coronavirus | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published June 11, 2021 at 5:00AM

Playing at Four Mile Run Park in Arlandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

ACPS wants input on how to spend COVID relief funds — “Feedback on use of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief can be provided through June 18, while the Equity for All Climate Survey is open through June 20.” [Patch]

Memorial bike ride Sunday at for bicyclist killed — “Join FABB’s memorial ride in honor of Fatima Del Carmen Alvarez Romero this Sunday, June 13, at 10:00 am at Huntington Metro kiss and ride lot. Ride to crash site for a moment of remembrance and to call for much-needed safety measures. Please wear white and bring signs.” [Twitter]

News

Here’s how Alexandria is planning on spending its American Rescue Plan Act funding

By James Cullum

Published June 10, 2021 at 2:40PM | Updated June 10, 2021 at 3:08PM

Alexandria is planning on spending a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funding on supporting a childcare wellness program, commercial business districts around the city, flooding mitigation and hiring bilingual city staffers to help residents facing eviction.

Those are just four of nine prioritized recommendations that the Alexandria City Council received Wednesday night on how to spend its first tranche of funding. After getting more than 1,300 recommendations from the community, spending has been categorized into tiers, with projects scored by staff. The Tier 1 and 2 projects would be handled with the first allocation, followed by the Tiers 3 and 4 with the second.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 10, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated June 10, 2021 at 4:43PM

Playing soccer at Four Mile Run Park in Arlandria. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne to receive Lifetime Valor Award — “In recognition of his retirement, we are pleased to honor Sheriff Dana Lawhorne with a Lifetime Valor Award at this year’s Valor Awards. Join us virtually, on June 22nd, to honor Sheriff Lawhorne’s 43 years of law enforcement service to Alexandria.” [Chamber ALX]

West End Business Association hosting 1 p.m. conversation with Mayor — “Take this opportunity to ask questions and connect with Mayor Justin Wilson about how he would continue to serve the city of Alexandria.” [WEBA]

News

Beatley Central Library reopens for Friday service — sort of

By Vernon Miles

Published June 9, 2021 at 9:30AM

After a series of partial reopenings and reclosings, the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street) is scheduled to mostly reopen on Fridays, but with some coronavirus restrictions still in place.

The library will be open to the public starting this Friday, June 11, and will offer in-person services from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., though some things like reference services and passport services will be limited due to staffing shortages.

News

Alexandria struggles to close last 30 percent to vaccination goal

By Vernon Miles

Published June 7, 2021 at 3:30PM

Alexandria has nearly hit 50% of its total population being fully vaccinated, but Mayor Justin Wilson said in a monthly town hall meeting that closing the gap to the city’s goal of 80% could be more of a challenge.

While much of the current percentage of vaccinated residents sought out the vaccine and signed up on waitlists, Wilson said many in the remaining half of the city could take convincing.

News

Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown isn’t just retiring, he’s leaving the city altogether

By James Cullum

Published June 7, 2021 at 2:15PM | Updated June 7, 2021 at 5:41PM

Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown says that he’s on the level about his surprise retirement announcement, and that he and his wife will soon pulling up stakes for the West Coast in the near future to take care of urgent family business.

“This was a personal decision that my wife and I came to manifest in me having to retire,” Brown told ALXnow.

News

ALXnow’s top stories of the week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published June 4, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated June 7, 2021 at 12:09PM

President Biden delivering remarks at Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria (via White House/Twitter)

What a week in Alexandria. Here’s the rundown.

Our top story was on President Joe Biden stopping by the Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria last Friday with First Lady Jill Biden and Governor Ralph Northam.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 3, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria reducing COVID-19 news release updates to twice a week — “With nearly 54% of Alexandrians ages 12 and up partially vaccinated and considerable progress in the past five months toward the state’s goal of 70% and Alexandria’s target of 80% of the eligible population fully vaccinated, the frequency of this COVID-19 news release will reduce to twice per week. Going forward, this news release will be published on Tuesdays and Fridays, unless there is a major announcement to share. Daily COVID-19 case, death and vaccination data will continue to be available at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. The seven-day moving average of cases in Alexandria is now at its lowest point since the start of the pandemic.” [City of Alexandria]

King Street-Old Town Metro station bus loop to open — “On June 6, DASH and Metrobus will move to the new bays in the Metro station’s bus loop off Diagonal Road. Bus bays and the station entrance kiosk will feature new digital screens with real-time bus arrival information. New crosswalks and redesigned station lighting have also been added to boost pedestrian visibility.” [Patch]

News

Alexandria Jail slowly lifting COVID restrictions, in-person attorney visitation for inmates resumes

By James Cullum

Published June 2, 2021 at 10:45AM

The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center (via City of Alexandria)

The Alexandria Jail is slowly easing COVID-19 restrictions, and the Sheriff’s Office says it is looking at resuming in-person visitation between family members and inmates.

The jail population is hovering at around 250-270 inmates, said Captain Sean Casey. That’s an ideal figure, he said, since capacity is 338 and the extra space has been needed for distancing.

News

Hank & Mitzi’s Italian Kitchen closes for the foreseeable future in Old Town North

By James Cullum

Published June 1, 2021 at 4:05PM

After less than a year in business, Hank & Mitzi’s Italian Kitchen has closed at 600 Montgomery Street in Old Town North, the owner announced on its website and social media on Tuesday.

“Opening a restaurant in the middle of a global pandemic was not without challenges and even with dedicated staff and loyal customers we find ourselves needing to pause, regroup, and determine the best way to move forward in this space,” the business said. “Effective immediately, we are closing Hank & Mitzi’s for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your understanding: it’s been a true pleasure serving you and the North Old Town community.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 1, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated June 1, 2021 at 5:15PM

Playing at the sprayground at Potomac Yard Park (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria announces modified out of school time school year recreation program — “The City of Alexandria will offer a modified Out of School Time Program (OSTP) for elementary school aged children enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade for the 2021-22 school year. The after-school recreation program is scheduled for August 23, 2021 through June 10, 2022, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at the Charles Barrett; Charles Houston; Mount Vernon; Leonard “Chick” Armstrong; Nannie J. Lee; Patrick Henry; and William Ramsay recreation centers, and at the Ferdinand T. Day; John Adams; and Douglas MacArthur elementary schools.” [City of Alexandria]

Council candidate Patrick Moran testifies for bringing back School Resource Officer funding — “Moran calls for the full implementation of body cameras for Alexandria Police Department (APD) officers and for corrective action to protect Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) students’ safety in 2021-22 School Year.” [YouTube]