tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62467436622848901732024-03-13T07:53:32.960-04:00the Annandale BlogCovering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, VirginiaAnnandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.comBlogger6308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-20066719236663558002022-01-08T13:00:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:05:15.261-05:00Seven Corners salon replaced by vape shop<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_TaO54c7vuhhH_id54r3K22MRtR8UJEne_YDuzuwPUVmCJRYAOvEkbazDHca2u9sY99UP6_taogSWDNcfX8gaISUy1gEFMC1mPi0IETeBd34yelUa0l7nteNGJM9whqu0y1CzZHi0lAf2PnvSY-yLgi-UOYgmtMwA2aftL3rtQQSgaVFDFb0zFVpA=s3365" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2111" data-original-width="3365" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_TaO54c7vuhhH_id54r3K22MRtR8UJEne_YDuzuwPUVmCJRYAOvEkbazDHca2u9sY99UP6_taogSWDNcfX8gaISUy1gEFMC1mPi0IETeBd34yelUa0l7nteNGJM9whqu0y1CzZHi0lAf2PnvSY-yLgi-UOYgmtMwA2aftL3rtQQSgaVFDFb0zFVpA=w400-h251" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The future occupant of the Touch of Class space.</td></tr></tbody></table>A Tobacco, Vape & More shop is moving into 6315B Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners, the space formerly occupied by the <a href="https://touchofclassfallschurch.com/Home.html" target="_blank">Touch of Class Salon & Spa</a>. </p><p>It’s been a tough couple of years for salon owner Kimmie Orita – and not just because of the Covid pandemic. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>After the new owner of the property raised the rent and refused to make repairs, Orita relocated Touch of Class a few months ago to an office building nearby at 6201 Leesburg Pike.</p><p>According to county tax records, Leaders Properties LLC purchased the building in July from Kewar Associates for $1.3 million. The building also includes the space next to the salon formerly occupied by the Emessa restaurant. </p><p>A few weeks after Emessa closed for good, a <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2019/12/fire-at-emessa-was-accidental.html" target="_blank">fire</a> broke out in the restaurant at about 1 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2019. Orita believes the fire was suspicious although, at the time, the Fairfax County Fire Department determined it was accidental. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI38NpHk4XJy5PBlRaIj3fSbpf8h3Fa6pd_uOh4TPkShpjnZN7lz8ikGyuV5QGOdPotvaWEnTs-8Rx-DPhCnctrU6ZguIlegp_oNQkyYajkDOuMhqxhzJ-VtDfSX5b4QlO7Nr6wPDxlYLidmIeX_b5QuPbx39ipr6DfDcnSh_y9FPknQqeijYFUND8=s3462" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2308" data-original-width="3462" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI38NpHk4XJy5PBlRaIj3fSbpf8h3Fa6pd_uOh4TPkShpjnZN7lz8ikGyuV5QGOdPotvaWEnTs-8Rx-DPhCnctrU6ZguIlegp_oNQkyYajkDOuMhqxhzJ-VtDfSX5b4QlO7Nr6wPDxlYLidmIeX_b5QuPbx39ipr6DfDcnSh_y9FPknQqeijYFUND8=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touch of Class relocated from this space to a nearby office building.</td></tr></tbody></table>She says firefighters caused extensive damage to her business. As a result, the roof leaks, mold was growing, and the salon flooded during heavy rains. </p><p>The landlord refused to make repairs, Orita says, and her insurance company didn’t cover all the damage. With the building in bad shape, she was losing customers, then the Covid pandemic struck. “It was a really rough time,” she says. </p><p>Unable to keep up with rent payments of $4,000 a month, she hired barbers to help keep the business going. Meanwhile, she spent her own money to fix up the place. </p><p>The new owner, in an effort to get the salon to leave, raised the rent to $7,000 with no lease, Orita says, then agreed to $4,500. But that was still too much considering the poor shape of the building. </p><p>Touch of Class had been in that space for 13 or 14 years, Orita says, but she has been styling hair at various salons for decades. Her customers followed wherever she worked – some for the past 45 years – but now many of them are old and don’t want to move to her new spot in the office building. </p><p>Orita feels she’s been taken advantage of because she is an immigrant and lacks an education. Born in Japan, she grew up in Korea and emigrated to the U.S. in 1972.</p><p>It’s not the first time she’s been misled by business owners, she says. She bought a residential property over a decade ago with the goal of opening a salon there but wasn’t told that was prohibited by the zoning rules. </p><p>“This country is full of cheating, lying people,” she says. She’s especially disappointed that her old salon space will become a hookah bar, as she feels drugs have destroyed so many lives. </p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com1Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-50966141397045766722022-01-08T11:00:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:04:23.800-05:00Public comment sought on Braddock Road project<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj70_5lF0ODHXhzsD_jI5rW5QuoVu07aEiPVMqZKoGtdutkUmPdoBgWAyY4Xz_ppVJJ82RpZa_2_wcB0gDFY-aTrowCEavG33KS0q-sSD0Vv7sCPxZJCadn_YF661zF95fz9vVBtOpprF_otJV6K0pypXD6j-y_2QQ_lyqTjNd8m-KZqx4qfUTnVGom=s3578" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2386" data-original-width="3578" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj70_5lF0ODHXhzsD_jI5rW5QuoVu07aEiPVMqZKoGtdutkUmPdoBgWAyY4Xz_ppVJJ82RpZa_2_wcB0gDFY-aTrowCEavG33KS0q-sSD0Vv7sCPxZJCadn_YF661zF95fz9vVBtOpprF_otJV6K0pypXD6j-y_2QQ_lyqTjNd8m-KZqx4qfUTnVGom=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braddock Road at Wakefield Chapel Road in Annandale.</td></tr></tbody></table>The Virginia Department of Transportation invites the public to a virtual meeting Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. on the <a href="https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern-virginia/braddockmultimodal.asp" target="_blank">Braddock Road Multimodal Improvements Project</a>.<p></p><p>VDOT will present alternative concepts and seek feedback on proposals for three intersections: Rolling Road, Wakefield Chapel Road/Danbury Forest Drive, and Burke Lake Road.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Click <a href="https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern_virginia/braddock_road_multimodal_improvements-virtual_public_information_meeting.asp" target="_blank">here</a> for instructions on accessing the meeting. </p><p>The project is aimed at improving safety, mobility, and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the Braddock Road corridor between Ravensworth Road in Annandale and Humphries Drive in Burke. </p><p>It also includes the eastbound and westbound Braddock Road ramps to the southbound beltway (outer loop) and a half-mile of Ravensworth Road between Braddock Road and Heritage Drive.</p><p><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/funding-approved-for-braddock-road.html" target="_blank">Funding approved for Braddock Road improvements</a></b></p><div>In addition to the intersection paths, the project calls for new and upgraded shared-use paths along both sides of Braddock Road and a pedestrian overpass just west of Burke Lake Road.</div><p>Phase 1 (Southampton Drive to Ravensworth Road) is fully funded, and Phase 2 (Humphries Drive to Southampton Drive) is partially funded. The project is financed with a mix of federal, state, and local funds, including about $73.8 million from Virginia’s <a href="https://smartscale.org/" target="_blank">Smart Scale</a> program.</p><p>According to a tentative schedule, there will be a second public meeting in fall 2022 and a public hearing on the proposed design in winter 2022/23. The final design is expected to be approved in spring 2023. </p><p>Comments can be submitted through Feb. 24 via the <a href="https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern-virginia/braddockmultimodal.asp" target="_blank">comment form</a> on the project website or by email to <a href="mailto:meetingcomments@VDOT.Virginia.gov">meetingcomments@VDOT.Virginia.gov</a>. </p><div><br /></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-3138642411938849432022-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:03:45.195-05:00New traffic signals on Columbia Pike<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8CpzYwJ1vsStWNBCfWfRRInsDi8A3RjwXI-o7V0hHd4x8BgqKytIxZPJtCHtTXZHs_eAnARTQlYdY-S46prZySHDuSm12Hr-fU6mTWmwmLZ0yMzwECEYvCNmIiPZnSqrJkjuz2rFnc1r75CMObsSzc_py-MpHWxG5TL_WlKRHfUlK59WPf8hN5jB0=s3284" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2189" data-original-width="3284" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8CpzYwJ1vsStWNBCfWfRRInsDi8A3RjwXI-o7V0hHd4x8BgqKytIxZPJtCHtTXZHs_eAnARTQlYdY-S46prZySHDuSm12Hr-fU6mTWmwmLZ0yMzwECEYvCNmIiPZnSqrJkjuz2rFnc1r75CMObsSzc_py-MpHWxG5TL_WlKRHfUlK59WPf8hN5jB0=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new signals are covered up.</td></tr></tbody></table>Two traffic signals on Columbia Pike are being upgraded. One is at John Marr Drive/Chatelain Road in central Annandale. The other is at Lacy Boulevard/Maple Court in Bailey’s Crossroads.</p><p>The Virginia Department of Transportation is expected to complete both signals in late winter 2022, Mason Supervisor Penny Gross reports. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>VDOT is replacing the span wire configuration with two twin signal poles with mast arms, high visibility backplates for all signal heads, and new flashing yellow arrow signals on Columbia Pike for protected-permissive left turns. </p><p>The flashing yellow lights allow drivers to make a left turn if there is no oncoming traffic. Drivers will no longer have to wait for a green light or green arrow to turn left but must yield to traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists. </p><p>By not requiring drivers to wait for a green light or green arrow to turn left, they should be able to move through the intersection faster, thus reducing congestion. </p><p>The project also includes ADA-compliant curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, and audible pedestrian signals with appropriate locator and crossing tones for all four approaches at the intersections. </p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-81809543334041929532022-01-07T10:30:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:03:08.034-05:00Duck Chang’s faces an uncertain future<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfHvxhxjPx6Ob_v15mPM8P2GN7YCCiNRlhHuVPsCbqwBjH-0v8vK1B65NWRVeY29PJTHt5wzrGa0-oavcL2a5871ApfWZd1C3WB7Cb_5AtLLYiWVbyvkfBSPA4osf0p3Uyn36PIt6J_sdBo39NY6wUUNUAS3Mb9wdhZszgCujXb4JDgJnX2acCo_ij=s3246" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="3246" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfHvxhxjPx6Ob_v15mPM8P2GN7YCCiNRlhHuVPsCbqwBjH-0v8vK1B65NWRVeY29PJTHt5wzrGa0-oavcL2a5871ApfWZd1C3WB7Cb_5AtLLYiWVbyvkfBSPA4osf0p3Uyn36PIt6J_sdBo39NY6wUUNUAS3Mb9wdhZszgCujXb4JDgJnX2acCo_ij=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather; text-align: left;">Duck Chang’s told to “fully renovate” or move out. </span></td></tr></tbody></table>Peter Chang, the owner of <a href="https://www.duckchangs.com/" target="_blank">Duck Chang’s Restaurant</a>, an Annandale mainstay for the past 46 years, is facing a difficult decision. <p>The new owner of the property is planning to upgrade the small retail strip and has told Chang the restaurant has to either renovate its interior space or leave when its lease is up.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>According to Fairfax County tax records, an entity called 4415 John Marr LLC bought the property in April 2021 from Raport Annandale Center LLC for $7.9 million. </p><p>The only other tenant left – the AnnSandra gift shop – plans to move to a new location before its lease expires at the end of March. Party Co closed in March 2020, and Annandale Cleaners closed in early 2021. </p><p>Duck Chang’s, which specializes in Peking Duck, has been at 4415 John Marr Drive since Peter’s father, Duck Man Ming, founded it in 1975. </p><p><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2015/04/duck-changs-40-years-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">Duck Chang’s commemorates 40 years in Annandale</a></b></p><p>Peter Chang said the sale of the property and the plans for upgrading it “caught us by surprise.” He informed the new owner he wants to extend his lease – which is up on Aug. 31, 2022 – but didn’t hear back. “For the last year or so, we’ve been waiting with bated breath to see if they will extend the lease.”</p><p>Eventually, he discovered the landlord is requiring the restaurant to be renovated. The owner sent him a letter months earlier, but “we never received it.” He finally got a copy on Nov. 21. It says the dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms must be “fully renovated and upgraded” as a condition for renewing the lease. [The landlord hasn’t responded to our requests for comment.]</p><p>Then on Dec. 24, Peter Chang learned that Duck Chang’s space had been listed for lease for the previous two months. He wouldn’t have known about that unless a friend happened to look it up online. </p><p>“So, I’m in a panic now,” he says. “It’s absolutely the worst timing.” The holidays are an extremely busy time for the restaurant, inflation is soaring, and he was planning for a post-pandemic future. