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.
South Lakes High School was evacuated this morning (Wednesday) for what turned out to be a “small” fire in a bathroom, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department says.
Firefighters were dispatched to the school at 11400 South Lakes Drive in Reston around 8:45 a.m. for a building fire, according to scanner traffic on Open MHz.
A school resource officer reported that “a small fire in a metal bin in one of the bathrooms” had been put out, but a fire response was still needed to clear the scene.
“Crews located and quickly extinguished a small fire in a bathroom,” the FCFRD said. “The school was evacuated. No civilian or firefighter injuries.”
The police officer also said a medic was required for a student who had passed out in an incident that was unrelated to the fire. At 8:47 a.m., he reported that the student had regained consciousness but was not feeling well.
According to an FCFRD spokesperson, the situation is not life-threatening, and there’s no indication at this point that drugs were involved. The cause of the fire also hasn’t been determined yet.
#FCFRD units are on scene of a fire in the 11400 blk of South Lakes Dr (South Lakes High School) in Reston. Crews located and quickly extinguished a small fire in a bathroom. The school was evacuated. No civilian or firefighter injuries. @fcpsnews pic.twitter.com/QToWfnrU4G
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 3, 2024
Snow Possible This Weekend — “Rain and snow are likely to fall in the D.C. region this weekend as a significant winter storm impacts much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In the D.C. area, precipitation could go back and forth from rain to snow during the storm, perhaps mixing with a little sleet.” [Washington Post]
Police Seek Info About Herndon Parkway Crash — “Thurs, 12/28/23, at 5PM, HPD got a call about 3 pedestrians that had been struck by a gray Jeep Compass in the 1100-blk of Herndon Pkwy. We are seeking info from any that may have seen or noticed anything leading up to the incident. 703-435-6846 or [email protected].” [Herndon Police/Twitter]
Virginia Sees New Laws Take Effect — A few new laws took effect in Virginia on New Year’s Day, many of them dealing with health care. Notably, health insurers are now required to cover “the cost of hearing aids and related services to people 18 years and younger” and “give patients six months’ notice before dropping their doctors from their insurance plan.” [Washington Post]
Aging Office Building Outside Fairfax Sold — “WTHHWD LLC purchased the eight-story, 196,000-square-foot building known as Crown Ridge on Dec. 19 for just $9.5 million, or nearly 70% less than the $31.1 million the previous owner…paid for the 1980s-era property in 2020…A press release didn’t indicate what the buyer’s plans are for the property, though it highlighted a recent $1.1 million ‘upgrade’ to the building’s lobby and certain tenant amenities.” [Washington Business Journal]
Flexibility Sought for Merrifield Veterinary Site — “Fairfax County Planning Commission members on Dec. 14 unanimously recommended that county supervisors approve a rezoning with three possible development options — ranging from open-space improvements to a brand-new building — for a Merrifield commercial property.” The building at 8500 Arlington Blvd is currently occupied by a veterinary hospital. [Gazette Leader]
Sen. Kaine Pushes Bill to Ban Legacy Admissions — “The Democratic lawmaker and U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., are co-sponsors of a bill that would prohibit accredited colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment in admissions to children of alumni or those with ties to donors. The legislation has been introduced in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year that struck down affirmative action policies in college admissions.” [WTOP]
Culmore Clinic Joins Effort to Find Treatment for Parasitic Disease — “The Culmore Clinic is participating in a clinical trial for a new treatment for Chagas disease. The Culmore Clinic provides low-cost healthcare to uninsured adults in Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners. It was selected for a phase 1 trial because it serves many patients who immigrated from poor, rural areas in Latin America where the disease is prevalent.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies with a high near 47, accompanied by a light and variable wind that will shift to northwest at around 6 mph. At night, there’s a slight chance of rain, starting after 1am. The skies will be cloudy, and the temperature will drop to around 34. [Weather.gov]
Almost a year after ending its state of emergency for COVID-19, Fairfax County is expected to codify new rules for outdoor dining that were introduced in response to the pandemic.
A proposed zoning ordinance amendment will automatically let restaurants, bars and other food service establishments set up temporary seating areas where patrons can eat and drink outside, unless the area is in a parking lot, in which case an administrative permit will be needed.
