(Updated at 10:35 a.m.) Democratic candidates are racking up tens of thousands of dollars in donations, as well as numerous notable endorsements, as this year’s local races heat up.

Three Arlington County Board contenders are leading the pack in terms of donations for this election cycle, campaign finance reports show. Natalie Roy has raised about $41,000 so far, JD Spain has raised $37,000 and Tenley Peterson has raised $23,000.

Candidate Julie Farnam, for her part, has raised $12,000, while James DeVita‘s receipts indicate $30,000 in cash contributions, $29,000 of which is from himself.

Spain has secured several prominent endorsements, including State Sen. Barbara Favola, Del. Adele McClure, current County Board Vice-Chair Takis Karantonis and former County Board member and State Sen. Mary Whipple. He also has the support of the local United Food & Commercial Workers union, VoteVets and Moms Demand Action.

Roy’s endorsements, meanwhile, include former County Board members John Vihstadt, Walter Tejada and Chris Zimmerman, and former School Board member James Lander.

As for Peterson, a total of 22 current and former members of the Arlington Planning Commission and Arlington Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission are backing her campaign, as are 15 other current and former local officials, including former County Board members Jay Fisette and Katie Cristol.

Although an entry in Spain’s paperwork to the Virginia State Board of Elections seemed to indicate he was running for School Board, he confirmed to ARLnow that was a typo and he is currently only pursuing a seat on the County Board.

“There was a minor clerical error that has since been corrected, and we have already informed the Virginia Department of Elections,” Spain said.

Both Spain and Roy also ran for County Board last year.

As for the School Board race, Zuraya Tapia-Hadley stands out with $24,000 in donations. She has clinched the support of numerous local officials, including Favola, Del. Alfonso Lopez, Karantonis, County Board member Matt de Ferranti and Sheriff Jose Quiroz.

Also standing behind Tapia-Hadley are the organizations Juntos Por Virginia, the Latino Victory Fund and the Arlington Education Association PAC.

School Board contender Kathleen Clark, who has raised $14,000, has endorsements from Del. Patrick Hope, outgoing County Board Chair Libby Garvey, former School Board member Barbara Kanninen and de Ferranti.

Candidate Chen Ling, meanwhile, has pulled in $12,000.

Finance data on candidate Larry Fishtahler is not immediately available, but he has secured an endorsement from the Arlington Education Association.

Two School Board seats are up for grabs this year, along with one County Board seat. The Arlington Democratic primary will take place June 18, while the last day to vote in the Democratic School Board caucus is May 11.

Arlington a ‘New Powerhouse in AI’ — “Arlington, VA, traditionally known for its strategic importance in government and defense, is rapidly transforming into a thriving hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. This shift is propelled by a unique confluence of federal agencies, industry leaders, and a burgeoning tech ecosystem.” [Unite.AI]

Bonus for Public Safety Personnel — “Arlington County’s Board has proposed a one-time bonus for first responders amid a staffing crisis impacting police, firefighters, and paramedics. For months, the unions representing these workers have sounded the alarm on the staffing shortage that they say puts the county’s public safety in jeopardy and has resulted in member burnout.” [WUSA 9]

ACPD Giveaway Successful — “An uptick in auto thefts in Arlington County earlier this year set the stage for a timely giveaway on Wednesday. Car owners lined up to get a free steering wheel lock, and if their car qualified, an Apple Tag. They’re trying to get ahead of thieves who would like nothing more than to drive off in their cars.” [WJLA, Twitter]

Shirlington Circle Lane Closure — “The Shirlington Circle south rotary bridge over I-395 will have the right lane closed Friday night, April 19 through Saturday morning, April 20 for joint work, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Weather permitting, the right lane will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, April 19 to noon Saturday, April 20.” [Press Release]

Remembering IOTA Club — “From 1994 until 2017, IOTA Club & Cafe was a no-frills home base for regional bands, a stopping point for national touring acts like Jason Mraz and Brandi Carlisle, and a hometown gem for live music devotees across the DMV. The closing of the beloved venue located at 2832 Wilson Blvd. was deeply mourned and eulogized.” [Arlington Magazine]

It’s Kitten Season — From the Animal Welfare League of Arlington: “With ‘kitten season’ in full swing, there’s a good chance you’ll be one of the people who comes across a litter of kittens in your neighborhood. Save the guide below and share it with your friends and family!” [Twitter]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching a high near 79 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. As for Thursday night, the clouds will increase and the temperature will drop to around 51 degrees, with an east wind at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]

Good Wednesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 17, 2024.

