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.

D.C. Attorney General responds to Virginia AG’s scathing letter

By ARLnow.com
National Mall during peak bloom weekend, as seen from Arlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The District of Columbia’s attorney general has responded to a scathing letter to D.C. officials sent by Virginia AG Jason Miyares (R).

Miyares suggested that the District is soft on crime, endangering Virginia residents who visit as well as neighboring jurisdictions like Arlington. The letter was sent as “a direct response to the tragic murder of Christy Bautista,” an Arlington woman stabbed to death in a D.C. hotel room, allegedly by a man with an extensive criminal history.

In reply, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb (D) penned a lengthy letter asking Miyares “for help to stop illegal gun trafficking into DC,” noting that “Virginia is the largest source of illegal firearms recovered here,” per a spokeswoman. Additionally, the letter points out that Virginia cities like Richmond have “experienced increased crime rates substantially higher than the national average.”

Schwalb goes on to highlight that serious crimes in the District are prosecuted in the federal court system. The D.C. court is overloaded and understaffed, resulting in delays and a “public safety crisis,” Mayor Muriel Bowser has previously asserted.

“I also invite you to join me and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown in advocating for DC’s autonomy over our local criminal justice system,” Schwalb wrote. “As a fellow attorney and attorney general, I know you can understand how difficult it is for a community to improve public safety when it lacks meaningful control over its criminal justice system.”

Schwalb’s letter was sent prior to today’s mass shooting at a Northeast D.C. funeral home and stabbing on a Metro train at the Columbia Heights station.

The full letter is below.

Attorney General Miyares:

As the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, I share the frustration and anger regarding senseless killings and violent crime expressed in your April 6 letter to local District leaders. No issue is more important to the more than 700,000 residents of the District than enhancing public safety and preventing violent crime. Just like people in Richmond, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Newport News — each of which has experienced increased crime rates substantially higher than the national average over the past several years — residents of and visitors to Washington, D.C. deserve to feel safe and be safe.

Promoting public safety should be a bipartisan endeavor, not fodder for divisive political grandstanding. Developing and implementing practical solutions that will make our communities safer, now and in the long run, requires thoughtful, data-driven analysis and comprehensive, collaborative strategies. While there are several unsupported assertions and conclusions in your April 6 letter with which I disagree, I do agree with your observation that the proximity of our respective jurisdictions means that enhancing public safety is a regional issue which we must address cooperatively. To that end, I hope you will support efforts to improve public safety in the DMV region.

Improving public safety begins with curbing gun violence. As a necessary first step, we need to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who intend to cause harm. In communities around our country—urban, suburban, and rural—the presence of illegal guns is far too pervasive. Gun trafficking patterns remain remarkably consistent year to year from state to state, and most firearms recovered in the District originate in Virginia. According to the two most recent trace data reports from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Virginia is, by far, the source state for the most illegal firearms recovered in DC. Virginia is the source for nearly four times the number of illegal firearms recovered in the District than the next leading source state, Maryland, which has stricter gun laws. In 2020, of the 1,580 illegal firearms recovered in the District, 667 originated in Virginia. In 2021, Virginia was the source state for 619 of the 1,574 illegal firearms recovered in the District. By contrast, the District was the source for only 58 and 67 of the illegal firearms recovered in 2020 and 2021.

(more…)

Arlington is the No. 5 ‘eco-forward’ place in the U.S., according to new list

By ARLnow.com
Flowers in bloom near the Netherlands Carillon with the Rosslyn skyline in the background (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington has ranked among the 15 most “eco-forward cities and towns” in the nation.

Specifically, Arlington is No. 5, behind No. 1 Somerville, Mass. and No. 3 Jersey City, N.J. (The latter being, arguably, Arlington’s New York metro area doppelgänger and long-time rival in various rankings.)

The list was compiled by Opendoor, the online home-buying company that you might receive frequent solicitous letters from if you own a house in Arlington. The company’s methodology looked at factors like bicycle parking, bicycle rentals, bicycle shops, electric vehicle charging, recycling, transit, second hand shops and the local government’s sustainability efforts.

“The cities and towns on our list, like Arlington, are putting a concerted effort into making eco-minded practices and solutions the norm, and specifically, Arlington is the first LEED Platinum certified community and is recognized as a leader in creating a sustainable environment,” Jennifer Patchen, a real estate broker for Opendoor, said in a statement. “Arlington has a long-proven success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and home buyers looking to plant roots in a ‘green’ community should consider Arlington.”

