Morning Notes

Peak Bloom for Cherry Blossoms Predicted — “The cherry blossom trees at the Tidal Basin will reach peak bloom from March 23 to 26, 2024, the National Park Service announced at a National Cherry Blossom Festival press conference on Thursday…No matter when the flowers decide to bloom, this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place from March 20 to April 14.” [Washingtonian]

Still No Resolution to Fairfax Connector Strike — “Fairfax Connector bus service will remain suspended through Friday, March 1 as unionized workers continue to strike, demanding a new contract with the bus’ contractor group…Negotiations between Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 and bus operator Transdev continued Thursday, though the session ended without a new contract for workers, according to union officials.” [WJLA]

Hybla Valley Gun Store Burglarized — “Early [Thursday] morning at 1:59 a.m., officers responded to a burglary in progress at 7524 Richmond Highway at H&F Arms in Hybla Valley. Security footage captured two masked individuals force entry into the business through the front door. The suspects took six handguns and two airsoft pistols before exiting the store.” [FCPD]

State Legislators Pass Marijuana Sales Bill — “Virginia lawmakers passed legislation Wednesday that if approved by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin would allow recreational retail sales of marijuana to begin next year…The legislation would create the state’s first retail market in a ‘responsible and thoughtful way,’ said Del. Paul Krizek of Fairfax County, who carried the House version.” [Associated Press/WTOP]

Watchdog Raises New Metro Safety Concerns — The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission said in a new report that “Metro is listing some train operators as being ‘certified’ even though they have not demonstrated they can handle certain dangerous situations, including when smoke fills train cars.” An incident near L’Enfant Plaza in 2015 killed one passenger and left others sick. [WTOP]

Bren Mar Residents Rally Against Data Center — “In 2022, residents successfully mobilized against a rezoning proposal for a data center at Plaza 500, an industrial/business park at 6295 Edsall Road…The developer has now submitted a site plan for a by-right data center on the section of the property zoned I-5. The proposed two-story data center would be 466,000 square feet and 70 feet tall.” [Annandale Today]

Hybla Valley Post Office to Relocate — “The lease for the U.S. Post Office located at Mount Vernon Plaza in Hybla Valley has expired, and the community branch plans to move to a new location in Groveton, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service.” Retail services will remain available at Mount Vernon Plaza until the new location at 2923-A East Lee Avenue opens on a “to be determined date.” [On the MoVe]

Space Available in Park Authority Camps — “When schools close for student holidays and spring break, fun and engaging Park Authority camps are in session! This year, spring camps will be held” from March 25-29, April 1-2, Wednesday, April 10 and Friday, May 3. “Camps are hosted all year and many spaces remain open for both spring and summer camps.” [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Clouds will gradually increase throughout the day, reaching a high near 52 degrees. Rain is expected on Friday night, with a low around 42 degrees. Precipitation is certain, with new amounts ranging between a quarter and half an inch. [Weather.gov]