A Reston man who federal officials said sold $250,000 worth of machinery parts from American manufacturers to Iranian companies pleaded guilty to felony charges in U.S. Federal Court in Alexandria on Thursday.

Vahid Hosseini, 62, ran a business called Sabern Industries from his home in Reston, FBI officials said.

Hosseini pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and a separate count of money laundering. Hosseini faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and fines totaling $250,000 when he is sentenced on June 6.

From the FBI:

In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, from at least as early as January 2008 to July 2013, Hosseini operated a business known as Sabern Instruments from his residence in Reston. Through this business, Hosseini procured more than $250,000 worth of goods from over 60 American manufacturers, which he then repackaged and shipped to entities in Iran.

The list of high-tech goods included tachometers, power supply instruments, high-temperature probes, ammonia test tubes, valves, and machinery parts, all of which are used in a variety of commercial applications, including power plants. Hosseini routed these shipments through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an attempt to disguise the fact that the items were destined for Iran. Such exports are prohibited without a license issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

In a related money laundering scheme, Hosseini had over $700,000 wired into his company business account from entities in Iran and the UAE, much of which was derived from his illegal export business. He then unlawfully withdrew money from his business account for personal expenditures.

With school likely to be in session on Wednesday, Fairfax County Public Schools are asking for some help from area homeowners: If you live near a school, help shovel the walking route so the kids can get there safely.

After the mid-February storm, many Reston residents were among those who complained that children were walking in the street to get to school.

FCPS had its ninth and tenth snow days of the 2013-14 school year Monday and Tuesday, after 3-7 inches fell in most of the county.

Meanwhile, a safe walking route after snow was also a big topic at the Reston Association Board of Directors’ meeting on Thursday.

From FCPS:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

When classes resume, we hope you will keep in mind the thousands of FCPS students who walk to and from school or bus stops each day. Snow and ice-covered sidewalks can make that a treacherous journey. Neither the Virginia Department of Transportation nor the county clears snow and ice from public walkways. In addition, neither the state nor the county has any legal requirement for property owners to clear public walkways. However, while not legally obligated, residents and businesses are asked to help keep walkways safe for the community – we need your help! When possible, please clear snow off the sidewalks in front of or next to your property so that FCPS students can have a safe path to their schools.

Thank you!

Monday’s snow dumped close to seven inches in Reston, according to the National Weather Service.

That has to be some kind of a record, right? No, there actually has been bigger March snowfall before, says the NWS.

Going with measurable snowfall at Dulles International Airport (which actually had an official total of 4.8 inches on Monday), there have been five Marches with more than 10 inches, says the NWS.

March 1978 — 10.3 inches

March 1969 — 10.4 inches

March 1984 — 10.8 inches

March 1999 — 14.6 inches

March 1993 — 15.5 inches (most of it in a single storm).

So with lots of March left, there is chance that March 2014 could step into the top five. However, the latest forecast has none of the white stuff for at least the next week (though record cold will be around Tuesday).

Photo courtesy of Raba Letteri.

It’s Tuesday. It’s March. It’s 1 degree as of 7:26 a.m.

Now that that is out of the way, here is what you need to know:

Fairfax County Public Schools are closed.

The federal government is on a two-hour delay.

The Fairfax County Government is open.

Fairfax County recreation centers and libraries may be affected by the weather. Call before you go.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says roads are still “pretty rough” in some places. Watch out for black ice.

Metrobus is running, but some detours are in effect.

D.C.-area airports are open but there are still many delays and cancellations. Check with your airline.

In better news, IHOP is offering free pancakes today in honor of Fat Tuesday and International Pancake Day. Proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Help out your Reston neighbors. Tell us about local road conditions in the comments.

Many Reston residents who live in the South Lakes/Ridge Heights/Soapstone area reporting power outages as of about 3 p.m. on Monday.

Dominion Virginia Power reports 1,293 customers are without power in Fairfax County, with the highest concentration of outages reported in Reston.

Despite the large snowfall on Monday, the power generally stayed on in Fairfax County, Dominion reports.

No word yet on when the problem will be fixed.

The region remains under a Winter Storm Warning through 6 p.m. Monday as the National Weather Service says 6 to 10 inches of snow may fall in Northern Virginia.

The NWS says there will be hazardous travel due to ice and snow on Monday, with power outages possible if ice forms on power lines.

