UPDATE (3): Thousands Still Without Power in Arlington
Update at 8:00 p.m. — The number of Dominion customers without power in Arlington has dipped below 50,000 — as of 7:55 p.m. it stands at 49,921 — for the first time since the storm. That’s down from the peak of 68,000 customers without power in the county immediately after the Friday night storm.
County Manager Barbara Donnellan earlier released a statement about the cleanup effort.
“It will take several days for life to get back to normal,” she said. “We urge people to stay out of the heat, stay hydrated, drive safely and check on their neighbors.”
Update at 4:55 p.m. — Long lines have been reported at local gas stations, with at least two stations even reportedly running out of gas. Many local grocery stores have also sold out of ice. The Pentagon City food court was very crowded as of 2:00 this afternoon, with many using it as a refuge.
Update at 4:35 p.m. – Arlington County is urging residents to check on neighbors, especially ”those who are elderly or who have limited mobility.” If their homes are hot due to a lack of air conditioning, the county recommends taking them to a local cooling center (see list, below).
Also, the county is advising those without phone service to go to a local fire station if unable to dial 911.
County Manager Barbara Donnellan declared a local emergency for Arlington around 12:30 p.m.
Earlier: The powerful storm that ripped through the region last night has left about 60 percent of Arlington County without power, according to authorities.
Winds of up to 70 miles per hour caused widespread damage across Arlington last night. Trees and large branches fell across roads and highways, utility lines were knocked down, newspaper boxes and other debris was blown into streets, and some roofs were damaged. Facing hundreds of calls, police and firefighters were often limited to simply placing cones, police tape and flares around downed trees in the roadway. In one instance, however, a half dozen residents helped two police officers remove a tree from the southbound lanes of George Mason Drive near Pershing Drive.
As of 4:30 p.m., Dominion was reporting 51,101 customers without power in Arlington, down from 58,878 customers just after noon. Though Dominion was not providing estimates of when power will be restored, county officials said it could be a while.
“It appears that it may be a number of days before power is fully restored,” the county told reporters. As a result of the power outages, Arlington has closed all three of its publicly-accessible pools. Some 80 traffic signals were dark as of this morning; drivers are reminded to treat non-functioning traffic lights as a four-way stop.
The power outages and downed trees are also affecting Metro. While WMATA says most of the Metro system is operating normally, a power outage at Courthouse station has prompted Metro to close the station and set up bus service between Rosslyn and Clarendon. Some Metrobus service has been detoured or delayed by downed trees, including the 7A, 7F, 16A and 16B lines.
Cell phone service was also spotty in parts of the county — including the Courthouse, Clarendon and Columbia Pike areas — and a number of Twitter users were reporting a loss of cable and landline phone service. Arlington County says its non-emergency number (703-558-2222) is experiencing problems, but is still encouraging residents to call 911 only in the event of an emergency.
With another heat advisory in effect today (see below), Arlington has started compiling a list of cooling centers for residents without power. Along the places to take refuge are:
- Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd)
- Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street S.)
- Madison Community Center (3829 N. Stafford Street)
- Dept. Parks & Rec Trades Center (S. Taylor Street, just off S. Arlington Mill Dr.)
- Pentagon City Mall (1250 S. Hayes St.)
- Aurora Hills Library (735 S. 18th St.)
- Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.)
The National Weather Service issued the following Heat Advisory for today:
HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING… … EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IS CANCELLED…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY… WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING. THE EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
* HEAT INDEX VALUES… 100 TO 105 DEGREES.
* TEMPERATURES… IN THE MID TO UPPER 90S.
* IMPACT… RISK OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR OTHER HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR-CONDITIONING OR THOSE SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS… STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM… STAY OUT OF THE SUN… AND CHECK IN ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.
TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE… RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHTWEIGHT AND LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK… THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR-CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY – CALL 9 1 1.
According to the Capital Weather Gang, another line of severe storms is possible later today.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has declared a State of Emergency for the state. According to the governor’s office, 2.5 million people are without power throughout Virginia — the largest non-hurricane power outage in Virginia history. The governor’s office also confirmed six fatalities as a result of falling trees during the storm.
