Planting the seeds

Devin Floyd has made his knowledge of, and love for, the Piedmont into a personal vocation by working to restore it in all its ecological diversity. Floyd is the executive director of the Center for Urban Habitats, an environmental education, research, and consulting group that he created in 2012. But its mission really began decades […]

At a distance

Ed. note—This story represents one area family’s perspective on the conflict in Israel and Palestine. Bilal Koraz, a Gazan-born father living in the dense forest of rural Louisa County, says his 11 family members—mostly women, children, and the elderly—have been sheltering in the family home in Gaza. “Every day, all the time, I’m afraid to […]

Upon this rock

By Yasu Shinozaki The neighborhood of Preston Heights is deeply linked to the legacy of one man: Charles Hunter Brown. Brown was one of the first Black contractors in the Charlottesville area and built many of the houses in the neighborhood located between Preston and Grady avenues. He also built Holy Temple Church of God, […]

In brief

Turning the page The University of Virginia Board of Visitors voted March 1 to rename the school’s main library. Now known as Edgar Shannon Library, the recently renovated building’s new name honors UVA’s fourth president and removes the name of its first president, Edwin Alderman. The decision to rename the library comes after years of […]

Wading in

Juandiego Wade never expected to settle down in Charlottesville, let alone be elected mayor. When Wade met with C-VILLE—in a tiny meeting room in an under-construction City Hall building—on a snowy late January morning, the mayor arrived in a heavy winter coat and hat. He had just finished shoveling snow with a neighbor. Despite the […]

Reefer madness

When Gov. Ralph Northam signed the 2021 Cannabis Control Act into law, retail sales of recreational marijuana were supposed to become legal this year. Yet, without establishing the framework for retail sales in the General Assembly, what was billed as a victory three years ago shifted into quasi-decriminalization. But some lawmakers are aiming to make […]

Winning streak

Last week, the University of Virginia swimming and diving team traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina, for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. The women’s team returned to Charlottesville with 17 wins, six NCAA records, and a fifth-straight ACC championship title. The conference meet occurred about a month before the women’s Division I NCAA championship—a showdown with […]

Build-out

For many years, aspirational plans adopted by elected officials have called for Route 29 to become more than just a shopping destination or a way for travelers to pass through the city. “The Hydraulic Small Area Plan seeks to identify opportunities for a more sustainable mixed-use development pattern that departs from the historic, suburban patterns […]

In brief

Call for IMPACT Members of Interfaith Ministries Promoting Action by Congregating Together held a “justice ministry rally” on February 26, calling for city and county leaders to address transit issues and the affordable housing crisis. Started in 2006, IMPACT is an organizing coalition with members from 27 different area congregations of various faiths. The eve​​nt […]

In brief

Trials and tribulations During a February 15 hearing, Shawna Murphy was found competent to stand trial for the alleged murder of Charlottesville author and arts enthusiast Matthew Farrell. Questions about Murphy’s competency were raised shortly after her arrest on October 25, 2022, when she called 911 to report shooting Farrell at his Albemarle County residence. […]