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.
Update at 4:05 p.m. — The suspect has been taken into custody on the back porch of a home on the 1100 block of N. Taylor Street, according to scanner traffic.
Arlington County Police are searching for a suspect who took off on foot after a traffic stop in the Ballston area.
The car was stopped by police on Washington Blvd. The suspect ran off and officers gave chase, but they lost sight of him in the area of 9th Street N. and N. Stuart Street, near the Metro station.
Police are establishing a perimeter in order to try to find the suspect. Officers are also investigating the possibility that the car was stolen or, at minimum, was improperly registered.
The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City has a new fashion retailer.
Altar’d State, a faith-based retailer of boho-chic women’s clothing, opened this week on the first level of the mall, not far from its main S. Hayes Street entrance.
In a press release, below, the store is described as “a place of respite for the modern-day woman and offers a distinctive shopping experience with the latest fashion finds, the most sought after accessories and delightful home décor.” As a company, Altar’d State emphasizes its giving to charitable causes with the slogan “Stand Out. For Good.”
Altar’d State, an inspiring women’s boutique, is opening at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City at the end of July. This site will mark the 73rd store and the first location in the Arlington community for the growing retail chain.
Altar’d State is a place of respite for the modern-day woman and offers a distinctive shopping experience with the latest fashion finds, the most sought after accessories and delightful home décor. Altar’d State’s breath-taking interiors seek to inspire guests as they shop and provide them with a place of rejuvenation from their daily stressors.
Altar’d State’s popularity is growing not only for its trend setting apparel and inspiring retail design, but also for its emphasis on giving back to charitable organizations locally and globally. Every Monday is Mission Monday, where 10% of Monday’s net proceeds are donated to a local nonprofit charity selected by the store associates. During the months of July and August, Altar’d State at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City will be supporting a charity that focuses on “Pet Pals”. The company encourages associates to get involved in charitable missions through paid volunteer hours and also sponsors children in impoverished areas around the world. The sponsorship provides children with clothing, nutritious meals, education, shelter, healthcare and counseling support to help them rise up and out of poverty. Altar’d State focuses on giving back by seeking out vendor partners who share their giving philosophy.
Arlington shoppers can feel good about their purchases by knowing they are helping those in need in their home town and on a global scale.
“The give-back mission isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are,” comments Aaron Walters, Chairman and CEO. “From the very beginning, our mission has been to help the less fortunate. For Altar’d State, a new store means a new community in which we can have a positive impact.”
Altar’d State also offers an online retail store found at www.altardstate.com.
On the list of Team USA athletes heading to Rio for this summer’s Olympic Games, there’s only one whose hometown is listed as Arlington, Va.
Denis Kudla, Arlington’s own rising tennis star, will be competing in his first Olympics this year, alongside other major American tennis figures like Madison Keys, the Williams sisters and the Bryan brothers.
Kudla was born in Kiev, Ukraine, moved to the United States with his family on his first birthday, and began playing tennis at the age of 7. The highlight of his career thus far has been reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon last summer, the last American man standing at the Grand Slam tournament.
Kudla has ranked as high as 53 on the ATP world men’s tennis rankings.
The opening ceremonies for the Rio games is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 5.
Update at 6:05 p.m. — The Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been cancelled, but Arlington remains under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 10 p.m.
Earlier: Arlington County is currently under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
The National Weather Service says a severe storm with very strong winds and hail may impact Arlington in the midst of the evening rush hour.
From NWS.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FROM 5:44PM EDT MON UNTIL 6:30PM EDT MON
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR… THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA… NORTHWESTERN CHARLES COUNTY IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND… PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… SOUTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… FAIRFAX COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… EAST CENTRAL PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… THE CITY OF FAIRFAX IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… ARLINGTON COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… THE NORTHEASTERN CITY OF MANASSAS PARK IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA…
* UNTIL 630 PM EDT
* AT 543 PM EDT… A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED OVER DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT… MOVING EAST AT 30 MPH.
HAZARD… 70 MPH WIND GUSTS AND QUARTER SIZE HAIL.
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… CENTREVILLE… WALDORF… BETHESDA… RESTON… BOWIE… ANNANDALE… CLINTON… SPRINGFIELD… COLLEGE PARK… FORT WASHINGTON… HERNDON… GREENBELT… FAIRFAX… LANGLEY PARK… BELTSVILLE… FORT HUNT… VIENNA AND GROVETON. GET INDOORS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM WIND AND LIGHTNING. TREES AROUND YOU MAY BE DOWNED FROM DAMAGING WINDS… SO IF YOU ARE NEAR LARGE TREES… MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR. DON’T DRIVE UNDERNEATH TREES OR IN WOODED AREAS UNTIL THE THREAT HAS PASSED.
