Stories for February 2017

Beware Early Allergy Season

Experts offer suggestions for preventing and treating allergy symptoms.

Those experiencing Itchy, watery eyes and seemingly endless sneezing know that spring allergy season is getting an early start this year thanks to this season’s mild winter weather.

Prayer Vigil at ICE Office

Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.

On the morning of Feb. 8, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers showed up across the street from Rising Hope Mission Church on Russell Road in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria.

Fairfax County Solicits Public Input on Environmental Vision

Online survey open through March 6.

Fairfax County is preparing to update the Environmental Excellence 20-Year Vision Plan (Environmental Vision) and the public is urged to weigh in via an online survey.

Chief to Release Name of Officer in Herndon Shooting

Risk assessment is complete.

The risk assessment of the officer involved in the fatal Jan. 16 shooting of Mohammad Azim Doudzai is now finished, according to a Feb. 24 release from Fairfax County Police.

U.S. Marshals Warn Public of Jury Duty Phone Scams

The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public of a nationwide telephone scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers or law enforcement officials seeking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.

Editorial: Good, Bad and Missed Opportunities

Results of the 2017 session of the General Assembly.

GOOD THINGS Progress in funding mental health and addressing the opioid epidemic on multiple levels were among the successes of the 2017 General Assembly session.

Area Roundups

A Very Special First Birthday at Fire Station 13, Dunn Loring

Over the weekend, firefighters from Fire Station 13, Dunn Loring, went to a very special birthday party.

Fairview Elementary Student Artists Visit Richmond

A Glimpse at Some Fairfax City CIP Requests

Department heads present their wish lists.

Next Tuesday, Feb. 28, City Manager Bob Sisson will present his proposed FY ’18 budget for the City of Fairfax. Among other things, it will include funds for some of the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) requested by various City entities.

To GMU, from Giant

Members of the Fairfax community joined local officials and the University Mall’s Giant management team to officially open the renovated Fairfax store on Feb. 9.

11th Congressional District Democratic Honorees Announced

More than 100 attendees and U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly packed into Esposito's Restaurant in Fairfax to honor four area activists for their efforts for the Democratic Party at the 17th Annual John Sturdivant Awards this month.

Official Fairfax City Seal Plus a New Logo

Council approves where each identifier will be used.

Now that Fairfax has decided to go forward with two logos for the City, it has also determined when to use the official seal and when the new, more modern logo will be applied.

Five Suspects Charged with Gang-Related Murder

Roessler calls killing “savage and brutal.”

Fifteen-year-old Damaris Reyes Rivas’ death was caused by multiple forms of trauma to the upper body, the medical examiner reports.

Keeping Roads Safe with ‘Trooper Bowl’

From Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, through Monday morning, Feb. 6, more than 2,500 traffic stops took place across the state.

Overseeing Editorial Work

GMU Lobby Day

Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) takes a break during “Crossover,” the halfway point of the 2017 General Assembly session, to gather with a group of George Mason University students and staff on GMU Lobby Day.

Koinonia Donates iPads to Key Center

At the Key Center school for students with severe intellectual disabilities, Apple iPads are a game-changer.

Hugo’s Opioid Prescription Limit Bill Passes

Deaths from prescription opioids have more than quadrupled since 1999.

Rob Anderson was prescribed 30 days-worth of hydrocodone for pain, after he had four wisdom teeth removed in 10th grade.

Filler-Corn’s HB 2404 Passes with Amendments

Bill would create PANDAS advisory council.

Overnight, Alexandria resident Carol Quick’s 9-year-old son developed an eating disorder — an obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety.

Wreath at President's Tomb

Wreath laying at Washington's tomb

Prayer Vigil at ICE Office

Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.

Rising Hope Mission Church holds vigil at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Officers Rescue Bald Eagle

Bald eagle is rescued

County Names Police Auditor

New Fairfax County police auditor

The Northside Social in Arlington Recently a Movie Set

The Northside Social in Arlington was recently a movie set for JAVA, the first short film produced in the Mason Film Lab, a new initiative by the Film and Video Studies program at George Mason University.

