(Updated at 12:05 p.m.) Colds are in the air this winter, as a new COVID-19 variant has joined forces with the flu and RSV to produce a particularly challenging respiratory illness season.
Covid-related hospitalization levels remain low in Fairfax County, where 145 patients were admitted in the week that ended on Dec. 30 — a 46% increase from the previous week. But hospital visits and deaths are on the rise in Virginia and nationally, with the U.S. death toll exceeding 1.1 million people since the first case in 2020.
As of Tuesday (Jan. 9), 1,758 people have died from Covid in the Fairfax Health District, which includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, according to the latest Virginia Department of Health data.
The district has had 23 COVID-19 deaths in the past 13 weeks — an increase from previous months, but overall, 2023 saw fewer deaths each month than previous years, according to the Fairfax County Health Department.
“The average age of the individuals who have passed due to COVID in the past 13 weeks is 80 years old and a third of these were associated with a long-term care or skilled nursing facility,” an FCHD spokesperson said. “Although COVID deaths are down from previous years, it does remain a threat in our communities and particularly for older populations with comorbidities.”
Now the most prevalent variant in the country, JN.1 appears to spread more efficiently than other forms of the coronavirus, but the vaccines updated last fall are still effective, though only 17.4% of residents have gotten those shots, the county health department said in an update yesterday.
According to the FCHD, Northern Virginia is experiencing a “very high intensity level” of influenza-like illnesses, which make up 6.7% of all emergency department and urgent care visits, led by young kids 4 and under. Inova reinstated a face mask requirement on Jan. 4 in response to the prevalence of respiratory illness.
The county health department says RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection) activity is decreasing in the Fairfax Health District, but it’s still elevated elsewhere in the country, especially among young kids and older adults.
“If you are at high risk for severe illness from RSV, you should continue to take steps to protect yourself, especially if you are traveling or hosting a visitor,” the FCHD said.
The department is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against Covid and the flu and to take other steps to prevent spreading illness, including wearing a high-quality mask, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick.
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.
Starting this spring, participants will get an opportunity to learn culinary skills at Mackenzie’s Tunes and Tonics, which opened in Fairfax City last June, and earn the certification needed to work in the food service industry.
Like the county’s other diversion programs, Taking Root and its new culinary training option are designed to address the underlying causes of crime — in this case, poverty and barriers to employment — so individuals who’ve entered the criminal justice system are less likely to return.
“Pathfinder Kitchen is actually the next generation of that, actually getting people into restaurant training with certificates so they can get a job and build a career,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said. “That’s really, really important for public safety. It’s also the right thing to do.”
Launched in April 2022 by the prosecutors’ office and the nonprofit Opportunities, Alternatives & Resources (OAR), Taking Root focuses on people charged with a non-violent offense who are experiencing an “underlying issue,” such as poverty or drug addiction, that could be eased with treatment or social services.
Descano says his office doesn’t have “hard and fast” eligibility rules for determining who to recommend for the program, but most participants are on their first or second time in the court system, and their diversion plan must be approved by a judge.
So far, 100 people have been referred to Taking Root, and 20 of them have graduated — a milestone that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, OAR and other supporters, including Sen. Tim Kaine, celebrated at Mackenzie’s (3950 University Drive, Suite 210) on Monday.
According to Descano, the idea for Pathfinder Kitchen was developed with Mackenzie’s owner Josh Alexander, who also chairs the Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA) board of directors.
“He was telling us about the need to get more people into the restaurant business, into the industry, and we just started to…have this dialogue and said, ‘Hey, we have a crop of people who [could help], if you’re willing to give people second chances’…and they were very receptive,” Descano recalled.
Also supported by the nonprofit Britepaths, which provides supportive services, the pilot program is funded by a Fairfax City grant, and graduates who get their ServSafe certification will be placed in jobs with participating restaurants, all of which are currently in the city.
Reflecting on Taking Root’s first full year of operations, OAR Diversion Program Manager Lula Kelly said the ability to work with each participant based on their specific needs is key to the program’s success.
“There is no cookie cutter set to this. You have to work with where people are, who they are and…the circumstances that they hold,” she said, noting that clients have ranged from individuals with no income to people making $150,000 a year.
One person came into Taking Root with no work experience, issues with his immigration status and substance use struggles. He graduated from the program after nine months and now has a job and an apartment, and his immigration issues have been resolved.
“He’s living a life,” Kelly said. “He’s no longer on drugs, he’s no longer stealing because these are things that build. If you work at things one step at a time, it will come, but you have to instill that hope and that freedom in people that is there.”
