Fairfax County is exploring ways to preserve dark skies around Turner Farm Park Observatory in Great Falls.
At a Tuesday (Sept. 12) meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors announced public hearings on a proposed regulation that would limit outdoor lighting within a half-mile of the observatory at 925 Springvale Road.
A hearing before the Fairfax County Planning Commission is set for Oct. 18, followed by a Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Nov. 21.
If approved, the amendment would apply to 525 lots near the observatory.
The Fairfax County Police Department “has advised that proper lighting can be a deterrent for criminal activity, but over-lighting is not needed to facilitate a safe environment,” according to a staff report in the board agenda.
Staff say light pollution interferes significantly with the ability to complete astronomical observations at the observatory. For example, a single light bulb located one half-mile from the observatory has the same impact as four bulbs one mile away or almost 200 bulbs in Tysons, which is roughly seven miles away.
According to the draft proposal, motion-activated lights must be 1,500 lumens or less — a drop from the current limit of 4,000 lumens or less. Additionally, all lights need to be fully cut off, which is currently not required.
Still, an exception will remain allowing lights at a door or a garage of up to 1,500 lumens per fixture.
The regulation would also set limits on the number of up lights or spotlights allowed. Currently, any number are allowed as long as they are fully cut off or shielded to confine light. The changes would limit each fixture to 300 lumens.
The draft text was developed after several town halls and an online community survey. The scope of the proposal was changed after discussions with stakeholders.
For example, the current version lets legally existing lights remain until replaced, superseding a previous version that required existing lights to comply within five years of the policy’s implementation.
In a statement to FFXnow, a Great Falls Citizens Association representative said the introduction of the proposal represents a milestone after eight years of works.
“This has special significance for the Turner Farm, where the Fairfax County Park Authority made a major investment in a roll-top astronomy building,” GFCA said in a statement. “If adopted, the proposed amendment will affect the brightness of future outdoor lighting of homes within a one-half mile radius of the county’s observatory.”
GFCA also acknowledged that, while not all residents in the affected area will agree with the county’s plans, county staff made “significant changes in the proposed requirements.”
“GFCA believes that the amendment offers reasonable measures to address concerns while preserving dark skies near the observatory,” the association said.
Fairfax County officials are exploring ways to crack down on the illegal use of fireworks.
At a meeting Tuesday (Sept. 12), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to consider expanding the enforcement powers of the Fairfax County Police Department related to fireworks.
Currently, FCPD officers don’t have jurisdiction to issue citations for individuals using fireworks illegally — a problem that Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, who introduced the proposal, says “stifles” the county’s ability to prevent and end unlawful fireworks displays.
The county’s code currently designates the Office of the Fire Marshal as the only enforcement agency for issues related to fireworks, which can only be sold locally from June 1 to July 15 each year.
Around Independence Day, the office lacks bandwidth and staff to respond to calls for service and on-site safety protocol, according to Lusk.
The change was sparked by an increase in the number of fireworks-related incidents tackled by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, particularly around the Fourth of July.
According to the board matter, Deputy Fire Chief John Walser has said that this July 4 had “the most significant number of incidents of any [day] in the time I have been in the Fire Marshal’s Office.”
Between July 1 and 4, the police department received 60 calls of service related to fireworks displays in the Franconia District station alone. Just on July 4, county firefighters responded to 12 fires, “almost all of which were certainly related to fireworks,” Lusk said.
Staff will now work on drafting language for an ordinance that will be considered by the board before the end of the first quarter of 2024. A renewed interagency public awareness campaign on fireworks rules and safety is also planned.
