Arlington Legislative Delegation Given Long List of County Priorities

Theme of local control runs through legislative agenda.

Forcing online travel companies to pay all state and local taxes and fighting a proposed state constitutional amendment to broaden eminent domain laws are among the top items on Arlington County’s legislative agenda. The county’s seven-member legislative delegation received the agenda Tuesday morning with varying degrees of optimism. Some were flatly pessimistic given their duty of dealing with an estimated $1 billion-or-so budget shortfall and further cuts to state agencies. The 20-20 state Senate power split that resulted from this year’s elections is also a consideration. The parity gives Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling the tiebreaking vote, and Democrats already are preparing to go to court over the extent of Bolling’s power – …

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Trader Joe's Opens in Clarendon

Store brings unique items, fun atmosphere to a pedestrian- and Metro-accessible area.

Shoppers poured in by the dozen to be welcomed with leis and greeted by live music as the new Trader Joe's in Clarendon opened Friday morning after months of anticipation. "I've been waiting for this to open. I'm so excited!" said Helena Newmann of Clarendon. "I don't have to drive to get groceries any more. And I love the stuff they have here." The 12,300-square-foot grocery store takes up the first floor of the Clarendon Center's South Block. The store, at 1109 N. Highland St., is immediately across the street from the Clarendon Metro. Metro-themed artwork decorates the walls above the dairy and produce sections, complete with Metro markers indicating what section you're in. The art will occasionally change and update over time. "Our …

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Arlington County Formally Kicks Off Smoke-Free Parks Initiative

County: Effort aimed to promote positive role models, reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.

Arlington County officially kicked off its Smoke-Free Parks Initiative at Bon Air Park on Lexington Street on Thursday. The effort asks park visitors not to smoke within 50 feet of areas where people congregate -- ball fields, pavilions or playgrounds, for instance. Signs asking people to "please" not smoke will be installed in all county parks; many already are in place. "The community values are what we think will drive the message about being respectful of other users of the park," said Dinesh Tiwari, director of the county Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. Because of the Dillon Rule, which limits the authority of cities and counties to regulate only what the state allows, Arlington County cannot outright ban …

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Zimmerman: Bus Driver, Transportation Company Dispute 'Must Be Resolved, Immediately'

County board chairman calls for negotiations between union and Forsythe Transportation.

Arlington County issued the following statement today on behalf of County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman regarding the bus drivers' strike against Forsythe Transportation, which operates the county's bus system: "Since Monday a dispute between the management of Forsythe Transportation, with whom Arlington contracts to operate the County’s ART bus service, and bus drivers represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 3001, has resulted in service disruptions and a significant reduction of service on many ART routes.  This situation is simply unacceptable. Drivers have expressed concerns that need to be taken seriously, including allegations of sexual harassment, and the improper disciplining of a union …