morning notes

County VolunteerFest Returns This Saturday — “Hundreds of area residents will be out and about ‘doing good’ on Saturday, October 21, 2023, as part of VolunteerFest, a county-wide day of service. VolunteerFest is held every year in the fall and encourages anyone interested in volunteerism to get out and make a connection with a local organization.” [Volunteer Fairfax]

D.C. Area Economy Stagnating, GMU Researcher Says — “Issues that have been haunting the Washington region for years — slower economic growth, a high cost of living and regional outmigration — are solidifying into a concerning new normal. That’s the conclusion of Terry Clower, director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis,” who pointed to a declining federal workforce as one factor. [Washington Business Journal]

Rabid Animal Incidents Alarm Health Department — “After identifying a rabid raccoon and skunk within a mile of each other over the last 25 days, the Fairfax County Health Department is asking residents in the Centreville/Bull Run area to steer clear of wild animals and to report any animal attacks right away…To date, 22 animals have been diagnosed with rabies in the Fairfax Health District in 2023.” [FCHD]

Reston Man Charged With Sex Crimes Against Teen — “A 21-year-old Reston man is facing charges after a sex crimes investigation involving victims under the age of 18. The charges stem from ‘criminal incidents that occurred in 2020,’ Arlington County police said. ACPD says they’re now seeking other potential victims of the suspect.” [ARLnow]

Deadline Extended for Input on Pedestrian/Bicycle Projects — Initially set to close yesterday (Monday), the deadline for community members to take Fairfax County’s Active Transportation Project Funding Survey has now been moved to midnight on Thursday (Oct. 19). The survey will narrow down a list of proposed pedestrian and bicycle projects up for $100 million allocated by the county board. [FCDOT]

Groveton Neighborhood Named a Historic Site — “Randall Estates looks like so many Fairfax County subdivisions built in the early 1960s…But its development — undertaken by a Black public-school teacher to provide homes for African American professionals who had few opportunities for home ownership during Jim Crow in Virginia — was recently recognized by the Fairfax County Registry of Historic Sites.” [On the MoVe]

Driver Injured in Chantilly Crash — “Officers are investigating a single-vehicle crash at Walney Rd and Poplar Tree Rd in Chantilly.” The driver was taken to a hospital with injuries initially considered life-threatening. Their condition was later upgraded, but they remain hospitalized. [FCPD/Twitter]

Antisemitic Flyers Reported in Wolf Trap — “Fairfax County police are trying to find out who left anti-Semitic flyers in a neighborhood near Wolf Trap. Police said at least four or five of the flyers were left in and around driveways, and there may be more they are not aware of yet.” The area was previously targeted by dozens of flyers last year. [WJLA]

Reston Man Worried About Sister in Gaza — “When Emilie Rauchenberger…traveled to the Gaza Strip with her five children to visit her husband’s olive tree farm, she never imagined she’d feel so trapped. Now, she’s holed up in an apartment with 30 relatives and clinging to hope that her family can go home. In Reston, across the Atlantic Ocean, her brother Joe Rauchenberger waits for intermittent updates.” [DC News Now]

Police Investigate Carjacking in Tysons Mall — “Officers on scene of a carjacking in the 7900 block of Tysons Corner Center in McLean. 2 suspects took victim’s keys, threw an [unknown] liquid on him, and fled the scene in victim’s 2022 Blue BMW X5. Liquid does not appear to be caustic. No injuries sustained.” [FCPD/Twitter]

Buildings Demolished for Route 1 Widening — “A construction crew tore down the building formerly housing Mount Vernon Auto Repair at 8249 Richmond Highway Oct. 10. The razing was part of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) planned demolition of several properties this year in preparation for the Richmond Highway Corridor Improvements project” [On the MoVe]

Comedian Reflects on Northern Virginia Origins — “In an interview with Northern Virginia Magazine, comedian Aparna Nancherla discusses her time at Thomas Jefferson High School, comedic origins, and her new book on imposter syndrome.” Nancherla, who has also acted in shows like “Inside Amy Schumer” and “Corporate,” grew up in McLean and has parents living in Arlington. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Board of Supervisors Contenders Diverge in Views of County — “Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay (D) and his Republican challenger, Arthur Purves, politely exchanged views — with the occasional sharp elbow — during a televised Oct. 2 forum.” [Gazette Leader]

Murder Charge Filed in Woman’s Fatal Shooting — Eric Antonio Rubio, 36, of Alexandria, has been charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony for the death of Brenda Ochoa Guerro, who was found unconscious in the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital parking lot on April 13. Rubio and three others were arrested in May for concealing a dead body. [FCPD]

GMU’s Fall for the Book Kicks Off Today — After a week of preview events, George Mason University’s annual book festival officially returns today for its 25th anniversary. The festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a talk by roller derby skater Gabe Montesanti about her new memoir and continue through Saturday (Oct. 14). [Fall for the Book]

Police Investigate Linked Thefts and Vehicle Break-Ins — “Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division, are investigating a series of vehicle break-ins and package thefts that occurred between October 3-4. The suspect is believed to be responsible for breaking into several vehicles and stealing items during the late-night hours in both the Fair Oaks and Reston police districts.” [FCPD]

Get to Know the School Board Candidates — “Fairfax County voters will select a new school board this November, with all 12 seats up for election. In addition to the nine district seats on the ballot, voters will pick from nine candidates vying to fill three vacant at-large seats…The Washington Post sent questionnaires to each candidate about the most pressing issues in Fairfax County and their top priorities.” [Washington Post]

Man Found Shot on I-495 in Annandale — “A man was found shot on the side of I-495 in the early morning hours Sunday, Virginia State Police say. Just after 2 a.m., officers responded to Exit 54 for Braddock Road…on I-495 North where it was reported that a man was lying on the shoulder of the road.” [FOX5]

Toll Lanes Proposed on I-495 From Springfield — “A proposal to widen an 11-mile stretch of the Capital Beltway in Virginia has entered a new phase with the release of nine possible construction alternatives. Topping the list is an extension of toll lanes into Maryland.” The concepts also include dedicated bus lanes and “technological enhancements.” [Washington Post]

Teens Arrested in Kingstowne Shooting — “Two teenagers were arrested in connection with a shooting that took place last month in the Kingstowne Shopping Center, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, police officers responded to the 5900 block of Kingstowne Towne Center for the report of the sound of gunshots…No one was injured from the gunfire.” [Patch]