Updated at 5:50 p.m. — Georgetown Pike has now reopened, Fairfax County police say.
Earlier: Georgetown Pike has been closed in both directions near Old Dominion Drive in Great Falls in the wake of a vehicle crash.
“Wires are in the roadway and Virginia Power Company is on the scene,” the Fairfax County Police Department said at 9:07 a.m. “Avoid the area if possible.”
The closure extends to the River Bend Road intersection, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s traffic camera site, which advises that drivers should expect delays
The impact of the downed wires appears to be relatively limited, causing a power outage for just 39 customers, according to Dominion Energy’s outage map.
“A truck hit a utility pole bringing wires down,” Dominion Energy spokesperson Peggy Fox said. “We were able to restore power to most customers with switching, but 21 customers will remain without power while repairs are done.”
The utility company’s estimated time of restoration for those remaining customers is 1 p.m., Fox said.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Northbound and southbound Georgetown Pike closed due to an accident. Wires are in the roadway and Virginia Power Company is on the scene. Avoid the area if possible. Follow police Directions and expect delays. pic.twitter.com/H2S0kIGUYq
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) April 17, 2023
Person Trapped in Car in Annandale — “Approximately 10:45 a.m., [Sunday] units were on the scene of a car overturned in the 5000 block of Backlick Road. One occupant was trapped. Extricated by Rescue Squad 426, Edsall Road, and transported to hospital with minor injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
Innovation Station Development Nears Vote — Loudoun County supervisors discussed the latest draft of the Rivana at Innovation Station project last week, scheduling a vote for May 16. Straddling the Fairfax County border, the development “could include more than 2,700 apartments or condominiums, 450 hotel rooms, 2.4 million square feet of office space, 347,000 square feet of commercial space and 127,000 square feet of ‘civic uses,’ the last of which could include a performing arts center.” [Loudoun Times-Mirror]
Students Adapt to FCPS Ban on Cellphones — “A new report from the Fairfax County, Virginia, school system, reveals 459 students were written up for cellphone violations during the first semester of the current school year…[The new policy] was initially met with backlash, but students have since conceded that it helps them focus on their work.” [WTOP]
FCPS Hires Neurodiversity Specialist — “Fairfax County Public Schools added three specialists to its roster in an effort to better meet the needs of neurodivergent students. One of the new hires, Kristen Haynor, ‘is believed to be the first Neurodiversity Specialist in a U.S. K-12 public schools setting,’ the system said” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Four Cybersecurity Companies Become One in McLean — “The New York investment firm Achieve Partners acquired two local firms — McLean-based W@tchTower and Stage 2 Security in Lanham — along with Phoenix-based Mosaic451 and Metmox in Schaumberg, Illinois, over the course of 2022 and has merged them into a new, McLean-based company called UltraViolet Cyber.” [DC Inno]
Tysons Nail Salon Considers Expansion — “Nothing in Between is a nail salon founded by Jade Kim Trusso in 2016 in Falls Church — with a second, larger location, complete with massage services, that opened mid-pandemic at Capital One Center…Trusso plans to open additional corporate locations in Northern Virginia, perhaps near Amazon.com Inc.’s second headquarters, and she said the franchising of Nothing in Between could begin as soon as June.” [Washington Business Journal]
Police Chief Highlights Pets Up for Adoption — “We’re excited to announce that each month, Fairfax County Police Department’s Chief Davis will select an adoptable pet to feature. We’re calling it ‘Chief’s Choice.’ This month’s Chief’s Choice is Despacito, who has been in our care since last September.” [Fairfax County Animal Shelter/Facebook]
Skateboarding Event Planned at Wakefield Park — “You’re not going to want to miss this year’s Skate the Wake at the newly redesigned Wakefield Skate Park! Join the Park Authority on May 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a full day of fun and entertainment, featuring celebrity guests, music, food, door prizes, local vendors and more.” [FCPA]
It’s Monday — Light rain. Mostly cloudy. Mild. High of 66 and low of 56. Sunrise at 6:29 am and sunset at 7:47 pm. [Weather.gov]
A Reston woman who teaches at James Madison High School was arrested yesterday (Thursday) for reportedly having a sexual relationship with a student.
The student “disclosed an inappropriate sexual relationship” to school administrators, who notified law enforcement on Wednesday (April 12), the Fairfax County Police Department said in a news release today (Friday).
“Detectives were notified and assumed the investigation,” the FCPD said. “Detectives determined Allieh Kheradmand, 33, of Reston had unlawful contact with a student over the past several months.”