Might changes be in the works at American Tap Room in Clarendon?
Multiple sources tell ARLnow.com that the bar and restaurant at 3101 Wilson Blvd is either set to close or, at least, give up part of its space for a new Verizon Wireless store. No timeline was given for when either might happen.
A local manager at American Tap Room told us that it’s not planning to close. The restaurant’s Reston-based parent company, Thompson Hospitality, did not return a call last week seeking comment.
In late 2014 we reported, citing commercial real estate sources, that American Tap Room was seeking a buyer to take over its large, pricy lease for space just across from the Clarendon Metro station. It has remained open since that report.
Arlington County Police reported two sexual assault incidents in the Rosslyn area in its Friday crime report.
One incident happened near the Iwo Jima memorial, as a woman was walking home from the Rosslyn Metro station around 10 p.m. Police say a man in a ski mask approached the woman, possibly exposed himself and grabbed her inappropriately.
From ACPD:
SEXUAL ASSAULT, 160721005, 1200 N. Meade Street. At approximately 10pm a female was walking from the Rosslyn metro to her residence when she was approached by a white male wearing a ski mask. As the suspect approached he lifted his shorts up, possibly exposing himself. The victim walked away from the man, who then groped her in the crotch area. The man fled the scene and is described as a White or Hispanic male, 5’8″ with an athletic build, wearing a black ski mask, long sleeve shirt, silver basketball shorts, and black Vans sneakers.
The other crime happened around 6:30 p.m. on the 1700 block of Clarendon Blvd, near the intersection with N. Quinn Street.
SEXUAL ASSAULT, 160721043, 1700 N. Clarendon Blvd. At approximately 6:30pm a female was walking on Clarendon Blvd. near Quinn Street when a man on a bicycle approached her from behind and grabbed her breast. The suspect is described as a husky White male wearing a dark colored bike helmet, maroon shirt, gray khaki shorts and white shoes.
The rest of the notable items from the Friday’s and today’s Arlington crime reports, after the jump.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Mark Warner and Don Beyer in Crystal City in Nov. 2014
Sen. Tim Kaine speaks to La Cocina VA trainees in Arlington in April 2015
Sen. Tim Kaine with Alan Howze at the Ballston Farmers Market in October 2014
Sen. Tim Kaine speaks to La Cocina VA trainees in Arlington in April 2015
On Friday, Hillary Clinton announced that Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) was her VP pick, capping months of speculation about the Democratic presidential nominee’s running mate.
The announcement rippled through Virginia politics, with elected officials from a local level on up weighing in on the decision.
Among Democrats representing Arlington in Richmond or across the Potomac, many were quick to praise the pick.
Said Sen. Mark Warner, in a statement:
I enthusiastically applaud Secretary Clinton’s choice. Without reservation, I can say there is no one of higher integrity and trustworthiness.
I first met Tim Kaine in law school 37 years ago, and our paths crossed years later in Virginia politics. Whether serving as mayor of Richmond, Virginia’s lieutenant governor, governor, and now as U.S. senator, Tim has always shown a commitment to serving others.
He always finds reasons for hope and optimism in every situation, and he is centered by his faith and his family. Our country, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, will be very well-served by electing Tim Kaine as Vice President.
Said Gov. Terry McAuliffe:
I am thrilled to congratulate my friend Senator Tim Kaine on his selection to join the Democratic ticket with Hillary Clinton. As a Mayor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor and United States Senator, Tim Kaine has demonstrated that he is the right choice to help lead our country forward as Vice President of the United State. His experience, intellect and dedication to making life better for people from all walks of life will make him an enormous asset to Secretary Clinton throughout the remainder of this campaign and as a leader in her administration over the next four years. This is a proud day for every Virginian.
Said Del. Alfonso Lopez:
Secretary Clinton has made a wise choice in Tim Kaine as her running mate. He is an extraordinary public servant who has dedicated his life to helping others. In his administration, I coordinated and supervised Congressional and Federal Relations for the Commonwealth and the Governor. In that position, I saw firsthand his intelligence, innate decency and ability to get folks from all points of view to work together.
A tireless champion for the citizens of the Commonwealth, Tim Kaine takes a pragmatic and results-oriented approach that has earned him respect on both sides of the aisle. He is a strong addition to the Democratic ticket and will be a true asset to a Clinton Administration.
