Real estate tax increase gains traction among residents concerned about school budget cuts
Local residents who took part in a community dialogue on the Fairfax County budget at the George Mason library Nov. 14 seemed willing to accept a real estate hike to prevent deep cuts in public school funding. The meeting was part of a series of forums being held around the county to elicit community response … Continued
Sen. Webb speaks on health care reform, war in Afghanistan
Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) told a roomful of supporters Thursday evening the Democrats lost the three statewide spots in the recent election because “we got outhustled,” adding the Republicans were able to get more people to the polls. Webb spoke at a meeting of the Brigades, a group of Democratic activists formed to support Webb’s … Continued
Herb Smith runs for school board
Former special education teacher and political activist Herb Smith has announced his candidacy for the Mason District seat on the Fairfax County school board held by Kaye Kory, who was recently elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. It has not yet been determined when that special election will occur. Smith was a field organizer with … Continued
Poe Middle School honors veterans with “white table”
Poe Middle School is commemorating Veterans’ Day with a replica of “America’s White Table,” as described in the book of that name by Margot Theis Raven (interesting coincidence, as the raven is Poe’s mascot) and illustrated by Mike Benny. The placard explains the display “honors the men and women who serve in America’s armed forces,” … Continued
Coming soon on this blog: ‘Neighborhood Joints’
The editor of this esteemed blog, Ms. Ashford, asked that I follow up last summer’s insightful, behind-the-scenes story on neighborhood swim teams with a new report. Unfortunately, Ms. Ashford turned down my first story idea, “How I Spent My Summer,” an existential tale of indolence and mid-life angst in the Deep South. No, she said: … Continued
Lighthouse Tofu and BBQ: Korean comfort food in a friendly atmosphere
With the approach of cold weather, one yearns for a hot, filling soup. The small Lighthouse Tofu & BBQ restaurant on Chatelain Road (tucked away behind the Columbia Pike Burger King) is known for its sundubu jjigae, a filling tofu soup served in stone bowls that can be had in several varieties, such as seafood, … Continued
‘Looming rules’ are good first step to preserve neighborhood character
New rules passed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors aimed at curtailing the building of large, hulking houses that loom over much smaller, one-story houses don’t go far enough to prevent spoiling the character of some older neighborhoods. The new “looming” rules do not change the existing 35-foot building-height limit but prohibit builders from … Continued
Large vehicles could be banned from neighborhoods
Should commercial truck parking be banned in residential areas? The county board of supervisors is considering amendments to the county code that would prohibit large vans, pick-up trucks, box trucks, and other vehicles more than 21 feet long, more than 102 inches wide, and more than eight feet high from parking on residential streets. Those measurements would include attachments, … Continued
Penny Gross: Major cuts in county budget on the table
Coming up with a balanced budget (as required by law) is going to be a major challenge for Fairfax County officials, with the threat to schools and other programs likely to be even more severe than last year. In a conversation with the Annandale blog, Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross said: “I think we’re going … Continued
Where are all the Halloween houses?
Is it just me or are there fewer Halloween decorations this year? Is it the economy or what? Come on people–It’s Halloween! Here are few homeowners in the holiday spirit.
Cook launches community engagement initiative
Dozens of people came to a Town Hall meeting at Lake Braddock Secondary School Oct. 21 to hear Fairfax Supervisor John C. Cook of the Braddock District announce plans for a new community engagement initiative. A Leadership Institute, to be held Jan. 23, will educate community leaders on their legal, financial, and fiduciary responsibilities along … Continued
ArtsSpace Falls Church hosts musical fundraiser this Saturday
If you looking for a fun thing to do Saturday evening, Oct. 24, come hear live music—while supporting the local arts scene—at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Ave. NoBetterOff, a band of five northern Virginia musicians, will perform in the tradition of folk, rock, blues, and country at a fundraising event to support ArtSpace. … Continued
Major cuts in school funding considered
Brace yourselves for some major cuts in basic school services. The Fairfax County Public Schools budget has a revenue shortfall requiring cuts totaling $162 million and the elimination of more than 1,700 positions. The problem stems from an enrollment increase of more than 7,000 students, a decline in state revenue for the school district, and … Continued
Bolivians totally rock the Annandale parade
Deeds gets real about revenue
In an exclusive interview with the Annandale blog, Democratic candidate for governor Creigh Deeds indicated that addressing Virginia’s transportation problem is going to require a tax increase. The needed revenue “is not going to fall like manna from heaven,” he said. Republican candidate Bob McDonnell’s “plan [to privatize the state-run liquor stores] doesn’t work. The … Continued