(Updated at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 3) Alexandria City Manager Jim Parajon wants to be able to reduce speed limits from 25 miles per hour to 15 mph in business and residential districts.

The proposal is part of the city’s efforts to pilot slow zones in residence districts, and goes before City Council on Tuesday, March 8. The City Manager already has the authority to reduce the speed limit, just not to 15 mph.

While there would not be any “immediate or direct impact on existing speed limits in the City,” the proposal gives Parajon the ability to decrease the speed limit and “establish differential speeds for daytime and nighttime driving on such streets, provided that any such increase or decrease in speed limit, or differential speed limit, shall be based upon an engineering and traffic investigation by the director of transportation and environmental services.”

Alexandria’s Vision Zero Plan has the goal of eliminating all traffic-related deaths and injuries by 2028.

Pandemic sounds death knell for Alexandria dry cleaners — “Gary and Chong Whitesides had for the past three decades run a dry-cleaning business in Alexandria… but the pandemic eventually shut them down, too.” [Washington Post]

Robots take over Hybla Valley Denny’s — “A handful of Denny’s restaurants nationwide, including one in the Alexandria area, has hired robots.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

One dead, two badly injured in Duke Street crash — “One person died and two others were badly hurt in a five-vehicle crash that closed a section of Duke Street in Alexandria, Virginia, for more than eight hours in the overnight hours.” [WTOP]

IndoChen opening on King Street — “IndoChen is opening a second location inside the Hyatt Centric Hotel at 1625 King St. near the Old Town metro station.” [Zebra]

(Updated at 5 p.m. on Nov. 30) Virginia State Police have released the identity of the driver in Sunday’s fatal single-vehicle crash at the Duke Street overpass of Interstate 395 on Sunday.

Alexandria resident Eric G. Jones, 46, was killed after his SUV crashed and became wedged under the overpass.

“A 2019 Honda HR-V was traveling north when the left front tire (a spare tire) blew out,” VSP said in a release. “This caused it to run off the right side of the road where it struck the overpass support.”

The crash was reported around 4:23 p.m on the northbound side of I-395 at Exit 3B.

The crash remains under investigation, VSP said.

Alexandria School Capacity The Focus Of Proposed Capital Budget — “The latest Capital Improvement Plan proposal includes funding for a newly acquired office building that will become a school.” [Patch]

The Happy Cat Hotel and Spa to open next weekend — “It’s time for dogs to move over, because there’s a new cat in town – or a cat hotel and spa, rather.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Council prepares for General Assembly session with new state Republican majority — “With Republican Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin stepping into the governor’s mansion next year and a Republican majority in the Virginia House of Delegates, the tone of Tuesday’s draft legislative package presentation was decidedly different for City Council.” [Alexandria Times]

Alexandria man killed in Arlington crash — “An Alexandria man was killed Wednesday afternoon when the motorcycle he was riding struck an Arlington County school bus in the Nauck area, according to a police release.” [Patch]

Missing man identified as car crash victim — “Jose Eduardo Gonzalez Calimayor has been located.  He was identified as the driver who died from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle crash in Prince George’s County on June 4, 2021.” [Alexandria Police]

Suspect arrested after murder near Hybla Valley — “A man is dead after a fatal shooting in Alexandria Saturday night. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred at the 7400 block of Vernon Sq. Dr. in Alexandria.” [WDVN]

There’s no face mask mandate in Alexandria… Yet — “No, there is not currently a mask mandate. @CDCgov recommends masks in indoor public places for communities in a state of substantial or high transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Alexandria is currently in a state of substantial transmission.” [City of Alexandria]

Today’s weather — “Intervals of clouds and sunshine (during the day). A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph… Partly cloudy (in the evening). Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]

New job: Teller at Wells Fargo Bank — “At Wells Fargo, we are looking for talented people who will put our customers at the center of everything we do. We are seeking candidates who embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired.” [Indeed]

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial dedicated — “On July 24, at 8am, a ceremony was held at 1001 S. Washington Street, officially dedicating the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial as the newest site listed by the National Park Service in the African American Civil Rights Network.” [Zebra]

National Landing to be first U.S. 5G Smart City at scale — “5G, with local area compute edges, could make National Landing a prototype for smart cities of the future and create a unified consumer experience across asset types. The area could also enhance offerings in mobility and self-driving vehicles, immersive retail and entertainment, and building automation and environmental sustainability… A combination of mmWave and sub6 5G spectrum will be enabled by an interconnected series of building side-mounts, street furniture, and underground network infrastructure.” [Alexandria Living]

Driver killed In 3-vehicle Beltway crash — “The crash happened around 5:35 p.m. Monday on Interstate 495 west of Telegraph Road. Witnesses told state police a Honda driver swerved onto the right shoulder to pass traffic. The vehicle struck another vehicle in the right lane and crashed into a flatbed wrecker stopped on the shoulder. The driver was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he died of his injuries. He has not been publicly identified by police.” [Patch]

Today’s weather — “Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph… A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early (in the evening). A few clouds from time to time. Low 72F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]

New job: Beer brand ambassador — “ExperTaste Marketing is a full-service marketing company specializing in consumer product sampling and promotions. We are seeking a professional and reliable beer enthusiast for a Beer Brand Ambassador position to execute beer sampling events.” [Indeed]

A 48-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle while she walked in a travel lane on Interstate 495 on the early morning of Sunday, July 25.

Virginia State Police reported that Ebony N. Madison, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, died after being struck by a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT at the 177 mile marker.

“The Lincoln was traveling at the posted 55 mph speed limit when it came upon the pedestrian in the travel lane and was unable to stop in time to avoid striking her,” VSP said in a release.

