Countywide | FFXnow

Morning Notes

Published January 13, 2023 at 7:30AM | Updated January 13, 2023 at 9:11AM

A neon sign inside Annandale's The Block (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Sheriff’s Office Warns of Scam — “A man claiming to be a Sheriff’s deputy named Lt. Myles is calling community members saying he is collecting fines related to charges against them. This is a scam! The Sheriff’s Office will never call you asking for money. You may report scam calls to the police non-emergency number, 703-691-2131.” [Hunter Mill District News]

Person Pulled Out of Crashed Vehicle — “Thursday afternoon, units were dispatched for a vehicle crash w/a person trapped at Westfields Blvd and Stonecroft Blvd. Rescue Squad 421, Fair Oaks, worked diligently to extricate the patient. Two people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]

Cut-through traffic policy update could help county residents access their homes during rush hour

By Vernon Miles

Published January 12, 2023 at 11:45AM

As Fairfax County starts expanding its efforts to curtail cut-through traffic clogging up neighborhood streets, a new corollary could allow local residents to skirt those limits.

Currently, there are three neighborhoods around the county with cut-through mitigation restrictions. Those restrictions involve signs that prohibit turns into those neighborhoods from major transit corridors during the morning and/or evening rush hours.

Fairfax County gets solar power plans back on track after contract hiccups

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 12, 2023 at 9:30AM

The Sully Community Center, which is slated to get rooftop solar panels this spring (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

More than three years into a groundbreaking agreement, this spring should bring solar power to one of Fairfax County’s facilities for the first time ever.

The county had 30 sites lined up for solar panels under a power purchase agreement (PPA) initiative that was touted the biggest ever undertaken by a Virginia locality when it was announced in December 2019.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published January 12, 2023 at 7:30AM

An early sunrise at Lake Thoreau in Reston (photo by Terry Baranski)

Stuff the Bus Returns This Weekend — “The buses are fueled and ready to roll as…the county’s post-holiday food drive, now in its 12th year…hits the road in the fight against hunger in Fairfax County. Beginning on January 14 and continuing weekly through February 18, Fastran busses will visit local grocery stores to collect nonperishable food donations for area food pantries.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]

Family of Teen Killed in Fairfax Station Crash Mourns — “Ariana Haftsavar, 16, was one of the two teens killed, her family confirmed to News4. Haftsavar’s family said she was a passenger in the car and was headed home from SAT class…Haftsavar’s father said she was a wonderful person, and they don’t know how they’re going to live without her.” [NBC4]

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published January 11, 2023 at 7:30AM

Riders with suitcases exit the Innovation Center Metro station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Development Proposed in Richmond Highway Area — “Fairfax County officials are opening the Site Specific Plan Amendment process for multiple sites in the county…For Southeast Fairfax County, that could include a new use for the property where the Moon Inn sits on Richmond Highway, big changes to the Rose Hill Shopping Center and Frontier Plaza, and hundreds of new residences, including dedicated affordable units.” [Alexandria Living]

Seven Arrested in Child Solicitation Sting — “In each case, offenders used internet platforms to initiate explicit conversations and solicit sex from police officers posing as children. When each of the suspects arrived at the agreed upon locations, detectives took them into custody. The men ranged in age from 26-52 and were charged with a total of 49 felonies.” [FCPD]

County seeks feedback on reductions in parking requirements, overhaul of policy

By Fatimah Waseem

Published January 10, 2023 at 11:45AM

A sign warns about parking tickets in a lower Springfield Plaza parking lot (staff photo by David Taube)

Parking requirements in Fairfax County — which are getting their first major overhaul since 1988 — are set for public hearings later this year.

The multi-year effort — coined Parking Reimagined — is the focus of an open house coming this week.

State expands investigation of merit award notice delays to all of FCPS

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 10, 2023 at 10:15AM | Updated January 10, 2023 at 10:44AM

The Fairfax County Public Schools administrative center in Merrifield (file photo)

(Updated at 10:40 a.m.) The Virginia Attorney General’s office has launched an investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools, alleging that delays in notifying students of commendations for their preliminary SAT test scores may constitute civil rights violations.

Attorney General Jason Miyares announced yesterday that the entire school system will be subject to a review that began last week with a focus on Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ).

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published January 10, 2023 at 7:30AM | Updated January 10, 2023 at 5:17PM

Cranes are working on the West Falls development in Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 5:15 p.m.) Vienna Area Voters Elect New Delegate Today — “The special election to fill the Virginia House of Delegates 35th District seat is set for Tuesday. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m… The special election’s candidates are Democrat Holly Seibold and Republican Monique Baroudi.” [Patch]

Stolen Tractor-Trailer Holds up I-495 — “Officers from our Auto Crimes Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a stolen tractor trailer on I495 SB just past Braddock Rd. The driver is in custody and tow truck [en route]. Lanes temporarily blocked as detectives investigate.” The vehicle was stolen in Florida, police told FFXnow. [FCPD/Twitter]

Fairfax County’s state lawmakers file bills for higher teacher pay, campaign finance reform and more

By Matt Blitz

Published January 9, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 12:31PM

The Virginia State Capitol building (file photo)

As the Virginia General Assembly convenes this week for its 2023 session, local lawmakers hope to pass bills highlighting campaign finance reforms, raising teacher pay, paid sick leave, and other issues.

The General Assembly will meet in Richmond on Wednesday (Jan. 11) for a 46-day session lasting until Feb. 25, though special and reconvened sessions later in the year are possible.

What Fairfax County restaurants to hit up for Restaurant Week

By Vernon Miles

Published January 9, 2023 at 11:45AM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:41PM

Dish at Agora (image courtesy Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington)

Winter Restaurant Week is scheduled to kick off next week, and over 20 eateries across Fairfax County are signed up to offer special offerings as part of the event.

During Restaurant Week — a bi-annual event sponsored by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) — participating restaurants in the D.C. region offer special menus to encourage locals to try new locations around the area.