Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued
The National Weather Service has just issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Arlington and much of the surrounding region.
The watch is in effect until 11:00 p.m.
Eads Street Post Office to Move in May
(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) The Post Office at S. Eads Street and 18th Street in Aurora Highlands will soon be moving to a new location.
The office will be moving into the ground floor of the Millennium at Metropolitan Park apartment building (above), across from the Costco on S. Fern Street in Pentagon City. The move was originally scheduled for late April, but we’re now told it will likely take place in May.
The Post Office will fill retail space that has been vacant for about a year, since the building was built. At last check, a space designated for a restaurant in the next-door Metropolitan at Pentagon City complex has still not been leased.
According to the 2050 Crystal City Sector Plan, the Eads Street Post Office site is slated for possible residential redevelopment.
Ebbin Picks Up Endorsements of N. Va. Delegates
The battle lines are still being drawn in the race to replace state Sen. Patsy Ticer.
In the battle of endorsements, the current divisions among Democratic candidates are quite clear. Del. Adam Ebbin has the support of fellow state delegates. Alexandria City Councilman Rob Krupicka has the support of fellow Alexandria officials. And Arlington School Board Chair Libby Garvey has the endorsement of Ticer herself.
Ebbin officially announced the endorsement of ten members of the House of Delegates from Northern Virginia this morning. Those supporting him include local Dels. Bob Brink and Patrick Hope.
“Adam Ebbin is ready to be the next Senator from District 30,” Brink said today in a statement. “With his experience in the House, he will be prepared to hit the ground running on day one.”
“A founding member of the Progressive Caucus, Adam Ebbin has a record that speaks for itself,” said Hope. “He’s a leader Northern Virginians will be able to count on in the Senate.”
The primary is scheduled for Aug. 23.
ICE Makes 11 Arrests in Arlington As Part of N. Va. Sweep
A three-day sweep of Northern Virgina by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents resulted in 163 arrests, including 11 in Arlington County.
Of those arrested, 130 were described as aliens with criminal records who were previously convicted of crimes including rape, assault, burglary and narcotics possession. ICE also arrested eight fugitives and three individuals accused of re-entering the United States after a previous deportaiton.
Of the 11 individuals arrested in Arlington, one was a man described as a 39-year-old Ecuadorian national and legal permanent resident of the United States.
“His previous criminal convictions include three counts of contributing to delinquency of minor, assault and battery against a family or household member, grand larceny and receiving stolen property, and statutory rape of a child between 13 and 15 years of age,” authorities said. “He was taken into ICE custody pending a hearing before an immigration judge.”
“We are a nation with a proud history of immigration. If you come here lawfully, work hard, and play by the rules, the United States welcomes you with open arms,” ICE Director John Morton said in a statement today. “For those who come here unlawfully and commit crimes at the expense of their neighbors and their communities, we will not rest until we find you and send you home.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell also lauded the raids.
“Once again through our working relationship with ICE, Virginia has had the opportunity to continue to safeguard its communities from convicted criminals,” McDonnell said.
ICE’s Fugitive Operations Teams were assisted by various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Secret Service, Virginia State Police, Fairfax County Police, and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Arlington County Police spokeswoman Det. Crystal Nosal said the department was notified about the pending arrests, but did not participate.
Cava in Clarendon Shooting for May Opening
Cava, an upscale Greek restaurant that’s coming to the 2900 block of Clarendon Boulevard, is hoping to open its doors in early May.
Owner Ted Xenohristos says construction is underway on the 4,000 square foot restaurant, which will be Cava’s third location in the D.C. area. Last July, Xenohristos told the Washington Business Journal that he was excited about the prospect of opening a restaurant in Clarendon.
“It’s like a little city over there,” he said.
Two Arlington Restaurants Score RAMMY Nominations
The 2011 RAMMY award finalists have been announced, but only two Arlington restaurants made the list.
Clarendon’s Liberty Tavern was nominated for Best Upscale Casual Restaurant and Lyon Park’s EatBar was nominated for Best Neighborhood Gathering Space.
In a fractional victory, Tiffany MacIsaac of Neighborhood Restaurant Group — which operates EatBar, Tallula and Rustico in Arlington, along with restaurants in the District and Alexandria — was nominated for Best Pastry Chef.
Five nominees were announced in each of 14 categories. Among the categories in which Arlington did not have a nominee were Best New Restaurant, Best Mixology/Beverage Program and Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene.
Last year Arlington had four RAMMY nominees. Each went home from the award ceremony empty-handed.
Flickr pool photo by Chris Rief
Morning Notes
Dremo’s Coming to the Pike? — The owner of the late, lamented Dr. Dremo’s Tap Room is in talks with the landlord of the former Ski Chalet store at 2704 Columbia Pike. The building would give Dremo’s a spacious new home in a funky old building, complete with parking, room for outdoor seating, and access to plentiful bus routes. We’re pretty sure an ARLnow.com commenter was the one who first floated the idea. [Pike Wire]
Dozens Testify At Budget Hearing — More than 75 people spoke at last night’s annual County Board budget hearing. Representatives and supporters of various local human services agencies asked the Board to increase funding for their causes. Also present at the hearing were supporters of increased funding for arts organizations, bicycling infrastructure and Arlington Public Libraries. [Sun Gazette]
One Hurt in Motorcycle Accident — A motorcyclist suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries last night after a collision with a pickup truck at the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. George Mason Drive. The accident happened around 10:15 p.m. The motorcyclist was taken to George Washington University hospital for treatment.
Flickr pool photo by Allee574
Campbell Elementary School Closed Due to Sewer Backup
Campbell Elementary School (737 South Carlin Springs Road) is closed today due to a sewage backup in the area, school administrators said this morning.
“Because of the backup there are no bathroom facilities for students to use,” administrators wrote in an email to parents.