Matching Pets to Their Owners

Animal shelters’ counselors help families find the right fit when seeking a pet adoption.

Natasha had been abandoned and was wandering the streets of Arlington under the blaze of a hot summer sun when she was rescued and taken to a local shelter.

Lawmaker Work Group to Examine Virginia Predatory Lending

Panel to investigate internet loans, car-title loans and open-end lines of credit.

The growing chorus of criticism about predatory lending in Virginia may not have prompted lawmakers to start passing laws to crack down on the industry. But it has accomplished one thing, formation of a work group.

In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs

Robert Johnson of Woodbridge understands the mental health crisis from a personal perspective.

A Record Year for Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Region honors its supporters.

Megan Newman told her story at the Alzheimer’s Association “Wall of Hope” reception at Tysons Corner on Feb. 9. She was only 18, a senior in high school, when her mother started to ask the same question more than once.

Opinion: Budget Season in Fairfax County

Attend a town hall meeting and express your priorities.

Alexandria and Arlington each have a meals tax, both enacted without a referendum because as urban forms of government in Virginia, their local elected bodies were authorized to enact the tax legislatively.

Fairfax County NAACP Hosting Community Gathering

The NAACP of Fairfax County is hosting a community and Black History Month commemoration on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Lorton: Fire Extinguished at Waste Facility

Covanta spokesperson James Regan said one Fairfax County Fire engine remained at the Covanta Fairfax Waste to Energy Facility on Furnace Road in Lorton to assist with the process of removing waste from the refuse pit and tipping floor, to ensure all the hot spots are doused. A two-alarm blaze began there Thursday evening, Feb. 2.

Fairfax County Names First Independent Police Auditor

Richard G. Schott, a 27-year veteran of the FBI, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to be Fairfax County’s first-ever independent police auditor.

The Connection HomeLifeStyle Real Estate and Remodeling Focus

Fairfax Home Sales: January, 2017

In January, 2017, 49 Fairfax homes sold between $805,000-$150,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: January, 2017

Era of the Iron Fist: How Did Democrats Rule the House of Delegates?

Democrats complain about Republican heavy-handedness, but were they any better?

Democrats complain that Republicans are sidelining their bills without much consideration. But were Democrats any better when they had control of the House of Delegates?

Editorial: Ending Gerrymandering Important to Region

Efforts appear dead for this session, but elections later this year provide new opportunities.

While three bills that could have reined in the runaway gerrymandering in Virginia made it through the Virginia Senate to crossover, they died on Tuesday morning in a House subcommittee, despite some vocal Republican support.

Job Fairs Match Fairfax County Teens, Employers

Supervisor Pat Herrity’s (R-Springfield) office, along with a variety of business and community organizations, hosted two teen job fairs and resume building workshops last year.

In Session: Virginia General Assembly Briefs

Ghost of Carter Glass

Meet state Sen. Carter Glass of Lynchburg.

FCPS Adopts $2.8 Billion Budget for FY2018

5.1 percent increase from 2017 prioritizes compensation and classroom resources.

The Fairfax County School Board formally adopted interim Superintendent Steve Lockard’s proposed $2.8 billion operating budget at its Feb. 9 meeting, following several work sessions and public hearings on the matter.

Chief Still Withholding Officer’s Name in Fatal Herndon Shooting

Temporary restraining order to not release name vacated by judge.

Fairfax County chief of police Edwin Roessler has yet to release the name of the 16-year veteran officer who fatally shot Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, at his Herndon-area home on Jan. 16 this year.

'I Felt 'At Least I'm Somebody"

Centreville woman meets birth father after 45 years.

Tina Diep Carmichael and Joe Nguyen reunited.

Improve Driver Laws, Reduce Road Deaths

Virginia’s highway safety report card.

Clifton resident Debbie Sausville represented Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at a recent Capitol Hill news conference where Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) issued “report cards” rating all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their progress toward adopting 15 optimal laws that scientific studies, data analysis and real world experience show are effective at preventing death and injury on roadways.

