Author: ARLnow.com

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.

NEW: Covid case counts decline to pre-Christmas levels in Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Covid cases in Arlington as of Jan. 31, 2022 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

For the first time since Dec. 15, fewer than 100 new Covid cases were reported in Arlington today.

Ninety new cases were reported today by the Virginia Dept. of Health. That brings the seven-day moving average down to 184 cases per day, the lowest point since Dec. 20.

Adding to the trend, the average test positivity rate in Arlington is now down to 13.1%, the lowest point since two days before Christmas. In terms of serious illness, about one Arlington resident is being hospitalized each day due to Covid, according to VDH, the lowest point since Dec. 27.

Covid test positivity rate in Arlington as of Jan. 31, 2022 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

Despite the numbers trending down, case counts are still relatively high.

“The total number of COVID patients we’re diagnosing in a week now is about 3 times higher than our Delta peak and is about the peak of where we were during last winter’s surge,” wrote Virginia Hospital Center ER chief Mike Silverman in his weekly public Facebook post. “While the numbers are better than a month ago, I suspect we still have 4-6 weeks until we start to get back to low tide. Our overall percent positive has dropped from about 40% to 18% which is just a touch below last winter’s surge but twice as high as the Delta surge.”

The hospital remains busy with its treatment of Covid patients, Silverman wrote.

“The number of COVID patients hospitalized is also down about 20% from last week, yet still double the number we had just prior to Christmas,” he wrote. “Our hospitalist team is still so busy they’re requiring staffing with an extra physician.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A dad gets pelted by snow in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Pole Finally Removed from Pike — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “That utility pole awkwardly lingering in the intersection of Columbia Pike and S Frederick Street has been removed. Good night for a cozy fire.” [Twitter]

Men at Memorial Still a Jan. 6 Mystery — “A few months after the Capitol attack, in March 2021, ARLnow published a story that featured several of Westcott’s photos with the faces of the men blurred out. Westcott was also in touch with some of the online sleuths investigating the Capitol attack, but nothing emerged that definitively identified the men or linked them to the broader Oath Keepers conspiracy, or figured out precisely how they fit into the puzzle.” [Huffpost]

Arlington-Founded Five Guys Takes Paris — “Scandal on the Left Bank: the legendary bookshop Gibert Jeune is being replaced by a Five Guys fast food outlet (apparently popular in the United States and Barack Obama’s favourite).” [Twitter]

It’s Monday — Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 38. Sunrise at 7:14 a.m. and sunset at 5:29 p.m. Tomorrow will be partly sunny, with a high near 41. [Weather.gov]

Roads still clear, but snow is likely to start sticking tonight

By ARLnow.com
1/3

The snow falling in Arlington is providing a wintry ambiance — but little accumulation to speak of so far.

That may change tonight as temperatures fall and roads are expected to become more slippery. Many seem to be heeding calls to stay at home, however, with only light traffic reported on Arlington’s primary routes and highways as of 6 p.m.

Arlington County says its snow crews are out and about, treating main roads. Plowing is likely to be unnecessary, given that only an inch or so of accumulation is expected before the flakes taper off before midnight.

Despite what is turning out to be relatively light snowfall, some Saturday closures have been reported. Among them, morning activities at Arlington Public Schools are cancelled.

More from social media:

Open houses in Arlington this weekend

By ARLnow.com
308 S. Fillmore Street

February is just around the corner, but there’s still time to get in a few open houses this weekend before January ends.

In the last 4 weeks there have been 116 new listings, according to Homesnap. Currently, there are 398 homes for sale, 268 are condos, 103 are detached homes and 27 are townhomes.

The median list price is $600,000 and the median sales price is $582,500, with an average of 85 days on market.

