Reston’s now-annual celebration of all things Lego is ready for assembly.
Bricks by the Lake will return to Lake Anne Plaza for a third year on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted by Reston Museum and Reston Community Center, the event centers on a Lego-building competition and is timed to nearly coincide with International Lego Day, which arrives annually on Jan. 28 — the day Danish carpenter Godtfred Kirk Christiansen submitted his patent for the original Lego brick.
“We’re excited to host this event just in time to celebrate National LEGO Day on Jan 28th!” Reston Museum Executive Director Alexandra Campbell said. “For those who don’t want to compete we will be offering a lot of fun free activities. In previous years, we have heard how great it is to have a competition focused on creativity and we can’t wait to see what everyone builds!”
While the overall event is free, registration is required to participate in the competition, which comes with a $50 fee that covers 500 bricks for up to four people. A $150 contribution includes a preorder of this year’s limited-edition brick kit — a replica of Lake Anne’s Van Gogh Bridge, designed by local artist Nathan Hagan.
Sponsored by FGM Architects and Reston Art Gallery and Studios, the limited-edition kit can also be purchased from Reston Museum in person and online. The museum is offering a discount for buyers of both this year’s kit and last year’s Lookout Tower kit, which is still available.
All proceeds from the competition, which will take place from noon to 12:45 p.m., support the nonprofit Reston Museum. The winners will be awarded in a ceremony at 1:45 p.m.
In addition to the contest, the 2024 edition of Bricks by the Lake will feature an exhibit of Master Builds by the Charm City Lego Users’ Group, light refreshments, free play at Reston Museum and crafts led by Reston Art Gallery.
Most activities will be held at Reston Museum (1639 Washington Plaza North) and RCC’s Lake Anne facility (1609-A Washington Plaza N), but other Lake Anne Plaza merchants are involved as well. Chesapeake Chocolates, for instance, will be selling brick-themed sweets.
Outside of Bricks by the Lake and private events, Reston Museum is closed this month so its shop can get a refresh and staff can plan the upcoming year, which will include a new exhibit on the Carter Glass Library set to open on Feb. 1.
Fairfax County Public Schools will more than double the number of electric buses in its fleet, thanks to a new federal grant.
The local school system has been awarded $16.59 million as a winner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s inaugural Clean School Bus program grants competition. The other winner announced yesterday (Monday) was also from Virginia: Newport News Public Schools will receive $525,000.
The funds will enable FCPS to purchase 42 electric school buses. According to its website, the district currently has eight electric buses in a fleet with 1,625 buses, but it was slated to add another 10 in 2022. FCPS didn’t respond by press time when asked to confirm whether those buses are now operating.
“We are honored and excited to be among the recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Awards,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said in a statement. “This recognition not only underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship but also reflects our ongoing efforts to provide healthier, cleaner transportation for all Fairfax County Public Schools students.”
FCPS has pledged to provide entirely carbon-neutral student transportation by 2035. The first electric school bus arrived in January 2021 as part of a statewide initiative led by Dominion Energy, which had proposed replacing all diesel school buses in Virginia by 2030.
However, the Virginia House of Delegates voted against expanding Dominion Energy’s program that spring, instead creating a grant fund that never got funding.
After getting eight electric buses from Dominion in 2021, FCPS received a state grant for 10 buses out of a settlement agreement with Volkswagen, which had been sued in 2016 for cheating on vehicle emissions tests.
The new federal grant funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, allocating $5 billion to create the Clean School Bus program, which is dedicated to replacing existing school buses with “zero-emission and low-emission models.”
While FCPS intends to buy electric buses, Newport News requested funding to add propane-fueled buses, a switch it said will reduce emissions and lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Rep. Gerry Connolly called the grant “a game-changer” for FCPS.
“The environmental benefits of these new buses are vitally important to our fight against climate change, but the good news doesn’t stop there,” Connolly said. “Students, staff, and parents who spend time on and around school buses will no longer be exposed to diesel exhaust and other toxins from diesel-powered buses.”
This is a gamechanger for Fairfax County. Clean school buses will bolster our fight against climate change and protect the health of students, staff, and parents.⁰
This win comes thanks to the #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw signed by President Biden.⁰https://t.co/mcAKAvZZoH https://t.co/an33Aarx5K— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) January 8, 2024
Outside of the school system, the Fairfax County government adopted an operational energy strategy in 2021 whose targets included converting all of its buses and fleet vehicles to electricity or another non-carbon-emitting fuel by 2035.
Fairfax Connector, the county’s public bus system, welcomed its first electric buses in September, and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services added an electric trash truck in August.
Late last year, the county launched a Climate Action Dashboard to keep track of its progress on various efforts to combat climate change. The transportation portion of the dashboard indicates that the county government has acquired 224 hybrid and 50 fully electric vehicles, putting it just 1.5% of the way to its goal of completely transitioning in just over a decade.
