Tysons | FFXnow - Part 313

Published January 12, 2024 at 9:30AM

Sen. Tim Kaine and Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano talk at Mackenzie's Tunes and Tonics for a press conference on the county's Taking Root diversion program (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Instead of jail-time, a restaurant job could be waiting for some individuals facing non-violent criminal charges in Fairfax County if they finish a newly launched job training program.

The Pathfinder Kitchen initiative unveiled Monday (Jan. 8) by the Fairfax County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds on the office’s nascent Taking Root diversion program, which offers case management, mental health and substance use assessments, affordable housing and other services to people accused of non-violent crimes in lieu of incarceration.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published January 12, 2024 at 8:15AM

A bridge for the Washington & Old Dominion Trail crosses over Herndon Parkway (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Flood Watch Issued for Tonight — “If Tuesday’s soaker of a storm left you wanting, an encore is on the way. The National Weather Service has just issued a Flood Watch for Friday night, warning of heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding in the D.C. area. The watch will take effect at 6 p.m. Friday and run through 6 a.m. Saturday.” [ARLnow]

Winners of First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest Revealed — “The annual First Hike Fairfax photo contest is…a way for residents to begin a new year with fitness and outdoor activity, while enjoying the experience with friends, neighbors and family. This year, more than 350 contestants submitted photos showcasing the sights and scenes they experienced. The results were spectacular!” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

News

Fairfax Water to replace and expand 71-year-old tank in Idylwood

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 11, 2024 at 1:30PM

Fairfax Water plans to replace a water tank that has stood in the Poplar Heights neighborhood since 1952 (via Fairfax Water)

A water tank erected in Idylwood around the time of the Korean War is on its last legs, Fairfax Water says.

The water authority is seeking to replace the 71-year-old Poplar Heights tank with a bigger, elevated tank that will be able to hold approximately 1.25 million gallons of water, according to an application submitted in December to Fairfax County’s planning department.

Around Town

Where to celebrate and volunteer for MLK Day 2024 in Fairfax County

By Melanie Pincus

Published January 11, 2024 at 11:45AM

Musician and activist Calvin Earl will lead a class on the music of the Civil Rights Movement for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in McLean (courtesy McLean Community Center)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this Monday (Jan. 15), and local events will honor the civil rights leader and provide community engagement opportunities.

The holiday marks King’s birthday (Jan. 15, 1929), and it is also a Congressionally-designated day of service.

News

Hunter Mill District on track for affordable housing goal

By Fatimah Waseem

Published January 11, 2024 at 11:00AM

The Point at Reston includes 37 committed affordable housing units (via Google Maps)

The Hunter Mill District is on track to meet the affordable housing goal set by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn in March of 2022.

The district, which includes Reston and the Vienna area, has made “some good strides” toward Alcorn’s goal of adding 1,000 affordable housing units by 2027, the supervisor said.

Around Town

Upcoming Winter Restaurant Week offers new eateries, MLK Day brunch

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 11, 2024 at 10:15AM

Ingle Korean Steakhouse in Tysons is one of three Fairfax County eateries participating in RAMW's Winter Restaurant Week for the first time (courtesy Ingle Korean Steakhouse)

The D.C. region’s biannual restaurant showcase is cooking up a return next week.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington has enlisted dozens of establishments to participate in this year’s Winter Restaurant Week, which will run from Monday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 21.

News

FCPD: Multiple home burglaries linked by woman pretending to deliver flowers

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 11, 2024 at 9:30AM

Fairfax County police say several recent home burglaries have involved a woman who pretends to be delivering flowers (courtesy FCPD)

Fairfax County police believe a recent series of home burglaries were committed by the same people, based on one suspect’s floral accessories.

Detectives are currently investigating five burglaries that started on Dec. 28 and continued most recently on Tuesday, Jan. 9:

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published January 11, 2024 at 8:15AM

The artwork "Joi de Vie" by JP Muller seen in Fairfax City's Old Town Square (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Tuesday Storm Brought Record Rainfall — “Tuesday’s storm soaked the Washington region with record rainfall, toppled trees onto buildings, knocked out power, and flooded areas near rivers and streams…The 2.24 inches at Reagan National Airport, 1.76 inches at Dulles International Airport, and 2.62 inches at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport were all record amounts for the date.” [Washington Post]

Virginia House Selects First Black Speaker — “After making history as the first Black person chosen to lead the 405-year-old Virginia House of Delegates, new Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said the weight of the moment wasn’t lost on him as he looked out over the chamber…Scott’s ascension to the top House job was one of several historic firsts as the Virginia General Assembly began its 2024 legislative session.” [Virginia Mercury]

News

New Dranesville supervisor seeks to build on predecessor’s legacy, prioritizes housing and ‘smart growth’

By James Jarvis

Published January 10, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated January 10, 2024 at 1:50PM

Dranesville Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (courtesy of Jimmy Bierman)

Jimmy Bierman officially stepped into the role of Dranesville District supervisor last week, taking the reins from John Foust, who retired last year after 16 years on Fairfax County’s board.

Bierman, a lawyer and McLean resident, has a clear vision for his tenure, but he says he’s also committed to continuing the work of his predecessor, focusing on issues such as the revitalization of downtown McLean, senior living opportunities and the impact of the I-495 expansion on local residents.

Be a part of Reston’s future: Join the RA Board of Directors

By Sponsor

Published January 10, 2024 at 12:30PM

When Robert E. Simon first founded Reston nearly 60 years ago, he envisioned a community that would stress quality of life and allow its residents to live, work, and play in their own community, with common grounds and scenic beauty shared equally.