Local Eclipse Events Today — “Although Arlington won’t be in the path of totality running from Texas to Maine, we’ll be getting 87% coverage around 3:20 p.m. on Monday, April 8. The National Weather Service currently predicts partly cloudy skies… The Rosslyn Business Improvement District is hosting a free viewing event at Gateway Park from 2-4 p.m. The event, a collaboration with the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, will include music and lawn games at 1300 Langston Blvd.” [ARLnow, Event, Event]
Reminder: Eclipse Eyewear Required — “Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device. Always supervise children using solar viewers. Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.” [NASA]
Straight Out, No Chaser — From Dave Statter: “An @ArlingtonVaPD officer spotted four women they believed had just stolen items at the ABC store on Columbia Pike & S. Highland around 3:30 p.m. They got into a blue Kia. As police followed the car it sped off, ran some lights, and weaved through traffic along S. Glebe and then Route 50. Police did not have permission to chase it as the car went through Rosslyn on N. Lynn St., running more lights.” [Twitter]
Another Pentagon City Crash — From Dave Statter: “The latest crash at Army Navy & S. Hayes in Pentagon City will look very familiar to those who have seen the other collisions at this intersection. The only difference is this time it happened in front of the crew from @ArlingtonVaFD Engine 105.” [Twitter]
Wanted Man Escapes After Hitting Cop — “900 block of S. Columbus Street. At approximately 2:37 a.m. on April 5, officers were on a separate call for service inside a common area of a residential building when they came into contact with a wanted suspect. Officers attempted to take the suspect into custody during which he was noncompliant and struck an officer. The suspect then ran, exited the building and fled the scene. Officers established a perimeter and canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results.” [ACPD]
Local Dog Park Among Best in U.S. — “The Arlington County government’s Shirlington dog park ranks No. 7 nationally in a new listing of ‘hidden gems’ as selected by canine owners. Based on a survey of 3,000 people across the country, Technobark compiled the listing of 120 parks that had unique features and special attractions for dogs and their owners.” [Gazette Leader]
Arlington Among Best Places for Pickleball — “Arlington was third overall statewide, beaten out for the #1 and #2 spots, respectively, by Alexandria and Falls Church. Richmond and Fairfax County rounded out the top five… That finding is based on the work of 600 coaches at TeachMe.to, who last year delivered tens of thousands of pickleball lessons nationwide.” [Gazette Leader]
Croissant Tearing to Open New Cafe — “To mark the grand opening of the new Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro and Café in Ballston, owners Neman Popov and Brody Tennant decided that it was fitting to tear apart an oversized croissant prior to the restaurant’s ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday. After all, they boasted Roggenart baked the flakiest croissants around.” [Patch]
Suspicious Tomato Can Found — ” A number of facilities in Arlington recorded violations during recent inspections from the Arlington County Public Health Department. Inspectors conducted the most recent visits between March 19-20. Inspectors noted that a kitchen in one Arlington restaurant had a severely dented tomato juice can that was labelled ‘Don’t Use.’ The staff was told to return or discard any dented food cans.” [Patch]
Beyer on Israel Arms Transfers — From Rep. Don Beyer: “‘In light of the recent strike against aid workers and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis, we believe it is unjustifiable to approve these weapons transfers.’ I agree… and signed this letter.” [Twitter]
It’s Monday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 68, as calm wind picks up to 5-9 mph from the south in the morning. The night will be partly cloudy, with lows around 52. [NWS]
Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler