FCPS Investigates Ransomware Issue — The Fairfax County Public School System “continues to investigate the ransomware issue involving some of our technology systems. We are taking this matter and concerns about the personal information of students, staff and their families very seriously. The ransomware issue did not disrupt the distance learning program during the first week of school. However, we are working diligently with the FBI and our cybersecurity consultants to investigate the nature, scope and extent of any possible data compromise.” [FCPS]

Herndon Police Department Report Released — This year’s report highlights the department’s accomplishments, statical crime and use of force data. “The Herndon Police Department is staffed by highly trained officers and civilians who are committed to integrity and professionalism, meeting stringent training requirements and professional standards,” wrote Chief of Police Maggie DeBoard. [Herndon Police Department]

When Symptoms Begin for Local COVID-19 Cases — “The Virginia Department of Health reported 1,300 new coronavirus cases on Saturday and 874 on Sunday. The cumulative case total is up to 133,814, while deaths stand at 2,724 and hospitalizations are at 10,244.” [Reston Patch]

Photo by Ray Copson

More than 11 percent of concrete panels at five of the six new stations on the Silver Line’s extension have cracks that need to b fixed, according to a new report by the Metro Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The report lays out nine conditional steps before the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority can assume ownership of the project and let trains run.

Metro plans to open the extension in July 2021. The OIG audit was initiated at the beginning of the year after a whistleblower complaint in 2016 brought to light Universal Concrete Products’ failure to perform quality control checks. The concrete supplier gave Capital Rail Constructors, the company building the project, deficient concrete panels.

The report found that the Herndon Metro Station has the highest percentage of cracks — 14 percent — while the Reston Town Center Metro Station has a little over 10 percent of cracked concrete panels.

“These panels must be repaired prior to acceptance by WMATA,” states the Metro OIG in its report.

A sealant to repair the concrete panels could be applied every five to seven years in order to proceed with the project.

But the OIG report says that WMATA should not accept this solution “or any other measures short of complete replacement.”

The OIG laid out nine conditions the WMATA board should consider before taking on the project.

Big Changes Coming to Metro — “Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said Wednesday that without more federal help, big cuts will be needed for a COVID-19 related budget shortfall. As of January, Wiedefeld is proposing closing rail stations at 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, having trains arrive every 12 minutes weekdays, and pushing the Silver Line phase two start to July.” [WJLA]

Reston Contractor Buys Maryland Company — “Reston-based government contractor Acclaim Technical Services Inc. announced Sept. 1 it has acquired Rockville, Maryland-based software and systems engineering company Global Consulting Services Inc.” [Virginia Business Monthly]

Remembering 9/11 Amid Coronavirus in Reston — “Reston is one of many communities not planning ceremonies amid the pandemic. Fairfax County public safety personnel, however, will be marking the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Friday morning. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue will be gathering outside the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters for a brief ceremony at 10:15 a.m.”  [Reston Patch]

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is considering a weapons ban in county buildings, parks, recreation and community centers next week.

The proposal would ban the possession, carrying and transportation of firearms and ammunition in county areas, as well as permitted events and areas next to permitted events.

The plan follows the Virginia General Assembly’s passage of a bill that allows local regulation of firearms in certain areas. Gov. Ralph Northam approved the enabling legislation on April 22.

Here’s more on what the prohibition entails:

The proposed amendments exercise this new enabling authority in its entirety. Firearms, ammunition, components or combination thereof would be prohibited in buildings, parks, recreation and community centers owned or used by the County or authorities and entities created or controlled by the County such as the Fairfax County Park Authority. The prohibition would also be in effect at permitted events, events that would otherwise require a permit, and areas adjacent to those events, provided those events take place on a public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public. Appropriate signage must be posted in order to enforce the prohibition.
For now, it is unclear if the plan would ramp up security at county facilities, including security guards and metal detectors.

County staff is currently determining costs associated with signage requirements.

The board is expected to meet at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 15 to vote on the issue.

Photo via Jeremy Alford/Unsplash

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department plans to continue its decades-long tradition of offering open houses and community activities during Fire Prevention week in early October.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FCFRD will host a virtual open house on Saturday, Oct. 10 and virtual activities during the week of Oct. 5.

The department will host several activities surrounding this year’s theme, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”

Here’s more on the events:

Join us for a fun-filled week of fire safety, all virtual activities and special “Behind-the-Scenes” features! Please register online to be eligible for daily prizes, perks, and to enjoy our specially prepared weekly selections! Register here: Virtual Fire Prevention Week 2020  

Once registered you will be sent a packet containing related safety materials and special items including a FCFRD branded kitchen timer and oven mitt. You do not need to register to participate in the week’s events but registering allows you to be eligible for daily prizes and other perks.

