaces. The two resolutions were also endorsed by University of Virginia President Jim Ryan, even though the new rules are not binding on Grounds. Deputy County Attorney Andy Herrick told Supervisors Monday that Albemarle’s ordinance change has three main components.“The first is a limit on indoor occupants at food establishments, wineries, breweries and distilleries,” Herrick said. “It would provide for a limit of 50 percent of occupancy. The second provision is a limitation on gatherings. While phase 3 statewide limits gatherings to 250 people, the proposed ordinance would limit gatherings to 50 people with certain exceptions.”Herrick said those exceptions are for outdoor food establishments, farm wineries, farm breweries, religious exercises, weddings, and for public demonstrations.  “Finally section 6 of the proposed ordinance would have a face covering requirement which would require face coverings at indoor public places and outdoor public places at which six foot physical distancing is not possible,” Herrick said.  Exceptions include residences, gyms, schools, religious institutions, and the county courthouse building. The ordinance had been modified since the Board last took it up last week with input from Albemarle’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley. Supervisor Donna Price of the Scottsville District likened the ordinance before the Board as a high-wire act. “I believe as Supervisors that we have a responsibility for health and welfare as well as looking at the economic impact and that we are walking a bit of tight-rope here in trying to ensure that we take enough action without taking too much action,” Price said. “If we won’t take too enough action then we run the risk of our residents being infected and having spikes here that the rest of the country has seen. If we go too far then we have the potential of too much economic adverse impact.” Supervisor Ned Gallaway of the Rio District urged anyone opposed to the ordinance to read it carefully before it goes into effect at midnight on August 1. “And I won’t want folks to either think we’re being overly restrictive or not restrictive, Gallaway said. “Whether you’re for this ordinance or against this ordinance, I hope everybody will be mindful to read exactly what it is and isn’t doing.” Supervisors voted unanimously to support the ordinance,  which goes into effect at midnight on August 1 it will last for a period of sixty days. Herrick said the county is still looking into a policy to allow for restaurants to open more temporary outdoor seating. The ordinance does not affect the school system, who held the third in a series of town hall meetings to discuss potential options for the upcoming school year. The School Board will hold a meeting on July 30 to make a final decision, as will their counterparts in Charlottesville. University of Virginia President Jim Ryan sent an email to the Board and Council stating support for the ordinances. “Now more than ever, we see ourselves as partners with all of you and with our neighbors in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties,” Ryan wrote. “It has become a cliché to say that we are in this together, but in our case, the actions of a few people on Grounds or in the community really can affect everyone else.  That’s why we continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, and why we are working to make the best possible decisions under ever-shifting conditions—as I know all of you are.”Less than an hour later after the Albemarle meeting, four of the five City Councilors met to discuss a similar ordinance. City attorney John Blair described their draft as having stricter guidelines than those put forward by Governor Ralph Northam in Phase 3, which Virginia entered on July 1. Like Albemarle’s ordinance, the city’s will also limit in-person gatherings to fifty or less. “What this local ordinance would do would be to capture all indoor public spaces and it’s important to note that the ordinance itself,” Blair said. The city’s ordinance has language that covers Councilor’s desire to make sure that not wearing a mask would not be an offense that would result in incarceration. Blair said Albemarle’s ordinance states that a violation would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, which could lead up to a year of jail time. Instead it would be a Class 3 misdemeanor.Councilor Lloyd Snook said he had been contacted by restaurant owners about the ordinance, which he supported because physical distancing rules also limit capacity by reducing available space. “My suspicion is that it’s not going to hurt them, and number two, it’s going to hurt them, if they’re truly trying to enforce what the law would require it,” Snook said.Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker was absent. The city’s ordinance also goes into effect on August 1. For more on the two meetings, listen to the latest episode of the Charlottesville Quarantine Report. * The University of Virginia will reopen its Aquatics and Fitness Center (AFC) and other athletic facilities on August 3, according to a report on the Cavalier Daily. Members of the AFC will need to reserve a space and space will be limited. Other areas that will reopen are the Snyder Tennis Courts and the Artificial Turf Fields at the Park. (UVA rec website)*Governor Northam will speak at 2 p.m. today at a press conference to give updates on Virginia’s response to COVID-19. He last held such an event on July 14. Northam was in Hampton yesterday to unveil a $70 million grant package for small business that comes from the federal CARES Act. The Rebuild VA program will help up to 7,000 applicants to cover costs associated with the pandemic. “This grant program will provide up to $10,000 for small businesses and nonprofits to help them meet existing or unpaid expenses such as back due rent or utility payments,” Northam said. ”The funding can also be used to prepare for and respond to this this new environment,  whether that means purchasing PPE or hand sanitizers for employees or pivoting to a new business model to better serve their customers.” To be eligible, businesses must not have received federal loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other such initiatives. (press release)*The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority will meet today at 2:15 p.m. for a virtual meeting. In a report to the Board of Directors, executive director Bill Mawyer said two groups at the University of Virginia are planning to study wastewater before and after students come back to trace "the prevalence of SARS COV 2 in wastewater as an indicator of community health and infection rate." (agenda)*In Greene County, the Board of Supervisors there will meet and get an update on their water supply plan. Last week, the Rapidan Service Authority voted 4 to 2 to stop the collection of monthly facilities fees that were intended to help cover the capital costs of a new reservoir. They meet in an open session beginning at 7:30 p.m. They’ll also get an update on COVID-19 from Greene’s emergency management director. (agenda) This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Note:  This is not a verbatim transcript but is the script for the show. Some of the actualities are written out, but not all of them.  