The 8421 Broad apartments and the PARC at Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

FCPD Officers to Provide Security for Olympics — “A group of 12 Fairfax County police officers, including a K-9 unit, will work to secure the Olympics,” which start this Friday, July 26 in Paris, France. The Fairfax County Police Department was invited, along with other U.S. law enforcement agencies, to help French police secure venues and Metro stations. [NBC4]

Reston Town Center Bridge Work to Affect Buses — “Heads up! The Reston Town Center Transit Station will be closed July 26-28” due to construction on a pedestrian bridge over the W&OD Trail. “Regular service at RTC resumes on Monday, July 29. All impacted bus stops will be relocated along Bluemont Way.” [Fairfax Connector/Twitter]

Madison HS Student Under Investigation — “Town of Vienna Police are investigating whether a student at James Madison High School uploaded and sent images of child pornography using his Instagram account, according to court documents.” [Patch]

West Falls Church Homes to Be Demolished for Flood Project — “Fairfax County plans to demolish nine houses on Barrett Road in the Falls Church area of Mason District as part of a project to reduce flooding along Tripps Run…Those properties would be excavated and replaced with an environmental corridor with a passive recreational area.” [Annandale Today]

Rep. Connolly Calls for Secret Service Leader’s Resignation — Rep. Gerry Connolly says it was “unacceptable” that Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle didn’t express a stance on how the accessibility of guns affects the agency’s ability to do its job during a House committee hearing yesterday (Monday) on the agency’s handling of the July 13 campaign rally where former president Donald Trump got shot. [Gerry Connolly]

Arrest Made in Mount Vernon Plaza Burglaries — “On July 20 at 7:49 a.m., officers responded to a burglary in progress at Mount Vernon Plaza in the 7600 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley.” A preliminary investigation found that a 22-year-old man used an “unlocked roof fire hatch” to get into a building at the shopping center, where “he proceeded to burglarize five businesses.” [FCPD]

Day Care Approved in Vienna — “Vienna Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) members on July 17 unanimously granted a conditional-use permit for a family daycare serving up to 12 children at 430 Old Courthouse Road, N.E…Happy Hive Daycare LLC will operate the facility out of an existing 4,006-square-foot single-family detached house at the 0.3-acre site.” [Gazette Leader]

It’s Tuesday — There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 89. Expect a 70% chance of precipitation at night, mainly between 8 and 11 pm. It will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 74. [NWS]


Around Town

When the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) handed out its annual awards celebrating the D.C. region’s food industry last night (Sunday), the winners included two restaurants that can be found in Fairfax County.

Fava Pot, an Egyptian restaurant in West Falls Church, won an award for Favorite Fast Bites, while Colada Shop, a Caribbean spot with a location in Merrifield’s Mosaic District, was named the area’s Hottest Sandwich Shop at the 42nd Annual RAMMYS Awards Gala, which was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C.


Countywide

After weeks of speculation and reported angst within the Democratic Party, President Joe Biden announced yesterday (Sunday) that he will no longer seek a second term, instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his party’s nominee.

Reps. Gerry Connolly and Don Beyer, who represent parts of Fairfax County in the House, and Virginia senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner quickly expressed support for Biden’s “difficult decision” and joined him in backing Harris.


Concrete stairs and a light pole surrounded by overgrowth along Reston Station Blvd (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Man Found Dead in Oakton — Fairfax County police were called to the 9500 block of Route 29 in Oakton on Saturday (July 27) for an unresponsive person who was later declared dead. The death is being investigated as a homicide, and as of yesterday (Sunday) morning, the scene at a commercial townhouse complex just east of Fairfax City remained blocked by police tape. [Patch]

Springfield Man Sentenced to Jail for Jan. 6 Assault — “A 24-year-old Fairfax County man was sentenced in federal court on Friday to 18 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building. He also was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.” [Patch]