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlzVPHBLzTEaSCMSyhUcf5oaizQ1JRvVJQnILavEFZR1MeOqLnTHxHIiIC-wmnHBTbbkUtvh_djIk2dN_7WYQiUkv7dDWGmRWbW0lVicKI4aeL61_oEMVlkFWYvOH1B--jiywu6wVoKwiwEbZUSYfi5jpysbbCsTo1riXPUdvgRTpl9i-8_EoJavpZ=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlzVPHBLzTEaSCMSyhUcf5oaizQ1JRvVJQnILavEFZR1MeOqLnTHxHIiIC-wmnHBTbbkUtvh_djIk2dN_7WYQiUkv7dDWGmRWbW0lVicKI4aeL61_oEMVlkFWYvOH1B--jiywu6wVoKwiwEbZUSYfi5jpysbbCsTo1riXPUdvgRTpl9i-8_EoJavpZ=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peking Duck [Duck Chang<span style="text-align: left;">’</span>s]</td></tr></tbody></table>After temporarily closing, then reverting to all-carryout for months during the pandemic, Duck Chang’s reopened for reservation-only indoor dining with social distancing in July. They closed the dining room again shortly before Christmas after a couple of employees and family members tested positive for Covid. </p><p>“We don’t know what ‘fully renovated’ means,” Peter says. His request for more information has still not been answered. </p><p>If he decides to open Duck Chang’s in a new location, it would cost $500,000 to 750,000, he says, and finding a vacant restaurant property in Annandale would be difficult. He has asked the landlord to extend the lease for a year while he looks for another location, but hasn’t heard back. </p><p>Peter’s eldest son, Kinlon Chang, reached out to the community with a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-duck-changs?qid=3f0393832f70aa76eff88f7d98ad61f2" target="_blank">GoFundMe campaign</a> to help raise funds for renovations. It has so far raised $100,000. </p><p>“We are at kind of a crossroads,” Kinlon says. “We don’t want to have to close. We like our location.” He is concerned about the future of the employees, as well as the family. </p><p>“My dad would never ask for money,” he concedes, however, “the restaurant has meant so much to our family. It’s really important to communicate that to the community.” </p><p>Peter worries about what his 88-year-old mother is going to do if the restaurant closes. “This is all she’s ever known. She comes in every day. It gives her purpose to get up every morning.” </p><p>Duck Chang’s is the last originally owned business in Annandale, Peter Chang notes. “This is my family legacy.” </p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-10035380219782170072022-01-07T09:00:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:02:26.189-05:00Former Annandale priest charged with sexual abuse<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp8nQMuDNyceyH5S4KDTWr6y7oHfRIEW58HtZBj92GCfZrzOdIxzfJkddPXtmmC1JiCa7Tg7vwIIUlPsgT9gl5LmtgciL0R2eS_WOEQ41lBXiPqoAYnf3iFua3b78onW6BblYnu6TVq9d6y8mJbICe0tthut7mO8ivtKezvxjFkjM_9qn-4qTOc5BJ=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp8nQMuDNyceyH5S4KDTWr6y7oHfRIEW58HtZBj92GCfZrzOdIxzfJkddPXtmmC1JiCa7Tg7vwIIUlPsgT9gl5LmtgciL0R2eS_WOEQ41lBXiPqoAYnf3iFua3b78onW6BblYnu6TVq9d6y8mJbICe0tthut7mO8ivtKezvxjFkjM_9qn-4qTOc5BJ=w400-h210" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former priest Terry Specht [Complicit Clergy]</td></tr></tbody></table>A former Annandale priest, Terry Specht, has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor. </p><p>An indictment handed down by a grand jury on Dec. 20 charges Specht with indecent liberties and aggravated sexual battery. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Specht’s trial is scheduled for October 2022. The 69-year-old former priest is retired and living in Donegal, Pa.</p><p>He had been assigned to <a href="https://holyspiritchurch.us/" target="_blank">Holy Spirit Church</a> in Annandale from 2007 to 2012. Specht was director of the Office of Child Protection at the <a href="https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/" target="_blank">Catholic Diocese of Arlington</a> from 2004 to 2011.</p><p>According to the indictment, Specht sexually abused a child under age 13 “by intentionally touching his intimate parts or material covering such intimate parts” in Fairfax County on or between March 1 and Sept. 30, 2000. During that period, he also “unlawfully and feloniously, with lascivious intent” sexually abused a child under age 18 “over whom he maintained a custodial or supervisory relationship.” </p><p>At the time of those incidents, he was chaplain and assistant principal at St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax. </p><p>The Diocese of Arlington issued a statement noting that two separate allegations of sexual abuse were brought to the diocese, one in 2012 and the other in 2019. </p><p>When he was accused in 2012, he was a priest at Holy Spirit Church and was placed on administrative leave. The accusation reportedly occurred in the late 1990s, when he was a parochial vicar at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax. </p><p>Following the indictments, the diocese issued a statement noting it reported the allegations to law enforcement and formed a review board to conduct an investigation. “The Review Board found the allegation to be inconclusive, and law enforcement never brought charges related to the 2012 allegation,” the diocese states. “The diocese reported the 2019 allegation to law enforcement and was never notified as to the status of the investigation.” </p><p>Specht’s role at the Office of Child Protection was as a policy administrator and instructor, the diocese reports. “He never oversaw the investigation of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor nor did he have a role in priestly assignments.” An investigation of that office and periodic background checks of Specht found no problems, the diocese states. </p><p>The current felony charges against Specht stem from Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring’s ongoing <a href="https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2239-december-28-2021-former-director-of-office-of-child-protection-and-safety-for-arlington-diocese-charged-with-sexual-assault-of-a-minor?highlight=WyJwcmllc3QiXQ==" target="_blank">investigation</a> into sexual abuse by clergy. </p><p>“Children should always feel comfortable around religious leaders in their life, without fear that they could somehow hurt them,” Herring said. </p><p>He urges anyone with information about clergy abuse to come forward, “no matter how long ago the incident occurred.” </p><p>Victims can contact the Virginia Clergy Abuse Hotline, 1-833-454-9064, or <a href="https://vsp.virginia.gov/services/clergy-abuse-form/" target="_blank">report the abuse online</a> to the Virginia State Police. </p><p>The Diocese of Arlington urges anyone with relevant information about Specht to call the Fairfax County Police Department, 703-691-2131. Tips related to misconduct about anyone associated with the diocese should contact the organization’s victim assistance coordinator, 702-841-2530. </p><div><br /></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-54197867428357692502022-01-06T11:00:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:01:36.840-05:00Annandale/Mason residents affected by redistricting<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv4UbDAd8YLdCr_tFwu2xst7IbCv2SMvSmu3YbuHX4bF5SgQpyUlzv4VSb3Xp43Zs9ejQOcUBFwKsLRhfSXMwKH4pq4aIjoiezK50Cq8dqAxUZM6RMbC4iOhngZy9eUWNfthiL386-7BLUuECPR50PtXo2UUSX5zFWdLYmk9oP3fyQSq2E9Az-wlHs=s1553" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1553" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv4UbDAd8YLdCr_tFwu2xst7IbCv2SMvSmu3YbuHX4bF5SgQpyUlzv4VSb3Xp43Zs9ejQOcUBFwKsLRhfSXMwKH4pq4aIjoiezK50Cq8dqAxUZM6RMbC4iOhngZy9eUWNfthiL386-7BLUuECPR50PtXo2UUSX5zFWdLYmk9oP3fyQSq2E9Az-wlHs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Virginia Supreme Court [Roanoke Times]</td></tr></tbody></table>Under a redistricting plan approved by the Virginia Supreme Court, some residents of the Annandale/Mason area will be shifted to a different congressional, Virginia House of Delegates, and/or Virginia Senate district. <p></p><p>Here are some of the key changes: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Several communities currently in the 11th U.S. Congressional District (represented by Rep. Gerry Connolly) will move to the 8th District (Rep. Don Beyer). <span><a name='more'></a></span></li></ul><p></p><p>This includes most of Annandale, Lake Barcroft, and parts of Bailey’s Crossroads, Seven Corners, and Falls Church. </p><p>Connolly doesn’t live in what would be his new district but that’s not a requirement. </p><p>According to the <a href="https://www.vpap.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Public Access Project</a> (VPAP), the new 8th District would be more White (52.1 percent) versus the current level of 44 percent White. The percent of the Asian population would be reduced by 7.2 percent. </p><p>The new district would become more liberal, based on results of the 2016 presidential election, VPAP states. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Several areas in Virginia Senate District 37 (Sen. Dave Marsden) will shift to the 35th District (Sen. Dick Saslaw). This includes Annandale and much of the Falls Church area in Fairfax County. </li></ul><p></p><p>According to VPAP, the new 35th District will be slightly more liberal, slightly less Asian, and slightly more Hispanic.</p><p>Both Marsden and Saslaw live in the new 35th District. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Parts of Virginia House District 38 (Del. Kaye Kory) would move to the 39th District (Del. Vivian Watts). This includes Annandale and parts of Lincolnia and Bailey’s Crossroads. </li></ul><p></p><p>Parts of the 53rd House District (Del. Marcus Simon) would shift to the 38th District, including Seven Corners, and portions of Falls Church, Merrifield, and Tysons.</p><p>The new 38th District would become 15 percent more White, 5 percent less Black, and nearly 10 percent less Hispanic, according to VPAP. </p><p>You can <a href="https://www.vpap.org/redistricting/voter-impact/" target="_blank">look up your address</a> on the VPAP website to see whether your representatives will change. </p><p>Redistricting happens every 10 years following new Census data. Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2020 calling for a bipartisan commission of eight lawmakers and eight citizens to redraw the state’s political boundaries. </p><p>The <a href="https://virginiaredistricting.org/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Virginia Redistricting Commission</a> failed to agree on a redistricting plan within the deadline, so the matter was turned over to the Virginia Supreme Court. </p><p>The Supreme Court-appointed Special Masters Sean Trende and Bernard Grofman to come up with new congressional, state Senate, and House of Delegates maps. The court approved the new maps Dec. 28.</p><p>The new maps will take effect for the next general election for each office: 2022 for the House of Representatives, 2023 for state senators, and 2022 or 2023 for delegates. </p><p>The One Virginia 2021 Foundation, an organization created to promote a more inclusive and transparent government and end gerrymandering, issued this statement: “Independent analysis from our national partners has deemed these maps to be fair and the methodology behind them to be sound.” </p><p>In presenting the new maps to the Virginia Supreme Court, the Special Masters said: “We carefully drew districts that met constitutional and statutory population requirements. In doing so, we minimized county and city splits, while respecting natural boundaries and communities of interest to the extent possible.”</p><p>While being mindful of federal and state requirements to draw districts likely to elect a minority representative, the Special Masters say, “we drew districts that would elect the candidate of choice of a minority group only if the district could be drawn in a compact fashion that did not needlessly split counties.”</p><p>“Despite these strictures,” they contend, “we believe we have drawn more districts where minority groups will be empowered to elect their candidate of choice than exist under the current maps.”</p><div><br /></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-12056627752181791822022-01-06T10:00:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:01:07.439-05:00Rice yogurt/mochi shop opens in Annandale<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBY4dKWUzJWeaPVQ-GRR6c8wH4yHZC6BKtOzET_tV4O_i9eciXAdTOdLN2hnuiVPqvtKZQKDhlBByr9YjyaZlP2Z58rROOibDvrYSW1t-hOvRtrwYYt_f61aL5t0Pcs96YnUXsyqwKre6wIPNVWdftA2ebBoKtUiXH40DHHr8bG9VKS6beCl_0n2tj=s2918" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="2918" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBY4dKWUzJWeaPVQ-GRR6c8wH4yHZC6BKtOzET_tV4O_i9eciXAdTOdLN2hnuiVPqvtKZQKDhlBByr9YjyaZlP2Z58rROOibDvrYSW1t-hOvRtrwYYt_f61aL5t0Pcs96YnUXsyqwKre6wIPNVWdftA2ebBoKtUiXH40DHHr8bG9VKS6beCl_0n2tj=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/yomies_dmv/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d680b2d9-eeeb-45d0-a119-647ee2dadf62" target="_blank">Yomie’s Rice X Yogurt</a> and <a href="insta https://www.instagram.com/mochinut_annandale/" target="_blank">Mochinut Annandale</a>, two separate
franchise shops, are now open in the same space at 4367 John Marr Drive in
Annandale.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yomie’s specializes in freshly made yogurt drinks. The most
popular varieties are purple rice, mango, oat, and “haw,” made from hawthorn
berries, says Lin Zheng, the manager of both operations.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirtfJZIJ-01IhTqgk3Pua6Z2w2gybBxwTEGrCvFyMT7kYgLNZOkVusA7jTIvRmm3SFepRrPGFkAL1tjU_UHC2EPg_pXUJpx1vbWU-PsLbInwnWAXOpc7rR0qNtQ0exrJ-A7dDFGRQMJ44mS13cyM2ZQPabEfgc6KNtVf3UfjfNhikUGLxileS_xbvF=s717" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="717" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirtfJZIJ-01IhTqgk3Pua6Z2w2gybBxwTEGrCvFyMT7kYgLNZOkVusA7jTIvRmm3SFepRrPGFkAL1tjU_UHC2EPg_pXUJpx1vbWU-PsLbInwnWAXOpc7rR0qNtQ0exrJ-A7dDFGRQMJ44mS13cyM2ZQPabEfgc6KNtVf3UfjfNhikUGLxileS_xbvF=w200-h198" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mochinut hotdogs</td></tr></tbody></table>Mochinut offers about half a dozen flavors of mochi donuts
on a rotating basis and mochi hotdogs. Mochi products are made from rice flour.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When we visited, the featured donuts were matcha pistachio,
rose milk tea, taro, pebble, and chocolate. More varieties will be added after
the shop’s grand opening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Made-to-order Korean hotdogs come in all-beef, mozzarella,
or combo beef/mozzarella varieties. They’re served on a stick, covered with
rice dough, and topped with panko, ramen, or potato squares. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are several Mochinut outlets in the region, including
one in Centreville. The Yomie’s chain was founded in Australia. This is the
first one in the D.C. region. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The shop is open noon-9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and