Outdoor dining areas that use permanent furniture will still need to get the county’s approval during a site plan or building permit review.
“Outdoor dining can significantly improve the pedestrian experience throughout the County,” a Dec. 15 staff report says. “By activating the street-level pedestrian environment, it can increase vibrancy and make commercial areas more social and active.”
Currently, the county doesn’t have any official standards for outdoor dining, though outdoor seating is permitted as an accessory use by right — meaning a separate approval isn’t required — in all zoning districts that allow restaurants.
To support businesses while still trying to limit Covid’s spread by reducing crowds, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted an emergency ordinance on July 14, 2020 that allowed existing establishments to designate outdoor areas for dining and fitness activities without any additional approvals, though they still had to meet some site and operational requirements.
Many requirements under that temporary ordinance, which is set to expire on March 1, have been carried over to the new proposal, including a stipulation that all outdoor dining must be on impervious surface, such as a patio, sidewalk or parking lot.
The area must also be clearly marked and separated from vehicle parking spots and pedestrian access points. Tents larger than 900 square feet must be approved by the fire marshal’s office, which is also responsible for permitting any heaters or open flames under tents.
In a change from the emergency rules, outdoor dining areas will be limited to 50% of the size of indoor dining rooms as determined by a restaurant’s floor area, rather than its occupancy limit.
“In staff’s opinion, limiting the outdoor dining area based on the indoor seating area is a more accurate way to determine the allowable outdoor dining area,” the staff report said. “…This is also helpful in investigating potential violations, as DCC Investigators would be able to easily measure the outdoor dining and indoor dining area during their investigation to determine compliance.”
Acknowledging that using floor area could put smaller restaurants at a disadvantage, staff proposed alternatives that would either forgo a size limit or set a range. For patio and sidewalk dining areas, the suggested range is up to 250 square feet or 25 to 75% of the indoor dining area, whichever is greater, while areas in parking lots could be 500 square feet to 1,000 square feet per establishment.
Under the proposed amendment, establishments will no longer be required to provide separate parking for outdoor seating areas, a change implemented by the Parking Reimagined initiative that took effect on Monday, Jan. 1.
County staff also recommend tying the use of outdoor dining areas to a business’ regular operating hours. Since some establishments can be open as late as 2 a.m., prohibitions before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. for outdoor dining areas directly adjacent to or abutting single-family developments could be considered.
The proposal will get a public hearing before the Fairfax County Planning Commission on Jan. 10, followed by a Board of Supervisors vote on Feb. 6.
If the amendment is approved, the county will follow in the footsteps of Vienna, Herndon, Alexandria and Arlington, which have all approved outdoor dining regulations within the past couple of years.
A new gym is slated to open soon at Fox Mill Shopping Center in Herndon, giving residents another option for fulfilling their fitness-related New Year’s resolutions.
Anytime Fitness will occupy a 6,000-square-foot space at 2551 John Milton Drive in Herndon, according to the center’s leasing website.
There are currently two vacancies in the shopping center, which is anchored by Giant. Other tenants include Club Pilates, Exxon, Subway and Lucia’s Italian restaurant.
Anytime Fitness has locations in Chantilly, Fairfax, Manassas Park, Springfield, Arlington and Bristow, among thousands of other spots throughout the U.S. and around the world. Open 24 hours a day, the gym offers personalized fitness plans, group workouts and one-on-one training.
The company did not return a request for comment from FFXnow by press time.
