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

AIM to Spotlight Arlington’s Black Community — “In 2018, Arlington native Wilma Jones published a book about the neighborhood she grew up in. My Halls Hill Family: More Than a Neighborhood details the evolution of a community of freed slaves, which was founded after the Civil War… Jones and Arlington Independent Media (AIM), a nonprofit organization, are launching a multi-part series called UNTOLD: Stories of Black Arlington.” [WDVM]

Interview with Interim Police Chief — “After 29 years with Arlington County, Virginia, Police, Deputy Chief Andy Penn knows a concerning trend when he sees one. Just weeks before moving into the role of interim chief, Penn said addressing an uptick in deadly overdoses was an immediate focus. As of Aug. 18, the county had lost 16 people to overdose deaths, according to Arlington County police data.” [WTOP]

Flu Vaccines Now Available at Giant — “Giant Food announced Monday flu shots are available at in-store pharmacies, including locations in the Arlington area. The flu vaccines are administered by Giant pharmacists and do not require an appointment. A copayment is usually not required through most insurance plans.” [Patch]

Here’s Why Glebe Road Was Closed — “For those wondering, Glebe was blocked just north of Ballston [Sunday] night due to a vehicle that rammed a house’s gas meter, causing a leak. No injuries were reported, some nearby homes were briefly evacuated, per ACFD spokesman.” [Twitter]

Storms Possible This Evening — “[Monday was] the beginning of a several-day stretch of storm threats. [Today] the Storm Prediction Center has the region under an ‘enhanced risk,’ or Level 3 out of 5. On Wednesday, it’s a slight risk at Level 2. As with tomorrow, damaging winds will be the main threat.” [Capital Weather Gang]

Fall Is Almost Here, Book Your ARLnow Ad Campaign Now

By ARLnow.com

It’s hard to believe, but Labor Day is just two short weeks away.

The holiday serves as the unofficial end of summer and, for ARLnow, represents the start of our busiest advertising season.

If you’d like your company’s message to reach the widest possible Arlington audience — young and old, south and north, renters and owners — while supporting essential local journalism, we should talk. And soon.

Despite the pandemic, much of the local economy has remained resilient. We anticipate running low on advertising inventory again this fall, as we have over the past couple of years.

Find out more about advertising with ARLnow here and reach out to our client team at [email protected].

Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler

ACPD Investigating Early Morning Stabbing

By ARLnow.com

A man was stabbed early Sunday morning after leaving a restaurant in the Buckingham neighborhood.

The incident happened shortly after 2 a.m. on the 200 block of N. Glebe Road. Arlington County police say two men approached a man after he walked out of a restaurant and stabbed him with a knife.

Police rendered first aid to the victim, who was seriously injured but is expected to survive.

No motive was given and the suspects remain at large.

More from an ACPD crime report today:

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2020-08230040, 200 block of N. Glebe Road. At approximately 2:20 a.m. on August 23, police were dispatched to the report of a stabbing. Arriving officers located the victim suffering from a laceration and provided emergency medical care until the arrival of medics. The victim was then transported to an area hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The investigation determined that the victim had exited a restaurant and began walking in the area when he was approached from behind by two suspects, who produced a knife and stabbed him. The suspects fled on foot prior to police arrival. The Suspect One is described as a Hispanic male, wearing a white shirt with jeans. Suspect Two is described as a Hispanic male with brown hair, wearing a black shirt and jeans. The investigation is ongoing.

Before Working in the White House, Kellyanne Conway Did Some Work for Arlington Public Schools

By ARLnow.com

Kellyanne Conway, senior advisor to President Trump, announced last night that she will be leaving the White House at the end of the month to attend to family matters.

Prior to her involvement in the Trump campaign and administration, Conway — a D.C. resident — was a consultant and pollster. Her financial disclosure includes prior work for organizations like the American Conservative Union, National Rifle Association, Tea Party Patriots — and Arlington Public Schools.

“Her company did do work for us a few years before she worked on the Trump campaign,” APS spokesman Frank Bellavia confirmed to ARLnow. “Her company did our climate survey which was the predecessor to the Your Voice Matters Survey.”

One publicly-posted document shows some of the work she did for the school system.

In 2014, two years before Conway joined the Trump campaign, her firm The polling company, inc./WomanTrend conducted the APS Community Satisfaction Survey, writing in an executive summary of the poll’s findings that APS “earns high marks across-the-board.”

