Mayor Dwight C. Jones issued the following statement today: “The allocation of $1.5 million in law enforcement funds to the City of Richmond from Recovery Act 2009 is welcomed news. We are experiencing our lowest crime rate in 27 years and this funding will aid in continuing our momentum. “On behalf of the citizens of Richmond, I would like to thank President Barack Obama and the Virginia Congressional Delegation for providing this allocation to the City. “We will use this funding to continue our progress in providing for the safety of those who work, live and play in the City of Richmond.” Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

WHO: Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones Children's Museum of Richmond President and CEO Karen Coltrane Verizon Area Manager Randolph Dillard WHAT: Special guest reader participation by Mayor Jones in celebration of National Reading Month WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Children's Museum of Richmond 2626 W. Broad Street BACKGROUND: Educators and literacy advocates nationwide celebrate National Reading Month during the month of March. The Children's Museum of Richmond (CMoR) has a month-long calendar of activities planned to celebrate National Reading Month, and Mayor Jones is kicking-off those activities by participating as a guest reader during Story Time at the museum. Children from Chimborazo Elementary, Fairfield Court Elementary and VCU Head Start program are expected to be visitors at the museum for the reading. The museum also expects childr

Tonight the City will open the Cold Weather Shelter at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, 14 West Duval Street. This shelter will also open tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 3. The shelter will open each night at 6:30 p.m. and close the following morning at 6 a.m. For citizens needing shelter during the day tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, Freedom House is opening an Inclement Weather Shelter at the Conrad Center, 1400 Oliver Hill Way, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This shelter will provide citizens a warming area and meals during the day. The Cold Weather Shelter at Marshall Street Plaza will not be open tomorrow; again, citizens are encouraged to go to the Conrad Center if they are in need of shelter. Pets, with the exception of service animals, will not be allowed at either shelter location. The City will continue to monitor shelter need and has additional contingency plans under consideration if the need arises. All residents should take measures to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold weather. W

Due to the effects of Sunday’s winter storm, City of Richmond government offices will be closed today, Monday, March 2. Essential personnel are expected to report as detailed in each department’s Winter Emergency Plan. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones WHAT: Update of City's progress in responding to the winter storm WHEN: 5:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2009 WHERE: Department of Public Works Parker Field Operations Center At Hermitage Road and Avenue of Champions BACKGROUND: Mayor Jones will provide an update on the City's efforts in response to Sunday's winter storm. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

Due to the winter storm, City of Richmond government offices will open at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 2. Essential personnel are expected to report as detailed in each department’s Winter Emergency Plan. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772

Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the City will open the Cold Weather Shelter at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, 14 West Duval Street, tonight, March 1, and Monday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m. This shelter will close Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3, at 6 a.m. The City will also open Marshall Street Plaza, 900 East Marshall Street, for citizens who need shelter from the inclement weather on Monday, March 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bottled water will be available at both locations, but food will not be provided at either location. Pets, with the exception of service animals, will not be allowed. All residents should take measures to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold weather. For more information regarding the Cold Weather Shelters and warming services, citizens can contact the City’s Department of Social Services Fuel Assistance Office, (804) 646-7046. Elderly citizens with cold weather related issues can contact the Adult Protective Unit, (804) 646-7367. In the event of a c