noon-9 p.m. the rest of the week.<o:p></o:p></p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-61570645241992727622022-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:002022-01-08T13:00:24.948-05:00Fairfax County taxes plastic bags<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqbI7Bl9k_5Hf2Gv8oFGRqGFtAyM7HzMPUotZuAxRMbBgyr0IxVpZuE7JQ1ia7UJXniFvF_NXIoMZagqZI9Vnv_ZjcRQ4cSrH6T6Z_H3opip_vqjwtoW3rzmT8ZRvTEKBgiv3Dg5vLxzJPdbnHgvt7jud751XGUud5lYBeg4HtMBAS6AfXHV_QwbeH=s1753" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1753" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqbI7Bl9k_5Hf2Gv8oFGRqGFtAyM7HzMPUotZuAxRMbBgyr0IxVpZuE7JQ1ia7UJXniFvF_NXIoMZagqZI9Vnv_ZjcRQ4cSrH6T6Z_H3opip_vqjwtoW3rzmT8ZRvTEKBgiv3Dg5vLxzJPdbnHgvt7jud751XGUud5lYBeg4HtMBAS6AfXHV_QwbeH=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />A new 5-cent <a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination/disposable-plastic-bag-tax-fairfax-county" target="_blank">tax on plastic bags</a> in Fairfax County took effect Jan. 1. The Board of Supervisors approved the tax in September. <p></p><p>The tax applies to disposable plastic bags from grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Bags exempt from the tax include reusable plastic shopping or grocery bags with handles at least 4 mils thick; plastic bags used for meat, fish, poultry, produce, ice cream, unwrapped bulk food, or perishable food; dry-cleaning bags, bags for prescription drugs; and bags sold for garbage, pet waste, or yard waste. </p><p>The purpose of the new tax is to encourage shoppers to use reusable bags because plastic bags often end up in waterways where they harm wildlife and water quality. </p><p>The revenue from the tax will go toward environmental cleanup programs, pollution and litter mitigation, educational programs on environmental waste reduction, and reusable bags for lower-income households. </p><p>Retailers will get 2 cents from the tax collected on each plastic bag through Dec. 31, 2022, which will help them make the switch to environmentally friendly alternatives. This discount drops to 1 cent on Jan. 1, 2023. </p><p>A new tax on disposable plastic bags also took effect Jan. 1 in Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. A plastic bag tax in the City of Falls Church will take effect April 1. Washington, D.C.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">’s</span> 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags has generated over $19 million since it was enacted in 2010.</p><div><br /></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-19740616904255178952021-12-27T09:00:00.011-05:002021-12-27T11:25:18.074-05:00We're taking a break <p>The Annandale Blog is taking a short break while we
implement some technical upgrades. We’ll be back in early 2022.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This will be our first hiatus in over two years. You can still comment on Annandale Blog stories, but we’re
not posting new articles during the break. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, we wish all our readers a happy New Year!</p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com2Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-84524905216169724302021-12-23T14:00:00.112-05:002021-12-23T16:08:41.321-05:002021: The year in review<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB6O0fsbyJUo7busrgZ5pewbqSvkRRYwv5nG_q-4cEg3HDzXfA6DCrjePWcBFnRMJHjOZdOX2Vay-OGqWmyFMpUgWbFMeAa99xclxwRa_6X5i1YuTF563s-BeklxxmsD9TOyPusawAU_0uNk-woOI8f8NZujZIldweM1cmaiZ1nCucehPUUENdCjZN=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB6O0fsbyJUo7busrgZ5pewbqSvkRRYwv5nG_q-4cEg3HDzXfA6DCrjePWcBFnRMJHjOZdOX2Vay-OGqWmyFMpUgWbFMeAa99xclxwRa_6X5i1YuTF563s-BeklxxmsD9TOyPusawAU_0uNk-woOI8f8NZujZIldweM1cmaiZ1nCucehPUUENdCjZN=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun with cicadas. [Oxana Ware]</td></tr></tbody></table>This year has been dominated by Covid ups and downs. In the spring, it seemed like the pandemic was ending; then cases began to increase as the Covid variants took hold. </p><p>Here’s a look back at the major stories from the Annandale Blog in 2021, along with lists of some of the restaurants and businesses that opened this year. </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">January</span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/people-75-can-start-making-covid.html" target="_blank">People age 75 and older can start making COVID vaccination appointments </a><br />The Fairfax County Health Department begins scheduling the first Covid-19 vaccinations, for people age 75+ and frontline essential workers.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/amazon-fresh-to-open-in-baileys.html" target="_blank">Amazon Fresh to open in Bailey’s Crossroads</a><br />The former Safeway space at the Crossroads Center in Bailey’s Crossroads is going to be an Amazon Fresh grocery store.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/lake-barcroft-malbrook-residents-oppose.html" target="_blank">Residents oppose access plan for new houses on Sleepy Hollow Road</a><br />Residents of Lake Barcroft and the Malbrook community are concerned that a new housing development under construction on Sleepy Hollow Road would bring more traffic to neighborhood streets. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGwrNVaERk8SnIlmBbsoNN2Ph9PMFQVWAfXzsuirb_0i_JmXdLl3Y8GwsF-aqAwx17rKItoxMCNl_fCHrvFJlM2Szvz0A5AomI5yD_sh1SLkA9zPLMp7Vqe2gs6uy_AYtyM08GM_OTqCojpW8RUozsoypDQK_z_0OJQQ6eQ7K_E4pHNmr2xRJHfesY=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGwrNVaERk8SnIlmBbsoNN2Ph9PMFQVWAfXzsuirb_0i_JmXdLl3Y8GwsF-aqAwx17rKItoxMCNl_fCHrvFJlM2Szvz0A5AomI5yD_sh1SLkA9zPLMp7Vqe2gs6uy_AYtyM08GM_OTqCojpW8RUozsoypDQK_z_0OJQQ6eQ7K_E4pHNmr2xRJHfesY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Land is cleared for a new housing development on Sleepy Hollow Road.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/planning-commission-to-take-up.html" target="_blank">Planning Commission to take up accessory living units</a><br />Many residents speak out against proposed zoning changes that would make it easier for homeowners to create accessory living units. <p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/board-of-supervisors-rejects-major.html" target="_blank">Board of Supervisors rejects huge development for western Annandale</a><br />The board eliminated from the Comprehensive Plan work program a proposed mixed-use project on Little River Turnpike. </p><p><b>January openings</b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/taco-rock-now-open-in-pinecrest-plaza.html" target="_blank">Taco Rock</a>, Pinecrest Plaza<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/fit-theorem-offers-kickboxing-in-seven.html" target="_blank">Fit Theorem</a>, Seven Corners</p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">February</span></b> </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/02/fairfax-county-school-board-approves.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County School Board approves return-to-school plan</a><br />All students will return to in-person learning twice a week beginning in mid-March.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/02/community-members-concerned-about-plan.html" target="_blank">Plan to turn park space into parking lot angers residents</a><br />Local residents and environmental advocates are concerned about a plan to create a parking lot at Justice Park as part of the upcoming expansion of Justice High School.</p><p><b>February openings</b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/02/granddaddys-skillet-now-open-in.html" target="_blank">Grandaddy’s Skillet</a>, Pinecrest Plaza <br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/02/gopchang-story-open-on-limited-basis.html" target="_blank">Gopchang Story</a>, Annandale </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyA4ig2LmtZcx4SgcIoaTzDhzsZ0WjNqlag-HVT-8ovc5uuL4TP8AG2P6nNXYn0z-yvnNwy2yp4cFCMUT67DJBqbLdYbu1Z2uSb5dU5tHzPz51Es_1KsHxl1TX1UgwbBngc0o0LpgCc6vnzrSgQXLs_Zl51F3Ff3AKzjFR1Ky58wlPBwgaMIw7nR5Y=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyA4ig2LmtZcx4SgcIoaTzDhzsZ0WjNqlag-HVT-8ovc5uuL4TP8AG2P6nNXYn0z-yvnNwy2yp4cFCMUT67DJBqbLdYbu1Z2uSb5dU5tHzPz51Es_1KsHxl1TX1UgwbBngc0o0LpgCc6vnzrSgQXLs_Zl51F3Ff3AKzjFR1Ky58wlPBwgaMIw7nR5Y=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local residents oppose efforts to build a parking lot in Justice Park.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">March</span></b><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/03/mason-police-commander-to-address.html" target="_blank">Mason police commander to address street racing complaints</a><br />Many residents complain about noise and speeding on Little River Turnpike and surrounding streets.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-proposed-annandale-greenway-path.html" target="_blank">A grassroots effort is launched to create the Annandale Greenway</a><br />The Greenway would connect Annandale Community Park to Green Spring Gardens using existing trails and sidewalks. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/03/community-members-air-concerns-about.html" target="_blank">Community members air concerns about plans to use Justice Park as a parking lot</a><br />Residents express frustration about the lack of community engagement at a listening session hosted by school board member Ricardy Anderson. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/03/board-of-supervisors-approves-zmod.html" target="_blank">Board of Supervisors approves zMOD</a><br />The updated zoning ordinance no longer requires a public hearing for an accessory living unit inside a home. </p><p><b>March openings</b> </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/03/first-watch-opens-in-baileys-crossroads.html" target="_blank">First Watch</a>, Bailey’s Crossroads<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/01/italian-restaurant-to-open-next-month.html" target="_blank">Nour Resto</a>, Bailey’s Crossroads <br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/02/new-pizza-shop-coming-to-seven-corners.html" target="_blank">&Pizza</a>, Seven Corners </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">April</span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/04/all-virginians-eligible-for-covid.html" target="_blank">All Virginians eligible for a COVID vaccination</a> <br />Health officials encourage the public to get vaccinated.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/04/three-options-presented-for-changing.html" target="_blank">Three options presented for changing school boundaries</a> <br />Fairfax County Public Schools will adjust the boundaries in the Justice High School pyramid to reduce overcrowding at Glen Forest Elementary School.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO4A77IKUMncGDnp4Uu_8G7U9XsIcyQtU1KEMfwRkcN5u6of3Swfi1oOth6EgTrGtYbuVT5cXnIuOnx7ZHSg6gjZtWTJeDDLMwI9-NtLaAGADU-X3kpytt5J1rAs5v_rg8jVDqN1dBx1mVl1jaesLUPx44ETU0U9ULjwlUPGq8uTHu9JOHf2dhUHB2=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO4A77IKUMncGDnp4Uu_8G7U9XsIcyQtU1KEMfwRkcN5u6of3Swfi1oOth6EgTrGtYbuVT5cXnIuOnx7ZHSg6gjZtWTJeDDLMwI9-NtLaAGADU-X3kpytt5J1rAs5v_rg8jVDqN1dBx1mVl1jaesLUPx44ETU0U9ULjwlUPGq8uTHu9JOHf2dhUHB2=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Covid vaccination center at Inova.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/04/supervisors-approve-one-cent-property.html" target="_blank">Supervisors cut property tax rate</a><br />The FY22 budget decreases the real estate tax by 1 cent, although assessments have risen for most properties. <p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/04/public-engagement-transparency-lacking.html" target="_blank">Public engagement, transparency lacking in selection of new police chief</a><br />The Fairfax County NAACP complains the appointment of Kevin Davis as the new chief of the Fairfax County Police Department disregards his previous failures. </p><p><b>April openings</b> </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/04/five-below-store-coming-to-baileys.html" target="_blank">Five Below</a>, Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners</p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">May</span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/05/first-cicadas-spotted-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">First cicadas spotted in Annandale</a><br />The first cicadas from Brood X emerge after spending 17 years underground. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/05/virginia-republicans-select-youngkin-to.html" target="_blank">Virginia Republicans select Youngkin to run for governor</a><br />Delegates from the Republican Party of Virginia choose Glenn Youngkin as their nominee for the governor of Virginia, Jason Miyares for lieutenant governor, and Winsome Sears for attorney general. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/05/life-is-returning-to-normal-as-covid.html" target="_blank">Life is returning to normal, as COVID restrictions are lifted</a><br />Gov. Ralph Northam lifts indoor mask mandates and capacity limits for gatherings.</p><p><b>May openings </b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/05/gom-shabu-hot-pot-restaurant-opens-in.html" target="_blank">Gom Shabu</a>, Annandale<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/05/k-market-grocery-store-opens-in.html" target="_blank">K Market</a>, Annandale<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/05/9292-korean-bbq-restaurant-opens-in.html" target="_blank">9292 Korean BBQ</a>, Annandale </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">June</span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/06/del-kory-wins-democratic-primary-along.html" target="_blank">Terry McAuliffe wins the Democratic Primary</a><br />Del. Kaye Kory wins the Democratic Primary, along with candidates Terry McAuliffe for governor, Hala Ayala for lieutenant governor, and Mark Herring for attorney general. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/06/school-board-approves-boundary-change.html" target="_blank">School board approves boundary changes</a> <br />Parents complain about the lack of community engagement in the plan adjust boundaries in the Justice High School pyramid. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/06/more-details-emerge-on-future-annandale.html" target="_blank">More details emerge on future Annandale Civic Space</a> <br />The new park in central Annandale will have a civic plaza for activities and a lawn area for recreation. </p><p><b>June openings</b> </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/06/taco-ssam-mexican-korean-hybrid-opens.html" target="_blank">Taco Ssam</a>, Annandale<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/06/incheon-restaurant-now-open-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">Incheon Restaurant</a>, Annandale<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/06/more-vendors-open-at-new-annandale-food.html" target="_blank">K Market Food Court</a>, Annandale </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">July</span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/new-virginia-laws-legalize-marijuana.html" target="_blank">New Virginia laws take effect</a> <br />New laws legalize marijuana, abolish the death penalty, and protect absentee voting.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/lake-accotink-dredging-sites-could.html" target="_blank">Lake Accotink dredging project raises alarm bells</a><br />The options under consideration for drying out material dredged from the lake could disrupt the Howrey memorial, youth sports, and wildlife habitats.