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.

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Oct 24, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Tuesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Oct 24, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Wednesday’s forecast

Expect mostly sunny skies with a high around 74 degrees and a south wind between 6 to 9 mph today. Tonight, the weather will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dipping to a low of around 51 degrees and a south wind around 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Listing of the Day: 2009 S. Randolph Street

By ARLnow.com
1/8

Address: 2009 S. Randolph Street
Neighborhood: Douglas Park
Type: 4 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 4,043 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,689,000

Noteworthy: Spacious Main Level Layout That Checks All The Boxes

Classic Cottages has a new home located in Douglas Park!

This 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home features an open floor plan, large covered front porch and one car attached garage. The main level includes a home office, dining room, butler’s pantry, breakfast area, well-appointed kitchen with JennAir appliances, and an inviting great room with gas fireplace. The primary bedroom features two large walk-in closets as well as a luxury bathroom with soaking tub and spa shower. Two ensuites and the laundry room complete the second level.

In addition to the one car garage, the lower level includes a mudroom entry, fitness room with gym mat flooring, entertainment room with wet bar, and an additional bedroom and full bath.

A fenced yard completes this spectacular property!

Listed by:
Michelle Lynch — Urban Living Real Estate, LLC
[email protected]
(571) 366-3324

Here’s where ACPD is planning targeted traffic enforcement this fall

By ARLnow.com
Police officer talks with a driver during high-visibility enforcement along Little Falls Road (via ACPD)

We’re less than two weeks away from the ending of Daylight Saving Time, which means a renewed focus on road safety in the D.C. area.

Clocks will “fall back” an hour on Sunday, Nov. 5. Ahead of that, the Arlington County Police Department will be joining law enforcement across the region in kicking off the annual fall Street Smart campaign.

ACPD is planning targeted traffic enforcement events, starting this coming Thursday, at the following locations during the four-week campaign.

  • Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4-5 p.m. — 2000 to 2400 block of S. Glebe Road (Green Valley neighborhood)
  • Thursday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to noon – 23rd Street S. and Arlington Ridge Road (Arlington Ridge neighborhood)
  • Monday, Nov. 6 from 4-5 p.m. – Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard at N. Veitch Street (Courthouse neighborhood)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 4-5 p.m. – Four Mile Run Drive at S. Walter Reed Drive (Green Valley / Shirlington area)

More, below, from an ACPD press release.

Waning daylight hours and the end of Daylight Saving Time will bring darker evening commuting and reduced visibility. To ensure the safety of all travelers on our roadways, the Arlington County Police Department and law enforcement agencies throughout the region will take part in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Fall Street Smart Campaign from October 25 – November 19. The Street Smart campaign aims to identify and change unsafe behavior patterns amongst motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, with the goal of reducing the number of traffic related collisions and injuries on our roadways.

No matter how you travel, remember to share our roadways and always be a P.A.L. – predicable, alert and lawful.

Drivers are reminded to:

  • slow down, drive the speed limit and obey all posted traffic signs and signals.
  • remain alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • use caution when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
  • watch for pedestrians and bicyclists when turning.
  • allow for at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists.
  • avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving. Holding a hand-held communication device while driving is illegal in Virginia.

Pedestrians are reminded to:

  • cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they are available.
  • use pushbuttons when available and wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
  • look both ways before crossing.
  • remain visible, especially after dark and in bad weather, by wearing light colored or reflective clothing.
  • watch for blind spots around trucks and buses.
  • avoid using devices that distract you, such as cell phones, while crossing the street.

Bicyclists and shared mobility device operators are reminded to:

  • ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • use hand signals to communicate your intentions with others.
  • wear a helmet, which is required for all bicycle riders 14 years of age and younger and recommended for all other riders. (Arlington County Code 14.2-64.)
  • keep your eyes on the road and avoid the use of devices that may distract you.
  • remain visible, especially after dark and in bad weather, by wearing light colored or reflective clothing.
  • use headlights and taillights, especially when riding between sunset and sunrise.

Police investigating armed robberies in Crystal City and Lyon Park

By ARLnow.com
Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

Arlington County police are investigating a pair of armed robberies over the weekend.

