June 28, 2013 | ARLnow.com

Published June 28, 2013 at 4:45PM | Updated June 28, 2013 at 6:08PM

photo via @Rock_Thrower

(Updated 6:10 p.m.) A short lived, yet strong, string of storms left patches of destruction and power outages after it whipped through the area this afternoon. Although all parts of the county sustained some damage, the worst reports seem to be coming from South Arlington.

According to Dominion Virginia Power spokesman Chuck Penn, as of 5:45 p.m. there were about 6,500 Arlington customers without electricity. Most of the 33,000 Dominion customers currently without power are in Alexandria. However, Penn noted that “this is a very dynamic, unfolding situation” so numbers are changing almost by the minute.

News

Northern Va AIDS Ministry Ceasing Operations

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 3:50PM

The non-profit organization is based just over the Arlington border in Falls Church, and has been in existence since 1987. It serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, along with the City of Alexandria.

NOVAM offered a variety of services including HIV testing, prevention education for local youth, support for gay youth and transportation services for medical appointments.

Feature

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published June 28, 2013 at 3:00PM

From condos with views of the Washington Monument to cozy brick homes, check out these open houses in Arlington this weekend.

See our real estate section for a full listing of open houses. Here are a few highlights:

Weather

NWS Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 2:25PM | Updated June 28, 2013 at 4:13PM

(Updated at 4:15 p.m.) The National Weather Service has upgraded the Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Arlington and surrounding areas to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. It is in effect until 4:30 p.m.

From NWS:

News

County Names New Housing Director

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 1:30PM

Cristeal has served as the County’s Housing Development Supervisor for nine years. He is lauded for leading his team in enhancing and implementing affordable housing financing and planning tools, working with partners to leverage federal and state funding and making policy recommendations to address the county’s affordable housing challenges.

“The County conducted a nationwide search for this key position and had a strong pool of applicants,” said County Manager Barbara Donnellan in a press release. “We chose David because he has a solid track record of working successfully with Arlington community members and non-profit partners to plan and preserve affordable housing. We know he’s the right person to carry out Arlington’s aggressive affordable housing program.”

Feature

Your Cheesemonger: Getaways for Cheese Lovers

By ARLnow.com

Published June 28, 2013 at 12:30PM | Updated June 28, 2013 at 3:32PM

Editor’s Note: This sponsored column is written by Katie Carter, cheesemonger at Arrowine (4508 Lee Highway)

Winter is, by far, the busiest season for cheesemongers. Holidays and family gatherings call for great food and cheese is always invited. The quieter summer months, on the other hand, allow cheese professionals to visit farms and creameries, attend cheese conferences and food shows, and compete in cheese competitions.

News

Board: No Competition from Proposed Alexandria Fitness Facility

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 11:30AM | Updated June 28, 2013 at 11:47AM

The Alexandria City Council discussed the proposal it received from The St. James Group LLC during its meeting on Tuesday. The plan involves a long term lease of the 15 acre city owned property currently occupied by Hensley Park.

The Alexandria proposal includes amenities such as an Olympic sized pool and water play area, climbing wall and racquetball courts. Those features had already been included in Arlington’s long term plan for Long Bridge Park.

News

Bus Schedule Changes Begin Next Week

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 10:00AM

Starting next week, some riders of the two major bus service providers in Arlington will notice schedule changes.

Metrobus will begin its service changes this Sunday, June 30. Different schedules will go into effect on various lines throughout the metro area, but the following are the major changes in Arlington:

News

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 9:00AM

Officials See Positives in Voting Rights Act Ruling — Although civil rights activists have expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Voting Rights Act earlier this week, some local officials see a few benefits in the decision. Election officials no longer need approval from the U.S. Department of Justice on election matters down to the precinct level. That will allow them to make decisions on the fly, such as extending absentee voting or holding a voter registration drive. [Sun Gazette]

State Reissues Arlington’s Municipal Stormwater Permit — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) reissued Arlington’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. Arlington is the first municipality in the state to receive an MS4 permit that includes quantitative pollution reduction requirements to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The new permit is in effect through mid-2018, during which time Arlington is required to decrease its share of the nutrient and sediment reductions by five percent. [Arlington County]