Take a look at a few open houses across Arlington this weekend:

  • 1548 N. Colonial Terrace
    3 BD/3 BA 2 half bath townhome
    Noteworthy: Rear patio, four levels, brick
    Listed: $1,550,000
    Open: Saturday, 2-4 p.m.
  • 308 S. Fillmore Street
    4 BD/3 BA single-family home
    Noteworthy: Wine fridge, private deck, fenced in yard
    Listed: $975,000
    Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
  • 1881 N. Nash Street #1408
    1 BD/1.5 BA condo
    Noteworthy: Floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors
    Listed: $825,000
    Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
  • 1503 12th Street N. #A
    2 BD/2.5 BA townhome
    Noteworthy: Private deck and storage space, reserved parking
    Listed: $699,000
    Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
  • 148 N. Bedford Street #C
    2 BD/2 BA townhome
    Noteworthy: Wood floors, partially covered front patio, one level
    Listed: $560,000
    Open: Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
  • 1021 N. Garfield Street
    Studio/1 BA condo
    Noteworthy: Hardwood flooring, stacked washer/dryer, full bath
    Listed: $429,000
    Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m.

Image via Google Maps

EXCLUSIVE: Video shows attack at Bluemont McDonald’s

By ARLnow.com
McDonald’s in Bluemont (file photo)

A video purporting to show two people attacking an employee inside the Bluemont McDonald’s has been obtained by ARLnow.

The attack happened around 11 p.m. Monday, at the restaurant on the 5000 block of Wilson Blvd. Police say two suspects, a man and a woman, were “involved in a verbal dispute with an employee after receiving an incorrect order through the drive-thru.” The incident then allegedly turned violent.

“Suspect One allegedly threw a water bottle through the window, before parking the vehicle and entering the business,” said the Arlington County Police Department. “Suspect One continued the dispute with the employee before the two suspects began physically assaulting and striking the employee.”

The grainy video, below, shows two people holding down the victim, who’s lying on the floor next to the drive-thru window.

“Call the police,” employees could be heard saying.

“Get off her head,” another says.

“What the [expletive] is wrong with you,” an unidentified person says, before the pair leave the restaurant.

The person who sent the video said the incident started when “the woman wanted free food” and the employee refused. The victim closed the drive-thru window after being splashed with water, but the suspects then went inside, according to the person.

The person alleged that the suspects made negative remarks about the victim being Latina.

The allegations could not be immediately confirmed by police. ACPD also declined to say whether they had the video below in their possession.

“As a result of the investigation, two individuals have been arrested and charged and the case will be processed through the court system where evidence and facts will be presented,” said police spokeswoman Ashley Savage. “To ensure the integrity of the ongoing prosecution, there are no additional details to provide at this time.”

Two suspects were taken into custody after police say they initially ran several red lights in the Ballston area before pulling over. A search of their vehicle turned up a gun, according to ACPD.

“Justice Bridges, 26, of Washington D.C., was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding and Eluding Police,” said an ACPD crime report. “Michael Ritch, 24 of Capitol Heights, Md., was arrested and charged with Assault & Battery and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”

The person who sent the video said the victim suffered injuries to her torso and her face but is feeling better.

Note: the following video contains strong language and is not safe for work.

Winter Weather Advisory issued ahead of expected snow

By ARLnow.com
A snow plow driving down Columbia Pike (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

(Updated at 11:20 a.m.) Arlington is under a Winter Weather Advisory ahead of the arrival of snow today.

Forecasters say Arlington will get about 1-3 inches of accumulation, with snow starting this afternoon.

914 AM EST Fri Jan 28 2022

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northwest and western Virginia.

* WHEN…From 4 PM this afternoon to 4 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

VDOT and Arlington County crews are preparing for the wintry weather.

“Northern Virginia VDOT crews in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties are pretreating roads on Friday,” VDOT said. “Please drive with caution around tanker trucks and safety trailing vehicles as they are heavy and move slowly.”

“Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing over the next several days, causing potential icy conditions,” the agency added. “Treat anything that looks wet as if it could be icy, especially bridges, ramps, overpasses, and elevated surfaces. If there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous.”

Arlington County is similarly asking residents to stay home during the storm if at all possible.

