Contributor Podcast: Open Source Rva

We're b-a-a-a-c-k! Open Source RVA returns from August rerun recess today, kicking off the new season with a show devoted to politics and propulsion. Joining us with be 1st District City Councilman Jon Baliles, who will talk about (among other things) the mayor's new proposed property tax cut and controversial comments on the urgency of fixing ailing public school buildings. We'll also speak with Chelsea Lahmers of Scoot Richmond, the region's only full service motorscooter dealer, about all things scooter. Hop aboard and hang on for Richmond's audio news digest, today at 4PM on 97.3 FM and http://wrir.org/

Paul Goldman and Chris Dovi talk to the original architect of The Daimond, Richmond's iconic baseball stadium that is threatened with demolition, but that is perhaps a hidden gem -- maybe even a real diamond in architectural circles.

He's notorious. He's outspoken. He's also about the nicest knuckle-busting roughneck you've ever met. He's Buddy Corbett, and between Richmond's literati, its politerati and its down-and-out barflies, he's the missing link. He's got opinions about all three groups, and everyone in-between. Sit back, Richmond, and be afraid.

Richmond kids protest poor conditions in public schools and Jimmy Sneed protests poor conditions in city restaurants - oh, and Jonathan Austin does magic - on today's 3-ring Open Source RVA circus.

Glen Sturtevant and Kristen Larson from Richmond School Board talk school budget, while former School Board member and current investigative reporter Carol Wolf drops a bombshell. Then Spencer Turner, Tito Henriquez, Mike Kemetic and Herschel Stratego talk about The Great Busk, an upcoming fundraiser for VACLAA

The Richmond budget process once was one filled with give and take, debate and divisiveness. Today under Mayor Dwight C. Jones, the process often lacks heart and City Council tends to follow the leader. What's up with that?

The band Bio Ritmo has managed to do many things in its 22 year career. For one thing, the 10-member “Rhythm Machine” has helped to make Richmond, Virginia an unlikely hotbed of salsa music. On the Jan. 17 episode of Open Source RVA, we talk with two of the group’s key players: Percussionist Gustino Riccio, a founding member, and Marylsse Rose Simmons, the band’s pianist and arranger.

TedX RVA returns March 28. We preview the action

Mayor Dwight C. Jones has been tapped by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to lead the state Democratic party. Problem is, Dwight hasn't make a course correction on past statements about his beliefs regarding gay marriage. Catherine Read is considering a protest run against Jones for the top party spot.

Rick Tatnall of Replenish Richmond turns traffic forecaster to discuss possible potholes in Mayor Dwight C. Jones' Shockoe Bottom ballpark. Also, the Richmond international Film Festival is here and we hear about a few featured films.

Basball, baseball baseball!!!! City Council has voted to play ball -- at least for now...

Baseball enters yet another new phase, with the appearance of Gov. Terry McAuliffe before Richmond City Council. The pressure increases to move forward with Mayor Dwight C. Jones' controversial baseball proposal.

Ellen Cockerham and Virginia Opera singer Fran Coleman talk about Sunday's Mozart Festival in Carytown. Also, the second installment of "Death Club Radio" with special guest host Alane Cameron Miles.

Eileen Davis, cofounder of WomenMatterUseYourPower.com; Pat Fishback, former president of the Virginia Equal Rights Amendment Ratification Council, Andrea Miller, deputy national field director for Progressive Democrats of America; Charles Woodson, Monroe Park Advisory Council

Richmond Public Library launches a new book club concept that's about more than hashing out the meaning behind the latest John Grisham. The Emergent Black Male Reader initiative is about closing achievement gaps, but it's also about changing lives and communities. Also, Mayor Dwight C. Jones' Shockoe Bottom baseball proposal has competition. A citizen proposal seeks to revitalize Shockoe sans baseball. John Gerner, Melinda Skinner and David Herring pitch the proposal.

We bicker about Richmond Public Schools

Death Club Radio, our newest Richmond Public Media project, has its debut as part of this week's RVA Report.

Shockoe Bottom, the crux of American history but also the key to Richmond's future, hangs in the balance. A plan proffered by Mayor Dwight C. Jones looks good on its front, but First District City Councilman Jon Baliles is asking that the curtains be drawn back to show us all how the magic is going to work.

Billy Ray Hatley tribute show and CD draws music lovers and awareness. Bob Buffington discusses his $3 million lawsuit against former friends in Church Hill

Mayor Dwight C. Jones at last staged his big reveal for transforming Shockoe Bottom. But in the process, he may well have transformed the community conversation over the next three years in ways he never intended.