morning notes

How N. Va. Has Changed Over Six Decades — “Any time a group of Northern Virginians get together, there’s a good chance the conversation will turn to how much the area has changed since they’ve been living here … A look back at the last 60-plus years shows the remarkable speed of the region’s transformation.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church Senior Living Complex Begins Construction — “A forthcoming senior living development with 215 apartments has broken ground in Falls Church. The Reserve — part of the expansive West Falls development project — will offer both independent living and assisted living, as well as memory care, through operator Experience Senior Living.” [ARLnow]

Metro to Reintroduce Automated Trains — “For the first time in 15 years, a computer instead of a human will be the primary controller of riders’ Metro trains. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) — which oversees and enforces safety practices on the D.C. area’s Metrorail system — gave Metro the final approval to switch to an automatic train operation (ATO) system at a meeting Tuesday.” [NBC4]

Hot Chicken Restaurant Nears Grand Opening — The Red Bird will celebrate the grand opening of its Bailey’s Crossroads location this Saturday (Dec 14) from noon to 4 p.m. “We will have the music bumping with a Live DJ and food flowing! Get your free sandwich or bowl ticket by following this post and tagging one friend and then check your DM! Free hats, shirts and merch until out!” [The Red Bird/Instagram]

Wiehle Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Celebrated — Officials and community members gathered yesterday (Wednesday) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail pedestrian bridge over Wiehle Avenue in Reston. Remaining construction on Wiehle is expected to wrap up next spring. [FCDOT]

Fairfax City Awards Grants to Nonprofits — “The City of Fairfax has awarded grants totaling $217,827 to eight nonprofit human services organizations through the city’s new nonprofit grant program.” The city allocated $300,000 in its budget to create the program, which offered mini-grants of up to $10,000 and standard grants of up to $50,000. [City of Fairfax]

D.C. Region’s Most Expensive Zip Codes Ranked — The ZIP code 21056 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is the most expensive in the D.C. region with a median home selling price near $3.4 million, according to an annual list from RealtyHop. Coming in second and third are 22066 (Great Falls) with a median sales price of $2.4 million and 22101 (McLean) with a median price of $2.2 million. [WTOP]

Artists Invited to Display Work in Annandale Businesses — “Local artists are invited to participate in the second round of Art in Daily Spaces, a project that transforms Annandale businesses into temporary art galleries. Art in Daily Spaces is organized by Community Art For Everyone (CAFE) with support from ArtsFairfax. Fifteen artists will be selected to display their works.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 41 degrees, accompanied by a southwest wind blowing at 10-14 mph and gusts reaching up to 22 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low of 26 degrees. The northwest wind at 6 mph will become calm during the evening. [NWS]

One Injured in Fairfax Connector Electric Bus Crash — “Around 6:30 pm, #FCFRD responded to reports of a bus into a building in the 12000 blk of Government Center Parkway in the Fair Lakes area. Units arrived to find a bus crashed into a parking structure and on fire. The fire is under control. Firefighters contained the fire to the electric bus. One civilian was transported with non life-threatening injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

Fairfax City Motel Demolished — “On Monday, an excavator began the demolition of the Hy-Way Motel at 9640 Fairfax Blvd. Expected to last two weeks, the demolition is the first step in the construction of a new permanent supportive housing facility by The Lamb Center and Wesley Housing.” [Patch]

ICYMI: Comstock Withdraws From Downtown Herndon Project — Town of Herndon officials shared last night (Tuesday) that developer Comstock has decided not to proceed with its long-stalled downtown redevelopment project. Staff said they still believe in the 5-acre site’s potential but “will take some time to evaluate” what to do next. [FFXnow]

Local Restaurants Voted Favorites in D.C. Area — Washingtonian’s 2024 poll of its readers’ favorite restaurants in the region is light on Fairfax County establishments, but Aslin Beer Company, which has a taproom in Herndon, came out on top for “favorite local beer restaurant.” Andy’s Pizza, which can be found in Tysons, also repeated as the no. 1 spot for pizza. [Washingtonian]

Electronics Stolen From Pohick Library — “On October 28, at 9:46 a.m., officers responded to the 6400 block of Sydenstricker Road in Burke for a burglary report. The complainant reported that multiple electronics were missing from the library. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and observed an unidentified man entering the library at 3:00 a.m. that morning.” [FCPD]

