From the "Don't Believe Everything You Read" Department...

Apparently I have, unbeknownst to me, figured out the solution to homelessness in Charlottesville. From "The Rant" section of this week's C-Ville Weekly:

Yes. My rant is about our mayor, who is also executive director [unintelligible] is going around offering the homeless people bus tickets to anywhere they want with the condition they don't come back to Charlottesville. I feel that this is a bunch of crap that he's doing and it needs to stop. If he's so high and mighty, trying to help the homeless, he needs to put more investment into trying to get them off the street than sending them away to other places.

The sad thing is that, while there's no truth to this rumor, a high-ranking City official actually did propose this course of action just a few years ago, as I mentioned in an earlier post on this blog. If ending homelessness were only that easy....

And now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back to outlawing plastic bags and subverting U.S. foreign policy.

Random Thoughts on a Sunday Evening

* Where some media outlets seem to be more interested in cheeky/gotcha journalism than intelligent reporting and thoughtful analysis of the issues, Charlottesville Tomorrow consistently impresses me as the kind of information agent that every community would be blessed to have, yet few are fortunate enough to do so. Their staff are top-notch and their reporting is like chocolate for wonks. I don't know where they get their money, but whoever funds them, please keep the dollars flowing.

* Yesterday's Daily Progress piece about Charlottesville's declining African-American population came right on the heels of a very insightful article in last week's New Republic about the "demographic inversion" that many cities across the country are experiencing. The gist of the article is that as more and more people of means are choosing to put down roots in city centers (which is a good thing), more and more low-income families are finding themselves displaced to the suburbs. I've long argued, and still strongly believe, that there are ways to invest in urban revitalization that don't necessarily lead to wholesale gentrification and broad displacement of long-time residents, but it takes more time and often more money to do it "the right way" and few communities have been willing to sacrifice enough of either. I just became Chair of the Redevelopment Committee of the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA), which is about to undertake an ambitious Master Planning process to guide the revitalization of our City's seven public housing neighborhoods. Redevelopment of public housing is the best opportunity we have for expanding our supply of affordable housing, improving the quality of life for our public housing residents, and changing the very dynamics of poverty in our community. But it has to be done the right way lest we continue down the wrong path. I believe we can do it right.

* On a much lighter note, I recently registered for (and started training for) the Richmond Half Marathon on Nov. 15; my ultimate goal is to do the Charlottesville Marathon next April. Now that I've actually put those words in print for the whole world to see, there's a better chance I will actually follow through on them. Or, not.

* Starting in the next week or so, I'll be kicking off a weekly "Mayor's Corner" morning gig on 106.1 The Corner. Being a big Corner fan, and eager to find new ways to engage and inform area residents on issues of the day, I'm excited about the opportunity. It won't be more than 10-15 minutes or so each week, just a chance to talk about local goings-on in a fun and creative environment. Including one feature that every Charlottesville resident is just dying to know: What's on the Mayor's iPod? Each week I'll get to choose a different artist/album to take me in and out of commercial break, which gives me a chance to put in a plug for some of my favorite musicians. I'll mostly be highlighting local acts, or folks with local connections (like Lunasa and Vieux Farka Toure, who are headlining the "Stand Up Charlottesville for Darfur" concert at the Paramount on Sept. 12).

* One of the primary reasons I started this here blog was to show off my collection of vintage Charlottesville postcards, but it's been woefully devoid of such material of late. Herewith, appropos of nothing (other than, perhaps, Gate Pratt's recent commentary on the need for a revisioning of this particular intersection), a circa-1909, pre-Lewis & Clark statue image of the intersection of Ridge and Main Streets, featuring the old Midway High School (where Midway Manor now stands):

* What do you get when you combine Cleo salads from Bodo's, hiccup-inducing green curry, the men's marathon in Beijing, trails at Walnut Creek and a nice cold bottle of Star Hill Love? A happy welcome home.

You Know You Have Too Much Money When...

