Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

FCPD investigates death of woman found in Burke Lake Park

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated October 2, 2023 at 5:39PM

A sign at the entrance to Burke Lake Park (via Google Maps)

Updated at 5:40 p.m. — A man identified as a person of interest in Cara Abbruscato’s death was arrested in New Jersey today and has been charged with second-degree murder, Fairfax County police announced shortly after noon.

Earlier: Foul play is suspected in the death of a woman whose body was found at the Burke Lake Park campgrounds on Saturday (Sept. 30).

News

NEW: County fire lieutenant arrested for stealing drugs from stations

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 29, 2023 at 3:45PM

A Fairfax County Fire and Rescue truck (file photo)

A 17-year veteran of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department has been arrested for allegedly stealing drugs stored at two stations for her personal use, police announced today (Friday).

Aleksandra Olegoyna Kazmar, 40, of Front Royal faces one felony charge of obtaining drugs by fraud after investigators determined that she had tampered with or stolen vials of morphine and fentanyl from the Frying Pan and North Point stations, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

News

County board approves changes to Tysons Corner Center’s development plan

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 29, 2023 at 1:30PM

The proposed second phase of development for Tysons Corner Center will add more street-level features (courtesy DLA Piper)

Tysons Corner Center can move forward with new plans for its next phase of development.

After a public hearing on Tuesday (Sept. 26), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved revisions requested by property owner Macerich that will build on the mall’s plaza, shift planned office space closer to Metro and pave the way for more street-level activity.

Countywide

Fairfax County funds survey of people who engage in ‘panhandling’

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 29, 2023 at 10:30AM

A person can be seen panhandling on the median of International Drive in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

After years of debating the issue of “panhandling” in board rooms, Fairfax County will now actually talk to the people asking for money, often from sidewalks and street medians.

At Chairman Jeff McKay’s request, the Board of Supervisors approved $75,000 for a survey of people engaged in panhandling as part of a budget carryover package adopted on Tuesday (Sept. 26).

News

Raccoon hit by vehicles near West Falls Church had rabies, city warns

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 29, 2023 at 9:30AM

A raccoon walking in grass (via Pete Nuij/Unsplash)

A raccoon struck by two different vehicles on Route 29 last weekend has tested positive for rabies, Falls Church City says.

The drivers hit the animal near the 500 block of S. Washington Street in the West Falls Church area on Saturday, Sept. 23, according to the city. The raccoon’s resulting injuries led Falls Church City police to euthanize it.

Around Town

MPAartfest returns to McLean this Sunday with music, food and mini galleries

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 28, 2023 at 3:30PM

Children's Art Walk at MPAartfest (courtesy McLean Project for the Arts)

Art will take over McLean Central Park this weekend with the return of MPAartfest.

Now in its 17th year, the annual festival from the McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) will be back on Sunday (Oct. 1), promising dozens of artists, food trucks and live entertainment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Countywide

FCPS settles lawsuit against Juul over its e-cigarette marketing to teens

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 28, 2023 at 1:15PM

Altria Group's headquarters in Richmond (courtesy Altria Group Inc.)

Fairfax County Public Schools will receive money to support student wellness after settling its portion of a class action lawsuit against the vaping company Juul Labs.

The Fairfax County School Board reached a settlement on Aug. 31 with Altria Group, which owns several tobacco companies — including cigarette maker Philip Morris USA — and has a 35% ownership stake in Juul, FCPS announced on Sept. 19. The news was previously reported by DC News Now.

Around Town

Camp to open ‘Encanto’ experience and toy shop at Tysons Corner Center

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 28, 2023 at 10:30AM

The retailer Camp is bringing an experience and store inspired by the Disney movie "Encanto" to Tysons Corner Center (courtesy Camp)

In recent months, Tysons Corner Center visitors have likely encountered a “coming soon” sign for a store that promises a hodgepodge of toys, games, gifts, slides, “schmutz” and “farts.”

Details about the incoming retailer have at last emerged, though flatulence doesn’t appear to be a planned offering.

Countywide

Fairfax County ties parking to density with first regulatory overhaul in 35 years

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 28, 2023 at 9:30AM

A parking lot at Fair Oaks Mall (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County has officially updated its parking standards for the age of telework and transit-oriented development.

After a public hearing on Tuesday (Sept. 26) that drew dozens of speakers, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a slate of off-street parking regulations intended to steer away from the car-centric impulses that governed the suburb as it grew post-World War II.

News

Barton Hill residents worry demand for pickleball courts will overwhelm parking

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 27, 2023 at 3:30PM

The Barton Hill tennis courts in Reston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Reston Association is approaching a crossroads in its project to convert tennis courts at Barton Hill into pickleball courts.

The organization is now considering two potential designs for the facility at 1901 Barton Hill Road. One would replace two of the four existing tennis courts with 10 pickleball courts, including six dedicated courts and four with “blended lines” that could be shared with tennis players. The other would have four pickleball courts, all of them dedicated to the trendy sport.