Falls Church News-Press 8-6-2020 by Falls Church News-Press

August 6 – 12, 2020

FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE

FOU N D E D 1991 • V OL. X XX NO. 25

C�� F�� C��’� I��, L��-O�� N�� R��, S�� N�. V��

2 Local Activists Declare Intent To Fill Council Seat Both Hiscott & Shokoor Offer Diverse Experience

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Two longtime City of Falls Church activists, Debbie Hiscott and Josh Shokoor, have been the only ones to announce so far they’ll be running for the now-open seat on the Falls Church City Council. The Falls Church Council voted Monday to seek a writ from the Arlington Circuit Court for holding a special election on November 3 to fill the vacancy on the Council caused by the death of Councilman Daniel X. Sze last week. The timetable for prospective candidates in that election is enormously compressed as F.C. City Attorney Carol McKoskrie told the Council at its work session Monday. The deadline to file with the Registrar of Voters at City Hall is 5 p.m. next Friday, Aug.14. Already, two Falls Church residents have announced their intention to seek the seat for an unexpired term running to Dec. 31, 2021, a

well-known civic engager, Debbie Hiscott, a long-time City resident currently executive director of the Falls Church Education Foundation, and Josh Shokoor, a lifelong City resident, George Mason High School Class of 2005 graduate with a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University and member of the City’s Housing Commission. The seat will be up for election to a regular four-year term in November 2021. It is the first time since 2000 that a seat was vacated on the Falls Church City Council requiring action to be filled. That last time was when Kathy Winckler resigned from the Council to accept an appointment from the newly-elected George W. Bush U.S. presidential transition team to a post requiring her to move to Texas. In that case, Winckler’s unexpired term was filled by a vote of the Council (it chose Marty Meserve, who went on

Continued on Page 5

AUTUMN TRADITIONS, such as the annual Bell Game between crosstown rivals Justice High School and Falls Church High School, will be put on hold until February following the Virginia High School League’s decision to postpone fall sports until early 2021 (P��: J. M�� W��)

Shuﬄed Sports Schedule Leaves Fall Programs in New Position BY MATT DELANEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The Virginia High School League’s decision to have the fall sports season run in the early part of the spring has brought a mix of relief

and wariness toward the obstacles still ahead for the coaches of local programs. VHSL’s executive committee opted to use the third model its staff had proposed during its July 27 meeting out of concern for the

spreading coronavirus. With that decision, fall sports will take place from Feb. 15 – May 1, with winter sports going from Dec. 14 until Feb. 20 and spring sports starting April 12 and concluding June 26. Though Dr. Billy Haun, the orga-

nization’s executive director, said none of the dates are etched in stone during a press conference following the announcement. He noted that it’s all dependent on how Virginia progresses through the pandemic. In a statement that joined the

announcement, Haun said, “We all understand the physical and mental health benefits of getting our students back to a level of participation. The Condensed Interscholastic Plan leaves open the opportunity to play all sports in all three seasons

Continued on Page 4

I�� T�� W�� L�� S�� S�� A�� D�� Q��

C�� C�� S�� C�� S�� R��

F.C. H�� P�� C�� ‘H�� T��’ P�� R��

SEE NEWS & NOTES, PAGE 11

SEE NEWS&NOTES, PAGE 11

SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 15

Virtual campouts where scouts stream a movie together, merit badge challenges that can be done at home and checked by counselors and family hikes where scouts pick up trash throughout the City of Falls Church have kept one local troop busy this spring and summer.

Falls Church theater company Creative Cauldron has teamed up with the new Mission Lofts in Bailey’s Crossroads to host the Cauldron’s Summer Cabaret series in the complex’s courtyard, with performnances continuing through the next number of weeks.

By a unanimous vote last week members of the City of Falls Church’s Historical Commission forwarded a recommendation to the Planning Commission that a plaque marking the location of a so-called “Hanging Tree” be removed

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 News & Notes................................... 11 Comment ................................ 7,12,13 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 14 Classified Ads ................................... 16 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 17 Critter Corner.................................... 18 Business News ................................. 19

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 2 | AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF THE APPLICATION OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER US-3, COLONIAL TRAIL WEST AND SPRING GROVE 1 SOLAR PROJECTS CASE NO. PUR-2020-00122 •Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause Rider US-3. Dominion requests a total revenue requirement of approximately $38.7 million for its 2021 Rider US-3. According to Dominion, this amount would increase the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.16. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hear the case on January 12, 2021, at 10 a.m. On July 1, 2020, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code of Virginia, filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an annual update of the Company’s rate adjustment clause, Rider US-3 (“Application”). Through its Application, the Company seeks to recover costs associated with two utility scale solar photovoltaic generating facilities: (i) the Colonial Trail West Solar Facility, an approximately 142 megawatt (“MW”) (nominal alternating current (“AC”)) facility located in Surry County; and (ii) the Spring Grove 1 Solar Facility, an approximately 98 MW AC facility located in Surry County (collectively, “US-3 Solar Projects” or “Projects”). Dominion also filed a Motion for Entry of a Protective Ruling, as well as a proposed Protective Ruling with its Application. On January 24, 2019, and April 15, 2019, respectively, the Commission approved Dominion’s construction and operation of the US-3 Solar Projects and also approved a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider US-3, for the Company to recover costs associated with the construction of the Projects. On March 20, 2020, the Commission approved the first annual update to Rider US-3 and directed the Company to file its next Rider US-3 annual update on or after July 1, 2020. In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider US-3 for the rate year beginning June 1, 2021, and ending May 31, 2022 (“2021 Rate Year”). The two key components of the proposed total revenue requirement for the 2021 Rate Year are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-Up Factor. The Company is requesting recovery of a Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of approximately $33,154,062 and an Actual Cost True-Up Factor revenue requirement of $5,545,991, resulting in a 2021 Rate Year total revenue requirement of $38,700,053. The Company is utilizing a rate of return on common equity of 9.2% in this proceeding consistent with the Commission’s Final Order in Case No. PUR-2019-00050. If the proposed Rider US-3 for the 2021 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider US-3 on June 1, 2021, would increase the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.16. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals. TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents. A public hearing on the Application shall be convened on January 12, 2021, at 10 a.m., to receive testimony of public witnesses and the evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Further details on the hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling. The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the state and federal levels. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter should be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371-9838 to arrange the delivery. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information. An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Audrey T. Bauhan, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or audrey.t.bauhan@dominionenergy.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On or before January 5, 2021, any interested person may file comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: https://scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00122. On or before October 13, 2020, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00122. On or before October 27, 2020, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00122. Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The Company’s Application, the Commission’s Rules of Practice and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed at: https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY d/b/a DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA

AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020 | PAGE 3

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JD sold more homes in Falls Church last year than any other agent! Per MLS

RENTAL - $4200/month 2008 Freedom Lane, Falls Church

$649,900

JD CALLANDER Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide

900 N. Stafford St, N. Arlington

*WONDERFUL* 5BR/3 full BA home in sought-after Nantucket community! This spacious home features light/bright kitchen, huge family room with fireplace; elegant living and formal dining rms; Haycock, Longfellow & McLean schools!

