Restonians can officially select Reston’s new animal icon.
A group of organizations — Friends of Reston, Reston Association and Public Art Reston — have partnered on a quest to choose an animal to represent the area. Local artists have created the images.
The winner selected by the popular vote will be fabricated into a replicable cast sculpture. It will then be painted and auctioned to finance future public art projects Reston.
The three options for consideration are a blue heron by Ben Morse, a woodpecker by Danan Scheurer and a fox by Tracie Griffith Tso.
Friends of Reston Board President Maggie Edwards told FFXnow that the organization has launched new projects and maintained existing initiatives like youth enrichment scholarships.
“The funds raised will be dedicated to the continuation of the underpass program which focuses on enhancing the road underpasses, part of Reston’s pathway system,” Edwards said. “This community arts fundraising initiative falls perfectly within FOR’s 24 year mission supporting RA through charitable, educational and scientific activities.”
Phoebe Avery, Public Art Reston’s public art manager, said the organization looks forward to participating in the project.
“We’re always happy to provide guidance and support to Reston and our community partners,” Avery said.
Restonians also have the option of submitting an icon of their choice for consideration. Artwork can be sent to [email protected].
The survey will be open until May 31.
FCPS Scales Back Falls Church HS Expansion — “The renovation and expansion of Falls Church High School, currently underway, is going to cost millions of dollars more than anticipated. As a result, some aspects of the original plan will be eliminated, and completion of the project has been pushed back a full year — from summer 2025 to summer 2026.” [Annandale Today]
Fairfax Runner Banned from Triathlons — “Collin Chartier, the triathlon champion who grew up in Fairfax and has strong ties to NoVA, has been banned from the sport for three years for taking a banned substance…Chartier admitted on Instagram to taking the drug and said he has no plans to return to the sport.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Man Arrested After Stabbing Outside Springfield Restaurant — “Fairfax County Police said that they were called to the Casa Blanca Restaurant on Hechinger Drive in Springfield around 2 a.m. [on Friday]. Police said that the victim was stabbed in the parking lot after a fight that started inside the restaurant.” [DC News Now]
GMU Law School Offers Haven for SCOTUS Conservatives — “Since the rebranding, the [Scalia] law school has developed an unusually expansive relationship with the justices of the high court — welcoming them as teachers but also as lecturers and special guests at school events. Scalia Law, in turn, has marketed that closeness with the justices as a unique draw to prospective students and donors.” [New York Times]
New Wedding Venue Opens Near Fair Oaks Mall — “Welcomed CrystalView Weddings & Events to the Springfield District near the Fair Oaks Shopping Center. Able to accommodate many kinds of events from 100 to 450 people, this luxurious venue is a great addition to the county’s hospitality community.” [Pat Herrity/Twitter]
Vienna Police Collect Over 100 Pounds of Drugs — “On April 22, 2023, the Town of Vienna Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) participated in the 24th National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative. As a result, the Town of Vienna Police Department collected and safely disposed of 143 pounds of expired or no longer needed medications from area citizens.” [Vienna Police]
Kid Visits All Fairfax County Fire Stations — On Thursday (April 27) “this future firefighter accomplished his goal of visiting all 39 #FCFRD fire stations. His last stop was Station 4, Herndon! Appropriate since he is four! His journey started at Station 40, Fairfax Center almost two years ago. Congratulations young man! Your visits always made our day!” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Lego Center Named Top Commercial Lease in D.C. Area for 2022 — “Springfield Town Center landing the lease in 2022 for the new Lego Discovery Center, billed as Lego’s latest spin on its nationwide themed attractions and the first of its kind in the D.C. area, bodes well for the landlord’s long and hard-fought efforts to turn the mall into a mixed-use destination.” [Washington Business Journal]
It’s Monday — Light rain. Increasing cloudiness. Cool. High of 59 and low of 46. Sunrise at 6:10 am and sunset at 8:00 pm. [Weather.gov]
Reston Town Center will turn on the water for its iconic Mercury Fountain tomorrow (Saturday) for the first time in over a year.
Fountain Square and the neighboring pavilion are set to open with a celebration from 1-4 p.m. after a year-long renovation effort that brought the facility’s first improvements in more than 30 years.
“The improvements to the Fountain Square and Pavilion were completed just in time to usher in a lively spring and summer season of outdoor programming,” Boston Properties said.