Image via Google Maps
Person Killed by Train Near Reston Metro Station — “A person was struck and killed by a Metro train after police determined they were trespassing on Silver Line tracks in Fairfax County, transit officials wrote on social media Monday. The incident occurred near Reston Town Center and was announced shortly before 9:45 a.m., but officials did not say when the person died or how the individual gained access to the tracks.” [Washington Post]
I-95 Crash Injures Woman and Child — “A woman and a child were seriously injured in a crash on Interstate 95 in Fairfax County, Virginia, early Sunday morning. A spokesperson with Virginia State Police told WTOP that officers went to the northbound lanes of I-95 at the 165-mile marker where the crash occurred at 1:50 a.m.” [WTOP]
Co-op Forms to Provide Reston Air-Conditioning Service — “Directors of Reston RELAC LLC, the service entity RELAC, and Simon McKeown, acting as the Steering Committee Chair representing Reston homeowners, signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday afternoon to continue providing chilled water service to about 900 customers in Reston during the 2024 cooling season.” [Patch]
Falls Church Plans First-Ever Restaurant Week — “The City of Falls Church said it will give local diners a chance to save while getting a taste of ‘The Little City.’ Falls Church Restaurant Week will include more than 40 participating restaurants in a two-square-mile area. The ‘week’ will actually span 10 days, running from Jan. 19 to 28.” [WTOP]
McLean HS Boys Win Holiday Basketball Competition — “Overall, the McLean Highlanders finished 3-0 to win the Fairfax Holiday Hoopfest with victories in three different manners — the first on a last-second shot, a solid 13-point semifinal triumph, then a blowout in the championship game. The eight-team, three-day boys competition was played at Fairfax High School Dec. 28-30.” [Gazette Leader]
Eden Center Adds Vietnamese/Cajun Restaurant — “Crabby Noodles, a new restaurant at the Eden Center in Seven Corners, offers Vietnamese and Cajun-style seafood with a focus on crab meat. The restaurant, at 6795 Wilson Blvd., is in the former Mango Mango spot.” [Annandale Today]
Inside a South County African American History Class — “That’s how Miller says he now approaches his classroom: seeking to fill the big holes in students’ knowledge, with an eye to helping them see they are part of history, too. In the fall, after the class lays the framework by discussing their own racial and cultural backgrounds, they move on to a unit that covers African American history in Fairfax County.” [DCist]
Local Teen Advocates for Climate Action Through Art — “When it comes to the changing planet, a Fairfax County, Virginia, teen wants kids to take action now. Arielle Kouyoumdjian, 17, is founder of the Changing Planet Justice Foundation. The 11th grader said it’s an organization that ‘gives a platform for kids all over the world to submit artwork, poetry [and] journalism about how climate change is impacting their community.'” [WTOP]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 44 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind ranging from 8 to 11 mph. As the night approaches, the clouds will increase, and the temperature will drop to around 30 degrees, with a steady northwest wind at about 6 mph. [Weather.gov]
The final weekend of 2023 is near, which means it’s time for FFXnow to wrap up our first full year of operations since launching in February 2022.
The past 12 months brought plenty of change to Fairfax County, from a pivotal election cycle that reshaped the local school board and General Assembly delegation to Lego Discovery Center’s anticipated arrival at Springfield Town Center. The future became a little clearer for areas like Reston, Annandale and the West Falls Church Transit Station Area, as plans for development solidified.
But in many ways, 2023 was also a year of returning stability following the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic’s “emergency” status. Fairfax City successfully revived its Chocolate Lovers Festival, and Fairfax County Public Schools fully restored snow days, though it remains to be seen if any will be needed.
Whether you followed for crime news or to keep up with local government happenings and new restaurant openings, we’re grateful to everyone who read FFXnow this year. As a reminder, tips, photos and feedback are always welcome at [email protected] or through our anonymous tip form.
Without further ado, these were the top 10 most-read stories of 2023, in ascending order:
10. Dulles Airport could break ground on new concourse soon, MWAA chief says (Oct. 20 | 21,117 views)
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter stated that a new concourse for United Airlines, the largest carrier at Dulles International Airport, could start construction as soon as November. While it’s unclear if that goal was met, the $580 million project is just the start of plans to improve the airport’s capacity and “customer experience.”
9. Trader Joe’s confirms plan to relocate down the road in Springfield (July 17 | 21,262 views)
Springfield’s grocers are swapping places: Trader Joe’s Springfield Plaza store will move down the street to Old Keene Mill Shopping Center, where it’ll take the place of a Whole Foods Market that opened in a bigger space at Springfield Plaza on. Oct. 4. A Trader Joe’s employee said the relocation isn’t expected for another “year or so,” so FFXnow will keep an eye on that in 2024.
8. Fairfax City’s first-ever for-sale affordable housing units open to residents (Aug. 29 | 22,941 views)
Residents began moving into the Sutton Heights townhouses at 3500 Pickett Road this summer. Featuring five for-sale affordable dwelling units (ADUs), the 50-unit project from developer EYA was the first one approved under the ADU program that the city established in 2020.
