The Wrap: #RVAMayor, Scott’s Addition restaurants, haunted VCU and more

The Week in Brief

Photo: Creative Dog Media

Is it just me, or does it seem like this election season has been the longest in the history of time? Between the presidential election chaos and our own local drama (Joe Morrissey, anyone?), I’m pretty ready for Tuesday, myself. In Richmond, the field of candidates has narrowed to six with the news that 1st District City Councilman Jon Baliles is dropping out of the race in an effort to unite voters behind any candidate but Morrissey. And while six candidates remain, everything really comes down to Morrissey, Lavar Stoney, and Jack Berry. Remember, in Richmond a candidate must win the vote in five districts. If that doesn’t happen, we’ll be looking at a run-off in December.

A Glen Allen High School graduate was killed during a home invasion in the West End early Monday morning. 19-year-old Taivon Maquell Fox was shot by the occupant of an apartment during an attempted robbery.

The ATF is one of two entities offering a $5,000 combined reward for information leading to the arrest of a handful of suspects accused of stealing firearms from a tactical supply business known as The War Store in the West End. If you know anything about the incident, your tip could bring the suspects to justice and earn you some cash.

There’s been a huge amount of discussion this week surrounding local musician, music booker, and writer Chris Bopst appearing at Ballicaux last weekend wearing blackface. The backlash was swift and has resulted in a number of discussions surrounding racism in Richmond. While I haven’t come away from any of it feeling any better about things, it’s safe to say it’s been a learning experience for everyone. Also, it shouldn’t ever have to be stated, but blackface is never, ever okay. That much is a given. If you want to get caught up on things, read this excellent piece by Richmond Magazine’s Samantha Willis for some context and insight on where we go from here.

Do you believe in ghosts? You might after clicking the next link. VCU is a pretty old campus with a lot of historic buildings–some of them apparently haunted. Halloween may be over, but this video and feature from the university on haunted buildings around campus is pretty neat.

Looking for a cool volunteer project? The Museum District Association is seeking volunteers to hang whiteboards at Thomas Jefferson High School next weekend. No major skills required! Sign up here.

Veteran’s Day is coming up, and GRTC is honoring all current and former military members with free bus rides. Speaking of transportation, the Scott’s Addition Boulevard Association is hosting two upcoming meetings where you can learn more about the ongoing construction of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit project, The Pulse.

Area bankers gave local teens a leg up in the real world with financial classes this past week, but the advice they gave out is equally as useful to adults, too. Check it out here.

On the heels of the news that ZZQ is opening in Scott’s Addition, local chain Tazza Kitchen has announced it’s looking at a spot on Roseneath Road in the neighborhood. Hope you’re hungry, Scott’s Additioners (is that a thing?). Elsewhere in the neighborhood, Blanchard’s Coffee Co. got some love from an international industry publication for its unique style and efforts to improve the lives of those they source their coffee from in Central America. Get caught up on all the week’s food news with our Weekly Food News here.

Thirsty for some beer news? Check out Richard Hayes’ RVA Beer Explorer.

This weekend there are two craft beer festivals, the Brunswick Stew Festival in Shockoe Bottom, and much more–see where to go and what to do with our Weekend Event Picks

Until next time,

Trevor Dickerson
Editor, RVAHub