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.

Water main break closes several Arlington County facilities

By ARLnow.com
Water main break (2018 file photo courtesy Arlington DES)

A water main break near Route 50 caused water pressure issues for a large swath of Arlington today, prompting some county facility closures.

The water main break happened on N. Irving Street, just north of Route 50, on the border of the Ashton Heights and Lyon Parks neighborhoods.

While the water main being repaired just served the surrounding neighborhood, crews had to “isolate” a nearby transmission main.

“It is a 6” water main that is being repaired,” Arlington Dept. of Environmental Services spokeswoman Kathryn O’Brien tells ARLnow. “We’ve isolated a 30” water main nearby to allow crews to repair the break.”

“That has caused low water pressure for a number of customers in the area,” she noted.

While most the water pressure was restored around 2 p.m., the lack of water prompted closures of several county facilities, as far away as Fairlington.

The Arlington Dept. of Human Services offices and Arlington Public Schools offices at Sequoia Plaza were both closed.

“Due to a water main break near the Syphax Education Center, staff have been asked to leave the building and telework,” APS said in an email to families today. “As a result, phone communication with staff at the Syphax Education Center may be delayed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Additionally, the Fairlington Community Center was closed due to lack of water.

“Messages have gone out to all summer camp participants to let them know that all programs are closed as of 1:30 p.m. today. All campers will need to be picked up immediately as the building will also be closed,” the county said in an email. “All Enjoy Arlington classes at Fairlington Community Center are also canceled for the rest of the day.”

Repairs on the six-inch main are expected to wrap up around 5 p.m.

The Pinemoor in Clarendon is closing today

By ARLnow.com
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The Pinemoor has reached the end of the dusty trail.

The vaguely Western-themed restaurant and bar in Clarendon, which replaced the former Clarendon Grill, is closing today, owner Reese Gardner tells ARLnow.

It opened at 1101 N. Highland Street three years ago, just a few months into the pandemic, after initially planning an ill-fated March 2020 opening.

“After opening during Covid we couldn’t find our footing with the concept or come to better terms with the landlord to continue to operate,” Gardner said. “We will be honoring all gift cards at Brass Rabbit and will be moving our popular $5 champagne brunch to Brass Rabbit and Quinn’s.”

The Pinemoor’s menu, originally described as “protein-heavy” with “family-style sides,” includes appetizers, flatbreads, wings, tacos and sandwiches, in addition to craft cocktails and special brunch offerings.

Gardner’s Wooden Nickel Bar Company owns Copperwood Tavern and Dudley’s Sport and Ale in Shirlington, Quinn’s on the Corner in Rosslyn, and Brass Rabbit Pub in Clarendon. He’s also planning to open a large new restaurant concept in Tysons this winter, as well as at least two Arlington locations of Greenheart Juice Shop.

There’s no word yet as to what might replace The Pinemoor. The large restaurant space features both an inside bar and an outside patio bar.

Photo (1) via Google Maps

JUST IN: Man charged with sexually assaulting woman in Metro station

By ARLnow.com
File photo

A 29-year-old D.C. man has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman inside the Courthouse Metro station last night.

Police responded to the Metro station shortly after 10:45 p.m. Monday after a 911 caller reported a man touching a woman inappropriately. The first arriving officer told dispatch that the man and the woman were actively having sex at the base of the Metro station’s escalators.

Both the suspect and the victim started to walk away, according to Arlington County police, but were stopped by officers for questioning. That led to the sexual assault charge.

More, below, from an ACPD press release.

The Arlington County Police Department has arrested a suspect following a sexual assault in the Courthouse Metro Station. Justice Bilaal Hatcher, 29, of Washington D.C., has been charged with Rape, Forcible Sodomy, Sexual Battery and Obstruction of Justice (x2). He is being held without bond in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

At approximately 10:48 p.m. on July 17, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person in the 2100 block of Wilson Boulevard. The investigation determined a witness called police when they observed the male suspect grab and inappropriately touch the female victim in the Metro. Responding officers located the suspect sexually assaulting the victim in the Metro, during which both parties separated and began to leave the area. Officers gave the suspect commands and attempted to take him into custody during which he resisted arrest. With the assistance of additional arriving officers, the suspect was taken into custody.

Yesterday’s quick apprehension was aided by the proactive involvement of community members who immediately reported the suspect’s suspicious behavior by calling 911. This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Information may also be provided anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Pair of military flyovers planned Wednesday

By ARLnow.com
Blue Angels/Thunderbirds flyover in 2020 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Get ready for some loud roars overhead tomorrow.

A pair of military flyovers are planned Wednesday morning and later that night, according to AlertDC.

The first appears to be a standard-issue flyover of Arlington National Cemetery.

