Arlington Reporter Leaves TBD
This is the last day on the job for Rebecca A. Cooper, the Arlington community reporter for Rosslyn-based TBD.com.
Cooper joined TBD last July, a month before the site launched. She was formerly a contributor to DCist.com and a reporter for a Long Island newspaper. No word yet on her future plans.
TBD is in the midst of layoffs and will likely not replace Cooper or her Arlington coverage.
The layoffs are part of a reorganization that will shift TBD’s mission from being a primarily news-oriented site to exclusively arts and entertainment-oriented site.
TBD’s corporate sister, television station WJLA (ABC 7), will eventually relaunch WJLA.com as a separate, news-oriented web site. (WJLA.com was replaced by TBD after its launch.)
On a personal note, it was a pleasure working alongside Rebecca, who was a total pro and brought an unrivaled depth to her Arlington reporting. Whatever she does next, we hope she stays here in Imperfect Arlington.
Arlington’s Top 10 Government and Private Employers
Things are looking pretty good for Arlington, economy-wise — at least according to a presentation this morning by Arlington Economic Development Director Terry Holzheimer.
Unemployment and office vacancies are low. Real estate prices and hotel occupancy rates are on the rise. And a number of new construction projects are underway. Holzheimer said he expects the local unemployment rate to continue declining in 2011 while the impact from BRAC is mitigated by a robust demand for office space.
Holzheimer noted that between 2008 and 2010, Arlington saw a net employment increase while Alexandria and Fairfax saw a net employment decline.
Today’s presentation included a list of the top public and private employers in Arlington. The total number employees in Arlington in 2011 is noted below in parenthesis.
Given the current talk in Congress of significant federal budget cuts, Arlington’s large number of government employees may be of some concern.
Private Employers
- Deloitte (3,490)
- Lockheed Martin (2,668)
- Virginia Hospital Center (2,042)
- Marriott International (1,600)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (1,370)
- SRA International (1,359)
- CACI (1,251)
- US Airways (1,300)
- SAIC (1,281)
- Corporate Executive Board (986)
Where to Buy Girl Scout Cookies This Weekend
If you haven’t secured a couple boxes of your favorite Girl Scout cookies yet, now would be a good time to make it happen.
Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Samoas, Do-si-dos, Trefoils — they’re all available at a number of Arlington locations this weekend. Here’s the list.
Friday, March 11
- East Falls Church Metro — 3:00 to 7:00 p.m
- Courthouse Metro — 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Ballston Metro — 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Pentagon City Metro — 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Crystal City Metro — 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12
- Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.) — 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Westover Market (5863 Washington Blvd) — 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Market Common Clarendon (2690 Clarendon Blvd) — 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Meridian at Pentagon City Apartments (1221 S. Eads St.) — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- East Falls Church Metro — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Pentagon City Metro — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Ballston Metro — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Courthouse Metro — 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Giant Food (2901 S. Glebe Road) — 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Safeway (5101 Wilson Blvd) — 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 13
- Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.) — 12:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Safeway (5101 Wilson Blvd) — 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
See more cookie sale locations here.
ACFD Reminder: Change Smoke Detector Batteries for Daylight Saving Time
Most people won’t have a problem remembering to “spring forward” by setting clocks ahead by one hour Saturday night. After all, computers, cell phones and cable boxes adjust for daylight saving time automatically.
What cell phones and computers won’t do for you is change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Luckily, fire departments across the country are reminding residents to do just that.
Arlington County recommends that residents test smoke detectors monthly and replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year. Typically, batteries are changed when the clocks change in the spring or the fall. If you didn’t replace your batteries in the fall, you’ll want to do it now.
“Check the smoke detectors in your house and change the battery… just to play it safe,” said Arlington County Fire Department spokesman Lt. Ed Hughes.
Hughes added that there should be a smoke detector on each level of the home, including the sleeping areas. See more smoke detector safety tips here. If you don’t have a smoke detector and you feel you can’t afford one, Arlington County offers free smoke detectors to residents who fill out this form.
