Fairfax Connector workers end their strike, as negotiations continue

A Fairfax County Connector bus on Route 401 on Columbia Pike in Annandale.

Fairfax Connector expects to resume regular operations with full weekday service on all routes on Monday, Dec. 9.

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1764, the union representing Fairfax Connector bus drivers and mechanics, and Transdev, Fairfax County’s contracted bus operator, have signed a back-to-work agreement while negotiations on a new contract continue.

Annandale homeowner goes all out on Christmas decorations

Who’s got the best holiday decorations in the Annandale/Mason area? One strong contender is 6800 Murray Lane in Sleepy Hollow Woods. The entire front of the house and yard is covered with lights – there are Christmas trees, wreaths, candy canes, Santas, snowflakes, reindeer, stars, and much more. 

Annandale house fire caused by 'electrical event'

A fire at a home in the 5000 block of Montgomery Street in Annandale Dec. 6 was caused by “an electrical event,” the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports.

Fire units arrived at the two-story, single-family home about 3:30 a.m. and quickly extinguished a fire in the attic. There were no injuries.

Fewer immigrants applying for childcare

Story time at the CDC.

Fewer immigrant families are enrolling their children in the Child Development Center (CDC) operated by the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) as a result of the climate of fear created by the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant policies.

In addition to the high-profile ICE raids and stepped-up deportation actions, the Administration’s attempt to discourage immigrants from applying for public benefits – through proposed changes in the “public charge” rule – is having a chilling effect on people who need assistance.

Fairfax Connector on limited schedule due to strike

Fairfax Connector workers are on strike. [ATU]

Fairfax Connector bus service will operate on a limited schedule on Thursday, Dec. 5, due to a job action by drivers and mechanics.

Many routes are operating on a Sunday schedule, including the 401/402 route that serves Annandale. 

Winter road salt pollutes waterways

VDOT crews use salt and plows to clear know off roads. [VDOT]

Before the first snowstorm of the season hits, the public is urged to think twice about stocking up on road salt. 

Salt dumped on roads, sidewalks, and driveways to melt snow and ice seeps into waterways. Too much salt in streams can kill wildlife and too much salt in drinking water is harmful to people with certain health conditions.

Board approves transportation funding priorities

Updated Dec. 5: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 3 approved a Transportation Priorities Plan (TPP) for FY 2020-25 that lists dozens of projects with a total cost of $3.04 billion over the next five years. 

Funding for those projects would come from a combination of state, local, regional, private, and federal sources, including general obligation bonds not yet approved by the board and voters.