February 5, 2025: Charlottesville Police Chief Kochis explains how FLOCK has been used to solve crimes
Plus: A look at legislation that made through the Virginia Senate
A free society is one in which people can look up information. A society stays free if enough people are skeptical enough to ask questions. On February 5, 2025 there are more questions than answers about the directions the United States of America is taking as the second quarter of the century begins. Charlottesville Community Engagement was created to report on how all levels fit together and paid subscribers sustain operations. I’m Sean Tubbs, and I want to hear your questions.
In today’s installment:
Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis gives an update on the usage of license-plate readers
Home sales in the region are up slightly according to new numbers from the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors
Charlottesville City Council recognizes Black History Month
The new head of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging says hello to the Charlottesville Community Engagement
A snapshot of the Virginia General Assembly one day after Crossover Day that looks at what made it out of the state Senate
First-shout: Several things ReLeaf Cville Did in 2024
In today’s first subscriber-supported: ReLeaf Cville seeks to help restore the amount of the city that is covered by trees. Here are some of their efforts since 2022.
• Planted over 300 trees particularly in neighborhoods with low tree cover, including 10th and Page and Rose Hill. Most recently in the Woolen Mills, working with the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, the group will have planted 135 trees to help keep the Rivanna River clean.
• Started a three-year Tree Preservation Program with a $189.9K grant from Virginia Department of Forestry to provide free tree care to 28 Fifeville homeowners to help preserve 48 mature trees this winter.
• Educated over 540 students about the value of trees and nature in the City and developing a Green Team of 15 teenagers every year. This group is taught about the value of trees and nature in the City. After teaching them how to approach people going door – to- door, they canvas the neighborhoods asking if we can plant trees in homeowners yards. This winter the Green Team, working with the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, is removing invasive plants and plant new tree seedlings to refurbish forested areas.
• Environmental Education Summit. With a grant from Clean Virginia, in mid-February the group will hold a summit with over 30 organizations involved in environmental education
Police Chief Kochis gives an update on FLOCK license plate readers
Last year, the Charlottesville Police Department entered into a contract with the company FLOCK to install ten cameras across the city that read license plates in order to identify and locate people believed to have committed a crime.
Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis appeared before City Council on February 3 to describe some of the results to date.
“There was a shooting on Hardy Drive on a playground where someone was shot in the leg,” Kochis said. “We had a description of the vehicle [and]was able to punch it into the system. We were able to identify a tag to that vehicle, ultimately identifying the person and suspect who involved in that shooting and make an arrest.”
There are ten cameras across the community and their locations are known.
Chief Kochis said the data has also been used to locate a missing child who ended up not being in any danger. Evidence has also been passed on to other jurisdictions such a homicide, but he added he could not divulge more information.
“Due to the ongoing nature of a lot of them, I can't talk about specifics, but I will tell you that this system is used in every one of our shootings,” Kochis said. “It's been used in a recent homicide. We are using it and it's been fruitful in a way that allows us to make progress in these cases much faster, especially when we're talking about dangerous individuals out on the streets.”
The city retains data for seven days, which Chief Kochis said is the shortest period in the Commonwealth. Access is restricted to law enforcement officers only and a suspect cannot be detained solely if there is an alert for them sent out over the automatic license plate reader system.
“The officer must develop independent, reasonable suspicion for that stop,” Kochis said. “And that verbiage was taken out of the ACLU's model policy recommendation.”
There’s also a “transparency portal” with basic information on who can use the site and who can’t use the site. This website states it is not to be used for immigration.
“The Charlottesville Police Department utilizes retro-active search functions and pro-active alerts to solve crimes after they've occurred,” reads the portal. “Additionally, The Charlottesville Police Department utilizes real-time alerting of hotlist vehicles to capture wanted individuals.”
The system is also audited once a month and the executive director of the Police Civilian Oversight Board has access to the records management system.
Legislation has passed the House of Delegates that would require certain policies for their use including reporting. HB2724 from Delegate Charniele Herring (D-4) passed the House of Delegates on a 59 to 39 vote on February 4.