Resources:Albemarle's emergency ordinanceCharlottesville's emergency ordinanceThe number of new cases of COVID-19 in Virginia increased by just over 1,500 according to released by the Virginia Department of Health on July 28, 2020. That’s the highest one-day total for all of July. Later on that day, both the Charlottesville City Council and Albemarle County Board of Supervisors voted to take steps to try to slow spread before University of Virginia students begin to return. (Mallek byte)(Blair byte) I’m Sean Tubbs, the creator of the Charlottesville Podcasting Network, and your host for this program and others that may soon be happening. Since March, I’ve been putting this show together to capture as much as I can of what’s going on during this pandemic. At an Albemarle School Board forum tonight, there was still this question.(byte) - from bonds4On today’s show, coverage of the Supervisor and Council meetings, as well as a quick drop-in on the Albemarle School Board’s third and final forum. Thanks for listening, and let’s get going.*First, a quick update on some information. The Virginia Department of Health reported another 1,505 cases of COVID-19 on July 27, the highest one-day total for all of July. The 7-day average for positive tests is at 7.5 percent for the fourth day straight. In the Thomas Jefferson Health District, another 48 cases were added on July 27.Governor Northam will speak at 2 p.m. today at a press conference to give updates on Virginia’s response to COVID-19. He last held such an event on July 14. Northam was in Hampton yesterday to unveil a $70 million grant package for small business that comes from the federal CARES Act. The Rebuild VA program will help up to 7,000 applicants to cover costs associated with the pandemic. (Northam1) “This grant program will provide up to $10,000 for small businesses and nonprofits to help them meet existing or unpaid expenses such as back due rent or utility payments,” Northam said. ”The funding can also be used to prepare for and respond to this this new environment,  whether that means purchasing PPE or hand sanitizers for employees or pivoting to a new business model to better serve their customers.” To be eligible, businesses must not have received federal loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other such initiatives. (press release)The University of Virginia will reopen its Aquatics and Fitness Center (AFC) and other athletic facilities on August 3, according to a report on the Cavalier Daily. Members of the AFC will need to reserve a space and space will be limited. Other areas that will reopen are the Snyder Tennis Courts and the Artificial Turf Fields at the Park. (UVA rec website)-And now, our main feature today.The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and the Charlottesville City Council have both voted to limit occupancy in indoor restaurants and to require facial coverings in indoor spaces. The two resolutions were also endorsed by University of Virginia President Jim Ryan, even though the new rules are not binding on Grounds. Deputy County Attorney Andy Herrick said Albemarle’s ordinance change has three main components.(Herrick1.wav) “The first is a limit on indoor occupants at food establishments, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It would provide for a limit of 50 percent of occupancy. The second provision is a limitation on gatherings. While phase 3 statewide limits gatherings to 250 people, the proposed ordinance would limit gatherings to 50 people with certain exceptions.”Herrick said those exceptions are for outdoor food establishments, farm wineries, farm breweries, religious exercises, weddings, and for public demonstrations.  (Herrick2)“Finally section 6 of the proposed ordinance would have a face covering requirement which would require face coverings at indoor public places and outdoor public places at which six foot physical distancing is not possible.” Exceptions include residences, gyms, schools, religious institutions, and the county courthouSe building. The ordinance had been modified since the Board last took it up last week with input from Albemarle’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley. Supervisor Donna District of the Scottsville District likened the ordinance before the Board as a high-wire act. (Price1) “I believe as Supervisors that we have a responsibility for health and welfare as well as looking at the economic impact and that we are walking a bit of tight-rope here in trying to ensure that we take enough action without taking too much action. If we won’t take too enough action then we run the risk of our residents being infected and having spikes here that the rest of the country has seen. If we go too far then we have the potential of too much economic adverse impact.” Supervisor Price said she had to also weigh the impact of thousands of UVA students returning to the community. Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley of the Rivanna District said she had not heard any pushback the restaurant owners she had heard from. She said her goal in supporting the ordinance is to eventually reopen the economy. (Bea1)“I think we’ve gone above and beyond to address the issues to keep our community safe but also to support the businesses and make sure they can continue thriving and hopefully if we can get everything done further we can open up everything.” Supervisor Ned Gallaway of the Rio District urged anyone opposed to the ordinance to read it carefully before it goes into effect at midnight on August 1.