One happened Friday night in the Crystal City area, about a block from the Metro station, while the other happened early Sunday morning in Lyon Park.

From the latest ACPD crime report:

ROBBERY, 2023-10210255, 500 block of 18th Street S. At approximately 10:17 p.m. on October 21, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the victims were walking in the area when they were approached by the two unknown male suspects during which the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded their belongings. The suspects stole one victim’s purse before fleeing the scene on foot. A lookout was broadcast and officers canvassed the area for the suspects yielding negative results.  During the course of the investigation, the victim’s belongings were recovered in the area. Suspect One is described as a skinny-build Black male, approximately 5’8” with short dreadlocks wearing all dark clothing. Suspect Two is described as a heavy-set Black male, approximately 5’8” wearing a ski mask and dark clothing. No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

ROBBERY, 2023-10220053, N. Barton Street at 9th Street N. At approximately 4:40 a.m. on October 22, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim was walking in the area when four unknown male suspects exited the suspect vehicle, two suspects brandished firearms and demanded the victim’s belongings. The suspects stole the victim’s cellphone, wallet and keys before reentering the suspect vehicle and fleeing the area. No injuries were reported.

Also in the crime report, a 37-year-old Arlington woman has been arrested after allegedly slashing a man with a knife during a dispute.

The incident happened Saturday night in the Glencarlyn neighborhood. Police say the man suffered serious injuries.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-10210197, 300 block of S. Illinois Street. At approximately 7:07 p.m. on October 21, police were dispatched to the report of an assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim and female suspect were involved in a verbal dispute during which the suspect allegedly brandished a knife and struck the victim, causing a laceration. Responding officers located the suspect and victim in the area of 5th Road S. and S. Kensington Street and immediately rendered medical aid to the victim. Medics transported the victim to an area hospital with serious, non-life threatening injuries. [The suspect], 37, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding.

Additionally, police are investigating gunshots early Monday morning in the Green Valley neighborhood. One local resident had a bullet go through the window of their home.

MISSILE INTO AN OCCUPIED DWELLING, 2023-10230013, 2200 block of S. Garfield Street. At approximately 12:50 a.m. on October 23, police were dispatched to the report of a shots heard. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 12:30 a.m., the victim was inside his residence when he was awoken to noise and upon further investigation, observed a broken window with an apparent bullet hole. Responding officers canvassed the area, recovered evidence confirming shots had been fired in the area and located a vehicle with property damage. No injuries were reported. There is no suspect description. The investigation is ongoing.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A scooter along 11th St. N. in Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Church Makes Another Donation — “Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) has received a $200,000 philanthropic gift from the congregation of Arlington Presbyterian Church (APC). The funding supports the ongoing rent relief needs of up to 30 households at Gilliam Place Apartments experiencing continued housing instability for a period of two years. This is APC’s second leadership gift of this size in 2023 for rent relief.” [Press Release]

Real Estate Pros Discuss Missing Middle — “‘You can have a person making a really good six-figure income yet not be able to afford Arlington because the properties are not available [or] they’re either way too high,’ he said. The construction of new Missing Middle-style housing types allows these six-figure income earners to purchase a home where their family can live, Lagos said.” [Patch]

Halloween-Themed Drag Events — A “Spooky Queens Drag Show” is planned in Rosslyn’s Gateway Park on Thursday evening, while a Ballston restaurant is hosting a “HallowQueen Drag Brunch” on Saturday. [District Fray, Eventbrite]

Interim Board Member at Halfway Point — “As her five-month tenure on the Arlington County Board reaches the halfway mark, Tannia Talento is living in the moment rather than focusing too much on the past or the future.” [Gazette Leader]

Big Football Win for W-L — “Sparked by a physical and strong defensive performance, the Washington-Liberty Generals won a key Liberty District football game Oct. 20, defeating the host McLean Highlanders in a matchup between high school teams tied for first place. Washington-Liberty won 21-7, shutting out McLean until the fourth quarter.” [Gazette Leader]

