Pentagon, Museum Shootings Linked; Extra Security Needed for Marathon?
Local news outlets are reporting that the FBI has just confirmed that the same weapon was used to fire shots at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle on Oct. 17 and at the Pentagon on Oct. 19.
The FBI is also investigating a third shooting, which took place overnight at a Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Chantilly.
Each shooting is believed to have taken place at night, but one wonders whether the pattern of targeting Marine Corps-related sites could be worrisome to organizers of this weekend’s Marine Corps Marathon, which will take runners on a 26.2 mile course through Arlington and the District.
We’re awaiting comment from the Arlington County Police Department and the Marine Corps on whether extra security measures are being put into place.
Update on 10/27 — Citing law enforcement sources, ABC 7 reports that extra security will be in place at the marathon’s start and finish lines. Arlington police tell ABC 7 that they’re taking the recent shootings into consideration, and Pentagon police say they’ll deploy extra officers throughout the area.
Ken Cuccinelli Visits Arlington County Jail
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli visited the Arlington County Detention Facility today to learn more about the jail’s programs to help inmates rejoin society.
Cuccinelli was given a tour of the jail by Sheriff Beth Arthur and county Department of Human Services Chief Cindy Kemp. Arthur and Kemp highlighted the jail’s diversionary, re-entry and education programs, as well as its programs for assisting inmates with mental health issues.
“We welcomed the opportunity to highlight the Arlington County Detention Facility and our partnership with the Department of Human Services in assisting incarcerated individuals,” Arthur said in a statement. “We appreciate Attorney General Cuccinelli’s interest in our operations and the programs that assist individuals with mental health challenges re-enter the community.”
Photo courtesy Arlington County Sheriff’s Office
Sun Gazette: Arlington Is Full of Nuts
If you’ve noticed more acorns on the ground than usual this fall, you’re not crazy. In fact, 2010 is “a bumper year” for acorns, according to a naturalist quoted by the Sun Gazette.
After an arduous nut famine in 2008, Arlington’s four species of squirrels are enjoying the feast, writes Scott McCaffrey. And the excess acorn production isn’t just good news for squirrels — it’s also good news for trees. The plethora of nuts may eventually result in new trees sprouting up around the county.
The DC area isn’t the only part of the country seeing an abundance of squirrel food. Ohio is “looking at its best [acorn] crop since 2005,” according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Why are the acorns so bountiful?
The meteorologists over at ABC 7 say that a lack of a major spring frost and a summer drought helped to spur acorn growth.
Bicyclist Struck on Columbia Pike
A bicyclist was struck by a car on Columbia Pike near the intersection with South Jefferson Street around 11:30 this morning.
The cyclist, who was reportedly alert and conscious after the accident, is being transported to a local hospital.
The fire department temporarily shut down the westbound lanes of Columbia Pike while treating the victim.
No word on the extent of the cyclist’s injuries or whether charges will be filed against the driver.
Last Crystal City Freshfarm Market of the Season Today
Despite the fact that the weather is still fairly warm, today’s Crystal City Freshfarm Market will be the last of the season.
Held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Crystal Drive, the market features about 20 local farmers and producers who bring together seasonal fruits and vegetables, farm-raised eggs, all-natural meats, cheeses, artisan soaps, and more.
Also at the market today: the Sweetflow Mobile frozen yogurt truck.
Korean BBQ Coming to South Arlington
Alexandria’s Heebeen Restaurant is opening an outpost in the Eclipse at Potomac Yard condominium complex, just south of Crystal City.
The restaurant is described as an “Asian bistro buffet,” featuring primarily Korean and Japanese cuisine. Specialties include Korean BBQ, sushi and sashimi, in addition to traditional Korean dishes.
Unlike the Alexandria location, which has been in business for 18 years, food at the Arlington Heebeen won’t be grilled at the table. The restaurant will be “very upscale” — which also means that there won’t be a delivery option.
Co-owner Mike Kim says he expects the space to be able to seat 160 people. That includes seating at an outdoor patio.
Kim says he hopes to open the new Heebeen at some point in the spring.
Hat tip to @hoborocks for the heads up
Lease Your Very Own Cherrydale Storefront
The retail space formerly occupied by Cherrydale Clockworks is up for lease.
Anyone interested in opening up shop on Lee Highway can lease the 1,600 square foot space for a relatively cheap $1,995 per month (good luck finding a 1,600 square foot apartment with a monthly rent below $2,000). Plus, the lease comes with two parking spaces in the rear of the building.
The building was built in 1957, according to a real estate sheet posted in the window. Your neighbors will include the Columbia Masonic Center, a bindery equipment company, and a Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins store.
The upstairs is also available for lease — $1,700 per month will get you a full bathroom and a rear deck.
Just don’t be surprised when unhappy-looking people stop by asking where their clocks are.
Pizza Autentica Opens in Ballston
Rapidly-expanding DC pizza chain Pizza Autentica opened in Ballston last week.
The store features a decent selection of pizza by the slice, sandwiches, salad and gelato.
Pizza Autentica also serves beer and wine. Prices are about what you’d expect for a cafeteria-style pizza joint — not too expensive but not too cheap — with the exception of pitchers of beer, which are an impressively low $8.99.
Budweiser, Yuengling, Miller Lite and Old Dominion Hop Mountain Pale Ale are all on tap.
The store also serves coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
Morning Notes
Northrop Could Be Leaving Arlington — The name “Northrop Grumman” may not grace the Rosslyn skyline for much longer. Capital Business reports that landlord Monday Properties has begun to market the primo office space currently occupied by Northrop, after receiving a tip that the company would be consolidating the office into its new Falls Church corporate campus by next summer. More from the Washington Post.
Metro Hero Interviewed on CNN, CBS Early Show – We have to apologize to Virginia Square Metro Hero Dimas Pinzon. He has apparently been hounded by reporters since we posted surveillance video of him walking over two electrified rails to come to the aid of an injured man who had fallen on the track. Pinzon was just interviewed by his hometown newspaper, the Virginian-Pilot, and in the past couple of days he has appeared on the CBS and CNN morning shows. Oh, and an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show is possibly in the works. More from HamptonRoads.com.
Murray Brings the Bus Back – Republican congressional candidate Patrick Murray has brought back the bus from his successful primary campaign. This morning Murray and the bus traveled to Ballston Metro, where he and his supporters shook hands and talked to voters. The campaign has already posted photos on Facebook.
Flickr pool photo by Mark C. White