Kheradmand works at Madison as a learning disabilities teacher. She has been employed by Fairfax County Public Schools since 2016, according to police.
She has been charged with four counts of indecent liberties by a custodian of a student, a felony offense in Virginia. She’s currently being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, per the FCPD.
Kheradmand has been placed on administrative leave, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid and Madison principal Liz Calvert said in a message to families and staff.
“In Madison and across FCPS, our primary responsibility is the safety and security of everyone who enters our doors,” Reid and Calvert wrote. “This is something we take very seriously. As educators, we are entrusted with the wellbeing of the children in our care every day. It deeply affects us when someone appears to have broken that trust.”
The FCPD advises anyone with information about this case, or other possibly related incidents, to contact its detectives at 703-246-7800, option “4.” The department also accepts anonymous tips by phone (1-866-411-TIPS) and online.
The full message from FCPS is below.
Madison High School Families and Staff,
We need to inform you that Fairfax County police have announced that a teacher at Madison High School has been arrested and charged with four counts of indecent liberties by a custodian of a student. The employee has been placed on administrative leave.
In Madison and across FCPS, our primary responsibility is the safety and security of everyone who enters our doors. This is something we take very seriously. As educators, we are entrusted with the wellbeing of the children in our care every day. It deeply affects us when someone appears to have broken that trust. Please contact Fairfax County Police Major Crimes Bureau if you have any information you would like to share at 703-246-7800, option 3.
If you have specific concerns about your student, please contact our main office or your child’s school counselor. You can find your child’s school counselor on our website. School staff will support students in any way they need.
Sincerely,
Liz Calvert
Principal
Madison High School
Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools
The Reston location’s closure follows the closure of the Elden Street location (courtesy anonymous tip)
Burger King has shuttered its doors in Reston.
The business — which also closed its Elden Street location on Tuesday (April 11) — was located at 2270 Hunters Woods Plaza.
“Thank you so much for allowing us to serve you and the community for so many great years,” a sign posted at the door of the Reston location said.
Its last day of business was April 9. The company did not immediately return a request for comment from FFXnow on the closure.
A local resident who describes himself as a regular customer said the closure appears abrupt.
He said the restaurant had a hiring notice posted a few days ago. The resident was also able to place an order via an app online, but when he went to pick up the food, a blue bench blocked entry into the drive-through. He was later told the location was closed.
“Their staff was very helpful and respectful,” the resident said. “Sad to see it shut down.”
Restaurant Business Magazine reported this week that Meridian Restaurants Unlimited — a Burger King franchisee — has plans to close 27 Burger Kings across several states. Locations in Virginia were not on the list.
Hat tip to Siraj Ahmed
The Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Fairfax County is currently set to keep its real estate tax rate the same as last year, but some local residents accused county leadership of trying to disguise a tax hike for local residents.
During a meeting on Tuesday (April 11), the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing for the fiscal year 2024 tax rate, which is likely to hold steady at $1.11 per $100 of assessed value.
The staff report notes, however, that holding the tax rate steady is effectively an increase in the tax bill for most residents. According to the report:
It should be noted that the total increase in assessed value of existing properties is expected to be 5.68 percent, including an increase of 6.97 percent for residential real property and an increase of 1.65 percent for non-residential real property. As a result, most property owners would experience an increase in their real estate tax bill even if the tax rate remains unchanged.
The tax rate drew the ire of some locals in the public comments, who said the relatively low attendance at the meeting was another sign that the public didn’t fully understand what the tax rate would mean for their bills.
“In his March 7 email, the Chairman said the advertised rate of $1.11 is unchanged from last year,” said Arthur Purves, president of the Fairfax County Taxpayers’ Alliance. “That statement is in violation of the Virginia Code, which states that previous years’ rate must be lowered to offset an increase in assessments.”
He claimed that the rate should be lowered to $1.05 and accused the County leadership of underhanded dealing when it came to the tax rate.
“A good rule of thumb for homeowners is that when supervisors say they are reducing the tax rate, expect a tax hike,” Purves said. “This is because the Supervisors only reduce the rate when there is an assessment increase and the rate is never reduced enough to offset the assessment increase.”
Purves said that, even as someone aware of the ins and outs of the budget process, it was still frustratingly difficult to find out when the public hearing on the proposed tax rate was being held. Others said they had similar challenges finding out when the budget hearings would be held.
