By Caitlyn Meisnercmeisner@alextimes.com Councilor and mayoral candidate Alyia Gaskins raised $103,113 in the first quarter of 2024, easily outpacing Vice Mayor Amy Jackson, who raised $43,092 and resident Steven Peterson, who raised $44,700, according to mandatory campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections.  Almost one-third of Gaskins’ contributions, $33,318, came from the household of Reginald J. Brown and Tiffeny Sanchez, while Peterson selffunded $30,000 of his total, with another $10,000 coming from one neighbor. Gaskins has raised $149,107 since annou ..read more

By Caitlyn Meisnercmeisner@alextimes.com James Lewis is ready to take a detail-oriented approach to serving if elected to City Council in his second try. The chair of the Alexandria Transportation and Parking Board plans to prioritize public safety, mental health, affordable housing and the nitty gritty details if he gains a seat on the dais. “There’s not really anyone focused on big details about something … it’s great to have a 35,000-foot view because we need that, but there’s no level of government between us and the project,” Lewis said. “I want to contribute to the good work that’s bein ..read more

By Jim McGrath Zach Hecker and Mike Olerta have been linked together in baseball for about a decade, starting when Hecker was a player for Olerta’s West Potomac High School team. Back in the Wolverine days, Hecker admits that he wasn’t the best player on the squad, but there was something about his keen eye for the mental aspects and strategy of the game that drew his coach’s attention. When he graduated from high school and headed to Virginia Tech to continue his education, he was left with an open offer from Olerta. “If you’re ever interested in coaching, call me after you graduate,” Hecker ..read more

By James Mathesonjmatheson@alextimes.com and Caitlyn Meisnercmeisner@alextimes.com The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a suspicious death of an adult male who was found inside an apartment building at the 900 block of North Henry Street early Monday morning. According to an APD press release, officers responded to a report early Monday and the man was transported to the hospital by Alexandria Fire-EMS where he was pronounced Monday morning. dead. If you or anyone you know has information that can be helpful for the investigation please call 703-746-4444. Tips can be provided ano ..read more

By Kim Davis A few blocks west of the Potomac River in the 200 block of North Fairfax Street stands a remarkable home constructed in 1815 by Thomas Cruse, a distiller of Irish whiskey. Little is known of Cruse, but he undoubtedly would be pleased with the beautiful bespoke renovations recently completed by the current property owners. On April 20, history buffs and tour goers alike will be privy to 213 North Fairfax St. in addition to five other centuries-old properties in Old Town, many of which have been lovingly renovated as envisioned by a new generation during the celebrated 91st annual ..read more

By Gayle Converse At one location along the Mount Vernon Trail during the recent Alexandria Celebrates Women “Making History to D.C.” Walk, I couldn’t help but marvel at a pair of golden eagles circling overhead. The duo is one of two varieties of the majestic bird found in the Commonwealth – the other, the symbol of our nation – the bald eagle. According to the Center for Conservation Biology, the largest population of bald eagles, in what is now the continental United States, was once found in the Chesapeake Bay region. As development grew, the population declined. Some of the highest level ..read more

A Public Hearing will be held by the Board of Architectural Review on Thursday, May 2, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, room 2400, second floor of City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 on the following applications: BAR#2024-00128 OHAD Request for alterations at 605 Franklin Street Applicant: Higher Power Electrical Services BAR#2023-00074 OHAD Request for addition and alterations at 333 Green Street Applicant: Paul O’Sullivan BAR#2023-00083 OHAD Request for partial demolition/encapsulation at 333 Green Street Applicant: Paul O’Sullivan BAR#2024-0 ..read more

The items described below will be heard by the Planning Commission and the City Council on the dates and times listed below. NOTICE: Some of the items listed below may be placed on a Consent Calendar. A consent item will be approved at the beginning of the meeting without discussion unless someone asks that it be taken off the Consent Calendar and considered separately. The Planning Commission reserves the right to recess and continue the Public Hearing to a future date. For further information, call the Department of Planning & Zoning at 703.746.4666 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/dockets ..read more

To the editor: I am a wife and stay-at-home mother of two. Housing is a serious concern for my family and my community. In 2017, we lived in a two-bedroom apartment in the West End. Our rent increased from $1,480 to $1,980 within a year. Struggling financially, we moved to a one-bedroom in Chirilagua for $1,400. We were at peace for three years, until the rent increased to $1,680. It saddens me that we barely see my husband because he works so much for us to have a home. I’d like to help with a job, but daycare costs are so high that my paycheck wouldn’t make a difference. City Council must h ..read more

By Charlotte Scherer My great-grandmother once told me, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” It’s funny how such simple advice can change your life. As I worked my way through law school and studied for the bar, her wisdom kept me grounded, reminding me of what matters – how a life is best lived, in service to others. I stayed true to that throughout my legal career – first as a devoted advocate for children as an attorney ad litem, then in the courtroom as assistant public defender, and eventually being sworn in as a magistrate for this city. I worked many ..read more