News | ALXnow - Part 601

New Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes wants cops in schools, says assault by mob incidents on rise

Published June 7, 2022 at 3:45PM | Updated June 9, 2022 at 10:41AM

Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes in his office. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes thinks police need to stay in Alexandria City Public Schools — at least for now.

Hayes spoke with ALXnow in his office before the fatal stabbing of Alexandria City High School senior Luis Mejia Hernandez, and also before APD announced last week that due to short-staffing that it is reducing its services to the community. Officers will no longer respond to calls for service that fall under another agency’s responsibility or respond to old crime scenes that show no danger to the public.

Alexandria needs volunteers for Torpedo Factory task force

By Vernon Miles

Published June 7, 2022 at 2:30PM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Changes coming to the Torpedo Factory Art Center have been among the more contentious discussions in Alexandria over the last few years, but the City of Alexandria is looking for two locals to serve on a board to help direct the art center’s future.

The city is looking for two at-large members for the Torpedo Factory Art Center Stakeholder Task Force.

Bella Napoli’s lobster ravioli wins Taste of Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published June 7, 2022 at 1:00PM

Bella Napoli's homemade lobster ravioli won the 2022 Taste of Del Ray. (Via Bella Napoli/Facebook)

The results are in, and Bella Napoli‘s lobster ravioli has taken the top prize in this year’s Taste Of Del Ray on the Avenue.

Starting last Friday (June 1) and running through the weekend, 14 Del Ray restaurants competed for the 13th annual honor by offering three new $5 specials.

New French restaurant planned in Del Ray

By Vernon Miles

Published June 7, 2022 at 10:45AM

2213 Mount Vernon Avenue (image via Google Maps)

New French restaurant Gostov Boulangerie & Brasserie could be moving into Del Ray.

A new special use permit has been filed for 2213 Mount Vernon Avenue, Patch first reported.

Mayor: Fire department resources to shift further west in coming years

By Vernon Miles

Published June 7, 2022 at 9:50AM | Updated June 7, 2022 at 12:10PM

Fire Department recruits training on Feb. 14, 2020 (Staff photo by James Cullum)

As Alexandria’s population centers continue shifting westward, city leadership is looking at shifting more fire department resources toward the West End.

In his monthly newsletter, Mayor Justin Wilson outlined some of what’s ahead for the Alexandria Fire Department over the next few years.

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published June 7, 2022 at 5:00AM

Local kids invited to leadership camp — “The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) and the Alexandria Youth Impact Program (YIP) are joining forces to offer a two-week leadership camp for students at no cost to families.” [Youth Impact Program]

It’s Tuesday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 76 and low of 64. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:33 pm. [Weather.gov]

Douglas Development outlines plans for new King Street office overhaul

By Vernon Miles

Published June 6, 2022 at 3:45PM

Redesigned 515 King Street (image via GTM Architects/City of Alexandria)

After few months after purchasing 515 King Street — the big brutalist building in Old Town with a big clock on the side — Douglas Development is pitching a building overhaul to the city’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR).

The purchase of 515 King Street is just one of many recent acquisitions along King Street by Douglas Development.

Man charged with brother’s murder in West End shooting

By Vernon Miles

Published June 6, 2022 at 2:50PM

Enoc Cruz Villafuerte, charged with the murder of his brother Jonathan Cruz Villafuerte (photo via Alexandria Sheriff's Office)

The Alexandria Police Department have charged Enoc Cruz Villafuerte, 22, for the murder of his brother Jonathan Cruz Villafuerte, 24, early this morning (Monday).

Enoc was arrested at the scene early this morning where Jonathan was found dead.

Amid Covid surge, Alexandria will allow emergency declaration to expire on June 30

By James Cullum

Published June 6, 2022 at 1:00PM

Alexandria City Hall lit up (staff photo by James Cullum)

As COVID numbers continue to rise, the Alexandria City Council will allow the city’s state of emergency to expire on June 30.

The declaration was made by Council in March 2020, and has been extended five times.

Photos: Nearly 800 students graduate from Alexandria City High School

By James Cullum

Published June 6, 2022 at 10:45AM | Updated June 6, 2022 at 2:54PM

Guillermo Romero, the uncle of Luis Mejia Hernandez, who was killed on May 24, receives his diploma at the Alexandria City High School graduation at George Mason University's EagleBank Arena, June 4, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Updated at 3 p.m. There was sadness, relief, and also great happiness at Alexandria City High School’s graduation on Saturday (June 4)

Nearly 800 ACHS seniors walked the stage to receive their diplomas for the first in-person, indoor graduation in three years. The event was held at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena.

One suspect in custody after fatal West End shooting

By Vernon Miles

Published June 6, 2022 at 9:30AM

1400 N Beauregard Street (image via Google Maps)

Alexandria police say they have a male in custody after a fatal shooting in the West End early this morning.

Bassett said the call for shots fired came in at 1:56 a.m. at 1400 N. Beauregard Street, part of the Brookdale at Mark Center neighborhood in the West End.