Author: Andrew Ramonas

New ‘Virginia is for all Lovers’ Campaign Promotes LGBT Tourism

By Andrew Ramonas

Virginia is for Lovers (Image via Virginia Tourism Corp.)Virginia tourism officials have started a new marketing push to bring more LGBT travelers to the Commonwealth.

Virginia Tourism Corp. yesterday announced it has a new LGBT travel website, which notes that “Virginia is for all Lovers.”

Visitors to the website can find LGBT-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, wineries, breweries and attractions. The site also has a “Virginia is for Lovers Pride Shop” with hats, pins and T-shirts for sale.

“Virginia is proud to be an open and welcoming destination for every visitor attracted by our scenic mountains and beaches, as well as our world-renowned restaurants, wineries and breweries,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a statement. “I am pleased the Virginia Tourism Corporation has created this landing page to connect travelers with inclusive, LGBT-friendly establishments across the Commonwealth.”

The website came out of recommendations from the LGBT Tourism Task Force, which McAuliffe put together last year.

Members of the LGBT community make up about 5 percent of Virginia tourists, according to Virginia Tourism Corp. They also take longer trips to Virginia and spend more money in the Commonwealth than all other visitors there, the tourism authority noted.

“A vacation in Virginia is all about doing the things you love to do with the ones that you love, and we are thrilled to offer this new resource for the LGBT community, their friends, and their families, to help them plan the perfect vacation in Virginia,” Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corp., said in a statement.

Image via Virginia Tourism Corp.

Caught on Camera: Men Sought in Theft of Wheels in Pentagon City Area

By Andrew Ramonas
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(Updated at 6 p.m.) Two men wanted for stealing tires and rims from at least three cars in the Pentagon City area this month have been caught on camera, Arlington County Police said today.

The thefts happened on the 1600 block of S. Joyce Street around 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 8, the 1300 block of Army Navy Drive around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 8 and the 900 block of S. 15th Street around 3 a.m. on Sept. 20.

Similar wheel thefts have been periodically reported in and around Pentagon City over the past few years.

From an ACPD news release:

At approximately 7:15 a.m. on September 8, units were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Joyce Street for the report of a vehicle being left on concrete blocks with all four tires and rims removed. At approximately 7:30 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Army Navy Drive for the report of a second vehicle located on concrete blocks with all four tires and rims removed. The suspects were captured on surveillance camera pulling up in what appears to be a light colored four door sedan. The first suspect is described as a male wearing a hooded jacket, pants and gloves. The second suspect is described as a medium to dark skinned male with a beard and skull cap.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on September 20, units were dispatched to the 900 block of S. 15th Street for the report of a vehicle being left on plastic crates with all four tires and rims removed. Unknown suspect(s) entered the parking garage, repositioned the security camera and broke the passenger window to make entry into the vehicle.

Anyone with information on the identity of these individuals or details surrounding these incidents is asked to contact Detective S. Whalin of the Arlington County Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit at 703.228.4159 or at [email protected]. To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).

Photos via Arlington County Police Department

Board to Vote on Funding for Nonprofit Purchase of Westover Apartments

By Andrew Ramonas

Westover garden apartment building (Photo via Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing)

The Arlington County Board is set to consider a plan to lend about $11 million to a nonprofit organization looking to save affordable garden apartments in Westover.

The Board is scheduled to vote Saturday on the eight-figure loan from the county’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund. The financing would allow the nonprofit Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing to buy eight apartment buildings in the neighborhood, according to the county. The purchase would account for 68 affordable units — all but four are one bedroom units — at an average acquisition cost of about $215,000 per unit.

“The Westover neighborhood in North Arlington has a substantial inventory of market and committed affordable apartments,” APAH says on its website. “But many have been eliminated, or are at threat of elimination.”

The vote comes as Westover comes to grips with the redevelopment of some area properties, including an aging garden apartment building that are being replaced with luxury townhouses.

The Arlington Green Party is lobbying for a local historic designation in an effort to make it harder to tear down Westover buildings or renovate them. Already, much of the neighborhood — which was developed between 1938 and 1948 — is a national historic district.

The Coalition of Arlingtonians for Responsible Development, which advocates for an equitable distribution of affordable housing across the country, is supporting the proposal.

“CARD hopes that this acquisition [by APAH] will enable families the opportunity to live in Westover and enjoy its excellent schools and amenities,” Kay Langenbeck, chair of the group’s housing committee, wrote in a letter to the Board.

