urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:1234 HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com http://www.pilotonline.com 2012-05-15T22:50:24-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639971 2012-05-16T00:33:12-04:00 2012-05-16T00:14:30-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Boys soccer Beach District semifinals First Colonial 1, Cox 0 Brian Davidson recovered from a bad touch on a cross from Jack Pleasants, and beat Cox keeper Erik Morlock to the right side of the cage with just under three minutes remaining Tuesday to lift the Patriots past the Falcons at the Sportsplex.

Boys soccer Beach District semifinals First Colonial 1, Cox 0 Brian Davidson recovered from a bad touch on a cross from Jack Pleasants, and beat Cox keeper Erik Morlock to the right side of the cage with just under three minutes remaining Tuesday to lift the Patriots past the Falcons at the Sportsplex. "Not a fake, just a bad touch," said Davidson, who scored with his left foot. "But I got good contact and it worked out well." First Colonial (13-3-1) will play Kempsville in the Beach final 7 p.m. Friday at the Sportsplex. First Colonial struggled much of the game as Cox (9-8-1) consistently built better chances, especially from the left side with Ryan Albiston's speed. But the Patriots closed the shot margin to 4-3 on Davidson's blast. Kempsville 1, Landstown 0 Sophomore Bobby Versprille scored his first varsity goal with 3:50 remaining and the third-seeded Chiefs (10-2-3) knocked off the second seed to clinch a berth in the Eastern Region quarterfinals. Versprille controlled a pass about 30 yards off the left post and sent a mid-speed grounder toward the opposite side. The ball managed to find its way through a sea of feet, with Landstown (13-2-2) keeper Logan Ratner not making a play as the ball slid just inside the right post. "I was taking a shot," Versprille said. "I was surprised that it went in. I guess he thought a defender was going to get it or something." Landstown's best opportunity came in the first half when Travis Walke charged in from the left side and crushed a blast off the left post. - Lee Tolliver Girls lacrosse VISAA Division II Cape Henry 18, Trinity Christian 5 Alison Riccio scored five goals and added nine draw controls as the Dolphins cruised past Trinity Christian in a quarterfinal. Regan Haegley provided five assists and netted two goals for the Dolphins, who will play a 4 p.m. semifinal Friday at Old Dominion. Boys tennis VISAA Division I Norfolk Academy 6, Collegiate 3 The Bulldogs' Blake Culver and Barclay Freeman both won their singles matches and teamed to win in doubles in a quarterfinal victory. Norfolk Academy's Andrew Balitsky also won two matches. Cape Henry 5, Flint Hill 2 The Dolphins' Tanner Baine and Chris Armistead won in singles and teamed to win the clinching doubles match. Girls soccer VISAA Division II North Cross 3, Greenbrier Christian 1 Hannah Velloney scored on a free kick with 10 minutes left in the first half to tie the game for the Gators (9-6-2), but the Raiders scored two second-half goals in the quarterfinal win. Norfolk, VA Staff Writer First Colonial boys soccer edges Cox in Beach semifinal First Colonial boys soccer edges Cox in Beach semifinal The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639971 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639970 2012-05-16T05:13:10-04:00 2012-05-16T00:12:38-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

PORTSMOUTH The City Council unanimously approved a $544 million budget Tuesday night that funds few new programs, generally holds the line on taxes and does not include a pay raise for employees.

PORTSMOUTH The City Council unanimously approved a $544 million budget Tuesday night that funds few new programs, generally holds the line on taxes and does not include a pay raise for employees. However, the council agreed to fund a one-time 3 percent bonus for all employees, including police, fire and rescue personnel. The bonus will be paid for with $2.9 million in surplus money the city expects to receive from the school system, Mayor Kenny Wright said. In all, the city hopes to pocket about $4.9 million in surplus school system funds in June. The money was intended for a central headquarters for all school operations, a plan that school officials have agreed to abandon for now, Wright said. The council is expected to approve the bonus after the surplus funds have been received. Wright said he would like the bonus to be paid before July 1, when the new fiscal year begins. The council also agreed to pump $1 million into the city's underfunded retirement system. City Manager Kenneth L. Chandler said the retirement system's obligations are only about 37 percent funded. To be considered healthy, they should be 80 percent funded, he said. Portsmouth needs to add an additional $8 million per year for several years to catch up, Wright said. "Some scenarios show that unless we do something, we're going to hit a wall in five or six years," Wright said. However, Wright and other council members agreed that an economic downturn is not the time to spend that $8 million. Because of the faltering economy, general fund revenues are expected to fall $6.3 million in the new fiscal year, Chandler said. The real estate tax rate of $1.27 per $100 of assessed value will not rise. Although it is the highest rate in South Hampton Roads, Chandler notes that because of falling assessments, taxpayers will pay $3.5 million less in the next fiscal year. Water, sewer and storm water rates will increase slightly, as will charges for residents of other cities who use the Portsmouth public library. Trash collection fees will decrease slightly. Wright had suggested last week that public safety employees not receive the bonus in part because they received larger pay increases than most other city workers in recent years. But other council members, including William E. Moody Jr. and Paige D. Cherry, disagreed. A council majority, including Wright, then agreed to include all employees. Although the General Assembly changed the city's charter to allow the city to hire an auditor, funding for the post was not included in the budget. The council appears to be divided on the issue, though members requested the charter change. Vice Mayor Charles B. Whitehurst Sr. said the city needs a full-time auditor. "I don't think there's enough to keep that person busy five days a week, 52 weeks per year," said Moody, who suggested the city consider hiring a part-time auditor. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Suffolk have full-time auditors. Norfolk Auditor John Sanderlin, who works for the City Council, routinely audits city departments. It was an audit by Sanderlin that discovered profligate credit card spending by some city officials. The council postponed a decision until members have more time to discuss the issue. Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com   Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Portsmouth council OKs budget, worker bonuses Portsmouth council OKs budget, worker bonuses The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639970 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639924 2012-05-15T16:46:41-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Farmers markets are opening right and left these days. A new Saturday-morning market, Farmers' Fare at East Beach, opens Saturday in Pavilion Park, 4730 Hammock Lane, in Norfolk's Ocean View. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

