News | ALXnow - Part 964

Citation of Seminary Road Protest Sign Being Appealed Next Week

Published June 1, 2020 at 3:30PM | Updated June 1, 2020 at 4:56PM

(Updated 4:55 p.m.) With coronavirus, national outrage over police violence against black Americans, and a host of other issues taking center stage in 2020, the debate over Seminary Road that dominated discussions last year got pushed to the back burner, but the issue is making a small comeback at a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting next week.

A sign saying “Take Back Seminary Road #JustinsTrafficJam” was prominently displayed at 1420 Key Drive but has been cited by the city as being in violation of zoning ordinances. An appeal of that citation is scheduled for review at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Monday, June 8.

Vigil for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor in Old Town on Thursday

By James Cullum

Published June 1, 2020 at 2:00PM

As protests continue nationwide for victims of racial violence, Alexandria community organizers are planning to conduct a peaceful vigil in honor of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor on Thursday.

The vigil is scheduled to be held at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) from 7-8:30 p.m.

Police Chief: ‘It is time now for us to witness the justice that Mr. Floyd and his family deserve’

By Vernon Miles

Published June 1, 2020 at 11:35AM | Updated June 1, 2020 at 3:56PM

Alexandria Police Chief Mike Brown outside a food distribution event at Casa Chirilagua on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

This morning (Monday), Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown shared an open letter to the community sharing his outrage at the death of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed his knee down on the man’s neck for eight minutes.

The letter is posted below without edits:

Another COVID-19 Death in Alexandria as Cases Trickle Toward 2,000

By James Cullum

Published June 1, 2020 at 10:20AM | Updated June 2, 2020 at 10:00AM

An Alexandria woman in her 80s has died from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 45.

The number of cases continues to trickle upward, as there are now 1,981 cases, which is an increase of only seven cases since yesterday, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 1, 2020 at 9:00AM

Enjoying the weather and outside seating on lower King Street in Old Town. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Sheriff Makes Statement on Death of George Floyd — “This event is a tragic reminder that we, as a law enforcement officers, must do more to hold each other to the high standard of conduct that is expected and demanded by those we serve. We cannot stand by and remain silent when unacceptable conduct by our peers occurs, no matter how minor or major it is. We must be better for ourselves and our community as lives depend on it.” [City of Alexandria]

Beyer Says Trump Unfit for Office — “The President is inciting violence against the journalists who are showing everyone what is happening at significant personal risk, and against Americans broadly. Trump is unfit for office, and his divisive words make this situation more dangerous.” [Twitter]

Alexandria Now Has 1,974 Cases of COVID-19, No New Deaths

By James Cullum

Published May 31, 2020 at 1:50PM | Updated May 31, 2020 at 2:26PM

Pedestrians along lower King Street in Old Town, May 30, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria now has 1,974 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 14 cases since yesterday, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

No new coronavirus-related deaths have been reported and the number of fatalities remains at 44.

Alexandria Now Has 1,960 Cases of COVID-19, City Seeks Feedback on Coronavirus Response

By James Cullum

Published May 30, 2020 at 4:45PM | Updated May 31, 2020 at 1:48PM

Alexandria now has 1,960 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 19 cases since yesterday, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

There are no new coronavirus-related fatalities in Alexandria, and the death toll remains at 44. The most recent fatalities are two Alexandria women, one in her 80s and the other in her 60s.

Mayor Wilson: Alexandria Can Honor George Floyd By Fixing Its Inequities

By ALXnow.com

Published May 29, 2020 at 5:15PM

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson outside COra Kelly School on May 25, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

As the country grapples with the death of George Floyd at the hands of four since-fired Minneapolis police officers, and the fiery protests that have followed, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson has released a letter to the community.

Wilson said that a “culture of white supremacy” is present in Alexandria, and that the current coronavirus pandemic has exposed how residents of color have high infection rates.

When Will Alexandria Libraries Reopen?

By Vernon Miles

Published May 29, 2020 at 4:30PM

Alexandria’s library system is currently in the process of preparing for the first phase of reopening, but for many Alexandrians it could still be a while before you’re able to go and check out books.

In the video town hall last night (Thursday) where he also addressed the city’s coronavirus testing, Mayor Justin Wilson also offered a glimpse at what’s ahead for the city’s libraries.

Superintendent: ACPS Struggling to Reach Students Through Online Learning

By Vernon Miles

Published May 29, 2020 at 3:35PM

Many teachers in Alexandria public schools are finding that students have not been as engaged in the learning from home process as many would have hoped, according to Superintendent Gregory Hutchings.

In an ACPS survey of families, students and staff, over half of the teachers said that they were having difficulty getting their students to participate in online learning. The results come as the school system recently unveiled its summer learning program.

Mayor: Alexandria Leads Northern Virginia Region in Per Capita Testing

By Vernon Miles

Published May 29, 2020 at 2:15PM

After a new surge of 3,000 tests performed earlier this week, Alexandria now leads the region in per capita testing, Mayor Justin Wilson said in his weekly virtual town hall on Thursday.

Wilson warned that the results of the increased testing would result in more, after the thousands of tests were administered at Cora Kelly School and Landmark Mall on Monday. Alexandria now has 1,941 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 54 cases since yesterday, according to the Virginia Department of Health.