Author: Katie Pyzyk

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Virginia Square Fountain (Flickr pool photo by ddimick)

Officials See Positives in Voting Rights Act Ruling — Although civil rights activists have expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Voting Rights Act earlier this week, some local officials see a few benefits in the decision. Election officials no longer need approval from the U.S. Department of Justice on election matters down to the precinct level. That will allow them to make decisions on the fly, such as extending absentee voting or holding a voter registration drive. [Sun Gazette]

State Reissues Arlington’s Municipal Stormwater Permit — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) reissued Arlington’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. Arlington is the first municipality in the state to receive an MS4 permit that includes quantitative pollution reduction requirements to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The new permit is in effect through mid-2018, during which time Arlington is required to decrease its share of the nutrient and sediment reductions by five percent. [Arlington County]

Arlington Company Receives $100 Million from Goldman Sachs — Applied Predictive Technologies (APT), a Ballston-based maker of cloud based data analysis software, has received a $100 million minority investment from Goldman Sachs. APT plans to use the funding to open an office in Japan and take on more clients. The company lists Wal-Mart and McDonald’s among its existing customers. [Bloomberg]

Flickr pool photo by ddimick

Union Jack’s Reopening, Only to Close

By Katie Pyzyk

Union Jack's in BallstonUnion Jack’s in Ballston got the go ahead to reopen tonight, following a forced closure by the county health department on Monday due to a lack of hot water. However, the establishment will close its doors for good next week.

According to a Union Jack’s employee, the pub’s last day in business will be on Monday, July 1. It has been in the Ballston Common Mall for about four and a half years.

The employee said a series of events led to the owners deciding to close the pub, including several pieces of equipment breaking down. The overall issue, however, is that the restaurant “just hasn’t been doing as well” as the chain’s other locations. All of the other locations will remain open, we’re told.

Although no formal farewell party has been announced, staff is considering the last few days in business an unofficial farewell. The Union Jack’s employee who confirmed the closure added that there will be decent specials over the next few days because the restaurant will be “getting rid of a lot of stuff.”

NWS Issues Tornado Watch

By Katie Pyzyk

In light of strong storms that are expected to blow through the area this afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for the D.C. metro area, including Arlington. It is in effect until 10:00 p.m.

From NWS:

TORNADO WATCH 377 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

VA
. VIRGINIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ARLINGTON FAIRFAX LOUDOUN

VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT CITIES INCLUDED ARE

FAIRFAX

Storms could bring strong winds and flooding tonight and tomorrow. More from NWS:

LOW PRESSURE AND ITS ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT WILL LIKELY TRIGGER
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. SOME
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WIND
GUSTS…LARGE HAIL AND HEAVY RAINFALL THAT COULD LEAD TO ISOLATED
FLASH FLOODING. AN ISOLATED TORNADO CANNOT BE RULED OUT IN THE
STRONGER STORMS…ESPECIALLY ACROSS NORTHEASTERN MARYLAND.

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE MARYLAND PORTION OF
THE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND LOWER TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER FROM 10 AM TODAY
THROUGH TONIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

NUMEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ONCE AGAIN ON FRIDAY. A FEW OF
THESE STORMS MAY BE SEVERE…PRODUCING DAMAGING WINDS GUSTS.

LOCALIZED FLASH FLOODING WILL BE POSSIBLE SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY
DUE TO REPEATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE REGION.

Tom Yum District Opens in Rosslyn

By Katie Pyzyk
1/15

(Updated at 4:25 p.m.) Tom Yum District has become the latest addition to the Rosslyn food scene. Following test runs during a soft opening period and a grand opening party last night, the restaurant officially opened its doors to the public today at 1515 Wilson Blvd.

Co-owner Mel Oursinsiri and co-owner/chef Aulie Bunyaratapan have been working on the concept for more than two years. The idea is to offer Thai food in a fast, casual environment instead of at a traditional sit-down restaurant.

The couple like the convenience of Chipotle and the freshness of Subway, so they decided to create a similar restaurant featuring Thai food.

“When I saw Chipotle when they first got here, we right away thought, ‘this is it,'” said Bunyaratapan. “Thai food with this type of concept is very new. People can enjoy fresh, healthy, fast, convenient, very simple food.”

