Chief Withholding Name of Officer in Herndon Fatal Shooting
Officer files temporary restraining order for Roessler to not release name.
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. On Feb. 7, FCPD said the unnamed officer has filed a temporary restraining order to keep the name from being released.
Arrest Made in Shooting at Police Car in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waiving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Fairfax: Board Approves 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program
Five-year plan includes three new elementary schools and one new high school.
This year, Fairfax County Public Schools experienced one of the smallest annual enrollment increases in nearly a decade: 1,368 students, compared to the average of 2,400 since the 2008-09 school year, bringing the total to 187,202.
Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles
Demonstrators, volunteer attorneys and elected officials welcome travelers, extend help detainees.
Demonstrations sprang up at airports around the United States over the weekend, following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that blocks travelers from seven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the interests of more significant vetting and preventing would-be terrorists from entering the country.
Springfield: Community Outlook 2017
Springfield Area Ongoing Developments
The Connection keeps a running list of land use projects being planned, under construction and nearing completion in the community. The list is updated quarterly.
Lorton: Community Outlook 2017
Ongoing Area Developments
The Connection keeps a running list of land use projects being planned, under construction and nearing completion in the community. The list is updated quarterly.
Residents Go to Richmond
Virginia News
With the Virginia General Assembly underway, many individuals and groups are traveling to the capital of the Commonwealth to lobby lawmakers.
Burke Community Outlook 2017
Developments Underway in Burke Area
The Connection keeps a running list of land use projects being planned, under construction and nearing completion in the community. The list is updated quarterly.
Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield: Reducing Braddock Road congestion to be discussed Feb. 6
Is Wider Better?
Next month, residents will hear an update on the status of the Braddock Road Multimodal Study. The purpose of the study is to examine ways to relieve traffic congestion along the major corridor from Guinea Road to the Beltway. Those could include intersection improvements, lane additions, pedestrian improvements, “and the issue of whether or not to do a transit center,” said supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock).
Burke: Friends of Sadie Blood Drive Returns Feb. 12
The eighth annual Friends of Sadie Blood Drive is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Fairfax County: Public hearing on yard waste bags follows premature administrative change
North Springfield resident Asher Grady has his leaf collecting down to a science. And with the mature trees around his quarter-acre lot, he needs to. Each fall, he said, he goes through between 60 and 80 bags of leaves, spending between eight and 12 hours to rake and bag them.
Lockard Channels Garza, Proposes $2.8 Billion FCPS Budget
FY2018 focuses on employee compensation and classroom resources.
Fairfax County Public Schools interim superintendent Steve Lockard is asking for $130.4 million more for the school system’s FY2018 operating budget than the previous year, a 4.9 percent increase, to a total of $2.8 billion.
No Injuries after VRE Train Hits Car in Clifton
No one was injured after a Virginia Railway Express train struck a car that had become stuck on the tracks in Clifton on Jan. 5, according to Fairfax County Fire & Rescue.
Partnering to Reduce Northern Virginia Congestion
Legislators tour past, present and future transportation projects.
The blessing of traffic, Martin Nohe said, is that “there’s lots of great transportation projects to choose from.”
Fairfax County: Tour de Mount Vernon
Supervisor Storck leads inaugural cross-district bike ride
“I wanted to get a ride in this year,” Storck told a group of 20 to 30 riders, himself bundled up in several layers and a neon green high-visibility jacket. The objective, Storck said, was to tour some of the trails and roadways running through Mount Vernon District, and along the way discuss some of the near to distant development plans for the area.
Fairfax: Police Auditor and Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
Body cameras, mental health part of public safety focus
This year will see two historic firsts for Fairfax County, its police department and citizens: the beginning work of an Office of Police Auditor and Civilian Review Panel. “It’s very important people picked deal with facts, demand facts and make decisions based on facts,” Sayles said, “and communicate those in a way that’s not divisive." said Randy Sayles of Oak Hill who was a member of the Use of Force subcommittee of the Ad Hoc Commission.
Fairfax County: New Year, New Superintendent for County Schools
Budget shortfall, equity and nondiscrimination storylines for 2017
“What does equity really mean,” Corbett Sanders continued. “We’re going to have some healthful discussions about it. Everything from early education on.” The budget will once again be a major storyline for the school system, as Hynes said the board is currently looking at about a $90 million shortfall for FY 2018.
Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
Body cameras, mental health part of public safety focus.
Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
For Schools: New Year, New Superintendent
New Year, New Superintendent for FCPS
New School Superintendent
Burke CARES Receives Toy Donation from Pack 1346
On Dec. 13, members of the Cub Scout Pack 1346 donated toys to the non-profit organization Burke CARES, that will then distribute them to children in need around the Burke Community. In addition to the annual gift drive, Burke CARES (Community Action Resources for Empowerment and Support) also partners with St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax each year to provide donated backpacks and school supplies to between 35 and 45 children in Burke.
Burke United Methodist Church hosts hypothermia prevention shelter.
Just before five p.m. on Dec. 14, the Burke United Methodist Church kitchen is bustling with volunteers. They’re preparing soup, snacks and dinner meals for between 25 and 30 homeless guests who will spend the night at the church.
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting
Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicide was justified self-defense.
In a decision released Dec. 16, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh cleared Fairfax County Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez that took place Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions
Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.
One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.
Lorton: Swim Teams Make Toys for Tots Splash
West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams
The South County and West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams donated gifts for the South Run RECenter Toys for Tots campaign prior to their meet against each other on Dec. 10.
Burke: Legislative Forum Held at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church
The art of the possible
At the free public forum, Grow, Rhee and Bowers-Lanier stressed the importance for people who are concerned about climate change, immigration and economic justice, health care and other social justice issues to be both active and vigilant as these issues come before state and federal lawmakers in 2017.
Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented
Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is well on its way to implementing all recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Committee, they announced 88 percent of the commission recommendations have been implemented or are soon to be so.
Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions
Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.
One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.
Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield: Great Dads Turns 20
Nonprofit celebrates two decades training fathers to be better parents.
“I remember leaving the conference and driving past the exit for my office,” Stafford said, “looking back and seeing my briefcase, thinking about all the things I needed to get done, or thought I did.” But Stafford passed the exit, drove home and surprised his wife. He announced the family would be going to the zoo, “a nice little daycation.”
Supervisors Establish Fairfax County’s First Police Civilian Review Panel
As complement to police auditor, panel will review abuse and misconduct complaints.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to establish a Civilian Review Panel to provide oversight of Fairfax County Police and to hear complaints of police misconduct or abuse of authority.
Bumped, Bruised, Better
Springfield man recovers from mid-race Ironman accident.
Bill Vitaletti of Springfield had fractured his jaw in three places, broken a bone in his eye socket, chipped a tooth and cracked two other teeth that would eventually have to be pulled. But he didn’t know any of that at the time. What he knew was he still had at least 20 miles left to bike and 26.2 miles to run before completing his first Ironman triathlon.
Lorton: Holiday Homes Tour ‘Warm Hospitality’
Clifton residents welcome visitors for Holiday Homes Tour.
The Currans had the old house demolished and a new one built in its place. One that would fit the character of the historic neighborhood.
Fairfax Station: Thirtieth Joint Thanksgiving Eve Service Held at Temple B’Nai Shalom
Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station and Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence in Burke held a 30th consecutive joint Thanksgiving Eve service Nov. 23 at the Jewish congregation’s synagogue.
Celebrating Diversity in Burke
33rd Interfaith Thanksgiving service at Burke Presbyterian Church celebrates differences.
“You can lament about the hate in the country right now,” she said, “but there’s a great sense of readiness to act in a different way, that we’re capable of being different and being together.” Co-pastors at Burke Presbyterian Church Rev. Meg Peery McLaughlin and her husband Rev. Jarrett insist the interfaith Thanksgiving service held in their worship hall on Nov. 22 was not in response to any perceived disunity in the country following the Presidential election.
Fairfax: Robinson Square Root
Educational program part of FACETS plan to prevent homelessness.
“If you don’t do homework, you get bad grades,” Dowling asserted. The boys are receiving after school homework assistance at the Robinson Square community center, owned by Fairfax County and operated by Fairfax-based non-profit FACETS.
Fairfax Station: Donated Thanksgiving Food Baskets Ready for 525 Households
Five-hundred twenty-five households in southeastern Fairfax County were served a Thanksgiving food basket from Lorton Community Action Center, thanks to donations from the community and volunteers to organize the packing.
Mount Vernon: Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment
Comments may be sent prior to planning’s Nov. 30 meeting
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.
Springfield: Key Center Teacher Publishes Counting Book
If Barney, the big purple dinosaur, motivates one of his students to learn to count, Ka’ala Rapoza won’t stand in the way. But Rapoza, 37, also recognizes the need to balance age-appropriate teaching tools with the skill being learned.
Fairfax County: Commonwealth’s Attorney Begins Review of FCPD Report on Deputy-Involved INOVA Shooting
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh said he has received the completed criminal investigation from Fairfax County Police into the Aug. 15 fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Fairfax County: Planning Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.
Fairfax: Educational program part of FACETS plan to prevent homelessness
On a weekday afternoon, young Fairfax resident Demetrius Dowling works independently on an extra math word problem. A few rows behind him, George Mason University senior and volunteer Rebecca Curtis spends time on a division problem with Yasir Abuelhassan, also from Dowling’s neighborhood.
Fairfax County: FCPS Testing Water Quality in Schools
Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.
Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.
Tysons: Warby Parker to Open First Virginia Eyeglasses Store
Warby Parker, a popular online eyeglasses retailer, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Virginia on Nov. 19 at Tysons Corner Center mall.
Fairfax County: Volunteers compile more than 7,500 pounds in donated food for Lorton Community Action Center and Britepaths.
Wanda Jeter of Lorton has been a volunteer with the Lorton Community Action Center for 20 years. As single mother who’s struggled to provide for herself and four children, she’s also been a client.
Fairfax County: No to Trump And Meals Tax
Beyer, Connolly re-elected.
With final numbers still coming in from around the country, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carried a strong lead early Wednesday morning over Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton.
Clinton and Kaine Carry Virginia, Trump Seizes Key Battlegrounds
Comstock, Connolly, Beyer re-elected; meals tax voted down; bonds voted up.
MEALS TAX referendum would have allowed Fairfax County supervisors to enact up to a four percent tax on prepared foods and beverages.
Fairfax County: Autopsy Report Yet to Come for Deputy-Involved Shooting
Administrative investigation to follow.
Law enforcement officials are still waiting to receive the final autopsy report for Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, who was shot dead by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.
H Mart Grocery Store Opens in Burke Nov. 9
The building formerly occupied by the Giant Food supermarket in Burke Village Center will re-open Nov. 9 as Asian-inspired grocery store H Mart.
Fairfax Challenger Little League Celebrates Trunk-r-Treat
On Oct. 23, Frankenstein’s monster stepped up to the plate in Fairfax. Around 125 players, siblings and player buddies in costume participated in two baseball games as part of the Fairfax Challenger League’s Trunk-r-Treat event at Chilcot Field in Fairfax.
Burke: Firefighters Extinguish Burning Tractor Trailer
Firefighters from Battalions 7, 5 and 4 helped extinguish a burning tractor trailer in the 8900 block of Burke Lake Road on Saturday, Oct. 22, a release from Fairfax County Fire & Rescue said.