Farmers markets are opening right and left these days. A new Saturday-morning market, Farmers' Fare at East Beach, opens Saturday in Pavilion Park, 4730 Hammock Lane, in Norfolk's Ocean View. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon. Cullipher Farm in Virginia Beach and Deerehaven Farm in Surry County will be selling spring veggies, and Rainbow's End Farm in Suffolk will offer free-range chicken, eggs and more. Other vendors will offer seafood, sweets, breads, pasta and even artisan cheeses from the western part of the state. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with the reopening of the Old Beach Farmers Market at 19th Street on May 26 with new hours: 9 a.m. to noon. Welcome back seasoned vendors such as Cromwell's Produce and New Earth Farm along with newcomer Bergey's Breadbasket. Saturday-morning city markets also are up and running in Portsmouth, Smithfield and Suffolk. Chesapeake Farmers Market, relocated temporarily to the foot of the Great Bridge Bridge, is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. Five Points Community Farm Market in Norfolk, at Church and 26th streets, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Virginia Beach Farmers Market, at Dam Neck and Princess Anne roads, is open daily until about 6 p.m. For information about farmers markets across the state, go to www.virginia.org/farmersmarkets. Spring veggies Cromwell's Produce on New Bridge Road in Pungo in Virginia Beach is open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays with red and white lettuce, onions, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, beets, sugar snap and May peas. Henley Farm on Charity Neck Road in Virginia Beach should have pick-your-own May peas, cabbage, broccoli and strawberries. You can buy all of the above, plus sugar snap peas, Romaine lettuce and spring onions, at Henley Farm Market at the Pungo stoplight. Savor local seafood Have fun and enjoy the flavor of local fish and shellfish, prepared by local chefs, and learn what sustainable seafood is all about at the Virginia Aquarium's Sensible Seafood Fest from 6 to 9 p.m. May 24 at the aquarium. Tickets are $40 and are available at www.virginiaaquarium.com. Mary Reid Barrow, barrow1@cox.net Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Farmers markets are well-stocked with local fare Farmers markets are well-stocked with local fare The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639924 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639964 2012-05-15T23:15:56-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Last week, the president declared his personal support for gay marriage. In the wee hours of the morning Tuesday, the Virginia House of Delegates torpedoed an openly gay attorney's nomination to the bench.

Last week, the president declared his personal support for gay marriage. In the wee hours of the morning Tuesday, the Virginia House of Delegates torpedoed an openly gay attorney's nomination to the bench. Tracy Thorne-Begland, the chief deputy attorney in Richmond, is a highly respected prosecutor. He has worked for 12 years in that office and is in charge of handling homicides, assaults and other violent crimes. Before that, he was a Navy pilot. Twenty years ago, he was honorably discharged after publicly disclosing his sexual orientation. It was his work in the prosecutor's office that prompted his bipartisan nomination for the bench in Richmond. Republican Del. Manoli Loupassi and Democratic Del. Jennifer McClellan sponsored it. One does not become a judge, though, based on sponsorship. The House and Senate each have a Courts of Justice committee. Potential judicial nominees have to clear both committees to be considered for election to the bench. House Resolution No. 619, patroned by Republican Del. David Albo, and Senate Resolution No. 522, patroned by Republican Sen. Tommy Norment, offered the names into nomination for general district court judgeships. Thorne-Begland's name was included in both resolutions. But that was not enough for the man who describes himself as "Virginia's chief homophobe," Republican Del. and U.S. Senate candidate Bob Marshall. Marshall opposed the nomination simply because Thorne-Begland is openly gay. Marshall said that makes him unfit for the bench because it clashes with his duty to uphold the Virginia constitution. Taking a cue from the Family Foundation of Virginia, which deemed Thorne-Begland unfit because he spoke out against the now-defunct "don't ask, don't tell" policy and in favor of gay marriage, Marshall called Thorne-Begland "an aggressive activist for the pro-homosexual agenda." Not to make light of the duties of General District Court judges, but who knew traffic tickets were a part of the "pro-homosexual agenda"? Marshall apparently didn't get the memo that came out last week in the wake of the president's announcement. In it, respected Republican pollster Jan R. van Lohuizen summarizes the current state of the polling data on marriage equality and gay rights. Political pundit Andrew Sullivan writes, "And the pollster's conclusion is clear: if the GOP keeps up its current rhetoric and positions on gays and lesbians, it is in danger of marginalizing itself to irrelevance or worse." Loupassi, the chief defender of Thorne-Begland, went toe-to-toe with Marshall on Monday evening, arguing in favor of the nomination. "He's been doing his job and he's been doing it well. He's been protecting us from criminals," said Loupassi, a Richmond attorney who has practiced in courtrooms with Thorne-Begland. "I have known this man for a very long time, and I believe that he absolutely will carry out the duties of his office in a dignified way and a correct way." Unfortunately, that was not enough for some people. Thorne-Begland needed 51 votes in favor; he got only 33. With a number of delegates having left the chamber, 31 voted against him and 10 abstained. Thirty-three delegates, including some Republicans, voted in favor of a highly qualified nominee. Thirty-one delegates - all Republicans - voted against a highly qualified nominee. I guess they didn't get the memo. Vivian J. Paige writes about local politics and other topics at blog.vivianpaige.com. Email: blog@vivianpaige.com   Norfolk, VA Staff Writer A victory for 'Virginia's chief homophobe' A victory for 'Virginia's chief homophobe' The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639964 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639919 2012-05-15T16:58:18-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK There's little that's "everyday" about this month's everyday chef, 41-year-old John Cann. Instead of a gourmet kitchen filled with cookbooks and a big-screen TV tuned to the Food Network, Cann's Norfolk residence is home to a tiny cooking space and walls covered with brightly colored original acrylic and oil paintings. He doesn't even have a dining room table.

