News | ALXnow - Part 816

Morning Notes

Published May 14, 2021 at 5:00AM

Deadline today for Alexandria Trauma & Resiliency Summit — “A free community-wide event on May 20 focusing on the pillars of equity and resilience with three workshop tracks. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/121863.” [Twitter]

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival on May 15 and 16 — “After the festival had success despite the pandemic in September 2020, a springtime festival will be held on May 15 and 16, 2021. The festival features thousands of art pieces across various mediums, including sculptures, paintings, jewelry, pottery, textiles and more. The event used to be held along King Street, but it is now held at John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, and it is free and open to the public, but visitors are asked to reserve a time slot.” [Patch]

Racism, sexism and favoritism reported within the Alexandria Fire Department

By James Cullum

Published May 13, 2021 at 4:45PM | Updated May 14, 2021 at 1:30PM

Alexandria Fire Chief Corey Smedley at Inova Alexandria Hospital, April 28, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Tensions are running high within the Alexandria Fire Department, as racism, sexism and favoritism have resulted in “considerable suspicion, distrust, and loss of confidence in organizational processes, and leaders,” according to a 2020 report.

“Perceptions of racism, sexism, and favoritism undercut trust in department processes including assignment, resource distribution, discipline, and promotion,” notes the 2020 Organizational Assessment Report for the Alexandria Fire Department. “Women fight a conservative mindset that has not yet disappeared. Conflict and related conditions fester until they become serious.”

AHDC’s Seminary Road development headed to public review

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2021 at 3:30PM

Hot off the heels of announcing a new affordable housing development for Arlandria, the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation (AHDC) is headed to public outreach for a proposed affordable housing development in the Seminary Hill neighborhood.

The plan is to build 37 units — 31 townhomes and 6 condominiums — at 4547, 4555 and 4575 Seminary Road, next to the existing fire station and across from Hammond Middle School.

Alexandria prepares to move into broader vaccination age range

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2021 at 2:30PM

Vaccination in Alexandria could open up for ages 12 to 15 soon after the Pfizer vaccine recently cleared federal approval.

In a recent update to the City Council, Alexandria Population Health Manager Natalie Talis gave an update on where the city is so far in vaccination efforts and what, including the vaccine age expansion, is ahead.

City investigating chlorine contamination at Lake Cook

By ALXnow.com

Published May 13, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated May 14, 2021 at 11:04AM

After reports of dead fish and birds along the banks of Lake Cook, officials have investigated and found high levels of chlorine contaminating the lake.

According to Raytevia Evans, senior public information for the Alexandria Fire Department, a HAZMAT team on site confirmed high levels of chlorination.

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Published May 13, 2021 at 12:00PM

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Wilson and Silberberg clash over new challenges, old wounds, and The Golden Girls

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2021 at 10:50AM | Updated May 13, 2021 at 11:10AM

Allison Silberberg (left) and Justin Wilson (right) at Del Ray Business Association debate (photo via Visit Del Ray/Facebook)

Both figuratively and literally, last night’s mayoral debate brought brought longtime rivals Justin Wilson and Allison Silberberg back to their old turf.

The Del Ray Business Association debate touched on new issues, like recovery from pandemic, but some of the more telling moments were when host Julie Carey reopened old wounds from 2018 that had never healed. The debate also focused on several issues around Del Ray, where Mayor Wilson began his civic career and where former Mayor Silberberg frequently hosted many of her campaign kick-offs and rallies.

PETS: Sara the snuggler needs a new home in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 13, 2021 at 9:30AM

Sara is recovering from knee surgery in the care of a foster family, and her adoption fee has been taken care of by a donor.

“Though she is technically a senior, you’d never guess by her goofy manner and excited personality,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “There is nothing she loves more than a good, dedicated snuggle session with her favorite humans.”

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 13, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated May 13, 2021 at 9:17AM

Fuel shortage hits Alexandria gas stations — “A Shell station on Duke Street in Alexandria had run out of all grades of gasoline. The Mobil station next door “got lucky,” an employee said, and received a shipment of fuel overnight after running out late Tuesday. The line at Mobil spilled out onto Duke Street just west of Telegraph Road.” [Alexandria Living]

Alexandria’s COVID-19 percent positivity falls to lowest level — “We continue to watch the percent positivity of COVID-19 tests. Alexandria’s 7-day average positivity is now 2.9%. This is our lowest rate ever. Only 3 other Virginia health districts are lower. Wear your mask, get your vaccine and let’s be done with this.” [Twitter]

Alexandria approved for $59.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding

By James Cullum

Published May 12, 2021 at 4:45PM

Alexandria City Hall (staff photo by Kalina Newman)

Alexandria was approved for $59.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding, City Manager Mark Jinks announced to the City Council on Tuesday night.

Jinks said the city’s Congressional delegation was successful in convincing U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to include Alexandria as not only a city, but as a county as well, resulting in the City taking home double what it would have otherwise received.

UPDATE: Woman arrested for firing gun near Alexandria Courthouse in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published May 12, 2021 at 4:25PM | Updated May 13, 2021 at 9:25AM

King Street shut down between St. Asaph and Washington Streets after a woman allegedly fired a gun in the street at another car, May 12, 2021. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated at 9:10 a.m. on May 13) Virginia State Police have arrested a woman after she allegedly fired a gun outside near the Alexandria Courthouse on King Street. One shot was allegedly fired, and no one was injured in the incident.

The area of King Street between Washington Street and St. Asaph Street was shut down for hours in the late afternoon. A VSP special agent was walking out of his vehicle near the courthouse when he heard the shot.