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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Birchmere founder co-writes book about venue — “For local author, musician and professional research expert Steve Moore, joining Birchmere founder Gary Oelze in writing a book about the history of the renowned and legendary Alexandria music venue, due out in June, is a true joy beyond compare.” [Zebra]

Today’s weather — “Cloudy with light rain developing later in the day. High 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%… Rain early (in the evening)…then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low 54F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.” [Weather.com]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum
The Groundswell art installation at Waterfront Park in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Mayor gets vaccinated — “On Christmas Eve our Health Dept vaccinated 251 healthcare workers. Since that time, 51K+ Alexandrians have received at least a dose. Today, my name was called. I’m excited to receive the J&J vaccine. Thanks to our staff and volunteers!” [Twitter]

Council considers changes to taxi regulations — “Since the arrival of taxi network companies, TNCs, like Uber and Lyft in 2015, the taxi industry has been struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing market. The COVID-19 pandemic did not help the situation for an already challenged industry, and the city’s proposed code amendment aims to provide support for local taxi companies by easing specific regulations.” [Alex Times]

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City says Taylor Run alternatives could cost far more than current estimates

By Vernon Miles
Taylor Run (photo via City of Alexandria)

City staff have launched a defense of the embattled Taylor Run Stream Restoration Project — criticized by some environmental activists and the city’s Natural Resources Manager Rod Simmons

As part of the budget query process, Vice-Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker asked staff to look into other options as alternatives to the project. Despite reluctance towards the Taylor Run restoration project starting to take hold in the City Council, staff said in a response to Bennett-Parker they believe the current course to be the most effective one.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Alexandria woman wins $1 million in lottery — “Clarice Chandler told lottery officials “it was just by chance” she bought a ticket at Royal Farms at 5301 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg. She claimed her prize three months later, becoming one of four $1 million winners in the New Year’s Day drawing.” [Patch]

Florence King joining City Council race as independent — “An Alexandria resident and business owner for thirty years, Florence M. King filed the organizational paperwork as an Independent candidate to get on the ballot, and is running for one of the six open seats on Alexandria’s City Council.” [Zebra]

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NEW: Alexandria mayor wants schools to fully open, ACPS says it won’t happen this year

By James Cullum

Mayor Justin Wilson says that money is no object and that he wants the Alexandria City Public Schools system to fully reopen to in-person instruction as soon as possible.

However, ACPS Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. says that in-person instruction won’t be expanded past two days a week at least for the remainder of this school year.

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News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum
Walking along the Potomac River at Founders Park in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Coronavirus vaccine eligibility expanded — Every Virginian 16 and older will be eligible for the #COVID19 vaccine by April 18–but several health districts have already expanded vaccinations to all adults or will be doing so in the coming days.” [Twitter]

Alexandria expanding vaccine phase 1C — “AHD follows the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) guidance that considers a frontline essential workers’ vaccine eligibility based upon their workplace location. This means that there are Alexandria residents working in essential frontline roles outside of the city limits of Alexandria who have yet to be vaccinated as a result of their employer jurisdiction’s supply availability. Therefore, before moving to Phase 2, AHD will offer vaccine appointments to all Alexandria residents who work in Phase 1 industries, regardless of their workplace location. If you are an essential frontline worker in Phase 1a, 1b, or 1c living in Alexandria and have not yet received a vaccine appointment, pre-register online or update your pre-registration record to ensure that the job category in your profile is correct.” [City of Alexandria]

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Wilson wins Alexandria Democratic Committee straw poll, Gaskins takes top spot over incumbents

By James Cullum
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson speaks at a vigil against police brutality at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Old Town on June 4, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, three incumbent members of City Council and three newcomers won the seventh annual Alexandria Democratic Committee Straw Poll on Monday night.

The unofficial and unscientific contest is held before every Council primary and is one of the first indicators of how voters are leaning. The 2021 Democratic primary for the six-seat Council is packed with 13 candidates and two mayoral candidates.

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Bill Campbell pushes for equity on City Council, addresses coaching controversy

By Vernon Miles

Bill Campbell knows he probably isn’t going to be your first choice in the June 8 democratic primary for the Alexandria City Council.

It’s a crowded race for the slate of candidates, which in the heavily blue Alexandria is almost heavily favored in the November general election.

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City Council to consider temporary waterfront memorial to honor COVID-19 victims

By James Cullum
View of the U.S. Capitol from Rivergate City Park along the Potomac River in Alexandria. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City Council on Tuesday will honor residents lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, 128 city residents have died from the virus. Council will also vote on a memorial at Rivergate City Park along the Potomac River in Old Town North. The memorial will be sponsored by the North Old Town Independent Citizens’ Association, the Old Town North Community Partnership and private donors.

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