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Morning Notes

Published September 20, 2016 at 9:30AM

Vornado Reveals Big Plans for Crystal City — Vornado, the preeminent property owner in Crystal City, has filed preliminary plans to overhaul a number of its properties in the community. The plans include big changes to the Shops at 1750 retail space, near the entrance to the Crystal City Metro station, and a new multiplex cinema. [Washington Business Journal]

Lyft to Open Regional HQ in Crystal City — Ride hailing app company Lyft is planning to invest $350,000 to open a new regional headquarters in Crystal City, creating 32 jobs locally. “Lyft is thrilled to open our new office in the emerging innovation center of Crystal City,” said Steve Taylor, the company’s general manager for the D.C. area. “We’re extremely pleased by the warm welcome we have received from Governor McAuliffe, and state and county officials.” [Washington Post]

Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Attack on Law Firm Partner — Alecia Schmuhl has pleaded guilty in the vicious 2014 attack on Leo Fisher and his wife Susan Duncan. Prosecutors say Schmuhl and her husband took the couple hostage, slit Fisher’s throat and stabbed Duncan as part of a revenge plot after she was fired by Fisher from the Arlington-based firm of Bean Kinney & Korman. Fisher and Duncan survived the attack. [Washington Post]

Nominations Open for James B. Hunter Award — Arlington County is accepting nominees for the 2016 James B. Hunter Award. The award, named after a former Arlington County Board member, “goes to individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations and business establishments that promote cultural diversity and equal rights for all residents.” [Arlington County]

Photo courtesy Billy Buck

Fort Myer to Hold Active Shooter Exercise Today

By ARLnow.com

Published September 20, 2016 at 7:00AM

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is holding an active shooter training exercise this morning.

The exercise is being held from 9 a.m. to noon. Locals should expect at least one of the base’s gates — the one near the Sheraton hotel along Columbia Pike — to be closed periodically during the exercise.

From the JBMHH public affairs office:

Please be advised that emergency response activity may be seen at the base and in the surrounding communities during the exercise.

Henderson Hall Gate 1, off Southgate Road and S. Orme Street in Arlington, will be closed intermittently between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. during the exercise.

All other gates, to include Hatfield and Wright Gates, will remain open. Drivers to the base should plan to use the other gates between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. to avoid the Gate 1 closure. As a reminder, both Henderson Hall Gate 1 and Wright Gate are for DoD ID card holders only.

Please refer to JBM-HH Facebook at www.facebook.com/jbmhh for additional updates.

Another Errant Poo Found in Ft. Barnard Park

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2016 at 3:50PM

For at least the third time in a month, someone has dropped a very public deuce at Ft. Barnard Park.

The feces was found on woodchips in the park’s playground area this morning. It was partially covered with a shirt.

“Staff found human waste covered with a shirt at Ft. Barnard Park today,” confirmed Arlington Dept. of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Susan Kalish. “This is the first time we’ve noticed it since the last incidence mentioned in the media. We have stepped up patrols with police and park rangers but have not been able to determine the culprit.”

Each subsequent defecation has prompted a clean-up job by county workers. The park is a particularly popular spot for children and their caretakers.

Photos (above) courtesy Annabella Brooks

Woman Robbed While Putting Child in Back Seat of Car

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2016 at 3:00PM

A woman was robbed by a knife-wielding man while she was placing her child in the back seat of her car, according to police.

The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, on N. Glebe Road just north of Route 50.

Police say the woman was attending to her child in the back seat of the vehicle when a man got into the car from the passenger side door and took a wallet from her purse.

When the woman confronted the man he allegedly pulled a knife on her, then fled in a waiting car. Police say they were able to later arrest two of the car’s four occupants.

From an ACPD crime report:

ROBBERY, 060917060, unit block of N. Glebe Road. At approximately 3:35 p.m. on September 17, a male subject entered the victim’s vehicle through the passenger side door and took her wallet from inside her purse. When the victim confronted the suspect, he brandished a knife. The suspect fled the area in a white four door sedan occupied by three additional suspects. Over the weekend, detectives identified and charged two suspects involved in the robbery. Lakeia Ward, 34, of Washington DC and Tykia Thomas, 27, of Washington DC were arrested and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, larceny with intent to sell and destruction of property. The investigation into the identity of the additional suspects is ongoing.

Arlington Population Continues to Rise in Latest Census Data

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2016 at 2:00PM | Updated September 19, 2016 at 2:24PM

(Updated at 2:20 p.m) The U.S. Census Bureau’s population estimate for Arlington is 229,164 for 2015, up from 226,908 for 2014.

That’s according to census data released earlier this summer. The population estimate is higher than that cited by Arlington County — 220,400 — in its 2016 county profile.