Photo via FCFRD/Twitter
Virginia Reps Raise Alarm Over Potential Federal Shutdown — “The fractious, divided House of Representatives has until the end of the month to approve the funding needed to keep the federal government open. If…the government runs out of money, it’ll likely have dire consequences for the D.C. region, which is home to hundreds of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and military service members.” [DCist]
Lee Chapel Road Hill Removals Fully Funded — State Sen. George Barker shared on Wednesday (Sept. 13) that the state will provide $4 million to eliminate two hills along a stretch of road where two teens were killed in a crash, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity confirmed yesterday. Fairfax County has already allocated $5 million to the project. [WTOP]
Downtown McLean Design Guidelines Approved — “The Board of Supervisors endorsed new design guidelines for downtown McLean on Sept. 12…This marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the downtown area and give it a more attractive and vibrant look.” [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Technician Named Firefighter of the Year — “Technician Julie Tomesheski, assigned to Reston Fire Station 25 has been named the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Firefighter of the Year. This is the highest honor given to a firefighter by the department…She will be presented her award by Fire Chief Butler in a ceremony at the county’s Public Safety Headquarters on Oct. 30.” [Hunter Mill District News]
County Leaders Urge Preservation of Merrifield Cemetery — At a public hearing Tuesday (Sept. 12), Fairfax County supervisors stressed the need to protect the Thompson Family Cemetery, as developer Federal Realty seeks to revamp the adjacent Pan Am Shopping Center. A ground survey is recommended, but the lot isn’t part of the proposed redevelopment. [Gazette Leader]
Lorton Realtor Plans Temporary Homes After Morocco Earthquake — “Last week’s deadly earthquake in Morocco claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people and left many homeless and displaced. The images of the devastation…are motivating members of the D.C. area’s Moroccan community to help, and that includes an ambitious plan to build temporary villages coming from a Lorton, Virginia, man.” [WTOP]
Vienna Kid Competes in National Go-Kart Race — “Lucas Palacio zooms down the pavement at 65 mph, maneuvering tight turns likely better than you can, except he’s 4 feet, 5 inches tall, still seven years shy of getting a driver’s license — and in a go-kart…This month, Lucas will race in the GoPro Motorplex Karting Challenge in North Carolina.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Halloween Haunt Set for Lorton Return — “The Workhouse Arts Center’s immersive scare-inducing outdoor haunted trail is returning this fall for its 10th year. This year’s Workhouse Haunt event, titled “Haunt: Game Over,” will run on weekends from Friday, Oct. 6, through Saturday, Oct. 28. Haunt will also perform on Halloween night, Tuesday, Oct. 31.” [Inside NoVA]
It’s Friday — This Friday’s weather forecast predicts a sunny day with a high temperature near 76 degrees . Later in the evening, the sky will remain clear while the temperature drops to a low of around 55 degrees. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 4:45 p.m.) A new batch of COVID-19 vaccines is on the way, as the disease appears to be surging once again.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Tuesday (Sept. 14) that it recommends everyone 6 months and older get the shots, which have been updated to provide improved protection against the variants fueling the current rise in illness and hospitalizations.
Slated to become available this week, the new vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are rolling out in time to coincide with the annual fall flu shot season, an approach that the Fairfax County Health Department supports.
“People are able to get the flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine together and this fall (September or October) is a good time to be protected against these illnesses as people spend more time indoors and viruses may be more apt to spread,” FCHD spokesperson Lucy Caldwell said by email.
With Covid no longer considered a federal health emergency, the updated vaccines are the first ones not being allocated by the government. Instead, doctor’s offices, pharmacies and other providers must order them directly, making it less clear when they’ll become available.
The FCHD advises residents to check vaccines.gov or contact their doctor, pediatrician or local pharmacy to see if they’ll have the vaccine. Retail pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS have said that appointments will become available through their websites this week.
The cost of the vaccines is covered by private insurance, along with Medicare and Medicaid. The roughly 7% of Fairfax County residents who aren’t insured should be able to get the shots for free from providers participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access program, according to the FCHD.
The county health department also anticipates obtaining a vaccine supply later this month, Caldwell says. Residents of the Fairfax Health District, which also includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, will be able to make an appointment by calling 703-246-7100.
Caldwell noted that the health department’s supply is typically reserved for individuals who don’t have a primary care provider or another option for getting vaccinated. It also doesn’t accept private insurance as payment, though it’s in-network for Medicaid.
“Staying up to date and getting the new, updated vaccine is important,” the FCHD said. “The virus continues to evolve and protection against it from previous vaccination decreases over time. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer, more reliable way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. Getting vaccinated also reduces your chances of getting long COVID, which can last weeks, months, and even years, after initial illness.”
About 80% of Fairfax Health District residents 6 months and older — or 942,180 people — completed their initial round of vaccinations, according to FCHD data. About 50% of that population has received at least three doses, but just 25.7% got the most recent booster.
People should wait two months after their last Covid shot or two to three months after an infection before getting the updated vaccine, according to the FCHD.
After a relatively quiet spring and early summer, Fairfax County has seen an increase in Covid since July, including upticks in hospitalizations, emergency department visits and outbreaks, the health department says.