Support for diversion from both inside and outside the public safety community has also been critical, Descano says.
In addition to the Britepaths and Fairfax City partnerships, Taking Root was started with $700,000 in federal funds that Kaine secured from Congress in 2022. Local judges and the Fairfax County Police Department have also gotten on board with the program.
With most police encounters involving non-violent people who’ve committed “lower level” offenses, Police Chief Kevin Davis expressed hope that diversion programs like Taking Root could “put the phrase ‘repeat offender’ out of business” by giving individuals a second chance.
“The vast majority of folks who come into contact with our justice system are going to return to our communities, so preparing them for a meaningful return is something we’re all committed to,” he said.
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]
Chantilly Realtor Buys Dulles Town Center — “In 1999, 25-year-old Srinivas Chavali came to the U.S. from India with two bags, $100 in his pocket and a job offer from a U.S. software company. Today, he’s the new owner of the Dulles Town Center mall — the largest mall in Loudoun County — which he purchased in December for $46 million.” [Loudoun Times-Mirror]
State May Tie Metro Funding to Sports Arena — “Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin responded Thursday to a demand from state Democratic leaders that putting more money toward Metro would need to be included in negotiations as Youngkin pushes for a new arena in Alexandria for the Capitals and Wizards.” [WTOP]
Dog Bites Adult in Falls Church — “City of Falls Church Police and Animal Control are looking for a dog that bit an adult on Wednesday, January 10, at about 9:30 a.m. on the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Oak Street Elementary School in Howard E. Herman Stream Valley Park…The dog owner briefly stopped to apologize, but left in the direction of the school without giving any information.” [City of Falls Church]
Mount Vernon Supervisor Leaves Twitter — Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck shared yesterday (Thursday) that he will no longer use Twitter, the social media site rebranded as X last year. Storck said the platform has stopped being “a conducive environment to inform residents or engage in community dialogue,” encouraging constituents to get updates through other channels. [Dan Storck/Twitter]
County Tracks Usage of Completed Mount Vernon Trail — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s (FCDOT) Active Transportation team has begun capturing data about usage of the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail, which opened last May…Between late July and mid-December 2023, FCDOT found that an average of 102 people used the trail on weekdays and 120 on weekends.” [On the MoVe]
Region’s Airports Saw Slight Uptick in Firearms — “Transportation Security Administration officers stopped 122 firearms last year at airport security checkpoints in the Washington, D.C. region and Richmond, Virginia. That was five more than the 117 stopped at the same four airports in 2022.” [Patch]
It’s Friday — Expect rain after 4pm with increasing clouds and a high near 56. There’s a 50% chance of precipitation during the day, but that will rise to 100% chance at night. Between a half and three quarters of an inch of new rainfall are possible, with a low around 43. [Weather.gov]
Town of Herndon officials estimate a modest influx of general fund revenues in fiscal year 2025 as work begins on preparing the upcoming budget.
At a Herndon Town Council meeting on Jan. 2, Director of Finance Marjorie Sloan said the town expects roughly $41.1 million in general fund revenues — down from $47.6 million in fiscal year 2024, which began on July 1, 2023.
Town council members emphasized the need to find ways to maintain the town’s current level of services, given the overall revenue picture.
“My concern has always been our revenues are not increasing that I think that we need to maintain,” said Councilmember Cesar del Aguila.
Still, Town Manager Bill Ashton II said Herndon is likely “one of the best capitalized localities in Northern Virginia.”
So far, occupancy and meals taxes are “trending favorable” in the budget, according to Sloan. Revenue has also been buoyed by higher-than-average interest rates on investments, and the town is able to shed some costs after deciding to discontinue the Herndon Festival.
Despite the town’s relatively strong cash position, however, high staff turnover — nearly 50% for some positions — remains a challenge.
Councilmember Pradip Dhakal said he’s concerned about the high costs of onboarding new staff and potential implications for turnover in future years.
“50 percent new hires…To me, that’s a little scary, but I think we’re awesome so we can handle it,” del Aguila said.
Tax increases or increases in some town fees may be inevitable, some council members concurred. Still, Sloan said it was important to consider that the current outlook was simply an estimate.
“The bottom line is you can’t always look at the mid-year update and see exactly where we are,” she said.
The council will review a resolution on budgetary guidance at its Jan. 16 meeting. Work sessions on the budget kick off in February — including discussions of a 7% rate increase by Fairfax Water. The proposed budget is scheduled to be publicly released around March 31, followed by the beginning of public hearings on May 9.
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.