Simply put, my old boss and friend U.S. Senator Tim Kaine is one of the best public servants and one of the best individuals I’ve ever encountered. In a world that sometimes feels like it has lost its way, the nation will benefit greatly from the leadership, compassion and infectious optimism of Tim Kaine.
The speculation about who Gov. McAuliffe might appoint to replace Kaine in the U.S. Senate, should he and Clinton win the presidential race in November, has already started.
Ultimate Frisbee at APS — The Arlington School Board is expected to vote to make Ultimate Frisbee an official co-curricular sport in middle schools and high schools. Arlington is already a hotbed of Ultimate play at the high school club level. It’s likely to be years before the sport is recognized by the Virginia High School League, the statewide intramural sports governing body. [InsideNova*]
Adoption Event Success at AWLA — The Animal Welfare League of Arlington reported 28 adoptions as part of the national Clear the Shelters pet adoption event over the weekend. [Twitter]
Development Before and After — A series of before and after photos, via Google Street View, show some of the more dramatic changes from the last decade of development in Arlington. [Rent Cafe]
Local White Supremacist Quoted — The Associated Press yesterday quoted Richard Spencer, a 38-year-old white supremacist who reportedly lives in Arlington and believes that African-Americans, Hispanics and Jews should be removed from the United States. Spencer, an alt-rightfigure, attended the Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump. [Associated Press]
Few Proven Towing Violations — Out of 18,642 trespass tows in Arlington last year, only 7 — or 0.04 percent — were found by authorities to have violated local towing ordinances. [InsideNova*]
Watts Finishes Another Race — Jamie Watts, a fixture in the local running scene, has finished another race. Watts, who has cerebral palsy, completed Saturday night’s Crystal City Twilighter 5K despite sweltering conditions. [WUSA 9*]
Slowly but steadily, the former DoD Inspector General’s Office in Pentagon City is being demolished floor-by-floor.
Also known at the “Paperclip building,” the structure is being torn down to make way for a new 20-story condo tower known at “The Altaire.”
“Bordering Crystal City and Pentagon City, The Altaire, referencing the double star in the constellation Aquila, will offer 450 condominium homes to the growing region,” says an older website for the forthcoming development. “With expected unobstructed views of The District, The Altarie will be one community to not miss.”
The website pegs the price range of Altaire condos at $300,000 to $2.5 million. It’s unclear if those prices have since been updated.
A groundbreaking for the project is expected to be held later this year.
At its meeting on Wednesday, the Arlington County Board unanimously approved a permit for use of the county-owned “teardrop parcel,” adjacent to the property, for temporary construction storage, staging and parking.
Military Base: No Pokemon Players, Please — Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is advising visitors that hunting Pokemon is not a valid reason for visiting the base, even though Pokemon supposedly abound there. “There’s multiple Pokestops and gyms on post,” noted a military police officer, who added that she has played the game “to learn more about it.” [Pentagram]
‘Oasis’ For Runners Near Key Bridge — Amid sweltering temperatures, local running store Pacers is setting up an “oasis” Saturday morning from 7-10 a.m. near the Key Bridge and the Mt. Vernon and Custis trails. The oasis will offer “nutrition, hydration, and a shady place to take a break.” [Pacers]
Twilighter 5K Saturday — Crystal City will hold its annual Twilighter 5K race Saturday evening. The race starts at 8:30 p.m. Expect lane and road closures in the area. [ARLnow]
The real estate investment trust that owns the Wellington Apartments on Columbia Pike has received the go-ahead to build three new apartment buildings on its parking lot.
The Arlington County Board voted unanimously last night to approve a use permit for the new apartments, to be located on a section of the property that borders Army Navy Country Club and a block of homes in the Arlington View neighborhood.
Each of the three buildings will be six stories high, with a total of 401 new market-rate apartments. The property owner also agreed to convert 105 of the existing apartments in the Wellington to committed affordable units, at no cost to the county.
Other features of the planned development include:
A nine-level garage (six levels will be above ground) with hundreds of new parking spaces and bike spaces
Streetscape improvements and new street connections (S. Rhodes Street and 12th Street S.)
A new public “mini park” on the new 12th Street
LEED Silver energy efficiency
“Our efforts to revitalize the Pike through innovative approaches to land use and zoning, while striving to preserve its stock of affordable housing, continue to show results,” County Board Chair Libby Garvey said in a statement.
The county press release on the approval, after the jump.