As of Sept. 2, the county admitted 52 new hospital patients with Covid over that week, a 15.6% increase over the preceding week for a hospitalization rate of 2.6 people per 100,000 residents, according to the CDC.
As of Tuesday, the Fairfax Health District was averaging 111.7 cases over the past seven days — case levels not seen since February, per Virginia Department of Health data.
The FCHD says it has been “closely tracking emergency department visits and hospitalizations from COVID-19 and identifying and investigating clusters of cases in schools, long-term care facilities, and other settings.”
“FCHD has the ability to scale up resources if necessary,” Caldwell said. “But the optimal situation is for people in our community to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and take other measures that reduce the spread of illness, like good handwashing, so that we can prevent or mitigate a possible surge.”
In response to concerns about noise, Reston Association has scaled back plans for pickleball courts at Barton Hill.
At a Sept. 6 community meeting, staff said they reduced the number of pickleball courts planned for the facility at 1901 Barton Hill Road from six to four and removed blended lines between tennis courts that allowed both tennis and pickleball uses.
The move was in response to concerns about increased noise from the pickleball facilities, according to Chris Schumaker, RA’s capital projects director.
RA conducted two types of noise studies on June 1 — one for continuous noise and one for instantaneous noise. In both cases, RA found that the average noise levels — measured in weighted decibels (dBAs) — were below the limits enforced by Fairfax County’s noise ordinance.
The average for continuous noise was 54 dBA, and the average for instantaneous or impulse noise was 57 dBA.
Staff also plan to install a sound attenuation product called Acoustiblok, a technology that could reduce decibels by 25 and 30 units.
“We feel pretty confident that we can mitigate the noise at Barton Hill,” RA Chief Operating Officer Peter Lusk said.
According to Schumaker, RA has submitted a request for the Virginia Department of Transportation to install a crosswalk over Barton Hill Road at the Sunrise Valley Drive intersection to address safety concerns.
The request was bolstered by a May 20 traffic study that found a high number of pedestrians using the crosswalk.
Staff also said that pickleball and soccer events could be staggered to limit impacts on the street.
RA’s Board of Directors will consider the project at its Sept. 28 meeting. The project will then go to the Design Review Board for review and approval, likely in November.
A contractor would be selected in February or March, depending on the board’s input. The contract will then head to the board for final approval after that point.
At the meeting, residents’ feedback fell on both sides of the fence. As pickleball has grown in popularity, concerns about the noisiness of the sport have mounted nationwide.
Laura David, who serves on the board of Reston’s Harpers Square Cluster, noted that the noise study took the average noise level from the center court and not from the boundary. She said that neighboring residents remain concerned about high levels of noise from the whacking of pickleballs.
“Sound still continues to be a major concern,” David said.
Others said RA should continue to support pickleball and asked for the original number of planned pickleball courts to be restored.
“There’s a shortage of [facilities]. There’s a real shortage,” said Reston resident Carol Dickey.
Some questioned if it made sense for RA to invest money in the project if it yielded only four pickleball courts.
“You’re talking like it’s something bad. It’s not,” said Carol Shepherd, a Reston resident of 46 years and a pickleball player.
Photo via Joan Azeka/Unsplash
A green iguana is reportedly on the loose in Reston.
The reptile was spotted at Lake Newport around 4:30 p.m. on Monday (Sept. 11), according to Restonian Nicola Shelley.
“We did a double take because we couldn’t quite believe what we were seeing,” Shelley said.
She scoured NextDoor and community lost pet pages to determine if the creature was an escaped pet.
An animal protection officer says it’s likely the iguana was a pet or deliberately released by someone.
The animal was seen suspended in a tree over water, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
“The animal is not inherently dangerous,” the FCPD wrote in a statement to FFXnow. “Due to the location of the iguana at the time of the call, no attempt to review the animal was made.”
The FCPD encourages residents to call the non-emergency number if they see the animal.
“I told my neighbors as it might give someone one heck of a surprise if they were out gardening and he was hiding in their yard. Poor guy!” Shelley said.
