Author: FFXnow.com

Rideshare Startup Ordered to Halt D.C. Operations — The McLean-based startup Empower, which “markets itself as a cheaper, fairer alternative to Lyft and Uber,” was ordered to stop operating in D.C. by a D.C. Superior Court judge. The company could face contempt charges if it doesn’t comply and keeps providing rides to and from the District without registering with the city’s Department of For-Hire Vehicles. [Washington Post]

Reston Holiday Parade Returns Today — “The annual Reston Holiday Parade returns on Friday, November 29, 11:00 AM. Celebrating its 32nd year, the one-of-a-kind, one-hour, half-mile parade along Market Street also welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. Since 1992, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving.” [Reston Town Center]

Hot Chicken Restaurant Opens in Annandale — “Crimson Coward, a fast-casual restaurant featuring Nashville hot chicken, is expected to have a soft opening in Annandale on Black Friday, Nov. 29. The restaurant, located at 7004 Columbia Pike, features ‘the Crimson,’ a boneless chicken breast with Crimson sauce, slaw, and pickles in a brioche bun.” [Annandale Today]

Local TV Station May Have Pulled on Natural Gas Hazards — “It looks as if Washington Gas would very much prefer that people don’t read this new report from environmental advocates describing the health dangers of gas appliances they tested in the D.C. area. So much so that the company appears to have pressured local CBS affiliate WUSA9 into burying a story about the report that ran last week.” [Washington City Paper]

How McLean Got Its Name — “According to Chris Barbuschak, the Virginia Room archivist and librarian at the City of Fairfax Regional Library, the village that eventually became the suburban community of 50,000 was named after John Roll McLean, owner of The Washington Post, who acquired it in 1905. McLean was also president of Washington Gas Light Company and a director of two banks.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church Moving to Ease ADU Rules — “A majority of the 2,400 owners of single-family homes in Falls Church soon could be allowed to build standalone accessory-dwelling units (ADUs) with far less government oversight.” The city council agreed on Monday (Nov. 25) to start considering a policy change that would allow ADUs “by right” in low-density and medium-density residential neighborhoods. [ARLnow]

County EDA Donates to Food Drive — “Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) staff members proudly donated canned and other non-perishable food items through an annual food drive to Food for Others. This year, the FCEDA donated 2,335 pounds of food, and from 2021, staff members have donated 4,930 pounds to Food for Others.” [FCEDA]

Girls’ Wrestling Arrives as Varsity Sport in FCPS — With girls’ wrestling rolling out as a varsity sport this winter, students hope female participation in the sport will be more encouraged after some faced obstacles when the only option was coed teams dominated by boys. Justice High School girls’ wrestling coach Benjamin Alvarado expects to see eight to 10 wrestlers on the team. [WTOP]

It’s Friday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching around 47 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 11 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 28 degrees, and a west wind persisting at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]

County Shares Holiday Giving Guide — “There are many ways to support your neighbors and community this holiday season. We’ve rounded up a list of giving opportunities right here in Fairfax County.” Options include the Toys for Tots campaign, a Winter Gear Donation Drive hosted by the Providence District office, and gift card and food donations. [Fairfax County Government]

Help Wanted for Annandale Fire Victim — “Deveri White has launched a fundraising drive to support her friend and coworker, Catherine ‘Kitty’ Dragonera, who was injured in a fire at her apartment in Annandale in the early morning of Nov. 23. The fire totally destroyed Kitty and her husband Matthew’s apartment at 4925 Americana Drive, and they lost everything.” [Annandale Today]

Undeveloped Tysons Site Sold — “A piece of the 40-acre Scotts Run development that was approved for a high-rise apartment project has traded hands for the second time in five years. Northmarq announced Friday it brokered the $18.5M sale of the 1.3-acre site, and a spokesperson for the brokerage told Bisnow the buyer was Falls Church-based Rushmark Properties.” [Bisnow]

Fairfax City Ice Cream Shop Reopens With New Owners — “Earlier this year, Sugar Mama’s Ice Cream closed [its] doors, but new owners Neel Vaidya and Palak Pael decided to reopen the long-time Fairfax City favorite. The couple also owns and runs Troy’s Italian Kitchen in Arlington … On Friday, the couple celebrated Sugar Mama’s grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.” [Patch]

Groveton School Hopes to Phase in Montessori Program — “Administrative leaders from Bucknell Elementary School (ES) in Groveton recently informed FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid that based on feedback from the school community, they would recommend phasing in a Montessori program for Pre-Kindergarten through third grade students from the 2025-2026 through the 2028-2029 school years.” [On the MoVe]