“The Naval Air Force Atlantic will conduct a flyover of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at approximately 11:10 AM,” said AlertDC.

The second is for the Major League Soccer All-Star Game, being across the river at Audi Field

“The US Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) will conduct a flyover in the National Capital Region over Audi Field, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 8:30PM,” AlertDC said.

Amazon Fresh store in Crystal City closes temporarily

By ARLnow.com
Makeshift closed sign on Amazon Fresh store in Crystal City (courtesy anonymous)

The Amazon Fresh store in Crystal City is closed, though the company says the closure is temporary.

ARLnow first received a tip about the closure on Saturday. Subsequent tips fretted about whether the closure might be more than temporary.

“I asked an Amazon associate… and she said no one knows why and management has not said why,” a tipster said. “Residents are worried it was shuttered, it’s our only easily accessible grocery store in the heart of Crystal City.”

But fret not, says an Amazon PR staffer, it will reopen.

“I can confirm that our Amazon Fresh grocery store in Crystal City is temporarily closed,” wrote Amazon’s Jessica Martin. “We regret the inconvenience to customers, and look forward to re-opening the store soon.”

She was not able to clarify a timeframe for reopening nor why the store closed.

“I don’t have any additional details to share at this time,” Martin wrote.

Amazon Fresh opened at 1550 Crystal Drive in Crystal City, a few blocks from the company’s Pentagon City HQ2, in July 2022. It’s the only full-service grocery store in Crystal City, though there are a pair of Harris Teeter stores and an Amazon-owned Whole Foods just outside of the neighborhood’s boundaries.

Amazon was rumored to have been planning to open a Fresh store on Columbia Pike, but that grocery tenant — whether Amazon or otherwise — ultimately fell through, delaying a planned redevelopment. Amazon has been “rethinking” its strategy for Fresh and other brick-and-mortar stores, according to various reports.

Vehicle flips in morning crash near Ballston

By ARLnow.com
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A crash ended in a vehicle overturned this morning near Ballston.

The wreck happened in the Buckingham neighborhood, on N. Henderson Road near the intersection with 4th Road N., around 7:15 a.m. That’s about a block from Barrett Elementary School.

It’s unclear what led to the crash, but the vehicle — a small Honda SUV — ended up on its roof in the middle of Henderson Road, blocking it for a period of time.

According to initial reports, the driver — who was the only occupant — was able to self-extricate from the flipped vehicle and was subsequently evaluated by medics for a possible head injury.

Traffic safety has been a recurring theme in this area over the past few months. The nearby intersection of N. George Mason Drive and N. Park Drive has been flagged as hazardous, set for safety improvements. Meanwhile, another nearby intersection where a mother pushing a stroller was struck by a driver, has received new stop signs and enforcement. And, earlier this month, a vehicle overturned on N. George Mason Drive near 4th Street N.

This morning’s crash has since been cleared and the road reopened, but it delayed at least one ART bus route for about an hour.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Lights and shops at Ballston Quarter (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Item 1

Manchin Opposes DCA Changes — “Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is speaking out against [proposed] changes to the perimeter and slot rules at Reagan National Airport (DCA) that currently limit how many flights go in and out of the airport as well as the distance of those trips.” [The Hill, PDF]

Chair Toss Leads to Jail Visit — “The suspect was walking in the area when he became involved in disputes with other individuals. As the suspect continued walking on Clarendon Boulevard, he allegedly picked up a folding chair and threw it at an unrelated vehicle traveling in the area. A responding officer took the suspect into custody on scene. The passengers inside the vehicle did not report any injuries and the vehicle remained operational once the folding chair was removed from the vehicle’s wheel well.” [ACPD]

Video: Teens Struggle With Police — “Four teenagers were detained after struggling with Arlington County Police Department officers across from the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. This occurred Saturday afternoon. [YouTube]

New Fitness Center Offers Offices — “James O’Reilly, president of Life Time Work, said much of the concept’s appeal is found in its proximity to the health club, which makes it easier to find time to exercise, get work done and socialize with fellow members. Life Time hopes to expand the coworking concept in Greater Washington, he said, with Clarendon as its anchor.” [Washington Business Journal]

DJO Athlete Signed — From Bishop O’Connell Athletics: “Congratulations to DJO alum Jake Berry ‘20, who was signed as an Undrafted Free Agent with the Cleveland Guardians of the MLB!” [Twitter]

Local Camera Store Profiled — “Amid the cascade of changes in once-sleepy Crystal City —the latest being Amazon’s opening of two new office buildings and the Queen City public art at Metropolitan Park—one longtime institution stays true to its roots. Metro Camera has been manned by Jack Levonian in the Crystal Underground for 51 years. The veteran photographer of presidents now navigating the shoals of change took me on a look-back at the photo industry and Arlington’s most happenin’ neighborhood.” [Falls Church News-Press]