7. Reston pub voted as D.C. area’s best place to drink in WTOP poll (Aug. 24 | 23,718 views)
Stories about polls and rankings that highlighted local establishments were consistently well-read this year, especially if they involved food. In this case, a reader poll conducted by the radio station WTOP singled out Makers Union at Reston Town Center as the D.C. area’s best restaurant to get a drink and the second-best brunch spot.
6. Pizza restaurant Mellow Mushroom withers away in Herndon (May 3 | 29,573 views)
Among the departures from the culinary scene this year was Herndon’s Mellow Mushroom, which served handcrafted pizzas and wings at 1030 Elden Street for nearly a decade. The chain didn’t comment on the closure except to encourage customers to “keep on shroomin’” at other locations, such as one in Chantilly.
5. Merrifield area restaurant tops Northern Virginia Magazine list of region’s best (Oct. 30 | 33,389 views)
In more upbeat restaurant news, Merrifield’s 2941 was no. 1 on Northern Virginia Magazine’s list of the region’s 50 best restaurants. The top 10 also included Nostos in Tysons (No. 6), L’Auberge Chez François in Great Falls (No. 8), Trummer’s in Clifton (No. 9) and Trio Grill in Merrifield (No. 10).
4. Former American Idol winner to headline Herndon Festival (May 26 | 39,280 views)
Rock/pop singer David Cook, winner of the singing competition show’s seventh season, was the big headliner of what will apparently be the last-ever Herndon Festival. The Town of Herndon’s annual summer celebration made a return on June 1-4 after two off years due to the pandemic and a scaled-down carnival in 2022.
3. Tysons auto dealerships to close permanently, maybe setting stage for redevelopment (July 19 | 41,075 views)
Three auto dealerships along Leesburg Pike — Priority Nissan and Mazda and Sheehy Infiniti of Tysons — all closed up shop this summer, suggesting change may be coming to an area already planned for mixed-use development. While no new plans for those sites came forward, progress was made this year on other projects near the Spring Hill Metro station, including Tysons’ first-ever all-affordable residential building.
2. NEW: Herndon Festival permanently canceled after 43 years (Dec. 11 | 48,318 views)
Just after the Herndon Festival returned to form, Herndon leaders unexpectedly announced that they’re pulling the plug on the town’s signature event, citing “increased logistical challenges, security and accessibility concerns, and [a] lack of volunteers.” Started in 1981, the 43-year-old festival drew hundreds of people to downtown Herndon for carnival rides, music, food and other summer fun.
1. BREAKING: Rep. Gerry Connolly’s staff members assaulted in Fairfax City (May 15 | 75,087 views)
A senior aide and an intern on her first day of work were assaulted by a man wielding a baseball bat at Rep. Gerry Connolly’s district office in Fairfax City around 10:49 a.m. Identified as 49-year old Fairfax resident Xuan-Kha Tran Pham, the man is facing an aggravated malicious wounding charge and reportedly has a history of struggling with his mental health.
To kick off the new year, the Fairfax County Park Foundation is offering hikers gift cards ranging from $75 to $100 for their best photos of local trails.
This upcoming Monday, Jan. 1, hikers are invited to snap pictures while exploring any of the county’s 334 miles of trails.
Started in 2017, the First Hike Fairfax contest encourages professional and amateur photographers of all ages to capture a range of scenes on Fairfax County Park Authority-owned trails, including landscapes, wildlife and people.
The contest aims to highlight the county’s public spaces, foster community connections and encourage residents to explore its “hidden gems,” says the park authority’s public information officer, Ben Boxer.
“The effort is designed to encourage individuals and families to get a healthy start to the new year by enjoying time outdoors and taking a walk in the park,” he told FFXnow.
To win a park authority gift card, photographers must submit their best shots online before noon on Tuesday, Jan. 2. A link will be posted on the county’s website at 7 a.m. on Monday, according to a press release.
Participants with the best photos can win one of seven prizes.
- People’s Choice — $100 Park Authority Gift Card.
- Judges’ Choice — $100 Park Authority Gift Card.
