Affordable housing remedies include land purchasing and city-funded rental assistance

City Council is forging ahead with a multi-pronged attempt to stymie the affordable housing crisis in Charlottesville. The moves call for building new affordable housing, while also creating incentives for existing landlords to rent at rates affordable for lower-income families, and developing a city-funded rental assistance program for residents who are most in need. “The […]

A new type of zoning worries residents

A new form of proposed zoning has some in the city on edge, worried that it could be used to force out poorer residents. Nearly 200 people attended an information session last week at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to learn about form-based code, a different type of zoning ordinance that focuses on a […]

Taking a stand: Steve Rubin’s fight for civil rights

The first thing Steve Rubin heard was not the wailing sirens of a fire truck, but the shouts of his house guest, actor Bob Costley, alerting Rubin his car was on fire. Rubin had expected this—he routinely checked underneath his car for a bomb before going to his teaching job at Louisiana State University New […]

Negative ions may have a positive effect on your health

Winter is here, which means daylight is scarce and cold temperatures make most people want to spend a majority of their time indoors. This lack of exposure to sunlight can cause what is classically called “the winter blues,” a mild depression that is clinically referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Many people treat […]

Remembering the titans of the entertainment world

The entertainment world will never be—or look—the same again. Here, locals share memories of some of the great talents we lost this year. Editor’s note: This list was made before the deaths this week of George Michael, Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.  David Bowie I didn’t really know him. We weren’t friends and I never touched him […]

ARTS Pick: Borrowed Beams of Light

Adam Brock is back from the West Coast and is ready for a rare appearance as frontman of local music heroes Borrowed Beams of Light for a night of psych-influenced power pop and indie rock. New Boss, Naked Gods and Group MMS play opening sets, and Nasty’s Thomas Dean spins a late-night after-party. Thursday, Decmber […]

Local nonprofits employ creative collaborations

On a recent day, Cristine Nardi, executive director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, was working with four different nonprofits on a variety of challenges: a succession plan for an executive director; how to handle a potential sexual harassment issue within the organization; how to do a 360-degree evaluation for an executive leader; and coaching […]

Why we love cauliflower

Cauliflower, the hearty veggie cousin of broccoli, kale and cabbage, is mimicking everything from pizza crust to rice to mashed potatoes. But it’s a star in its own right—no reinvention needed. From appetizers to main dishes, restaurants are featuring florets in a variety of ways. Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria Cavolfiore al forno, $6 Lampo in Belmont is […]

How to celebrate national beer month in Virginia

Locals certainly don’t need another reason to imbibe in our area’s tasty brews—but we’ll take it. August is Craft Beer Month in our fair state, which means breweries are holding celebrations and events to showcase their wares. The biggest event to hit our area is the fifth annual Virginia Craft Brewers Fest, hosted by Devils […]