Rain is pouring down on Fairfax County, raising the risk of flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the central portion of the county, including Oakton, Annandale, Merrifield and Fairfax City.
In effect until 6:30 p.m., the warning anticipates up to 3 inches of rain in the affected areas. As of 3:25 p.m., between half-an-inch and 1.5 inches had already fallen.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the NWS said. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Basement flooding can occur quickly and create a life-threatening situation. If you are in a basement, or a residence below street level, move to a higher floor immediately.”
The full flood warning is below:
* Flash Flood Warning for…
Western Arlington County in northern Virginia…
Central Fairfax County in northern Virginia…
The Northwestern City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…
The City of Fairfax in northern Virginia…
The City of Falls Church in northern Virginia…* Until 630 PM EDT.
* At 325 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE…Radar.
IMPACT…Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Fairfax, Falls Church and Arlington until 6:30pm.
Do not cross flooded roads
Watch for areas of high water
Lights on with wipers
Report flooded roads or downed trees to https://t.co/12wxgee8pi or 1-800-FOR-ROAD. https://t.co/mq7edyCf95
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) July 5, 2023
Biblical rain in Falls Church at the moment @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/9uHAjOjNAf
— Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) July 5, 2023
Black residents have experienced worse health outcomes than other populations across Northern Virginia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report found.
Commissioned by the Northern Virginia Health Foundation (NVHF) and conducted by the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Fairfax County section of the “Dying Too Soon” report found “stark” disparities across the county in the rates at which people die before the age of 75.
The report attributed the dramatic differences in life expectancies — from 76.5 years to 91.1 years — to an individual’s race, ethnicity and address, reflecting the influence of socioeconomic conditions on health outcomes.
According to the report, a lack of access to health care contributed to 66% of premature deaths in the county from 2015-2019 that were avoidable with preventative measures or treatment.
Throughout Northern Virginia, premature deaths are more concentrated within “islands of disadvantage,” where residents experience poor living conditions, higher mortality rates, and food and housing insecurity, the report says.
Residents of these neighborhoods are more likely to be people of color and immigrants, a disparity resulting from “the region’s history of segregation and systemic racism” and policies that “systematically block access” to health opportunities and increase exposure to unsafe health conditions, the report said.
Prior to the pandemic, Black people in Fairfax County had a premature death rate of 221.0 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the rates for white people (165.8 per 100,000), Hispanics (126.2 per 100,000) and Asians and Pacific Islanders (112.4 per 100,000).
Those disparities were consistent throughout the region, which “exhibits smaller racial-ethnic disparities” that other parts of the U.S., according to the report.
Though Fairfax County is often touted as one of the richest counties in the U.S., with a median income of $133,974, many of the wealthiest census tracts are located just a few blocks from islands of disadvantage.
In fact, the study says one census tract in Springfield has a premature death rate twice as high as that of a census tract in Franconia only two miles away. Each census tract also showed drastically different education and poverty rates and racial and ethnic compositions.
“I don’t think there’s a sense among the general public that these kinds of health inequities exist in a wealthy area like Northern Virginia, which in aggregate is doing quite well and has a very high quality of life,” Dr. Steven Woolf, lead study author and director emeritus of VCU’s Center on Society and Health, told FFXnow. “But when you zoom in like this to see what’s actually happening, neighborhood by neighborhood, you expose these these pockets of disadvantage that we want the public to know about.”
Census tracts with the highest premature death rates were in Seven Corners/Bailey’s Crossroads and Route 1 regions, according to the report’s summary. The study also reported that poverty rates in Seven Corners/Bailey’s Crossroads, Mount Vernon and Oakton “exceeded 20%, higher than poverty rates in countries like Estonia, Lithuania, Peru, Tajikistan, and Uganda.”
The Covid pandemic only worsened inequitable health outcomes, according to data collected in 2020-2021. The report says the county’s islands of disadvantage “experienced higher COVID-19 death rates,” and Northern Virginia as a whole saw “much higher” death rates among Hispanic and Black populations compared to Asian and white groups.
