News

An instructional assistant at Langley High School in McLean was arrested last week after a student allegedly saw him masturbating in a classroom.

During school hours on Friday (Oct. 11), David Scalea, a 40-year-old resident of Great Falls, “began inappropriately touching himself underneath his desk” in a classroom, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.


A crowd starts to gather for the Bacon Brothers concert at the Reston Town Center pavilion on Oct. 12, 2024 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

New D.C. Pandas to Arrive Via Dulles — “Two giant pandas … have departed China for an hours-long flight to Washington and a new home at the National Zoo. A FedEx cargo jet from Chengdu via Anchorage is scheduled to arrive at Dulles International Airport at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks air traffic.” [Washington Post]

Truck Driver Crashes into Fairfax Station Home — “A driver in a flatbed truck crashed into a home on Paynes Church Drive in Fairfax, leaving a gaping hole in their living room.” No injuries were reported as a result of the Oct. 11 crash, but neighbors say speeding and stop-sign-running are issues on the road. [NBC4]

Civic Group Proposes Shifting Flights to Dulles — The Arlington County Civic Federation is calling for changes at Reagan National Airport to address safety, noise and environmental concerns. Current proposals include diverting “excessive and unsafe levels of traffic to Dulles Airport through increased subsidies for landing fees…to encourage airlines to use this facility as a departure and destination location.” [ARLnow]

Lorton Gets New Dining Options — “Several new restaurants are opening — or signing on as future tenants — at shopping centers in the Lorton area. At Liberty Market, which is anchored by the Lidl grocery store, a Hangry Joe’s franchise marked its soft opening Oct. 5 and will soon hold a grand opening.” Also look for Naz’s Halal Food and Nash & Smash at Gunston Plaza. [On the MoVe]

Former Commanders Owner’s Home Finds No Buyers — Former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder’s mansions in Potomac, Maryland, and Fort Hunt remain on the market. “So far, the properties have found no buyers in an otherwise thriving D.C.-area market of what is known as ‘ultra luxury’ real estate, even after one of the Snyder homes was donated to charity and its price was repeatedly cut.” [Washington Post]

Coyote Spotted in Vienna — “Residents in one part of Fairfax County, Virginia, are seeing coyotes in their neighborhood. The most recent sighting was near Southside Park in Vienna on Thursday…The Tanglewood Community Association also put out a notice about the coyotes, saying ‘please take care around the wildlife.'” [WTOP]

Kevin Bacon’s Band Rocks Reston — “Famous actor and musician Kevin Bacon and his equally talented brother, Michael Bacon, rocked the Reston Town Center Saturday night where the duo performed as The Bacon Brothers. The event was held at the RTC’s pavilion and drew a large crowd.” [The Burn]

‘Love Is Blind’ Contestant Now Living in Tysons — Nick Dorka, a “duck-riding real estate agent” and contestant on the ongoing D.C. area-set season of the Netflix reality show “Love Is Blind,” says he “got a place here in Tysons Corner” shortly after filming. [Washingtonian]

County Opens Registration for Winter Camps — “Registration for NCS’ Camp Fairfax and Teens in Action Camp Winter and Spring Programs will open on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. NCS’ camp programs offer fun and creative opportunities to help participants develop valuable life skills and make positive social connections during school breaks.” [Neighborhood and Community Services]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly cloudy day with temperatures reaching around 56 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 8 mph. As nighttime approaches, the skies will become partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 42 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]


Countywide

Those buying homes across Fairfax County in September paid, on average, 5.5% more per square foot for their acquisitions than those who made a purchase a year earlier.

The average per-square-foot housing cost of $365 in September 2024 across Fairfax was up from $346 in September 2023, according to figures reported Thursday (Oct. 10) by Bright MLS, based on data from MarketStats by ShowingTime.


News

Kook Dogg Cafe in Reston is raising funds for hurricane relief this coming Monday, Oct. 14.

The cafe will raise funds for World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization that provides free meals to people experiencing crises, from natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.


Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

Attention, Asian street food fans and craft beer lovers!

High Side in downtown Fairfax is a must-visit spot that combines incredible flavors with a great local atmosphere. Opened in 2018, High Side was born out of his love for craft beer and Taiwanese street food, offering a unique fusion right in the heart of our community.

