May 5, 2011 | ARLnow.com

Published May 5, 2011 at 4:20PM

On the House floor today, Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) offered his support for an amendment that would have strengthened provisions in the bill that prohibit drilling in an area that would cause “unreasonable conflict” with naval operations. The amendment failed, and the bill passed 266-149.

“The proposed lease sale would interfere with U.S. Navy operations and Virginia’s commercial fishery and tourism industries,” Moran said in a statement. “National Security and economic growth should trump lining the pockets of big oil executives.”

Around Town

Cinco de Mayo at Lunchtime

By ARLnow.com

Published May 5, 2011 at 3:38PM

It’s hard to say whether it was a normal lunchtime crowd or if people were feeling a bit more festive today for Cinco de Mayo, but the Chipotle in Rosslyn was packed to the gills today. A line snaked around three walls of the restaurant as office workers and residents waited patiently for their burrito fix.

Elsewhere along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, a healthy crowd sat outside Mexicali Blues in Clarendon, sipping Coronas in the cool sunshine. Santa Fe in Rosslyn, meanwhile, was still doing steady business at 1:15 p.m.

Events

Military ‘Welcome Home’ Event to Be Held in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com

Published May 5, 2011 at 2:16PM

The event, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott (1700 Jefferson Davis Highway), will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. It will serve to educate returning veterans, active duty service personnel and their family members about the VA’s benefits and health care service, through on-site enrollment services, health screenings and benefits counseling.

There will also be a job fair for Iraq and Afghanistan vets, as well as family-friendly entertainment, music and a free lunch.

Around Town

Today in the Forums

By ARLnow.com

Published May 5, 2011 at 11:33AM

Yesterday we officially launched our new discussion forums section — a message board where the conversation isn’t limited to the articles we publish.

Here are a few of the interesting items posted in the past 24 hours.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Which Metro Stop Is the Most Attractive?

By ARLnow.com

Published May 5, 2011 at 10:35AM

Okay, it’s not Hollywood, but Arlington certainly has its share of beautiful people.

Don’t believe us? Next time you’re out near the local gym, the local pool, or the local trail, look around and see for yourself. This is a good-looking, fitness-oriented town.

News

Lopez, Areizaga-Soto Announce Bids for Va. Legislature

By ARLnow.com

Published May 5, 2011 at 9:48AM

Former aide to Gov. Tim Kaine and current U.S. Small Business Administration assistant administrator Alfonso Lopez announced his candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates at last night’s Arlington County Democratic Committee meeting.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published May 5, 2011 at 8:52AM | Updated May 5, 2011 at 9:57AM

Arlington’s Modest Manager Reception — About a year ago, Arlington spent $600 to hold a reception for now-former county manager Michael Brown. By comparison to Savannah, Ga. — where Brown had held the position of city manager before jumping ship for Arlington — that reception seems like the pinnacle of modesty. Savannah is holding a reception for Brown’s replacement as city manager tonight. Locals are objecting to the fact that the reception — which includes keepsake wine glasses for guests — is costing the cash-strapped city more than $7,500. [Savannah Morning News]

New Pike Gym Selling Memberships — Xsport Fitness, a new 24-hour gym opening in July on the 2300 block of Columbia Pike, is selling $19.99 per month memberships out of a temporary office in the Siena Park apartment building. Xsport will be the second gym to open on the Pike this year, after World Gym opened in January on the ground floor of the Halstead apartment building. [Pike Wire]