Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.
An airliner leaving DCA is reflected in a building in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Gun Violence Rally Planned — “A National Gun Violence Awareness Day rally will be held Saturday in Arlington. The rally will be held by the Virginia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a group that supports stricter gun laws, at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Hope Garden near Courthouse Plaza in Arlington.” [Patch]
Animal Control Rescues Bald Eagle — From the Animal Welfare League of Arlington: “Our animal control officers were all very surprised this weekend when a call about a large bird behaving oddly turned out to be a fledgeling bald eagle! He is now with a licensed wildlife rehabber and when he’s feeling better we hope to release him back into the wild!” [Twitter]
Blood Drive this Weekend — “Fire Works American Pizzeria and Bar is partnering with Inova Blood Donor Services to host an Arlington Community Blood Drive on Monday, June 6.” [Patch]
Pride Month Events at Library — Pride Month starts today and Arlington Public Library has a page with LGBTQIA+ book lists, stories and history discussions. The library is also hosting a series of Pride Month events. [Arlington Public Library]
It’s Wednesday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 89 and low of 73. Sunrise at 5:46 am and sunset at 8:29 pm. [Weather.gov]
Smoke coming from the roof of Matchbox in Pentagon City (photo courtesy Steve Brusk)
Smoke coming from the roof of Matchbox in Pentagon City, as seen on a traffic camera
Matchbox restaurant in Pentagon City (file photo)
A restaurant at the Pentagon City mall has been evacuated due to smoke coming from the roof.
Firefighters from Arlington, Alexandria and elsewhere are on scene at wood-fired pizza eatery Matchbox, at 1100 S. Hayes Street, trying to find the source of the smoke. It’s currently believed that debris within the kitchen’s ventilation system may have caught fire.
Firefighters used a ladder truck to get to the roof, which reportedly was not accessible from the restaurant space.
Rush hour commuters should expect some traffic impacts from the emergency response along S. Hayes Street, which is closed between Army Navy Drive and 15th Street S., according to Arlington Alert.
#Alert – Units are operating at a Structure Fire in the 1100 BLK of S.Hayes St. Expect delays and avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/TBqxrVkv88
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) May 31, 2022
LOCATION: SB Hayes St. / Army Navy Dr. INCIDENT: Fire Department Activity IMPACT: Hayes St. is shut down from Army Navy Dr. to 15th St. Seek alternate route. pic.twitter.com/RdYzrxEjek
Due to Fire Dept activity, S Hayes St. is closed at Pentagon City. All passengers can board/alight the ART 74 & 84 on 15th St at the corner of S. Hayes.
Suspicious package investigation at Lidl headquarters in the Crystal City area (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Suspicious package investigation at Lidl headquarters in the Crystal City area (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Suspicious package investigation at Lidl headquarters in the Crystal City area (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Suspicious package investigation at Lidl headquarters in the Crystal City area (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A suspicious package prompted a large emergency response at an office in the Crystal City area today.
A dramatic scene played out after Arlington’s dispatch center was called about a suspicious package at the U.S. headquarters of German grocery chain Lidl, at 3500 S. Clark Street.
First responders were told around 11 a.m. that the building was being evacuated after a package with an unknown powder and liquid inside was found partially opened, with the liquid leaking out. A unified fire and police command was established outside while an Arlington fire department hazmat crew investigated.
About an hour later, the drama had a happy if anti-climactic ending: units on scene reported that the substance was not hazardous and, in fact, the liquid was believed to be water.
An ACFD spokesman was only able to confirm that the substance was “non-hazardous.” Capt. Nate Hiner also noted that despite initial reports, the office was not evacuated.
A Maryland woman is facing charges after allegedly stealing flowers and punching a cop in the face.
The incident happened late Monday afternoon, during the Memorial Day holiday.
Arlington County police say they were initially dispatched to the scene, along the 200 block of S. Glebe Road, for a report of a larceny in progress.
“Upon arrival, officers made contact with the reporting party who stated the female suspect had stolen flowers and destroyed a planter outside of their business,” said today’s ACPD crime report. “The officers located the suspect in the area and attempted to detain her. The suspect resisted and struck one of the arresting officers in the face before being taken into custody.”
