February 23, 2012 | ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2012 at 4:50PM | Updated February 24, 2012 at 4:50PM

Arlington County requires that certain outdoor cafes, like the beer garden, be closed for three months of the year due to the seasonal nature of the business. Hicks says he wasn’t serving beer outside, but was allowing customers to bring their beers to the garden (which has a fire pit) from his indoor bar area. That, he says, earned him a ~~citation~~ warning letter from the county.

Until it reopens on April 1, the beer garden will be off-limits to customers. Hicks says he’s disappointed with the county’s strict enforcement.

Around Town

Changes To Crystal City Skyline On The Way

By ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2012 at 2:51PM | Updated February 23, 2012 at 3:10PM

The gleaming 24-story office building, complete with a unique cantilevered roof, would replace what is now an older government office building that’s nearly vacant as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC). Under the proposal currently under initial consideration, the existing building — 1851 S. Bell Street — would be torn down and the new building would be built and relabeled 1900 Crystal Drive.

At some 730,000 square feet, we’re told that 1900 Crystal Drive would be the largest private office building in Arlington County. Developer Vornado is hoping to achieve LEED Silver or Gold environmental certification for the building.

Around Town

Photos: The Dog Days of Winter

By ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2012 at 1:32PM

With temperatures climbing into the mid-to-upper 60s today and tomorrow, Arlingtonians are getting outside for some rare fun in the February sun.

We snapped these photos in Ballston, Clarendon and Pentagon City around lunchtime today.

Schools

Nine iPads Stolen from Elementary School

By ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2012 at 11:58AM | Updated February 23, 2012 at 3:36PM

A total of nine Apple iPads were stolen from Ashlawn Elementary School. School officials sent an email to parents on Friday informing them of the theft.

“We realized the iPads were missing early this morning and took immediate action to try to locate the devices,” the email said. “The police and the central office have been notified and the matter is currently under investigation. Please be assured that Ashlawn has taken multiple measures to keep the technology in our building secure. We are, however, considering additional ways to keep our equipment secure while maintaining the ease of access to staff and students.”

News

Will Chevys Restaurant in Pentagon City Close Next?

By ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2012 at 10:30AM

A source who had advance knowledge of the closing of the Ballston Chevys tells ARLnow.com that the financially-troubled restaurant chain is indeed planning on closing the Pentagon City location, perhaps as soon as this weekend or next week.

That’s contrary to what employees at the restaurant told us. A Chevys Pentagon City employee said earlier this week that the eatery was “going strong” and would remain open.

News

Clarendon is the Second Fastest-Growing Metro Station

By ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2012 at 9:30AM

The Clarendon Metro station is the agency’s second fastest-growing station, with 14.4 percent ridership growth, according to the Washington Examiner. The East Falls Church station is the fourth fastest-growing, with 11.2 percent ridership growth.

“The list of fast-growing stations serve as a proxy for where development is growing around the region,” the Examiner noted.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published February 23, 2012 at 8:35AM

Frida Kahlo Opening Tonight — An exhibit of 259 personal photographs of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo will go on display at Rosslyn’s Artisphere cultural center (1101 Wilson Blvd) tonight. It’s the first time the photos have been on display in the U.S. A public opening is being held tonight from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The exhibit will run through March 25. [PBS Newshour]

Kapinos Re-Ups with Steelers — NFL punter and Arlington resident Jeremy Kapinos has re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kapinos, who lives in Arlington in the off-season, is reportedly making between $600,000 and $1.26 million for the one-year deal. [Steelers Depot]