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqIma6STAmzvj93j6XXKTT3FWvw_XtKA3oa75Jmrdy_mfKji7NPM7I3mTve5JivRY6LPxTfF5FZ3QfmSPK6Qsk6igSklf4eHOaQw2hn6ihtOVVQmvu_Fmhz2z-i-RXCpYUpCSG8jPwc-nRQlizo0m4DSLhIngNxBxBTR6AZPEa03RC-A3YXPzjThxX=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqIma6STAmzvj93j6XXKTT3FWvw_XtKA3oa75Jmrdy_mfKji7NPM7I3mTve5JivRY6LPxTfF5FZ3QfmSPK6Qsk6igSklf4eHOaQw2hn6ihtOVVQmvu_Fmhz2z-i-RXCpYUpCSG8jPwc-nRQlizo0m4DSLhIngNxBxBTR6AZPEa03RC-A3YXPzjThxX=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The future Annandale Greenway.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/alexandria-city-council-approves.html" target="_blank">Alexandria City Council approves Landmark project</a><br />An Inova hospital complex and mixed-use development will be built on the site of the former Landmark Mall.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/public-officials-failed-to-inform.html" target="_blank">Public officials failed to inform public on Justice Park land negotiations</a><br />Freedom of Information documents show public officials failed to disclose negotiations over a land swap involving another park facility. </p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/board-of-supervisors-appoints-task.html" target="_blank">Board of Supervisors appoints task force to consider renaming roads</a> <br />The board appointed a force to examine renaming Lee Highway and Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, which honor Confederate General Robert E. Lee. <p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/park-authority-calls-parking-lot-in.html" target="_blank">Park Authority calls parking lot in Justice Park “unacceptable”</a><br />The Fairfax County Park Authority backs away from its agreement to allow a parking lot at Justice Park. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhFRBEvxxGi-mYg9B943xZlkiG6zYSrHCNti5eZGRLOVSUlsKLts3KNJUAEEzwyzSnxBwHtHxo2p1FV_Y_QV6NDq93RV6WNVoiJAmdG-hKGbV9PI65nl2x0ZkUFLE58Q5KjxhteF3QM-0Owx4_sOwZygIDHLxIaeuhMvnAYyMtLW4ztuXEG7ezl59u=s5472" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhFRBEvxxGi-mYg9B943xZlkiG6zYSrHCNti5eZGRLOVSUlsKLts3KNJUAEEzwyzSnxBwHtHxo2p1FV_Y_QV6NDq93RV6WNVoiJAmdG-hKGbV9PI65nl2x0ZkUFLE58Q5KjxhteF3QM-0Owx4_sOwZygIDHLxIaeuhMvnAYyMtLW4ztuXEG7ezl59u=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Park authority seeks a “resident curator” to restore this house. </td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/fcps-investigating-incident-involving.html" target="_blank">Police shoot a resident of a group home</a><br />A Fairfax County police officer shot a resident of a home for people with mental disabilities after she charged at him with a knife. <p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/park-authority-seeks-resident-curator.html" target="_blank">Park Authority seeks “resident curator” for the Margaret White Gardens</a><br />The “resident curator” would rehabilitate the house in the park while living in it rent-free.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/fairfax-county-schools-adopt-universal.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County schools adopt universal mask mandate</a><br />Faced with a national increase in Covid variant cases, FCPS is requiring all students and staff to wear face masks indoors and on school buses. </p><p><b>July openings</b> </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/bunnyman-brewing-prepares-to-open.html" target="_blank">Bunnyman Brewing</a>, Burke <br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/07/sushithai-restaurant-opens-in-pinecrest.html" target="_blank">Akeno Sushi Bar & Thai</a>, Pinecrest Plaza</p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">August </span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/residents-of-annandales-opportunity.html" target="_blank">Residents of Annandale’s “opportunity neighborhoods” work on action plans</a><br />Residents’ biggest concerns are security and safety; children’s issues; and apartment issues.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/fairfax-county-is-getting-more-diverse.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County is getting more diverse and multiracial</a><br />Data from the 2020 Census show the county is continuing to become more diverse and more multiracial. </p><p><b>August openings</b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/jakes-ice-cream-schedules-soft-opening.html" target="_blank">Jake’s Ice Cream</a>, Barcroft Plaza<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/new-tea-shop-now-open-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">Ben Gong’s Tea</a>, Annandale <br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/meat-store-opens-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">Wow Fresh Meat Market</a>, Annandale <br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/bloomies-now-open-in-mosaic-offers.html" target="_blank">Bloomie’s</a>, Mosaic District </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">September </span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/fairfax-county-hosts-9-11-remembrance.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County hosts 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony</a> <br />Government officials and first responders gather at the Bailey’s Crossroads Fire Station to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9-11.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/local-churches-stepping-up-aid-for.html" target="_blank">Local churches step up aid for Afghan refugees</a><br />As more Afghanis fleeing the Taliban settle in Northern Virginia, church members increase their support. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/man-charged-with-killing-his-father-and.html" target="_blank">Man charged with killing his father</a> <br />A 19-year-old is arrested for killing his 78-year-old father and burying the body in the backyard in Bailey’s Crossroads. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/fairfax-county-board-approves-plastic.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County board approves plastic bag tax</a><br />The supervisors passed a 5-cent tax on disposable plastic bags.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/tenants-speak-out-against-rat-and-bug.html" target="_blank">Tenants speak out against rat and bug-infested apartments</a><br />Residents of two garden apartment complexes in Alexandria’s West End are fighting a landlord they say is failing to properly maintain the property.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnDq_OsuCJIa5YwEpCTNqQzhKadf8f1Mix4aiN3sH7zbAMgVY8Ejose9Dq0OppM3W5DcLVbRTAPDEFmNQ_cB0JWIndY0F7_d2fJQrdhOP84_Du6cywrusHTfKSKTOcoFY5dq2Ccs4w1YzOl7zEofK1-tFDnLxxTKw4ZnjR8RNrs6YGxiSCVeBlQ6Ct=s1853" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1853" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnDq_OsuCJIa5YwEpCTNqQzhKadf8f1Mix4aiN3sH7zbAMgVY8Ejose9Dq0OppM3W5DcLVbRTAPDEFmNQ_cB0JWIndY0F7_d2fJQrdhOP84_Du6cywrusHTfKSKTOcoFY5dq2Ccs4w1YzOl7zEofK1-tFDnLxxTKw4ZnjR8RNrs6YGxiSCVeBlQ6Ct=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K Market opens in the former Kmart space in Annandale.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/six-people-overdose-at-baileys.html" target="_blank">Six people overdose at Bailey’s Crossroads apartment</a><div>Police warn the public about a fatal batch of fentanyl-laced cocaine.<p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/fcps-will-not-use-justice-park-for.html" target="_blank">FCPS will not use Justice Park for a parking lot</a><br />In a huge victory for community members, Fairfax County Public Schools has backed away from creating a parking lot in Justice Park.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/staffing-shortages-blamed-for-yard.html" target="_blank">Staffing shortages blamed for yard waste pickup delays</a><br />Bags of yard waste are piling up all over as Fairfax County grapples with a severe staff shortage. </p><p><b>September openings </b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/golds-gym-opens-in-baileys-crossroads.html" target="_blank">Gold’s Gym</a>, Bailey’s Crossroads <br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/new-athletic-training-facility-opens-in.html" target="_blank">D1 Training</a>, Pinecrest Plaza </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">October</span></b> </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/10/new-historic-marker-commemorates-james.html" target="_blank">New historic marker commemorates James Lee Elementary School</a><br />James Lee was the first modern school for Blacks in Fairfax County. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/10/fairfax-county-schools-to-proceed-with.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County Public Schools to seek rezoning for Justice High School</a><br />FCPS agrees to go through a rezoning process and seek a parking waiver for the Justice High School addition.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/10/planning-commission-approves-final.html" target="_blank">Planning Commission approves Final Development Plan for Bailey’s Crossroads apartment building</a><br />The five-story Alta Crossroads apartments will be at the corner of Columbia Pike and Moncure Avenue. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/10/police-seek-gunman-who-shot-73-year-old.html" target="_blank">Police seek gunman who killed a 73-year-old man at an ATM</a><br />The victim was on the way to work when a would-be robber shot him on Annandale Road.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/10/county-deletes-flood-prone-annandale.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County removes flood-prone Annandale properties from land auction</a><br />The county halts plan to auction off seven tax-delinquent properties next to Accotink Creek.</p><p><b>October openings </b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/10/jefferson-fire-station-finally.html" target="_blank">Jefferson Fire Station</a>, Falls Church </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKFKptgVjms6EERHezNeCdM5Ifoy6SoKYYt3QDKIb4-Q9_OVYkNfOM18lxUqKyZdppmYsRsH18DVOld2xWzNXtStYao3V_tPkYAWFD9ZMulLNYEFmTaAP9HBvRtrzU2k-cjra4qetY86BME_-SjNhUYe9ZgByod4-7sJ06eRcQs6R8cv8A1mk7bfj0=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKFKptgVjms6EERHezNeCdM5Ifoy6SoKYYt3QDKIb4-Q9_OVYkNfOM18lxUqKyZdppmYsRsH18DVOld2xWzNXtStYao3V_tPkYAWFD9ZMulLNYEFmTaAP9HBvRtrzU2k-cjra4qetY86BME_-SjNhUYe9ZgByod4-7sJ06eRcQs6R8cv8A1mk7bfj0=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new historic marker commemorates James Lee Elementary School. </td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">November </span></b><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/11/fairfax-county-to-phase-out-gas-powered.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers</a><br />The Board of Supervisors approved a measure to phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on county property. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/11/community-center-coming-to-annandale.html" target="_blank">Community center coming to Annandale</a><br />Plans are underway to establish a community resource center in the Heritage Shopping Center. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/11/planning-underway-for-audrey-moore.html" target="_blank">Audrey Moore Rec Center renovation moves forward</a><br />Fairfax County hired a firm to begin planning an upgrade of the aging facility.</p><p><b>November openings</b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/11/new-middle-eastern-carryout-spot-opens.html" target="_blank">Basil</a>, Annandale</p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">December</span></b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/mason-district-to-gain-two-new-areas.html" target="_blank">Mason District to gain two new areas</a><br />The Board of Supervisors approved a redistricting plan that transfers one precinct and part of another from the Providence District to Mason District.</p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/board-of-supervisors-expands-tax-relief.html" target="_blank">Board of Supervisors expands tax relief program</a><br />The board expanded eligibility for the county’s real estate tax relief program for qualified seniors and people with disabilities. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/construction-of-skyline-livework.html" target="_blank">Construction of Skyline live/work project well underway</a> <br />Renovation is moving along quickly on the three vacant office buildings at the Skyline Center that are being converted to apartments where tenants can live, work, or do both. </p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/shopping-cart-killer-murdered-four.html" target="_blank">“Shopping Cart Killer” murdered four people he met on dating sites</a><br />The bodies of two victims of a serial killer were found in Fairfax County. </p><p><b>December openings </b></p><p><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/retro-game-retailer-super-bit-opens-in.html" target="_blank">Super Bit</a>, Annandale<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/cruise-specialist-opens-in-barcroft.html" target="_blank">Expedia Cruises</a>, Barcroft Plaza<br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/new-nail-salon-to-open-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">ToBe Nails</a>, Annandale <br /><a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/unisex-hair-salon-opens-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">K’s Hair Town</a>, Annandale</p></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com6Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-34176543634336277282021-12-23T09:00:00.040-05:002021-12-23T10:30:00.473-05:00Aging storm channel restored in Annandale<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTMjf3jy0zlNjETNhZ_1xJK7zOEqQ9yW84MjmN6-ftB1kkNWOKclb_kxGC-TOtLarX05dKv8UimcBnde1TeS3ImTecLlSE326nNUJKYoc4DibQAO_57z372KHGztGSSC1GBcClr83KCJT_y6pytCjtcp_Ri95brB7DbufDRQZ7f_9t_rb956ZY4K1V=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTMjf3jy0zlNjETNhZ_1xJK7zOEqQ9yW84MjmN6-ftB1kkNWOKclb_kxGC-TOtLarX05dKv8UimcBnde1TeS3ImTecLlSE326nNUJKYoc4DibQAO_57z372KHGztGSSC1GBcClr83KCJT_y6pytCjtcp_Ri95brB7DbufDRQZ7f_9t_rb956ZY4K1V=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">More work has been done on the channel since these photos were taken two weeks ago. </span><p style="text-align: left;"></p></td></tr></tbody></table>A major stream restoration project in Annandale’s Broyhill Crest neighborhood is virtually complete, with just a few minor loose ends to tie up.<p>The <a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2021/z-ir093" target="_blank">Murray Lane Outfall Restoration Project</a> is aimed at shoring up an existing storm channel to increase capacity and thus prevent flooding.