Businesses on that block of S. Glebe Road include a 7-Eleven store and a service station. Police did not identify the business involved.
The 34-year-old suspect from Rockville, Maryland was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Destruction of Property.
“She was held without bond,” the crime report noted.
Covid case rate in Arlington (via Virginia Dept. of Health)
Has the latest Covid wave peaked in Arlington? Some of the recent data suggests that’s possible.
Calling a “top,” in stock market parlance, is a fraught exercise until a sustained downward trajectory is glaringly obvious. The old joke from an economist in the 1960s is that the stock market predicted nine of the past five recessions.
Indeed, if you were looking at Arlington’s Covid data you might have called a “top” in early-to-mid April, when there was a definite plateau in reported cases. But you would have been wrong — after that cases kept going up.
Today, another plateau in the data raises the possibility of a peak. The seven-day moving average of new cases currently stands at 199, and has fluctuated at or just below the 200 mark for more than a week.
Similarly, the county’s test positivity rate is currently 15.3% and has remained just above the 15% mark during that same time period.
Arlington’s Covid positivity rate as of 5/31/22 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)
Covid-related hospital admissions, as reported by the CDC, have been rising and currently stand at 7.7 weekly admissions per 100,000 residents — still below the threshold (10) for the CDC to consider Arlington’s Covid level as “high” rather than the current “medium.”
Virginia Hospital Center emergency department chair Mike Silverman, in his weekly public Facebook post on Friday, said the hospital observed a slight improvement in its Covid stats over the past week.
I’ve worked a lot over the past week. I’ve seen a lot of COVID. Old people, young people, people who got it a month ago and are still wrestling with symptoms. I had a couple of patients who came in for COVID symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath) but what got them admitted was that COVID exacerbated other pretty significant medical issues.
Although I wouldn’t know this from my clinical shifts, our data is a touch better than last week when we look at total numbers of new cases. The number of symptomatic people we diagnosed was up a bit, but the percent positivity rate was down a smidge (0.4%). Our general screen/asymptomatic patient testing numbers was down compared to last week and a drop in the percent positivity. Overall, the total number of patients we diagnosed with COVID dropped a touch compared to the week before and our overall percent positivity went from 9.4% to 7.8% (6 week running average of 6.5%). We’re seeing about 1350 patients in the ER a week and about 45% are getting tested for one reason or another. We also saw a slight decline in the number of patients who required our “COVID isolation” protocol and/or were admitted from this group.
Arlington Public Schools, meanwhile, has recorded 234 student Covid cases over the holiday-shortened trailing seven-day period, including 25 cases at Washington-Liberty High School, the highest among the county’s public schools.
That compares — albeit with a holiday asterisk — to 351 total student cases over the previous seven-day period.
“Police Warn Against Leaving Keys Inside Vehicles,” blared the headline of the release, providing some salient but seemingly obvious advice for residents. The continued theft of cars that were left with keys inside is the topic of this month’s featured Mike Mount cartoon.
