Passing the Equal Rights Amendment, decriminalizing marijuana and giving localities the power to move Confederate monuments — those are just a few of the pieces of legislation that local Democrats will unveil over the next two months in the Virginia General Assembly.
As Democrats prepare to arrive in Richmond with complete control of all branches of Virginia’s government, there are a slew of bills that will result in serious changes to the way the Commonwealth does business.
A new series of buildings, including a towering automated parking garage, could be replacing a parking lot just off King Street in Old Town.
The groundwork for the project was laid months ago when the city agreed to sell the lot at 116 S. Henry Street, in addition to another parking lot along King Street.
A new Japanese sushi bar and grill is coming to 909 N. Saint Asaph Street in North Old Town, but it’s still several months away.
The restaurant will be the first location for Chef Hyun Su Kim, as first reported by Alexandria Living Magazine, though Kim has worked in sushi restaurants throughout the region for 14 years.
Alexandria’s congressman, Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th), along with members of Northern Virginia’s Congressional delegation, are crying foul over the Jan. 3 assassination of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani by a drone strike.
Beyer said that the strike is a “dangerous provocation,” while his regional counterparts Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th) and Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-10th) have joined the rising chorus of congressional Democrats decrying the action.
The superintendent’s leadership reorganization, the fiscal year 2021 combined funds budget — as well as the reelection of the Alexandria School Board Chair and Vice Chair — are just a few of the items on the docket for Thursday, Jan. 9.
The ACPS budget process began in September and will conclude in May in coordination with the passage of the City budget. Additionally, the 2021-2030 Capital Improvement Budget was approved in November, and the Combined Funds budget priorities include:
Local Donut Shop Donating to Charity — “Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee of Alexandria, 804 N. Henry Street, is celebrating five years of yummy donuts, smiles and positive community engagement in January by donating five cents for every donut sold to ACT for Alexandria, the community foundation.” [Zebra]
History Museum Hosting Documentary Screening — “On Sunday, January 12, 2020, the Alexandria Black History Museum will premiere a free screening at 3 p.m. of the new documentary exploring Alexandria segregation. A very special collection of dollhouses depict Alexandria segregation in ‘Our Alexandria’ the new documentary by Emmy award-winning local filmmaker, Robin Hamilton.” [Zebra]
Starting a new business can be tricky, and the Alexandria City Council is working to make it easier for a number of establishments to open faster.
This spring, the Planning Commission and City Council will vote on a package of regulatory changes that will speed up the approval processes for a number of new businesses.
Cali is currently the “Cat-Ministrator” at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, but she’s ready to settle down and find a permanent home to spend her twilight years.
She is currently in foster care, but AWLA spokeswoman Gina Hardter said the sassy elder cat is ready to find a family to call home.
The confusion over what constitutes Alexandria continues as news outlets continue identifying areas of Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, as Alexandria.
The Washington Post tweeted about a fatal shooting on Dec. 20 that took place on Sausalito Place in the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax. In the tweet, the Washington Post said the person was fatally shot in Alexandria, Virginia, reigniting an old debate over whether or not to refer to the area south of the borders of the City of Alexandria as “Alexandria.”
Hops Closes in Potomac Yard — “Potomac Yard microbrewery Hops Grill and Brewery officially closed its doors for good on Sunday, according to a news release. The brewery’s remaining assets went up for auction to the general public through a partnership with Auction Nation.” [Alexandria Times]
Water Main Break on Duke Street — “There is a water main break that occurred this morning (January 2, 2020) on Duke Street between Quaker Lane and Sweeley Street in the Taylor Run area of Alexandria.” [Port City Wire, Twitter]
It was quite a year in Alexandria. It’s safe to say that 202o will be just as busy, but in the meantime let’s take a look at the top stories from the last year.
1. The Seminary Road Diet