...you've lost count of how many homes you own. That doesn't seem to be a problem for most people I know. Then again, most of them are low-income (you know, the people who make less than $5 million/year).

CBS-19 Airs TV Story on New “Step Up” Program — Housing for the Homeless

CBS-19 TV aired a great story today on the new “Step Up” program that Region Ten initiated this summer, in partnership with PACEM and with financial support from the City’s Housing Fund. “Step Up” is a Housing First-type program through which 10-15 disabled, chronically homeless individuals (including several long-term PACEM guests) will be provided housing and support services in order to get them off the streets and help them climb the ladder to stability and self-sufficiency. Two former PACEM guests are featured in the CBS-19 story and it’s definitely worth a viewing:

http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/home/headlines/26862749.html

While no one expects Step Up or any Housing First initiative to have a 100% success rate, we know from many other communities that programs like this do make a big impact in the lives of the homeless and, in some cases, actually save communities money (given the significant amount of costly public services [jails, courtrooms, emergency rooms, shelters, detox facilities, etc.] that many chronically homeless individuals consume).

cross-posted to www.pacemshelter.org

Plastic Waste, Part 2

Following up on a suggestion made by former Mayor David Brown last summer, I'm pleased to report that the City of Charlottesville is taking steps as of this week to actively reduce the consumption of bottled water by City employees and by participants in City meetings. Water pitchers are being ordered for all City and school meeting rooms and staff are exploring alternatives to plastic bottles in City vending machines.

Why is this good news for our taxpayers and our environment? See www.thinkoutsidethebottle.org.

Plastic Waste

I've recently been working to reduce my use of plastic shopping bags and viewing this slideshow has motivated me to try even harder. While the City of Charlottesville does not (currently) have the authority to ban plastic bags, we can certainly do a better job of promoting alternatives. Click here to see why:

http://www.poconorecord.com/_flash/soundslides/20080505plasticbags/soundslider.swf (h/t Gary O'Connell)

And in case you missed it when the story first came out in February, check out this very disturbing article from the The Independent about all the plastic garbage that's floating in our oceans (including one "plastic soup" of waste in the Pacific that's twice the size of the continental U.S.):

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/the-worlds-rubbish-dump-a-garbage-tip-that-stretches-from-hawaii-to-japan-778016.html

Somehow, "gross" just doesn't seem strong enough a word.

Taking "Bike-Friendly" Literally

In keeping with our recent designation as a "Bike-Friendly Community," there's an effort underway (thanks to my clever pal Shawn Strubbe and the Alliance for Community Choice in Transportation) to recruit and develop Bike Friends -- er, "Bike Mentors," that is.

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Be a Bike Mentor!

Help New Cyclists Learn To Bike Commute
* Route selection to work, stores or the pub
* Bike and helmet check/fitting
* Escort for first bike commute

Volunteers Needed For
* Escorts
* Education
* Program development

Volunteer meeting: July 22 at 7pm
City Space at the Community Design Center -- 100 5th ST NE above the Downtown Post Office

Alliance for Community Choice in Transportation

Questions? Contact Shawn Strubbe 882-1562, Strubbedo@juno.com
Zachary Shahan 295-6554, info@transportationchoice.org

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Great idea!

"Postcards from Charlottesville," Show #9

After a brief summer reprieve, "Postcards from Charlottesville" is back with another episode. This month our focus is Winneba, a university town in Ghana that will soon be considered for designation as Charlottesville's next Sister City -- the first one outside of Europe. Two Charlottesville residents, Nana Ghartey (who is from Winneba and is leading the charge to establish the Sister City relationship) and Sarah Denham (who recently spent 6 months teaching in Winneba) join me to discuss life in Winneba and what a Sister City relationship with that community might entail. The episode premieres this Friday at 7:00pm on Charlottesville Public Access (Channel 13). To view it on-line, click here:

http://charlottesville.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=107

Jayson Whitehead on Homelessness

See this week's C-Ville Weekly for a damn good cover story by Jayson Whitehead on homelessness in Charlottesville. The strength of Jayson's article lies in the fact that (1) he makes it clear that there's no easy solution to homelessness and (2) no one in the story (myself included) comes out untarnished (except maybe Holly Edwards, who is indeed a saint). But that's his point -- there's more we can ALL be doing to end homelessness in Charlottesville and as long as we continue to tolerate the homelessness that's in our midst, we are all, in some way...tarnished.

