Representing Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax

I've received more than 100 emails over the last couple of weeks on the need to address the twin scourges of systemic racism and police brutality. I wrote back at some length to everyone who wrote me on what we've seen, what we've done, and what we intend (with your help) to do to substantially reform the nature of policing and criminal justice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

I decided to share the substance of that letter with the rest of you.
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This morning, June 12, Northern Virginia – including Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax – begins Phase Two of "Forward Virginia," Governor Northam's plan for reopening. Most of Virginia entered into Phase Two on June 5th. Here are some of the big guidelines to know. 

  • Restaurants will be allowed to re-open for indoor dining at 50% capacity.
  • Retail stores may operate at 50% capacity. 
  • Farmer’s markets may permit limited on-site shopping.
  • Houses of worship can open at 50% capacity. 
  • Fitness centers can open indoor areas at 30% capacity.
  • Pools can expand operations to indoor and outdoor exercise, diving and swim instruction.
  • Social gatherings can have a maximum of 50 people, up from 10 people allowed under Phase One.

You can learn everything you need to know about Phase Two – what's allowed, what's prohibited, and what's recommended – by clicking here. See here for the Spanish translation.
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Thank you to the 126 of you who completed the survey. That's an impressive amount of feedback!

The vast majority of you expressed concern on all four primary categories of testing, vulnerable residents, frontline workers, and elections.
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Last week, recognizing that people needed a forum to get answers to tough questions from local law enforcement leaders, I hosted a town hall with local law enforcement leaders from Arlington and Alexandria. "Panelists" included:

  • Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown
  • Arlington Police Chief Jay Farr
  • Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney Bryan Porter; and
  • Arlington Commonwealth's Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti
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Our nation is reeling.

Here, yet again--this time in Minneapolis--a police officer killed an unarmed handcuffed black man, his knee on George Floyd's neck long after George uttered his fateful last words and lost consciousness.
(George was being arrested under suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill.)
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Northern Virginia – including Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax – today begins Phase One of "Forward Virginia," Governor Northam's plan for reopening. I shared more details of Phase One in a prior newsletter. Then, it applied to other areas of Virginia. Now it applies to us. 
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I know it's rough out there. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and we're in quarantine. If you can take a walk outside, bring your mask and please do. Enjoy all the beauty of nature. And keep six feet apart from your neighbor. Social distancing is hard. We all crave the human connection. There will come a time again for hugs. Don't forget your humanity. 
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