In an attempt to stem what Democratic lawmakers say is an epidemic of guns being stolen from vehicles, the Virginia Senate passed legislation Thursday that would create a $500 civil penalty for firearm owners who leave handguns on a car seat or other areas visible to passersby.
The legislation, one of the first gun control measures put to a full vote in either chamber this year, still needs to pass the House of Delegates and is likely at risk of being vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin after the session ends. Still, the issue highlights the two parties’ diverging views on how to address gun crime, with Democrats trying to reduce the number of guns flowing onto the streets and Republicans calling for tougher enforcement of existing laws.
Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, said the bill he’s sponsoring uses a “light touch” to try to limit the supply of guns available to people who shouldn’t have them.
“We cannot have our vehicles here in the commonwealth act as vending machines for firearms,” Marsden said.
If authorities spot a vehicle with a visible handgun inside, the bill would allow them to have the vehicle towed. The law would apply to any “unattended motor vehicle” left on a public highway or public property where neither the driver nor a passenger can see it.
To illustrate the extent of the problem they’re attempting to solve, Democratic lawmakers pointed to recent statistics presented by the Richmond Police Department showing a major uptick in the number of guns stolen from vehicles in Virginia’s capital. There were 225 such thefts in 2017, according to city police, and 637 in 2022.
All 19 Republicans in the Senate voted against the bill, with the chamber’s 21 Democrats voting to pass it.
Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, said the fundamental problem is people breaking into cars to begin with, adding that thieves could steal money or anything else of value left in a car and use the proceeds to buy a gun.
“We have to stop it at the beginning,” Peake said. “And that is by stopping people who are breaking into cars.”
Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham, argued the bill would have no impact because he’s doubtful many gun owners are so careless as to leave a handgun in plain sight for would-be thieves. The state should instead focus on different kinds of incentives for safe storage, Obenshain said, such as a bill passed in 2023 that created a $300 tax credit to help Virginians buy gun safes and lockboxes.
“We ought not be punishing victims of crimes,” Obenshain said.
Democratic senators said the law’s passage alone would send a message to Virginia gun owners to be more thoughtful about how they store firearms in vehicles.
“Responsible gun owners ought to get in the habit of putting their gun in the glovebox,” said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax. “Put it in the glovebox every time they get out of their car. Just make it a habit.”
Photo via Tom Def on Unsplash. This article was reported and written by the Virginia Mercury, and has been reprinted under a Creative Commons license.
A store that sells clothing made of recycled materials has opened its doors at Tysons Corner Center, kicking off what appears to be a fashion-focused year for the region’s largest mall.
Rothy’s opened a 1,815-square-foot store on the mall’s second level, near Macy’s, last Thursday (Jan. 25), Tysons Corner Center announced Friday (Jan. 26).
Originally launched in 2016, the San Francisco-based brand began as an online-only retailer focused on women’s shoes — specifically ballet flats — manufactured out of single-use plastic bottles. The company has since expanded into other types of shoes for men, women and kids as well as handbags and other accessories.
With the Tysons opening, Rothy’s also assembled 18 brick-and-mortar stores around the U.S., including one in Georgetown.
“We’re delighted to expand the Rothy’s retail portfolio to include Tysons Corner and grow our community in the greater DMV market,” Rothy’s Vice President of Retail Shaheen Mufti said. “Our newest store will serve as a platform to share our brand story and mission, offering comfortable, washable, sustainable footwear alongside thoughtfully designed handbags and accessories.”
In addition to announcing Rothy’s arrival, Tysons Corner Center confirmed two incoming tenants, both of them clothing retailers.
As previously reported, the Pakistani fashion brand Khaadi will open its first U.S. store at the mall this year, occupying 5,491 square feet on the second floor near Barnes & Noble. Mango, a fashion company based in Barcelona, Spain, will open near Macy’s this summer.
Khaadi is on track to open around the third week of February, a company spokesperson told FFXnow.
Other changes at the mall include a new location for Foot Locker, which has combined its existing regular Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker stores into a new “Power Store” on the first floor near Wasabi.
According to Tysons Corner Center’s press release, the shoe company’s Power Stores offer customers “the largest product selection of any of the retail chain’s store concepts,” including “sneaker and apparel trends specific to the community where the stores operate.”
“Following a number of notable openings in 2023, we are thrilled to welcome a large number of new high-performing and well-known brands to our roster of tenants in 2024,” Jesse Benites, director of property management for Tysons Corner Center owner Macerich, said in the release. “As the #1 shopping destination in the region, and one of the nation’s top-performing centers, Tyson Corner Center continues to attract top brands with the high-volume productivity that retailers are seeking.”