“These taxes are a significant financial burden for businesses and homeowners alike,” said Justin Mastrangelo. “While I understand what you’re trying to do behind the increase, it can be difficult for many of us to absorb the cost.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay previously called the budget forecast a “real mixed bag” and indicated to FFXnow that he would support a reduction in the tax rate, though the board hasn’t signaled how much of a drop is under consideration.
Others at the public hearing noted that inflation and changing real estate markets would, as Mastrangelo said, put much of the costs onto county residents.
The tax rate is open to feedback until May 2, 2023. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote and adopt the FY 2024 budget on May 9.
A survey that will guide an economic visioning study for Reston’s Lake Anne area reveals community support for active public spaces and arts and culture focuses.
Consulting firm Streetsense hosted a public workshop on Monday (April 10) at Reston Community Center where roughly 50 attendees gathered to dive deeper into their hopes for the future of the area.
A public survey conducted by the firm found that most respondents prefer cultural and arts facilities, activated public spaces and a grocery store as options to anchor the community. Medical or institutional and office and technology uses were not desired.
“Respondents tend to agree that responsibility for public areas of Lake Anne should be borne by a wider set of parties than current management,” meeting materials said.
The survey closed in mid-March, with most respondents hailing from outside the Lake Anne area.
Respondents also generally agreed or were neutral about the possibility of adding structured parking.
The survey revealed mixed views on an “educational anchor” or school in the area. A little over 40% of respondents agreed with the need for new residential development — roughly 5 percentage points more than those who disagreed with the prospect.
Residents were also divided on whether economic sustainability was a priority at the expense of the neighborhood’s historic aspects. The survey found that “seasonality” and infrastructure were the two biggest challenges facing the area.
The largest portion of respondents — nearly 45% — was age 65 or older. Most also lived outside of the immediate Lake Anne area. Roughly 56% of respondents also reported a household income of $160,000 or more.
The firm also held four virtual focus groups with area stakeholders earlier this year, as it creates an economic vision for the future of the Lake Anne Commercial Revitalization Area.
The study was initiated by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn.
After releasing the first draft of the vision on May 18, Streetsense hopes to firm up a formal vision by June 5.
Updated at 12:55 p.m. — The National Park Service has delayed the GW Parkway changes due to forecasts calling for inclement weather over the weekend. The lane shift is now expected to begin around April 21-24.
Earlier: Reminder: Southbound GW Parkway Closure Begins — “Starting Saturday, the National Park Service will begin making changes that will slow traffic on the northern part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway until December 2025…On the northbound side, there will be three lanes instead of the usual two, with the middle of the three being reversible.” [ABC7]
Man Killed in Chantilly by Falling Tree — “A man died while cutting trees in Chantilly, Virginia, when one fell on him Thursday afternoon. Fairfax County police said he and others were working in the area, cutting down trees behind homes on Pleasant Valley Road.” [WTOP]
Lake Accotink Boat Launch Closed for Now — “The boat launch at Lake Accotink Park will be closed until further notice. The water levels at the lake were lowered to facilitate the replacement of the flashboards at the top of the dam. Progress on this project is moving along smoothly, but the lowered water levels have created shallows that are not passable by boat.” [Walkinshaw Advisory]
Pajama Ban No Longer Proposed by FCPS — “Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia is no longer considering a change to its dress code that would have prohibited students from wearing pajamas or sleepwear to school. Virginia’s largest school system unveiled the proposed change…last month. But in a statement, a county schools spokeswoman said the proposal is no longer included in the draft of the handbook.” [WTOP]
Thefts Have Increased in Mount Vernon District — “According to data from Fairfax County Police Department’s (FCPD) Crime Analysis Unit, the number of assault offenses, larceny/theft offenses — including larceny of motor vehicle parts — and motor vehicle thefts were higher from January to March 2023 than they were from January to March 2022.” [On the MoVe]
Falls Church Auctionhouse Pitches Development — The Falls Church City auctionhouse, Quinn Enterprises, has submitted a plan to redevelop three parcels at S. Washington starting at the Annandale Road intersection. The project would replace the auctionhouse and a nonprofit’s headquarters with a 10-story mixed-use building with senior housing and commercial space. [Falls Church News-Press]
Reston Cybersecurity Startup Raises Over $3 Million — “With the help of a recent seed round, Reston, Virginia-based trackd seeks to test a novel model for cybersecurity…The company anticipates raising another round later this year for further growth,” while developing a concept called “collective defense” that suggests organizations can work together “across different industries to defend against cyber threats.” [Technical.ly]
Hilton Repeats as Second Best Place to Work — “Tysons-based Hilton ranked at no. 2 in the nation on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies To Work For list. Three additional Fairfax County-headquartered companies placed on the list.” Hilton was also ranked second last year, but the second-highest Fairfax County company, Capital One, dropped to No. 15 after placing 10th in 2022. [Fairfax County EDA]
It’s Friday — Light rain. Overcast. Warm. High of 82 and low of 60. Sunrise at 6:33 am and sunset at 7:44 pm. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 8 p.m.) A white bus with a blue strip attempted to pick up children at a bus stop in the Southington Lane area of Reston earlier this morning (Thursday).
