West End | ALXnow

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

Published June 25, 2021 at 3:30PM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

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.

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Man suspected of raping 12-year-old stepdaughter in Landmark area flees to El Salvador

By James Cullum

Published June 24, 2021 at 2:15PM

Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

A 32-year-old Alexandria man fled to his native county of El Salvador last month, after allegedly raping his 12-year-old stepdaughter in the Landmark area.

The girl gave birth to a boy on June 10.

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Massive redevelopment of West End apartment building has neighbors worried about street parking impact

By James Cullum

Published June 23, 2021 at 9:55AM

Wesley Housing wants to convert the ParcView Apartments into a three-building complex with hundreds of new affordable units. (Courtesy Wesley Housing)

The proposed conversion of a West End apartment building into a three-building complex has neighbors concerned of potential parking issues.

The current surface level parking lot would be moved underground and expanded to 313 spaces, but neighbors are concerned that on-street parking will become a problem. The plans call for . With 385 units, that provides .81 spaces per unit, which property owner Wesley Housing says falls within the city’s parameters.

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JUST IN: Thieves break into more than 60 vehicles in West End

By James Cullum

Published June 21, 2021 at 1:50PM

Alexandria Police are investigating thefts from more than 60 vehicles that were made between June 14 and 15 in the West End.

The thefts from 11 areas occurred in the overnight hours, and the suspects broke car windows, and stole wallets, keys, money, and other personal items.

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For Taco Bamba owner, newly announced Landmark location is a homecoming

By Vernon Miles

Published June 15, 2021 at 10:30AM

Image courtesy Taco Bamba

This fall, a little space just off Little River Turnpike will become the latest spot for small regional chain Taco Bamba. For the restaurant owner, the restaurant will also be a full-circle return to where his culinary career got started.

The Landmark neighborhood will be the seventh Taco Bamba, Chef Victor Albisu said in a press release. The Taco Bamba will open at 6259 Little River Turnpike. The restaurant will feature and indoor/outdoor bar and a seasonal patio area.

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Doyle’s Outpost expands hours for laser tag and gaming

By James Cullum

Published June 14, 2021 at 1:10PM

Doyle’s Outpost just expanded their hours to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The West End’s 16,000-square-foot family-friendly gaming spot at 4620A Kenmore Avenue has eased all of its COVID restrictions, expanded their hours, and is hiring. There’s a two-level laser tag course with a take-back-D.C.-from-the-zombie-apocalypse vibe, video games and more than 25 high definition TVs behind the full bar.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

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]

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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]

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Democratic primary settled in Alexandria, but underlying issues linger

By Vernon Miles

Published June 9, 2021 at 3:45PM | Updated June 9, 2021 at 5:46PM

Winners of the 2021 Democratic Primary (left to right) Councilman Canek Aguirre, Councilwoman Amy Jackson, Mayor Justin Wilson, Alyia Gaskins, Sarah Bagley, Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, who won the 45th District primary, and Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30) at a victory party at Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray. (Photo via Alexandria Democratic Committee/Facebook)

Last night was a rout for a vocal contingent of Alexandrians pushing for a change in city leadership, but both top dogs in the local Democratic party and their opposition say the fight isn’t over.

At Los Tios Grill in Del Ray, former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg told enthusiastic supporters that conversations over issues like the Seminary Road Diet and Taylor Run Stream restoration project would continue, although the candidates who put those issues at the forefronts of their campaigns lost.

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Critical Missing Person Alert issued for 13-year-old autistic boy

By James Cullum

Published June 4, 2021 at 12:00AM | Updated June 4, 2021 at 8:54AM

The Alexandria Police Department issued a Critical Missing Person Alert for Brynn Orrin-Brown. (Photo via APD/Twitter)

Updated at 8:45 a.m. — Brynn Orrin-Brown was found safe on Friday morning, according to Alexandria Police.

The Alexandria Police Department issued a Critical Missing Person Alert for a verbal 13-year-old autistic boy who was last seen on North Pegram Street in the West End.

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UPDATED: President Biden and Gov. Northam visited Alexandria this morning

By ALXnow.com

Published May 28, 2021 at 10:30AM | Updated May 28, 2021 at 3:36PM

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

(Updated at 3:35 p.m.) President Biden again visited Alexandria this morning.

Biden was joined by First Lady Jill Biden and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam at the Sportrock Climbing Center on Eisenhower Avenue in the West End.