State lawmakers punted consideration of a casino in Fairfax County to next year, but that hasn’t stopped some proponents from seeking to assist in the divisive plan to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals to Northern Virginia, whose odds of a comeback win are looking slim.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, who represents Fairfax County’s Richmond Highway corridor, recently pitched the idea of bringing both a casino and the sports arena to Tysons to a representative of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the basketball and hockey teams, the Washington Post reported on Sunday (March 24).
According to the Post, Surovell dropped the idea after Monumental President of External Affairs Monica Dixon “immediately” rejected it, but Christopher Clemente, CEO of the aspiring casino developer Comstock, and Ben Tribbett, a prominent consultant whose clients include Comstock and Surovell, “continued shopping the idea last week.”
The suggestion of combined arena/casino site in Tysons emerged as Monumental’s much-hyped plan to move the teams from D.C. to Alexandria’s Potomac Yard flailed for support. The Virginia General Assembly adjourned on March 9 without including funding for a state authority to finance the $2 billion entertainment district in their budget proposal, and at least one Alexandria City elected official withdrew her endorsement of the project.
Clemente told the Post that a joint development could “enhance financing options for the arena” by using tax revenue generated by the casino to guarantee bonds that would pay for the stadium, but Potomac Yard developer JBG Smith’s CEO, Matt Kelly, noted the deal could be used to evade Virginia’s requirement that casinos get approved by voter referendum.
Like the arena, Fairfax County’s potential casino is envisioned as part of an entertainment district, according to State Sen. Dave Marsden, who sponsored legislation to make the county eligible for a gambling establishment this past session and in 2023.
After vocal opposition from local residents and some officials, though the county board stopped short of taking an official position, a Senate committee voted on Feb. 6 to continue this year’s bill to 2025 to allow for more study and public engagement.
The combined facility proposal appears to be dead on arrival, with Monumental owner Ted Leonsis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin reportedly expressing “disgust” and “no interest,” respectively. But hypothetically, would you support the Wizards and Capitals calling Fairfax County home? Would it alter your stance on a casino?
The transformation of a former Residence Inn in Herndon into housing is complete.
Rebranded as Trellis, the new apartment complex welcomed its first residents with year-long leases this month.
Renovations have been underway at 315 Elden Street for the past year to repurpose the rooms into housing for rent.
Evan Gallant, principal of Blue Ocean, the property management company, said the apartment community aims to create “the most convenient offering” for our residents.
After receiving approval for the redevelopment from the Herndon Town Council in 2022, Blue Ocean began transforming the vacated hotel into a multifamily residential unit complex.
“The Unit Interiors have top tier/professionally-designed interior finishes similar to Class A apartment communities, while the monthly cost is meaningfully below the Class A communities,” Gallant wrote in an emailed statement. “Another unique feature we provide all-inclusive pricing in that our residents pay ‘rent,’ which includes all utilities (electric, cable/internet, water, sewer, trash, etc.).”
Units range from a 525-square-foot studio with an open bedroom and one bath that costs between $1,685 to $1,885 a month to a 915-square-foot, two-bedroom and two-bath apartment that costs between $2,300 and $2,500 per month, according to the company’s leasing website.
As part of the renovation, Blue Ocean updated the hotel’s unit interiors, hallways, common areas, signage and exterior landscaping.
Built in 1990, the complex was previously a 168-room hotel spread out over 11 buildings. The 6.5-acre site is located at the southwest corner of Elden Street and Herndon Parkway near the Herndon Centre shopping mall.
Local Figure Skater Wins World Championship — “Ilia Malinin, the 19-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, put on a dominant display Saturday night in Montreal and took the world figure skating crown in record performance. His free program included a jaw-dropping six quadruple jumps — including his patented quad axel” and setting a record for the competition’s free skate. [WTOP]
Police Investigate “Suspicious Package” in Reston — Sunset Hills Road closed outside of the Reston Town Center Metro station yesterday (Monday) after Fairfax County police got a report of a “suspicious package” in the area at 4:40 p.m. An investigation determined the item wasn’t an explosive device, and there was “no apparent threat to the community at this time.” [Patch]
Data Center Company Sues County Over Reston Facility — CoreSite “has filed a civil suit against Fairfax County, alleging the county has overstepped its authority in demanding it hand over identifying information about its tenants” for tax purposes. The March 8 complaint argues that it’s not CoreSite’s responsibility to “know whether a given tenant is subject to or exempt from the state’s and county’s tax authority” and it would be “overly burdensome” for the company to make that determination. [Washington Business Journal]
Annandale Restaurants Near Launches — “Three new eateries — L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Garden Social, and Tiger Sugar — are tentatively scheduled to have a soft opening the second week of April. All three are located in the same 5,000-square-foot space at 4363 John Marr Drive…in the Eastgate Shopping Center.” [Annandale Today]
Former Auto Dealerships in Tysons Acquired — Asbury Automotive Group “bought the 11.6-acre property at 8525 Leesburg Pike, until recently home to a Priority Nissan and a Priority Mazda, on Feb. 15 for $67 million.” The buyer and seller didn’t comment on the deal, which was reported by CoStar, but the site was once part of the planned Dominion Square West redevelopment. [WBJ]
Space Research Nonprofit Moves HQ to Chantilly — “The non-profit Aerospace Corp., which functions as a federal research lab focused on space, announced last week it relocated its corporate headquarters from El Segundo, California, to the Washington D.C. area.” The corporation’s president says the move “was driven by the evolving space landscape in the U.S. government and a need for closer proximity to key decision makers.” [Space News]
Lorton Thrift Shop Plans Refresh — “Lorton’s Attic, the thrift store at Williamsburg Square Shopping Center operated by the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), will close for the first two days of April before reopening April 3 with a new layout, fresh inventory and expanded hours.” [On the MoVe]
Homeless Shelter Clients Beautify County Gardens — “The gardens at the Herrity Building on the Fairfax County Government Center Complex have been given a renewed lease on life this spring, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Operation Stream Shield and guidance from landscape architects of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division.” [DPWES]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 55 and an east wind around 6 mph. Moving into Tuesday night, there is a 30% chance of rain, primarily after 2am, and the temperature will drop to around 44 with a southeast wind at 7 mph. [NWS]
(Updated at 9:40 a.m. on 3/26/2024) A federal funding boost is coming to help improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities on the Town of Herndon’s main through street and more than a dozen other sites around Northern Virginia.
At its meeting last Thursday (March 21), the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved $19.5 million through the federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program for 15 non-highway transportation projects in the state.
Five of the projects to receive funds are in Fairfax County or its towns, led by $2.5 million for a plan to improve the safety, accessibility and walkability of Elden Street.
According to a Town of Herndon presentation, the project includes new ADA ramps and crosswalks, a widened sidewalk that moves around existing barriers, and a grass buffer. Spanning 0.3 miles between Center Street and Ferndale Avenue, the improvements will be in close proximity to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, Herndon Middle School and St. Joseph’s School.
Over in the Town of Vienna, the Locust Street Trail project will get $1.3 million to facilitate the replacement of an existing sidewalk within a 10-foot-wide shared-use path. The project will also address drainage issues that “frequently make the existing path unusable for extended periods,” per a news release from the TPB.
The funding approved for Fairfax County will go to three different Safe Routes to Schools projects, including $140,000 for Shrevewood Elementary School in Idylwood. Developed in response to a fatal crash in 2019, the project will add three new crosswalks with a sidewalk or a shared use path connection.
“In addition to making it safer to walk or bike to school, this project will expand safe access for kids to the W&OD Trail, a key link in the National Capital Trail Network,” the TPB’s summary said.
The project has received another $1 million through other Transporation Alternatives Set-Aside funding, fulfilling the county’s full request, according to the board.
A Safe Routes to Schools program for Lake Braddock Elementary School in Annandale got around $356,000 to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity across the road and school entrance. It includes ADA ramps, new crosswalks and new pedestrian refuge islands.
More broadly, the school system’s overall SRTS program will get $276,000 to educate students on safe walking and bicycling.
“The project will develop maps with suggested safe routes, safety education, bike rodeos, walk and bike to school days, monthly challenges with rewards, build a bike give a bike programs, and the development of park and walk programs for students who live beyond the walking zone,” the press release said.