A two-story outlet for the fast-fashion company Primark is also still under construction in the former L.L. Bean space near Bloomingdale’s. Macerich announced the deal back in 2021, and Primark said last August that the store — its 22nd in the U.S. — will open in 2024.
Updated at 10:40 a.m. on 2/1/2024 — The bill to make Fairfax County eligible for a casino has been assigned to the Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations’ resources subcommittee, which is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. today (Thursday).
Earlier: Local opposition to the prospect of a casino in Fairfax County continues to escalate.
Though they stopped short of officially denouncing it, county supervisors expressed skepticism of the bill being debated in the Virginia State Senate and aired frustrations about not being consulted about the potential development at a legislative committee meeting on Friday (Jan. 26).
In a letter generally supported by his fellow board members, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay noted that the county, on principle, doesn’t usually oppose legislation that supports local authority, but this is one authority it didn’t request — unlike the cities currently eligible for a casino.
“I think what our focus needs to be on at this point in time is reminding folks we didn’t ask for this. This concept was derived in a vacuum,” McKay said at the committee meeting. “I saw the bill only after the General Assembly began their session, and we need to protect ourselves in the event this bill is approved by making sure that we put out there what our concerns are on this.”
Sent to House of Delegates Speaker Del. Don Scott and the Senate and House majority and minority leaders, the letter highlights a lack of engagement with county officials and the community by “stakeholders and the patron of this legislation.” Senate Bill 675 was filed by state Sen. Dave Marsden, who has confirmed that the developer Comstock proposed the casino, first in Reston and now in Tysons.
It also questions whether a casino would actually boost local commercial tax revenues as Marsden and other proponents have suggested.
Virginia taxes casino operators at a rate of 18 to 30%, depending on how much they make. That money goes into a Gaming Proceeds Fund run by the state treasury, which gives the equivalent of a 6-8% tax to each host locality. That means over 70% of the gaming tax revenue would go to the state, not Fairfax County, according to McKay.
“It’s a really bad financial deal,” McKay said, likening the revenue split to a school funding formula that county leaders argue shortchanges localities. “…We get hosed, we are the state’s ATM, and the financial model here at a minimum would have to improve dramatically before I would consider any referendum as a result of this bill.”
The four Virginia localities that have approved casinos — Portsmouth, Danville, Bristol and Norfolk — “were literally bankrupt” and in need of new revenue and an economic revitalization, McKay said. Petersburg, which might replace Richmond as a host city after the voters in the state capital rejected a casino referendum twice, has similarly struggled.
In contrast, Tysons continues “to thrive,” McKay’s letter says, despite the impact of the pandemic and remote work on offices. The area even has an emerging “entertainment district” in Capital One Center with a concert venue and hotel — facilities reportedly included in the casino development.
While more arts and convention space “is very much needed” in Tysons, the county’s lack of involvement in the casino talks and the revenue-sharing arrangement are concerns, said Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, who represents most of Tysons.
Stressing that her office hasn’t seen any development plan, she praised the “balanced approach” of McKay’s letter, which doesn’t take a stance on Marsden’s bill but notes that “in its current form [it’s] likely to result in strong community opposition to a future referendum.” Read More
Cut-Through Traffic Restrictions Proposed for McLean — “To protect McLean neighborhoods overrun by commuters cutting through to avoid bottlenecks on Route 7, Interstate 495 and other major roads, newly elected Fairfax Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville) wants to restrict peak-hour traffic in those neighborhoods, but exempt residents living there using a vehicle-sticker program.” [Gazette Leader]
Bill to Regulate Marijuana Sales Advances — “Three years after Virginia lawmakers voted to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for adults, the General Assembly is finally moving ahead with efforts to create a marketplace for the manufacture and sale of recreational cannabis. There’s a long way to go. And even supporters don’t agree on an approach — or know whether Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) will go along.” [Washington Post]
Police Watch Route 28 for Reckless Driving — Fairfax County police officers conducted a High Visibility Enforcement (HIVE) initiative along Route 28 on Saturday (Jan. 27), cracking down on unsafe and distracted driving. Officers issued 144 tickets as part of the campaign, the department says. [FCPD/Twitter]
New Student Art Displayed at Dulles Airport — “A new collection of artwork from students in Fairfax County’s public schools is now on display at Washington Dulles International Airport. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, McLean Project for the Arts and Fairfax County Public Schools celebrated the continuation of the ‘Youth Art Walk’ initiative during festivities on Jan. 23.” [Gazette Leader]
