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.

Delays on 14th Street Bridge Due to Road Closures as Biden Named President-Elect

By ARLnow.com
1/2

With former Vice President Joe Biden being named president-elect this morning by the Associated Press and others, celebrations in D.C. area leading to traffic on the 14th Street Bridge.

“Expect traffic delays around [northbound I-395] at the 14th Street Bridge due to street closures in DC around the White House,” said an Arlington Alert. The closures were prompted by impromptu celebrations around D.C., including large gatherings outside the White House.

Around Arlington — which voted for the Biden/Harris ticket over Trump/Pence by a margin of 81%-17% — horns honked and people cheered after the race was called.

https://twitter.com/trilly__vanilly/status/1325116257063084032

https://twitter.com/HannahFoll/status/1325128920056950786

A number of local officials have released statements about Biden’s presumptive electoral victory.

From Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.):

I extend my warmest congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on their massive victory in the presidential election. Though it is taking time to count, they are on track for major wins in every region of the country, with more votes than any candidate in history. When he is sworn as Commander in Chief in on January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden will have a strong governing mandate.

I recognize that this election has shown we are a divided nation, but we also have grave challenges that require immediate action. The time has come for President Trump to accept his defeat, pass the torch, and ensure an orderly transition of government for the Biden Administration. He has a unique power in this situation to promote national unity and to spare the country further dangerous civil strife by following the example of every American President, beginning with George Washington: the peaceful transfer of power.

We have been bitterly divided, but what unites us – including love of country, the Constitution, and our democratic ideals – must be stronger. Inflammatory rhetoric which undermines Americans’ faith in their national elections threatens lasting harm to our society, and it must stop. The country must come first.

“Our nation faces serious threats, including the pandemic and the stalling economic recovery. At this time of crisis, all leaders regardless of party must come together to support the President-Elect. He must be given the support he needs to take the helm of government, including swift consideration and confirmation of his team, so that he can take the country forward. We have no time to lose – there is serious work to be done.”

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ARLnow Weekend Discussion

By ARLnow.com

This afternoon was a gorgeous introduction to the weekend — we hope you were able to take a break from work and/or cable news watching and doomscrolling to enjoy it.

While the primary focus of the past few days was on national issues rather than local news, there were still some big Arlington stories this week.

Here are the most-read stories on ARLnow of the past five days:

  1. President Trump Visits His Election HQ in Rosslyn
  2. No Return to Classrooms in 2020 for Most APS Students
  3. There’s a Helicopter Circling Near Rosslyn
  4. Police Investigating Razor Blades Taped to Political Sign
  5. Biden, Dems Win Big in Arlington
  6. Rejected Plea Deal Part of Tug-of-War Between Arlington Courts, Prosecutor
  7. ‘Protect the Results’ Rally Held in Courthouse
  8. Rate of New Coronavirus Cases Reaches Highest Point Since May
  9. Aurora Highlands Playing Hardball in Push Against Softball Fields

Feel free to discuss those stories, or anything else of interest, in the comments. Have a nice weekend and enjoy the sunny and warm weather!

Pentagon Row Ice Rink Now Open for the Season

By ARLnow.com

In a place of American power, a surefire sign of the dawning of a new era is here.

Yes, in the metaphorical shadow of the Pentagon, the Pentagon Row ice rink is now open, kicking off the 2020-2021 winter season.

The ice rink provides an opportunity for some seasonal outdoor recreation, a relatively safe activity despite the recent rise in coronavirus cases. This year, new safety protocols are in place, including a mask requirement and online-only reservations.

The rink — the largest in Northern Virginia — will be open seven day a week from now through mid-March.

More from a press release:

The 6,840-square-foot ice rink is the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia and the second largest in the state. It features an outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace for lounging during skating breaks.

“I am excited to bring an outdoor activity that promotes exercise, strength & balance training, and relaxation for all ages to the Arlington neighborhood,” said Lance Curran, rink operator.

The rink provides a safe outdoor environment and a plan is in place that surpasses what is required to bring a high level of cleanliness to the facility and equipment including: skates, skater aids, and other high touch surfaces. Tickets must be purchased in advance online to ensure contactless ticketing and to minimize overcrowding.