Two projects in Fairfax City also got funding from the Federal Highway Administration program:
Fern Street Neighborhood Connection, City of Fairfax: $285,119
Utilizing city property, this project will connect commercial and residential areas lacking a paved ADA-accessible pathway. The project prioritizes bikes and pedestrians by building a trail instead of a road extension and supports small area plan recommendations by initiating a pedestrian priority corridor and providing links to potential mixed-use redevelopments.
Chain Bridge Road Shared Use Path, City of Fairfax: $2,098,314
This project will provide a safer and higher quality bike and pedestrian facility along Chain Bridge Road, a busy arterial that feeds into I-66. The project will build a shared-use path between existing trails, including a connection to the National Capital Trail Network’s Custis/I-66 Trail. The project serves an Equity Emphasis area.
The total amount of approved funding from the Transportation Alternatives set-aside program has been corrected from $195 million to $19.5 million.
A longtime arts educator and administrator who has helped keep opera alive in cities as different as New York City and Nashville will soon bring that expertise to Fairfax County.
ArtsFairfax has hired Stuart Holt as its new president and CEO to replace Linda Sullivan, who retired on Feb. 29 after a 14-year tenure that saw the organization evolve from a council most known for producing the International Children’s Festival into a key advocate and source of funding for the county’s artistic community.
Holt’s experience with expanding access to the arts — most recently as director of learning and engagement for the Metropolitan Opera Guild in New York City — will help ArtsFairfax build on the transformation that Sullivan started, ArtsFairfax Board Chair Scott Cryer said in today’s announcement.
“Fairfax County interest in the arts has grown exponentially over the last 10 years due in large part to Linda Sullivan’s leadership,” Cryer said. “Now, we look to Stuart Holt to increase access to the arts for all residents throughout the region. The ArtsFairfax Board believes that Stuart’s vision and spirit of collaboration will inspire our talented staff and multiple stakeholders to find new ways of working together to strengthen the arts in Fairfax.”
Envisioning ArtsFairfax as a “catalyst for area artists to amplify and celebrate their work,” Holt told FFXnow in an exclusive interview that he’s “extremely excited about the opportunity” to work in a community the size of Fairfax County, which he noted has more residents than the state of Montana.
“The opportunity to think about access, exposure, a commitment to the arts on that scale is thrilling,” Holt said. “It’s daunting, but it is a huge opportunity, one which I think is a beautiful combination of all of the work that I have done up to this point in my career.”
A graduate of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and Florida State University, where he got a master’s degree in opera production, Holt began his administrative career in 2004 as the director of youth opera programs for the Sarasota Opera. He then served as Nashville Opera’s education and outreach director before joining the Metropolitan Opera Guild in 2012.
According to ArtsFairfax, Holt’s work with the Met Opera Guild included a redesign of its Opera Learning Institute, participation in an Arts Workforce Fellowship that assists emerging artists from historically underrepresented communities, the creation of a Community Voices Choir for the arts center Culture Lab, and oversight of a research project on how “opera-based and arts-integrated learning” connects to student achievement.
Holt’s efforts have brought arts education programming to 30,000 students in Nashville and 120,000 students in New York, ArtsFairfax said in a press release.
Throughout his career Mr. Holt has brokered unique community partnerships, including collaborations with Lincoln Center to provide music education for children and young adults on the Autism spectrum and to serve adults affected by dementia; a partnership with the Vanderbilt Observatory to create the outdoor dining and live music “Opera on the Mountain” event, which remains an integral part of Nashville Opera’s perennial community engagement offerings; and a partnership with the Police Athletic League to develop an afterschool choral program in Sarasota, Florida.
As Director of Learning and Engagement at the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Mr. Holt dramatically increased the Guild’s reach, growing their K-12 school programs across all five boroughs of New York City and to six counties in New Jersey; launching the Metropolitan Opera Guild Podcast, which garnered over 2.2 million listens across 200 episodes; and creating the Guild’s Continuing Opera Education-Online Learning Platform, which reached adult learners from 41 states and 29 countries.
Holt says his past work has given him an appreciation for the importance of listening to constituents and building personal connections.
Fittingly, his top priority as ArtsFairfax’s new president and CEO is to conduct a listening tour with arts organizations, public officials and other partners “to hear what is working well and what are their thoughts for improvements.”
He also wants to expand the funding that the agency is able to give to arts and cultural groups, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide. Per its latest annual report, which was released Thursday (March 21), ArtsFairfax awarded $735,839 in grants to 63 nonprofit arts organizations last year, an amount boosted by a $250,000 boost from Fairfax County.