*MUST-SEE* 2BR/2 full bath condo on 22nd floor w/ 1230 finished sq feet! *DIRECT ACCESS* to Ballston metro and mall! New granite counters in the kitchen; hardwood floors in living room & hall; 1-car space avail; super building amenities!

Falls Church City Schools!

#1 Agent, COMPANYWIDE

RENTED!

JUST LISTED!

Amazing Skyline Views!!

GREAT 3BR/1 full and 1 half bath 2-level home in sought-after Winter Hill! 3 upstairs bedrooms; kitchen eat-in space; fenced-in patio; assigned parking!

Falls Church City Schools!

*SOLD in UNDER a WEEK!*

*UNDER CONTRACT in 1 day!*

703.606.7901

JD@newNOVAhome.com www.newNOVAhome.com

RENTAL - $2195/month

238 S. Virginia Ave, FC City

$1,175,000

$719,000

# 1 Listing Agent 235 Gundry Drive, Falls Church City #1 Selling Agent 708 Highland Avenue, Falls Church City #1 Total Volume *FABULOUS* 4BR/4.5 BA home on 3 finished levels with hardwood floors; *GORGEOUS* 3BR/3.5 BA end-unit townhome on 3 finished levels in sought-after kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters & breakfast Winter Hill location! Hardwood floors on main and upper levels; fully renovated #1 Total Transactions light/bright bar! Living & breakfast rm area with Fr door walkouts to lovely deck; fin LL kitchen with French doors; separate update dining room; new roof, new patio, new Weichert/Dolley with expansive rec/family room w/ fireplace, plus bedroom, full bath & storage! Madison Office

Weichert 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd McLean, VA 22101 703-760-8880

landscaping! Updated flooring, remodeled bath; Falls Church City Schools!

Call to sign-up for a virtual 1-on-1 appointment with JD!

Build Your Dream, On Your Lot! Tear Down & Rebuild! Clarendon Model Open House

©Design Basics, Inc.

Saturday, Aug. 8th and Sunday, Aug. 9th 12 Noon to 4 PM, Both Days 2127 Greenwich Street in Falls Church

The Clarendon Model Base Price $429,900*

4086 Sq. Feet • 5 Bedrooms • 5 Baths * On Your Lot, Site Development, & Utilities Not Included

NDI 00111 NDI_Clarendon 8/8_FCNP_Ad.indd 1

new dimensions inc. Dream. Build. Live.

NDICustomHomes

NewDimensionsInc.

newdimensionsinc.com

hello@newdimensionsinc.com • 1-800-406-8555

8/3/20 11:06 AM

LO CA L

PAGE 4 | AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020

Keeping Senior Seasons Alive Is Good, But Fall Sports Still Adapting to Change

Continued from Page 1

if Virginia moves beyond Phase III and/or Phase III guidelines are revised and High Risk Activities are allowed. “This plan also allows schools the opportunity to open the year and get school started and deal with issues such as schedules, academic plans, transportation, dealing with possible outbreaks of COVID in the school.” All sports are affected by the abridged schedule that will compress schedules down to about 60 percent of their normal length. Multi-sport athletes who are in the middle of a deep playoff run for one sport also risk missing out on games during the 2020-21 sports seasons. Normally, for example, an athlete who had made the state tournament in one sport would only miss early season practices or even scrimmages in their next sport. But fall sports have undergone the most drastic alterations, with their sports beginning nearly six months into the school year. Coaches, however, are just happy that the potential for a season still remains. “I believe VHSL made the correct decision to at least give all sports an opportunity to play this school year,” Adam Amerine, George Mason High School’s football coach, wrote to the News-Press. “We obviously need people to be responsible and continue to practice good hygiene habits so we get the chance to get on the field and back in school as soon as possible for this model to work.” Said Aziz, Falls Church High School’s football coach, believes it’s a coin flip whether or not the season will actually happen. To him, it hinges upon a vaccine being made available in time. Jeff Buck, Mason’s cross country coach, wrote to the News-Press to say he was disappointed about the delay, but wasn’t surprised due to the state of the pandemic. Mason’s volleyball coach Derek Baxter also “read the tea leaves” about the delayed start, and was just happy there’s a plan in place since he didn’t want to have to say goodbye to the team’s eight seniors early. The weather is the most obvious change to the schedule. A season that normally starts in the August heat and ends in the autumn chill of November is currently planned to bridge the transition between winter and spring in 2021. But it’s not causing too much concern for coaches. Mild winters over the past few

years have curbed any excitement from Aziz that players would be competing in the snow. Meanwhile, Buck mentioned that athletes tend to under-hydrate in colder temperatures, so it’s something to watch out for, as is keeping warm for their competitions. One sport that’s dependent on ideal conditions is golf. Seth Richardson coaches the team at Falls Church High and, under normal circumstances, doesn’t see why the sport is lumped in with other fall programs because its season mostly takes place during the end of the summer. With the shift to a February start, it not only has his athletes competing in the cold weather, but he fears it could overlap with the maintenance most local courses do at that time of the year. “Golf is one of the few sports where you can truly keep social distance at all times. I have played golf every month during the Covid19 crisis and have never been fearful for my health nor my safety,” Richardson wrote to the News-Press. “Golfing for high school golfers is one of the easier ways for them to maintain a sense of normalcy. I only wish that the scheduling could have stayed ‘normal’ so that my athletes could have their regular August routine uninterrupted.” Darrell General, the cross country and distance track coach at Marshall High School, sees a different problem with the lack of fall season. Some of his athletes are banking on a strong senior year to pique the interest of college recruiters. The pressure had already been turned up after their spring track season was lost due to the public health emergency. Now, the Thanksgiving weekend capstone where students usually hear from colleges is also not an option. For his distance runners, the regular three-mile races of the cross coun-

