A slick new burger restaurant and bar has opened in Courthouse.

Basic Burger pairs a relatively straightforward menu — burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries, salads, shakes — with a clean, modern interior and a bar offering beer, cider and wine.

It’s a bit Shake Shack-esque, with some unique touches, including sweet potato fries, onion rings, fried pickles and fizzy beverages from “craft soda” brand Stubborn Soda.

Located at 2024 Wilson Blvd, just down from the now-closed Wendy’s and up from Ray’s Hell Burger, Basic Burger opened for business on Monday. Its hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.


Arlington County police logoThe Arlington County Police Department is holding a community law enforcement forum on Wednesday (April 20).

The forum is being held at Thomas Jefferson Middle School (125 S. Old Glebe Road) from 7-9 p.m. and will be moderated by WJLA reporter Jennifer Donelan.

The police department says the forum is intended to focus “on the community’s trust and confidence in Arlington’s criminal justice agencies.”

“Safe communities are built on strong relationships among law enforcement officers and the communities they serve,” the police department said. The event will feature a panel discussion, followed by an open question and answer session with audience members.

“This is the public’s opportunity to ask local officials and community activists about issues affecting Arlington County and to learn how we can work together to maintain a safe community,” said police.

Panel members include Arlington police chief Jay Farr, Sheriff Beth Arthur, Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos, public defender Matthew Foley, local NAACP vice president Julius Spain and community activist Andres Tobar.

At an ACPD community forum in 2014, activists called for the hiring of more Latino police officers, while a couple vocal residents decried alleged police profiling and harassment. One of the attendees who spoke out against police profiling was arrested a week later for stripping naked and doing pushups in the middle of the street in Nauck.

Spanish translators will be available at the event, according to ACPD.


Police car (file photo)A would-be robber armed with a gun fled a Lee Highway store empty-handed after an employee started throwing glass bottles at him.

The incident happened Saturday, at a market on the 5100 block of Lee Highway, around 10:15 p.m.

A clerk was clearing out the cash register around closing time when a masked man entered and brandished a gun. A second employee, in defense of her coworker, then started throwing bottles at the armed man, according to Arlington County Police.

The robber fled the store and the area empty-handed.

Police say the crime was not reported until Monday, which is hindering the investigation.

“We always encourage people to report crimes to the Arlington County Police Department as soon as possible,” said ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage. “That always assists in the investigation.”

From an ACPD crime report:

LATE ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY, 160418039, 5100 block of Lee Highway. At approximately 10:15 p.m. on April 16, an unknown male subject entered a store and brandished a firearm. A female employee was able to defend a male clerk by throwing glass bottles at the suspect. The suspect fled the scene on foot without any merchandise. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9″ tall and weighed 150 lbs. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, mask, and black or dark green gloves.


Yorktown Patriots defeat the Falls Church Jaguars on 10/21/11Yorktown High School is getting new synthetic turf for its stadium at Greenbrier Park.

The Arlington County Board on Saturday voted 5-0 to approve a $674,000 contract with Fieldturf USA for the project, which is described as a “total makeover” of the field, which is “worn beyond reasonable repair.”

The Greenbrier Park field is used for school events and sports like football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, in addition to use by the community. Arlington Public Schools will pay half of the field replacement cost.

“Improvements to the Greenbrier Park/Yorktown High School field will consist of replacement of the synthetic turf surfacing, inlaid game field markings (including mid-field logo and end zone lettering), replacement of corner flags, combination football/soccer goals, and discus cage, as well as necessary repairs to the field base,” notes the project website.

The new turf will utilize an alternative infill, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), instead of crumb rubber from recycled tires. Some have raised concerns about a possible cancer risk from crumb rubber, though in a press release the county said the decision to use EPDM was about athlete safety and turf durability.

“The product is softer than crumb rubber and is less abrasive on turf fibers than rubber,” notes the county. A shock-absorbing pad is also being installed under the turf, to improve safety and reduce concussions among youth athletes.

Construction is expected to take place during the summer, wrapping up in time for the new school year. The total project cost, including design and project management, is pegged at $1.6 million.