“We know as we continue to move forward that that need is probably going to increase,” Holt said. “So, we need to think about how are we increasing the pot that’s available so that arts organizations know that they can come to us when they have a project that they really want to do, and they know that we are going to think carefully about trying to help them amplify that work out to their community.”
In addition to providing funding, ArtsFairfax helps promote local organizations and events, and connects artists with jobs, facilities, professional development workshops and other resources. Recent initiatives have included the introduction of a Fairfax Poet Laureate and a map to locate public art.
Holt shares the ArtsFairfax team’s goal, outlined in its strategic plan, of increasing the accessibility and availability of those services.
“I really want to be thinking about how we are engaging the most possible community members with our work,” he said. “This…is listening to those arts partners, those civic organizations, those stakeholders who are thinking about, ‘How are we making the arts accessible to everybody, and what are the tools that ArtsFairfax can provide to help with that work?’”
Reston Town Center’s first solar panels are on the horizon.
Boston Properties (BXP) plans to install solar panels on top of the green garage in the town center, the property owner and developer announced Friday (March 15). The installation will feature a 1.3-megawatt solar photovoltaic renewable energy system.
“With great partners like our client and Ameresco we can transform a parking garage into a megawatt scale solar energy plant,” BXP Senior Vice President of Sustainability Ben Myers said. “This project delivers social, economic, and environmental benefits over a long term by providing zero emissions clean power, competitive energy pricing, and covered parking for clients and visitors at the Town Center.”
The project is in partnership with Ameresco, an energy developer. It’s expected to provide an estimated 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually. Energy from the system will be used at Reston Town Center.
“We are thrilled to partner with BXP and their client on this exciting solar canopy project in Reston, Virgina,” Ameresco Senior Vice President Jonathan Mancini said. “By joining forces, we are building a solar solution that will empower the entire Reston community with greater energy independence and reduced reliance on the grid. This collaborative effort is a shining example of how working together can create a more resilient future for all.”
The project is expected to wrap up construction by the end of the year.
Developer Suggests Combining Casino and Arena — “With Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan to build a $2 billion arena in Alexandria for the Washington Capitals and Wizards in jeopardy, three political and business figures have been pitching an unlikely Hail Mary: an idea to pair the sports arena with a new casino in Fairfax County…The idea has been flatly rejected by Youngkin (R) and the teams’ owner, Monumental Sports & Entertainment.” [Washington Post]
No Injuries in Transformer Fire Near NRA HQ — “Just after 7am [Saturday] morning #FCFRD and City of Fairfax Fire Department responded to the 11200 Blk of Waples Mill Rd for a reported building fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find an outside transformer on fire. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire preventing any exposure to the building.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Arrest Made in Online Scam of Vienna Resident — “On August 14, 2023, a citizen reported that he was defrauded out of almost $1 million during an online scam that unfolded over several years. A subsequent investigation by police revealed that a Maryland man was involved in the scheme, which aimed to deceive the victim into believing that they were assisting someone in distress.” The Hyattsville man was arrested on March 19. [Vienna Police]
Virginia Makes To-Go Cocktails Permanently Legal — “Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed sixty bills on Wednesday, including one that permanently allows the sale of cocktails to-go in the Commonwealth. To-go cocktails were temporarily allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic but were set to expire as of July 1.” [WUSA9]
Vienna-Based Credit Union Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit — Navy Federal Credit Union said last week that an “external review…found no race-based decision making in our mortgage underwriting,” attributing differences in approval rates to “legitimate, non-race factors.” The same day the review’s conclusion was announced, the firm that’s defending the credit union filed a motion to dismiss in a class-action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination. [CNN]
County Appoints New Environmental Office Leader — “John Morrill has been appointed director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC), effective immediately. Morrill brings over 30 years of experience in energy and environmental issues and has served as acting director of the OEEC since March 2023.” [Fairfax County Government]
Park Authority Plans Solar Eclipse Events — The Fairfax County Park Authority “has prepared extraordinary eclipse viewing activities at locations throughout the county on Monday, April 8. Join us for a safe viewing experience that will include both pre- and post-eclipse activities, games and demonstrations.” [FCPA]
Reston Player to Compete in Pickleball Championships — Mani Vaghedi will soon “compete on a national stage after being selected as one of 3,000+ amateur and professional pickleball players who will gather in Naples, Fla., from April 13-20 to compete in the largest and most prestigious pickleball tournament in the world — the 2024 Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships.” [Fairfax County Times]
It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 56 accompanied by a northeast wind at about 8 mph. As the night approaches, the skies will turn partly cloudy and the temperature will drop to around 38, with an east wind at 6 mph. [NWS]
This summer at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts just got busier.