(Gallaway)“And I won’t want folks to either think we’re being overly restrictive or not restrictive. Whether you’re for this ordinance or against this ordinance, I hope everybody will be mindful to read exactly what it is and isn’t doing. Supervisor Liz Palmer of the Samuel Miller District suggested signage be drafted for businesses so they can point to this as a county regulation. (Palmer)“So that their personnel have something to back them up. I know it’s very, very difficult in a lot of situations for employees in these businesses to stop somebody and say you must wear a mask to come in, so with the sign it’s helping them out and they’ll see that this is a county ordinance to do this,” Palmer said. Supervisor Ann Mallek of the White Hall District said she would have supported a more restrictive ordinance, because she is concerned that the state is not hitting the health metrics that would guide good public policy. (Mallek)“One set of numbers has been consistent since the very beginning and we have been told since the very beginning of this virus that falling numbers of cases for 14 days is needed before we know that we’re starting to make progress and that has been our goal. Not all these competing kinds of statistics.”Supervisors voted unanimously to support the ordinance,  which goes into effect at midnight on August 1 it will last for a period of sixty days. Herrick said the county is still looking into a policy to allow for restaurants to open more temporary outdoor seating. The ordinance does not affect the school system, who held the third in a series of town hall meetings to discuss potential options for the upcoming school year. The School Board will hold a meeting on July 30 to make a final decision, as will their counterparts in Charlottesville. UVA President Jim Ryan sent an email to the Board and Council stating support for the ordinances. (no soundbite) “Now more than ever, we see ourselves as partners with all of you and with our neighbors in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties,” Ryan wrote. “It has become a cliché to say that we are in this together, but in our case, the actions of a few people on Grounds or in the community really can affect everyone else.  That’s why we continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, and why we are working to make the best possible decisions under ever-shifting conditions—as I know all of you are.”Supervisor Gallaway said he welcomed the partnership. (gallaway) “And as I know, as students return, as he said some of the coming months could be challenging so it is important to have that partnership remain strong and we work together as we keep our community safe.” Less than an hour later, four of the five City Councilors met to discuss a similar ordinance. City attorney John Blair described their draft as having stricter guidelines than those put forward by Governor Ralph Northam in Phase 3, which Virginia entered on July 1. Like Albemarle’s ordinance, the city’s will also limit in-person gatherings to fifty or less. (Blair1) “What this local ordinance would do would be to capture all indoor public spaces and it’s important to note that the ordinance itself.”The city’s ordinance has language that covers Councilor’s desire to make sure that not wearing a mask would not be an offense that would result in incarceration. Blair said Albemarle’s ordinance states that a violation would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, which could lead up to a year of jail time. Instead it would be a Class 3 misdemeanor.Councilor Lloyd Snook said he had been contacted by restaurant owners about the ordinance, which he supported because physical distancing rules also limit capacity by reducing available space. (Snook1) “My suspicion is that it’s not going to hurt them, and number two, it’s going to hurt them, if they’re truly trying to enforce what the law would require it,” Snook said.Deputy City Manager Paul Oberdorfer said Charlottesville and Albemarle will collaborate on a variety of efforts. One is an ambassador program to promote public awareness. (Oberdorfer) “And essentially setting up a joint effort to educate, inform, reinforce the idea of wearing masks and following the guidelines out in businesses as well as at public gatherings in place where people will be out in the public. As part of that proposal there were two elements to it. One would be a contracted service with a third party that we are proposing and the other piece of that would be using available staff within the parks and recreation department,” Obedorfer said. “They are customer service agents that are familiar with public engagement.”Oberdorfer said it was important to have a consistent message between the two places, and the same contractor would manage the program in both localities. During their deliberations, Councilor Snook said the metrics in the area may not necessarily tell epidemiologists what is going on. (Snook2)“New cases continue to rise rather quickly but they are not reflected in new hospitalizations or additional deaths and so the question I suppose, and what I’d like to be able to ask Dr. Bonds or somebody is that are we seeing a lot of marginal, technically COVID but not really symptomatic cases because we’re doing contact tracing now, and is the situation truly different from the way it was a month ago?” Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker was absent. The city’s ordinance also goes into effect on August 1. -Later on in the day, the Albemarle School Board held the last of three town halls on the county school system’s plans for the school year. Currently the plan is for students to return to class on September 8 if they choose on a hybrid model. But the county is also preparing for plans for going online only. The School Board meets on July 30 to make a final decision. Dr. Helen Dunn is the public affairs officer for Albemarle schools. (Dunn)“Today we really want to make this about hearing your comments, hearing your concerns and thoughts and feelings about reopening schools in the fall semester, so questions, keep sending them to me, keep sending them to your school board members.” At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Denise Bonds of the Thomas Jefferson Health District was on hand to talk about the latest statistics. She also talked about how younger people are affected by COVID-19. (bonds1, bonds1a) (bonds2) One of the first people to speak asked what would happen if there were suddenly an outbreak in a school. Would the school be shut down? The whole school system? (bonds3) Let’s hear one question and answer from the night. (bonds4)And that’s it for this show. We’ll hear more about school policy in the days to come. I’m Sean Tubbs.

