morning notes

County Releases New Youth Survey — “Young people in our community report noticeably lower rates of mental health concerns compared to prior years, according to the 2023-2024 Fairfax County Youth Survey. Overall, youth in Fairfax County report prevalence rates near historic lows for risky behaviors…However, there remain some challenges.” [Fairfax County Government]

CIA Veteran Sentenced to Prison — “A longtime CIA officer who drugged, photographed and sexually assaulted more than two dozen women in postings around the world was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison Wednesday after an emotional hearing…Prosecutors say the 48-year-old Raymond’s assaults date to 2006 and tracked his career in Mexico, Peru and other countries.” [Associated Press]

Herndon Police Issue Scam Alert — “Multiple residents have reported receiving emails in which their home address and a photo of their home (from Google Maps) is included. The email requests bitcoin and threatens to release compromising photos of the recipient if demands are not met. This is a scam. Do not engage with the sender and do not send any kind of payment.” [Herndon Police/Twitter]

Fairfax Restaurant Nears Public Debut — “Former Clarity chef Jon Krinn has been quietly operating a tasting menu restaurant in Fairfax as ‘invitation only.’ To snag a seat at Elyse, you had to be in the know and subscribe to Krinn’s email list to book a reservation. But after some final touches to the 30-seat dining room, the restaurant is gearing up for its public debut on Wednesday, October 9.” [Washingtonian]

Mars ‘Excited’ by Planned Kellanova Merger — “One of a string of Mars’ acquisitions in recent years, the deal will have massive implications…The combined company would generate more than $63 billion based on 2023 figures. That would make the 113-year-old Mars the third-largest private company in the U.S. based on revenue, up from No. 4 now.” [Washington Business Journal]

New Tysons-Bethesda Bus Celebrated — “Fairfax County held a ribbon cutting event [yesterday], Sept. 19, 2024, to officially kick off the new Fairfax Connector Express Route 798 bus service…Route 798 provides regional connectivity between Tysons West*Park and Tysons Metrorail Station in Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland.” [FCDOT]

Annandale Road Diet Proposed — “Annandale Road currently has two traffic lanes in each direction. Under the road diet plan, there would be one lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes in both directions. FCDOT invites the community to a virtual meeting on reconfiguring Annandale Road on Monday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.” [Annandale Today]

Metro Finishes Installing Taller Fare Gates — “All 98 stations across the Metrorail system now have more secure, retrofitted faregates to deter fare evasion. The improvements have led to an 82% drop in fare evasion…More than 1,200 five-foot-tall gates and taller fences have been installed across all stations. The project began in July 2023.” [WMATA]

It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies today as temperatures reach a high near 84. A north wind of around 6 mph will shift east during the morning. Tonight, the weather will be partly cloudy and cool, with lows around 63, and a southeast wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]

Car Tax Payment Deadline Looming — “Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Monday, Oct. 7. Bills were mailed this summer, and there are many convenient ways to pay.” The tax can be paid online, by phone, by mail and in person at the Fairfax County Government Center or a designated library. [Fairfax County Government]

Animal Cruelty Investigation in Reston — “An officer with Fairfax County Animal Protection Police is investigating the report of an animal cruelty incident involving dogs at a home in Reston, according to court documents…The witness told police he saw a man ‘using a child’s bicycle to strike what he believed to be a dog in the backyard of the residence.'” [Patch]

Longtime Fairfax Senator Gets Portrait — “Virginia’s longest-serving state senator when he retired in January, [Richard] Saslaw is getting his own permanent perch in the white-columned building where he spent 44 years as a senator and four before that as a state delegate: an official portrait. Unveiled on Wednesday afternoon in the General Assembly Building, the painting was installed afterward in the Capitol next door.” [Washington Post]

Solar Energy Program Opens to Residents — “Solar Switch is back for another round. The group buying program helps residents learn about and save on rooftop solar systems, optional electric vehicle chargers and/or battery storage…To date, over 6,000 households have accepted an offer from Solar Switch, including 248 in Fairfax County.” [Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination]

Reston Safeway to Stay Put — “The Chevy Chase Land Company…announced a total of 105,954 square feet of eight new leases and six renewals in their office and retail portfolio in Chevy Chase and Bethesda, MD, as well as Reston…Safeway and Cafesano both renewed leases totaling 56,835 square feet at South Lakes Village [Center].” [CityBiz]