More FCPS Teachers Sticking Around — “Fairfax County Public Schools is retaining over 90% of teachers for the first time in four years, a promising sign that teachers may not be leaving the school division at the rate they were in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic … Special education retention rates are also showing positive trends, [Superintendent Michelle] Reid said.” [WTOP]

Metro Set to Revive Automated Train System — “Starting on the Red Line, trains will be spaced and timed based on computer rather than human operation. Officials say the switch could be made as soon as this Sunday … The savings, Metro says, could be used to open an hour earlier and stay open an hour later on the weekend.” [Washington Post]

Chantilly Bakery to Close Permanently — Firehook Bakery has announced that it will close all three of its locations in Chantilly, Alexandria and Dupont Circle on Dec. 24 to focus on the “rapid growth and expansion” of its nationwide Firehook Cracker business. The bakery has been a “favorite among pastry lovers” since 1992. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Immigrant Advocates Brace for Trump Return — “Facing the threat of mass deportations, local immigrant rights groups are stepping up their rapid response activities to protect vulnerable community members.” Advocates discussed their plans for responding to president-elect Donald Trump’s threats “at a forum Dec. 6 in Annandale sponsored by the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — Heavy rain and patchy fog are expected, with temperatures rising to 63°F by 10am. Winds will increase in the afternoon, gusting up to 33 mph. Total precipitation of 1-2 inches is possible. At night, there’s a 40% chance of rain before 10pm, followed by cloudy skies that will gradually clear with a low of 32°F. [NWS]

Annandale Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges — “Fairfax County Police charged an Annandale man with multiple counts relating to the possession and production of child sexual abuse materials.” Police say the man was identified based on a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about someone uploading sexual material involving children. [Annandale Today]

Shots Fired Near Fairfax City Apartments Under Investigation — “City of Fairfax Police are investigating a shooting incident that took place early Friday in the Fairfax Square neighborhood. Someone discharged a firearm around 4:10 a.m., in the 9900 Block of Fairfax Square, according to police. Investigators found casings and projectiles at the scene.” [Patch]

Annandale Condo Building Condemned After Fire — The Nov. 23 fire at the Talltree South Condominiums is still under investigation. “Because the fire investigators found asbestos in the building, the nine families who live there are prohibited from getting into their apartments to get their possessions. They haven’t been told when they’ll be able to move back — only that it could be six months to a year.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Man Runs Seven Marathons in a Week — A man from McLean recently “ran seven marathons on seven different continents in just seven days. Longtime marathon runner Frank Fumich started his adventure with a race in the frozen wasteland of Antarctica on Nov. 15 as part of The Great World Race.” [WTOP]

New Korean Restaurant Opens in Falls Church — “A new Korean steakhouse is now open in Falls Church, from the owners behind Honest Grill. Seoul Prime is an intimate, elegant dining experience with an emphasis on high-quality cuts of beef … The new restaurant is at 106 Founders Ave. in the Founders Row apartment complex.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Kids Fly to “North Pole” from Dulles Airport — “Early Saturday morning, a crowd of almost 100 kids was buzzing with excitement as they waited to board their ‘North Pole’-bound flight out of Dulles International Airport … The annual flight, which took off from Dulles for the first time 34 years ago in 1990, provides an incredible journey for children battling life-threatening illnesses, and their families.” [NBC4]

Local Firefighters Warn of Increase in Fires — Cooking-related fires are a common call for service at this time of the year, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chief Matt Tamillow. “Tamillow told WUSA9 they also see an increase in fires caused by space heaters and fireplaces as the temperatures start to drop.” [WUSA9]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a slim chance of rain after 1pm, cloudy skies, and a high around 61 with calm winds picking up to 5-7 mph from the south later in the day; 20% probability of precipitation. Tuesday night brings rain, potentially heavy, a low of 55, south winds at 7-10 mph, and a 100% chance of precipitation; new rainfall may reach up to three quarters of an inch. [NWS]

Guns Allegedly Found in Raided GMU Students’ Home — “Court documents, which do not publicly indicate a reason for the search, allege that authorities found guns and magazines inside the home — materials authorities say belonged to the father and brother of the George Mason students.” A lawyer for the family says claims the men posed a threat are “baseless and inflammatory,” and a judge denied Fairfax County prosecutors’ petition to bar them from having guns. [Washington Post]