NI lockdown changes – with 95% of us vulnerable to infection - are we reopening too much, too soon? Stephen spoke to Professor Ultan Power, Professor of Molecular Virology at Queen's University Belfast, and commentator Mick Fealty. Also on the podcast, several hundred people took to the city centre on Saturday as part of what was described as a "protect our statues" protest outside Belfast City Hall. The PSNI said there were several different protests across NI on Saturday and no arrests or fines were made. This was in contrast to the Black Live Matter demonstrations the previous week when 60 Community Resolution Notices (CRNS) and fines - for breaches of the Health Protection Regulations were handed out and a number of people - including the organisers - were referred to the PPS for prosecution. Stephen spoke to Lillian Seenoi-Barr, director of programmes at the North West Migrant Forum organised the BKLM Derry protest, Alliance Party MLA and member of the policing board John Blair and commentator Frank Shivers.

Host David Moxley and his special guest, USMC Staff Sergeant John Blair, talk about Thanksgiving, and celebrating with your military family when you are away from home.

Host David Moxley’s special guest is Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductee, Staff Sergeant John Blair. Blair served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. During the Tet Offensive he was serving as a squad leader in Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, India Co. During the war’s dramatic Tet Offensive, Blair’s platoon came under heavy fire from a large North Vietnamese force. Blair, serving as squad leader, and his men were pinned down, but he didn’t hesitate to maneuver his squad forward and launch an assault on the enemy. He was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership and for disregarding his own safety that day.