VSP Chases CRV Fleeing from ACPD — From Dave Statter: “A stolen Honda CRV jumped the median while running from @VSPPIO just after midnight at Route 7 & Idylwood Road. A half mile down Idylwood the driver ran off after colliding with another vehicle. There were injuries. This began when the CRV didn’t stop for @ArlingtonVaPD on I-66W and VSP gave chase.” [Twitter]

Ivy Street Ink — “A recently spotted tattoo (and its proud owner). South Ivy Street rocks.” [Columbia Pike Documentary Project]

It’s Tuesday — Frost is possible and expected to clear before 10am, leading to a sunny day with a high around 67 degrees. Calm winds will pick up to 5-8 mph from the south in the morning. Tuesday night will be clear with a low near 47 degrees and a gentle 6 mph south wind. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Oct 23, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Oct 23, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Tuesday’s forecast

Frost will be present in some areas until 10am, followed by sunny conditions and a high temperature near 67 degrees. There will be calm winds, which turn south at 5-8 mph during the morning. Tuesday night’s forecast includes clear skies, a low temperature around 47 degrees, and a south wind at approximately 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”
– Ralph Nader

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Man carjacked of BMW by gun-toting suspects along Columbia Pike

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Arlington County police are investigating an armed carjacking over the weekend.

It happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, on the 5500 block of Columbia Pike, near the Fairfax County line.

The vehicle taken was a BMW, according to scanner traffic and as noted by local public safety watcher Alan Henney. The car was later found nearby and recovered, according to police.

“The male victim was walking to his parked vehicle when he observed the two male suspects in the parking lot,” said today’s ACPD crime report. “The victim then entered his vehicle during which the suspects approached, brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s belongings. The victim exited his vehicle and the suspects entered and fled the scene.”

“During the course of the investigation, the victim’s vehicle was located unoccupied in the area,” the crime report continues. “The investigation is ongoing.”

By ARLnow’s count, this is at least the 16th carjacking in Arlington so far this year. At least half of those carjackings have been of BMWs. ACPD reported 14 total carjackings for all of 2022.

Video: Driver narrowly avoids being struck by overturning car

By ARLnow.com
Car overturning on S. Glebe Road as another driver approaches (via Dave Statter/Twitter)

(Updated at 1 p.m.) An out-of-control driver’s flipping car nearly struck another driver overnight near Columbia Pike.

The crash happened around 1 a.m. this morning on S. Glebe Road, a few blocks north of the Pike, on the border of the Alcova Heights and Arlington Heights neighborhoods.

Sparks fly as the car crosses the center median and rolls over before apparently coming to rest upright.

A driver heading northbound narrowly avoids the crashing vehicle as it crosses over from the southbound lanes. Local public safety watcher Dave Statter posted a video (below) of the near-miss later Monday morning.

“No indications of injuries,” Statter noted.

NEW: Frost Advisory issued for Arlington and D.C.

By ARLnow.com
Frost on an autumn leaf (Flickr pool photo by Michael Coffman)

After earlier being excluded from a Frost Advisory for most of the region, Arlington and D.C. are now said to be at risk for frost tonight.

The following was just issued by the National Weather Service.

…FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT TUESDAY…

* WHAT…Temperatures as low as 36 will result in frost formation.

* WHERE…In District of Columbia, District of Columbia. In Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria.

* WHEN…From 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS…Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.

Those with gardens should take steps today to protect vulnerable plants.

NWS predicts warmer, wetter winter — but Farmers Almanac sees snow

By ARLnow.com
1/3

Long-range weather outlooks are predicting an overall milder winter with more precipitation — which may or may not include more snow.

The National Weather Service and Old Farmer’s Almanac recently released their winter outlooks and there’s hope for Arlington snow lovers — though another rainy, snow-starved winter remains a possibility.

NWS is predicting above average precipitation and above average temperatures for the D.C. area., though the confidence for both is below 50%.

The Farmer’s Almanac, meanwhile, agrees that it will be an overall milder winter, but thinks that a colder start to 2024 will bring more snow than usual. From its Atlantic Corridor forecast:

Winter precipitation and snowfall will be above normal (2 to 3 inches above monthly averages). The snowiest periods will occur at the end of December, late January, and mid-February. We don’t expect a white Christmas. […]

Winter temperatures will be above normal overall. Specifically, December is slightly above average temps; temperatures for January and February are below average. The coldest spell will run from late January into mid-February.