Tysons Security Company in Demand After Health Care CEO Killing — “Since the shooting death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the phones at Global Guardian have been ringing off the hook. The McLean-based company, which provides executive protection worldwide, has experienced a surge in demand for its services.” [WUSA9]

No Injuries From Centreville House Fire — “Just after 3:15pm [yesterday] #FairfaxsBravest responded to a reported outside fire in the 14000 blk of Coachway Drive in Centerville. As crews arrived on scene bystanders alerted the crew that the back of the house was on fire. Firefighters quickly went to work and were able to extinguish the fire preventing major exposure to the rest of the home.” [FCFRD/Instagram]

Bailey’s Crossroads Getting New Signage — “New gateway signage will be developed for the Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners Commercial Revitalization District. The idea is to create a sense of place and branding for the area and encourage redevelopment, says Mike Van Atta, president of the Crossroads + Corners Coalition (C3).” [Annandale Today]

Pilates Studio to Open at Mount Vernon Plaza — “The new pilates studio at Mount Vernon Plaza may be opening just in time for fulfilling some New Year’s resolutions. Club Pilates franchise owner Valyn Jenkins said they are hopeful about starting their soft opening Dec. 31, though it could be pushed to the following week.” [On the MoVe]

Tysons Consulting Firm Head Named CEO of the Year — The Washington Business Journal has named Booz Allen Hamilton CEO, chairman and president Horacio Rozanski its CEO of the Year for 2024. This year, the company “has seen double-digit revenue growth driven by increased government demand for services tied to cybersecurity, defense and the rapid advance of technology.” [WBJ]

Fairfax City Welcomes Veterinary Clinic — “Fairfax business leaders joined Mayor Catherine S. Read on Thursday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Bond Vet to the city. The urgent care veterinary clinic opened its doors at Scout on the Circle in October.” [Patch]

It’s Monday — Expect rain primarily between 7am and 1pm, with a high temperature of around 52°F. There’s a 90% chance of precipitation, with new amounts ranging between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. As for Monday night, anticipate mostly cloudy conditions and a low temperature near 43°F. [NWS]

Metrobus Cracks Down on Fare Evasion — “Before the pandemic, about 25% of passengers didn’t pay when they got on a Metrobus, General Manager Randy Clarke said. But since then, about 70% haven’t been paying. In an effort to address that, the transit agency launched a targeted campaign this week, hoping that officer visibility and efforts will make customers think twice before avoiding the cost.” [WTOP]

Springfield Neighborhood Braces for Data Center Impacts — “As [Richard Andre Newman is] approaching 60, he’s considering selling his Fairfax County home and moving away. That’s because he’s getting a new neighbor: Plaza 500, a 466,000-square-foot data center and an adjacent electrical substation to be built a few hundred feet from townhomes, playgrounds and a community center.” [Associated Press]

Dominion to Expand Annandale Substation — “The Fairfax County Planning Commission on Dec. 4 approved the expansion and modernization of the Westcott Substation along the Holmes Run trail.” Dominion Energy says the upgraded station will better “manage additional energy demand, such as electric vehicle charging and storage of surplus energy generated by solar power cells.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Central Park Ribbon-Cutting Delayed — “Due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted for Saturday, the planned ribbon cutting at McLean Central Park will be postponed until early Spring on a date to be determined. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on my social media pages.” [Supervisor Jimmy Bierman/Facebook]

Google Among Investors in McLean Finance Company — McLean-based Range has raised $28 million from Google seed fund Gradient Ventures and others “to help it bring artificial intelligence to the forefront of the wealth management industry.” The company’s custom AI-driven software could someday provide direct assistance to its 1,200 clients, who must earn at least $350,000 a year. [Washington Business Journal]

Annual Pancake Breakfast Returns to Turner Farm — “The Turner Farmhouse Foundation is hosting its annual pancake breakfast and open house on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9:30-11 a.m. Parking is available on site with volunteers able to assist. The event is open to the public at no cost.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

Mount Vernon Trail to Get New Water Fountains — “Thanks to a grant the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail received from the National Park Foundation this past summer, seven new water fountains will be coming to the Mount Vernon Trail in 2025.” [On the MoVe]

It’s Friday — Expect sunny skies, a high of 37 and a northwest wind with gusts as high as 23 mph. During Friday night, the skies will be mostly clear, and temperatures will drop to a low around 24 degrees. [NWS]