Local police are investigating the incident, which happened around 7:44 a.m.
The driver reportedly drove off after a community member tried to speak with the driver. The driver, who is described as a white male with facial hair, shut the door and drove off.
A second incident happened about 10 minutes later involving a different bus. An unmarked yellow school bus with black stripes tried to pick up elementary school students at a bus stop in the area of Chynoweth Street and Telegraph Road in Lorton, Fairfax County police said.
That driver also drove away when confronted by a community member. He was described as a man with long curly brown hair who wore a surgical mask and dark clothing.
Police said later that the Lorton driver was identified.
“The bus was there for another pick up and no criminal activity suspected,” the Fairfax County Police Department said.
The FCPD urged anyone with additional information to use the following means to contact investigators:
If you have any information about this incident, please call 703-691-2131. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and online [at] www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org. You may also download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for someone to follow up with you.
It’s repaving and restriping season once again, with public meetings coming later this month on proposed projects that would add bicycle lanes and improve crosswalks.
April marks the beginning of an annual process that ends in November with hundreds of miles of roadway being repaved and restriped by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
In Fairfax County, more than 1,700 miles of roadway are expected to be repaved this year. The work often leads to new bike lanes, shoulders, crosswalks, signage, and street markings.
The program is “an opportunity to increase driver, bicyclist and pedestrian safety with road and crosswalk improvements while minimizing the financial investment in restriping work,” the Fairfax County Department of Transportation says on its website.
The first virtual public meeting hosted by VDOT and FCDOT will come on April 17 at 7 p.m. and cover proposals in the Hunter Mill and Providence districts.
One plan would add bicycle lanes on Glade Drive between Sunrise Valley Drive and Reston Parkway in Reston by narrowing the driver travel lanes.
In addition, upgrades are proposed at Monroe Street and Monroe Manor Drive in Herndon. This could include “marked crosswalks, high-visibility crosswalks and/or crosswalk signage,” the county says.
After a proposal for Ellenwood Drive was discussed at a separate meeting in February, the Providence District could get more bicycle lanes at four spots in the Merrifield and Annandale area:
- Executive Park Avenue between the Red Cross building and Prosperity Avenue
- Gatehouse Road between Telestar Court to Gallows Road and, potentially, Gallows Road to Williams Drive
- Williams Drive between Eskridge Road and Arlington Blvd and potentially between Arlington Blvd and Pennell Street
- Willow Oaks Corporate Drive between Williams Drive and Gallows Road
The lanes would be added by narrowing travel lanes or “repurposing underutilized parking lanes.”
Upgrades are also being considered for the intersection of Willow Oaks Corporate Drive and Professional Center Access Road in Merrifield. This could include marked crosswalks, high-visibility crosswalks, and additional signage.
Comments on projects in both districts will be accepted through the close of business on May 1.
Virtual public meetings will be held to discuss projects in Sully District on April 18, Franconia and Mount Vernon on April 19, Braddock and Mason on April 20, and Springfield on April 26.
Most of the proposed projects in those districts would also add bike lanes and improve crosswalks.
While all repaving and restriping work is set to begin soon and conclude by November, exact work dates for each project will be available “approximately ten days prior to work beginning.”
If the repaving requires parking to be limited, signs will be posted at least three business days in advance. Parked cars, basketball hoops, and garbage cans may need to be moved to accommodate the work.
In general, work hours will be limited to “outside of rush hours” with crews typically on-site in neighborhood streets on weekdays between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, on interstates and some primary roads, work might happen overnight to limit the impact.
Residents should expect construction vehicles in their neighborhood during the project, and the county is asking motorists to “be alert to temporary traffic patterns.”
A major survey of citizens in the Town of Herndon is officially underway.
The town has hired Priority Metric Groups (PMG) to complete a survey through early May that asks for respondents to gauge their satisfaction with town services and programs.
