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 25, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Wednesday 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 25, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

☀️ Thursday’s forecast

Expect sunny skies with a high temperature close to 79 degrees and a gentle southwest breeze during the day. As night falls, it will be partly cloudy with the temperature dropping to around 59 degrees, accompanied by a 6 mph southwest wind. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”
– Sam Levenson

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Here’s what you need to know about trick-or-treating in Arlington in 2023

By ARLnow.com
Trick-or-treating in Arlington in 2021 (staff photo)

It’s less than a week until Halloween and rookie Arlingtonians might be wondering: when do the kids around here go trick-or-treating?

Thanks to our industry’s never-ending quest to earn the favor of the search engine gods, such that we can collect digital half-pennies for your visit and hopefully get you to stick around for more substantive local news, ARLnow has your answer.

Unlike some local jurisdictions in other parts of the country, Arlington does not designate an official day and time for trick-or-treating. Instead, the annual, costumed candy-gathering spree traditionally takes place on Halloween — Tuesday, Oct. 31 — and starts shortly before sunset. That’s typically around 6 p.m., though some youngsters and parents head out earlier than that.

The door knocking usually ends by 8 p.m., though some stragglers may remain out later.

This year, Halloween is taking place on a weekday, so trick-or-treaters and evening rush hour traffic will mix on local roads. Arlington County urges caution for anyone out Halloween night.

Below are some Halloween tips for trick-or-treaters and drivers, from an Arlington County press release.

As Arlington’s younger population takes to the streets, keep in mind these trick-or-treating tips from our friends at the Arlington County Police Department:

  • See and be seen! Select bright costumes, add reflective tape and/or carry flashlights and glow sticks.
  • Plan your trick-or-treat route in advance. Stick to familiar neighborhoods and well-lit streets. For those on the Nextdoor app, check out its annual Treat Map, which allows people to share how they will be celebrating Halloween – whether it’s decorating one’s home or taking part in the neighborhood trick-or-treating by giving out candy.
  • Only visit homes with exterior lights on.
  • Never send children out alone. Younger children should be with a trusted adult. Ensure older children take friends and stay together.
  • Check candy before eating. Consider bringing treats from home so children don’t snack on candy before it is inspected.
  • Walk on sidewalks and cross at corners, using traffic signals and/or crosswalks.
  • Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween. Slow down, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn on your headlights earlier in the evening to spot children from greater distances.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Remember to stop for pedestrians, maintain safe distance from cyclists on roadways, and follow all speed limits. Learn more about the County’s Vision Zero Action Plan.

Looking for other Halloween-themed fun around town? In addition to checking out some of the extensive decorations on local homes, there are plenty of family-friendly, dog-friendly and drag-friendly events to choose from. And, if you’re planning to drink this weekend, you can get a free Lyft ride home Saturday night.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Wilson Blvd in Ballston, as seen from the pedestrian bridge (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Shirlington Development Proposal — “The longtime owner of a Shirlington apartment building is looking to expand with new infill development on the property. Arlington real estate firm Snell Properties filed a conceptual site plan application Oct. 23 with Arlington’s planning department to develop a midrise multifamily building and stacked townhouses at the Shirlington House apartments.” [Washington Business Journal]

Arson Investigation in Glencarlyn — “The Arlington County Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating a possible Arson that occurred on 10/21/23 between the hours of 2am – 3:30am in the 5900 block of 3rd St S. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. R. Murphy at 703-203-7289.” [Twitter]

More State Education Funding — “County School Board members on Oct. 26 are being asked to update the school system’s budget to account for just under $4.8 million in additional state funding. That is Arlington’s share of the statewide total that was approved during a special session of the General Assembly.” [Gazette Leader]

Arlington Lauded for Energy Savings — “The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized Arlington for achieving (and exceeding) its energy savings goal in the Better Buildings Challenge. The Challenge aims to cut energy use across participants’ facilities by 20% as part of the DOE Better Buildings Initiative.” [Arlington County]

Library Book Sale Approaching — “The Friends of Arlington Public Library is making preparations for its fall book sale at Arlington Central Library, where thousands of books, games and puzzles will be for sale. The book sale will take place Friday, Oct. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 29 in the parking garage at the Central Library at 1015 N. Quincy Street.” [Patch]

YHS Field Hockey Wins Tourney — “In addition to winning a third straight Liberty District girls field hockey tournament title, the Yorktown Patriots’ dominance over those high-school opponents during the three-year run is impressive. Top-seed Yorktown (15-1) won the 2023 tourney crown with a 2-0 record, including a 1-0 home victory over the No. 2 seed Langley Saxons in the Oct. 20 championship game.” [Gazette Leader]

Breaking Baby News — From ARLnow Assistant Managing Editor Jo DeVoe: “Our family is growing! James does not understand what’s going on, yet, but he has until late this March to figure it out.” [Twitter]

It’s Wednesday — Mostly sunny with temperatures reaching a high of around 74 degrees. A south wind of 6 to 9 mph can be expected. Tonight, the sky will become partly cloudy and temperatures will drop to a low of around 51. [Weather.gov]

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.

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