Customers choose from four bases including jasmine rice or pad thai noodles, and from four proteins like chicken, shrimp or tofu. They can then mix and match with the five house-made sauces and 10 toppings.

Bunyaratapan said some people aren’t familiar with Thai food and are afraid to try it, but Tom Yum District lets customers dive in with less of a commitment than traditional restaurants. She said this concept allows people to try a variety of Thai dishes at once because “the price is right.”

In addition to the food, Tom Yum District serves Thai beers and will likely serve wine at some point in the future.

The restaurant will be open for dinner, but the couple said what really drew them to Rosslyn is the “great lunch crowd” and the fact that it’s “a great neighborhood.” They also own Bangkok Joe’s in Georgetown and T.H.A.I in Shirlington

Verve Pipe to Headline July 4th Celebration

By Katie Pyzyk

The Verve Pipe (photo courtesy Arlington County)The Second Annual Arlington County July 4th Celebration at Long Bridge Park is just one week away, and we now know the headlining act will be a multi-platinum selling rock band.

Revelers can listen to The Verve Pipe while waiting to watch the fireworks display on the National Mall, which is expected to begin at 9:10 p.m. The band is known for its 90s hit “The Freshmen.”

The event runs from 3:00-10:00 p.m. next Thursday. Live entertainment kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with WAMMIE award winning band “The Grandsons,” followed by the Army Voices ensemble from the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and then D.C. area party band “Jeff from Accounting.”

"Fourth of July Fireworks from the Netherlands Carillon" by Clint FarrellFamily friendly activities include a hula hoop contest, potato sack races, kickball games, line dancing, moon bounces and face painting. Local food trucks will also roll in to feed the masses.

More details about the bands and all of the activities offered at the celebration can be found online.

Two other popular places to watch the fireworks from Arlington include the Marine Corps Memorial and the Air Force Memorial. Police will be working traffic control in those areas in addition to helping near Long Bridge Park. ACPD has not yet announced a list of road closures.

Anyone heading out to celebrate is reminded that grills, fireworks and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on county and federal park lands.

Disclosure: Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Flickr pool photo by Clint Farrell

Police Need Help Locating Charity Jar Burglar

By Katie Pyzyk

Police have released photos of a man accused of carrying out a burglary at a local food mart with the hope that the public can help them find the suspect.

Surveillance cameras caught the suspect breaking into the Dominion Hills Food Mart (6035 N. Wilson Blvd) around 1:15 a.m. on June 14. The suspect apparently used rocks to break the glass out of the front door to get inside the store. Once inside, he allegedly took merchandise including Newport cigarettes and cash from a collection jar intended for charity.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male with a stocky build and black curly hair. He was wearing a dark blue “Old Navy 94” hooded sweatshirt at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective James Stone of the Arlington County Police Department’s Burglary/Larceny Unit at 703-228-4245 or [email protected]. To report information anonymously, contact the Arlington County Crime Solvers at 866.411.TIPS (8477).

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Potomac Overlook Regional Park

Firefly Festival on Sunday — All attention will be on the critters that light up the night at the 5th Annual Firefly Festival at Fort C.F. Smith Park (2411 24th Street N.) this Sunday, June 30. Activities include bug hunts, games, crafts, walks and talks about fireflies. There is a $7 charge per participant and children two and under are free. Attendees can bring a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the events at sundown. [Arlington County Dept. of Parks and Recreation]

Ducklings Rescued — Earlier this month, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington got some help from the Arlington County Fire Department with an animal rescue mission. Together they removed five ducklings that had become stuck in a storm drain. [Washington Post]

Tejada Re-elected to Position on National Association of Regional Councils — Arlington County Board Chair Walter Tejada has been re-elected as the Board of Directors Region III Director on the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC). NARC advocates for regional cooperation as a means of effectively addressing community planning opportunities and issues. It represents more than 230 regional councils and planning organizations across the country. Tejada has served in the position since 2011.

Teen Charged in Skateboarding Accident Death

By Katie Pyzyk

Fatal skateboarding accident in Arlington Heights(Updated at 2:30 p.m.) Police have charged a teen involved in a skateboarding accident leading to the death of 18-year-old Washington-Lee High School student John Malvar earlier this month.