After announcing an initial line-up in January, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts unveiled additional shows on Tuesday (March 19) that have been booked for its summer 2024 season at the Filene Center, the park’s main outdoor amphitheater, and the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.
The Filene Center’s season typically kicks off with “Blast Off!,” a free fireworks show, around Memorial Day in May, though the exact date won’t be announced until April in coordination with the President’s Own U.S. Marine Band.
The newly expanded slate of concerts features a range of genres, from 1990s R&B — represented by TLC, En Vogue and Jody Watley on July 5 — to musical theater belted by Tony-winning Broadway star Ben Platt on June 23.
There will be some notable collaborations between Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates and Elvis Costello on July 25, The Who lead singer Roger Daltry and singer-songwriter KT Tunstall on June 12, and indie bands The Mountain Goats and The New Pornographers on Aug. 4.
The National Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with indie musician Beck (July 27) and rapper Nas, who will commemorate the 30th anniversary of his debut studio album “Illmatic” on July 21. It has added “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” (July 24) to the list of movies getting a live score accompaniment, and audiences will be able to sing along to “The Sound of Music” on Aug. 16.
Other highlights include The Roots on Aug. 31, country singer Clint Black on July 3, rockers Cake (Aug. 2) and Blues Travelers (Aug. 23), and ’80s new wave band Crowded House, best known for “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” on Sept. 3.
Local musicians will also get a showcase, with rockers Virginia Coalition, emmet swimming and the Pat McGee Band coming together for “NOVA Nite” on Aug.7.
Over at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, families will be treated to hour-long music, dance, theater, puppetry and magic performances on Tuesday through Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. from June 20 to Aug. 3.
Full schedules for both the Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods can be found on Wolf Trap’s website. Tickets for the just-announced shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. next Friday, March 29.
Ismael Cruz-Delcid, 18, of Herndon has been arrested for allegedly fatally shooting a teen outside a hotel in McNair (courtesy FCPD)
An 18-year-old suspect turned himself in last night in connection with the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old Westfield High School student on Wednesday (March 20), police say.
The Fairfax County Police Department announced the arrest of Ismael Cruz-Delcid, 18, of Herndon at a press conference this morning (Friday).
Police suspect Cruz-Delcid knew the victim, who died after being shot outside the Sonesta Extended Stay Suites in the McNair area of Herndon. Another teen was shot at during the two rounds of firing but managed to escape without injury.
The FCPD identified Cruz-Delcid as a suspect in the shooting yesterday. He has been charged with second-degree murder, the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and felony distribution of cocaine.
The drug charge stems from “a previous narcotics investigation,” police previously stated.
The shooting happened around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday after a verbal argument between the three teens in the hotel parking lot.
Police Chief Kevin Davis emphasized that, while it’s unclear if the encounter was gang-related, the victims knew each other, characterizing the encounter as a “neighborhood association.”
Davis lamented the proliferation of guns in small disputes as a nationwide challenge.
“Seemingly petty disputes are resolved with firearms,” Davis said.
Police said that the teens were involved in ongoing verbal disputes that remain under investigation.
Cruz-Delcid turned himself shortly after 11 p.m. last night after a discussion between law enforcement and an attorney. He did not provide any statement to police and is being held without bond.
The suspected shooter recently graduated from Mountain View Alternative High School in Centreville, according to police.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid said the school system is providing counseling to students at Westfield and Herndon High School, along with other high schools on an as-needed basis.
Fairfax County’s next budget could give its public libraries a little more spending money for books.
At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday (March 19), Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn proposed allocating an additional $500,000 in the upcoming fiscal year 2025 budget to Fairfax County Public Library’s book collection.