As a result, most things are closed Monday, including:

• Fairfax County Government
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Federal Government
• Reston Association offices
• Reston Community Center
• Reston YMCA

The Virginia Department of Transportation says drivers should stay off the roads on Monday. VDOT says 4,000 trucks were ready to work as of Sunday night to clear interstates, major roads and neighborhood streets in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington counties.

Want to know if a plow is heading your way? Input your address at www.vdotplows.org to see the status of plowing in their neighborhood.

Also from VDOT:

• Park in your driveway or on the odd-numbered side of the street to allow plows room to pass.
• When shoveling, leave the last few feet at the curb until the street is plowed, as the truck will push some snow back. Shovel to the right facing the road.
• Chemicals are not used in subdivisions, but crews sand hills, curves and intersections to provide traction. For most storms, one snowplow pass, about eight to ten feet wide, is made.

Photo courtesy of VDOT.

Have somewhere you need to be in Reston Sunday morning?

Pay attention to where the Reston 1o Miler Road Race will be happening. Roads will not be closed, but lanes will be blocked so runners can get through the course, which will mostly go through South Reston.

The race, sponsored by Potomac River Running, will start at end at South Lakes High School and go through nearby streets such as Ridge Heights Road, South Lakes Drive, Colts Neck Road, Sunrise Valley Drive and Twin Branches Road.

See attached map for complete course.

The race begins at 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 2. Registration is full, but feel free to come out and cheer on your favorite runner.

Update, 11:12 a.m., Wednesday: Fairfax County Public Schools have issued a statement on why no delay or closing, even though snow was falling hard this morning:

“Each decision is based on the best information available at the time. All of the school divisions in the DC area opened at their regular time this morning. It was our belief that – based on the forecast and the timing of the snow – we could proceed with opening of our schools at the regular time. If we had delayed the opening of school, it would have put us into the heavier snow showers that were initially forecasted. We’ve had a few bus delays but no serious problems.”

Original story: The 1 to 3 inches of snow predicted to fall overnight delivered, with Reston residents waking up Wednesday to snow-covered trees and slick roads.

Fairfax County Public Schools, which have already had seven snow days and several delayed starts this winter, opened on time, making it slow going for buses and cars.

Fairfax County Police reported several spin outs and other incidents.

The federal government announced the option of unscheduled leave for workers.

How was your ride to work or school? Tell us in the comments.

Tuesday saw some unexpected snow. Wednesday will bring some of the expected white stuff.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 1 a.m. to noon Wednesday for most of the Washington, D.C., area, including Fairfax County.

About 1 to 3 inches are expected. The snow will taper off about noon. Temperatures will be in the 20s, says the NWS.

Reston Now will update this story if there are any road problems or school delays.

The predicted dusting of snow has turned into more of a nuisance than first predicted as fat flakes fell all morning in Reston and nearby areas, sticking to grassy areas. The National Weather Service says Northern Virginia may see up to three inches Tuesday.

From the NWS:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS
ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT
UNTIL 2 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE…SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS…1 TO 3 INCHES.

* TIMING…THROUGH 2PM.

* TEMPERATURES…AROUND 30.

* WINDS…WEST 5 TO 10 MPH.

* IMPACTS…UNTREATED ROADWAYS WILL BE SLICK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Reston residents could have a clearer picture next week of when they can begin riding Metro’s Silver Line.

Pat Nowakowski, executive director of the Dulles Metrorail Project, tells WTOP that the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will announce on Monday its findings from the 15-day review period in which MWAA would  determine whether the rail is ready for the next phase — and a possible opening date.

The contractor that built the Silver Line Phase 1, which will run from Falls Church to Reston’s Wiehle Avenue, said Feb. 7 that it had reached “substantial completion” and was ready to turn the rail over to Metro for further testing and readying for opening.

Once the project is turned over to Metro, it should open within 90 days, though several officials said they do not think Metro will need that big of a window for testing.

The project, which reportedly loses $2 million each month the rail is not open, has already had significant delays. MWAA officials originally estimated at December 2013 opening based on an August handoff. Last summer, that was extended to early in 2014. In November, it was discovered that tracking software needed to be re-tested.  

Wiehle-Reston East will be the terminus for the rail line for at least five years. Phase 2 of the Silver Line, expected to be completed about 2018, will run from Wiehle to Reston Parkway and Herndon Monroe, then to Dulles International Airport and into Loudoun County.