The renovations included upgrades to the lower base of the fountain and a replacement of its mechanical system. But the original design of the upper base and statue remain unchanged. New trees and planning were also added along with the expansion of outdoor seating.
The town center’s pavilion had reopened in November for the winter ice skating season, including an “Ice-travaganza” event in February, but the renovation hadn’t been completed yet.
“They were able to do enhancements while having that open for ice skaters,” a Boston Properties spokesperson said.
Reston Town Center plans to host weekly concerts along with other events. A complete calendar is available online.
The breakdown of the festivities is below:
Reston Town Center will officially unveil the new-and-improved Fountain Square and Pavilion at RTC’s annual springtime tradition, Fountain Day. Mercury Fountain will be officially turned on for the season and kick off a fun, family-friendly celebration (rain or shine) that will include engaging activities, such as:
The Golf Truck by CitySwing
Live Painting Demonstration
360 Degree Photo Booth
The Marigold Bus Photo Booth
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Truck (Courtesy of BXP, While Supplies Last)For Kids:
Airbrush Tattoos
Caricaturists
Basketball TossEntertainment:
DJ Ralph
Stilt Walkers
Aerialist
Balloon Dancers
Bubble Guy
There will also be giveaways from Reston Town Center and its retailers “while supplies last,” per a media alert.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has opened its latest location in Herndon.
The restaurant will host its grand opening on May 4 at the Herndon Centre (494 Elden Street, Suite 230). It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Mosni and Dhaval Shah — the restaurant’s franchisees — said they are excited to bring quality barbecue to the area.
“Many residents of Herndon and the surrounding areas have been wanting quality barbecue and we are up to the task of providing it to them,” the Shahs told FFXnow.
Pit bosses Willow Brown and Kelvin Ebron have more than 30 years of restaurant and barbecue experience. The chain is known for its brisket and ribs.
“Many say barbecue is the gateway to togetherness and we want to bring everyone together to enjoy some ‘Legit Texas Barbecue,’” the Shahs said.
Other items on the menu include loaded baked potatoes, pit-smoked wings and pit-smoked meats. The business has locations throughout the country. There are currently nine in Virginia, including one in Fairfax, Sterling and Alexandria.
Arlington Residents Suing Over “Missing Middle” Look to zMOD Ruling — “The Virginia Supreme Court forced Fairfax to revert to an older zoning code because of this procedural misstep prior to the new laws taking effect. The 10 plaintiffs in the Missing Middle suit say it is a point in their favor, arguing the state Supreme Court signaled it takes seriously procedural violations.” [ARLnow]
New Signage Installed on GW Parkway — A temporary traffic pattern on the George Washington Parkway “has led to some confusion among drivers.” The National Park Service said new signs and barriers would be added to address issues, mostly in the afternoon rush hour, with northbound drivers trying to use the new center lane. [WTOP]
Vehicle in Armed Carjacking Recovered in West Springfield — “The Alexandria Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking that allegedly occurred in Old Town earlier today…Alexandria Police spokesman Marcel Bassett told ALXnow that the vehicle was located and recovered unoccupied in Fairfax County.” [ALXnow, ABC7]
New I-95 Lane Could Ease Occoquan Bridge Bottleneck — “If you’ve ever driven on I-95 southbound, you are likely familiar with the bottleneck situation near the Occoquan River crossing…The I-95 Southbound Auxiliary Lane in Prince William County is a project more than four years in the making. Crews have converted a mile-and-a-half stretch of the existing shoulder into a new travel lane.” [WUSA9]
Election Volunteers Needed for June Primary — “We need election officers for the June 20 #Democratic #primary election, including bi-lingual officers who can speak English and Vietnamese or Korean! Apply by May 19″ [Fairfax County Office of Elections/Twitter]
Springfield Plaza Giant Sells Water Made by Former Employee — “Two intrepid young Northern Virginians are making a splash with a big win: The mineral water brand they created has been picked up for distribution by Giant — 14 years after one of them worked for the grocery chain as a teen. It was Susosu Water co-founder Nadia Lizarazu’s first job.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Hybla Valley Gets New Farmers Market — “The Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture is launching a new farmers market at the Hybla Valley Community Center starting Saturday, April 29. The weekly event will feature produce, meat and eggs sourced from Virginia-based farms, including from Arcadia’s own Dogue and Hilltop Farms.” [On the MoVe]
Upcoming Reston Race Benefits Charity for Kids With Cancer — “Hopecam, the Reston-based charity that provides connective technology to children with cancer, is hosting its annual 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 7. Runners and walkers can participate in-person starting at 8 a.m. on May 7, at 1890 Preston White Drive” [Patch]
It’s Friday — Showery. Overcast. Cool. High of 57 and low of 55. Sunrise at 6:14 am and sunset at 7:57 pm. [Weather.gov]
Earlier this spring, the Virginia Supreme Court declared Fairfax County’s modernization of its zoning ordinance (zMOD) invalid because it was adopted at virtual meetings.