Bills to Expect From the 2024 General Assembly — “Virginia lawmakers will head to Richmond on Jan. 10 for the start of the General Assembly session, which lasts until mid-March.” Key issues up for debate will include proposed tax changes, funding for Metro and a stadium to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Alexandria, and data center regulations. [DCist]
Oakton HS Band Wins Metallica Contest — “Oakton High School’s marching band has won the small high school category in the metal band Metallica’s first-ever ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ competition…The choreography and nice touches like a drum solo, liberal use of band members throwing devil horns, and wallets on chains seem to have put it over the top.” [Washingtonian]
Local Contractor Violated Labor Law, Judge Says — “JAG Contractors Inc., a Fairfax County company specializing in commercial drywall, discriminatorily transferred and terminated or laid off three workers, per a Jan. 2 decision from a National Labor Relations Board administrative law judge.” The company filed voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 12. [Washington Business Journal]
Environmental Council Seeks Public Input — “The Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) will meet on January 10, 2024, at 7:15 PM in Conference Room 4/5 of the Government Center…The public is encouraged to attend EQAC’s public comment meeting to share views on the state of the environment and to identify environmental issues of concern applicable to” the county. [OEEC]
Spring Start Anticipated for Old Mount Vernon HS Project — “The Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS) is edging closer to construction, with work potentially starting in late spring 2024, according to Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES)…The county originally had hoped to award the construction contract by the end of 2023.” [On the MoVe]
FCPS Program Helps Students With Disabilities Get Work Experience — “On Friday afternoon at Brooke Rental Center in Vienna, Virginia, Fairfax County student Curtis Roberts took inventory of some of the items throughout the warehouse…Since September, Roberts has worked at the store three days per week for one hour each day. It’s part of a countywide program that aims to get students with disabilities working experience before they graduate.” [WTOP]
Nearby: Input Sought on Dulles Greenway Toll Hikes — “The Toll Roads Investors Partnership II, which operates the road, is calling for a peak-hour hike, which would be up from $5.80 for the trip. Off-peak times could jump to $6.40 from $5.25. But residents will have a chance to voice their opinions on the change Tuesday during a hearing at Freedom High School in South Riding.” [WTOP]
It’s Tuesday — Heavy rain is expected with a high near 60, accompanied by strong east winds increasing to 23-28 mph in the afternoon, gusting up to 39 mph. A 100% chance of precipitation is anticipated, with 1-2 inches possible. Rain will persist before 1 am, with a low around 44. Windy conditions continue, and an additional 1-2 inches of rain may fall. [Weather.gov]
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of Founder’s Day, Reston’s annual community celebration.
The festivities will be held this year on April 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza North), organizer Reston Museum announced today.
Presented by Reston Museum in conjunction with Reston Community Center and Public Art Reston, Founder’s Day was initially conceived in 2004 as a celebration of Reston founder Robert E. Simon’s 90th birthday. Since then, it has served as a showcase for “how Reston’s community continues to live the legacy established by Simon,” according to the museum.
While details of this year’s event won’t come until later, it will include live music and performances, a community clean-up led by Volunteer Reston, a book fair and various family-friendly activities, per a press release.
Reston Museum is currently seeking authors, community organizations and food service businesses to serve as vendors for the book fair.
“Space is limited, and priority is being given to local literacy-focused nonprofits, authors, and food vendors,” Reston Museum said. “Local nonprofits without a literary focus will be given second priority.”
Anyone who’s interested can obtain an application from Reston Museum Executive Director Alex Campbell at [email protected]. Approved vendors will be charged “a small fee” for their booth.
Last year’s Founder’s Day included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of a Little Free Art Gallery at Reston Museum, along with cake and performances by South Lakes High School Theater, Reston Community Players and more.
In case you didn’t get your fill of rain on Saturday (Jan. 6), another downpour could be in store for Fairfax County this week.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory for the mid-Atlantic region, including Fairfax County and the rest of northern Virginia, ahead of a storm that’s expected to travel up the East Coast tomorrow (Tuesday).
Issued this morning, the Flood Watch is currently set to take effect at 1 p.m. tomorrow and remain in place until 7 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 10). The alert warns that flooding caused by “excessive rainfall” of two to three inches is possible.
The forecast indicates that the heaviest period of rain will come in the afternoon and evening.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the NWS said. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded.”
The Wind Advisory will be in place from 3 p.m. tomorrow to 1 a.m. Wednesday. Southeast winds may reach 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, according to the NWS.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the alert says.
According to the Capital Weather Gang, the incoming storm will be similar to the one that hit on Saturday, fueled by warm air from the south that will turn most of the precipitation into rain.