The estimated percentage of the population ages 25-34 was 26.4 percent in 2015, compared to 28.5 percent in 2012

Meanwhile, a set of just-released census data from the American Community Survey has shed some light on other vital statistics for Arlington.

The data shows the percentage of Arlington residents with health insurance rising, following a national trend attributed to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Here are some notable stats for Arlington included in the most recent census data:

The median household income in Arlington was $106,768 in 2015, while the mean income was $137,484. Median income was down but mean income up compared to 2014.
An estimated 94.0 percent of Arlington residents had health insurance in 2015, compared to 88.4 percent in 2012.
The top three largest employment sectors in Arlington: professional, scientific, management and administrative (27.9 percent); public administration (17.6 percent); educational, healthcare and social services (15.1 percent).
Total estimated housing units in Arlington was 112,517 in 2015, compared to 106,720 in 2011.
Estimated number of women who have given birth within the past year: 3,626 in 2015 compared to 3,190 in 2012.
Estimated percentage of those 18 and over with an income below the poverty level: 7.4 percent in 2015, compared to 9.3 percent in 2012.

Arlington Agenda: Sept. 19-25

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2016 at 12:30PM | Updated September 19, 2016 at 12:57PM

(Updated at 12:55 p.m.) Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Tuesday

Acoustic Cafe*
Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street S.)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Singer-songwriters Doug Alan Wilcox and Mike P. Ryan will come to South Arlington for an acoustic set. Wilcox’s music is a “tasty stew of bluesy folk, smooth acoustic soul,” while Ryan plays “heartfelt songs about the emotions and experiences of real people,” according to an event description.

Thursday

Check Your Prep
Sugar Shack (1014 S. Glebe Road)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, Arlington residents who have three of the items on the county’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist get $5 to spend at Sugar Shack.

Mike Isabella’s Back-to-School Block Party
4000 Wilson Boulevard
Time: 5-8 p.m.

Chef Mike Isabella will have all-you-can-eat food and drinks from Kapnos Taverna, Pepita and Yona in celebration of fall. The party also will include live music, DJs and karaoke. Tickets are $35.

David Koechner Live
Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:45 p.m.

David Koechner, a comedian known for his roles on “The Office” and in “Anchorman,” will give three nights of stand-up comedy at Arlington Drafthouse, starting Thursday. Tickets are $25.

Friday

Vintage Crystal: Wine in the Water Park
1750 Crystal Drive
Time: 5-10 p.m.

Crystal City’s outdoor beer and wine garden is back with a cash bar, live music and painting sessions from art studio ArtJamz. Admission is free.

“Hey Frase” Live Podcast Show
Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Boulevard)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

“Hey Frase” hosts Sarah Fraser and Samy K will have a live taping of their pop culture podcast, with special guest Scott Parker.

Saturday

BBQ, Boots & Bingo
Columbus Club of Arlington (5115 Little Falls Road)
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Arlington Thrive, a nonprofit organization that helps locals in need, will have a picnic with moon bounces, a climbing wall, face painting, bingo, music and food. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and $50 for families.

Sunday

Wine 101*
Twisted Vines Bistro & Bottleshop (2803 Columbia Pike)
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Twisted Vine will give a class on how to taste wine properly. Tickets are $40 per person for non-wine club members and $34 for wine club members. The admission will include a cheese plate paired with the wines.

Wine Dinner Veneto Region*
Cucina Italiana & Bar (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

The restaurant will host a dinner that explores Italy’s Veneto region through food and Begali wine. Tickets are $65.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content

#Arlington Agenda

ACPD Investigating Burglary at Lyon Park Gun Store

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2016 at 10:30AM

(Updated at 10:40 a.m.) There was a break-in this morning at Nova Armory, the recently-opened gun store in Lyon Park, but no guns were taken, according to police.

Officers were dispatched to the scene just after 5 a.m. for an activated burglar alarm.

“Arriving officers located a broken door to the business and secured the scene,” according to an Arlington County Police Department crime report. “The suspects had fled prior to police arrival.”

Some items were stolen during the burglary, police said.

“Empty firearm cases were taken but there were no weapons inside,” said ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage.

Police remained on scene to investigate.

A photo of the store’s back entrance shows doors and windows smashed in. The entrance is currently being repaired, we’re told.

POLICE ACTIVITY: PD responded to burglary alarm at gun store in 2300 block of N. Pershing Drive. No weapons taken. Police remain on scene.

— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) September 19, 2016

Courtesy photo

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published September 19, 2016 at 9:45AM

Tourism Spending Record in Arlington — Visitors to Arlington spent about $3.1 billion in 2015, a new record. That’s up 3 percent compared to 2014. The tourism spending generated $86 million in county tax revenue and $115 million in state tax revenue. [Arlington County]

New ART 92 Schedule Starts Today — A more frequent ART 92 bus schedule starts today, with buses running every 15 minutes during peak times. ART 92 runs from Crystal City to Long Bridge Park to the Pentagon. [Arlington Transit]

Cesar Millan in Crystal City — ‘Dog Whisperer’ star Cesar Millan was spotted walking the streets of Crystal City on Sunday. Millan was in town filming a new show, Cesar Millan’s Dog Nation, which will air on the Nat Geo Wild channel. [Patch, Twitter]

Arlington ’40 Under 40′ Honorees — The Leadership Center for Excellence has announced this year’s Arlington “40 Under 40” honorees. The 40 Under 40 luncheon will be held Dec. 2. [InsideNova]

Photos from Weekend Events — Pleasant late-summer temperatures helped drive big turnouts at Clarendon Day and Pups and Pilsners this weekend. Meanwhile, ARLnow’s Fall Beer Mega Tasting Event at Arrowine drew a (relatively) big crowd as well.

Flickr pool photo by Angela Pan

ARLnow Weekend Discussion

By ARLnow.com

Published September 16, 2016 at 5:00PM

It’s another big weekend of events in Arlington, and it looks like it you’ll be able to keep wearing shorts since summer-y weather is set to return.

First up on Saturday are Dogfest Walk ‘n Roll in Pentagon City, the Clarendon Day 10K/5K/Kids Dash races and then, of course, Clarendon Day itself. Expect lots of road closures and bus detours around Clarendon for most of the day.

On Sunday there’s Pups and Pilsners in Crystal City and the ARLnow Fall Beer Mega Tasting Event at Arrowine, which sold out just hours after an email invite to our email subscribers.

Feel free to discuss your weekend plans or any topic of local interest in the comments.

Photos: Park(ing) Day in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published September 16, 2016 at 1:35PM

Park(ing) Day 2016 is in full swing in Arlington.

Described as “an annual international event where the public collaborates to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into small parks to elicit a reconsideration of the designation of public space,” Park(ing) Day is taking place on the side of the road in five separate locations in Arlington this year.

Among them: in front of 4075 Wilson Blvd and 4245 Fairfax Drive in Ballston; 2200 Wilson Blvd and the N. Uhle Street parking lot in Courthouse; and 2847 Clarendon Blvd in Clarendon.

We stopped by two today: in Clarendon, the Lululemon store was hosting yoga lessons, demonstrations and other feats of flexibility. On Wilson Blvd in Courthouse, staff from the Arlington Community Planning, Housing and Development office were giving away free schwag and encouraging passersby to play games they had on hand.

The county tweeted photos from two of the other events:

Tell @BallstonBID what you would like to see for the future for at Wilson & Quincy St #parkingday pic.twitter.com/Sh12sS8mV9

— Plan Arlington VA (@planArlingtonVA) September 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/bretthwallace/status/776828402837913600

“Events like PARK(ing) Day enrich our community life by creating an inviting streetscape and by promoting activities that allow for social exchange, fun, creativity and critical thinking,” the county said on its website. “PARK(ing) Day in particular can furthermore promote a rethinking of the usage of the public-right-of-way and may motivate the public to more actively participate in the civic processes which shape our urban environment.”

The tiny temporary parks will remain open until around 3-3:30 p.m.

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published September 16, 2016 at 12:15PM | Updated September 16, 2016 at 12:59PM

If you’re looking for a new place to call home, you might want to consider these open houses in Arlington this weekend.

Visit our recently-relaunched real estate section for a full listing of open houses this weekend. Here are a few highlights:

2603 Arlington Boulevard
1 Bed/1 Bath Townhouse
Agent: James Fox
Listed: $277,400
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

2703 Walter Reed Drive
3 Bed/2 Bath Townhouse
Agent: Peggy Parker
Listed: $395,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

1276 Wayne Street North
1 Bed/1 Bath Condo
Agent: Shelly Porter
Listed: $425,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

2012 S Quebec Street
3 Bed/2 Bath Single Family Detached
Agent: Juli Clifford
Listed: $515,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

4141 Henderson Road North
2 Bed/2 Bath Condo
Agent: Matthew Shepard
Listed: $549,900
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

1220 Glebe Road South
3 Bed/3.5 Bath Townhouse
Agent: Carl Olsson
Listed: $779,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

3942 Upland Street
5 Bed/3 Bath Single Family Detached
Agent: Jacob Ballard
Listed: $989,900
Open: Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Real estate agents, if you don’t see your listings in our real estate section shoot us an email and we’ll let you know what your office needs to do to get listed.