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Pizza Vinoteca in Ballston Has Closed

Published June 3, 2015 at 10:00AM

Just six months after opening, Pizza Vinoteca has closed.

The eatery, at 800 N. Glebe Road in Ballston, moved here from New York City and opened in December. It received a mostly negative review from the Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema in January.

The 4,500 square foot restaurant sat 130 and offered grilled pizza and value-priced wine. Though promising value, speedy service and specialty pizzas cooked in a custom designed, 900-degree grill, the concept failed to catch on in what is a relatively low foot traffic portion of Ballston.

“It closed because, while it had a good core group of fans, it didn’t have enough business to keep it going,” PR rep Jill Collins said.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 3, 2015 at 9:15AM

AWLA Cats Star in Movie Trailers — The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is releasing a mock movie trailer each week this month starring their very own cats. The adoptable felines will then be given the star treatment at the shelter. “Guests who visit AWLA each Friday in June will be invited to walk the ‘Paw of Fame,’ enjoy some popcorn and take a photo with one of the starring ‘caters’ or ‘catresses’ or to take one home for free,” The first trailer is set to a “Jurassic World” theme. [Facebook]

Arlington Sells $77 Million in Bonds — Arlington County issued $77 million worth of bonds Tuesday, at an average interest rate of 2.8 percent. “Our Triple-AAA rating has helped ensure the lowest interest rates possible, ensuring taxpayer dollars for bond funded projects are used as effectively as possible,” County Manager Barbara Donnellan said in a press release. [Arlington County]

Sierra Club Endorses Fallon — Peter Fallon has picked up a key environmental endorsement ahead of the June 9 Democratic County Board primary. The Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club has endorsed Fallon, saying he has “a long history of community activism,” is “well versed in the environmental issues facing the County” and is “a strong supporter of [Arlington’s] Community Energy Plan.” Though there are two open County Board seats, the group said it “opted to only endorse one candidate.”

Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman

Anti-Semitic Fliers Distributed in Arlington Neighborhood

By ARLnow.com

Published June 2, 2015 at 7:35PM

Anti-Semitic fliers were found on the steps of homes near Virginia Hospital Center today.

The fliers, soggy from the rain, were spotted in front of homes on 16th Street N. and N. Edison Street. Fliers were also left in front of the hospital’s emergency room entrance, according to a tipster.

Within the fliers were hateful messages and conspiracy theories about Jews and Israel.

Chris Williams, a 16th Street resident, picked up two fliers he found lying around. Others nearby were torn up and in scraps on the street.

“I guess it was a good thing it rained,” he said. “[The fliers] were just laying in the yard. It seems like they didn’t want to get caught because they didn’t go put them where the other fliers go.”

Williams said he’s never seen anything like them in the 11 years he’s lived here.

“I prefer not to live near people like that, but you have to,” he said.

It’s not clear, however, who distributed the fliers. Last week it was reported that similar fliers had been distributed to homes in parts of Arlington, Alexandria, Chevy Chase, Md. and various neighborhoods in Northwest D.C.

An Arlington police spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Zara Coming to Pentagon City Mall

By ARLnow.com

Published June 2, 2015 at 4:35PM

The fashion retailer Zara is coming to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

The Spanish company plans to open a 27,000 square foot store inside the mall’s new 50,000 square foot expansion along S. Hayes Street, which is part of a larger $70 million renovation of the busy shopping center.

Zara is expected to open in the spring of 2016, offering “European-style clothing, outerwear, shoes and accessories for men and women, as well as children’s clothing.”

Also announced today: Kiko Milano Cosmetics, an Italian makeup brand, will be opening a 1,100 square foot store on the mall’s ground level.

“The additions of Zara to the mall’s 50,000 square-foot expansion area and Kiko Milano Cosmetics to our general store inventory allows us to continue to provide Fashion Centre at Pentagon City shoppers with the best, most diverse experience possible,” Laurie Van Dalen, general manager of the Fashion Centre, said in a press release. “We can’t wait to share more updates to the mall’s renovation progress as well as our ever-expanding store offerings.”

