Beginning January 4, 2010, parking fines will increase to $200 for illegal parking in handicap zones within the city of Richmond. Richmond City Council approved the violation increase and the ordinance was formally adopted on November 23, 2009. Violators will be ticketed and fined for illegally parking in a handicap parking space or in front of a handicap ramp. Fines were previously $100 for parking illegally in a handicap zone. For more information, citizens are encouraged to call the city’s Customer Care Center at (804) 646-7000 or visit the city’s website at www.RichmondGov.com . Contact: Jemila Woodson, (804) 646-4642

Cheryl Wright has been named Director of the city’s Department of Procurement Service. Wright possesses more than 18 years experience in leading procurement and diversity programs with numerous governmental entities throughout Chicago, Illinois. Most recently, she worked as a Business Development Procurement Consultant for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Charlotte, NC, providing business development for the Minority Business Development Agency. Wright had previously served as Chief Procurement Officer for the Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago, IL; Director of Purchasing for the Chicago Park District, Chicago, IL; Manager of Contract Administration for Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, IL; and Senior Contract Compliance Officer for the city of Chicago, IL. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University’s School of Technology and a Masters in Project Management from Keller Graduate School in Chicago, Illinois. Annette Flowers has been named Director of the city’s ...

WHO: Byron C. Marshall, Chief Administrative Officer Anthony McLean, Acting Director of Emergency Management WHAT: Update of city's progress in responding to the winter storm WHEN: 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009 WHERE: City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road BACKGROUND: City officials will provide an update on the city's efforts in response to the winter storm. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a central command and control facility where city officials are coordinating the city’s response to the storm. 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 Saturday, December 19, 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 the winter storm. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

Who: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Who: Present toys to residents during toy drive distribution event When: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009 Where: Arthur Ashe Athletic Center 2907 North Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230 Background: Mayor Jones, the city of Richmond and Radio One present new unwrapped toys, books and clothing to residents in an effort to “Build a Better Richmond” for area youth this holiday season. The toy drive began on Tuesday, December 10, 2009, with donations being accepted at any city fire station, City Hall, Southside Community Service Center, and two Radio One events at the Brook Road and Sheila Lane Walmarts. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

The city of Richmond will host a number of citywide events in celebration of this holiday season. City residents and visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market’s Grand Illumination celebration on Friday, December 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local crafters and food vendors will be highlighted at the event, and the Salvation Army International Brass Ensemble will perform a variety of holiday classics. Holiday celebrations will still be in full swing on Saturday, December 12 at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., over 80 tuba players will perform in four-part harmony at this year’s Tuba Christmas. Singing Santa will also be at the event, caroling the crowd. This is a must see holiday event for the entire family. For more information on the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com . Main Street Station will host its annual Holiday Open House on Friday, December 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at th...

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Linda Forem, General Manager Radio One Richmond Clovia “Miss Community” Lawrence, Community Outreach Director Radio One Richmond WHAT: Event to begin the City of Richmond and Radio One Holiday Toy Drive WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2009 WHERE: Richmond Fire Station 10 900 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia Background: Donations of new, unwrapped toys, books and clothing are appreciated and will be accepted at any city fire station or at City Hall through December 17. Radio One will also be accepting donations at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 2501 Sheila Lane from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 17. Donations will be distributed to children in need within the Richmond community. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110