FCPD Shares Results of Vehicle Crime Crackdown — “Throughout…August, officers from our 2023 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative made over 50 felony arrests and over 50 misdemeanor arrests in an effort to take dangerous drugs out of our communities and hold criminals accountable. In August, our officers focused on vehicle-related crimes.” [FCPD]
Amazon to Fund Housing for First-Time Owners — “Working with the nonprofit National Housing Trust (NHT), the company said it will give housing developers or local organizations grants to come up with strategies on how to create ‘affordable homeownership’ opportunities. Then, the housing trust and Amazon will offer those organizations loans to build or preserve housing units set aside for low- and middle-income families.” [Washington Post]
Pakistani Clothing Store to Open in Tysons This Year — “Cushman & Wakefield announced today that the firm represented global retailer Khaadi in leasing 5,491 square feet at Tysons Corner Center…Khaadi will occupy its new space by year end and plans to open as many as 30 stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as distribution and eCommerce centers, said CEO Rehan Syed.” [Cushman & Wakefield]
FCPS Enlists Teachers From Other Countries With New Program — “For the first time ever, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) welcomed dozens of international teachers through a global teacher program…This year, the county welcomed 31 global teachers from eight different countries, including Yanique Thomas from Jamaica.” [WJLA]
Day Spa Coming to Groveton Development — “The Beacon of Groveton…is getting a new retail tenant. The 4,690 square-foot space previously occupied by a mattress business is being transformed into the Aesthetics Day Spa, which will offer a variety of nail, massage and other services, according to the store manager.” [On the MoVe]
Vienna Accounting Firm Acquired — “Raleigh accounting firm Cherry Bekaert…announced Wednesday that it has acquired Vienna accounting and staffing firm Cordia in a deal that closed Sept. 7. The companies declined to disclose the deal price. The acquisition roughly doubles Cherry Bekaert’s head count in Greater Washington” [Washington Business Journal]
Closure Planned for I-495 Ramp in McLean — “The ramp from southbound I-495 to southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway is scheduled to close during overnight hours Thursday, Sept. 14, and Friday, Sept. 15. The ramp will close between the hours of 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., and traffic will be detoured to the next exit to access the George Washington Parkway.” [VDOT]
Mosaic Elementary Teachers Pull Plane for Charity — “Mosaic Elementary School is pulling with a purpose! Over the weekend, Mosaic ES staff members came together to pull a plane at Dulles Airport in an effort to raise money to support the Special Olympics. Mosaic ES is the first elementary school to participate in the plane pull.” [FCPS/Facebook]
It’s Thursday — Thursday’s weather will be sunny and pleasant with a high temperature close to 77 degrees. Moving into night, the sky will remain clear and the low temperature will be around 57 degrees. A north wind will continue at a slightly slower pace from 7 to 9 mph. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 3:40 p.m.) A new mental health program is taking shape for women who have recently given birth at Reston Hospital Center.
The perinatal and postpartum program at the hospital will help women adjust to motherhood or develop an attachment to their baby while maintaining their current level of function.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the program is planned for tomorrow (Thursday) prior to the official grand opening on Sept. 25.
“This perinatal/postpartum mental health program stands as a testament to HCA Healthcare, Dominion Hospital and Reston Hospital’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare that addresses the unique needs of women,” Dominion Hospital CEO Ben Brown said. “It’s an initiative that recognizes the importance of women’s mental health and seeks to provide a nurturing environment for healing, growth, and empowerment.”
Women will be treated by a team of clinicians who specialize in perinatal mental health through the voluntary treatment program. It is open to women 18 years or older who are pregnant, have given birth or are one year postpartum.
The program will be open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in suite 561 of pavilion two at RHC (1850 Town Center Parkway)
Postpartum depression effects roughly 15% of women, according to Reston Hospital Center. It is often treated by therapy or medicine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also recently approved Zurzuvae, a postpartum depression medication that claims to reduce symptoms by as early as day three.
“The significance of this program extends beyond individual well-being,” Brown said. “Research has consistently shown that investing in women’s mental health radiates positive effects throughout families, workplaces, and entire communities. By nurturing the mental wellness of women, we contribute to creating a ripple effect of strength and positivity that reverberates far beyond the walls of any single facility.”
A three-year-long planning effort has culminated in the adoption of a new comprehensive plan for Reston.
At a meeting yesterday (Tuesday), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an overhaul of the Reston Comprehensive Plan, setting into place new guidance on affordable housing, community health, equity and other issues.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn kicked off the overhaul of the plan in January 2020. After more than 50 task force meetings with community stakeholders, county staff and county officials pared down a task force’s draft into a revamped plan. Some called it ambitious, while others worried it was too prescriptive.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said the plan safeguards existing neighborhoods, while bolstering transit and positioning Reston as a major economic development center in the county.