• 9:30 am: Arlington taxi companies may get fee relief amid steep drop in riders | 🗣️ Comments
• 10:30 am: Spring book sale starts tomorrow at Arlington’s Central Library | 🗣️ Comments
• 11:30 am: Construction of park and street upgrades near HQ2 slated for County Board consideration | 🗣️ Comments
• 1:45 pm: ACPD: Intoxicated woman damages convenience store, assaults police | 🗣️ Comments
• 2:30 pm: NEW: Overflowing sewage line leads to stream warning | 🗣️ Comments
• 3:45 pm: Earth Day festival returns this weekend along Langston Blvd, prompting road closures | 🗣️ Comments

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Thursday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

• 11:30 am: Tiny Stage
• 3:00 pm: Anti Procrastination Café
• 6:00 pm: Pilates on the Plaza with Mind the Mat
• 👉 6:30 pm: Mean Girls Jr.
• 8:00 pm: Alternative Thursdays
• 8:00 pm: Wednesday”s Renegade Round Up

🌤️ Thursday’s forecast

Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching around 77°F, accompanied by a northwest wind of 6-10 mph. As for Thursday night, clouds will increase and temperatures will drop to around 49°F, while the east wind ranges between 7-9 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.”
– Edith Wharton

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

People will fill some local streets for the “Earth Day Every Day” festival this weekend along Langston Blvd.

The festival is taking place this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m in front of Lee Heights Shops (4500 Cherry Hill Road). Earth Day itself is this coming Monday, April 22.

Festival goers can expect to see artwork, environmental booths, live music and activities for kids. While the kiddos paint, visit the library truck, go on a scavenger hunt or learn about nature, parents can enjoy live entertainment, an art market and environment-related booths.

The following performances are planned.

• Singing story time with Emily at 11 a.m.
• Live music from Jacqueline Pie Francis and Pat Mackin at noon
• Library Story time from 12-12:30 p.m.
• Live blues acoustics with Spice Cake at 1:15 p.m.
• Live Latin-American music from Elena La Fulana at 2:30 p.m.
• Listen to music genres ranging from “raw funk” to “hypnotic grooves” with Sol Roots at 3:45 p.m.

More on the road closures, below, from the Arlington County Police Department.

The 2024 Earth Day Every Day Festival will be held on April 21, 2024. The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following road closures from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in order to accommodate the festival:

• Cherry Hill Road between N. Woodstock Street and N. Woodrow Street
• Northbound N. Woodrow Street between 20th Road N. and Cherry Hill Road will be restricted to local traffic only.

Community members should expect to see an increased police presence in the area, and motorists are urged to follow law enforcement direction, be mindful of closures, and remain alert for increased pedestrian traffic. Additional closures not mentioned above may be implemented at police discretion in the interest of public safety.

Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No parking” signs, as street parking in the area will be restricted. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If you vehicle is towed from a public street, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.

The event is organized by the nonprofit Langston Blvd Alliance.

The closure of Cherry Hill Road to accommodate the festival could be a sign of things to come: a recently approved plan for the Langston Blvd corridor includes renderings that show the street reimagined as a lush pedestrian-only greenspace and walkway.

Images via Langston Boulevard Alliance

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Contact us today to schedule a free 20-minute consultation to help determine if our services are right for you and your family. No matter where your family is in their journey, Dr. Siddall is available to provide consultation and assistance.

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A sewage leak from an overflowing pipe has prompted a warning avoid contact with a local stream.

“The public is advised to avoid contact with Donaldson Run below N Utah Street due to overflow from a sanitary sewer line,” Arlington County said in an alert this (Wednesday) afternoon. “County staff are investigating.”

So far there’s no word on when the stream might be safer for contact again.