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>“The existing storm channel exceeded its life. The walls had collapsed. The structure showed signs of failure, and the hydraulic capacity was lacking,” said Jack Meritt, an engineer in the stormwater management program at the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP3cD_luRpHcWHI1owRK5db3HJj6VSbP74eTsdBJSvMuvVzNtzwmI9-XTIzLvHZisln98JxAzVm0Qjw7AOrdtX6lcQDzfz5kRzqHqboyCiRL4954UmJgOKl4mtdQScEcaLBGvhywHOsdLxlEKNacvi73Nhn6HV8-vc1qYxXvVi2902qD8WesubUX1_=s1290" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1290" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP3cD_luRpHcWHI1owRK5db3HJj6VSbP74eTsdBJSvMuvVzNtzwmI9-XTIzLvHZisln98JxAzVm0Qjw7AOrdtX6lcQDzfz5kRzqHqboyCiRL4954UmJgOKl4mtdQScEcaLBGvhywHOsdLxlEKNacvi73Nhn6HV8-vc1qYxXvVi2902qD8WesubUX1_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>There had already been significant flooding in four backyards and some homes were nearly flooded.</p><p>The upgraded channel runs for about 900 feet between the backyards on Murray Lane and Lockwood Lane. Water from a stream at Larchmont Park is piped under Murray Lane and is discharged into the channel behind 7106 Murray Lane. </p><p>The channel ends near the community gardens at the Lockwood Lane cul-de-sac, where the stream joins a tributary of Holmes Run. </p><p><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/05/stream-restoration-project-starts-this.html" target="_blank">Stream restoration project starts this week in Annandale</a></b></p><div>The county already had a 60-foot easement between the backyards, Meritt says. Only two homeowners were asked to approve small easements where the new channel was wider than the existing one. </div><p>The total cost of the project is around $950,000. The county is providing new trees to make up for those cut down during construction and has agreed to reinstall or replace homeowners’ fences. </p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com1Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-70396999812157942292021-12-22T09:00:00.025-05:002021-12-23T20:58:49.426-05:00New Year’s Eve – Celebrations for all ages<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgardCJgbDcx-eN7F9v5VtTAuhhXqnRvlgX2TnXu_YdYrqYi5yBnHhOHF82C5iNkBFciNZpujQFw7b6uoVV-8gQ2R3q_mS_zAsJG2U8rxtOAoqxRc347LPbMbG2FQpXBb5Urh7zHDESCETonHxw27c2oip-bUQ6BR8fVoZdzx6-b2X6xizpK8xuw1kA=s1066" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1066" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgardCJgbDcx-eN7F9v5VtTAuhhXqnRvlgX2TnXu_YdYrqYi5yBnHhOHF82C5iNkBFciNZpujQFw7b6uoVV-8gQ2R3q_mS_zAsJG2U8rxtOAoqxRc347LPbMbG2FQpXBb5Urh7zHDESCETonHxw27c2oip-bUQ6BR8fVoZdzx6-b2X6xizpK8xuw1kA=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>[<b>UPDATE</b>, Dec. 23 - First Night Alexandria is canceled due to soaring Covid cases.]<div><br /></div><div>Got New Year’s Eve plans yet? Here are some events in the Annandale/Mason District area or close by: <p></p><p><a href="https://allevents.in/annandale/nye-party-at-the-block-va/10000222690391957?ref=eventlist-cat" target="_blank">NYE Pajama Party</a> – The Block, 4221 John Marr Drive, Annandale, 10 p.m.-2 p.m. DJ, Champaign flutes, raffle. $20.22, supports nonprofit organizations. Wear your favorite comfy PJs. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><a href="http://www.jvsrestaurant.com/calendar/news-item?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=40&cHash=bf51f5b826e98d48635e7d5c3aedba42" target="_blank">New Year’s Eve at JVs</a> – Featuring Wicked Jezabel, JV’s Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 9. $50. Buy tickets <a href="https://www.wickedjezabel.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.jamminjava.com/shows/nye-80s-glow-party-with-dj-d/" target="_blank">NYE 80s Glow Party</a> – Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, 8 p.m. $30. Prizes for best 80s outfits and “name that tune contest.” $35, early admission $30. Order tickets in advance. </p><p><a href="https://www.bsidecuts.com/" target="_blank">New Year’s Eve Bash</a> – B-Side, 8298 Glass Alley, Mosaic District, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $100 ($75 for designated driver), includes drinks and food. </p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/889271641672565/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A%2229%22%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3A%22event_calendar_create%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&notif_id=1639433587447364&notif_t=event_calendar_create&ref=notif" target="_blank">Bowlero New Year’s Eve Party</a> – Special bowling packages for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Bowlero, 4245 Markham St., Annandale. Packages include unlimited bowling and shoes, signature menu, and Champagne (or sparling cider) toast. <a href="https://www.bowlero.com/location/bowlero-annandale/nye" target="_blank">Reserve online</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/434292198083652/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A%2229%22%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3A%22event_calendar_create%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&notif_id=1639495706975587&notif_t=event_calendar_create&ref=notif" target="_blank">Noon Year’s Eve Kids’ Party</a> – St. James sports complex, 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Magician, DJ, photo booth, face painting, ball drop at noon in the active entertainment center, Super, Awesome & Amazing. $37. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/noon-years-eve-2022-tickets-224114531597?fbclid=IwAR2iyNEl5ZODRIqIKvhGZXO93uvvNAiMOh_8F6fXJzb8_Sc41rDmFfD8zRUe " target="_blank">Sign up online</a>. </p><p><a href="https://firstnightalexandria.org/" target="_blank">First Night, City of Alexandria</a> – Family-friendly New Year’s entertainment, various locations in Old Town, Dec. 31, noon-midnight. Dozens of music, dance, comedy, and kids’ performances. </p><p>The annual Watch Night celebration on New Year’s Eve in Falls Church has been canceled due to Covid. </p><p>And here’s something to do on New Year’s Day: </p><p><a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2021/z-ir200" target="_blank">First Hike Fairfax New Year’s Day Photo Contest</a> – Submit photos taken Jan. 1-2 on any Fairfax County Park Authority trail. Prizes of up $100 will be awarded in several categories.</p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com1Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-55505620745582164742021-12-21T09:30:00.030-05:002021-12-21T11:56:35.143-05:00 Beyond snowmen and reindeer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqmwglXvbm5G8TBJxsYDTyu6EGtTbzLoNOWA-iXWfAcjEVdgE74P5Q_qmoD0gMvp43CI7WZXNerDyYcsOmyvBC9kspIYvu4mZ86roqZCsLGO5uJ4Geu1pdD1AhXh7jFihLYyCALY2iQ2RslSW16m38adkYPhtvRUvm9OXTOvHPbuDcWuAM63y3-7pb=s2918" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="2918" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqmwglXvbm5G8TBJxsYDTyu6EGtTbzLoNOWA-iXWfAcjEVdgE74P5Q_qmoD0gMvp43CI7WZXNerDyYcsOmyvBC9kspIYvu4mZ86roqZCsLGO5uJ4Geu1pdD1AhXh7jFihLYyCALY2iQ2RslSW16m38adkYPhtvRUvm9OXTOvHPbuDcWuAM63y3-7pb=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div>In the weeks leading up to Christmas, front lawns throughout
the area are full of Santas, reindeers, and brightly-lit trees. We found a few homes in Annandale that mixed in some unusual creatures along with the traditional decorations. How about a holiday octopus, a cow, or a hedgehog? <span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSFBURVLvlY9ZIzR8q_H0BaOLPcQYSgQYdXlZBVDwUr9gvkoJs_gK_PqULMCEran2Kh1KtBf3FP5nBLt7Gr7s5Y9xdqWaYxKZOSPVzU0Rm3xdXGB5Qsb6nP0mmF0IG4Z0hLdakFzQCmO4ANQMpHBcI64Q_5AJghuFRShiNodCx2e7whJt6SyRwh8ME=s1897" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1897" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSFBURVLvlY9ZIzR8q_H0BaOLPcQYSgQYdXlZBVDwUr9gvkoJs_gK_PqULMCEran2Kh1KtBf3FP5nBLt7Gr7s5Y9xdqWaYxKZOSPVzU0Rm3xdXGB5Qsb6nP0mmF0IG4Z0hLdakFzQCmO4ANQMpHBcI64Q_5AJghuFRShiNodCx2e7whJt6SyRwh8ME=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEike38kYpYRq42zcHJGb-XQtn7ssbCFy4l_ifEKV9OG550q0Agruo9aepnHBcBIBqhbUBTol-z5Siwz0MzxHpnVzgSRj3v16duqfbJPxU5OUqbd0jE1QSrsXVbBVvMjD_txJTS5egqxeLD8ESNshmW6tL-u4kBPUqP6qrUp0L3DYDu0krMrGtdQT-Gs=s1529" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1529" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEike38kYpYRq42zcHJGb-XQtn7ssbCFy4l_ifEKV9OG550q0Agruo9aepnHBcBIBqhbUBTol-z5Siwz0MzxHpnVzgSRj3v16duqfbJPxU5OUqbd0jE1QSrsXVbBVvMjD_txJTS5egqxeLD8ESNshmW6tL-u4kBPUqP6qrUp0L3DYDu0krMrGtdQT-Gs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNlPkkPWtEAzKTwNLcp1sM8BFlNci7umtzlPEoPQfjmXgs30ymBYTNv1rvLGt7W6vXfUa12yulqY97pHU2rHwteixStxKPeNLI-JemiG50zHpfaeyStZXppA51nBYqVp3kZtTUnF2jytdr5kN5-B5AqV6fB_9Bn5Wsu-Je3EfvZYz6xO1UNskeRT4p=s1612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1612" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNlPkkPWtEAzKTwNLcp1sM8BFlNci7umtzlPEoPQfjmXgs30ymBYTNv1rvLGt7W6vXfUa12yulqY97pHU2rHwteixStxKPeNLI-JemiG50zHpfaeyStZXppA51nBYqVp3kZtTUnF2jytdr5kN5-B5AqV6fB_9Bn5Wsu-Je3EfvZYz6xO1UNskeRT4p=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_bC7Cm7dTX93uzsn-avNZS15DlTIQf_imrfFxl8Zp7c5wobQB2oB_QaEIM4zIA0UyNGtLL74vLXRrCSMlwsdXqtM55a6zHVTw8bEf0_Ui2YnDTeFnGFALAYzw_LnexDLs9rjnoBq0-qsE42kBPdZxW0Ga75p4hqaZXvNGGckDn9NhEqLlBhx2ipx7=s1612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1612" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_bC7Cm7dTX93uzsn-avNZS15DlTIQf_imrfFxl8Zp7c5wobQB2oB_QaEIM4zIA0UyNGtLL74vLXRrCSMlwsdXqtM55a6zHVTw8bEf0_Ui2YnDTeFnGFALAYzw_LnexDLs9rjnoBq0-qsE42kBPdZxW0Ga75p4hqaZXvNGGckDn9NhEqLlBhx2ipx7=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSFOR9xqUcdSQCUJbyPqtNuUGqTALsnu6jhkamwcU6Y8eeVpI1XkfyEO6zhf-YCakV-6fhkmSq-09pWrjuKKL3xeBeKdzfgVAYtiFDS_nfF2GywfrF0U68boo0FvpicbRAEbLaTtlXTJIFFwTue-WPaG-1Rjb_V13EhlkqM2l6jJLph_aUEkBr74Zk=s1612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1612" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSFOR9xqUcdSQCUJbyPqtNuUGqTALsnu6jhkamwcU6Y8eeVpI1XkfyEO6zhf-YCakV-6fhkmSq-09pWrjuKKL3xeBeKdzfgVAYtiFDS_nfF2GywfrF0U68boo0FvpicbRAEbLaTtlXTJIFFwTue-WPaG-1Rjb_V13EhlkqM2l6jJLph_aUEkBr74Zk=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIM0rHQKl9TAAJQkWqx5otUKoBVfc9uXcuj_VkAz0TX-CCShwHMZpa3ho5zPZlhcC1qryNGh7NfODX8d288zcPsNYJjm3aIlpZlKTZ22Glvu_mgr02AnakiEzqWyKpt7ErOTtGKj_ZlQwGQfig-ucHhF5bA_bdDiowrpqP4-r62auTlRhkl328wTrN=s1612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1612" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIM0rHQKl9TAAJQkWqx5otUKoBVfc9uXcuj_VkAz0TX-CCShwHMZpa3ho5zPZlhcC1qryNGh7NfODX8d288zcPsNYJjm3aIlpZlKTZ22Glvu_mgr02AnakiEzqWyKpt7ErOTtGKj_ZlQwGQfig-ucHhF5bA_bdDiowrpqP4-r62auTlRhkl328wTrN=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYDxgLi2FHq6XB2oTvQiyO1pi7luqm3G09OxUly0PjfwaOq_udT2kod3SKO1BFoutS8SylkWp1pgSSp4ZKnxgbvrQ0qrnbgjHlUEIQrb7mzn6XkiUqdIbRcEwUgdPiKJYzgNr6v6QoOp8GDs-uHGPvdfZ0f2W4606g18vbbOAlPifsUJ8Ql2wteN8z=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYDxgLi2FHq6XB2oTvQiyO1pi7luqm3G09OxUly0PjfwaOq_udT2kod3SKO1BFoutS8SylkWp1pgSSp4ZKnxgbvrQ0qrnbgjHlUEIQrb7mzn6XkiUqdIbRcEwUgdPiKJYzgNr6v6QoOp8GDs-uHGPvdfZ0f2W4606g18vbbOAlPifsUJ8Ql2wteN8z=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo7LxiwqXl6sdygLdLq3ByNXZxj6H6pjTEiK5p5o8xVSwtwmzbLQbGdGOaYHVpUxULNedmfMbGJ7k-thAkO_gzuoq39ZufSbuboRDIV7me2UFsSzjIp_VcRDD39uxB7X83mW6yaLqxrz632fCGX0bS249B6K9FEKv1iriPz_vBlH69IAh72ELYFV_u=s1486" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1486" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo7LxiwqXl6sdygLdLq3ByNXZxj6H6pjTEiK5p5o8xVSwtwmzbLQbGdGOaYHVpUxULNedmfMbGJ7k-thAkO_gzuoq39ZufSbuboRDIV7me2UFsSzjIp_VcRDD39uxB7X83mW6yaLqxrz632fCGX0bS249B6K9FEKv1iriPz_vBlH69IAh72ELYFV_u=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-222028197949383752021-12-21T09:00:00.019-05:002021-12-21T13:50:21.770-05:00County facilities announce holiday schedule<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAwsIT8E53PlgI5lpBVp1i7qyOLBWC8we_heOMc77PPbN-IQcMeSCUe62SzDOEN9jQRrQ-q_jwfXKJnKiZywzkHo4ud4lYjyfn7WFvnynSENigTSiousmI4UKm1o9YAjamyWB-9VyILI1UqaGzRffZiZd-rVh8lAw86UjUgmNs9YXRXv67L7mzuf6q=s796" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="796" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAwsIT8E53PlgI5lpBVp1i7qyOLBWC8we_heOMc77PPbN-IQcMeSCUe62SzDOEN9jQRrQ-q_jwfXKJnKiZywzkHo4ud4lYjyfn7WFvnynSENigTSiousmI4UKm1o9YAjamyWB-9VyILI1UqaGzRffZiZd-rVh8lAw86UjUgmNs9YXRXv67L7mzuf6q=w400-h223" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Officers and recruits from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Criminal Justice Academy handed out donated pajamas to Culmore residents Dec. 19. [FCPD]</td></tr></tbody></table>Here<span style="text-align: center;">’</span>s the holiday schedule for Fairfax County facilities: <p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fairfax County government offices – Officially closed at noon on Dec. 23. Closed Dec. 24 and 31.</li><li>Libraries – Open 10 a.m.-noon on Dec. 23. Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.<span><a name='more'></a></span></li><span></span><li>Rec Centers – Open Dec. 24 5 a.m.-noon; closed Dec. 25; open 5 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1.</li><li>Hidden Oaks Nature Center – Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.</li><li>Green Spring Gardens – Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.</li><li>Community centers and senior centers – Closed as of noon on Dec. 23. Closed 24-26.</li><li>Fairfax County Circuit Court – Closed Dec. 23, 24, Dec. 30, 31, and Jan. 1. </li><li>Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court – Dec. 23, 24, 31, and Jan. 1.</li><li>Fastran – Will not operate beginning at noon on Dec. 24 and all day on Dec. 25.</li><li>County trash services – Operates on all holidays except Dec. 25.</li><li>Fairfax County Connector – Routes that operate on Saturdays, will follow a <a href="Connector - https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/news/c25_21" target="_blank">Saturday schedule</a> on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-8164459516581834292021-12-20T09:30:00.000-05:002021-12-20T09:34:06.022-05:00Unisex hair salon opens in Annandale<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj9OjqIbHSDRGzdxfYMdXurnCseyqStdlfMQzQQHKEUhBqgkP7_xC1iIjkZ8Xi63E8x0oiVoanST8LtHH2CpEBm5IfcUaXID-lhZ1BpUodmjh2ZVJo8T4sTa_37Xu6z_o1-2LykazYfAtvf4m4l-0qduyXR4c_jifY6Ie5JbIceddMBYZm1TD_wANa=s2918" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="2918" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj9OjqIbHSDRGzdxfYMdXurnCseyqStdlfMQzQQHKEUhBqgkP7_xC1iIjkZ8Xi63E8x0oiVoanST8LtHH2CpEBm5IfcUaXID-lhZ1BpUodmjh2ZVJo8T4sTa_37Xu6z_o1-2LykazYfAtvf4m4l-0qduyXR4c_jifY6Ie5JbIceddMBYZm1TD_wANa=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br />A new hair salon for women, men, and children opened Dec.