“90% of parents, 85% of staff members, and 79% of community members give the public schools in Arlington either an ‘A – outstanding’ or ‘B – very good’ grade,” Conway wrote to then-Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy. Conway also pointed out that most APS staff were happy with their level of compensation and that 18% of APS students had been bullied during the past school year, among other key findings.

Conway was paid in excess of $5,000 in a year for her work with Arlington Public Schools, according to her 2017 executive branch financial disclosure, though an exact figure was not given.

APS appears to be the only public school system in Conway’s financial disclosure, as compiled by ProPublica. The list also includes one local university: Catholic University of America.

Photo via Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Classes Begin Today at Marymount University

By ARLnow.com

Marymount University students in Arlington are going back to class today.

The start of the fall semester for Marymount comes amid a backdrop of coronavirus outbreaks disrupting the start of school at other colleges and universities. UNC Chapel Hill and Notre Dame have shifted to online classes after outbreaks there; college outbreaks have been reported in at least 19 states, according to CNN.

Marymount, which counts nursing among its major degree programs, says that it is taking appropriate health precautions to keep students and staff safe. Among them: mask and distancing requirements, and on-campus testing and contact tracing. The school is also offering a combination of in-person and remote classes, as well as hybrids of the two.

A smaller Catholic university with campuses along N. Glebe Road in Ballston and in residential North Arlington, and a student enrollment of just over 3,300, Marymount also lacks the Greek life — fraternities and sororities — blamed for outbreaks at other schools.

The school’s move-in period last week, meanwhile, was staggered “to maximize social distancing.”

More from a Marymount press release:

After a staggered move-in process throughout the week to maximize social distancing, Marymount University’s fall semester will begin on Monday with the first day of classes. Since May, the institution has been proactive in preparations for the return of on-campus operations, face-to-face classes and student residential living.

“As we have strived to create a safe and inviting campus for all, the focus on the collective health, wellness and safety of everyone in the Marymount community has been our top priority,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “Now, we must all work together to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 – our collective health and safety is a shared responsibility.”

Marymount’s plan for fall reopening, “Saints Reunite,” was officially approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in July, and follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Forward Virginia Reopening Blueprint, Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other governing bodies and professional organizations.

Below are brief summaries of key policies and protocols designed to protect the Marymount community:

Hybrid Class Model

Marymount is offering four distinct modes of instruction – face-to-face delivery with more space between students and an increased number of class sections; hybrid delivery that combines in-person and online instruction; remote delivery that allows students to participate from a distance simultaneously; and online delivery that allows participation from a distance at their convenience.

Physical Distancing

Plans to maximize social distancing across the University include a new visitor tracking process; partitions added to open service areas; occupancy limits in areas such as study rooms, lounges and residential laundry spaces; and changes to dining services that include extended hours with reduced seating density and suspension of buffet-style functions.

Face Covering Requirement

All students, staff, faculty and visitors on Marymount’s campuses must wear face coverings at all times, except when alone in an office/dormitory room (if positioned six feet or more away from the door) or if an exception is granted.

Contact Tracing

Marymount conducts manual conduct tracing for students, staff and faculty. Steps to mitigate spread are taken – for students, a Student Health Services (SHS) case manager is in daily contact to monitor symptoms, while employees are able to seek care from either SHS or their primary care physician.

All University members must complete the #CampusClear symptom tracker every day. Smartphone users can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or it can be accessed online through this link. Everyone is also encouraged to download and use the COVIDWISE app, which helps Virginia track cases and exposure.

Testing

Marymount offers on-site testing through SHS, currently with results sent to local labs. Beginning in late September, rapid (15 minute) testing will be offered by SHS for community members who either have COVID-19 symptoms or have had a known or suspected recent exposure to a positive case.

(more…)

Coronavirus Cases Down from Last Week’s Summer Peak

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 10:35 a.m.) Seventeen new COVID-19 cases were reported in Arlington overnight as the county’s seven-day moving average held steady, below the summertime peak reached on Thursday.

Over the past seven days 154 new cases have been recorded in Arlington, compared to 176 as of Thursday — the highest point since the spring epidemic, which abated in late May and was followed by a sustained dip in cases that started to reverse around the beginning of July.

Two months ago, on June 24, the seven-day trailing total of cases was 66.

A total of 3,400 confirmed cases have been reported in Arlington County since the start of the epidemic in March, according to Virginia Dept. of Health data.

Only one new COVID-related hospitalization was reported over the weekend, bringing the seven-day total to 12 and the cumulative total to 449.