Photos below courtesy Brian W., Brendan L., Jason G., Breandan M., @maureenhoch, @Aggathug, @Wink303, @acsjacobson, @Greg_Hudson, @whitae4000, Keith H., @snowbrdchick99, @SRod17, @KenHagemann, @gogogaryo
UPDATED: Region Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning
(Updated at 10:30 p.m.) The region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning through 11:15 p.m. Forecasters say a line of powerful storms known as a derecho is quickly moving our way from the Ohio Valley.
From the National Weather Service:
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING…
* UNTIL 1115 PM EDT
* AT 1009 PM EDT… SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WERE DETECTED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 7 MILES NORTHEAST OF BRUNSWICK TO OATLANDS TO 10 MILES SOUTH OF BEALETON TO 25 MILES WEST OF MASSAPONAX… AND WERE MOVING EAST AT 60 MPH. THIS LINE OF STORMS IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF QUARTERS AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS IN EXCESS OF 80 MPH.
* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE… HARRY GROVE STADIUM… SOUTH RIDING… LANSDOWNE… BROADLANDS… POOLESVILLE… HERNDON… DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT… COUNTRYSIDE… LOWES ISLAND… GREEN VALLEY…
THIS IS A DANGEROUS LINE OF STORMS. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH… MOVE INDOORS TO A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO… REPORT SEVERE WEATHER TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
THIS LINE OF STORMS HAS A HISTORY OF PRODUCING WIDESPREAD WIND DAMAGE. SEEK SHELTER INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
Also:
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO IMPACT REGION THIS EVENING…
AT 745 PM… A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCING DAMAGING WIND GUSTS WAS CROSSING SOUTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA AND CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA. THIS LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS IS EXPECTED TO HIT THE POTOMAC HIGHLANDS BETWEEN 8 AND 8:30 PM… THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY BETWEEN 8:30 AND 9 PM… THE INTERSTATE 95 CORRIDOR INCLUDING THE GREATER WASHINGTON AND BALTIMORE METROPOLITAN AREAS BETWEEN 9:30 AND 10 PM… THEN REACHING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY BETWEEN 10:30 AND 11 PM.
THIS LINE OF STORMS HAS A HISTORY OF PRODUCING MAJOR WIND DAMAGE ACROSS WEST VIRGINIA DUE TO WIND GUSTS OVER 75 MPH… ALONG WITH PROLIFIC CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING.
New Metro Fares to Take Effect Sunday
The cost of riding Metrorail and Metrobus is going up, starting Sunday (July 1).
Off-peak rail fares are increasing from $1.60-$2.75, depending on the length of your trip, to $1.70-$3.50. Peak fares are increasing from $1.95-$5.20 to $2.10-$5.75.
In order to encourage riders to utilize SmartTrip cards, there will also be new a $1 surcharge for riders using paper fare cards.
Metrobus fares are increasing from $1.50 to $1.60 for SmartTrip users, and from $1.70 to $1.80 for riders using cash.
As part of the changes, WMATA is eliminating its 20 cent “peak-of-the-peak” Metrorail surcharge. More information, including the fares for seniors and people with disabilities, is available on the Metro website.
Arlington Transit (ART) bus fares, meanwhile, will remain $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for seniors, people with disabilities, and teens with student ID. Due to the Metro fare increases, however, ART will be imposing a 5 to 10 cent transfer fee for those transferring to Metrobus.
Your Beermonger: Lawnmower Beer
Editor’s Note: This sponsored column is written by Nick Anderson, beermonger at Arrowine (4508 Lee Highway)
Mrs. Beermonger and I are moving into a new home this weekend, and it has completely taken over our lives. We’ve always heard of the “joys of homeownership,” but we were blindsided by the sheer amount of work that needed to be put into the place before we officially move in.
Luckily, in the course of spackling, grouting, sanding, taping, painting (so much painting), and moving stuff, I’ve found a handful of brews that I’d like to recommend if you have a big summer project to get done, or if you’re just looking for a new “lawnmower beer.” Here we go:
Bell’s Oarsman: I tout this beer often, perhaps too much. All I can say after the last couple of weeks is that after getting back to my current place from my future place, often times after having spent the day at my job, this stuff is like water. Except better, because it’s beer.
Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Ale: A lovely Wheat Ale that flaunts its yeasty character but doesn’t have the overpowering banana/clove component often seen in such beers. This is a refreshing beer with citrusy and subtle minty notes.
Terrapin Easy Rider: One of my newer obsessions. We’ve started to see the rise of hoppy Session beers, and this amber-tinged gem from Athens, GA is a standout. The malts are just right, and Easy Rider packs a hoppy punch that belies its 4.5% ABV.
21st Amendment Bitter American: The vanguard of the hoppy Session movement. Bitter American is, ironically, based off of an English-style ESB that sees some dry-hopping. Originally a seasonal release, Bitter American proved so popular that 21st made it available all year long. Smart move.
Dogfish Head Festina Peche: I love me some tart beer goodness, and this Berlinerweisse-style Ale brings it. Clear, clean, with subtle fruit notes, Peche is a great summer treat.
Keep some of these on hand this summer to refresh and revive yourself after working in our area’s absurd heat and humidity. Until next time.
Cheers!
Nick Anderson maintains a blog at www.beermonger.net, and can be found on Twitter at @The_Beermonger. Sign up for Arrowine’s money saving email offers and free wine and beer tastings at www.arrowine.com/mailing-list-signup.aspx. The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.
‘Code Red’ Air Quality Warning Issued
(Updated at 3:00 p.m.) The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has declared that the region’s air quality has reached the level of “Code Red” for today, meaning an unhealthy level of ozone pollution.
From a COG press release:
On Code Red days, active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Everyone else, especially children, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
COG also advises that all area residents take the following actions:
- Sign up for air quality alerts at www.cleanairpartners.net
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
- Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower
- Use public transit
- Do not use chemicals on your lawn and garden
As of 2:50 p.m., the official temperature in D.C. reached 104 degrees. According to the Capital Weather Gang, that sets a new daily record and breaks the area’s all-time record for the month of June.
Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend
Looking for a new home? If you can brave the heat, there are almost two dozen open houses for you to choose from in Arlington this weekend.
See our real estate section for a full listing of open houses. Here are a few highlights:
2529 23rd Road North
Single Family Detached – 6 Bed / 5 Bath
Listed: $899,000
Agent: Robert Thomas
Open: Sunday, July 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
4112 25th Place North
Single Family Detached – 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Listed: $875,000
Agent: Mary Paget
Open: Sunday, July 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
708 20th Street South
Single Family Detached – 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Listed: $750,000
Agent: Aaron Seekford
Open: Sunday, July 1 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
805 North Barton Street
Single Family Detached – 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Listed: $739,000
Agent: Lawanda Swope
Open: Sunday, July 1 at 1:00 p.m.
1802 21st Street North
Condominium — 2 Bed / 4 Bath
Listed: $699,000
Agent: Joseph Zorc
Open: Sunday, July 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
3600 Glebe Road South
Condominium – 2 Bed / 2 Bath
Listed: $435,000
Agent: Christina O’Donnell
Open: Sunday, July 1 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Police Warn of Replica Weapon Dangers
(Updated at 3:10 p.m.) Police chiefs and sheriffs from a dozen Northern Virginia law enforcement agencies gathered for a press conference today to warn about the dangers of “look-alike or replica guns used by children and young adults.”
Arlington County Police Chief M. Douglas Scott, who participated in the news conference, said replica weapons — including realistic-looking Airsoft and BB guns — are being used by kids for play and by criminals for robberies. In all cases where replica guns are used in public, Chief Scott said, they put the person holding the weapon at great personal danger.
“The message today was really to parents and kids about the dangers of using this kind of weapon in a public place,” Scott said. ”People see the weapons and they believe them to be real, and they call police.”
“Police officers have to make a split second-decision,” Scott continued. “If someone turns and brandishes a weapon… it could be tragic for everybody and we want to avoid that if at all possible.”
Scott said those brandishing replica guns in public might also be confronted by armed citizens, especially in Northern Virginia where concealed weapons permits are fairly common.