West Falls Church Medical Center Plans Move — “ProHealth Medical Center is slated to relocate to an office nearly five times its size, Human Resources Manager Haley Bui told ARLnow. Currently located at 2946 Sleepy Hollow Road, the provider intends to move to a 7,200-square-foot office at 107 Park Place sometime between April and June of 2025.” [ARLnow]

McLean Home for Sale for Over $22M — “A nearly 3-acre McLean estate marked by a ‘timeless’ 14,000-square-foot mansion and lush landscaping has hit the market for $22.25 million.” Features of the property at 1150 Chain Bridge Road include a “library with built-in bookcases…lower-level game and exercise rooms and sauna, an outdoor pool, tea house and koi pond and an expansive north lawn the listing describes as ideal for a ‘game of croquet or garden party.'” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Thursday — Showers are possible before 11am and after 2pm, accompanied by mostly cloudy skies and a high around 78°F. Expect a 20% chance of precipitation. Thursday night will be partly cloudy, and the temperature will drop to around 63°F. [NWS]

Circuit Court Welcomes New Judge — “Patrick M. Blanch will be presented with his official commission as a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge on Friday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Courthouse…The public is invited to attend the investiture ceremony.” Blanch officially joined the circuit court when he took his oath of office on April 1. [Fairfax County Government]

Reston Library Reopens to Public — “The Reston Regional Library welcomes you back…Doors open at 10 a.m., following 10 weeks of renovations that included upgraded lighting, refurbished bathrooms, a first-ever water bottle filling station and carpet replacements.” [Supervisor Walter Alcorn/Facebook]

Yoga Studio Coming to Belle View — “Belle View Shopping Center is now fully leased following the signing of a new tenant at a unit that was recently vacated. Jess Purtell Yoga, a yoga studio, will soon be opening at the space between Roy Rogers and GOLFTEC.” [On the MoVe]

Bailey’s Crossroads Community Center Renamed — “Descendants of Minnie Peyton, residents of the Springdale community, and Fairfax County officials cheered as a new sign was unveiled designating the Bailey’s Community Center as the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s.” The renaming was celebrated at a ceremony on Saturday (Sept. 14). [Annandale Today]

Dance Studio to Open in Annandale — “International Dance anticipates opening in the former Treasure Trove spot in the Annandale Shopping Center in early October. The dance studio will offer lessons in ballet, tap, lyrical dance, jazz, modern dance, and Broadway dance for children ages 3 and above, teens, and adults.” [Annandale Today]

Reston Contractor Buys Fairfax IT Firm — “CACI…said early Monday that it would pay $1.275 billion in cash for Azure, a 17-year-old engineering firm that develops radio-frequency hardware and software for the Department of Defense. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.” [Washington Business Journal]

Local Restaurant Chain Celebrates 50 Years — “When Randy Norton opened a tiny Fairfax City pizza restaurant in 1974, he had no idea he would one day become a restaurant tycoon…Norton is now celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ultra-successful dining chain he and wife Patsy built from the ground up — Great American Restaurants.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Parking Restrictions Approved Near Madison HS — “Trash, lawn damage and safety were among factors Fairfax County supervisors considered before unanimously agreeing Sept. 10 to expand the Madison Residential Permit Parking District (District 11)” to Carey Lane between Jerry Lane and Vale Road after residents reported “large numbers” of students parking there. [Gazette Leader]

It’s Tuesday — Expect cloudy conditions with a 50% chance of showers and a high near 75. Tuesday night will see a 60% chance of precipitation, including potential thunderstorms, with a low around 67. Rainfall amounts could range from a quarter to half an inch. [NWS]

Pedestrian in Fatal Franconia Road Crash ID’d — Fairfax County police have identified the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run crash on Franconia Road on Friday (Sept. 13) as 43-year-old Springfield resident Julio Cesar Pasassi. Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives are still working to identify and find the driver. [FCPD]

Lake Accotink to Be Temporarily Lowered — “The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to begin an assessment of the dam structure at Lake Accotink in mid-September. To carry out the study, the water level in the lake will be lowered by up to five feet, which is expected to expose the muddy lakebed in many areas.” [Annandale Today]

