Falls Church

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Ballston office buildings in the morning (photo courtesy Peter Roof)

Robocall in County Board Primary — No candidate has officially announced for Arlington County Board yet, but one likely candidate is already doing some polling. Peter Fallon reportedly sponsored a “robocall” poll last night that asked questions about local issues important to the voter and whether the voter wants experience or a fresh face in this election cycle. [Blue Virginia]

DARPA Profiled by 60 Minutes — The Arlington-based Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was profiled Sunday by CBS’ 60 Minutes. DARPA moved to a new headquarters in Ballston in 2012. [CBS News]

Suspicious Item at Falls Church City Hall — Falls Church City Hall was evacuated yesterday evening due to a suspicious object found in the lobby. The Arlington County bomb squad investigated and determined that the object was “a training aid used by explosive K9 teams.” The building reopened around 8:15 p.m. [City of Falls Church]

Arlington Man Charged with Rape — A 33-year-old Arlington man has been charged with raping a Maryland woman in a Delaware hotel over the weekend. [News Journal]

Photo courtesy Peter Roof

BREAKING: Three Hurt in Explosion, Fire at Eden Center

By ARLnow.com
1/11

(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) The Arlington County Fire Department is on the scene of a two-alarm fire at the Eden Center in Falls Church.

Three people were transported to the hospital after a reported explosion in the mall on the 6700 block of Wilson Blvd, according to ACFD spokeswoman Lt. Sarah Marchegiani. The injuries are described as non-life threatening.

Falls Church spokeswoman Susan Finarelli said initial inspections suggest that the explosion and fire is believed to be accidental.

Firefighters on the scene reported that the explosion might have originated in the utility closet of a jewelry shop. The windows of the Princess Diamonds store, in the Saigon East section of the shopping center, appear to have been blown out.

Building inspectors are being requested to investigate whether the explosion caused structural damage. Health inspectors are being called to the scene to evaluate a smoke-filled supermarket near the fire.

http://twitter.com/IAFF2800/status/555448871695175680

Eden Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Opening of Good Fortune Supermarket

1/3

The Eden Center celebrated its 30th anniversary last month — complete with dancing, music, and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Local dignitaries, community and business members, and customers joined the celebration. As locals know, Eden Center (6751 Wilson Boulevard) is a Vietnamese shopping center in Falls Church — just across the Arlington border — that offers an “authentic Vietnamese vacation without the jetlag.”

“The Eden Center first opened its doors in 1984 and today is recognized as a major cultural tourist attraction and the ultimate Vietnamese shopping experience. We open a new chapter today by celebrating our 30th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of our newest tenant, the Good Fortune Supermarket,” said Alan Frank, VP and General Counsel of The Eden Center.

The new Good Fortune Supermarket spans an impressive 44,000 square feet and is the largest international grocery store inside the Beltway. It is also the first that utilizes 100% LED lighting together with an energy efficient roof and HVAC. Expansive fresh seafood and produce displays are already attracting customers from Arlington, D.C., Alexandria and Fairfax County.

For local Washingtonians, we are lucky that an authentic Vietnamese experience is right in our backyard. The Eden Center is a cultural and economic home for Vietnamese-Americans and a unique cultural experience for all visitors. The face of Eden Center showcases architectural designs reminiscent of historic and modern day Saigon, including avenues named after famous Generals who served in the South Vietnamese Army. Experience the roots of the culture through the more than 115 Vietnamese restaurants, retailers, and service stores.

The cuisine offered at The Eden Center businesses is one that is most impressive; it attracts patrons near and far.  The Eden Center is the local home to the sought after dishes of phở and bánh mì. Eateries within the center have gained acclaim from popular shows such as Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” and the Food Network.

The well-known restaurant, Rice Paper, was recently named one of Washingtonian Magazines “Best Restaurants”.  Eden Kitchen, and its famous “Pho Factory” brand of pho is one of the largest restaurants at Eden Center.

Salons abound!  From inexpensive haircuts to hair coloring to permanent make up, the 10 Eden Center salons will take good care of you at reasonable prices.

Jewelry has always been an important reason to visit Eden Center.  Fifteen stores provide a wide variety of diamonds, jewelry and gems.  Eden Center jewelers design and make jewelry on premises. Many of the jewelry stores have been at Eden Center since the 1980’s.  Check out the new stores and visit an old favorite!

Whether you are in the mood for some hot phở, sweet chè or bubble tea, visit Eden Center and experience an authentic Vietnamese vacation without the jetlag. For more information on shops and events, visit www.edencenter.com.