“The Library continues to be one of the most popular services provided by the county and our Library branches are a vital hub of community information,” Alcorn said in his board matter. “…We continue to face issues with meeting the demand for library materials even with the digital formats.”
County Executive Bryan Hill presented a proposed budget on Feb. 20 that increases FCPL’s funding by $410,027, partially offsetting a $1.2 million jump in personnel-related costs with cuts to the system’s operating expenses.
Planned reductions include eliminating a vacant management position, shifting to black-and-white public copiers instead of color ones, adjustments to the number of computers at each branch based on usage, taking over data storage from a third-party vendor and making FCPL’s quarterly magazine digital-only.
Overall, the county is budgeting just under $35 million in expenditures for the library system, most of which ($22 million) goes toward day-to-day operations at its 23 branches.
Alcorn noted that the county’s funding is supplemented by contributions from the nonprofit Fairfax Library Foundation and the Friends groups that support individual branches. The Friends of Reston Regional Library, for instance, donated $100,000 earlier this year to boost the children’s books collection county-wide.
However, funding for books and other materials remains inadequate “to meet the needs of our residents,” who sometimes have to wait months or even more than a year for popular items, he said.
With increased demand for popular and new materials, the Library must balance a proper allocation of limited resources for those items with the needs for materials in support of K-12 students, and ensuring that materials are updated, available in print, large print, audio and digital copies and in multiple languages. Additional funds to the collection budget will ensure that we are providing the resources our community demands from our Library and decrease the wait times so that people can access those resources in a timely fashion.
The Board of Supervisors agreed unanimously on Tuesday to add Alcorn’s proposal to its list of items to consider incorporating into the budget, which includes $3.83 million in not-yet-allocated funds.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity also asked county staff to find out why FCPL is only devoting about 10% of its budget to purchasing materials and whether that guidance comes from the county, the library’s Board of Trustees or the state.
“I think we do need to clearly invest in our library collections,” Herrity said. “It’s something our citizens like. It’s a basic public service we need to promote.”
Town hall meetings on the proposed budget are currently underway, with the Franconia District holding the next one at 6 p.m. today (Friday). Public hearings are scheduled for April 16-18, and the board will mark up the budget, including determining whether to add items like the library funding, on April 30.
A final FY 2025 budget will be adopted on May 7.
The annual Reston Pride Festival will return to Lake Anne Plaza on June 1 from noon to 6 p.m.
This year’s festival will include live music, performances, and vendors. The organization will also choose an LGBTQ+ nonprofit to highlight positive work being done in the community.
Past beneficiaries include Rainbow Families, the CasaBurmar Foundation and the Pride Liberation Project, a student-led LGBTQ+ advocacy group.
“We are very excited and proud to continue the rich tradition of Pride in Reston while recognizing how fortunate we have been, especially considering how many LGBTQIA+ organizations did not survive the strain of the pandemic,” Reston Pride President Kyle Rohen said.
Rohen said the organization needs volunteers for the day of the festival and year-round.
The organization got its start in 2018 in an effort to make Reston a “truly inclusive” region by providing cultural education and resources about LGBTQIA+ history and culture.
Reston Pride is sponsored by CORE Foundation, a nonprofit that offers services for the Northern Virginia region.