Forecasts last week suggested Fairfax County could get up to an inch of snow and sleet accumulation from Saturday’s winter storm. NWS data for the Dulles Airport area indicates that the 0.97 inches of precipitation recorded that day was mostly rain, though there were “trace” amounts of snow.
An impactful storm system will move through the area Tuesday. Potential impacts:
– Wintry Weather in the mtns
– Flooding from heavy rainfall
– Coastal Flooding
– River Flooding
– Storm Force Winds over the waters
– Strong Winds over landLatest: https://t.co/h1hyYvdRiw pic.twitter.com/4jEC2lW3YE
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 8, 2024
The current president and a long-serving member of the Fairfax County NAACP has died, the civil rights advocacy organization announced today (Monday).
The exact circumstances of Michelle Leete’s death weren’t addressed, but the organization described her passing as “sudden.”
“The esteemed president and unwavering advocate for civil rights departed this world, leaving a void in the hearts of those she served alongside and a legacy of tireless dedication to justice, equality, and community empowerment,” the Fairfax County NAACP said.
Leete had served on the group’s executive committee since 2013, holding the positions of treasurer and vice president before getting elected as president for the 2023-2024 term.
She became a target of conservative outrage in 2021 after giving a speech at a rally in support of Fairfax County Public Schools providing protections for transgender students. The incident led to her resigning as vice president of training for the Virginia PTA.
Leete’s tenure as president of the local NAACP branch included a focus on police reform, as the organization provided support to the family of Timothy Johnson, who was fatally shot by Fairfax County police last February at Tysons Corner Center.
Former Fairfax County NAACP presidents shared condolences after the group announced Leete’s death.
“Michelle was the embodiment of a selfless leader,” her predecessor, Sean Perryman, said. “She approached community service with a quiet confidence and no ego. She was a steady and calming presence. Her maturity and capability radiated in everything she did. With her death, the Northern Virginia community loses someone that dedicated years to its betterment.”
Kofi Annan, who served as president from 2016 to 2019, noted that Leete had been the organization’s longest-serving board member.
“She was a great mentor and friend to me over the years. RIP my friend,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
The Fairfax County NAACP’s full announcement is below:
With profound shock and sadness, the Fairfax County NAACP branch announces the sudden passing of their president, Michelle Leete. The esteemed president and unwavering advocate for civil rights departed this world, leaving a void in the hearts of those she served alongside and a legacy of tireless dedication to justice, equality, and community empowerment.
The Fairfax County NAACP branch family is grieving this significant loss and extends their deepest condolences to President Leete’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire community she served so passionately. An active NAACP Fairfax County branch member and a member of its Executive Committee since 2013, President Leete served in many capacities, including Treasurer and Vice President, before being elected President for the 2023-2024 term.
Details regarding memorial arrangements and community gatherings to honor President Leete’s memory will be forthcoming. The Fairfax County NAACP branch is working diligently to ensure that the events reflect her profound impact on the community.
Further information and updates will be communicated through official channels and posted on Fairfax County NAACP’s social media platforms. The Branch appreciates the outpouring of support during this challenging time and requests privacy for President Leete’s family as they navigate this loss.
President Michelle Leete may be gone, but her indomitable spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she inspired and served.
Peter McCandless was living a full life of music, travel and work that he enjoyed when he was killed in a vehicle crash on Reston Parkway late last year.
Police reported that McCandless, 87, died on Dec. 26, 2023 after an SUV driver hit him while he was walking at the Market Street intersection. A preliminary investigation indicated that he was crossing from Reston Town Center to Stratford House, where he lived, according to his son, Kris McCandless.
“We’re hoping that it was quick, not a lot of pain,” Kris said, adding that he doesn’t blame the driver given the limited visibility when the crash occurred around 7 a.m. “…That was rough conditions. It was a true accident.”
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation, according to the Fairfax County Police Department, which says anyone with information can contact its Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543.
Described by his son as a “true people-person,” Peter Lee McCandless grew up in the Midwest but spent much of his life in Reston, where he kicked off a career in public relations in 1964 as an early employee of Reston founder Robert E. Simon’s Palindrome Corporation.
When McCandless moved to Herndon that year with his wife, Nan Muehl, and Kris, his only child, Simon’s vision of Reston as a planned, inclusive community developed around a central plaza was just starting to take shape.
As Palindrome’s 20th employee, McCandless was tasked with promoting the new town of Reston, and he continued that work throughout his career, which included the founding of his own Reston-based PR agency, The McCandless Company, in 1984.
His legacy in Reston also includes helping start the Reston Chorale in 1967.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1936 to Lee and Mary McCandless, McCandless graduated from Principia College in 1958. He then joined the U.S. Army and taught English in Turkey for three years before enrolling in Yale University’s School of Drama for a year.
He met and fell in love with Muehl after returning to St. Louis in 1962. The following year, they got married, and Muehl gave birth to Kris.