Police did not release the name of the 17-year-old Washington-Lee High School student, but said he was charged with reckless driving. Police say he was driving a truck while Malvar rode his skateboard and held on to the driver’s side window frame.

The accident happened on the 300 block of S. Highland Street. Malvar died from injuries he sustained after he lost his balance and fell, hitting his head on the pavement.

Today the 17-year-old appeared before a judge in Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, where the charges were formally brought against him. He was released into the custody of a parent and will go to trial on August 8.

NWS Issues Flash Flood Watch

By Katie Pyzyk

The National Weather Service has included Arlington County in a Flash Flood Watch. The watch is in effect until 6:00 p.m.

From NWS:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS EXPANDED
THE

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH TO INCLUDE PORTIONS OF MARYLAND…THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND VIRGINIA…INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING
AREAS…IN MARYLAND…ANNE ARUNDEL…CALVERT…CHARLES…
HARFORD…HOWARD…MONTGOMERY…PRINCE GEORGES AND SOUTHERN
BALTIMORE. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN VIRGINIA…
ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA…CULPEPER…FAIRFAX…
LOUDOUN…NORTHERN FAUQUIER…ORANGE…PRINCE
WILLIAM/MANASSAS/MANASSAS PARK…SOUTHERN FAUQUIER…
SPOTSYLVANIA AND STAFFORD.

* UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING

* SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE MODERATE TO
HEAVY RAINFALL THROUGH THE REST OF THE AFTERNOON. ONE TO THREE
ADDITIONAL INCHES COULD CAUSE FLOODING OR FLASH FLOODING.

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.

New Dating Startup to Hold Arlington Event

By Katie Pyzyk

Date Social LogoA new Arlington-based startup company is trying to change the way people date.

Think of the concept of Datesocial as a group date for the digital age. Singles (and their friends) can sign up for one of the events online and then show up at the designated event for an in-person experience.

Co-founder and CEO Ian Lang explained that 20 men and 20 women can participate in each event, and they are split into groups of four. The groups are each paired up for 12 minutes at a time — we’re told that’s long enough to make an impression, but not so long as to make things awkward. At the end, participants turn in a list of up to five people they’d like to see again. If there’s a mutual match, Datesocial will re-introduce them via email within 24 hours.

“Basically, we’re taking that great experience at a bar that happens when you and a group of your friends meets a group of guys/girls, and making it a little more focused, safer and comfortable for everyone involved,” Lang said.

Lang is a senior columnist for AskMen.com and stumbled upon the idea while doing research about dating trends.

“It was clear based on the success of sites like Grouper that the next big thing in ‘online dating’ wasn’t online at all, but rather using the web to facilitate real life interactions,” said Lang. “One night, my wife and I were having drinks outside at Toscana Grill [in Courthouse], and there was a speed dating event next door at Velocity 5. It seemed kind of awkward, and at first we joked about how we could do better. Eventually, we stopped joking, and about a month later Datesocial was born, with my wife Ashley and I as the founders.”

The first Datesocial event in Arlington will take place this Friday, June 21, at Velocity 5 (2300 Clarendon Blvd). Anyone interested in participating can sign up online. Registration is $5.

Meeting for Starting a Community Radio Station

By Katie Pyzyk

Community radio logoA meeting on Thursday (June 20) will bring Arlington one step closer to getting its own independent community radio station.

In October, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will allow community groups in urban areas to apply for low power FM radio stations. Arlington Independent Media (AIM) has been working on plans to apply for a license to start a community radio station serving the Arlington area. According to a press release, “AIM hopes it can combat the domination of the airwaves by corporations with no local presence or programming.”

AIM will host a roundtable meeting on Thursday to gather supporters, discuss the next steps and to find resources. Some of the topics expected to come up for discussion are station branding, programming, community organizing and fundraising.

“This community radio station will provide access to underrepresented music, promote community dialogue and involvement, encourage individual and artistic expression, and create awareness of local views and events,” said AIM Operations Manager Lauree McArdle.

The meeting is free to attend and will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at AIM’s Clarendon studio (2701-C Wilson Blvd). Light refreshments will be provided. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP online.

View More Stories