In light of the pending re-adoption of the new zoning ordinance, Reston Association is pitching a change that would clarify if additions or enhancements require a Planned Residential Community (PRC) plan — a lengthy process that involves the development of detailed plans and public hearings before the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
“We went through bit of problem when we tried to add lights to Barton Hill,” RA board president John Farrell said.
The proposed amendment, which was discussed at a Tuesday meeting (April 25), comes following the county’s determination that RA needed a PRC plan to proceed with the lighting component of its planned renovations at Barton Hill tennis court.
RA dropped that portion of the proposal after the Board of Zoning Appeals upheld a county zoning administrator’s decision that a PRC plan was required to add lights in the facility.
With the planning commission set to vote on zMOD again next Wednesday (May 3), RA has suggested that the county add exceptions for when PRC plans are required, including one for additions to existing uses when the addition doesn’t exceed 7,000 square feet or 45% of the existing use’s gross area.
The changes would also exempt minor accessory structures in open space areas, like slides, pathway lighting, heating pools, bathroom facilities and other considerations.
The RA board voted to move forward with proposing the amendment to the county.
In December, RA dropped the lighting component of its Barton Hills project after the zoning appeals board’s decision. The association is now moving forward with plan for the refurbished courts.
Spurred by the pandemic, outdoor dining in Fairfax County is likely here to stay.
The county is considering a proposal to formalize standards and regulations for outdoor dining in parking areas that were first introduced during the pandemic.
The existing ordinance — which ends in March 2024 after the county concluded its state of emergency on March 1 — allows any existing restaurant, food court, brewery, winery, distillery or tasting room to provide outdoor dining without individual approval.
The county is moving to permit outdoor dining as an accessory use, but may not include permanent structures, according to a presentation by Lily Yegazu of the county’s Zoning Administration Division. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors discussed the draft proposal at a land use policy committee meeting on Tuesday (April 25).
Dining would be limited to 50% of the indoor dining area, with hours of operations matching the business’ hours. It would largely be restricted before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m. if the establishment is next to a single-family development.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay noted that few concerns about outdoor dining — including noise impacts — have surfaced since the pandemic.
“Very few [issues]…I can’t think of any, honestly, since this has been put into place,” McKay said, adding that outdoor dining is “more popular now than it ever was before the pandemic.”
Applicants would pay a one-time application fee of $205 to allow outdoor dining in parking areas.
Providence District Supervisor Dahlia Palchik suggested the county should clearly distinguish between what permanent and temporary structures are allowed.
Staff emphasized that businesses can still apply to create permanent outdoor areas like patios or permanent pergolas through the county’s permitting process. The current proposal simply creates a catch-all policy for outdoor dining.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn encouraged the county to find ways for outdoor seating that faces the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
“I think there certainly is customer interest,” Alcorn said.
Staff said the proposal is slated for public outreach meetings through the summer, tentatively followed by the board’s approval in the fall.
Boston Properties Inc. has acquired a 50% interest in the former offices of Fannie Mae in Herndon.
The developer, whose properties include Reston Town Center, paid roughly $17.3 million for the acquisition of 12310 and 13150 Worldgate Drive, according to its first quarter earnings report.
Both buildings have been vacant for years, poising Boston Properties for a joint venture that includes redeveloping the property for residential use, according to an April 26 earnings call. Washington Business Journal first reported the news.
The tentative plan calls for demolishing both buildings and using a portion of the garage for a 349-unit rental and for-sale housing development, according to Boston Properties CEO Owen Thomas.
