This Fourth of July weekend is expected to be the busiest travel weekend on record, says AAA Mid-Atlantic.

AAA reps say 43 Million Americans are traveling, and 1 million of them are from the Washington, D.C., area. That’s about 5 million than Memorial Day and a 1.9 percent increase for DC-area residents over last July 4.

Nearly 9 out of 10 area residents (about 917,000 people) travel by car. Another 77,000 will fly to their destination.

“More Americans, Washingtonians included, are traveling this summer, and they are also driving more than ever before this summer, easily beating the mileage record set last summer, when Americans put 836.1 billion miles on their odometers,” John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs, said in a statement.

“The Washington metro area boasts a populace of 6,097,684 persons, and nearly a fifth of its residents will travel 50 miles or more from home during the long July Fourth holiday weekend. Historically, whenever July Fourth happens to fall on a Friday or a Monday, as it does this year, it essentially becomes a four-day holiday weekend for most travelers. The other big catalyst is the cheaper cost of gas.”    Read More

A black bear made a visit to Herndon’s Fox Mill Estates Thursday morning.

Check it out as he explores Holkein Drive near Stratton Woods Park.

Thanks to resident Tiffany Ford for posting on the Fox Mill Estates’ Facebook page.

There are usually several bear sightings a season in this part of Fairfax County, especially in summer breeding season. County wildlife experts say to make sure garbage cans are secure to avoid bears looking for food. And keep a respectful distance if you see one.

Two men robbed a taxi cab driver in Reston in the early hours of June 24, Fairfax County Police said.

The driver was in the 11300 block of Baron Cameron Avenue about 4:20 .m. when the passengers implied that they had a weapon, threatened the driver and demanded money, police said.

The driver handed over an undisclosed amount of cash and was not injured.

The suspects fled on foot toward Wiehle Avenue. One suspect was described as black, very tall. He was wearing a multi-colored shirt and jeans. The second suspect was described as Hispanic, 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 8 inches tall. He was wearing an orange shirt, jeans and a baseball cap.

Do you still have paper Metro fare cards with value? Gather them up to trade them in today or lose the money.

Starting Friday, July 1, paper fare cards will be worthless, Metro says. While Metro has since March only been accepting the reusable SmarTrip cards for station entry, it was still issuing refunds and transferring balances to the SmarTrip cards.

Metro had hoped to go to a smartphone-entry system this summer, but the transit agency announced last spring it was canceling the $150 million contract to replace its fare gate system while Metro concentrated on making needed safety repairs.

Riders must pay $2 to buy a SmarTrip, but it is reusable and reloadable. Metro officials say the average SmarTrip card lasts more than four years.

As for the farecard machines, the older brown fare machines will only be used to add value, while the newer, blue machines will be able to both dispense new cards and add value.

Jim Bongiorno, who is running the paper farecard elimination project, told WTOP this is the culmination of a process that began in 2009.

“Come July 1, 2016, if you still have a paper farecard, congratulations, you have a Metro souvenir,” he says.

To get a cash refund on your paper fare card, you must live 100 miles or more from the Washington area.

Dulles Security Tightened — In wake of the explosions at the airport in Istanbul, security has increase at Dulles International Airport. Travelers say they are undeterred. [WTOP]

Torres Released From Jail — Former Fairfax County Police officer Adam Torres, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of an unarmed man in Springfield in 2013, left Fairfax County Jail on Wednesday. Torres had been sentenced to one year in jail, but was granted time served since he had been incarcerated for 10 months already. [WTOP]

Summer Reading — Here is a peek inside Reston Regional Library’s Summer Reading Program. [Connection]

Photo: Summer night on Lake Thoreau/Credit: Carole Burnett

On June 29, 2012, Reston was one of the target spots for a rare and powerful storm that ripped through a swath of Mid-Atlantic states.

The derecho of 2012 came through here that evening, bringing with it winds of 60-80 miles per hour, downed trees, widespread damage and hundreds of people without power for days.

The National Weather Service said at the time derechos hit the Mid-Atlantic about once every four years — so we may be due for another one soon.

But many Restonians had never heard the word before June 29, 2012. They learned it soon after looking at the damage.

