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Ebbin Bill Would Legalize Unmarried Cohabitation in Va.

Published January 15, 2013 at 10:30AM | Updated January 15, 2013 at 10:51AM

State Sen. Adam Ebbin is running unopposed so far in his 2019 bid for re-election

A law against “lewd and lascivious cohabitation” has been on the books in Virginia since the 19th century. Currently, § 18.2-345 of Virginia code specifies that “If any persons, not married to each other, lewdly and lasciviously associate and cohabit together… each of them shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor” — punishable by a fine up to $500.

A quick internet search reveals that talk of repealing the archaic law dates back to at least 1981, when the University of Virginia’s Cavalier Daily talked to a local prosecutor who attributed “the statute’s permanence… to the reluctance of members of the Legislature to stand up and ask for its repeal.” In 2005, USA Today noted that Virginia was one of seven states that still prohibited unmarried cohabitation.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published January 15, 2013 at 9:10AM

Arlington Earns ‘B+’ For Budget Transparency — Arlington has earned a grade of “B+” from the Virginia Coalition for Open Government for the ease of finding budget information on the county’s website. While better than average, the score is below Fairfax County’s “A+” grade. [Sun Gazette]

New Optometrist Open in Clarendon — A new optometrist clinic has opened in Clarendon. New Era Eyecare opened at 3105 10th Street N. last week. It’s the company’s second location; its original clinic is located in Clifton. New Era isn’t the only optometrist to recently open in Clarendon’s main business district. Visual Health Doctors of Optometry opened at 3102 Wilson Blvd in 2011.

Around Town

Dunkin’ Donuts Now Open in Courthouse

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2013 at 3:45PM

The new Dunkin’ location is offering free medium hot or iced coffee this week to celebrate its grand opening.

The store is open from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, we’re told.

News

Tejada to Participate in Protest Against Arlington Company

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2013 at 2:45PM | Updated January 15, 2013 at 8:07AM

The demonstration, organized in part by the Laborers International Union of North America, will protest the “use of immigration status against workers” by Corinthian Contractors, Inc. Arlington residents and local immigration groups are expected to protest outside the company’s Shirlington-area headquarters.

Tejada will “stop by the event,” according to a spokeswoman.

News

Leonsis: Ballston Could Be a Haven for the ‘Creative Class’

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2013 at 1:45PM | Updated January 14, 2013 at 2:49PM

Ted Leonsis, the billionaire owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards, says Ballston could soon be known as a haven for entrepreneurs and the “creative class.”

Leonsis made the remarks at a launch event Thursday night for the new Ballston Business Improvement District, which has announced a new campaign to brand Ballston as “home to some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative industries.” The campaign will capitalize on the fact that the community is home to the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, the National Science Foundation, the Virginia Tech Research Center, and various science and technology-related companies.

Schools

APS Now on Social Media Websites

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2013 at 11:45AM

Arlington Public Schools has joined several popular social media websites in an effort to better communicate with the community at large.

The school system is now on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. From an APS press release:

Around Town

Williams-Sonoma Closing at Pentagon City Mall

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2013 at 10:45AM

The Williams-Sonoma gourmet food and cookware store at Pentagon City mall is closing after this week.

The store’s last day in business will be Sunday, Jan. 20, according to a sign at the entrance. Until then, the store is offering display items for up to 50 percent off.

News

No Reopening Date Yet for Potomac Yard Harris Teeter

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2013 at 9:45AM

The store closed last May after it was flooded with raw sewage — an incident caused by a clog at the nearby Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plan. It has yet to reopen.

A Harris Teeter spokeswoman said the store will not reopen until the company can be assured that measures are in place to prevent another catastrophic sewage incident.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2013 at 8:35AM

Pentagon Shooter Sentenced — Yonathan Melaku, the ex-Marine who pleaded guilty last year to firing bullets at the Pentagon, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Melaku had planned a terror campaign that included spray painting Arabic statements on gravestones and leaving explosives in Arlington National Cemetery, according to prosecutors. [Washington Post]

Bad Reviews for Rosslyn Safeway — While getting high marks for friendly cashiers, the Safeway supermarket in Rosslyn has earned a dismal 1.5 out of 5 stars in 53 reviews on Yelp. Customers have called the store “disgusting,” “gross,” “cavernous” and the “worst grocery store ever.” [Ode Street Tribune]

Feature

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published January 12, 2013 at 3:25PM

If you’re in the market for a new home, there are quite a few open houses to choose from in Arlington this weekend.

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

Around Town

Memphis Barbeque Closes, At Least Temporarily

By ARLnow.com

Published January 11, 2013 at 3:55PM | Updated January 11, 2013 at 4:26PM

The restaurant has “closed for reorganization,” according to its website, and as pointed out in the ARLnow.com Forums earlier this week. The restaurant’s phone number has been disconnected and its owner could not be reached for clarification.

The restaurant opened in December 2011. It’s owned by Memphis native and restaurant veteran Chris George, who recruited Redrick Rayborn, formerly the manager of a Memphis-area barbecue restaurant, to serve as “pit master.”

News

Blue Line Closed Between Pentagon and Rosslyn This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published January 11, 2013 at 2:55PM

Metro is performing “NTSB-recommended track circuit replacement, fastener replacement and joint elimination,” according to the agency’s website. Buses will replaces trains between Pentagon and Rosslyn from about 10 p.m. Friday to system closing on Sunday.

Trains will run from Rosslyn to Largo Town Center at regular weekend intervals, Metro said. The other segment of the Blue Line — starting at Franconia-Springfield — will take the Yellow Line bridge over the Potomac to Mount Vernon Square.