Fairfax County: Deadline Reached for Civilian Review Panel Nominations
Supervisors to review applications before Feb. 14 meeting.
Jan. 31 was the final day for applications and nominations for Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel, one of two new forms of independent oversight for the police department.
Three Options Presented for Bock Farm Development
Reduced condo height and unit number for seniors; townhomes with no age restriction.
Three Options Presented for Bock Farm Development
Chief Withholding Name of Officer in Herndon Fatal Shooting
Officer files temporary restraining order for Roessler to not release name.
Fairfax County chief of police Edwin Roessler has yet to release the name of the 16-year veteran officer who fatally shot Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, at his Herndon-area home on Jan. 16 this year. On Feb. 7, FCPD said the unnamed officer has filed a temporary restraining order to keep the name from being released.
Arrest Made in Shooting at Police Car in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waiving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Fairfax: Board Approves 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program
Five-year plan includes three new elementary schools and one new high school.
This year, Fairfax County Public Schools experienced one of the smallest annual enrollment increases in nearly a decade: 1,368 students, compared to the average of 2,400 since the 2008-09 school year, bringing the total to 187,202.
Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles
Demonstrators, volunteer attorneys and elected officials welcome travelers, extend help detainees.
Demonstrations sprang up at airports around the United States over the weekend, following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that blocks travelers from seven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the interests of more significant vetting and preventing would-be terrorists from entering the country.
Kitchen Fire Damages Center
Fire damages Huntington Community Center.
Reshaping the Region
Commercial, residential and historic projects are changing the landscape.
The Richmond Highway corridor is the sight of many upgrades.
Residents Meet with Legislators in Richmond
With the Virginia General Assembly underway, many individuals and groups are traveling to the capital of the Commonwealth to lobby lawmakers.
Fairfax County: Public hearing on yard waste bags follows premature administrative change
North Springfield resident Asher Grady has his leaf collecting down to a science. And with the mature trees around his quarter-acre lot, he needs to. Each fall, he said, he goes through between 60 and 80 bags of leaves, spending between eight and 12 hours to rake and bag them.
Walt Whitman Principal Roger Vanderhye Dies
Previously spent 12 years as principal at Spring Hill Elementary in McLean.
Walt Whitman Middle School principal Roger Vanderhye, 60, died last week following complications from a recent surgery.
Lockard Channels Garza, Proposes $2.8 Billion FCPS Budget
FY2018 focuses on employee compensation and classroom resources.
Fairfax County Public Schools interim superintendent Steve Lockard is asking for $130.4 million more for the school system’s FY2018 operating budget than the previous year, a 4.9 percent increase, to a total of $2.8 billion.
A Son Recalls Frank Medico’s ‘Good Heart’
A Mount Vernon resident for more than 50 years, former representative to the Virginia House of Delegates Frank Medico died Dec. 30, 2016 at the age of 92.
Partnering to Reduce Northern Virginia Congestion
Legislators tour past, present and future transportation projects.
The blessing of traffic, Martin Nohe said, is that “there’s lots of great transportation projects to choose from.”
Tour de Mount Vernon
Supervisor Storck leads inaugural cross-district bike ride.
When Carlos Alfaro of the Woodlawn area of Mount Vernon showed up New Year’s Eve morning at the Belle Haven Marina parking lot with his road bike, he didn’t know what to expect.
Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
Body cameras, mental health part of public safety focus.
Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
For Schools: New Year, New Superintendent
New Year, New Superintendent for FCPS
New School Superintendent
Police Release Security Footage of Gomez Shooting
Law enforcement invites media to view and break-down sequence of events
Video Footage of Shooting
The Journey Beyond ‘Three Hots and a Cot’ in Mount Vernon
Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter helping homeless for 30 years.
In late August, Mount Vernon resident “Maria” was released from the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center after being incarcerated for one year.
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting
Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicide was justified self-defense.
In a decision released Dec. 16, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh cleared Fairfax County Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez that took place Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Mount Vernon: Rotary Chapter Celebrates 40 Years
Mount Vernon Rotarians celebrated their chapter’s 40th anniversary Wednesday Dec. 7 at Cedar Knoll restaurant.
Mount Vernon: Inova's Addo gives update to chamber
At 3 a.m. Nov. 16, the new Veatch Family Emergency Department at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital opened its doors to patients. The time was meant to be a slow one for hospital work, Inova Mount Vernon president and CEO Deborah Addo said — intended essentially to be a “soft open.”
Mount Vernon: Supply Replenished for St. Aidan’s Christmas Tree Sale
After nearly selling out the previous weekend, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church received a fresh shipment of Christmas trees on Dec. 9.
Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions
Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.
One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.
Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented
Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is well on its way to implementing all recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Committee, they announced 88 percent of the commission recommendations have been implemented or are soon to be so.
Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions
Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.
One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.