622 The prophet Muhammad completes his Hegira, or “flight,” from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution. In Medina, Muhammad set about building the followers of his religion—Islam—into an organized community and Arabian power. The Hegira would later mark the beginning (year 1) of the Muslim calendar. 1789 The Judiciary Act of 1789 is passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement. That day, President Washington nominated John Jay to preside as chief justice, and John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson to be associate justices. On September 26, all six appointments were confirmed by the U.S. Senate. 1960 The USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, is launched. The only ship of her class, Enterprise was, at the time of inactivation, the third-oldest commissioned vessel in the United States Navy after the wooden-hulled USS Constitution and environmental research ship USS Pueblo. She was inactivated on 1 December 2012, and officially decommissioned on 3 February 2017, after over 55 years of service. She was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register the same day. 2005 Hurricane Rita made landfall as a Category 3 Major Hurricane near Johnson's Bayou, Louisiana, between Sabine Pass, Texas and Holly Beach, Louisiana. Rita was the 4th named storm to make landfall during the 2005 season, and the 3rd hurricane to strike the US. Rita was the 4th most intense hurricane on record in the Atlantic Basin as the time, and the most intense hurricane ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Rita caused $12 billion in damages and a state of disaster was declared in 9 Texas Counties and 5 Louisiana Parishes as a result of the devastation.

The billowing black factory smoke may be gone, but there remains much work to be done in U.S. and global air quality. As the earth warms, ozone worsens and wildfire particulate matter threatens communities. Janet, Jim and Emily delve into these issues and more with a host of seasoned air quality experts and one community group fighting for quality of life. 3:30 - Dale, Indiana coal to diesel refinery story, featuring Mary Hess, Rock Emmert, John Blair and Randy Vaal 17:00 - interview between Janet McCabe and David Hawkins of the National Resources Defense Council, with contributions from Janice Nolen of the American Lung Association 34:30 - interview between Janet McCabe and Dan Greenbaum of the Health Effects Institute, with contributions from Janice Nolen

This episode is an interview with Dr. John Blair, an informative conversation about living roofs which is a climate change mitigation measure that may be taken by every individual/ business. Credits to: Bonnie Perris- Script Editor ♪Dan Lebowitz- Parkside Krisjoe Fuertes- Tech

IHR Sorbonne Franco-British History Seminar- John Blair

In 2003, John Blair was a successful loan officer, bringing in a monthly production of $2 million. However, he was soon to have an experience that would change the course... The post Going from Good to Excellent with John Blair appeared first on XINNIX.

Parlem amb la banda de Barcelona, un dels actius del Festisurf Costa Brava de Castell d'Aro. Amb l'

Parlem amb la banda de Barcelona, un dels actius del Festisurf Costa Brava de Castell d'Aro. Amb l'

Today I talk about how - in a very small way - I helped out a writer from Canada, John Blair, author of "Fissure Rock."