Police Focus on Trespassing Issues — “The Mount Vernon Police District’s new station commander, Maj. Matthew Luik, told attendees of the Mount Vernon Community Advisory Committee meeting Sept. 12 that the station is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to prevent trespassing at vacant parcels along the Richmond Highway Corridor.” [On the MoVe]

NHL Team Partners with Herndon Company — “The LA Kings have announced a new strategic, multi-year partnership with Herndon-based Iron Bow Technologies, which marks Iron Bow’s first official sports partnership in Los Angeles,” the team announced earlier this month. “Iron Bow’s logo will appear on the front of all the Kings’ away jerseys.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Eden Center Hosts Moon Festival — “This year, bakery owner Vinh Tran said they made more than 500 mooncakes in preparation for their busiest day of the year: the Eden Center’s Moon Festival celebration Saturday. The Vietnamese shopping center hosts the annual event to honor the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated in many Asian cultures.” [Washington Post]

Local Restauranteurs to Compete in Capital Food Fight — “The Capital Food Fight is back this fall for its 20th year, presenting an evening of great food with some of the region’s best chefs to support DC Central Kitchen in its mission to combat hunger.” Four chefs will engage in a competition at the Anthem in D.C. on Nov. 7, while over 60 restaurants hawk samples to attendees. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Latino Conservation Week Underway — “The Fairfax County Park Authority proudly honors the cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities during Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino Conservation Week. Park enthusiasts are invited to join in celebrating the diverse traditions that have shaped our nation and local community — particularly within our parks.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high of 77 accompanied by an east wind at around 9 mph. Tonight, there’s a 50% chance of showers starting after 2 am, with cloudy conditions and a low of 66. [NWS]

Western D.C. Area Now in Drought — “Few locations in the D.C. area have seen more than a ground-dampening so far this month, and drought concerns are mounting yet again. The District has received just 0.02 inches of rain in September, while Dulles Airport hasn’t even received a trace.” [Washington Post]

Indian Restaurant Opens in Herndon — Maharani Palace Fine Indian Cuisine and Lounge, an “upscale Indian restaurant and banquet hall,” opened yesterday (Thursday) at 1030 Elden Street in the space previously filled by Mellow Mushroom. “Spice Holdings…is behind the new venture. This is the group’s first Virginia location.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Vienna Sidewalk Projects Approved — “The Vienna Town Council has approved two new sidewalk projects. With time running out for spending funds from the Maud Ferris Robinson Charitable Trust, Vienna Town Council members voted Sept. 9 to award” construction contracts for sidewalks on Frederick Street SW and Kingsley Road SE. [Gazette Leader]

Budweiser Horses to Appear at Frying Pan Park — “You’ve seen the Budweiser Clydesdales in Super Bowl ads, but now you can meet in person at Frying Pan Farm Park on Tuesday, Sept 17 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Grab a selfie with them and you’ll be a star at your next Super Bowl party.” [Supervisor Walter Alcorn/Twitter]

Repairs Starting Soon on Mason Neck Courts — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon be repairing the tennis court and basketball court at Mason Neck West Park. Weather pending, active construction is expected to conclude the second week of October 2024.” [FCPA]

Bird Advocates Warn About Light Pollution — “The Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, formerly known as the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, is raising awareness about the impacts of light pollution on birds. DarkSky International is partnering with the National Audubon Society on a Lights Out [campaign] to protect migrating birds.” [Patch]

Taste of Annandale Offers Entertainment Preview — “The Taste of Annandale will feature a packed entertainment schedule all day. The Taste is a free community festival on Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at 7200 Columbia Pike. The lineup hasn’t been finalized yet, but here’s a preview of the expected performers.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of around 82. Friday night is anticipated to be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to a low of 64. [NWS]

D.C. Area to Get More EV Charging Stations — “A few dozen electric vehicle charging stations are coming into disadvantaged communities in Maryland and Virginia, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced.” Fairfax County and city will benefit from the nearly $4 million grant awarded to COG by the Federal Highway Administration. [WTOP]

Virginia Shares Respiratory Illness Data — “Tuesday, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) launched a new Respiratory Illness Dashboard, which replaces several older dashboards. This dashboard provides key insights into respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).” [VDH]

West Falls Development Prepares for Residents — “Phase One of the West Falls Development Project…is nearing completion,” developer Hoffman & Associates shared on Monday (Sept. 9). An apartment building has begun accepting tenant applications, while a condo building “celebrated a grand opening on Sunday after its condos went on sale in March.” [ARLnow]

