Man who murdered a co-worker over a stolen lunch gets 100 years
Bazen Berhe was sentenced to 100 years for the 2021 murder of a co-worker, Hernan Leiva, in the parking lot of the Skyline Target in Bailey’s Crossroads, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office announced Jan. 30. At the sentencing hearing, Berhe, 25, of Alexandria, threatened to kill or hurt other people if he was not given the … Continued
Park Authority proposes new fee structure
[ A new draft study by the Fairfax County Park Authority recommends changing the fee structure to bring more equity to the park system. The report suggests several strategies to make park programs more affordable to lower-income families. Together, these changes would cost approximately $26.6 million. The draft 2024 Equity Study was presented to the … Continued
Help plan the next Taste of Annandale
Want to help plan the 2024 Taste of Annandale? You’re invited to the next meeting of the Taste of Annandale Planning Committee, Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. The meeting will be at the ACCA Child Development Center at 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale. If you’re planning to come, RSVP to [email protected]. The 2024 Taste … Continued
School news roundup
The following news briefs are from FCPS and individual schools. GRAMMY finalist – Annie Ray, the orchestra teacher at Annandale High School, is a finalist for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award. The winner will be announced Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. Ray is one of 10 finalists from nine states. The winner will receive … Continued
Planning Commission approves expansion of Mason Police Station
s The Fairfax County Planning Commission on Jan. 24 approved a project to renovate and expand the Mason Police Station. The police station shares a building with the Mason Government Center at 6507 Columbia Pike. A temporary facility with a mobile office unit and a service vehicle canopy in the parking lot will be used … Continued
TJ students find deeper meanings in ‘The SpongeBob Musical’
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology invites the community to see “The SpongeBob Musical.” Performances are scheduled for Feb. 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at tjtheaterarts.com or at the door. By Asha Das and Sohana Bahl Get ready … Continued
Former Mason police commander to head Major Crimes Bureau
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis on Jan. 26 announced the promotion of Patrick Brusch, the former commander of the Mason Police District, to head the Major Crimes Bureau. Brusch was also promoted to the rank of major. Brush headed the Mason Police District since September 2023. Lt. Erin Weeks is serving as acting commander. … Continued
Teen arrested for murder released on bond
The 14-year-old suspect who was arrested for murder on Jan. 13 was released on bond and is back at home in Fairmont Gardens. He has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor. A story reported by NBC4 Washington says the suspect fatally stabbed Paulo Castañeda, age 17, during a knife fight at a birthday party … Continued
Bill to allow casino in Tysons advances in the state Senate
Community groups in Fairfax County are mobilizing against state legislation that would open the door to a possible resort-style casino in Tysons. The Senate Finance Committee approved a bill (SB 675) proposed by Sen. Dave Marsden, who represents the Annandale area, that would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on building a casino in … Continued
Weekly crime report
The following recent crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area are from the Fairfax County Police Department as reported on CityProtect: Jan. 24 Jan. 23 Jan. 22 Jan. 21 Jan. 20 Jan. 19 Jan. 18
Supervisors call for more studies on Lake Accotink
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 23 approved a motion calling for additional studies on the preservation of Lake Accotink. The Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink presented its Findings Report to the board on Dec. 5. That report found that retaining the lake at a smaller size could be a … Continued
Supervisors to create a Military Families Commission
The Board of Supervisors on Jan. 23 approved a board matter by James Walkinshaw (Braddock) to create a Commission on Military Families. The commission would help military families and veterans engage with the county and help county leaders understand their issues. The county executive will present recommendations to the Board of Supervisors in mid-March on … Continued
Board approves huge data center
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning application Jan. 23 to allow the construction of a 110-foot-tall data center on Route 50 in Chantilly. Nearly all the 25 people who spoke at the public hearing cited concerns with noise and environmental issues. One major complaint is the potential for a diesel leak that … Continued
Huge music venue opens in Fairfax
There’s a huge new space to enjoy live performances not too far from Mason District. Earp’s Ordinary moved into a 10,000-square-foot space at the end of 2023 with room for 290 patrons on Main Street in the City of Fairfax. The stage is much bigger than the one in Earp’s old space, and there’s a … Continued
Woman dies in Annandale house fire
A house fire in Annandale on Jan. 20 claimed the life of a female resident, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports. Fire units responded to a fire in the 8200 block of Mockingbird Drive shortly before 11:30 p.m. When they arrived, they found heavy fire on the roof of a two-story, single-family home. … Continued