News | ALXnow - Part 734

Morning Notes

Published June 29, 2021 at 5:00AM

Virginia extends ‘cocktails-to-go’ laws for another year — “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many restaurants were shuttered, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) created a safe and secure way for restaurants to offer cocktails to go with a meal. The General Assembly has now continued this practice in statute for one year.” [Zebra]

Republican mayoral candidate Catchings announces she won’t get education endorsement — “I will not be receiving the endorsement from APACE – Alexandria Political Action Committee for Education. What matters most is that I receive the support from Alexandria parents and citizens for School Choice !!” [Twitter]

Alexandria teaching racial and social equity with 30 day challenge

By James Cullum

Published June 28, 2021 at 3:45PM | Updated June 28, 2021 at 4:22PM

It’s a different world than when Jacqueline Tucker started work in Alexandria.

Tucker started her job as the city’s first-ever racial and social equity officer in February 2020, and in the months that followed the pandemic and social unrest shook the city to its core.

Landmark Mall plan approved as Planning Commission demands better environmental considerations

By Vernon Miles

Published June 28, 2021 at 2:35PM

Landmark Mall rendering (image via City of Alexandria)

The plans to redevelop Landmark Mall are moving forward — but with a corollary added at the Planning Commission last week that requires the developer to step up their green energy policies and caused some tension on the Commission.

Dissatisfaction with the developer’s green energy plans were first expressed by Commissioner Stephen Koenig. He acknowledged that the developers hit the bare minimums required, but suggested the city should wield its power of approval for greater density to push for more.

Visit Alexandria website gets most views ever as businesses slowly climb back

By James Cullum

Published June 28, 2021 at 1:15PM

Alexandria’s tourism bureau just got the most visits ever on its website, but it’s a mixed bag for businesses on the ground.

The Visit Alexandria website got 274,000 visits in May, which is 45% higher than May 2019, CEO Patricia Washington reported in a Zoom meeting last week.

ALIVE! raises $4,000 for local shelters in weekend sidewalk sale

By Vernon Miles

Published June 28, 2021 at 10:45AM

Sidewalk sale, via ALIVE!/Twitter

Alexandria non-profit ALIVE! took over a block of S. Payne Street this weekend for a sale that helped raise $4,000 for the program.

The sidewalk “yard sale” helped benefit residents of ALIVE! House and Friends of Guest House, two programs offering temporary shelter for women and families in need. The event featured sales on items like donated clothing, jewelry and games.

DASH bus driver dies from COVID-19

By Vernon Miles

Published June 28, 2021 at 9:45AM

This weekend, Alexandria bus network DASH suffered its first death from COVID-19.

The bus service is not releasing the victim’s name, but marketing and communications manager Whitney Code said the victim was a bus driver.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 28, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria boxer Troy Isley to compete in Olympics — “Troy Isley, 22, is a middleweight boxer from Alexandria, a T.C. Williams High School alumnus and part of the Alexandria Boxing Club. He secured his spot on the Olympic team on June 7, USA Boxing confirmed.” [Patch]

Alexandria Police helped chase down suspect Friday — “Alert:: APD assisted PG County Police and Fairfax County Police with chasing down a suspect. The chase originated in PG County and came through our city via Fairfax County. No injuries to report. The suspect was taken into custody.” [Twitter]

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published June 25, 2021 at 3:30PM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

What was an intense week in Alexandria. Here is the rundown.

History was made, as the new marquees at Alexandria City High School and Naomi L. Brooks Elementary Schools were unveiled this week, and the name changes to T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School will go into effect July 1. It’s a victory for civil rights, as the namesakes of both old schools had backgrounds steeped in racism. Maury was a Confederate leader and Williams was an ACPS superintendent who worked intently against racial integration.

City talks strategy on making Chirilagua/Arlandria neighborhood Amazon-proof

By Vernon Miles

Published June 25, 2021 at 2:45PM

A mother and child at a food distribution outside Casa Chirilagua in Arlandria on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Casa Chirilagua is one of the recipients of the ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Residents of the Chirilagua/Arlandria neighborhood been besieged over the last year.

As a largely Latino community disproportionately impacted by job loss during the pandemic, local residents have pushed back against rent payments. But even as Alexandria starts to pull out of the pandemic with an eye toward job recovery, the city is working through efforts to build a plan to save Chirilagua — less than a mile from Potomac Yard and Crystal City — from the gentrifying effects of Amazon.

Old Town and Del Ray business rivals battle for supremacy in softball game

By James Cullum

Published June 25, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated June 26, 2021 at 2:18PM

The 7th Annual Del Ray vs. Old Town Softball Battle is on Monday, June 2, at Simpson Field (Via Visit Del Ray/Facebook)

Old Town and Del Ray businesses are back at it again, and the competition for supremacy will be on full display at next Wednesday night’s Old Town-Del Ray Softball Battle.

Mayor Justin Wilson will throw out the first pitch at 6:30 p.m., as the two teams from Del Ray and Old Town businesses will play for bragging rights and the John Porter Cup, a trophy that was metal crafted by Torpedo Factory artist Chris Erney. It is unclear whether Porter, the former principal of T.C. Williams High School, will make an appearance at the event.

After more delays, Halal slaughterhouse owner now says he will open in July

By James Cullum

Published June 25, 2021 at 10:45AM

After numerous delays, the owner of a controversial Halal slaughterhouse says that he will finally open by July.

Abdul Mused, the owner of Saba Live Poultry at 3225 Colvin Street, says that he’s been held up waiting for equipment to be delivered to the new slaughterhouse.