Hannah Wittmer of Communities Against Middle River Jail Expansion talks to us about the disparities between jail and school funding in our area and why costs will continue to rise. Click HERE for show notes. You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell Cr

We Feel Like a Lot of Us Have Been In Triage For Two Years

Feb 24th, 2022 54m 30s

Nate Lawrence, teacher at Staunton High School, talks about what teachers have been facing, what the future of public education may look like, and how the community can get involved. Click HERE for show notes. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxw

Let's Shut This Party Down

Feb 9th, 2022 34m 3s

Let's talk about what happened in Richmond last week, bills before the VA General Assembly, recent attacks on public education & their possible consequences, as well as the agendas for upcoming local meetings. Click HERE for show notes. MUSIC:

Who's Standing at the Door Checking Genitals?

Feb 4th, 2022 38m 6s

Emily Sproul discusses proposed legislation in the Virginia General Assembly and how it will impact LGBTQ youth if passed. Click here for show notes. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

The Importance of Showing Up

Jan 18th, 2022 34m 8s

In this episode we touch upon recent Staunton City Council topics and the importance of making your voice heard to elected officials. Show notes can be found HERE. MUSIC: You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unpor

Interview with Staunton Sheriff Candidate Chris Hartless

Sep 13th, 2021 44m 6s

Staunton Sheriff Candidate Chris Hartless discusses what inspired him to run, his campaign platform, and ideas about community engagement and the Marcus Alert initiative. INTRO You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/soybmusic

Updates Galore, Including Middle River Regional Jail

Aug 5th, 2021 38m 21s

Lots of updates this week: July's City Council meeting, MRRJ "renovation," how you can provide input on an equity committee in Staunton, as well as Staunton long term vision & goals. Find Show Notes at localandvocal.net/blog. MUSIC You & I by S

Things Are Heavy: Augusta County Schools & Trans Rights

Jul 28th, 2021 14m 38s

Quick teaser before our next episode! We briefly discuss how heavy things feel at this stage of the pandemic as well as make people aware of the 7/29/21 Aug Co School Board meeting to address protections for trans students. CALL TO ACTION! MUSI

Virginia Legalizes Cannabis: A Conversation With Jenn Michelle Pedini

Jul 7th, 2021 34m 16s

Nitch and Allison talk to Jenn Michelle Pedini (they/them) who is the development director of NORML, and serves as the executive director of the state affiliate chapter, Virginia NORML. Click HERE for full show notes. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Am

The (Potential) Fate of Public Comments in Staunton

Jun 23rd, 2021 51m 21s

We discuss how Council is likely to vote on proposed changes to public comments, their discussion on conflicts of interest, and share some rare good news re: the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud

Too Fast, Too Furious: The Vote On Remote Public Comments

May 20th, 2021 45m 47s

In this episode we do a deep dive on the 5/13/21 City Council vote to not reinstate remote access to public comments. Hear the vote itself as well as our predictions for what direction Council may take going forward. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Ami

Agenda Breakdown: May 13, 2021 City Council Meeting Agenda

May 12th, 2021 48m 45s

Telephone public comments, a public hearing for potential West End storage facility, the golf course, and more. Check out this breakdown of the agenda for the 5/13/21 City Council Meeting. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundclo

We Don't Have a Fully Functioning City Council

May 9th, 2021 37m 38s

In this episode we discuss a petition to reinstate telephone comments during city meetings, as well as next year's elections and the overall dysfunction of Staunton City Council. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/soy

Collaboration and Community

Apr 14th, 2021 41m 42s

Welcome Nitch of Staunton Organizing! This podcast is now a collaborative effort to bring you all the info you need about Staunton, Virginia local government. MUSIC: You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/soybmusic https://sou

Important Info on Blue Ridge Criminal Justice Board

Nov 19th, 2020 31m 42s

In addition to info on upcoming Staunton City meetings, including what's on the agenda with the Planning Commission, hear all about this week's Blue Ridge Criminal Justice Board meeting and an urgent call to action for citizens! MUSIC You & I b

How to Change a Law in Staunton, Virginia

Oct 30th, 2020 20m 47s

A quick recap of this week's courthouse & 2A meetings, advice on how to change a law in Staunton, & a rundown of upcoming city meetings. All in one 20 minute episode. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/soybmusic http

Breakdown of Staunton City Council Meeting Held On 10/22/20

Oct 23rd, 2020 25m 15s

I break down what took place at the Staunton City Council meeting held 10/22/20 including controversy over the process for hiring a new City Attorney and a library presentation that made me cry. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://so

Preview of Upcoming 10/22/20 Staunton City Council Meeting

Oct 20th, 2020 20m 54s

Ready for the Staunton City Council Meeting coming up on 10/22/20? This episode breaks down what's on the agenda. It isn't the courthouse, but it's super important. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/soybmusic https:

Breakdown of Staunton City Council Meeting Held 10/8/20

Oct 9th, 2020 26m 51s

In this episode I breakdown what happened at the Staunton City Council meeting held on 10/8/20. MUSIC You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/soybmusic https://soundcloud.com/aminemaxwell Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Un

Staunton Meetings Being Held the Week of 10/5/20

Oct 6th, 2020 30m 46s

This week we have a City Council and School Board meeting being held. I'll go over both agendas AND tell you how Staunton stacks up to other nearby localities re: ADA compliance. Music this episode: You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soun

Breakdown of Staunton City Council Meeting 9/24/20

Sep 25th, 2020 25m 17s

A breakdown of the Staunton City Council meeting held on 9/24/20. Bonus rant about accessibility and inclusion. MUSIC: You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https://soundcloud.com/soybmusic https://soundcloud.com/aminemaxwell Creative Commons — At

Staunton Meetings Being Held the Week of 9/20/20

Sep 20th, 2020 18m 38s

In this episode I list for you details about Staunton meetings being held the week of 9/20/20, including details & what to watch out for at this week's upcoming City Council meetings. Music this episode: You & I by Soyb & Amine Maxwell https:/

Breakdown of Staunton Sheriff and Council Security FOIA Request

Sep 18th, 2020 43m 51s

In this episode, I break down for you the results of a FOIA Request in which I asked for all communications related to the Staunton City Council asking the Staunton Sheriff to provide security at Council meetings. Transcript & images from this

Breakdown of Staunton City Council Meeting Held on 9/10/20

Sep 11th, 2020 25m 13s

In this week's episode, I summarize what happened at the Staunton City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting held on Thursday 9/10/20. I also breakdown the more concerning things that happened (like voting not to purchase the lot where the C

Staunton Meetings Being Held the Week of 9/6/2020

Sep 5th, 2020 22m 28s

This episode I break down for you all of the boards/commissions/councils having meetings in Staunton this week. I list out openings on some boards/commissions so you can apply if interested! I also break down the over 200 page meeting agenda fo