18 on John Marr Drive in Annandale. K’s Hair Town offers haircuts, color, highlights, perms, and
straightening. Walk-ins are welcome.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s located in the East Gate shopping center between <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/new-nail-salon-to-open-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">ToBe Nails</a>, which also opened Dec. 18, and <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/08/new-tea-shop-now-open-in-annandale.html" target="_blank">Ben Gong’s Tea</a>. The owner, Yeon Kim, also owns Lotte Barber and Salon in
Chantilly.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-29291320832413580732021-12-20T09:00:00.007-05:002021-12-20T09:31:10.459-05:00FCPS will notify parents about the importance of safe gun storage<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUJ1BKQTnjx_ZktGjUrYLRqO8alYN9SF2cW7xXNZpHHXDknoxC7oOLxSOuFQ9tm4iplBLehNetlqbwsvt-HG_amyCOKnYu1IWSkyH_C8Rdx3cuZdC3wlOJYlwtPnBfpYadN7tNolmLAmZ8suVvsfjsHgRTFW2MZ66vMaRbqlqWCI4mTuAa3_hh1AtH=s766" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="766" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUJ1BKQTnjx_ZktGjUrYLRqO8alYN9SF2cW7xXNZpHHXDknoxC7oOLxSOuFQ9tm4iplBLehNetlqbwsvt-HG_amyCOKnYu1IWSkyH_C8Rdx3cuZdC3wlOJYlwtPnBfpYadN7tNolmLAmZ8suVvsfjsHgRTFW2MZ66vMaRbqlqWCI4mTuAa3_hh1AtH=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secure gun storage could help prevent school shootings, like the recent one at Oxford High School in Michigan. [Jake May/Flint Journal]</td></tr></tbody></table>Fairfax County Public Schools will notify parents and guardians about Virginia’s secure firearm safety law, Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced Dec. 16. <p></p><p>FCPS will also inform parents about why secure storage is essential and other ways to prevent gun violence or seek help for a child who could be a threat to themselves or others.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The communication will be sent in January and then annually before the start of each school year.</p><p>Under the <a href="https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter4/section18.2-56.2/#:~:text=and%20Offenses%20Generally-,%C2%A7%2018.2%2D56.2.,to%20firearms%20by%20children%3B%20penalty.&text=It%20shall%20be%20unlawful%20for,under%20the%20age%20of%20fourteen" target="_blank">secure firearm law</a>, it is unlawful to “recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of 14. It is also unlawful to knowingly authorize a child under the age of 12 to use a firearm except when the child is under the supervision of an adult.” Violations of these provisions are a Class 1 misdemeanor.</p><p>The announcement follows months of advocacy from school board members Laura Jane Cohen (Springfield) and Karl Frisch (Providence).</p><p>The need to have secure gun storage and parent accountability was highlighted by a school shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan Nov. 30. Ethan Crumbley, age 15, killed four students and injured seven other students and a teacher. </p><p>The parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley were charged with involuntary manslaughter for failing to secure the handgun used in the shooting. Ethan had previously threatened violence in drawings, social media posts, and videos. </p><p><a href="https://momsdemandaction.org/" target="_blank">Moms Demand Action</a> lauded FCPS for addressing this issue. </p><p>“We’re so excited to see Fairfax join the nationwide grassroots movement by parents, students, and school boards to take action on secure storage policies that help save lives and keep guns out of the hands of children,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. </p><p>“We owe it to our students to prioritize their safety, both at school and at home, and secure firearm storage is an essential part of that,” said Heather Foglio, a volunteer with the organization’s Virginia chapter. </p><p>According to Frisch and Cohen: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>An estimated 5.4 million American children live in households with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm.</li><li>Every year, nearly 350 children under 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. That’s roughly one unintentional shooting per day.</li><li>Another 700 children die by gun suicide each year, most often using guns belonging to a family member.</li><li>78 percent of shooters under 18 obtained their guns from their own home, a relative’s home, or friends.</li><li>A recent survey shows about a third of gun owners store their guns loaded and unlocked. </li><li>Secure firearm storage is associated with up to an 85 percent reduction in the risk of self-inflicted and unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens.</li></ul><p></p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com3Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-76279285304110399562021-12-18T14:00:00.060-05:002021-12-19T00:55:35.100-05:00Lincolnia church opens its doors to Afghani refugees<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwBN_JRwWuHohi0ND34GxPNxkCOrDXw0XTd3qXaJiqMuxv1me7QlgkrnaCv2NzIPd7MWxU1Jz6ap2kkKjHt58aWOAg_K3diTLSqf0blKQqx8Pzg87ZtlC5ygNdwchn_OGVtAOWiI2_s3nJfKYgmvgOODq0miuBKYzqqywMVyfYVH8s8D7TExmd05v_=s3648" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="3648" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwBN_JRwWuHohi0ND34GxPNxkCOrDXw0XTd3qXaJiqMuxv1me7QlgkrnaCv2NzIPd7MWxU1Jz6ap2kkKjHt58aWOAg_K3diTLSqf0blKQqx8Pzg87ZtlC5ygNdwchn_OGVtAOWiI2_s3nJfKYgmvgOODq0miuBKYzqqywMVyfYVH8s8D7TExmd05v_=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rev. Sarah Scherschligt of Peace Lutheran Church officially opens a refugee resettlement center at the church.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://sharingpeace.org/" target="_blank">Peace Lutheran Church</a> is extending its welcome to Afghani
refugees through the opening of a new refugee resettlement center in its
building operated by the <a href="https://www.lirs.org/" target="_blank">Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service</a> (LIRS).<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many of the refugees evacuated from Afghanistan after the
United States withdrew from the country this summer are settling in Northern
Virginia because there already is a sizable Afghan community here.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The new center is expected to serve nearly 1,400 refugees who have settled in this region after being evacuated this summer after the U.S. withdrawal, said LIRS President and CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new center Dec. 16. About 700 more are expected.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Most of the 120,000 Afghani refugees who were evacuated had worked for the U.S.
government or American contractors, said Lee Williams, vice president for
programs at LIRS. Another 60,000 people still in Afghanistan face imminent danger.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinzAemTWUL7Um6UH_MJ9ofS8Ioq1d3MjnOCIhAKEPI7Yx_kSS_9MsBAJ4PI9hpX9vqCf64xQ6vQZzTjnQR4SD4f-0IpIqDu4F--sY_vtr0jhoQpIsAI7YgvPUFCiTEWH3loCIQNB1XWCyXPjrM6azz8ED9vK03d42T4OOA1iTEWNvWk5SBg30MmI5y=s3376" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3376" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinzAemTWUL7Um6UH_MJ9ofS8Ioq1d3MjnOCIhAKEPI7Yx_kSS_9MsBAJ4PI9hpX9vqCf64xQ6vQZzTjnQR4SD4f-0IpIqDu4F--sY_vtr0jhoQpIsAI7YgvPUFCiTEWH3loCIQNB1XWCyXPjrM6azz8ED9vK03d42T4OOA1iTEWNvWk5SBg30MmI5y=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LIRS President Krish O’Mara Vignarajah cuts the ribbon for the new refugee resettlement center. </td></tr></tbody></table>Case managers at the center will help families and individuals
adjust to life in the U.S. They help refugees with basic needs and cultural
orientation, find an apartment, get a job, enroll in English language classes, get
their children enrolled in school, learn the public transportation system, and
access community resources. <o:p></o:p><p></p>Muzhgan Azizi, a former employee at the U.S. embassy in
Kabul and currently a senior program officer at LIRS’ Afghan Placement and
Assistance Program, described some of the difficulties she encountered after
arriving in the U.S. on July 13.<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">She needed help setting up a bank account and figuring out
how to pay rent online, the only method accepted by her landlord. Her son
struggled to adjust at school, and her
husband, a civil engineer in Afghanistan, has to work at a lower-level job
until he can get the necessary certifications. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Azizi urges employers to hire Afghanis. “They are smart, hardworking,
and learn fast. Help them to be independent and not be a burden on the U.S.
government,” she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Several recent refugees have been hired to staff the new center. It’s one of 51 resettlement sites operated by LIRS in 21 states.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/afghan-refugees-face-big-challenges.html" target="_blank">Afghan refugees face big challenges; volunteers help them adjust to life in the U.S.</a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Peace Lutheran’s lead pastor, Rev. Sarah Scherschligt, said
she agreed right away to devote space to LIRS. “Throughout our history, Peace
was a place of refuge.”</p><div>For the past few years, the church hosted a homework club
for newly arrived Afghani children and their parents along with its other
church partners. That program was recently expanded to provide more services
and renamed Neighbor to Neighbor.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Resettlement is only part of what LIRS does, Vignarajah
said. The Afghani refugees are allowed to stay for two years, then must apply
for asylum. But there is no path to citizenship. The organization is urging
Congress to streamline the asylum process and help endangered Afghanis come to
the U.S.<o:p></o:p></p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com2Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-79081841916559952792021-12-17T16:30:00.048-05:002021-12-17T17:49:30.460-05:00'Shopping Cart Killer' murdered four people he met on dating sites<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5haWaKhByxNF2dVq4pDuCvioMOflu070EJoFPV49F7wze4TzISayyZ49naaAae7ZPd0T3TuVLFP0HYtUDUi1bxMQrfKoN680Ewj2Kfd0forzqi4yz4GAsXYJduHNpKSFP3stORagPRfbCGqcbV_mKtMWCSZcMOJuW0ZzC8_7RO0fzzBiyWBtxxBUw=s448" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="448" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5haWaKhByxNF2dVq4pDuCvioMOflu070EJoFPV49F7wze4TzISayyZ49naaAae7ZPd0T3TuVLFP0HYtUDUi1bxMQrfKoN680Ewj2Kfd0forzqi4yz4GAsXYJduHNpKSFP3stORagPRfbCGqcbV_mKtMWCSZcMOJuW0ZzC8_7RO0fzzBiyWBtxxBUw=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A container with human remains was found next to this shopping cart in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. [FCPD]</td></tr></tbody></table>A serial killer, dubbed the “Shopping Cart Killer,” has been
accused of murdering four people, including two in Fairfax County and two in
Harrisonburg. Police believe there may be more victims. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The suspect, Anthony Robinson, age 35, is in custody in
the Rockingham County Jail. Charges are pending.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Shopping Cart Killer made contact with his victims on
online dating sites and arranged to meet them at motels, said <a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/" target="_blank">Fairfax County Police</a> Chief Kevin Davis at a Dec.
17 news briefing. “After he afflicts trauma on his victims and kills them, he
transports their bodies to their final resting place literally in a shopping
cart.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One of the victims in Fairfax County has been tentatively
identified as Cheyenne Brown, age 29, of Washington D.C. Police are still
waiting for DNA and other forensic results, but her family has identified her
through a distinctive tattoo (her name and a lily) on her body. The other victim
is unknown.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“He’s a predator as all serial killers are,” Davis said of
Robinson. “He preys on the weak; he preys on the vulnerable. And he does
unspeakable things with his victims.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAB3RjZkluNnBSa8Bb03NLq1yVgcMCvgEAQpfyb-NBESMA4PzNMUPz2rjgGKcRV_ZgdoSLUdrXD1xpaLPk3hPufu6-SU3NaHnNsl7BKATCM8ZZdb-RS2L-Z04qA8Crf2YnHXD4g9zrbc_MMSjwJje270U27bsqk9DndK-Z-zdsxYchxeqw_XSkDID8=s524" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="394" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAB3RjZkluNnBSa8Bb03NLq1yVgcMCvgEAQpfyb-NBESMA4PzNMUPz2rjgGKcRV_ZgdoSLUdrXD1xpaLPk3hPufu6-SU3NaHnNsl7BKATCM8ZZdb-RS2L-Z04qA8Crf2YnHXD4g9zrbc_MMSjwJje270U27bsqk9DndK-Z-zdsxYchxeqw_XSkDID8=w151-h200" width="151" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robinson [FCPD]</td></tr></tbody></table>On Nov. 23, Harrisonburg police identified two victims that
were found dead in an open lot in a commercial district, said Harrisonburg Police
Chief Kelly Warner at the briefing. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">They were positively identified as Allene Elizabeth Redmon, age
54 of Harrisonburg, and Tonita Lorice Smith, age 39 of Charlottesville. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Robinson was arrested as a result of video surveillance and
cell phone records that connected him to the two victims. Both women had been
the subject of missing person investigations, Warner said. Their bodies were
found in the same open lot, although they were killed at two separate times. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">On Nov. 30, the Metropolitan Police Department of
Washington, D.C., notified the Harrisonburg Police Department that a missing
person they were investigating, Cheyenne Brown, had contact with Robinson. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cell phone records subsequently tied Brown with Robinson at
or around the Moon Inn at 6140 Richmond Highway in Alexandria on Sept.
30, the night of her disappearance. Video surveillance shows Brown took Metro
from D.C., to the Huntington Metro stop on Sept. 30 and never
returned, said Major Ed O’Carroll, head of the FCPD Major Crimes, Cyber, and
Forensics Bureau. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Brown was four months pregnant and had a 7-year-old son. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">An initial search of the area by homicide detectives and a cadaver
dog around the Moon Inn didn’t turn up any evidence, O’Carroll said. On Dec. 14,
homicide detectives, acting on new information, again searched the area and found
a shopping cart in a wooded area on Fairhaven Drive just off Route 1 near the motel.