Mall owner Simon announced in March that restaurants Matchbox and The Sugar Factory will be opening in the mall’s Hayes Street expansion in the spring of 2016.

ACPD Releases Timeline of Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

By ARLnow.com

Published June 2, 2015 at 3:45PM

The Arlington County Police Department has released a timeline of an officer-involved shooting in Buckingham on May 19.

An officer fatally shot 54-year-old Alfredo Rials-Torres in his apartment on the 4200 block of 2nd Road N. after responding to a 911 call for a domestic disturbance. Two officers and the deceased man’s mother were hurt in the incident.

“The following timeline provides an account of the incident according to officer and witness interviews,” the department said in an email. “The investigation remains ongoing at this time and will be presented to the Commonwealth Attorney in the future.”

10:51:44 – Initial 9-1-1 received by the Arlington County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) for a possible domestic disturbance. The reporting party informs the dispatcher they hear a female screaming from inside an apartment.

10:54:12 – Two officers are dispatched to scene by ECC for trouble unknown – possible domestic dispute.

10:54:31 – Call changed from trouble unknown to a domestic dispute, older couple in this apartment arguing loudly -possibly drinking

10:55:36 – First officer arrives on scene.

10:56:28 – Second officer arrives on scene.

10:56:39 – Third officer arrives on scene.

·         The first two officers make contact with both parties believed to be involved in the domestic dispute at the front door of the apartment.

·         Male party becomes confrontational with officers and attempts to slam the door closed.

·         One officer places his foot in the door to prevent the door from closing and to avoid losing sight of and contact with the parties involved.

·         Male party raises a metal pole in an aggressive manner, prompting an officer at the threshold to deploy his taser. The taser deployment was unsuccessful and the officer is struck in the face with the end of a metal pole by the male party.

·         The officer sustains a significant facial injury – a serious laceration.

·         A second taser deployment occurred by the same officer. That was also unsuccessful as one of the prongs struck one of the other officers in the arm, temporarily incapacitating him.

·         The tased officer retreats to the exterior of the apartment building because he is unable to assist with the situation.

·         Physical struggle ensues inside residence with the male party violently swinging the metal pole, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm out of fear for his safety and the safety of others.

·         Three shots were fired, each striking the male party in the upper body.

·         The third officer enters apartment and secures the scene until arrival of EMS.

10:59:54 – The third officer provides radio transmission w/ situational report, to include injuries to two officers & the parties involved in the domestic disturbance.

11:00:22 – EMS dispatched to scene

11:02:39 – EMS arrives on scene

11:10:22 – EMS transports male party to Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) where he is pronounced deceased by VHC medical staff.

11:18:21 – Injured officers transported to Virginia Hospital Center

Tuesday Night Rides to Return Tonight With New Rules

By ARLnow.com

Published June 2, 2015 at 1:30PM

A month after an uproar over its postponement, the Tuesday Night Ride series sponsored by Freshbikes in Ballston is back.

The summer bike rides, featuring hundreds of cyclists who ride from the store to hilly Military Road and back with an Arlington County Police escort, will return tonight (June 2). Cyclists will meet at Mosaic Park, just behind the store, and depart at 6:30 p.m.

After originally blaming county staff and a few resident complaints for the ride’s cancellation, Freshbikes is now effusive with praise for the county and the cycling community that rallied around the rides.

“A heartfelt Thank You to the great folks at the Arlington County Special Events Committee for working with us, helping ensure the ride will be safer than ever and speeding our permit through after Freshbikes admittedly submitted paperwork late,” Freshbikes said in an email to riders. “Also, I would be remiss not to give a huge shout out to the cycling community for your passion!”

(The county said that while there have been complaints from residents about the ride, the delay in issuing the ride’s special event permit was due to Freshbikes submitting its paperwork late.)