Delegate Amy Laufer (D-55) voted for the bill whereas Delegate Katrina Callsen (D-54) voted against the bill.
Chief Kochis said the language in the bill was crafted with Charlottesville in mind.
“We're being looked at almost as a model,” Kochis said. “They've looked at stuff from our policies when drafting guardrails on the state, on the state level and the draft legislation that is out there. Our current policy meets all of those guardrails that are in that draft legislation and then some.”
Councilor Lloyd Snook said he has been concerned about the cameras from a privacy perspective, but he supported their installation because of the protections in place.
“It seems to me that they are reasonably calculated to avoid some of the worst case scenarios that people are have been throwing out about the way in which flock systems might be, might be used or misused,” Snook said. “And so I'm, you know, cautiously optimistic… that the system will continue to work satisfactorily without being unduly intrusive.”
Kochis said the same presentation will be given to other groups in the community.
CAAR issues final activity report for 2024
The real estate market rebounded slightly in the final quarter of 2024, according to the latest report from Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors.
“There were 879 sales in the footprint during the fourth quarter, an influx of 62 sales from a year ago,” reads page 2 of the 27 page report that covers activity from October 2024 to December 2024. That’s an eight percent increase.
For comparison, there were 1,287 homes sold in the final quarter of 2020.
The median sales price continued to increase as well and was recorded at $475,000, or nine percent from the same period in 2023. The figure for each jurisdiction varies with Fluvanna County at $375,000, Greene County at $404,995, Louisa County at $452,000, and Nelson County at $460,000. Charlottesville is at $495,000 and Albemarle is at $535,000.
Inventories were up as well, but new construction was lower in 2024.
“There were 1,239 residential building permits issued in the region in 2024,” the report continues. “This is 53 fewer permits than the 2023 totals, a four percent decrease. The drop this year was due to a slowdown in multifamily permitting.”
Interest rates for mortgages have also increased with the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage hitting 7.04 percent on January 16, 2025.
Charlottesville City Council recognizes Black History Month
On January 31, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo titled “Identity Months Dead at DoD” that terminated the celebration of Black History Month for the foreseeable future.
“Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department's warfighting mission,” reads the memo. “Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.
Other months canceled are Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month.
Localities are not under the jurisdiction of the federal government and many across the Commonwealth of Virginia are reaffirming their commitment to a commemoration that dates back to 1926 when a historian named Carter Woodson began a week-long celebration of history that was later extended to a full month.
On Monday, Charlottesville City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Black History Month.
“The City of Charlottesville acknowledges the significant contributions and sacrifices made by African Americans in our community and throughout the nation, often in the face of great adversity,” reads the proclamation as read by Mayor Juandiego Wade.
Wade said the city specifically recognizes the Vinegar Hill neighborhood which was the subject of an urban renewal project in the 1960’s displaced many Black families and business owners. The proclamation recommits the city to efforts to promote equity and inclusion.
“Black History Month serves as an opportunity for residents of Charlottesville to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, to educate ourselves about Black history, and to work toward a more just and equitable future,” Wade said.
The Albemarle Board of Supervisors have a similar proclamation on their agenda tomorrow.
New head of JABA introduces herself to Council
A nonprofit agency that promotes healthy aging in the region has a new leader, and the last person who held that role introduced her replacement to City Council on February 3.
Judith Selzer was named to the position last month as reported at the time.
“She comes to us with about 20 years of nonprofit experience and then several years as an executive coach,” said Marta Keane, the former CEO. “She brings enthusiasm and passion and we’re really excited to continue the wonderful work that JABA does.”
Selzer said Keane has been an amazing mentor and she thanked Council for their support of programs to assist with seniors and programs to support elder care.
“You have been investing in this community for quite a while and I look forward to continuing to partner with you,” Seltzer said.
2025 marks the 50th year of JABA, which was created as the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.
Second-shout: Charlottesville Community Bikes taking orders for Bake ‘n Bike
It’s that time of year again when Charlottesville Community Bikes resumes a holiday fundraising tradition. On Friday, February 14, costumed bike couriers will deliver pre-ordered scone bags across Charlottesville from 11 am to 3 pm. Each bag includes 6 scones (chocolate chip and cranberry) baked by Sweet Holly’s Desserts.
