Man Fatally Stabbed in McLean Had Just Retired — “Alan Miller Kaufmann was just days into retirement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development but was eagerly embracing post-work life. He wrote in an email to his sister that he had pored through six books, called old friends and watched a lot of sports…The day after Lauren Kaufmann read her brother’s email, Fairfax County police found Alan Kaufmann, 68, dead from a stab wound at his home in McLean” [The Washington Post]
Tim Kaine Will Seek Reelection in Senate — “Sen. Tim Kaine announced Friday that he will seek a third Senate term next year, a boost for Democrats who face a tough map in 2024. The 2016 vice presidential nominee’s decision follows months of suspense and rumors of a potential retirement.” [Politico]
Jury Sides With Police in Sex Trafficking Lawsuit — “A woman from Costa Rica who sued a former Fairfax County police chief and three former officers, alleging that they conspired with a sex-trafficking ring in Northern Virginia, was unable to convince a jury to support her claims.” [The Washington Post]
Contact Sports Reportedly Banned at Mantua ES — “Mantua Elementary School in Fairfax County has temporarily banned contact sports at recess, according to a letter sent to parents Friday…Principal Linda Shannon cited increasing conflict, injury, and poor sportsmanship as reasons for the change, and said the school is working to find ways to conduct the sports safely.” [ABC7]
FCPS Superintendent Addresses Merit Commendations — “This is not a war on merit, nor was it a concerted system-wide effort to deny recognition to these students. I sincerely believe the current antiquated process of how the certificates are provided to individual schools across the nation, and the absence of an FCPS system-wide approach to timely notification, contributed to the inconsistencies in the notification process and recognition of student achievements.” [Dr. Michelle Reid/FCPS]
Amazon Web Services Plans Big Data Center Expansion — “Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), plans to invest $35 billion by 2040 to establish multiple data center campuses across Virginia…This announcement of planned investment will create at least 1,000 total new jobs across Virginia.” [Office of the Governor/ARLnow]
Tysons-Based Capital One Plans Layoffs — “McLean consumer-lending giant Capital One Financial Corp. (NYSE: COF) is eliminating hundreds of technology jobs, according to multiple reports. More than 1,100 employees are impacted, according to Bloomberg, which was the first to report on the cuts.” [Washington Business Journal]
Mount Vernon Will Be Featured on PBS — “The Mount Vernon area will be featured on the next episode of WETA’s ‘If You Lived Here’ series, scheduled to air Monday, Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. The popular house-hunting and neighborhood history show…is hosted by John Begeny and Christine Louise, who spotlight various neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C. metro area while accompanied by a realtor.” [On the MoVe]
Vienna Church Seeks Volunteers for Shelter — “During the winter season, rotating faith community sites in Fairfax County typically host the hypothermia program, which provides overnight shelter and food to the homeless. Vienna Presbyterian Church is scheduled to host the hypothermia program from Jan. 29 to Feb. 12 and is seeking volunteers and donations.” [Patch]
It’s Monday — Light rain in the morning. High of 46 and low of 38. Sunrise at 7:23 am and sunset at 5:20 pm. [Weather.gov]
A new workgroup focused on ensuring the equitable enjoyment of Reston’s lakes for all is seeking members.
Formed on Dec. 15 by Reston Association’s Board of Directors, the Lakes Equity Work Group aims to “maximize the enjoyment of Reston’s four man-made lakes for all RA members, their families and friends,” according to a release by RA.
So far, the group plans to create an equity framework to delineate current use policies, usage disaggregated by demographics and ways to focus on equity and improved access for all. Some focus areas include improving access to lakes, equal opportunities for recreation and the installation of non-discriminatory signage and use policies for all.
RA’s Board Operations Committee will interview candidates at their Feb. 6 meeting, after which the board will select the final members at its Feb. 23 board meeting.
The eight-member group will include one voting RA staff representative and two non-voting staff liaisons.
The application can be found online. It asks candidates to detail their relevant experience and what their goals and objectives would be for the working group. Applications are due by next Friday (Jan. 27).
The group plans to begin work in March. A draft report is set to go before the board in the fourth quarter of the year.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Have you been here YET?
Are you a coffee lover? Do you search for the best local spots? I definitely do! As a regular at today’s spot, we are giving you the insider look at one of the hottest coffee cafes in Downtown Fairfax, De Clieu.
We met with the infamous Jazzii, one of the best baristas around to highlight what makes De Clieu set apart from the rest.
From the opening diverse atmosphere, to house made syrups and drinks that will make you come back again to in-house made bakery yumminess to those amazing sandwiches (can we say Breakfast all day).
Pro-Tip: it’s walking distance to Van Dyck Park, Old Town Square, and Fairfax Library so you can definitely have more fun!
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
A new report from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) found a “startling increase” in the number of pedestrian fatalities in Northern Virginia last year.
Along with the increase in pedestrian fatalities, DMV found a smaller increase in overall traffic-related fatalities in the region.
“In 2022, 56 pedestrians were killed as a result of crashes in the Fairfax region, compared to 37 in 2021,” the DMV report said. “This is an increase of 51%. Overall, based on preliminary numbers, there were 203 traffic-related fatalities in the region in 2022, a 3% increase compared to 2021.”
Crashes increased by 4% throughout Virginia last year.
A report compiled by the Traffic Records Electronic Data System (TREDS) put the number of total traffic fatalities in Fairfax County at 65, with 4,922 injuries.
Last year was the deadliest year for Fairfax County pedestrians in over a decade. With 32 deaths, the county was the site of over half of the pedestrian fatalities in Northern Virginia last year.
“We provide this data to give folks a look at what’s going on right now in their communities,” acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford said in the release. “We hope drivers will be motivated to make a change and put a stop to the behaviors that we know contribute to these devastating crashes. Each of these numbers represents a real person and many are people in your community.”
“We provide this data to give folks a look at what’s going on right now in their communities. We hope drivers will be motivated to make a change and put a stop to the behaviors that we know contribute to these devastating crashes,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford.
— Jordan Pascale
(@JWPascale) January 19, 2023
Inspired by the Year of the Rabbit, a local exhibition in Reston aims to celebrate the Lunar Year.
Titled “Creatures Were Stirring,” a series of work by artists Tracie Griffith Tso and Lisa Schumaier is on display through Jan. 31 at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road).
The exhibit includes small and large creatures depicted in watercolor drawings to dramatic ink on silk and paper using traditional Chinese brushstroke work.
“Rabbits are celestial animals in the Far East,” said Griffith Tso, who has a pet rabbit herself. “They are lively and charming and their ears and posture expresses mood.”
A collection of 3-D clay art and jewelry from Schumaier and Griffith Tso are available year-round at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria.
The artists met in 2008 at the Torpedo Factory, sharing a love with clay and expressive art. They are also behind that venue’s BunnyFest, which typically occurs the Saturday before Easter.
Tim Kaine Expected to Announce Election Plans — “Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) will address his plans for the future when he appears at a news conference in Richmond on Friday, according to two people familiar with the senator’s intentions — which might mean he will reveal whether he will seek reelection in 2024.” [The Washington Post]
Man Sentenced in Springfield Shootings — “A Northern Virginia man was ordered to serve 20 years in prison — the maximum sentence — for fatally shooting two teens at a home in Springfield in 2021. Zachary Burkard, 20, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years for each voluntary manslaughter charge in the deaths of 17-year-old Ersheen Elaiaiser and 16-year-old Calvin Van Pelt. Once he gets out of prison he will have an additional three years of supervision.” [NBC4]
Future Route 1 Bus Stations Name Swapped — “Community organizations joined forces this week in a short-notice, but ultimately successful, effort to get the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) to change the names of two future Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. As a result, the former ‘Hybla Valley’ station will now be known as ‘Gum Springs,’ and the former ‘Gum Springs’ station will become ‘Hybla Valley.'” [On the MoVe]
Merrifield Printing Company Announces Layoffs — “Custom Ink LLC is consolidating its production facilities amid what it says are ‘rising costs’ and a tight labor market.” The Merrifield-headquartered custom-printing firm will close sites in Charlottesville and Reno, Nevada, leaving one facility in Dallas, and lay off 338 employees. [Washington Business Journal]
Dulles Silver Line Station Doing Well — “The second phase of Metro’s Silver Line already is having an impact on travel to and from Washington Dulles International Airport. An average of 9 percent of travelers using the airport during the holiday period used the Silver Line, according to data discussed Jan. 18 by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s board of directors.” [Sun Gazette]