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

try season help them prepare for the speedier one and two-mile races during winter and spring track, General said. With the order flip-flopped due to the pandemic, General continued, he believes they’ll have a harder time gauging their conditioning. That’s not an issue for Aziz’s program at Falls Church High, since he doesn’t have any top-tier athletes who would forgo a senior season to train with their college by springtime. And Division 2 and Division 3 schools recruit up until their season starts, according to Aziz, so those offers are still in play. Yet preparations are seen as a challenge to some. Aziz thinks the lack of two-a-days will leave the team cramming a preseason in during the school year. And Buck said the lack of base training mileage will be harder to build up for runners as well without summer conditionings. Amerine, on the other hand, said his team will be better prepared come February due to more team meetings, conditioning and team activities in the winter. And the year-round nature of club volleyball has Baxter thinking his team will spend less time getting into competition shape and can jump right into the season. The logistics coaches are responsible for negotiating behind the scenes hasn’t dampened any optimism from the students’ perspectives. All coaches, including Richardson’s golfers, are enthusiastic that their season’s are being given a shot at happening. A bonus positive, if sports can resume as planned, is the new high school in the City of Falls Church will be completed by the time fall sports are supposed to start. “[Senior] Walt [Roou] noted that if everything works out and we play, we’ll hopefully be entering the field from the new school, which would be very exciting and something I didn’t even think about,” Amerine said.

More at FCNP.com Goodwin House Lives Out Its Values • Goodwin House’s Gold Level rating for LGBT cultural competency — the first of its kind in Northern Virginia — is more about living out its values, than it is about recognition.

F.C. Author Compares U.S. & Roman Empires • If the Roman Empire never collapsed, would society be far more advanced than where we are today? That’s the subject of a new novel by Falls Church history buff Martin Missaiel.

HAVING A FINAL SEASON for George Mason High School’s volleyball seniors like Roza Gal (top) puts head coach Derek Baxter’s mind at ease. But adjusting from the summer heat to the winter cold brings its own challenges for cross country coach Jeff Buck and his Mustang runners. (P��: C�� S��)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020 | PAGE 5

Council Hopefuls Bring Lengthy Resumes in Education, Housing Continued from Page 1

to serve another term as vice mayor). The timing of the vacancy this time requires a public election rather than a Council vote, being more than 90 days out from the next election. It is unconfirmed that this is the first time a seat had to be filled due to the death of an acting Council member. (News-Press archives go back only to 1991, and those of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library are stashed away in storage while the library building is renovated and expanded.) At Monday’s Council meeting, Mayor David Tarter called for a moment of silence in memory of Sze, who lost a battle with cancer to die at age 69 on July 27. Tarter termed Sze “a passionate supporter of the City” during his 10 years on the Council who contributed enormously to the adoption of pro-environmental policies such as the impending “Net Zero” energy new high school and offered best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth, and his family.

Noting that flags were flown at half mast at City Hall for a full week, and also for a day in Arlington, he called Sze’s passing “a huge loss for the City.” While news about the compressed timetable for selecting a replacement came out late last week, Hiscott was ready to announce her plans this Monday, and has already begun the process of obtaining the minimum of 125 valid signatures of registered voters in the City. Shokoor told the News-Press last night that “I have allies who want to help and we’re just getting started.” By way of Facebook and email announcements, Hiscott asked supporters to come to her home in the Broadmont area of the City where a table has been set up by the sidewalk for petition forms to be signed, being in deference to social distancing factors. After Shokoor completed his post graduate schooling, he had been working on affordable housing issues, and works for the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. Hiscott brings deep ties to the Falls Church community, espe-

THE TWO Falls Church locals vying for the vacated seat on F.C.’s council are Education Foundation’s director Debbie Hiscott and Housing Commission veteran Josh Shokoor. (C�� P��) cially from her work with the nonprofit F.C. Education Foundation which in recent years has been host to two of the biggest fundraising events of the year, a gala banquet at the Washington Golf

and Country Club in Arlington in the spring and a “Fun Run” in the fall. In a campaign announcement statement issued yesterday, Hiscott wrote about Councilman

Sze, “He and I shared a long-term commitment to the City of Falls Church and I would hope to continue his legacy. My aim would

Continued on Page 18

PAGE 6 | AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020 

One of the Nation’s Foremost Weekly Newspapers, Serving N. Virginia

(Published Weekly by Benton Communications, Inc.)

FOUNDED IN 1991

Vol. XXX, No. 25 August 6 – 12, 2020 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

N�� F. B�� O�� E��-I�-C�� .��

N�� G�� A�� S�� A�� .��

M�� D�� N�� E��

��.��

M�� M�� A�� O�� .��

C�� C��, T�� W�� C�� T�� W�� C�� E�� J�� I�� C�� M�� .��

T� C�� N��-P�� : 703-532-3267 ��: 703-342-0347 ��: ��.�� .�� .�� .�� .��

WWW.FCNP.COM The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave.., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2020 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E��

E D I TO R I A L

Make Sure We Get Whole Foods

According to Falls Church City Hall, the Insight Group that is hoping to put a gigantic Whole Foods supermarket at the intersection of Route 29 and 7 (a.k.a. N. Washington and E. Broad) will be submitting a revised special exception application later this week. They’ve been advised by City staff that in the form most recently submitted, it is uncertain it could get Council approval. We urge the City Council to come to grips with the realities that we are confronting in the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic crisis, including the sharp economic contraction associated with it. It simply must get Whole Foods to do what Whole Foods already wants to do, to locate in the center of Falls Church to create a magnet in a way it’s already been shown no other supermarket can. The pandemic’s relatively manageable impact that’s been felt so far in the City of Falls Church and environs may be masking an underlying reality that could become wholly ruinous worldwide, nationwide and locally. This is no time to toy with serious offers for such huge financial benefits for all our citizens. The massively downsized Covid-19 economy has caused many shifts that will perhaps never be get back to the way it was before even just a few months ago. Working from home, limiting travel and huge cuts in discretionary spending are opening the door for a paradigm shift that may not be a bad thing. On the contrary, we may be facing a unique opportunity at a national moral and priorities reset, away from the hyper-consumerist economy to one that is once again rooted in productivity and advances in science and technology applied to bettering the overall human condition. You know, the way it was for a decade or so after the end of World War II. Falls Church needs to see itself at the cutting edge of this new start, and begin moving that way. The F.C. Finance Office is reporting that in this current environment, the biggest tax paying winners are residences and supermarkets. The City’s taxpayers are almost 100 percent paid up on their taxes and its grocery stores are making up remarkably well for revenue declines in other areas, including restaurants. It is wrong to sacrifice a mega-supermarket in an attempt to shore up three local restaurants. No, we need all the parties to succeed. Negotiations cannot be defined as a “zero sum game,” where one side wins and the other loses. It is required that a way be found to “play it forward” to a win-win outcome. That takes leadership. Remarkably, developers are still really interested in building here. In this context we strongly urge the Council to not look a gift horse in the mouth and make sure that Whole Foods comes into the City with bells on. It would be a catastrophic failure if that wound up not happening.

