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.


Countywide

A Fairfax County supervisor’s request for information about creating a financial oversight body to control Metro drew rebukes from his colleagues during a meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 8).

It also led to some testy exchanges between Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, the lone Republican on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and some of the board’s Democrats.


News

Three Reston residents have been appointed to Reston Community Center’s nine-member Board of Governors.

Following the results of a preference poll conducted last month, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed two incumbents and one newcomer to the RCC board on Tuesday (Oct. 8).


Countywide

Fairfax County’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th birthday isn’t on the move just yet, but it soon will be.

A “mobile museum” housed in a recreational vehicle is expected to be the county government’s signature educational offering during the 2025-26 celebration of America’s declaration of independence from England, members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors heard Tuesday (Oct. 8).


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