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Morning Notes

Published May 22, 2018 at 11:05AM | Updated May 22, 2018 at 11:26AM

DES Wants to Reunite Stuffed Bunny With Owner — The Arlington Dept. of Environmental Services is searching for the owner of a stuffed animal believed to have been accidentally thrown away during Taste of Arlington on Sunday. “Let us know if someone is missing a good friend,” DES tweeted. [Twitter]

APS to Keep German, Japanese Classes — “Superintendent Patrick Murphy on May 17 confirmed the decision to keep German I, II and III and Japanese I, II and III, which had been slated for elimination due to low enrollment. The turnaround came after students and parents complained.” [InsideNova]

Flanagan-Watson Get Promotion — “Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz has appointed Shannon Flanagan-Watson as deputy county manager, effective May 21, with oversight responsibility for Arlington Economic Development, Arlington Public Libraries, and a portion of the Department of Environmental Services, one of the County’s largest departments.” Flanagan-Watson has served as the county’s business ombudsman, working to help solve regulatory problems for Arlington businesses. [Arlington County]

Risk Warrant Bill Fails — A bill introduced by Del. Rip Sullivan (D-48) to create risk warrants — allowing law enforcement to confiscate the guns of troubled individuals if a court order is granted — failed in the Virginia legislature this session. [WVTF]

Patriots Win District Baseball Title — The Yorktown Patriots baseball team won the Liberty District high school tournament and title for the first time since 2012. [InsideNova]

Get Ready for Memorial Bridge Work — Major work to rehabilitate the aging Memorial Bridge is set to begin in September and will cause significant traffic impacts. The work “will require long-term lane closures and short-term detours, which will be disruptive to traffic and likely send vehicles to other Potomac River spans, tying those up more than usual, per the NPS. One of the sidewalks will also be closed ‘during much of the construction period.'” [Washington Business Journal]

Budget Limits May Limit New HS Amenities — “Those who descended on Saturday’s County Board meeting hoping to win support for more rather than fewer amenities in a potential fourth Arlington high school came away with no promises from board members. If anything, those elected officials who addressed the subject did so in an effort to – delicately – tamp down expectations.” [InsideNova]

Wrong-Way Crash in Pentagon City — A driver reportedly hopped a curb, drove the wrong way down Army Navy Drive and smashed into two vehicles in Pentagon City around noon yesterday. [Twitter]

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

‘Numerous’ Tires Slashed and Cars Keyed in Rosslyn Area

By ARLnow.com

Published May 22, 2018 at 10:30AM

Arlington County Police are investigating a series of vehicle vandalisms in the Rosslyn area.

The tire slashing and door keying spree took place between Thursday night and early Friday morning last week.

Photos: Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Attic Blaze

By ARLnow.com

Published May 21, 2018 at 10:00AM

Columbia Forest townhouse fire (Flickr pool photo by TheBeltWalk)

Firefighters from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax battled a townhouse fire in the Columbia Forest neighborhood Saturday evening.

The fire broke out in the attic of a townhome on the 4800 block of 10th Street S., near Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run, around 5:30 p.m.

Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control before it could spread.

#Update Units are remaining on scene to check for further extension. E109 encountered heavy fire, but a quick response kept the fire contained to the attic. Thanks to our partners with @ffxfirerescue and @AlexandriaVAFD to get this fire out quickly! pic.twitter.com/1U40GKGLtc

— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) May 19, 2018

#Update Photos from the scene, fire is out, units are performing overhaul operations. Road closures on S. Columbus St are in place. Stay clear of area. pic.twitter.com/VrlDxSnt5X

— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) May 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/lincolnacfd/status/997958693495898112?s=21

Flickr pool photos by TheBeltWalk

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published May 21, 2018 at 8:45AM

Arlington Doctor Sentenced in Poisoning Case — Arlington doctor Sikander Imran was sentenced Friday to three years in prison, with 17 years suspended, for slipping pills into his pregnant girlfriend’s tea, causing her to lose the unborn baby. The now ex-girlfriend pleaded for leniency during the sentencing. [WJLA, New York Daily News]

Miniature Horses Could Be Allowed at Schools — “A new policy defining the rights and responsibility of those – students, staff or visitors – wishing to bring service animals into schools would allow for dogs and miniature horses… schools spokesman Frank Bellavia told the Sun Gazette there are no miniature horses used as service animals in the school system at the moment.” [InsideNova]