Sully District Scouts Compete in Klondike Derby

The National Capitol Area Council (NCAC) Sully District annual Klondike Derby.

Fairfax County Executive Proposes $4.10 Billion Budget

Calls for no increase in real estate taxes; falls $61 million short of schools’ request.

An exercise in “triage and trade-offs” was how Mount Vernon District Supervisor Daniel Storck described the FY 2018 budget as proposed by County Executive Ed Long to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Celebrating Black History Month

Educators say these lessons are urgently needed in current racial climate.

Even though Elavie Ndura knows that it is a daunting challenge to help children grasp the entirety of the African American experience in the shortest month of the year, each February she and other educators give it their best effort.

Help FInd a Missing Teen and Her Baby

Detectives have been searching for a missing 16-year-old girl and her 5-month-old baby boy.

Suicide Prevention Bill Passes the House

Del. Filler-Corn bill requires a review of Virginia’s suicide prevention policy.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, HB 2258, introduced by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) passed the Virginia House of Delegates.

Mmm, Mmm, Chocolate … and Then Some in Fairfax

The 25th annual Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival was Feb. 4-5.

Experience Arts from Around the World at George Mason University

India’s ‘Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue’ at the Center for the Arts.

Contemporary performing arts from India is heading to the Center for the Arts.

Fairfax Area Roundups

Bulova, Petersen to Host Town Hall Feb. 11

Del. David Bulova (D-37) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) are planning to host a legislative Town Hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the City of Fairfax City Hall.

David Meyer is Elected Mayor

The voting is over, the ballots have been tallied and David Meyer is the new mayor of the City of Fairfax.

Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Feb. 8

If you have lived in Fairfax County for any amount of time, you are surely familiar with the traffic situation here.

Commentary: First Amendment Is Alive and Well

“Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Lorton: Trash Burned at Covanta Waste Facility

Fire lasted through the weekend.

A fire started within the Covanta Fairfax Waste to Energy Facility in the 9800 block of Furnace Road in Lorton Thursday evening Feb. 2 and smoldered through the weekend.

Burke, Fairfax, Springfield: Bicycle Improvements Proposed for Braddock and Springfield Districts

Howard Albers of Springfield was encouraged by what he saw at the community meeting discussing proposed road striping changes in Braddock and Springfield Districts on Jan. 24.

This Spring, Move Into Your Brand New Herndon Townhome at Junction Square

Bulova Calls for Land Use Engagement

Board of Supervisors chairman to host Community Council on Land Use Engagement.

At the Jan. 24 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), Chairman Sharon Bulova handed the gavel to Vice Chairman Penelope Gross (D-Mason District), and proceeded to utilize a “Chairman’s Initiative” to introduce a “Board Matter” of her own.

MATHCOUNTS Winners Announced

Top area teams, students advance to Virginia state competition.

The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at George Mason University.

Volunteer Events & Opportunities

Honoring the Past and Present

A home with both a rich history and modern conveniences is on the market in Fairfax.

When Betsy Rutkowski purchased her Fairfax home, she was drawn to its rich history and the childhood memories which it evoked.

City House, Country House

Home offers sunny interior and bucolic surroundings.

European craftsmanship, a free-flowing floor plan and light-filled rooms characterize a home that was designed according to the vision of a local jurist.

Fireplace as Focal Point

A hearth is in demand for cold weather.

“Fireplaces have never fallen out of favor,” said David Foster, president of Foster Remodeling Solutions.

In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs

The backlog of untested rape kits has received a lot of media attention in recent years, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been working to find ways to process all that evidence. But that’s not the only problem with rape kits. Many of them are them are simply thrown away.

Cracking Down on On-the-Road Screen Time

Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?

Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.

Rocky Road Ahead

Governor, business leaders and analysts offer insights on regional economy.

The road signs along the highway to the region’s economic future are a bit difficult to read, sometimes pointing positively one way, and at other times seeming to indicate slow downs and hazards ahead, according to speakers and panelists at last week’s regional economic conference.

A Look Inside Fairfax County Police Diversity Training

Commanders hear speeches on openness, forgiveness, professionalism.

