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.

Police Investigating Robbery by Knife-Wielding Suspects in Virginia Square

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County Police are investigating an armed robbery in the Virginia Square area last night.

The incident happened last night at 9:30 p.m., at or near the 7-Eleven store at 3510 Wilson Blvd. Police say two suspects, including one armed with a knife, slashed a bag the victim was holding and stole items from inside, including cash.

Police swarmed the area afterward but the suspects fled on foot and remain at large.

“There are a huge number of police vehicles and officers on Jackson Street, Lincoln Street, the 7-Eleven parking lot, Monroe and Nelson on Wilson,” one local resident told ARLnow last night around 10 p.m.

More from an ACPD crime report:

ARMED ROBBERY, 2020-08260196, 800 block of N. Lincoln Street. At approximately 9:30 p.m. on August 26, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined that a verbal dispute ensued between the suspects and victim inside of a business, during which the suspects threatened the victim. Upon exiting the business, the suspects approached the victim in the parking lot. Suspect One brandished a knife, cut the bag the victim was holding, and stole items from the bag and an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects then fled on foot prior to police arrival. Suspect One is described as a light skinned male, approximately 5’8″, 160 lbs., with facial hair on his chin, wearing a baseball hat, grey t-shirt, grey sweat pants and light grey running shoes. Suspect Two is described as a tan skinned male, approximately 5’8″, 240 lbs., wearing glasses, a blue surgical mask, pink button down shirt, khaki shorts and white shoes. The investigation is ongoing.

Separately, police are currently investigating a theft in Rosslyn that occurred this morning. Initial reports suggest that a suspect stole items from a store along Wilson Blvd, then ran from police aftering being spotted on N. Lynn Street.

Bob and Edith’s Opening Monday on Lee Highway

By ARLnow.com
1/2

At long last, Bob and Edith’s Diner has set the official opening day and time for its new Lee Highway location: Monday at 7 a.m.

The longtime local diner chain is opening its newly-built eatery at 5050 Lee Highway amid a decided lack of fanfare, however.

“At this time we are not having a Grand Opening event due to the pandemic and the social distancing guidelines that are in place,” said Bob and Edith’s spokeswoman Rebekah Steele. “We are still adhering to our enhanced cleaning procedures, safe distancing between tables, and digital friendly menus. We also will offer take and delivery.”

The company — with locations on Columbia Pike and 23rd Street S. in Crystal City, as well as in Huntington and Springfield — has been hurt by the pandemic, as have most restaurant operators. About half of its business is now takeout and delivery, a remarkable pivot for a classic greasy spoon eatery that’s perhaps better known as a local gathering spot than a culinary destination.

Despite the challenges, owner Greg Bolton says he’s excited about the opening, in part due to the history of the location.

“Steak N Egg was at this spot for 70 plus years and my dad worked for them 65 years ago at this location before purchasing Gary’s Donut Dinette (which is now the Columbia Pike location),” he told ARLnow via email. “I worked at Steak N Egg 40 years ago when I was 17 and now my kids and grandkids can own the location that was where their grandfather once worked.”

(Before being purchased by Bolton for $1.1 million in 2018, 5050 Lee Highway was home to Linda’s Cafe, which had a spicy Twitter account that contrasted with the plain, aging building it occupied.)

Bolton also believes the location is ideally suited for a place like Bob and Edith’s.

“[I’m] excited because there is not another breakfast place around and the new building has a lot of people talking and wanting to see the inside,” he said. “Bob and Edith’s has a great name up north and people have been stopping by for weeks waiting to come inside and eat.”

For those who want to do more than dine at the restaurant, a sign outside indicates that it’s now hiring.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

County Allocates More Money for Rent Relief — “The Arlington County Board today approved using an additional $1.125 million from the County’s COVID-19 contingent account to fund eviction protection through December 2020 for those affected by the pandemic. The Board’s action brings the total amount allocated for eviction prevention in Fiscal Year 2021, which began July 1, 2020, to $3.5 million.” [Arlington County]

AWLA Pushes to Extend Eviction Ban — “The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is pushing for legislators to extend Governor Northam’s original eviction deadline of September 7, to prevent animals from being surrendered by people who can’t afford them. AWLA says they’re here to help tenants during these trying times and also urge landlords to cut back on animal restrictions and limitations.” [WDVM]

I-66 Lane Closures This Weekend — “Single-lane closures on westbound I-66 just before the bridge over Lee Highway (Route 29) at Exit 72 will occur (weather permitting) between 9 p.m. Friday night, Aug. 28 and 5 a.m. Monday morning, Aug. 31 for road repairs, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” [VDOT]

Arlington-Based Lidl Expanding — “Discount grocery Lidl, whose North American headquarters is in Crystal City, Virginia, will open 50 new stores by the end of 2021, including 10 new locations in Maryland, and seven new stores in Virginia.” [WTOP]

Nearby: Rabies Warning in Falls Church — “The City of Falls Church Police and Animal Warden remind residents about the risks of rabid wildlife spreading rabies to pets. Police recently responded to a report of a sick raccoon in the 1200 block of Lincoln Ave. The raccoon was euthanized and later found to have rabies.  In this case, two dogs were exposed to the raccoon and are now in quarantine.” [City of Falls Church]

Arlington Pet of the Week: Sugar

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Meet the new Arlington Pet of the Week, Sugar, an 8 month old Jack Russell Terrier mix who loves belly rubs.