The following safety procedures and protocols will be followed:

  • Skaters will enter the facility in a one-way direction and will interact with staff socially distanced.
  • All skaters must have a pre-purchased ticket to enter the venue. (Skating guests under the age of 12 may have one parent or guardian accompany them. This person will be asked to stay in a public viewing area while the minor skates.)
  • Staff and skaters will be required to wear a mask at all times within the venue. If a guest does not have a mask, one will be provided.
  • Ice rink capacity is restricted to 50 percent to allow for social distancing.
  • Expanded seating areas provide social distancing while changing shoes and skates.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available for guests. Equipment and touchpoints in the facility will be thoroughly sanitized at regularly scheduled intervals.
  • Ice rink staff procedures have been revised to allow for social distancing and monitoring.

The rink is open every day until mid-March during these hours:

  • Sunday             10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Monday             Noon – 10:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday            Noon – 10:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday       Noon – 10:00 p.m.
  • Thursday           Noon – 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday               Noon – 11:00 p.m.
  • Saturday           10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Pentagon Row features numerous retail and dining destinations including pop ups and new concepts from popular D.C. area restaurateurs, including Napoli Salumeria opening soon to enjoy before or after a skate.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

County Video Highlights Contact Tracing — A video recently released by the county discusses the contact tracing process that Arlington’s health department uses to “control and prevent the spread of COVID-19.” [YouTube]

Woman, 62, Accused of Fighting Police — “Upon arrival, the parties involved in the physical altercation had been separated, however, when officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, she walked away and disregarded lawful commands to stop. The officer attempted to gain control of the suspect and detain her, however, she freed herself from their grasp and swung her arm at them. With the assistance of additional officers arriving on scene, the suspect was taken into custody.” [ACPD]

Nearby: Update on Seven Corners Fire — “On Friday, October 30, at approximately 9:23 p.m., units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Arlington County Fire Department were dispatched for a townhouse fire in the 3000 block of Federal Hill Drive located in the Seven Corners area of Fairfax County… The cause of the fire was an electrical event involving the household wiring within the attic space.” [Fairfax County Fire]

Photo courtesy Dennis Dimick

BREAKING: Police Investigating Razor Blades Taped to Political Sign

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County police are investigating a case of razor blades taped to the bottom of a political sign.

A victim was cut after she removed a sign from along George Mason Drive on Wednesday afternoon, suffering minor injuries, police said today. A photo released by police show several razor blades attached to the bottom of the sign.

“The Arlington County Police Department is investigating… and is urging the public to take caution when removing these items,” police said in a press release. The department is also asking for members of the public to come forward with tips.

Police did not speculate about a motive for the razor-laden sign, but this year’s fall election cycle in Arlington was marred by widespread removal and destruction of political signs. So far, no other incidents of this nature have been reported, police said.

The full ACPD press release is below.

The Arlington County Police Department is investigating the report of razor blades located on the bottom of a political sign and is urging the public to take caution when removing these items.

Between noon and 3 p.m. on November 4, the victim was removing political signage located in the median of George Mason Drive between Yorktown Boulevard and Four Mile Run Drive. Upon bringing these items back to a family member’s home, the victim was separating the signage from the metal base when she was cut by razor blades taped to the bottom of the sign. The victim suffered minor injuries which did not require medical treatment. At this time, no other reports of similar incidents have been reported in Arlington County.

This remains an active criminal investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline @arlingtonva.us. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

The Arlington County Police Department encourages community members to inspect signage before and after they are removed from the public right-of-way and private property. If you observe signs of tampering, report for investigation by calling the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Aurora Highlands Playing Hardball in Push Against Softball Fields

By ARLnow.com
1/3

(Updated at 9:45 p.m.) A neighborhood group’s years-long battle against softball fields at Virginia Highlands Park in the Pentagon City area is continuing.

The Aurora Highlands Civic Association doesn’t have anything against the sport itself, but asserts that the permit-priority fields on the west side of the park at 1600 S. Hayes Street could be better used as unprogrammed open space.

