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To designate the 00 block of South Auburn Avenue in honor of Vicky Hester.
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. Designation of Street Block for Honorary Name. The 00 block of South Auburn Avenue shall be designated in honor of Vicky Hester pursuant to this ordinance.
§ 2. Effect of Designation. The designation of the street block made pursuant to this ordinance shall be honorary only, shall not replace the existing name of the street, and shall have no effect on the address of any property with an address on the designated street block. The sole effect of designation pursuant to this ordinance shall be to authorize the placement of commemorative signs in accordance with this ordinance memorializing the designation in honor of the named person.
§ 3. Administration of Ordinance. The Department of Public Works shall implement this ordinance by installing, as soon as practicable after the adoption of this ordinance and maintaining commemorative signs in accordance with this section. The commemorative signs shall be clearly distinct from the street signs used to identify the street block in question such that a reasonable person could not conclude that the commemorative signs reflect the actual name of the street. The commemorative signs (i) shall be affixed to a sign pole installed at each end of the block designated in section 1 of this ordinance for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of this section or to any existing sign identifying the road designated in section 1 of this ordinance located at each end of the block designated in section 1 of this ordinance and (ii) shall bear the name of the person set forth in section 1 of this ordinance.
§ 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
DATE: August 6, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: Stephanie Lynch, 5th District Councilmember
THROUGH: RJ Warren, Council Chief of Staff
THROUGH: Will Perkins, Senior Legislative Services Manager
FROM: Steven Taylor, Council Policy Analyst
RE: Designating the 00 block of S. Auburn Ave in Honor of the late Vicky Hester.
CNL - 2026 - 0084
PURPOSE:
To designate the 00 block of S. Auburn Avenue, located between Cary Street and Ellwood Avenue in honor of the late Vicky Hester as “Vicky Hester Way.”
BACKGROUND:
In the 1970’s and 1980’s when many LGBTQ+ gathering spaces were disappearing in the nation the late Vicky Hester transformed Richmond’s Babe's of Carytown (“Babes”) into what would become a landmark in Carytown and the Greater Richmond Area. At nearly 50 years old, it is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating lesbian bars and one of Virginia's most significant LGBTQ+ landmarks.
During her lifetime, Ms. Hester was known for maintaining Babe’s as a welcoming, inclusive and affirming space for people of all backgrounds, including employees and patrons. She knew patrons by name and was dedicated to community improvement. Because she believed that businesses should be a force for good in the community, she actively supported efforts to improve the lives of others by supporting and hosting local organizations, non-profit organizations, Virginia Pride, as well as other LGBTQ+ initiatives. Ms. Hester also donated food each week to the Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond's food pantry.
Because of her leadership, Babe’s remains a vital Richmond business and landmark in the heart of Carytown. She has left an indelible mark on Carytown, Richmond, and on generations of Virginians.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. Signage costs of $800 are paid from DPW operating funds.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption.
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: September 14, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: September 28, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing & Transportation
AFFECTED AGENCIES: City Council, DPW
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None
ATTACHMENTS: Nominating Form and Letter of Support
STAFF: Steven Taylor, Council Policy Analyst, (804-646-2780)