Alexandria: T.C. Williams High School News Briefs
One week before tryouts, less than a month before their first game, T.C. Williams High School has suddenly lost its basketball coach.
Northern Virginia: Bumpy road ahead for Capital Bikeshare expansion in Northern Virginia.
It takes a little over two hours to bike from downtown Washington D.C. to Reston. For the Capital Bikeshare, it’s a trip that’s taken six years.
Alexandria: Despite City’s Voters, It’s President Trump
Democrats re-elect Beyer but lose the country.
If Alexandria had decided the election, Hillary Clinton would be President.
Alexandria, Mount Vernon: Shifting Gears
Bumpy road ahead for Capital Bikeshare expansion in Northern Virginia.
It takes a little over two hours to bike from downtown Washington D.C. to Reston. For the Capital Bikeshare, it’s a trip that’s taken six years.
Despite Alexandria Voters, It’s President Trump
Democrats re-elect Beyer but lose the country.
If Alexandria had decided the election, Hillary Clinton would be President.
County Notebook
Board Loosens Signage Restrictions; Hearings on Ballston Graveyard
Shifting Gears
Bumpy road ahead for Capital Bikeshare expansion in Northern Virginia.
It takes a little over two hours to bike from downtown Washington D.C. to the Reston. For the Capital Bikeshare, it’s a trip that’s taken six years.
Outrage Over Traffic Calming
Using congestion to slow traffic
Traffic is slower on King Street. That was part of the city’s Complete Streets goal; to slow vehicular speeds on the stretch of road between T.C. Williams High School and the Masonic Temple.
Voter Fraud Charged
Vafalay Massaquoi was arraigned on Oct. 28 in Alexandria General District Court on four felony charges related to allegations of voter registration fraud.
School Board Notes
Neighbors Push Back
T.C. Williams Advisory Committee has been meeting in its current form since 2007 to resolve issues between the local neighborhoods and the high school.
Carnival of Barkers
Local businesses came together to give Shirlington dogs a special day and to help out dogs across the region.
Alexandria Issues Seeking Statewide Solutions
City reviews 2017 legislative package.
From the ongoing debate over Confederate statues to the cutting edge of body-camera technology, Alexandria’s City Council considered a series of local and statewide topics to be addressed in the upcoming state legislative session.
Ghost Stories of Old Town
Mysteries, phantoms, and Devil-Bats lurk through city streets.
Many Old Town Alexandrians are protective of their city. For some, that defensiveness continues beyond the grave.
Things That Go Bump in the County
Center for Local History explores local folklore and hauntings.
Deep in the Arlington Center for Local History are a set of files.
Ghost Stories of Alexandria
Mysteries, phantoms, and Devil-Bats lurk through city streets.
With 267 years of history, Alexandria is a city fraught with supernatural hauntings.
Inbound Traffic
Looming noise mitigation and traffic overflow concerns haunt I-395 project.
The I-395 extension is here. As the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) gets closer to the project’s start in spring, 2017, outreach has started to the affected communities near the road and to the County Board.
Alexandria: The Unlikely Republican
Hernick
Republican candidate Charles Hernick meets at Commonwealth Joe’s, a coffee shop in Pentagon City so new it hasn’t even had its official opening. It’s populated almost exclusively by millennials, and Hernick fits right in. When asked about the political issues that matter to them, the students and baristas at Commonwealth Joe’s all answer that climate change and combating student debt are their key voting issues. It’s a liberal atmosphere, but that doesn’t stop Hernick from trying to win them over.
Alexandria: Money Talks
Citizens unite over city budget priorities.
Above all else, Alexandrians want a healthier and more transit accessible city, and they’re willing to pay for it. At a meeting on Oct. 13 at Patrick Henry Elementary School, the city’s FY2018 budget process kicked off with an opportunity for the 50 citizens present to voice their thoughts on what parts of the budget merited further investment.
Alexandria: In 8th District, Hernick Challenges Beyer
The Steadfast Democrat
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer meets at The Royal Restaurant, a diner serving Old Town Alexandria since 1908. Its walls are adorned with pictures of famous visitors.
Arlington: The Unconventional Race
8th District election pits Beyer against Hernick.
While the nation chooses between two Presidential candidates of extreme political and temperamental differences, voters in Virginia’s 8th District face a different kind of decision. As Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Beyer runs for reelection, he faces opposition from an un-Trump-like Republican candidate. Republican candidate Charles Hernick meets at Commonwealth Joe’s, a coffee shop in Pentagon City so new it hasn’t even had its official opening. It’s populated almost exclusively by millennials, and Hernick fits right in. When asked about the political issues that matter to them, the students and baristas at Commonwealth Joe’s all answer that climate change and combating student debt are their key voting issues. It’s a liberal atmosphere, but that doesn’t stop Hernick from trying to win them over.
