Del Ray | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published April 3, 2020 at 9:00AM

Police Shooter Bashir Takes Insanity Defense for Alleged Stalking/Arson — “[Kashif] Bashir is charged with felony counts of arson, attempted arson, and making a false statement on a consent form to purchase a firearm, as well as nine counts of misdemeanor stalking, unauthorized use of an electronic tracking device, and possession of a firearm by a person acquitted by reason of insanity.” [WTOP]

Residents Cope With Cabin Fever — “Next week puts a little more pressure on me, because when my kids don’t have structure, then they do a lot of fighting.” [Alex Times]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 2, 2020 at 9:00AM

Landmark Mall Redevelopment Uncertain — “An official from Howard Hughes Corp., a Texas-based company that owns the 51-acre property and has been working on redevelopment plans for several years, said in response to email inquiries from Alexandria Living Magazine: “Sorry, no update for now, but we’ll let you know when we have a good update.” [Alexandria Living]

Volunteer Alexandria Needs Volunteers — “For those who are eligible to volunteer, we encourage to take measures and bring their own sanitizer, wipes, and keep distance from other people.” [Volunteer Alexandria]

News

Local Doctors Struggle with Helplessness and Supply Shortages

By Vernon Miles

Published March 31, 2020 at 3:15PM

There’s nothing more frustrating than knowing you could be helping and being unable to. It’s a plight doctors like Del Ray’s Matthew Haden are experiencing with the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s been extremely frustrating,” Haden said. “We feel sidelined. We’re trained to help for something like this, but we can’t. It’s extremely frustrating to know we can only help virtually, which often means not being able to help those in need.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 30, 2020 at 9:00AM

ALIVE! Hands Out 20,000 Meals — “More than 500 cars lined up until supplies ran out. Volunteers say they’ll be back at it again, in the same place and time- next week.” [WUSA9]

Fire Department Saves Dog — “With help from Alexandria Animal Control, some of our first responders rescued a Border Collie from a vault in a pond on Seminary Rd. today after the dog decided to have a little fun with some geese. The pup sustained minor injuries & was transported to a vet by the owner.” [Facebook]

News

Connection Without Infection: Del Ray Therapists Hosting $30 Digital Sessions

By James Cullum

Published March 27, 2020 at 3:15PM | Updated March 27, 2020 at 5:27PM

Del Ray Psych and Wellness is offering three half-hour $30 therapy sessions to anybody during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Co-owner Dr. Lauren Fisher has some simple advice during these stressful days: stay present and focus on what you know and what you can control at this time.

News

Del Ray and Arlandria Plan Updates Leave the Town Hall and Go Online

By Vernon Miles

Published March 26, 2020 at 2:00PM

Historic Del Ray (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria’s goal of reshaping the Del Ray and Arlandria plans is still moving forward, but the once town hall-driven process is going entirely digital to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The long term plans for the neighborhoods shape policies on things like retail, residential and public spaces in Del Ray and Arlandria. These plans were last updated in 2003 for Arlandria and 2005 for Del Ray. With Amazon moving in next door, the new plans aimed to help these neighborhoods hold onto their sense of community.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 25, 2020 at 9:00AM

Metro Closing Eisenhower and Van Dorn Stations — “Metro’s Pandemic Task Force today announced the strategic closing of 17 additional stations, effective Thursday, March 26, 2020, in an effort to conserve critical resources and protect the health and safety of Metro employees and the public. This follows drastic measures already taken to reduce travel on Metro to essential trips only, leading to a Metrorail ridership decline of 90 percent.” [WMATA]

Inova Blood Services Needs Donors — “COVID-19 has heightened awareness of the necessity to be continuously diligent in protecting our donors both in our donor centers and while we are out in the community. Inova Blood Donor Services is fully committed to the health and safety of our blood donors and the patients who benefit from the generous blood, plasma, and platelet donations.” [Inova]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 24, 2020 at 9:00AM

Regional Program Awarding 11 Grants to Local Businesses — “The Governor is authorizing $87,619.00 of funding to the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, for employers eligible to remain open during the COVID-19 emergency. Period of performance is from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020.” [Twitter]

Beyer to Host 5 p.m. COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall — “I’ll update you on my work to support the public health response and minimize the economic damage, hear from a local public health official, and take your questions.” [Twitter]

News

COVID-19 Enters Community Spread Phase, Businesses and Residents Adapt

By James Cullum

Published March 20, 2020 at 4:30PM | Updated March 21, 2020 at 12:34AM

Alexandria has officially entered into the community spread phase of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Dr. Rina Bansal, president of Inova Alexandria Hospital.

That means that direct exposure to the virus can not be traced back to its source.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 20, 2020 at 9:10AM | Updated March 20, 2020 at 10:28AM

The Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street is closed. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

City Eases Delivery Restrictions For Restaurants — “To support local business and access to food, effective immediately, the City of Alexandria will suspend enforcement of the following regulations and special use permit conditions that limit hours of operation, deliveries, off-premises alcohol sales, and outdoor sales/dining.” [Zebra]

Governor Urges Small Businesses to Apply For Federal Assistance Loans — “Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due [today], March 20, 2020, for 30 days. When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties.” [Governor’s Office]

News

Life-Changing: Alexandria Businesses React to Coronavirus

By James Cullum

Published March 18, 2020 at 5:45PM | Updated March 20, 2020 at 9:22AM

Lower King Street on March 18, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

With only five reported cases in the city so far, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on Alexandria residents, businesses and the city government.

There has been one reported instance of price gouging, with packages of 10 rolls of Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper being sold for more than $60 at the Food Star at 206 W. Glebe Road.