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Morning Notes

Published August 6, 2020 at 9:00AM

Virginia Launches Coronavirus Tracing App — “Virginia is the first state in the nation to launch such an app. It is based on Bluetooth Low Energy technology jointly developed by Apple and Google (Android). Users can download the app from their mobile phone’s app store now. The more people who download and use the app, the more effective it will be in helping reduce the possibility for COVID-19 transmission.” [Alexandria Living]

Beyer Scolds RNC for Trump Candidacy Announcement — Would be an illegal use of taxpayer funds and government property, and one of the most corrupt acts of the Trump era to date. A statement of what their party stands for now?” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 2, 2020 at 9:00AM

Del Ray First Thursday Porch Party Today — “The Del Ray Business Association presents First Thursday Porch Party: Red, White, and Blue from 6 p.m. to dusk on Thursday, July 2. In the spirit of Del Ray’s summer street festivals, the event features a wide range of activities that promote community while maintaining social distancing standards.” [Facebook]

Major Residential Development Breaks Ground — “About 300 residences and a large parking garage are replacing an old office building in Alexandria’s West End.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 25, 2020 at 9:00AM

Gade Wins Primary, Faces Warner in November Election — “Gade handily defeated Thomas A. Speciale II and Alissa A. Baldwin in Tuesday’s Republican primary with about two-thirds of the votes cast statewide. In the City of Alexandria, Gade received about 63 percent of approximately 2,100 votes cast.” [Alexandria Living]

The Birchmere Reopening in July — “The Birchmere on Mount Vernon Avenue announced that the Billy Price Charm City Rhythm Band will perform July 10… During the public health emergency, there will be a $25 food and beverage minimum and a $5 fee the venue is calling a ‘Covid fee.'” [WTOP]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 17, 2020 at 9:00AM

Waterfront Park along the Potomac River in Alexandria, with National Harbor and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the background. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Beyer Criticizes Pence Over Second Wave Comments — “Over 116,000 Americans have died. Over 2,000,000 have gotten sick. The person appointed by the President to lead the response (you) flout basic safety precautions recommended by the CDC to prevent spread of the virus as more people get sick.” [Twitter]

Alexandria DMV Opening June 22 by Appointment Only — “The validity of driver’s licenses and identification cards expiring on or before July 31, 2020, is extended for 90 days, not to exceed August 31, 2020. This means that a customer whose credential expired between March 15 and May 31 will have 90 days beyond the expiration date to renew, and credentials with an expiration date from June 1 to July 31 must be renewed no later than August 31, 2020. Vehicle registrations that expire in March, April, and May are extended for 90 days; those expiring in June are extended for 60 days; and those expiring in July are extended for 30 days. In addition, the federal enforcement date for REAL IDs was moved to October 1, 2021.” [DMV]

News

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]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 18, 2020 at 9:00AM

Group to Sue City for Pollution Near Recycling Center — “After a 7 On Your Side Investigation aired about the amount of Styrofoam piling up along the banks of the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia, organizers with Advocates for Clean & Clear Waterways, a new non-profit, has informed the City it plans on suing.” [WJLA]

DASH Bus Requiring All Riders to Wear Face Masks — “Based on guidance from the Alexandria Health Department, the Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) will require all passengers to wear face coverings while using DASH buses beginning Monday, May 18, 2020. The measure will help protect DASH employees and passengers from contracting the COVID-19 virus and is consistent with the actions of the agency’s regional transit partners, including WMATA, Frederick Transit, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Transit. This precaution will remain in effect until further notice.” [DASH]

News

Historic Streetcar Tracks Found During Water Main Repair in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published May 15, 2020 at 11:30AM

The Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services was repairing a water main break on King Street yesterday when a historical discovery was made.

A work crew uncovered streetcar rail lines from the city’s electric streetcar, which ended in 1932.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 12, 2020 at 9:00AM

Northam Says Northern Virginia Will Ease Restrictions More Slowly — “Northam said that more information about ‘how this will work’ for Northern Virginia localities will be released on Wednesday.” [Reston Now]

Metro Phased Reopening Plan Includes Face Mask Requirement for Riders — “In the first phase, trains will run every 20 minutes and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Service will ramp up slowly from there. All riders will need to wear masks to board a bus or train in the WMATA system. (Right now, that’s just a recommendation and request, according to Metro’s website.)” [Alexandria Living]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 6, 2020 at 9:00AM

‘Le Refuge’ Restaurant Founder Passes Away — “Jean-Francois Chaufour was born in born in Tavers, France June 7, 1952. He and his wife, Francoise, both hailed from the Loive Valley area and came to the United States together in 1976 and started working as servers in the metropolitan area. After many years of hard work and saving, they pursued the American dream of opening their own establishment.” [Zebra]

Beyer Provides COVID-19 Updates — “I’ve compiled a series of summaries of financial assistance (direct payments, unemployment, paid leave, & more), plus housing, food, and small business resources.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 29, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 29, 2020 at 9:39AM

Tenants and Workers United Organizes Rent Protest in Arlandria Friday — “Join our Caravan. THIS FRIDAY at 4:30 P.M.” ️[Facebook]

Here’s an Updated List of Alexandria’s Nonprofit Needs — “This list is updated on a regular basis, so check back regularly to see the latest items needed to support our most vulnerable populations during this critical time. Thank you for caring for our community!” [Volunteer Alexandria]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 28, 2020 at 9:00AM

Teacher Runs 20 Miles to See Students — “My daughter really misses school and interacting with her friends and teachers, so when Ms. Shannon surprised her Ellie was overwhelmed with excitement. She couldn’t believe that it was actually Ms. Shannon in person.” [Zebra]

T.C. Williams Class of 2020 Making Documentary — “The class of 2020 is making Titan history. Across the city of Alexandria, Titan seniors will be recording their stories all on the same day, May 1. Here’s how it will work: On May 1, anytime between 12:00AM-11:59PM, seniors will answer these questions in 3 short videos of up to 60 seconds each: What do you love? What do you fear? What do you hope for?” [ACPS]