Arlington: Generations of the Bean
Arlington entrepreneurs quit their day jobs to launch coffee shop.
For many people, coffee is a utility. It's a necessary pick-me-up to get through the long work day. That's how Chase Damiano saw coffee until he met Robbie Peck. For Peck, coffee was something more. It was an art. More than just a stimulant, for Peck, every cup of coffee is a blend of carefully selected scents and tastes. When their coffee shop, Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters, has its grand opening Saturday, Oct. 22, Peck and Damiano hope to change how Arlington County sees coffee.
Arlington: Generations of the Bean
Arlington entrepreneurs quit their day jobs to launch coffee shop.
For many people, coffee is a utility. It's a necessary pick-me-up to get through the long work day. That's how Chase Damiano saw coffee until he met Robbie Peck.
Alexandria: School Redistricting Forums Begin
Reading between the lines.
After 17 years of static school lines, Alexandria City Public Schools is making motions to begin the process of redistricting. By the start of the 2018 school year, new school lines that incorporate two new schools and other expansion projects will cause shifts in school populations across the city.
Alexandria: National Award for Police Officer
After tragedy, Evans works to transform his community.
Alexandria Police Officer Bennie Evans was one of 12 police officers from across the country to receive the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Services in Community Policing. Evans, a regular at any event where the community interacts with the city or police, was noted for his voluntary participation in police and local non-profit projects and for his successful de-escalation of numerous calls about violence and attempted suicide.
Alexandria: Who Should Steer Torpedo Factory?
Artists Association proposes new management structure.
Starting in October, the City of Alexandria has taken over management of the Torpedo Factory. But even as the city starts its temporary control, the Torpedo Factory Artists Association (TFAA) has presented some different ideas for how the property should be run in the future.
Alexandria Lawyer Saves Innocent Man from Death Row
“It took a team of people hundreds of hours to save one life. If we hadn’t taken this case, he’d be dead.”
Alfred Dewayne Brown loves the Alexandria Waterfront. He enjoys visiting the shops and restaurants in Old Town and meeting the family of his Alexandrian lawyer, Brian Stolarz. Brown is closer with Stolarz than most clients are with their attorneys. The two are good friends and even have matching tattoos: scales of justice. Brown has the number “154” written above his, because Brown is the 154th inmate on death row to be exonerated. If it weren’t for Stolarz, Brown would be dead.
Arlington: Clement Challenges Garvey
Garvey faces longshot opposition from Clement.
The odds are not good for Audrey Clement. In November, Clement is the sole opposition to Libby Garvey, the incumbent County Board chair.
Alexandria: Huchler Named Acting Chief
Head of Investigations appointed temporary chief of police.
Deputy Chief David Huchler was named acting chief of police for the City of Alexandria, effective Oct. 2. Huchler succeeds Chief Earl Cook, who is retiring.
Alexandria: John Warner Chooses Clinton
With Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Kaine joining him at Charles Houston Recreation Center on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Republican former U.S. Sen. John Warner, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Secretary of the U.S. Navy, endorsed Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton, citing his experience working with her in the Senate Armed Services Committee.
What to Know about Affordable Housing in Alexandria
Problems and opportunities.
A second grade teacher in Alexandria public schools makes roughly $22 per hour. A first-rank police officer in the city earns $23 per hour.
Alexandria: Go West
The Campagna Center leadership considers move out of Old Town.
The Campagna Center leadership is investigating the possibility of selling its property at 418 S. Washington St. and relocating to a new location in the West End to better suit its mission. The Alexandria-based non-profit focuses on providing educational and social development programs for the city’s underserved populations.
Alexandria: All Eyes on Braddock
Two major housing redevelopments coming to Braddock neighborhood.
Two of the city’s biggest upcoming affordable housing redevelopment projects are located two blocks apart.
Arlington: Board Adds 68 Units of Affordable Housing
The Arlington County Board solved two problems with one $10 million loan.
Arlington: Fire Station 10 Finds Its Temporary Home
After a summer of study, County Board stands by Wilson site selection.
The Arlington County Board launched into its 2016-2017 year with one of the most contentious issues in the county: the selection of a location for Fire Station 10. While the permanent fire station is under construction as part of the West Rosslyn Area Plan, a temporary fire station will have to be located on a nearby parcel. At the Sept. 24 County Board meeting, the board voted unanimously to place the temporary Fire Station 10 on the recreation field for a nearby school.
Alexandria: The Battle Without End
20 feet of space and 127 years of controversy.