The total estimated cost of acquiring and renovating the apartments is $27.2 million, according to the county staff report. The project will be completed in three phases.

Photo via Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing

Four Mile Run Stream Restoration to Close Part of Trail

By Andrew Ramonas

Four Mile Run construction and detour map

Walkers, joggers and cyclists soon will have to take a detour on the Four Mile Run Trail as Arlington County works to revitalize the path and the stream that borders it.

Work on the Arlington side of Four Mile Run between Mt. Vernon Avenue and Route 1 tentatively is scheduled to begin tomorrow (Sept. 20) and last until next fall, according to a county notice. During construction, the path in that area will close.

Trail users can take a detour through Alexandria across the stream. Signage on the path will provide directions.

The pathway will get new asphalt and railings, as well as a new observation platform. As for the stream, the county’s notice adds:

The work in the stream will include naturalization of the stream bank and construction of living shoreline features along the edge of the stream.  Living shorelines are a more environmentally sensitive way to protect stream banks and coastal areas, with wetland plantings behind small stone breakwaters. They provide numerous benefits including:

  • reducing erosion along the bank,
  • improving water quality by capturing sediment and utilizing nutrients, and
  • providing habitat for fish and waterfowl.

The existing stone rip rap that currently covers the stream banks will be removed and replaced with native vegetation that will improve the habitat quality and aesthetics of the stream channel.  Some of the stone will also be reused to create the living shoreline features.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration project is slated for Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. near Mt. Vernon Avenue and S. Glebe Road.

Arlington Cops to Try Out Body Cameras

By Andrew Ramonas

Fairfax County police car lightsThe Arlington County Police Department will start testing various body cameras for cops next week, the agency announced today.

ACPD and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office will give 25 of their officers the cameras to try out for four months beginning Monday.

From a press release:

Arlington, VA – Following months of research, the Arlington County Police Department will launch a test and evaluation of three Body Worn Camera (BWC) systems beginning on Monday, August 29, 2016. Twenty-five members of the Arlington County Police Department and Arlington County Sheriff’s Office will be outfitted with BWC technology as they conduct their law enforcement duties and responsibilities. The purpose of the test and evaluation phase is to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of each vendor’s equipment, determine the cost of a permanent BWC program and provide guidance on the development of a final BWC policy.

The Arlington County Police Department is committed to providing high-quality law enforcement services and recognizes the significance of accountability and transparency as functions of securing and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence. The BWC test and evaluation phase is an additional method to enhancing accountability and transparency while officers provide dedicated service to the residents and visitors of Arlington County. The BWC technology will supplement in-car audio/video recorders already deployed in police vehicles.

A robust policy has been developed to provide guidance to officers as they test and evaluate BWC technology. The policy details the contacts which require mandatory recording by the BWC technology. Recognizing privacy issues, storage capacity and the fact that every interaction does not merit the collection of video, the cameras will not be recording at all times.

Following the four month test and evaluation phase, a comprehensive assessment will be undertaken to determine the effectiveness of BWC in terms of community expectations, transparency, legislative requirements, and evidentiary needs.

For additional information, please see our BWC FAQs.

Cops Share New Video in Hit- and-Run That Killed Arlington Man

By Andrew Ramonas

D.C. police have released another video of a car sought in a hit-and-run crash that killed an Arlington man last week.

David Narvaez, 29, died after someone in a car ran into him in the West End neighborhood of the District this past Friday. He was crossing the road at New Hampshire Avenue and M Street NW about 2:45 a.m. when the driver hit him.

The video police distributed this week shows a dark-colored sedan traveling in the area. Cops also put out new photos of the car.

A news release adds:

The vehicle has a light colored, possibly yellow, rear license tag, and the vehicle has damage to the drivers’ side hood, fender, and windshield.  The right front passenger is described as having a light complexion.

The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone with information about this case to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

Video via YouTube/D.C. Metropolitan Police Department

Metro Train Derailment Drill to Close Part of Yellow Line Sunday

By Andrew Ramonas

Fire department response to smoke in Pentagon City Metro tunnelMetro riders looking to take the Yellow Line into D.C. might have to find another way to get into the District this weekend.

The line is scheduled to shut down between the Pentagon and L’Enfant Plaza stations from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m Sunday for more than 100 people to participate in a “full-scale response drill” for a “simulated” train derailment, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Travelers should use the Blue Line to enter D.C. instead.