The derecho, which affected an area from Ohio to Virginia, started with searing heat (it reached 104 degrees in the DC area that day). Then the hot air moved northward, clashing with a weather front that fell from near Chicago. As both moved towards Northern Virginia, it brought the severe thunderstorms.

Fairfax County officials said they learned from the experiences of June 2012.

“We continue to talk about the derecho storm four years later because it impacted many aspects of our emergency preparedness and response efforts,” Fairfax County emergency preparedness officials say on the county’s website.

“Unlike hurricanes or blizzards, there aren’t days to prepare for something like a derecho. We continue to conduct exercise drills so we’re better prepared.”

What can you do to better prepare for a fast-moving severe storm? Here are some guidelines from the county.

As we officially enter the summer season, which can bring extreme heat and severe thunderstorms, here’s a six-step plan of action to prepare for the next weather event:

• 1.) Buy flashlights and extra batteries so you’re ready if you lose power. You may also want to consider purchasing a generator in case you lose electricity for extended periods. Do NOT plan to use candles as they pose a fire hazard. Do NOT use a generator inside your house.
• 2.) Sign up for emergency alerts, including severe weather alerts, that can be delivered to you by email and text.
• 3.) Become digitally prepared, including thinking about power supply for your smartphones, tips to conserve batteries and more.
• 4.) Text-to-911 is now available in Fairfax County. Know how and when to use it.
• 5.) Put together a plan. “Planning” may not seem important or perhaps you think it’s too hard to do. Start with the Ready NOVA Emergency Preparedness Planner, a free, online tool that makes it easy to put together an emergency plan for your family.
• 6.) Have cash on hand; if power is lost for an extended period of time, then you can only use cash to purchase things like gas for your car.

“As we arrive at the fourth anniversary of the derecho, we all need to continue to focus on being prepared,” says Roy Shrout, acting coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management.

“Preparedness does not stop with your home, but includes your workplace, school and when you are mobile.”

Meanwhile, the derecho brought out the best in some Reston neighbors. Many people helped each other in the cleanup efforts and shared ice, flashlights, grills and other supplies.

And when the Lake Anne Fellowship House, a subsidized senior citizens facility, experienced a power outage that lasted for days, hundreds of Reston-area residents brought food, drinks and other supplies to the residents.

Update, Thursday 5:30 p.m.: Alejandra has been safely found.

Original story: The family of a 14-year-old Herndon girl is asking for the public’s help in locating the missing teen.

Alejandra Hernandez has been missing since last Friday, June 24, a family friend said. She was last seen on Wexford Court in Herndon about 7 p.m.

If you have seen Alejandra, please contact Herndon Police at (703) 435-6846.

Town of Herndon Police say a man was robbed and assaulted in the 1000 block of Elden Street on June 23.

Police said three suspects attacked a Herndon man about 11:45 p.m. that night. The victim told police he did not know the suspects.

The victim told police the men stole property valued at approximately $415.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, police said.

Friday will be the last day for the express bus from Reston to the Pentagon (and the return trip in the afternoon).

The express bus, from Reston North Park-and-Ride lot, went into service June 4, when the first of Metro’s 15 SafeTrack Safety Surges began. The first two safety surges affected Silver, Blue and Orange line riders in Fairfax County, thus the bus to get people to the Pentagon.

Safety Surge No. 3 begins July 5 and will affect Blue and Yellow line riders from Reagan National Airport to Braddock Road.

Metro officials said the Reston-Pentagon bus will return July 20-31 for Safety Surge No. 5 (Single tracking on Silver/Orange lines, Ballston to East Falls Church).

The SafeTrack program involves shutting down parts of Metro in segments through next March in order to complete three years of needed repairs in less than a year, Metro said.

Meanwhile, here is what you need to know about Safety Surge No. 3, which will mean no Metro service to Reagan National Airport for two weeks.

If you have more questions, Fairfax County officials will have an online chat on Thursday at 11 a.m. You can submit a question ahead of time or read it live on Fairfax County’s website.

Game Show Spot — Reston’s Justin Lucas, a video production specialist, will compete Monday, July 4 on Jeopardy. The pre-taped segment will air on WJLA (Channel 7) at 7 p.m.