Only 100 bags are available—order now! Volunteers needed for bike deliveries—sign up here!
Outside the delivery area? Pre-order and pick up your scones at Community Bikes.
Legislative update: Some of what made it through the Virginia Senate
The 2025 session of the Virginia General Assembly has passed through Crossover Day and overnight the number of failed bills has increased from 624 on Tuesday morning to 1,289 as of 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday.
A total of 632 regular bills have passed the House of Delegates, as well as 112 House Joint Resolutions and 113 House Resolutions. The 40-member Senate passed 445 regular bills, 69 Senate Joint Resolutions, and 43 Senate Resolutions.
Yesterday we took a look at bills that were pending in the House of Delegates. In this snapshot, here’s a look at several pieces of legislation that passed the Senate and have now crossed over to the House of Delegates. This is not a complete list.
Education:
SB1413 from Senator Scott Surovell (D-34) would require school boards to take certain steps to address indoor air quality issues in facilities including controlling mold. This passed on a 21 to 18 vote on January 28.
SB1307 from Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29) would allow all localities in Virginia to hold a referendum for a one cent percent sales tax to fund school construction. This was approved on a 27 to 13 vote and is now before the House Finance committee.
SB1462 from Senator Lamont Bagby (D-14) would require the Board of Education to permit students to substitute African American history courses or Advanced Placement African American Studies courses for Virginia and United States history courses, provided the classes are offered. This was approved on a 30 to 9 vote with one abstention, but it turns out those votes are all wrong anyway.
SB1104 from Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D-15) would require the Board of Education to establish policies for localities related to extreme heat safety for student athletes. This passed the Senate on a 21 to 18 vote.
Energy and communications issues:
SB1342 from Senator Lamont Bagby (D-14) would require the Department of Energy to create a work group to study barriers to reducing energy costs in low-income households. This passed on January 31 on a 24 to 16 vote.
SB1449 from Senator Adam Ebbin (D-39) would require localities to require sound tests on “high energy use facilities” such as data centers before they can be approved, as well as an examination of the proposal’s effects on water resources, agricultural resources, parks, historic sites, and forestland. This was approved on a 33 to 6 vote with one abstention, but three of the no votes were incorrect.
SB1339 from Senator David Marsden (D-35) would amend the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act to permit individuals to opt out of text messages and requiring solicitors to keep such requests on record for ten years. This was adopted on a 38 to 0 vote.
Under SB1338 from Senator Marsden, fusion energy would be classified as clean energy. This was approved on January 27 on a 38 to 0 vote.
Firearms:
SB1329 from Senator David Marsden (D-35) would remove an exception from who can carry a concealed weapon. The phrase to be deleted is “any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel.” This was approved on January 27 on 20 a 18 vote.
SB1450 would create standards of conduct for employees of the firearms industry. This was approved on a party-line 21 to 19 vote
SB1134 from Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-38) would make it a Class 4 misdemeanor for someone to fail to securely store a firearm to keep it away from minors or someone prohibited by law from owning one.
Housing and Health:
SB1098 from Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D-15) is called the Virginia Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Protection Act and would prevent extradition to other states where such care may now or may soon be criminalized. This passed the vote on a 21-19 party line vote.
SB1105, also from Hashmi, would establish the right to obtain and use contraception. This bill passed the Senate 21 to 18.
SB1324 from Senator Scott Surovell (D-34) would make it a class 1 misdemeanor for anyone who obstructs access to a health care facility. This passed on February 4 on a party-line 21 to 19 vote.
SB1313 from Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29) would amend state code to allow any locality to create affordable housing requirements and expand some of the powers available to cities and counties. Some places are currently blocked from doing so. The Senate Committee on Local Government reported this out on an 8 to 6 vote with one abstention. The full Senate voted 20 to 19 to approve the bill with one Senator not voting. This is now be before the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns.
SB1350 from Senator Kannan Srinivasan (D-32) would require the State Health Commissioner to publish materials to be placed in restaurants to notify staff how to proceed if a patron identifies themselves as having food allergies. This passed the Senate on a 35 to 5 vote.