Man Arrested for Child Exploitation in Fairfax City — “A man from Centreville, Virginia, is under arrest after police say he coerced a teenager in Minnesota to send sexually explicit photographs of herself to him and then tried to meet her in person.” The 41-year-old man “was arrested in Fairfax City on Monday after a grand jury indicted him” on counts of producing and receiving child pornography and coercing a minor. [WTOP]

Dunkin’ Donuts Under Construction in Annandale — “Dunkin’ Donuts is expected to open on Columbia Pike in Annandale the first week of August, according to the general contractor working on renovating the building…The Annandale location, at 7025 Columbia Pike, is the site of a former flower shop. The building has been vacant since it was heavily damaged in a fire two years ago.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Softball Team Wins State Title — “With a 6-0 record, the McLean Little League age 9-11 All-Stars won recent District 4 and state tournaments, dominating the competition along the way. McLean outscored its opponents, 84-7 with two shutouts. McLean was 2-0 in the district tourney, defeating Great Falls by 12-1 and 13-2 scores.” [Gazette Leader]

Mount Vernon Police Station Has a New Commander — “The Mount Vernon Police District has a new station commander — Maj. Matthew Luik. Luik comes to the Mount Vernon District Police Station after having served as Major of the Criminal Investigations Division within the Major Crimes Bureau of the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD).” [On the MoVe]

Reston Tech Company Plans West Coast Expansion — Neovera Inc., a cybersecurity and cloud services provider based in RTC West, “is eyeing national expansion” after aquiring Emagined Security Inc., a California-based company. The deal “will allow it to extend its security operations center, which is primarily located on the East Coast, to one that can better handle clients throughout the whole country.” [DC Inno]

Merrifield T-Shirt Maker Hires New CEO — “Custom Ink LLC’s Marc Katz is stepping down as CEO at the printed shirt and swag maker he co-founded nearly 25 years ago with his Harvard University classmates after graduating. David Doctorow, the former CEO of Realtor.com parent company Move Inc., has been tapped to succeed Katz, who will remain chairman of Custom Ink’s board.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Monday — Expect showers and thunderstorms mainly before 5 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 83°F. At night, there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, particularly before 11 p.m., with a low temperature around 72°F with southeast winds at 3-6 mph. [NWS]


Around Town

National Ice Cream Day is coming up this Sunday, and several shops around Fairfax County will celebrate with free scoops and other deals.

Like many food-related “holidays,” the occasion originated as essentially a promotion, in this case for the ice cream industry and dairy farmers. The first National Ice Cream Day was set for July 15, 1984 by then-president Ronald Reagan, who also declared July to be National Ice Cream Month.


News

Commuters will soon get the option to travel directly between Virginia and Maryland’s most populous counties by bus, though the initial journey likely won’t be swift.

Fairfax County will receive $2 million from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to provide Fairfax Connector bus service between the Tysons West Park Transit Station (8300 Jones Branch Drive) and the Bethesda Metro station (7450 Wisconsin Avenue) in Montgomery County.


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.

Are you wondering where the newest hotspot in the City of Fairfax is? Check out Commonwealth Brewing Co!

Conveniently located in the heart of Fairfax, this vibrant venue is quickly becoming a favorite among locals.

Ambiance and Atmosphere

As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted with a welcoming, rustic-chic ambiance that combines modern design with a cozy feel. The spacious interior, with its warm wood accents and industrial touches, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

Food and Drinks

The food and drinks will not disappoint. Commonwealth Brewing Co. offers a menu full of delicious dishes, from classic pub fare to innovative culinary creations to kid approved. On tap, you’ll find so many choices of craft beers brewed on-site, showcasing everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. And if beer isn’t your thing, their on-tap cocktails are made fresh daily (my favorite so far is the coconut margarita).

Community Focus

What sets Commonwealth Brewing Co. apart is its strong community focus. They regularly host events that bring people together, from live music nights to trivia competitions and charity fundraisers. It’s a place where neighbors become friends and new connections are made. My clients love the sense of community here!

