(I received the following via email in regards to the recent shooting that took place at the Granby Theater. For background on this, see these articles 1, 2, 3, 4. The author of this piece wishes to remain anonymous but is a long-time resident of the city.) Early Wednesday morning a black man pulls a … Continue reading The Tale of Two Norfolks
Category: Norfolk
Judge Thomas to Boone: “Tear it down”
Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Norman Thomas has ruled that Ronnie Boone must tear down the second story bar and restaurant that he built in Ocean View without proper permits and plans, according to an article in the Virginian Pilot. The entire opinion can be found here. Boone built the $2.5 million structure to replace Harrison's … Continue reading Judge Thomas to Boone: “Tear it down”
Beach proposes real estate tax cut; Norfolk not yet
The Virginian Pilot is reporting that the Virginia Beach city manager Jim Spore is proposing a six-cent cut in the real estate tax rate, from 99 cents to 93 cents per $100 of assessed value. Also discussed was an interesting proposal: ...council members threw their support behind a measure by Councilman Bob Dyer to create … Continue reading Beach proposes real estate tax cut; Norfolk not yet
Missed opportunity
Congresswoman Thelma Drake held another of her virtual Town Hall meetings this evening. I just found out about it - when I checked my answering machine. The call came in while we were on another call. (No, we don't have call waiting. Besides, I prefer answer call over call waiting anyday.) I'm sorry I missed … Continue reading Missed opportunity
Do not pass go, do not collect $329,000
Last week, we learned that Baci Management - the promoter of the Broadway at the Chrysler series - owed the City of Norfolk $329,000 for admissions taxes and loans. Guess who won't be collecting that money? Well, that would be.... Norfolk taxpayers. Seems that Baci filed for bankruptcy on March 19, a day before the … Continue reading Do not pass go, do not collect $329,000
Community Conversations on Race
As previously mentioned, Norfolk United Facing Race proposed a series of community conversations on race, reconciliation and responsibility. The schedule for the conversations has been released. The two-hour sessions will be held as follows: Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Trinity Word of Faith Baptist Church, 2808 Ballentine Blvd. Saturday, April … Continue reading Community Conversations on Race
Everybody loves the gas tax but it’s not an option
The editorial in yesterday's Virginian Pilot just made me chuckle. Our transportation needs could be paid for with a gas tax, but it would be political suicide, right? People hate it, and nobody will support it, we were told. It was political death. Virginia's third rail. Run for your lives. That was always nonsense. Just … Continue reading Everybody loves the gas tax but it’s not an option
And we’re off!
The race in the 87th House District is officially on with Sunday's kickoff by Republican challenger Hank Giffin. Expected attendees include Congresswoman Thelma Drake and Senator Nick Rerras, along with some of the Republican delegates from Virginia Beach. The 87th, which happens to be where I live, is currently represented by Democrat Paula Miller. Miller … Continue reading And we’re off!
Congrats, Tommy!
Via the Virginian Pilot: A Norview High School graduate who returned to his alma mater to teach, coach and advise students in extracurricular activities was named the school division’s Teacher of the Year on Thursday night. Tommy Smigiel is the one the paper is talking about. In addition to teaching, Tommy is actively involved in … Continue reading Congrats, Tommy!
Report: Northam reception
Just back from Ralph Northam's reception. It was a nice crowd. Since I'm not good at estimating groups, I won't try. One of the first people I ran into was former Norfolk Mayor Vince Thomas, who, like Northam, is a VMI grad. I hadn't seen Mayor Thomas in a while, so it was good to … Continue reading Report: Northam reception
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 