Comments on: CAPS moves on Church of Crystal Light? (UPDATED)

By: john_m

john_m — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:25:29 +0000

Jessie – I’m not judging the relevance/topicality of comments here, & I didn’t “deny” anyone’s comment. There is a spam filter, perhaps you were flagged in some way?

Your statements regarding my politics and agenda are confusing and baseless, and I have a difficult time seeing any connection between this post and your assumptions. I don’t want to get into some sort of weird internet argument with you here; I invite you to contact me directly at murden@gmail.com if you’d like to have a conversation.

Finally, this site isn’t actually very active. We’ve been seeking contributors for months, local folks who can champion the culture and communities of Jackson Ward, Carver, and Gilpin. If you feel that there are stories that are not being told or are being misconstrued, please send’em in.

By: Jessie

Jessie — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:37:14 +0000

This just doesn’t seem like you are reporting news. This just seems to be a vehicle for he said she said nonsense, and the advancement of your own white politics.
What about those properties on 2nd and Clay? The first comment on this page brought up good valid points, yet you ignored them. You also denied my comment the first time i posted it, yet “Dang I was hoping this was true. Those kids are a pain the in the ***” is much more topical and relevant in your eyes.

YOU are working AGAINST the actual interest of Jackson Ward by working to SUPPRESS culture and community. Your only purpose in reporting is to proliferate your WHITE AGENDA.

By: john_m

john_m — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:15:06 +0000

Hi Jessie, thanks for stopping by. There are 2 parts to this that I think are interesting.

First, I reported this as unconfirmed. I linked to a twitter post that had been reposted numerous times. This is a rumor that was spreading fairly quickly. I felt the source was credible as they are someone that has been involved in the recent CAPS brouhaha. Whether I reported on it or not, the rumor was spreading.

Now, beyond merely repeating what I heard, this post put the story out into a pubic enough space so that folks that knew more were able to clarify my (and I’m sure others) understanding of the situation.

Second, this is a property that is both zoned commercial and has been complained about by some neighbors as being illegally used as a performance space and a residence. The presences of mattresses is one of CAPS big indicators that a property is being used residentially. If folks are throwing out mattresses in the wake of renewed focus by the authorities, this is interesting,

By: Jessie

Jessie — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:54:39 +0000

THANKS FOR UPDATING JOHN! ITS GREAT TO KNOW THAT C.A.P.S WASN’T INVOLVED, AND EVEN BETTER TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE THROWING SOMETHING IN THE TRASH IS NEWSWORTHY! A+! WOULD READ AGAIN!!

By: Kristina R

Kristina R — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:44:48 +0000

My husband talked with some people last night about this. My understanding of the situation is that it had to do with the property owner’s tax, and had nothing to do with C.A.P.S or the artists who use and rent the space. This article does seem a bit premature.

By: P

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:49:54 +0000

Dang I was hoping this was true. Those kids are a pain the in the ass.

By: john_m

john_m — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:42:01 +0000

So were there NOT folks moving mattresses and other goods out of Crystal Light last night?

By: T

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:54:51 +0000

seems like gossip columns like this one make situations even worse for galleries and spaces that already have or havent yet felt some heat from organizations like c.a.p.sâ€¦.especially when you are completely misinformed. classic â€œhanoi janeâ€ moves.â€LOOK THEY ARE RIGHT OVER THERE!â€

By: Claire

Claire — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:40:58 +0000

Word has it there was NOT 15 caps members trying to get into Church Of Crystal Light….

By: liz

liz — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:12:06 +0000

John, I remember Citizen all too well, and I hate the deja vu this whole thing is giving me. Any more recent news on what’s happening w/ the COCL space?

By: Stuart

Stuart — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:09:06 +0000

I saw an old man defecating in the yard of one of the abandoned houses around Clay and 2nd last night. Why doesn’t CAPS do some code enforcement on these blighted properties? I guess if it doesn’t get a write up in Style they can’t be bothered.

How long until one of these blighted properties burns or collapses like the Eggleston? It doesn’t matter to the City of Richmond because the Church of Crystal Light might not be charging an admission tax at First Friday and that’s the big violation that’s holding Jackson Ward back.