New York City BEATS!! This podcast is all about the beats and the rhythm... the pounding heartbeat that keeps New York City ALIVE!! Track Listing: El Pajaro 2017 - Antoine Clamaran & DJ Fist Cancun Paradise (Tom Tyger Rework) - Antoine Clamaran, Tristan Garner Machakos (Original Mix) - Antoine Clamaran, Agua Sin Gas Marimbas (Mauro Mozart Festival Mix) - John Kirk Shake the Room (Campos & Grossi Remix) - Tony Moran, Joe Gauthreaux & Deep Influence feat. Zhana Get On Up (Oscar Velazquez Remix) - Well Sanchez Dreams (Original Mix) - Junior Senna Pyur (Enrry Senna Remix) - Mor Avrahami Feel Alright (Tom Staar Remix) - Rui You Are My Family - Joe Gauthreaux feat. Inaya Day vs. Joe Welch, VMC With Every Beat of My Heart (Joe Gauthreaux & Leanh remix) - Raphael Join me at U-Nite at Stage 48 in NYC on October 21 for a mega pre Halloween bash! Presented by John Blair, Jake Resnicow, Alan Picus, & Joe Roszak. This will be a night to remember!!! For more information, including my full gig schedule, music, & so much more, visit my website at www.djjoeg.com.

On this week’s episode of Slush Pile, the editors consider three poems by John Blair: “Degrees,”“Pink Noise,” and “The Giving Tree.” John Blair has published six books (most recently Playful Song Called Beautiful, University of Iowa Press, 2016) and several articles on the dangers of oak wilt in the Texas hill country. He is a professor… On this week’s episode of Slush Pile, the editors consider three poems by John Blair: “Degrees,”“Pink Noise,” and “The Giving Tree.” John Blair John Blair has published six books (most recently Playful Song Called Beautiful, University of Iowa Press, 2016) and several articles on the dangers of oak wilt in the Texas hill country.  He is a professor in the English Department at Texas State University, where he directs the undergraduate creative writing program. With three unique poems by John Blair, we find ourselves in a surprising discussion and rather spirited debate on widely varying topics. While at times syntax and structure left us feeling like we were on a slippery slope with “Degrees,” at others, we were simply impressed with the intellect that a poem could convey. (You can find the episode of Invisibilia, the source of Jason’s and Kathy’s heated debate over perception, here.) The same goes for Blair’s “Pink Noise,” what we read as an accurate portrayal of the frustrating wakefulness of insomnia and the distractions one might face in the pursuit of a peacefulsleep. (Once again, Kathy tells us how much she loves sleeping with Scooter from the Sleep With Me Podcast.) And, perhaps the most different of all, “The Giving Tree” sparked a debate on classic versus contemporary and the platform for paying homage to the former. Tune in for the conversation and the verdicts. And don’t forget to let us what you think about this episode on Facebook and Twitter using #70Percent!   Present at the Editorial Table: Kathleen Volk Miller Tim Fitts Marion Wrenn Sharee DeVose Jason Schneiderman   Engineering Producer: Amber Ferreira -----------------------------        Degrees They say there are just six              between any two of anyone for as far                               as random can reach which of course is everywhere             sincere to centigrade dolor to doctorate                             ad to infinitum.   So much of how much is              who’s looking. Here’s a small slice of lightness to lift                             a wave to touch every other wave wherever               there is water to well and cool and slide into                             green depths where the sunlight   fades in such slow degrees               you have to close your eyes to even know it’s gone.   Pink Noise Is just white noise with all                             the higher frequencies polished down like mountains                worn to humble or close enough to count sheer as                             wine-stains purpling the skin   of your sleepless going              on—it’s supposed to be soothing so you listen                             like you were good-boy told to do in the small wees               of waiting for your mind   to go on without you                             into dreaming but those little bumps are voices                and they are breathless with glee and the best you can                            do is listen and try   not to argue about                 your better self your good intentions all the ways                              you’ve managed so many years to sleep easily                 and well among the pale   beasts of worry who watch                             and wait neither blood nor snow but a mist of in-               between with teeth ground down to spindles to gnaw your                             nervy edges into   stubborn wakefulness like                a tree you’ve climbed to watch the other kids play blind                              to what’s coming what’s been what might in some other                 when matter and no one   notices your presence                             or your lucid absence or the pastel grumbling               of wind in the treetops or the boughs beginning                             like morning light to break.   The Giving Tree Doesn’t care for your gifts               or your attitude frankly               and wonders why you beg and grovel boy when all   she wants is to be left                the hell alone because                there are no apples here only thorns and her wood   is her own and she’s just                fine exactly where she                is and the woods are no place for the faithless likes   of you anyway which                is why they had to put                up that gate to keep you out and set a bouncer   with a burning ever-turning               sword to tell you you’re not               welcome in your fig leaves and weeping wounds. She’s here   for a reason but that               reason isn’t you and               the junk hidden in her trunk is just squirrels’ nests   and fairy bones and those               birds who loiter love her               in ways you never do so trust her when she tells   you she has no need for               a needy boy like you.  

