Bluemont Halloween parade (Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler)

Candidates Compete on Missing Middle — “Clement — who declined to state her age — lives in the exact type of housing that might be legalized across Arlington under the framework: She rents a one-bedroom in an eightplex in Westover. The software developer said she would only support adding density along transit corridors, citing concerns about how missing middle housing will jeopardize Arlington’s tree canopy and strain county infrastructure.” [Washington Post]

‘Missing Middle’ Fight in Raleigh, N.C. — “A stately home, built almost a century ago, is set to be knocked down for new construction. The news is incensing nearby homeowners who feel it’s being developed under a guise… 17 high-end townhomes are being proposed on the near 2-and-a-half acre property… ‘Seventeen times $2 million, is not going to meet the need that we have for high-density properties, high-density living. It’s not going to solve a problem that we have,’ said Pitler.” [ABC 11]

Snow Days Are Back — “In case you thought past experience with remote learning – month after month after month of it for Arlington students during COVID lockdowns – would allow school leaders to keep classes going despite the wrath of Mother Nature, think again. Arlington Public Schools will be able to use up to seven days’ worth of instructional time as snow days before reverting to a ‘virtual’ setting this winter, Superintendent Francisco Durán told School Board members on Oct. 27.” [Sun Gazette]

No Elementary Boundary Changes — “Give thanks for small favors: There will be no boundary-change process for Arlington’s elementary schools this fall, as had been planned. ‘There is not a need,’ Superintendent Francisco Durán told School Board members on Oct. 27, calling the current enrollment levels at most elementary schools ‘manageable at this time.'” [Sun Gazette]

Dulles Metro Opening Mid-Month — “Phase two of the Silver Line will officially open on Tuesday, Nov. 15, Metro announced today. The long-delayed, 11.4-mile extension will bring six stations from Reston through Loudoun County. An opening date has been anticipated for months.” [FFXnow]

It’s Tuesday — Cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly cloudy. High of 69 and low of 57. Sunrise at 7:37 am and sunset at 6:09 pm. [Weather.gov]

Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler


Good Monday evening, Arlington. Today we published 6 articles that were read a total of 9240 times… so far.

📈 Top stories

The following are the most-read articles for today — Oct 31, 2022.

  1. ACPD: Pentagon police officer was dealing cocaine in Arlington
  2. Portland and Minneapolis allow ‘Missing Middle’ housing. So far, new construction has been modest.
  3. Morning Notes

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

☔ Tuesday’s forecast

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 69 and low of 53. Sunrise at 7:37 am and sunset at 6:09 pm. See more from Weather.gov.

👂 Audio summary

Get caught up on all of our reporting today with this brief audio summary.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


Eric Welch (photo courtesy ACPD)

A Pentagon police officer has been arrested by Arlington County police and charged with selling cocaine.

ACPD says it received a tip about “a suspect possibly distributing cocaine in Arlington County” and subsequently caught the officer, a 33-year-old Alexandria resident, buying “narcotics for distribution.” He was arrested on the 1300 block of S. Scott Street, which corresponds to The Wellington apartment complex along Columbia Pike.

More from an ACPD press release, below.

The Arlington County Police Department has arrested and charged an off-duty Pentagon Force Protection Agency police officer following a narcotics investigation. Eric Welch, 33, of Alexandria, VA was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance while Armed. He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Organized Crime Section detectives initiated a narcotics investigation after receiving information regarding a suspect possibly distributing cocaine in Arlington County. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified Welch as a suspect and obtained evidence confirming involvement in narcotics distribution. He was taken into custody on the afternoon of October 28 in the 1300 block of S. Scott Street after detectives observed him purchase narcotics for distribution. A firearm was recovered at the scene. A search warrant was subsequently executed at the suspect’s residence in Alexandria which resulted in the recovery of additional quantiles of narcotics and firearms. As a result, City of Alexandria Police charged Welch with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance (x2) and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance while Armed.

This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).


“I’ve lived in Arlington for at least six Audrey Clement election attempts.”

This month’s Mike Mount cartoon gently ribs Arlington’s most prolific candidate for local office: Audrey Clement.