The preceding was a promoted post sponsored by the Eden Center.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Sub-three-dollar gas in Arlington on 10/22/14

County Board Race is Anyone’s Guess — The outcome of the Arlington County Board race between incumbent John Vihstadt and Democratic challenger Alan Howze is far from certain. While Vihstadt is winning the fundraising battle, Howze is expected to benefit from far greater turnout than the 16 percent who voted in the special election this year. The last general election with a Senate race on the ballot saw a 55 percent turnout in Arlington. [Washington Post]

Vihstadt Peeved at ‘Pro-Streetcar Narrative’ — At yesterday’s County Board meeting, John Vihstadt complained about the county government’s pro-streetcar PR efforts. He suggested that he and fellow streetcar critic Libby Garvey, who make up 40 percent of the Board, should have their views heard through county government channels. Board Chair Jay Fisette slammed that idea, saying “it doesn’t make sense” for the county government to expend resources arguing against its own official policy. [InsideNova]

Cyclist Struck on Lynn Street — A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle on Lynn Street in Rosslyn, between Wilson Blvd and 19th Street N., just before 9:00 this morning. The cyclist was transported to Virginia Hospital Center with an apparent dislocated collarbone.

Bank Robbery in Falls Church — The FBI is looking for a man who robbed a BB&T Bank on West Broad Street in Falls Church yesterday morning. [Federal Bureau of Investigation]

Zac Hanson’s Birthday — On this day 29 years ago, “MMMBop” singer Zac Hanson was born in Arlington. [Hello!]

Michael Gardner Charged With Molestation of Family Member

By ARLnow.com

Michael Gardner (photo courtesy Arlington County Sheriff's Office)Michael Gardner, the Falls Church resident whose 2012 sexual battery conviction was overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court earlier this year, has been indicted in another molestation case.

Gardner was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child after an Arlington Circuit Court grand jury returned two indictments on Monday. He’s being held without bond at the Arlington County jail.

The indictment charges Gardner with the molestation of a female family member who was under 13 years of age at the time. The two alleged offenses took place in 2009.

“The allegations came to light only after Gardner was released from prison after his conviction was overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court,” Falls Church authorities said in a press release this morning. “The victim in the most recent case related the incident to an individual who, by law, is a mandated reporter of child abuse allegations.”

Gardner’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6. He is also facing a new trial in the previous molestation case. That trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 2, 2015.

Gardner was originally convicted in May 2012 of molesting two girls during a sleepover birthday party for his daughter in 2011. Gardner is a former chairman of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee and his wife, Robin Gardner, was formerly mayor of Falls Church.

Gardner’s attorney could not be immediately reached for comment.

Photo courtesy Arlington County Sheriff’s Office

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Decorative stones in Rosslyn

Candidates Push for Streetcar Referendum — Both Democrat Richard “Rip” Sullivan and Republican David Foster promise to introduce legislation in Richmond to allow Arlington residents to vote on the Columbia Pike streetcar. Last month, Arlington County Board members said they do not have the authority to put such a referendum on the ballot. Even if the measure would pass through the General Assembly and were approved by Gov. McAuliffe, it likely wouldn’t take effect until July 2015. [InsideNova]

Politico Moving in Rosslyn — Politico is leaving the space it shared with WJLA and NewsChannel 8 at 1100 Wilson Blvd in Rosslyn, but it’s not moving far. The publication has signed a long term lease at 1000 Wilson Blvd. [Washington Business Journal]

McCoskrie Lands Falls Church City Attorney Position — Carol McCoskrie, Arlington’s former Assistant County Attorney, has been approved as the new City Attorney for the City of Falls Church. McCoskrie spent 24 years working for Arlington County, mostly focusing on land use and development. [City of Falls Church]

Last Days for APAH School Supply Drive — There are only two days left to help the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing with its backpack and school supply drive, which benefits Arlington children in need. APAH will accept donations of new supplies like pencils, glue, backpacks, scissors and erasers at its office at 2704 N. Pershing Drive until Friday (August 15). [APAH]

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Sidewalk in Westover

Dems Back Special Election Candidates — At its meeting last night, the Arlington County Democratic Committee formally nominated Carla de la Pava for treasurer and endorsed Nancy Van Doren for School Board. Both candidates are running in special elections to take place at the same time as the November 4 general election. [InsideNova]

Possible Attempt to Resurrect Arlington’s Tourism Tax — Two candidates looking to fill the seat of Del. Bob Brink both said at a recent debate that they would introduce legislation to bring back Arlington’s tourism surtax on hotel bills. Democrat Richard “Rip” Sullivan and Republican David Foster both favor the tax, which had been in place for 21 years until it lapsed in 2011, due to anger over the County Board suing the state and federal governments over high occupancy toll lanes. [InsideNova]

Arlington Man Wins Axe Throwing Competition — Arlington resident Christopher R. Miller won the 2014 Lizzie Borden Axe Throwing competition in Falls Church. He is the brother-in-law of last year’s winner. [Falls Church News-Press]

New Fire Equipment, Three Firefighters Approved for Falls Church Fire Station

By Ethan Rothstein

Engine 106 in front of the Falls Church Fire Station, also now as Arlington Station 6 (photo via FCVFD)(Updated at 12:35 p.m.) The Arlington County Board has agreed to help fund a new fire engine, ambulance, ladder truck and three additional firefighters at the Falls Church Fire Station (6950 N. Little Falls Road in Arlington).