West Springfield District Police Commander Cpt. Gervais T. Reed said when police officers leave the profession, some are in good shape, others are bitter.

Burke & Herbert Bank’s Lights, Camera, Save! Burke Winner Selected as National Finalist

Burke & Herbert Bank’s Lights, Camera, Save! local winner, Dylan J. Fox, of Lake Braddock Secondary School, has been named a national finalist by the American Bankers Association Foundation.

Not Representative of Who We Are — Richmond Report

Like so many of you and so many Americans, I was appalled when I learned of President Trump's Executive Order barring those from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the United States, even if they have valid American visas of any kind.

When the World Turns Upside Down: Lorton resident shares personal impact of Trump Executive Order on travel.

When Anahid Ali of Lorton first heard of President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking travelers and refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries including her native Iraq, it turned her world upside down.

Community Meeting on the Braddock Road Multimodal Study Set for Feb. 6

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook will host a community meeting to discuss the Braddock Road Multimodal Study, which encompasses areas in Annandale, Springfield, Burke and Fairfax, on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Lake Braddock Secondary School, 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke.

Fairfax City Mayoral Candidates in Their Own Words

Special election for City mayor is Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Fairfax City Council members Michael DeMarco, David Meyer and Ellie Schmidt all hope to become the City’s next mayor.

Fairfax City Special Election: Michael DeMarco

Imagine living in a city where we have easy access to restaurants, shops, public transportation and work.

A Weekend Full of Chocolate Fun in Fairfax City

City’s tastiest festival is Feb. 4-5.

The Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival is a dream-come-true for chocolate aficionados, and the 2017 extravaganza is this Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 5, from noon-4 p.m.

Fairfax City Special Election: David Meyer

The City of Fairfax needs a strong, effective mayor to lead the Council in completing its 2035 Comprehensive Plan, getting the two approved redevelopment projects started at Fairfax Circle and Kamp Washington, and protecting existing neighborhoods from increased density and traffic congestion.

Fairfax City Special Election: Ellie Schmidt

You have a choice in the special election on Feb 7.

Fairfax High Holds Hall of Fame Inductions

The Fairfax High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted seven new members on January 17, 2017.

‘The Magic Marksman’ at George Mason University Stage

Virginia Opera presents “The Magic Marksman” at George Mason University, Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax.

Week in Fairfax

Meet with Bulova, Petersen

Del. David Bulova (D-37) and state Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) will hold a town hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9-11 a.m., at Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong St. in Fairfax.

Honoring Dr. King with a Day of Service at Mason Neck State Park

Fairfax County: Body-Worn Cameras for Police Coming Closer

Policy addressing privacy, mental health, metrics needed before pilot begins.

Fairfax County Police could have a body-worn camera program for officers up and running as early as the fall. That’s what Police Chief Edwin Roessler and the Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee discussed at the committee’s first meeting of 2017 on Jan. 31.

Fairfax County: Deadline Reached for Civilian Review Panel Nominations

Supervisors to review applications before Feb. 14 meeting.

Jan. 31 was the final day for applications and nominations for Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel, one of two new forms of independent oversight for the police department.

Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers to Crack Down on On-the-Road Screen Time

Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?

Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.

Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Screen Time

Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about Facebook and Twitter?

Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.

In Musical Competition

On Feb. 11, Olivia Johann, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology and resident of Centreville, will compete on the oboe.

Westfield Girls Varsity Falls to Oakton 54-44

The Westfield Bulldogs girls varsity basketball team traveled to Oakton to take on #11 Oakton on Jan. 27.

Centreville Defeats Chantilly 44-41

The Centreville girls varsity basketball team won a conference game against the Chantilly Chargers in Chantilly on Jan. 24.

'Its Sadly Still Very Relevant'

Westfield High presents “The Laramie Project.”

In October 1998 in a prairie outside Laramie, Wy., college student Matthew Shepard, 21, was tied to a fence and beaten because he was gay.

Peanuts Characters Come to Life

CVHS presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Centreville High’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” will resonate with children and adults alike.