A sign warns East Gate Shopping Center visitors to keep out of the future construction area (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The northern half of Annandale’s East Gate Shopping Center could start coming down any day now.
Fencing already blocks access to the portion of the strip mall that was home to The Block and other retailers, and demolition permits have been issued by Fairfax County.
Lt. Col. Nick Andariese of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office (screenshot via Fairfax County)
Long plagued by personnel issues, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is seeing an unsustainable trajectory of staff turnover — one that staff says demands the immediate attention of lawmakers.
Covid-era initiatives that were once expected to be temporary have become permanent, but only out of necessity, three staffers told a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors committee last week.
Introducing Kokua at The Mather—Now Welcoming Residents
At Kokua, we believe that every stage of life holds possibilities for creativity, purpose, and growth. Located in the heart of Tysons, Virginia, Kokua offers a fresh, hospitality-driven approach to care developed by Mather, a nationally recognized pioneer in the senior living space with more than eight decades of experience. Newly opened in 2025, Kokua blends care with our research-driven approach to deliver personalized wellness tailored to individual needs.
For a limited time, Kokua is welcoming new residents seeking assisted living or memory support in the DC area with exclusive move-in incentives. Nestled in a lively urban neighborhood, our LEED-Gold certified community incorporates biophilic design that brings the outside in to enhance health and wellbeing.
THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED SPACES
In our assisted living and memory support neighborhoods, residents enjoy a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces that feel like an upscale hospitality destination.
Multiple restaurants offer chef-prepared cuisine with flexible, open-hours service, complemented by demonstration kitchens, art and music studios, as well as gathering spaces. A spacious outdoor terrace, Marzenia Salon, and beautifully appointed amenity areas create opportunities for wellness, connection, and everyday enjoyment.
FOCUS ON PERSONALIZED WELLBEING
Residents enjoy opportunities to choose from enriching programs, meaningful social opportunities with experiences such as sensory walks, meditation, acupuncture, Reiki, songwriting workshops, poetry readings, Sensory Symphony Swim, and more.
Assisted Living in Ādar
Ādar means “respect”, and Kokua delivers. Here, our team encourages residents to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. Each one-bedroom apartment home (ranging in size up to nearly 900 square feet) offers generous space and thoughtful design, complemented by assistance with daily living tasks and emergency response systems for peace of mind.
Memory Support in Miran
Miran means “peaceful”—another pillar in the Kokua way of life. Private suites are designed for those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or similar cognitive conditions. Our person-centered approach embraces individual strengths and needs, with an interdisciplinary team and through social events, wellness programs, creative arts, and more.
Kokua offers the next generation of care in Ādar and Miran, true to our commitment to highly personalized service rooted in respect for each individual.
With a limited number of residences available and exclusive move-in incentives currently offered, now is an ideal time to explore the personalized care and quiet luxury that Kokua at The Mather has to offer.
Construction cones block off the new Chase Bank at the Tower Shopping Center in Springfield (staff photo by James Cullum)
A local developer is seeking to install a drive-thru option for a new bank in Springfield.
Property owner Federal Realty has applied for a special exception from Fairfax County to construct an “ATM only drive through” at 6331 Backlick Road, the site of a forthcoming Chase Bank in the Tower Shopping Center.
A Step In Time Chimney Sweeps is proud to provide professional chimney services for homeowners for over 25 years. As part of our Summer Special, we are currently offering professional chimney inspections to help homeowners prepare their fireplaces and chimney systems before the heavy winter burning season begins again.
Our experienced team specializes in chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, chimney relining, chimney cap installation, crown repairs, masonry work, fireplace services, wood stove installations, dryer vent cleaning, and much more.
Fairfax Connector electric bus by charging station (via FCDOT)
Fairfax County won’t be able to meet its goal of electrifying its vehicle fleet by 2035.
County officials told the Board of Supervisors’ environmental committee last week (Nov. 25) that the goal is unattainable because fully electric alternatives to all the county’s vehicles aren’t available.
The Reston Museum’s next program, held on June 3rd at 7:00PM, will feature the talented students of the South Lakes High School STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Team/National Art Honor Society, who will discuss the creative and technical process behind their upcoming public art installation at the Lake Thoreau spillway. This fascinating program will provide attendees with a behind-the-scenes-look at how students developed the concept for the installation and worked through the planning, engineering, environmental and artistic considerations involved in creating public art for a community space. Program takes place at South Lakes High School and admission is free. For more information visit: restonmuseum.org.
