News

A three-year-long planning effort has culminated in the adoption of a new comprehensive plan for Reston.

At a meeting yesterday (Tuesday), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an overhaul of the Reston Comprehensive Plan, setting into place new guidance on affordable housing, community health, equity and other issues.


Around Town

A two-day outdoor fall festival returns to the Mosaic District on Sept. 23 and 24.

The annual Fall Festival will bring activities and entertainment to the mixed-use neighborhood in Merrifield from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Countywide

Deadline to Pay Car Taxes Looms — “Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Thursday, Oct. 5. Bills were mailed this summer, and there are many convenient ways to pay…To help vehicle owners, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved 10% tax relief for personal property taxes” for 2023. [Fairfax County Government]

FCPS Tightens Grading Policy on Missing Assignments — “In an update to its grading policies, Fairfax County Public Schools said teachers can now give students a zero for an assignment that’s not turned in. The change marks a departure from previous guidance, which said 50% is the lowest grade a teacher can give to a student who doesn’t turn in work.” [WTOP]


Event

Local author and Fairfax County Public Library librarian Luis D. Aponte invites parents and community leaders to an empowering discussion inspired by his book “A Safe Place: How to Prevent the Next School Shooting.” Drawing on seven years of research into more than 1,200 U.S. school shooting incidents, he shares practical, nonpartisan, research‑based steps families and schools can use to strengthen safety and emotional well‑being. Discover hopeful, community‑building solutions that help every child feel supported and able to thrive. Attendees receive two free ebooks, with a paperback signing to follow.

Adults. No registration required. Free event. For more information, visit ASafePlaceBook.com.


Countywide

The Fairfax County Police Department has launched a new unit dedicated to investigating active violence incidents and bomb threats.

The Threat Assessment and Management Unit (TAM) will offer a systemic and multidisciplinary approach to analyzing, tracking and preventing potential acts of targeted violence. The unit would also intervene in cases where individuals are at risk of violence.


Around Town

(Updated at 2:05 p.m. on 9/13/2023) The Commonwealth of Virginia will take center stage at Tysons Corner Center this Saturday (Sept. 16).

The first annual Celebrate Virginia festival will enliven the Plaza at Tysons Corner Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with beer and wine tastings as well as live entertainment, an artisan market and a mural painted in real time.


Around Town

Reston Museum is launching “Famous Restonians,” a new program that features individuals raised in Reston who have excelled in their fields.

Set for Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne, the program will include individuals like “Jeopardy!” champion Eddie Timanus, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-New Jersey), and WTOP reporter Dave Dildine.


Countywide

Shoplifting and assaults have gone up in Fairfax County so far this year, the county police department’s mid-year crime data shows.

The department released the report in coordination with the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), which ranks the nation’s 70 largest police departments by four crime categories: homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The report covered data from January to June.