Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, local politics, schools business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa. He joined the ARLnow news team as an assistant editor in August 2023.

Around Town

OmBaked set to host holistic health fair next month at Lake Anne Plaza

By James Jarvis
OmBaked CBD Boutique at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (staff photo by James Jarvis)

OmBaked CBD Boutique at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston is hosting a holistic health fair next month.

The event , Scheduled for May 19, aims to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, according to a press release. It will feature local vendors showcasing eco-friendly products and practices, along with educational exhibits on the importance of preserving natural resources.

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Around Town

Fairfax golf pro Larkin Gross to compete in 2024 PGA Professional Championship

By James Jarvis
Larkin Gross (courtesy of PGA of America)

(Updated at 3:30 p.m.) A local Fairfax resident and golf professional has qualified for the 2024 PGA Golf Professional Championship.

Larkin Gross, an assistant professional at Vienna’s Westwood Country Club, is among 13 mid-Atlantic golf professionals to qualify for the championship, which will be held from Saturday, April 28, to May 1 at Fields Ranch in Frisco, Texas.

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News

Fairfax City car wash proposal advances with architectural review board approval

By James Jarvis
Illustrative rendering of proposed Tommy's Express Car Wash in Fairfax City (via Fairfax City)

The proposed Tommy’s Express Car Wash at Fairfax Blvd and Lion Run in Fairfax City passed its first hurdle last week and will advance to the planning commission next.

The Fairfax City Board of Architectural Review has unanimously recommended that the city council approve a proposal for a 4,553-square-foot car wash at 9917 Fairfax Blvd. The site was formerly home to The Espositos, a 40-plus-year-old Italian restaurant that closed permanently last month.

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Around Town

Workhouse Arts Center to host annual beer and arts festival next month in Lorton

By James Jarvis
Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Pints and palettes will collide next month at the Workhouse Arts Center’s annual BrewWorks beer and arts festival in Lorton.

On Saturday, May 18, from noon to 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy craft beer tastings and watch artists compete in fast-paced painting and drawing competitions, according to a press release.

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News

Fairfax School Board to review initial draft of new boundary adjustment policy next month

By James Jarvis
FCPS Central Office in Falls Church (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Fairfax County Public School Board members have finalized a first draft of the division’s new boundary adjustment policy, which is scheduled for a full board review next month.

The major updates to the new policy mandate that the superintendent adhere to a specific set of criteria when drawing school boundary lines and require a county-wide review of school boundaries every five years.

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News

Lorton man charged with murder after allegedly shooting girlfriend

By James Jarvis
Fairfax County police vehicle with lights (file photo)

A Lorton man has been arrested and charged with murder following a domestic-related fatal shooting on Wednesday night.

Police were called to Mount Vernon Hospital at 2501 Parker Lane in Hybla Valley following an incident where Huy Tien Nguyen, 47, admitted his girlfriend, Alison “Kate” LaPorta, 38, who had sustained a gunshot wound to her upper body, according to a Fairfax County Police Department press release.

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Around Town

Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Reston permanently shutters four months after opening

By James Jarvis
Taim Mediterranean Kitchen is officially open in Reston (Photo courtesy taim).

Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Reston has permanently closed just four months after its opening.

The New York-based chain, known for its falafel, initially held a grand opening at 11692 Plaza America Drive in Reston on Dec. 6. However, the restaurant suddenly closed this month without warning.

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News

FCPS and local elected officials celebrate roll out of 42 new electric buses

By James Jarvis
FCPS School Board Chair Karl Frisch speaks at Lorton Station Elementary School (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 4:45 p.m.) Local elected officials, including Rep. Gerry Connolly, gathered in Lorton on Wednesday to celebrate the introduction of 42 new electric buses to the division’s fleet.

These buses, which were funded by a $16.5 million federal grant announced in January, join the 18 electric buses already in operation. Although the division currently operates over 1,600 diesel buses, county officials emphasized that these new electric buses mark the start of a larger transition.

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Around Town

Daytime eatery First Watch set to open fifth location in Fair Lakes this summer

By James Jarvis
Site of new First Watch restaurant chain in Fair Lakes (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Updated at 9:50 a.m. on 6/5/2024 — First Watch anticipates opening at Fair Lakes Promenade on Monday, June 24, a spokesperson says. 

Earlier: The day-time dining spot First Watch is set to open its new Fair Lakes location this summer.

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