NORFOLK There's little that's "everyday" about this month's everyday chef, 41-year-old John Cann. Instead of a gourmet kitchen filled with cookbooks and a big-screen TV tuned to the Food Network, Cann's Norfolk residence is home to a tiny cooking space and walls covered with brightly colored original acrylic and oil paintings. He doesn't even have a dining room table. Instead, Cann enjoys the night's meal - herb-grilled chicken with roasted red pepper salsa and grilled asparagus with a raspberry sauce - on a coffee table covered with reading material, including his latest book, a comic-book version of "The Book of Genesis" by R. Crumb. The dinner is something he just threw together, as Cann - an artist, philosopher, anthropologist and owner of Twisted Ink LTD, a graphic design company, which, among other things, puts out Twisted Ink magazine - doesn't believe in recipes. "If you're rigid about it, and you go online and get a recipe, you're plagiarizing your food," Cann said. But one thing you can count on when it comes to this rock-star-cool, tatted-up New Jersey native is a mini-masterpiece every night. "I'm an artist," Cann said. "I like to create something on the plate that would resemble something on canvas." "Everything has a shape, has a color, has a form," he said, pointing out how the red sauces contrast his green dinnerware. Besides his passion for art, Cann credits his Italian mother for his inspiration in the kitchen. She made a homemade meal for the family every day. "I think everybody in the neighborhood ate at the same time," he said of the 5 p.m. dinnertime. But Cann didn't learn through first-hand observation of the cooking process. "No way," he joked. "You just don't go in Mom's kitchen." "My mother's crazy. She'll have me in there scrubbing dishes!" Cann considered a career in the culinary arts around age 18, when he apprenticed for the chef of a resort hotel in Long Branch, N.J. He worked throughout the kitchen and learned everything from cooking to ice sculpting. "He always encouraged us to experiment and play," he said of the hotel chef. "You gotta be playful when you're cooking." And playful he was. Cann recalls negotiating with bartenders at the resort, swapping chow for cocktails. "I'd be sipping rum and Coke on the saute line or the grill, and I'd be toasted," he said. "I thought it was great, (but) then I decided there's no money in it." Cann moved on to a job in advertising and later started a nightlife-culture magazine in San Francisco, which he later sold. Over the years, Cann attended the New York Art Students League, San Francisco Institute of Architecture and Tidewater Community College. He completed two bachelor's degrees - one in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts and a bachelor's of fine arts from Old Dominion University. As he pursues a master's of fine arts at ODU, Cann will marry his love for cuisine, the arts and print media in June when he launches a bimonthly magazine called Bar Hop. The publication, which features a drunken bunny as its logo, will focus on local nightlife, including restaurant reviews. In the meantime, Cann will continue to create in the kitchen, using a mix of fresh produce and meats and the ingredients he has on hand. Sometimes that will be a traditional meat, potato and vegetable dinner, while other times he'll mix it up, throwing together a vegan chili or a vegetarian burrito. Although his meals don't exactly resemble Mom's feasts, Cann whips up something seven days a week, even if it's at 1 a.m. "I cook every day," he said. "You never know who's gonna show up." Holly Van Auken, hvavb74@gmail.com Grilled Chicken John Cann of Norfolk isn't your typical chef. He wings it a lot of the time rather than following strict recipes. So below are his versions of two dishes, but you'll have to do some improvising yourself. Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, Italian parsley, chopped (enough for a handful; use your favorite combination) Garlic, crushed (to taste) Balsamic vinegar Olive oil Dash of salt Dash of pepper Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (amount depending on serving needed) Chop fresh herbs. In a bowl, add garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a dash of salt and pepper and the chopped herbs. Add chicken breasts and marinate two hours before grilling. Grill chicken breasts. Top each breast with a few spoonfuls of red pepper salsa. (Recipe follows) Red Pepper Salsa Red peppers (four or more depending on serving size), grilled Fresh basil Garlic (two or more cloves), crushed Fresh Italian parsley, chopped Salt Pepper Olive oil Red wine vinegar Grill peppers, peel off skin and chop. Place peppers in a bowl and add a few fresh basil leaves, crushed garlic, chopped Italian parsley, a bit of salt and pepper, a splash of olive oil and a double splash of red wine vinegar. Mix, then let stand at room temperature. Serve on grilled chicken breasts. - Source: John Cann of Norfolk   Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Chef whips up masterpiece every night, sans recipe Chef whips up masterpiece every night, sans recipe The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639919 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639961 2012-05-16T00:09:21-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Two years ago, Phillip Twine signed up for the frequent-shopper program at Kroger so he could buy cheaper gasoline at its supermarkets that have service stations. "I got a Kroger card just to get the gas prices," Twine said. "I didn't go to Kroger to eat."