Free Chicken Today — “Nando’s PERi-PERi will honor its South African roots on Tuesday July 18th by celebrating Mandela Day and remembering South African leader and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. To commemorate Mandela’s fight for social justice, Nando’s will give away free meals to customers who bring back-to-school supplies for under-served area youth. The event will run from 4pm to 7pm local time at all Nando’s US locations.” [Nando’s]

It’s Tuesday — There’s a possibility of showers and thunderstorms primarily after 5pm today with widespread haze starting to clear before noon. The day will mostly be sunny with temperatures hovering around 92, complemented by a west wind at 3 to 8 mph. The chance of rainfall is 30%. For Tuesday night, showers and thunderstorms continue to be expected, mostly before 8pm. The sky will be partly cloudy with the low temperature near 71. Winds from the west at about 6 mph will calm by evening with a 30% chance of precipitation. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jul 17, 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 — Jul 17, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

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

⛈️ Tuesday’s forecast

There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 5pm today, with widespread haze expected before noon. It’ll be mostly sunny with a high near 92, and a west wind of 3 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 30%. As for Tuesday night, the possibility of showers and thunderstorms lingers mainly before 8pm. The night will be partly cloudy with a low around 71, and slightly windy at 6 mph, calming down in the evening. The chance of precipitation remains at 30%. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
– Native American Proverb

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Arlington’s air quality has reached Code Red levels again due to Canadian wildfire smoke

By ARLnow.com
Air Quality Index reading as of 3 p.m. (via AirNow.gov)

The air quality in Arlington County has crossed into “Code Red” levels.

The county’s Air Quality Index (AQI), according to the federal government’s AirNow.gov website, was 151 as of 3 p.m., just past the 150 threshold for Code Red. That comes as a new round of Canadian wildfire smoke wafts into the area.

The AQI was in Code Orange levels earlier this afternoon. Code Red levels indicate that “some members of the general public may experience health effects,” while “members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects,” according to AirNow.

The smoke is expected to thin locally tomorrow, according to the Capital Weather Gang. But Tuesday is still forecast to be a Code Orange air quality day.

More, below, from a Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments press release.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: Tuesday, July 18. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada will contribute to the increased levels of fine particle pollution. The Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease.

  • Sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense and watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website.

On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following actions to improve the air:

  • Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
  • Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
  • Fill your vehicle’s gas tank after sunset.
  • Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

COG provides air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions for metropolitan Washington. It also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

ACPD: Three arrested for catalytic converter theft

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Three Baltimore men are facing theft-related charges after being allegedly caught in a car with a stolen license plate and a stolen catalytic converter inside.

The arrest happened early Saturday morning, in the Douglas Park neighborhood, after police say the trio was seen stealing a catalytic converter from a car in the Buckingham neighborhood.

More from an ACPD crime report:

LARCENY FROM AUTO (Significant), 2023-07150061, 200 block of N. Piedmont Pike. At approximately 3:48 a.m. on July 15, police were dispatched to the report of a vehicle tampering. The reporting party advised they had observed three suspects allegedly steal a catalytic converter and flee the scene in a vehicle. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area of 14th Street S. and S. Monroe Street. The investigation determined the suspect vehicle was displaying a stolen license plate and during a search of the vehicle, burglarious tools and a catalytic converter were recovered. [Suspect 1], 18; [Suspect 2], 21; and [Suspect 3], 20, all of Baltimore, MD, were arrested and charged with Entering a Motor Vehicle, Removal of a Catalytic Converter and Possession of Burglarious Tools.

This year has not had as many reports of catalytic converter thefts among ACPD crime reports as last year, when 172 thefts were reported by early October.

The car part, which reduces toxic vehicle emissions, is a popular target among thieves due to the valuable precious metals inside.

Last year state legislation toughened penalties for catalytic converter thefts in Virginia. Arlington police made several related arrests last year, including a group of alleged thieves from Chicago.

NOW: Metro delays likely due to fleeing suspects on tracks

By ARLnow.com
File photo

(Updated at 1:10 p.m.) A suspect fleeing from police ran onto the tracks at the Rosslyn Metro station shortly before 1 p.m., delaying some trains.

The suspect ran into a tunnel in the direction of Arlington Cemetery station, according to scanner traffic. It’s not immediately clear why he or she was running from police.

Arlington County police coordinated with Metro and Metro Transit Police to stop train traffic in the area while trying to locate the suspect.

Officers were in active pursuit of the suspect after he or she exited the tunnel, leading to their being taken into custody on Memorial Bridge shortly before 1:10 p.m., according to scanner traffic.

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