An Opendoor PR rep also noted: “78% of U.S. consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them and that they’re prioritizing eco-conscious details and design in their home.”

The full list is below.

  1. Somerville, MA

  2. Emeryville, CA

  3. Jersey City, NJ

  4. Boulder, CO

  5. Arlington, VA 

  6. Portland, OR

  7. West Hempstead, NY

  8. Carrboro, NC

  9. Salt Lake City, UT

  10. Santa Monica, CA

  11. Temple Terrace, FL

  12. Fort Collins, CO

  13. Dearborn, MI

  14. Phoenix, AZ

  15. San Diego, CA

In addition to homeowners, Arlington’s eco bonafides have been a draw for employers.

In 2018, prior to Amazon’s HQ2 announcement, we famously reported that an internal Amazon webpage was sending thousands of views to an ARLnow article headlined “County Wins Top Environmental Award from U.S. Green Building Council.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
A house in Westover being demolished (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

County, Feds in Court Over Land — ” A trial underway in federal court will decide whether the U.S. government must pay up to $21 million to compensate a Virginia county for a parcel of land taken to expand Arlington National Cemetery… At issue is how much money, if any, the federal government must pay to Arlington County for the nine acres (3.6 hectares) of land it took from the county to accommodate the expansion.” [Associated Press]

TSA Stops Woman With Gun at DCA — “Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) prevented a Spotsylvania, Va., woman from bringing her loaded handgun onto her flight early this morning (April 10).  The .380 caliber gun was loaded with five bullets.” [Press Release]

Milestone for Va. Square Office Project — “Skanska has topped out the nine-story, 201,000-square-foot office development at 3901 N. Fairfax Drive in Arlington, Va. The project, designed by CallisonRTKL, is slated for delivery next year. When its imminent groundbreaking was announced in September 2021, the $129 million building was already being positioned as a model workplace for the post-COVID world.” [Commercial Property Executive, Skanska]

Marymount Commencement Speakers — “Nearly 1,100 Marymount University students will receive degrees during the institution’s 72nd annual commencement ceremonies next month, and Marymount officials have announced commencement speakers… [including] Dr. Rochelle Walensky, current head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” [Gazette Leader]

Millennial Home Ownership Stats — More Millennials in the D.C. area are now homeowners than renters, a switch compared to five years ago. According to newly-compiled stats, 53.4% of Millennials in the Washington regional are homeowners while 46.6% are renters. [RentCafe, Axios]

It’s Tuesday — Scattered clouds. Mild. High of 75 and low of 43. Sunrise at 6:38 am and sunset at 7:41 pm. [Weather.gov]

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Apr 10, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Today we published articles that were read a total of 13544 times… so far.

📈 Top stories

The following are the most-read articles for today — Apr 10, 2023.

  1. Chase the Submarine now open inside of Pentagon City’s “cube”
  2. Arlington School Board candidate Angelo Cocchiaro quells ‘rumor’ he is dropping out of race
  3. A new park with an enclosed play area for kids has opened in Clarendon
  4. Morning Notes

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌤 Tuesday’s forecast

Scattered clouds. Mild. High of 75 and low of 43. Sunrise at 6:38 am and sunset at 7:41 pm. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Thought of the Day

Forge bonds not by merely giving but learning how to receive as well, as life’s harmonious dance adorns both steps with equal grace and beauty.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

AWLA: Someone is shooting rabbits with blow darts

By ARLnow.com
A rabbit (Flickr pool photo by Erinn Shirley)

Someone in Arlington is apparently shooting rabbits with a blow dart.

Two rabbits, each with darts stuck in their bodies, were spotted by residents along the 700 and 800 blocks of N. Barton Street in Lyon Park earlier this month, according to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Animal control officers have been trying to capture the rabbits to provide medical treatment.

The apparent dart shootings follow an incident in which a crow was shot with a blow dart in the Fairlington neighborhood last April.

AWLA issued the following press release this afternoon, seeking the public’s help. The release includes photos of rabbits that were shot.

At the beginning of April AWLA’s Animal Control Department began receiving calls regarding two rabbits found on the 700 and 800 blk’s of N Barton street with what appears to be blow darts stuck in their bodies. One of the rabbits has the dart stuck through the head area, the other in the side. Animal Control Officers responded to these calls immediately and have worked over the past week, setting humane traps in different properties in an attempt to catch one of these rabbits. Our intention is to bring the rabbit(s) back to AWLA for triage and transportation to an emergency Wildlife Center for medical care. We are also working with the Department of Wildlife Resources to coordinate our efforts.

