Editorial: Yes to Nonpartisan Redistricting
Politicians shouldn’t be choosing voters.
Virginia’s Congressional map is unconstitutional because African American voters are packed into District 3, according to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The problem will have to be remedied by drawing new boundaries.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: July 3-5
Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon for the July 4 weekend.
Column: Quality of Life
Throughout my nearly six and a half years of cancer treatment, starting at the initial Team Lourie meeting on February 27, 2009, when my oncologist suggested I take that vacation I’ve always dreamed of (to which I exclaimed “WHAT!?”), my quality of life has always been important to him.
Mt. Vernon: Many Made WPHS All Night Graduation Party Possible
Grads enjoy all night celebration supported by 80 local businesses.
The West Potomac High School All Night Graduation Celebration provides a safe, fun, drug- and alcohol-free event for seniors following their graduation ceremony.
Alexandria: Joy over Court Decision
Members of the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church (MVUC) congregation celebrate the extension of same-sex marriage to all 50 states by Friday's U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Rail Is Better than Bus
I sit on the AT2X bus taking me home from work. It pulls out of Mark Center and onto the Seminary Road bridge over 395. I can see below four lanes of cars, packed and barely moving. It’s like this every day. North-bound lanes are busy too.
Letter: Spring Bank and Fairchild Park
Letter to the Editor
The history of seeking a park and restoring Quander Brook is easily understood with facts.
Gala Celebrates 50th Reunion of Parker-Gray Class of ‘65
The Parker-Gray High School Class of 1965 hosted its 50th anniversary on June 12-13
Letter: Supporting Students
Letter to the Editor
Dan Storck is a hero for students and staff in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Mt. Vernon: Surovell fundraiser photo
Cinco de Surovell
Del. Scott Surovell's Sixth Annual Cinco de Surovell fundraising event was held in May in Fort Hunt Park.
Alexandria: Port City Releases Derecho Common
Like the microwave, the pacemaker, and the Slinky, Port City’s Derecho Common is the fortunate, if accidental, byproduct of nature and some experimental science.
Alexandria: Confederate Concerns About Appomattox
Alexandria’s Appomattox statue under scrutiny.
With a national dialogue underway on the appropriateness of Confederate flags and imagery, some Alexandrians have begun questioning whether the Appomattox statue to Alexandria’s Confederate dead should remain on Prince Street.
Alexandria: ‘Don’t Judge Me’ Music Video Promotes Tolerance
Kids Empowering Kids debuts music video.
Their voices were timid at first, but one by one students at William Ramsey Elementary School spoke up when asked how they have been judged by their friends and classmates.
Alexandria: Splash with DASH
DASH to operate free service on pool bus route.
The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH), in partnership with the Advocates for Alexandria Aquatics, and the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities, revealed a new initiative to get families and children to the Old Town Pool this summer. More than 20 local businesses, along with the support of the USA Swimming Foundation – Make a Splash, are sponsoring free rides during July and August on DASH’s AT10 route.
Alexandria: Tenants and Timeline Unclear for Landmark Mall
As city approves details for the mall redesign, other questions remain unanswered.
While City Council expressed support for new amenities and retail spaces at Landmark Mall, members of the public remain skeptical until more details emerge.
ACCT Stages ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’
Comedy tells of efficiency expert who raises a family with 12 children.
Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is staging the light-hearted classic comedy "Cheaper by the Dozen" July 3-19 in Alexandria.
Alexandria: Rejoicing on Decision Day
Multifaith gathering celebrates national same-sex equality.
As Rev. Robin Anderson from Alexandria’s Commonwealth Baptist Church discovered this weekend, planning a party around a U.S. Supreme Court decision can be problematic. First, when Anderson began planning the Northern Virginia Multifaith Gathering for Marriage Equality, there was no set date for the decision. Decision day could have been anything between June 25 to June 29. And second, there was no way to determine the outcome of the decision. Hanging a festive banner could make for an awkward situation if the Supreme Court ruled against marriage equality.
Alexandria: Wolfe Street Bares Teeth at Developer
Potential property sale stirs controversy.
The historic 415 Wolfe Street home hasn’t been sold yet, but even the possibility of a sale to a developer has some neighbors incensed. The owners of the historic property insist that the home is still on the market, and while a few developers have expressed an interest in the project, nothing is close to being finalized. Yet, some neighbors have already begun expressing concerns that a potential townhouse development could have a serious impact on the neighborhood.
Alexandria: Changing Face of Family-Friendly Dining
Quick: Think of a traditionally “kid-friendly” restaurant. It’s likely that one particular genre comes to mind: A loud establishment teeming with chaos, impatient servers, and a small children’s menu offering the usual fare for your little ones. But the face of “family-friendly” dining is changing, and some of the restaurants leading the way in Alexandria may surprise you.
Letter: Debacle at Patrick Henry
Letter to the Editor
Just recently the city has begun the process of rebuilding our school infrastructure. Long overdue and neglected, the first project begins with Patrick Henry School. The school dates back to the 1950s and is currently unfit for educating our youth. The city has budgeted $38.7 million for this project with no firm budget for the accompanying recreation center ($6.9-$8.2 million have been tossed around). Without adequate discussion and public hearing, the School Board and the City Council have passed the buck and moved this project forward,despite the failure of the planning board and recreation department to deliver a viable plan for the recreation center. Dissension and hesitation on the part of the School Board and City Council have permeated the discussions and we are only in the second inning of this project with 11 more to follow. An inauspicious beginning.