A new candidate has entered the race for the State Senate seat in the 37th District.
Organizer Erika Yalowitz announced today that she’s challenging to be the Democratic nominee in the newly-redrawn district, which includes Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
She will face off against fellow challenger Saddam Azlan Salim and incumbent Chap Petersen in the June 20 primary.
“Our new Senate District deserves a voice that is aligned with our community’s priorities, and our party’s values.” Yalowitz said in a press release. “I understand those values, because I’ve been living them for the 12+ years that I’ve called Tysons home. That means supporting working families, prioritizing pedestrian safety, protecting our community from gun violence, and committing to science based solutions for protecting our neighbors from future public health crises.”
As a community organizer, she successfully advocated for Blake Lane Park to be transferred to the Fairfax County Park Authority instead of being replaced by a new school. She also noted that she’s a union member, a mom, a Latina, a “non-profit leader,” and a court officer for Arlington Circuit Court.
Yalowitz previously ran to represent Providence District on the Board of Supervisors in 2019. She finished in third place in the Democratic primary, with about 14% of the vote. She did capture the majority of the votes in several precincts, though.
In a follow-up email with FFXnow, Yalowitz said Petersen has a “history of representing center-right positions,” and she’s a “progressive” who better represents the “demographics and values of the district.”
Petersen is running for his fifth term, having served in the senate since 2008. With redistricting, only about 44% of his former constituents will move with him to the 37th District.
Because of that, Yalowitz told FFXnow that it’s an open seat and Petersen is not a “full incumbent.”
Currently, no Republican has announced their candidacy for the senate seat. The general election is set for Nov. 7, 2023.
Elsewhere, redistricting has added significant intrigue to a number of 2023 state senate races. Several incumbents were paired in the same district, including in District 35 and District 38, which could lead to primary battles.
Crosswalk design will be particularly important when the circuit crosses major roads — especially the Capital Beltway (I-495), Leesburg Pike (Route 7) and Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) — and when it switches to the opposite side of the street, according to the document.
The guidance also has examples of amenities for the trail, like benches, trash receptacles and bicycle and scooter parking racks. It recommends incorporating “colorful decals and pavement markings” to reinforce the Tysons brand and create a sense of place.
Decals and pavement markings can also:
- Provide directional information
- Mark travel distances
- Supply event information
- Celebrate the seasons
- Transmit safety messages
- Spread knowledge of history, literature, the arts, nature, science, etc.
Now that it has the board’s endorsement, the guidance will be used during reviews of development applications, according to a county staff report.
Along with the three-block segment in The Boro expansion, the Fairfax County Planning Commission approved a development plan for a residential building at The Mile in May that includes a 7,595-square-foot portion of the community circuit.
“The guidance is intended as a working document, and subject to refinement to reflect changing development conditions along the Circuit to ensure the best outcomes for the Circuit as a recreational trail and placemaking element in Tysons,” county staff said. “In locations where redevelopment is not anticipated, segments of the Circuit could be constructed with public funds, grants, or through public-private partnerships.”
A man from Springfield is facing multiple charges after stabbing another man’s hand and stealing a bus driver’s cell phone while riding Fairfax Connector in Tysons.
Fairfax County police responded to the intersection of Jones Branch Drive and International Drive at 12:52 p.m. on Saturday (Feb. 11) after getting a report that a person had been stabbed.
The altercation started as a verbal argument between three men on the bus that escalated “to one of the men being stabbed in the hand,” according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
“The suspect then stole the bus driver’s cell phone and ran away,” the FCPD said.
The chase didn’t last long. With the assistance of the department’s Fairfax 1 helicopter, officers quickly located the suspect as he attempted to run into Freddie Mac’s headquarters on Park Run Drive, per a Twitter user who follows police scanner traffic.
The man who got stabbed was taken to a hospital with injuries that police say aren’t considered life-threatening.
The suspect — identified as 28-year-old Lionel Aguilar Cantareo, of Springfield — was arrested and has been charged with three counts of robbery and preventing a person from summoning law enforcement, the FCPD says.
The robbery charges include two counts of using physical force not resulting in serious bodily injury or displaying a weapon other than a firearm “in a threatening manner,” which is classified as a Class 5 felony by Virginia law.
Cantareo is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond, according to police.
The suspect fled on foot, but Fairfax 1 was overhead quickly and found him running from the scene. Patrol units with the assistance of a VSP Trooper took him into custody as he attempted to run into Freddie Mac's HQ on Park Run Dr.
— Henry Bright (@HCBright10) February 11, 2023
Tempers ran hot at a hypothermia prevention shelter in Vienna on Friday, Feb. 3.
Police were called to the Church of the Holy Comforter (543 Beulah Road) — which was hosting the seasonal shelter — three separate times that evening to handle fights between residents, according to the Vienna Police Department’s highlights for Feb. 3-9.
By the end of the night, two people were arrested and taken to jail.
Suspicious Event 23-001081
Church of the Holy Comforter
FACETS Hypothermia Prevention Shelter
543 Beulah Road, NE
February 3 between 7:00 p.m. and 7:17 p.m.Officers responded to the report of a fight between two individuals staying at the shelter. Neither party wished to pursue charges.
Arrest – Drunk In Public 23-001082
Church of the Holy Comforter
FACETS Hypothermia Prevention Shelter
543 Beulah Road, NE
February 3 10:25 p.m.Officers responded to the report of a fight at the shelter. The staff advised an individual was acting disorderly and antagonizing the others in the shelter. Upon the officer’s interaction with the man, they detected signs of impairment.
Ofc. Reed arrested the 55-year-old man with no fixed address. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was charged with Drunk In Public.
Arrest – Assault 23-001083
Church of the Holy Comforter
FACETS Hypothermia Prevention Shelter
543 Beulah Road, NE
February 3 11:11 p.m.Officers responded to the report of a fight at the shelter. The staff reported one of the residents was provoking another resident, began throwing chairs, and yelling profanities, resulting in a fight when the other resident tried to defend himself.
Ofc. Rodriguez arrested the 28-year-old man with no fixed address. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was charged with Simple Assault.
The fights mostly involved different people, though one individual was mentioned in two of the three incidents, according to VPD spokesperson Juan Vasquez.
The hypothermia shelter is operated by the nonprofit FACETS, which partners with faith communities to give people experiencing homelessness a place to spend the night each winter. It runs from the Sunday after Thanksgiving to April 1, changing locations weekly.
A road rage-induced assault and underage drinking
A roadside argument over an alleged traffic violation took an alarming turn for a woman and her dog as they were walking near Talahi Road and Ninovan Road SE between 7 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. on Feb. 6.
“A woman was walking her dog when she got into a verbal altercation with a driver who committed a traffic offense,” the VPD said. “After the altercation, the woman continued walking her dog when she heard the screeching tires and the horn of the vehicle as it began approaching her, stopping just before hitting her and striking her dog’s tail.”
The driver, a 59-year-old Vienna resident, was charged with misdemeanor assault and released from custody on his signature.
Also in its weekly crime report, the police department says its officers broke up a party “where multiple juveniles were drinking and smoking” in the 100 block of Elmar Drive SW at 10:06 p.m. on Feb. 4.
An 18-year-old who said he was hosting the party — apparently without the knowledge of his mom, who returned to the house while police were there — was issued a summons charging him with “contributing to the delinquency of a minor.”
Five of the teens believed to be at the party then made their way to a construction site area in the 200 block of Tapawingo Road SE. Police responded at 10:33 p.m. after receiving a noise complaint.
“Four of the juveniles had consumed alcohol,” the report says. “The juveniles were transported to the police station where their parents were notified to pick them up and they were verbally counseled.”