A sampling of the many MLK Day events planned around Fairfax County includes speeches, a march and volunteer projects:
2024 Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Saturday, Jan. 13-Monday, Jan. 15
Multiple locations
Some events are free, some are ticketed
The Reston Community Center has a full slate of events, including community service projects on Saturday morning at Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate (12125 Pinecrest Road) and a musical performance on Sunday at RCC Hunter Woods — Center Stage (2310 Colts Neck Road). On Monday at 11 a.m., Rev. William J. Barber will deliver a keynote address to a sold-out audience at RCC Hunter Woods. If you don’t have tickets, you can join a waitlist at the box office at 10 a.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Keynote Address
Saturday, Jan. 13
4 p.m.
The Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave.)
$30 per ticket, or $25 for seniors and $20 for McLean Community Center district residents
Former chairman of the Republican National Committee and former lieutenant governor of Maryland Michael Steele will deliver an address titled “The Black Experience & The American Dream.”
Music of the Civil Rights Movement
Sunday, Jan. 14
2-3:30 p.m.
The Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave.)
$10 per ticket, or $7 for seniors and $5 for MCC district residents
The Alden Theater at the McLean Community Center will host musician and activist Calvin Earl for a class covering “the music of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond,” per an event description. There will be a Q&A.
Martin Luther King Jr. Service and Learning Event
Monday, Jan. 15
10-11:30 a.m.
Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center
$8 per person, registration required
Families can engage with educational materials and a service project at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center (2709 West Ox Road, Herndon). Activities will be set up at stations and feature lessons about Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights Movement and giving back to the community, per an event description.
Give Together
Monday, Jan. 15
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Northern Virginia Community College — Ernst Community Cultural Center
Free, registration required
Volunteer Fairfax is commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the community college’s Annandale campus (8333 Little River Turnpike) by encouraging families to support local nonprofits. Projects will include a food drive and food packing, “caring kits” for community members in need of support, no-tie fleece blankets for veterans and more. Participating kids can earn passport stamps as they complete projects.
Annual March for Unity and Freedom
Monday, Jan. 15
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Starts at Tinner Hill Civil Rights Monument (Tinner Hill Road & South Washington Street)
Free, registration requested
Attendees will gather at the Tinner Hill Civil Rights Monument in Falls Church City and make their way to The Falls Church (115 East Fairfax Street) in the March for Unity and Freedom.
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.
“Currently there are more than 600 affordable units either recently constructed, under construction or scheduled to be constructed soon,” Alcorn said. “This is in addition to the several hundred existing units that are being preserved.”
At the same March 2022 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed to double its affordable housing goal by 2034.
Chairman Jeff McKay and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust introduced a joint motion to set a goal of 10,000 net new affordable units by 2034 and ramp up the county’s resources to reach that goal. Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity cast the lone vote against the proposal.
As of April 2022, the county had 15,483 committed affordable homes, meaning they’re restricted to designated income levels. Mason District had the most units, followed by Hunter Mill, whose projects have included The Point at Reston and, most recently, The Exchange at Spring Hill Station now under construction in Tysons.
Image via Google Maps
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.
The roster of first-timers includes the Vietnamese restaurant Nue (944 W Broad Street) in Falls Church and two Tysons restaurants: Ingle Korean Steakhouse, which opened at Pike 7 Plaza (8369 Leesburg Pike, Suite A) in 2022, and Tysons Social Tavern, which can be found inside the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel (1960 Chain Bridge Road).
Pisco Y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, which opened at Reston Town Center (1871 Explorer Street) last summer, is also making its Restaurant Week debut.
All of the participants will serve multi-course brunch and lunch menus for $25 or $35 per person, along with dinner menus for $40, $55, or $65 per person for on-site dining, though some restaurants will offer delivery.
With the promotional campaign launching on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, some participants will have extended brunch offerings, according to a press release.
“Additional menu prices have been added to the promotion to allow more restaurants to participate and have these participants offer more dining options to customers at a variety of price points that fit every budget,” RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend said. “Offering menus at a variety of price points helps keep the program sustainable and gives restaurants the chance to offer more memorable culinary experiences for their guests.”
The tail end of the regional campaign will run into the first-ever restaurant week planned by Falls Church City, which will kick off a 10-day celebration of its food service industry on Jan. 19. Over 40 restaurants in the Little City will offer three-course meals and discounts.
The other Fairfax County restaurants involved in RAMW’s 2024 Winter Restaurant Week are below.