Third Arrest Made in McLean Home Burglary — Yesterday (Thursday) morning, Fairfax County police detectives arrested a 24-year-old Lorton resident in Bailey’s Crossroads, identifying him as the third suspect in an armed burglary of a house in McLean. All three men charged in the incident, which occurred in the 1300 block of Spring Hill Road on Nov. 27, are in custody. [FCPD]
Police Union to Oppose FCPD Use of A.I. — “The Fairfax chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association will issue a position soon opposing Truleo, citing privacy and workload concerns, a representative said.” The Fairfax County Police Department said earlier this month that it will use Truleo’s artificial intelligence-based platform to analyze body camera footage. [Gazette Leader]
Residents Encouraged to Turn Off Lights — “LIGHTS OUT FAIRFAX! Turn off your outdoor lights this Saturday, March 23 from 8:30-9:30 p.m. and reconnect with the beauty of #DarkSkies! Help combat light pollution together and enjoy a magical night under the stars. Spread the word, invite your neighbors, friends and family for this powerful connection with the natural world!” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook]
Compass Coffee Gets Approval for West Falls Church Cafe — “The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on March 19 unanimously granted Compass Coffee LLC a special exception to install a coffee shop with two drive-through lanes at a former BB&T Bank branch” in the Shops at West Falls Church. “Compass Coffee will contribute $11,587 toward future construction of a 10-foot-wide trail along Route 29, which will replace the current 4-foot-wide sidewalk.” [Gazette Leader]
Tysons and Reston Companies Named Startups to Watch — “Tysons-based Aravenda and Reston-based TruWeather Solutions placed on DC Inno’s list of ’10 Startups to Watch in Greater Washington’ — its annual list of companies that are ‘setting the pace and challenging the status quo.'” Aravenda provides resale software to businesses, while TruWeather Solutions supplies “weather data analytics and weather risk management products to federal agencies.” [Fairfax County EDA]
Governor Vetoes Criminal Justice Bills — “Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) announced vetoes on nearly two dozen criminal justice-related bills…including a measure to prohibit declaring a child under age 11 to be a juvenile delinquent and one requiring the development of standards for when it is permissible to lie to a suspect during police interrogations.” [Washington Post]
Former Apple Engineers Launch Vienna Startup — “A Vienna software startup founded by a cohort of former Apple Inc. engineers has emerged from stealth mode after landing $47 million in fresh funding…Antithesis Operations LLC, which develops a technology that can automatically find bugs in software used across companies or organizations, will use the proceeds largely to build out its team of engineers and software developers.” [DC Inno]
South Run Trail to Be Paved — Work will begin next Wednesday (March 27) “on a trail paving initiative along a 550-foot section of the South Run Stream Valley trail system. The paving will occur between the new fiberglass bridge (Preakness Bridge) and the culvert closest to Lee Chapel Road underpass. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed within approximately one week.” [FCPA]
It’s Friday — Expect sunshine and a high of 53 today. Tonight, rain will arrive mainly after 11pm, accompanied by patchy fog after 2am and a low temperature around 46. There is a 100% chance of precipitation with rainfall amounts ranging from half to three-quarters of an inch. [NWS]
Fairfax County Deputy Police Chief Brooke Wright provides an update on a fatal shooting at the Sonesta hotel in McNair (via FCPD/Facebook)
Fairfax County police are still searching for a teen who they believe fatally shot another teenager yesterday (Thursday) outside the Sonesta Extended Stay Suites in the McNair area of Herndon.
The Fairfax County Police Department has identified Ismael Cruz-Delcid, 18, of Herndon as the suspect in the shooting, which allegedly followed a physical altercation between three teens.
The encounter began after Cruz-Delcid pulled into the hotel’s parking lot in the 13700 block of Coppermine Road yesterday afternoon, according to police. At some point, he and two other teens began fighting.
“Cruz-Delcid then disengaged from the fight, pulled out a firearm, and shot at the victims,” the FCPD said. “Only one of the victims was struck and the second victim was not injured. Cruz-Delcid left his Honda Civic at the scene and took off on foot after the shooting.”
Officers arrived the scene shortly after 3:35 p.m. and found the teen who got shot suffering from gun shot wounds “to the upper body,” police said. After attempting life-saving measures, responders transported the boy to a hospital, where he died.
At a media briefing yesterday, FCPD Deputy Chief Brooke Wright said at least three shots were fired, and it wasn’t yet clear how many hit the victim. Another teen who wasn’t hit remained at the scene.
Police said the shooter was seen headed toward neighboring Coates Elementary School, prompting Fairfax County Public Schools to place the school under secured status just before students were scheduled to leave.
Detectives have obtained warrants that would charge Cruz-Delcid with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The FCPD says he is involved in “a previous narcotics investigation,” prompting detectives to also get a warrant for cocaine distribution.
“Our officers, our Fugitive Track and Apprehension Unit, and our Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau are working to locate Cruz-Delcid,” the FCPD said.
Students are getting organized in response to a lawsuit challenging Fairfax County Public Schools for its LGBTQ-inclusive policies.
The Pride Liberation Project, a student-run group that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in Virginia, will host a rally “against anti-trans hate” outside Luther Jackson Middle School in Merrifield at 6 p.m. today (Thursday). The demonstration will precede the Fairfax County School Board’s meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.
