News | ALXnow - Part 919

Republican Jeff Jordan Running Uphill Battle Against Incumbent Rep. Don Beyer

Published August 13, 2020 at 12:15PM

Jeff Jordan has his work cut out for him. The Republican supports President Donald Trump, and he’s running an uphill battle against Rep. Don Beyer for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District seat, which has remained solidly in Democratic hands for the last 30 years.

Jordan, a 50-year-old retired U.S. Army Major and counterintelligence officer, spends his days as a contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense. He says that his opponent is a socialist, and that a vote for him is a vote for Antifa and BLM.

Potomac Yard Metro Southern Entrance Designs Headed to City Review

By Vernon Miles

Published August 13, 2020 at 10:30AM

The City Council approved the second entrance for the Potomac Yard Metro station back in April, but now the design of the proposed bridge is headed back through the city process for final approval.

The proposal is something of a compromise attempted to alleviate anger from southern residents who remain outraged that original plans for a full second entrance were cut behind closed doors while residents were told it was still planned.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 13, 2020 at 9:00AM

Bookstore Operator Denies Raiding Little Free Libraries for Stock — “A Nextdoor site dedicated to Del Ray in Alexandria has been roiled by allegations that the operator of a nonprofit used bookstore slated to open next week in Alexandria was visiting Little Free Libraries to obtain stock for his shop.” [Washingtonian]

City Extends Public Feedback Deadline on Accessory Dwelling Units — “The public is invited to watch the City’s latest presentation on ADUs and provide feedback through Aug 19 here. There will be a virtual open house on ADUs scheduled before the Planning Commission and City Counsel hearings this fall.” [Alexandria Living]

City Councilman Wants Police Review Board to Have Investigative Authority, Subpoena Power

By James Cullum

Published August 12, 2020 at 5:15PM | Updated August 12, 2020 at 6:47PM

The Alexandria City Council will receive a staff proposal next month on a community police review board, and Councilman Mo Seifeldein says he wants the body to have independent investigative authority and subpoena power in investigating police misconduct.

“Don’t abuse your power is what it comes down to,” Seifeldein said in a virtual meeting on Tuesday night. “The board could receive complaints that deal with abuse of power, serious misconduct… unnecessary force, unreasonable excessive use of force, use of racial, ethnic or sexual language/ remarks or just harassment, generally.”

ACPS Still Working Through Nuts and Bolts of Child Care and Virtual Schooling

By Vernon Miles

Published August 12, 2020 at 4:45PM

ACPS headquarters and clock (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Most of Alexandria’s students will not be going back to in-person schooling, but many parents likely will be going back to work, which leaves some local parents figuring out how to provide care for their children during the day.

As part of the Virtual PLUS+ program approved by the School Board, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has committed to providing child care for families in need. Following on the way programs were handled this summer, that could entail prioritizing spots to families most in need.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Violent Freakout at Southern Towers

By James Cullum

Published August 12, 2020 at 3:15PM

Southern Towers residents wait for the bus. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

A 36-year-old man is in jail on multiple charges after allegedly abducting and attacking another man with a knife and hatchet and threatening to jump out an 11-story window.

Tysheem Robinson, of Washington, D.C., was arrested on July 31 and charged with abduction by force/intimidation, probation violation, threatening to bomb and burn, destruction of more than $1,000 in property, obstruction of justice/resisting arrest, and assault and battery. He is being held without bond.

Alexandria Surpasses 3,000 Total Coronavirus Cases

By James Cullum

Published August 12, 2020 at 2:05PM | Updated August 12, 2020 at 3:05PM

There are now or have been 3,014 cases of the coronavirus in Alexandria, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

The city surpassed the 3,000 case mark with 38 new cases in the last two days. Fatalities in the city remain at 60, and the most recent death was reported on August 4.

Drive-In Movies Coming to Alexandria on August 29

By James Cullum

Published August 12, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated August 12, 2020 at 11:50AM

Want some entertainment away from home? Local business owners from ALX Community and The Garden are launching the Alexandria Drive-In Theatre, and starting August 29, one of six classic films will run every Saturday through the beginning of October in the parking lot of the Victory Center on Eisenhower Avenue.

The parking lot can hold up to 215 cars per screening, and the movies are:

Alexandria Democrats Praise Kamala Harris VP Nomination

By Vernon Miles

Published August 12, 2020 at 10:45AM

U.S. Senator Kamala Harris was named Joe Biden’s vice presidential candidate on Tuesday, and some in the deeply blue Alexandria are celebrating.

Alexandria Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) said Harris is a powerful and historic choice.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 12, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Introduces Pandemic Response Accountability Legislation — “Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced the Supply Chain Accountability Act, legislation that would require the Administration to explain its strategy for fixing key breakdowns in the pandemic response. Beyer serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has partial jurisdiction over healthcare matters.” [Beyer.house.gov]

Coronavirus Cases at 2,995 in Alexandria — “Positive tests up 19 to 2,995 in the City 7-day Positivity Rate up to 5.7% 3 new hospitalizations Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]

City Redesigning Wilkes Street Park to be More Accessible and Arts-Focused

By Vernon Miles

Published August 11, 2020 at 4:47PM

Alexandria is planning to redesign the small .7 acre Wilkes Street Park that runs through Heritage at Old Town.

As part of a planned redevelopment of Heritage, the city is planning to make the park more accessible and accomodating to all ages and abilities, according to the city website. The park also features a pedestrian and bicycle trail that connects Wilkes Street between S. Alfred Street and S. Columbus Street, a use that the city said would continue under the new design.