Seen on a Church Sign in Rural West Virginia Yesterday

PREACH THE GOSPEL AT ALL TIMES
USE WORDS IF NECESSARY

Love it.

(Apparently attributed to St. Francis of Assisi)

Peace

Last week I received an e-mail from The Peace Alliance saying that a Charlottesville citizen had made a financial donation in my name to that worthy organization, to honor some of the things that I've tried to do in my life, and in my time on Council, to encourage nonviolence among peoples and toward creation (most recently by proudly adding my name to a U.S. Mayors resolution opposing another disastrous war in the Middle East, this time in Iran -- see here). Given the central role that nonviolence plays in my own faith tradition/philosophy of life, I was very touched by that gesture and I am grateful to the citizen who made it.

Those who are inclined to support violence and warfare as a means of solving problems or acting out their bitterness get agitated and dismissive when others speak instead of the power and preferential option of nonviolence. I have spent well over 2,000 hours working on local issues as a City Councilor and Mayor and about 2 or 3 of those hours on issues of war and peace. For those who believe that even 2 or 3 hours is too much, that local elected officials should remain silent on issues of war and peace, I understand your agitation and accept your dismissiveness but respectfully disagree with your position. I am not a U.S. Congressman or U.S. Senator or a member of the United Nations. My City Council campaign platform didn't mention a thing about bringing peace to the Middle East. I am, however, an elected official who understands that violence and warfare have direct consequences for our community -- for the Charlottesville residents who will be sent off to fight and die in these wars, for the Charlottesville families whose loved ones will be put in harm's way in these wars, for the Charlottesville drivers who will have to pay even higher gas bills due to increased instability in the Middle East, for the Charlottesville infrastructure projects that will be de-funded so we can pay for all of this military adventurism, for the Charlottesville citizens whose taxes will be increased to pay for this military adventurism, for the Charlottesville citizens yet to be born who will inherit the massive debt and increased threat of terrorism caused by this military adventurism....shall I go on?

Or shall I remain silent?

Is 2 or 3 hours out of 2,000 too much to give...

...or too little?

Ithaca

Vacationing with my kids in upstate New York this week, attending a friend's wedding at the base of the beautiful Taughannock Falls outside of Ithaca this weekend. Missed out on the chance to welcome President Bush to Charlottesville this morning, hopefully won't be my last opportunity as Mayor to greet a head of state (maybe President Obama will roll through town next year?). Miss my Cats. Going through Bodo's withdrawals. Thankfully have some new (new to me) Curreri and Sproule tunes to remind me of home.

Interesting to note that the City of Ithaca is about to launch a major renovation of their downtown pedestrian mall (sound familiar?) and just last month sent a delegation of local officials and business leaders to...Charlottesville, VA, to learn from our experiences with the Downtown Mall. Interesting to hear their take-aways from that visit:

"Charlottesville, Va: Ithaca's To Discover And Borrow," Ithaca Times, 6/25/08

"The Commons Redesign to Start in 2010," Ithaca Journal, 6/20/08

Kids and I spent the 4th of July at the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen (what an uplifting place!), followed by a swim in Cayuga Lake and a stroll down the Commons. No fireworks in Ithaca tonight -- they do theirs earlier in the week, apparently get a cheaper rate that way. Unfortunately, though, some burning embers from their fireworks show ignited a series of small fires near the staging area at Ithaca College. Including a grass fire on...the rooftop of a new building. Yes, a green-roofed building, like Cville City Hall. Oops.

