Crime report: man threatened with machete
The Fairfax County Police report for the week includes these crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area: A man waiting for a bus in the 5100 block of Backlick Road in Annandale at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 7 was approached by a man who began yelling racial slurs and threatening him with a machete. During … Continued
Fairfax County Planning Commission approves infill project
The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved an infill development in the Alexandria area of Mason District Oct. 8. The Board of Supervisors’ hearing will be Nov. 17. The property owner, Lora Seeds, wants to sell her property at 5824 Dawes Ave. to a developer who would build three homes on the 1.2-acre lot. She applied for … Continued
Fairfax County Schools superintendent says admission to TJ can’t depend on test-taking skills
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is in Mason District, but few students from Mason District Schools go there. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand, speaking at a virtual town hall Oct. 7, said the admissions process for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has to change to give students … Continued
They built the road they would be forced to walk: a brief history of Little River Turnpike
By James Albright, from the Living Life in 4D blog From my front porch, looking over my garden, I can see the two blocks to the intersection of my street with the Little River Turnpike here in Lincolnia. I typically walk there once a day or so on my way to the local coffee shop … Continued
Thomas Jefferson HS alumni demand a more equitable admissions process
TJ alumni at a protest outside the school on Oct. 4. [Photos: TJAAG] Members of the TJ Alumni Action Group (TJAAG) held a rally in front of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Oct. 4 to urge Fairfax County Public Schools to drop the test-based admissions system in favor of a merit-based lottery. … Continued
Annandale restaurant closes permanently
Dice Burger Dice Burger, a fast-casual restaurant at 7023 Columbia Pike in Annandale, has closed permanently, according to a sign on the door. The restaurant was struggling even before the coronavirus pandemic. Owner Sayed Sanaei warned the community in September 2019 that he might have to shut down if business didn’t improve. The sign on … Continued
Man dies in moped accident in Lincolnia
Columbia Pike eastbound at Lincolnia Road. [Google Maps] A man is dead following a moped crash at 2:20 a.m. Oct. 5 at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Lincolnia Road in Lincolnia, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. Erwin Rodriguez, 32, of Annandale, was thrown from the 2011 TaoTao moped he was driving and pronounced … Continued
Rep. Connolly accuses opponent of hate speech
Rep. Gerry Connolly (left) and Manga Anantatmula. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th District), who is running for re-election, accused his Republican opponent, Manga Anantatmula, of hate speech during a virtual candidate forum hosted by the Fairfax County NAACP Oct. 3. Connolly, who has represented the Annandale/Mason District area in Congress since 2009, also accused Anantatmula of … Continued
Infill development planned for Annandale
Six homes are planned for Travis Parkway. One of the few remaining open green spaces in Annandale is slated for an infill development. Premier Homes is planning to build six homes on Travis Parkway between Gallows Road and Thornton Street. It’s a by-right project, so there won’t be a public hearing. The new homes would … Continued
Dog salon to open in Annandale
Bessie’s Pet Grooming is moving into the building formerly occupied by Heidi’s Nails at 7139 Columbia Pike, Annandale, accessible from the Giant parking lot. The owner, Bessie Cho, plans to open in late November. The shop will offer haircuts, baths, and toenail trims for dogs. Cho formerly worked at the Columbia Pike Animal Hospital in … Continued
Man arrested for sexually assaulting juvenile
Thomas [FCPD] Fairfax County Police have arrested a man in connection with the sexual assault of a juvenile in Mason District. Following an investigation, detectives identified a second juvenile victim and were able to identify and charge the suspect, Malachi Thomas, 18, of Woodbridge, with one count of rape and three counts of sodomy. He … Continued
No trick-or-treating, no screaming advised for Halloween: COVID is scary enough
Even without traditional trick-or-treating this year, Halloween can still be fun. The Fairfax County Health Department urges people to avoid door-to-door trick-or-treating and other activities that would pose a risk of contracting COVID-19, but offers several alternatives. The recommendations are based on guidance from the CDC, which also offers recommendations for safely celebrating Día de … Continued
Advocates urge Fairfax County to address racial disparities in policing
A use of force incident in Fairfax County in June captured on a police body camera. The officer was arrested for assault. [WJLA] The Fairfax County Police Department needs to do a better job of eliminating racial disparities in the use of force and improve relationships with immigrant communities. Those were among the key issues … Continued
Essential workers at Giant demand hazard pay
Union members speak out for extra pay for working in during the pandemic. [John Lee] Workers at Giant and Safeway are demanding hazard pay for the extra risks they’re taking as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Giant has refused to open negotiations over hazard pay with United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400 and … Continued
Acura dealership in Bailey’s Crossroads proposes an expansion
Radley Acura Radley Acura is proposing an expansion. The dealership, at 5823 Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads, is seeking a rezoning and zoning special exception to allow it to build an addition to its showroom building and a three-level parking garage for storing new vehicles. The 4,192-square-foot addition, to be located at the rear of … Continued