Annandale cold case solved
Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Cold Case Squad have identified a woman who committed suicide in Annandale 25 years ago. The woman, formerly known as “the Christmas Tree Lady,” is Joyce Meyer Sommers, the FCPD announced. She was identified by Othram Inc. using advanced DNA testing and forensic-grade genome sequencing. The Christmas Tree … Continued
Board to consider changes in comp plan amendment process
Fairfax County is proposing some big changes to the site-specific plan amendment (SSPA) process. The changes include shortening the timeline and expanding community engagement. The SSPA process is used to consider development proposals that involve amending the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The proposed changes were recommended by a working group consisting of members of the Planning … Continued
Gang members convicted of murder
A federal jury in Alexandria on July 5 convicted five members of the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of two adolescent boys in 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia reports. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the five gang … Continued
A 67-year-old community directory lists long-forgotten local businesses
A 1955 directory published by the Broyhill Crest Citizens Association reveals some of the businesses that existed in Annandale when the area’s farmland was rapidly transforming into suburban subdivisions. The directory was part of a historical display at Broyhill Crest’s 70th-anniversary celebration July 4 at the community’s pool. The first homes in Broyhill Crest … Continued
Moon gate in the works for Green Spring
A moon gate is coming to Green Spring Gardens. Plans for a new Moon Gate Garden began in 2020 when Green Spring celebrated its 50th anniversary. Moon gates originated in ancient Asian gardens. “Guests who passed through them were symbolically granted an auspicious welcome and good fortune,” The Fairfax County Park Authority explains. “In garden … Continued
Covid tests available at mobile labs
Beginning this week, the Fairfax County Health Department will offer Covid testing through its new partner Curative Inc. Mobile labs will provide free PCR testing at these locations in Mason District: Bailey’s Community Center, 5920 Summers Lane, Bailey’s Crossroads – every Tuesday and Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. New Grand Mart, 6255 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia … Continued
New Virginia laws take effect
Here are a few of the newly enacted Virginia laws that took effect July 1: Public education Senate Bill 656 – The Department of Education is directed to develop model policies on sexually explicit content in instructional material by July 30. School boards must adopt policies by Jan. 1, 2023, for ensuring parental notification of … Continued
Fireworks safety tips for the 4th of July
Planning to shoot off your own fireworks on the Fourth of July? Here are some tips to keep you, your children, pets, and neighbors safe. • Keep all bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks. • Light one fireworks device at a time, then go back to a safe distance immediately. • Never have … Continued
Man arrested for robbing Home Depot
A 25-year-old man from Maryland was arrested for robbing the Home Depot in Seven Corners and eluding the police. On June 28, shortly before 2:30 p.m., the man threatened an employee and took merchandise without paying, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. He left in a Toyota that had been reported stolen earlier that day. … Continued
Reid starts job as FCPS superintendent
Michelle Reid was sworn in as superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools June 30 at Luther Jackson Middle School. Her job started July 1. Reid supersedes Scott Brabrand, who served as superintendent since 2017. “It’s important for me to remember that learning happens best in community, and this is an amazing community,” Reid said during her … Continued
Police can now pull over loud cars
Under a Virginia law that takes effect July 1, police officers can stop a vehicle for having an excessively noisy exhaust system. Officers can enforce this law as a primary offense, meaning there is reasonable suspicion to make a traffic stop. Up to now, state law considered loud exhaust systems a secondary offense. Officers were … Continued
Congressional School exit to be widened
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on June 28 approved a plan to reduce traffic backups caused by vehicles exiting Congressional School. The agreement calls for Congressional to contribute all necessary land rights for improvements to the exit from its property onto Sleepy Hollow Road and up to $61,476 to widen its exit from one … Continued
Land use committee supports parking plan at Justice HS
The Mason District Land Use Committee had a packed agenda at its June 28 meeting: They recommended the Planning Commission approve the expansion of Radley Acura and heard presentations on the Patrick Henry shelter replacement and a proposal to add a drive-through to the McDonald’s on Route 50 near Annandale Road. The issue that drew … Continued
County to provide info on abortion resources
In response to the Supreme Court’s overturning Roe v. Wade, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on June 28 passed a board matter by a 10-0 vote directing staff to provide information on reproductive resources, services, and facilities available to county residents. The Health Department and other agencies will work to prepare a webpage with … Continued
Lee District to be renamed Franconia
Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk (Lee District) urged the Board of Supervisors to begin the process to change the name of his district to Franconia. “Over the last two and a half years, my office has held three town hall meetings to hear directly from the community on what the name Lee District means to … Continued