The full press release about the project, after the jump.
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Man in Bernie Sanders shirt (photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

Local Schools Rank High in Challenge Index — One Arlington high school and one high school program cracked the top 10 of the Washington Post’s local 2016 Challenge Index. Washington-Lee High School ranked No. 4 and the H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program ranked No. 7. The two other Arlington high schools — Yorktown and Wakefield — ranked No. 11 and 82 respectively. [Washington Post, Washington Post]

Larger Fire Station 8 Possible at Current Site — Arlington County is changing its tune when it comes to Fire Station 8. The county now says that it is possible to build a larger fire station on the current Fire Station 8 site. Before, the county had said the fire station would likely have to be relocated in order to build a larger, four-bay station. [InsideNova]

More on Crystal City BRT — The new Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway, the region’s first bus rapid transit system, officially opened Sunday with the opening of the Crystal City portion of the busway. The transitway features bus-only lanes and stations with “substantial arched roofs and attractive wall panels.” [Greater Greater Washington]

More on Michael Wardian’s Marathon — Arlington resident and prolific marathoner Michael Wardian ran the Boston Marathon in 2:31:39 yesterday. It turns out he did so while wearing a GoPro camera. Having completed Boston, Wardian is planning to run the London Marathon on Sunday. [Hartford Courant]

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf


Boston Marathon logoThe 120th annual Boston Marathon, the most prestigious race in U.S. running, was held today (Monday) and 77 Arlington competitors finished the course.

The marathon was won by two Ethiopians: Lemi Berhanu Hayle won the men’s race in 2:12:45 and Atsede Baysa won the women’s race in 2:29:19.

The fastest-finishing Arlingtonian was prolific international marathoner Michael Wardian. The 42-year-old finished with a time of 2:31:39, good for 41st overall and 2nd in his age division.

The top three Arlington-based male finishers, based on unofficial net finish time:

  1. Michael Wardian (2:31:39)
  2. Dustin Whitlow (2:38:45)
  3. Graham Tribble (2:39:14)

The top three female finishers:

  1. Keely Eckberg (3:08:05)
  2. Rosalie Malsberger (3:13:11)
  3. Phoebe Markle (03:14:41)

Apparent dust devil during youth baseball game at Quincy Field (photo courtesy Harold Andersen)An apparent dust devil disrupted a youth baseball game in Arlington Saturday afternoon.

The tornado-like weather phenomenon happened around 4 p.m. at Quincy Field, near Arlington Central Library, during an Arlington Babe Ruth baseball game, we’re told.

A witness said the whirlwind sent spectators and players scurrying for cover.

“Three twisters made their way down the third baseball line during a 13-year old Senior Babe Ruth baseball game,” said Harold Andersen. “At first it appeared to be a strong gust of wind but as lawn chairs and full bat bags were carried up into the sky… players, coaches and umpires went running to the dugouts.”

The dust devils eventually dissipated over the library, said Andersen. But seriously, we asked — did one really lift bat bags into the air?

“I actually had a lawn chair lifted out of my hands as I was protecting my face from the flying sand,” Andersen said. “I would swear at least two bat bags loaded with catcher’s gear flew into and over the backstop.”

He added: “One parent yelled out ‘we are not in Kansas any more.'”


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.

Monday

logo-2Home Buyer Seminar*
Optime Realty (1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 101)
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Our team is hosting a Home Buying Seminar on April 18 at our Rosslyn office. We will have specialists on hand (including lenders and buyer agents) to give you an overview of the buying process. The event is totally free.

Tuesday

Money (file photo)Money 101
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Have an eye-opening tax day? Consider participating in a three-class money management series for young professionals. Learn about salary negotiation, financial basics, student loan debt repayment and investing for your goals.

Wednesday

MAZZEI1Super Tuscan Wine Dinner*
Osteria da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Wine pairing dinner, featuring wines and dishes from the Tuscany region of Italy, with the Mazzei Winery. Five courses and five wines. Speaking at the event will be Sig. Giovanni Mazzei. For reservations please call 703-820-1128.

Thursday

Pink ribbonAnnual Breast Cancer Awareness Softball Game
Greenbrier Park (2700 N. Greenbrier Street)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Yorktown Patriots softball team takes on the W&L Generals at Yorktown High School April 21 in its annual PINK OUT game to raise awareness about breast cancer and support the Sharon McGowan Breast Health Fund.

Rotary-Logo-blue-yellow-simplified-2014Arlington Rotary Fundraiser Banquet*
China Garden (1100 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

A fundraiser to benefit the Arlington Rotary Education Foundation. The cost is $50 per person. The evening’s program includes a silent auction and scholarship awards. To reserve your seat at the banquet, call 703-625-6638.

Friday

Michelle WolfLive Standup Comedy: Michelle Wolf
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 10 p.m.

Michelle Wolf, writing supervisor and occasional performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, performs live standup comedy at the Drafthouse. Tickets are $25. Wolf will also be performing on Saturday night.

Sunday

IBIS_StepsChausson Concerto: French Music for Piano and Strings*
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 3-5 p.m.

