The birds are back! Richmond will again play home to one of the most unique birding events in the United States as it hosts the 3rd annual Gone to the Birds Festival on Saturday, July 31. Gone to the Birds takes place at and adjacent to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market from 6-9PM.

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The good folks at the Valentine Richmond History Center have two walking tours of the area coming up this weekend:

CANAL BOATS AND COBBLESTONES Explore architectural treasures and preservation efforts along the James River and the Canal, which was developed in the 1840’s to bypass river rapids. Includes Shockoe Slip, the Turning Basin and the warehouse district. Meet at the James Center Clock Tower at 10th and Cary streets. July 24 (6-7:30pm)

MANCHESTER Located south of the James River, Manchester was once a major port city and for three years was the county seat of Chesterfield. Incorporated into the city of Richmond in 1910, Manchester enjoyed a mid-century heyday and is now undergoing efforts to recapture its roots. Meet at Bankuet Place, 1129 Hull Street. July 25 (2-4pm)

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Virginians For High Speed Rail and the Southeast High Speed Rail Association will hold a public hearing to discuss the advancement of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor on Tuesday, July 20 at 7PM. There will be a public viewing beginning at 5PM; the hearing will begin at 7PM.

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A message from House of Delegates 71st District representative Jennifer McClellan on the DPVA/ OFA VOTE 2010 Day of Action tomorrow in Shockoe Bottom:

As you know, 2010 is the year for Congressional mid-term With less than 4 months to go until Election Day, our Democratic incumbents need your help. Join fellow Democrats for a “Day of Action” tomorrow, as thousands of supporters gather at events across America. The Democratic Party of Virginia and Organize for American have organized phone banking, canvassing, and voter registration drives.

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The Richmond Regional Planning District Commission (RRPDC), City of Richmond, Henrico County, GRTC Transit System, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transport (DRPT), and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are developing a transportation plan for Route 5 to address mobility, access, and safety for roads, mass transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. The public is invited to take part in the Study Kick-Off Workshop on July 29 to share ideas on how to improve Route 5 from 7th Street downtown to South Laburnum Avenue in eastern Henrico County.

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The folks at the Richmond History Center and Segway of Richmond are offering a tour of Shockoe Bottom on a Segway:

Ride a Segway past Main Street Station, the Farmer’s Market, Tobacco Row and the eateries, residences and shops that dot Shockoe Bottom, Richmond’s former commercial and transportation hub. Learn about the area’s history as one the busiest slave quarters in the country and current efforts to uncover and preserve this history. Reservations are required: Segway of Richmond (804) 343-1850.

The July meeting of the SBNA:

The July meeting of the Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood Association will be held this Monday, July 19th at 5:00p.m. Please note this earlier time. This month’s meeting will be held at the Richmond Police Academy, and will be strictly dedicated to the proposed nightclub/dance hall ordinance. As this legislation progresses it is very important that all of our voices are heard, as the outcome of the ordinance will have a direct impact on every business and resident of Shockoe Bottom.

Banh Mi Sandwich THROWDOWN, Café Gutenberg versus the Boka Truck, set for Monday, July 26th, will be at Café Gutenberg at 17th and East Main Street. Doors open at 6:30PM; food demo, samples, and judging 7-8PM.

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Cary Street between South 20th and 22nd Streets will be closed Wednesday from 8AM-4PM, and the Brander Street entrance to Ancarrow’s boat ramp will be closed Monday from 9-11AM for flood wall testing.

The WhatIfCreditUnions.com Dragon Boat Festival comes to Rocketts Landing on Saturday, July 31, from 9AM-5PM. Come out to see something unique or sign up to volunteer to help out at this!

Dragon boats are 40-foot human-powered canoes decorated with ornate Chinese dragon heads. Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams consisting of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer, and one steersperson race the canoes 500m down the river. Social groups and businesses alike embrace the sport of dragon boating because it builds camaraderie and a sense of “team” through participation in the sport.

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Richmond BizSense has some info on interest in the now vacant Richbrau space:

Amy de Venoge of Secam Inc., a local real estate firm that owns the space, said there are about five parties that have expressed interest in leasing the prime Shockoe space – some serious, some just tire kickers.

Richmond Police have identified the woman who drowned yesterday in the James River as Portia B. Smith, 40, of the 5400 block of Hackney Road in Richmond.

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Lt.Beazley’s Sector 112 June report (PDF) (covering Blackwell, Oak Grove, Shockoe Bottom, Shockoe Slip, Manchester, Old Town Manchester, and Hillside Court) is now available:

In June, Sector 112 experienced a 3% reduction in crimes when compared June 2009. This reduction occurred because of a decrease in violent crimes in the sector, even though there was a slight increase in robberies. Unlike the trend of previous months where we saw huge increases in the number of property crimes, in June we were actually dead even with last years number of property crimes. Although I would like to start to see a reduction in the future, this is a step in the right direction. Our larcenies from automobiles have finally started to level out, so please continue to keep you valuables out of sight when securing your vehicles. In reference to some of the robberies, their seemed to be a rash of incidents around the city related to a few individuals, arrests have been made and hopefully that spike of violent crimes will now stop.

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Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Gateway 6th District, will host her monthly Gateway 6th District this Saturday, 10 July 2010, from 10AM-noon at the Bank of America Building, 18th floor (12th & Main Streets). On the agenda: 2010-2011 City of Richmond Government Contracts; Procedures for securing Richmond Economic Development projects; Small, minority and Section 3 Richmond Government Contract opportunities

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Richmond’s first official Banh Mi Throwdown pits Boka Tako Truck and Cafe Gutenberg in face off for the coveted Golden Non Quai Thao and the title Banh Mi Champion:

Bánh mì or bánh mỳ (English pronunciation: /ˈbʌnmiː/, Vietnamese: [ɓǎːɲ mî]) is a Vietnamese baguette made with both wheat and rice flour, but more popularly known as a type of sandwich traditionally made with this type of baguette.[1] The sandwich is made up of thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon (do chua), cucumbers, cilantro, chili peppers, pâté, mayonnaise and various meat fillings or tofu. Popular bánh mì fillings include roasted or grilled pork, Vietnamese sausage, chicken, head cheese and ham.

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