An unnamed alleyway through a Braddock neighborhood could soon be named after recently-retired Alexandria Judge Nolan Dawkins, the first Black judge in the city’s history.
The alley runs between the 400 blocks of N. West and N. Peyton streets, where Dawkins grew up. Kimberly Dawkins, Judge Nolan Dawkins’ daughter, said the renaming was originally intended to be a surprise (sorry) celebration for the retired judge.
Tropical Storm Isaias Passes by Alexandria — “Our residents and businesses took this storm seriously and prepared. While we got about 4 inches of rain, it came with much less intensity and we appear to have dodged the worst impacts. Thanks to our dedicated staff for working around the clock to keep people & property safe!” [Twitter]
Beyer Criticizes Trump Over Statement on John Lewis — “Trump thinks that everything, including the life and death of Civil Rights hero John Lewis, is about him. Pure narcissism.” [Twitter]
Alexandria Police Chief Michael L. Brown has been heavily criticized over the public firing of an APD officer for unjustified use of force, resulting in a low approval rating in a recently released internal survey of officers obtained by ALXnow.
The survey, conducted by the Alexandria chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, was completed by 60 officers throughout the department — among a police force of 320 sworn officers and 138 civilian employees.
Old Town historical site Gadsby’s Tavern (134 N. Royal Street) is the latest local institution scheduled to reopen, with tours starting again this Friday.
According to the city website, the museum will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.
Activist Paul Alan Friedman has talked with the contractor, who told him that the tree will be taken down in August.
“The concession stand project is budgeted at $5 million, as I understand it,” Friedman said. “If you can afford to spend five million on a project like this, you can afford to save the tree. We don’t blame the contractor, but this is about putting pressure on the school board to change their approach. It’s the fault of the people making the policy.”
The Alexandria Police Department is asking the public to help locate Ibrahm Elkahlil Bouaichi, who is wanted for the July 29 murder of Karla Elizabeth Dominguez Gonzalez.
According to police, Bouaichi is described as 33-year-old man of Middle Eastern descent, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds. Police said Bouaichi should be considered armed and dangerous and poses a potential threat to anyone who comes into contact with him.
An Alexandria man was arrested earlier this year after allegedly attempting to steal more than $40,000 worth of construction equipment from a construction company in the 3600 block of Wheeler Avenue.
The president of the company gave police three recordings in February from one of his former employees, Jose Melendez, who allegedly pretended to be an employee of his company by ordering 1o Rigid brand power tools from the supply company, which are valued at $3,300 apiece.
As Alexandria hunkers down for potentially heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Isaias, some local services have been suspended.
The northern entrance to the King Street Metro station will be closed.
(Updated 8/7) Upcoming Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend Canceled — “The coronavirus has canceled one of Alexandria’s most beloved traditions this winter.” [Alexandria Living]
Beyer Blames Trump for Coronavirus Response Failures — “The White House is simultaneously blaming state governments for Trump’s failed pandemic response and blocking federal assistance to support state and local governments.” [Twitter]
The weather is expected to make a dramatic turn over the next few hours.
After some early preparation last night by the Alexandria Fire Department and other city agencies, yesterday’s Flood Watch has been upgraded by the National Weather Service to a Flood Warning for Alexandria and surrounding localities.
(Update 7:30 p.m.) A Flash Flood Watch in effect in Alexandria from 11 p.m. tonight until 11 p.m. Tuesday night.
“Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force,” warned NWS. “Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage.”