Police Make Arrest in Woodlawn Robbery — A 36-year-old man was charged with robbery, drug possession and obstruction of justice after allegedly robbing a woman at knifepoint on Nov. 22. The victim told police who responded to the 8200 block of Richmond Highway around 3:58 p.m. that the man “approached her with a knife, pushed her to the ground, and took her handbag.” [FCPD]

Springfield Record Factory Keeps Vinyl Alive — WTOP recently got a backstage tour of Furnace Record Pressing, one of the world’s largest independent vinyl record pressing companies. “Metallica bought a majority stake in Furnace’s operation about a year ago, and the Northern Virginia team said they’re grateful that the heavy metal giants have allowed them to continue to make records their way.” [WTOP]

It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds and a high of 54 with calm winds in the afternoon. Rain will begin late tonight, accompanied by patchy fog and a low of 45; precipitation chances are 90%, with up to a quarter-inch expected. On Thanksgiving Day, rain will continue until early afternoon, followed by dissipating fog by 10am. The high will be around 54. [NWS]

ICYMI: Hayfield Drops Out of Football Playoffs — Fairfax County Public Schools announced last night (Monday) that Hayfield Secondary School has withdrawn its football team from playoff contention as the fallout of alleged improper student-athlete recruiting practices continues. The Eagles were set to play Fairfax High School tonight at 7 p.m. [FCPS]

Reston Woman Killed in Maryland Car Crash — “Montgomery County police identified a Reston, Virginia, woman as the victim of a fatal single-vehicle collision Thursday evening in Gaithersburg, police said Monday in a statement. Alyssa Marie Clark, 42, was driving a blue 2007 Toyota Camry westbound on Darnestown Road near Bondy Lane when the car left the roadway and collided with a wooden utility pole.” [MoCo360]

GW Parkway Ramp to I-495 Closed — “The northbound GWMP exit ramp to I-495 north toward Maryland will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26 through 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27 to continue curb demolition and reconstruction and asphalt paving … Motorists should continue along the detour route to access I-495.” [National Park Service]

Supervisor Advocates for Keeping Leaf Vacuuming — “Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez told Annandale Today he is working to ensure Fairfax County permanently retains its leaf vacuuming service. Jimenez is also urging the county executive to make the program more accountable by picking up leaves in a timely manner.” [Annandale Today]

Interactive Map Shows County’s Progress on Climate Goals — “We’re tracking our progress as a community toward a greener future with the Climate Action Viewer from our Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination … Use the map to find opportunities for climate action near you including where to bring compostable waste, recycle glass and charge your electric vehicle.” [Fairfax County Government]

Architectural Firm Opens New Reston Office — “The M Group Architects, an architectural firm specializing in data centers, corporate interiors and industrial projects, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 7, 2024, to celebrate the relocation of its office within Reston to RTC West.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Local Nonprofit Seeks Thanksgiving Day Volunteers — “Nonprofit The 25th Project says you can put your name on the list to volunteer with them on Thursday morning in Fairfax County.” The group will hopes to assemble enough meals at the Burke Community Church to feed 2,500 people, though it’s also still seeking donations of turkeys and ham. [WTOP]

Tysons Hotel Hosts Postpartum Care Center — “Nationwide, there are only a few places like Sanu — which opened this year inside the Watermark Hotel in Tysons, Virginia — that offer pampering and rest and a temporary village for those who may be far from family. But stays there don’t come cheap. Some can cost as much as $1,500 a night. Sanu’s nightly rate tops out at $880.” [Washington Post]

It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly cloudy skies until mid-morning. The skies will then gradually clear, and the temperature will reach a high near 61°F. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, but any new rainfall will likely be less than a tenth of an inch. Night will be mostly clear with a low around 36°F. [NWS]

Two Injured in Annandale Apartment Fire — “Two people were injured in a three-alarm fire that started at about 2 a.m. on Nov. 23 in a garden-style apartment building in the 4900 block of Americana Drive … Two occupants were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.” [Annandale Today]

Hybla Valley Popeyes Damaged by Fire — “Fairfax County firefighters responded to a fire shortly after 1 p.m. on Nov. 23 at Popeyes restaurant at Mount Vernon Crossroads shopping plaza in Hybla Valley.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but no injuries were reported. The restaurant has closed until further notice. [On the MoVe]

No Charges Against Officers in Fatal Penn Daw Shooting — Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced that no criminal charges will be pursued against the police officers involved in last year’s fatal shooting of Brandon Lemagne outside a McDonald’s in Penn Daw. The May 11, 2023 shooting followed a struggle where Lemagne was reportedly able to take a gun from one of the officers. [WUSA9]