Parks Grant Program Returns With Budget Cap — “Following a three-month administrative review, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board lifted the temporary hold on the Mastenbrook Grant Program and applications are now being accepted…In order to be considered for a grant, the maximum project cost for proposed projects cannot exceed $100,000,” a new factor added by the review. [FCPA]
Vienna Hires New Public Works Director — “After a nationwide search, the Town of Vienna has selected Brad Baer to serve as its next Public Works Director. Baer has extensive experience both in government and the military, most recently serving as the Facilities Design and Construction Bureau Chief for Arlington County, Virginia. Baer is also a 22-year veteran of the United States Navy.” [Town of Vienna]
More Flights Coming to Dulles Airport — “United Airlines is adding new routes, bringing back others and dusting off seasonal flights at Dulles International Airport to meet travel demand. United, by far the dominant carrier at Dulles, will add a new nonstop flight to Anchorage, Alaska, this spring…It will be the only airline offering nonstop service to Alaska from the D.C. area.” [WTOP]
Sully Visitor Center Closed for Renovations — “Sully Historic Site: The Visitor Center will be closed for renovations through Saturday, February 17. Grounds will be open daily dawn to dusk. Check the website or call (703-437-1794) the site for updates before visiting.” [FCPA/Twitter]
It’s Monday — Expect partly sunny skies, a high near 46 degrees and a northwest wind blowing at 16 to 18 mph and gusts reaching up to 31 mph. As for Monday night, the skies will be partly cloudy with a low temperature of around 31 degrees, while the north wind continues to blow at 6 to 11 mph. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 7:50 p.m.) A teenage pedestrian was injured in a vehicle crash in Pimmit Hills this evening, police say.
The crash occurred around 6:50 p.m. at the intersection of Pimmit Drive and Storm Drive, which was closed while Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives investigated, the Fairfax County Police Department said at 7:20 p.m.
A 13-year-old boy was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital with injuries initially considered life-threatening based on their location and the damage to the vehicle, according to scanner traffic on OpenMHz.
The intersection reopened around 7:40 p.m., the FCPD said in a 7:44 p.m. update.
“The juvenile pedestrian’s injuries are no longer considered to be life-threatening,” the department said.
The intersection remains closed as Crash Reconstruction unit detectives investigate. Please use alternate route. [2/2]
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) January 29, 2024
A McLean woman will serve two life sentences in prison for murdering her mother and sister in 2017, county prosecutors announced today (Friday).
Megan Hargan received the two life sentences for fatally shooting her mother, Pamela Hargan, 63, and Helen Hargan, 24, in their house on July 14, 2017. She also got an additional sentence of six years in prison for two gun-related charges, according to the Fairfax County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Hargan was convicted by a jury in September of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony. It was her second conviction after an initial one handed down in March 2022 got vacated by a judge who determined that a juror had improperly experimented with a rifle at home to see if Helen Hargan could’ve died by suicide, as defense attorneys alleged.
“Megan Hargan’s actions in July 2017 go beyond what most of us can imagine,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said. “On a quiet Friday morning in her mother’s home, she made an irreversible decision — one that would devastate her family and tear the community apart. First-degree murder is the most serious offense you can be convicted of in Virginia, and today’s sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant’s crimes.”
After finding the bodies of Pamela and Helen Hargan inside their home in the 6700 block of Dean Drive, the Fairfax County Police Department initially characterized the deaths as a murder-suicide incident, but they suspected early on that the scene might have been staged.
Police and prosecutors later argued that Megan Hargan had killed her mother and sister over a financial disagreement.
More from the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney:
On the afternoon of July 14, 2017, Megan Hargan, 41, shot Pamela, 63, and Helen, 24, in Pamela’s McLean home where the three were living at the time, along with Hargan’s then-8-year-old daughter. Hargan staged the house as a murder-suicide and claimed that younger sister Helen had killed their mom before killing herself.
Evidence presented at trial showed that the conflict stemmed from a financial dispute: Megan, who was buying a house in West Virginia, resented that her mother, Pamela, wasn’t helping her financially but was at the same time helping her sister Helen to buy a house. On July 13, the day before the killings, Megan attempted to transfer upwards of $400,000 from her mother’s bank account to pay for Megan’s new house, which was closing that day. The transaction was flagged as fraud, and the next day Megan shot her mother before attempting to make the same wire transfer again from her mother’s account. She then shot her sister Helen, who was upstairs at the time. Both family members were killed by a .22 rifle, which belonged to Megan’s husband and was being stored in the McLean house temporarily.