L��

Odd Time To Bring Up Gun Ban On F.C. City Property Editor, Falls Church is considering an ordinance to ban the carrying of firearms in certain City venues. Because of all the talk about defunding and/or reforming the police, it seems to be an odd time to be giving the police more reasons to make contact with citizens. Suppose someone inadvertently enters a no-gun zone with a

gun. A police officer notices and issues commands to the suspect, who complies as best as can be expected under the stress of the interaction with the police. The officer, perhaps on edge, misinterprets aspects of the compliance and the situation escalates. We would hope for a non-tragic outcome, but if the suspect or the officer is harmed, it would have happened because of the

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

P�� 1. Keep the news clean and fair.

2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy. 3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial comment. 4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe. 5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

6. Give “value received” for every dollar you take in. 7. Make the paper show profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

ADVERTISE IN THE

The News-Press is delivered to every household and many businesses in the City of Falls Church (22046), and to many homes and businesses (but not all) in the adjacent 22041, 22042, 22043, 22044 and 22205 zip codes. Its total circulation of 10,000 per issue is greater than any other newspaper in the distribution area, including dailies. For complete advertising information, call us or check out our web site.

Call 532-3267 x2274 or visit www.FCNP.com

All original and some syndicated content is accessible via the Falls Church News-Press online site, www.FCNP.com. FCNP.com also includes photos, stories, ads and more not appearing in the print edition.

For information on online advertising, please contact Nick Gatz at 703-532-3267 or ngatz@fcnp.com. ONLINE

ordinance, a solution looking for a problem. Kate Morrison Falls Church

Please Trim Brush Covering Pathways For Walkers Editor, Like many others, I have been doing a lot of walking these past months. Our residential sidewalks, when they exist, are quite narrow, well less than 6 feet. This is made worse by overgrown bushes and

tree branches impinging into them. Please, business and homeowners reading this, get out your pruning shears! Chris Raymond Falls Church

[ LETTERS ] Send us a letter and let us know what you think. Email: letters@fcnp.com Mail: Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Avenue #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

G � � � � C � � � � � ��

CO MME NT

AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020 | PAGE 7

Composting is Unsung Way to Declutter During Quarantine B� C�� S��

In these unsettling times, it makes sense to focus on positive actions that occur around us. I am referring to the Falls Church Curbside Food Waste Program. Before touting this program and encouraging more FC residents to compost, let me cite some interesting facts from the March 9 New Yorker article, “Complete Trash — Composting could get us out of this mess.” This timely article makes the case that composting is the most important type of recycling — far exceeding that of plastics, metal or paper. The reason is simple: “Composting transforms raw organic waste into a hummus-like substance that enriches soil and enhances carbon capture. In landfills, starved of oxygen, decomposing organics release methane, a greenhouse gas whose warming effects in the long run are fifty-six times those of CO2.” If that doesn’t get your attention, then try this on for size: “The United States has greater landfill emissions than any other country, the equivalent of thirty-seven million cars on the road each year.” The purpose of this article is not to guilt trip the reader into taking action on this issue, but rather to educate and to get your attention and to possibly motivate you to do something that will have an immediate impact on our environment. The City of Falls Church has been operating a curbside pickup compost program

since 2017. It is the FIRST curbside waste program in the entire state of Virginia. Other municipalities have drop-off options and are implementing pilot programs but FC is truly a pioneer. For the year 2019, this program diverted

“Once you get into the rhythm of using your kitchen caddy while preparing a meal and for post meal waste, you will be amazed at how little trash you actually generate each week.” 162 tons of waste from the landfill. We know that our landfills are increasingly limited and organic waste comprises 25 percent of all the waste inside an average Falls Church resident’s trash cart. So what’s in it for me? Composting sounds like a good idea but are there incentives? Frankly, contributing to a healthier environment should be incentive enough, but keep in mind that the $6 a month FC program fee for curbside pickup compares quite

favorably with other municipalities across the country that charge as much as $30-35 monthly. There are three ways to compost in Falls Church: 1. Do it in your own yard: You can Google plenty of how-to approaches and local nurseries can be of help. You can reduce your trash each week and generate rich compost for your garden. The City offers free workshops on how to compost at home. 2.Drop-Off Station: The City maintains a 24/7 Food Waste Drop-Off Station located beside the Tennis Courts behind the Community Center (223 Little Falls St). The bins are available to anyone who lives or works in Falls Church. Drop-off is free. 3. Curbside Food Waste Collection: This is a voluntary, fee-based service open to any City of Falls Church resident receiving curbside solid waste services. The City contracts with the Compost Crew to manage the program, which consists of weekly (Wednesday) pick-ups of food scraps and other organic matter. According to Lonnie Marquetti who works for the City of Falls Church recycling program, a resident can join the curbside program via email by paying a $10 sign-up fee. This provides the new participant with 6 months free pickups (cost is $6 a month after that), a free eight gallon container, and a free kitchen caddy with a pack of compostable liners. I am a Falls Church resident and have

participated in the curbside program for two years. Once you get into the rhythm of using your kitchen caddy while preparing a meal and for post meal waste, you will be amazed at how little trash you actually generate each week. If you’re still not convinced, remember that composting enriches soil while helping retain moisture and suppresses plant diseases and pests. It also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. And finally, composting encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create a rich nutrient-filled material. The Falls Church Curbside Food Waste Program has 631 households participating which is 20 percent of the total 3,043 FC households. There is an active group of residents who drop their food waste in the bins next to the Community Center and another smaller group that recycles on their own property. The City is to be commended for launching and sustaining this important initiative and for demonstrating to other municipalities across the State of Virginia the effectiveness of a curbside program coupled with a drop-off option and home recycling of food waste. If you don’t recycle your food waste, take some time during this Covid-19 respite to consider introducing your household to it. It’s easy and it makes a difference! Curtis Schaeffer is a resident of the City of Falls Church

Q�� W�� Are you in favor of delaying fall sports until February? • Yes

• No

• Not sure

Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

[WRITE FOR THE PRESS]

Last Week’s Question: Do you agree with the F.C. City Council’s preliminary vote to prohibit guns on City property?