“The exercise, which will take place on the elevated track approaching the Pentagon station over the Potomac River, will allow emergency responders to test their capabilities on the aerial structure in coordination with water rescue teams,” WMATA said in a news release. “In addition, the drill will simulate real-world conditions to test coordination and communication between on-scene responders, Metrorail operations staff, Metro Transit Police and support personnel.”

Members of the Arlington County Fire Department, D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Alexandria Fire Department, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Park Service, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department and Prince George’s County Fire Department are expected to take part.

The drill is set come about a month after a “minor” train derailment at the East Falls Church Metro station.

Oktoberfest to Come to Shirlington Again

By Andrew Ramonas

Oktoberfest in Shirlington (Photo via Capitol City Brewing Company)Men in lederhosen and women in dirndls are set to descend on Shirlington for a day of beer drinking, pretzel eating and Bavarian music this fall.

Capitol City Brewing Company is throwing its 17th annual Oktoberfest at The Village at Shirlington (4001 Campbell Avenue) on Saturday, Oct. 1, from noon to 7 p.m.

Admission is $30, which gets festivalgoers who are at least 21 years old a glass and 10 tasting tickets. Extra tickets cost $1, with a five-ticket minimum. But non-drinkers can get in for free.

Capitol City, Mad Fox, Flying Dog and more than five dozen other breweries are expected to offer beer samples at the event. Patrons then can pair their lagers and ales with bratwurst, giant pretzels and other German food on sale during the festival, as they listen to bands play Bavarian tunes.

Beer taps are set to close at 6 p.m.

Photo via Capitol City Brewing Company

Local Mom to Open ‘Modern’ Indoor Play Area on Lee Highway

By Andrew Ramonas

Nook Play Space (Photo via Facebook/Nook)An Arlington mom is set to bring a “modern” play place to a Lee Highway storefront this fall.

Nook Play Space is slated to open at 5649 Lee Highway in mid-October, providing an alternative to play areas like Chuck E. Cheese, owner Maria Vogelei said.

She said that many of the D.C.-area play places she and her young daughters have visited are overcrowded and in dark, windowless spaces that are “completely outdated.”

At Nook, Vogelei said, children can engage in creative play without overstimulation.

Inside the 3,000-square-foot space, children who are five years old or younger can visit corners dedicated to art, construction, costumes, the senses and the city. For example, kids can build with white Lego blocks, explore a “forest” of bungee cords or play on structures that resemble an art installation of cardboard boxes, Vogelei said.

The design elements are “pleasing to the parent’s eye,” she said. “It’s a place parents would enjoy, too.”

Parents can buy monthly Nook memberships online for $120 for one child, with discounts for multiple kids. Day passes are $20.

Vogelei plans to keep the play space open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo via Facebook/Nook

Comedian Jon Lovitz to Take Arlington Drafthouse Stage

By Andrew Ramonas

Jon Lovitz (Photo via Flickr/Phil Konstantin)A comedian who once played a “master thespian” and a devil on “Saturday Night Live” is scheduled to bring his stand-up show to Arlington next month.

Jon Lovitz is set to take the stage at Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) from Friday, Sept. 16., to Sunday, Sept. 18. He has Friday and Saturday shows at 10 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday performances at 7 p.m.

Lovitz, who also voiced the film reviewer in the animated TV show, “The Critic,” is a “versatile comedic actor instantly recognizable for his distinctive voice, acerbic wit, pear-shaped body, and hangdog eyes,” according to Arlington Drafthouse’s website.

Tickets are $30.

Photo via Flickr/Phil Konstantin

Cops Seek Man in Attempted Sexual Assault Near Key Bridge

By Andrew Ramonas

Police car (file photo)Arlington police are looking for a man who pulled a 27-year-old woman from a sidewalk and tried to touch her under her clothing in Rosslyn over the weekend.

The attempted sexual assault happened in a grassy area near the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Key Bridge about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police say.

The woman and the man were walking past each other on the bridge when he grabbed her and forced her into the nearby grass, police said. The man then covered the woman’s mouth and tried to get his hands under her shorts.

But the victim was able to get away, and the man fled. Police described the suspect as:

A white male, in his late 20’s to early 30’s, approximately 5’8″ to 5’10” with a medium build. He is described as having fair skin, dirty blonde hair and was clean shaven at the time of the incident. He was wearing a dark t-shirt with tan shorts or possibly pants. He was last seen fleeing the area on foot along the Key Bridge towards Washington D.C.

“If anyone has information on the identity of this individual or details surrounding this incident, please contact Detective R. Icolari of the Arlington County Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit at 703.228.4240 or at [email protected],” police said in a press release. “To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).”

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