- 2941 Restaurant (2941 Fairview Park Drive in Merrifield)
- Agora Tysons (7911 Westpark Drive)
- Alta Strada Mosaic (2911 District Avenue in Merrifield)
- American Prime (1420 Spring Hill Road in Tysons)
- B Side (8298 Glass Alley in Merrifield)
- Bellissimo Restaurant (10403 Main Street in Fairfax City)
- Chima Steakhouse (8010 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 100 in Tysons)
- Circa at The Boro (1675 Silver Hill Drive in Tysons)
- Earl’s Kitchen + Bar (7902 Tysons One Place)
- Founding Farmers (locations in Tysons and Reston)
- Hamrock’s Restaurant (3950 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax City)
- Joon (8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120, in Tysons)
- Kirby Club (2911 District Avenue in Merrifield)
- Makers Union (1811 Library Street in Reston)
- Matchbox (multiple locations in Merrifield, McLean and Reston)
- Morton’s (11956 Market Street in Reston)
- North Italia (locations in Reston and Tysons)
- Passionfish (11960 Democracy Drive in Reston)
- The Capital Grille (locations in Fair Lakes and Tysons)
- The Melting Pot (11730 Plaza America Drive in Reston)
- Trummer’s (7134 Main Street in Clifton)
- Wildfire (2001 International Drive in Tysons)
- Wren (1825 Capital One Drive South in Tysons)
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:
- Dec. 28, 6 p.m. — 900 block of Dominion Reserve Drive in McLean
- Dec. 29, 6 p.m. — 1100 block of Bishopgate Way in Reston
- Jan. 1, 2 a.m. — 1100 block of Windrock Drive in McLean
- Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m. — 11000 block of Lance Lane in Oakton
- Jan. 9, 12:30-6:30 p.m. — 11100 block of Farm Road in Great Falls
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, home surveillance footage from four of the incidents shows a woman with flowers approaching the houses and knocking on the front doors.
“When no one answered, she returned to an awaiting vehicle,” the FCPD said. “Two men then forced entry into the home and stole valuables. The items stolen from the homes included jewelry, cash, and purses.”
Police say the individuals have used spray paint to try to tamper with security cameras at the homes.
The department is now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the woman using images caught by a Nest camera.
“Anyone who recently had someone attempt to deliver flowers to your home or has seen someone matching the picture above is asked to contact our officers” at 703-556-7750, the FCPD said.
The FCPD reported an uptick in residential burglaries and break-ins last year. Through September, there had been 126 such incidents compared to 115 at that point in 2022.
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]
Justice HS Addresses Drug Abuse After Fatal Overdose — “Parents need to establish strong bonds with their kids and talk to them about the dangers of fentanyl, school officials advised during a town hall on drug abuse Jan. 8 hosted by the Justice High School PTSA. ‘Kids are dying,’ said PTSA President Kim Lanoue, referring to Justice 10th-grader Madeline Valeria Mora Centeno, who died Dec. 3 from a fentanyl overdose.” [Annandale Today]
Police Report Productive DUI Crackdown — “The FCPD’s DUI Enforcement Squad wrapped up 2023 ensuring Fairfax County roads were kept safe, successfully making over 500 traffic stops and more than 40 DUI arrests during the 2023 Safe December initiative.” The squad’s staffing increased from Dec. 4-29 “to promote sober driving, pinpoint impaired drivers, and increase officer presence on the roadways.” [FCPD]
Falls Church Lands New Ice Cream Shop — Ice Cream Jubilee will open its third D.C. area shop at West Falls this summer, joining other tenants announced for the mixed-use development in Falls Church, including Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and BurgerFi. Ice Cream Jubilee is also planning to open a location in Reston Town Center this spring. [WTOP]
GMU Starts Recycling Glass in Fairfax — “George Mason University has launched a pilot glass-recycling effort at its Fairfax campus. Glass bottles and jars can be recycled at bins located in several areas on campus. They must be clean but can be of any color glass and can include lids and labels.” [Gazette Leader]
McLean Firm Launches Tech Startup Investment Fund — “McLean investment and incubation firm Red Cell Partners LLC, armed with a new $91 million fund, opens 2024 with an intention to infuse that capital into the early-stage companies it recently helped to create. The new fund, called RCIF I, will support the nascent technology startups…in the health care and defense sectors.” [Washington Business Journal]
Metro Closures Planned for MLK Day Weekend — “If your long weekend plans — or your Friday commute — include Metrorail, you might want to plan ahead. Metro will close the Rosslyn and Court House stations for maintenance starting Friday, January 12 through Monday, January 15, affecting Blue, Orange, and Silver Line service.” [DCist]
It’s Thursday — The weather will be sunny with temperatures reaching a high near 50 degrees, accompanied by a southwest wind blowing at 5-11 mph. At night, expect mostly clear skies with lows settling around 33 degrees. There will be a west wind at 5-7 mph, which will become light and variable after midnight. [Weather.gov]
Two golden retrievers will be the stars of a new, Herndon-based nonprofit that aspires to brighten the world with some literal puppy love.