Photo via Google Maps
Super Bowl Flyover Includes Springfield Pilot — “After months of planning and multiple training sessions, an all-women crew is ready to fly over the State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Super Bowl Sunday in honor of 50 years of women in naval aviation. Among them is a woman from Springfield, Virginia who said she was ecstatic to get the call that she would be joining the crew.” [WUSA9]
Oak Marr Rec Center Closed This Morning — “Due to a temporary water service disruption, Oak Marr Rec Center will open at Noon on Feb. 13. New water heaters are being installed at the center. The building will also be without hot water from Feb. 13-16.” [FCPA/Twitter]
Man Arrested in Lorton Fatal Shooting — Fairfax County police arrested Malik Johnson, 22, of Alexandria for a Dec. 5 fatal shooting in the 7900 block of Audubon Avenue. The victim, who was identified as 26-year-old Jordan Summers of Lorton, was found injured on a sidewalk by a community member after residents reported hearing gunshots. [FCPD]
Calendar for Upcoming School Years Approved — “The Fairfax County School Board approved a new calendar for the next three school years during a sometimes heated meeting that lasted more than five hours Thursday night…It starts the school year two weeks before Labor Day, gives students two weeks for winter break, and has 180 days of instruction.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Stomach Illnesses On the Rise — “Viral gastrointestinal illnesses (such as norovirus), can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, are uncomfortable…can be spread to others easily and are on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been an uptick in positive tests for norovirus since late January.” [FCHD]
Academic Stress Adds to Mental Health Challenges — “It’s common, albeit sorrowful, knowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a mental health crisis among young people the likes of which we haven’t seen in our lifetimes…In our area, another factor has exacerbated the adolescent mental health crisis: Many kids find themselves in an academic, extracurricular, and athletic pressure cooker.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Police to Hold Community Forum in McLean — “The McLean Citizens Association is hosting a public safety forum on Feb. 15 where leaders of the McLean District Police Station will discuss crime trends and prevention…The forum will take place at the McLean Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.” [Patch]
Springfield Fire Station Gets New Truck — “Station 22, Springfield, placed new Truck 422, a 2022 Pierce Velocity Heavy Duty Aerial Ladder, in service. The unit replaces a 2004 Pierce Aerial purchased by the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department in 2004. That truck accumulated over 170,000 miles over its 19-year career serving the residents and visitors of Fairfax County.” [FCFRD]
It’s Monday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 54 and low of 35. Sunrise at 7:03 am and sunset at 5:45 pm. [Weather.gov]
The Town of Vienna has a chance to make the nation envious with its upcoming appearance on the PBS TV show “If You Lived Here.”
The D.C. area house-hunting series will take its hosts, Washingtonians John Begeny and Christine Louise, on a tour of Vienna’s history, landmarks and residential real estate offerings in an episode set to air Monday (Feb. 13).
While the show is now in its third season, the producers say Vienna has long been on their radar as a potential destination.
“We have folks on our film crew that live in Vienna, so they were thrilled to see it on our list for Season 3,” executive producer Jeffrey Eagle said. “It’s also a place that’s often mentioned as being wonderful for families and a community that’s connected through outdoor spaces, local events and a Main Street that feels both cozy and historic.”
Launched in February 2021, “If You Lived Here” brings its hosts together with local realtors to guess the list prices of local houses and visit attractions in neighborhoods around the D.C. region.
The show’s team researches each location extensively before visiting, according to series producer Paige Smith Lee, who cites local news outlets like the Washington Post and DCist as good resources. They also often get stories and tips once they start contacting interview subjects.
“Each individual area…has a history to share and a great community spirit,” Louise said in a statement. “When we tour the individual homes, we are digging even deeper into specific neighborhoods learning what makes each special from the folks who live there and work in each.”
Vienna is ready for its close-up! Monday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. is a must-see TV moment for the Town of Vienna! That's when the town will be featured on the popular @PBS program #IfYouLivedHere on @wetatvfm channel 26. Click here for more details: https://t.co/uBsd4d4Xo9. pic.twitter.com/weLzrzISZr
— Town of Vienna, VA (@TownofViennaVA) February 8, 2023
For Vienna, the team wanted to highlight the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, since the tracks — now the W&OD Trail — ran through the heart of the town. The train will give the show a way to discuss how the local population has grown and changed over the years, Eagle says.
“The Freeman Store and Museum was an easy choice to make as one of our stories,” Eagle said. “The conversion of those tracks to the W&OD walking and bike trails also meant the chance to see residents on the go, exercising and in their daily lives.”
Led by local real estate agent Lex Lianos, the episode will feature tours of three houses: a “fixer-upper” in Stonewall Manor, a renovated home sitting on an acre lot, and a modern home built in 2020, according to WETA.
The old train depot, the Vienna Town Green, popular bar and concert venue Jammin’ Java and Mayor Linda Colbert will also get moments in the spotlight.
Not everything filmed during the show’s three-day shoot last spring made it into the final cut. Smith Lee says she found the history of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department “really interesting,” but it didn’t fit into the episode’s 28-minute runtime.
The episode will air at 9 p.m. on WETA PBS and 8 p.m. on WETA Metro. It will also be available to stream on the PBS app.
“If You Lived Here” will return to Fairfax County for its penultimate episode this season, which will focus on Annandale and air on March 6.
