Trail-riding group gets grant to restore Wakefield Park trails
The trail at Wakefield Park The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a $16,200 Mastenbrook grant to Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) to help fund a trail restoration project at Wakefield Park in Annandale. MORE plans to restore and rehabilitate numerous sections of trail in the northern end of the park that have deteriorated over … Continued
Holly Hazard to run against Del. Kaye Kory in Democratic Primary
Holly Hazard (right) talks to residents about their concerns. Social justice advocate Holly Hazard is challenging long-time House of Delegates member Kaye Kory in the Democratic Primary. The primary is June 8. Hazard, a Mason District resident for more than 30 years, wants to bring a new viewpoint to the General Assembly.
Recent crimes: DWI, assault, burglary, shooting
The Fairfax County Police Department reports the following crimes in the Mason Police District during the past week: A man was arrested for driving following a vehicle pursuit on Leesburg Pike at Row Street at 2 a.m. on Feb. 28. An officer attempted to stop a 2005 Jeep Liberty for a traffic violation, but the … Continued
Taco Ssam to open new outlet in Annandale
The future home of Taco Ssam, at 4347 John Marr Drive. Taco Ssam, the Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant in the Culmore Shopping Center on Leesburg Pike, is opening a new location in the retail plaza under construction on John Marr Drive in Annandale. Owner Alex Lee hopes the new restaurant could open in time for Cinco … Continued
Community leaders can help residents get COVID vaccinations
People in line for a vaccination at the Inova Center for Personalized Health. The Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations is encouraging neighborhood and HOA leaders to reach out to residents who might need help getting COVID-19 vaccinations.
Planning Commission retains public hearing requirement for accessory living units
The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved zMOD, the huge zoning ordinance modernization project March 3, with some key amendments. The measure goes to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing March 9 and a final decision.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center has a connection to an African chief
Alex and Lassine Doumbia By Suzanne Holland Annandale residents Alex Doumbia, a naturalist at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale and a member of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Work Force Council, and his father, Lassine Doumbia, share a common passion for education, nature, and parks. Lassine has volunteered to lead the Spotlight by Starlight … Continued
Police commander to act on street racing complaints
The Mason Police Station Street racing and speeding in Annandale is a “top priority” said Capt. Shawn Adcock, the new commander of the Mason Police District at a March 2 meeting of the station’s citizen advisory committee (CAC). Adcock succeeded the former commander, Capt. Brooke Wright, two weeks ago.
The end of the pandemic could be in sight
The COVID vaccination center at the Inova Center for Personalized Health. Increased production of COVID-19 vaccines means Fairfax County can step up its vaccination efforts. President Biden said on March 2 that every adult in the U.S. who wants a vaccination will be able to get one by the end of May, two months sooner … Continued
Community input sought on ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan
Biking on Ravensworth Road in Annandale. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) wants to hear comments from the public as part of its process in developing the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan. Active transportation means self-propelled, human-powered travel, including walking, biking, hiking, running, and riding, and rolling (scooters, wheelchairs, and strollers).
Tax assistance programs mostly virtual this year
Before the pandemic, AARP volunteers assisted taxpayers at the Mason Government Center. The AARP Tax Aide program is underway to help people file their taxes, but there are new procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People must have appointments this year, Mason Supervisor Penny Gross reports in her newsletter to residents. No walk-ins are allowed, … Continued
Mason police commander to address street racing complaints
The car show in Annandale on Feb. 25. Capt. Shawn Adcock, the new commander of the Mason Police Station, is working on addressing the complaints about street racing in Annandale. Many residents have complained about noise and speeding on Little River Turnpike and surrounding streets after 10 p.m. last week following an informal meetup of … Continued
Virginia legislature passes bill on legalizing recreational marijuana
Virginia lawmakers approved legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use, beginning in 2024. Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to sign the measure, which focuses on ending inequities in the criminal justice system. Several lawmakers said they hope Northam will propose amendments to speed up legalization and strengthen the provisions to promote racial equity.
New performing arts venue to open this fall
A rendering of Capital One Hall [Capital One] By David Siegel In a unique public-private partnership, a new world-class performing arts destination is nearing completion in McLean: Capital One Hall is scheduled to open in October on the newly constructed Capital One Bank campus. The Fairfax County and Capital One Bank public-use partnership, valued at … Continued
Virginia to get allocation of single-dose COVID vaccines
The Virginia Department of Health will begin offering the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson next week, the agency announced. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for that vaccine on Feb. 27.