Giant oceanfront slide gains traction

By far the best news of the day: Virginia Beach is soliciting proposals to find a company that wants to operate “The Hippo,” a 3-story high inflatable waterslide, on the beach at 24th street. My kids and I will be the first in line for this doozy when it’s ready.

The General Assembly section on page 2 of the Hampton Roads section is fully of interesting little tidbits.

And of course, these days it’s all about cost cutting. Today’s cut comes in the form of axing 19 judges. The house is proposing that any currently vacant judge position will not be refilled, and that any vacancies that open over the next two years would also be eliminated. At least no one is losing their job.

Also on the chopping block is pre-K education. “Obviously, we felt that pre-K has grown too much in the Kaine years,” said Del. Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, a budget conferee and teacher. So, it’s getting a haircut. This will be particularly felt by low-income families.

Complaint filed over plant’s approval

The fight goes on in Surry County over the coal-fired mega-plant that Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) intends to build there. The plant was approved by the town council, but the complainants say the Council didn’t give enough notice of their intention to vote on the measure, prior to its February meeting. In a tight economy where jobs are scarce, I can see the temptation to march ahead on building this plant. It means jobs, of course, and tax revenue for the town of Dendron and the commonwealth. But it’s time for Virginia to catch up with other states, many of which have started to cancel all current and future coal-fired power plans and move to constructing sources of renewable energy. It’s not that we’re running out of coal, it’s just that coal inevitably dumps mercury in the water and carbon dioxide (yes, it is a pollutant, Mr. Cucinelli) into the air. Building that plant is bad for our rivers, our bay, and our coastlines. I urge the fanatical opposition to keep up the good fight, and I thank them for their efforts.

TCC, Portsmouth officials celebrate First College system

TCC and Portsmouth high schools celebrated the success of a program that puts high school seniors into classes at TCC. It’s very encouraging to hear about educational programs that are working, especially in light of all aforementioned cuts to pre-K programs, and other broader cuts to education that are coming in this year’s budget.

Advocates tout value of extension services

Master Gardeners are upset. They are reluctant to become another victim of the ruthless cost-cutters in Richmond, who plan to significantly reduce funding to Virginia’s extension services. These services connect the state’s colleges and universities with local communities through programs like the Master Gardener Program. My mother-in-law is going to picket the Assembly with a hoe and a rake.

Deeds plan for redistricting is voted down by house panel

Creigh Deeds has been trying to change the way we draw congressional districts in VA, restructuring it as a bi-partisan committee that would make recommendations for redistricting every ten years. It flew through the Senate, and then hit the Republican wall in the House. Now it is dead.

Agreement on green-job outlook, not on energy-source mandate

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Randy Gilliland. This thoughtful and dynamic guy heads up the Green Jobs Alliance, an organization he started to encourage green business in the Hampton Roads area. Gilliland is a tireless advocate and motivator. He’s giving up his seat on the Hampton city council to focus his time on this jobs thing. He’d love to talk to you about it. Look him up on Facebook. Help him if you can.

Spring waits in the wings and CSA signups begin

If you like veggies and want to support local farms, join a CSA–you get a basket of fresh local produce every week, and the farmer gets some guaranteed income. It’s just another good way to get to know your local farms.