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
Bigger, better nature center reopens
The newly expanded and renovated Hidden Oaks Nature Center reopened to the public on June 25. The nature center, at 7701 Royce St. in Annandale, had been closed for the past two years, first because of the Covid pandemic, then due to construction. The center continued to host classes and other activities, but only outdoors. … Continued
Rotary Club honors best landscapes
The Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club on June 24 awarded businesses and other facilities with Blooming Best Awards for excellence in landscaping. The winners are: • City Diner — frontage and side landscaping, Route 7 and Rock Spring Avenue. • McDonald’s — entrance, Route 7 and Carlin Springs Road. • Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse — … Continued
Jollibee draws big crowds on opening day
Hundreds of people waited in line for hours at the new Jollibee Filipino fast-food restaurant that opened June 26 on N. Beauregard Street in Lincolnia. There was even one couple, Naomi and David Session, who showed up at midnight Saturday for the 9 a.m. opening Sunday morning, reports Ricky Esquivias, marketing director at Jollibee USA. … Continued
Virginia leaders react to the end of Roe
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, local elected leaders vow to support efforts to protect women’s reproductive rights in Virginia. Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he will work to ban most abortions after 15 weeks. Abortions in Virginia are legal up to about 26 weeks. Youngkin had refused to reveal … Continued
Sports bar to open in Seven Corners
A bar and grill called Ruta 50 is coming to the former Fish Basket space at 6142 Arlington Blvd. at the Willston Shopping Center in Seven Corners. Ruta 50 will basically be a sports bar, and manager Rodrigo Martinez hopes it can open in late July or August – in time for the runup to … Continued
Recent crimes: shooting, stabbing, robbery
The Fairfax County Police Department reports the following recent crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area: There was a shooting in the 6000 block of Bellview Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads shortly after 7:30 p.m. on June 20. Two men approached the victim in his vehicle. One of them fired multiple shots into the vehicle and walked … Continued
Squalid conditions at Fairmont Gardens aired in court
The Fairfax County Circuit Court heard a case today that shined a light on the filthy and inhumane conditions at Fairmont Gardens in Annandale. Dean Sanchez, a former leasing agent, is suing the Donaldson Group, the company that owns the apartment complex. While Sanchez’s case alleges the property manager discriminated against him, his suit details … Continued
Enjoy an outdoor show four days a week
What better way to spend a summer evening than enjoying a free outdoor show in a local park? The summer concert series in Annandale parks is in full swing. There are Spotlight by Starlight performances three nights a week at Mason District Park and once a week at Ossian Hall Park. All shows start at … Continued