Clement, who we’ve covered since she first ran more than a decade ago, has thus far been unsuccessful in her nearly annual quest for seats on the Arlington County Board and school board. But she remains undeterred, and is hoping to win over voters with an anti-Missing Middle housing message this year.

Perhaps this is the year for Clement and, as the cartoon suggests, residents will no longer be able to keep track of their Arlington tenure by counting the hats she has tossed in the ring.

See of Mike Mount’s local ‘toons in the ARLnow Press Club weekend newsletter. Your membership supports our reporting and includes the daily Early Morning Notes newsletter, previewing the stories we’re planning to cover that day.


A well-known spot for rainy day crashes has claimed more vehicular victims.

The crash happened around 11 a.m. on the northbound GW Parkway near Key Bridge, and involves one vehicle — which appears to be a pickup truck — on its side near the stone wall. The bend in the two-lane stretch of parkway has been the scene of repeated crashes, particularly when it rains.

This is at least the sixth such crash in this spot since June, and that only counts those that have been reported by ARLnow. Four of the six crashes involved overturned vehicles.

Initial reports suggested that the latest crash involved two vehicles, though the exact circumstances are unclear. All occupants of the overturned vehicle were able to get out before firefighters arrived on scene, according to scanner traffic.

No serious injuries were reported. Northbound traffic on the GW Parkway is currently backed up past the Roosevelt Bridge.

Map via Google Maps. Jo DeVoe contributed to this report.


The Ballston Metro station (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Metro announced on Friday that transit police will soon resume citing those who try to ride without paying the fare.

The announcement follows an NBC 4 story earlier this month that fare evasion on buses is “reaching eyepopping numbers.”

A WMATA press release, below, notes that the transit is also considering faregate modifications at Metrorail stations, to prevent fare evasion.

Metro Transit Police officers will begin issuing fare evasion citations on Tuesday, November 1, following a monthlong awareness and warning campaign. Citations with associated fines may be issued to anyone jumping fare gates, improperly using emergency gates, or not tapping fare boxes on Metrobuses.

Fare recovery is a major issue and has been mentioned as one of the top concerns of customers when talking with Metro staff and Metro Board Members. Revenue from fares allows Metro to keep buses, trains, and MetroAccess serving our community.

Fare evasion is responsible for significant revenue losses and is part of the focus to close a shortfall of nearly $185 million in the upcoming budget. Using data from Metrobus and pre-pandemic industry averages for Metrorail, Metro estimates revenue losses due to fare evasion totaling tens of millions of dollars in fiscal year 2022.

Metro is working with local partners to offer resources to make public transit more equitable and affordable for those in need. A low-income fare pilot is getting underway in the District, and at Metro’s recent Board Meeting initial concepts about a regional means-based fare program were presented.

Metro is also exploring other methods that will prevent customers from entering rail stations without paying. This month, Metro is expected to begin testing faregate modifications as a preventative measure. Prototypes will be installed as a pilot at a selected rail station. Some of the modifications being explored include physical deterrents on top of faregates and higher barriers.

Fare evasion was decriminalized in D.C. in 2018, becoming punishable only by a civil fine rather than jail time. Civil rights advocates told WUSA 9 that they’ll be closely watching Metro’s new enforcement effort to make sure it is applied evenly and doesn’t unduly target certain places or groups.

The TV station also counted those skipping the fare at a few Metro stations, including Arlington’s Courthouse station.

“In just 20 minutes, we recorded 26 people hopping the [turnstile] at the West Hyattsville station — an average of 78 people per hour. Based on what we gathered, Courthouse in Arlington sees an average of eight jumpers an hour and three an hour at the Van Ness/University of the District of Columbia stop,” WUSA 9 reported.

Meanwhile, overly restrictive faregates have some critics, who say they constrict passenger flow, cost money to maintain and can make getting around more difficult for those with disabilities.

Given all of that, do you fully support Metro’s new measures? Let me know why or why not in the comments.