Happy Birthday, Nation.

Home soon.

Candyapolis

Keith Morris gets his due.

Persephone

Around this time tomorrow, I will be a first-time uncle. My kid sister Lani, who lives in San Antonio, is due to be induced and little Caitlin Naomi Kinion will make her entrance to this world. I don't think Lani or her husband Chris truly know what crazy and wonderful adventures await them -- I wish them all the best and we look forward to meeting Caitlin later this summer!

When we were kids, Lani and I used to listen to Casey Kasem's "American Top 40" radio show every weekend. We never called in one of those "long-distance dedications," but if that show were still on the air (who knows, maybe it is), my long-distance dedication today would be to Lani as she readies herself for the biggest day of her life tomorrow. It's a song called "Persephone" by Helen Horal, one of my new favorite Charlottesville singer-songwriters. It is a love song from Helen to her mother, from whom she is separated by some physical distance; it refers to the ancient Greek myth about the beautiful maiden Persephone and the deep love that her mother Demeter had for her that caused Demeter to travel to the ends of the earth in search of her daughter when they became separated. To wit:

In your arms, I find all the world, and gifts of summer you bring.
Carry me over oceans to lands, bringing home with me.
If home is where the heart is, you are my heart.
Wherever this world carries you, carries me, I'm your Persephone.
I can't give you seasons, only songs,
and passion, those seeds, I'll swallow one by one.
But the devil's fruit can keep me only so far,
I'd walk this world to find out where you are.
If home is where the heart is, you are my heart.
Wherever this world carries you, carries me, I'm your Persephone.

(Click here to hear the song, from Helen's CD "Words Unbroken," or click here to see her performing it live.)

I love that line -- "If home is where the heart is, you are my heart. Wherever this world carries you, carries me" -- what an apt description of the abiding bond that children have with their mothers and vice-versa. Good luck tomorrow, Lani!

UPDATE: Welcome to the world, Caitlin Kinion. Born at 5:28pm on Monday, June 23, 7lbs 12oz, 21 inches long, with "deep blue eyes, dark hair, long legs and big 'ol hands and feet...and a very sweet temperament" (according to proud dad Chris).

Want to Get Involved? Here's How to Get Involved.

City Council is currently seeking applicants for the following civic boards and commissions. If you've ever said to yourself, "It's time for me to become part of the solution" -- well, here's your chance to become part of the solution. These are some of the most important decision-making bodies in our community and we need a strong and diverse pool of candidates to appoint from. Think about it!

* Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transportation (CHART) Plan Committee
* Charlottesville Albemarle Commission on Children and Families (citizen at-large and youth representative)
* Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (citizen at-large and resident of public housing)
* Monticello Area Community Action Agency
* Piedmont Virginia Community College Board
* Planning Commission
* Region Ten Community Services Board
* Social Services Advisory Board

For an application or for more information, contact Clerk of Council Jeanne Cox at 970-3113 or coxj@charlottesville.org. Preference is given to residents of the City of Charlottesville; in some cases, it may be required. The deadline for receipt of applications is Thursday, July 3, 2008.

City to Open Two "Cooling Centers" Tuesday

From the City press office:

"CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The temperature in the Charlottesville area hit records once again today with some readings downtown exceeding 100 for the second day in a row. Both Martha Jefferson Hospital as well as the University of Virginia Hospital have reported new patients arriving with heat-related illnesses this afternoon. According to the State Health Department, there have been three deaths associated with the heat wave in Virginia.

Because of the increased health risk to our residents, the City will open up two “cooling centers” at area recreation centers to aid residents without adequate air conditioning or shelter. Tonsler Park and Carver Recreation Centers will open up at 9:00am and can be accessed by any city resident for water or cooling during this heat wave. Residents are not advised to use Key Center as a Cooling Center which, due to mechanical failure of air conditioning equipment, will not supply adequate shelter to be considered a “cooling center”. Conditions are expected to improve on Wednesday and the City will reassess the need tomorrow afternoon as conditions warrant.