“COVID-19 simply pulled the veil back to show the public how bad these inequities are, but they’ve been with us for a very long time,” Woolf said. “There are policies of exclusion that limit the ability for people of color and low-income families to access opportunities and for health and wellbeing, and those barriers persist and will remain long after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed unless we change our policies.”
To combat these longstanding, widespread disparities, the study calls for increased access to health insurance and services, such as high-quality and affordable primary care, preventative care and chronic disease treatment. It further pushes for an increase in funding for “chronically underfunded” local public health departments that are still recovering from the “heightened demands” created by the pandemic.
The report also advocates for remedying “deficiencies” in the local behavioral health system by addressing shortages in mental health professionals and expanding access to mental health and substance abuse services.
Woolf emphasized the need to fund “social determinants of health,” including “education, jobs, fair wages, [and] affordable housing and transportation” to create more equitable outcomes.
“Data like ours that identify the precise census tracts experiencing the greatest threats to health and wellbeing can provide important insights to policymakers, service providers and funders,” NVHF President and CEO Patricia N. Mathews said in a press release. “They can help target investments in neighborhoods that have been neglected and prioritize efforts to improve living conditions by offering more affordable housing, expanding educational opportunities, and improving opportunities for employment.”
The report that NVHF released in 2017 identifying islands of disadvantage in the region has helped inform Fairfax County’s implementation of the One Fairfax policy, which commits local officials to considering equity when developing policies and services, says county Chief Equity Officer Karla Bruce.
“[The] most recent report, Dying Too Soon, illustrates the connection between social and economic conditions and health disparities and validates the value of the county’s investments in things like health care access, affordable housing, education, and workforce readiness,” Bruce said.
“The opportunity for good health should be available to all residents of Fairfax County,” the study concludes.
Linway Terrace Park in McLean inched closer last week to getting a new, turf baseball diamond.
At its meeting on June 28, the Fairfax County Park Authority board approved a $20,000 grant to the McLean Little League (MLL), which has proposed replacing the existing grass field at 6246 Linway Terrace with a synthetic turf field.
Synthetic turf will “provide an even and consistent playing surface that is more forgiving of wet conditions,” the park authority said.
MLL has committed to funding the remainder of the conversion, which will cost an estimated $1.2 million to $1.3 million. The grant, along with an initial $230,000 contribution from the little league, will cover the cost of design and permitting, according to the FCPA.
“We are currently working with the community to raise the funds required for this project,” MLL board member Bryan Orme said.
Though some community members have expressed concern about potential health risks posed by synthetic turf, Linway Terrace Park’s soccer and lacrosse fields have already been converted.
The park authority estimates that the baseball field conversion could start in the spring of 2025 and be completed that fall.
The park authority board also approved a Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant last week for new fencing at Frying Pan Farm Park in the Herndon area, according to a June 29 news release:
The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park has proposed replacing sections of degraded fencing with 2,666 linear feet of new oak board fencing around several of the farm’s pastures. The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park will be contributing matching funds in the amount of $19,995 to complete the funding needed for the project. Project completion is anticipated for early 2024.
The grant program helps fill gaps in funding for facility improvements at county parks undertaken by nonprofits, community groups and other volunteers. Grants can go up to $20,000, but they can’t exceed more than half of the project’s overall cost.
Since establishing the program in 1999, the FCPA has awarded approximately $2.08 million for a variety of projects, including trail and athletic field improvements.
With the summer tourism season in full swing, Virginia’s “LOVEworks” marketing campaign has traveled beyond the Commonwealth’s borders for the first time.
Last week, Fairfax County ventured up the I-95 corridor to give a sign to Philadelphia, launching an effort to draw the denizens of the City of Brotherly Love to the home of the first U.S. president, among other attractions.