Arlington Public Schools, meanwhile, cancelled after-school and evening activities today due to the snow.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A group of birds sits on power lines along Langston Blvd (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Local Leaders Push for More Boosters — “A good number of Arlington residents seem to be turning a blind eye and/or deaf ear to governmental drumbeats for COVID booster shots. Only one in three adults in the county has receive the extra shots, County Manager Mark Schwartz told County Board members on Jan. 25. ‘We need to do better,’ the manager said.” [Sun Gazette]

New Trail Proposed — From Arlington Transportation Commission Chair Chris Slatt: “Kenmore Middle School and Carlin Springs Elementary school have a sustainable access problem… One project that could start improving this situation is what Sustainable Mobility for Arlington County calls the ‘Kenmore Connector Trail’ — a walking & biking trail on the west side of Carlin Springs Road that could connect Kenmore & Carlin Springs across Arlington Blvd to the W&OD Trail.” [Chris Slatt]

APS Trying Out New Menu Items — “Despite ongoing concerns about supply-chain problems, the Arlington school system is getting creative in providing new meal options for students. New on the menu for the winter cycle are fruit smoothies for breakfast and spinach-and-chicken empanadas, chicken-and-vegetable dumplings and cheesy chicken pasta for lunch.” [Sun Gazette]

New ATMs at DCA — From Reagan National Airport: “We are in the process of transitioning to a new ATM provider and all ATMs have been removed from the airport. We are working with the new provider to install new ATMs as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience during this transition!” [Twitter]

Early Closure for ANC — “Due to incoming inclement weather, Arlington National Cemetery will close early on Friday, January 28, at 3 pm and will have a delayed opening on Saturday, January 29, until 10 am. Funeral services will not be impacted and will continue as scheduled.” [Twitter]

It’s Friday — On today’s snow threat: “Evening computer models have bumped up snowfall totals in the immediate area and now suggest 1 to 3 inches may be more likely than a coating to 2 inches. Of particular note, they suggest we may have a period of steadier snow around the Friday evening commute as temperatures fall back toward freezing. This could mean slick roads. You may want to think about coming home early (by 3 or 4 p.m.) on Friday or working at home if possible.” [Capital Weather Gang, Twitter]

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Andrew Ellicott Park, named after the surveyor of Washington, DC, holds the original western cornerstone of the District of Columbia, dating to 1791 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Preservation Bill Proposed After Rouse Razing — “Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) has introduced legislation that, if enacted, could give preservationists more of a fighting chance to retain properties they deem worth saving. Hope’s bill makes several changes to the state’s historic-preservation laws, most notably prohibiting a local government from permitting the razing of a proposed historic property until 30 days after a final decision on the matter has been made.” [Sun Gazette]

Students Getting At-Home Covid Tests — “Last week we received a large shipment of rapid at-home Covid-19 test kits. These kits are in the process of being delivered to our schools for distribution to students, beginning toward the end of this week or early next.” [Arlington Public Schools]

Dorsey to Lead Regional Board — “Arlington County Board member Christian Dorsey will chair the board of directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for 2022.” [Sun Gazette]

Old Home Gets Rocking Aesthetic — “The white-stucco, black-shuttered exterior of this 1871 center-hall Colonial in Country Club Hills belies its rock-and-roll interior. That’s part of the fun. A century and a half ago, the stately home was likely built as a summer residence for a wealthy D.C. family. Today, it’s owned by Ben and Dina Hitch, a pair of concert-going music and art aficionados whose vast collection of original record albums and American artwork spans decades.” [Arlington Magazine]

Marymount Junior Stands Out on Court — “As a result of helping the Marymount University women’s basketball team improve to 5-0 and first place in the Atlantic East Conference, junior Symantha Shackelford recently was selected as the league’s Player of the Week in women’s college basketball.” [Sun Gazette]

Snow Incoming — “A major winter storm is set to slam parts of the Northeast on Saturday, with heavy snowfall, strong to damaging winds and coastal flooding all possible… For D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, the storm probably gets going too late to drop more than a couple inches of snow, but areas just to the east have a chance to see more substantial amounts.” [Capital Weather Gang, Twitter]

It’s Thursday — Today will be sunny, with a high near 37. Sunrise at 7:18 a.m. and sunset at 5:24 p.m. A low around 27 Thursday night. Friday will be cloudy, with a high near 37. Light snow possible in the morning, then probable in the afternoon, perhaps mixing with rain. Expect snow and wind gusts as high as 26 mph Friday night. [Weather.gov]

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Savage

By ARLnow.com
1/5

Meet Savage, a classy Chihuahua with a lot of personality and the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week. This 4-year-old comes in a little package and is looking for his forever home.