No new COVID deaths have been reported since Thursday. The total currently stands at 137.

Arlington’s test positivity rate has held relatively steady recently and currently stands at 5.4%. The statewide average continues to fall and is now 6.4%.

Virginia’s Commissioner of Health said last week that he would mandate coronavirus vaccinations for state residents, once one is proven safe and effective.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

No Citations for Mass Gatherings in Arlington — “Gov. Ralph Northam is limiting social gatherings to 50% of event space capacity, or 250 people, whichever number is smaller. A spokesperson for Arlington County says ‘there have been no reports of social gatherings of this size’ in the locality. Arlington County’s police department has not issued any citations for mass gatherings, and has not levied any fines for people who flout rules regarding mask-wearing.” [DCist]

Prosecutor Explains Fight With Judges — “Taking the court to court to preserve the discretion of this office is the only way I know to protect the will of the voters who elected me. This is how we weave the quilt of criminal justice reform: each locality using its voice to demand change and put its values into elected offices. Town by town, county by county, we must fight to shape the communities in which we want to live.” [Washington Post]

Wardian, District Taco Donate to School — “Ultramarathoner Mike Wardian, who recently ran a 62-mile run to all 12 DMV-area District Taco locations, asked District Taco to donate the proceeds of the run to Barrett students and families in need. District Taco employees made and delivered 200 burritos to over 100 Barrett families.” [Press Release]

Parking Blocked Off For Clarendon Bar Lines — A number of nightlife hotspots in Clarendon have been working with the county’s Arlington Restaurant Initiative to better space out patrons waiting in line. This past weekend, the county blocked off portions of lanes and some parking spots around bars to allow more physical distancing around the lines. [Twitter, Twitter]

Thousands Left Behind at DCA Security Lines — “A new… Transportation Security Administration report gives the amount of coins and bills left behind at security checkpoints at airports around the country, including Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport. The amount unclaimed at checkpoints at National in the last fiscal year was $13,207.46.” [Washington Post]

Armed Robbery Near Courthouse — “The victim was sitting inside his parked vehicle when the suspect vehicle, which was occupied four times, pulled alongside him. Suspect One approached the victim, displayed a firearm and commanded the victim to exit his vehicle, lay on the ground and empty his pockets. Suspect Two then stole the victim’s personal belongings. Suspect One entered the victim’s vehicle and rummaged through items. The suspects fled the scene after an unrelated vehicle drove by the incident.” [Arlington County]

ARLnow Weekend Discussion

By ARLnow.com

The weekend is here. That is a phrase that used to mean something, but these days the weekend isn’t as different from the rest of the week.

There’s not as much to do, for one. But more so, it just doesn’t feel as different for those who are working from home. That’s doubly true if you have kids, and the weekend is only a slightly less stressful version of the work week — blending together in a 2020 stew of nonstop activity and frequent anxiety.

Anyhow, here are the most-read articles of the week:

  1. Wakefield Graduate And Former Varsity Quarterback Dies At 20
  2. Arlington Records New Summer Peak in COVID-19 Cases
  3. Arlington’s Charlie Clark Takes County Back to 1959 With Restored 8mm Footage
  4. Police Investigating Armed Robbery at Ballston Gas Station
  5. Police: Drunk, Naked Man Tased Twice on Lee Highway
  6. Arlington Restaurants Participating in ‘Restaurant Week’ Starting Today
  7. Arlington Man Accused of Grabbing Girl
  8. Just Reduced Properties in Arlington
  9. Majority Of Arlington Private Schools Will Make In-Person Return
  10. Sloppy Mama’s BBQ Starts Serving Breakfast
  11. Ballston &pizza Open Again, But More Closures Coming for ‘Operational Changes’
  12. Neighborhood Spotlight: 5 Great Spots for Brunch, Drinks and More

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

Photo courtesy Peter Roof/Alt Gobo MediaWorks

President Trump Delivers Speech in Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Pentagon City was abuzz with security personnel today as President Trump delivered a speech to a conference at a local hotel.

The president spoke at the 2020 Council for National Policy conference, hosted in the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton hotel. He arrived around 11:45 a.m. and spoke for more than an hour, before departing via motorcade back to the White House shortly after 1 p.m.

Before the crowd of several hundred top conservative activists, President Trump spoke at length on a variety of topics.