Powhatan Skate Park Renovations Approved — The Arlington County Board on Saturday unanimously approved a $1.87 million contract to overhaul the Powhatan Springs Skate Park, the only such park in Arlington. “This well-loved skate park is in need of a makeover to address crumbling concrete conditions,” said Chair Katie Cristol. “The result will be a safer park that both kids and adults in Arlington who are passionate about skateboarding, inline skating and BMX cycling can enjoy for years to come.” [Arlington County]

Residents Protest Amazon at County Board Meeting — Several public speakers at Saturday’s County Board meeting spoke out against the prospect of Amazon’s second headquarters coming to Arlington. They held signs saying “No Amazon” and decried the company’s “brutal working conditions” and “culture of toxic masculinity,” among other things. [Blue Virginia]

Walter Reed Drive Project Green Lit — “The Arlington County Board today approved a $1.8 million contract to A & M Concrete Corporation to improve bicycle and pedestrian connections on a short but critical segment of South Walter Reed Drive, between South Four Mile Run Drive and South Arlington Mill Drive. The project will provide safer connections between two of Arlington’s busiest trails: Washington & Old Dominion and Four Mile Run.” [Arlington County]

Trees Fall During Heavy Rain — A number of trees around the area fell late last week after a record-breaking stretch of heavy rain. Among the trees to topple was a large one that fell on a home on the 2100 block of N. Vernon Street and injured one person. [Twitter, Washington Post]

Lubber Run Farmers Market OKed — “Field to Table, Inc., an Arlington-based non-profit organization, won the County Board’s approval today to open the Lubber Run Farmer’s Market in the parking lot at Barrett Elementary School, 4401 Henderson Road. The market is expected to open in late May.” [Arlington County]

Nearby: Train Derailment in Alexandria — A large contingent of emergency personnel responded to the CSX tracks near Port City Brewing in Alexandria Saturday morning for a freight train that had derailed. About 30 cars came off the tracks but no injuries or hazardous spills were reported. [City of Alexandria, Twitter]

Flickr pool photo by Erinn Shirley

Arlington Gets Shout Out on ‘SNL’

By ARLnow.com

Published May 21, 2018 at 7:30AM | Updated May 21, 2018 at 11:33AM

Arlington got a mention on the season finale of SNL over the weekend.

The county’s recent ranking as the fittest city in the U.S. was brought up during the Weekend Update segment.

Host Colin Jost joked that the least fit city in the country was “Man Boobs, Louisiana.”

Hat tip to @GWeinschenk

#television

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published May 18, 2018 at 8:45AM

Flood Watch Continues Today — The National Weather Service has continued the Flood Watch until Saturday morning. Today’s weather is expected to be cool temperatures and near constant drizzle with bouts of heavy rain. [WTOP, National Weather Service, Capital Weather Gang]

Soggy Bike to Work Day — Despite the rain, today’s Bike to Work Day is proceeding as planned, with multiple stops throughout Arlington. Attendance is down but as a result those who are braving the elements have shorter lines and more opportunities for grabbing free food, t-shirts and other swag. [Twitter, Twitter, Twitter]

March of Dimes Moving to Crystal City — “The March of Dimes has reached a deal to shift its headquarters from New York to Arlington County, where it plans to move to new space in Crystal City come January 2019…. [The nonprofit] has signed a lease with JBG Smith Properties for about 28,000 square feet at 1550 Crystal Drive.” [Washington Business Journal]

Photo courtesy Jeremy Galliani

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published May 17, 2018 at 8:45AM

Apple Eying Arlington, N. Va. — It’s not just Amazon — Apple is also looking to establish a large new office, potentially in Northern Virginia. Crystal City and the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor are among the sites the world’s most valuable company is considering for a new campus that would bring 20,000 jobs to the area. [Washington Post, Washington Business Journal]

Flood Watch Today — A Flood Watch is in effect today, starting this afternoon and running through Friday night. Heavy rain — 3 to 5 inches — is expected through Friday evening. [Capital Weather Gang, Twitter]

W-L Alums Against Name Change — Hundreds of Washington-Lee High School alumni have signed on to oppose the removal of “Lee” from the school’s name. A decision on the name could come later this year. [Falls Church News-Press]

ACPD Detective Honored — Det. Rosa Ortiz has been named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by Arlington County Crime Solvers. Ortiz’s dogged work on cold cases “demonstrates our commitment to pursue cases, no matter how much time has passed,” said Arlington County Police. [Facebook]

Students Plant Trees Along GW Parkway — “Students from the Children’s International School in Rosslyn recently joined their parents and community volunteers in planting 32 trees in a previously weedy area along the southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway ramp to Key Bridge.” [InsideNova]

Flickr pool photo by TheBeltWalk

Crime Report: Three Men Try, Fail to Snatch Woman’s Purse Near Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published May 16, 2018 at 1:45PM | Updated February 28, 2020 at 10:38AM

A group of three men tried to take a woman’s purse near Clarendon early last Thursday morning, but were unsuccessful and instead ended up running away.

