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 Notes

By ARLnow.com
Thanksgiving week in Shirlington (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

ACPD Thanksgiving Anti-DUI Event — “On Thanksgiving-eve, traditionally a time of celebrations with heavy alcohol consumption, ACPD, in partnership with WRAP, is hosting a Thanksgiving anti-drunk driving event to highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills. This free event is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, November 24, at N. Hudson Street and Wilson Boulevard, from 8:00-10:00 p.m.” [ACPD, Twitter]

Shirlington Apartment Employee Slashed — “An employee of the residential building discovered that the laundry room had been locked and upon opening it, discovered the unknown male suspect inside. The suspect produced a knife and struck the victim’s hand, causing a laceration. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. Arriving officers canvased the area with negative results. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.” [ACPD]

Bus Driver Protest in Ballston — “Arlington Public Schools bus drivers are protesting again, this time in Ballston. They’re chanting and getting passing drivers to honk in favor of better pay and fair treatment.” [Twitter, WJLA]

County Seeks Budget Feedback — “Each winter, the County Manager presents a proposed operating budget to the County Board in order to plan spending for the next fiscal year. We’d like to know your thoughts on how Arlington should prioritize necessary spending in FY 2023. Help us get better insight on questions such as: How would you rate the importance of County programs and services?” [Arlington County]

Clement: Fewer Signs Stolen This Year — “In her annual election wrapup at the first Arlington County Board meeting after the votes were in, perennial protest candidate Audrey Clement told board members that she’d been able to gather up a good portion of her campaign signage from medians. ‘I recovered about 450 signs, or two-thirds of the total,’ she told board members. ‘This is a significant improvement over 2020, when two-thirds of my signs were trashed.’ Clement ran second in the four-candidate County Board race.” [Sun Gazette]

It’s Monday — A chance of showers today, mainly before 10 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Sunrise at 6:59 a.m. and sunset at 4:49 p.m. Sunny tomorrow, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. [Weather.gov]

Most-read Arlington stories of the week: Nov. 15-19, 2021

By ARLnow.com
1/8

A cool and cloudy weekend is on tap after a brief reprise of early-autumn-like warmth on Thursday.

This was a busy news week, with everything from County Board meetings to a tour of the under-construction Amazon HQ2. The most-read stories of the past week are as follows.

  1. Toddler struck by driver, seriously injured in Westover
  2. Arlington police turn to state troopers for help with nightlife detail
  3. Deterioration forces additional closures on Arlington-Alexandria bridge
  4. New restaurant and flower shop Poppyseed Rye to open this week in Ballston
  5. Pines of Florence is coming back, opening in Cherrydale as soon as this weekend
  6. Amazon touts HQ2 construction progress as Bezos makes big donation to local nonprofit
  7. Police investigating more than a dozen car break-ins along two blocks
  8. Thaiphoon in Pentagon City expected to close this weekend
  9. New study says at-grade Route 1 could cause pedestrian dangers, traffic headaches
  10. Death knell tolls for Victorian home in East Falls Church

Feel free to discuss those articles or anything else of local interest in the comments. Have a nice weekend!

UPDATED: Police investigating attempted carjacking in Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County police are on scene of an attempted carjacking in Pentagon City.

The incident happened around 1 p.m., near the intersection of Army Navy Drive and S. Fern Street.

“Preliminary investigation indicates female suspect approached victim and attempted to take her keys,” ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “A struggle ensued, during which the victim sustained non-life threatening injuries. The suspect fled the scene on foot. Police remain in the area investigating and searching for the suspect.”

There were also initial reports of the suspect grabbing or attempting to abduct a child. Asked about that, Savage said police are still investigating what exactly happened.

The crime scene is near the DEA headquarters and within two blocks of the Pentagon, Pentagon City mall, and Amazon’s under-construction HQ2.

From January 2020 to February 2021, police responded to 13 carjackings in the Crystal City and Pentagon City areas. There have been far fewer carjackings since ACPD deployed more crime prevention resources the area last year — and since D.C. area police departments and prosecutors started coordinating to crack down on such crimes.