Reston North Task Force Prepares to Meet — “The Reston Town Center North Task Force will meet for the first time on Monday, Jan. 30, to discuss redevelopment on several parcels of land north of Reston Town Center. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at 7 p.m. at the North County Government Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, which happens to be within the scope of the task force’s area of focus.” [Patch]
Fairfax Indian Restaurant Celebrates Anniversary — “Bollywood Bistro in Fairfax City dishes up good times with friends and family, plus delicious food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. And customers and well-wishers flocked there recently to celebrate the restaurant’s 13th anniversary and building expansion.” [Connection Newspapers]
Seven Corners Fire Station Demolition Complete — “A new beginning. Old Station 28, Seven Corners, is no more. The site is being prepped for the foundation of the new Station 28. While construction is ongoing, crews and units are housed in a temporary structure just down the road.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
It’s Friday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 54 and low of 41. Sunrise at 7:24 am and sunset at 5:17 pm. [Weather.gov]
Rise, the ninth art installation by South Lakes High School’s STEAM team, will bring a set of high-rises to Lake Thoreau’s spillway.
At a meeting before Reston Association’s Design Review Board on Tuesday (Jan. 17), students said the new concept is inspired by the growth of Reston’s population and emergence of high-rise construction — an ode to the community’s goals of “reaching new heights in progress, innovation and diversity.”
The project, which is currently in the planning phase, includes rectangular shapes with different colors, levels and sizes, representing the different layers of Reston’s community. Here’s from the STEAM team on the inspiration of the sculpture:
Our community is host to a colorful combination of nationalities, sexualities, and cultures, all of which complement one another and ensure prosperity. The variety of colors and rising levels showcased by our sculpture are meant to depict these groups which build upon one another, helping our community reach its aspirations and Rise above any barriers we may face. This sculpture, symbolic of our love for this city, illustrates Robert E. Simon’s actualization of a town “closer to hearts desire” of its residents
The model — which is the team’s tallest project to date — is made of tinted plastic, while the white sections will be covered with designs inspired by public art around Reston.
The team plans to make the frame out of smaller cubic units to separate the building. The blocks will be connected by bolts and brackets to cluster the buildings, and extra braces will support the structure.
Materials for the project include lumber, disband paneling, strata class, solar panels and cables.
The team raised roughly $6,000 to complete the project, largely through crafting at a local event, an exhibition at a local restaurant, and calendar sales.
Students plan to begin fabricating the model in February, with installation expected sometime in May or June, according to presentation materials.
Unlike previous years, the team hopes to complete installation before the end of the school year, SLHS student Sophia Pakhom said.
In response to a concern about possible light pollution, DRB chair Michael Wood noted that light spillage is going to be “pretty minimal.”
However, he encouraged the team to paint the wooden base white to avoid detracting from the rest of the design.
The first piece of the massive redevelopment of Isaac Newton Square will be the construction of a seven-story, 345-unit apartment building.
Peter Lawrence Cos. and MRP Realty filed plans with Fairfax County to begin the redevelopment of the 32-acre office park and parking lots with a 360,000-square-foot building on the northern part of the property, setting into motion more than 2.8 million square feet of planned redevelopment on the site.
The current plan covers roughly seven acres of the property, one of 10 buildable blocks planned on the site.
The proposal favors ground-floor units with direct access to a walkway instead of the more typical model used to activate apartment buildings: ground-floor retail.
A little over 13% of the units will be set aside as workforce dwelling units (WDUs), according to the plan.
Since the proposed building is slightly larger than previously anticipated, the developer plans to shuffle over density from later phases to ensure the project doesn’t exceed maximum allowable densities. Specifically, the proposal shifts 20,000 square feet of residential area and 55 units from a future application.
A wrapped parking garage with 415 parking spaces is also planned.
The application was discussed by the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee last summer. Overall, 2,100 residential units, 300 hotels rooms, 260,000 square feet of office space, and roughly 69,000 square feet of retail are planned on the site near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.
The low-rise office buildings on the site were recently demolished.