10% Yes

90% No

FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientiﬁc polls.

The News-Press welcomes readers to send in submissions in the form of Letters to the Editor & Guest Commentaries. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 350 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four weeks. Guest Commentaries should be no more than 800 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four months. Because of space constraints, not all submissions will be published. All submissions to the News-Press should be original, unpublished content. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and accuracy. All submissions should include writer’s name, address, phone and e-mail address if available.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 8 | AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020

Who's F.C.s Best?

. The ﬁnalists for the 2020 BEST OF FALLS CHURCH reader vote are here! Cast your vote now at BESTOFFC.COM Winners will be featured in a special BEST OF FALLS CHURCH editon of the News-Press on August 27!

2020 Best of Falls Church Finalists: FOOD & DINING Burger: Clare & Don’s Beach Shack • Dogwood Tavern • Elevation Burger • Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen • Open Road

Brunch: Cafe Kindred • Dogwood Tavern • Ireland's 4 p's Open Road • Northside Social

Pizza: Baddpizza • Flippin Pizza • Open Road • Paisano's • Pizzeria Orso

Coffee Shop: Bakeshop • Happy Tart Bakery • Northside Social • Rare Bird • Starbucks

Sandwich: Audacious Aleworks • Cafe Kindred • Dogwood Tavern • Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen • Open Road

Bakery: Bakeshop • Cafe Kindred • Happy Tart Bakery • Northside Social

Chicken: Crisp and Juicy • Liberty BBQ • Open Road • Super Chicken • Spin Pollo

Frozen Treats: Bakeshop • Cafe Kindred • Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen • Little City Creamery • Sweet Frog

Seafood: Caribbean Plate • Chasing Tails • Clare & Don’s Beach Shack • Hot N Juicy Crawfish • TRIO

Outside Dining: Audacious Aleworks • Clare & Don’s Beach Shack • Dogwood Tavern • Northside Social • Open Road

American: Audacious Aleworks • Clare & Don’s Beach Shack • Dogwood Tavern • Open Road • Liberty Barbecue

Delivery Food: Hunan Cafe • Lost Dog Cafe • Moby Dick Kabob • Open Road • Paisano's

International: Audacious Aleworks • Haandi Indian Cuisine • Lucky Thai • Maneki Neko • Saffron Indian Cuisine

Farmers Market Vendor: Atwater's Bakery • Black Rock Orchard • Borek G Turkish Cuisine • Chris's Crab Cakes • Mushroom Stand

Breakfast: Cafe Kindred • IHOP • Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen • Northside Social • Original Pancake House

New Restaurant: Audacious Aleworks • Baddpizza Raina's Love Bowl • Solace Outpost • Thompson Italian

VOTING ENDS

AUGUST 16

BEST of

FALLS CHURCH BE

2020

STOFFC.COM

CAST YOUR VOTE AT

BESTOFFC.COM

OF FALLS CHURCH ISSUE ISSUE COMING ON AUGUST 27! 29! BEST OFBEST FALLS CHURCH COMING AUGUST Limit 1 entry per person. Best of Falls Church voting ends August 16, 2020 at 5 p.m. Contest rules available online at fcnp.com/bestofrules

AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020 | PAGE 9

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Who's F.C.s Best?

2020 Best of Falls Church Finalists: RETAIL, SERVICES & MORE

Professional Services: Diener & Associates • Falls Church Wellness Center Auto: Beyer Automotive • Falls Church Auto Body • Koon's Ford Integrity Auto • Smokey's Garage • GreenSpur, Inc. • Sunstone Counseling • Wilhelm & Associates, Ltd. Grocery Store: Aldi • Giant • Harris Teeter • Trader Joe’s Bank/Credit Union: Apple Federal Credit Union • BB&T • Whole Foods • Burke & Herbert • SunTrust • Wells Fargo Salon: Ladan Spa • Kess Hair & Skincare • Nash Hair Design Real Estate Agent: Bethany Ellis • Chris Earman • Elliot Oliva • Perfect Endings • Rex Day Spa • Natasha Kennedy • Tori McKinney Gym/Fitness: 24-Hour Fitness • Body Dynamics • Jazzercise Real Estate Group: Frankly Real Estate • NBI Realty • Karma Yoga • Orangetheory Fitness Falls Church • Rock Star Realty - Tori McKinney • The Oliva Home Group City Event: Farmer’s Market • Memorial Day Festivities • The Chrissy + Lisa Team Taste of Falls Church • Tinner Hill Music Festival • Watch Night Doctors: Dr. Gordon Theisz • Dr. Lisa Kelly • Dr. Philip O'Donnell Specialty Store: Audacious Aleworks • Botanologica • Northern Virginia Pediatrics • Little Falls Family Practice • Doodlehopper • Lost Whiskey • Stylish Patina Dentist: Drs. Love & Miller • Dr. Peterson Huang Nova Premier Dental • Dr. Joseph Cusimano • Dr. Rachel Valltos • Dr. William Dougherty DDS School: CommuniKids • Congressional • George Mason • St. James • Thomas Jefferson Elementary Retirement Community: Chesterbrook Residences Chiropractor: Ascension Chiropractic • Brooks Chiropractic • Powhatan Nursing Home • The Kensington • Sunrise Senior Living Home Improvement Brown's Hardware • DuBro Architects + Builders • Dr. Chantay Bess • Dr. Perih • Solano Spine & Sport Live Entertainment: Clare and Don's Beach Shack • Falls Church Distillers • GreenSpur • House Doctors of Falls Church • Sislers Stone • JV’s Restaurant • Open Road Grill • State Theatre Dry Cleaners: Classic Cleaners • Clean World • Eagle Cleaners New Business: Audacious Aleworks • Solace Outpost • Hillwood Cleaners • Spectrum Cleaners Karma Yoga • Thompson Italian • Toy Nest

