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.

News

Sheriff’s deputies prevent near-fatal overdose in courthouse lobby

By James Jarvis
Arlington County courthouse on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Two Arlington County Sheriff’s Office deputies prevented a near-fatal opioid overdose in the lobby of the county courthouse yesterday morning.

The individual, a member of the public and not an inmate, was found lying on the ground in the courthouse lobby at approximately 8:30 a.m. Thursday, showing signs of a severe overdose.

Go to Sheriff’s deputies prevent near-fatal overdose in courthouse lobby Read more
Events

Giant menorahs to be lit in celebration of Hanukkah starting next week

By James Jarvis
Chabad Lubavitch synagogue menorah lighting in 2015 (via Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington/Facebook)

Menorah lights are set to brighten up Arlington after Hanukkah begins next Friday.

On Sunday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m., Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington, a local branch of the global Jewish outreach organization, will light its “giant 9-foot Menorah.”

Go to Giant menorahs to be lit in celebration of Hanukkah starting next week Read more
Events

AWLA to reduce adoption fees for pets during ‘Empty the Shelters’ event

By James Jarvis
Chanel (Photo courtesy AWLA)

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is having its own holiday sale, of sorts, but for pets.

Starting this Friday, as part of the nationwide “Empty the Shelters” event, the shelter is offering reduced adoption fees for dogs, cats and small animal companions such as rabbits, guinea pigs and rats.

Go to AWLA to reduce adoption fees for pets during ‘Empty the Shelters’ event Read more
Events

Arlington high schools get festive with holiday markets this weekend and next

By James Jarvis
Washington-Liberty High School Holiday Bazaar (via Washington-Liberty High School/Facebook)

(Updated at 12/5/23) Two Arlington high schools are gearing up to host holiday markets over the next two weekends.

This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Washington-Liberty High School will hold its 63rd annual “Holiday Bazaar.”

Go to Arlington high schools get festive with holiday markets this weekend and next Read more
Around Town

Westover Taco on Washington Blvd is gearing up to open next month

By James Jarvis
The back of Westover Taco (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Tacos are closer to being served in Westover, just in time for the holidays.

After a nearly 4-month delay, Westover Taco at 5849 Washington Blvd — previously the home of the Forest Inn, a long-time dive bar which closed in June 2022 — is set to open around mid-December, per the company’s Instagram account.

Go to Westover Taco on Washington Blvd is gearing up to open next month Read more
Events

Arlington Chorale to sing ‘rarely performed’ Christmas song at annual holiday concert next weekend

By James Jarvis
Arlington Chorale concert at Westover Baptist Church December 2022 (courtesy of Dennis Pitman)

The Arlington Chorale is gearing up to bring a long-lost musical piece to life at its holiday concert next Saturday in Westover.

The community choir plans to perform familiar classics, including “Good King Wenceslas” and “Gloria.” However, it is also adding what it says is a rarely performed composition to its repertoire: ‘The Ballad of the Brown King.”

Go to Arlington Chorale to sing ‘rarely performed’ Christmas song at annual holiday concert next weekend Read more
News

Fire department charts a new course with first-ever strategic plan

By James Jarvis
CPSE technical advisor Ernst Piercy fields questions during an ACFD public engagement event (staff photo by James Jarvis)

In a bid to improve accountability, the Arlington County Fire Department is looking to put its mission and priorities in writing with its first-ever strategic plan.

The plan is designed to help the department identify its values and strengths and determine where to channel its resources over the next five years.

Go to Fire department charts a new course with first-ever strategic plan Read more
Around Town

‘Singing tree’ to bring festive cheer to Ballston with music, lights and local bites

By James Jarvis
2022 Ballston Singing Tree event (courtesy of Ballston BID)

The Ballston “singing tree” is set to return for the holiday season.

Starting next week, the sparkling, voice-activated Christmas tree near the Ballston Metro station will brighten the neighborhood with lights and music through the new year.

Go to ‘Singing tree’ to bring festive cheer to Ballston with music, lights and local bites Read more
Around Town

Pamplona in Clarendon set to close next month

By James Jarvis
Pamplona in Clarendon on Nov. 27, 2023 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Pamplona, the Spanish tapas restaurant and sangria bar in Clarendon, will close next month, according to a social media post.

The restaurant, which opened in 2017 in the space formerly occupied by SoBe Bar & Bistro, shared its farewell message on Instagram last week.

Go to Pamplona in Clarendon set to close next month Read more
Around Town

New gourmet diner Surreal set to open Friday in Crystal City

By James Jarvis
Surreal in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 11/30/23) After a 2-year wait, the much anticipated restaurant Surreal in Crystal City is “tentatively” scheduled to open this Friday, according to a restaurant spokesperson.

While a firm opening date is not confirmed, the spokesperson told ARLnow everything is ready and they are “just waiting for one final inspection.”

Go to New gourmet diner Surreal set to open Friday in Crystal City Read more
News

Podcast: Amy McWilliams on small business outlook along Columbia Pike

By James Jarvis
The Westmont construction site on Columbia Pike (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Despite weathering the pandemic, small businesses along Columbia Pike are now facing a new set of economic challenges, including rising rent, inflation, new developments and ongoing road work.

Deputy Director of the Columbia Pike Partnership Amy McWilliams sat down with ARLnow’s James Jarvis to delve into the economic hurdles that these small businesses are still confronting, nearly four years post-pandemic. McWilliams offers insight into the enduring strength of the small business community, emphasizing its continued resilience.

Go to Podcast: Amy McWilliams on small business outlook along Columbia Pike Read more
View More Stories