Firefighters respond to two-alarm house fire in the 5400 block of Guinea Road in Kings Park West on Nov. 29, 2025 (via FCFRD/Facebook)
A two-alarm fire that engulfed a single-family house in the Kings Park West neighborhood last weekend has become fatal.
One resident who suffered injuries from the fire early Saturday morning (Nov. 29) has died, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) announced yesterday (Monday). Three other people, including one firefighter, were also hospitalized.
Families line up to meet Santa at Vienna’s annual Church Street Holiday Stroll on Dec. 1, 2025 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Watch Out for Wintery Weather — “As snow makes its way across Virginia early this week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants drivers to keep their guards up for slick roads and to check road conditions before doing any driving, especially during the Tuesday morning commute.” [Press release]
Sales Tax to Fund School Projects Proposed — “For years a bipartisan coalition at the Virginia legislature has sought to empower localities to offer a new sales tax to cover the cost of local school construction. Governor Glenn Youngkin repeatedly vetoed the effort, but those involved have promised to bring it back and Governor Elect Abigail Spanberger is on board.” [WVTF]
Man Arrested for Displaying Knife — Fairfax City police arrested a man yesterday (Monday) after he reportedly displayed a knife while in a business in the 3900 block of Pickett Road and threatened employees. The man was taken into custody “without incident,” and no injuries were reported. [Fairfax City Police/X]
House Fire Extinguished in Kings Park West — Fairfax County firefighters responded early in the evening yesterday to “a house fire in the 4700 block of Twinbrook Rd in the Kings Park West area. Units arrived to find smoke and fire showing from the rear of the home. The fire is under control. No civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire investigators are on scene.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Ghost Kitchen Coming to Reston — “A new takeout restaurant called Roadhouse is headed to Reston and it will specialize in burgers, wings, and greens.” The team behind the concept hopes to begin operating out of the kitchen at Open Road in Reston Town Center on Jan. 5. [The Burn]
Hershey Eyes Tysons Pop-Up — “Something sweet is popping up soon in Tysons Corner Center. Hershey Super Sweet Adventure, an interactive pop-up experience, recently filed permits to open in the mall, Washington Business Journal reports.” Permits suggest that the pop-up, which made its debut in Chicago last year, will be located on the mall’s first floor next to Macy’s. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Volunteers Plant Native Garden in Annandale — “Volunteers spent hours this past weekend creating a native plant garden on Columbia Pike in front of the ACCA Child Development Center. The garden is the first project in the ‘Greening the Greenway’ pilot program, which is aimed at enhancing the Annandale Greenway, a five-mile trail between Annandale Community Park and Green Spring Gardens.” [Annandale Today]
Va. Wildlife at Risk of Reduced Protections — “The Shenandoah salamander, northern long-eared bat and the rusty patch bumble bee are among the many animals on the federal endangered species list that live in Virginia and could be impacted by proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act by the Trump administration.” [Virginia Mercury]
New Legal Notice — Annual 2026-2027 PHA plan available; hearing January 27, 2026. [Public Notices]
It’s Tuesday — Rain mixed with sleet is expected until 2 pm, followed by a chance of rain between 2 pm and 4 pm, with highs near 40°F. Light and variable winds will turn northwest at 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Precipitation is guaranteed, but sleet accumulation will be minimal. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with lows around 28°F and northwest winds at 10 to 13 mph. [NWS]
Rain mixed with snow and sleet is expected until 2pm, followed by a chance of rain between 2pm and 4pm. The high will be around 39, with a light northwest wind increasing to 5-10 mph. Precipitation is certain, but little to no accumulation is anticipated. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with a low of 28; expect a northwest wind of 10-13 mph and gusts up to 18 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
A Fairfax Connector bus in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
A man who allegedly claimed to have a bomb before boarding a bus in Woodlawn over the weekend has been arrested.
Blake Davis Norton, 57, boarded a Fairfax Connector bus in Woodlawn yesterday (Sunday) after telling the bus’s driver that he had a bomb in his backpack, the Fairfax County Police Department said in a press release today.
Three Flint Hill townhome redevelopment from across Jermantown Road (via Hybrid Architecture/Fairfax County)
The final piece of a coordinated plan to redevelop the Flint Hill Office Park in Oakton has been solidified.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to approve property owner Flint Hill Propco LLC’s proposal for a 111-unit townhome complex to replace the Three Flint Hill office building at 3201 Jermantown Road.