Update on 11/22/21: Police have released more information about the incident in a crime report:

ROBBERY, 2021-11190099, 500 block of 12th Road S. At approximately 1:22 p.m. on November 19, police were dispatched to the report of an assault just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined that the female victim and her child were inside a parked vehicle in a parking garage when the female suspect approached and attempted to take her car keys. A struggle ensued, during which the suspect allegedly tried to remove the baby carrier from the vehicle in an effort to steal the vehicle. The suspect fled the scene on foot without any of the victim’s property. Arriving officers established a perimeter and the area was searched with negative results. The child was not injured. The suspect is described as a Black female, approximately 25 to 30 years old, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. The investigation is ongoing.

Open houses in Arlington this weekend

By ARLnow.com
2605 N. Lexington Street

With Thanksgiving and Black Friday around the corner, take some time to visit a few open houses in Arlington this weekend.

As of Friday morning, there are 640 homes for sale, 402 are condos, 184 are detached homes and 54 are townhomes. In the last 4 weeks there have been 164 new listings and 256 sales, according to Homesnap.

Let’s take a look at a few open houses you can find this weekend:

  • 3420 21st Avenue N.
    6 BD/5.5 BA single-family home
    Noteworthy: Pine hardwood floors, screened porch, four-levels
    Listed: $1,899,000
    Open: Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
  • 2605 N. Lexington Street
    4 BD/3 BA, 2 half bath single-family home
    Noteworthy: Two ovens, wine refrigerator, wood-burning fireplace
    Listed: $1,399,888
    Open: Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
  • 5913 10th Road N.
    3 BD/3 BA single-family home
    Noteworthy: Screened-in porch, deck, fenced backyard
    Listed: $1,047,000
    Open: Sunday, 12-2 p.m.
  • 1708 23rd Street S.
    3 BD/2 BA, 2 half bath townhome
    Noteworthy: Built-in library, private patio
    Listed: $899,000
    Open: Saturday, 12-2 p.m.
  • 1805 Crystal Drive #506S
    3 BD/2 BA condo
    Noteworthy: Corner unit, remodeled baths, balcony
    Listed: $789,900
    Open: Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
  • 888 N. Quincy Street #209
    2 BD/2 BA condo
    Noteworthy: Two assigned parking spaces, updated floors and refrigerator
    Listed: $695,000
    Open: Sunday, 12-3 p.m.

Image via Google Maps

UPDATED: School evacuated amid reports of smoke inside

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 3:40 p.m.) Firefighters investigated smoke seen inside the Montessori Public School of Arlington around lunchtime today.

The school at 701 S. Highland Street, in the Arlington Heights neighborhood, was evacuated after an alarm started sounding, according to initial reports. Arriving firefighters said they found smoke coming from the vents. There was no sign of an active fire.

Police were also dispatched to the school to assist with traffic control. Students were able to return to classrooms quickly, however.

“It was an HVAC motor and the all clear was given around 12 p.m.,” said Arlington Public Schools spokesman Frank Bellavia.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Arrests in Cold Case Murder — Updated at 7:50 a.m. — “The Arlington County Police Department’s Cold Case Unit is announcing James Christopher Johnson, 59, of Alexandria, Va, and Bobby Joe Leonard, 53, have been charged in relation to the 1998 homicide of Andrea Cincotta in the Colonial Village neighborhood. Mr. Johnson is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Center and Mr. Leonard is being held on unrelated charges at Wallens Ridge State Prison. On August 21, 1998, 52-year-old Andrea Cincotta was found dead inside the bedroom of the apartment she shared with Mr. Johnson in the 1700 block of N. Rhodes Street.” [Washington Post, ACPD]

Cool Reception for Climate Emergency Push — “A proposal by two local environmental groups that the Arlington County government declare a ‘climate-change emergency’ received the back of the hand, albeit politely delivered, from County Board members on Nov. 13… ‘We hear you… but understand that we are not able to declare an emergency that gives the local government broader power,’ [said] County Board member Christian Dorsey.” [Sun Gazette]

It’s Friday — Today will be sunny, with a high near 47. Northwest wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Sunrise at 6:56 a.m. and sunset at 4:51 p.m. Increasing clouds Saturday, with a high near 49. A slight chance of showers after 1 p.m. Sunday, but otherwise mostly cloudy with a high near 55. [Weather.gov]

Photo courtesy Tom Mockler/Twitter

Police investigating more than a dozen car break-ins along two blocks

By ARLnow.com

Sixteen cars had windows smashed in the Long Branch Creek neighborhood earlier this week.

The smashing spree happened Monday morning along a two block stretch of S. Adams Street, in the neighborhood that’s located roughly between Pentagon City and Shirlington.

