Crime Solvers Receives $2,000 Grant
Arlington County Crime Solvers has received a grant from a place some people might think unusual–a Crime Solvers program in another state.
Prince George’s County Crime Solvers gave the $2,000 grant to foster cooperation between the two counties. The money will go directly toward rewarding anonymous tipsters for reporting crimes.
Arlington County Crime Solvers President Andres Tobar says because some people who witness a crime don’t feel comfortable talking to police, they may not report the information at all. Crime Solvers allows these people to call in anonymously, and receive a reward for tips that lead to an arrest and conviction.
Tobar emphasizes that criminals often commit crimes in a variety of neighborhoods, so jurisdictions need to work together to catch the offenders. He says it’s in the best interest of all jurisdictions to make sure that people from neighboring communities can call in tips.
Tobar also says that there has been much turnover on Arlington’s Crime Solvers board, and they are actively recruiting. He notes that Prince George’s County has a strong board, and this grant helps show the commitment to improving Arlington’s board.
“This is a very nice shot in the arm for us,” Tobar said. ”It’s also a gesture of faith on the part of Prince George’s County that we will use this to move our organization forward. We will not disappoint them.”
Any members of the business community who want to get involved or join the Arlington Crime Solvers board should contact Andres Tobar at 202-841-7998, or andrestobar45@gmail.com. Citizens who have tips to anonymously report can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Breaking: Accident Causes I-395 Delays
Updated at 2:43 All lanes of I-395 have been reopened at Arlington Ridge Road. Police had shut down the three southbound right lanes for a multiple car accident requiring the extrication of a victim. At least one person was transported to the hospital.
Traffic had been backed up to the Pentagon, but delays are starting to dissipate.
Heated Senate Battle Escalates
Barbara Favola’s campaign has turned up the heat on fellow Democrat Jaime Areizaga-Soto in an already contentious senate race.
Today the Favola campaign launched a website attacking Areizaga-Soto, claiming he had involvement with oil companies. The site also states that one of Areizaga-Soto’s “main clients”, Petrobras, was responsible for 11 oil spills.
Areizaga-Soto’s campaign manager has responded to the allegations on the website by stating, ”It is a sign of desperation that the Favola campaign has decided to attack Jaime using an exaggerated six degrees of separation attack. While Jaime serves our country in uniform, Favola is partnering with Ken Cuccinelli’s allies to fund her Senate campaign, breaking the Arlington County Code of Ethics and giving herself a 60% pay-raise while doing it.”
The Areizaga-Soto campaign launched its own website going after Favola. It’s largely devoted to questioning Favola’s acceptance of campaign donations.
Moran Pushes for Shuttle to Ease BRAC Traffic Burden
Residents concerned about the influx of 1,200 government workers into the Barcroft neighborhood could see the addition of a shuttle to ease traffic congestion, if Rep. Jim Moran gets his way.
The Army National Guard had put in a request for shuttle service to the Pentagon Transit Center from Arlington Hall Station, but so far the additional service has not been granted. Moran has now asked the Director of the Washington Headquarter Service to expedite the request.
The Arlington Hall Station shuttle already provides service from nearby Metro train stops to the National Guard facility. However, it currently doesn’t have access to the Pentagon Transit Center, despite a request for service in June 2009. Moran says that adding service between the Arlington Hall Station and the Pentagon will “undoubtedly reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles commuting to and parking near the bureau facility.”
There’s been an effort to come up with additional public transportation around Arlington Hall as 1,200 workers pour in due to the Base Realignment and Closure Act. A parking structure was built to accommodate the added workers, but there is only one parking space for every four employees.
Residents have been petitioning for help to prevent commuters from Arlington Hall from spilling over into residential neighborhoods. Also of concern is the potentially dangerous congestion on George Mason Drive near the complex.
BRAC coordinators are encouraging the new workers to use public transportation instead of driving, and are working with WMATA to increase the frequency of 22A buses in the area. The addition of a shuttle from Arlington Hall Station to the Pentagon Transit Center would provide another transportation option for commuters, particularly those who use Metro trains.
Commuters who use WMATA’s 22A buses to Arlington Hall will pay the regular public bus fare. However, if the request for a shuttle to the Pentagon Transit Center goes through, Moran’s office says that service would be free to riders because it is provided by the Department of Defense.
Police Seeking Bilingual Volunteers
If you can fluently speak a language in addition to English, you may be able to put your skills to good use while helping the Arlington County Police Department.
The department is revitalizing its “Bilingual Ride-a-Long Program”, and wants volunteers to assist officers on patrol around Arlington County. Anyone who lives or works in Arlington is eligible to participate in the program.
Although linguists are needed for a variety of languages, of particular interest are people who speak Spanish, African dialects, French, Mongolian, and Arabic. These are the languages shown to be prevalent in Arlington based on the most recent census figures.
Volunteers would be asked to commit to about 10 hours a month, with flexible times. Although the typical duty would be to ride along with a patrol officer assigned to a specific neighborhood, volunteers may be asked to assist with translation and investigations throughout the county.
If you are interested this opportunity, contact Sergeant Pilco at 703-228-7482 (office) 571-340-2304 (cell) or via email at epilco@arlingtonva.us for more information.
Morning Notes
Favola Gets Endorsement – The Washington Post announces its picks for three Northern Virginia primaries. WaPo is endorsing Barbara Favola, saying she’s “clearly the stronger and more substantive choice” over Jaime Areizaga-Soto. [Link]
Urban Dairy Dilemma – Arlington County leaders are trying to figure out exactly what to do with the area’s last working dairy farm. The historic property has sat untouched since the county purchased it a decade ago. [Link]
Neighborhood Improvement — Curry’s Auto Service is getting recognized for hiring an artist to reflect the spirit and diversity of Arlington in a colorful mural. [Link]