Unveiled outside the Philadelphia Fashion District shopping mall on June 28, the new sign is the first one permanently gifted outside Virginia, according to Visit Fairfax, the county’s official tourism agency.
“On behalf of Fairfax County, we are so excited to welcome Philadelphians to our vibrant destination, and we hope this new campaign will inspire them to explore the many historical, cultural, natural and whimsical treasures found here,” Visit Fairfax President and CEO Barry Biggar said. “Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a lengthier family vacation to the National Capital Region, this campaign indeed highlights how easy it is to get to Northern Virginia and just how much this region has to offer.”
According to Visit Fairfax, Philadelphia already represents “major” source of tourism for the county based on visits, spending and website traffic.
However, the LOVE sign, which will be on display in Philly throughout the summer, is part of a new “multi-faceted, comprehensive and integrated” campaign that the agency has planned in conjunction with the statewide Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC).
Funded with money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the campaign will highlight connections between Virginia’s largest county and Pennsylvania’s largest city, Visit Fairfax says in a press release:
Campaign elements showcase the unique parallels between Fairfax County and Philadelphia and include digital display at Fashion District Philadelphia, traditional out of home, streaming audio and video, social media, and other in-market activations throughout the summer months. The campaign creative features iconic Fairfax County attractions that share a synergy with beloved Philly symbols, such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon paired with Independence Hall; Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge as the first to protect bald eagles paired with Philadelphia’s favorite football team; and Macerich-owned Tysons Corner Center, paired with its sister property, Fashion District Philadelphia; among others.
Visit Fairfax notes that the sign “complements” Philadelphia’s long-standing “LOVE” sculpture by artist Robert Indiana. The two installations are located less than a mile apart.
“We are definitely feeling the ‘love’ here at Fashion District Philadelphia,” Fashion District Philadelphia Property Manager Ryan Williams said. “…Northern Virginia is a wonderful visitor destination with so much to offer Philadelphians — the good feelings between our two East Coast regions are certainly mutual!”
The LOVEworks signs stem from the “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan adopted by the VTC — then called the Virginia State Travel Service — in 1969. The ad campaign attempted to appeal to younger generations in the hippie and free love era, according to the VTC’s website.
Since then, more than 300 signs have cropped up around Virginia, including at Tysons Corner Center, Reston Station and the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
“These signs are very popular with travelers coming to Virginia and are often the backdrop of visitors’ engagement photos, weddings, or other special occasions,” VTC Director of Communications Andrew Cothern said. “We hope residents of Philadelphia will see the LOVEwork in Fashion District and be inspired to plan a vacation in Virginia.”
Barely a year after relaunching its food hall, Tysons Galleria is angling for yet another reboot.
Andy’s Pizza, Empanadas De Mendoza and Twelve Twenty Coffee are the only eateries remaining on the mall’s third floor after the recent departure of Urbanspace, the New York-based market operator that oversaw the “Taste of Urbanspace” food hall.
Brookfield Properties, which owns Tysons Galleria, confirmed to FFXnow that it “did part ways” with Urbanspace after more than four years, a period disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The developer was unable to share details about what led to the breakup, but it hasn’t given up on the space.
“We have new tenants that will be announced soon,” Brookfield spokesperson Lindsay Kahn said, stating that the property owner is now handling the leasing itself instead of using a partner.
Urbanspace didn’t return a request for comment by press time.
In the meantime, however, the loss of Urbanspace has added an element of uncertainty for at least one of the remaining shops.
Emphasizing that she wasn’t speaking for either of the other vendors, Twelve Twenty Coffee owner Victoria Smith describes the future as “really in limbo right now” for a floor that has seen plenty of upheaval over the years.
“Since Twelve Twenty has been at Tysons, there’s been a lot of change,” she said. “…For us, I would say that we are definitely blessed to have a space, but it’s challenging. It’s a challenging space.”