Police and FBI Raid GMU Students’ Home — “In the early morning hours of November 7, more than 12 police officers showed up outside at an address in Springfield, Virginia, knocked, broke down the door, and raided the family home of two Palestinian American students at George Mason University.” The students’ family believe they were targeted for their involvement in the advocacy group Students for Justice in Palestine, which was suspended by GMU on Nov. 12. [The Intercept]

Snow Possible in D.C. Region Today — “A winter weather system is expected to impact the National Capital Region on Thursday, Dec. 5. Currently, we are expecting a slight chance of light snow showers in the morning, with minimal accumulation anticipated.” A Wind Advisory will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Suspect in Trump Campaign Office Burglary Arrested — “Police have arrested the man they suspect of burglarizing President-Elect Trump’s campaign office in the Northern Virginia suburbs four months ago in a break-in captured on camera, said a spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office.” The man was arrested in California but also has a pending misdemeanor charge in Fairfax County. [Washington Post]

Review of Mount Vernon County Facilities Begins — “The master planning process has officially begun for how the Mount Vernon Governmental Center and other nearby Fairfax County-owned facilities might look five to 10 years from now. On Nov. 18, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck met with a newly formed steering committee to provide initial information about the project.” [On the MoVe]

Little Beast to Open Falls Church Restaurant — “Known for its picture book-style art and Detroit-style pizza, Little Beast Cafe & Bistro plans on bringing a little whimsy to the ground floor of Broad & Washington (111 E. Broad Street) sometime next year.” The eatery previously had a Reston location that closed last December. [ARLnow]

Winter Wonderland Coming to Annandale — The Eileen Garnett Civic Space will host a Winter Wonderland Festival this Saturday, Dec. 7, one of many winter holiday events planned around Fairfax County. “There will be tree decorating and lighting, live music by the Annandale Terrace Elementary School’s 5th-grade chorus, hot cocoa and treats, and activities for children, including winter-themed crafts.” [Annandale Today]

Reston Steakhouse Plans Gingerbread Decorating Party — “Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Reston is throwing a gingerbread house party. Pastry chef Chris Works will be presenting a one-of-a-kind workshop for children of all ages on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.” [Patch]

It’s Thursday — Mostly cloudy skies will clear up gradually, leading to a high around 37 degrees and breezy conditions. Precipitation chances stand at 30%. Night will be mostly clear with a low near 29 degrees, accompanied by a west wind between 16 to 21 mph and gusts as high as 38 mph. [NWS]

County Police Step Up DWI Enforcement for Holidays — “Our DWI Enforcement Squad ramps up at the end of every year to focus on Safe December. During this campaign, running from December 4 to December 29, the squad will increase their staffing and focus on ensuring our roadways remain safe this holiday season.” [FCPD]

Two People Shot Near Annandale Bowlero — “Police are investigating a shooting by the Bowlero bowling alley at 4245 Markham St. in Annandale on Dec. 1.” Officers who responded around 5 p.m “found a juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.” Detectives believe an adult man who appeared at Virginia Hospital Center with a gunshot wound was also involved. [Annandale Today]

FCPS Still Looking Into Hayfield Football Program — “A week after Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid withdrew Hayfield Secondary School’s football team from the playoffs, the Virginia school system is still investigating troubling text messages that led to the high school athletic director’s resignation.” [WTOP]

Capital Bikeshare Use Growing but Uneven — Capital Bikeshare “has hit new monthly ridership records for six months and counting, and year over year, ridership jumped up a whopping 47.7% between October 2023 and October 2024 … But CaBi’s growth is uneven outside of the District itself, despite significant pockets of density and transit usage in the area’s suburbs.” [Greater Greater Washington]

Route 1 Widening to Close Local Bank — “United Bank, a community bank located at the corner of Richmond Highway and Sherwood Hall Lane in Gum Springs, will be permanently closing in February 2025, a spokesperson from the bank confirmed … The bank falls within the proposed right of way for the future Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit system.” [On the MoVe]

Pupatella Marks Reston Anniversary With Discount — “Wednesday, December 4th our Reston location is celebrating their Anniversary with $10 pizzas all day! Join us for great food, great fun, great prizes, and so much more!” [Pupatella/Instagram]

