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The Alexandria Brief — AM | Monday, Feb. 9

Buddhist monks walk through Alexandria today; Election Day is tomorrow; America250 kickoff tonight

Ryan Belmore

— 8 min read
The Alexandria Brief — AM | Monday, Feb. 9

Good morning, Alexandria. It's a big day in the city — and a rough morning for this Patriots fan. We don't need to talk about it.

Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace will pass through Old Town this morning, with a peace talk at Christ Church around noon — expect rolling road closures along Washington Street and Route 1. Tonight, Historic Alexandria kicks off its yearlong America250 commemoration at The Lyceum, and ACPS hosts a budget forum at Douglas MacArthur Elementary. Councilman Kirk McPike’s resignation takes effect today, and Market Square Garage closes as City Hall renovations begin. And don’t forget: Election Day is tomorrow.

Here’s what you need to know today.

1️⃣ Buddhist monks on 2,300-mile Walk for Peace pass through Alexandria today

Buddhist monks participating in the Walk for Peace make their way along their route in Virginia. The group departed Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26 on a 2,300-mile pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. (Courtesy)

A group of about 19 Buddhist monks nearing the end of a months-long pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas, will walk through Old Town this morning on their way to Washington, D.C. Mayor Alyia Gaskins is expected to present the group with a city proclamation recognizing their message of peace and compassion.

The procession will enter Alexandria at the 1200 block of South Washington Street around 9 a.m. and proceed north through Old Town to Christ Church, where the monks will rest, eat lunch and address attendees at approximately noon. Rolling street closures along the route are expected between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cameron Street between Washington and Alfred streets and Columbus Street between King and Queen streets will be closed starting around 6:15 a.m.

The monks, led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, left Fort Worth on Oct. 26 on what was planned as a 120-day trek. They’re ahead of schedule — as of last week, they were on day 103. The pilgrimage has drawn significant attention, with nearly 340,000 members in a Facebook community following the journey. Gov. Spanberger met the group in Richmond on Feb. 2 and declared it “Walk for Peace Day” in Virginia.

Community members who wish to observe can line the route along South Washington Street or gather at Christ Church. The monks are expected to depart for Arlington in the early afternoon.

Read more: Buddhist monks on 2,300-mile Walk for Peace expected to pass through Alexandria

2️⃣ Your Dog's Best Friends owner apologizes, says he 'misjudged' groomer convicted of animal abuse

The owner of Your Dog’s Best Friends issued a public apology Saturday, three days after a former groomer at his Richmond Highway facility was convicted of felony animal abuse in the death of a dog.

Paul Haire said he watched the video of Abigail’s death — the 3-year-old golden retriever who died on a grooming table in July 2024 — and believed it was a heart attack, not strangulation. He said his background as an emergency room orderly and the veterinarian’s initial diagnosis led him to that conclusion. “If I was wrong in my interpretation of what I saw, it was not out of negligence, lack of compassion or greed,” he wrote.

But the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s supervising veterinarian reached a different conclusion after reviewing the same footage, determining that Kevin Sanders’ “mistreatment ultimately led to the animal’s death.” A search warrant affidavit stated that Abigail “was strangled by the leash designed to hold the animal in place.”

Haire said he chose to retrain Sanders rather than fire him because he believed the death was unintentional. “With hindsight, that is the decision I should have made,” he wrote. “I will carry that regret for the rest of my life.” Sanders faces up to five years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday.

Read more: Your Dog’s Best Friends owner apologizes, says he ‘misjudged’ groomer convicted of animal abuse

3️⃣ Alexandria kicks off America's 250th anniversary commemoration tonight

Historic Alexandria officially launches its America250 commemoration tonight with a public event at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum.

The program begins at 7:05 p.m. and will feature remarks from Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Visit Alexandria CEO Todd O’Leary, and Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker, along with an overview of signature 2026 events — including the George Washington Birthday Parade this Saturday, Sails on the Potomac in June, and the Juneteenth Festival. A reception will follow.

The yearlong initiative reflects Alexandria’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and centers on inclusive storytelling about the people and ideas that shaped the nation. The event is free and open to the public.

More info: alexandriava.gov/america250

4️⃣ ACPS budget forum tonight at Douglas MacArthur Elementary

The Alexandria PTA Council and Alexandria City Public Schools are hosting a budget education forum tonight as the district works toward a Feb. 19 budget adoption vote.