After Muehl died from cancer in 2010, McCandless met Susan Ehart, the woman who would become his second wife, in 2014. That October, he moved into Stratford House in Reston after living in Lovettsville for the preceding 16 years.
Eager to start a new chapter in his life, he frequently traveled on ocean cruises with Ehart, visiting Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, South America and Australia. The couple contemplated opening their own Great Harvest Bread franchise, but McCandless ultimately opted to work at the company’s existing store in Herndon instead.
According to his son, McCandless loved working at Great Harvest Bread, where he held nearly every position and was warmly embraced by regular customers. He was an employee at the bakery until his death.
After returning to Reston, McCandless also sang with the Reston Chorale and at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Reston. His other passions included traveling and being outdoors, art and photography.
McCandless is survived by Ehart, Kris and his stepdaughter, Sarah. A Celebration of Life will be held for him this Saturday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at Reston Community Center — Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza).
Inova Revives Face Mask Requirements — “Effective Jan. 4, Inova is requiring that all patients, visitors and staff at emergency departments, emergency care centers and Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care centers wear masks to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.” As of Dec. 29, Virginia was “experiencing a ‘very high’ level of respiratory illness activity — including from COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.” [On the MoVe]
Leader of Fairfax-Based NRA Steps Down — “The longtime head of the National Rifle Association said Friday he is resigning, just days before the start of a civil trial over allegations he treated himself to millions of dollars in private jet flights, yacht trips, African safaris and other extravagant perks at the powerful gun rights organization’s expense.” [Associated Press/WTOP]
Pedestrian in Springfield Crash Still Hospitalized — ” A mother of two just trying to make it home after work was hit by a car as she tried to cross the street steps away from her home…63-year-old Mary Wong, remains in the hospital more than a week after being put in a coma by a hit-and-run driver on the night of December 27.” [WJLA]
County Seeks to Expand Affordable Rental Housing Program — “The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) seeks to expand the number of rental properties available to local participants of the Housing Choice Voucher program.” The authority will hold a free information session for property owners on Jan. 17 to encourage them to join the program. [FCRHA]
Halal Gyro Restaurant Opens in Reston — “Shah’s Halal Food has taken a spot in the North Point Village Center shopping plaza…The menu at Shah’s includes rice platters served with chicken, lamb, falafel, and other options. There are also gyros, sandwiches, as well as sides such as fries, wings, and hummus with pita chips.” [The Burn]
Reston Man Charged With DWI in Vienna — “A motorist who was traveling westbound in the 600 block of John Marshall Drive, N.W., on Dec. 31 at 5:09 p.m. disregarded the stop sign at Lawyers Road and struck a stone wall, Vienna police said…Police transported the 52-year-old Reston man to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.” [Gazette Leader]
Fairfax City Police Add “Cruise Mode” Lights — “Patrol vehicles in Fairfax, Virginia, now have what are being called ‘cruise mode lights.’ ‘These low-intensity, steady burning lights are designed to enhance the presence of police vehicles, especially during evening hours or in low-light situations,’ the City of Fairfax Police Department said in a news release.” [WTOP]
Oakton HS Hires New Basketball Coach — “His climb to the top from an assistant to a head high-school football coach went fairly fast for Brian Slay — about six seasons. Slay, 32, has been hired as the new head coach of the Oakton Cougars. He spent the last two seasons as an assistant for the McLean Highlanders” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Monday — Expect a sunny day with highs near 45, and a northwest wind at 5 to 9 mph that will become a light westerly breeze in the afternoon. Clouds will increase during the night, with lows around 32 and calm winds blowing southeast at about 6 mph after midnight. [Weather.gov]
The season’s first winter storm is making its way toward the D.C. region, though the chances for serious snow in Fairfax County are iffy.
Instead, the county is expected to get a slushy mix of rain, snow and sleet, starting tomorrow (Saturday) morning. The precipitation could add up to an inch of snow and sleet accumulations, along with “a light glaze” of ice, according to a Winter Weather Advisory issued today by the National Weather Service.
The advisory, which also includes central and southeast Prince William County, is scheduled to take effect at 7 a.m. tomorrow and stay in place until 2 p.m. After that, the wintry mix is anticipated to turn into rain.
“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” the NWS said. “When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”
Fairfax County notes that some of its facilities may close and programs might get canceled, depending on the severity of the weather.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews began treating roadways with salt brine this morning, a process that will be complete by this afternoon’s rush hour, according to a snow update.
[1:40 PM] – The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, effective from 7 AM – 2 PM on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
What: Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of a coating to one inch, and ice accumulations of a light glaze. pic.twitter.com/o2Z55pmwA5
— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) January 5, 2024
A #WinterWeatherAdvisory has been issued for parts of NOVA.
