Forget the recession, there’s apparently a bull market for eligible Democrats. The Arlington Young Democrats raised nearly $8,000 at their ninth annual date auction last night.
The event at Clarendon Grill featured dates of all flavors: two dozen men and women; straight, gay, and bisexual. Even “pairs looking for a double date” were auctioned off.
The first event on our St. Patrick’s Day Guide is coming up tonight. Kicking off the festivities is Ri Ra Irish Pub and Restaurant (2915 Wilson Blvd), which is hosting traditional Irish band The Dirty Pints.
The band is expected to take the stage between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
Home sales surged by more than 50 percent last month compared to the same period one year ago. Also, average home prices rose 3.4 percent compared to February 2009.
The comparison is a bit skewed, since recessionary jitters kept many people out of the real estate market last winter, and since the credit crisis prevented many would-be homeowners from even getting a mortgage.
A natural gas leak has been reported in Clarendon. Firefighters have responded to the intersection of Clarendon Blvd and N Garfield Street, two blocks from the Clarendon Metro.
A Washington Gas crew is heading to the scene. Initial reports suggest a 4 inch gas line ruptured, perhaps due to construction in the area.
Del. Adam Ebbin (D), who represents part of Arlington and Falls Church, invited imam Johari Abdul-Malik of the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center to give today’s opening prayer.
Groups including the Virginia Anti-Shariah Task Force and the Traditional Values Coalition protested, citing Abdul-Malik’s comments about due process for Muslims arrested on terror charges, along with his mosque’s brief link to two of the 9/11 hijackers. In the past, Abdul-Malik has spoken out against violence and terrorism.
The annual Ballston food festival draws a crowd of about 10,000 people each year. It’s being held Sunday, May 16, from noon to 5:00 p.m.
The Four Courts Four Miler kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Police will shut down Wilson Blvd from Courthouse Road to North Rhodes Street from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wilson Blvd from North Rhodes Street to Route 110 in Rosslyn will be closed at 8:45 a.m. Northbound Route 110 from Rosslyn to Route 1 in Crystal City will be shut down from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Click here for a map.
Cars parked along the route will be ticketed and towed. Race participants are urged to use Metro. The Courthouse station is a short distance from the starting line.
