Around Town

Warby Parker store to open in Pentagon City mall

By James Jarvis
Warby Parker storefront cover on first floor of Pentagon City mall (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A new location of the popular eyewear purveyor Warby Parker is coming to Pentagon City mall.

A storefront cover displaying the message “Nice to see you (soon)” greets visitors as they enter through the main entrance of Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, on the first floor of S. Hayes Street.

The New York City-based company — which started as an online-only retailer, known for its prescription eyewear, contacts and sunglasses — says on its website that it expects to open this year. The mall’s website notes the store is “coming soon.”

The introduction of Warby Parker would augment the mall’s existing selection of eyewear stores, which already includes Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters.

A spokesperson for the mall declined to comment on the timing of the store’s opening.

This will be Warby Parker’s inaugural Arlington location and its ninth in Virginia, per the company’s website. Warby Parker currently operates 251 brick-and-mortar locations throughout the U.S. and five in Canada.

Hat tip to @CartChaos22202

News

Police: SUV driver pulled gun on woman in Rosslyn, then tried to run her over

By ARLnow.com
File photo

Police are investigating a pair of vehicular incidents in Rosslyn and Clarendon on Wednesday.

Around 12:30 a.m., a man driving an SUV started yelling at a female pedestrian, then got out of the car and brandished a gun, according to police. He then allegedly got back in and tried to run her over.

The victim was not injured and called police. It’s unclear what prompted the incident, which happened in the Rosslyn area, near H-B Woodlawn.

More, below, from an Arlington County Police Department crime report.

BRANDISHING, 2024-01240004, N. Quinn [Street] at 18th Street N. At approximately 12:33 a.m. on January 24, police were dispatched to the report of a person with a gun. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was walking in the area when a black SUV pulled up to her and the suspect, who was also the driver of the vehicle, began yelling at her. The suspect then parked the vehicle, exited and approached the victim making threatening statements. The suspect subsequently brandished a firearm at the victim before re-entering the vehicle and attempting to reverse into the victim. The victim was able to move to avoid being struck and the suspect fled the scene. No injuries were reported. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results.

Later Wednesday night, a driver in Clarendon was attacked by two drunk men, who also damaged his car, according to ACPD.

No motive for the incident was given.

The suspects tried to run from officers but were both taken into custody after foot pursuits, police said.

ASSAULT BY MOB, 2024-01240294, 3100 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 10:39 p.m. on January 24, police were dispatched to the report of an assault in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim was driving in the area when he became involved in a verbal dispute with the two male suspects who were on foot. The suspects allegedly then began banging on the victim’s vehicle, causing property damage, and assaulted him through the open driver’s side window. Responding officers observed both suspects run from the area and following foot pursuits, they were taken into custody. The victim and one suspect sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention. [Suspect 1], 29, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault by Mob, Destruction of Property, Public Intoxication and Obstruction of Justice. [Suspect 2], 20, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault by Mob, Destruction of Property and Public Intoxication.

Sponsored

Arts Focus: Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

By Sponsor

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of celebration and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington on Saturday, Nov. 1, with an outdoor picnic in honor of Día de los Muertos. Set against the backdrop of crisp fall weather in Virginia Square, this family-friendly event promises art, music, delicious food and performances for all ages.

Spread out your blanket and partake in activities like interactive art projects, live performances and games of lotería (lottery). Savor the flavors of tacos and craft espresso drinks from local food trucks such as TNT Mexican Grill, Taco Cinco De Mayo and Rossana Coffee. Additional vendors include Ana Schwar, Otterly Artistic Designs and David Amoroso. Festive lighting will be provided by AVLD Events .

A cherished Arlington tradition, the event is co-sponsored by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and Arlington Arts, celebrating the Mexican holiday dedicated to remembering loved ones with joy and festivity. National Geographic notes, Día de los Muertos blends ancient Aztec rituals with Spanish customs brought to Mexico in the early 1500s, honoring the dead through colorful and lively celebrations.

Arlington-based artist David Amoroso is once again creating a large-scale ofrenda (altar) on the museum’s front portico. Attendees are invited to bring a photo of a deceased loved one to include in the ofrenda, making the altar a collective tribute. Participants will be able to decorate their own Calavera masks. Amoroso is also working with Johnerick Lawson on a kinetic element to showcase their creations!

The evening will be filled with music and dance, including a performance by Mariachi Imperio by Blanca Chucuan. The DC-based, woman-led ensemble is carrying on this venerable musical tradition in the DMV, having performed everywhere from the Smithsonian Institution to popular area restaurants and family Quinceanera’s. Dance enthusiasts will also be captivated by the folkloric Mexican dance group Los Quetzales, known for their vibrant performances over the past 26 years.