Toward the top of the list is the stress of covering rent and other expenses, a challenge familiar to any small business, particularly in an expensive area like Tysons. But Smith also cites more specific hurdles, like the mall’s 11 a.m. opening time — less than ideal for a coffee shop — and the loss of the lunchtime office crowd that was once a core part of the mall’s customer base.
Then, there’s the arrangement with Urbanspace, which Smith says may have created “a disconnect” when it came to marketing and communications.
When discussing Twelve Twenty Coffee, Smith likes to highlight its status as a woman-owned, Black-owned business and her commitment to working with other local, women and/or minority-owned businesses, such as Toimoi Bakery and Bisnonna Bakeshop.
Press materials for the food hall’s relaunch last year, however, mostly focused on Smith’s previous role as an events director and assistant general manager for Urbanspace Tysons.
“They’re not sharing our stories, how we want to be represented or the information we’d like them to know, because it kind of seemed like it was a little bit…third party, I guess?” Smith said. “You know, when it’s like a step removed, when you’re not talking to someone, it’s not as personal or whatever.”
Taste of Urbanspace opened in December 2018 as a replacement for Isabella Eatery, a food hall that shut down after just nine months of operations following declining sales and a sexual harassment lawsuit against its namesake, celebrity chef Mike Isabella.
The initial lineup included Andy’s Pizza, Alexandria coffee shop Stomping Ground, Ice Cream Jubilee, the Laotian restaurant Sen Khao, and the Japanese restaurant Donburi. Twelve Twenty was part of a second wave of tenants that included the sandwich pop-up LaoWich and Cantonese eatery Hei Hei Tiger.
Born in D.C. and raised in Fairfax County, Smith says she had long dreamed of owning her own coffee shop. Named after the birthday she shares with her boyfriend, who she met while they were working as baristas about eight years ago, Twelve Twenty opened just three months before Covid shut everything down.
Andy’s Pizza reopened later in 2020 and Empanadas De Mendoza arrived in late 2021, but Urbanspace didn’t officially relaunch until March 22, 2022. By then, some old tenants were gone for good, while others like Twelve Twenty and Hei Hei tried to get a fresh start alongside two newcomers — London Chippy and the Ghanian pop-up Hedzole.
Just 15 months later, the food hall has dwindled to three occupants. Donburi, one of the original tenants, closed permanently in early February, according to an employee at the business’ D.C. restaurant.
Donburi owner James Jang, who also runs Ingle Korean Steakhouse in Pike 7 Plaza, didn’t comment on the decision to leave Tysons Galleria, but the Donburi team is seeking a new location “in the area.”
“The new restaurant will be a full service restaurant with a larger menu,” Jang told FFXnow.
As Tysons Galleria starts a new chapter for its third floor, Smith is hopeful that more people will discover that the mall has “a great space to sit, get work done, get food, walk around.”
“I’ve seen all the effects of everything since the pandemic,” she said. “…When we first started, we were like, ‘Okay, this is how we’re going to do this,’ and then after the pandemic, it’s definitely shifted. So, we’ve just got to shift with it, I guess.”
