Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Northam closes schools statewide for two weeks in response to coronavirus

Stores are having trouble keeping supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitizer in stock, like this Giant in Mason District. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has ordered all public schools in Virginia to close for at least two weeks “in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.” The governor’s March 13 announcement states, … Continued

Virginia governor declares state of emergency as coronavirus spreads

Gov. Northam speaks at a coronavirus briefing.  Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency March 12, as the number of people who test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to grow. That declaration allows the governor to ease regulatory rules and more easily coordinate with federal officials. In addition, Northam said, large state-run conferences and events … Continued

Health officials working to contain spread of coronavirus, identify people at risk

Health and government officials speak at a March 8 briefing on coronavirus. From the left: Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Avensu, Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay.  Two people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (officially known as COVID-19) in Virginia, but, “at this … Continued

Virginia General Assembly poised to enact bills on guns, immigrants, taxes and much more

The Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. The Virginia General Assembly is considering legislation on guns, voting, criminal justice, immigrants, and other major issues. After “crossover day,” on Feb. 11, all the bills passed by the House of Delegates are sent to the Senate and vice versa. The two chambers then delve deeper into the details … Continued

General Assembly considers cracking down on abandoned shopping carts

This shopping cart ended up next to Arlington Boulevard in Seven Corners. The Virginia Senate passed a bill Jan. 27 to give localities more authority to take action against abandoned shopping carts. The measure now goes to the House of Delegates. The bill (SB 631), introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell, would give Fairfax and Arlington … Continued

General Assembly considers drivers’ licenses for undocumented residents

From the left: Lenka Mendoza-Larco; Jonathan Cano of the Centreville Immigration Forum; Emma Violand-Sanchez, founder of the Dream Project; Dream beneficiary Danna Chavez-Calvi; Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg; and Andres Tobar, executive director of the Shirlington Employment and Education Center. Now that Democrats control the Virginia General Assembly, advocates for immigrants’ right are hopeful that a law will … Continued

New Braddock supervisor outlines priorities

James Walkinshaw speaks at a Braddock District Council meeting.  A top priority for James Walkinshaw, the newly installed Braddock representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is getting the state government to contribute more money to the county. As chair of the board’s Legislative Committee, Walkinshaw told the Braddock District Council (BDC) Jan. 8, … Continued

Virginia delegate wants to allow denser housing on single-family lots

Stanley Martin, a homebuilder active in Northern Virginia, offers multi-generational homes, like this one, with a private living space inside – with its own entrance, kitchenette, family room, bedroom, and one-car garage. The concept is being marketed to families who want a separate apartment in their home for an elderly parent. [Stanley Martin]  The lack … Continued

Gov. Northam proposes free community college

Gov. Northam speaks at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. [Office of Gov. Ralph Northam] Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam visited Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus, Dec. 12, where he announced a proposal to provide free community college tuition to low and middle-income students who pursue careers in high-demand fields. The governor’s budget proposal will … Continued

Governor calls for big investment in early childhood education

Gov. Northam speaks at the Child Development Center. [Office of Governor Ralph Northam] Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam chose the ACCA Child Development Center in Annandale for an announcement proposing a big investment in early childhood education Dec. 10. Northam said his proposed budget will include $94.8 million to transform Virginia’s early education system and increase … Continued

New laws now in effect

A long list of laws enacted by the Virginia General Assembly took effect on July 1. The following summary is from WTOP: TRANSPORTATION Drivers’ licenses – Drivers will no longer have their licenses suspended for unrelated unpaid court fines. If your license has been suspended for this reason, you can apply for a new license … Continued

McKay, Descano, Kory, and Saslaw win in the Democratic primary

Jeff McKay speaks to supporters after winning the Democratic Primary. He was introduced to the crowd by Rep. Gerry Connolly (left). Jeff McKay easily won the Democratic primary for chair of the Board of Supervisors June 11, with 42.5 percent of the vote, beating three challengers. Voters said “experience matters,” McKay, the Lee supervisor for … Continued