Here is what Sugar had to say about her life here in Arlington:

Hi there! I’m Sugar, an 8-month-old jack russell terrier mix living in Crystal City. I live with my two humans in an apartment building with some of my best puppo friends. The concierge staff gives me treats and I get to see my friends everyday and play as much as I want.

My favorite things are treats, belly rubs, and running circles around other dogs. I’m small, but fast! I came from NOVA Pets Alive and my humans have been obsessed with me ever since I arrived. I honestly don’t know what they did before they got me. I like to help cook by laying in the kitchen and catching crumbs. I’m a bit of a drama queen when I’m hot, but you would be too with fur in this humidity!

Arlington is the only home I’ve ever known and I wouldn’t have it any other way. There are so many people and pups, and I say hi to them all! So if you see me on the sidewalk, I will take all forms of praise and love.

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!

Arlington to Open Five Early Voting Centers ‘In Anticipation of Unprecedented Demand’

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 11:10 a.m.) There will be five places around the county at which to cast early votes prior to the November election, Arlington officials announced last night.

That’s an increase from three satellite voting locations in past presidential election years. The County Board approved the five locations at a meeting last night, citing “unprecedented demand for early voting during the COVID-19 pandemic” and concerns about the reliability of mail-in ballots.

Between 20,000 and 27,500 Arlingtonians cast early ballots in presidential elections since 2008, according to a presentation by Director of Elections Gretchen Reinemeyer. That number is expected to go up this year.

“The Electoral Board proposes to add 5 voting satellite offices to account for dramatic increases in early voting during Presidential Election years, to help reduce wait times, and increase capacity for social distancing,” said Reinemeyer’s presentation to the County Board.

The two new early voting centers being added are the Aurora Hills Senior Center, in the Crystal City and Pentagon City area, and the Langston Brown Community Center in Hall’s Hill, along Lee Highway.

Reinemeyer said the latter will serve western portions of the county, though she noted in the presentation that “precincts on the west end of the County use early voting a lower rates than other precincts in the County.” At least one County Board watcher noted a geographic gap in the early voting center map.

Also new this year: the county is temporarily leasing a ground floor space at 2200 Clarendon Blvd in Courthouse to use for early voting, in lieu of the county government headquarters building next door. The vacant former Wells Fargo bank space will be modified to accommodate socially-distanced early voting; a line will snake around outside the center, in the courtyard area.

Early voting is set to start in the new 2200 Clarendon Blvd space on Friday, September 18. The other locations are expected to open in October.

More from a county press release, below.

(more…)

Arlington’s Coronavirus Metrics Slowly Trending in the Right Direction

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 10 a.m.) Though still well above the lows of earlier this summer, Arlington’s coronavirus metrics are slowly trending in the right direction.

Twenty new COVID-19 cases were reported in the county overnight, bringing the trailing seven-day total of new cases to 142, or just over 20 per day. It hit a summertime peak of about 25 cases per day one week ago.

Meanwhile, the local test positivity rate is now 5.1%, down from 5.4% last week. And a brief spike in hospitalizations is abating: no new hospitalizations were reported overnight, bringing the trailing seven-day total to 10 today, down from a summer peak of 14 yesterday.

Arlington’s cumulative total of cases and hospitalizations currently stands at 3,435 and 452 respectively, according to Virginia Dept. of Health data.

The total number of COVID-19 deaths in the county is 138, an increase of three over the past week.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Protest Outside Westover Post Office — About 15 protesters held a “Save the U.S. Postal Service” rally outside the Post Office at 5877 Washington Blvd in Westover yesterday. The two-hour lunchtime demonstration was organized as part of the American Postal Worker Union National Day of Action. [@KalinaNewman/Twitter]

Historic Review Board Likes Shirlington Plan — “The Arlington County government’s historic-preservation advisory body seems generally satisfied that retention of historic features will be seen as an important component of the redevelopment of the Village at Shirlington. In particular, the low-slung storefronts along Campbell Avenue are expected to be protected from the wrecking ball, even as taller and more dense development likely will be allowed immediately behind them.” [InsideNova]

New BBQ Restaurant Opens Patio — “Smokecraft Modern Barbecue is excited to debut its much-anticipated patio, now open daily for outdoor dining and drinking. Arlington residents and visitors can now enjoy Smokecraft’s award-winning barbecue outside on a socially distant patio, consisting of 38 seats.” [Press Release]