IBIS Chamber Music performs a program of French music for piano and strings. The gorgeous Ravel string quartet will open the program. The second half will contain a rare work by Chausson, accompanied by string quartet.

Rose wine2016 Twisted Vines Spring Rosé Slam!*
Twisted Vines Bistro & Bottleshop (2803 Columbia Pike)
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

A walk-around tasting party featuring 16 open bottles of rosé and an assortment of passed appetizers. Wines include sparkling, still, Virginian, French, Californian, Spanish, Austrian, Oregonian, Macedonian, Georgian, and the list goes on!

AoL-picFilm Screening: An Act of Love
Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (1500 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9:15 p.m.

This award-winning documentary tells the stories of the Rev. Frank Schaefer and other Methodist pastors who have fought for LGBTQ inclusion in the United Methodist Church. Rev. Schaefer had his ministerial credentials revoked in December 2013 after officiating his son’s same-sex wedding.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) content


Arlington County firefighters are responding to a brush fire in Crystal City.

The smoky fire broke out in the median along Route 1, near the 23rd Street intersection.

Police and an Alexandria medic unit are on scene, attempting to use a fire extinguisher to control the blaze.

Update at 3:05 p.m. — The fire is reported to be out.


Arlington County firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in the North Arlington neighborhood of Dover-Crystal.

ACFD responded to a house on the 2700 block of N. Randolph Street for a report of a mattress on fire inside the home. Upon arriving on scene, firefighters saw smoke coming from the house and found fire on the second floor, according to scanner traffic.

No one was reported to be inside the house when rescuers arrived. No injuries have been reported and as of 2:40 p.m. the fire was said to be extinguished.

Update at 3:05 p.m. — The fire was confined to the home’s bedroom, says ACFD.


Police car lightsOn Friday afternoon, a woman walking on the W&OD Trail was robbed at gunpoint by a pair of teens.

The robbery occurred near the East Falls Church Metro station.

From an Arlington County Police Department crime report:

ARMED ROBBERY, 160415027, 6600 block of N. 19th Road. At approximately 1:10 p.m. on April 15, a female was walking eastbound on the W&OD trail. She was approached from behind by two suspects who brandished a firearm and demanded her personal belongings. The suspects fled eastbound on W&OD trail with her cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash. Suspects are described as a black male and female in their late teens, approximately 5’5″-5’8″ tall with a thin build. They were wearing dark clothing.

Also in the latest ACPD crime report: a pair of armed robberies, in the Pentagon City area and along Lee Highway. Both robberies were reported to police well after the fact.

LATE ROBBERY, 160416020, 600 block of S. 15th Street. At approximately 2:45 p.m. on April 12, as a male victim was walking down the street he was approached by a male suspect who requested to use his cellphone. The victim complied and the suspect began walking away from the victim with his cellphone. The victim followed the subject in an attempt to regain his cellphone at which point two additional male suspects approached the victim. Two of the suspects brandished handguns and robbed the victim of his personal belongings. The first suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’8″ tall and weighed approximately 160 lbs. He was wearing a red shirt , gold chain, and black pants. The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’10” tall and weighed 180 lbs. He was wearing a denim jacket, dark jeans, and a black skull cap.

LATE ROBBERY, 160416070, 5000 block of N. Lee Highway. At approximately 10:20 p.m. on April 16, a male suspect at the corner of N. Edison Street and Lee Highway was approached from behind by an unknown male subject. The male suspect allegedly pointed a gun to his back and demanded his personal belongings. The suspect fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a dark colored winter hat, gray shirt, and gray pants.

Just after midnight this morning, ACPD officers were allegedly assaulted by a pair of drunk suspects outside the 7-Eleven store on Washington Blvd in Lyon Park.

Both suspects are from Woodbridge, as is a third suspect who was charged with drunk in public and obstruction of justice.

ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICER, 160418001, 2700 block of N. Washington Boulevard. At approximately 12:02 a.m. on April 18, officers were dispatched to a 7/11 in reference to multiple disorderly subjects. The investigation revealed that a male suspect exited the store with alcohol that had not been properly paid for. During the course of the investigation the subject became combative towards the responding officers, striking them numerous times. Jonathan Lopez, 23, of Woodbridge VA, was charged with assault on police officer, felony petit larceny, disorderly conduct, and drunk in public. He is being held without bond. Angie Roque, 22, of Woodbridge VA, was charged with drunk in public and obstruction of justice. Warrants were obtained for Vianka Membreno, 23, of Woodbridge VA, for assault on police, disorderly conduct, and drunk in public.


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