The suspect (or suspects) appears to have rummaged through the vehicles but no items were reported stolen.

More from an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY (Series), 2021-11150063/11150074, 2600 block and 2700 block of S. Adams Street. At approximately 10:26 a.m. on November 15, police were dispatched to the report of a destruction of property in the 2700 block of S. Adams Street. Upon arrival, it was determined that the victim observed the front passenger window to her car had been smashed, but no items appeared to have been stolen. During the course of the investigation, seven additional vehicles were discovered to have had their windows smashed. At approximately 11:22 a.m., police were dispatched to the report of a destruction of property in the 2600 block of S. Adams Street. Upon arrival it was determined that eight vehicles had their windows smashed and items rummaged through. No items were reported stolen. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Twilight at Washington Golf and Country Club (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Ballston Building to Be Renovated — “Arlington’s Monday Properties has made two new office building acquisitions as it banks on workers across the market returning to their offices in the coming months. The commercial property owner and developer has purchased the former home of CACI International’s headquarters, Three Ballston Plaza at 1100 N. Glebe Rd. — for $118 million. The 330,000-square-foot property, one of the most prominent in Ballston, will get a Gensler-designed renovation to help it compete in the modern commercial office environment.” [Washington Business Journal]

Rescued Dog Seeking New Home — “[Several] weeks ago, a young, mixed breed dog was rescued after being trapped between two fences alongside I-395. Since then, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, which renamed the dog “Benito,” has been helping him feel happier and more confident. ‘We were unable to find Benito’s owner, so he’s looking for a new family to call his own.'” [Patch]

Local Shops Offer ‘Passport’ — “On Small Business Saturday 2021, November 27th, Arlington and Falls Church shoppers will get a chance to participate in a shopping ‘Passport’ program to discover unique shops, find deals, keep their shopping dollars local and be eligible to win prizes. Led by One More Page Books, the Passport enables shoppers who are looking to participate in the national #shoplocal effort to easily discover small businesses near them.” [Press Release]

MLK Contest for Students Now Open — “Arlington Public Schools students are invited to take part in the annual ‘Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary and Visual Contest.’ Entries are due by 5 p.m. Thu, Dec. 16.” [Arlington Public Schools]

VFW Post in Va. Square Profiled — “7News’ Ashlie Rodriguez discovered a little-known secret, tucked away in Arlington, Virginia, where hundreds of veterans gather, swap stories, share memories, and find a place of refuge. Here’s a look inside the John Lyon VFW Post 3150.” [WJLA]

State Tax Coffers Are Overflowing — “Virginia budget officials say they’ve never seen anything like it — more than $13 billion in additional state revenues this year and in the next two fiscal years. The House Appropriations Committee projects a $3.5 billion increase in revenue above the current forecast in the fiscal year that began July 1, based on higher pending forecasts of state income tax and other revenues in the pair of budgets that Gov. Ralph Northam will present to the General Assembly next month.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch]

It’s Thursday — Today will start off sunny and warm, with a high near 73, before a rainy evening. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Sunrise at 6:54 a.m. and sunset at 4:52 p.m. Tomorrow will be sunny, breezy and cooler, with a high near 50. Northwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. [Weather.gov]

UPDATED: Toddler struck by driver, seriously injured in Westover

By ARLnow.com
1/4

A child, reportedly 2 years old, was struck by the driver of a car in the Westover neighborhood Wednesday evening.

The crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. on the 1500 block of N. Longfellow Street, less than a block from The Italian Store and other Westover shops.

Initial reports suggest that the driver of a black Cadillac sedan struck the child while exiting an alley, crossing a sidewalk and turning onto Longfellow Street. The child was reportedly pulled from under the vehicle and was conscious when medics arrived, but suffering from a potentially serious head injury.

An ambulance rushed the injured child to a local hospital.

A kid’s scooter could be seen under the car as a distraught woman talked to first responders. The car’s driver remained on scene.

“[The] preliminary investigation indicates the child was removed from under the vehicle prior to the arrival of public safety personnel,” Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage told ARLnow. “Police remain on scene investigating the crash.”

Update at 12:15 p.m. — Arlington County police just released additional information about the crash, while asking for members of the public to come forward with additional information. The child, who suffered what was initially reported as a serious head injury, is now said to be in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.

From an ACPD press release:

The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a critical crash which occurred in the Westover Village neighborhood on the evening of November 17, 2021.