Two years ago, Phillip Twine signed up for the frequent-shopper program at Kroger so he could buy cheaper gasoline at its supermarkets that have service stations. "I got a Kroger card just to get the gas prices," Twine said. "I didn't go to Kroger to eat." That marked the beginning of Twine's fanaticism about fuel prices. He has since become something of a gas guru: He tracks price information online, plots pump stops at his preferred locations and shares insights with others so they can save a few pennies, too. The Chesapeake resident travels to Newport News several times a week for his job as a church administrator. Those trips help put 1,000 miles a month on his 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer and make him particularly attuned to what it costs to fill his tank. "My thing is always getting the best bang for your buck," Twine, 29, said last week from his apartment off Volvo Parkway. Pump prices have fallen nationwide since last month, and U.S. energy analysts now project that gas will cost less this summer than initially forecast. Still, consumers remain sensitive to the amount they pay for gas - it's hard not to be when they drive by prices listed outside gas stations every day. Price-watchers like Twine are aided and abetted by technology that allows them to see those numbers even when they're not at the pump. On his laptop, Twine regularly checks the Gas Tracker feature on WTKR.com, which gathers price information provided by GasBuddy.com. Last week, he noted, local prices ranged from $3.42 per gallon of regular unleaded to $3.65. With that big a difference, Twine's not shy about letting colleagues, friends and mere acquaintances know about the best rates he finds. "I text people. I talk to people now, just to let them know where it's cheaper." Twine, who has a degree in accounting from Norfolk State University, budgets $320 a month for gas, which includes a cushion in case prices escalate. It's just one of the monthly household costs he and his wife track closely - a financial awareness he credits in part to his grandfather, who was in the Navy. "He always taught us: Make sure you take care of your responsibilities," Twine said. "That's the mind-set of why I pay my bills, why I budget, why I save." When Twine started going to Kroger, he was driving to Virginia Beach on Tuesdays for staff meetings, so he'd aim to fill up on those days. If he needed gas on another day, "I would go out of my way to go to Kroger." Soon after that, his then-roommate told him about low prices at a Wawa on Hampton Boulevard, not far from Norfolk Naval Station. Then, Twine discovered Dodge's Store, a beacon for cheap-gas seekers, across Hampton Boulevard from Wawa. Dodge's discounts its gas price by a few cents for customers who use cash. "We are not driven to make a substantial profit off of our gasoline," explained Johnny Branson, area leader for Dodge's in Virginia. "We want them to come in and buy our food. It's a means to an end." Twine knows that stations in Smithfield have a reputation for often selling the cheapest gas in the region, but he won't drive out there to get it. He'd only burn up his savings, not to mention time, he said. Otherwise, he will go the extra mile for the lowest cost. It's all about his own bottom line. "That's what you can control," he said. "You can't control gas prices." Carolyn Shapiro, (757) 446-2270, carolyn.shapiro@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Saving money on gasoline drives man's obsession Saving money on gasoline drives man's obsession The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639961 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639923 2012-05-15T16:42:51-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Having set out to sea like a modern-day Vasco da Gama, I sat there in my kayak in the Atlantic Ocean, off the Outer Banks, paddle in my lap, letting the sun burn my problems away. Earlier that morning, from the porch, someone may have spotted dolphins in the water. If you're the type to personify animals, perhaps they were even frolicking.