Boston Properties would act as the developer of the project alongside Artemis Real Estate Partners. MRP Realty and Artemis paid around $45 million for both properties in 2018.
Development likely won’t kick off until next year.
“Additional new acquisition opportunities will undoubtedly grow in this environment,” Thomas said. “We will remain highly opportunistic and solely focused on premier workplaces, life science and residential development.”
Fannie Mae’s former campus on American Dream Way in Reston is also being eyed for redevelopment. Developer Wheelock Capital recently resubmitted plans to Fairfax County after an earlier approval was voided due to a late payment.
Housing a Focus of County Board Chair Race — Primary challenger Lisa Downing “cited as her chief concern the shortage of homes in the county that are large enough and also affordable to middle-income families in the region.” Chairman Jeff McKay says there are 4,000 units of affordable housing “in the development pipeline and in the past year invested $94 million toward its goal” of 10,000 new units by 2034. [Washington Post]
County Resident Arrested in Alexandria Shooting — “A 28-year-old Fairfax County man wanted for a Jan. 4 shooting incident faces numerous charges after allegedly striking an Alexandria Police Department cruiser in the Landmark area earlier this month.” [ALXnow]
Hybla Valley ES Nears Finish on Renovation — “The two-year, $33 million renovation project at Hybla Valley Elementary School is substantially complete, and the building has been turned over for use, according to a spokesperson from Fairfax County Public Schools…Work is expected to be complete by Memorial Day, with minor project closeout work to be performed over the summer” [On the MoVe]
Annandale Bank to Close This Summer — “The Wells Fargo Bank at 4260 John Marr Drive in Annandale will permanently close on July 26, states a letter to customers from District Senior Manager William Lionhood. Other Wells Fargo branches will remain open” [Annandale Today]
State Covid Hospitalization Data Dashboard Discontinued — “The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association will discontinue its COVID-19 dashboard on Thursday. The dashboard was first made available in April 2020 and has been updated daily with information from Virginia hospitals about the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 cases.” [Inside NoVA]
New Capital One Ballpark Draws Crowds — “The much anticipated Capital One Park opened in early April, and the new open-air state-of-the-art baseball stadium on Route 123 in McLean near Tysons drew rave reviews and generated big crowds and much excitement from spectators, players and coaches.” [Gazette Leader]
Capital One Hall Builder Wins International Design Award — “HGA has been selected as a winner in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) 2023 Interior Design Competition in the Entertainment category for Capital One Hall in Tysons…The award will be presented at REVEL in Design, IIDA’s annual kick-off to NeoCon June 11, 2023, in Chicago.” [HGA]
Historic Lorton Houses to Open for Tours — “May is Historic Preservation Month…Curators with the Park Authority’s Resident Curator Program will host two open house events to share the home improvements made to two of Lorton’s historic houses. Enjoy a tour of the Stempson House and the Hannah P. Clark/Enyedi House on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.” [FCPA]
It’s Thursday — Light rain. Cloudy. Mild. High of 67 and low of 49. Sunrise at 6:15 am and sunset at 7:56 pm. [Weather.gov]
The most recent update of Reston’s draft comprehensive plan got a kudos from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors earlier this week.
At a land use policy committee meeting yesterday (Tuesday), board members said the latest version of the plan — which has been under the pen for nearly two years — averts the prescriptive policy language put in place by a community task force that created the first draft of the new plan roughly two years ago.
An official staff report is expected next month, followed by a June 14 Fairfax County Planning Commission public hearing and a board public hearing on July 11.
As discussed last month by the planning commission, the latest version by county staff focuses on supporting guidance in existing county policies, avoiding language that could be seen as establishing new policies.
New planning principles of equity, community health and economic development were consolidated into a chapter on the “new town” of Reston instead of getting separate chapters.
Franconia Supervisor Supervisor Rodney Lusk said he was particularly pleased with the guidance on economic development for Reston, which says support for housing, businesses, education and access to Metro’s Silver Line stations is key to maintaining the area’s “unique community and business climate.”
But Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said he was unsure if there was anything particularly unique about Reston that warranted guidance.
“I’m not sure why Reston feels like it has to take a position on that. It doesn’t seem to be anything particularly unique,” Foust said.