His friends at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation have a few words to say:

Savage, or “Savvy” as he likes to be called, is a lot of personality in a little package! Once he’s had a few days to get used to his new home, he will be the ultimate lap dog.

He is a dedicated companion who always wants to be by your side, or chasing the tennis ball you just threw for him! He’d love a home where someone is usually around, such as working from home or maybe retired. Savage has thrived in an apartment environment and is fine being left alone as long as he’s crated. He walks well on the leash with some guidance to make him feel more confident.

He should be in a forever home where he will be your one and only, and should not go to a home with children. Savage is fearful of men — he needs extra time to warm up to them, but once he approaches you, you’re in!

Are you and Savage a match? Learn more about Savage and how to start the adoption process 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!

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Rosslyn at sunset (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Dems to Discuss School Board Caucus — “Unsurprisingly, perhaps, into this climate of culture war skirmishes surrounding public education comes opposition to the Arlington County Democratic Committee’s long-standing caucus process and even opposition to Democratic endorsement of candidates for school boards seats… At its February meeting, Arlington Democrats will debate the issues raised by its critics and vote on whether and how to change its caucus and endorsement process.” [Blue Virginia]

Winter Outdoor Dining Guide — “Before the pandemic, we never imagined that al fresco dining season in Northern Virginia would stretch into the teeth of winter. And while the wave of the latest Omicron cases seems to have peaked (fingers crossed!), those who are cautious about Covid but still want to support local businesses might choose to eat outside in the fresh air. Here are 11 restaurants cranking up the heat on outdoor dining spaces, and adding fun elements like fire pits or tented igloos.” [Arlington Magazine]

Steep HQ2 Energy Offset Costs — “The cost for Amazon.com Inc. to offset carbon emissions at its PenPlace development and meet Arlington County’s energy expectations will run upward of $5 million, according to a study by the company’s Seattle consultant.” [Washington Business Journal]

Beyer Calls for Long Covid Data — “A pair of Democratic House members asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a letter Tuesday to release data on the number of Americans who suffer lingering symptoms of coronavirus infection, including breakdowns along race, gender and age… Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who has sponsored legislation to fund studies of long covid, co-signed the letter with Pressley.” [Washington Post, U.S. House of Representatives]

More on Pentagon City Apartment Upgrades — “An existing 12-year-old apartment high-rise adjacent to what will be Amazon’s massive HQ2 campus, Metropolitan Park, in Arlington County, Virginia, has been acquired… and the investors plan a multimillion makeover fitting for HQ2’s panache. ‘We are going to make these apartments the coolest and most desirable homes on the park,’ said Steve Schwat, UIP founding principal.” [WTOP]

Two Crystal City Hotels Sold — “An Atlanta real estate investment manager has acquired a pair of Crystal City hotels a little more than a month after their former owner primed them for future redevelopment. Affiliates of Noble Investment Group paid a combined $64.3 million in mid-December for the 162-room Hampton Inn & Suites Reagan National Airport and the 248-room Hilton Garden Inn, according to Arlington County land records… There do not appear to be immediate changes planned for the hotels themselves, except for their names.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Wednesday — Today will be sunny, with a high near 30. Sunrise at 7:18 a.m. and sunset at 5:23 p.m. Tomorrow will be sunny, with a high near 33. [Weather.gov]

UPDATED: Fire breaks out above restaurant at Pentagon Centre shopping center

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at noon) A fire broke out Tuesday night at the Pentagon Centre shopping center, next to the Pentagon City Metro station.

The fire broke out shortly before 11 p.m. Early video, below, appears to show the fire in an HVAC unit above the Chevy’s Mexican restaurant.

The restaurant was filled with smoke, according to scanner traffic, though the fire appeared to be mostly confined to the roof area. Thick smoke could be seen rising from the shopping center at 1201 S. Hayes Street from a distance.

By midnight, after an extended effort to extinguish the last of the flames, the fire was reported to be out, but by morning it flared back up and prompted another large fire department response and road closures.

More via social media:

https://twitter.com/verycaroline/status/1486317774964236293

https://twitter.com/verycaroline/status/1486316537552289795

Video (top) courtesy anonymous

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