Flexible Meeting Space

Looking for a spot to host your next meetup? Commonwealth Brewing Co. offers flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of gatherings, from networking events to birthday parties and casual get-togethers.

Check out Commonwealth Brewing Co. in Fairfax. Whether you’re there for a casual night out, a special event, or just to enjoy some quality food and drink, you’ll find a welcoming community and an exceptional experience waiting for you.

Have you visited Commonwealth Brewing Co. yet? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

Commonwealth Brewing Co.

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


Countywide

A technical issue stemming from a cybersecurity update has thrown computer systems around the world into chaos, but Fairfax County appears to have been largely spared.

The county government says it’s monitoring the disruptions caused by a deficient software update sent to Microsoft Windows systems by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, though only “a very small number” of its agencies use the platform through third-party vendors.


Countywide

Fairfax County has revised its workforce housing program in the hopes of making for-sale units viable in more locations.

The Board of Supervisors voted 9-0 on Tuesday (July 16) to change its workforce dwelling units (WDU) policy, which aims to incentivize affordable housing in mixed-use centers such as Tysons by awarding additional density to developers who participate.


A construction barrier blocks a walking path in the MetroWest neighborhood

Fairfax Man Killed in Stabbing — “A man died after a stabbing in broad daylight in the parking garage of a Safeway in D.C.’s Glover Park neighborhood. Anvar Guliyev, of Fairfax, Virginia, was the man who died, the Metropolitan Police Department said. He was 36.” Officers responded around noon on Wednesday (July 17) after a reported fight. [NBC4]

Tire Slashings Reported in West Falls Church — “Police are investigating after more than two dozen cars were found with slashed tires early Wednesday morning in Fairfax County…Fairfax County Police confirmed to WUSA9 Wednesday night, that the tires on at least 27 cars were slashed” in the West Falls Church area. [WUSA9]

Incumbents Raise More in Va. Congressional Races — “Money is flowing into Virginia’s most competitive congressional races this year, with the latest campaign finance reports showing a cash advantage for incumbents but Democrats outpacing Republicans in a pair of open seats in Northern Virginia.” [Washington Post]

Investigation into Huntley Meadows Fire Continues — “The cause of the July 6 brush fire at Huntley Meadows Park is still under investigation, according to Ashley Hildebrandt, director of public information at Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD). The fire burned around three acres of wooded area in a remote section of the park.” [On the MoVe]

Herndon Contractor to Be Sold — “Chicago private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners said Tuesday it has reached an agreement to sell Herndon’s LinQuest Corp. to Houston technology giant KBR Inc. for $737 million…LinQuest specializes in digital transformation and other mission systems work in the national security sector.” [DC Inno]

Inova Tops Va. Hospital Rankings Again — “For the fourth consecutive year, Falls Church-area based Inova Fairfax Hospital has taken the No. 1 spot in Virginia on the U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of best hospitals in the nation, released Tuesday. The Inova Health System hospital also ranked first in the Washington, D.C., metro area for the fourth straight year.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Study Questions Metro Escalator Etiquette — “It might be the biggest unwritten rule of Metro — when you’re on the escalators, you stand to the right, and walk to the left. It’s a message we holler at tourists and make memes about. But a professor from the University of Maryland just released some research that suggests ‘stand right, walk left’ isn’t actually always the best idea.” [NBC4]

Taste of Annandale Festival Seeks Vendors — “The Taste of Annandale is just two months away and spaces for sponsors and vendors are filling up fast. The Taste is happening on Sept. 21, at a new location — the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, at 7200 Columbia Pike and the Annandale Fire Station’s social hall next door. The 2024 event will also have extended hours, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 88°F during the day. As for Friday night, it will be partly cloudy with a low temperature around 72°F and a gentle south wind of 3-6 mph. [NWS]


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