Having set out to sea like a modern-day Vasco da Gama, I sat there in my kayak in the Atlantic Ocean, off the Outer Banks, paddle in my lap, letting the sun burn my problems away. Earlier that morning, from the porch, someone may have spotted dolphins in the water. If you're the type to personify animals, perhaps they were even frolicking. And so I kayaked out past the break for a little serenity. Goodbye, password changes and out-of-office email replies. Goodbye, detours en route to work. Goodbye, stress. My arms churned until I was a good distance from the sand, and then I rested, taking in the vastness of the water. I paddled only to keep the wind from spinning me. I waited, hoping for a better view of the dolphins. Goodbye, cafeteria specials. The waves and the swells and the whitecaps played in rhythm, like brushes on a snare drum. My skin was hot but not yet cooked. I was anxious to see something. Anything. I was hoping for a distraction. Something amazing. Something to inject instant relaxation. Something to answer the question, "what did you do on your vacation?" with a little more than "not much, but it was great." Goodbye, standard text-messaging rates apply. But simply looking for a sea creature does not make one appear. And for the first time, I understood the myth of the Loch Ness Monster - why people believe they have seen it. We are desperate for magic. Then, to my right, among the whitecaps, I spotted a brown body making its way through the waves. It looked giant skimming the surface. I reminded myself that shark attacks are rare. Then the long whiskers. It was a walrus. I saw a walrus. In North Carolina. Oh, go ahead and laugh. Surely you are unaware of my vast seafaring experience. Consider: n As a child, I lived extremely close to SeaWorld. I visited often. I know what a walrus looks like. The walrus always played the grumpy old uncle in the sea lion show. n I've had my boat rocked as dolphins swam below me during one of those kayaking-with-dolphins trips at Virginia Beach's North End. n I've been to an aquarium or two. So off the coast of the Outer Banks, I was convinced I had spotted a walrus. Never mind that walruses don't live in these waters. I sat very still, waiting for another sighting, trying to remember if walruses traveled in schools or gaggles or armies. I knew no one would believe me. After 30 minutes or so, I paddled back, pretending I was outrunning a giant shark, trying to ride the larger waves, wondering how Capt. Christopher Newport felt when he spotted land after a months-long journey. I told my friends I had seen a walrus. Everyone laughed. Goo goo g'joob. The night I got back, my friend Mary suggested I had seen a West Indian manatee. She later emailed me a photo. The manatees occasionally are found in North Carolina this time of year. They can be brown and heavy and look similar to what I saw from my kayak. Goodbye, walrus. The best vacations carry a hint of the unexpected and the unforgettable. They are the ones that mean you return home with luggage, a suntan and a good story, maybe even a fish story. Mike Gruss, 757-446-2277, mike.gruss@pilotonline.com, PilotOnline.com/gruss Norfolk, VA Staff Writer You'll never guess what I saw on my OBX vacation You'll never guess what I saw on my OBX vacation The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639923 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639938 2012-05-15T18:47:04-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Tracy Thorne-Begland has qualifications tailor-made for a judgeship on Richmond's General District Court: Former naval aviator. Graduate of University of Richmond's School of Law. More than a decade as a prosecutor. The chief deputy commonwealth's attorney in the capital city.

Tracy Thorne-Begland has qualifications tailor-made for a judgeship on Richmond's General District Court: Former naval aviator. Graduate of University of Richmond's School of Law. More than a decade as a prosecutor. The chief deputy commonwealth's attorney in the capital city. But those qualifications didn't matter to enough lawmakers this week. Social conservatives in the Republican-dominated House of Delegates singled out Thorne-Begland's status as an openly gay man, and his willingness to publicly challenge the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy while he was still serving in the early 1990s, as justification for rejecting him. In floor speeches late Monday and into Tuesday, opponents assailed Thorne-Begland for his actions two decades ago, when he admitted in a television interview that he was a gay man in the military. The Navy honorably discharged him. To hear certain lawmakers tell it, that single decision - by a young man struggling with his identity just as the nation was pondering gay Americans' service in the military - was unforgivable. A dereliction of duty. A breach of trust. Even though the law has been scrapped as an unjust relic and Thorne-Begland could serve today. Del. Bob Marshall, whose position on social issues is best illustrated by his efforts to grant legal rights to embryos, led the assault on Thorne-Begland's nomination. He suggested Thorne-Begland would violate his oath of office, then dropped the pretense and made clear that his view was rooted in his opposition to the notion of a gay man serving as a judge. "Your life would be a contradiction to the constitution you swear to uphold and defend," Marshall said, citing Virginia's 2006 amendment defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman and withdrawing basic legal rights from gay couples. That kind of rhetoric is of a piece with a legislative session that has seen senators and delegates consumed by contentious debates over which kinds of ultrasound would be required before a woman can have an abortion and when personhood begins. Monday, Democrats and Del. Manoli Loupassi, a Richmond Republican who sponsored Thorne-Begland's nomination, pleaded with colleagues to evaluate the candidate on his abilities and reputation as a top-notch attorney handling the prosecutions of some of Richmond's worst crimes. Earlier in the day, Gov. Bob McDonnell said through a spokesman that qualifications, not sexual orientation, should be the determining factor in selection of judges. "[T]he governor has long made clear that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is not acceptable in state government," spokesman Tucker Martin said. Thorne-Begland needed 51 of 100 House votes to become a judge. He got 33, including eight Republicans. Thirty-one Republicans voted against him. Thirty-six delegates abstained or didn't vote, an embarrassment all its own. Senate Republicans then killed the prosecutor's chances by voting 20-19 not to take up his nomination. The legislature's decision, said Sen. Adam P. Ebbin, an Alexandria Democrat, was "homophobic and embarrassing and showed a disrespect to a chief deputy commonwealth attorney and decorated veteran who was honorably discharged." Tuesday's vote brought dishonor to this General Assembly and ranks among the lowest moments in a legislative session that's been full of them. Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Dishonor in General Assembly Dishonor in General Assembly The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639938 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639965 2012-05-16T00:11:30-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

VIRGINIA BEACH For more than a decade, city officials, conservationists and nature lovers have coveted the last major swath of undeveloped land along the Lynnhaven River, a 117-acre plot called Pleasure House Point.

