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Police Arrest Package Theft Suspect

Published December 23, 2014 at 11:30AM | Updated December 23, 2021 at 2:47PM

(Updated at 2:45 p.m. on 12/23/21) Arlington County Police have arrested a man suspected of stealing dozens of packages from local homes.

There have been numerous reports of package thefts around Ballston this month. Yesterday afternoon, undercover cops patrolling the Ballston area, hoping to nab the suspect, observed a man acting suspiciously.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published December 23, 2014 at 9:35AM

Summers and Soccer — Summers Restaurant in Courthouse, set to close after Dec. 31, is being eulogized as the Washington area’s premier soccer bar. Though holding out hope for a “miracle,” owner Joe Javidara says he is being forced to close due to financial woes. With more international soccer games available via cable and at other, newer bars, business at Summers has “dropped… off the cliff.” [Washington Post]

Moran Objects to Killing Birds Near Airports — Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) wants airports, like Reagan National, to deploy new avian radar technology and stop the practice of euthanizing birds that live near airports. NBC4’s I-Team reports that more than 100,000 animals, including birds, have been “chased away” from the runways at Reagan, Dulles and BWI, to reduce the risk of animal strikes. [NBC Washington – WARNING: Autoplay video]

News

Two Arrested After Buckingham Armed Robbery

By ARLnow.com

Published December 22, 2014 at 11:30AM

The incident happened around 3:15 a.m. on the 200 block of N. Piedmont Street. Police say a 40 year old man was walking in the area when he was approached by a suspect who brandished a knife and stole his wallet. A second suspect served as a lookout during the robbery.

The victim called 911, and 49-year-old Arlington resident Lamont Jackson, the alleged lookout, was quickly taken into custody. Police continued to search for the other suspect, calling in the Fairfax County Police helicopter and at least one Arlington K-9 unit.

Around Town

Clarendon Named One of the ‘Yuppiest Neighborhoods in America’

By ARLnow.com

Published December 22, 2014 at 9:30AM

Clarendon has been ranked among the nine “yuppiest neighborhoods in America” by the website Thrillist.com.

The Orange line neighborhood made the list thanks to young, affluent residents and their standard-issue upscale haunts, like Whole Foods, Pottery Barn and Lululemon. From the website:

Around Town

Summers Restaurant to Close

By ARLnow.com

Published December 20, 2014 at 12:45PM

The restaurant announced on its Facebook page Friday that it is terminating its lease as of Jan. 1, 2015. It did not specify a reason for the lease termination.

“We are very grateful to our loyal customers who throughout the past 30 years have made it possible for Summers to twice be voted as America’s Best Sports Bar,” the restaurant said.

Schools

Possible Norovirus Outbreak at Long Branch Elementary

By ARLnow.com

Published December 19, 2014 at 6:00PM

At least 20 students went to the school clinic Friday because of nausea or vomiting, according to Arlington Dept. of Human Services spokesman Kurt Larrick.

Officials say they’re investigating whether the illness was caused by norovirus, and whether the virus might have spread due to a bathroom that was not cleaned properly.

Around Town

Clarendon Dog Park Wins Award

By ARLnow.com

Published December 19, 2014 at 3:00PM

The Clarendon park, which has facilities for both dogs and humans, was called “a model for today’s urban parks” by the society.

“From using rainwater for irrigation to solar power to native plantings to increasing the urban tree canopy, this park is at the forefront of environmental sustainability,” the group said, according to a county press release.

News

Crime Report: Several Sexual Assaults

By ARLnow.com

Published December 19, 2014 at 10:40AM | Updated January 16, 2018 at 2:19PM

File photo

The incident took place early morning on Monday, Dec. 15, on the 5500 block of Columbia Pike.

The victim “went to the suspect’s residence and after some conversation, the suspect became sexually aggressive and forcefully touched and penetrated the victim’s anus,” according to ACPD spokesman Lt. Kip Malcolm.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published December 19, 2014 at 9:45AM

Murphy Finalist for Superintendent of the Year — Arlington Public Schools’ Dr. Patrick Murphy is one of four finalists for national superintendent of the year from the School Superintendents Association. Murphy, who was hired in 2009, has previously been recognized as Virginia’s superintendent of the year. [Washington Post]

Optimism for Office Vacancies in Arlington — There’s good news for owners of commercial office buildings in Arlington. Despite high vacancy rates, “Arlington’s location close to D.C. and its numerous transportation amenities give property owners an advantage in attracting potential tenants from other locations in the region,” especially Millennials, writes Keara Mehlert, a business development manager for the county-run Arlington Transportation Partners. [Mobility Lab]

News

‘Top Model’ Casting Call Coming to Pentagon City Mall

By ARLnow.com

Published December 18, 2014 at 5:15PM

The casting call will be held inside the mall from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015. Casting directors are “looking for females and males, ages 18 to 27, of diverse backgrounds, shapes, sizes with no minimum height requirement,” according to a press release.

Two local judges will be among those evaluating the hopefuls: Paul Wharton, the fashion and lifestyle correspondent for DCW50, the local CW station that’s organizing the casting call, and Maggy Francois, a D.C. and New York event and fashion marketing executive.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Closing Artisphere

By ARLnow.com

Published December 18, 2014 at 9:15AM | Updated December 18, 2014 at 9:39AM

Donnellan said Artisphere “has not lived up to projections” and would likely require substantial taxpayer support to stay open — more than $2 million per year.

Based on subsequent comments from County Board members, it appears that the Board is likely to adopt the manager’s recommendation next year.

News

BREAKING: Donnellan Recommends Closing Artisphere

By ARLnow.com

Published December 17, 2014 at 4:20PM | Updated December 17, 2014 at 5:20PM

Donnellan made the recommendation at today’s County Board meeting, after being charged by the Board earlier this year to study Artisphere and suggest a way forward for the money-losing, county-run center.

“I will be recommending that the county close the Artisphere as a cultural center in fiscal year 2016,” Donnellan said. “This was a business decision… this was a tough decision, a disappointing one. The reality is that the Artisphere has not lived up to projections.”