Established at the start of the new year, Canine Concierge Corporation will offer animal-assisted therapy (AAT) services for free to hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, police departments and other organizations in need throughout Fairfax County.
The idea for the organization came to founder Michael Stokes, a retired information technology contractor, when he encountered a service dog himself while hospitalized in fall 2022.
“It had AAT training, and…it just elevated me,” Stokes recalled in a recent interview. “I mean, my spirit was just incredible, and then, you know, out of the blue, I got flashes [of] just ‘This is what you’re going to do and this is how you are going to do it,’ and then the resources just started to appear.”
The meeting with the service dog came at a fortuitous time for Stokes, who says he had been in the hospital for three months by then and was mourning the unexpected death of Leo, his dog of 14 years. Stokes had rescued Leo while working in Kuwait as a contractor for the U.S. Army.
Hoping to share the feeling of uplift that he got from the service dog’s visit with other people, Stokes began researching how to set up an animal-assisted therapy practice as soon as he got released from the hospital.
The process hasn’t been easy. For instance, after initially planning to work out of a hotel suite as a home-based business, Stokes was told two-and-a-half months later that the hotel’s legal department wouldn’t allow the arrangement.
Instead, Canine Concierge will operate out of a leased Regus space in the McNair area near the Dulles International Airport. The nonprofit recently got a certificate of good standing from the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and now all that’s left is for the IRS to approve its tax-exempt status, a request that has been pending since March, Stokes says.
“That is crucial to the business operation because we need that to apply for grants and also to allow people to get a tax-deductible receipt when they make a donation,” Stokes said. “So, those kind of things, that license is very important, but…it’s out of our control.”
When it officially launches, Canine Concierge will have two AAT-trained golden retrievers from the American Kennel Club named Stella and DaVinci, according to its website. Research has suggested being around pets, particularly dogs, can decrease stress and generally improve people’s mood.
Stokes notes that Leo had always seemed to sense his emotional state, sleeping at the foot of his bed when he felt “normal” and sleeping next to him on a pillow when he felt sick or melancholy.
“They have some innate ability to feel people, and they’re just going to capitalize on that in training,” he said.
Eventually, Canine Concierge intends to convert a hotel suite into a “state-of-the-art facility” for the two dogs, but to reach that point and ensure that services can be provided free of charge, the nonprofit will rely on grants, sponsors and community donations.
The fundraising goal for the first year is $208,000 to cover the training, supplies, marketing and other operating costs. Once its tax-exempt status is approved, donations will be accepted online through Paypal.
Stokes says he can’t wait to take one of the dogs to a hospital for the first time.
“I’m just looking forward to being officially launched, because now, we’re here,” he said. “We’re ready to go.”
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.
“I had gotten to know John Foust very well, through local Democratic Party circles,” Bierman told FFXnow. “He was really a mentor to me, and a role model.”
Before securing his victory last November against Fairfax County Republican Committee first vice chair Puneet Ahluwalia with 61% of the vote, Bierman served on the county’s Police Civilian Review Panel from April 2019 to December 2022 and worked as an attorney advisor to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
But Bierman wanted to do more at the local level.
“I loved my job at federal government, but I started realizing that the government that interacted with people sort of on a day-to-day basis, that you really needed at times, was your local government,” he said.
For his first term representing the Dranesville District, which covers McLean, Great Falls, Herndon and Idylwood, Bierman’s priorities include adopting more environmentally friendly practices, enhancing housing density in areas well-served by public transit and securing additional funding for Fairfax County Public Schools.
Sustainability
At the top of his list is managing the county’s growth in a “sustainable way.”
While in office, Bierman says he plans to not only advocate for conserving green space, but also promoting green practices in county-owned buildings. Specifically, he will focus on incentivizing more renewable energy sources in both the public and private sectors.
“A good example of something that the county did recently in our district, that I very much applaud and think is great, is we’ve moved to powering the Spring Hill Rec Center, partially, through geothermal energy,” Bierman said.
The recreation center at 1239 Spring Hill Road is one of a growing number of county facilities that are getting power from renewable energy.
In July 2021, Fairfax County adopted an Operational Energy Strategy, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2040 through renewable energy practices.