VIRGINIA BEACH For more than a decade, city officials, conservationists and nature lovers have coveted the last major swath of undeveloped land along the Lynnhaven River, a 117-acre plot called Pleasure House Point. They cringed when developers announced plans to build 1,000 homes and condos on the environmentally sensitive site, sighed with relief when the project - known as Indigo Dunes - failed, and celebrated when the City Council in March agreed to buy the site for $13 million. Now they've got to decide what to do with it. That process began Tuesday with yellow sheets of paper taped to the wall of a meeting room at the Bayside Community Recreation Center. On them, owners of nearby property, Parks and Recreation Department staff members, and representatives of environmental groups scribbled suggestions for what the city and its partners will have to address in drafting a plan for the site: - Should dogs be allowed? Biking? - Will 90 to 100 parallel parking spaces on nearby Marlin Bay Drive be enough? - Should the city provide restrooms? - What improvements are needed to make the site more handicapped-accessible? - How will traffic and changes to the site affect the adjacent Ocean Park neighborhood? - What's the best way to preserve the site's rare maritime forest, restore its wetlands and oyster beds, and protect its native species? The ideas will help form a set of guiding principles the Pleasure House Point Stakeholders Committee will submit to the city to help shape the site's future, said Brian Solis, a Parks and Recreation planner. The goal is to allow public access for recreation while limiting environmental impact, he said. "They want people to be able to use the site and at the same time maintain the site's ecological purpose," said Christy Everett, Hampton Roads director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, an environmental nonprofit group teaming up with the city on the project. "So I think it will be a really nice balance." Pleasure House Point is south of Shore Drive between Ocean Park and Pleasure House Creek, a tributary of the Lynnhaven River. The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit conservation group, plans to finish buying the property by July 10. The city will purchase the site and open it for public use shortly afterward. Donations, money from the city's open-space program, a low-interest loan from the Department of Environmental Quality and a federal conservation grant are helping to pay for the purchase. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation also is contributing $1 million toward the cost, and plans to build an environmental center on the site. The 10,000-square-foot building will be designed to minimize its environmental impact, and include an educational center and office space for conservationists. The stakeholders committee meets monthly and will invite public comment on the project in July. Kathy Adams, 757-222-5155, kathy.adams@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Virginia Beach hunts for best use for preserved land Virginia Beach hunts for best use for preserved land The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639965 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639942 2012-05-15T19:41:54-04:00 2012-05-16T00:00:00-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

House arrest offers benefits to jailers and the jailed.