At approximately 4:09 p.m., police and fire were dispatched to the 1500 block of N. Longfellow Street for the report of a crash with injuries involving a pedestrian. Arriving public safety personnel located the pedestrian, a toddler, on the sidewalk next to the striking vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries and is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was riding a scooter when he was struck by a motorist exiting an alley. He was removed from under the vehicle prior to the arrival of public safety personnel. The driver of the striking vehicle remained on scene.

This crash remains under investigation and details of the investigation will be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for review. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective D. Johnson at [email protected] or 703-228-4193. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Arlington Pet of the Week: Lily and Daisy

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Say hi to Lily and Daisy, Arlington’s latest Pet of the Week duo. These two fashionable ladies are Pugs who were rescued from the Great Salt Lake and now call Arlington their home.

Here’s what their owner had to say about the sisters:

These sisters have traded their hiking boots for bespoke couture as they enjoy a packed social calendar filled with brunches with “the girls” at various Arlington eateries, play dates at the Pug Meet Up, goat yoga and shopping trips to Dogma Pet Bakery.

A little shy with strangers, Lily needs some time before she jumps in your lap to give some kisses. Daisy has never met a stranger and will eagerly dance around you and offer huge licks from her tongue.

After a busy day sipping pawseccos and browsing Etsy, Lily likes to enjoy a “cigar” (her Petstages Deerhorn bone) with her evening watermelon. Daisy can be found cuddling her elephant stuffy and loves nothing more than curling up in a lap to snooze.

Welcome to these darling western ladies!

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
The sun shines over Crystal Drive and the Crystal City Water Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington Is Getting an Eruv — “Two ritual enclosures that allow Shabbat-observant Jews to carry items beyond their homes are nearing completion in Northern Virginia. Kesher Israel Congregation in Georgetown is expanding its eruv, or ritual enclosure, into Arlington. Rabbi Hyim Shafner said the completed eruv will enclose Congregation Etz Hayim, Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington and Kol Ami: Northern Virginia Reconstructionist Community, as well as Arlington National Cemetery and The Pentagon.” [Washington Jewish Week]

County Leaders Reject ‘Defund’ Call — “At the Nov. 13 Arlington County Board meeting, speaker Evangelia Riris called on elected officials to eradicate much or all of the police department and sheriff’s office, rerouting the $119 million in annual funding to other uses. ‘We could put the money into social services that would provide a more meaningful effect onto people’s lives,’ said Riris… Arlington board members and County Manager Mark Schwartz said, in effect, thanks but no thanks.” [Sun Gazette]

Activists Want New Tree Study — “Activists are continuing to press their effort to get the Arlington County government to initiate another study of tree canopy in Arlington, but seem at best to be receiving a lukewarm response. ‘There are surplus funds available” to conduct a new study,’ said Mary Glass of the Arlington Tree Action Group, who wants the county government to move beyond a 2016 study that showed a largely stable canopy of trees in the county.” [Sun Gazette]

HQ2 Honcho Meets Governor-Elect — From Amazon’s Brian Huseman: “As part of the Team Virginia econ development effort, today I met with Governor-elect @GlennYoungkin about his vision for Virginia. He will be a great leader for VA and Amazon looks forward to working with him as we invest & grow across the Commonwealth and in our Arlington #HQ2.” [Twitter]

Fill the Cruiser Tonight — “Our next Fill the Cruiser event is [Wednesday] evening at Lee-Harrison Shopping Center (2425 N. Harrison Street)! Help us brighten the holidays for children in need and Stop by from 5-7 p.m. to donate new, unwrapped toys for kids aged newborn-17.” [Twitter]

Inflation Hits Local Food Bank — “All this week, @AFACfeeds is giving free turkeys to families in need ahead of Thanksgiving. Last year, the nonprofit spent $37,000 on about 2200 turkeys. This year? That same order cost them $47,000.” [Twitter, WJLA]

Road Closures for Weekend 5K — “The 7th Annual Jennifer Bush-Lawson Memorial 5k & Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following road closures from approximately 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in order to accommodate the event.” [ACPD]

It’s Wednesday — Today will be mostly sunny and warmer, with a high near 66. Sunrise at 6:53 a.m. and sunset at 4:52 p.m. Tomorrow will start off sunny and warm, with a high near 72, before rain moves in later in the afternoon and evening. Wind gusts as high as 26 mph on Thursday. [Weather.gov]

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