The Cat in the Hat will pay Tysons a visit this spring, and unlike in his eponymous book, he’s giving plenty of advance notice.
The anthropomorphic feline is set to appear alongside the Lorax, the Grinch and other classic Theodor Geisel characters in “The Dr. Seuss Experience” that will take up residence at Tysons Corner Center starting April 7.
“The Dr. Seuss Experience is an interactive immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss,” a press release says. “Inside, guests of all ages will be transported through an awe-inspiring, sensory spectacle including nine different, visually stunning Dr. Seuss worlds, with the opportunity to meet iconic characters, live the classic stories and experience Dr. Seuss like never before.”
The interactive pop-up will feature staff in costume as notable characters and sets like Circus McGurkus, the clover forests from “Horton Hears a Who” and a balloon maze inspired by “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Other attractions include a carousel ride, carnival games and “exclusive, bespoke merchandise.”
The installation is open to people of all ages, though kids must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is designed to be fully accessible to people with disabilities, according to the website.
Produced by the live entertainment companies Kilburn Live and Fever, “The Dr. Seuss Experience” is coming to Tysons after making stops in Toronto, Houston, Chicago and Denver.
Per the press release, Tysons Corner Center will be the first location with a Sneetches Mirror Maze, a nod to the 1961 short story intended to be an anti-discrimination parable.
The installation will be around for a “limited” amount of time, though an end date for the Tysons run hasn’t been set yet, according to a public relations representative.
A waitlist to get advance access to tickets is now open. Tickets will officially go on sale to the public at noon next Wednesday (Feb. 15).
Workers at the regional nonprofit FRESHFARM, which operates three farmers markets in Fairfax County, voted to unionize with United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 earlier this week.
FRESHFARM worker Ariana MacMartin told FFXnow that the hope is a union can help workers at the farmers markets negotiate for better pay and more job security, as well as hopefully reduce turnover.
“We’ve asked for higher pay and better benefits, but we realized we couldn’t affect change without a union,” MacMartin said.
MacMartin said the specific demands are still in negotiation.
The unionization effort includes about 25 workers who staff and operate FRESHFARM’s 28 markets in the D.C. area, including sites at the Mosaic District, Reston and Oakton, according to UFCW Local 400.
Employees filed for a union election in December. Ballots were distributed on Jan. 18, and National Labor Relations Board officials counted votes on Feb. 8.
While other workers have had to fight tooth and nail for unionization, MacMartin said FRESHFARM has been an extremely agreeable partner in the process.
In a statement, FRESHFARM said:
FRESHFARM is pleased to announce that our farmers market staff have voted to unionize. The organization strives to create the best farmers markets in the region, and having a professional, well-trained workforce is front and center of these efforts. FRESHFARM management is enthusiastic about working with a collective bargaining unit committed to our mission and shared values of improving our workers’ conditions to ensure we continue to best serve our region.
MacMartin said her hope is that the negotiations and improvements can help inspire other farmers market workers.
“I want to unionize every farmers market,” MacMartin said. “My hope is our message spreads to strengthen the working class and we can have our needs met.”