- Director’s Choice — $100 Park Authority Gift Card
- Best in Show (Scenery/Landscapes) — $75 Park Authority Gift Card
- Best in Show (People) — $75 Park Authority Gift Card
- Best in Show (Wildlife) — $75 Park Authority Gift Card
- Best in Show (Pets) — $75 Park Authority Gift Card
The link to vote for the People’s Choice Award goes live on Friday, Jan. 5, and will stay open until Monday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. The winners of the contest will be announced by Thursday, Jan. 11, per the release.
Only one photo entry per person is allowed, and it should be in JPG format, no larger than 5 MB. The submissions must indicate the date and specific trail where the photo was taken, according to the contest rules.
While minor digital enhancements like cropping and red-eye removal are allowed, significant alterations or additions like borders, frames, watermarks, or signatures will lead to disqualification, the rules say.
First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest returns!
Visit any FCPA trail on Jan. 1, 2024, take a photo and submit it before noon on Jan. 2, 2024! Photo Submission link will open at 7 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2024
Learn more: https://t.co/pJFP2q4PtA#firsthikefairfax #photocontest #fairfaxparks pic.twitter.com/hLKTZSvNwK— Fairfax County Parks (@fairfaxparks) December 4, 2023
A man who claimed he was stabbed by two masked strangers outside Dulles Town Center in November now faces charges of filing a false report and embezzlement from the mall’s Sports Nation store where he worked.
On Nov. 10, Fawad Fafa, 44, filed a report with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office claiming to have been a victim of a stabbing in the parking lot of the Dulles Town Center Mall in Sterling.
“Fafa reported that he left the mall and as he got into his vehicle, two males wearing masks approached his vehicle and stabbed him before fleeing in a dark-colored four-door sedan,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
Detectives determined the report was fabricated and that Fafa had injured himself, the sheriff’s office said.
On Nov. 8, an employee of the Sports Nation store where Fafa worked reported that during the overnight hours the store had been entered and money was taken. Detectives soon determined that Fafa had taken the money, according to the release.
Fafa was arrested Dec. 15 and charged with two counts of filing a false police report and embezzlement, the release said.
He was released from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center the next day on a $1,500 bond.
On Dec. 19, at approximately 9:15 p.m., detectives allege Fafa again entered the Sports Nation store and forcibly removed money from the cash register, the release said.
Additional charges were obtained for burglary and embezzlement, and Fafa was arrested by the Fairfax County Police Department. He is being held at the Fairfax County jail.
Image via Google Maps. This article was written by FFXnow’s news partner InsideNoVa.com and republished with permission. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today.
Metro Offers Late Night Service for New Year’s Eve — “Good news for those celebrating New Year’s Eve in the D.C. region: Metro trains will be running till around 2 a.m., two hours later than usual for Sundays. The exact last train times will vary depending on the station and line…Trains will start running at around 7 a.m. as usual.” [DCist]
Fairfax County Casino Bill Expected — “State Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, is planning to re-introduce legislation that would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on building a casino. He introduced similar legislation last year that went nowhere. This year, though, his proposal envisions far more than a casino and includes a convention center, concert hall, hotel, and other amenities.” [Associated Press]
Tight N. Va. Housing Market Projected for 2024 — “Home sales are projected to be down by 10% or more in Northern Virginia in 2024, bucking national projections of increases in home sales as interest rates begin to come down. But in Northern Virginia, home sales are expected to keep declining, for one simple reason: there are not enough houses to buy.” [DCist]
FCPL Unveils Most Popular Books of 2023 — For the first time, Fairfax County Public Library surpassed 3 million digital loans for the year, led by “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese among adult audiobooks and “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas among children and young adults. For print books, Louise Penny’s “World of Curiosities” topped the adult list. [Fairfax County Government]
Police Issue Warning About Cryptocurrency Scams — “In almost a dozen reported cases since the end of October, our investigators have observed a trend in scams involving cryptocurrency. Criminals are exploiting individuals, particularly the elderly, into depositing money into crypto ATMs and defrauding them of their money.” [FCPD]
Regional Pizza Chain Wins Over Italian Critics — “Pupatella, a pizza restaurant with multiple locations in the D.C. area, has been recognized by an Italian-based critics group as one of world’s most ‘excellent Pizzerias.’ Chief operating officer Jim Biafore said the recognition from 50 Top Pizza is especially thrilling “as they prepare to open a new Chantilly, Virginia, location in the next week or two.” [WTOP]
Free Lyft Rides Available for New Year’s Eve — “Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering its SoberRide program again this year to offer an alternative to drinking and driving. Anyone in the region out late on New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day in need of a ride home can get one through the 2023 Holiday SoberRide program. The program runs from 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 to 4 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.” [ALXnow]
Local Golf Instructor Named One of State’s Top Teachers — “For the fourth-consecutive year, Jon Eisman has been rated one of Virginia’s Top 10 Best Teachers by Golf Digest magazine. Eisman is the director of instruction and owner of the Eisman Golf Academy at Laurel Hill Golf Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]
It’s Friday — Expect a mostly cloudy day with a high near 50 and a slight chance of rain. The chance of precipitation is 20%. The rain may continue at night until 1 am, with the temperature dropping to around 35. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 6:35 p.m.) A driver hit three pedestrians on Herndon Parkway near the Elden Street intersection, police say.