$5.09 for gas in Crystal City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Merlene Drops Out of Delegate Race — From Nicole Merlene: “After much consideration I have made a personal decision not to seek the nomination for Virginia’s House of Delegates 2nd District in 2023… To those who have donated to me, you will receive a full return of your kind contributions.” [Twitter, Twitter]
Hammer Attack in Clarendon — “3100 block of Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 2:45 a.m. on May 27, police were dispatched to the report of a fight. Upon arrival, officers located the male suspect and victim and it was determined following a verbal dispute, the suspect allegedly struck the victim in the head with a hammer.” [ACPD]
APS Literacy Challenges — “Supervisors with Arlington County’s English Language Arts Program submitted a report to the school board that highlights the challenges in meeting student literacy needs. According to the report, about 19% of county students were classified in what is known as the red ‘at risk’ category when looking at literacy skills. For Black students, the number placed in the at risk category in grades 3-5 has increased, while Hispanic students have seen increases in grades four and five.” [WTOP]
Large House Becoming Group Home — “The looming, not-family-friendly structure at 27th and N. Sycamore sts.–whose owners have long struggled to keep the place occupied — on May 9 sold for $1.6 million, per Zillow. The purchaser is the Fairfax-based Pathway Homes Inc. The nonprofit plans to convert the awkward three-floor, seven-bedroom house (zoned R-6 in single-family residential) to a home for 15 residents (with professional staff present) for a program for Arlingtonians suffering from mental illness, substance abuse and other disabilities.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Report: Va. Short 200k Affordable Homes — “A new report from the state’s Joint Legislative and Audit Review Commission says Virginia is short at least 200,000 affordable rental units. Soaring rent prices are forcing a growing number of people to think twice about where home is.” [WSLS]
Small Fire at Rosslyn Safeway — From Dave Statter: “Watch for Wilson Blvd. to be shut in Rosslyn between Oak & Pierce due to a report of a fire in an oven at the Safeway.” [Twitter]
Small House Fire in Bluemont — “Careful on Wilson Boulevard near N. Lexington (near Bon Air Park) in #Arlington. Hose across Wilson Boulevard due to a small and under control house fire being handled by @ArlingtonVaFD.” [Twitter]
It’s Tuesday — Hot and humid throughout the day. High of 91 and low of 71. Sunrise at 5:47 am and sunset at 8:29 pm. [Weather.gov]
Give a warm welcome to the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week, Finley! This blue-eyed Australian Shepherd is an energetic pup looking for his best friend.
Hi, I’m Finley! I have a secret to tell you… I’m much more than just a handsome face!
I’m a smart and energetic pup who is looking for someone to understand me and love me for me. The nice staff here have been telling me about something called L.E.G.S., which stands for Learning, Environment, Genetics and Self. These are all the parts that make me… well, me!
I really like to bark and pull towards those people and dogs to let them know they’re not where they’re supposed to be. I’ve been working really hard with the trainers here who are helping me understand that those people and dogs have their own lives and things to do. I get lots of tasty treats when I am calm on my leash!
I also like my people to be in their place — with me! I will dote on your every word and I’ll probably follow you around the house. I can learn simple tricks like sit or rollover, but what if you taught me to pick up your dirty socks from around the house instead? That sounds way more fun!
Oh, one last important thing — I LOVE other dogs! I’ve made lots of doggy friends here at the shelter and would be more than happy to live in a home with other dogs.
So, there you have it! I know I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I’m more like a cup of black coffee! A bit of an acquired taste, but the right person will love me so, so much.
Is Finely your cup of coffee? Set up at time to meet Finely by checking out his complete profile!
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos — they don’t fit in our photo galleries!
We have a three day weekend ahead and plenty of open houses across Arlington.
According to Homesnap, there have been 175 new listings in the last 4 weeks with 305 sales. Currently, there are 501 homes for sale with 307 condos, 158 detached homes and 36 townhomes.
Here’s a look at some of the open houses taking place in Arlington this weekend:
6237 Washington Boulevard
5 BR/4.5 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: Double landing staircase, walk-in pantry, deck Listed: $1,925,000 Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m. (Brian Siebel – Compass)
3806 N. Wakefield Street
4 BR/3 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: Hardwood floors, two fireplaces, patio Listed: $1,349,000 Open: Saturday, 2-4 p.m. (Margaret Richardson – Washington Fine Properties)
3831 N. Vernon Street
4 BR/2.5 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: Screened-in porch, custom patio, outdoor bar Listed: $1,195,000 Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m. (Jay Caputo – Compass)
1051 N. Manchester Street
4 BR/2 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: Remodeled lower level, renovated kitchen, two car garage, Listed: $999,000 Open: Sunday, 1-4 p.m. (Betsy Twigg – McEnearney Associates)
5508 7th Street S.