Police said Madison was not wearing reflective clothing, and that the 75-year-old male driver stayed at the scene.

No charges were filed against the driver.

What was an intense week in Alexandria. Here is the rundown.

History was made, as the new marquees at Alexandria City High School and Naomi L. Brooks Elementary Schools were unveiled this week, and the name changes to T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School will go into effect July 1. It’s a victory for civil rights, as the namesakes of both old schools had backgrounds steeped in racism. Maury was a Confederate leader and Williams was an ACPS superintendent who worked intently against racial integration.

City Manager Mark Jinks on Tuesday also announced his intention to retire at the end of the year. Jinks, who made the announcement to City Council, hinted to ALXnow last month that he was seeking retirement. Today (Friday, June 25) is also the last day for retiring Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown, who will be moving to the West Coast to deal with family matters. Assistant Chief Don Hayes is taking over as acting chief until a national search narrows down a preferred candidate for the job.

Law enforcement events also dominated this week’s coverage. On Tuesday, first responders saved a woman experiencing a mental health crisis who was dangling perilously off the Monroe Avenue Bridge, followed by news Wednesday that a suspect was arrested for a West End murder along with 16 others in a massive racketeering conspiracy. On Thursday, a barricade situation in the West End ended peacefully.

In this week’s poll, when asked whether transit improvements would make residents more likely to take the bus, 48% said they don’t take the bus often and won’t likely change their habits; 38% said they don’t often take the bus, although transit improvements might change that; and 14% said that they already frequent the Metro and DASH bus systems.

Important stories

• After dual election losses, Mark Levine says he’s deciding his next move
• T.C. Williams High School track stars win big at state championships
• Lee-Fendall House raises over $5,000 to repair collapsed 200-year-old wall
• After more delays, Halal slaughterhouse owner now says he will open in July
• Alexandria songwriter Mia Humphrey wants to take you on an emotional journey
• Old Town and Del Ray business rivals battle for supremacy in softball game
• Alexandria City Public Schools scraps recreation center classroom plans
• Parker-Gray tiny lot home moves forward with some unique challenges
• Researchers call out shoddy craftsmanship in buried 18th century Alexandria ship

Top stories

1. Alexandria woman dies after veering off road on Interstate 95
2. Man suspected of raping 12-year-old stepdaughter in Landmark area flees to El Salvador
3. JUST IN: Thieves break into more than 60 vehicles in West End
4. JUST IN: Rarity as American Viper Rattlesnake found in Old Town
5. Massive redevelopment of West End apartment building has neighbors worried about street parking impact
6. UPDATE: Alexandria first responders save suicidal woman on Monroe Avenue Bridge
7. City Council emphasizes marketing funding for Alexandria’s ‘Hot Girl Summer’
8. Mother and boyfriend allegedly beaten by knife-wielding ex in Old Town North
9. With eviction moratorium expiring, city pushes renters and landlords toward rental assistance
10. Shortened Alexandria Birthday celebration is still on for July 10
11. BREAKING: California man arrested for West End murder, indicted with 16 others in massive racketeering conspiracy

Have a safe weekend!

A 54-year-old Alexandria woman died at the scene of a crash Friday, after veering her Dodge Ram off Interstate 95 in Hanover County and into a Volvo being repaired by its owner on the shoulder of the road. (Courtesy VSP)

“Candace S. Fields-Rogers, 54, of Alexandria, Va., was driving the Ram,” Virginia State Police reported. “She was wearing a seatbelt. She succumbed to her injuries onscene.”

The driver of the Volvo was underneath his tractor trailer making repairs when the crash occurred near the 93-mile marker. He was sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No one else was injured, and an investigation into the crash is ongoing, police said.

Fields-Rogers leaves behind a husband and two children. Last year, she launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her husband, a U.S. Army veteran with a traumatic brain injury. She raised $10,000 of her $50,000 goal for the still-open fundraiser.

Courtesy VSP

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]

Karma Modern Indian Eyes Expansion into Old Town — “Karma Modern Indian, a Michelin-recognized destination for fine Indian cuisine in downtown Washington, D.C., is opening a sister restaurant in Alexandria. Dubbed Kismet Modern Indian, the restaurant will be at 111 N. Pitt St. and is set for a fall opening. The location was formerly home, for a short time, to BurgerFi and before that, Ireland’s Own. The late Pat Troy presided over the legendary spot for more than three decades.” [Alexandria Living]

Mayor Wilson named president of Virginia Transit Association — “VTA is a nonprofit corporation of transit professionals from public and private organizations; it includes transit systems from across the state, businesses that serve transit systems and local government officials and organizations concerned about transportation, mobility, affordable access to employment and quality of life issues.” [Zebra]

Alexandria to start nominating committee for collective bargaining labor relations administrator — “The City has been notified that each of the following groups are interested in having a representative on the nominating committee: American Federation of State; County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); and the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (PBA). To participate on the nominating committee, any employee organization interested in representing a bargaining unit must notify the City Manager by email at [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16.” [City of Alexandria]

West End Business Association hosting COVID meeting for restaurants — The Alexandria Health Department will update restaurant owners on how to open post-COVID. Homegrown Restaurant Group’s “Mango” Mike Anderson will also speak at the event, which will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, at Glory Days Grill. [Facebook]

Today’s weather — “Rain (during the day). High near 70F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible… Rain early (in the evening)… then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low around 65F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.” [Weather.com]

New job: Dog daycare playroom attendant — “If you are a hard and reliable worker looking for a fun and rewarding job, we encourage you to apply. We are also offering a limited-time signing bonus to those who can reliably commit to the job for at least 4 months.” [Indeed]