Herndon Parkway’s outer loop is currently closed from Elden Street outside H-Mart to Summerfield Drive in response to the crash, according to the Herndon Police Department.
“One victim transported to an area hospital, 1 victim minor injuries, and 1 pedestrian victim still being tended to on scene,” Herndon police said.
Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Herndon Parkway around 5:03 p.m. after an SUV driver reportedly went onto the sidewalk and struck a male pedestrian in a gravel parking lot, according to scanner traffic on Open MHz.
The three pedestrian victims included a boy who was found unconscious, a man and a woman estimated to be in her mid-20s who got pinned under the vehicle, according to police and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department scanner traffic.
The boy was transported to the emergency room at Inova Fairfax Hospital, an FCFRD responder said on the scanner at 5:13 p.m. A police officer said at 5:25 p.m. that the female pedestrian who had to be extricated from under the vehicle was transported to Reston Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver remained at the scene.
The Herndon Police Department said just before 6:30 p.m. that two pedestrians were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, but the circumstances of the crash and the ages of the victims haven’t been confirmed.
INCIDENT ALERT: Herndon Parkway outer loop from Summerfield to H Mart completely closed for a crash involving pedestrians. One victim transported to an area hospital, 1 victim minor injuries, and 1 pedestrian victim still being tended to on scene. Updates as available. pic.twitter.com/sZJ1D9MKXF
— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) December 28, 2023
Fairfax County police arrested 10 men in a sting operation focused on online solicitations of sex from children (courtesy FCPD)
Almost a dozen men, whose jobs reportedly range from technology worker to yoga instructor, have been charged with attempting to solicit sex from children after a three-day sting operation by the Fairfax County Police Department.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis announced this morning that 10 men were arrested as a result of “Operation ADC Express 2,” which began on Dec. 18 and involved undercover detectives with the department’s Child Exploitation Unit posing online as 13 or 14-year-old teens.
Noting that several of those arrested have criminal records, Davis said he’s “satisfied” to see that “10 predators are in jail this holiday season.”
“We never know the true impact of taking one of these predators off the street, because ultimately, they offend again, again and again,” Davis said at the press conference. “It’s been my experience that the only way to interrupt the criminal misconduct of these types of predators is to incarcerate them, so that’s exactly what we did.”
According to the FCPD, the undercover detectives encountered the suspects in online forums, where the men initiated “sexually related conversations” even though the detectives explicitly presented themselves as underaged.
The men were arrested when they attempted to meet the detectives, who they believed were teens, at an agreed-upon “familiar public place,” Davis said.
Collectively facing 25 felony charges, all of the suspects are in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond, as of this morning, according to police.
- Michael Flannery, 33, of Winchester was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
- Casto Ian Unson III, 35, of Vienna was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
- Ravi Vongavolu, 24, of Herndon was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
- Rabiul Islam, 44, of Arlington was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old and Attempted Production of CSAM.
- Osman Aslan, 30, of Vienna was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
- Estuardo Orozco Orozco, 27, of Falls Church was arrested and charged with Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
- Mohamed Elnefili, 38, of Qatar was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old. He was currently staying in Springfield at the time of his arrest.