To prove the point, the association last week sent a letter — and a produced video — to the Arlington County Board highlighting community use of one field during the pandemic, after organized sports activities were cancelled.

“Cancellation of organized sports in the spring allowed community members to put Livability concepts into action over the summer, transforming one of VHP’s softball field spaces into a continuously used public space for art installations, social distancing meetups, and varied casual uses from kite flying, exercising, and families playing with their kids,” wrote AHCA President Scott Miles.

“Events and performances like Zumba classes and Music and Picnic in the Park on Saturdays have gathered over 80 people at a time, all safely distanced, even while other casual uses continue alongside,” he added.

Four years ago, the association released a proposal calling for the removal of the softball fields in favor of space that was open to all.

“The fields are significantly underused relative to other facilities and especially to open space,” the proposal said. “Each field is used for approximately 600 hours per year out of a potential of 4,380 hours (12 hours a day), a total of less than 14% of the time.”

Miles wrote last week that the recent community experience proves the point that the fields are underused when designated primarily for softball.

“With greater casual use access over the past five months supported by [the Dept. of Parks and Recreation] and local stakeholders, the space has been used more heavily and continuously than ever before, helping support local restaurants, build a sense of shared community, and provide diverse and equitable access to all area residents,” he wrote.

Other initiatives are in the works for the park. A new, temporary community garden has been added, and a proposed temporary dog park near the softball fields has received financial backing from Amazon.

The letter to the County Board — with some links added — is below, along with a video produced by the local group Livability 22202.

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Arlington’s Test Positivity Rate Ticks Up, While New Cases Stay Elevated But Hold Steady

By ARLnow.com

Has the rate of new coronavirus cases in Arlington plateaued? Or just paused its upwards trajectory?

It’s unclear, but for the past five days the trailing seven-day average of new daily cases has remained within a tight range, between 30 and 33.

That’s well above the average daily case rate for the first five days in October — in the low teens — but below the county’s spring epidemic, which peaked around 45 cases per day in May.

Arlington Public Schools officials this week cited the rise in cases as a key reason for delaying the start of in-person classes for most students until 2021.

Arlington’s test positivity rate, meanwhile, reached 5% two days ago, according to Virginia Dept. of Health Data, the highest point since Sept. 1. Today it stands at 4.8%. One month ago it was 3.2%.

Arlington’s rate of new COVID-related hospitalizations remains relatively low, with two reported over the past two days. The last local coronavirus death was reported on Oct. 24.

Nationally, the picture is more concerning.

“The U.S. has reached another grim coronavirus milestone, surpassing 100,000 new confirmed cases in a single day for the first time since the pandemic reached the country more than nine months ago,” NPR reported today. “From the Dakotas to Ohio, communities have seen a spike in cases and record hospitalizations in recent days, according to The COVID Tracking Project. Tennessee, Oklahoma and West Virginia have also broken hospitalization records.”

Morning Poll: Thanksgiving Plans Amid the Pandemic

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 9:50 a.m.) Thanksgiving is only three weeks away, and with coronavirus on the rise in much of the country, plans for the holiday are in flux.

The usual gatherings of family and friends are now subject to a calculation: is a big turkey dinner worth the risk of contracting a potentially deadly or debilitating disease?

For some, the solution will be a smaller dinner, perhaps with only some of the fixin’s. For others, however, it might be business as usual.

Asked about it last week on CNBC, two prominent figures in the medical field said the traditional Thanksgiving gathering was out for them this year.

What are your current turkey day plans? If they’ve changed from your usual Thanksgiving plans, let us know in the comments.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Frederick-to-Arlington Transit Proposal — “Proposed transit service connecting Arlington to Frederick (Md.) and points in between remains on the table, but barely, after scoring low in a recent cost-benefit analysis conducted by the Virginia and Maryland state governments… As envisioned, the transit route would start at Frederick six times each workday morning and terminate an hour later at the Pentagon, with intermediate stops at Monocacy, Urbana, Germantown, Gaithersburg, Montgomery Mall and Rosslyn.” [InsideNova]