New this year, Freshbikes has codified a code of rider responsibility for the event. The rules and regulations include “stop at all stop signs and obey traffic signals without exceptions,” “ride no more than two rides abreast,” “never, ever, ever pass the police motorcycles” and “do not swarm cars that may be on the route.”

“After this hard winter, we want to ride!” the email said. “Freshbikes really wants to eliminate as many complaints from the community at large as possible, and keep this community ride viable and supported.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 2, 2015 at 11:30AM

Record for Rainfall Set — A record amount of rain fell on Arlington yesterday. Reagan National Airport recorded 2.49 inches of rainfall, overtaking the previous record of 2.20 inches in 1907. [Washington Post]

Sun Gazette Endorses Fallon, Lander — The Arlington Sun Gazette newspaper has endorsed Peter Fallon and James Lander for the Democratic County Board nomination. The paper said Fallon can be “prickly” but has the “strongest community background,” while Lander can sometimes “wing it” on important matters but has “specific and out-of-the-box proposals.” [InsideNova]

Hynes Endorses Lander, Schneider — County Board Chair Mary Hynes has endorsed James Lander and Andrew Schneider ahead of the June 9 Democratic County Board primary. Hynes said Lander, the current chair of the Arlington School Board, is “the best partner on the School Board I’ve ever had.” She said she’s been “impressed with [Schneider’s] diligence and openness to different perspectives, new ideas.” [InsideNova]

New Rooftop Deck for Rosslyn Buildings — Rosslyn’s Twin Towers office building complex is getting a new rooftop deck. Located at 1100 Wilson Blvd, the 5,000 square foot terrace will feature sweeping views of the D.C. skyline, for use by tenants of the 31-story buildings. Tenants of the complex include WJLA and Politico. The terrace is expected to be completed by next spring. [Virginia Business]

Rise in New Catholic Priests — Following a national trend, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington is seeing a rise in the ordination of new priests. Bishop Paul Loverde is scheduled to ordain seven men to the local priesthood on Saturday, bringing the number of new priests ordained since 2012 to 20. [Catholic Diocese of Arlington]

No Big Buses on the Pike, Yet — There’s a reason why there are no articulated buses running down the Columbia Pike corridor, at least not yet. For one, standard bus service is sufficient at this time. Another reason: there’s no local storage space for big articulated buses. [Greater Greater Washington]

Arlington Students to Attend Governor’s School — Twenty Arlington Public Schools students will attend the prestigious Governor’s Schools or Governor’s Foreign Language Academy this summer. [Arlington Public Schools]

Flickr pool photo by Jason OX4

Ri Ra Irish Pub Closes in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published June 1, 2015 at 4:05PM | Updated November 18, 2016 at 2:59PM

Ri Ra Irish Pub has quietly closed its doors for good in Clarendon.

The bar, at 2915 Wilson Boulevard, served its last patrons Sunday night. It is closed today, following the expiration of its ten year lease, manager Ian McInnes told ARLnow.com.

McInnes said there were no special events held on the last night, and staff “just went about our business.” He said Ri Ra was unable to negotiate a favorable lease and, with rising rent and sluggish business, the company made the decision to close.

There are nine other Ri Ra locations listed on the company’s website, including one in Georgetown and others from Maine to Las Vegas. McInnes said the company has no plans to reopen in Clarendon and is looking beyond the Irish pub to other, more current restaurant concepts — like a sports bar and a craft beer and whiskey bar.

“The market has changed dramatically over ten years,” he said.

Clubs and other organizations that regularly met at Ri Ra — like a Liverpool FC boosters club — are currently being notified of the closure. Other regularly-scheduled events at the pub which are now canceled include a weekly pub quiz and standup comedy night.