The survey seeks opinions on topics like the conditions of streets and parks, special events, amenities, and levels of service provided at town facilities.
“Citizens are randomly selected to participate in the telephone, email and text survey; a total of 300 responses will be analyzed, resulting in statistically valid data on satisfaction levels,” the town said in a news release yesterday (Wednesday).
The Herndon Town Council will review results of the survey at a work session later this year.
This isn’t the first time the town has conducted a comprehensive citizen opinion survey. The last survey — which was conducted in 2018 — will be used to benchmark survey results.
“You may be contacted by phone, text or email to participate in this survey,” Town Manager Bill Ashton said. “We encourage you to take a few minutes to do so, as your feedback will help inform how we allocate resources to enhance our services to town citizens.”
The same firm — PMG — conducted the last survey, which found that nearly 87% of town citizens were satisfied with the town’s quality of life. Roughly 75% of businesses also reported satisfaction. Areas of improvement included traffic congestion, speed of response by town employees and the level of taxation for businesses.
Report: County 911 Center Contributed to Confusion on CPR Call — “When firefighters and medics were sent to the wrong Reston, Virginia Metro station last month for a man in cardiac arrest Fairfax County blamed Metro…A recording of Metro’s call along with 911 center documents show Fairfax County provided both misleading and wrong information in its official statements.” [STATer911]
McLean Mac and Cheese Startup Lands New Funding — “McLean frozen food brand 8 Myles Inc. is closing a $1.05 million seed round this week to expand its operations and hire its first-ever full time employee. Co-founded by Myles Powell in 2015, 8 Myles makes frozen homestyle macaroni and cheese dinners that use no preservatives or artificial ingredients.” [DC Inno]
Temporary FCPS Worker Arrested for Exposing Himself — “A Dumfries man, who was a staff member at a Fairfax County high school, has turned himself in to police for allegedly exposing himself to an employee at a Cracker Barrel restaurant.” Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s principal said the man “was a temporary hourly staff member” and no longer has access to the school. [FOX5]
Group Planned to Look at Justice HS Parking — Fairfax County Public Schools is inviting Justice High School families, staff, students, and community members to serve on a new Justice High School Pyramid Community Working Group that will examine “parking and transportation needs and potential solutions.” An expansion for the Lake Barcroft school was approved last year. [Annandale Today]
Vienna Advances Sidewalk Project Despite Possible Tree Losses — “A proposed sidewalk on the west side of Hillcrest Drive, S.W., has received push-back from residents in the past, but the Vienna Town Council voted 6-1 April 10 to proceed with final engineering-design work for the project.” Up to 26 trees may need to be removed. [Gazette Leader]
General Assembly Takes Action on Vetoes and Amendments — “The politically divided Virginia General Assembly worked through Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s scores of proposed amendments to legislation during a one-day session Wednesday, approving most of his suggestions on matters ranging from intoxicating hemp products to energy policy.” [Associated Press/WTOP]
Reston Restaurant Hosts Local Author Signings — “Three local authors with links to South Lakes High School will be at Red’s Table Restaurant in South Lakes Village Center talking about their work and signing copies of their books on Thursday. Chuck Cascio, author of seven books who had taught at South Lakes for 18 years, will be joined by his former students Sean Murphy and Danny Olmes.” [Patch]
McLean Library to Stage Pop-Up Book Display Friday — “Dolley Madison Library proudly presents our Pop-up Book collection for your viewing pleasure. An opportunity to enjoy the art and imagination of the Pop-up Book as stories ‘POP’ off the page! All Ages, children must be accompanied by caregiver.” [Fairfax County Public Library]
It’s Thursday — Sunny. Pleasantly warm. High of 85 and low of 59. Sunrise at 6:35 am and sunset at 7:43 pm. [Weather.gov]
Changes to the appearance of the former Residence Inn are proposed (via Town of Herndon)
The repurposing of the former Residence Inn at 315 Elden Street in the Town of Herndon is officially underway.
After receiving approval from the Herndon Town Council, the company Blue Ocean is in the midst of transforming the vacated hotel into a multifamily residential unit complex called Trellis.
At an April 5 meeting with the town’s Architectural Review Board, the applicant reviewed its plans for the property, which spans roughly 6.5 acres of land on the corner of Elden Street and Herndon Parkway.
While a temporary banner currently lies over the old hotel sign at the front of the property, the company plans to modernize some aspects of the building.
So far, Blue Ocean hopes to repaint most of the exterior of the buildings, which are currently a mix of unpainted brick and paneling.