The public is advised to avoid contact with Donaldson Run below N Utah Street due to overflow from a sanitary sewer line. County staff are investigating. https://t.co/6ieRFGBOEl pic.twitter.com/RS02RdAdN6

— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) April 17, 2024

A 40-year-old Fredericksburg woman is facing multiple charges after police say she damaged a local store and kicked a police officer.

The incident happened around 10:45 p.m. Monday at the 7-Eleven store across from the Ballston Metro station.

According to an Arlington County police crime report, the woman “entered the business and allegedly began eating food items when an employee confronted her.” She then proceeded to throw items at the employee, go behind the counter and threaten them, and then shatter the front glass door, police say.

The initial police dispatch said the woman was “destroying the store,” according to scanner traffic.

Police detained the woman nearby, but she was combative and kicked an officer, according to ACPD. She has been charged with assault, destruction of property, shoplifting, and public intoxication, among other crimes.

More, below, from ACPD.

ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-04150251, 4200 block of Fairfax Drive. At approximately 10:44 p.m. on April 15, police were dispatched to the report of disorderly conduct. Upon arrival, it was determined the female suspect entered the business and allegedly began eating food items when an employee confronted her. A verbal dispute ensued and the suspect threw merchandise at the employee, striking them, before briefly leaving the store. The suspect then returned, went behind the counter and made threatening statements towards the employee and subsequently exited the business. The suspect then struck the glass door to the business, causing it to shatter, before fleeing the scene on foot. Responding officers located the suspect in the area of Fairfax Drive and N. Stuart Street and detained her. While in custody, the suspect was non-compliant and kicked an officer. Medics evaluated the suspect on scene. [The suspect], 40, of Fredericksburg, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Assault and Battery, Destruction of Property (x2), Shoplifting, Obstruction of Justice and Public Intoxication. She was held without bond.

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Looking for engaging Earth Day activities for the whole family?

Look no further than Earth Day Every Day on Langston Boulevard, a day-long street festival filled with live music, delicious food, children’s art activities, a native plant sale, environmental education opportunities and a sustainable art market. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at the Lee Heights Shops, 4500 Cherry Hill Road.

Hosted by the Langston Boulevard Alliance, with programming and marketing support from founding partner Arlington Arts, Earth Day Every Day on Langston Boulevard offers a chance for the entire Arlington community to unite in celebrating our local environment and the planet itself.

This festival commemorates the global Earth Day movement that began in 1970, urging us all to play a part, big or small, in preserving and protecting our environment. With a variety of activities available, there’s something for everyone:

Exploring the Sustainable Art Market: Eco-friendly Creations from Local Vendors

• Artologica: Original art and stylish accessories inspired by science
• Bicycle Trash: Handmade goods made from overlooked materials
• Soultry: A range of self-care offerings from affirmative apparel and clay jewelry to 100% natural skin and hair care
• Trade Roots: Home décor, fashion and handcrafted jewelry that tells a story of craftsmanship, sustainability and global positive impact
• Alana Rivera Studios: A range of jewelry, including a line made from Arizona Tea Cans, gift cards, and other upcycled materials.
•  Full list of vendors here.

Participate in “Climate Hope”

Write a quick 6-word poem, pledge or illustration focused on climate change on a specially designed sari from the ancestral village in Bangladesh of artist Monica Jahan Bose, as part of Climate Hope, the latest installation of the Arlington Art Truck.

Enjoy Performances by Acclaimed Artists Throughout the Day

• Jacqueline Pie Francis (12 p.m.): A jazz vocalist, singer-songwriter and chef who has headlined major East Coast venues. She will be accompanied by guitarist Pat Mackin.
• Spice Cake (1:15 p.m.): Yaya Patterson’s vocals and regional blues stalwart Miles Spicer’s acoustic guitar blend to create a blues treat.
• Elena La Fulana (2:30 p.m.): A Latin Grammy-nominated instrumentalist, bilingual Latin-folk singer-songwriter and the lead for Elena & Los Fulanos.
• Sol Roots (3:45 p.m.): Mixing funk, blues, rock, soul and hypnotic grooves, this internationally touring band has shared the stage with artists such as Booker T. Jones, Cory Henry and Jon Cleary.

Join your fellow community members for a day of celebration, education and inspiration as we come together to honor Earth Day and our shared commitment to environmental stewardship in Arlington.