At High Side, the beer selection is always changing, with so many different varieties rotating through. From fruity smoothie sours to hazy IPAs and classic lagers, there’s something for every taste.

And when it comes to food, expect mouthwatering street eats like Taiwanese popcorn chicken, garlic noodles, and crispy tornado fries. It’s the perfect place for a laid-back night with friends, or just to treat yourself to something fun and delicious.

High Side is also known for its strong ties to the community, especially through their annual Asian Festival each May. This event brings thousands of people together to celebrate Fairfax’s rich Asian heritage with food, music, and culture. In 2023, the festival attracted 26,000 visitors, showcasing 100+ vendors and food stalls. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’ll want to add it to your calendar!

Looking for an unforgettable spot for craft beer, tasty bites, and an inviting ambiance?

High Side in downtown Fairfax is the place to be. Next time you’re nearby, drop in, meet Jinson, and enjoy the experience!

High Side in Downtown Fairfax

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180


Countywide

Some equipment and staffing challenges remain, but Fairfax County’s 12 volunteer fire departments are positioning themselves for ongoing improvement after a solid fiscal year that ended June 30.

That was the message delivered by Fairfax Volunteer Fire Commission chair Shawn Stokes to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (Oct. 8).


Countywide

A congressional committee is urging Fairfax County to rethink its approach to the use of drones — specifically those manufactured in China.

In a letter sent to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last month, top members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party raised national and economic security concerns related to the county’s use of drones made by DJI Technologies.


Around Town

A light therapy and infrared sauna is coming to the Midtown at Reston Town Center.

A Fairfax County permit application shows that Beem Light Sauna will open at 1864 Explorer Street, Suite B. The business submitted plans for interior alterations to allow sauna suites and restrooms on Monday (Oct. 7).


A streetlight at the end of Tapawingo Road in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Northern Lights Visible in Fairfax County — Thanks to a strong geomagnetic storm, the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, became visible across the D.C. area last night (Thursday), with sightings reported from Reston and Herndon to Fairfax Station, Lincolnia and neighboring Arlington County. Thank you to everyone who shared photos with FFXnow! [FFXnow/Twitter]

Fairfax Nonprofit Joins Hurricane Milton Response — “Members of the nonprofit, Tidewater Disaster Response, had been working to ease suffering in western North Carolina but rushed down to Florida this week to be in the path of Milton.” The civilian organization deployed a four-person “swift water rescue team that’s been cross trained with chain saw and route clearance operations.” [WTOP]

Beyer Family’s Auto Dealerships Acquired — “A Fairfax-based investment group has acquired a majority stake in Beyer Auto Group. Open Road Capital closed a deal today (Thursday) on the family business of U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), the congressman confirmed with ARLnow.” [ARLnow]

Global Earthquake Drill Coming Up — “Knowing what to do before a big earthquake can determine how well you survive and recover. Join in and participate in the world’s largest earthquake drill at 10:17 a.m. on Oct. 17. Register today so that you or your organization will be counted.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Army to Study D.C. Area Water Supply Alternatives — “The District and its Virginia and Maryland suburbs are dependent on the Potomac River as the main — or sole — source of drinking water … The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to begin a three-year feasibility study of ways to bolster the resilience of the area’s water supply.” [WTOP]

Playground Near Fairfax Station Closed for Construction — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin work on replacing the wooden border that surrounds the playground at Country Club View Park. Active construction activities are scheduled to begin on October 10. Weather depending, work is anticipated to be completed by October 18.” [FCPA]

N. Va. Houses Go All Out for Halloween — “If you’re looking for more than jack-o-lanterns and scarecrows, visit the houses that have some of the best Halloween decorations across Northern Virginia.” Options include The Historic Herndon Halloween House, which teamed up with The Beastro at Queens Row to create a “space alien-themed display.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Friday — Expect sunshine and a high of around 68 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph. In the evening, the sky will remain clear with temperatures dropping to approximately 48 degrees, and a southwest wind of around 6 mph. [NWS]


News

An Oakton man has died after he was hit by a driver while riding an electric bicycle in the Fair Oaks area yesterday (Wednesday), the Fairfax County Police Department said in a news release today.

Officers responded to the intersection of West Ox Road and Tilton Valley Drive at 12:14 p.m. for a crash involving a bicyclist who was struck by a gray Kia sedan, according to police scanner traffic.


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