House arrest offers benefits to jailers and the jailed. Norfolk's Sheriff's Office leads the region in the house arrest program, with about 300 low-risk offenders serving sentences for infractions such as driving offenses or failing to pay child support. Federal money helped to get the programs started; Norfolk was wise to keep its program going and to expand it after federal money disappeared. Those are 300 people who might otherwise lodge in an already overcrowded jail at a cost to taxpayers of about $55 per inmate per day. Under house arrest, offenders can keep their jobs and keep paying taxes, as well as any fines and court costs they owe. They pay for their own upkeep as well as most of the costs of the house arrest program - unlike those serving time in jail, who pay $2 a day toward their stay in Norfolk. The arrangement is also better for people with illnesses. They can fulfill the conditions of a sentence and manage their own health care rather than relying on publicly funded and much more expensive treatment in jail. Technology makes it possible for the jail to track those hundreds of people on house arrest with just a few staff members. GPS monitoring devices keep tabs on those in the program, and smartphones enable jailers to watch them from afar. A criminal sentence has purposes other than punishment, including rehabilitation. House arrest effectively limits freedom but offers those who have made mistakes a way to learn from them, to contribute to society even as they make amends. The program saves money and time, and it offers a chance to rehabilitate the lives of those whose crimes merit punishment but not incarceration. More jails should use it more aggressively. Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Bringing the cell to the criminal Bringing the cell to the criminal The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639942 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639969 2012-05-16T00:04:38-04:00 2012-05-15T23:57:29-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Boys soccer Southeastern District All games at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake Today's quarterfinals No. 3 Indian River vs. No. 6 Oscar Smith at 5:30 p.m.; No. 4 Western Branch vs. No. 5 Great Bridge at 7:30 p.m. Semifinals on May 22 No. 2 Hickory vs. Indian River-Oscar Smith winner at 5:30 p.m.; No. 1 Grassfield vs. Western Branch-Great Bridge winner at 7:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Southeastern District All games at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake Today's quarterfinals No. 3 Indian River vs. No. 6 Oscar Smith at 5:30 p.m.; No. 4 Western Branch vs. No. 5 Great Bridge at 7:30 p.m. Semifinals on May 22 No. 2 Hickory vs. Indian River-Oscar Smith winner at 5:30 p.m.; No. 1 Grassfield vs. Western Branch-Great Bridge winner at 7:30 p.m. Championship 5:30 p.m. May 24. The lowdown The Southeastern, like the Beach, was a league of parity this season - with the top four seeds just a game apart in the final standings. Grassfield won the regular-season title and has an automatic berth to the Eastern Region quarterfinals on May 29. Western Branch could earn the other region bid just on the foot of David Noel, who leads South Hampton Roads in scoring with 24 goals. Grassfield's Max Dinsmore is sixth among scoring leaders with 13 goals. Hickory has a volatile combination in Grant Collier and J.P. Riley, who have 12 and 11 goals, respectively. Indian River's Brandon Eaton has 11 goals, several of which were game-winners. Oscar Smith's Trayvaughn Gooding has eight goals. Eastern District All games at Powhatan Field in Norfolk Semifinals Today - No. 1 Granby vs. No. 4 Churchland, 7 p.m.; Thursday - No. 2 Maury vs. No. 3 Wilson, 7 p.m. Championship 7 p.m. May 22. The lowdown Expect this tournament to boil down to the usual finalists - Granby and Maury. Granby already owns an automatic Eastern Region bid. Maury defeated Wilson 4-1 two games ago on the strength of Brendan Sweeney's hat trick. Jeff Bombelles is Maury's other serious threat, although several other players have scored during the season. Granby is led by Christian Rivera's 14 goals - tied for third in South Hampton Roads. The Comets also depend heavily on the goal tending of Davin Field, who has recorded six consecutive shutouts and has 10 on the season. - Lee Tolliver Girls soccer Eastern District All games at Powhatan Field in Norfolk Semifinals Today - No. 1 Maury vs. No. 4 Wilson, 5 p.m.; Thursday - No. 2 Lake Taylor vs. No. 3 Granby, 5 p.m. Championship 5 p.m. May 22. The lowdown Maury freshman Darby Moore has lit up the competition with a South Hampton Roads-leading 29 goals. The Commodores cruised through district play undefeated to clinch a spot in the Eastern Region tournament. Lake Taylor or Granby will look to halt Maury's impressive run. The Titans are having their best season in school history at 13-1-1 - the lone loss was a 3-0 setback against Maury. Asia Burleson leads Lake Taylor with 18 goals. Granby lost 1-0 to the Titans on April 23 and find themselves in a rare underdog role. Emily Butler has a team-high eight goals. - Ray Nimmo Softball Eastern District All games at Churchland High Today's semifinals No. 1 Granby vs. No. 4 Wilson, 3:30 p.m.; No. 2 Churchland vs. No. 3 Norview, 5:30 p.m. Championship 5 p.m. Tuesday The lowdown Granby has already clinched an Eastern Region berth by winning the regular-season title. The Comets have dominated all season, although Wilson has won five of its last six. Churchland and Norview split two games during the regular season. Churchland (11-7) has won six of its last seven games. The Pilots (10-4) are having one of their best seasons ever and are trying to make the region tournament for just the second time in 17 seasons. - Larry Rubama Track and field Beach District Where Landstown High School When Today - field events begin at 3 p.m., running events at 4:30 p.m.; Thursday - field events begin at 3 p.m., running finals at 4:45 p.m. The lowdown Ocean Lakes has won the past four boys titles. The Dolphins have a good chance to defend their title with Racheed Davis, Derek O'Connell, Quincy Watts and Eli Harold. First Colonial will challenge with Justin Burke, Avion Jones, Jabari Evans and Khiry Weaver. Landstown has won four consecutive girls titles and five of the past six. The Eagles are led by Tanisha Greene, Leah Lott and Briana Taliaferro. Southeastern District  Where Lakeland High School, Suffolk When Thursday - field events, 6 p.m., running events, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday - field events, 10:30 a.m., running events, noon. The lowdown Western Branch has swept the past five boys and girls team titles. The Bruins will be the favorites again. The boys are led by Nick Richardson, Christopher Crawford, Alston Cobb, Josh Marriner and Mondryl Glover. Tiffany Ellick, Taranisha Taylor and Javette Lee lead the girls team. - Larry Rubama Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Public schools postseason preview: Soccer, softball, track Public schools postseason preview: Soccer, softball, track The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639969 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639968 2012-05-16T00:00:28-04:00 2012-05-15T23:47:20-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

CHESAPEAKE Despite homeowners' objections that it would crowd schools, increase crime and lower property values, the City Council has approved plans for an apartment complex in Edinburgh, an upscale community in the southern part of the city.

