LEGO, Urban Park Rangers, and the Cap2Cap
Cheers RVA!
Today will be mostly cloudy with some potential rain showers in the morning, with a high of 70 and a low of 48. The weekend is looking pleasant with sunshine and a high of 75 on Saturday.
the juice:
The 20th annual Cap2Cap bike ride takes place today and tomorrow along the Capitol Trail.
Four distances are offered: a full century (100 miles), half (50 miles), quarter(25 miles), and a seven-mile family fun route.
Full course support is available from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days, with a party zone providing lunch service beginning at 11:30 am at Chickahominy Riverfront on Friday and Dorey Park on Saturday.
Online registration is closed but you can still register on-site.
the pulp:
The Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation is reshaping the role of urban park rangers, after a ranger was shot on Belle Isle back in January, according to Sarah Vogelsong at the Richmonder. The new role will be more focused on visitor engagement, youth programs and permit oversight, while leaving the task of enforcing park rules to the police.
LEGO is planning to build another facility in Virginia, via WWBT. The $330 million warehouse and distribution center will be located in Prince George County and is expected to create 300 jobs. A LEGO manufacturing facility is already under construction in Chesterfield. The Danish company’s name is an abbreviation of two Danish words, ‘leg godt’, which means “play well”.
the dive:
Gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earl-Sears indicated in a not that she did not support a state constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights, according to Charlotte Rene Woods at the Mercury.
Earl-Sears is currently serving as Lt. Governor, and as president of the Senate is legally required to sign bills the legislature passes.
In the Senate joint resolution Earl-Sears signed, she wrote above her signature:
I am morally opposed to this bill: no protection for the child.
Constitutional amendments must pass the General Assembly twice, and then the issue would be put forth on statewide ballots for voters to ultimately accept or reject.
Woods lays out how the issue could shape the upcoming election for governor:
Governors don’t formally advance or block constitutional amendments, but should Virginia’s fail to advance, the next governor will be able to sign potential attempts to restrict or ban abortions within state code.
With Earle-Sears gubernatorial opponent Abigail Spanberger in support of reproductive healthcare access — to include abortions, contraception and fertility treatments — their divergences on the issue may be a deciding factor for some voters later this year.
Read the full article here.
the vibe:
Have a courageous day RVA!
Thanks for reading. If you enjoy this newsletter, tell a friend, or donate.