“They may be confronted [by armed citizens] in a way they did not expect,” Scott said. “There’s great danger in that… even though they did not intend to harm anybody.”
Scott said replica weapons, which are cheaper than real guns, are also increasingly being used by criminals for robberies.
“We’ve had a number of robberies this year alone where later we determined… the weapon used by the robber looks like a replica weapon,” Scott said. According to the department, there have been at least four confirmed incidents involving a BB or Airsoft gun in Arlington so far this year.
Arlington County Police say they’re planning to launch a public education campaign about replica weapons. The campaign is expected to include outreach to students by school resource officers, as well as outreach to local civic associations.
This article has been updated to remove an erroneous reference to legal differences between the use of a real gun and a fake gun in the commission of a crime.
Parks and Rec Director Leaving Arlington
(Updated at 12:25 p.m.) Dinesh Tiwari, who has served as director of the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation since Sept. 2005, is retiring from his post in Arlington. His last day on the job will be tomorrow, June 30.
We’re told Tiwari, 61, is leaving for Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
Tiwari came to Arlington from Richmond, where he served as the city’s director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. He has also worked for the governments of Suffolk and Roanoke, Va.
During his tenure in Arlington, Tiwari helped the department become one of only 60 agencies to earn national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. He has also overseen significant initiatives at Ethan Allen Park, the Walter Reed Community Center, Greenbrier Park, Artisphere and Long Bridge Park.
In announcing his retirement to county staff, County Manager Barbara Donnellan lauded Tiwari’s “many accomplishments and contributions” to Arlington. She also credited Tiwari with helping to “sustain core County programs and services during the recent economic downturn.”
A search is now underway for Tiwari’s replacement.
“The County has launched a national search for his replacement, whom they hope to hire in the next six months,” according to the Department of Parks and Recreation. “In the interim, Shannon Flanagan-Watson, currently an assistant County Manager, will be the acting director.”
One parks and rec employee told ARLnow.com that Tiwari was a “super great guy.”
“He was the best boss I’ve had,” the employee said. “Surely will be missed.”
Registration Open for Crystal City Twilighter 5K
Registration is open for the annual Crystal City Twilighter 5K.
The Pacers-organized race is scheduled to take place at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 21. The start and finish will be located on Crystal Drive between 20th and 23rd Streets. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 5 overall male and female finishers. Merchandise prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in 10 different age groups, from 0-5 to 70+.
Unlike in previous years, the race course is now expected to take runners mostly south instead of north. Due to construction on the northern end of Crystal Drive, we’re told that runners will now head south on Potomac Avenue, toward Potomac Yard, before heading back toward Crystal City.
Photo courtesy Crystal City BID. Disclosure: Crystal City BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser.
Morning Notes
Bishop O’Connell Grad Selected in NBA Draft — Bishop O’Connell High School standout Kendall Marshall has been drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA Draft. Marshall, a point guard, is being touted as a possible replacement to Steve Nash. [Washington Post, Bleacher Report]
Citizens Ask for Farmhouse Restoration – A group of residents is urging the Arlington County Board to spend some $1 million to restore the county-owned Reevesland farmhouse and convert it into a nature and sustainability learning center. At the moment, the county is attempting to find a commercial tenant to foot the bill for the pricey restoration. [Sun Gazette]
Closures for Parade This Weekend — Parts of Shirlington Road, Four Mile Run Drive and S. Walter Reed Drive will be closed Saturday afternoon to make way for the “Agrobol Parade.” [Arlington County Police Department]
Library Honored for Environmental Innovation — Arlington Public Library has been named the Urban Libraries Council’s 2012 “Top Innovator for Sustainability.” [Library Blog]
AIM Awarded for ‘Overall Excellence’ — Arlington Independent Media has received an award for “Overall Excellence in Public Access” in the 2012 Hometown Media Competition. AIM won in the category for public access stations with budgets over $650,000. It’s the eighth time AIM has won the award since 1990. “Overall Excellence” award recipients in other categories included two local operations: Fairfax County Government Channel 16 and Montgomery Community Media. [Alliance for Community Media]
Flickr pool photo by Philliefan99
NWS Issues Heat Advisory, Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region today. Temperatures are now expected to climb as high as 103 today and 102 tomorrow, according to forecasters.
