The annual Dogwood Dell Independence Day celebration kicks off tomorrow at 5:30pm, with the traditional fireworks at nightfall. I can’t recommend highly enough the Nickel Bridge as a viewing spot. Let’s just hope those watching from the river below have a more relaxed evening this year.

WTVR is reporting a fatal one-car accident on Forest Hill, near Bliley Rd early this morning.

A reader asks: Where’s the best place on the river to take your dog swimming?

The T-D is reporting a rather large house fire this morning in the Oxford neighborhood, in the vicinity of Forest Hill & Chippenham.

A large number of Reedy Creek fish have died suddenly of late, prompting a DEQ investigation into water quality. A local eyewitness suggests a connection to the flushing of the water lines that’s occurring across the area.

NBC12 has video on the story.

A bit outside our normal scope, but important to the community as a whole, I think. Contact John Sarvay if you need information above & beyond what’s listed here.

Your opportunity to help transform Richmond starts next Friday!

From July 20 through July 26, the City of Richmond, Venture Richmond and Florida-based planning firm Dover Kohl invite the public to participate in a highly interactive process to update Richmond’s Downtown Master Plan.

The series of discussions and design events (known as a charrette) are open to the entire community – residents, business owners, non-profits and government officials. Each day, a public design studio will be updated to reflect – in the moment – the ideas contributed by participants. The results of this week of work will shape the future of Downtown Richmond, and the broader Richmond community.

For ongoing coverage of the Downtown Plan charrette, visit Buttermilk & Molasses’ Richmond Planning and Development page. For more details on the Downtown Plan charrette, visit the city’s Department of Community Development website, or contact Brooke Hardin with the City of Richmond at (804) 646-6310 or email him at brooke.hardin@richmondgov.com. To participate, drop by one or all of the following public events:

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At least 1 person (and maybe 2, possibly kids) on a bike was hit by a car at Forest Hill & Jahnke/Prince Arthur. I’m not sure I’ve seen that many police on scene in quite some time. Forest Hill westbound is closed west of Westover Hills Blvd. for the time being.

Edit: In fact, it wasn’t kids, but a grown woman, and she was hit by a Richmond Police car.

Apparently a shoplifting incident at the Forest Hill/Chippenham Wawa turned into a slugfest between the suspect and Richmond Police. NBC12 should have something on this on the 6:00 news.

Adventure-seeking adults 15 and older can explore the shady islands and side channels of James River Park, Saturday, July 21, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Reedy Creek Visitor Center. Participants must be able to swim. Lifejackets are provided. Wear water shoes. Call 646-8911 or 646-6446 for details and reservations.

The children’s tour, for ages 14 and under, is Saturday, July 28, at 10 a.m. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to swim. Lifejackets are provided, but water shoes are recommended. Meet at the Reedy Creek Visitor Center. For more information and reservations, call 646-8911 or 646-6446.

You’ve probably noticed the signs, but just in case, it’s street cleaning week in Westover Hills, Swansboro and Woodland Heights. Stratford Hills and its neighbors should be up the week of August 6.

A reader asks:

Does anyone know of an inexpensive space in the general area that can be rented for a couple months worth of weekly events?

By request:

Female yellow Lab, unsure of exact age but probably 2-3 years old, needs a home quickly. None of the usual rescue groups can take her at this time. She’s very sweet, has basic training commands (sit, stay, etc) down and seems to be housebroken. Free dog training will be included with anyone who can take her.

Home found!