Boring but important: redistricting in Virginia

Following a veto of its last draft from Governor McDonnell, the General Assembly returns to work today on a redistricting plan for Virginia’s legislative districts. Inability to reach consensus represents a gamble with which neither party is comfortable: in such an scenario, a federal judge would be appointed to oversee the redistricting process.

Sweet Bob | Pic Gage Skidmore

Of particular importance, as the Daily Press reports, is racial inequity in the way Virginia’s congressional districts are currently drawn. Historically districts were drawn in such a way so as to congregate a large bloc of Virginia’s black citizens into a single district – in this way, a 19% minority could be represented by just 1 of 11 representatives. State Senate Democrats propose significant areas of Richmond and Petersburg – currently a part of my district, in Norfolk – become part of Randy Forbes’ current district instead.

McDonnell’s transportation challenge to Virginians

Governor McDonnell issued an Earth Day challenge to all Virginians: at least once every two weeks, avoid driving alone to work.  As someone who walks or bikes to work every day, the challenge seems lacking in substance – but its intent is to provide an achievable challenge to the vast majority of Virginians. Will you commit to 1 day in 10?

ODU, other state schools are raising tuition

While studying abroad for a semester I vividly recall a proposal to raise the student fees at my uni by about 100 Euros. Bear in mind, in Germany college tuition is the right of qualified students, and a cost borne by the state. Combined with subsidized housing and reasonably priced books, the “student fees” – covering benefits from student activities to childcare while in class – were priced well below market rates. But after more than 5,000 students protested, en masse, the raise was scrapped.

Those future and current college students without summer internships might consider a public display of solidarity.

How does a bear get to the Oceanfront?

Take 264 and turn right on Atlantic!

A young male bear, out on his own for the first time, recently navigated his way to 16^th and Cyprus at the Oceanfront. Virginia’s bear population has been steadily rising for decades as the Great Dismal Swamp provides a safe haven. And, they’re becoming accustomed to more urban environments.

“Bears are just like big raccoons. Ninety percent of their diet is berries, nuts and plant matter,” said Jaime Sajecki, head of Bear Management for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (yes kids, that’s a real job!). Only ten percent of their diet is human baby flesh.

Oy-Vey! Drama at the JewMa

Longtime Jewish Mother owner John Colaprete is suing his partner, Scotty Miller, alleging Miller never fulfilled the financial obligation to buy him out of the franchise in 2004. Then, Miller formed a new Jewish Mother Corporation without Colaprete’s name attached and opened  two new locations, in Hilltop and Downtown.

Despite robust revenues of nearly $1.5 million in 2010, my personal fear is the expense of litigation. If the allegations cannot be resolved amicably, it could write the final chapter in the Jewma’s grand but tumultuous 35-year history.

Move That Bus! ‘Extreme’ Va Beach house revealed

Dedicated AltDaily readers will remember the call for extras to scream and shout on a cold February day as the new home of Beverly and Fred Burdette, and their six daughters, was revealed on tape. Sunday night, the rest of the world got its first peak. Click here to watch the episode online.

Pharrell teams up with NASA

Especially since Pharrell has never been jailed for illegal rocket ship fighting in his backyard, it’s nice to see one of our region’s celebrities engaging youth and doing good in the community.

No one to watch ova ya

Wells Fargo is on track to transition from the Wachovia brand in early fall, replacing the familiar blue signs with red and yellow. The new Wells Fargo signs are covered with temporary Wachovia banners until Ty Pennington arrives to Move That Bus.