GMU Student Art to Be Displayed at Metro Stations — “You may spot some new works of art on your daily commute, thanks to four George Mason University student artists. These students will have original animations displayed on screens in six Metro stations as part of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Art in Transit Program.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Reston Association Seeks Board Candidates — “Reston Association is seeking candidates to serve on its Board of Directors. A total of three seats will be open for the election in March 2025,” including one at-large seat and the seats for the Tall Oaks/Lake Anne and North Point district directors. [Reston Association]

It’s Wednesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching up to 42 and southwest winds increasing to 10-15 mph and gusts up to 24 mph. At night, there’s a 40% chance of rain and snow showers after 1 am, coupled with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 34°F. [NWS]

County Opens Hypothermia Prevention Shelters — Fairfax County has launched its annual Hypothermia Prevention Program, which offers overnight shelter, food and other resources to those in need during the cold winter months. Continuing until March 31, 2025, the program involves permanent shelters and temporary sites hosted by local nonprofits and faith communities. [Fairfax County Government]

Man Last Seen in McLean Still Missing — Virginia and Fairfax County police are looking for 80-year-old Robert Williams, who has now been missing for over a week. He was last seen around noon on Nov. 25 in the 2100 block of Westmoreland Street in McLean, driving a pickup truck that was found parked and empty on Fairfax Drive in Arlington on Sunday (Dec. 1). [WUSA9]

Dominion Energy Station to Power Data Center — “Bren Mar Park community representatives are urging residents to come out in force to a Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) hearing this Thursday on Dominion Energy’s application for the Edsall substation and transmission lines. The substation would power Starwood Capital’s planned data center at the Plaza 500 site.” [Annandale Today]

Stolen Vehicle Crashed on GMU Campus — “Around 7:38 p.m., a vehicle that had been stolen from Prince William County earlier in the day [on Saturday, Nov. 30] careened onto the school’s Fairfax campus and slammed into the pole.” GMU Assistant Chief of Police Emily Ross says police took two juveniles in the vehicle into custody, but two others are still at large. [Patch]

Woman Arrested at Dulles Airport for Marijuana — “A Texas woman is facing felony drug charges after authorities said she tried to bring 71 pounds of marijuana onto a flight at Dulles Airport that was destined for London.” Customs officers discovered 60 vacuum-sealed bags filled with the drug in the woman’s two suitcases on Nov. 23. [WTOP]

Local TV News Anchor on Hiatus — “NBC Washington announced Monday that anchor Leon Harris is ‘stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues’ … The announcement comes after Harris appeared unwell during a 6 p.m. newscast Thanksgiving Day,” prompting viewers to raise “concerns that the anchor could be suffering a medical emergency after he stumbled over his words several times.” [WTOP]

Mount Vernon Farmers Market Adds Vendors — “Prep your palate for some mouth-watering treats as ‘pop-up’ vendors new to this year’s McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market will offer their wares starting Dec. 4.” The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Reston and Burke markets will also remain open until this Saturday, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, respectively. [On the MoVe]

Falls Church May Discuss Allowing Deer Hunting — “On Monday, new City Council member Laura Downs asked City Manager Wyatt Shields if coming months would include a discussion of whether Falls Church should join the growing number of Northern Virginia localities that permit deer levels to be controlled on public property.” [ARLnow]

It’s Tuesday — The weather will be sunny, reaching a high of approximately 41 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 9 to 11 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to around 24 degrees, and a west wind at a speed of 5 to 7 mph. [NWS]

Tysons Corner Center Draws Crowds for Black Friday — “Shoppers flooded Tysons Corner Center Friday, causing typical traffic slowdowns and lines outside of several stores. In some cases, the lines began forming prior to 6 a.m.” For many local families, Black Friday at the mall has become a tradition. [DC News Now]

Burke Townhouse Fire Contained — Firefighters with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department managed to contain a townhouse fire in the 10200 block of Fern Pool Court on Saturday (Nov. 30) “to the end unit, preventing significant damage to neighboring properties. All occupants evacuated safely. No civilian or firefighter injuries.” [FCFRD/Facebook]

County Progresses Toward Affordable Housing Goal — “Fairfax County is making progress toward its goal of creating at least 10,000 affordable homes by 2034 … Tom Fleetwood, director of the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development, said the county’s approaching 35% of that goal with about 10 years to go.” [WTOP]

