Woodson community mourns two students
The Woodson High School community is reeling after the death of two students this week. Jack Chen, a 10th-grader, was struck by a VRE train at about 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 26. On Feb. 28, it was revealed that Majid Albaiz, a junior, had died. It is generally believed that both students committed suicide. There … Continued
Plans under way for Lincoln monument at Northern Virginia Community College
A replica of the Lincoln monument. The effort to have a monument to commemorate President Lincoln’s Grand Review of the Troops in the Bailey’s Crossroads area is back on track and gaining momentum, although there are still a lot of issues to resolve—and a lot of money that needs to be raised—before it becomes a … Continued
Police conduct drug search at Annandale High School
UPDATE: No drugs were found during the search, reports School Resource Officer J.W. Levan. A joint drug search and lockdown drill took place this morning at Annandale High School, with Fairfax County Police officers and drug-sniffing dogs, the online edition of the student newspaper, the A-Blast reports. “It was a school operation and was requested … Continued
Sen. Marsden’s Richmond report: My legislative agenda
By Sen. Dave Marsden The 2014 General Assembly session has hit the crossover point, where all the bills passed by the Senate cross over to the House of Delegates and vice versa. This is traditionally thought of as the halfway point for the session. Transition of power The 2014 session will be remembered for many … Continued
Author recounts stories of WW II heroes
Historian and diplomat Robert Dorr gave a lively talk at George Mason Regional Library Feb. 26 about the firebombing of Tokyo during World War II and the atomic bombing that brought the war in the Pacific to a close. He also signed copies of his latest book, Mission to Tokyo: The American Airmen Who Took … Continued
School leaders disappointed in proposed county budget
School board members, PTA leaders, and other education advocates stage a Save Our Schools rally before the Board of Supervisors meeting Feb. 25. School leaders and education advocates are disappointed in the small increase, about 2 percent, for Fairfax County Public Schools in a proposed county budget for fiscal year 2015 presented to the Board … Continued
Stein Mart coming to Loehmann’s Plaza
The Stein Mart store in Chantilly. [Photo from Combined Properties.] Stein Mart plans to open a store this spring in the spot vacated by Loehmann’s 7271 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Loehmann’s closed Feb. 23 after the discount retail chain went out of business. Stein Mart sells women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and home decor … Continued
Real estate property assessments up about 8.2 percent in Annandale
Assessments for townhouses, like this community in Annandale, rose more than single-family houses. Annandale residential property assessments for 2014 are up an average of 8.22 percent over last year, the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration reported Feb. 25. Only three other “zip code areas” have average assessments that have increased more: Centreville (8.39 percent), … Continued
Pinecrest School plans an expansion
Pinecrest School Pinecrest School, a small private school at 7209 Quiet Cove in Annandale, is planning to expand. The school is requesting an amendment to its special exception zoning agreement to allow before-school childcare, site modifications, and an enrollment increase. The Fairfax County Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the proposal for March … Continued
Car crashes into Treasure Trove
Damage inside Treasure Trove. UPDATE: The store reopened on Feb. 25. The Treasure Trove consignment shop in Annandale has been closed since Saturday afternoon when a car drove through the front of the store. Some bricks were knocked out of alignment and there was damage inside (including broken glass and merchandise knocked off shelves), although … Continued
Local Democrats support Penny Gross at annual fundraiser
Front row, left to right: Sharon Bulova, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Justin Fairfax, and Penny Gross. Dozens of local Democrats gathered at the Camelot home of Justin Fairfax Feb. 23 for Mason Supervisor Penny Gross’ annual Champagne and Chocolate fundraiser. “We’re here to celebrate Penny and replenish her campaign kitty,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors … Continued
State lawmakers update Annandale residents on actions in Richmond
Virginia General Assembly For the Democratic legislators that represent the Annandale/Mason area in the Virginia General Assembly, it’s been nearly impossible to get anything passed by the Republican-controlled House of Delegates. Nevertheless, Del. Kaye Kory, Sen. Dave Marsden, and Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw have been able to make some limited progress, they told constituents … Continued
Native seedling sale under way
Winterberry Using native plants in your landscaping protects water and air quality, helps attract wildlife, conserve energy, reduces carbon emissions, and can even help you save time and money. Native plants use less water and are more resistant to damage and disease than imported plants and protect water quality through better drainage. The Northern Virginia … Continued
Annandale home prices in January way up from a year ago
The asking price for this new house at 7016 Murray Lane in the Broyhill Crest neighborhood in Annandale was recently reduced from $1.049 million to $999,900. [Photo from Zillow] The average price of homes sold in Annandale (zip code 22003) in January 2014 was 37.5 percent higher than January 2013, according to data from Real … Continued
Stabbing death in Seven Corners
UPDATE: Marlon Oswaldo Gudiel Polanco, 32, of 2903 John Marshall Drive in Falls Church, was charged with murder, on Feb. 20, on connection with the stabbing described below. Polanco is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Fairfax County Police are investigating an early morning homicide the Seven Corners area. Officers were dispatched … Continued