Herndon Apartment Residents Report Mold — After experiencing an asthma attack, Cody Segraves investigated the HVAC unit at his home in the Trellis Herndon Apartments and “discovered what he suspected to be mold … Other residents of the Herndon, Virginia, complex said they’ve uncovered something similar in their units. But when the issue gets raised to building management, Segraves said it’s ignored.” [WTOP]

Popular Lorton Restaurant Appears to Have Closed — “The Hometown Grill and Bar, a popular dining establishment that opened in late 2021 at Lorton Station Town Center, has been closed for several days, according to multiple reports from community members. A ‘Closed’ sign appears at the restaurant entrance at 9000 Lorton Station Boulevard, #N, and the restaurant’s Facebook page is no longer active.” [On the MoVe]

State Legislators Consider Response to Student Protests — “House lawmakers studying how some of Virginia’s universities handle campus protests and free speech policies faced criticism Wednesday after arranging a hearing that some in attendance felt leaned heavily toward institutional and pro-Israeli perspectives.” [Virginia Mercury]

McLean Mansion Bought by Private Equity Leader — “A senior managing director with Vista Equity Partners manages Eagles Perch LLC, which paid $25.5 million cash on Oct. 31 for The Cliffs in McLean, according to Virginia records.” The sale of the 33,000-square-foot mansion was the priciest in the D.C. area so far this year and among the top five for the region ever. [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 59, with calm winds turning south at around 6 mph later in the afternoon. As for Monday night, there’s a 50% chance of showers after 1am, accompanied by mostly cloudy conditions and a low of around 49. South winds will persist at 5 to 8 mph. [NWS]

What to Expect From Thanksgiving Travel — “Almost 80 million people nationwide are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, per a AAA forecast — a record that shatters last year’s traveler record.” In addition, driving congestion is projected to peak on “Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 4:30pm on the US-50 East stretch between D.C. and Annapolis, per data transportation group INRIX.” [Axios DC]

Suspect in 2023 Shooting Still at Large — “Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau continue to seek the community’s help in locating Javon Reid, who is wanted for a murder that occurred on May 7, 2023.” A man from D.C. was killed and another man was hospitalized in the shooting in the 3800 block of South George Mason Drive. [FCPD]

Great Falls Restaurant Ranked Among Top 100 in U.S. — “As if it wasn’t hard enough to get a reservation at L’Auberge Chez François, good luck now. The Great Falls restaurant was selected as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States by OpenTable. This marks the second year in a row the old-school French eatery made OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Redevelopment Rolls Along in Falls Church — A proposal for 223 senior-living residences with ground-floor retail and restaurants on S. Washington Street and S. Maple Avenue is “the latest in a series of projects helping transform the Little City from a bedroom community with aging office and commercial spaces, benefiting from a prime location between Tysons and Arlington.” [ARLnow]

Sushi Restaurant Opens in Annandale — “Issho, an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant and izakaya, had a soft opening in Annandale on Nov. 20. It’s located at 7358 Little River Turnpike in the former Baden spot between a laundromat and Gopchang Story BBQ. For those unfamiliar with an izakaya, it’s a casual, late-night bar with small bites.” [Annandale Today]

Woodlawn Home Getting Renovation — “Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) is back in Southeast Fairfax County with an active build site in Woodlawn.” The house on Frye Road, first purchased and remodeled by Habitat in 2016, is getting “additional renovations with the goal of selling the house to another family” after its last owner passed away. [On the MoVe]

Falls Church Wine Store Recovers From Theft — “The overnight intruder is believed to have smashed a window at Dominion Wine and Beer in Falls Church last week before cutting a hole in a wine cabinet and climbing through it to access the store, owner Arash Tafakor told ARLnow.” The suspect made away with about $3,000 worth of wine. [ARLnow]

South Run Trail Project Undergoes Maintenance — “The Fairfax County Park Authority has begun a trail maintenance project in South Run Stream Valley Park. The project includes trail repairs, culvert replacements and related improvements to enhance safety and usability.” Occasional trail closures may be needed, but the repaving is expected to finish by next Wednesday, Nov. 27. [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Scattered snow showers will turn into a mix of rain and snow between 11am and noon, likely followed by rain after noon. Expect increasing clouds and a high of 44. There’s a 70% chance of precipitation, but negligible snow accumulation. Night could bring scattered showers before 10pm with a low of 38. The precipitation chance decreases to 40%. [NWS]