FCPS won’t implement Youngkin’s model policies on trans students
Fairfax County Public Schools will not implement the “model policies” on the treatment of transgender students promulgated by the administration of Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Superintendent Michelle Reid announced Aug. 15. The final version of the model policies issued by the Virginia Department of Education in July calls for school districts to set their own policies … Continued
Vandals destroy banners promoting BLM and progressive values at an Annandale church
Someone tore down banners at Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale during the night of Sunday, Aug. 13. One banner said “Black Lives Matter.” The other said “Be the church” and had a number of phrases, including “fight for the powerless,” “forgive often,” “protect the environment,” “care for the poor,” “reject racism,” “embrace … Continued
Invasive spotted lanternflies should be reported and killed
Fairfax County residents are encouraged to report sightings of spotted lanternflies, invasive pests that are spreading throughout the area. These dangerous beauties pose a significant threat to peach, apple, and grape growers, as well as homeowners’ yard plants. The Urban Forest Management office asks residents to report spotted lanternfly sightings through the mobile app iNaturalist … Continued
There are just a few more concerts at Mason District parks
With summer winding down, there are only a few more chances to catch an evening performance in the Spotlight by Starlight entertainment series. There are three more shows at the amphitheater in Mason District Park in Annandale. The swing band, Natty Beaux, will perform Wednesday, Aug. 16. John McCutcheon, a folk music singer/songwriter, appears on … Continued
Hit-and run driver charged with manslaughter
Additional charges have been served on the driver allegedly responsible for a hit-and-run crash in Bailey’s Crossroads on July 8 that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. Benjamin Lopez Encinas, 33, of Woodbridge was charged with aggravated DWI manslaughter and felony hit and run, the Fairfax County Police Department reported on Aug. 14. He … Continued
Fairfax County will hand out monthly cash payments to struggling families
Fairfax County is launching an Economic Mobility Pilot next month to provide cash payments to 180 eligible households who are struggling economically but earn too much to qualify for federal assistance programs. Participating families will receive a monthly payment of $750 for 15 months. They could use the money for anything they want. They could … Continued
Pinecrest School dedicates a building to its former Head of School
The Pinecrest School’s board of directors dedicated its lower building to former Head of School Nicole McDermott in honor of her 18 years of visionary leadership, from 2005 to 2023. Pinecrest is a private school located at 7209 Quiet Cove in Annandale. The lower building houses the preschool, lower elementary grades, and administrative offices. A … Continued
Families prepare for school at the Bailey’s Crossroads school resource fair
Bailey’s Crossroads kids and their parents are ready for the start of the school year, thanks to a school resource fair Aug. 12 at the Bailey’s Community Center. The kids got free school supplies, while parents learned about resources available from dozens of county agencies and local organizations. The event was organized by the Fairfax … Continued
Columbia Pines sign smashed
A driver crashed into the brick Columbia Pines entry sign at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Rose Lane in Annandale. There are car parts all over the ground. Are there any witnesses?
Road Shark campaign targeted impaired drivers
The Fairfax County Police Department reports success with the 2023 Road Shark campaign to curb dangerous driving behavior. Road Shark, now ended, is a collaborative effort of FCPD and the Virginia State Police. During the campaign, officers and state troopers issued nearly 25,000 citations and warnings, including hundreds of arrests for driving while intoxicated and … 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: Aug. 9 Aug. 8 Aug. 7 Aug. 6 Aug. 5 Aug. 4 Aug. 3
Annandale ‘comfort woman’ statue is gone
The Statue of Peace in Annandale honoring the Korean “comfort women” has been removed. The statue was installed in front of an office building at 7601 Little River Turnpike in Annandale in October 2019 by the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues (WCCW). The statue reminds the public of the sacrifices of the thousands of … Continued
Libraries to extend hours Aug. 28
Fairfax County public libraries are returning to “normal” hours on Aug. 28. Library hours were cut back a year ago due to difficulties filling staff positions. Under the updated schedule, George Mason Regional Library in Annandale and other regional branches will be open: The 23 community branches, including the Wilson Library in Bailey’s Crossroads and … Continued
School bond would fund construction at Bren Mar Park Elementary School
A $435 million school bond referendum on the ballot for the Nov. 7 election includes construction funding for just one school in Mason District – Bren Mar Park Elementary. The 2023 school bond calls for $55 million for construction at Bren Mar Park. Planning and design funds ($4 million) were covered by the 2021 bond. … Continued
Jake’s popcorn shop opens in Seven Corners
Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn opened Aug. 7 in the Seven Corners Shopping Center. It’s on the upper level between the Vacuum Center and Michael’s. Jake’s offers just a few flavors for the soft opening but will add many more later when the staff gets up to speed. Current flavors include caramel corn, kettle corn, cheddar, white … Continued