Women Groped in Aurora Highlands — “At approximately 7:18 p.m. on November 3, police were dispatched to the late report of an assault. Upon arrival, it was determined that at approximately 6:30 p.m., the victim was running in the area when the suspect approached her from behind and grabbed her buttocks. The victim yelled, and the suspect fled on foot, then entered the passenger side of a vehicle and left the area.” [ACPD]

Data Breach Affecting Hospital — “Virginia Hospital Center (VHC), a community-based hospital providing medical services to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for 75 years, has recently learned of an information security incident experienced by one of its vendors… [an] unauthorized party may have acquired a backup of the database that compromises certain limited elements of VHC’s donor and fundraising information, as may be the case with other nonprofits affected by this incident worldwide.” [Press Release]

Grand Opening for New Business — Paint Nail Bar (1520 Clarendon Blvd) is holding its grand opening celebration this weekend, from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday. “Champagne and light bites will be served and all attendees will receive a goody bag,” the business says. [Facebook]

Tea Returns to the Ritz — “The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City is now offering Afternoon Tea, bringing a time-honored tradition at an affordable price – all with safety and the health of guests in mind. Offered in their fyve restaurant, featuring globally inspired dishes, the hotel’s Afternoon Tea service is available at three price points, perfect for adults and children celebrating a special occasion or looking for a weekend respite from the day-to-day.” [Press Release]

More Nice Weather on Tap — “Quite a stretch of tranquil weather ahead of us as high pressure dominates into early next week, resulting in dry conditions and temperatures running 5 to 10 degrees above normal for early November.” [@NWS_BaltWash/Twitter, Capital Weather Gang]

‘Protect the Results’ Rally Held in Courthouse

By ARLnow.com
1/11

(Updated at 10:45 p.m.) Dozens gathered in front of Arlington County government headquarters in Courthouse for a rally calling for every vote from Tuesday’s election to be counted.

The “Protect the Results” rally, which kicked off at 5 p.m., was organized and promoted by a variety of local Democratic and progressive groups. It was held as the 2020 presidential race hangs in the balance, still too close to call in a number of key states.

The rally was intended as a show of support for the continued counting of ballots, including mail-in ballots. President Trump’s campaign said earlier today that it is suing to stop ballot counts in Pennsylvania and Michigan.

“This morning, the president declared victory prematurely. Neither candidate has reached the threshold of 270 electoral votes,” said Democratic organizer Matt Royer. “We have millions of voters who have not been counted yet. It’s time for us to mobilize and get ready.”

“We will stand together to make sure that every vote is counted,” Royer continued. “We will not let this election be stolen from the people. Hold the line.”

VDOT Holding Hearing About Boundary Channel Drive Changes

By ARLnow.com

Changes are coming to the Boundary Channel Drive and I-395 interchange, and with a public hearing on the plans set for Thursday.

VDOT is set to hold the virtual design public hearing at 7 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 5) via Cisco Webex. It will discuss the agency’s plans “to upgrade the Boundary Channel Drive interchange at I-395 to improve safety, traffic flow and enhance accessibility and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians.”

Boundary Channel Drive runs along the northeast side of the Pentagon and under I-395, before connecting with Long Bridge Drive, near Long Bridge Park and the new (but yet to open) aquatics center.

Among the planned changes are:

  • Reducing Boundary Channel Drive from four lanes to two
  • Adding a ten-foot-wide path/sidewalk on either side of the road
  • Installing roundabouts on either side of I-395
  • Reconfiguring the highway ramps
  • Adding crosswalks
  • Creating a new shared-use path that links the Mount Vernon Trail to Long Bridge Park

“In lieu of an in-person hearing, VDOT invites residents and travelers to learn more, participate in the virtual hearing and give feedback,” the agency said in a press release. “Once the hearing is complete, the recorded presentation will be available online. Project materials and details are also available at virginiadot.org/BoundaryChannel.”

Comments on the plans are being accepted through Monday, Nov. 16.

The $20.4 million project is being paid for “with state (including Revenue Sharing), Arlington County and Northern Virginia Transportation Authority funding,” VDOT notes. The agency expects to start the process for selecting a design-build contractor this winter.

Photos via VDOT

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