Making the forecast tricky for meteorologists is the expected presence of El Niño, the atmospheric phenomenon linked to warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific.

The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang notes that while some El Niño winters end up as snow busts, others bring blizzards.

One recent forecast called for the current El Niño to become a “super” El Niño this winter. Super El Niños are those that produce the most intense ocean warming and often the most extreme weather impacts worldwide.

“Washington’s least snowy winters — 1997-1998 and 1972-1973 — both came during super El Niños,” added Capital Weather Gang’s Ian Livingston. “A similar strength event in 2015-2016 was mainly snowless, but punctuated by a historic blizzard in January.”

After a weak season for snow last year — and below-average snowfall six of the past seven years — ARLnow readers say they’re ready for a winter wonderland. Some 62% of respondents to our poll last month said “bring on the snow” when asked about the prospect of a big winter storm.

The Capital Weather Gang and local TV stations typically release their Washington winter outlooks around mid-November.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Jet trails above homes in the Ballston area (staff photo)

Lawsuit Over Murder Charge — “A Northern Virginia man who was acquitted of a charge that he hired a career criminal to kill his fiancée in 1998 has sued the lead homicide detective in the case, alleging that she lied to a grand jury to obtain an indictment… The lawsuit is the latest twist in the case of Andrea Cincotta, a popular public librarian in Arlington County who was found strangled in August 1998 in her apartment.” [Washington Post]

Peak Fall Foliage Arriving — “Using historical weather reports, tree species info, and user data, travel brand SmokyMountains.com put together 2023 foliage prediction maps of the U.S. In the Mid-Atlantic, leaves change colors by October 23. The Mid-Atlantic will likely be past its peak fall colors by the end of November.” [Axios]

Where to See Local Foliage — “Did you know the capital area is called the ‘City of Trees’? Arlington in particular has an abundance of forested parks and vibrant tree-lined neighborhoods making it an ideal place to discover fall foliage. Here are 7 places to see beautiful fall colors.” [Arlington Convention and Visitors Service]

Hop-In Car Theft — From Dave Statter: “Camera shows thieves hopping into a 2018 Chevy Equinox on Crystal Drive around 1:15 p.m. A police lookout indicated the driver left the keys inside. The owner apparently ran after the car as it went south… It then passed an @ArlingtonVaPD car at 15th St. at 1:56 into the video (very likely before the theft was even dispatched to officers). It then continued to the I-395N express lanes into DC.” [Twitter]

Va. Home Market Slows — “According to the September 2023 Virginia Home Sales Report released by Virginia REALTORS®, there were 8,023 homes sold across the commonwealth last month. This is 2,149 fewer sales than last year, a drop of just over 21%. This is the slowest September market Virginia has had in more than a decade.” [Press Release]

Local Planning for U.S. 250th — “Planning for Arlington’s commemoration and celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday is about to kick off. The Arlington Historical Society, which has been designated by the county government as the coordinator for all the planning, will convene a brainstorming session Nov. 6 to start the process.” [Gazette Leader]

Crystal City Building for Sale — “The longtime owner of an aging office building in National Landing is looking to sell it, billing it in marketing materials as a ‘redevelopment opportunity’ with a ‘clear path to vacancy.’ Airport Plaza Office Building LP, of which D.C.’s Gould Property Co. is a general partner according to corporate filings,owns the 1980s-era, 144,000-square-foot office at 2711 Richmond Highway.” [Washington Business Journal]

ACFD Responds to Flipped in F.C. — On Thursday “units from the ACFD responded to a motor vehicle collision on W Broad St in the City of Falls Church. Units quickly arrived on scene, stabilized the vehicle and extricated the occupant. One patient was transported to an area hospital with NLT injuries.” [Twitter]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high of around 63 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind at 8 to 13 mph, gusting up to 18 mph. Monday night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 40 degrees. [Weather.gov]

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