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.

Morning Poll: Will you use fewer plastic bags when the new bag tax takes effect?

By ARLnow.com
Plastic bag in a fence (Photo by Morgan Vander Hart on Unsplash)

Arlington’s new bag tax is only a few days away from taking effect.

The tax, which was also enacted by neighboring Alexandria and Fairfax County after being authorized by the Virginia General Assembly, calls for certain stores to collect a five-cent tax on single-use disposable bags.

More from an Arlington County press release, below.

Beginning January 1, 2022, a five-cent tax on single-use disposable plastic bags will go into effect for grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County. The Arlington County Board, Alexandria City Council and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors each adopted a plastic bag tax in September 2021, as a step to reduce the negative environmental impacts of single-use plastic bags.

To support the transition, the jurisdictions have been working closely with the Northern Virginia Regional Waste Management Board to align outreach, education, timelines and common language for the localities to ensure consistency and clarity. A regional informational website contains answers to frequently asked questions and multilingual outreach materials for retailers. Reusable bags have also been distributed with information about the plastic bag tax to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefit recipients over the past few months.

The tax would not apply to:

  • plastic bags intended for reuse;
  • plastic bags solely used to wrap, contain or package certain items (ice cream, meat, fish, poultry, produce, unwrapped bulk food items or perishable food items);
  • plastic bags for dry cleaning or prescription drugs; or
  • multiple plastic bags sold in packages for garbage, pet waste or leaf removal.

Collected taxes may be used for environmental cleanup; providing educational programs designed to reduce environmental waste, mitigating pollution and litter; or for providing reusable bags to benefit recipients of either Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC).

Last year, after the state law passed, we asked readers if Arlington should enact the bag tax. About 57% of more than 2,000 respondents to our unscientific online poll said yes.

Today, we’re wondering if the bag tax will change your behavior — which, after all, is its primary goal. Specifically, do you plan to use fewer single-use plastic bags as a result of the new tax?

UPDATE: ‘Critically missing’ Arlington senior found

By ARLnow.com

Update at 8:35 a.m. — The missing woman has been “safely located,” police say.

Earlier: Police are searching for a “critically missing” 89-year-old woman from Arlington.

A statewide Virginia Senior Alert has been issued for Mary Smith, who was last seen last night on S. Arlington Ridge Road near Pentagon City.

More from police:

The Arlington County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a critically missing Arlington woman. Ms. Mary Francis Smith, was last seen at approximately 8:30 p.m. on December 28 in the 1100 block of S. Arlington Ridge Road.

Ms. Smith is described as a White female, 89 years old, 5’4″, with short, dark hair, wearing a grey and blue striped shirt, grey jeans, and maroon leather boots. She is considered critically missing due to mental and/or physical health concerns.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

https://twitter.com/VSPPIO/status/1476177275330695176

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

W&OD Trail Detour — From the Arlington Dept. of Environmental Services: “On 12/30-31, crews will be working on the W&OD Trail Bridge east of Wilson Blvd (near the caboose). The W&OD Trail will be detoured onto the Four Mile Run trail for about ½ mile and will be clearly marked.” [Twitter]

Single-Vehicle Crash on S. Glebe Road — On Tuesday afternoon: “S. Glebe Road is partially blocked at 7th Street S. after a one-vehicle crash with airbag deployment. One vehicle occupant reported to have facial injuries.” [Twitter]

Congrats, Vernon! — ARLnow and ALXnow’s own Vernon Miles just got engaged. Congratulations to the happy couple! [Twitter]

It’s Wednesday — Today will be cloudy with light rain possible throughout the day and temperatures reaching a high of 54. Sunrise at 7:26 a.m. and sunset at 4:55 p.m. Expect rain and fog tomorrow morning, with a low of 42 and a high of 54. [Weather.gov]

Flickr pool photo by Vincent

Irate mom allegedly hits Apple Store employee with toy, kicks iPad across floor

By ARLnow.com
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall entrance (file photo)

A woman with kids in tow reportedly became enraged by unsatisfactory service at the Pentagon City Apple Store yesterday, leading her to assault an employee, kick an iPad and steal a phone.

The wild scene played out around 4:30 p.m. at Apple’s busy Pentagon City mall location.

“Upon arrival, it was determined that the female suspect allegedly became irate after being refused service by store management and began to act disorderly,” said an Arlington County Police Department crime report today. “The suspect allegedly struck the employee with a plastic toy firearm, knocked a tablet out of his hands and kicked it across the store, then stole a cell phone and accessories from them.”

Police radio traffic suggests that the woman had kids with her at the time. She left the store and drove off before officers could find her.

