The Wrap: New restaurants, tracking the General Assembly, and expanded transit

Photo: Dave Parrish Photography

The week in brief

Hey there. It might be a big day in Washington, D.C., but there’s been plenty of political movement happening close to home, especially with the General Assembly session in full swing. Thankfully, we’re lucky to have intrepid VCU Capital News Service reporter Amelia Heymann on the case covering all the activity. You’ll see more of her work beginning next week on RVAHub. The rest of the CNS team has done a fantastic job covering the legislation that’s been introduced. Here are some of the week’s hot topics they’ve covered for us:

• The transgender “bathroom bill” has been killed in a house subcommittee
• A panel has elected to keep voter ID requirements in place, despite opposition
• House OKs a bill aimed at easing concealed firearm permits

About 1,000 Richmonders took to the street on Monday (MLK Day) to demonstrate that Richmond is an inclusive and welcoming place. Richard Hayes got some great photos, and our CNS reporters have a recap.

Mayor Stoney made several announcements regarding appointees to his administration this week, and some of them will be familiar faces. U of R’s Dr. Thad Williamson and former City Councilman (and Stoney’s new BFF) Jon Baliles are among them.

In Henrico, one of the longest serving Board of Supervisors members, David A. Kaechele, has died. The county sent out an email this morning announcing his death. The 85-year-old served as Three Chopt District supervisor for nine (!) terms over four decades and saw the county’s population double over the course of his career–not to mention the Short Pump area he represented, which ballooned from a tiny rural outpost to a suburban destination with traffic reminiscent of Northern Virginia.

Richmond planners released a draft version of the Richmond Transit Plan this week, and man is it great. The draft plan includes a pretty major expansion of GRTC bus lines and factors in interconnectivity with the forthcoming Pulse Bus Rapid Transit line. There are a ton of opportunities for you to share feedback on the proposed plans. Learn more about it and when you can attend a public meeting near you here.

Keep an eye on your packages in The Fan. Richmond Police are seeking information on yet another porch package pillager.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels unveiled plans for a new “Bullpen Bistro” inside The Diamond for the 2017 season on Thursday. The exclusive area will offer groups of 50 to 75 an exclusive all-you-can-eat-buffet, beer and wine, and a dedicated bartender. It’ll set you back $2,000.

Five things you should know

1. Ricky Gray, the convicted killer of two families including the Harveys in 2006, was put to death this week.
2. TGI Friday’s in Short Pump is closed, but a Florida-based beer-centric chain is taking its place.
3. A self-serve wine establishment is tapping into Scott’s Addition later this year.
4. Edgar Allan Poe is turning 208 and is having a big birthday bash–and you’re invited!
5. Sports Backers is launching a new half marathon in May, and it’s all about wine.

Food and drink

Chef Owen Lane is out at Vagabond. The former Magpie chef is not only leaving the downtown restaurant–he’s leaving Richmond altogether. We’ve got all the details. Boka Tavern, just a bit west, is now closed, but owner Patrick Harris’ other ventures will carry on. We’ve also got info on two new chains coming to Short Pump (which are arguably better than the tired old brands they’re replacing), details on the next Underground Kitchen event, and more. Check out our Weekly Food News to read more about it all.

Thirsty? Richard Hayes has all the beer news you can drink in our RVA Beer Explorer. Check it out here. Just, uh, travel our newly-minted Richmond Beer Trail responsibly, will ya?! Look at these drunkards in our RVA News In Brick feature.

The weekend

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Disney On Ice is in town at the Richmond Coliseum along with Dinosaurs UNLEASHED at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Looking for something for a more mature crowd? Check out ’80s soft rockers Rick Springfield and Richard Marx playing Sunday night. Let our Weekend Event Picks be your guide to it all!

Want some other recommendations on things to do around town anytime? Check out my Coffee With Strangers interview with the awesome Kelli Lemon and learn why I’m much better suited behind a camera than in front of it.

Until next time,

Trevor Dickerson
Editor, RVAHub