Please plan on delaying travel when the #snow & #wintrymix begins Sat AM. If traveling, monitor the forecast along the length of your trip.
Check traffic & road conditions: https://t.co/2vj3HqqPy9 pic.twitter.com/BvmXjcmbnD
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) January 5, 2024
The full Winter Weather Advisory is below:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 2 PM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of a coating to an inch, and ice accumulations of a light glaze.
* WHERE…Fairfax County, and Central and Southeast Prince William County.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 2 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions and slippery untreated paved surfaces, mainly from light ice glaze due to freezing rain.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Precipitation is expected to begin as snow and sleet between 7 and 9 AM. Precipitation will change to freezing rain around 11 AM, then rain after 2 PM. Precipitation is expected to end during the early evening.
Map via National Weather Service
State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-35) has yet to unveil his planned bill to authorize a casino in Fairfax County, but Reston Association is going all in to prevent it from becoming law.
Following up on a formal statement of opposition approved in October by the board of directors, RA CEO Mac Cummins released a letter to the organization’s members yesterday pledging to take “decisive action” to block the possibility of a casino, which he characterized as a potential threat to “the residential character of our community.”
“We have decided to actively oppose the proposed casino and encourage our legislators to oppose this proposal as well,” Cummins wrote. “Our primary goal will be to preserve the quality of life in Reston for the over 60,000 people who call Reston home.”
Marsden, whose district encompasses Annandale, Springfield and George Mason University, joined Del. Wren Williams last year to introduce legislation that would’ve added Fairfax County to the small list of localities in Virginia eligible for a casino.
The bill specifically required the casino to be built in a mixed-use development that’s located outside the Capital Beltway and within a quarter-mile of a Silver Line Metro station — criteria that limited potential sites to Tysons, Reston and Herndon.
While the identical bills were withdrawn just days after being introduced, word that Marsden planned to revive the proposal, if reelected, emerged in September. Patch reported that Reston Station developer Comstock is seeking to build a casino near the Wiehle Metro station, though Marsden has argued it would be a better fit for Tysons as part of an entertainment district.
“That’s becoming Fairfax County’s downtown, and we want to locate it on the Silver Line because that’s what the Silver Line was built for,” Marsden told FFXnow in the fall, noting that his goal is to give the county the option to have a casino.
The ultimate decision would lie with Fairfax County voters. Only five Virginia localities have approved casinos after voters in Richmond shot down a referendum twice, including one on the ballot in November, leading its backers to concede defeat.
Expected to be filed within the next week, Marsden’s proposal for the upcoming General Assembly session will be different from the previous bill, possibly calling for a performance space and conference center as part of the envisioned “entertainment district.”
Increased capacity for large gatherings was among the needs identified by the Tysons Strategic Plan released in December by the Tysons Community Alliance, which hasn’t taken an official stance on the idea of a casino.
Even without the official text of Marsden’s bill available, Cummins said in his letter that he will advocate against the legislation at the Fairfax County General Assembly delegation’s pre-2024 session public hearing tomorrow (Saturday). He and some RA board members also plan to make their case in Richmond after the session starts next Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Cummins encouraged RA members “to join our efforts to safeguard our vibrant future,” stating that the organization will provide updates on its website. His full message to Reston residents is below.
A Message on Our Opposition to the Proposed Reston Casino
Dear Reston Association Members:
I’m reaching out to share an update on news regarding a matter that may directly impact the future of our community here in Reston.
As you may already know, there is pending state legislation in Richmond to bring a casino development near our vicinity that has raised concerns among our members. During the 2023 legislative session, State Senator David Marsden advanced legislation authorizing a casino development in Fairfax County, with Reston suggested as a likely location. While the bill didn’t pass, lawmakers are already pledging to reintroduce it this coming session.
The Reston Association has been closely monitoring this situation and plans to take decisive action to protect the residential character of our community. We have decided to actively oppose the proposed casino and encourage our legislators to oppose this proposal as well. Our primary goal will be to preserve the quality of life in Reston for the over 60,000 people who call Reston home.
In the coming weeks, we will raise greater awareness about the potential consequences of the proposed casino via channels including but not limited to media outreach and informational tools to ensure our collective voice is heard. We hope to also collaborate with all concerned stakeholders including members, local businesses, and public officials – to amplify our messaging.
To date, Reston Association has taken the following actions to fight back against casino development:
- Published a letter from the Board President in opposition to a casino and sent it to the Fairfax County elected officials, including members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
- Published RA statement opposing casino to RA website and distributed to media.
- Created a webpage to update the community on reston.org.
- Proactively contacted all legislators in Fairfax County to advocate against a casino in our community.
- Retained expert consultants to assist with legislative efforts in Richmond.
- Met with Senator Marsden after the new year to discuss any proposed legislation that might be introduced in January.
