
ZMOD Recommended by Planning Commission Again — After being struck down by the Virginia Supreme Court, Fairfax County’s zoning code overhaul got the Fairfax County Planning Commission’s support on Wednesday (May 3), even as “dozens of residents” voiced “the same complaints raised the first time” it was proposed. Concerns included allowances for data centers and accessory living units. [Annandale Today]
Fairfax City Introduces Solar-Powered Port-a-Potties — “Now open in Old Town Square and Van Dyck Park, Throne bathrooms bring the feeling of an indoor bathroom out into the parks. Thrones are ADA-accessible, are run by solar-power, have no touch entry and exit, changing tables, no touch flush, and running water!” [Fairfax City Parks and Recreation/Facebook]
Hybla Valley Is Getting a New Tex-Mex Restaurant — “A new Tex-Mex restaurant is coming to the former El Pollo Primero location in Hybla Valley. El Fresco, a fast-casual grill featuring ‘real fresh Mexican food,’ currently has locations in Chantilly and Centreville, and plans to expand in the near future to Sterling and Alexandria.” [On the MoVe]
John Legend Weighs in on County Prosecutor Race — “I’m excited to announce the endorsement of singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, John Legend. John’s activism has led him to work on justice reform in America. I’m proud to receive his support. Here’s the robocall he just released for my re-election.” [Steve Descano/Twitter]
Vienna Nonprofit Advocates for Memorial to Journalists — The Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation has been approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts to begin designing a “first-of-its-kind memorial honoring journalists who’ve lost their lives while covering the news.” In 2020, Congress authorized the memorial to be built with private funds on federal land in D.C. [Washingtonian]
Franconia Splash Pad Ranked No. 2 in Country — “The Park Authority’s Our Special Harbor spray ground was just named the No. 2 splash pad in the nation in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards…After four weeks of voting, Our Special Harbor came in second in the nationwide people’s choice selection. The popular water feature is set to open the 2023 season on Saturday, May 27.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]
Reston Couple Gains Fans With Dinner Party Prep — “Every time Andy Hoyle posts photos of the dinner parties he hosts with his wife, Noelle Sharbaugh, on the Northern Virginia Foodies Facebook page, the 126,000-member group goes wild…The tablescapes, designed by Sharbaugh, are luscious and Pinterest-y…[Hoyle’s] elaborate, multicourse menus look professionally plated.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Free Lyft Rides Available for Cinco De Mayo — “The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) will activate its SoberRide initiative for the Cinco de Mayo holiday…In collaboration with Lyft, those who may have had too much to drink during the holiday will be able to receive a free ride home (up to $15 value) from May 5 at 4 p.m. to May 6 at 4 a.m.” [Inside NoVA]
It’s Friday — Cloudy. Mild. High of 69 and low of 51. Sunrise at 6:06 am and sunset at 8:04 pm. [Weather.gov]
Recent Stories

The Dragons Concord is now open at 11215L Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030! After some delays with construction, we’ve finally opened our doors and are accepting tabletop gamers of all types to come down and enjoy our tailored gaming space.
We have 7 tables exclusively dedicated to TTRPG and Miniature wargaming, including 3 custom gaming tables in their own private, themed gaming rooms. This isn’t the normal game store and while we do have a selection of harder to find retail in the back, our focus is on providing play space and gaming services such as an active roster of storytellers with regular scheduled games you can book through our website or Meetup (www.meetup.com/dragons-concord-gaming).
If you’ve been wanting to get into tabletop or miniature gaming, but haven’t because you couldn’t find a group or a comfortable place to play, come down and check us out!

Are you seeking a confidential space where you can explore your emotions, overcome challenges, and find inner peace? Look no further than our dedicated psychotherapy service! We understand that life can be overwhelming at times, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
At Peaceful Mind Solutions, our passion lies in helping individuals like you navigate life’s complexities and find the strength to thrive. Our skilled and compassionate therapist is committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. With our personalized approach, we tailor each session to address your unique needs and empower you to overcome obstacles.
Through evidence-based techniques and a deep understanding of the human mind, our therapist will guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we’re here to provide guidance and practical tools for lasting change.
Army Birthday Festival – Free and Fun
Make Saturday, June 10, 2023 a great day!
Come celebrate the Army Birthday Festival at the National Museum of the U.S. Army from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Rain or Shine!
• Experience outdoor and indoor fun activities, for all
Unveiling of West Ford historical highway marker
Gum Springs will be celebrating 190 years of its founding by freedman West Ford on Saturday, June 17, 2023. To kick-off the celebration, there will be an unveiling of a Virginia historical highway marker for West Ford on Fordson Road