Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, schools local politics, business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa.

Around Town

Podcast: Bridges to Independence CEO on rising youth homelessness in Arlington

By James Jarvis
Bridges To Independence offices in Green Valley (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Over the last 18 months, Arlington nonprofit Bridges to Independence has experienced a notable surge in children and families seeking shelter, resulting in a growing waiting list.

CEO Fraser Murdoch sat down with staff reporter James Jarvis to discuss what factors may be driving the youth homelessness crisis in Arlington and how the broader community can intervene.

Go to Podcast: Bridges to Independence CEO on rising youth homelessness in Arlington Read more
Around Town

New sushi spot Bluefish Bistro has opened up on Columbia Pike

By James Jarvis
Bluefish Bistro on Columbia Pike (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Bluefish Bistro Sushi & Kitchen, a new sushi restaurant, has quietly opened at Centro Arlington on Columbia Pike.

Located at the corner of S. George Mason Drive and the Pike, the 1,450-square-foot sushi restaurant celebrated its grand opening last month, taking up residence on the ground floor of the mixed-use development next to the Harris Teeter and the Vietnamese eatery Pho Saigon Pearl.

Go to New sushi spot Bluefish Bistro has opened up on Columbia Pike Read more
Schools

APS poised to add Walter Reed Drive road upgrades to Career Center project

By James Jarvis
Corner of S. Walter Reed and 8th Street facing future Career Center building (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Arlington Public Schools is poised to tie planned S. Walter Reed Drive upgrades into its $180 million Arlington Career Center project.

This past Saturday, the Arlington County Board approved a memorandum of agreement permitting APS to appoint the same contractor for the Career Center’s construction to handle the road improvements — part of the county’s Neighborhood Complete Streets program — from 5th Street S. to Columbia Pike.

Go to APS poised to add Walter Reed Drive road upgrades to Career Center project Read more
Around Town

New Panera to open in Ballston this week and its first customers will get free meals for a year

By James Jarvis
Panera Bread in Ballston on Dec. 19, 2023 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 4:05 p.m.) Like a phoenix rising from the ashes — or a Barnes & Noble returning to Georgetown — Panera Bread is making its triumphant return to Ballston.

The fast-casual bakery-cafe chain announced today that it is gearing up for a grand opening this Thursday (Dec. 21) near the Ballston Metro station, at the corner of N. Stuart Street and Fairfax Drive.

Go to New Panera to open in Ballston this week and its first customers will get free meals for a year Read more
News

Lyft offering free rides from now until New Year’s Day courtesy of SoberRide

By James Jarvis
2023 holiday SoberRide flier (via Washington Regional Alcohol Program)

Lyft is ringing in the new year by offering free rides to Arlington residents over 21 from now until New Year’s Day.

Spearheaded by the Tysons-based Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the initiative, known as SoberRide, aims to reduce drunk driving around holidays including Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve when DUI crashes tend to spike.

Go to Lyft offering free rides from now until New Year’s Day courtesy of SoberRide Read more
Around Town

Orvis store in Clarendon announces closing sale and eyes potential reopening

By James Jarvis
Orvis in Clarendon on Dec. 18, 2023 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Sporting and outdoor goods store Orvis is set to close in Clarendon and is going out with a closing sale.

The closure may not be permanent, however, as the store has hinted at reopening elsewhere in the area.

Go to Orvis store in Clarendon announces closing sale and eyes potential reopening Read more
Around Town

Arlington’s Pupatella ranked as one of the world’s best pizza chains

By James Jarvis
Pupatella in South Arlington (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington’s Pupatella has been recognized by an international pizza ranking guide as one of the premier pizza chains worldwide.

The Italy-based guide 50 Top Pizza gave Pupatella and a few dozen other notable pizza chains special mention alongside its “50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains 2023” list, an annual selection of the best pizzerias in the world.

Go to Arlington’s Pupatella ranked as one of the world’s best pizza chains Read more
Around Town

Capturing life beyond news: ARLnow’s Jay Westcott transitions from news photography to artistic pursuits

By James Jarvis
Jay Wescott (courtesy of Jay Wescott)

(Updated at 2:25 p.m.) ARLnow’s staff photographer, Jay Westcott, is stepping away from the news industry — but he isn’t putting his camera aside just yet.

At 51, Westcott is shifting his focus from the fast-paced world of daily news photography to focus on the sides of photography that align with his other passions, including portraiture, storytelling and music.

Go to Capturing life beyond news: ARLnow’s Jay Westcott transitions from news photography to artistic pursuits Read more
Around Town

Soul Thai Kitchen & Bar debuts in Dominion Hills, replacing Meridian Pint

By James Jarvis
Soul Thai Kitchen & Bar in Dominion Hills (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A new Thai restaurant in Dominion Hills is set to open next week.

Located at 6035 Wilson Blvd, Soul Thai Kitchen & Bar stepped in to fill the vacancy left by Meridian Pint in late October. The local brewhouse had shuttered earlier this year due to financial struggles.

Go to Soul Thai Kitchen & Bar debuts in Dominion Hills, replacing Meridian Pint Read more
Around Town

New Latin American American restaurant to open this Friday on Columbia Pike

By James Jarvis
Variedades Catrachas restaurant on Columbia Pike (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A new restaurant specializing in traditional Honduran and Salvadoran cuisine is opening on Columbia Pike tomorrow.

Located at 3709 Columbia Pike, Variedades Catrachas is expected to welcome its first customers starting at 5 a.m. this Friday, the owner Jessica Canas told ARLnow.

Go to New Latin American American restaurant to open this Friday on Columbia Pike Read more
News

County Board mulls more funding for second Pentagon City Metro elevator amid delays

By James Jarvis
Pentagon City Metro Station on Dec. 13, 2023 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Pentagon City Metro Station’s second elevator project is now facing yet another delay and a request for more funds.

At its meeting this Saturday, the Arlington County Board is set to discuss adding another $4.4 million in local funds to construct a second Metro elevator on the west side of S. Hayes Street.

Go to County Board mulls more funding for second Pentagon City Metro elevator amid delays Read more
Around Town

Local bake shops promote specialty desserts in time for the holidays

By James Jarvis
Chocolate peppermint mousse pie from Livin' the Pie Life (courtesy of Livin' the Pie Life)

As Christmas draws near, local bakeries are whipping up festive desserts to celebrate the holiday season.

Bayou Bakery at 1515 N. Courthouse Road is offering holiday-themed desserts until Christmas Eve. Its holiday menu features items like peppermint bark and the Creole Kringle cake, featuring Chef David Guas’ Creole take on a cream cheese filling and topped with a praline glaze and roasted pecans.

Go to Local bake shops promote specialty desserts in time for the holidays Read more
View More Stories