The topics, according to White House press pool reports, included Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, the economy, China, vaccine development, mail-in voting, and Israel. The president’s full remarks are below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjc4hRo7AM&t=4762

Via Twitter, Pentagon City residents noted major police activity in the area, including road closures and a helicopter overhead. Reporters covering the event noted that many conference attendees did not seem to heed requests to physically distance and wear masks in the ballroom.

https://twitter.com/OliverSherouse/status/1296832900063731712

ACPD Names New Acting Chief

By ARLnow.com

Andy Penn, a well-liked veteran of the Arlington County Police Department, will serve as acting chief after the retirement of Chief M. Jay Farr next month.

Penn, who started as an ACPD patrol officer in 1992 and has served as deputy chief since July 2015, will temporarily assume the top job on Saturday, Sept. 5. The department has launched a national search to find Farr’s permanent successor.

More from a press release:

Charles “Andy” Penn will become Acting Chief of the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) on Sept. 5, taking over from Police Chief Murray “Jay” Farr, who is retiring after 30 years of service in the Police Department.

Penn has served as Deputy Chief of Police since July 2015. He is a 28-year veteran of the Arlington County Police Department, beginning his career as a patrol officer in 1992. Penn currently serves as the commander of the Operations Division, overseeing the daily operations of two Patrol Sections, Community Resource Section, Tactical Operations Section, Operation Support Section and the Special Operations Section. See full bio.

“Deputy Chief Penn’s experience and professionalism will help lead our Police Department during this transitional period,” said County Manager Mark Schwartz. “He has helped to build our well-respected Police Department, and his deep knowledge of the community will be immensely important in this role.”

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to continue serving the Arlington community as Acting Chief of Police,” said Deputy Chief Penn. “I thank Chief Farr for his exceptional and steadfast leadership to the dedicated men and women of the Arlington County Police Department over the last five years.”

National Recruitment for New Police Chief 

The County Manager also is launching a national recruitment effort for a new Chief of Police this fall. The recruitment process also will include several opportunities for community input beginning in October. There will be no decision on final candidates until sometime after the work of the newly formed Police Practice Group is completed in December.

Photo via Arlington County

Several Restaurants Burglarized in Crystal City Area

By ARLnow.com
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Someone smashed their way into several restaurants in the Crystal City area, at a time when many are struggling as a result of the pandemic.

The break-ins happened between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, in and around Crystal City. Among the victims was Bozzelli’s. The Italian restaurant and pizzeria, which has five outposts in D.C. and Northern Virginia, had the glass door of its 2600 Crystal Drive location smashed in, and cash and other items stolen.

“Bozzelli’s was the target of a burglary in a late night string of heists,” the company said in a statement to ARLnow. “[At least] three restaurants were burglarized in and around Crystal City… Police are working to collect security footage from surrounding buildings to identify the perpetrators. They are also working to find any witnesses.”

“The timing is very unfortunate because like most restaurants we are just trying to survive the pandemic,” said owner Mike Bozzelli.

“If the culprits would have stuck around until the cops came we could have made them a pizza,” he joked.

More on the Bozzelli’s burglary from an Arlington County Police Department crime report this morning:

BURGLARY, 2020-08200039, 2600 block of Crystal Drive. At approximately 5:46 a.m. on August 20, police were dispatched to the report of a burglary just discovered. Upon arrival, it was determined that between 9:00 p.m. on August 19 and 5:46 a.m. on August 20, an unknown suspect(s) forced entry to a business, causing damage, and stole items of value and an undisclosed amount of cash. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.

The crime report lists three other business burglaries from around the same time, though the names of the businesses are not revealed.

BURGLARY, 2020-08200024, 2900 block of S. Glebe Road. At approximately 2:50 a.m. on August 20, police were dispatched to the report of vandalism. Upon arrival, it was determined that between 12:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., an unknown suspect(s) forced entry to a business, causing damage. Nothing was reported stolen. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.

BURGLARY, 2020-08200037, 1400 block of S. Fern Street. At approximately 5:45 a.m. on August 20, police were dispatched to the report of vandalism. Upon arrival, it was determined that at 2:56 a.m., an unknown suspect forced entry to a business, causing damage, and tampered with items. Nothing was reported stolen. The suspect is described as a male, unknown race, wearing a gray hoodie, gray mask, and khaki pants.

BURGLARY, 2020-08200051, 1200 block of S. Eads Street. At approximately 8:17 a.m. on August 20, police were dispatched to the report of a burglary just discovered. Upon arrival, it was determined that between 5:00 p.m. on August 19 and 8:05 a.m. on August 20, an unknown suspect(s) forced entry to a business and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.

Photos courtesy Bozzelli’s

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