A house in north Arlington lit for Halloween (staff photo)

Beyer Aide Fired For China Outreach — “A House Democratic staffer was fired after her outreach to other congressional aides allegedly on behalf of the Chinese embassy was revealed this week, National Review has learned. After an investigation found that the staffer had acted improperly, her boss, Representative Don Beyer, swiftly removed her.” [National Review, Twitter]

Challenger Blasts Beyer — From GOP candidate for Congress Karina Lipsman: “I spent 14 years in the U.S. defense/intel communities, and I can tell you that the reports of China ties in Rep. Beyer’s office are a serious problem. This must be investigated thoroughly by law enforcement and Congress.” [Twitter]

Missing Middle Ideas Discussed — “Several called for architectural reviews that might ‘allay some community concerns.’ Among the criteria could be ‘compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.’ Because of state laws on lot owners’ rights, the tree canopy is best protected through the coming Forestry and Natural Resources plan, requiring keeping or replanting trees to ‘enhance beauty and a sense of place.’ Most felt no need to cap the number of new housing types that get built, forecasting that the number won’t be inordinate… And there’s wide interest in reining in ‘McMansions.'” [Falls Church News-Press]

Tow Trucks Keep Blocking Hydrant — From Dave Statter: “Listen: The most famous fire hydrant in Arlington County getting some attention today from @ArlingtonVaFD fire marshal.” [Twitter, Twitter]

Fight Prompts Large Response at Mall — “Appears to have been an assault, fight & possible robbery at Pentagon City Metro. Police were also in the mall. At one point @ArlingtonVaPD wanted all available units to respond & some help from @VSPPIO @MetroTransitPD also on scene.” [Twitter. Twitter]

Marymount Gets STEM Grant — “Amidst an ever-increasing need to meet the high-technology needs of today’s American workforce, faculty leaders at Marymount University are launching a new need-based scholarship program that will help students in STEM majors persist in their studies and pursue essential and fulfilling careers… made possible through a National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM Track 2 award of $1.46 million.” [Marymount University]

New Outdoor Activities at Two Schools — “On October 28, students and staff at Randolph Elementary school held a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the completion of new educational blacktop art that encourages more physical activity and outdoor play. Regular physical activity is essential to help children build strong muscles and bones, improve fine motor skills, focus better in the classroom, and improve their mental health.” [Press Release]

Nearby: Murder in Bailey’s Xroads — “A man was found shot to death in Fairfax County, Virginia, on Sunday, according to police, and the suspects may have been spotted running from the scene. Officers with the Fairfax County Police Department were called to Skyline Towers just before 3 p.m. in the 5500 block of Seminary Road in the Bailey’s Crossroads area.” [NBC 4]

It’s Halloween — Possible light rain in the evening and overnight. High of 64 and low of 52. Sunrise at 7:36 am and sunset at 6:11 pm. [Weather.gov]


Looking for something to do this week in Arlington?

Check out the following selections from our event calendar. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out this form.

 

Halloween Candy Buy Back

Tuesday, November 1 @ 8:00 AM

VK Pediatric Dentistry (5001 Lee Hwy)

National Landing Fall Market

Wednesday, November 2 @ 2:00 PM

Courtyard behind 1700 Crystal Drive (1700 Crystal Drive)

AHS Leckey Forum 2022

Wednesday, November 2 @ 4:00 PM

The Church at Clarendon (1210 N Highland St.)

Practical ideas to provide affordable housing in all communities.

Art Night: Suminagashi – Japanese Floating Ink, BYOB (adults)

Thursday, November 3 @ 7:00 PM

Art House 7 (5537 Langston Blvd.)

$1000 Off Invisalign and Braces Event!

Friday, November 4 @ 8:00 AM

VCO Orthodontics (1600 Wilson Blvd. Suite 810)

Special savings for adults and children that want a straighter smile or need orthodontic treatment!

Boots & Brews Benefit

Saturday, November 5 @ 12:00 PM

New District Brewery (2709 S Oakland St)

Join us for an afternoon of live music from Nashville, good drinks, good food, and good times for a great cause!

The U.S Army presents- “Heroes and Voices: Always at our Nation’s Side” Nov. 5

Saturday, November 5 @ 7:00 PM

Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall (101 Jackson Avenue #Bldg 239)

National Chamber Ensemble – Jewish Musical Treasures

Saturday, November 5 @ 7:30 PM

Gunston Arts Center Theater One (2700 S Lang Street)

NCE opening night celebrates the great music of Jewish composers and culture.