TTT in Clarendon to Host Virtual DJ — Updated at 9:30 a.m. — “Beginning Friday, September 4… TTT (Tacos, Tortas & Tequila) known for its casual Mexican-influenced fare is adding an exciting bit of fun on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons with virtual DJs. Guests dining on the first floor and on the third floor TTT Rooftop, which seats 82 and offers wonderful views on the city, will enjoy watching and listening to live streaming DJ performances via large screen projection.” [Press Release]

Family Pushing for Arlington House Change — “Descendants of Charles Syphax have been courting lawmakers for the past few months to make the change, said Syphax family historian Steve Hammond, who lives in Sterling, Va. The family’s effort is motivated as much by a desire to accurately honor the full history of the property and the enslaved people who lived there as it is by any antipathy toward Lee.” [Washington Post]

Nearby: Back to School in Falls Church — Students have started the fall semester, virtually, in Falls Church. A TV news segment shows teachers conducting their virtual classes from their actual, physical classrooms. [NBC 4]

JUST IN: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning through 7:45 p.m.

Forecasters say a strong storm is approaching the county from the northwest, bringing with it wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

More from the National Weather Service:

BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
657 PM EDT TUE AUG 25 2020

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING…

* UNTIL 745 PM EDT.

* AT 657 PM EDT, A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR RESTON, MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

HAZARD…60 MPH WIND GUSTS.

SOURCE…RADAR INDICATED.

IMPACT…DAMAGING WINDS WILL CAUSE SOME TREES AND LARGE BRANCHES TO FALL. THIS COULD INJURE THOSE OUTDOORS, AS WELL AS DAMAGE HOMES AND VEHICLES. ROADWAYS MAY BECOME BLOCKED BY DOWNED TREES. LOCALIZED POWER OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. UNSECURED LIGHT OBJECTS MAY BECOME PROJECTILES.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE… ARLINGTON, ALEXANDRIA, RESTON, ANNANDALE, SPRINGFIELD, FORT WASHINGTON, HERNDON, FAIRFAX, FORT HUNT, VIENNA, GROVETON, FALLS CHURCH, HUNTINGTON, MANTUA, FORT BELVOIR, PIMMIT HILLS, WOODBRIDGE, MCLEAN, REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT AND ROSSLYN.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A BUILDING.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Arlington, Region

By ARLnow.com

Arlington and the entire D.C. region is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 11 p.m.

Forecasters say strong storms packing damaging winds, large hail and torrential rainfall are likely this evening, though the storms may be scattered as they approach from the northwest.

More from the National Weather Service:

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 451
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
335 PM EDT Tue Aug 25 2020

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of District Of Columbia, Delaware, Extreme northeast Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Central and northern Virginia, Southern West Virginia, Coastal Waters

* Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 335 PM until 1100 PM EDT.

* Primary threats include… Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

SUMMARY…Clusters of severe thunderstorms will move southeast through this evening with a risk for damaging wind gusts and isolated instances of large hail.

The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles north and south of a line from 35 miles west of Beckley WV to 50 miles east of Dover DE…

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.

Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman

ACPD Investigating Midday Carjacking in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 4 p.m.) Men armed with a gun and a knife carjacked someone this afternoon in Crystal City.

The armed carjacking happened around 1:30 p.m., near the intersection of 15th Street S. and S. Bell Street — a block from the Crystal City Metro station.

“The victim was inside of their vehicle when they were approached by two suspects,” Arlington County Police Department spokeswoman Kirby Clark tells ARLnow. “Suspect One displayed a knife and Suspect Two displayed a firearm and forced the victim to exit the vehicle. The suspects then threatened the victim and fled in the vehicle Northbound on Richmond Highway. The vehicle is described as a 2013 BMW X3 with Virginia license plates.”

The investigation is ongoing, Clark said.

This is the tenth carjacking so far this year, according to Clark, amid what police acknowledge has been a marked increase in vehicle-related property crimes, including car break-ins and thefts of idling vehicles. There have also been two attempted carjackings so far this year.

There was one carjacking reported during all of 2019, Clark said.

File photo

Morning Poll: What Do You Consider to Be the Real Start of Fall?

By ARLnow.com

It’s official: the Pumpkin Spice Latte returned to local Starbucks locations today, heralding the imminent arrival of Mr. Autumn Man.

Granted, temperatures today are expected to reach the mid-90s, and the actual calendar start of fall — the Autumnal Equinox — is not for another four weeks. Some people, however, might have their own personal definition of the start of fall.

Maybe the return of the PSL is it for you, in which case fall just started two days before it did last last year.

Or the start of meteorological fall on Sept. 1 may be what you generally consider to be fall.

For many others, it’s the day after Labor Day, the holiday that serves as the “unofficial end of summer” and also marks the closing day for lots of local pools.

Here in Arlington, with a warmer climate than cities to our north, September is usually pretty warm and pleasant, which makes the beginning of October a choice that generally better matches up with the actual weather at the time.

When is your personal start of fall?

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