Police Search GMU Campus for Suspect — George Mason Police sent out an alert just before 9 p.m. on Saturday announcing that they were assisting in a search “for a wanted person” in the 4400 block of University Drive. A subsequent alert around 10:50 p.m. reported that the investigation had ended, but “no information was available about the nature of the investigation.” [Patch]

Virginia Could Elect First Female Governor — “Two women seem to have cleared the field for next year’s Republican and Democratic gubernatorial primaries. Rep. Abigail Spanberger has had the Democratic contest to herself since her lone competitor dropped out in April, while Winsome Earle-Sears’s long-anticipated rival for the GOP nod let it be known this month that he was taking a pass.” [Washington Post]

Church Street Stroll Returns to Vienna — Vienna’s annual Church Street Holiday Stroll will return tonight (Monday) with a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, free marshmallow-roasting and, for the first time, a gingerbread decorating contest. “The merriment begins in front of the Freeman Store and Museum at the corner of Church and Mill streets on Monday, Dec. 2, from 6-8 p.m.” [Town of Vienna]

Ways to Help Kids in Annandale During Holiday Season — “For those of you who want to help the needy this holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities.” The Mason Police District Station is collecting toy and clothing donations, while the nonprofit New Hope Housing is seeking gift cards to Target, Walmart and grocery stores so residents can make needed purchases. [Annandale Today]

It’s Monday — Today will be sunny with a high near 38 and a northwest wind blowing 7 to 10 mph. Monday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 25 and a northwest wind at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]

Rideshare Startup Ordered to Halt D.C. Operations — The McLean-based startup Empower, which “markets itself as a cheaper, fairer alternative to Lyft and Uber,” was ordered to stop operating in D.C. by a D.C. Superior Court judge. The company could face contempt charges if it doesn’t comply and keeps providing rides to and from the District without registering with the city’s Department of For-Hire Vehicles. [Washington Post]

Reston Holiday Parade Returns Today — “The annual Reston Holiday Parade returns on Friday, November 29, 11:00 AM. Celebrating its 32nd year, the one-of-a-kind, one-hour, half-mile parade along Market Street also welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. Since 1992, rain or shine, the parade has been an annual tradition on the day after Thanksgiving.” [Reston Town Center]

Hot Chicken Restaurant Opens in Annandale — “Crimson Coward, a fast-casual restaurant featuring Nashville hot chicken, is expected to have a soft opening in Annandale on Black Friday, Nov. 29. The restaurant, located at 7004 Columbia Pike, features ‘the Crimson,’ a boneless chicken breast with Crimson sauce, slaw, and pickles in a brioche bun.” [Annandale Today]

Local TV Station May Have Pulled on Natural Gas Hazards — “It looks as if Washington Gas would very much prefer that people don’t read this new report from environmental advocates describing the health dangers of gas appliances they tested in the D.C. area. So much so that the company appears to have pressured local CBS affiliate WUSA9 into burying a story about the report that ran last week.” [Washington City Paper]

How McLean Got Its Name — “According to Chris Barbuschak, the Virginia Room archivist and librarian at the City of Fairfax Regional Library, the village that eventually became the suburban community of 50,000 was named after John Roll McLean, owner of The Washington Post, who acquired it in 1905. McLean was also president of Washington Gas Light Company and a director of two banks.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Falls Church Moving to Ease ADU Rules — “A majority of the 2,400 owners of single-family homes in Falls Church soon could be allowed to build standalone accessory-dwelling units (ADUs) with far less government oversight.” The city council agreed on Monday (Nov. 25) to start considering a policy change that would allow ADUs “by right” in low-density and medium-density residential neighborhoods. [ARLnow]

County EDA Donates to Food Drive — “Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) staff members proudly donated canned and other non-perishable food items through an annual food drive to Food for Others. This year, the FCEDA donated 2,335 pounds of food, and from 2021, staff members have donated 4,930 pounds to Food for Others.” [FCEDA]

Girls’ Wrestling Arrives as Varsity Sport in FCPS — With girls’ wrestling rolling out as a varsity sport this winter, students hope female participation in the sport will be more encouraged after some faced obstacles when the only option was coed teams dominated by boys. Justice High School girls’ wrestling coach Benjamin Alvarado expects to see eight to 10 wrestlers on the team. [WTOP]

It’s Friday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching around 47 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 11 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 28 degrees, and a west wind persisting at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]