Abruzzo Wine Dinner

Sunday, November 6 @ 6:00 PM

Osteria da Nino (2900 S Quincy St)

Join us for our Abruzzo Wine Dinner featuring wines from Cascine del Colle

Highlighted items are sponsored


Good Friday evening, Arlington. Today we published 5 articles that were read a total of 11475 times… so far.

📈 Top stories

The following are the most-read articles for today — Oct 28, 2022.

  1. BREAKING: Suspect arrested in week-long car vandalism spree
  2. Photos: Outrageous Halloween decorations on N. Jackson Street
  3. Morning Notes

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read Arlington articles of the week, below.

  1. Two dozen vehicles have windows smashed during overnight vandalism spree (53020 views)
  2. UPDATED: Police block off street near schools to arrest wanted suspect (11650 views)
  3. Major road closures planned as Marine Corps Marathon returns for first time since 2019 (8721 views)
  4. BREAKING: Dozens of vehicles damaged yet again as police search for serial window smasher (7421 views)
  5. JUST IN: Vehicle vandals strike again, damaging at least 10 more cars (7241 views)
  6. BREAKING: Suspect arrested in week-long car vandalism spree (6545 views)
  7. Compass Coffee’s first drive-thru location is now open on Langston Blvd (3607 views)
  8. Police: Multiple armed suspects stole teen’s bag in Pentagon City (2514 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

And here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌤 Saturday’s forecast

Clear throughout the day. High of 60 and low of 40. Sunrise at 7:34 am and sunset at 6:13 pm. See more from Weather.gov.

👂 Audio summary

Get caught up on all of our reporting today with this brief audio summary.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋


Damaged vehicle in the Clarendon area (screenshot via YouTube)

(Updated at 3 p.m.) Arlington County police have arrested a 37-year-old Maryland man after a week-long spree of vehicle vandalism.

Police announced this afternoon that the suspect was arrested last night and found with a BB gun in his car. The arrest, which appears to have taken place at the 7-Eleven parking lot at 201 S. Glebe Road, happened after police say they were able to identify a “possible suspect vehicle.”

Dozens of cars were damaged, with windows shot out, during the spree that started last Thursday and stretched across various neighborhoods throughout the county. Many of the incidents took place in the Clarendon and Ballston neighborhoods.

A possible motive for the vandalism was not given. The suspect does not appear to have any recent prior criminal charges in Arlington, according to court records.

Police also said Friday that ten additional damaged cars were reported yesterday, adding to the 81 previously reported in the vandalism series.

“On October 27, police took 10 additional reports in a destruction of property series in which a suspect damaged the windows of parked vehicles with a BB gun,” an ACPD crime report said.

The police press release about the arrest is below.

The Arlington County Police Department is announcing the arrest of a suspect in a destruction of property series in which numerous vehicles were damaged in neighborhoods across Arlington. Luis Tavares Sanchez Manuel, 37, of Capitol Heights, MD is charged with twelve counts of Destruction of Property and is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility. Additional charges are anticipated.

Late last week, police began investigating a destruction of property series in which a suspect discharged a BB gun at the windows of parked, unoccupied vehicles causing damage. During the days that followed, additional incidents occurred during overnight hours in various neighborhoods across the County.

During the course of the investigation, police spoke with witnesses and reviewed crime scene evidence which led to the identification of a possible suspect vehicle. On the evening of October 27, a patrol officer observed the suspect vehicle traveling on S. Walter Reed Drive. The driver proceeded to a business in the 200 block of S. Glebe Road where officers took him into custody as he was exiting his vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, a BB gun was recovered.

This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).


The residents of N. Jackson Street in Ashton Heights have again outdone themselves.

The street, which traditionally hosts some of the most elaborate Halloween decorations in Arlington, scaled back its festivities during the pandemic but does not seem to be holding back this year, with witches, pumpkins, skeletons and ghosts galore.

“Halloween is a treasured tradition in our community,” Scott Sklar, president of the Ashton Heights Civic Association, told ARLnow in 2020.

Those who want to view the spooky street in its full frightful foliage can walk the blocks between Wilson Blvd and N. Pershing Drive, which are not far from both the Clarendon and Virginia Square Metro stations.


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