- Spoke at a local legislator town hall in January.
Next, I will address the Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation on Saturday, January 6 during a public hearing on the 2024 legislative agenda to voice our opposition to a casino. Additionally, a few members of the Board of Directors and I will travel to Richmond to meet with the Virginia Delegation when the Virginia legislature is in session.
To stay up to date on this issue, please visit our webpage. Thank you for your continued commitment to making Reston a wonderful place to work, play, and live. Your support is crucial in this endeavor, and we encourage you to join our efforts to safeguard our vibrant future. We will be in touch with ways for you to join us in this fight.
Sincerely,
Mac Cummins, AICP, CEO
Photo via Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash
Wintry Mix Expected From Storm in Fairfax County — “Storm Team4 is tracking a winter storm expected throughout Saturday and into early Sunday…The District and parts of Maryland and Virginia bordering the Capital Beltway will get a wintry mix, with snow arriving Saturday morning and then changing over to all rain. Not much snow accumulation is expected.” [NBC4]
Parents of Overdose Victim Urge Awareness of Opioids — “In the months since Cayden died, the Fosters have worked to make sure other parents don’t experience similar heartbreak. Schools across the D.C. region have hosted information sessions about the dangers of fentanyl, and are continuing to do so. Fairfax County has an opioid awareness session scheduled next week.” [WTOP]
Man Charged With Hit-and-Run in Fairfax Circle — “A Michigan man was arrested on a felony hit-and-run charge, after leaving the scene of a collision near Fairfax Circle around midnight on Dec. 26, according to police. City of Fairfax Police responded around 12:10 a.m. to the area of Fairfax Boulevard and Blenheim Boulevard” for the reported collision. [Patch]
Mount Vernon Rec Center Renovation on Track — “Closed to the public just over a year ago for a major renovation and expansion project, the Mount Vernon Rec Center underwent extensive work on its foundation in 2023 and will gain a second level and internal features over the course of the new year, according to the Fairfax County Park Authority.” [On the MoVe]
Electronics-Sniffing Police Dog Retires — “K9 Browser has officially entered a well-deserved retirement after an exemplary career as the pioneer of our Electronic Detection Program with @FairfaxCountyPD As we bid farewell to Browser, we are eager to welcome our new electronics detection K9, Delaware.” [Fairfax County Government/Twitter]
N. Va. Newspaper Consolidates — “This week marks an evolution in the GazetteLeader, as the two separate editions (one for Arlington County, one for the coverage area in Fairfax County) are being merged into one. Bringing the two together is designed to provide readers and advertisers with a stronger print product to augment the media organization’s extensive and fast-growing online audience.” [Gazette Leader]
Eden Center Greets New Year With New Restaurants — “Lots of new things are going on at the Eden Center, the Vietnamese-focused shopping center in Seven Corners. A sugarcane juice shop, called Mia & More, opened Dec. 29. Crabby Noodles, a restaurant specializing in pho and seafood, also opened last month. And the Pop Up District, a food hall plus short-term popup shops, is coming in the third quarter of 2024.” [Annandale Today]
County Seeks Vendors for Earth Day Festival — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is gearing up for another Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Applications are now being accepted for vendors and exhibitors to participate in…the largest Earth Day celebration in Fairfax County.” [FCPA]
It’s Friday — Expect a sunny day with a high around 42 and a northwest wind around 6 mph, shifting to southwest in the afternoon. As night falls, anticipate increasing clouds and a low temperature of about 30, accompanied by a gentle south wind of 3-6 mph. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 4 p.m.) Hundreds of Fairfax Connector workers could strike if contract talks between their union and employer break down.
Nearly a month after the end of their existing contract with Transdev, which operates Fairfax County’s public bus system, union drivers, mechanics and other employees voted on Dec. 29 to authorize a strike, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 announced yesterday.
As a policy, the union didn’t disclose how many of the approximately 546 Fairfax Connector workers it represents participated in the vote, but 99% of those who did voted in support of authorization, a Local 689 spokesperson told FFXnow.
Despite the recent authorization vote, a strike call doesn’t appear to be imminent, as the union says it has another bargaining session scheduled for Jan. 19.
“For the past three months, Transdev has proven time and time again that they are more interested in hoarding their money than making necessary investments to improve their dedicated and hardworking employees’ wellbeing,” Local 689 President Raymond Jackson said in a statement. “Our members are fed up with Transdev’s flat out refusal to fully engage in meaningful bargaining over key economic issues and attempts to distort facts.”
The workers who support Northern Virginia’s largest public bus system have been negotiating a new labor contract since October, when Local 689 delivered its first proposal to Transdev. The union has said its priorities include pay increases, better sick leave, standard work schedules and retirement security.
Shortly before the existing contract expired on Nov. 30, the union reported progress on some issues, but it said Transdev’s proposed wages still fell short of what workers are seeking.