Combatting Domestic Violence Deaths in Mount Vernon
Bystanders urged to call hotline as well as victims.
In the last month, Fairfax County Police released information on two domestic homicides it was investigating.
Supervisors Establish Fairfax County’s First Police Civilian Review Panel
As complement to police auditor, panel will review abuse and misconduct complaints.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to establish a Civilian Review Panel to provide oversight of Fairfax County Police and to hear complaints of police misconduct or abuse of authority.
‘Clawing Away For Information’ in Mount Vernon
Parents of Annie McCann pursue human trafficking as possible factor in her 2008 death.
For Mary Jane and Dan McCann, losing their 16-year-old daughter Annie was a personal catastrophe.
Mount Vernon: Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment
Comments may be sent prior to planning’s Nov. 30 meeting
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.
Springfield: Key Center Teacher Publishes Counting Book
If Barney, the big purple dinosaur, motivates one of his students to learn to count, Ka’ala Rapoza won’t stand in the way. But Rapoza, 37, also recognizes the need to balance age-appropriate teaching tools with the skill being learned.
Fairfax County: Commonwealth’s Attorney Begins Review of FCPD Report on Deputy-Involved INOVA Shooting
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh said he has received the completed criminal investigation from Fairfax County Police into the Aug. 15 fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Fairfax County: Planning Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.
Fairfax County: FCPS Testing Water Quality in Schools
Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.
Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.
Mount Vernon Schools News
Search for New Superintendent Begins
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent.
Tysons: Warby Parker to Open First Virginia Eyeglasses Store
Warby Parker, a popular online eyeglasses retailer, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Virginia on Nov. 19 at Tysons Corner Center mall.
Fairfax County: Volunteers compile more than 7,500 pounds in donated food for Lorton Community Action Center and Britepaths.
Wanda Jeter of Lorton has been a volunteer with the Lorton Community Action Center for 20 years. As single mother who’s struggled to provide for herself and four children, she’s also been a client.
Mount Vernon: Day of Service at Huntington Gardens
Owner Christian Relief Services partners with Accenture and Operation Renewed Hope Foundation.
“Some people work two jobs, 80 hours a week, and still can’t afford to pay rent on a place. This gives them a hand up, not a hand out.” — Gay Shane, Operation Renewed Hope Foundation
Armed Commercial Robbery on North Kings Highway
Fairfax County Police responded to a report of a commercial armed robbery in the 5900 block of North Kings Highway on Monday, Nov. 14.
Mount Vernon: Accident Victim’s Friends Plan Memorial Service
Amari Newton, 18, of Alexandria was killed in a car crash in Brunswick County, Virginia on Nov. 5, Virginia State Police said. Newton was a 2016 Mount Vernon High School graduate.
Mount Vernon: Heavy Turnout Early
Chief election officer Doris McBryde said there were around 70 voters already in line at 6 a.m. when the polls opened at West Potomac High School.
Fairfax County: No to Trump And Meals Tax
Beyer, Connolly re-elected.
With final numbers still coming in from around the country, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carried a strong lead early Wednesday morning over Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton.
Clinton and Kaine Carry Virginia, Trump Seizes Key Battlegrounds
Comstock, Connolly, Beyer re-elected; meals tax voted down; bonds voted up.
MEALS TAX referendum would have allowed Fairfax County supervisors to enact up to a four percent tax on prepared foods and beverages.
Fairfax County: Autopsy Report Yet to Come for Deputy-Involved Shooting
Administrative investigation to follow.
Law enforcement officials are still waiting to receive the final autopsy report for Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, who was shot dead by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.
Aldersgate Church Marks 60 Years
Choir performs specially commissioned piece.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church marked its 60th anniversary Oct. 23.
Storck Defers Farm Vote
"We don’t have much time to lose.” — Supervisor Dan Storck (D-Mount Vernon)
Once again, Supervisor Dan Storck (D-Mount Vernon) recommended the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors defer taking action regarding the development of more than four acres of the land close to the Inova Mount Vernon medical office suites on Hinson, or Bock, Farm.
Mount Vernon: Friends and Family Reflect on Michael M. Skinner
Memorial service set for Saturday at MVHS.
Pat Hynes remembers Michael M. Skinner as an administrator was one of those people who “the kids all love, and sort of fear a little.”
Mount Vernon: Firehouse Subs Donates $80,000 to First Responders
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation presented a check on Oct. 13 for $79,895 to Virginia first responders and public safety organizations including the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, City of Manassas Park Fire and Rescue, Manassas City Police Department, Loudoun County Police Department, and U.S. Park Police.
Fairfax County: Breaking Down the Bonds
County seeks authorization to finance transportation and parks projects, and human services and community development facilities
Fairfax County will try to make the most of voters’ time on election day Nov. 8, having them weigh in not only on the Presidential and Congressional elections, but also proposed Constitutional amendments, a referendum and bond questions.