SB1163 from Senator Ryan McDougle (R-26) would lower the food to beverage ratio for certain mixed beverage licenses from 45 percent to 30 percent, provided there is at least $4,000 a month in food sales. This passed 36 to 4.
Land use and transportation issues:
SB1254 from Senator Lamont Bagby (D-14) would require cities with a population above 20,000 and counties above 100,000 to adopt an environmental justice strategy in their next Comprehensive Plan. It should be noted that the Trump administration is removing all references to environmental justice in Department of Transportation policies. This is a partisan issue and the vote was 20 to 19 on a party-line vote.
SB1233 from Senator Angelia Williams Graves (D-21) would authorize state and local law-enforcement agencies to install monitoring systems for pedestrian crossings and stop signs in school crossing zones, highway work zones, and high-risk intersections. These would have the same requirements as photo speed monitoring devices. This passed the Senate on a 24 to 15 vote.
Taxation and other monetary issues:
SB1305 from Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29) would
SB1306 from Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29) would direct the Tax Commission to end the Virginia Free File program and develop a new program by 2028. This was approved on a 20 to 18 vote.
SB1291 from Senator Mark Peake (R-8) would increase the maximum civil jurisdictional limit for civil actions from $25,000 to $50,000. This passed the Senate on a 39 to 0 vote on January 28.
Senate Joint Resolutions:
SJ278 from Senator Emily Jordan (R-17) would establish April as Native Plant Month. This was agreed to on January 29 by a unanimous vote and is now in the House Rules Committee.
SJ269 from Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D-16) would establish March as Persian Heritage Month. This was also agreed to unanimously on January 29.
SJ262 from Senator Lashrecse D. Aird (D-13) would direct the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the need for a Secretariat of Rural Affairs. This was agreed to unanimously on January 29.
SJ255 from Senator Aaron Rouse (D-22) would direct JLARC to study Virginia’s campaign finance laws. This was also unanimous, same day.
Virginia is a rare state that holds local and state elections off-cycle from federal elections. SJ253 from Senator Scott Surovell (D-34) would order a study of whether they should be harmonized. This was agreed to on January 29.
Reading material for #807:
Halfway through UVA’s 2030 plan, community looks to the next five years, Avery Davis, WVIR 29News, January 31, 2025
New board chair, trustees at Thomas Jefferson Foundation, CBS19, January 31, 2025
Albemarle supervisors to hold public hearing on new solar project that seeks to sell energy directly to local consumers, Jessie Higgins, February 4, 2025, Charlottesville Tomorrow
Scottsville relies on the goodwill of its residents to run its town. Is that goodwill running out, Dmitry Martirosov, Charlottesville Daily Progress (paywall), February 4, 2025
Housekeeping for #807
I thought about taking a day off today, but if I do that, then that’s a day I’m not getting information out to you. Instead thought about taking a day off from this end note, but instead I’ll give a glimpse behind the scenes. I was able to pull together five stories today, though three of them are fairly small. As I type this paragraph I’m listening through the City Council meeting from February 3.
I need to be out of the house shortly to run an errand (mail a birthday card for a person who turns 17 today that I wish so much I could take to dinner) but I want to say that a resident of public housing appeared before Council to report he had been threatened by another tenant who was unhappy he had complained about their smoking inside their apartment. I’m going to go back and follow up on that because it seemed very chilling.
Now that I’m in my sixth decade, I look back on a life in which I’ve experienced many people who are not pleasant and appear to have no empathy. In fact, there are many people now who appear to celebrate when other people are in pain. This doesn’t seem like a way to run a civilization and a society and I realize I have retreated so much in the past five years because of my own run-ins with unpleasant people.
I’m not entirely sure what to do with these feelings as I think about what that man said, and how he reported his life is in danger. I think of times I have been threatened and consider the potential for more threats in the future.
I’m not familiar with his story, but I know I am tired of people behaving poorly and getting away with it. Humanity is filled with individuals who know how to manipulate and bully. I don’t feel I do enough to state my principles on these sorts of things but I am also wary of saying much of anything at all.
Anyway, that’s that. Time to hit the road for the post office.