A rather sad email fell across our desks this morning.  It’s from J.E. “Chip” Harding, the Albemarle County Sherrif.  He explains that:

The number of evictions in Albemarle County has risen approximately 40% since 2006. So far this year we have seen approximately 285. With the economy currently on the “down swing” we can only anticipate the numbers to continue to climb. In an effort to bring assistance to families in jeopardy I spent some time researching and meeting with agencies that might be able to provide assistance. They have all agreed that it would be helpful if the Sheriff’s Office provides referral information as early in the eviction process as possible. Starting today a letter from my office will be attached to all civil process affiliated with eviction.

It’s a sad time for people who own houses beyond their means. As Jim Duncan explains in his analysis of the 2nd quarter housing marketing, “I think that the calls for the proverbial “bottom” are premature.” So, if you are in this sinking ship, you can at least get a little help from Albemarle County.

Chip provides a lot of information in the letter:

You can call Love, INC at 977-7777 MACCA- CARES at 295-3171 ext.4 and the Salvation Army at 295-4058. Piedmont Housing Alliance at 817-2436 has counselors specialized to assist you in avoiding foreclosure.

[Read the Full Letter Here] [pic]

HEADACHES!!!

We are hearing about big problems with AT&T service in Central Virginia.  Users are experiencing dropped calls, lack of outgoing texts amongst many other problems.

These problems started yesterday evening at the latest and still no updates on when the problem will be fixed.

If you are on AT&T and having problems, let us know what you’ve been experiencing and when it all started!

Update #1 11AM, July 2nd – It appears that AT&T problems are affecting ALL AT&T customers in Central Virginia.

Update #2 11:15AM, July 2nd – It appears that AT&T mobile customers have NO VOICE AND NO TEXT MESSAGING abilities.

Update #3 3:45PM, July 2nd – Intermittent service reported, but most customers still have problems.

Update #4 11PM, July 2nd – Service seems to be fixed. Let us know if you experience anything otherwise.

Update #5 4PM, July 3rd – Service still intermittant.  Mysterious calls from Number 1.  No word on 007.