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Another Mass Testing Event Underway in Arlington

Published June 19, 2020 at 10:00AM | Updated June 19, 2020 at 12:48PM

Mass coronavirus testing event at the Barcroft sports complex (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 12:50 p.m.) The county and the Commonwealth are holding a second mass testing event today, as Arlington’s coronavirus data continues to point in a positive direction.

The free testing event, open to anyone regardless of whether they have symptoms or a doctor’s note, is being held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Barcroft sports complex (4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive). Large crowds, including those in cars and on foot, were lined up in advance of the start of testing this morning.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 19, 2020 at 7:30AM

Sunset over Park Shirlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Juneteenth Rally in Courthouse Today — “Please join the Arlington Black Employees Council for a 2020 Juneteenth Peace Rally on Friday, 11a-12p, outside at the Bozman Gov’t Center. The event will include a George Floyd tribute and recognition of victims of violence.” [Twitter]

Police Investigating Columbia Pike Robbery — “At approximately 1:24 a.m. on June 17, an officer was flagged down by the victim stating they had just been robbed. The investigation determined that the victim had exited a business when two unknown suspects approached him. One of the suspects struck the victim with an object appearing to be a firearm, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspects searched the victim’s person and fled the scene without taking anything from the victim.” [Arlington County]

Around Town

Cafe Colline Preparing to Open Soon

By ARLnow.com

Published June 18, 2020 at 3:30PM | Updated June 18, 2020 at 4:08PM

Cafe Colline (staff photo)

(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) Surprise! Arlington is about to get a major restaurant opening in the midst of the pandemic.

Cafe Colline, a neighborhood French bistro from prolific local restaurateurs Ian and Eric Hilton, is set to open for takeout next Thursday, June 25. Both phone and online orders will be accepted.

News

Local Lawmakers Weigh in on Supreme Court Rulings

By ARLnow.com

Published June 18, 2020 at 2:00PM

Supreme Court building (file photo)

The Supreme Court issued a pair of momentous rulings this week, and Arlington’s Congressional delegation is celebrating both.

On Monday, the high court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ individuals from workplace discrimination. Earlier today, it blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to end the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 18, 2020 at 6:00AM

Schwartz Presents New Capital Plan — “County Manager Mark Schwartz has proposed a $277.5 million one-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The County Manager, rather than proposing the traditional 10-year plan, is presenting a short-term proposal until the County better understands the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of the one-year CIP is on projects that are already underway, those that improve failing or end-of-life infrastructure, and those required by legal or regulatory obligations.” [Arlington County]

Juvenile Court Reeling from Coronavirus Cases — “An outbreak of covid-19 in the clerk’s office of the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court has forced the court to close the office to the public and has concerned lawyers who practice there daily. Four of the seven clerks in the office have tested positive for covid-19.” [Washington Post]

News

County Board Approves Temporary WETA Parking Lot Despite Neighborhood Concerns

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2020 at 3:55PM | Updated March 14, 2023 at 1:52PM

Location of new temporary parking lot along S. Four Mile Run Drive (photo via Arlington County)

(Updated at 4:15 p.m.) It was a seemingly uncontroversial item on the County Board agenda: shifting a temporary parking lot for television station WETA down the block, in order to allow renovations to Jennie Dean Park to proceed.

But the proposal, which was approved unanimously last night after a detailed discussion, ended up raising questions about race, equity and public engagement. It was the subject of a recent op-ed published by the Sun Gazette entitled “Arlington government again fails Green Valley,” accusing the county of repeatedly ignoring the wishes of the historically Black neighborhood.

Feature

Arlington Pet of the Week: Bumble

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2020 at 1:30PM

Arlington Pet of the Week Bumble (photo courtesy of Dan)

Meet the newest Arlington Pet of the Week, Bumble, a clumsy Sapsali who loves to play with other dogs.

Here is what Bumble’s owner had to say about his life here in Arlington:

Schools

School Board Runner-Up Supporting Lawsuit Over School Swap

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated June 17, 2020 at 3:24PM

A lawsuit has been filed against Arlington Public Schools’ controversial elementary school swap.

The swap, which was approved by a 4-1 School Board vote in February, would move Key Elementary students and staff to the current Arlington Traditional School, Arlington Traditional students and staff to the current McKinley Elementary, and McKinley students and staff to a new school being built in Westover.

News

Nursing Homes Were a COVID-19 Hot Spot in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2020 at 10:30AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:19AM

Update on 6/19/20 — Based on new data from the Virginia Dept. of Health, the actual number of deaths at Regency Care is 30.

Earlier: Local nursing homes have reported dozens of coronavirus cases and deaths, federal data shows.

Events

Dueling Pianos, Memphis Gold to Perform Roving Concert

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2020 at 9:30AM

A unique concert for the pandemic era is scheduled Saturday in Ballston.

The roving concert will be held along 9th Street N. and will feature dueling piano players from Bobby McKey’s Piano Bar, plus a special guest: Ballston’s own blues legend Memphis Gold.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published June 17, 2020 at 7:30AM

Big Response to Small Biz Grant Program — “Those hit hard by the pandemic can receive help through the small business emergency grant program. More than 1,100 businesses have applied, [County Board Chair Libby] Garvey said, and at least 63% of them are owned by women or minorities. ‘With an additional $1.6 million, we can provide grants to a total of 400 businesses, more than 50% of those that… were eligible,’ Garvey said,” during her State of the County address Tuesday morning. [WTOP, Zoom]

Chamber Presents Valor Awards — Also on Tuesday, “awards were presented to honor Arlington County’s public safety personnel and first responders. Fourteen honorees were recognized for their courageous, and often lifesaving, actions in the line of duty. Leadership of all respective departments submitted nominations for the honorees, based on their performance over the past year.” [Arlington Chamber of Commerce, InsideNova]

News

Hundreds Expected to Participate in Caravan from Ballston to the Capitol Tomorrow

By ARLnow.com

Published June 16, 2020 at 3:50PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:19AM

Hundreds of union members are expected to participate in a caravan from Ballston to the U.S. Capitol around lunchtime Wednesday.

The Workers First Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice is being organized by a number of major labor organizations. Participants will be gathering at the Ballston public parking garage at 627 N. Glebe Road — plus a second staging site in Silver Spring, Maryland — to affix signs to their vehicles. At 11:45 a.m., they will drive to and circle the Capitol building in D.C.