Now, the union says Transdev “finally presented a decent wage increase proposal,” but the company is pushing the union to drop its demands for “improved dental care and sick leave, retirement security, and more stable working hours.”
(Correction: This article initially said that, according to the union, Transdev had threatened to withdraw its offer of improved sick leave and other benefits in exchange for the wage increases. A union spokesperson clarified that those benefits weren’t offered. Instead, the proposed pay plan was “contingent” on the union dropping its other demands.)
Transdev, which was first hired by the county to operate Fairfax Connector in 2019, says it’s continuing “to bargain in good faith” with ATU Local 689.
“To date, we’ve agreed to over 50 modifications to the prior [collective bargaining agreement] and proposed significant improvements to wages & benefits,” Transdev said in an emailed statement. “We value our partnership with the ATU and remain hopeful that we can come to a mutually-agreeable resolution quickly.”
However, Local 689 claims that many of the contractor’s concessions are either “technical corrections or the bare minimum necessary changes to keep somewhat competitive with other transit entities in the region.”
“A vast divide between the two sides still remains,” the union said.
Serving approximately 26,000 passengers a day on 93 routes, Fairfax Connector is currently operating under the expired contract, which was ratified in early 2020 after workers went on a four-day strike in December 2019 and raised the possibility of a second walkout.
The county’s plan for handling a strike, if the current contract dispute isn’t resolved, aren’t yet clear. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation told FFXnow it “has no comments about a potential strike at the moment.”
The Town of Herndon has shut down a resident’s months-long attempt to construct an elaborate tunnel system under her house.
Nicknamed “tunnel girl” by online followers, Kala shared in a Dec. 28 video that local officials have issued a stop-work order requiring her to suspend the “secret tunnel” project that she has been documenting on TikTok and, occasionally, YouTube since October 2022.
Though Kala’s videos showcase an extensive operation involving makeshift mine carts and a slide that dumps rubble into an outdoor dumpster, Herndon wasn’t alerted to the construction work — and its potential building code violations — until early December, according to the town.
“The Town of Herndon received notice that activity in potential violation of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) was occurring at a residential property within the town’s corporate limits,” the town said in a statement. “As is standard protocol following such notifications, representatives from the building official’s and zoning administrator’s offices conducted a site inspection on Thursday, December 7, 2023. The town is working with the property owner to correct any violations and ensure that the property is safe and in compliance with the code.”
The town was notified by a resident who submitted a complaint on Dec. 5, reporting that their neighbor has been engaged in non-stop construction for about three years.
According to the service request, the resident “always saw huge piles of dirt leaving her property to the point that she pays for a dump truck to get the dirt out,” but they didn’t realize what was going on until Kala’s TikTok account @engineer.everything appeared on their friend’s page and they recognized her as their neighbor.
“She [is] building a tunnel. Is this ok for her to do? She has a YouTube channel showing how she’s been doing the tunnel since the beginning of her move,” the complaint said. “Can someone please look at her tik tock and see if she has the permits and permission from the town of Herndon.”
When contacted by FFXnow, Kala said she’s working with local officials to obtain permits, declining to publicly comment until that process is complete.
Kala announced plans on Oct. 23, 2022 to build a storm shelter off of her basement, anticipating that the project will be complicated, expensive and require the construction of a crane system to haul rubble 14 feet up from a basement window to ground level.
Subsequent updates have touched on everything from Home Depot visits to a fire that broke out in the tunnel last July. At one point, Kala constructed a sub-pump to address flooding from groundwater.
In the process, she has attracted nearly 532,000 followers — and plenty of online speculation about her qualifications and the legality and safety of her “suburban mining operation,” as she sometimes calls the project.
According to an NBC News profile, Kala began digging the 30-foot-long, 20-foot-deep tunnel because she enjoys home improvement challenges. She previously built a four-story addition to the back of her house.
While passionate about civil and mechanical engineering, she has no formal training in those fields, studying business in school and working mostly in information technology, NBC News reported.