County Prosecutor Uses Message-Deleting App — “Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano is using an app called Signal which deletes text messages like Snapchat…Descano is using the Signal app to avoid written communication from being obtained by the public and the press as allowed under the Freedom of Information Act, according to sources close to Descano.” [ABC7]
Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Targeted for Thefts — “On Jan. 14, officers responded to numerous calls for service involving stolen or damaged vehicles in Lorton. The thieves appeared to target Hyundai and Kia vehicles…The increase in calls for service regarding stolen and damaged vehicles is consistent with a pattern seen throughout the county.” [FCPD]
Youngkin Seeks to Require Merit Commendation Notices — “In response to widening concerns about how some northern Virginia school districts handled recognizing student achievements on a standardized test, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Wednesday for legislation to require student and parental notification about certain scholastic awards.” [Associated Press/WTOP]
Deal Closed on Fairfax City Supportive Housing Site — “We closed on our property at the Hy-Way Motel! It’s the future home of our Permanent Supportive Housing development and we could not be more excited! Over the next few days, you’ll see some changes with the building beginning with a fence around the hotel and demolition in the next couple of months.” [The Lamb Center/Facebook]
Mount Vernon Rec Center Renovation Breaks Ground — “A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, for the expansion and renovation of the Mount Vernon Rec Center in Alexandria, Virginia, one of the county’s oldest and most popular Rec Centers.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]
Local Slug Lines See Drop in Popularity — “Three years into the pandemic, the once-popular slug lines along Interstate 95 are still ailing…On a recent morning, the site of the region’s oldest slug line — Bob’s Slug Line off Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield — was sleepy. Unlike in the old days, there were no lines of passengers waiting and no drivers shouting their destination.” [The Washington Post]
Capital Projects Website Gets Update — The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has updated its website on capital projects with “a new look and improved functionality.” Changes include a simpler homepage, a central page for all projects, and new search options for finding bids and solicitations. [DPWES]
McLean Community Center Board Election Begins — Petition packets are now available through March 3 for candidates seeking to join the governing board. Candidates must be residents of Small District 1A and obtain 10 signatures endorsing them. There will be three adult seats and two youth seats up for grabs in this year’s election, which will have voting from March 15 through McLean Day on May 20. [MCC]
Mason Neck Park Considers Accessibility Improvements — “At present, there are no accessible paths leading from the parking lot to the play structure or picnic table. Sections of the asphalt trail have buckled from roots growing underneath, and the path’s incline and decline can be challenging for wheelchair users to navigate. Mason Neck Park Manager Lance Elzie is on a mission to change that.” [On the MoVe]
It’s Thursday — Rain until evening. High of 54 and low of 39. Sunrise at 7:25 am and sunset at 5:16 pm. [Weather.gov]
The new Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) budget could signal big changes for local schools, including extended availability of school counselors and new middle school athletics programs.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid presented the budget for the 2023-2024 school year at a meeting last Thursday (Jan. 12).
The $3.5 billion budget is a $249.6 million (7.6%) increase over the approved budget for fiscal year 2023, which began July 1, 2022 and ends June 30.
Reid is requesting an additional $159.6 million from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Part of that cost comes from an increase in employee compensation.
According to a release from FCPS, the budget includes:
- $80.9 million to provide a market scale adjustment of 3.0% for all employees.
- $58.2 million to provide a step increase for all eligible employees.
- $19.9 million to provide a 1.0% retention bonus for employees hired in FCPS during FY 2023 and remaining employed with FCPS in FY 2024.
- $4.3 million to provide a step extension for all scales.
Several members of the school board praised the proposed increase for staff compensation.
Another popular item among school board members is funding to provide middle school spring and fall athletic activities.
“You had me at middle school sports,” said Hunter Mill District representative Melanie Meren. “I think about where I grew up and the sports there, and it’s something that’s so missed here…I know this is a significant ask, but we are going to get an incredible investment. I’m eager to work to make this happen.”
Student representative Michele Togbe said the expansion of high school counseling for students into summer break will be a welcome improvement.
“If I could hug a budget, I would hug this budget,” Togbe said. “With the counselors, I think it’s really cool that we’re expanding their contract and their days.”
