There seems to be something about the area east of the overpass where Midlothian Turnpike meets Belt Blvd. / Westover Hills Blvd. Multiple, serious, auto accidents have plagued the area over the last few months. Twice, telephone poles have been knocked down by the impact. Seeing as how students are often near the area, one begins to wonder how long it will be before these young folk will be mowed down by a speeder or reckless driver.

Certainly the overpass could use some love. I have personally crossed it on a bicycle and its lack of a sidewalk or bicycle lane could have been the death of me. I don’t see how pedestrians can stand walking in the ditch. Then there is the matter of the merging traffic heading east on Midlothian, which requires a driver coming onto Midlothian to rely heavily on her mirrors or crane her neck to a breaking point to watch for people flying across the overpass at speeds exceeding 50mph.

Even more surprising is the amount of people driving over 25mph when the school zone lights are flashing regardless of the effort of traffic police to slow these impatient folks down. In some states the laws require people to drive at speeds as low as 15mph and breaking the law comes with hefty fines, often exceeding $200.

Christmas is coming, I hope to see you there, so slow down!

Meet with 9th District Richmond City Councilman Doug Conner and business leaders in the community. The purpose of these meetings is to share information with business owners, the public, and community officials. It’s a great opportunity to share concerns related to businesses and city officials. This is not an exclusive meeting, so go down there and be heard, or at least seen.

Where? Why the 2nd Police Precinct at 177 Belt Blvd. at 3pm this Wednesday (tomorrow). Meet the ever popular Cpt. Steve Drew and his excellent team of officers as well as great people like Mr. Conner who has been helping develop the Rails and Trails initiative as well as cleaning up the district, championing career and technical education and many other issues.

Rap, lies, and videotape identifies the victim in the shooting last night:

Police are still withholding the name of local rapper killed in a recording studio last night. But sources say the victim was known as “Mike Ezie,” a member of a collective of emcees known at the “Young Richmond Outcasts.” Their songs include “Weirdo Stank,” “Let the Cops Everything,” and “My Buddy and Me.” The group, which consists of ChiChi the Kid, Heir Borne, Jwrek, Jaesen K, Jay Dash, Real and Mike Ezie, incorporated the logo and spelling from the Atlanta rap duo, “Outkast.”