Housing
In addition to promoting sustainable practices, Bierman is focused on curbing the county’s housing crisis.
“Housing affordability is just incredibly difficult in this town,” he said. “This is a problem that affects all jurisdictions.”
Bierman said he believes the county should focus not just on affordable housing, but also on initiating pilot programs to expand senior and workforce housing, specifically for public sector workers like teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
“It’s both the public and private partnerships that lead to affordable and workforce housing being built and expanding those programs,” he said. “We need to expand our stock of housing stock in general in the places that can sustain it,”
In 2022, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors set a new goal of creating 10,000 affordable housing units by 2034. The previous target, set in 2019, was 5,000 new units in 15 years.
As of April 2022, the county reported that 2,911 homes have been created or are in the development pipeline, according to its data dashboard.
Bierman believes the future of housing projects in Fairfax County will be mixed-use developments along Metro’s Silver Line.
“We have a great opportunity, for instance, near the [Innovation Center Metro station] in Dranesville, to redevelop some of those properties so that you have people who are living right near and on top of a Metro station,” he said. “That will allow us to increase our overall stock of housing, which will help us with housing affordability issues.”
Bierman also pointed to the downtown McLean revitalization effort as a blueprint for future housing initiatives.
“I think mixed-use is the future of the suburbs,” Bierman said. “It is no longer necessarily the case that we simply want only housing here or commercial there…Think the downtown in McLean. We have a real opportunity to continue what we’ve already started.”
Schools
While acknowledging he doesn’t have a say on the inner workings of FCPS, which is governed by the school board, Bierman says he’s committed to “fully funding” the school system and promoting school safety in general.
“Schools are absolutely the crown jewel of Fairfax County,” Bierman said.
Last fall, the county projected a budget shortfall of $284.5 million, which county staff attributed to a cooling real estate market, global economic impacts, and upcoming collective bargaining agreements.
While the impact on the school system’s 2024 budget remains uncertain, Bierman says the county should consider increasing the bond threshold again, ensuring continued investment in school-related capital projects and increasing teacher salaries.
“We are not afraid to take to the voters, opportunities for us to actually succeed on those improvements, while still being cognizant of the fact we always have to maintain our triple-A bond rating,” Bierman said.
Even as those financial hurdles loom, Bierman underscored his commitment to prioritizing student safety, particularly on gun safety measures. His proposals include a gun buyback program, gun lock distributions at police stations and an expansion of the state’s red flag law.
“I’d like to see us continue to chip away at…our country’s gun violence problem,” he said. “I don’t necessarily think it’s a huge problem in Fairfax County, per se, but I want us to continue to come up with reasonable measures that we think will make us safer from gun violence.”
I-495 expansion
Lastly, Bierman intends to continue pushing for transparency around 495 NEXT, the I-495 expansion that has faced intense opposition from neighboring residents.
Under construction now for nearly two years, the project is extending the I-495 Express Lanes by approximately two miles from the Dulles Toll Road in Tysons to the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean.
The project, however, has been under intense scrutiny from nearby residents who filed a federal lawsuit last year, alleging that major revisions to the project’s design violated federal law and caused “significant ongoing environmental harms” to the community.
Like Foust, Bierman expressed concerns not only about the project’s environmental impact, but also about how state entities, including the Virginia Department of Transportation, have addressed the issues raised by the community.
“I am extremely troubled by the destruction that has occurred around the Beltway, in neighborhoods and throughout my district, affecting our constituents, for a program to build ramps that are contingent on moving traffic from Maryland’s [toll] lanes that do not exist,” he said.
Bierman didn’t provide specific details about his plans moving forward but mentioned that he intends to thoroughly examine the project.
The Town of Herndon will welcome a new parks and recreation director this month for the first time in two decades.
Appointed Monday (Jan. 8), Bob Williams will assume the position on Jan. 16 after longtime director Cindy Roeder retired from the job she’d held since 2003, per her LinkedIn page.
Town Manager Bill Ashton, who will oversee Williams, acknowledged that Roeder will be a tough act to follow, but he believes the town’s new hire will be up to the task.
“No question, Cindy Roeder’s shoes are hard to fill,” Ashton said. “We are confident that Bob has the experience, insights and expertise to maintain the department’s high quality of operations and programming while bringing new, fresh ideas that further its legacy. In particular, I look forward to new initiatives under his leadership that establish new events and traditions, build on our vibrant sense of community and celebrate the myriad cultures represented in Herndon.”