Other notable investments in the new budget include:
- Increased access to Pre-K: the budget includes $2 million to provide resources for 10 additional Pre-K classrooms.
- Support for students with disabilities: the budget includes $2 million to be allocated to the Special Education Compensatory Services Fund to address learning loss caused by the pandemic
- Changing student enrollment needs: the budget includes a variety of improvements grouped together as “student enrollment needs,” including paying for increased costs in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs and free and reduced-price meals, totaling around $65.2 million for 679.2 positions
The Fairfax County budget will be presented on Feb. 21, followed by a joint meeting of the school board and Board of Supervisors on Feb. 28. Public meetings will be held in April followed by final adoption on May 9 for the county budget and May 25 for the school budget.
(Updated at 4:50 p.m. on 1/19/2023) A new dual-branded Marriott hotel is coming soon to Reston Town Center, according to a release.
The concept — the first of its kind by the company — would bring a Marriott AC Hotel and Residence Inn to the town center, the Donohoe Companies, Inc. announced today.
“Reston Town Center is the proven premier mixed-use development in Northern Virginia. The growing residential and business population leads the region in balanced growth,” Donohoe Development President Evan Weisman said. “The newly opened Metro Silver Line extension to Dulles Airport will afford our guests easy access to the hotel’s doorstep.”
Located at 1975 Opportunity Way, the project will feature a 120-key Residence Inn and a 147-key “upscale” hotel, connected by a direct pedestrian entrance to the new Reston Town Center Metro Station.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Artemis to close this financing in an extremely challenging capital markets environment,” Robert Donohoe, Donohoe’s chief investment officer, said. “Artemis was able to provide a structure consistent with our business plan while addressing the complications associated with financing a component of a larger development.”
The LEED Silver project will include a shared lobby, a 4,000-square-foot restaurant, an indoor pool and a fitness facility. An upscale rooftop bar and lounge is also planned.
Here’s more from the company on the project:
The project’s 34,000 square feet of street-level retail and restaurant space will be the central gathering place for local offices and residents. The upscale rooftop bar and lounge will be a unique draw with spectacular views of northern Virginia.
Donohoe Development, Donohoe Construction, Donohoe Hospitality, and Complete Building Services worked with Reston Town Center master developer, BXP, to bring this project to life. Donohoe Construction has already commenced construction at the shovel-ready site. Upon completion in late 2024, Donohoe Hospitality will operate the hotels, and Complete Building Services will provide facilities management services.
Donohoe says it has obtained $74.7 million to finance the hotel’s construction with Artemis Real Estate Partners.
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The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
The first Food for Neighbors collection and sorting event of the year got help from a variety of local and regional groups — including the German General Armed Forces Command, an organization that has called Reston home since 1991.
The organization took part in the event at Herndon Middle School — Food for Neighbors’ original collection site — and presented the organization with a donation of more than $4,000 dollars.
The funds will go toward helping fight food insecurity among teens in 37 Northern Virginia schools.
“From the very first moment the German Armed Forces Command USA and Canada moved its office to Reston in April 1991, the soldiers, civilians and all their families felt heartily welcome in this great community. For all of us it is an irrefutable fact that we have found a home away from home,” Colonel Joerg Dronia wrote in a statement.
The organization’s founder and executive director Karen Joseph said the donation reflects the armed forces’ desire to be good neighbors.
“We are one of many organizations that have benefited from their generosity, and we thank them for all that they do to help our most vulnerable community members,” she wrote in a statement.
Sites in Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties sorted over 19,000 pounds of food donations that came from over 1,500 households, according to Food for Neighbors, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing student hunger.
“Fairfax County works very hard to help our most vulnerable population with food insecurity,” Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said. “However, we couldn’t do it without the tremendous efforts of our nonprofit partners such as Food For Neighbors. Congratulations on your success in helping our teens.”
The event was also attended by Town of Herndon Mayor Sheila Olem.
Redistricting is going to make a number of state senate races in Fairfax County very interesting this year.
Just like the House of Delegates, every Virginia State Senate seat is up for election in 2023, and like in the Virginia General Assembly’s other chamber, several primaries may be extremely competitive after the 2021 redistricting process shook up electoral boundaries.
