Arlington Has Become a Renewable Energy Backwater

Hey, Yupette,

I recently was in San Diego on business and the electric utility there, San Diego Electric and Gas is really going for solar as a major league alternative energy source. Take a look at the photo of a solar charging station that charges electric vehicles while they are parked. Too bad Dominion completely controls everything in Virginia. Despite what Jay Fisette may say about energy planning in Arlington, fact is that about 97% of Arlington' electric energy comes from burning some kind of fuel and from nuclear reactors. A huge amount of solar energy is wasted heating parking lots and building rooftops. That's what happens when local government, local business, media, non-profits, everything is controlled by an electric utility.

Later,

Peter, 22205

Holiday and Gala Gift Card Season Hugely Successful

Hey, Yupette,

Thanks for this blog. Did you know that holiday and winter gala gift card giving to local elected officials, key local government employees, and local journalists and editors is surpassing anything I've seen before at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard? Unlike the various travel and entertainment comps County Board members and other key elected officials receive gift cards are completely unreported and it appears that hundreds of high-denomination gift cards were handed out during the recent holidays and at winter galas. This in addition to the usual holiday gift card gifts to members of the local media and key decision makers in local government. The gift card gifts are purchased for cash and $100 is the usual face value. They are often re-packaged by local pols, newsies, etc., into gifts for family members. Another reason we need real ethics reform in Virginia.

2100

County Government, Media Continue to Censor Ballston Park Deal

Hello,

Because Arlington County Government and the local Media have apparently censored information about the County's purchase of Ballston Park Apartments, we obtained a copy of the staff report and are putting it on-line here. Should have been placed on the County Board's Agenda under "Additional Items" on January 28th as Item 44. Based on conversations with County Planning and Housing Staff it is unlikely that anyone working in the Ballston-Rosslyn and Glebe Road corridors and earning less than $40,000 per year would be able to afford to live at Ballston Park. However hundreds of jobs that pay less than $40,000 per year are being created within walking distance of Ballston Park. Not surprising that hundreds of parking spaces are created concomitant with every new mixed-use site plan.

Cindy