This is the second time in the past 12 months in which AWLA has discovered the use of projectiles or blow darts on wildlife. We ask that anyone with knowledge of these incidents or sightings of these rabbits please contact Animal Control immediately at 703-931-9241. Please do not attempt to chase the rabbits.

“This behavior will not be tolerated here in Arlington. This is an act of animal cruelty. We put so much time and emphasis on teaching tolerance and harmonious coexistence with local wildlife in an effort to prevent acts such as this. When groups, associations, or organizations teach intolerance for living things or scapegoat animals for human created conflicts, our wildlife pays the price.” ~ Jennifer Toussaint, Chief of Animal Control

Suspects arrested after weekend carjacking near Crystal City

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Two men are in police custody after a carjacking Friday night.

The carjacking was the tenth reported in Arlington so far this year, and the fifth in which a BMW was taken in the Crystal City and Pentagon City area.

Police were called from the CVS store on the 2400 block of Richmond Highway shortly before 9 p.m. Friday, after a victim reported the theft to employees, according to scanner traffic. The suspects had knocked the two victims, who tried to flee to the ground and took their keys before driving off, according to police.

More from today’s Arlington County Police Department crime report:

CARJACKING, 2023-04070196, 2400 block of Richmond Highway. At approximately 8:50 p.m. on April 7, police were dispatched to the report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined the two male victims were entering their parked vehicle when the suspect vehicle approached, two suspects exited, brandished firearms and demanded the keys to the vehicle. The victims ran from the vehicle and the suspects chased them, knocked them to the ground and took the vehicle’s keys. The suspect vehicle, a gray sedan, fled the scene followed by the suspects driving the stolen vehicle. During the course of the investigation, officers contacted the Metropolitan Police Department and provided information related to the investigation. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Washington, D.C. and two male suspects were taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Department. Warrants were obtained for Carjacking, Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony for [suspect one], 18, of an unknown location and [suspect two], 20, of Washington D.C. Both are being held in Washington D.C.

Also in the crime report, ACPD reported the arrest of a group of airsoft-gun-toting teens after a coat theft in Pentagon City, and the arrest of a 42-year-old Texas man for allegedly ramming his vehicle into another during a dispute.

WEAPONS VIOLATION, 2023-04080213, 1100 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 7:45 p.m. on April 8, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Initial information provided to dispatch indicated five juvenile suspects allegedly stole the victim’s coat and fled the scene. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers located two juveniles in the Metro and detained them without incident. An airsoft gun was located on one of the juveniles. He was taken into custody and a petition for Carrying an Air Gun in Public was obtained. The victim of the alleged robbery did not remain on scene and the circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.

ATTEMPTED MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 2023-04090101, 2700 block of S. Glebe Road. At approximately 11:39 a.m. on April 9, police were dispatched to the report of public intoxication. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim and suspect became involved in a verbal dispute during which the suspect allegedly drove his vehicle into the victim’s vehicle, causing damage. Responding officers located the suspect on scene and took him into custody without incident. No injuries were reported. [The suspect], 42, of Round Rock, Tx, was arrested and charged with Attempted Malicious Wounding and Destruction of Property. He was held on a secured bond.

Rumble Boxing is opening multiple locations in Arlington and Falls Church

By ARLnow.com
Rumble Boxing (photo via Instagram)

A boxing gym is entering the local ring in a big way.

Rumble Boxing, which has an existing location at 2001 M Street NW in D.C., is planning to open at least three new locations in Arlington and Falls Church.

The fast-growing, New York City-based fitness chain lists on its website “coming soon” locations of 1900 Crystal Drive, a new apartment tower in Crystal City, and 110 Founders Avenue in Falls Church, also a new apartment building.

In addition, a leasing plan viewed by ARLnow shows a Rumble location coming to the ground floor of the under-construction Commodore apartment tower in Courthouse, across from the Metro station.

Rumble bills itself as a boxing-centric fitness experience that’s actually enjoyable and not just a chore. Classes are led by charismatic instructors.

“At its epicenter, Rumble is a collection of the most inspired and inspiring fitness instructors on the planet,” the company’s website says. “Impressive athletes in their own regard, they step onto the podium at Rumble as part DJ, part motivational speaker, and complete Master of Ceremony. The 45 minutes that follows is an awesome orchestration of a workout engineered to custom hip-hop and house mash-ups.”

“We remain committed to less cheesy fitness B.S. and more authenticity,” the website adds.