While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to take a selfie with the popular Reclining Liberty sculpture by Zaq Landsberg. This striking, 25-foot installation juxtaposes the Statue of Liberty with a traditional Buddhist reclining pose, encouraging reflection on the ideals the iconic statue represents. Installed in 2023 co-sponsored by Arlington Public Art and MoCA Arlington, the sculpture was recently granted permanent status at the venue.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington has been a key collaborator with Arlington County Government for decades. Housed in the historic Clarendon School building, the museum is part of Arlington’s cultural legacy, operating under a long-term lease with the County. The building, designed in 1910 and renovated in 2004, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mark your calendar for this vibrant celebration! The Día de los Muertos event will take place from 5:00 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, 3550 Wilson Boulevard. Click here for event details. Visit the Arlington Cultural Affairs website for more details and to explore Arlington’s exciting public art and cultural programs.

Don’t miss out — join us to honor tradition, celebrate culture and experience the arts in Arlington!

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Clarendon Metro station in the rain (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Pike Tapas Spot Lauded by Yelp — “Yelp has released its annual list of the Top 100 U.S. Restaurants of 2024, and this year one NoVA restaurant made the cut: Sabores Tapas Bar, an Arlington restaurant serving sharable Spanish and Latin American dishes. The restaurant was ranked No. 48 in the list of 100.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Bigger Building Proposed in Crystal City — “JBG Smith Inc., the principal developer at National Landing in Arlington, wants to go bigger on a long-planned office tower just down the road from Amazon.com Inc.’s HQ2 despite woes in the office market. The company filed a conceptual site plan Tuesday seeking to build a 312,000-square-feet building at 1800 S. Bell St. across the street from the Crystal City Metro station.” [Washington Business Journal]

Trash Collection Extended — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “Bonus curbside collection runs will take place Saturday as tomorrow’s routes will likely involve heavy volumes due to last week’s weather disruptions. Regular Friday customers are asked to report any missed collection Saturday night at the earliest.” [Twitter]

Board Candidate Blasts Suit Defense — From Arlington County Board candidate Julie Farnam: “In yet another example of wasteful spending, Arlington County recently approved spending up to $750 per hour on expensive attorneys to fight its Missing Middle Housing lawsuit. This is happening as County departments are cutting their budgets and while the County is seeking more tax revenue from residents. This could negatively impact services that people count on, including childcare subsidies, neighborhood improvement projects, and drug counseling treatment programs.” [Patch]

Mixed Response to Deer Culling Poll — “Proponents of using lethal means to rid Arlington of what they say is a deer overpopulation didn’t get anywhere near unanimous backing from a new community survey. In fact, the responses to the county-government poll proved decidedly all over the map.” [Gazette Leader]

Crashes on Camera — From Dave Statter: “Three Arlington crashes the last two days that were at least partially #caughtoncamera.” [Twitter]

Serious DUI Crashes Rise Regionally — “The number of alcohol and/or drug-related traffic fatalities increased nearly 13 percent in the metropolitan Washington area between 2021 and 2022, according to the annual “How Safe Are Our Roads?” Report prepared by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) for the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program.” [MWCOG]

It’s Friday — Rain showers and drizzle are possible before 1pm. Clouds will later give way to mostly sunny skies and a high around 68 degrees. A westerly wind at 6 to 9 mph accompanies the 30% precipitation chance. Expect a mostly cloudy Friday night with lows near 45 degrees and a northwest wind at 7 mph. [Weather.gov]

Announcement

New job: Board Chair (Latinas Leading Tomorrow)

By Latinas Leading Tomorrow

About Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT): Latinas Leading Tomorrow is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young Latina women through education, mentorship, and leadership development. We are committed to fostering a community of future leaders who will make a significant impact to the community.

Job Description: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Part-time Executive Director to lead our organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can oversee day-to-day operations, drive fundraising efforts, and cultivate relationships with stakeholders. This is a 1099 position; Remote position with ability to attend DMV events; 8-10 hours a week; $35-40/per hour.

Go to New job: Board Chair (Latinas Leading Tomorrow) Read more
Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Jan 25, 2024

By ARLnow.com

Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jan 25, 2024.

📅 Upcoming events

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

🌦️ Friday’s forecast

Showers are possible until 1pm, with a 30% chance of precipitation and a brief period of drizzle before 7am. Cloud cover will decrease throughout the day, leading to mostly sunny conditions and a high temperature near 68°F. A west wind will blow at 6-9 mph. For Friday night, expect mostly cloudy skies and a low around 45°F, accompanied by a northwest wind of around 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”
– Bob Marley

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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

Announcement

Children’s Weekday Program has openings in all classes for the 2023-2024 school year–Join us in Jan!

By Children’s Weekday Program

Children’s Weekday Program (CWP) is a non-profit preschool rooted in a play-based philosophy. We focus on developing a love of learning and exploration, cooperation, empathy, and independence.

Our caring and experienced educators create opportunities for children 16 months to 5 years old to play, learn, and grow in a nurturing environment of child-centered and developmentally appropriate experiences.

Go to Children’s Weekday Program has openings in all classes for the 2023-2024 school year–Join us in Jan! Read more
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