Stories for April 2021

Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.

Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”

Gum Springs Historical Marker Replaced

Third sign in a location not likely to be wiped out by a car.

Gum Springs sign

Seven Republicans Running for Governor

May 8 convention to determine direction of party heading into November.

Republicans haven’t won a statewide race since 2009, when Attorney General Bob McDonnell received 59 percent of the vote against Democrat Creigh Deeds. Since then, Republicans have been shut out of the Executive Mansion. Ken Cuccinelli lost to Terry McAuliffe in 2013, and Ed Gillespie lost to Ralph Northam in 2017. Now Republicans are about to determine their statewide candidates in a May 8 convention, which will take place at 37 locations.

Opinion: Commentary: New Laws Empower Workers in Effect May 1

Long awaited increase in Virginia’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to a new rate of $9.50 an hour as of May 1

It is appropriate that on May 1st, May Day - a day workers are recognized by the international labor movement, much like our Labor Day — a handful of new laws to empower workers will go into effect.

Opinion: Column: "My Thoughts to Your Thoughts"

You know the expression: "Can't walk and chew gum at the same time,” a disparaging characterization of a person, company or municipality unable to multi-task or even task at all?

Get Vaccinated and Register to Vote

LWV-Fairfax holds Voter Registration and Information Drive at the Fairfax County Government Center

Fairfax County residents getting their COVID-19 vaccinations at the Fairfax County Government Center can now also obtain information on registering to vote.

Early Voting Begins for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia

Early voting began on Friday, April 23 for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia.

Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief

Aware of concerns, comments provided

Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.

Free Cinco de Mayo Lyft Rides to Prevent Drunk Driving

While stating unequivocally that “we’re all safer at home” this Cinco de Mayo during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, a local nonprofit organization today announced that – as a “necessary safety net” to next month’s high-risk, high-alcohol consumption period – free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).

ALine Architecture Promotes Petals of Diversity in Mount Vernon

A new part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year was the “Petal Porch Parade” where participating neighborhoods decorated their porches with cherry blossoms to celebrate the season.

McAuliffe Visits COVID Relief Efforts in Janna Lee Census Tract

On Tuesday, residents of the Janna Lee community received a special visit from former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.

Style After Retirement

Great fashion sense is possible at any stage.

At 78, Winifred Rosenberg has always been known for her impeccable style and taste.

When it’s Time to Downsize

Suggestions for transitioning to a new living community

The decision to trade the comfort of home where you’ve lived for years and transition to retirement can evoke a range of emotions.

County Eyes Spot for New Fire Station and Affordable Housing

Proposed location has easy access to Richmond Highway and GW Parkway.

Spot found for fire station and affordable housing

Waynewood Baby Delivered in the Family Van in the Driveway

A concoction, a last-minute text and quick thinking were part of baby James’ arrival.

Waynewood baby is delivered

Opinion: Commentary: Visit a Virginia State Park this Earth Day

This year, as we have practiced physical distancing to combat the spread of COVID-19, many of us have discovered a newfound appreciation for our natural world and the great outdoors.

Opinion: Column: Wanna Take A Chance?

I'm sort of invoking Southwest Airlines here, but not exactly.

Helping Children Improve Their Writing

Practical suggestions for boosting skills

When Stacie Dougherty read an essay that her seventh grade son wrote for a Language Arts writing assignment, she became concerned.

An Avian Drama Is Underway

Most likely, Fort Hunt Softball League players at Whitman Middle School and youngsters romping on the Martin Luther King Park playground nearby don’t notice the romance going on overhead.

Fairfax County’s Streams Are in Trouble

82 percent of Fairfax County’s streams were in very poor, poor or fair condition biologically in 2020.

Five volunteers spent Friday morning jabbing a long-handled mesh net into a stream bottom, scraping the streambanks, scooping up submerged woody debris and rubbing smooth round rocks in the stream’s riffles.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Wrong Solution on Parkway

U.S. Park Service proposal to improve safety along the southern stretch of George Washington Parkway as described in April 8 Gazette is the wrong solution and will make the Parkway less safe.

Opinion: Commentary: Update on Veto Session

Marijuana in small amounts to be legal in July; more ...

This past week, we returned to Richmond for Reconvened Session or Veto Session to consider Governor Northam’s amendments to the state budget and legislation passed during the session.

Board Approves Historic Zoning for River Farm in Mount Vernon

Annenberg Foundation reasserts intent on restrictions, requirements of grant.

Signs have been posted in front of American Horticultural Society headquarters that say the property is closed to the public, said Katherine Ward, of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Associations.

Running for Second in Command

Thirteen candidates are running for lieutenant governor in Virginia.

Seven Democrats and six Republicans are trying to secure their parties' nomination to be the candidate for lieutenant governor on the November ballot.