ICYMI: Speed Camera Program Launches Today — Speed cameras will be installed near eight schools across Fairfax County today (Friday). For the first 30 days, drivers who go 10 mph or more over the speed limit will get a warning with no citation. After that, fines could go up to $100. [FFXnow]
How to Help Victims of Turkey Earthquake — “While our Fairfax County @VATF1 continues their efforts in #Türkiye, you may be wondering if there are ways we can help out. The Turkish Embassy is collecting donations now through Sunday!” Donations can be taken directly to the embassy in D.C., but there will also be a collection box in the Target lobby at the Mosaic District until Feb. 26. [Jeff McKay/Twitter, Dalia Palchik]
Police Seek Information About Lorton Shooting — “At 1:50 p.m. on Feb. 4, officers responded to Dixon Street and 4th Place in Lorton for the report of shots fired. Officers learned that an altercation between the occupants of a silver 4-door sedan and a gold 4-door sedan took place that led to an exchange of gunfire.” [FCPD/Facebook]
Bailey’s Crossroads Live/Work Development Gets Support — “The Fairfax County Planning Commission at its Feb. 8 meeting agreed to recommend approval of a rezoning for a second live/work project at the Skyline Center…Seldin’s project to develop live/work units at buildings 1, 2, and 3 at the Skyline Center is nearing completion. The first units are expected to be ready for occupancy in May.” [Annandale Today]
Freed Nicaraguan Prisoners Arrive at Dulles Airport — “This flight to the U.S comes just a few years after the Nicaraguan government began arresting activists and political opponents in an attempt to quell opposition. As reports of the flight’s destination, Dulles Airport, became public, dozens throughout the Nicaraguan community made their way there to welcome the freed prisoners.” [DCist]
FCPD Focuses on Richmond Highway 7-Elevens — “In the wake of numerous crimes committed at 7-Eleven convenience stores around the Richmond Highway area this past year, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has increased its presence and engagement at area locations.” [On the MoVe]
County Collects Over 5,000 Tons of Glass — “In 2022 Fairfax County’s Purple Can Club program collected more than 5,231 tons of glass–a slight increase when compared to 2021 (approximately 63 tons). The county also received two new collection locations at Burke Virginia Railway Express and Saratoga Park and Ride — thus making 18 collection locations across Fairfax County.” [DPWES]
Reston Restaurant Group Has Big Plans — “With a projected annual growth rate of 15% to 20%, Thompson Hospitality aims to become an enterprise with revenue exceeding $1 billion within two years…Its operations in 48 states and six countries include the pact with Compass and retail brands like Matchbox, Milk and Honey, Big Buns, Wise Guys Pizza, Velocity Wings, and Makers Union.” [Black Enterprise]
Former Reston Player Now in Basketball Hall of Fame — “Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill, 50, discusses what it was like playing high school basketball in Reston and why he decided to write his autobiography.” Hill was a core part of South Lakes High School’s team before graduating and finding success at Duke University. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Friday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 68 and low of 50. Sunrise at 7:07 am and sunset at 5:41 pm. [Weather.gov]
Fairfax County is adding speed cameras to monitor drivers around schools for the first time.
The photo speed-monitoring devices will be installed near eight schools across the county tomorrow (Friday) as part of a pilot program approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in December, the county announced today.
Here is where the cameras will be located:
- Kirby Road near Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean
- Old Keene Mill Road near Irving Middle School in West Springfield
- Franconia Road near Key Middle School in Springfield
- Stone Road near London Towne Elementary School in Centreville
- Sleepy Hollow Road near Sleepy Hollow Elementary School in Lake Barcroft
- Silver Brook Road near South County Middle School in Lorton
- Soapstone Drive near Terraset Elementary School in Reston
- Rolling Road near West Springfield High School in West Springfield
Oakton High School isn’t in the initial lineup, but a camera will be added on Blake Lane near Sutton Road in the future, the county says.
A crash that killed two of the school’s students and left a third seriously injured last June was a major factor in convincing county leaders to adopt speed cameras. Police said the driver — an 18-year-old who had just graduated from the school — was going 81 mph when he hit the students on Blake Lane at the Five Oaks Road intersection.
The pilot will also bring a speed camera to the construction work zone on Route 28 near Old Mill Road at the edge of Centreville. Crews are currently working to widen the road.
“The goal of the Speed Camera Pilot program is to improve the safety of our roads, protect pedestrians and motorists and prevent accidents,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said. “This program, in coordination with the Police Department and Fairfax County Public Schools, is a critical tool to deter dangerous behavior and ultimately save lives. As you drive in our neighborhoods and school zones — the message is clear, please take a moment to slow down.”
The county says thousands of drivers were seen exceeding the speed limit by over 10 mph during a survey of five school zones last year, suggesting that speeding “is prevalent” in those areas.
During the first 30 days of the pilot program, drivers caught speeding will receive a warning. After that, fines of up to $100 will start to kick in for any drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph.
Traffic safety, particularly for pedestrians, has emerged as a top priority for both the county’s elected officials and the police department this year after fatalities surged in 2022. The Board of Supervisors is also pushing for Fairfax County Public Schools to install cameras on its school buses, asking earlier this week why a program hasn’t already been implemented.
“We continue to see motorists traveling at speeds well above the posted speed limit and too many crashes are occurring in our county as a result,” Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said. “This program provides a great tool to help reduce speed, deter pedestrian crashes, and keep our communities safe.”
Local drivers got an introduction to speed cameras in Fairfax City, which launched them in school zones last year. Programs are also in the works in Alexandria, Arlington and Falls Church.