From Arlington Alerts:
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory, effective from 11AM to 9PM on Friday (today). This Heat Advisory replaces the Excessive Heat Watch. Humidity will increase, and Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed 105 degrees. The high temperature is expected to be in the upper 90s to 100. Additionally, there is a 30% possibility of thunderstorms, most likely in the mid afternoon through the evening, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Citizens should prepare for the possibility of excessive heat occuring on any day between now and late next week. Precautions for heat:
* Drink plenty of fluids
* Stay indoors in an air-conditioned room whenever possible
* Stay out of direct sunlight
* Do not leave children or pets in vehicles
* Check up on neighbors, particularly the elderly and sick
* Wear light colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing
* Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
(further info: http://bit.ly/heatillness )Metro will allow bottled water on trains, on buses, and in stations through at least Monday: http://bit.ly/MetroHeat
An Excessive Heat Watch is also in effect for Saturday. From the National Weather Service:
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH… IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING.
* HEAT INDEX VALUES… AROUND 105 DEGREES THIS AFTERNOON. UP TO 110 DEGREES SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
* TEMPERATURES… AROUND 100 DEGREES THIS AFTERNOON AND SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
* IMPACT… RISK OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR OTHER HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR-CONDITIONING OR THOSE SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS… STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM… STAY OUT OF THE SUN… AND CHECK IN ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.
TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE… RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK… THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR-CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY – CALL 9 1 1.
Hallmark Store Closing at Pentagon Row
The Hallmark Gold Crown Store at Pentagon Row (1101 S. Joyce Street) will be closing next month.
The store is closing up shop on July 29 after losing its lease, we hear. Employees are telling customers that a Petco store will be taking its place. Lisa Epstein, a Petco spokeswoman, was unable to immediately verify that a Petco store will be opening at the location, but added that the company only discusses stores that are no more than three months away from opening.
The Hallmark store is offering all greeting cards and merchandise, including sale items, for 25 percent off until it closes.
Hat tip to Desiree L.
County Board to Consider New W-L Softball Field
(Updated at 2:35 p.m.) The Arlington County Board is expected to approve a use permit for a new softball field at Washington-Lee High School at one of its July meetings.
The Arlington School Board approved the $1 million softball field project at its Nov. 15, 2011 meeting. According to a project timeline published earlier this year, construction on the new field is expected to begin as soon as next month, and should wrap up by late winter or early spring 2013.
Arlington Public Schools spokesman Frank Bellavia confirmed that the new field is expected to be ready by the next softball season. The $1 million cost will be split between the school system and Arlington County, he said.
The new field will be built at the corner of Washington Boulevard and N. Quincy Street, on the Washington-Lee High School campus, next to the school’s football field. Currently, both the W-L softball and baseball team play on county-owned land at Quincy Park, across Washington Boulevard from the campus. Last summer parents of W-L softball players waged a campaign for better girls softball facilities, threatening to file a Title IX complaint if the school system did not upgrade the field, the bleachers and other amenities to the standards of the boys baseball field.
The new softball field will include a natural grass playing field, a 192-square-foot press box, 230 grandstand seats, dugouts, bullpens, a batting cage, a practice field, a scoreboard, and focused “dark sky” lighting.
“This proposed project [will] improve the existing combined softball and practice field at the Washington Lee High School which was part of the original design for the school,” according to a project overview document. “Growing APS and County needs and requirements have caused the need to consider improving this portion of the original school design.”
In a memo, school staff said the new field will benefit both the school and the community.
If a new field is built at W-L, the school will have a truly dedicated softball field similar to Wakefield and Yorktown, W-L will have increased options for sports activities on the new field for Physical Education and both APS and the County will have increased use on the Quincy field and add diamond sports as well as other PRCR programs to the W-L field. APS staff has met with County PRCR staff about shared community use and programming for the proposed WL field. The results of these discussions resulted in a 50:50 Schools/County shared use agreement for the W-L field that provides W-L priority use for softball play. In order for W-L itself to have the greatest use possible for this new field, it is expected that a new field would have a removable fence like the boys baseball field has so that the outfield can be utilized to its greatest extent after the softball season is over both for APS and County activities.