The session runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria at 1101 Janney’s Lane, with pizza starting at 6 p.m. Rather than a traditional presentation, participants will rotate through small-group conversations with ACPS staff on instructional excellence, recruitment and retention, and mental health support. Interpretation will be available in Amharic, Arabic, Dari and Spanish.

The forum comes as the district faces a $15.1 million shortfall — and as students and teachers have urged the board to reconsider proposed cuts to middle school Latin and Chinese programs. Board members’ add/delete proposals are due today, with a work session scheduled for Feb. 17.

Read more: PTAC, ACPS to host budget forum Feb. 9 as FY 2027 cycle kicks off

5️⃣ Election Day is tomorrow: What Alexandria voters need to know

The Feb. 10 special election is tomorrow. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. — you must vote at your assigned polling place. Check yours at vote.elections.virginia.gov or call 703-746-4050.

All Alexandria voters will vote in the Senate District 39 race between Democrat Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Republican Julie Robben Lineberry. Voters in House District 5 will also choose between Democrat Kirk McPike and Republican Mason Butler.

A few things to note: Schools will be in session, so plan for crowds and traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. The City Hall precinct has moved to Lyles-Crouch School, 530 S. Saint Asaph St. — follow signs for Old Town South. Bring a valid ID, or sign an ID Confirmation Statement at the polls. Same-day registration is available if you missed the deadline, but you’ll cast a provisional ballot.

More than 2,300 Alexandrians voted early. Unofficial results will be posted on the Virginia Department of Elections website after polls close at 7 p.m.

Read more: Election Day is Tuesday: What Alexandria voters need to know

📰 In brief

McPike's resignation from City Council takes effect today. The councilman's departure — one day before Tuesday's special election for House District 5 — triggers the process to fill his seat. Five Democrats have filed: Sandy Marks, Tim Laderach, Roberto Gomez, Charles Sumpter and Cesar Madison Tapia. The firehouse primary is Feb. 21. The Alexandria Brief

HUD headquarters move to Alexandria draws legal, funding scrutiny. The department has started relocating Washington-based staff to the former National Science Foundation building in Alexandria, but questions remain over the move's legality and congressional oversight. The union representing HUD employees argues the agency is violating federal law requiring its headquarters to remain in D.C. Sen. Elizabeth Warren called for more transparency. Politico

Fire breaks out at laundromat on Commonwealth Avenue, quickly extinguished. Engine and Rescue 209 arrived to visible flames at Bubble Laundromat in the 3400 block early Sunday morning. The blaze was quickly put out with limited spread. No information on injuries or a cause was immediately available. The Alexandria Brief

Five finalists announced for 2026 Heart of Del Ray award. The Dairy Godmother/Just Fine Donuts, Del Ray Hardware, La'Baik, Matt & Tony's All-Day Kitchen + Bar and Piece Out are vying for the honor. Voting is open through noon Thursday, with the winner announced Friday. The Alexandria Brief

Health officials report measles exposures at Reagan National, Metro. A preschool-age child is among confirmed cases as the outbreak spreads across northern Virginia. New exposure sites include Reagan National's Terminal 2 and the Yellow Line transferring to the Red Line at Gallery Place on Jan. 26. Anyone present is asked to fill out a survey for the Virginia Department of Health. The Alexandria Brief

Frozen Feet 5K to raise funds for local families battling pediatric cancer. The Feb. 21 event at Episcopal High School supports families facing the financial toll of treatment. Last year's race raised roughly $17,000. The Alexandria Brief

Market Square Garage closes today as City Hall renovation begins. Monthly pass holders should have already received information about alternative locations. Farmers market shoppers will have free parking during market hours at the Courthouse Square and Tavern Square garages on Saturdays. Fencing will go up this month around City Hall and Market Square. The Alexandria Brief

Duke Street Land Use Plan community meeting Feb. 25. The fifth public meeting will be held at the Masonic Memorial from 7-8:30 p.m. and will include a presentation on community feedback and proposed draft plan districts. An open house with staff will run before and after the presentation. Virtual attendance available via Zoom. City of Alexandria

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🗓️ Today in Alexandria

Increasing clouds today, with a high near 33 degrees. Mostly cloudy tonight, with a low around 23 degrees.

Sunrise: 7:05 a.m. | Sunset: 5:38 p.m.

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