VOTING ENDS

AUGUST 16

BEST of

FALLS CHURCH BE

2020

STOFFC.COM

CAST YOUR VOTE AT

BESTOFFC.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 10 | AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE RIDER W, WARREN COUNTY POWER STATION CASE NO. PUR-2020-00103 •Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider W. •Dominion’s request represents a revenue requirement of $119,743,000 annually, which would increase the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by $0.15. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the State Corporation Commission will hold a hearing in this case on January 12, 2021. •Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On June 1, 2020, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an annual update of the Company’s rate adjustment clause, Rider W (“Application”). Through its Application, the Company seeks to recover costs associated with the Warren County Power Station (“Warren County Project” or “Project”), a natural gas-fired combined-cycle electric generating facility and associated transmission interconnection facilities located in Warren County, Virginia. In Case No. PUE-2011-00042, the Commission approved Dominion’s construction and operation of the Warren County Project and also approved a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider W, for the Company to recover costs associated with the construction of the Project. The Warren County Project began commercial operations in December 2014. In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider W for the rate year beginning April 1, 2021, and ending March 31, 2022 (“2021 Rate Year”). The two components of the proposed total revenue requirement for the 2021 Rate Year are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-Up Factor. The Company is requesting a Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of $116,366,000 and an Actual Cost True Up Factor revenue requirement of $3,377,000. Thus, the Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $119,743,000 for service rendered during the 2021 Rate Year. For purposes of calculating the revenue requirement in this case, Dominion utilized an enhanced rate of return on common equity (“ROE”) of 10.2%. This ROE comprises a general ROE of 9.2% approved by the Commission in Case Nos. PUR-2017-00038 and PUR-2019-00050, plus a 100 basis point enhanced return applicable to a to a combined cycle combustion turbine generating station as described in § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code. If the proposed Rider W for the 2021 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider W on April 1, 2021, would increase the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.15. The Company indicates it has calculated the proposed Rider W rates in accordance with the same methodology as used for rates approved by the Commission in the most recent Rider W proceeding, Case No. PUR-2019-00089, with the exception that in this case the Company did not remove federal customers’ and retail choice customers’ load and usage for the purpose of designing rates. This Application is one of six filings Dominion made on or about June 1, 2020, for recovery of funds related to capital projects. If the revenue requirements in these filings are approved as proposed, the cumulative impact would be a monthly increase of approximately $0.96 for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals. TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents. A public hearing on the Application shall be convened on January 12, 2021, at 10 a.m., to receive the testimony of public witnesses and the evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Staff. Further details on the hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling. The Commission further takes judicial notice of the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the state and federal levels. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter should be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 3719838 to arrange the delivery. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information. An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Lisa R. Crabtree, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or LCrabtree@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On or before January 12, 2021, any interested person may file comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: https://scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00103. On or before October 27, 2020, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00103. On or before November 17, 2020, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission and serve on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service; and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00103. Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The Company’s Application, the Commission’s Rules of Practice and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed at: https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY d/b/a DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020 | PAGE 11

News-Press

Community News & Notes Next Creative Cauldron Shows at Cherry Hill Park

SCOUTS BSA TROOP 1996 has continued to stay active throughout the spring and summer. Virtual campouts have scouts setting up in their backyards to watch a movie and chat online with fellow scouts (pictured). They’ve also kept busy by working toward eight merit badges while at home and taking family hikes around the city to pick up trash and earn service hours. (Photo: Courtesy Stephanie Oppenheimer)

A NEWS-PRESS reader recently discovered this photo on the corner of Jackson Street and Seaton Lane, but has had no luck finding the owner. If this is your photo, contact our News Editor, Matt Delaney, at mdelaney@fcnp.com and he will help coordinate its return. (Courtesy Photo)

The Creative Cauldron is hosting outdoor, socially distanced concerts in Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) this weekend, starting with performances by Falls Church City Public Schools alumni and another local act. Indie group Indigo Blvd., who include some graduates of FCCPS and are behind the “Rockfish Gap” podcast, will perform covers and original songs on Friday, Aug. 7 from 8 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $15. Nataly Merezhuk is a worldrenowned violinist and a favorite of the Cauldron’s annual “Passport to the World” showcase. She will bring her blend of classical, jazz and folk violin sounds to the stage on Aug. 8 from 8 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Marshall Grad Shares Story on Podcast Parsia Bahrami, a 2020 graduate of Marshall High School and its Academy, shared his personal journey as a high school graduate with industry credentials and skills in a podcast with Cyber Human Capital, LLC. The podcast series titled, “Breaking into Cybersecurity,” is featured live on LinkedIn and YouTube. Bahrami, along with Cyber Human Capital founder Renee Brown Small, discussed opportunities in cybersecurity, one of the fastest growing career fields. The podcast included industry needs including various career and collegiate pathways, industry credentials in demand, skills needed and businesses that are hiring. The segment also highlighted the agencies offering high school and college internships. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pre-

dicts 32 percent growth in hiring for the Cybersecurity analyst role between 2018-28.

FIRSTfriday Returns with Live Event After Pandemic Hiatus FIRSTfriday of Falls Church will return on Aug. 7 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Art and Frame Falls Church (205 W. Jefferson St., Falls Church). The event will have Covid-19 responsible guidelines, including: Masks are required to enter Art and Frame of Falls Church. The entrance and exit are separate so attendees are asked to enter the appropriate door and follow the traffic patterns. The floor will be marked for social distancing. There will be hand sanitizers available and frequent cleaning of surfaces. Beverages and snacks must be consumed outside while still maintaining social distance.

Cold Weather Gardening Seminar Held Friday Any residents who are wondering what to plant when the weather starts to cool can join the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia to learn what to plant when, and simple tips for success, in a seminar titled “Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening” on Friday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The group will discuss inexpensive techniques to extend a harvest and ways to enjoy some of the crops in the dead of winter. The group will also discuss how to select and plant winter cover crops to improve their soil for next year. The speaker is Extension Master Gardener Dona Lee, an avid vegetable gardener who previously shared her tips on how to grow tomatoes all summer long. Free. RSVP at mgnv.org/events to receive a link to participate.

Send Us Your News & Notes!

The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!

Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

CO MME NT

PAGE 12 | AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

There are few things that stir the emotions and awe as much as a space flight. The magnificent water landing of the SpaceX capsule, with two astronauts returning safely from the international space station, on Sunday afternoon, stirred memories of nearly six decades of lift-offs and landings, from Alan Shepard and John Glenn in suborbit, to Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon, and space shuttle flights too numerous to mention. As the SpaceX capsule plummeted back into earth’s gravity, and those four big, beautiful parachutes deployed to assist the return with scarcely a splash, I was reminded of the faith we place in good science, in the belief that good science matters, and that good science works. It works when scientists can operate without interference from politicians with different agendas. It works when necessary funding is made available, without strings attached. It works when scientists can spend the time needed to develop the necessary systems, sometimes through trial and error (testing, testing, testing!), and sometimes just plain lucky (like the glassy smooth Gulf of Mexico landing site as a hurricane was building not far away). Hats off to the legions of scientists and engineers at Elon Musk’s SpaceX, who now can breathe a little easier before heading off to the next exciting space adventure. Highlights like a successful space flight are bright spots in an otherwise dismal summer of 2020. No major league sports, no theater entertainment, no vacations for many, none of the usual summertime leisure activities that mark the interim break from school and work. Through it all, two nemeses continue to stalk the nation: Covid-19 and the current President of the United

States. The time frame to end the former is unknown at this point, but wearing masks and social distancing are having positive effects here in Northern Virginia. The time frame for the latter is very clear — Election Day 2020 is 89 days away, and early voting, or absentee voting will begin in September. The last day to register to vote in Virginia is Friday, October 13, and you do not have to register by political party. You no longer have to cite a reason why you wish to vote absentee, but you will need to provide a government issued ID to obtain a ballot, whether by mail or in person. Northern Virginia voters put President Obama over the top in 2008 and 2012, and Hillary Clinton carried Virginia in the 2016 election. In fact, the Fairfax County margin of 197,423 votes was almost the same as her overall statewide margin, proving once again that voter turnout in one jurisdiction can have significant national implications. This year’s results in Virginia, no doubt, will be watched closely on Election Night, so let’s make the turnout huge! Getting back to good science…although research to understand the coronavirus and how to create a reliable vaccine still is underway, it is a fact that wearing face coverings (including over the nose, please), practicing good hand hygiene, and social distancing all work to reduce the spread of the virus. It’s good science, it’s good policy, and it’s good for everyone. Stay safe, and healthy.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h

by having the victim buy and send gift cards.

CRIME REPORT

Identity Theft, 300 blk W Broad St, July 31, 2:01 am, the victim was alerted via email that unknown suspect(s) fraudulently applied for an apartment using their information.

Week of July 27 – August 2, 2020

Bicycle Larceny, 1100 blk W Broad St. Between July 24 and July 25, unknown suspect(s) removed a bicycle that was secured to a bike rack in front of a business. Driving Under the Influence, 600 blk Fulton Ave. July 27, 9:48 PM, a female, 27, of Herndon, VA, was arrested for driving under the influence. Commercial Burglaries, 6700 blk Wilson Blvd. July 28, 3:07 am, unknown suspect(s) forced entry into several businesses within close proximity of each other. The investigation is on-going. Auto Tampering, 100 blk Gresham Pl. Between July 25 and July 28, unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered

a parked vehicle and rummaged through its contents. Larceny-Theft from Motor Vehicle, 400 blk E Jefferson St. Between July 26 and July 28, unknown suspect(s) removed items of value from a parked car. Auto Tampering, 100 blk, Grace Ln. Between July 28 and July 29, unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered a parked vehicle and rummaged through its contents. Larceny-Theft from Motor Vehicle & Auto Tampering, 500 blk S Spring St. Between July 29 and July 30, unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered two parked vehicles and rummaged through their contents. One of the vehicles had an item of value taken. Fraud. 700 blk E Broad St. July 31, unknown suspect(s) obtained money

Driving Under the Influence, 600 blk Fulton Ave. August 1, 12:33 am, a male, 40, of Clarksburg, MD, was arrested for driving under the influence. Fraud. 1100 blk Jackson Ct. August 1, unknown suspect(s) obtained money by having the victim buy and send gift cards. Simple Assault & Larceny/ Destruction of Property, 400 blk S Maple Ave, 6:46 PM, Police received a report of a suspect who allegedly took property from an individual, assaulting the individual in the process and damaging the property. The investigation is on-going. Larceny-Theft from Building, 6700 blk Wilson Blvd. August 2, 6 pm, unknown suspect(s) took a purse containing items of value.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report It is with great sorrow we learned of the passing of Falls Church Councilman Dan Sze. Dan served our community with compassion, thoughtfulness, and championed the best for the City. His style was punctuated with good humor and the ability to hone in on the essence of key issues. The Honorable Dan Sze, may you rest in peace. To his wife and all the others left to mourn, we extend our heartfelt condolences. We are roughly three months away from the most consequential election of our lifetime. While that phrase seems trite, make no mistake this is not “fake news.” The history books will ultimately document the follies of a president who suggested drinking bleach as a potential cure for the pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 150,000 Americans. You are living witness to what has been a long-recurring nightmare in our nation and on the world stage. To even suggest that the most democratic exercise of hard-fought freedoms, the Nov. 3rd general election, should be delayed is the most compelling reason you need to act and VOTE. This election will be like none other in recent times. The coronavirus will be a dominant factor for registering voters as well as where and how ballots are cast. Visions of the morning after the 2016 presidential election should be all the reason you need to participate in electing the next president. Mark your calendar now to ensure that your vote counts. If necessary, update your registration. Apply for your absentee ballot EARLY and return it as soon as possible. Voting absentee does not require an excuse. The electoral board can process the request for a ballot as many as 45 days before the election. In a few short weeks, the General Assembly will convene in a Special Session to take up the budget, Covid-19-related issues needing immediate attention, and policing along with criminal justice reform. The Special Session beginning Aug. 18 will bring all 140 legislators together for the first time since the Reconvene Session in April. In what seems like ages ago, earlier this year we constructed a spending plan that was structurally sound and balanced based on revenue forecasts from a burgeoning economy. Nearly five months into the pandemic, coronavirus has had a chill-