Several Injured in 14th Street Bridge HOV Wreck
Update at 10:40 a.m. — The accident has been cleared and traffic is moving smoothly.
Four people have been injured, two seriously, in a wreck in the northbound HOV lanes of the 14th Street Bridge.
Nearly a dozen police, fire and medic units from Arlington and the District have responded to the accident scene. Northbound HOV traffic on I-395 is backed up to Washington Boulevard.
Several vehicles were involved in the collision.
Police Investigate String of Break-Ins in Crystal City
Arlington police are investigating a series a break-ins at the Crystal House apartments on South Eads Street in Crystal City.
Building management sent the following email to residents earlier this week to update them on the investigation and to provide tips for keeping the community safe.
Dear Crystal Houses Residents:
I have received further information from the detective investigating the apartment break-ins that took place at our community, and I wanted to provide you with an update.
The police have now released a description of the suspects. They have asked that we please be on the lookout for two African-American males in their 20s, approximately six feet tall, one with dreadlocks. If you see anyone matching this description or have any information regarding this matter, please contact the Arlington County Police Department immediately. If you believe you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
As a reminder, we encourage you to let us know if you see anything suspicious taking place at our community as soon as possible. In addition, there are some things we can all do to help deter crime from our community:
- Always use your key to enter the building, rather than buzzing in. This allows our concierge to check in guests and require them to sign in. Please note that if you do not use your key, and the Resident Concierge buzzes you in, you will be asked to sign in on the guest log. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight in your car or in your apartment home.
- Keep your doors properly secured at all times, even when you are at home. Please utilize your deadbolt lock and chain.
- Do not allow anyone you do not know to follow you into the building without using a key. Please be aware when allowing individuals to enter the elevator from the loading dock area without a key.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity immediately to the police department or call 911.
Arlington County Police are working diligently to apprehend these suspects that have been implicated in similar crimes at several nearby communities. If you have any specific information to share with the police, you may contact Detective Guevara at 703.228.4172. We will continue to cooperate with the authorities in this matter. Thank you again and please feel free to contact me or any member of our community management staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Yesterday several commercial break-ins — including a break-in at a secure government office building — were reported in Crystal City, but the crimes are not believed to be related to the apartment break-ins.
Update at 10:05 a.m. — Per the reported break-ins yesterday: Arlington Police say that glass was broken at two Crystal Drive storefronts, but nothing was taken. There was no record of the reported government building break-in.
Morning Notes
County Gears Up for Pothole Repairs — Arlington County and VDOT are preparing for a big spring pothole push. Crews have been out 5-6 days per week filling potholes, but as things warm up they may be able to start making more permanent repairs. You can report a pothole over the phone at 703-228-6570. [Sun Gazette]
Man Who Threatened Metro Sentenced — The Arlington View man accused of threatening to blow up Metro trains and Georgetown sidewalks has been sentenced. Awais Younis, 25, pleaded guilty in federal court to sending threatening communications. Younis, who said he never actually intended to carry out the threats, was sentenced to time served, a two-year supervised release, anger management courses and mental health counseling. [WTOP]
Rosslyn Blasting Starting Soon — The Rosslyn Metro entrance project has hit bedrock and will soon start blasting. The blasting will take place nightly between 1:00 and 5:00 a.m. for several months. Arlington County says the contractor is taking steps to minimize noise and vibration from the blasting. [TBD]
Crystal City Office Building to Be Renovated — An old 1960s-era office building at 1411 Jefferson Davis Highway will be renovated into “prime Class A office space” after BRAC forces its current tenant, the National Guard, to move out at the end of the year. [Washington Business Journal]
Englin Will Seek Re-Election — Del. David Englin, whose district includes part of South Arlington, says will not be seeking higher office this year. Instead, Englin announced yesterday that he will be running for re-election.
Flickr pool photo by Rukasu1
