May, 2012 | ARLnow.com

Morning Notes

Published May 23, 2012 at 9:15AM | Updated May 23, 2012 at 9:47AM

Court Rules Against Doggie Daycare Mural — A federal appeals court has determined that Arlington County did not violate a business owner’s free speech by forcing her to cover up a mural that county code interpreted as a commercial sign. Wag More Dogs owner Kim Houghton had argued — unsuccessfully — that the mural was artwork and the county’s action violated her First Amendment rights. [Associated Press]

‘Leek American Bistro’ Coming to Ballston — A new American-style bistro is coming to Ballston. “Leek American Bistro” will feature “upscale” dishes in a casual atmosphere. Chef/owner Nathan Spittal says the new eatery, located in the former Thai Terrace space at 801 N. Quincy Street, will focus on locally-sourced ingredients and locally-sourced beer and wine. Spittal is the former owner of the BBQ Banditos food truck. [Washington Business Journal]

News

EXCLUSIVE: Rosslyn Mulls Ways to Control Food Trucks

By ARLnow.com

Published May 22, 2012 at 5:20PM

The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) is in the process of forming a set of recommendations for the Arlington County Board regarding the regulation of food trucks, according to an internal document obtained by ARLnow.com. The BID, which is funded by the property owners who rent space to the neighborhood’s 59 restaurants, delis and cafes, says in the document that “the number, location and type of operation” of food trucks and carts is “inadequately regulated by Arlington County.”

Even during the “off season” winter months, between 3 and 9 food trucks flock to N. Lynn Street alone to serve hungry Rosslyn lunch-goers, according to the BID. But while residents and workers may appreciate the variety and convenience of food trucks, the restaurants that pay rent in Rosslyn have been complaining.

News

UPDATED: Suicidal Suspect at Ballston Parking Garage

By ARLnow.com

Published May 22, 2012 at 3:30PM | Updated May 22, 2012 at 5:36PM

Update at 3:50 p.m. — The suspect has been safely taken into custody by police.

Earlier: Police and firefighters are on scene at the Ballston public parking garage, where a suicidal suspect is threatening to jump.

News

DARPA Opens New Headquarters in Ballston

By Katie Pyzyk

Published May 22, 2012 at 2:30PM

DARPA headquarters, which used to be at 3701 N. Fairfax Drive in Virginia Square, is now in the recently finished building at 675 N. Randolph Street in Ballston. The new development is being touted as more secure and environmentally sound than the previous location.

Congressman Jim Moran (D) and several Arlington County Board members, including Chair Mary Hynes, attended the event. Moran and Hynes spoke of how local officials spent years working to keep the defense contractor in Arlington.

Around Town

Then and Now: Rosslyn Circle

By Katie Pyzyk

Published May 22, 2012 at 1:15PM | Updated June 6, 2012 at 12:00AM

The picture on the left is the area formerly known as Rosslyn Circle, taken around 1925. Records indicate the businesses shown were on Agnew Avenue, which is now Lynn Street. They stood at the base of the newly finished Key Bridge, which replaced the Aqueduct Bridge in 1923.

Rosslyn, and this section in particular, used to be considered a rough area. After the Civil War ended, many soldiers stayed behind. They drove out the farmers who previously owned the land in Rosslyn, and set up saloons, gambling houses and houses of prostitution. Thievery and murder were a regular occurrence, and locals knew not to walk there at night, if at all.

News

Man Commits Lewd Act While Watching Children

By Katie Pyzyk

Published May 22, 2012 at 11:45AM | Updated May 22, 2012 at 12:24PM

According to police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck, the man was first seen sitting on the sidewalk in between two cars with a newspaper over his lap, in the 1000 block of N. Fillmore Street in Clarendon, on Saturday, May 19. Staff from a restaurant across the street saw the man masturbating as he watched children playing on the restaurant patio.

Witnesses called the police, and one staff member walked across the street to ask the man to leave. He left without causing trouble. Police have not been able to locate him, and want residents to be aware of the incident.

Around Town

Missed Connection: Weepy at Willow

By ARLnow.com

Published May 22, 2012 at 10:35AM

An unusually heartfelt “missed connection” was posted on Craigslist this morning.

I saw you at Willow [restaurant (4301 N. Fairfax Drive)] Monday night, sitting at a table near me. You – tall, blond hair in braids, stylish, natural beauty, and the face of what I imagine angels must look like. You were meeting with someone who seemed to be a lawyer or financial advisor, and you were inconsolable. I don’t know if your meeting involved the death of someone close to you or something similiarly tragic. I had an almost incontrollable urge to attempt to comfort you. I’m sorry for whatever made you so sad. I’ll send good vibes/thoughts/prayers your way. I’m no stranger to hardship and tragedy, so if by some miracle you read this, know that things will get better, and if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I’m here.

Around Town

Summer Class Registration Begins Tomorrow

By Katie Pyzyk

Published May 22, 2012 at 9:35AM | Updated May 22, 2012 at 2:13PM

Examples of active kids’ classes are swimming and tennis, creative classes include music and theater, and crafty classes include woodworking and ceramics. A wide range of activities is also available to adults, including knitting, various sports and gardening.

The catalog of courses is available online, as is a request form to have a copy sent through the mail. Registration can be done online starting at 8:00 a.m.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published May 22, 2012 at 8:50AM

Arlington Schools Make Washington Post List — All four Arlington public high schools have been ranked in the top 1 percent of all high schools in the U.S. by the Washington Post. The Post’s “Challenge Index” ranked H-B Woodlawn 48th in the nation and 2nd in the region, the highest ranking among the Arlington schools. [Arlington Public Schools]

Bishop O’Connell Softball Team Wins State Championship — For the 17th time in 19 years, the Bishop O’Connell Knights softball team has captured the Virginia Independent Schools Division I state championship trophy. The team had a 27-1 record this year. [Sun Gazette]

Call For Entries: Summer Photo Contest

Published May 21, 2012 at 4:15PM | Updated June 21, 2018 at 5:01PM

Memorial Day is just around the corner. That means it’s time to break out the swimsuits, sandals, sunscreen — and the cameras.

In celebration of their new outdoor canopy — which will help keep patio diners cooler when the sun’s beating down, warmer (thanks to built-in heaters) on cool evenings, and dry during summer downpours — Fire Works Pizza in Courthouse (2350 Clarendon Blvd) is sponsoring a summer-themed photo conest.

Around Town

Bronx Pizza Hopes to Open in July

By ARLnow.com

Published May 21, 2012 at 2:56PM

At yesterday’s Taste of Arlington event, Cordero told ARLnow.com that he hopes to open the new pizzeria on the weekend after the Fourth of July (which falls on a Wednesday this year). Cordero said the opening of the restaurant — which has had a “coming soon” sign in the window along Clarendon Boulevard since early 2011 — has been delayed due to issues related to the installation of vents and exhaust for the pizza ovens.

We reported last month that Bronx Pizza plans to be open during breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night, and will feature a menu that includes New York-style pizza, subs and pastas. It’s also expected to offer a delivery service.