No Elevated Bacteria Levels at Lake Accotink — “More than 24 hours after bacterial testing began on the water in Lake Accotink following a sewage spill, results show bacteria levels are not elevated. This indicates the cleanup effort was done in time to prevent downstream contamination from reaching Lake Accotink. As a result, there is no continued concern regarding human exposure to untreated sewage in the lake.” [DPWES]
Supreme Court Passes on Lawsuit Against Sheriff’s Office — “The Supreme Court on Friday said it would not review a decision holding that gender dysphoria is covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act…Leaving the decision undisturbed means that Kesha Williams’s lawsuit against the Fairfax County, Va., sheriff can proceed.” [The Washington Post]
FCPS Employee Arrested on Child Porn Charge — “A Fairfax County Public Schools employee was arrested on Friday in connection with possession of child sexual abuse material…Police said the material that Betts is accused of possessing came from the internet and that detectives do not believe there is any involvement with” FCPS students. [Patch]
Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested — “Two men have been arrested for robbery after arranging to sell a car online. On June 25 police responded to an armed robbery in the 4300 block of Americana Drive in Annandale. Police found the victim who had sustained multiple lacerations on her head.” [FCPD]
No Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday This Year — “You won’t have a sales tax holiday to look forward to in August, as you have in years past. Virginia ended its weekend without sales taxes on clothing, school items, and appliances this year.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Hybla Valley Nonprofit Expands Food Pantry — “United Community’s (UC) Choice Food Pantry [reopened] Monday, July 3 after a major renovation and expansion that allows clients to walk through and select their own food, including fresh meat and fresh fruits and vegetables.” [On the MoVe]
Fireworks Stand a Fixture Outside Rose Hill Safeway — “Putting on your own fireworks show is an annual tradition for many in the area. ‘[You’ve got a lot of] pyros around here,’ said Oscar Thrower, assistant manager at the Alexandria Gorilla Fireworks stand…Thrower and his boss Christine have been at that location for the better part of a decade…and he’s something of a local celebrity.” [WTOP]
Tysons Sees Uptick in Apartment Costs — “Despite a recent uptick, apartment-hunters in Tysons are getting better deals than they did a year ago…The median Tysons apartment-rental rates in June stood at $1,998 for one-bedroom units and $2,389 for two-bedroom units, according to figures reported by Apartment List.” [Gazette Leader]
Metro Temporary Art Initiative Underway — “Trains have been temporarily taking on vibrant new shades: navy blue with a big red ribbon for the holidays, pink and white for cherry blossom season, and a big rainbow motif for Pride month…The initiative was spurred on by new WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke, who has wanted riders to feel proud of the system and feel a sense of ownership in taking care of it.” [DCist]
It’s Wednesday — A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 20%. At night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. [Weather.gov]
Residents near Ruckstuhl Park in Idylwood will soon have a trail, playground and other amenities to explore, but first, they must endure some construction.
Active site work to implement the master plan for the 7.2-acre park at 2445 Idylwood Road is expected to begin by early July, the Fairfax County County Park Authority said yesterday (Thursday).
The Arlington-based company TMG Construction has been contracted for the project.
“During construction, neighbors may experience occasional construction traffic entering and exiting the park via Idylwood Road,” the FCPA said.
Approved by the park authority’s board in December, the planned new amenities include a trail loop, a nature-themed playground, a picnic pavilion, an open play area, a “fitness cluster” and a parking lot with up to 20 spaces.
The project stems from a Ruckstuhl Park master plan developed in 2015 after the FCPA bought the land from the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, which had acquired it as a donation from former resident Dr. Lily Ruckstuhl.
The park authority estimates that the project to develop the park will cost a total of $2.5 million, which is being covered by park bond sales approved by voters in 2020.
“Construction is projected to be completed by summer 2024,” the FCPA said.
The Fourth of July may be on a Tuesday this year, but Fairfax County residents can celebrate with fireworks starting this weekend.
On Tuesday, it’s possible to see the National Mall fireworks from locations along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. But fireworks shows will light up the skies around Fairfax County, too.
Here’s a roundup of fireworks events starting tomorrow (Saturday).
Saturday, July 1
- McLean Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Langley High School (6520 Georgetown Pike): activities start at 6:30 p.m., free
- Lake Fairfax Fireworks at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston): activities start at 12 p.m., $20 tickets at gate or free for bikers and pedestrians
- FireWorks at the Workhouse Arts Center (9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton): activities start at 6 p.m., $40 admission or free for bikers and pedestrians.
