Future federal funding
On August 18, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced more than $111 million in funding earmarked for Virginia community projects passed as part of Senate Fiscal Year 2024 draft funding bills. A portion of the appropriations would go to Charlottesville projects organized by the Piedmont Housing Alliance, the University of Virginia, and more.
While it’s a good sign that the bills passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with bipartisan approval, the Virginia senators indicated they will work to ensure funding for local projects is included in the final version of the legislation. The current version includes more than $1 million for Charlottesville programs, including $650,000 for PHA to construct a permanent location for the Charlottesville Financial Opportunity Center + Housing Hub and $367,000 for UVA to purchase and equip a mobile health van for underserved communities.
“We are working to ensure the government funding bill looks out for the needs of Charlottesville residents,” said Kaine and Warner in a joint statement to C-VILLE. “After hearing from the Piedmont Housing Alliance about the need for a permanent location for the Charlottesville Financial Opportunity Center + Housing Hub, we went to bat for the project and successfully secured federal dollars for it in the latest draft of the government funding bill. This support would help Charlottesville residents get financial coaching, find housing, and prevent evictions. We’ll keep working to get this crucial funding across the finish line to help the Charlottesville community.”
Back Together Bash
In preparation for the new school year, local organizations teamed up to host the Back Together Back to School Bash at the Cherry Avenue Boys & Girls Club on August 19. The event offered central Virginia students free haircuts, hairstyling, backpacks, and shoes.
Organized by Amanda Burns from the #100Cuts Initiative, the event brought together numerous local partners and sponsors to help kids look and feel their best at school. In addition to getting back-to-school essentials, students celebrated the upcoming school year with a DJ, food, and branded swag.
Haircuts and styling were provided as part of the #100Cuts Initiative, led by Fernando Garay, owner of House of Cuts Barber Studio, and Daniel Fairley, president of 100 Black Men of Central Virginia. The group brought in dozens of barbers, braiders, and stylists for the event, and hopes to continue providing free haircuts throughout the year with the support of local partners and donations.
In brief
Climate concern concert
Voicing their support for electrifying city buses, the Green Grannies of Charlottesville sang “It’s All ’Bout the Bus” at the Charlottesville City Council meeting on August 21. For 10 years, group members have advocated for climate justice by performing in their signature green costumes and large hats at local events, including rallies, elections, legislative hearings, and more. The proposal for switching to more climate-friendly electric buses is part of a long-term regional transportation plan discussed by Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization, Moving Toward 2050.
Hard-hitting news
On August 18, UVA Health announced it will open a youth concussion clinic as part of its orthopedic center on Ivy Road. Rather than basic diagnostics and treatment, the clinic will focus on helping young people and teen athletes experiencing persistent concussion symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, brain fog, and balance issues. Patients will have to be referred to the clinic by either a health care provider or an athletic trainer.
Jones waives hearing
During an August 21 appearance in Albemarle General District Court, Christopher Darnell Jones, Jr., who allegedly killed three UVA students and injured two others, waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Jones faces three counts of second-degree murder and multiple gun charges in connection with the November 13, 2022, shooting on a bus that had returned to Grounds following a university field trip. The case is scheduled to go to a grand jury on October 2, when jurors will determine if there is enough evidence against Jones to proceed.