The complete schedule of events is available online.

Two Herndon men have been charged in connection with the assault of two victims, according to the Herndon Police Department.

Marian Jose Acuna Palma, 27, and Hesler Alexis Merida Rivas, 22, were charged with aggravated assault, robbery, and gang participation in connection with the assault of two victims, HPD said.

The incident occurred on Sept. 5 on the 1100 block of Elden Street.

Rivas was also charged with possession of false documents and assault.

Both victims were taken to Reston Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. They are being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.

Northern Virginia’s ‘Livable’ Tech Hub — The Verge takes a look at how technology workers are considering relocating from hubs like Silicon Valley and New York City as Northern Virginia steps up to become a “welcoming, livable alternative.” [The Verge]

North Point District Listening Session Tonight — Reston Association’s Board of Directors will host a listening tonight via Zoom at 7 p.m. More listening sessions will follow in the coming weeks. [Reston Association]

How Local Police Fight for Mental Health After Officer Suicides — For the last three years, more police officers around the country have died by suicide than on the line of duty. The Fairfax County Police Department has tried to push for more support services. [NBC 4]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

After several weeks in the mid 200 range, COVID-19 figures for Fairfax County swelled to over 400 new cases per week in mid-August.

While the data at the time showed cases continuing to trend downward, the window of COVID-19 diagnoses meant that the figures for the mid-August timeframe increased substantially in the following weeks. The week of Aug. 16 there were 434 new cases — the highest number of new cases per week since May.

While higher than the average, the number of new cases was still higher than the peak of 1,400 new cases the week of April 26. The weeks after August showed a substantial decline as well, to just 99 cases for the week of Aug. 30, the change to earlier weeks showed those figures could increase with time.

One of the highest densities of cases was the 22027 area code, which includes Dunn Loring and parts of Idlywood, but the zip code is small enough with a population of only 2,362 that a count of 71 confirmed cases was disproportionately high.

The other areas nearby had roughly 200 confirmed confirmed cases each except 22043, which includes Merrifield and parts of Tysons, which had 353 cases.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash, image via Fairfax County

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is considering two design options for the Soapstone Connector.

The connector would create a new one-mile roadway between Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road. A bridge would be built over the Dulles Corridor, providing an additional crossing that is critical to reducing congested areas along Wiehle Avenue.

An FCDOT spokesperson told Reston Now it was too early to share plans, which are still in development. But the two options would avoid the historic area on Association Drive.

Once the designs are finalized, FCDOT will work with the community to determine how to move forward. A decision on the most suitable alternative is expected in the beginning of next year, FCDOT spokesperson Robin Geiger told Reston Now.

The Soapstone Connector was approved for full funding by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in December 2019.

The project secured a big win when it received $15 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority through its six-year funding program in July.

An application to the Commonwealth Transportation Board for additional funding was submitted on August 17. A decision on the application is expected in the summer of 2021.

Map via handout/Fairfax County Government

The Spectrum is Reston Town Center will have a major vacancy next month.

Best Buy, which is located at 1861 Fountain Drive, will close on Oct. 31, a company official told Reston Now.

A spokesperson said the company decided against renewing its lease.

“Our customers have shown us that they prefer to shop at other stores in the area, including the Tyson’s Corner store nearby, which is just seven miles away, as well as our Sterling and Fairlakes stores.”

The last day of business is Saturday, Oct. 31.

A store employee said increasing rent prices prompted the decision. Currently, the store is opened every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Image via Google Maps

Pandemic Boosts Use of W&OD Trail — “Whatever the preference for use – running, walking, biking,  riding scooters, maybe even roller skating – the popular 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Regional Trail has become much more busy, according to users, during the COVID-19 pandemic.” [InsideNOVA]

Nearby: Search for Endangered Juvenile Underway — Genisis Garcia was last seen on September 7 at 8 a.m. in Bailey’s. The 11-year-old is endangered due to her age. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Board Chair of Shepherd’s Center Receives Award — “William “Bill” Farrell, Board Chair of Shepherd’s Center serving Oakton-Vienna-Reston-Herndon (SC) has received the Hunter Mill District Community Champion Award…. As part of the annual Volunteer Service Awards, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors selects an individual to be recognized for their commitment to promoting volunteerism within their community while addressing specific needs.” [The Connection]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Before we head off into another weekend with COVID-19 abound, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.

1. Three Reston-Area Businesses Make Forbes’ List of Best Employers
2. Facing Lawsuit, Balducci’s to Close Reston Town Center Location
3. Silver Line Expansion Expected to Increase Affordable Housing Demand
4. Reston Association to Consider More Funding for Lake Thoreau
5. FCPS Hires New Chief Information Officer After Top Official Resigns

If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip.