Sunday, July 2
- Vienna’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks at Yeonas Park (1319 Ross Drive SW): activities start at 4 p.m., free
- City of Fairfax Evening Show & Fireworks at Fairfax High School Stadium (3501 Lion Run): activities start at 6:30 p.m., free
- Falls Church Independence Day Fireworks & Celebration at Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley): activities start at 6 p.m., free
Tuesday, July 4
- Town of Herndon Fireworks at Bready Park (814 Ferndale Avenue): activities start at 6:30 p.m., free
- An American Celebration at Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway): activities start at 9:30 a.m., event covered with regular admission of $26 for ages 12 and up, $13 for ages 6 to 11, and free for children 5 and under
- Fireworks & Fun at Turner Farm Park (925 Springvale Road, Great Falls): activities start at 6 p.m., free with suggested $20 per family donation
A Fairfax County police officer watches traffic pass through a 25 mph school zone (via FCPD)
A number of new laws will take effect in Virginia this weekend, including expanded school zones, a prohibition on sexual harassment non-disclosure agreements, and classification of fentanyl as a “weapon of terrorism.”
Most laws passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor each year go into effect on July 1, which marks the beginning of the new fiscal year.
This year, nearly 740 bills were signed into law. Some are more mundane, while others could significantly impact Fairfax County residents, like last year’s banning of ticket quotas and medical marijuana patients no longer needing to register with the state.
Here are nine noteworthy laws going into effect tomorrow (Saturday) in Virginia:
Prohibiting sexual harassment non-disclosure agreements
Introduced by local Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), HB 1895 — also known as the Silenced No More Act — prohibits any non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the “purpose or effect of concealing the details of a sexual harassment claim.” If any such agreement does exist, it’s now “void and unenforceable,” per the new law. It mirrors recently enacted laws in other states as well as federal protections.
Assaulting a public transportation operator now leads to additional jail time
As attacks on bus drivers increase, HB 2330 now makes assaulting public transportation operators a Class 1 misdemeanor. That means a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. The legislation, introduced by Del. Delores McQuinn of Richmond, also bans those convicted from using public transit systems.
However, critics say assailants often flee the scene prior to being arrested, suggesting the new law may not be particularly effective.
Fentanyl as “a weapon of terrorism”
Fentanyl overdoses have increasingly become a major concern, particularly among young adults, in Fairfax County and nationwide. To impose harsher penalties on the drug’s manufacturing and distribution, SB 1188 and identical bill HB 1682 reclassify fentanyl as a “weapon of terrorism,” making those acts Class 4 felonies that could carry up to 10 years of jail time.
The new law is similar to ones in other states, though critics say the law doesn’t take into account context or circumstances, and increasing penalties could make people less likely to call authorities when someone they are with overdoses.
Solicitation of a minor disqualifying for potential public school workers
Along with physical and sexual abuse, solicitation of a minor has been added as an offense that will bar someone from being employed or doing contract work for a public school, if convicted, under HB 1822.
The legislation is partially in response to last year’s conviction of a then-Fairfax County Public Schools counselor who solicited prostitution from a minor in Chesterfield. While the man was arrested in November and convicted in March, FCPS didn’t fire him until August. An investigation found Chesterfield officials didn’t notify FCPS until months after the incident. The Chesterfield Police Department claimed emails bounced back and went to spam.
Dedicated school contact for law enforcement
Also spurred by the FCPS counselor case is a new law requiring all Virginia public school divisions to designate a contact for law enforcement and courts related to fielding any reports of school employee arrests or convictions. SB 821 was introduced by local lawmaker Scott Surovell (D-36).
Increasing the size of the school zone
School zone boundaries are increasing from 600 feet to 750 feet from school property, allowing localities to reduce speed limits around schools to 25 mph. Speeding and road safety have become major concerns locally. Last year, a driver allegedly speeding near Oakton High School struck and killed several pedestrians.
Drivers must slow down for stalled vehicles
As another traffic safety measure, drivers will now be required to “make a lane change or reduce speed when passing stationary vehicles” with activated hazard lights, caution signs or “properly lit flares or torches on certain highways when safe and reasonable to do so.” The expansion of Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which currently just addresses emergency vehicles, was introduced in the senate by Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37).