The station is located in Arlington but the land and building are owned by the City of Falls Church. According to the county staff report, half of the station’s coverage area is in Falls Church, while the other half is in Arlington. The partnership contract between the two jurisdictions had not been updated since it was passed in 1989; the new agreement the Board approved on Saturday would replace the former contract.

The Arlington County Fire Department staffs and operates the station alongside the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department.

“The new Fire and Emergency Medical Services Agreement between Arlington County and the City of Falls Church is a much-needed update to an agreement that dates back to 1989,” County Manager Barbara Donnellan said in an email. “This new agreement better serves both communities, by more clearly defining  operations and cost-sharing, and taking into account how service delivery has changed since 1989.”

The new agreement calls for three more full-time equivalent positions, for which the county and city will split expenditures. Despite the new purchases and new positions, county staff doesn’t anticipate any additional “net tax support.”

“While the County has additional expenses under the new agreement, such as Fall Church Fire Station maintenance,” the staff report states, “these additional expenses will be offset by additional reimbursements from the City.”

The old agreement, staff writes, did not clearly define how costs for maintenance and replacement of outdated equipment would be split between the two jurisdictions. In the first year of the new agreement, Falls Church has agreed to pay for capital improvements to the station to “bring the facility to an acceptable operating baseline.” The county has agreed to be responsible for maintenance and the city will fund all capital improvements going forward.

The city will pay the county $150,000 a year for capital investments, which the county will manage, and $738,000 for the initial improvements, which include replacing windows, overhead doors, and HVAC design.

Photo via Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department

BREAKING: ACFD Battles Two-Alarm Fire in Falls Church

By ARLnow.com
1/8

(Updated at 3:10 p.m.) Firefighters from Arlington and Fairfax counties battled a two-alarm fire in the central business district of Falls Church.

Units on scene reported flames coming from a 5-story office building at 150 S. Washington Street. Falls Church Police Department spokeswoman Amy Betor said it took firefighters “about 30 minutes to extinguish.” Scanner traffic reported there were initial problems with water pressure at the scene.

There were no injuries reported, despite the office building being occupied at the time.

The fire appears to have started from an electrical room on the second floor, Betor said. A web search revealed real estate company Redfin has an office in Suite 200 of the building, but those on scene couldn’t confirm which company’s office the fire started in.

Randy Karn works on the third floor of the building, and said he started smelling “something electrical burning” about 10 minutes before the fire alarm went off. 

“I went out into the office and after about 60 seconds it was filled with smoke,” Karn told ARLnow.com as he was standing outside the building. “It was time to go. I left my wallet, I left my keys, I left my laptop and got out of there.”

Arlington County provides firefighting services to the City of Falls Church under contract. Karn said he estimated the firefighters took between 10 and 15 minutes to arrive. The fire “had a hell of a time getting going,” building slowly, but flames were already showing out of the window by the time firefighters arrived on scene.

Man Shot in Falls Church

By ARLnow.com

A man was shot overnight in Falls Church, a city spokeswoman said in a press release Saturday morning.

The shooting occurred on the 900 block of W. Broad Street, about a mile away from the Arlington border.

At 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, City of Falls Church Police responded to a call for shots fired in the 900 block of W. Broad St. An adult male was transported to Fairfax Hospital for gunshot wounds; last report received is that he was in surgery. Police are on the scene investigating. More details will be released as they become available.

WUSA9 reports that the man was shot multiple times in the parking lot of a Taco Bell restaurant.

ACFD Battles Weekend Fires

By ARLnow.com

House fire on Shadow Lane in Falls Church (photo courtesy @CAPT258) Garage burns in Lyon Park (photo courtesy Peter Roof)

The Arlington County Fire Department battled at least three fires over the long holiday weekend.

On Saturday, firefighters extinguished a fire in a detached shed behind a home on the 2900 block of 7th Street N. in Lyon Park. The smoky fire spread to an adjacent fence and caused minor damage to adjacent sheds, but otherwise did not damage any houses, according to ACFD spokesman Gregg Karl.

On Monday, Arlington firefighters battled a two-alarm fire at a house on Shadow Walk in Falls Church, just off Little Falls Road near the Arlington border. Karl was unable to provide additional information about that blaze. ACFD was also called to a small fire on an apartment balcony at 901 N. Monroe Street in Virginia Square. The fire was contained to the balcony, Karl said.

Photo (left) courtesy @CAPT258. Photo (right) courtesy Peter Roof.

View More Stories