- Roy Hayes, 22 of Herndon was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
- Imran Ahmad, 42, of Ashburn was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
- Bassem Karam, 36, of Herndon was arrested and charged with Attempted Indecent Liberties and Computer-Solicitation of Child Under 15-Years-Old.
Police officials urged parents to have conversations with their children about safely using apps and social media and avoiding inappropriate interactions with strangers online, suggesting the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as a resource.
According to Davis, one of the FCPD’s goals for 2024 is to conduct more operations similar to this three-day crackdown.
“Our community can expect to see more of this in 2024, because our children deserve it,” he said.
Local police have released additional details about this week’s crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian on Reston Parkway.
Peter McCandless, 87, was killed after he attempted to cross the southbound lanes of Reston Parkway at Market Street shortly after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
“McCandless was walking inside the crosswalk but crossed against the signal,” police said.
The driver of a 2017 Mercedes ML350 was going south on Reston Parkway before Market Street in the right lane when they hit McCandless, who was walking from west to east. McCandless was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Mercedes driver and the passenger both remained at the scene of the crash.
“Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash,” the FCPD said. “Alcohol was deemed to not be a factor in this crash and speed is still under investigation.”
This is the ninth fatal pedestrian crash this year. Fairfax County police recorded 23 fatal pedestrian crashes by this time in 2022, though the final death toll was a record high of 32 when including crashes on highways and the Dulles Toll Road.
Pedestrian Hospitalized in Springfield Hit-and-Run — “Officers are on scene of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at Huntsman Blvd/Bridle Wood Dr in Springfield. The pedestrian, an adult woman, was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Striking vehicle fled the scene.” [FCPD/Twitter]
County Housing Authority’s HQ Gets Solar Panels — “A new rooftop solar array and other energy improvements at the Pender Office Building will save money and lower greenhouse gas emissions…Overall, the project is expected to reduce annual electricity consumption by 23%, producing up to $35,500 in savings in the first year.” [Fairfax County Government]
Local Verizon Customers May Lose Some TV Channels — “Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) says it could cut off all Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) channels across the U.S., including ABC and Fox affiliates in the Greater Washington, Richmond and Baltimore markets, if the two can’t come to an agreement over pricing before the stroke of midnight Jan. 1.” [Washington Business Journal]
Two Arrested for Gift Card-Related Fraud — “Two California men were arrested by Fairfax County police in connection with a complex fraud ring involving altered gifts cards from Target, police said Wednesday. Officers assigned to the Springfield Town Center were alerted by Target on Dec. 20 about two men who were altering gift cards in their store and doing the same thing on the same day at a Target store in Manassas.” [Patch]
Smoothie King Near Fort Belvoir Shutters — “Smoothie King, a nutrition-focused beverage franchise, shuttered its Belvoir Square location just outside the Fort Belvoir garrison in early December. The store first opened there in late 2019. A sign on the door of the establishment expresses thanks to loyal customers and says it was a hard decision to close Dec. 1.” [On the MoVe]
Temporary K-Pop Store Opens in Annandale — “There’s a new source for everything K-pop in Annandale. A popup store called K Pop Nation opened Dec. 22 in the food court at the K Market International grocery store on John Marr Drive in Annandale. Its last day is Jan. 7.” [Annandale Today]
McLean Delegate Previews 2024 Session — “The 2024 General Assembly session will be lively, with Democrats holding narrow majorities in both houses and needing to get their bills past a Republican governor, whose recently introduced budget has some provocative tax proposals,” Delegate Marcus Simon told the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce at a recent legislative breakfast. [Gazette Leader]
Reston Station Developer Buys Maryland Site — “Comstock, the Reston, Va., developer behind 80-acre Reston Station, has set its sights on a new development in Rockville, Md. The company acquired an 18,150-square-foot vacant parcel at 41 Maryland Avenue for $1.5 million.” Currently a parking lot, the site has been approved for up to 117 multifamily units and approximately 11,000 square feet of retail. [Commercial Observer]
It’s Thursday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 58 with a northwest wind at around 7 mph today. Tonight, there’s a 30% chance of rain after 1am, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 43. The northwest wind will be lighter, between 3 to 6 mph. [Weather.gov]