One hundred and twenty-seven years ago, the Rev. G.H. Norton thought the Appomattox Confederate statue would help close the wounds of the Civil War.
Alexandria: Paving the Way for Stormwater Fee
New fee for residential and commercial properties to be based on permeability.
It might be time to plant some more trees and green up the home. A new stormwater service fee proposed by city staff could be directly tied to the permeability of residential and commercial properties. The fee is the proposed solution to an unfunded mandate by the state requiring one quarter of the city retrofitted for stormwater treatment by 2028.
Alexandria: Last Stop
Sandy Modell retires from DASH.
Thirty-two years after she started driving buses part time in Harrisonburg in college, Sandy Modell is retiring from her position as CEO and general manager of DASH, the Alexandria transit company. For 28 years, Modell led DASH through massive expansions. Since Modell started, the company has grown from one million passengers on 17 buses to four million passengers across 85 buses.
Basics of Arlington Affordable Housing
A look Arlington County’s efforts to preserve its affordable housing.
Since 2000, Arlington County has lost more market-rate affordable housing than it currently has.
Alexandria: Last Minute Donation Saves Dog
Arrielle is one lucky puppy.
By all accounts, Arielle should be dead. The black-haired, big-eared German Shepherd suffered from dens aplasia, a condition in which the first vertebrae of the neck does not form properly and the instability creates damage along the spinal cord.
Alexandria Snapshot: Grand Opening
Mayor Allison Silberberg joints the Sifakis family for the grand opening of The Italian Place at 621 Wythe St. The market, owned by Adrianna Penachio Sifakis, opened in North Old Town on Sept. 8. The Italian Place is a gourmet Italian market serving sub sandwiches, pastas, Italian wines, gift baskets and other Italian themed foods and gifts.
Alexandria: 37 Years Later, Chief Cook Retires
Chief of Police Cook reflects on his service to his city.
For as long as he can remember, Chief of Police Earl Cook wanted to be a police officer. At the end of September, Cook will retire and go back to being a civilian for the first time in 37 years.
Council Notebook
While the City Council officially received the report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Confederate Street names at the Sept. 13 City Council meeting, the unanimous decision of the council was to save discussion for Saturday, Sept. 17 public hearing.
Alexandria Police Body Camera Timeline Slips
More police officers is budget priority.
Police in Arlington started wearing body cameras on Aug. 29, and in June the Fairfax County Board voted to approve an 18-month research period for concerns about privacy with regards to body cameras. In D.C. police have been using body cameras for a year. But while Alexandria’s neighbors move forward with body camera usage and related policies, the city has pushed the body camera pilot program back until the fiscal year 2018-19.
Arlington: Responding to Hepatitis A Outbreak
Exposures have ended, but symptoms may still manifest.
Anyone who dined at a Tropical Smoothie Cafe around Aug. 9 may still be at risk for Hepatitis A. According to the Virginia Department of Health, a Hepatitis A outbreak has been traced to imported strawberries served at Tropical Smoothie Cafes. As of Sept. 2, there have been 37 cases in Northern Virginia, but experts say that number could still rise.
La Bienvenida a Alexandria
McAuliffe visits Alexandria’s International Academy on first day of school.
The students arrived at T.C. Williams High School by school bus or by car. Gov.r Terry McAuliffe arrived via helicopter parked on the lawn.
Alexandria: Police Investigate Rape over Labor Day Weekend
According to Alexandria Police, a 24-year-old woman said she was raped by a man with a gun at the pool she worked at in the 200 block of South Pickett Street. The incident happened on Sept. 3 and was reported to police around 2 p.m. The woman is a lifeguard at the pool. No other people were present during the incident.
Alexandria: New Chapter for Port City Brewing Company
The mayor, the governor, and the CEO of a brewing company walk into a bar …
Port City Brewing Company, an Alexandria-based brewery, is making a major step to increase its manufacturing capacity with the help of state and city funds.
Alexandria: Responding to Hepatitis Outbreak
Exposures have ended, but symptoms may still manifest.
Anyone who dined at Tropical Smoothie Cafe around Aug. 9 may still be at risk for Hepatitis A. According to the Virginia Department of Health, a Hepatitis A outbreak has been traced to imported strawberries served at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. As of Sept. 2, there have been 37 cases in Northern Virginia, but experts say that number could still rise.
Alexandria: Arrest Amplifies Questions about City’s Noise Ordinances
Old Town opera singer arrested.
Busking is the act of performing in public, typically singing or playing music, in exchange for a gratuity. Anyone visiting Old Town Alexandria late at night has likely seen buskers along King Street, whether they’re playing folk songs on guitar or hymnals on a glass harp. While buskers are a staple of Old Town for many, Alexandria has a history of struggling with their presence in the developing city.