There’s something of a war of words going on between the sponsor and a key target of a soon-to-be new towing law.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) recently signed two pieces of legislation — both backed by Arlington lawmakers — allowing Northern Virginia local governments to set tighter restrictions on tow operators. HB 959, introduced by Del. Alfonso Lopez (D), allows localities in Northern Virginia to pass “second signature” ordinances requiring towing operators to get express permission from lot owners before removing individual vehicles.


Arlington Ahead on Housing Production — “Housing production isn’t distributed evenly around the region. The Post determined each jurisdiction’s share of the regional housing target based on anticipated household growth this decade, and found D.C., Arlington County, Falls Church and Alexandria are on track to exceed their share of the targets. But the other nine jurisdictions represented by COG are all lagging. Fairfax County, the most populous jurisdiction in the region, is on pace to build only 36 percent of its target.” [Washington Post]

School Board Forum This Weekend — “Candidate forums are scheduled for the following times and locations. [Saturday] April 13 at 9:30 a.m. — School Board forum at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington (Arlington Democrats).” [ARLnow]


Two local lawmakers who spearheaded bills to limit domestic abusers’ access to firearms blasted recent vetoes of that legislation at a press conference today (Thursday).

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) last month struck down bills from State Sen. Barbara Favola and Del. Adele McClure that would have strengthened existing gun control laws around people who have physically attacked family members and romantic partners.


Gov. Signs Vape Shop Bill — “The governor on April 5 signed HB 947, a Lopez bill giving localities the power to regulate the location of vape shops and other venues that deal in nicotine products, including a prohibition of operating within 1,000 linear feet of a school or day-care facility. There are some exceptions: Existing facilities will have their previous approvals grandfathered in, and the measure does not apply to convenience stores or gas stations.” [Gazette Leader]

Preservation Bill Becoming Law — “The measure by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) would mandate a 30-day cooling-off period before a locality issues a permit to raze or demolish any building that is, at the time, being considered for local historic status… Gov. Youngkin signed the measure yesterday. Its provisions will got into effect July 1.” [Gazette Leader]


In a bid to preserve its paper-and-ink legacy, the Falls Church News-Press plans to introduce a few changes to its business model — chief among them a website paywall.

“If my deference to a print newspaper simply doesn’t afford us the ability to continue in that mode, we’ll try something else, at least on a temporary basis,” Nick Benton, founder and editor of the more than three-decade-old publication, told ARLnow. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the paper going.”


More stringent towing ordinances could be coming to Arlington as two bills targeting “predatory” practices are set to become law.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has signed off on two pieces of legislation — both backed by Arlington lawmakers — allowing Northern Virginia local governments to set tighter restrictions on tow operators. This move could allow Arlington to implement changes to its towing ordinance originally approved in 2016 but later nixed by the state legislature.


County Statement on Drag Show Threat — “Arlington County and the County Board unequivocally support the LGBTQ+ community. ACPD’s swift response ensured the safety of patrons and staff, and the fortitude of Freddie and drag queen Tara Hoot allowed the show to go on… expressions of hatred and bigotry have absolutely no place in our community, and the Arlington County Board condemns these threats of violence and attempted intimidation of our community.” [Arlington County]

Eid Off for APS Students — Arlington Public Schools students are off today due to the Eid al-Fitr holiday. [Arlington Public Schools]


Community input on a planned redesign of Rosslyn’s Gateway Park is kicking off this week.

The county is inviting locals to share their thoughts on the future of the park at 1300 Langston Blvd during an open house on Thursday evening.


A woman intentionally struck another woman with her car in a Clarendon parking garage yesterday during a dispute, police say.

The incident happened around noon on the 3000 block of Washington Blvd. Police say the suspect and victim “became engaged in a dispute regarding driving.”


An Arlington service provider for survivors of abuse celebrated the opening of a new, expanded headquarters last week.

Doorways hosted a ribbon cutting at the Community Services Center at 671 N. Glebe Road, a space designed around the needs of people who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. The spacious, brightly lit office in a Ballston high rise is meant to create a more comfortable environment for people seeking Doorways services, as well as the nonprofit’s employees.


Flyover Planned Today — From AlertDC: “The US Military will conduct a Flyover in the NCR at the Arlington National Cemetery, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM.”

Library Projects Discussed — “County library director Diane Kresh used her April 2 budget work session with County Board members to sketch out proposals for two major projects – a library for Crystal City and relocation of the Columbia Pike branch. The former seemed to have a location decided on, but that plan didn’t work out, Kresh said. She was quick to add that options actively are being explored for the Crystal City facility.” [Gazette Leader]


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