Feel free to discuss these topics, your social distancing plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.

Photo via Balducci’s

Reston Now is running statements of candidates running for mayor of the Town of Herndon. With longtime Mayor Lisa Merkel stepping down, two candidates are running for her position. Featured here is Roland Taylor, who is running against Sheila Olem, the town’s current vice mayor.

As your mayor, I will be focused daily working to lowering your taxes, utilities, and fees. Herndon needs a commonsense candidate, with no bias divisive partisan political agenda. Local level government works best without bias parties involved. Roland has no compromises from campaign contributions from developers, real estate companies, or political parties. No parties should put local Town elections on their ballots.

My wife Kathy and I have lived in Herndon with our four children for 16 years. Their youngest graduated from Herndon High in 2019, and now we are eager to take the next step in their service to our community.

My twenty-year career as a public servant in local law enforcement provides me extensive experience working with citizens and government leaders. As a United Nations’ senior rule of law leader and while supporting the U.S. Department of State in international locations, Roland gained experience living and working with diverse international populations, respecting all cultures and focusing on human rights and protecting endangered population groups.

Now as a federal government program manager, Roland has eighteen plus years of extensive experience with managing large budgets and personnel supporting federal government contracts both domestic and international. For over ten years he has been a certified project management professional and experienced in risk management. 

Based on Roland’s law enforcement background and his Masters in Criminal Justice Administration, from Loyola University in New Orleans, he has served as both an Associate and Adjunct Professor of transnational and organized crime for two universities. Roland understands public safety.

As both a parent and grandparent, Roland Taylor wishes to continue giving back and offers his service to the Herndon community as its Mayor. Roland has never avoided a crisis when help and leadership were required. Herndon requires proven executive management and leadership during the COVID-19 crisis and our recovery. I am that candidate and asks for your support and vote on or before November 3rd, 2020.

Top Three Priorities as Mayor

Density Zoning

Town of Herndon, voters have to decide why they selected to live in Herndon and if that quality of lifestyle will continue with a higher density rezoning model the current Town Council is supporting. With rapid growth, there are equal impacts on increased traffic congestion and school overcrowding. We need a diverse Council and not yes votes across the board, as with current party ticket slates. There are some very big projects on the table that will have long term impacts on Herndon. Real conversations have to be had, with all views expressed and listened to in a respective manner. Developers and realtors should not lead the discussions with crony politicians, that are accepting their biased contributions to their campaigns. 

Meals Tax Impacts

In the 2016 General Election, Fairfax County put a Meals Tax on the ballot, and it was defeated countywide. All three Town of Herndon precincts voted “no” to the Meals Tax, however, in April of 2019, my opponent and all seeking re-election to Council, voted to increase Herndon’s Meals Tax, without putting to the Town Citizens for their vote. Long ago the Town put a Meals Tax on the books, to protect the Town from a County Meals Tax. Clearly, the citizens have expressed their desire against a Meals Tax in 2016 and our elected officials ignored the citizens. This was very disappointing and another reason, I am running for Mayor. 

Be assured, I am opposed to Meals Tax as it unfairly affects Seniors, low-income and middle-income families, and negatively impacts tourism. It causes decreased tipping, devastating waiters who rely on tips to make a living, which has already been badly impacted by COVID-19. Sadly, many restaurants only make 3-4% in profit, and the Meals Tax hurts our small business owners.  I am a strong small business supporter and these measures are putting our local businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

COVID Economy Impacts

Due to COVID-19 and its negative impacts on our economy, all levels of government will be required to make budget cuts as all the prior budget forecasts were incorrect. We know after COVID-19, many business models will change. Office space may reduce, lowering commuters, and impact lunch traffic. These and others will reduce taxes paid and Town revenues.

The next two years will be difficult and requires someone with extensive government and business experience like Roland’s, to lead Herndon to recovery. This requires selecting the best candidate for leadership, and not just voting down a party ticket. Roland sincerely asks for your support and vote as the Town of Herndon’s next Mayor on Nov. 3, 2020.

Reston Association is surveying its members to determine preferences on receiving electronic ballots, which would require members to provide email addresses to RA and candidates running for the Board of Directors.

The two-question survey, which was released yesterday, asks members if they wish to receive electronic elections ballots and if they want to receive campaign emails directly from candidates without opting in.

In the past, RA has required members to opt-in for electronic ballots. Paper ballots are mailed to members who do not opt-in.

“An increasing number of members have found online voting to be more convenient than mailing their ballots. Voting electronically helps increase participation in the annual board election, which is held throughout the month of March,” RA wrote in a statement.

The survey is intended to be an informal gauge to determine members’ preferences.