January 17, 2025

A Stage Worker Strike, Chief Edwards Owns Driving Recklessly, and More Snow?

Cheers RVA!

Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 47 and a low of 32 in the evening. Saturday is expected to be warmer as well, with a small chance of rain in the morning. Sunday we could see a mix of rain and snow, with any accumulation expected to be light if at all.

the juice:

Richmond Police Chief Edwards received a summons for reckless driving after being clocked going 61 in a 35-mph speed zone on the Lee Bridge.

He voluntarily shared the information at the end of an annual crime briefing on Thursday, saying he asked the officer who pulled him over to come to headquarters and issue the summons.

Edwards emphasized the importance of our community slowing down, and that he would deal with the consequences of his actions.

the pulp:

• Chesterfield County has named Dr. John T. Murray as the new superintendent of public schools, from WWBT. Murray had been serving as the interim superintendent and has served in the Chesterfield School division for 21 years.

• Stage workers from the Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center (Carpenter Theatre) are considering going on strike after six months of negotiations over benefits and salary failed with management company ASM Global, via WRIC. Members of the Local 87 branch of the IATSE, which includes stage workers from the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville as well, will vote Monday to decide whether or not to strike.

• “The Celebration of Black Music in Film” with local jazz/funk band Butcher Brown and the Richmond Symphony will take place Saturday at 8 pm at Carpenter Theatre. Read more about performance here from Style Weekly.

the dive:

With the Police Chief’s recent revelation of speeding on Lee Bridge, its worth noting that roadway is one of a few designs around the city that invites driving at high speeds.

A recent article by Strong Towns references a prank 60 mph speed sign that was put up in Houston on a 30-mph road.

Driver’s didn’t seem to notice, and their behavior didn’t change. They continued to drive at the usual pace.

The article notes:

Street design dictates how fast people drive and how safe they feel. A wide, straight road invites speeding, regardless of the posted limit. Narrower lanes, tighter corners, and visual cues like trees and streetlights naturally slow traffic. Yet, many professionals remain stuck relying on ineffective signage instead of redesigning streets for safety.

Read more here.

the vibe:

Have a chucklesome day RVA!

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