Image via @engineer.everything/TikTok
Inova Prepares for Hospital Construction — “The Falls Church-based health system has filed building permits for both a Springfield hospital at 6330 Lewin Drive in Franconia, about a mile from the Springfield Metro station, and a new Alexandria hospital at 6001 Duke St…Inova expects to start construction ‘on both sites’ in the third quarter of this year, [Inova Realty President Tom] McDuffie said.” [Washington Business Journal]
Washington Post Sees of Exodus of Local Reporters — “At least 240 Post writers, columnists, editors, and others were expected to leave in the final days of 2023, significantly reshaping the paper in ways that aren’t yet fully realized…Unfortunately for readers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, local coverage appears to have taken the biggest hit” [Washington City Paper]
Bill Would Give Towns Share of Plastic Bag Tax — “Town governments across Virginia would receive a new source of cash flow if legislation cutting them in on plastic-bag revenue makes it through the General Assembly…Fairfax County has three towns — Vienna, Herndon and Clifton — that would benefit if the measure became law.” [Gazette Leader]
Bubble Tea Shop Coming to Fairfax City — “A new bubble tea shop has announced that it will open its doors this coming weekend — January 6 and 7 — in Fairfax. It’s called Pekoe Tea Bar and it’s opening at 9717 Fairfax Boulevard.” [The Burn]
Increased Crime Reported in Mason District — “Crime is up in the Mason Police District in nearly all categories, station commander Capt. Patrick Brusch reported at a community meeting on Jan. 2.” Assaults, burglaries and drug arrests increased in 2023 compared to 2022, though carjackings and vehicle part thefts went down. [Annandale Today]
Mason Neck Pavilion Gets Upgrades — “The multipurpose pavilion at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) in Lorton had gutters and snow bars installed on its roof at the end of December, according to a spokesperson from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).” Utility and parking lot improvements are also planned, along with a pollinator garden. [On the MoVe]
FCPD Offers Business Security Tips — “As we usher in the new year, Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is committed to helping businesses start 2024 on a secure note. In our ongoing effort to enhance the safety of local establishments, we are excited to share strategic safety tips designed to empower business owners in safeguarding their premises.” [FCPD]
It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly cloudy morning that gradually clears, reaching a high of around 43°F. Night will be clear with a low of approximately 25°F. A northwest wind will start at 6-11 mph and speed up in the afternoon, with potential gusts up to 25 mph. [Weather.gov]
When they reconvene this month, Virginia lawmakers will consider a proposal to allow local governments to install speed cameras wherever they deem them necessary, with penalties of up to $100 for violations.
Bill patron Del.-elect Mike Jones, D-Richmond, said the legislation is intended to increase speed enforcement and reduce the number of traffic fatalities.
“It gives localities the decision of whether they want to do it or not,” said Jones. “So it’s not a ‘shall’ — every locality will have it — but for the ones that are concerned with this, it would help them out.”
State law currently allows local governments to install speed cameras in work and school zones as a way to drivers to go slower around children and construction workers. Jones’ bill would go further, allowing their placement in “any location deemed necessary” by local governments.
However, the use of more cameras to enforce speed laws has previously sparked controversy over privacy and public perceptions that the technology is just another way for a locality to raise revenue.
In November, amid a Frederick County debate, outgoing Supervisor Shawn Graber told the Mercury that “there should never be a time when a locality tries to simply put something in effect to make money from someone else’s misdoing.”
Jones said he understands the concerns, but argued people are asking for safer streets and safer neighborhoods.
“There’s not enough police for them and/or they don’t respond to neighborhoods simply because of numbers,” said Jones. “I understand the concern for the overpolicing, I get that. I get that as an African American male, I get that as pastor of an African American church, a Black legislator that represented predominantly Black and brown people. I hear that, but the reality is this: People aren’t dying in a lot of these different neighborhoods; where they’re literally dying is in mine.”
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles data found that last year, 20% of the 122,434 crashes in the state were speed related, a 1% increase over the previous year. Virginia Department of Transportation crash data also shows that between 2018 and 2022, the annual number of traffic fatalities increased from 819 to 1,005.
The DMV said that on average, 2.8 lives are lost and 163 people injured every day because of traffic crashes.
Rob Billington, a spokesman for the Virginia Municipal League, which represents city and town governments in the commonwealth, said the league supports letting local governments expand the use of speed cameras on all roads at all times. He said traditionally VML has supported local flexibility, and it sees Jones’ bill as providing that.
“VML has supported, and continues to support, expanding the availability of photo-camera traffic enforcement for all localities in the context of a defined transportation safety program that includes engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency response elements while respecting civil rights,” the group has said in a transportation policy statement.
The Virginia Association of Counties said it’s still reviewing the bill.
“We are aware of the bill and will closely monitor its progress during the General Assembly session,” said VACO Executive Director Dean Lynch in a statement. “We always welcome additional tools for local governments to better serve their communities and make them safer for other motorists, pedestrians, etc.”
Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, who will chair the Senate Transportation Committee next session, said lawmakers have considered similar legislation in the past and have raised concerns about the accuracy of the cameras.
“One thing that we don’t want to do is inadvertently penalize somebody for faulty equipment,” Boysko said. “So for me, and I think for many of my colleagues, we want to make certain that before we approve expanding such an item that we want to make sure that it is accurate.”
However, she added, “nobody can deny that the traffic exacerbation over the past couple of years has really caused some real problems with pedestrian injuries and death, and just overall the lack of concern for speed limits.”
This article was reported and written by the Virginia Mercury, and has been reprinted under a Creative Commons license.