A certified parks and recreation professional, Williams most recently served as parks and recreation director of Martinsburg-Berkeley County in West Virginia, where he created the department’s first-ever strategic plan and “improved processes that greatly increased productivity as well as community and employee engagement,” according to Herndon.
He has also worked in the parks and recreation divisions for Alexandria City, Licking County, Ohio, and Chester County, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Robert Morris University, also in Pennsylvania.
When he takes over Herndon Parks and Recreation next week, Williams will be charged with stabilizing a department in flux. On top of finalizing the retirement of its longtime leader this month, the parks and recreation department has undergone a complete staff turnover since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials told the town council on Dec. 12.
The turnover contributed to the town’s decision to permanently end its popular Herndon Festival, which was sponsored by the parks department, officials said.
According to the town, as parks and recreation director, Williams is responsible for:
staff management, recreation program planning and development, facilities operation and maintenance, and capital improvement planning. Williams will also oversee operations of Chestnut Grove Cemetery; will foster collaborative relationships with Herndon’s sports, schools, arts, non-profit and business organizations; and will provide leadership and oversight to the department’s five operating divisions: administration, recreation programs, facilities, aquatics and parks.
Williams will also oversee an update to the department’s strategic plan, since the current one ended in 2023.
“The department has been working on an update, in alignment with the Town Council’s strategic plan, and will continue the work with Bob Williams’ direction and input,” Herndon spokesperson Anne Papa said.
County to Crack Down on Felon Gun Possessions — The Fairfax County Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office launched Operation Press Check yesterday to focus “on dedicating more time and resources to the investigation and prosecution of convicted felons who have guns illegally…There will be approximately six detectives involved in the initiative along with a team of four prosecutors.” [WTOP]
New Historical Marker Coming to Groveton — The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will place a historic marker at Little Hunting Park in Groveton to commemorate a Supreme Court ruling that determined prohibiting Black people from swimming pools is discriminatory. The case was sparked by the Little Hunting Park Pool and Tennis Club’s refusal to let a Black family use its pool in 1965. [On the MoVe]
Four Arrested for Stealing From Bloomingdale’s in Tysons — “According to the Fairfax County Police Department, just after 5 p.m. on Friday, the accused thieves grabbed more than $4,500 worth of designer handbags from a store and ran away. The group reportedly jumped into a waiting Chevrolet Suburban and tried to drive away.” [WUSA9]
Reston Cooling Services Co-Op Seeks Feedback — “Customers who cool their homes in Reston with the RELAC water-cooling system will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed co-operative that’s being formed to manage the operation of the system…The first public meeting will take place later this week in the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Lake Anne.” [Patch]
Annandale Swaps One Vape Shop for Another — “Annandale has lost one vape shop but is getting another. Tobacco Luxe, at 7109 Columbia Pike, closed at the end of December. Meanwhile, a Tobacco Hut is coming to 7221 Little River Turnpike. That building has been vacant for years since a title lender moved out.” [Annandale Today]
Vienna Health Care Firm Buys Maryland Company — “Vienna’s Clarest Health has snapped up a Maryland firm — its third acquisition in less than two years — to break into new markets and fill gaps in the post-acute pharmacy care space. The deal to purchase Towson, Maryland’s Remedi SeniorCare doubles the local player’s geographic footprint, from 20 to 40 states, and nearly triples its headcount, from 850 to 2,200 employees.” [Washington Business Journal]
First-Ever Economic Forum Planned in Vienna — “Vienna residents and business owners soon will have the chance to learn more about the Washington area’s economy, the town’s role in that ecosystem and practical details about Vienna’s recently updated zoning code. Vienna’s Economic Development Department will hold its inaugural ‘State of the Economy’ event Jan. 18 at 9 a.m…at the Vienna Community Center.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high of around 49 degrees accompanied by a west wind blowing 17 to 22 mph, and gusts reaching up to 39 mph. Night will be mostly clear with a low temperature of about 32 degrees. The southwest wind will reach speeds of 5 to 13 mph, and gusts may reach up to 18 mph. [Weather.gov]
Opposition continues to mount against the possibility of a casino in Fairfax County.
With the Virginia General Assembly kicking off its 2024 legislative session tomorrow, the McLean Citizens Association has come out against a bill expected to be filed soon by state Sen. Dave Marsden, who has proposed adding Fairfax County to the list of localities where a gaming casino could be permitted.
Described as an “unofficial town council” for residents of the greater McLean area, the MCA’s board of directors voted last week to send a letter to the county’s delegates and state senators expressing its opposition to the prospective bill, a stance also adopted by Reston Association.