I have been holding this in for a while. This 70 minute set is just a taste of sexy beats, energetic music and anthems in the making. I have included several new songs from my forthcoming album MOODSWINGS, along with private beats and mixes from my friends to give you a non-stop journey of “Pride” filled music. To complete the journey, I have included a few timeless and unavailable remix classics. So, as I make my debut on June 25th at the legendary Stage 48 in NYC, I will be ready to give my hometown all the love you need. Thanks to Jake Resnikow and John Blair for bringing me in with a top notch group of DJ’s that will keep you dancing as long as you desire. Special thanks to Martha Wash and Alan T for creating these great samples to make this podcast as UNITED as one can dream of! Enjoy your summer everyone and I hope to be on your dance floor soon. Love, Tony

This month we interview Marcus Whitman Hotel Executive Chef, Scott McLean and Dunham Cellars General Manager, John Blair. The show opens with a look at where we've been eating out as of late, Jamie provides a Seattle Food and Wine Exhibition wrap-up and then we get into some juicy newsbytes and upcoming events on the Seattle DINING! Calendar. The show closes with gadget, kitchen and dining out tips. We're glad you could stop in and listen. Tags: Visit Walla Walla, Marcus Whitman Hotel, The Marc, Dunham Cellars, Trellis Kirkland, Ponti Seafood Grill, Toulouse Pettit, Happy Hour Radio, Café Lago, Salty's Seafood Grills, Brian Carter Cellars, Poppy, Dahlia Lounge, Tavolata, NW Travel Magazine, Dora's Worm Ranch, Brimmer and Healtap, Capp's Club, Freshii, Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering, Genki Sushi, Little Big Burgers, Great State Burgers, Huxley Wallace.

We are meeting John Blair, Director of Marketing for Frannet. FranNet is North America's most respected leader in matching individuals with franchise opportunities. Based in Louisville, Ky., FranNet has more than 100 consultants across North America and Europe who use a proprietary profiling and consultative process to determine a business model unique to each client's goals, skill sets and interests, and has matched thousands of entrepreneurs to rewarding small business opportunities. FranNet has been recognized by INC. magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in America for the last four years.

This set was recorded live back in 2005 at Avalon, NYC (formally LImelight). It was during my Sunday night residency for John Blair's legendary weekly Sunday night party. For those of you that were regular attendees, I'm sure that this set will definitely bring back great memories! Download and enjoy! Chad :)

Taking part in the programme were Claire Cooney and Shane Brennan, Knockbridge Primary School - Knockbridge Townlands; Geraldine McCullough, Manager - history of the pond, the committee, cross border connections with the Belfast Burns Society; Shane McCollum - 40km sponsored hike and cycle on the Táin route around Carlingford, raven crafts and his work at Stephenstown Pond; Rachel McGuire and Ciara Byrne; Michelle Maguire Events Coordinator, Dairymaid Coffee Shop and Saorise and Chloe. Music in the programme includes ‘Farewell to Carlingford’ by Henry Mac, Roddy McCollum and Shane McCollum recorded live at Dundalk FM; ‘The Gay Gordons’ recorded at the Agnes Burns Night November 5 2009; ‘Irish Harvest Day’ by John Blair, ‘Go Lassie Go’ by Kevin Sheilds and Roddy McCollum The Production team were Peter Carroll and Louí Byrne. The presenters were Eileen Corcoran and Alan Byrne with Michael Nulty in Studio.