Residents encouraged to sign up for emergency response training

Members of a CERT training class take part in a simulated disaster recovery exercise.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in partnership with the Broyhill Crest Community Association, is offering a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course for the Broyhill Crest and St. Alban’s communities March 2-April 27.

Teacher arrested for inappropriate sexual contact with student

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Spivey [FCPD]

Philip Spivey, a  special education acher at Justice High School, is facing four felony charges of indecent liberties by a custodian for an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, the Fairfax County Police Department reports.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau Child Abuse Squad arrested Philip Spivey, 57, of Falls Church, Jan. 22. Detectives began their investigation after it was learned that Spivey was having unlawful sexual contact with a Justice student. Spivey is also employed as a private music teacher.

He is currently being held at the county’s Adult Detention Center without bond. 

Seven Corners gets a new Peruvian restaurant

The former SanChick Peruvian chicken and sandwich eatery at 6198 Arlington Blvd. in the Willston Shopping Center has been transformed into the Chilcanos RestoBar, a Peruvian restaurant with a more extensive menu.

Man arrested for breaking into cars

Jalloh [FCPD]

Fairfax County Police arrested a man after he was observed tampering with vehicles in the 7200 block of Auburn Street in the Annandale Acres neighborhood shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 18. 

A responding officer heard a car alarm going off and saw a man running from the car. Police found he had several stolen items.

Hassan Jalloh, 19, of Alexandria, was arrested and charged with two counts of credit card theft, three counts of petit larceny, two counts of vehicle trespass, obstruction of justice, underage possession of alcohol, and destruction of property.

Early voting under way for Democratic primary

Virginia’s Democratic presidential primary election is March 3, and absentee in-person voting is already going on at the Fairfax County Government Center.

While only Democratic candidates will be the ballot, any registered voter can vote on Super Tuesday. Virginia holds open primaries, and voters don’t register by party.

There will be 14 candidates on the ballot, although some of them have already suspended their campaigns.

Green Spring Gardens was created 50 years ago, thanks to a generous gift from a fascinating family

The horticultural center at Green Spring Gardens.

In recognition of Green Spring Gardens’ 50th anniversary in 2020, the park is scheduling a series of events all year, including a big celebration in October. 

The anniversary year kicked off Jan. 18 with a winter lecture about how the county acquired the land from the Straight family in 1970. The Straights were well-connected in the top rungs of society. Michael Straight had been a spy, a pilot trainer during World War II, and a senior government official. Belinda Straight was a psychiatrist and civil rights activist. 

The 3A bus serving Annandale could be eliminated

The 3A bus in Falls Church. [Shane Ramkissoon]

The proposal states the 3A route is targeted for elimination because of “low ridership.” The 3A Metrobus route in Annandale could be eliminated if the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board approves a budget proposal that also includes many other bus route changes and fare hikes.  

The 3A bus connects Patriot Drive/Americana Drive and the East Falls Church Metro station. It has 47 stops on Heritage Drive, Little River Turnpike, Annandale Road, and other streets.