The pub posted a goodbye message on Facebook:

We are sorry to say that RiRa Clarendon has pulled its final pint, and is now closed. A huge thank you to all of our friends in and around Clarendon, as well as the wonderful staff, for what was 10 fantastic years. We are sorry to be leaving, but the Clarendon pub and the people that made it such a great place to spend time in have left us with great memories that will stay with us forever.

Cheers!
Sincerely, The Rí Rá Owners

McInnes said he wishes Ri Ra’s customers and the future tenant of its now-former location well.

“Change is a good thing,” he said. “As we move on I’m sure that there will be another business that will complement the other businesses in the Clarendon market. We’ve had a good run, I hope people have enjoyed us being here and we hope they enjoy the next business that comes here.”

Flash Flood Watch Issued, Storms Expected Tonight

By ARLnow.com

Published June 1, 2015 at 2:40PM

Storms packing torrential rain are expected to roll though Arlington later this afternoon and tonight.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch through 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, warning that downpours may lead to flash flooding.

From NWS:

… FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT…

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* PORTIONS OF MARYLAND… MD… THE THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA… INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS… IN MARYLAND… ANNE ARUNDEL… CARROLL… FREDERICK… NORTHERN BALTIMORE… PRINCE GEORGES AND SOUTHERN BALTIMORE. IN MD… CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST HOWARD… CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST MONTGOMERY… NORTHWEST HARFORD… NORTHWEST HOWARD… NORTHWEST MONTGOMERY AND SOUTHEAST HARFORD. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA.

* THROUGH LATE TONIGHT

* SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE THIS AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THROUGH THROUGH MOST OF TONIGHT. SOME OF THE STORMS WILL CONTAIN TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS WHICH MAY LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. AVERAGE RAINFALL AMOUNTS BETWEEN ONE TO TWO INCHES ARE EXPECTED… BUT LOCALIZED AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF THREE INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN HEAVIER THUNDERSTORMS. RAINFALL RATES AROUND ONE TO TWO INCHES PER HOUR ARE EXPECTED IN HEAVIER THUNDERSTORMS. RECENT RAINFALL HAS SATURATED SOILS WHICH WILL ALSO INCREASE THE THREAT FOR FLASH FLOODING DURING THIS TIME.

* HEAVY RAINFALL IN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME MAY CAUSE RAPID RISES ON CREEKS AND STREAMS AS WELL AS FLASH FLOODING IN URBAN AREAS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

‘Testy Fest’ Returns to Virginia Square

By ARLnow.com

Published June 1, 2015 at 10:00AM

The Montana State Society is again hosting its annual Testicle Festival in Virginia Square this year.

The event, which lets participants dine on all-you-can-eat Rocky Mountain oysters while sipping all-you-can-drink beer and Crown Royal, is scheduled for this Saturday, June 6, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

As usual the festival is being hosted at American Legion Post 139 (3445 Washington Blvd) and as usual the organizers have a colorful tagline for the event.

“The Montana State Society would like to invite you to have a ball (literally!) at the 11th annual D.C. Testy Fest, ‘Where Big Balls Meet The Beltway,'” said a press release. “You’d be NUTS to miss this!”

Tickets are $25. The event will feature live country music, from The Wil Gravatt Band. For those squeamish about sampling cowboy caviar, food trucks will offer alternative cuisine.

More than 700 people attended last year’s event, according to the society.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 1, 2015 at 9:00AM

Parents Located After Boy Found Wandering — A social media post helped Arlington County Police located the parents of a boy found wandering along on 4th Street N. Saturday afternoon. The parents said they both assumed the boy was with the other parent. [WJLA]

Whipple Endorses Schneider — Former County Board member and state senator Mary Margaret Whipple has endorsed Andrew Schneider in the Democratic County Board primary. [InsideNova]

History Center Profiled — Interested in Arlington history? Not too surprisingly, the place for you is the Center for Local History at Arlington Central Library. The center has books, photographs, oral histories, permit records and other local historical resources. [Washington Post]