He added that economic development guidance for a particular area could open up other area plans to similar updates when the guidance should simply be applied countywide.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who initiated the review and held dozens of meetings with the community task force, said he wouldn’t support the new plan if he didn’t feel it was an improvement over Reston’s current plan.
Alcorn also asked staff to create a chart that depicts significant issues and concerns.
“Overall, I want to make sure we balance this in the right way, because I don’t want to dumb down Reston’s comprehensive plan,” Alcorn said.
County staff noted that they tightened up language in the task force’s version of the plan.
Providence District Supervisor Dahlia Palchik said she was pleased the new plan is now “going in the right direction.”
“This is in a much better place,” she said.
Herndon Centre’s Escape Room Herndon has officially outgrown its space.
The business, which will remain at its current location, is creating a new room called Raven’s Nest Escape Room a few doors down from its current location (492 Elden Street).
“We just couldn’t bring ourselves to retire any of our current rooms so we decided instead that its a good time to expand,” said Omer Aru, a representative for the company.
Typically, the business retires its existing rooms to make space for others.
Raven’s Nest will feature two large game rooms for 10-plus players and a themed party room for birthday parties with cake.
“Raven’s Nest will feature all the same thrilling gameplay you’ve come to expect from ERH but with new and exciting twists,” Aru said.
It’s expected to open sometime this fall — possibly on Oct. 1. Aru stressed that opening date is an estimate.
Current rooms include the 8-bit escape, maritime mutiny, magician’s workshop, and the grave robber’s dilemma.
Going forward, all Fairfax County Public Schools workers will be required to undergo regular background checks and notify the school system of any arrests while they’re employed.
The expanded background check policies will be implemented after an investigation last year found “systemic gaps” in the hiring process, FCPS announced yesterday (Tuesday).
The independent investigation was prompted by the discovery that former Glasgow Middle School counselor Darren Thornton had remained employed for months after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in Chesterfield County.
Effective since March 12, the new regulation is part of a “continuing effort to provide safe schools and workplaces for all students and staff,” FCPS said.
All employees, including temporary, hourly and substitute staff, will be reviewed through the National Sex Offender Registry, starting this month. This summer, anyone hired before August 2006 will also need to make an appointment where their fingerprints can be scanned for review by the Virginia State Police and FBI.
Employees hired between Aug. 1, 2006 and July 1, 2022 already have digital fingerprint scans on file, so those will be automatically resubmitted, FCPS says.
All employees are now required to disclose to the FCPS Office of Equity and Employee Relations (EER) any arrests for felonies, misdemeanors or other “acts that impact a person’s ability to work” that occurred after they were hired.
FCPS says its Department of Human Resources will start submitting all employees for criminal record background checks “periodically to monitor for unreported criminal record activity.”
“Additional types of background checks may also be used for periodic monitoring,” FCPS said. “Not every arrest would lead to action; however, a barrier crime, felony or a crime that impacts a person’s ability to work may have cause for dismissal.”
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid told families on Aug. 18 that Thornton had been fired after officials were notified of his March 11 conviction and sentencing, which called for supervised probation in place of a suspended five-year jail sentence.
Thornton was originally arrested in November 2020, but Chesterfield police later said their emails alerting FCPS to the sex crime charge bounced back. The 50-year-old Mechanicsville resident was arrested for a second time in a separate sting operation on June 9, 2022.
After he was terminated by FCPS, Virginia State Police arrested Thornton for failing to provide complete and accurate information to the state’s sex offender registry.
In addition to indicating that it will require regular background checks, the Fairfax County School Board said following the independent investigation in September that it will make changes to its processes for verifying licensure, documenting employee leave and dismissing workers convicted of certain crimes.
David Walrod, president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, expressed support for the new background check policies, stating that the Thornton case showed the limits of relying solely on law enforcement for notification of crimes by employees.
“Ensuring that employees have a clean criminal record at the start their career is important but ensuring that employees maintain clean criminal records is an important part of ensuring the safety of our students and staff,” Walrod said in a statement. “I commend the district for taking this step, and I am glad to see that Dr. Reid has taken decisive steps to ensure this happens.”
Spurred by the Thornton case, the General Assembly passed a law last month requiring all public school divisions in Virginia to designate a contact for law enforcement and courts who will manage reports related to any school employee arrests or convictions for felonies. Sponsored by state Sen. Scott Surovell, the measure will take effect on July 1.
