Alexandria Local

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Police End Barricade Peacefully

On June 4, police were alerted to a person in distress in an apartment building in Potomac Yard that ended without incident thanks to a professional, measured, well-trained response from the officers of the Alexandria Police and Sheriff’s Departments, as well as assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Removal of Statue Denies City’s History

I am writing to comment on the removal of the iconic Confederate Soldier statue at the intersection of South Washington Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria.

Alexandria City Council Prohibits Firearms on City Property

Following a public hearing June 20, the Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance prohibiting firearms and ammunition in City facilities, parks and areas requiring special event permits.

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Black, Male and Arrested in Alexandria

Alexandria’s war on drugs hits black males hardest.

According to the Alexandria Police Department, 64 percent of people arrested in Alexandria for drug arrests last year were African American. Almost half of those arrests were Black males.

Appetite: On the Menu: Goings-On in Alexandria Restaurants

From permanent restaurant closures to a focus on private parties to wholesalers becoming direct-to-consumer distributors, the pandemic has brought with it quite a few changes to the area’s food-and-drink landscape.

Opinion: Commentary: Terminate Memoranda of Understanding with US Park Police

As you know, on Monday, June 1, 2020, the United States Park Police (USPP) used tear gas on citizens at Lafayette Square who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights prior to any curfew.

Opinion: Column: Masking My True Feelings

For those of us living in states where mask-wearing is mostly mandatory (indoors: yes, outdoors: not nearly as much), it is very easy to hide one's emotions.

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Seniors Join Protests for Racial Injustice

Remembering the past to inform the future.

Long before there was a Black Lives Matter movement and smart phones that captured police brutality on video, and long before throngs of people filled streets around the world to protest racial injustice, there were smaller crowds of pioneers fighting to tear down barriers imposed by Jim Crow laws.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Oppose Prohibition of Firearms on City Property

To the members of the Alexandria City Council: As a gun owner with a Concealed Handgun Permit (“CHP”) and native of Alexandria, I believe that your proposed anti-gun ordinance will infringe upon my freedoms.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Reconsider What We Expect Police To Do

The article by Michael Lee Pope, “Disproportionate Use of Force” (June 11, 2020), was most disturbing. I was angered by the story of the white police officer’s harassment of a black Alexandria citizen who was simply doing his job.

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Feeding the Fight in Alexandria

Friendship Firehouse wraps up food delivery.

Members of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association wrapped up a 6-week period of delivering over 600 meals to Alexandria firefighters with a donation of lunches June 5 from Foster’s Grille.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Help Struggling Businesses

For several months now, I have noticed the increasing number of empty storefronts downtown. King Street, Washington Street, Pitt Street -- all have “For Rent” signs now. Most recently, Walgreens on King Street closed on March 5.

A Vested Interest in Alexandria

APD K-9 Taz to receive body armor.

The Alexandria Police Department’s K-9 Taz, a 2-year old German Shepherd who was imported from Hungary, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a donation from local residents Chuck and Cathy Rey and the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc.

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‘Homegrown’ Filmmakers in Alexandria

ASO, Film Festival announce joint partnership selections.

The Alexandria Film Festival, in partnership with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, has announced the six filmmakers that have been selected to participate in its joint project, HomeGrown: American Stories in Music and Film.

Alexandria City Council Adopts Resolution 2950

SYSTEMIC RACISM: In its resolution, City Council acknowledges that the plight of black and brown Americans is not only present in the form of police brutality, but is also entrenched in institutions such as the judicial system, the electoral process, career advancement, education, housing and the health care system.

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