Ballston Farmers Market Starts Today
The grand opening of the revamped Ballston Farmers Market will kick off at 3:00 this afternoon.
The market, which is now managed by FRESHFARM Markets and sponsored by the new Ballston Business Improvement District, will be held Thursdays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Welburn Square, through October 25. The square is located between N. Stuart and Taylor Streets, across from the Ballston Metro station.
Today’s grand opening will feature live music from local rockabilly group Jumpin’ Jupiter.
Per the Ballston BID, the merchants planning to offer their products at the market include:
- Evergrain Bread Company (Chestertown, MD)
- Garden Path Farm (Newburg, PA)
- Wild Rose Soap Company (Gaithersburg, MD)
- Pleitez Produce (Montross, VA)
- Capitol Kettle Corn (Ft. Meade, MD)
- Westmoreland Berry Farm (Oak Grove, VA)
- The Farms at Ellis Bay (Nanticoke, MD)
- Keswick Creamery at Carrock Farm (Newburg, PA)
- Gunpowder Bison & Trading Co. (Monkton, MD)
- Fresh Crunch Pickles (Arlington, VA)
- Radix Farm (Upper Marlboro, MD)
- Shells Yes! Crab Cake Company (Chester, MD)
- Mickley’s Orchard (Biglerville, PA)
File photo. Disclosure: Ballston BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser.
Local, State Reaction to Health Care Ruling
By a 5-4 decision, announced this morning, the Supreme Court has upheld President’ Obama heath care law. Numerous local and state officials and candidates are now weighing in on the high court’s ruling.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) called the decision a “blow to freedom.”
Today’s Supreme Court ruling is extremely disappointing for Virginia and for America. The PPACA will create a costly and cumbersome system that will impair our country’s ability to recover from these challenging economic times, infringes on our citizen’s liberties, will harm small businesses, and will impose dramatic unfunded mandates on Virginia and all states. Simply put, this is a blow to freedom. America needs market-based solutions that give patients more choice, not less.
Virginia will evaluate the steps necessary to comply with the law. While we have awaited this decision, planners have been working to identify necessary resources and issues to be addressed to ensure Virginia implements this flawed law in the most effective and least costly and burdensome way possible. In coming months, Virginia’s healthcare leaders will work to develop the best possible system to meet the healthcare needs of our citizens. It remains my hope that we will elect a new President and Senate so that the existing law will be repealed and states will be given the freedom they need to implement healthcare solutions that work best for their citizens. We will evaluate the opinion in detail in the days ahead and determine what policies are proper for the people of Virginia.
Rep. Jim Moran (D) applauded the ruling, saying the Affordable Care Act will result in “life-saving reforms.”
Today the Supreme Court reaffirmed what Democrats and President Obama have known for two years; the Affordable Care Act stands on firm constitutional grounds.
People across the country are already benefiting from reforms in the Affordable Care Act, including 6.6 million young people who can stay on their parents’ insurance, 105 million Americans who no longer have a lifetime limit on their coverage, and 5.3 million seniors in the ‘donut hole’ who have saved $3.7 billion on their prescription drugs.
Though today’s ruling provides assurance as the Administration phases in life-saving reforms including a ban on insurance companies denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions, Republicans in Congress will undoubtedly continue their efforts to dismantle critical provisions of the Affordable Care Act. We must continue fighting these efforts in the House of Representatives to repeal ACA.
Passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2009 represented a giant leap forward to not only make our health care system work better for Americans of any age, race, gender, or income level, but to rescue our economy from the suffocating grip of spiraling health care costs. We spend nearly 18 percent of our entire economy on health care – twice what every other industrialized nation pays. The Affordable Care Act will reduce our deficit while improving access to, and the quality of, care for all Americans.
Washington has been struggling to deliver meaningful health care reform for more than six decades. Today’s ruling means the United States can finally see its way closer to delivering on that promise for all Americans.
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R), a leading opponent of the health care law, said today is “a dark day for American liberty.” He is planning to hold a press conference at noon today in Richmond to discuss the decision.