“The suspect fled on foot into the parking garage and left the scene in a vehicle,” the crime report said. “The victim sustained minor injuries that did not require medical treatment.”

The incident was classified as a robbery due to the items that were allegedly taken by force.

“The investigation is ongoing,” ACPD said.

ACPD: Woman crashed, ran from police, and crashed again with kid in car

By ARLnow.com

A Falls Church woman is facing numerous charges after police say she fled from officers after a hit-and-run crash — all while a child was in her car.

The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, in the Green Valley area. It started with a crash on S. Glebe Road, just north of the I-395 interchange, and ended with a second crash less than a mile away.

From an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

At approximately 1:25 p.m. on December 25, police were dispatched to the report of a crash with injury. As officers arrived on scene, one of the vehicles involved in the initial crash fled the scene. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, however, the suspect disregarded and continued driving at a high rate of speed in the area. Officers did not pursue the vehicle and followed at a distance. Officers observed the suspect strike another vehicle at the intersection of S. Glebe Road and Walter Reed Drive, causing extensive damage, then come to a stop on Walter Reed Drive. The suspect exited the vehicle and was subsequently taken into custody by arriving officers without further incident. […]

[The suspect], 25, of Falls Church, Va., was arrested and charged with Hit and Run – Attended Property: Injury/Damage >$1000 (x2), Eluding, and Abuse & Neglect of a Child, and issued summons for Improper Registration and No Insurance. She was held on a secured bond.

ACPD spokeswoman Kirby Clark said there was a child in the 25-year-old woman’s car at the time of the crashes, leading to the child abuse charge.

Only one minor injury was reported in the Christmas crashes.

“The driver of the second vehicle involved in the first crash sustained minor injuries and was evaluated on scene by medics,” Clark said. “No injuries were reported in the second crash.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Signs for the I-395 Express Lanes (Flickr pool photo by Wolfkann)

Gift Wrap Recycling FYI — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “Unfun Post-Holiday Fact: If wrapping paper has a thick glossy finish, it can’t go in the blue recycling bin. Same for anything with glitter.” [Twitter, Arlington County]

More Big Lines at County Testing Sites — “Walk-in #COVID19 tests at County @curative kiosks may not be available due to holiday volumes and weather-related shipping delays. Appointments are strongly encouraged.” [Twitter, Twitter]

Testing at Pharmacy Snarls Traffic — “Scanner: ACPD responding to Preston’s Pharmacy at 5101 Langston Blvd for reports of traffic issued caused by Covid testing.” [Twitter]

N. Va. Lagging D.C. in Test Options — “Shortages in COVID-19 testing availability have become acute lately, as the highly contagious omicron variant surges and area residents scramble to get tested before and after holiday gatherings. In Northern Virginia, where free public testing availability has frequently lagged behind the options in D.C., capacity is particularly strained.” [DCist]

ACFD Ambulances Dispatched to Maryland — From public safety watchdog Dave Statter: “Not sure what’s going on right now in Prince George’s County (I imagine @PGFDNews is slammed on the EMS side), but recently heard @ArlingtonVaFD’s Medic 105 sent to Hillcrest Heights.” [Twitter, Twitter]

It’s Tuesday — Today it will be mostly cloudy with a high near 56 and a slight rain chance in the afternoon. Sunrise at 7:26 a.m. and sunset at 4:54 p.m. Tomorrow expect light rain throughout the day, with a low of 47 and a high of 54. [Weather.gov]

Flickr pool photo by Wolfkann

Video: Drivers rolling through Rosslyn area intersection get ticketed

By ARLnow.com
Arlington police about to pull over someone who rolled through a stop sign (video courtesy Kevin F.)

Arlington County Police Department motor officers had no shortage of drivers to pull over at a Rosslyn area intersection this year.

A resident who lives near the intersection of N. Pierce Street and 16th Street N. sent the following video, a compilation of drivers being pulled over for rolling through the intersection’s stop signs.

“This guy’s done. Oh, he’s so done,” the resident can be heard saying, as sirens started blaring and the police motorcycle started rumbling towards its prey.

An ACPD spokeswoman tells ARLnow that the department indeed engages in proactive traffic education and enforcement.

“Transportation safety is a key initiative of the Arlington County Police Department and officers take a two pronged approach of education and enforcement to ensure the safety of all travelers on our roadways,” said Ashley Savage. “As part of the Department’s traffic safety program, we work collaboratively with other County agencies and community members to address areas of concern.”

“Failure to stop at stop signs is a common concern we hear from community members throughout the County… It is a violation of Virginia Code § 46.2-821 to fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign,” Savage added. “Officers conduct enforcement in identified areas of concern on a random rotating basis with the goal of compliance even when police are not present.”

