Ali Faruk is sworn in as a new School Board member representing the 3rd District at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 8. He is joined by his wife, Samieh, and their two sons, Yusef and Zayn. Faruk is one of five new members on the board, along with four returning members.

Low water levels in recent weeks have exposed a buildup of trash, debris and even scooters in Richmond’s canals near the 14th Street entrance. Maintenance and cleanup efforts are being coordinated by Venture Richmond and the City of Richmond Department of Public Works. According to a representative from Venture Richmond, the low water levels are part of the City’s annual effort to remove silt, plant matter and other debris. Crews plan to use a barge to clear the canals, with work expected to wrap up by February.

Petersburg City Council re-elects Sam Parham as mayor and selects Darrin Hill as vice mayor during its organizational meeting Jan. 7. Parham, right, first elected mayor in 2017, will continue his leadership role, while Hill, a council member since 2015, begins his second term as vice mayor. Both will serve two-year terms.

Icy leaves in Lakeside

SwapMeet RVA hosted its first market of the year at the Dewey Gotwald Center on Jan. 5, featuring 60 vendors offering unique finds, food and vibrant conversation.

Ashby Logan Hill types personalized poems.

Shoppers browse as Abdul Haqq (left), of Haqq’s Drawer and Kenneth Billups (right), of Potential Royal Nation, speak with customers.

Leanne Merritt handcrafts jewelry, shaping wire into words of her customers’ choosing.