Deer Management Debate Emerges in Vienna — Vienna Town Council member Charles Anderson suggested exploring ways to control invasive species, including deer, in the town’s monthly newsletter. At the council’s meeting on Monday (Sept. 9), he said he was surprised to receive “15 or so e-mails” in response, and some residents shared their opinions. [Gazette Leader]

FCPS Releases Family Survey Results — “The results of FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey are now available. A key finding showed that 92% of respondents say they ‘feel welcome’ at their child’s school, an increase from 89% in the 2021-22 survey…Thank you to the more than 26,000 parents and guardians who participated!” [FCPS]

FCPD Hosts Mental Health Conference — “The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) hosted a Public Safety Suicide Prevention Conference, drawing over 130 first responders from across the National Capital area. Held on World Suicide Prevention Day, the event highlighted the importance of mental health support for those on the front lines of public safety.” [FCPD]

Celebrate Moon Festival at Oakton Library — “Celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival (The Moon Festival) with Oakton library! Listen to stories and learn some unique Taiwan Moon Festival traditions. There will also be crafts and activities to celebrate the Moon.” The event will take place this Saturday (Sept. 14) from 3-5 p.m. [Fairfax County Public Library]

It’s Thursday — Patchy fog will clear by 9am, making way for a mostly sunny day and a high near 81, accompanied by an east wind of 3 to 8 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy as temperatures drop to around 63, with the southeast wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]

Person Rescued From Sewer — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department was called to the 4100 block of Wadsworth Court in the Annandale area around noon yesterday (Tuesday) after a person “fell 15-feet down a storm sewer. Technical rescue resources have successfully packaged and extricated the patient.” [FCFRD/Twitter]

Where to Commemorate 9/11 in N. Va. — “A number of events are planned around Northern Virginia to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.” In Fairfax County, there are ceremonies this morning in Great Falls, Vienna, Fort Belvoir and Legato. [Inside NoVA]

Fairfax City Man Charged with Abduction — A 54-year-old Fairfax City man was charged with abduction after City of Fairfax police got a report around 6:53 a.m. on Sept. 5 for “a man acting erratically in the common area in the 10200 block of Aspen Willow Drive.” A person who was at the man’s home when police knocked later said “they were intimidated by the suspect, who told them to not answer it.” [Patch]

Fairfax City Extends Restaurant Week — “The city’s Restaurant Week has been extended until Sunday, Sept. 15 with 20 eateries and options to choose from.” The promotional campaign’s popularity inspired Fairfax City Economic Development and other organizers to continue it beyond its original end date of last Sunday (Sept. 8). [DC News Now]

Vienna Students Surprise Custodian With Car — “A group of sophomore students at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, stunned their beloved school custodian Monday afternoon, by presenting him with something he’s dreamed about — a Jeep Wrangler.” Francis Apraku was greeted with the vehicle, which was made possible through community fundraising, at Vienna Inn. [WTOP]

New Film Festival to Offer Free Screenings — “In commemoration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, the National Park Service plans to screen several movies at Fort Hunt Park next month involving World War II and featuring characters with disabilities.” [On the MoVe]

Sign Unveiled for 50 Years of W&OD Trail — “September 1974 also brought the opening of the first segment of the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Trail. To mark the occasion, NOVA Parks (the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) held a special event Sept. 7, unveiling a permanent sign about the history of the W&OD Trail and its many enhancements over its first half-century.” [Gazette Leader]

Moon Gate Completed in Lincolnia Park — Construction a new moon gate, a circular stone structure, was completed at Green Spring Gardens in August. Conceived in 2020 to mark the park’s 20th anniversary, “the rest of the project – including a permanent path, an Asian-inspired garden, a bench, and plaques – is under development.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Expect sunshine and a high of 84 during the day, with light winds turning east at 5 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of 62. [NWS]

Construction Begins on Pickleball Facility — “Construction has started on the Down the Line indoor pickleball center in the long-vacant Kid’s Choice building. The facility, at 4317 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, will have 18 full-size pickleball courts, seven state-of-the-art golf simulators, and a sports bar, says developer Jenni Bae. She anticipates opening in 2025.” [Annandale Today]

