Head start?

Since Virginia legalized marijuana in 2021, laws surrounding the drug have been hazy. Though adults 21 and over can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to four plants at home, it will not be legal to sell weed until January 1, 2024. State Democrats unsuccessfully tried to speed up that […]

Training for life

As a professional boxer, George Rivera fought under the name “Wartime.” Growing up poor and mixed-race, he learned to fight to survive. But now he’s taken on a different battle: Inspired by his late sister, Rivera is turning his Charlottesville gym into a nonprofit called Wartime Fitness Warriors, using boxing to help at-risk young people […]

For a price

There’s a long way to go until the end of 2023, but key metrics are coming in on how the real estate market fared in the last 12 months. But what impact will this new information have on transactions between now and December?   “Assessed values are a number that people look at, and while […]

In brief

Return of SROs? After replacing school resource officers with unarmed safety coaches, Albemarle County Public Schools is considering bringing police back into Albemarle High School, in response to parents’ complaints about fights, truancy, vaping, sexual assault, and other student misconduct.  “Working with the police department to hire and assign a highly effective, well-trained school resource […]

Who is Dashad Cooper?

“So, Dashad Cooper. … Who is Dashad Cooper?” Cooper asked, repeating the question back to C-VILLE. Cooper is new to politics and has not had the time to perfect his elevator pitch. But once he found his footing, he was able to explain his motivation for seeking office. “Dashad Cooper is a native from Charlottesville,” […]

A denser city

Of all the streets in a changing Charlottesville, Cherry Avenue may be one to watch closely to see how the new Comprehensive Plan might translate into a denser Charlottesville.   While the stretch from Ridge Street to Roosevelt Brown has always seemed ripe for eventual redevelopment, all of the properties from the 1000 block to […]

Building up the city

It’s often said at land use public hearings that there should be more places to live in Albemarle and Charlottesville. Both communities have adopted policies that seek to build thousands of units, and they’re challenged by housing advocates to spend millions a year to help keep them within financial reach of those with lower incomes.  […]

Up to standards?

On January 6, the Virginia Department of Education released a revised proposal of the state’s history and social science standards of learning, after previously proposed standards sparked severe public backlash in November. Critics—including educators, activist groups, parents, and Democratic lawmakers—accused Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration of whitewashing history, perpetuating political bias, and teaching historical inaccuracies.  In […]

In brief

City councilor resigns  After two years of serving on Charlottesville City Council, Sena Magill has resigned.  Magill announced her surprising departure at the end of council’s January 3 meeting. Overcome by tears, she asked Councilor Michael Payne to read her resignation statement on her behalf.  “The needs of my family have changed during my term […]

In brief

Rebecca Berlin joins county school board Rebecca Berlin is the newest member of the Albemarle County School Board.  On December 15, the board unanimously voted to appoint Berlin to the White Hall Magisterial District seat. Berlin replaced longtime board member David Oberg, who represented the district for seven years. In October, Oberg announced he was […]