Megan Hargan was arrested on Nov. 9, 2018.
“This was a complicated case to prosecute, and we would not be here today without the detectives, witnesses, and family members who persisted through two lengthy, emotional trials,” Descano said. “I want to express my gratitude for their resolve in bringing this case to justice.”
The McLean Chocolate Festival will be back in action for a 12th year this Sunday (Jan. 28).
Organized once again by the Rotary Club of McLean, the annual celebration of all things cocoa will take over the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a $3 admission fee that includes a tote bag, attendees will be able to peruse various regional chocolate vendors. The festival will also feature live music by the Sunshine Gang Band, a return of sponsor Mars Inc.’s “History of Chocolate” presentation, and a children’s room with face-painting and other activities.
As of press time, the festival had confirmed 14 vendors, per its website:
- Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates
- Capital Candy Jar
- Le Papiyon Chocolatier
- River-Sea Chocolates
- Pacari Chocolate
- Arcay Chocolates
- Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
- My Alfajor
- Tysons Creamery
- Artisan Confections
- Lammar Marie’s Gourmet Popcorn
- Chesterbrook Residences
- El Ceibo Bolivian Chocolate
- Fahrenheit 99
In addition to supporting local businesses, the festival’s proceeds go to the Rotary Club of McLean for community and charity projects. Here’s more from the nonprofit on the initiatives that will benefit:
The projects supported by the festival include scholarships for graduating high school seniors, books for Timber Lane Elementary School, McLean Project for the Arts, playground equipment at the Fairfax Children’s Center, hygiene products for school-age girls, medical equipment and clean water initiatives in several African countries. The funds will also support global initiatives such as eradicating Polio abroad, medical needs in Central America, food insecurity across the globe, helping find abused single moms a safe place to live, and many other community projects.
The McLean Chocolate Festival will be followed a week later by Fairfax City’s Chocolate Lovers Festival, which is set to return on Feb. 2-4. A few vendors are scheduled to appear at both events.
Teen Charged With Murder Released on Bond — A 14-year-old charged with fatally stabbing a 17-year-old boy in Annandale earlier this month was released on bond before trial, the victim’s brother says. “The Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said prosecutors asked the judge to keep the suspect in jail until trial, but the judge released him with the ankle monitor on Tuesday.” [NBC4]
Dispute Leads to Stabbing on Fairfax Connector Bus — “A juvenile was injured in a stabbing on a Fairfax Connector Bus Thursday evening in Hybla Valley, according to Fairfax County police. Officers said they responded to the 4300 block of Lawrence Street around 3 p.m. for a report of a juvenile male with a stab wound to their upper body.” [WJLA]
Israel-Owned Company Expands to Herndon — “Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) launched its first innovation center in the U.S. in Herndon and the debut program within it — IAI CATALYST…a 5-month business accelerator program, tailored to support emerging startups.” Owned by the state, IAI is one of Israel’s “leading aerospace and defense manufacturers.” [FCEDA, World Nation News]
Chipotle Leases Vacant Mount Vernon Site — “A long vacant building near the corner of Sacramento Drive and Richmond Highway will soon be home to a rapidly growing restaurant chain. Chipotle Mexican Grill recently signed a lease with Sacramento Center broker Renaud Consulting for the nearly 3,200 square-foot pad building located at the front of the shopping center.” [On the MoVe]
New Horse Stables Approved in Great Falls — “Having outgrown its main facility in Great Falls, equine-therapy group Lift Me Up! soon will begin providing wellness programs at a satellite location in the community. The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 10 voted 6-0 to allow the nonprofit organization to establish a riding-and-boarding stable at 1051 Kelso Road.” [Gazette Leader]
McLean Resident Joins Park Authority Board — “The Fairfax County Park Authority Board welcomed Johna Toomey as the newest member of the Park Authority Board. Toomey was appointed to the Park Authority Board as an at-large member by Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay.” [FCPA]
Lego Replica Lands at Dulles Airport — A Lego replica of Dulles International Airport will now be displayed permanently at the actual airport. The builder, Petworth resident Richard Paules, says it took him six months and required 50,000 bricks to construct the airport with no instructions. Luggage carousels and the infamous people movers are included. [NBC4]
It’s Friday — Showers are possible before 1pm, with some drizzle before 7am. Clouds will give way to mostly sunny skies and a high around 68 degrees. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. Expect a mostly cloudy Friday night with lows near 45 degrees and a northwest wind at 7 mph. [Weather.gov]
Inova Health Systems continued an expansion of its urgent care network this week with the reopening of a facility in McLean.
Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care McLean opened to patients at 1340 Old Chain Bridge Road, Suite 101, this past Monday (Jan. 22) after closing last year for renovations. Formerly known as McLean Immediate Care Urgent Care, the center is the 16th one that Inova has added in Northern Virginia since it partnered with the on-demand health care company GoHealth in 2022.
“Inova-GoHealth’s rapid growth is a sign of our commitment to expanding access to affordable, on-demand care for people throughout Northern Virginia,” Inova-GoHealth regional president Harold Brown said. “Having convenient access to connected healthcare is vital for improving the quality of life for everyone in our community.”
Like other locations, the 2,600-square-foot urgent care center in McLean provides medical services to treat “common health concerns for adults and children six months and older, including COVID-19, flu, fever, asthma, allergies, minor cuts, burns, pink eye, urinary tract infections, fractures, sprains, strains and more,” according to a press release.
It’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Inova and GoHealth, which operates the facilities, are also preparing to launch a new urgent care center in the Herndon area. The 2,909-square-foot facility is on track to open in late February next to Taco Bamba in the Village Center at Dulles (2415 Centreville Road, Suite B6).
That will bring the two providers up to 17 urgent care centers in Northern Virginia. Seven of the centers were recently relaunched under the new branding, but there are also entirely new locations, including ones that opened in Fairfax City and Lorton last fall.
“With Inova-GoHealth centers across Fairfax County, patients can access convenient, high-quality care closer to where they live, work and play,” Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care Medical Director Dr. Meredith Porter said. “We are excited to expand access to on-demand healthcare for the community and seamlessly connect patients to Inova’s robust network.”
The Persian restaurant Joon opened at Fairfax Square in Tysons in June 2023 (courtesy Joon)
Ten of the D.C. region’s best restaurants can be found in Fairfax County, according to a newly unveiled round-up by Washingtonian.
Acknowledging that “some of the year’s coolest spots…debuted in the Virginia suburbs,” Washingtonian ranked Joon at no. 23 on its 2024 list of the “100 Very Best Restaurants” in the region. Opened on June 13, 2023, the Tysons-based Persian restaurant was the only Fairfax County spot to be ranked.
Located in Fairfax Square (8045 Leesburg Pike), Joon is led by chefs Najmieh Batmanglij and Christopher Morgan, who blend traditional Iranian cuisine with contemporary western elements. It also contains the pop-up, The Kitchen Collective, which serves food from other concepts by Joon co-founder Reza Farahani.
Farahani says it’s “an honor” for Joon to be recognized less than a year after its launch in an area that boasts “a vibrant and innovative restaurant scene.”
“Our vision has been to showcase a modern approach to the ancient cuisine of Iran and the Middle East, while using local and seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques to create a one-of-a-kind experience,” Farahani told FFXnow. “Our wine list and craft cocktails have been developed with distinct Persian flavors such as saffron, rose and pomegranate and are an homage to Persia’s contribution to the earliest spirits and wines known in history.”
Washingtonian praised Joon for food “that’s both homey and beautifully presented,” singling out the “warm pita” offered to patrons when they arrive, dips and sour-cherry rice as highlights.
“Whole platters sized for two and up are stunners, whether a whole rotisserie chicken with apples, apricots, and honey or a strapping feast of kebabs,” the magazine’s staff said in a capsule review.
Joon’s inclusion on Washingtonian’s annual list continued a good day for Batmanglij and Morgan, who were also named semifinalists yesterday (Wednesday) for a James Beard award.
Other Fairfax County establishments that made the list, which is unranked after the top 25, include:
- A&J Restaurant in Annandale (4316 Markham Street)
- Aracosia in McLean (1381 Beverly Road)
- Ingle Korean Steakhouse in Tysons (8369 Leesburg Pike, Suite A)
- Kirby Club in Merrifield (2911 District Avenue)
- L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls (332 Springvale Road)
- Mama Chang in Fairfax (3251 Old Lee Highway)
- Marib in Springfield (6981 Hechinger Drive)
- Padaek in Seven Corners (6395 Seven Corners Center)
- Parc De Ville in Merrifield (8296 Glass Alley)
Several restaurants — A&J, Aracosia, L’Auberge Chez Francois, Mama Chang and Marib — also appeared on Washingtonian’s “100 Very Best” list for 2023.
In the case of A&J, the family-owned dim sum eatery has been recognized every year that the list has come out since 2019, though the magazine paused the yearly round-up in 2021 and 2022 in response to the Covid pandemic. A&J originated in Rockville, Maryland, in 1996 before adding the Annandale location in 2000.