Incumbents that could face off
In the newly-drawn District 35, which covers Annandale, Springfield, and George Mason University, two longtime incumbents could be facing off.
Sen. Dave Marsden had been the senator in District 37 since 2010, but redistricting pushed him and about 31% of his constituents into the new district. He announced his bid for reelection a year ago and has been campaigning ever since, a campaign spokesperson told FFXnow.
“He’s knocked doors in more than half of the precincts of the new SD35, and looks forward to continuing to serve the residents of Fairfax,” the spokesperson said.
Marsden’s potential primary opponent, Sen. Dick Saslaw, has been in the senate since 1999, making him its longest-serving current member. He’s also been the Senate majority leader since the Democrats took control in 2020. While redistricting kept Saslaw in the 35th District, only about one-third of his former constituents remain with him.
There have been persistent rumors that the 82-year-old might retire, but no announcement has been made yet. FFXnow reached out to Saslaw about his 2023 intentions but hasn’t heard back as of publication.
Marsden and Saslaw, if he seeks reelection, would also face newcomer and entrepreneur Heidi Drauschak, who declared her candidacy for the Democratic nomination earlier this month.
The newly-drawn District 38, which includes Herndon, Reston, and McLean, could also pair two Democratic incumbents, including one that also has been rumored to retire.
Sen. Jennifer Boysko first became a senator in 2019 after previously serving in the House of Delegates for two terms. She hasn’t officially announced anything about 2023 and didn’t respond to FFXnow’s request for comment, but said last year that she intends to run again.
However, she may have to run against Sen. Janet Howell in the Democratic primary.
Howell has served in the senate for more than two decades, representing District 32. Her former constituents make up nearly half of the new District 38, but there are also similar rumors about her retiring.
Howell didn’t respond to inquiries from FFXnow.
Boysko told FFXnow when the redistricting maps were announced last January that she holds an enormous amount of respect for Howell, calling her “the dean of the Senate” and a “true pioneer for women in government.”
Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will have to face Republican Matt Lang in the Nov. 7 general election. Lang challenged Del. Ken Plum in 2021 but lost rather handily.
He told FFXnow that he’s running to break the “blue wall” in the senate, focusing on education policy, public safety, transportation issues and financial mismanagement.
Other potential primary battles
Other primaries that are shaping up to be potentially competitive include District 36, which covers Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, and Fair Oaks.
Stella Pekarsky, who represents the Sully District on Fairfax County’s school board, announced last week that she will challenge for the seat to “stand up” to Governor Glenn Youngkin.
The incumbent is four-term George Barker, though redistricting kept only about 6% of his former constituents in District 36. As a member of the Virginia Redistricting Commission, he came under some fire in 2021 for drawing himself back into a district that, at the time, had no other challengers.
Barker has yet to announce his intentions for 2023. FFXnow has reached out several times but has yet to hear back.
Sen. Adam Ebbin launched his bid for another term earlier this month in District 39, which is mostly in the City of Alexandria but does have about 26,000 Fairfax County residents. He has already picked up a challenger in attorney James Devita, who announced his campaign at a meeting of Arlington Democrats several weeks ago.
DeVita told FFXnow that he’s running because he and Ebbin have “different priorities.” DeVita’s agenda includes decriminalizing drug possession, creating tax credits for electric cars, adding more programs to help those experiencing homelessness, creating jobs, and reducing “extremism” in both parties.
“I have been greatly alarmed by the extremism that currently dominates our political discourse and I want to do whatever I can to protect and preserve our democracy,” he said.
Ebbin told FFXnow he plans to continue to be a “pragmatic, progressive champion for Fairfax in Richmond,” while touting past legislation. This includes legalizing marijuana, reducing illegal evictions, and helping make Virginia the first southern state to ban discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
District 33 is the county’s only district with no incumbent, but the Democratic primary battle is shaping up to be a particularly notable one, with two former state-wide candidates setting their sights on the seat.
Former gubernatorial candidate Jennifer Carrol Foy announced she will seek the nomination a full year ago, while one-time aspiring lieutenant governor Hala Ayala declared in March 2022.
A Republican challenger has also emerged in Mike Van Meter. He told FFXnow that his experience in the military, law enforcement, and at a local hospital’s drug and alcohol detoxification unit would help him in the state senate.