<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There was a large plastic container next to the cart, and
when they looked inside, “their worst fears were confirmed. They observed what
appeared to be human remains,” O’Carroll said. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In addition to the remains tentatively identified as Brown, the
remains of another unidentified individual were found in the same container, he
said. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We have not
positively identified the fourth victim,” but the police do have leads about “a
missing person in particular last seen in the area,” Davis said. “The state of decomposition
was so bad that it’s going to take a little bit of work.” <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7JmdSGrlz-hlYgRNftmmH1yDKcYvF_UirvOliADlBtYTp4obHqU28igueg5B7jgAnpHArx9vSQMUSF3AUF2CY26KZuEMGRib5Wx6vwygFCF9l007EwvSUtxExSzOIUtajog-o6-whydBjjcOOWY5GjIzzFDyCqHShULvUwkdl-ekMgYZX7Y0hfDjS=s885" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="885" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7JmdSGrlz-hlYgRNftmmH1yDKcYvF_UirvOliADlBtYTp4obHqU28igueg5B7jgAnpHArx9vSQMUSF3AUF2CY26KZuEMGRib5Wx6vwygFCF9l007EwvSUtxExSzOIUtajog-o6-whydBjjcOOWY5GjIzzFDyCqHShULvUwkdl-ekMgYZX7Y0hfDjS=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Moon Inn on Route 1. [Hotels.com]</td></tr></tbody></table>Police believe Anthony is responsible for the deaths of all
four victims. He had been communicating with them on a dating website.<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“There may be other victims in this case. We are asking for anyone
with additional information to come forward,” O’Connell said. He urged tipsters
to call the FCPS Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800. Tips can also be
submitted anonymously to <a href="http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org/" target="_blank">Crime Solvers</a>, 1-866-411-TIPS. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">According to Davis, unlike most serial killers, Robinson has
“a remarkable absence of a criminal history.” He had many jobs over the years and
had lived in New York, Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C., and has been
in Harrisonburg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">FCPD is reaching out to law enforcement agencies in those
locations to see if other missing persons had ties to Robinson. <o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">In expressing condolences to the families of the victims, O’Carroll
said the police departments involved in this case “are absolutely committed.
Justice will prevail. And the offender will be held accountable.” <o:p></o:p></p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com1Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-74798320311369917202021-12-17T10:00:00.043-05:002021-12-17T10:20:52.354-05:00Scammers impersonating church pastors request gift cards<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicj9tBOpRTQBzNVVuiUJckDoJpqBBL7kYg-_ILlpKhke_U0uxdBC9DCkxDhfSAQLVw-MQ4_4tyId8uqc3QL9TGKqXFr53oD-hm3_y9f6GfmOgG9uGDvB6NNEYfwn4kAOfx1PM44uP0NetW50XW8mOCXISnsfqH1lGcrY2mdC2-T7Wzv4Ur2SOBZ46z=s5113" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3323" data-original-width="5113" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicj9tBOpRTQBzNVVuiUJckDoJpqBBL7kYg-_ILlpKhke_U0uxdBC9DCkxDhfSAQLVw-MQ4_4tyId8uqc3QL9TGKqXFr53oD-hm3_y9f6GfmOgG9uGDvB6NNEYfwn4kAOfx1PM44uP0NetW50XW8mOCXISnsfqH1lGcrY2mdC2-T7Wzv4Ur2SOBZ46z=w400-h260" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A phishing scheme targeted members of this Annandale church.</td></tr></tbody></table>Local churches are warning their members about phishing scams in which a scammer impersonates the pastor and asks people to send gift cards for those in need. <p></p><p><a href="http://www.hopeinannandale.church/" target="_blank">Hope Lutheran Church</a> in Annandale was struck three times by this type of scam<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> – </span>a year-and-a-half ago, this past August, and in late November, says Eduardo Conde, a member of the church council. </p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><a href="https://queenofapostles.org/" target="_blank">Queen of Apostles Catholic Church</a> in Lincolnia has been targeted for over five years, reports a church member. One parishioner was scammed out of over $2,000. </p><p>Members of <a href="http://www.gracefallschurch.org/default.asp?sec_id=140007617" target="_blank">Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church</a> in the Falls Church area of Mason District received similar emails “seemingly from our pastor asking for gift cards. The ‘from’ email address was very close to his real one,” says a church member. </p><p>These types of scams are common, the Fairfax County Police Department reports.</p><p>Here’s what one scammer texted to a member of Hope Lutheran in August 2021: </p><p>“Hi [name of church member], I pray that you and your family are safe and well. Do you have a moment? I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am currently busy in a prayer session, no calls so just reply by text,” purportedly signed Senior Pastor Jeanette Sunita-Vazquetelles. </p><p>When the member texted back indicating they could help, the scammer wrote, “I need to make a gift card donation for some shut-in members going through cancer in the hospital but I can’t do that now. Can you please pick up the gift cards from any grocery stores around you now? I’ll reimburse you as soon as I can.” </p><p>The member agreed and was told to buy “4 Amazon gift cards in $100 denominations” right away and given instructions on where to send the pin codes on the cards. A family member became suspicious, however, so the church member didn’t follow through. </p><p>In the most recent incident targeting members of Hope Lutheran, people got a text message requesting gift cards and a number to call, Conde says. When the church member called, the voice was similar to the pastor’s, so Conde suspects the scammers used voice modulators to mimic the pastor’s voice from an online Sunday service. </p><p>One church member believed the message was real but instead of following the instructions, they dropped by the church to deliver the gift cards in person. The pastor, of course, said she didn’t ask anyone to buy gift cards. </p><p>“We can’t prevent this, but people need to be aware this is happening,” Conde says. “We have a lot of good people who will open their wallets in a heartbeat if you ask.” </p><p>Conde sent a message to church members warning them about these phishing scams and urging them to never give personal information over the phone. “If you receive a suspicious call, tell the person that you are going to call them back,” he wrote. Then call the church office to confirm the request. </p><p>The pastor would not make this kind of request, he said. “We have ways and means of assisting others in case of an emergency that does not involve reaching out to our members to make last-minute purchases then transmitting them electronically without verification.”</p><p>According to the Fairfax County Police Department, requests for gift cards are often sent by fraudsters impersonating their boss, neighbors, or others, as well as their minister. </p><p>The email appears to come from someone the victim knows and trusts, and the email address is similar to that person’s, the FCPD says. But once the victim sends a photo of the numbers on the back of the gift card, their money is gone for good. </p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-3531146830970327372021-12-17T09:00:00.029-05:002021-12-17T10:12:05.583-05:00Park Authority calls for more pickleball courts<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpkpvbH-ugphyaRdO002_SrGv9ygYzbB76XxaQ08RthQmVBE6HncUcVtNKIsy7347oWc2_kuHxBm7-wM8YRpGR47CeKB9JgiWQQVUBXnnup8bbabVooWHf99kKNRmaa6Bwysy9s1jM9Ti6-Pd04P4gpKuLMVckpiiF_L6HpKJyFX1HcpMnolTsS4mu=s3034" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1846" data-original-width="3034" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpkpvbH-ugphyaRdO002_SrGv9ygYzbB76XxaQ08RthQmVBE6HncUcVtNKIsy7347oWc2_kuHxBm7-wM8YRpGR47CeKB9JgiWQQVUBXnnup8bbabVooWHf99kKNRmaa6Bwysy9s1jM9Ti6-Pd04P4gpKuLMVckpiiF_L6HpKJyFX1HcpMnolTsS4mu=w400-h244" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw gets a pickleball lesson at Wakefield Park.</td></tr></tbody></table>Fairfax County’s <a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/pickleball-study" target="_blank">Pickleball Study</a> calls for creating more courts to meet the demand for the increasingly popular sport, including a future complex with at least six courts. <p></p><p>The <a href="https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/assets/documents/plandev/final%20pickleball%20study%20report-dec%202021.pdf" target="_blank">study</a>, endorsed by the Park Authority Board Dec. 8, will guide the planning, design, and operation of future pickleball facilities. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Among the recommendations in the study:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Park Authority should convert shared-use pickleball courts (one-on-one) that share a central tennis net should be converted to a two-on-one layout with movable nets to provide for two pickleball courts per tennis court. </li><li>The county should use future park bonds to support the construction of at least two pickleball-only facilities with six or more courts suitable for large groups, drop-in play, and tournaments. Rather than build a new facility, the Park Authority should first consider converting underutilized courts to a dedicated pickleball complex. </li><li>The county should use its existing public court inventory to create pickleball opportunities as part of ongoing maintenance efforts.</li><li>The master planning process should be used to plan pickleball courts in new locations.</li><li>The Park Authority should adopt site-selection criteria to provide a standardized evaluation method to determine whether a new pickleball court is appropriate.</li><li>On shared courts, specific times and days should be designated for pickleball or tennis use only on a first-come-first-serve basis.</li></ul><p></p><p>According to the study, a new pickleball court would cost $60,000 to $70,000. Restriping and resurfacing an existing court would cost $4,000 to $6,000. A complete renovation of an existing court would be $60,000 to $80,000.</p><p>As of this fall, the Park Authority will have 50 outdoor pickleball courts on shared tennis courts and two pickleball-only courts (at Wakefield Park in Annandale).</p><p>In addition to Wakefield, existing outdoor pickleball courts operated by the Park Authority in the Annandale/Mason District area are in Roundtree, Kendale Woods, Spring Lane, and Lillian Carey parks and the Providence Rec Center.</p><p>There are also pickleball courts at facilities operated by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services at several locations, including the Bailey’s and James Lee community centers.</p><p>Among respondents to a Park Authority survey, 62 percent said they are willing to drive up to 20 minutes to access a pickleball court. Nearly 100 percent of county residents are within 20 minute-drive of a pickleball court, and 77.3 percent are within a 10-minute drive.</p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-79178769241888658442021-12-16T09:00:00.027-05:002021-12-16T10:21:04.182-05:00Covid cases rising again in Fairfax County<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOQvE2WG5g4iBwp-fsvh7erPb9YKSuunv6CHbxcMoaU5yCrhtKsxc4lN2Szy7hQae5KOtmLFVMSm2J7v1tdUpuYs_yDa0WFfTAcIOs099vvtaq1JZ8RQ8KlyuxZW113Rdys64SNzplN6U_sx2xOikliSdSkv5wV1eDQ367LPbJeJNTjc_yB7xSdNpt=s870" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="870" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOQvE2WG5g4iBwp-fsvh7erPb9YKSuunv6CHbxcMoaU5yCrhtKsxc4lN2Szy7hQae5KOtmLFVMSm2J7v1tdUpuYs_yDa0WFfTAcIOs099vvtaq1JZ8RQ8KlyuxZW113Rdys64SNzplN6U_sx2xOikliSdSkv5wV1eDQ367LPbJeJNTjc_yB7xSdNpt=w400-h304" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A temporary vaccine clinic at a school. [WJLA]</td></tr></tbody></table>The omicron variant hasn’t been officially reported in Fairfax County, but it’s likely here and spreading.<p></p><p>The Fairfax Health District is currently experiencing a 5.4 percent COVID-19 positivity rate. That is expected to increase as people spend more time indoors and as the more-transmissible omicron variant takes hold. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,234 deaths from COVID and 4,217 hospitalizations in the Fairfax County Health District. On Dec. 16, 377 new cases were reported.</p><p>The Fairfax County Health Department presented an update on COVID to the Board of Supervisors Dec. 14. Here are some highlights: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The number of COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County hit the lowest levels in June 2021 as vaccination rates soared. </li><li>Cases began rising again in July as the Delta variant spread. However, hospitalization and death rates didn’t climb as fast, indicating the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing severe illness.</li><li>The disparity among racial and ethnic groups is shrinking, although Blacks and Hispanics still have higher rates of COVID cases than Whites and Asians.</li><li>Children ages 5-9 have the highest infection rates compared to other age groups. </li><li>During the current school year, FCPS reports 1,361 students have been infected with COVID. That represents 0.76 percent of all students.</li><li>70 percent of all student cases were in elementary schools, 21 percent were in high schools, and 9 percent were in middle schools. </li><li>77 percent of all Fairfax Health District residents and 87 percent of residents age 18 and older have received at least one vaccine dose. [Schedule a vaccine appointment <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/" target="_blank">here</a>.]</li><li>68.3 percent of all residents and 78.8 percent of residents age 18 and up are fully vaccinated. </li><li>87 percent of residents age 12 and up and 37 percent of those ages 5-11 are vaccinated. </li><li>In September and October, 335 vaccination sites operated in the Fairfax Health District. That includes 147 pharmacies, 108 healthcare providers, 74 equity clinics, and six sites operated by the county. In November, additional vaccination sites opened, including public school clinics.</li><li>The Health Department has hired community health workers to support people in quarantine with food or other assistance and to help vulnerable people access vaccinations. </li></ul><p></p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com6Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-56232644807394916052021-12-15T16:30:00.019-05:002021-12-19T11:45:42.929-05:00New nail salon to open in Annandale <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEhzkal6MsNSV0kev-T_Od6zI2N4q49z-T4r_ucxY0sly5g39IwoUCxPX9_RDapXXhCJx1RreSh296k_ob-GB3D0YZFVlKPoNHMyLPvUszRRXGOYZQ8uh0dNq1pOnsovERosQMh1qrccBn-lYi77pnqRdxeyu3bqbcsOikGLfiYiwzrvbVWOJdJrp8=s1612" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1612" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEhzkal6MsNSV0kev-T_Od6zI2N4q49z-T4r_ucxY0sly5g39IwoUCxPX9_RDapXXhCJx1RreSh296k_ob-GB3D0YZFVlKPoNHMyLPvUszRRXGOYZQ8uh0dNq1pOnsovERosQMh1qrccBn-lYi77pnqRdxeyu3bqbcsOikGLfiYiwzrvbVWOJdJrp8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />A nail salon, called ToBe, is expected to open Saturday,