“The adoption of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment is a momentous achievement for Reston, ushering in a new era that ensures Reston’s continued success,” McKay said.
Unlike the previous plan, the new plan includes dedicated principles that define Reston as a new town. Those principles include community health, equity, preservation of neighborhoods and affordable housing.
Alcorn thanked Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner John Carter for his work in producing the final proposal.
“After much deliberation by the Planning Commission and my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, I am proud to say that Reston has an updated comprehensive plan that is much more than a land use document,” Alcorn wrote in a statement. “It is also a blueprint for the next phase of what Reston has always been – an inclusive community that values our green open spaces and a vibrant economy.”
Alcorn said the plan aims to maintain Reston’s fidelity to founder Robert E. Simon’s original vision while meeting today’s challenges.
“This plan and process proves that even in times of the highest levels of community concern and anxiety about growth and development, this is a consensus community plan. Focusing growth around Metrorail is not only possible, it is the reality in Reston,” Alcorn said.
At yesterday’s meeting, supervisors continued to massage language in the plan.
For example, Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross argued that it was unrealistic for the plan to say the future relocation of Reston Regional Library should not impact service.
“The community will anticipate that its going to be smooth sailing,” Gross said, adding that “disruption” is an in inherent part of the process.
Several pending issues may be ironed out in future updates — including the approval of several applications for zoning changes in Reston.
Alcorn introduced several follow-on motions. Two topics — community health and equity — may be explored in a future update to the county’s overall plans.
Alcorn directed the Fairfax County Park Authority, Reston Community Center, Reston Town Center Association and Reston Association to develop a strategy for the long-term maintenance and upkeep of community facilities in Reston.
He also asked staff to improve safety at Sunrise Valley Drive and Fairfax County Parkway, as well as along Reston Parkway from the Dulles Toll Road to Sunrise Valley Drive.
The planning commission also wants the county to develop and implement design standards for better pedestrian and bicycle access to Metro stations.
Deadline to Pay Car Taxes Looms — “Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Thursday, Oct. 5. Bills were mailed this summer, and there are many convenient ways to pay…To help vehicle owners, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved 10% tax relief for personal property taxes” for 2023. [Fairfax County Government]
FCPS Tightens Grading Policy on Missing Assignments — “In an update to its grading policies, Fairfax County Public Schools said teachers can now give students a zero for an assignment that’s not turned in. The change marks a departure from previous guidance, which said 50% is the lowest grade a teacher can give to a student who doesn’t turn in work.” [WTOP]
Metro Considers More Detailed Station Signs — “Metro will be trying out new signage at select stations in an effort to make the system easier to navigate for riders and ultimately boost ridership.” The changes, such as the direction a train is headed, are being tested at the L’Enfant Plaza station ahead of a potential wider rollout. [DCist]
Town Hall Tonight on Proposed Lee Chapel Road Changes — “Eight months after two 16-year-old girls died in a high-speed crash, Fairfax County leaders will hold a virtual town hall Wednesday on road improvements.” Officials will discuss a proposal to remove two hills along the Fairfax Station road that Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity says limit visibility. [WJLA]
Mural in the Works at Annandale Shopping Center — “Spiderman and baseball legend Jackie Robinson are making an appearance in a mural being painted on the side of the Annandale Shopping Center. Collector’s World, a tenant in the shopping center at 7006 Columbia Pike, commissioned the mural.” [Annandale Today]
County Needs More Time to Sell Public Safety Bonds — “Fairfax voters on Nov. 3, 2015, approved a public-safety bond totaling $151 million, which included funding to renovate or replace several of police and fire stations. To date, $67 million remains unspent owing to a number of delays with individual projects.” [Gazette Leader]
Herndon Transportation Network Expands Reach — “More senior citizens can take advantage of free transportation provided by Herndon Village Network (HVN). The local, all-volunteer nonprofit has just added Brightview Dulles Corner to its service area, which also includes the entirety of 20170 and portions of 20171.” [Patch]
It’s Wednesday — There is a 60% chance of showers and potential thunderstorms in the morning, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high of 79°F. In the evening, expect partly cloudy weather with a low of 61°F and north winds at the same speed. [Weather.gov]
Coffee may soon become a staple of grocery shoppers at The Spectrum at Reston Town Center.