While staff was generally supportive of the plan, additional information on the type of paint to be used was sought.
“There are specific types of paint that should be used for masonry and for metal elements such as window frames and chimney hoods,” staff wrote in an April 5 memo. “If the correct types of paint are not used the paint can deteriorate quickly resulting in damage and unsightliness.”
Staff asked for more information about the specification for the paint and its appropriateness for varying surfaces. They also questioned whether a bicycle shelter or enclosure is still planned as part of the project.
The website for Trellis describes the apartments as a “modern extended stay.” Weekly rates will start at $575, while monthly rates start at $1,800 . The units range in size from roughly 480 to 830 square feet and are fully furnished, according to the company’s website.
(Updated at 8:55 p.m.) Reston Association released election results for this year’s Board of Directors’ race at its annual member meeting yesterday (Tuesday) night.
John Farrell edged out Margaret Perry for a three-year term as an at-large director with 3,337 votes — the most in the at-large races.
(Correction: This article initially said that Farrell received the most votes of any candidate. Hat tip to Terry Maynard for pointing out the error.)
Trevor Grywatch secured a two-year, at-large director seat over Jalal Mapar. Bob Petrine, a current board member, also won a one-year, at-large seat against Michael Brandland.
The remaining two seats were uncontested. Travis Johnson will be the Hunters Woods/Dogwood District director for a three-year term, while Mike Collins will serve as the apartment owners’ representative, also for a three-year term.
Voting for the annual election took place throughout last month.
John Norton, chairman of RA’s elections committee, said that the overall turnout for the election was nearly 14.6% — 4.6 percentage points above the 10% quorum requirement for each race.
“Everybody was over 10%. Comfortably so,” Norton said.
RA CEO Mac Cummins thanked Perry for her work on the board after nine months of service. He said she was instrumental in his onboarding after he assumed the CEO position last summer and the development of parks and recreation planning.
Perry filled a seat that was vacated by a previous board member last year.
Cummins said she “served with distinction” and brought “incredible passion” to her position.
Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area should be on alert for potential outdoor fire hazards today (Wednesday), the National Weather Service says.
A combination of wind gusts and dry weather has created an “elevated threat” of wildfires throughout the region until the early evening, according to a special weather statement issued just after 9 a.m.
From the alert, which will be in effect until 8 p.m.:
…ELEVATED THREAT FOR THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES THROUGH THE EARLY EVENING…
West to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected with gusts around 20 to 25 mph through this afternoon and relative humidity values will fall to between 20 and 30 percent. Given recent dry weather, fuels are very dry. Therefore, an elevated fire danger will continue until about 8 PM before the winds gradually weaken and humidity rises.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Please refer to your local burn permitting authority on whether you can burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire suppression is readily available.
Some areas of Northern Virginia further to the west are under a Red Flag Warning.
The fire risk comes as temperatures are expected to reach the low 80s, which is well above average for April, according to the weather service.
That warmer-than-average trend is projected to continue into tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday (April 14), the Capital Weather Gang forecasts, stating that the next couple of days could feel like early summer.
Clouds will be on the decrease this morning, with sunny skies expected during the afternoon hours. Temperatures will be well above normal for April. pic.twitter.com/mOQblDA2p1
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 12, 2023
All kids under the age of 12 will soon be able to ride the Fairfax Connector for free.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday (Tuesday) to change the bus system’s policy to allow any child 12 or younger to ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
The vote closes a gap in the county’s transit policy that left children between ages 5 and 12 paying for bus fare, while younger kids and high school students can ride for free.
Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn said the change is part of an ongoing effort to expand the number of riders who can ride Fairfax Connector fare-free — without going fully free like neighboring Alexandria.
“This is a nice step forward,” said Alcorn. “…As we move forward with identifying populations that really should get free fare, we should do that, and just as a reminder, we have some other things coming in terms of reduced fare. So, this is one of a number of initiatives we’re doing in terms of our bus fare strategy.”
Chairman Jeff McKay said one of the long-term benefits of getting more children riding Fairfax Connector is familiarizing a new generation with mass transit.
“This is great,” McKay said. “Not only is it for people who need it — in this case it’s free fare for children — but we’re also building a population and educating a population on how to use mass transit. It’s an investment in the future, and we’ve certainly seen that with the student bus pass program.
Calling the new policy “fantastic,” he thanked county staff for proposing the change and “the speed at which they got this to the Board for approval.”
The new policy will take effect on May 1.
