Mayor Dwight C. Jones issued the following statement today: “I hope that the property owners are successful in restoring the Eggleston Hotel. For decades, it has been one of our City’s historic treasures - right in the heart of Jackson Ward. We will continue to work with the property owners, and provide any available assistance during the construction and restoration process.” Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

WHO: Richmond residents can register to receive free training in basic emergency survival skills. WHAT: “Survivor Day,” sponsored by the City’s Office of Emergency Management, is a four-hour, free training session in fire safety, first-aid, anti-terrorism, and weather response measures. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2009 WHERE: John Marshall High School (Auditorium) 4225 Old Brook Road Richmond, Virginia BACKGROUND: This training is designed to prepare citizens with information and planning tools in the event of a widespread disruption of public services, commerce and transportation due to a local emergency. Training is free and open to all City residents. Citizens can register by calling 311 or visiting www.RichmondGov.com . A free Survival Kit, with supplies including flashlight, gloves, batteries, toilet paper and a blanket, will be provided upon completion of the training (limit one per household). Contact: Chris Dettma...