4 BR/2 BA Single-family home Noteworthy: All brick, shaded patio, hardwood floors Listed: $900,000 Open: Saturday, 1-4 p.m. (Susan Mekenney – Samson Properties)
820 N. Pollard Street #203
2 BR/2 BA Condo Noteworthy: Corner unit, professionally repainted, 1,100 sq. ft. Listed: $709,900 Open: Sunday, 12-3 p.m. (John Kozyn – Century 21 Redwood Realty)
1211 S. Eads Street #202
2 BR/2 BA Condo Noteworthy: Balcony, updated flooring, custom closets Listed: $649,000 Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Timothy Williams – Redfin Corporation)
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1147 AM EDT Fri May 27 2022
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning …
* Until 1230 PM EDT.
* At 1146 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Lansdowne to near Chantilly to near Lake Ridge, moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.
* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Alexandria, Germantown, Centreville, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Reston, Annandale, Clinton, Olney, Springfield, College Park, South Riding, Fort Washington, Herndon, Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park and Beltsville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 200 PM EDT for District of Columbia…central Maryland…and northern Virginia.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 200 PM EDT for District of Columbia…central Maryland…and northern Virginia.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA and Alexandria VA until 12:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/K1yoQRqQyn
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 27, 2022
Arlington has hired its first Independent Policing Auditor, though it didn’t go the exact way the county was hoping for.
The county announced today that Mummi Ibrahim, who “has a long history in supporting grassroots organizing efforts” that includes a focus on police practices, has been hired for the position. Ibrahim will serve as the professional staff to the recently-appointed Community Oversight Board, which will review use of force complaints against Arlington law enforcement.
But the hire didn’t exactly go as first envisioned. Ibrahim was hired by County Manager Mark Schwartz, the top county executive in charge of county staff and departments, including the police department.
State legislation passed that would have allowed the County Board to appoint the policing auditor, providing more independence, but that bill was vetoed by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). On a party line vote, the state legislature failed to override the veto.
Nonetheless, the Arlington branch of the NAACP lauded the hire.
“One of the most essential and defining concepts of civilian oversight of law enforcement is independence,” said branch president Julius D. “JD” Spain, Sr. “After over a year of deliberations and community engagement, the NAACP Arlington Branch is pleased with the Arlington County Government’s selection of its first Independent Policing Auditor.”
“This is a step in the right direction to restore trust and confidence in the public safety system,” Spain added. “We expect a more complete, thorough, objective, and fair process moving forward.”
More from a county press release, below.
Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz is pleased to appoint Mummi Ibrahim as Arlington’s first Independent Policing Auditor. In this new role, Ms. Ibrahim will provide professional staff support to the newly appointed Community Oversight Board (COB). She will also be instrumental in conducting independent audits of police operations, receiving complaints from members of the public, and participating in investigations as appropriate.
About Mummi Ibrahim
Ms. Ibrahim has a long history in supporting grassroots organizing efforts focused on assessing legislation, legal remedies and policy recommendations related to police practices, as well as campaign strategies for prosecutorial accountability.
Most recently, Ms. Ibrahim served as a senior staff attorney at the Advancement Project, where her work focused on policing issues, including Section 1983 litigation trainings for lawyers seeking to represent individuals who have experienced harm due to police misconduct.
As an organizer and staff attorney at the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana, she ran a campaign to end the practice of sentencing juveniles to life without parole. In this role, she organized a coalition comprised of hundreds of impacted community members and several social justice organizations to lobby for sentencing reform, drive a statewide legal strategy to end juvenile life without parole sentencing, and establish re-entry services.
She has also worked with the City of New Orleans Independent Police Monitor, overseeing disciplinary hearings, data collection, and policy reform within the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Earlier in her career, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Audrey L. Thomas of the Superior Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Ms. Ibrahim is a native of Khartoum, Sudan. She received her bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and her juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law.
Background
In 2021, the Arlington County Board established the Community Oversight Board (COB) to improve transparency, accountability, and community trust in the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD). The COB will have the ability to independently receive, investigate, and make recommendations in response to complaints from the community. The ordinance also calls for an accompanying Independent Policing Auditor to support the work of the COB.
The Community Oversight Board, which was appointed in spring 2022, consists of seven voting members and two non-voting members with prior experience in law enforcement. All COB members are residents of Arlington, are appointed by the County Board, and reflect the demographic diversity of the County.