Only about a third of the district is in Fairfax County, centered in Burke, with the rest in Prince William County.
Unopposed, for now
Sen. Chap Petersen announced that he will run again in District 37 back in August, seeking to continue representing Fairfax, Tysons and Vienna and adding Falls Church City, thanks to redistricting.
“I do plan to run for re-election in 2023. I plan to keep my focus where it has been for 20 years: speaking up on behalf of children, the elderly and small businesses,” he told FFXnow last week. “I look forward to presenting that record to the voters.”
He currently doesn’t have an opponent. Neither does Sen. Scott Surovell in District 37, which includes Franconia, Belle Haven, Huntington, Hybla Valley, Lorton, and Mason Neck. Prior to redistricting, he also represented parts of Prince William and Stafford counties, but that’s no longer the case.
“I am excited to be reunited with many of my existing neighbors, former constituents from the 44th Delegate District, my former preschool, elementary school, intermediate school, and high school, and I look forward to working for a district that is more of a community than the current fragmented district,” he told FFXnow. “My life in elected public service began in 2009 when I was first elected to the House of Delegates. Aside from a four-year stint in Arlington after law school, I have lived in Eastern Fairfax County my entire life.”
Surovell has served as state senator since 2015 and was a delegate for three terms prior to that.
Besides the Virginia General Assembly, the entire Board of Supervisors, the school board, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney are on the ballot as well this year.
Photo via Doug Kerr/Flickr
Three Firefighters Injured in Gunston House Fire — Three Fairfax County firefighters received minor injuries while tackling a house fire in the 10900 block of Harley Road on Sunday (Jan. 15). A bystander was also treated for unrelated injuries. Ignited by a floor heater, the fire caused an estimated $123,467 in damages, displacing two residents who were out of town when it occurred. [FCFRD]
Huntington Affordable Housing Now Open — “The Arden, a new seven-story, 126-unit multifamily apartment located a block from the Huntington Metro station at 2317 Huntington Avenue and built by award-winning affordable housing developer Wesley Housing, was officially opened Friday, Jan. 13 with a ribbon cutting, speeches and an open house tour.” [On the MoVe]
FCPS Starts Work on School Year Calendar — At a school board work session yesterday, Fairfax County Public Schools presented four calendar options with different break lengths and end dates for the next school year. All of the options cut down on the number of shortened school weeks compared to the current year. [WTOP]
Herndon Police Investigate Robbery — “The victim reported that in the morning hours of Friday, January 13, 2023, he arrived home and upon exiting his vehicle, he was struck in the back of his head. The suspect then displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s wallet. The victim complied before the suspect ran off in an unknown direction. The case is under investigation.” [Herndon Police]
Gun Seizures Increase at D.C. Area Airports — “Transportation Security Administration officers caught 89 guns at security checkpoints at the Washington region’s three major airports last year, an increase of about 24 percent compared with a year earlier. Officers seized 35 guns at Baltimore-Washington International Marshall, 29 at Reagan National and 25 at Dulles International, the TSA said.” [The Washington Post]
Park Authority Board Chair to Step Down — “Fairfax County Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie has announced his intention to step down as chairman of the Park Authority Board after 14 years of distinguished leadership of that body. Chairman Bouie, will continue his service on the Park Authority Board representing the Hunter Mill District, a post he has held since 2005.” [FCPA]
Winter Coats Still Needed in Reston — “Thank you to everyone who has donated to #HunterMill and @Cornerstonesva Winter Coat Closet. Hundreds of much needed coats have been distributed so far! There is a need for larger men’s winter jackets, esp. 2x/ 3x. If you can, drop off at my office, 1801 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston” [Walter Alcorn/Twitter]
Langley Mansion Sold to Mystery Buyer — “The game of musical mansion chairs in McLean’s Langley Farms has taken another turn. Kirk Galiani, founder and co-chairman of US Fitness, and his wife, Maria, of Galiani Design Group, sold their home Monday…for $10.8 million.” Per the real estate broker, it’s one of the most expensive residential sales in the D.C. region in at least six months. [Washington Business Journal]
It’s Wednesday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 53 and low of 43. Sunrise at 7:25 am and sunset at 5:14 pm. [Weather.gov]