Rumble will compete with a number of homegrown, locally-based boxing gym concepts that also seek to provide engaging, enjoyable workouts. Among them are Teddy’s Fitness Boxing along Columbia Pike, 30 Minute Hit in Ballston, Urban Boxing Arlington in Virginia Square, Bash Boxing in Rosslyn and Ballston.

Bash cofounder Scott Parker says he expected the impending heavyweight competition.

“We always knew they would be coming into the market, they’re a big brand,” Parker told ARLnow. Bash currently has four locations, and a fifth on the way, all in Northern Virginia.

Photo via Instagram

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Tulips near the Netherlands Carillon, overlooking the National Mall (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Potomac Rail Bridge Price Going Up — “Virginia’s plan to double capacity for trains over the Potomac River is moving ahead amid inflation that has driven up the project’s cost and contributed to a $389 million budget shortfall, state transportation officials said. Construction of a new Long Bridge is projected to cost nearly $2.3 billion, up nearly $240 million from a year ago.” [Washington Post]

Arrest at Ritz Carlton — From Dave Statter: “@ArlingtonVaPD needing help to arrest a drunk & disorderly person is something often seen at the bars on Wilson Blvd (a bit too often). Not the norm for the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City. But this was the scene around 1 a.m.” [Twitter]

Local Athletes Thriving at College — “Many former high-school athletes from Arlington schools recently have or are enjoying success playing college sports.” [GazetteLeader]

Closures for Race in Lyon Park — “The 2023 Arlington Bunny Hop 5K Fun Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2023, and will begin at 8:00 a.m. The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following closures in order to accommodate the event.” [ACPD]

It’s Monday — Sunny. Mild. High of 65 and low of 38. Sunrise at 6:39 am and sunset at 7:40 pm. [Weather.gov]

Freeze Warning issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Frost on plants (staff photo)

Protect those sensitive plants and that outdoor plumbing now — the potential for freezing overnight temperatures has prompted a Freeze Warning for Arlington and other parts of the D.C. area.

More from the National Weather Service:

…FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT MONDAY…

* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 to 32 degrees expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…From 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Monday.

* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Instructions:

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Obituary: Thomas L. Vardaman (1941-2023)

By ARLnow.com

Thomas L. Vardaman (Age 82)

Mr. Thomas L. Vardaman passed away peacefully at home in Baker, West Virginia on January 8, 2023 surrounded by James Young and his beloved dogs Jasper & Otis. Thom was born on January 25, 1941, to Mr. and Mrs. Terry C and Ann Louise (Moore) Vardaman in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Shades Valley High School, Birmingham, Alabama in 1959 and from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama earning a degree in communications in 1963. He was a member of the United States Marines guard unit for six years.

Thom was predeceased by his parents, grandparents Porter and Gertrude Vardaman, Charles and Pauline Moore, one sister Terry Vardaman Edmonds, and Life Partner Charles (Sandy) Sandlin. He is survived by his spouse, Jim Young, Baker, West Virginia, sister Mary Charles Vardaman Capp, Birmingham, Alabama and nieces and nephews.

Thom moved to the Washington, DC area in the late 60s and settled in Arlington, VA.

He followed his dreams in communications working for Voice of America and the White House Press Corp. In retirement, Thom repositioned and planned cruises and trips for family and friends. Thom experienced a life well lived and well-travelled. He leaves behind numerous close friends. He enjoyed many things: trains, traveling the world, cooking, and gardening.

A Celebration of Life gathering was held February 25, 2023 at Lost River Grill, Lost River, WV.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to help feed our neighbors or to shelter and care for animals:

The Wardensville Food Pantry
C/O Kathleen Hott
26405 St Rd 55
Wardensville, WV 26851

~Or~

PHAR – Potomac Highlands Animal Rescue
940 Corner Rd
Cabins, WV 26855

DEVELOPING: Police investigating carjacking in Crystal City area

By ARLnow.com
Traffic camera of 23rd Street S. and S. Eads Street, near carjacking

Arlington County police are investigating yet another carjacking in the Crystal City area.

Initial reports suggest that a group of suspects, including one armed with a gun, carjacked a dark blue BMW X6 around 8:50 p.m. The victim reported the carjacking to employees at the CVS (2400 Richmond Highway) who then called police.

This the tenth reported carjacking in Arlington so far this year, after 14 were reported during all of 2022. Of the 10 carjackings this year, five have involved the forcible theft of a BMW in the Crystal City or Pentagon City area.

Update at 11:15 p.m. — The carjacked BMW may have been found in the District.

Update on 4/10/23 — Two men have been arrested in connection to the carjacking, police confirmed.

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