Opinion: Commentary: Krizek Calls for a Change for Attorney General

In just two weeks, from April 23 to Tuesday, June 8, voting takes place to decide who the next statewide leaders will be, including who the Democratic nominee for Attorney General will be in November.

Conversion Work is Kicking Off at the Former Mount Vernon Tennis Club

A workforce development and training center is needed in this part of Mount Vernon.

There’s More Than Meets the Eye at Traffic Signal Intersections

This technology dates back to an invention by the son of a former slave.

Traffic signals

Opinion: Column: Hitting The Nail on the Head

What are all these "Toe Nail Clipper" emails I receive nearly every day?

Opinion: Commentary: Earth Day – Then and Now

Fifty-one years ago, in 1970, the first Earth Day took place on April 22.

HomeLifeStyle: Kitchen Trends for 2021

Local designers say bold colors and durable materials are popular.

As the command station for many households, kitchens are for more than just cooking.

Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise

Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway

Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.

Mount Vernon Chamber Highlights Crazy Good Mask

Webinar hosts science experts that tout the high-tech masks, screens and sanitizers that are available locally

With all that’s changing as a result of the pandemic, Mount Vernon now has a scientific mask company called Crazy Good Mask, and they are an offshoot of Castle Bio Security that does all the scientific development and testing.

Opinion: Commentary: Proposed County Facilities at Former Hybla Valley Nursery Site

Please join me on April 24 at 10 a.m. or April 26 at 7 p.m. for virtual community meetings on the Penn Daw Fire Station, Emergency and Supportive Housing project.

Help Clean Up Little Hunting Creek

Sen. Scott Surovell and Del. Paul Krizek are partnering with the Friends of Little Hunting Creek to sponsor the annual 2021 Little Hunting Creek Cleanup event on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Opinion: Column: Being Driven Only Slightly Crazy

So this is what it's like to be out of the house and driving around: mask on, surgical gloves in the console, hand sanitizer in the glove box; not so different than before my two Covid-19 vaccinations.

Estate Planning During Pandemic

With the nation sadly surpassing 500,000 Covid-related deaths, mortality is much more on the mind of many.

Bicycling in Fairfax County Looking to Expand

Meetings planned this month to develop the ‘Active Fairfax Plan’

With the warm weather approaching, Fairfax County is holding a series of meetings to hear thoughts about active transportation in the county, and this input will be used in their Active Fairfax Transportation Plan to integrate the existing Bicycle Master and Trails Plans.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Making a Path to Acceptance a Bit Easier

I'm a parent to a transgender daughter in fifth grade in FCPS.

Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school

Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students

Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.

Cicada Stroll Bingo!

This spring, Fairfax County and parts of Northern Virginia will be among the regions of the Mid-Atlantic states that see millions of Brood X cicadas emerge from 17 years of living underground.

Parkway Safety Improvements Identified by National Park Service

Four changes will be implemented later this year.

Parkway safety enhancements

County Dog License Fee Acts as Tracker for Vaccinations

Dog License

Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools

Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts

The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.

Heirs of River Farm

A detailed look at the history of River Farm as its future remains uncertain.

On Oct. 15, 1785, George Washington’s favorite nephew married Martha Washington’s favorite niece.

Neighborhood Health Increasing Vaccine Equity in Northern Virginia

When Amanda Hirsch looks out at the vaccine clinic running very smoothly, a sense of satisfaction comes over her – a feeling that Neighborhood Health’s efforts are helping to bring an end to the pandemic, especially within the communities hardest hit by it.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Surprising: Women of Color Getting Short End of the Stick

I am writing in response to the article titled Opinion: Commentary, “Pandemic Shows Workers Need a Voice in Fairfax County,” published in your newspaper on March 20, 2021.

Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection

Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.

Fairfax County Supervisors Condemn Anti-Asian Racism

Acknowledging the large and vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Fairfax County, Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a resolution on March 23, passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, condemning violence and discrimination against AAPIs.

Joining Forces Against Hate

Local legislators part of newly formed Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus

Last week, local delegates Mark L. Keam (D-35) and Kathy KL Tran (D-42) joined other Virginia General Assembly members with Asian American heritage to speak out against violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Opinion: Column: Good News Travels Slowly

Sure enough, the email from my oncologist didn't arrive in my inbox before we left for the weekend away on Friday.

Pastor at Rising Hope To Retire

Accomplishments aplenty for Rev. Dr. Keary Kincannon retiring after positively impacting many.

Pastor retiring

Village Hardware Built Community and Solid Reputation

Long time owner is retiring but new owner vows to keep it the same.

Hardware store owner is retiring

Stones Tribute Band Won’t Leave the Piggy Bank “Shattered, Shattered”

Tribute bands have the look and the sound but not the price.

Stones tribute band