Stories for April 2021

Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.

Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”

Seven Republicans Running for Governor

May 8 convention to determine direction of party heading into November.

Republicans haven’t won a statewide race since 2009, when Attorney General Bob McDonnell received 59 percent of the vote against Democrat Creigh Deeds. Since then, Republicans have been shut out of the Executive Mansion. Ken Cuccinelli lost to Terry McAuliffe in 2013, and Ed Gillespie lost to Ralph Northam in 2017. Now Republicans are about to determine their statewide candidates in a May 8 convention, which will take place at 37 locations.

Opinion: Column: "My Thoughts to Your Thoughts"

You know the expression: "Can't walk and chew gum at the same time,” a disparaging characterization of a person, company or municipality unable to multi-task or even task at all?

Get Vaccinated and Register to Vote

LWV-Fairfax holds Voter Registration and Information Drive at the Fairfax County Government Center

Fairfax County residents getting their COVID-19 vaccinations at the Fairfax County Government Center can now also obtain information on registering to vote.

Early Voting Begins for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia

Early voting began on Friday, April 23 for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia.

Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief

Aware of concerns, comments provided

Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.

Free Cinco de Mayo Lyft Rides to Prevent Drunk Driving

While stating unequivocally that “we’re all safer at home” this Cinco de Mayo during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, a local nonprofit organization today announced that – as a “necessary safety net” to next month’s high-risk, high-alcohol consumption period – free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).

Style After Retirement

Great fashion sense is possible at any stage.

At 78, Winifred Rosenberg has always been known for her impeccable style and taste.

When it’s Time to Downsize

Suggestions for transitioning to a new living community

The decision to trade the comfort of home where you’ve lived for years and transition to retirement can evoke a range of emotions.

‘Fairfax Rotary Club Helps Community Thrive’

Group honored by Gerry Connolly and City schools

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) recently honored The Rotary Club of Fairfax for its support of City of Fairfax schools.

‘We Want to Make Sure This Is the Best Project’ in Fairfax City

American Legion Post 177’s redevelopment plans hit a snag.

American Legion Post 177 has big plans for a major redevelopment of its facility at 3939 Oak St. in Fairfax City.

Opinion: Column: Wanna Take A Chance?

I'm sort of invoking Southwest Airlines here, but not exactly.

Helping Children Improve Their Writing

Practical suggestions for boosting skills

When Stacie Dougherty read an essay that her seventh grade son wrote for a Language Arts writing assignment, she became concerned.

Live Outdoor Family-friendly Performance Arriving at Center for the Arts in Fairfax

The past year, with the health and safety of audiences and performers at the forefront because of the pandemic, the Center for the Arts has reimagined what was to be its 30th anniversary season of great entertainment.

‘Good Way to Recognize His Contributions to the City’ in Fairfax

Trail named after former Fairfax mayor, John Mason

A future trail to be built in the City of Fairfax was originally expected to be called the Comstock Trail.

Fairfax City Restores More FY 21 Budget Cuts

With a potential shortfall of nearly $18 million in its FY 21 budget looming because of the pandemic, in January, the Fairfax City Council cut its capital and operating budgets.

‘The Church Wants to Remain a Vibrant Part of the Community’

Fairfax Church of Christ proposes expanding its site and uses

Wanting to provide even more opportunities to its members and the community, Fairfax Church of Christ is seeking a special-exception amendment from Fairfax County.

Running for Second in Command

Thirteen candidates are running for lieutenant governor in Virginia.

Seven Democrats and six Republicans are trying to secure their parties' nomination to be the candidate for lieutenant governor on the November ballot.

There’s More Than Meets the Eye at Traffic Signal Intersections

This technology dates back to an invention by the son of a former slave.

Traffic signals

Opinion: Column: Hitting The Nail on the Head

What are all these "Toe Nail Clipper" emails I receive nearly every day?

Opinion: Commentary: Earth Day – Then and Now

Fifty-one years ago, in 1970, the first Earth Day took place on April 22.

HomeLifeStyle: Kitchen Trends for 2021

Local designers say bold colors and durable materials are popular.

As the command station for many households, kitchens are for more than just cooking.

Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise

Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway

Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.

‘A Great Place for the Courts and the County’ in Fairfax

Sweeping changes planned for Fairfax County Judicial Complex

The Fairfax County Judicial Complex is 48 acres of county land adjacent to downtown Fairfax City.

Opinion: Column: Being Driven Only Slightly Crazy

So this is what it's like to be out of the house and driving around: mask on, surgical gloves in the console, hand sanitizer in the glove box; not so different than before my two Covid-19 vaccinations.

Estate Planning During Pandemic

With the nation sadly surpassing 500,000 Covid-related deaths, mortality is much more on the mind of many.

Bicycling in Fairfax County Looking to Expand

Meetings planned this month to develop the ‘Active Fairfax Plan’

With the warm weather approaching, Fairfax County is holding a series of meetings to hear thoughts about active transportation in the county, and this input will be used in their Active Fairfax Transportation Plan to integrate the existing Bicycle Master and Trails Plans.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Making a Path to Acceptance a Bit Easier

I'm a parent to a transgender daughter in fifth grade in FCPS.

Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school

Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students

Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.

Cicada Stroll Bingo!

This spring, Fairfax County and parts of Northern Virginia will be among the regions of the Mid-Atlantic states that see millions of Brood X cicadas emerge from 17 years of living underground.

Fishing Derby Fun in Fairfax City

Fairfax City’s annual Fishing Derby was Saturday morning, April 3, at Ashby Pond – which had been stocked with 400 rainbow trout.

Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools

Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts

The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.

New Water Tank Erected at George Mason University

Water pressure improved for college and nearby Fairfax residents

The campus of George Mason University and the housing surrounding that area welcomed 2021 with increased water pressure, courtesy of a new 2.5 million-gallon water tower on the GMU grounds.

‘People Are Still Hurting and Struggling Financially’ in Fairfax City

City’s advertised real-estate tax rate is $1.08

In February, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer proposed a residential real-estate tax rate of $1.08 per $100 assessed valuation, as part of the City’s FY 22 budget.

‘People Will Change Their Behavior and Slow Down’ in Fairfax City

City installing photo speed cameras

Heads up, drivers in Fairfax City – photo speed cameras are headed your way.

Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection

Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.

Car Crash Kills Centreville Man

A Centreville man died following a vehicle crash, early Monday morning, March 29, at the intersection of Arlington Boulevard and Javier Road in Merrifield.

Fairfax County Supervisors Condemn Anti-Asian Racism

Acknowledging the large and vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Fairfax County, Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a resolution on March 23, passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, condemning violence and discrimination against AAPIs.

Joining Forces Against Hate

Local legislators part of newly formed Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus

Last week, local delegates Mark L. Keam (D-35) and Kathy KL Tran (D-42) joined other Virginia General Assembly members with Asian American heritage to speak out against violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Opinion: Column: Good News Travels Slowly

Sure enough, the email from my oncologist didn't arrive in my inbox before we left for the weekend away on Friday.