Starbucks is slated to open soon inside Harris Teeter (11806 Spectrum Center), a company representative told FFXnow.
It marks a return for the coffee chain, which previously had a location in the shopping center at 1857 Fountain Drive that closed its doors in February 2021.
The floral department will be relocated as a result, according to Fairfax County permits.
“Starbucks is always looking for great locations to better meet the needs of our customers,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement.
It’s unclear exactly when the new Starbucks will open. The county’s permit database shows that an application seeking approval for alterations was accepted.
The Fairfax County Police Department has launched a new unit dedicated to investigating active violence incidents and bomb threats.
The Threat Assessment and Management Unit (TAM) will offer a systemic and multidisciplinary approach to analyzing, tracking and preventing potential acts of targeted violence. The unit would also intervene in cases where individuals are at risk of violence.
The unit’s specialties will include handling red flag cases, where a court issues an Emergency Substantial Risk Order letting police temporarily take away an individual’s gun because they pose a danger to themselves or someone else.
“This specialized team is comprised of highly skilled officers and analysts who possess a unique combination of training in law enforcement, and intelligence analysis,” the FCPD wrote in a press release. “Their main objective is to proactively identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential threats to our community.”
The unit will include personnel from the county and Northern Virginia overall, as the FCPD hopes to create a regional program that could serve as a national model.
Having a standalone team focused exclusively on these cases will improve the quality of the investigations, which require unique expertise, Police Chief Kevin Davis said when announcing the new unit.
“While it is important for law enforcement to be involved to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach – and to intervene if the threat escalates – partnerships…are crucial, as the primary goal of this approach is to provide individuals with support services before the threat rises to a level requiring law enforcement intervention,” FCPD wrote.
The number of violence threat events has increased from 30 in 2020 to 153 in 2023, according to police. The number of emergency substantial risk orders increased from five in 2020 to 77 in 2023, though data from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office indicates that over 100 cases have been opened this year.
Similarly, there were 27 bomb threats in 2023, 29 in 2022 and 18 in 2021.
Here’s more from FCPD on the unit:
The goal is to interdict and deter subjects on the pathway to targeted violence and provide appropriate resources to the subject. The TAM Unit will conduct assessments based on an appraisal of observed (or reasonably observable) behaviors to identify potentially dangerous or violent situations, investigate/assess them, and ultimately mitigate them. The overall goal will be to ensure the safety of all involved, while respecting individual privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
The Threat Assessment and Management (TAM) Unit employs a multifaceted approach to assess various types of threats, ranging from individuals displaying concerning behaviors to organized criminal activities. By leveraging their expertise and utilizing advanced technology, they conduct thorough investigations, analyze patterns, and assess potential risks to determine the most appropriate course of action. This unit actively collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and community partners to gather comprehensive information and develop proactive strategies to address emerging threats effectively. Through their diligent efforts, the TAM plays a crucial role in preventing potential incidents, promoting community trust, and fostering a secure environment for all.
Reston Museum is launching “Famous Restonians,” a new program that features individuals raised in Reston who have excelled in their fields.
Set for Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne, the program will include individuals like “Jeopardy!” champion Eddie Timanus, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-New Jersey), and WTOP reporter Dave Dildine.
Although the program is free, registration is required.
“The Reston Museum is proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals, all of whom grew up in Reston and have achieved excellence in their chosen fields,” Reston Museum Executive Director Alex Campbell said. “We look forward to hearing their memories of growing up in Reston and the journey that led them to where they are today.”
Last year’s event featured Nate Mook, former CEO of Central World Kitchen.