Bulova Says ‘Let’s Stand By Silver Line’ — Think big picture, as well as growth and safety, when thinking of new Metro line, says Fairfax County Supervisor Chair. [Greater Greater Washington]

Heading South For Holiday Weekend? — The Virginia Department of Transportation has a travel trends map to show conditions in Hampton Roads, Richmond and other congested Virginia roads. [VDOT]

July 4 Schedule — Here is a list of what Fairfax County services are open and closed. [Fairfax County]

The Fairfax County Board of Transportation is looking at a variety of funding sources to pay for more than $2 billion in Reston road improvements over the next 40 years.

FCDOT officials outlined some of their ideas at a community meeting in Reston on Monday. They stressed all proposals are in the idea stage and still being discussed with the Reston Network and Funding Advocacy Group (RNAG). They are also seeking public feedback on ideas, but hope to have a solid plan to go before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors by the end of 2016.

Here is what you need to know:

The $2.27 billion cost would be split between public and private funds over three categories.

• Reston Roadways: $1.2 billion – 100 percent paid for by public share
• Reston Intersections: $45 million – 100 percent paid for by private share
• Urban Street grid near Metro Stations: $1.021 billion – 100 percent paid for by private share.

That works out to 53 percent paid for by public funds; 47 percent paid for by private funds. However, even using those estimates and in-kind contributions, FCDOT estimates a $355 million shortfall.

That’s why they are considering a tax district for commercial properties or a special service district for all properties located in the Reston Transit Service Areas (TSAs). TSAs are the new construction within about a quarter-mile of Reston’s eventual three Metro stations.

Here’s some of the models they are considering for that:

And here are some of the models for a Road Fund comprised of developer contributions:

In several of the Road Fund scenarios, there would still be a shortfall.

Read more about the process and provide feedback on FCDOT’s web page.

MOD Pizza, Reston’s newest restaurant, will have a series of grand opening events later this week to celebrate its arrival at Plaza America.

MOD Pizza is a national franchise that serves artisan-style pizza in a fast casual setting. Customers pick the toppings (Chipotle-style) to have a personal-sized pizza to order. The Reston location will also serve salads, MODshakes (milkshakes), wine and DC Brau beer.

Pizzas are $5.27 for a 6-inch and $8.27 for an 11-inch. The price stays the same no matter how many toppings.

On Thursday, June 30, MOD Reston (11642 Plaza America) will have pre-opening service. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 pm. Dinner is from 5 to 8 p.m. All sales proceeds will go to the MOD Bridge Fund, which helps MOD workers with emergency financial help.

MOD’s grand opening is Friday, July 1. Doors will open at noon. One hundred percent of pizza sales Friday go to Generosity Feeds, a nonprofit that helps feed hungry children in America.

There will also be free pizza for the first 52 people in line, a retro photo booth, and prize giveaways — including the chance to win free pizza for a year.

Reston Swim Team Association Week Three is in the books, and all swimmers will be off this weekend for a holiday bye week. Here are some highlights from Saturday’s meets.

Team records set on Saturday:

• A new team record of 1.18:62 was set in the girls’ 9-10 age 200m Medley Relay by Glade’s Clara Landeryou, Amelia Pimentel, Kaitlin Mahon and Maggie Novak, beating a record from 2007.
• The Lake Newport boy’s 15-18 200m Medley Relay team of Michael George, Casey Storch, Jack Edgemond, and Dan Ni set a new record with a time of 2:01.98, beating their own record set last week.
• Michel Zhou of Lake Newport set a new record time of 20.06 for boys’ 8 & under 25m Backstroke, beating a record from 1990.
• Casey Storch set two team records for Lake Newport: In boy’s 15-18 50m Freestyle, he had a time of 25.10, beating his own record from the start of the season; in the 15-18 50m Breaststroke, his time of 32.13 beat the record from 1997.

Meet Results:

Lake Newport Lightning 591, Glade Dolphins 531

For Lake Newport, double event winners were Liam Brennan, Cade Dowling, Lindsey Jacobson, William Karim, Anna Redican, Mara Redican, Grant Read More