Narcan Distributed at FCPS Opioid Town Hall — “At Woodson High School on Monday night, health officials, educators, and police addressed the issue at a town hall…Additionally, families were trained in how to use Narcan, and then dozens lined up outside the town hall to receive their own doses.” [DC News Now]
New Plan to Reduce Helicopter Noise Announced — “Helicopters will fly at higher altitudes and flight paths over Northern Virginia will soon be altered to reduce helicopter noise, US Representative Don Beyer announced Tuesday alongside representatives from the federal government, the aeronautics industry, and elected officials from Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and Fairfax.” [Washingtonian]
Special Grand Jury Sought for Tysons Police Shooting — “Carl Crews, an attorney for the family of Timothy McCree Johnson, said he was informed Tuesday by Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano that a judge had approved the prosecutor’s request to empanel the special grand jury.” Last week, a grand jury declined to indict the officer who allegedly fired the shots that killed Johnson. [Associated Press/WTOP]
School Zone Speed Cameras Now Issuing Citations — “On April 10th the County started issuing citations to drivers going 10mph and over the limit in the selected areas. Prior to this, drivers violating the speed limit in these locations only received a warning. Over 1200 warnings were issued between February and April 10th.” [Jeff McKay newsletter]
FCPD Welcomes Most Rookies in a Decade — “This week, Chief Kevin Davis welcomed 56 candidates starting their first day at the FCPD Academy. Session 84 is the largest academy class in almost 10 years and one of the most diverse classes ever.” The department is working with George Mason University on a long-term study to understand how officers adapt over their careers. [FCPD]
Del. Seibold Reflects on First Legislative Session — “Del. Holly Seibold (D-Oakton-Vienna) accumulated a pretty good batting average in her rookie season, at least when it comes to getting bills enacted into law.” The General Assembly unanimously passed and Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed two of her five submitted bills — one letting courts appoint an interpreter for speech-impaired and deaf individuals and another dealing with the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. [Gazette Leader]
Reston Cybersecurity Company Acquired — “Just about eight months after the Baltimore-based ZeroFox went public on the Nasdaq with a valuation of over $1 billion, the cloud-based security and analytics product suite provider has announced its acquisition of LookingGlass Cyber Solutions in a deal comprising 9.4 million shares of stock, convertible debt and cash.” [Technical.ly]
Vienna Farmers Market to Return Next Week — “The Vienna Optimists’ Farmers Market will make its springtime return to the Vienna Community Center on Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. Now in its 16th season, the market…will feature about two dozen local vendors, accompanied by lively music from local performers.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Wednesday — Light rain. Increasing cloudiness. Mild. High of 66 and low of 43. Sunrise at 6:17 am and sunset at 7:55 pm. [Weather.gov]
The primary for Fairfax County commonwealth’s attorney may be the most cutthroat race on the ballot in a year when local voters will also choose representatives on the Board of Supervisors, school board and General Assembly.
On Friday (April 21), Democratic incumbent Steve Descano and challenger Ed Nuttall appeared together on WAMU’s “The Politics Hour,” the weekly radio show hosted by Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood, and the conversation got spicy.
At one point, Descano accused Nuttall of associating with “MAGA, antisemitic conspiracy theorists.” Nuttall responded by calling Descano “a liar” and “incompetent.”
There was also considerable back-and-forth about each other’s work backgrounds, current crime rates, office morale, management styles, and political affiliations.
In between arguments and personal attacks, though, the candidates managed to work in some policy debate, disagreeing on how the commonwealth’s attorney’s office (CA’s office) should handle cases involving police officers, where to allocate county funding, and how to best support victims of violent crimes.
Descano and Nuttle did find common ground on some issues. Both agreed they wouldn’t prosecute residents for getting an abortion or purchasing the pill mifepristone if those health care options were ever limited or outright banned.
The two also praised the Board of Supervisors for its continued funding of the top county prosecutor’s office over the last two budget cycles, though they diverged on how exactly the money should be used.
But the agreements were overshadowed by discord and name-calling from the two Democratic candidates.
One of the main areas of conversation was how the CA’s office works with victims of violent crimes. On his campaign website, Nuttall pledges to hire a “victim services liaison” if elected to ensure victims’ concerns are heard — a part of the job that he says Descano has “mismanaged.”
