The Alexandria Brief — PM | Friday, Jan. 30
Third candidate enters council race; mayor backs housing bills; two local chefs head to Top Chef
Happy Friday. Early voting begins tomorrow, a third candidate has just entered the council race for a seat that hasn't even been vacated yet, and two Alexandria chefs are about to compete on national TV.
Here's what's new since this morning.
Gomez becomes third candidate for potential council vacancy. Cornerstone Craftsman founder Roberto Gomez joins Sandy Marks and Tim Laderach in the race for the seat Kirk McPike will leave Feb. 9.
Mayor Gaskins endorses state housing bills. Gaskins joined Falls Church and Arlington officials in an op-ed backing parking and ADU reforms. Hours later, the House shelved the ADU bill until 2027 and folded the parking ban into a weaker measure that caps, rather than eliminates, parking requirements.
What Alexandria’s legislators are doing on immigration enforcement. Del. Alfonso Lopez is carrying four bills to create protected areas around schools and hospitals, require judicial warrants for local police cooperation with ICE, and bar enforcement near polling places. Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker has signed onto 10 immigration-related bills.
City seeks input on recreation funding changes. The city is proposing changes to how it funds recreation programs. Competitive sports leagues would move to a tier requiring them to generate revenue exceeding costs. Feedback due Feb. 15; public hearing Feb. 19.
ACPS launches climate survey. Students, families, and staff can respond through March 1 to help shape the district’s 2030 plan.
Crews focused on narrow streets; after-action review planned. Schools virtual for a fourth day. Slight chance of snow Saturday.
Two chefs who call Alexandria home head to Top Chef. Anthony Jones and Jonathan Dearden are among 15 contestants competing for the $250,000 prize on season 23.
This weekend
Early voting begins Saturday. Head to 132 N. Royal St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two seats on the ballot: Senate District 39 and House District 5.
League of Women Voters hosts candidate forum Sunday. All four candidates for the Feb. 10 special elections will participate. SD39 at 1:30 p.m., HD5 at 2:45 p.m.
Black History Month kicks off Sunday. The 30th annual MLK Jr. poster exhibition awards ceremony is at Charles Houston Recreation Center from 1 to 3 p.m. More than 130 student submissions on display through March 1.
Del Ray Farmers Market canceled Saturday. First time in more than 30 years.
Crooked Beat Records closes Del Ray location Saturday. Last day at 2417 Mt. Vernon Ave., after flooding damaged hundreds of records earlier this month.
Utility Resource Fair Saturday. 10 a.m. to noon at Charles Houston Recreation Center. Virginia American Water, Dominion Energy, and AlexRenew will be on hand.
Weekend Guide: What’s happening Jan. 30–Feb. 1. Your guide to events, entertainment, live music, and more.