Police say the group approached the woman, threw her to the ground and tried to take the purse, but she fought back and the suspects fled empty-handed.

More from this week’s Arlington County Police Department crime report:

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY, 2018-05100029, N. Irving Street at Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 2:39 a.m. on May 10, police were dispatched to the report of an assault just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined that the female victim was walking in the area when she was approached by three male suspects. The victim continued walking and was again approached by the three suspects. One suspect grabbed the victim around the neck and threw her to the ground, while the other two suspects attempted to steal her purse. The victim was able to fight back and the suspects fled the area prior to police arrival. Nothing was stolen from the victim and she did not require medical attention. Suspect One is described as a black male with a thin build and black hair, wearing a black shirt and dark jeans. Suspect Two is described as a heavyset black male, wearing dark clothing. Suspect Three is described as a dark-skinned Hispanic male with an average build, wearing dark clothing. The investigation is ongoing.

The rest of this past week’s crime report highlights, including one that we’ve already reported, after the jump.

(more…)

Arlington Pet of the Week: Fallyn

Published May 16, 2018 at 12:45PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Fallyn, a pit bull who enjoys going to the vet and taking on squirrel hunting missions.

Here’s what her owner, Lauren, had to say:

I had initially been fostering Fallyn from Bully Paws rescue, but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with her. I ended up adopting her shortly after becoming her foster, and she’s been a permanent fixture on my couch ever since.

Fallyn is extremely affectionate and wants to be loved by everyone. She takes personal offense to anyone who doesn’t stop to pet her while walking by, but luckily most people do. She makes an immediate connection with everyone she meets, and is so gentle and loving. She even enjoys going to the vet because there, she is the center of attention, which is where she prefers to be.

Fallyn lives a very pampered lifestyle. Her interests include long walks through Arlington, aka squirrel hunting missions, but only if it’s warm and sunny outside, as she refuses to go out in the rain, snow, or even if it’s just slightly too cold. She is a professional napper, treat eater, and stuffed toy destroyer. She is also clearly very health conscious, because her favorite toy is a stuffed carrot.

Fallyn has many special talents, including her ability to nap anywhere. Whether it be in the car, or in the middle of a hike, she is very good at laying down and immediately falling asleep. She also is very good at squeezing her 60 pound body into the smallest parts of the couch, just to sit next to her favorite people. It’s hard to be upset around Fallyn, because she has a way of always making you laugh. She is the sweetest dog I have ever met, and all she wants is love, which she gets plenty of at home.

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!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

#Pet of the Week

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published May 16, 2018 at 8:55AM

More Capacity for Yorktown, Career Center — The Arlington County Board this weekend is expected to approve use permit amendments that will allow 300 additional seats at Yorktown High School, thanks to internal modifications, and another 200 seats at the Arlington Tech program within the Arlington Career Center. [InsideNova]

Crystal City BID Considering Expansion — “The Crystal City Business Improvement District is weighing plans to include Pentagon City and Potomac Yard within its borders, creating a single, unified submarket that could also serve as a larger canvass for Amazon.com Inc. as it homes in on potential locations for its second headquarters.” [Washington Business Journal]

Entry-Level Homes Remain Sparse — One of the challenges facing the real estate market in Arlington and Northern Virginia as a whole is a dearth of entry-level homes for sale. Likewise, the inventory of homes for sale in general is low. Said one agent: “In hot areas like Merrifield, Arlington, Reston and Tysons, my buyers are experiencing multiple-offer situations.” [InsideNova]

ACFD Removes Handcuffs from Student’s Wrist — “Interesting call of the day: When you’re playing with handcuffs and the key breaks! [Rescue] 109 cut off a pair of handcuffs that had got stuck on a student’s wrist. No injuries except a broken pair of cuffs.” [Twitter]

GGW Endorses in County Board Race — The urbanist website Greater Greater Washington has endorsed Matt de Ferranti in the Democratic Arlington County Board primary. de Ferranti told the website that he supports “building housing that would be affordable across a variety of incomes and available to younger workers who can build income and own homes in the future.” [Greater Greater Washington]

Flickr pool photo by Erinn Shirley

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published May 15, 2018 at 8:40PM

Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning as strong storms approach.

The National Weather Service issued the warning just before 8:35 p.m. It is in effect, at least initially, through 9:15 p.m.