Dec. 18, on John Marr Drive, Annandale, in the East Gate shopping center.<span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAafAOr7eEorRhkt5_qXJJuO1k-t7mulSUAiks0l105_IqF6rfkiadXdeS5XxROxAM2K1uxD2Bmfe9XVV4yFROEgz6dcnzuedgbtqCy3n2N-sBfOricEyUKGEBnLo2OACeUL5GGvHp9c9efsO_HpzXSHa8iY3x1iWcGQHocug0bFSKAMEar56v4ptR=s1778" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1778" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAafAOr7eEorRhkt5_qXJJuO1k-t7mulSUAiks0l105_IqF6rfkiadXdeS5XxROxAM2K1uxD2Bmfe9XVV4yFROEgz6dcnzuedgbtqCy3n2N-sBfOricEyUKGEBnLo2OACeUL5GGvHp9c9efsO_HpzXSHa8iY3x1iWcGQHocug0bFSKAMEar56v4ptR=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinh Nguyen</td></tr></tbody></table>ToBe (as in “to be”) will offer manicures, pedicures,
waxing, facials, and eyelash extensions. says owner Trinh Nguyen, who also owns
USVN Nails at 6653 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">ToBe is located between
the thrift store and a future hair salon called K’s Hair Town. Most of the employees transferred from USVN Nails, and before, that from Heidi’s Nails, which closed in 2020. </p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com3Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-12932540247053702972021-12-15T12:00:00.027-05:002021-12-15T13:04:23.687-05:00Construction of Skyline live/work project well underway <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQyuR2Xk5CWb_cYxU9A3C4OqAZDCwbVUBIIu8l4k_MOhnq3QDjmFJOSz33p1Tatjm7sMUB_3GettEIPQ0e0it5BXphaK9Jrq8T_DQokdTYG8ZI1wYeeUSUpW6eLjaV_iUoHsDFh893pAIvjPg38A-Wcg1TqVfLqanV9Al_GiFnj3w93EZJ0kIlIK4f=s3648" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="3648" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQyuR2Xk5CWb_cYxU9A3C4OqAZDCwbVUBIIu8l4k_MOhnq3QDjmFJOSz33p1Tatjm7sMUB_3GettEIPQ0e0it5BXphaK9Jrq8T_DQokdTYG8ZI1wYeeUSUpW6eLjaV_iUoHsDFh893pAIvjPg38A-Wcg1TqVfLqanV9Al_GiFnj3w93EZJ0kIlIK4f=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These office buildings are being turned into live/work units.</td></tr></tbody></table>Renovation is moving along quickly on the three vacant office
buildings at the Skyline Center that are being converted to residential units tenants
can use for living, working, or both.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first group of about 60 to 70 units will be ready for leasing
in July 2022, says Robert Seldin of <a href="https://www.highlandsquareholdings.com/" target="_blank">Highland Square Holdings</a>, which is
co-developing the project with the <a href="https://www.awolff.com/" target="_blank">Wolff Co.</a> He expects all of the buildings to
be available by June 2023.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Skyline project is similar to Mission Lofts on Columbia
Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads, which Seldin also developed, but is much bigger and will have more amenities. The
three Skyline buildings will have 675 units, compared to Mission Lofts, a
single building with 165 units. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mission Lofts, also an office-to-residential conversion, is
93 percent leased, Seldin says. Almost all of the tenants are using their units
for living and working at home. Only eight units are used for just residential
or just office uses. <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgYy9uhdrMP7XQnKInDBXDxyoq9mjMep_gx6-iCd6cTMrsUmwf3orSeFRvW6E09xjr70YHevvEdl4ZajulKrP720NU22m5d8IbwIm3loTU-alOVKah-kuwdhFZoBDsneYo_UQXAakjSQ7BH6xkAST680S8ZlV-Dq2ZbRbFka9WHE6H8Md0C0MF4ul0=s3648" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="3648" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgYy9uhdrMP7XQnKInDBXDxyoq9mjMep_gx6-iCd6cTMrsUmwf3orSeFRvW6E09xjr70YHevvEdl4ZajulKrP720NU22m5d8IbwIm3loTU-alOVKah-kuwdhFZoBDsneYo_UQXAakjSQ7BH6xkAST680S8ZlV-Dq2ZbRbFka9WHE6H8Md0C0MF4ul0=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy and Robert Seldin of Highland Square Holdings in a future live/work unit at Skyline.</td></tr></tbody></table>When the building was planned, he anticipated more of a mix
of uses but by the time it opened in summer 2020, the pandemic was in full
swing and many employees were forced to work at home. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amenities for tenants at Skyline include a bowling alley; a
virtual game room with a huge screen; a maker space that can be used for
ceramics, woodworking, or other projects; treadmills with desks for
multitaskers; a pet salon; a communal social kitchen; and conference rooms.
Non-tenants can use those facilities if they become members. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2020/08/first-tenants-move-in-to-mission-lofts.html" target="_blank">First tenants move into Mission Lofts, a unique project in Bailey's Crossroads</a></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">There will be commercial space on the ground floor, most
likely related to foodservice.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Outdoors, Seldin is planning a fire pit, kitchen, decks, and
a playground for adults with large swings. The grounds will be totally redone in a way that ties the three buildings together and
invites social gatherings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_agTrYUHb4WxNncy_agG7unaHyzelTKRKEKxw6_25S1PIVcd8pe8JtIne7GMqNW1g6HkK3PFjKAT-t0xYRt4vMGNtaWWtKlRuV0m0BN0I9SQnTb3Arjcn3RqfHC8E6JFtbk7JfPffh4bFXwcCYkeDY-qTAjC9thlcz_3pJhOQkjvVxEtzUI1dbYa8=s2765" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2765" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_agTrYUHb4WxNncy_agG7unaHyzelTKRKEKxw6_25S1PIVcd8pe8JtIne7GMqNW1g6HkK3PFjKAT-t0xYRt4vMGNtaWWtKlRuV0m0BN0I9SQnTb3Arjcn3RqfHC8E6JFtbk7JfPffh4bFXwcCYkeDY-qTAjC9thlcz_3pJhOQkjvVxEtzUI1dbYa8=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol are visible from the 14th floor.</td></tr></tbody></table>Tenants of all three buildings will be able to access the
large Target and the <a href="https://www.onelifefitness.com/gyms/skyline-falls-church" target="_blank">Onelife Fitness</a> facility across the street via an underground
tunnel. Tenants will have free membership to the gym.<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Apartments will have one, two, or three bedrooms. Rents
haven’t been determined yet. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So far, all the windows have been replaced, and the
electrical and plumbing systems have been installed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Among the advantages of converting office buildings to
residential uses, Seldin says, are high ceilings, large windows, double walls
between units, and plenty of underground parking. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2020/07/planning-commission-recommends-approval.html" target="_blank">Planning Commission recommends approval of Skyline project</a></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What’s great about Skyline is its primacy in the market,” he
says. “Skyline Center is the place around which everything in this area
revolved. People lived or work here. Now that the office business has changed,
it will have the same impact for this evolved way of living and working.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Seldin is planning four other live/work projects in Northern
Virginia – although not in Mason District – but isn’t ready to announce the
locations yet. <o:p></o:p></p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com5Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-28484771493854462842021-12-15T10:00:00.003-05:002021-12-15T10:44:54.708-05:00Pedestrian dies after being struck on Leesburg Pike<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgznoUOeRdSkQ-oM2zjil2vNdMjUL4U6jrBcb77eIMaM814irCj61jgWM623-T-RjoXFlSSRKO4trwPE3tXrGSOMUkcUJ-D5alYgVzF2shlMqy2eOxA-cHIXWRvUZ_fHAgG_VrjVo1yliMnw0rxzqn-fAOMdHp6I39XzoePxZcwnSQyMa0YsBHPWR4x=s1431" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1431" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgznoUOeRdSkQ-oM2zjil2vNdMjUL4U6jrBcb77eIMaM814irCj61jgWM623-T-RjoXFlSSRKO4trwPE3tXrGSOMUkcUJ-D5alYgVzF2shlMqy2eOxA-cHIXWRvUZ_fHAgG_VrjVo1yliMnw0rxzqn-fAOMdHp6I39XzoePxZcwnSQyMa0YsBHPWR4x=w400-h216" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The general area on Leesburg Pike where the crash occurred. [Google Maps]</td></tr></tbody></table>The pedestrian <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/pedestrian-hospitalized-after-crash-on.html" target="_blank">struck by a car</a> on Leesburg Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads at 11 a.m. on Dec. 13 has died, the Fairfax County Police Department reports.</p><p>Nguyet Ly, 68, of Falls Church, was walking east in the westbound travel lane of Leesburg Pike at Magnolia Lane near the shoulder. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The driver of a 2018 Subaru Impreza was making a right turn out of a business in the 5900 block of Leesburg Pike and struck Ly in the roadway. There is no sidewalk where Ly was walking. </p><p>She was taken to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries later that evening. Preliminarily, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, according to the FCPD. </p><p>The Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation and will report its findings to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for review.</p><div><br /></div>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com0Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-76002730852888212102021-12-15T09:00:00.043-05:002021-12-15T10:11:51.510-05:00Viewpoint: A second attempt to create parking at Justice Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi86aI-tLc_-JsS7ju6w1rQhN_Agf31D3Juo1GBGt1tLt7r9kHtGgC95fmfUsr95_kH33LuLkMzTE02eamxaAszUai6_MXNzBkHbW_J0678zL7zR_OdZ6Y-9PF3xRq3FFYT2zQVyVDUQR2NTRisAoeqhracts_1FvSV86CDCJ9sj6mjimMj6YQ7NLbg=s4552" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3034" data-original-width="4552" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi86aI-tLc_-JsS7ju6w1rQhN_Agf31D3Juo1GBGt1tLt7r9kHtGgC95fmfUsr95_kH33LuLkMzTE02eamxaAszUai6_MXNzBkHbW_J0678zL7zR_OdZ6Y-9PF3xRq3FFYT2zQVyVDUQR2NTRisAoeqhracts_1FvSV86CDCJ9sj6mjimMj6YQ7NLbg=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basketball court in Justice Park with the school in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><i>By Nazir Bhagat</i><p>Dec. 10 was the last day to respond to a survey about whether to build 67 parking spaces at Justice Park. </p><p>School Board Member Ricardy Anderson (Mason) issued the survey, even though the proposal to build the parking lot had been <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/09/fcps-will-not-use-justice-park-for.html" target="_blank">rejected</a> by the Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County Public Schools earlier this year. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>The results of her survey will be presented to the Park Authority, with a claim that the community was insufficiently engaged during the run-up to its decision.</p><p>Anderson claims she is responding to complaints from teachers that Justice High School provides insufficient parking, forcing many of them to park illegally and be punished with frequent parking tickets. She also believes that to retain good teachers and staff, the school should continue to offer them free parking. </p><p>Hence, to help the teachers, staff, and students, the survey asks people in the Justice High School pyramid to choose between these two options: </p><p>Proposal 1 – Build a parking lot for 67 cars on parkland and make several improvements to Justice Park. </p><p>Proposal 2 – No parking lot in the park and no improvements to the park. </p><p>The survey, by reducing the issue to a choice between building more parking on Justice Park or not, detracts from the broader task of working with FCPS and other stakeholders on a plan to ensure that commuting to Justice High remains affordable, offers flexibility and multiple alternatives, and the commuting time is reasonably short. </p><p><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/12/survey-seeks-input-on-parking-lot-in.html" target="_blank">Survey seeks input on parking lot in Justice Park - even though that proposal has been rejected</a></b></p><p>There are two additional problems with the survey:</p><p>(1) The survey was sent directly to the Justice pyramid – the people who would benefit most from the additional parking spaces – but not to others in the community, which includes minority and immigrant residents for whom the park is a scarce amenity. </p><p>Community residents who are not teachers, parents, or students in the pyramid had to specifically request the survey, which had the effect of suppressing their response rate. </p><p>To correct this bias, and get representative community participation, the survey must be sent to all the residents in Mason District that live, say, in a two-mile radius of the park. Public outreach should also be conducted on the issue.</p><p>(2) Asking people to choose between the two proposals offers a false choice, indicating that the park improvements can only be approved and funded by the county if the 67 parking spaces are built at Justice Park. </p><p>Once we reject the survey as biased and incorrectly framed, we can focus on finding out how long the actual commute is for Justice High School staff and students, how best to reduce the commute times, and, if additional parking is needed, how much is needed, and how best to provide and allocate it. </p><p>For context, it should be noted that Justice has more students from lower-income homes and less than half its students may be of driving age. While these facts raise some equity issues, they also imply that few students can drive or can afford to drive to school. </p><p>More important, the majority of Mason District lies within a two-mile radius of Justice High School. Many other high schools in Fairfax County – including Langley, Oakton, Marshall, Mount Vernon, Hayfield, South County, and Westfield – serve a much more spread-out attendance area.</p><p>While Fairfax County’s parking ratio is three spaces per 10 students, the parking ratio for Justice High should be closer to that of similarly situated high schools, such as those in Arlington County, where only one parking space is required for every 10 students. By that standard, Justice already has ample parking to meet its projected need.</p><p><b>Related story: <a href="https://annandaleva.blogspot.com/2021/10/fairfax-county-schools-to-proceed-with.html" target="_blank">Fairfax County Public Schools to seek rezoning and parking waiver for Justice HS addition</a></b></p><p>Furthermore, with increasing global warming, the county’s commitment to cut emissions, and the availability of apps for sharing rides and accessing e-scooters, we need to promote more alternatives to cars. </p><p>Hence, rather than subsidize only those who commute to Justice High by car and not those who use other means of transport, FCPS should provide all teachers and staff with a transportation subsidy, but require drivers to pay for parking.</p><p>Finally, if additional parking is still needed, the streets around the school are less busy during school hours and have plenty of capacity for street parking. The Justice HS community could work with Mason Supervisor Penny Gross and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to designate some of the spaces for permit-parking for school commuters to ensure that teachers are not ticketed.</p><p>In the end, the more parking spaces you create, and the cheaper they are, the more people will drive instead of using alternative modes of commuting. </p><p>Thus, the proposal to build more parking spaces at Justice Park should be rejected in favor of a more comprehensive approach to improving the commute to Justice High School that is more equitable, preserves open space, and reduces our reliance on cars and hydrocarbons that contribute to global warming.</p>Annandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.com17Annandale, VA, USA38.8303905 -77.196370310.520156663821155 -112.3526203 67.140624336178846 -42.0401203