CHESAPEAKE Despite homeowners' objections that it would crowd schools, increase crime and lower property values, the City Council has approved plans for an apartment complex in Edinburgh, an upscale community in the southern part of the city. By a 6-3 vote Tuesday, the council gave permission to the Breeden Company, a Virginia Beach developer, to build 336 units on 36.2 acres at the intersection of the Chesapeake Expressway and Hillcrest Parkway. Plans call for one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with monthly rents ranging from $1,400 to $1,800. The apartments would be next to a 2007 Homearama development with 103 custom homes ranging from 3,500 to more than 9,500 square feet and priced from $850,000 to more than $2 million. The site previously had been set aside for a commercial and retail development to be called Edinburgh Commons. A Walmart, Home Depot, Target and several smaller stores and fast-food restaurants already operate nearby. "This is going to crowd our schools," said Heather Dudley, a mother of five and one of 31 speakers during a two-hour public hearing. Resident Michelle Ball questioned whether the apartments would attract young professionals, as the developers have suggested. "Statistically, crime rates are higher around apartment complexes," Ball said. Supporters, including several merchants, said more rooftops in the neighborhood would attract more stores and boost sales. "We have to increase the transaction count," said Derek Ward, who owns a nearby Chick-Fil-A. "Simply put, we need more bodies." Few council members spoke before the vote. Councilman Rick West took issue with the suggestion that apartments would increase school crowding. "What increases class size is lack of revenue," said West, who voted in favor. "We don't need higher taxes; we need more taxpayers." Mayor Alan Krasnoff, Vice Mayor John de Triquet and councilwoman Debbie Ritter voted no. As part of its proposal, the developer agreed to pay the city nearly $2,000 for each unit it builds to help cover the cost of providing schools, emergency services and library facilities for new residents. Jeff Sheler, 757-222-5563, jeff.sheler@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Chesapeake OKs plans for 336-unit apartment project Chesapeake OKs plans for 336-unit apartment project The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639968 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639963 2012-05-15T23:16:22-04:00 2012-05-15T23:09:28-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK It all started for Norfolk State catcher Chris Warren in the season opener of his freshman year. "I remember being extremely nervous coming in and catching," the former Bayside High star said. Warren had a hit, scored a pair of runs and threw out a runner that day, then went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs scored in his second game.

NORFOLK It all started for Norfolk State catcher Chris Warren in the season opener of his freshman year. "I remember being extremely nervous coming in and catching," the former Bayside High star said. Warren had a hit, scored a pair of runs and threw out a runner that day, then went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs scored in his second game. "We didn't necessarily know that he was going to be a starter his first year," coach Claudell Clark said. "I remember late, late, late in a preseason coaches' meeting we had and we just said, 'Hey, this is a guy that we project that is going to be someone in the future' and we just went with it. We were certainly rewarded for that decision." Warren, now a senior, has been in the Spartans' lineup ever since and leads Norfolk State (21-26) into the MEAC tournament, which begins at Marty L. Miller Field today. The Spartans are the No. 2 seed from the North Division and hope to improve on last season's championship game appearance. On Tuesday, Warren was 1 of 3 Spartans to be selected to the All-MEAC teams. Sophomore outfielder Cameron Day (Landstown) earned first-team honors, while Warren and junior reliever Jordan Egan (First Colonial) were named to the second team. A model of consistency, Warren has had a career year. He leads the team in runs scored (31) and is among the leaders in batting average (.312), doubles (11), triples (three), RBIs (20), total bases (63), slugging percentage (.457), walks (22) and stolen bases (six). He has thrown out 16 base runners after throwing out a MEAC-leading 35 percent (21 of 60) last year. Warren is 1 of 2 Spartans to appear in all 47 games. "They warned me before the season that I would pretty much catch every single game," Warren said. "So I definitely prepared for that by working every single day." "There has been no injury, no sickness, no illness, no nothing," Clark said. "When you show up, Christopher Warren is ready to play. He has just really been a rock in that lineup and on that field. And has helped us out of so many jams and so many situations, it almost makes it as someone you can't replace." With his days at Norfolk State winding down, Warren said he wants to help the Spartans win their first MEAC title. "All that's going through my mind is winning (today's) game so that I can keep my season going so that it doesn't end soon at all," Warren said. Paul Eldert, 757-446-2366, paul.eldert@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Norfolk State catcher leads team into MEAC tourney Norfolk State catcher leads team into MEAC tourney The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639963 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639958 2012-05-15T22:50:24-04:00 2012-05-15T22:47:57-04:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Former Ocean Lakes football player Lafonte Thourogood is leaving Vanderbilt, according to his high school coach, Chris Scott. "Some family stuff came up that would require him to move a little closer to home," he said. "That's why he's leaving. He's not leaving on bad terms or anything."

Former Ocean Lakes football player Lafonte Thourogood is leaving Vanderbilt, according to his high school coach, Chris Scott. "Some family stuff came up that would require him to move a little closer to home," he said. "That's why he's leaving. He's not leaving on bad terms or anything." Thourogood, 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, surprised many observers last year when he de-committed from Virginia Tech on National Signing Day to sign with Vanderbilt. He was recruited by former Vanderbilt coach Chris Beatty as a quarterback. But Beatty, who also coached at Salem and Landstown, left to become co-offensive coordinator at Illinois. Thourogood, who redshirted, switched to running back during spring football and was expected to see plenty of action at the position this fall. "He will be somewhere closer to home," Scott said. "He'll be figuring that out here probably in the next week or so." Norfolk, VA Staff Writer Former Ocean Lakes QB to leave Vanderbilt Former Ocean Lakes QB to leave Vanderbilt The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:639958 Change 0 Usable