Poll Shows Support for Nonpartisan Fairfax City Elections — “Fairfax Commonsense PAC, a political action committee formed in 2021 by former Democratic State Sen. Chap Petersen, commissioned the poll to determine how much support there was for the city to continue its tradition of nonpartisan elections.” Most respondents (67%) said city elections should stay nonpartisan. [Patch]

Lawmakers Divided Over Dulles Greenway’s Future — “Greenway critics, including former Republican state delegate David Ramadan and current Democratic state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Loudoun), now want to push the SCC to force Greenway tolls down and ideally force its owners to sell the road to the commonwealth.” [Washington Post]

Tysons Play Among D.C. Theatre Week Options — “Theatre Week brings shows by more than DC-area companies under their umbrella with discounted prices” from Sept. 26 through Oct. 13. Ticket sales began yesterday (Monday), including “The Waverly Gallery” from the Tysons-based company 1st Stage. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Flooring Stores Might Stay Open After All — “Richmond, Virginia-based LL Flooring, the former Lumber Liquidators, which announced plans to liquidate and close all stores last week, has agreed to a last minute deal that will save thousands of jobs and keep hundreds of its stores open.” The private equity firm F9 Investments will buy 219 stores, their inventory and a distribution center. [WTOP]

Sculpture Exhibition Coming to McLean — “The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) and Washington Sculpture Group are collaborating on the upcoming ‘Sculpture NOW 2024’ exhibition, to be held Sept. 12 to Oct. 26″ inside the McLean Community Center.” The exhibit will feature works finished within the past two years by over 60 sculptors. [Gazette Leader]

Oktoberfest Celebrations Along Richmond Highway –“In two weeks, the 189th Oktoberfest kicks off in Munich, Germany. Around the Richmond Highway Corridor meanwhile, preparations are underway for several local celebrations. Following are some details on the festivities, listed in order by date.” [On the MoVe]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunshine and a high temperature close to 85 degrees. Night will be mostly clear with a low temperature near 59 degrees; the northeast wind at approximately 5 mph will become calm during the evening. [NWS]

Flooring Stores to Shut Down — “Just weeks after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announcing it was seeking a buyer, LL Flooring says it will close all of its stores and cease operations.” Closing sales began last Friday (Sept. 6) at all 424 stores, including ones in Lorton (8245 Backlick Road, Suite I) and Chantilly (14310 Sullyfield Circle). [Washington Business Journal]

Longstanding Herndon Deli Gets Support — “Community members and local businesses have been posting messages encouraging people to take their sandwich business to The Deli Herndon at 480 Elden St. as it experiences financial hardships. On September 3, an anonymous patron posted a plea on Next Door for members of the community to patronize The Deli.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

School Board Allocates Unspent Funds — “Fairfax County Public Schools is spending millions in previously unused funds to support security upgrades, new sports and bonuses for substitute teachers.” Approved by the school board at its Aug. 29 meeting, the year-end budget review also replenished the staffing reserve with $16 million and included another $200,000 for Woodson High School’s renaming. [WTOP]

Funds Available for Affordable Housing Development — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) has issued a request for proposals for affordable housing with a notice of more than $50 million in local funding available for affordable housing projects.” [FCRHA]

GMU Announces Fall Visual Arts Exhibits — “Through exhibitions and inclusive programming in seven galleries across George Mason’s three Northern Virginia campuses, Mason Exhibitions engages community members around current issues and new ideas through visual art.” This fall’s signature exhibition “Nothing Personal: A Collaboration in Black and White” is on view on the Fairfax campus until Nov. 15. [Gazette Leader]

Toll Lanes Operator Donates to Nonprofit — I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the private builder and operator of the I-66 Express Lanes, recently donated $10,000 to the Merrifield-based nonprofit Food for Others. Employees also gathered at the food pantry’s warehouse to pack 660 Power Packs for local school-aged children. [I-66 EMP]

Local Police Captain Wins Award — “The FCPD is proud to announce Captain Hudson Bull has been recognized as one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 Under 40 Award recipients for 2024. This prestigious award honors law enforcement professionals under 40 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to public safety.” [FCPD]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high of around 78 degrees, accompanied by a southwest wind at 5 to 7 mph. Monday night will be clear, with the temperature dropping to around 56 degrees and the southwest wind maintaining a speed of approximately 6 mph. [NWS]