A children’s book about Palestine is under review at a Falls Church library following a complaint alleging antisemitic language.
“P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book” is the work in question. Library Director Megan Dotzler said at a Feb. 5 meeting that a complaint had been lodged, leading to the review.
Gravelly Point Back Open — “Update: Gravelly Point and the Mount Vernon Trail have reopened.” The trail and popular plane watching spot closed in the aftermath of last month’s deadly midair crash, to allow first responders and recovery operations to stage in the Gravelly Point parking lot. [U.S. Park Police/X]
Local Funding Freeze Impact — “Public safety programs that work to reduce recidivism and help victims of violence will be threatened by the Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze federal grants and loans, according to Arlington’s top prosecutor.” [Patch]
Bus Picks Up Dogs for Fitness Sessions — “Two local entrepreneurs have joined forces on a new venture that’s really for the dogs—Club Canine Cardio at Snouts & Stouts. The doggie daycare program brings fitness sessions for furry friends to the lower level of Snouts & Stouts, an 11,000-square-foot indoor dog park with a restaurant and bar in Shirlington.” [Arlington Magazine]
New Recognition for Marymount — “Marymount University has reached a significant milestone in its Strategic Plan trajectory as it has been designated a Research University for 2025 by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation. This recognition reflects the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through impactful research initiatives.” [Press Release]
Police Hosting Summer Camps — “The Arlington County Police Department is committed to working proactively with Arlington youth and is excited to offer fun and educational youth camp opportunities during Summer 2025. Applications for the following camps close on Sunday, May 4 at 11:59 p.m. The application to each of these camps may close earlier if all spots are filled before the deadline.” [ACPD]
GW Parkway Bill Fails — “A bill in Virginia that would allow state and local police departments to enforce traffic laws on the federally owned George Washington Memorial Parkway failed to advance in Richmond. Senate Bill 776, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County) passed the Senate before it crossed over to the House.” [WUSA 9]
F.C. Paper Takes on Trump — “Just like the City of Falls Church, this newspaper is unapologetically both “woke,” pro-DEI, and resolved to remain vigilant in the protection of the values those terms represent as we stare at the menacing forces that are now emanating from across the Potomac.” [FCNP]
No Tysons Casino for Now — “Lawmakers deciding on a controversial bill to develop a casino and entertainment complex in Tysons Corner tabled a decision Wednesday… Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell’s Senate Bill 982 would have added Fairfax County to the list of Virginia localities eligible to develop a casino that backers say would bring jobs and revenue for the county and commonwealth.” [FFXnow]
Snow Possible Next Week — “Models… are fairly consistent in showing the potential for a more wintry storm around Wednesday or Thursday next week. Most models show some key ingredients for a snowstorm in our region.” [CWG]
It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies and a high around 38 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind ranging from 8 to 13 mph, and gusts reaching up to 21 mph. On Friday night clouds will increase as temperatures drop to around 27 degrees, with initially calm winds picking up to 5 mph from the southeast after midnight. [NWS]
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
Many of you have asked about best practices when it comes to buying a new condominium. Some of us only want new and are willing to pay a premium for the best in current design. There are several recommendations and insights here that will help you get what you want.
First decide what type of condominium you need… size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking needs, or separate office, followed by a list of wants such as level of building service, amenities on-site, space for dining for six, balcony, open floor plan, and natural light. (Here she goes again.) Not to be sexist about it, but females generally are better shoppers and come with a preconceived set of non-negotiables.
Identify the areas you would consider living, such as Arlington or Old Town… but not wanting to go as far as Tysons, Reston, or DC. People don’t buy condominiums in places they aren’t familiar with or already spend time in, unless relocating entirely. Many upcoming communities put up signage and a website first which makes early interest hyperlocal. Register as a VIP on the website early and you will get regular communication, time to consider the offering, and learn when pre-sale will begin.
Once open, come early in pre-sale. You’ll get the pick of the litter. This is particularly important if you want something larger and are interested in the best views. Prospects are smart and pick the best floorplans first. If you have some idea of your ideal size and price point it makes good use of everyone’s time. Once you make a selection, expect to leave a 10% deposit as this is pretty standard in the industry. The developer generally has their own contract and it’s written much in their favor but not unreasonably so. Pricing this early is usually not negotiable… the price is the price. But you can purchase with some confidence since all buyers are getting the same terms and the developer has a shared interest in protecting values through delivery while sales are ongoing.
You do not need to be fully qualified for financing to come out and look but it’s wise to have some idea of what you can afford. Most builders give incentives for paying cash or using their title company and lenders. Often your contract might even offer a short financing contingency in exchange for considering them.
Once firmly under contract, a buyer might have 12- 18 months to prepare for the move. How blissful. This is one of the best parts of buying early in pre-sale. Moving is daunting, especially if you have been in your current homes for 30 years and the thought of moving seems excruciating. Decide what to take, sell/donate, and hire a proper interior designer to space plan and create a unique home that reflects your tastes. All with the time to do it properly.
Something to note. Finishes have gotten more high end, brands carry weight, and there is less customization offered these days. Gone are the days of going to a design center. If you know you are getting a Sub Zero refrigerator included you probably won’t ask if there are other options available. (more…)
Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 13, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect sunny skies and a high around 38 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind ranging from 8 to 13 mph, and gusts reaching up to 21 mph. Moving into Friday night, clouds will increase as temperatures drop to around 27 degrees, with initially calm winds picking up to 5mph from the southeast after midnight. See more from Weather.gov.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
With the exception of a number of private-school basketball games, the winter regular-season sports schedule has been completed for Arlington varsity teams.
But the post-season competition is about to hit its stride.
Join Kaiser Permanente for Healthy at the Harbor, a free community health and wellness event taking place Saturday, June 6, from 11 am to 4 pm at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bring your family and friends for free full day of fun, fitness, and preventive care along the waterfront.
Throughout the day, Kaiser Permanente nurses and physicians will offer no-cost health screenings, alongside a health and wellness expo focused on preventive care education. A lively Kids’ Zone will keep children active and entertained with spin-art bikes, face painting, balloon art, games, and more.
Arlington and much of the D.C. area is under a Wind Advisory tonight (Thursday).
The advisory, in effect until 10 p.m., warns of gusts up to 50 mph potentially leading to downed trees and power outages.
Arlington Independent Media has paid a visit to the county’s radio room, but the organization’s FM station isn’t back on the air just yet.
The county allowed the struggling nonprofit to access its transmission room — with supervision — today (Thursday), county spokesperson David Barrera told ARLnow this afternoon.
Demolition has begun at the vacant Stratford Motor Lodge in Falls Church, where a local business owner plans to construct a restaurant and beer garden.
Under new ownership, the site at 300 W. Broad Street is slated to become Stratford Gardens, the latest project by Arash Tafakor. He co-owns a few local businesses, including Brick House Butcher and Dominion Wine and Beer – both located down the street from the new development.
The suspect in a fatal New Year’s Day crash on GW Parkway was illegally behind the wheel of his pickup truck, authorities say.
Carlos Jose Hernandez Romero did not have a driver’s license when he fatally struck a woman in an SUV while apparently speeding and driving the wrong way on the Parkway, according to a sworn U.S. Park Police affidavit.
The Pentagon City mall has confirmed the planned opening dates for some of its new eateries, with one expected to arrive as soon as February.
Gelato, Mediterranean food, Guatemalan chicken and more are expected to come to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City over the next few weeks and months.