Here’s a breakdown on the biographies of the featured participants from Reston Museum:
Eddie Timanus is a reporter and content producer for USA TODAY Sports and is known for his 1999 five-game winning streak on the game show Jeopardy! and for being the first blind contestant to appear on the show. He was also a semifinalist in the 2000 Tournament of Champions and appeared in several subsequent tournaments, most recently 2014’s Battle of the Decades. He was also a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2004. Timanus moved to Reston with his family in 1981 and graduated from South Lakes High School in 1986. Eddie compiles the USA Today Coaches Poll and writes the preview section for college football games in addition to his sports articles.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1994, Congresswoman Sherrill spent almost 10 years on active duty in the United States Navy as a helicopter pilot. After leaving the Navy in 2003, she earned a law degree from Georgetown University and served as a federal prosecutor. Elected to Congress in 2018, Congresswoman Sherrill sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the new House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Kia Lowe began her career in the investment world and after eight years, transitioned to the world of cosmetics first in a management position at L’Oreal and then serving as Vice President at both Lancome Paris and Kiehl’s Since 1851. Earlier this year, Kia was named the CEO of John Legend’s newly launched skin care brand, LOVED01. Kia grew up in Reston and attended Forest Edge Elementary School and Langston Hughes Middle School. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Kia earned her MBA from Columbia University.
Dave Dildine is an multi-award-winning traffic and weather reporter for WTOP News Radio, serving the Washington DC region. Dave joined WTOP in 2010 and can be heard “on the 8s and when it breaks” during the week. A Reston native, Dave attended Langston Hughes Middle and South Lakes High Schools before venturing off to George Mason University. Dave has also received recognition for his photography of severe weather, landing one photograph on the front page of the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal.
All featured individuals will speak in person, except Dildine, who will appear via a pre-recorded interview.
Shoplifting and assaults have gone up in Fairfax County so far this year, the county police department’s mid-year crime data shows.
The department released the report in coordination with the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), which ranks the nation’s 70 largest police departments by four crime categories: homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The report covered data from January to June.
Of all the reported offenses, shoplifting saw the largest uptick in the county, with numbers up by 50% to 3,736 incidents. There were 2,489 shoplifting incidents reported in the same time frame last year. Residential burglaries also increased by 20 incidents.
The county reported 15 carjackings — a small increase from 13 last year. There have been 45 more auto thefts, but thefts from vehicles and of vehicle parts have both declined. The Fairfax County Police Dpartment targeted those crimes last month as part of a summer-long crime prevention initiative.
“Our unwavering commitment to public safety drives our efforts to implement targeted patrols and deploy advanced crime prevention strategies, ” a news release read.
The number of assault offenses increased more than 13%, jumping from 4,348 to 4,931. In addition, about 15% more people have been charged this year with assaulting family members, a category that increased from 702 by the end of June in 2022 to 816 in 2023.
However, murders and forcible sex offenses decreased from 12 to 10 and 194 to 192, respectively.
Despite upticks in some categories, the police departments said the county is still the safest of its size.
“When all MCCA police departments are ranked by violent crime rating, we are proud to say Fairfax County remains the safest jurisdiction of its size,” the FCPD said.
Fire Department Fills the Boot With Over $187K — “The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Fill the Boot campaign raised $187,300 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Firefighters stood at intersections from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 collecting donations from motorists and pedestrians.” [Annandale Today]
Fairfax Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Porn — “A Fairfax man pleaded guilty today to receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), receipt of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children, and possession of CSAM…He faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment for each charge.” [U.S. Attorney’s Office]
Richmond Highway Senior Housing Proposal Up for Votes — “RH Senior Housing…will seek rezoning approval from the Fairfax County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors this month for a proposed independent living facility for low-income senior citizens adjacent to the Beacon of Groveton apartment building.” [On the MoVe]
McLean Students Raise Funds to Build School in Senegal — “After three years of fundraising, the BASIS Independent McLean French Honor Society raised enough money to construct a new schoolhouse in Khombole, Senegal, to replace an existing, temporary building that could not withstand the rainy season.” [Gazette Leader]
FCPD Welcomes New Class of Recruits — “Last week, Chief Kevin Davis welcomed 59 new recruits starting their first day at the FCPD Criminal Justice Academy. Session 85 is one of the largest academy classes in over 10 years, surpassing the previous record-breaking numbers of Session 84.” [FCPD]
McLean Group Donates Backpacks to Students — “The Woman’s Club of McLean raised $1,300 this summer to purchase and outfit backpacks for school-aged children involved in a program for young mothers and their children. The program is operated by Second Story, a nonprofit group…that provide[s] counseling and residential housing for teens, young mothers, and their children who are living in unsafe residential situations.” [Patch]
It’s Tuesday — There is a 30% chance of showers after 2pm today, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 86°F. For Tuesday night, expect a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, getting more likely after 8pm. It will be mostly cloudy with a low of around 68°F. [Weather.gov]