As of last week, ACPD officers had issued more than 3,000 traffic tickets (or summons, in Virginia law enforcement parlance) and 1,000 warnings for stop sign violations over the course of 2021, according to data provided by the department.

Stop sign tickets and warning issued in 2021 (via ACPD)

ACPD: Man pulled a gun on a bus driver in Shirlington

By ARLnow.com

A scary incident involving a bus driver and a passenger in Shirlington turned out a bit less serious than it appeared at first glance.

It happened the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 22, on the 2900 block of S. Quincy Street, the location of the Shirlington Bus Station.

“At approximately 9:44 p.m. on December 22, police were dispatched to the report of a person with a gun,” said an Arlington County Police Department crime report. “Upon arrival, it was determined that the unknown male suspect entered onto the bus and attempted to ride without paying. The driver requested payment and after the suspect refused, stepped off the bus and asked the suspect to follow.”

“The suspect allegedly brandished what is believed to be an air soft gun and fired multiple times,” the crime report continued. “The suspect then fled the scene on foot, entered onto a different bus and left the area prior to the arrival of police. No injuries or property damage were reported. There is no suspect description. The investigation is ongoing.”

It’s unclear whether the bus was an ART bus, a Metrobus or otherwise.

Rise in new Covid cases in Arlington takes a Christmas break

By ARLnow.com
Covid cases in Arlington as of Dec. 27, 2021 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

A pre-Christmas testing bonanza helped contribute to a steep, record-breaking rise in Covid cases in Arlington last week, but the holiday managed to bend the curve.

A more modest 126 cases were reported today, according to Virginia Dept. of Health data, bringing the seven-day moving average down slightly to 364 daily cases. Reports of serious illness remain muted, with an average of one hospitalization per day.

After nearly three weeks without a reported Covid death in Arlington, two fatalities have been reported since Christmas day.

Covid hospitalizations in Arlington as of Dec. 27, 2021 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

The state health department does not break out other details locally, such as whether any of the serious illness and death in Arlington was attributable to the new, quickly spreading Omicron variant.

While a rise in testing leading up to Christmas likely helped to inflate case counts, a big drop in testing reports sent to VDH during the holiday weekend appears to be a primary contributor to the drop in new cases. Through it all, the county’s test positivity rate has continued to rise, reaching 12.4% today.

That’s the highest test positivity rate since May 2020, during the pandemic’s first wave.

Covid testing in Arlington as of Dec. 27, 2021 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

Morning Poll: Will 2022 be a better year?

By ARLnow.com

By most accounts, 2020 was a tough year. Despite hopes for better, 2021 certainly had its rough moments, too.

The pandemic is still here and, at least in terms of new cases from the latest variant, remains well underway. The stock market it up for the year, but the last half of 2021 hasn’t been kind to many investors amid inflation and stretched supply chains. And the country still appears to be inexorably divided politically, as was put on full display this past January.

There are hopeful signs for next year: maybe, just maybe, the pandemic ends and enters an endemic phase, while the economy looks fundamentally strong and there’s always hope that what unites us turns out to be stronger than that which divides us.

We had lots of hope for 2021 and the dawning of the Covid vaccination era, but reality and new variants intruded on dreams of a full return to normalcy. Perhaps 2022 will be different. Or more of the same.

What do you think? Are you optimistic that the new year will be better than 2021?

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A December sunset along Columbia Pike, at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

First County Board Meeting of 2022 — “Arlington County Board members will hold their annual organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m… At the meeting, board members will elect a chair for the coming year (almost assuredly Katie Cristol) and will lay out their own personal priorities for the coming year. A number of procedural votes will be held, but the real business of governance will not take place until the board’s formal January meeting later in the month.” [Sun Gazette]

Bridge Project Near Fairlington Complete — “The rehabilitation of the King Street (Route 7) bridge over I-395 and pedestrian improvements along a half-mile of King Street are complete, Virginia Department of Transportation officials said on Dec. 22, improving pedestrian mobility and safety, giving drivers a smoother ride and extending the overall life of the bridge. The $13 million project was financed with federal and state funding.” [Sun Gazette]

It’s Monday — A chance of rain and snow flurries before 9 a.m. today, then rain likely through the afternoon. Otherwise cloudy, with a high near 44. Sunrise at 7:26 a.m. and sunset at 4:53 p.m. Tomorrow there’s a chance of rain after 1 p.m., but otherwise it will be cloudy with a low of 41 and a high of 52. [Weather.gov]

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