“Many of our members and residents have contacted MCA Board members to express their opposition to allowing casinos to be operated in Fairfax County,” MCA President Linda Walsh said in a statement. “MCA is watching this closely.”
Sent on Monday (Jan. 8), the letter acknowledges that the MCA can’t comment in detail on the legislation, since it hasn’t been made public yet.
However, developer Comstock is reportedly seeking to build a casino near the Wiehle Metro station in Reston. Marsden has argued that Tysons would be a better fit, suggesting the facility could be part of an entertainment district with a performing arts venue and a conference center.
Citing a need for the county to diversify its commercial tax base with the office market still struggling to recover from the pandemic, Marsden submitted legislation last year that would’ve opened the door for a casino in Fairfax County along Metro’s Silver Line. The bill was quickly withdrawn.
Though he doesn’t represent Reston or Tysons, Marsden serves on the senate’s finance and appropriations committee, which handles budget and tax-related legislation. It will be chaired this year by Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-18).
Marsden told FFXnow on Dec. 28 that his new bill will be filed within “the next two weeks.” The filing deadline is Jan. 19.
Even if the legislation passes through the General Assembly and gets signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a voter referendum would still be required to officially authorize a casino in Fairfax County. The establishments have only been approved in five Virginia cities.
MCA’s full letter to the county’s General Assembly delegation is below:
Dear Fairfax County Delegation to the State Senate and House of Delegates:
The McLean Citizens Association (“MCA”) has recently become aware of intentions to introduce legislation in the upcoming session of the Virginia Assembly that would amend the Code of Virginia, Title 58.1 Chapter 41 in a way that would allow a gaming casino to operate in Fairfax County. Among other suggested sites, proponents of this effort have named Tysons, the majority of which lies within the MCA’s general membership area, as a potential location for a casino.
Since the bill has not yet been submitted in the Assembly, MCA is not able to comment on it in detail at this time. However, many members of MCA are concerned about this initiative. Accordingly, the MCA Board has voted to express its opposition to legislation that would allow a gaming casino in Fairfax County.
Regards,
Linda Walsh
MCA President
Photo via Virginia House of Delegates/Flickr
Updated at 3:35 p.m. — A Flood Warning has been issued until 11:30 p.m., for Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, where “flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
Earlier: Fairfax County Public Schools has called off all remaining activities on school grounds today (Tuesday) in anticipation of a strong rainstorm expected to last through this evening.
“Given the strength of the storm predicted to hit our area later this afternoon/evening, all activities scheduled in Fairfax County Public Schools or on school grounds for this afternoon and evening are canceled,” the school system said.
The cancellations apply to all extracurricular activities, team practices, after-school programs, field trips, adult classes and outside recreational programs by groups not affiliated with FCPS.
The announcement came as the National Weather Service warns that conditions will “deteriorate as a strong frontal system” passes through the D.C. region between 5 and 10 p.m. The rain that has been falling all day is projected to increase in intensity through the afternoon, becoming heaviest starting at 6 p.m.
“This will result high winds capable of downing trees and powerlines, tidal flooding, and the potential for flooding of small streams and creeks,” the NWS said in a special weather statement. “This will create hazardous travel conditions late this afternoon through late evening across the region.”
The latest on today’s storm system. A High Wind Warning is in effect until 1 AM Wednesday. Don’t forget to charge all of your electronic devices now! #VaWx https://t.co/kr6CEDS4KP
— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) January 9, 2024
As previously forecast, a Flood Watch took effect at 1 p.m. and is set to remain in place until 7 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).
The NWS has also issued a High Wind Warning for 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. tomorrow and a Coastal Flood Warning for Fairfax County that will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Southeast winds could reach 25 to 40 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph, while low-lying areas may get 1 to 2 feet of water above ground level as a result of tidal flooding, according to the NWS.
“Tides up to 3 feet above normal,” the agency said in the flood warning. “Moderate tidal flooding is possible along the Prince Georges and Fairfax counties coastlines during tonight’s high tide cycle.”
Because of the strong winds, power outages are expected, and travel will be difficult, the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management says, sharing tips for how to prepare and who to call in the event of an outage:
Take Action
- Secure outdoor objects, including trash cans, holiday decorations and other items.
- Be careful when you’re outside, especially around areas with lots of trees.
- Charge phones in case of a power outage.
- If you lose power, report your outage, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns.
Who to Contact
Dominion Energy
- Emergencies and Outages: 1-866-366-4357, TTY: 1-800-291-7745
- Outage restoration & FAQs and report outages
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative
- Emergencies and Outages: 703-335-0500
- View outage map