In other transportation news, the Northern Virginia Congressional delegation announced on Friday that it has been given the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIFIA Credit Council’s preliminary approval to move forward on a nearly $1.9 billion federal loan, representing about one-third of the total cost of the Silver Line Phase 2.

With that funding, the burden would likely be taken off Dulles Toll Road users to help pay for the project.

This is very positive sign and will go a long way toward helping keep tolls down on the Dulles Toll Road,” Rep. Frank Wolf said.  “It shows the federal government’s continued support for and commitment to this project.

Officers from Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District Station report a large number of larcenies in Reston in the last week. Among them:

12100 block of Kinsley Place, watch from vehicle

11800 block of Breton Court, electronic device from vehicle

1700 block of Dressage Drive, license plate from vehicle

2300 block of Hunters Woods Plaza, beer from business

1500 block of Scandia Circle, bag from vehicle

11800 block of Spectrum Center, wallet from business

11100 block of Boathouse Court, license plate from vehicle

700 block of Leigh Mill Road, electronic device from business

13100 block of Parcher Avenue, cell phone from business

2000 block of Wethersfield Court, jewelry from residence

2300 block of Woodland Crossing Drive, beverages from business

11200 block of Lagoon Lane, license plate from vehicle

11400 block of Ridge Heights Road, shoes from school

Reston’s milestone year is here, and now there is one spot to find all the celebration news.

Reston Celebrates is now live as the community prepares for founder Bob Simon’s 100th birthday and Reston’s 50th anniversary this spring.

Celebrations for the big 50/100 events begin in March and continue with Founders Day on April 5 and the Best of Reston Gala on April 10, which is Simon’s birthday.

Organizations supporting the 50/100 events are Reston Community Center, Reston Association, Reston Historic Trust/Reston Museum, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Reston Hospital Center/Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Cornerstones, Reston Town Center, and Myers Public Relations, which is hosting the  RestonCelebrates.org website.

Visit the website to see the full lineup of events, which will include a performance by the Reston Community Orchestra and a screening of the film “The Reston Story,” among others.

Photo courtesy of Reston 50/100.

Fairfax County Supervisors have been looking at how to solve the “who shovels the sidewalks” issue for more than a decade.

There has been much outcry this week from residents in Reston, who find themselves — and their schoolchildren — tromping through unshoveled sidewalks, walking in the street and being blocked by three-foot-high snow piles after last week’s storm dumped more than a foot here.

That has left many residents confused as to who is supposed to shovel what. Reston Association is responsible for Reston property. Homeowners are responsible for the sidewalks in front of their homes on side streets and subdivisions. Schools try and shovel the sidewalks closest to the buildings.

Main roads are Virginia Department of Transportation’s responsibility. But they just plow streets, not sidewalks.

Bruce Wright, a Reston resident and chair of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FAAB), did some research and found that the supervisors have discussed this issue five times in the past 14 years, but no real change has come.

The most recent discussion was in 2011, when Braddock Supervisor John Cook  suggested developing an informal program that “encourages and organizes volunteers to assist in the clearing of trails and sidewalks.”

“Supervisor Cook said that trails and sidewalks are key assets and pieces of infrastructure that are used not only for exercise and enjoyment, but also commuting,” meeting minutes of May 24 say. “Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, the County is unable to ensure these particular pieces of infrastructure stay clean, clear and accessible. To address this glaring need, the County’s Trails and Sidewalks Committee is asking that volunteer support for cleaning and clearing sidewalk and asphalt trail surfaces be authorized to help maintain public walkways in an acceptable condition. “

A motion to direct the county executive to develop guidelines for implementing a citizen volunteer trail and sidewalk maintenance program was unanimously passed, but no program was established.

“What’s the solution? Fairfax County needs a snow clearing ordinance, with exceptions for the elderly and others who physically can’t remove snow on public sidewalks and trails adjacent to their property,” Wright writes on the FAAB blog. “Volunteers could be on call to assist. Business owners and residents would have to figure out how to clear snow from their sidewalks. HOA’s could include sidewalk snow removal in their budgets.”

“VDOT should tell their snow plow drivers to try to avoid dumping snow on curb ramps at intersections. VDOT and the county should identify key transportation trails used by cyclists and clear them of snow: the W&OD Trail, the Fairfax County Parkway Trail, and others.”

Does Fairfax County need a snow removal policy to protect walkers? What is the solution? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Photo: A man walks in the street on Wiehle Avenue to avoid the snow piles. Credit: Bruce Wright