“There are zero communications between the victim services department and the police department and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office,” Nuttall said. “They don’t get along. They don’t communicate. He doesn’t return their phone calls. He doesn’t return emails.”
When asked if he believes Descano is doing this purposefully, Nuttall said it’s more about not knowing how to do the job.
“I think he doesn’t know how to handle crime. I think he mismanages the office. I think he’s incompetent,” the challenger said.
Descano countered that he’s made the office more professional with more hires, while improving its electronic database. He’s focused on diversion programs, which he says have made community members safer and more trusting of the legal system. Descano also highlighted a bond data dashboard released last year as evidence of his office’s transparency.
“What we’ve done is…made [the office] run more efficiently, made it run better, made it run better for victims,” Descano said. “One thing that really bothers me about this race is that Ed Nuttall…is being the Republican that he is and has taken Republican talking points and, quite frankly disgustingly, is using victims in a way that is pretty gross.”
Nuttall accused Descano of creating so much disharmony between his office and the Fairfax County Police Department that dozens of officers have left the force, leaving the department understaffed and overwhelmed. He also said a number of prosecutors have departed due to Descano’s management style.
Descano disputed that assertion, noting that the FCPD has the largest recruiting class in more than a decade. He said his office staff has “doubled” with only a 6% vacancy rate. In addition, the office’s casework is greater.
“We are one of the few Commonwealth Attorney’s offices in the entire Commonwealth that handles both felony and misdemeanor crimes,” Descano said.
Nuttall said many of those hires were “non-legal, essentially political positions,” including several social media people.
“What he’s done is instead of using those resources for prosecuting violent felonies, he’s lost violent felonies on discovery violations,” Nuttall said. “He’s lost important cases. He’s retraumatized victims by failing to provide the essential services that he needs.”
Police shootings also came up, including the Feb. 22 fatal shooting of Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center. Last week, a grand jury opted not to indict the officer accused of firing the fatal shot. Descano said, in his mind, it remains “an open case” and is looking for a path forward, while Nuttall said he would stand by the decision the grand jury made.
In December, Descano announced he would seek reelection after his narrow 2019 victory. Two months later, Nuttall, a former county prosecutor turned private defense lawyer, declared he would challenge Descano in the Democratic primary.
The “Politics Hour” conversation showcased the vitriol between the two campaigns. Descano accused his challenger of seeking support from “MAGA, antisemitic conspiracy theorists” after Nuttall appears to have welcomed a donation from someone who was spouting antisemitic rhetoric.
Nuttall denied that the incident played out as described, saying he asked for a donation prior to the person’s offensive remarks and postings.
“I am not antisemitic. I am not MAGA,” Nuttall said. “I am not a Republican.”
The Democratic primary will be held on June 20, with early voting set to begin May 5.
The massive renovation of Lake Thoreau’s pool is likely to be completed by late August or early September.
Reston Association spokesperson Mike Leone told FFXnow that the renovation is on track to finish later in the summer. If it’s completed by early September, RA’s Board of Directors will determine if the pool will reopen this year, since only a few weeks would remain in the pool season.
“It is a timing issue,” Leone wrote in a statement.
So far, the project is roughly 65% complete, according to a recent Reston Today video, which is produced by RA.
The new, roughly $3.5 million facility will include a pool with six lap lanes, a ramp to provide ADA access, a redesigned deck, a larger 25-space parking lot, an overlook with a pollinator garden, and expanded bathhouses, which have been moved away from the spa.
The pool has been closed since 2020 and was scheduled to break ground two falls ago. In the latest update to the RA board, staff reported that the pool was roughly one month behind schedule.
Chris Schumaker, RA’s capital projects director, said work on ADA-compliant areas is underway. An ADA ramp will lead to the main area, and the future elevated deck will extend from the edge of the pool and overlook the lake area.
Schumaker also said an issue with the retaining wall prompted a relocation of the new spa — a move that allowed the area to become ADA-accessible and cover a larger footprint.
“Due to retaining wall issues on the site, we had to relocate the spa,” Schumaker said.
The bathhouse has also been fully gutted, leading towards the 400-square-foot addition’s completion. It will also include a family bathroom.
In the fifth and last phase of RA’s pool season, only three pools are open from Sept. 5 through Sept. 24.