Drones can’t be used to spy or peep
With the proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, a new law says a drone can’t be used to “secretly or furtively peep, spy, or attempt to peep or spy into or through a window, door, or other aperture of any building.” HB 1583 was introduced by local Del. Rip Sullivan (D-48). It passed the House and Senate unanimously.
Raising the minimum wage for employees with disabilities
Currently, an exemption under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act lets employers pay disabled workers based on a “productivity calculation” instead of at least minimum wage. Virginia will eventually stop that practice, thanks to a new bill introduced by Del. Patrick Hope (D-47). However, Gov. Glenn Youngkin amended the bill to continue the exemption until 2030.
The original bill called for step increases, including one to take effect on July 1, that would have gotten pay up to the Virginia minimum wage by 2027. But the governor took away the gradual increase, instead just eliminating the exemption in its entirety in 2030.
Photo via FCPD
Metro Waives Nighttime Fares for Independence Day — “Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess will be fare-free on Tuesday, July 4 from 5 p.m. until the system closes, with frequent service to the National Mall and other celebrations across the region…Signage will be posted throughout the stations and on buses to communicate that customers do not need SmarTrip cards if using Metro after 5 p.m.” [WMATA]
New Route 50 Intersection Opens Ahead of Schedule — Construction on the Route 50 and Waples Mill Road intersection in Fairfax has finished nearly two months ahead of schedule. Part of the I-66 Outside the Beltway toll lanes project, the changes include a new left-turn lane from westbound Route 50 to southbound Waples Mill and a new pedestrian crossing and refuge island. [VDOT]
GMU Says It’s Unaffected by Supreme Court Ruling — The U.S. Supreme Court decision “barring the consideration of race for college admissions will not disrupt admissions operations at George Mason University…George Mason’s admissions processes are race-neutral and have been test-optional for undergraduate admissions since 2007, more than a decade ahead of the national trend.” [GMU]
Traffic Shift Needed for Hunter Mill Road Bridge — “On Friday, June 30 around noon, weather permitting, Hunter Mill Road (Route 674) traffic will shift to the other side of the new bridge over Colvin Run between Crowell Road (Route 675) and Cobble Mill Road…One lane of alternating traffic will travel across the newly constructed portion of the bridge while the other side of the bridge is closed in order to construct the median/splitter island.” [VDOT]
Abortion Access at Risk in Virginia After End of Roe v. Wade — “Abortion is currently legal in Virginia within the first and second trimesters, a fact that isolates it from almost all of its neighbors. This fall’s election, however, could open an avenue for a GOP-backed ban if Republicans take control of the General Assembly.” [DCist]
Lake Accotink Gets Funds to Remove Invasive Plants — The Fairfax County Park Foundation has received a $40,000 three-year grant to “treat three sites totaling approximately 7.2 acres of invasive plants at Lake Accotink. This IMA project will target vines that are threatening trees and other invasive plants that need to be kept from spreading” [FCPA]
New Bikeshare Station Added in Tysons — Capital Bikeshare installed its newest Fairfax County station yesterday at Westbranch Drive and Jones Branch Drive, part of an ongoing expansion of its network in Tysons, Idylwood and elsewhere in the Providence District. The company also rolled out updated e-bicycles this spring. [Capital Bikeshare/Twitter]
Mount Vernon School Welcomes Solar Panel — “School may be out for the summer, but Riverside Elementary School’s new solar array will keep harnessing sunlight and converting it into energy delivered to the school for classroom study this fall.” Riverside is the third recipient of Dominion Energy’s Solar for Students grant program in Fairfax County Public Schools. [On the MoVe]
It’s Friday — A slight chance of showers between 2pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87, dropping to a low of 64 at night. A Code Orange Air Quality alert has been issued for the day. [Weather.gov]