The City once again offers the following tips to stay health during this heat wave:

The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

• Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• NEVER leave anyone or any pet in a closed, parked vehicle.

• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: Infants and young children , people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.

• Try to rest often in shady areas.

• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels)."

Me and Jiminy Glick

I've been interviewed by the best of 'em since I've been on City Council -- Seth Rosen, Henry Graff, Lisa Ferrari, Rick & Jane, Coy Barefoot, Will Goldsmith, Scott Weaver, Christina Mora, Lisa Provence, Cheryn Stone, Bob Gibson, I could go on and on. None of them, however (sorry guys) is nearly as entertaining as Jiminy Glick, who visited the Paramount with his alter ego, Martin Short, back on March 20. (If you're not familiar with Jiminy's work, see him interviewing Jerry Seinfeld here and Steve Martin here and prepare to keel over laughing.) I had the "honor" of being Jiminy's interview victim that night and it was a riot. Thanks to Cat for helping to calm my nerves beforehand.

A couple of days ago, I ran into Jane Mills from the Paramount and she said she had some photos of me and Jiminy that she wanted to send along. Forthwith, courtesy the superb lensman Rob Garland (check out his stunning photo blog by the way):

"Postcards from Charlottesville," Show #8

I was very pleased to have my good friend and fellow housing activist Joy Johnson as my guest on this month's show, along with Deirdre Gilmore (current Board Chair of PHAR). Joy tells us how she went from a child growing up in Kingston, Jamaica to a nationally-recognized public housing resident leader; she and DeeDee both discuss how public housing residents in Charlottesville have gotten involved in improving their own communities through collective action. "People gave their lives for us to be able to speak up," says Joy, "and I just think that we should exercise that right." Indeed.

The episode premieres this Friday at 7:00pm on Charlottesville Public Access (Channel 13). To view it on-line, click here:

http://charlottesville.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=102

10 Years

It was 10 years ago today that my mother passed away at the age of 55. Still seems unfair to have lost her so young. She was a good, kind person and had so much life left in her.

The worst part of it is, her death -- from malignant melanoma -- was almost 100% preventable. She had a mole on her leg that had grown unchecked for several years, and by the time she got a doctor to look at it, the melanoma had metastasized and her body was already wracked with tumors. She was dead within months. It didn't help that she had been a longtime smoker, which only hastened the cancerous advance.

My mother was a smart woman, but did not know the warning signs of melanoma (such as a mole that grows in size or changes in shape). Do yourself a favor and learn what they are -- click here. And if you're a smoker, all I have to say is: if you love your children, please quit.

We miss you mom.

Why the UVa Football Team Will Win the National Championship This Year

About the only thing I'm more ignorant about than football is...college football. Therefore, I had to chuckle when this e-mail arrived in my in-box yesterday:

Dear Mayor Norris,

For our upcoming College Football Special Section, we need your help. Our theme this year is “Campaign 2008: Who is No. 1?” We would be honored if you can give us a couple of paragraphs on why Virginia will win the national championship. The more personal, the better. We understand that you have more important items to deal with. So, we’re hoping that if we ask now, you can get us your team’s platform by July 15. Thanks ahead of time for your help. You’ve got our vote in your next election.

Bob Asmussen
Champaign, Illinois, News-Gazette

OK, kind readers: help an ignorant brother out. Please leave some comments below as to why you think UVa will be in the running for the national championship this year. [Apparently the News-Gazette contacted Mayors from the 30 cities whose home teams they deemed most likely to win it all.] Even if you're not 100% convinced that UVa has the national championship in the bag this year, let's be optimistic here and talk up our team's prospects. Let's strike some fear into the hearts of any team that dares to take the field against our Cavaliers! I will pick and choose from among your keen observations in my reply to Mr. Asmussen. Thanks.

[Postcard below circa 1909]