Change of PACE(M)
After weeks of debate and controversy, Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders said that Market Street Park will resume operating hours on October 21, when it will begin closing again at 11pm. This change comes with the announcement that PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry) will open its cold-weather shelters early this year, starting the same day the downtown park’s hours go back into effect.
Announcing the reinstatement of a curfew at the park, Sanders said, “I have asked our staff to engage with various service providers to strategize ways we can support this process so that anyone in the park will receive the assistance that they need to ensure a smooth transition. This work has already begun and will continue through whatever period necessary.”
Sanders’ has faced criticism for his handling of the unhoused people who are camping out in tents in Market Street Park, with some residents concerned about safety and sanitation in and around the park. Charlottesville Police are currently seeking information about two violent crimes that occurred near the park, a non-fatal stabbing that took place on September 24 and a homicide on October 14. Neither incident has been linked to the unhoused population, according to CPD.
PACEM’s early opening is only a temporary bandage to the city’s larger homelessness crisis, but it provides increased access to overnight shelter for unhoused individuals while Sanders and city leaders work on more long-term solutions.
“This collaborative effort helps relieve encampment congestion in Market Street Park and address these neighbors’ need for a safe place to sleep at night,” said PACEM in a press release. “PACEM staff will be canvassing the park to help those individuals in need of shelter understand their options and resolve barriers to access.”
PACEM’s emergency cold-weather shelter will operate from October 21 to April 12, 2024. For more information, visit pacemshelter.org
Controversy on Grounds
An October 11 visit to Grounds by independent journalist and “gender-critical” author Abigail Shrier sparked protests among University of Virginia students, and spurred the organization of opposing events.
An Evening with Abigail Shrier, hosted by the Jefferson Council and the Common Sense Society, focused on the author’s controversial viewpoints and research into transgender youth in her 2020 book Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters. The book has received mixed reviews, with scholars questioning the scientific merit of Shrier’s work given its largely anecdotal nature.
Several student LGBTQ+ groups opposed Shrier’s appearance ahead of and during the event, noting the timing of her visit on National Coming Out Day. Alternate events were hosted by a few organizations, but a significant crowd protested outside Shrier’s event, chanting, “Say it loud, say it clear, transphobes are not welcome here.”
In brief
Car chase
After a car chase on Interstate 81, Virginia State Police arrested 30-year-old Jacob Falso of Freeville, New York, on October 11. Falso first encountered police when he attempted to carjack a tractor trailer, then fled in his own vehicle when a trooper arrived on the scene. During the chase, he struck a FedEx truck and rammed two police vehicles, before being taken into custody when he lost control of his car and crashed in Rockbridge County.
Tip-off
The University of Virginia men’s and women’s basketball teams geared up for game day at the Pepsi Blue-White Scrimmage on October 14 at the John Paul Jones Arena. Off the court, the Cavs signed autographs and took pictures with fans, building excitement for the start of their seasons on November 6 (men) and 8 (women).
New CASPCA director
On October 16, the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA appointed Libby Jones as its new executive director. Jones has years of experience working in animal welfare and related areas, most recently as the chief operations officer at Seattle Humane. “The input, thoughts and insight of our staff was of utmost importance to us while seeking a new Executive Director,” said CASPCA Board President Jenn Corbey in a press release announcing the appointment.