“I’m really hoping that Fairfax County and our school board will stop this attempt to hurt and degrade my fellow students,” Laura Troung, a senior at Falls Church High School, said. “LGBTQIA+ students are already disproportionately facing the youth mental health crisis in addition to bullying and harassment at schools and this is just adding salt into the wound.”
Represented by America First Legal, a right-wing legal group led by former Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller, an unnamed high school student sued the school board on March 4 over its policies dictating that students be treated in accordance with their gender identity.
In her complaint, the student says being “compelled” to address classmates by the name and pronoun that matches their gender identity violates her religious beliefs as a Roman Catholic. She also argues that the policies discriminate on the basis of sex because of her discomfort with using the same bathroom as transgender girls.
Students with the Pride Liberation Project, however, describe FCPS’ regulation 2603 as critical to creating a safe, welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Transgender youth whose peers affirmed their identities, including by using their correct names and pronouns, reported significant reductions in symptoms of severe depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in a 2018 study conducted by University of Texas at Austin researchers.
In contrast, reported school-based hate crimes targeting LGBTQ people have soared since 2015, particularly in states with laws that restrict the rights of transgender students or prohibit education on gender and sexuality, according to the Washington Post.
The Virginia Department of Education’s model policies directing schools to treat students based on their “biological sex” spurred protests and school walkouts across the state in September 2022, including ones organized by the Pride Liberation Project.
Students also rallied outside Luther Jackson Middle School last year after FCPS pledged not to adopt the state policies.
“The fact that so many of my friends and teachers respect my pronouns and my name is life-saving to me,” Moth DiNizzo, a McLean High School junior, said. “I know that they care about me and trust my own self-perception. It’s wonderful and I want everyone to experience that same joy of being known and trusted.”
The planned rally comes shortly after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors designated March 31 as Transgender Visibility Day. The International Transgender Day for Visibility was created in 2009 to celebrate the lives and achievements of the transgender community.
At its meeting on Tuesday (March 19), the board approved the proclamation 9-0 with Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, the board’s only Republican member, away from the table.
Supervisors said the designation is an important acknowledgement of the county’s diversity and their commitment as elected officials to support all residents.
“We have an obligation to do everything we can not just to protect [the LGBTQ+ community], but to use our voices to stand up and support them and to make sure that the rest of our community sees that that’s what their government is doing,” Chairman Jeff McKay said. “Regardless of what’s happening in Richmond, we will always stand up and fight to protect every single person in this county.”
St. John’s Wood Apartments is slated for rebranding as Halstead Reston (via Reston Association)
Some aspects of the St. John’s Wood Apartments (11555 Olde Tiverton Circle) in Reston may soon change, despite some qualms from local residents and community groups.
The DSF Group — the real estate investment company that owns the property — is in the process of rebranding the apartments to “Halstead Reston” and plans to modernize the look and feel of internal and external signage.
DSF Group acquired St. John’s Wood on Dec. 27. The renaming would align the 250-unit complex with the company’s other properties, including Halstead Square near the Dunn Loring Metro station.
On Tuesday (March 19), Reston Association’s Design Review Board preliminarily approved the changes for internal wayfinding signage and asked the company to resubmit plans for its monument signage, which faces the external portion of the property.
DSF Group emphasized that the company plans to keep all existing signs the same size without additional signage.
“We tried to really stick with what was existing,” a representative for the property owner said.
But the Halstead Glen cluster board is opposing the changes on the grounds that they do not conform with the style or materials found in Reston Association properties.
“The board also has concerns that the name is very similar to our cluster’s name and will cause confusion for visitors and delivery companies,” the cluster board said in a statement to RA.
Frank Tobia, a representative for the cluster, told the Design Review Board that the similarity of the names for the new apartments and Halstead Glen could create confusion for visitors and delivery companies.
He also argued that there are notable differences between monument signs in surrounding neighborhoods and the look proposed by Halstead.
“This one is going to stand out pretty garishly,” Tobia said.
RA Director of Covenants Cam Adams also emphasized that the entrance signage conflicts with the association’s design guidelines and “harmonious aesthetic” that exists in the area.
“A drive through North Village Road will indicate all residential communities around the area have a consistent and harmonious design which Halstead Reston is encouraged to review and consider,” Adams said in testimony submitted to the DRB.
The company will return with revised designs for its monument sign.