ing effect on those plans. The Governor’s Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates met on Monday, Aug. 3. In late July, the Joint Advisory Board of Economists met to assess the interim revenue forecast. You don’t have to be a CPA to realize a dramatic change materialized as we ended the fiscal year. It is usual and customary (and I might add prudent) that we used the best data to make fiscally-sound decisions when we developed the biennial budget. In August, the outlook we are likely to embrace will be significantly less rosy than what previously passed the General Assembly. The lead up to the Special Session resembles a game of whack-a-mole. From Alzheimer’s to the arts, education to evictions, as well as every other facet of our lives impacted by this pandemic that is raising its hand asking to “fund me.” The bottom line — the needs are real and abundant. Priorities will be reconsidered and funding reallocated. Coronavirus demands are setting the stage for differences of opinion on how best to spend tax dollar revenues. With each passing month during this pandemic, previously-identified investments in key areas now resemble a clearance tag at a T.J. Maxx sale with many lines through the original number. Unemployment continues to be a dominant side effect of the Coronavirus beast. Across the country, GDP shrank by an annualized rate of 32.9 percent in the second quarter. That domino also fell in the Commonwealth, leaving 344,826 Virginians unemployed. NOVA saw a slight decline in the overall weekly unemployment claims filed. However, closing out July, 46,524 individuals filed initial (first time) VEC claims for unemployment benefits. All of this comes ahead of the expiration of CARES Act funding. This virus has not gone away, and it is imperative that we do our part to stay well. Wear a facial covering, socially distance, and wash your hands. Look for opportunities to support your neighbors. Food shortages are real. Blood banks are asking for donations. We’re in this together and together we will prevail.  Senator Saslaw represents the 35th District in the Virginia State Senate. He may be emailed at district35@senate.virginia.gov.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

So Trump Explains, ‘It Is What It Is’

“It is what it is!” This was Donald Trump’s summary explanation for why over 150,000 Americans have died from the Covid-19 coronavirus in just the last five months. Check with the online Slang Dictionary what that phrase is supposed to mean, and here’s what you’ll find: “Deal with it. It is what it is is an expression used to characterize a frustrating or challenging situation that a person believes cannot be changed and must just be accepted.” That sounds about right: “Cannot be changed and must just be accepted.” That is our nation’s ostensible leader’s best take on the unprecedented ravaging by this killer virus, with deaths FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS now far exceeding 1,000 per day in this country. In other countries the situation is far, far different, where strong but still very simple and doable measures were firmly and consistently applied to mitigate the virus’ spread. Wear the mask, keep six feet apart, don’t wander into crowds. Really, that’s about what’s needed. Now, in the good old American tradition of self-enfranchisement, the blame needs to be passed to those over 4 million here who’ve been proven to be exposed for failing to do simple common sense things to knock out the virus in its tracks. The problem is the president’s nihilistic attitude happens to be in sync with the way far too many of our countrymen and women also think these days. They’ve been seduced into a social-psychological paradigm since shortly following the end of World War II where the elevation of science, invention and technology in our society was replaced not so much with fiction and fantasy as with the primacy of the perceived needs of the self. People don’t like science, or scientific conclusions that may tell them what they should or shouldn’t do, insofar as it contradicts or infringes on what they, personally, want to do. This notion began to take hold in America as a result of a deliberate control of the emerging post-World War II electronic media, TV and the movies but also radio and popular magazines by powerful elites who’ve always seen democracy as a nuisance. It was all done in the name of First Amendment Rights, the right of you, Mr. and Mrs. America, and oh, you too, little Tommy and Gracie, to do as whatever the pleasure nodes in your brain want you to. Such pleasure seekers can be easily manipulated, especially as the puppet masters have held the edge by control of the media to lead their little subjects around by the nose, oinking for more hits of pleasure. This hallowed tradition of the manipulation of the masses by the elites goes back eons to the days of the Roman “bread and circuses” modes of social control, and with the elites’ chosen philosophers of academia and social engineering like Frederick Neitzsche, whose thoughts were used to drive wedges against an emerging labor movement and extension of movements for equal rights. Fascism was invented intellectually as a political force to be a battering ram against principled advocates for constructive social change, the remnants of the best minds of the Enlightenment that executed an American revolution whose victory was not secured, albeit even then only tentatively, until the South was defeated in the Civil War. There is no doubt that Trump and his followers, who sadly are no small share of our population, are the 2020 version of the fascist movements of the last 150 years who gained their biggest toehold in the U.S. with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980. That’s when the postmodern nihilism and “Greed is Good” social currents began running rampant in America, suppressing the positive FDR currents with counterrevolutionary “breads and circuses” aimed at quashing the emerging civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s. Gullible Americans were recruited into mind-numbing cults and the excesses of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” as their best leaders were assassinated in cold blood — John, Malcolm, Martin and Bobby over the course of just a half dozen years — and 56,000 barely-legal youth were killed in an unjust war in Vietnam. Trump and selfish spreaders of this virus are children of this era, alike.

CO MME NT

AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

 Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

Future Arlingtonians may look back on our times as the era of the pandemic. But it’s also the era of renamings. Our signature “Arlington House — the Robert E. Lee Memorial,” so named by a 1972 act of Congress, has drawn fresh fire from a group of Syphax family members and allies, descendants of persons enslaved on that former Potomac-side plantation. They’re circulating a model letter already sent to several members of Congress asking that the Confederate general’s name be dropped. “Many of our family members plan to participate in several grand reopening ceremonies at the Arlington House,” it reads. “Updated interpretation of the site will include the stories of those who were enslaved by Mr. [George Washington Parke] Custis and the wife of Robert E. Lee that included Syphax family members. With the recent removal of statues and names of those participating in and perpetuating the slave trade, we are seeking to change the formal name” to, simply, Arlington House. That campaign comes as leaders of the Arlington NAACP have written to the county board asking that the symbol of Arlington House be removed from the official emblem. “Arlington County’s most prominent symbol is its logo and seal,” reads the July 27 let-

ter from chapter president Julius Spain and member Carolynn Kane, along with former school board Chair Emma Violand-Sanchez. “A symbol that is everywhere...on government correspondence, uniforms, buildings, vehicles, websites. A symbol of a slave labor camp. A symbol of the southern plantation economy designed to ensure White privilege and Black subjugation.” The local NAACP called the logo “a divisive and racist branding of our diverse, usually progressive community.” Also gaining ground, I’m informed by Bill Ross, chair of the Park and Recreation Commission, is a movement to take Henry Clay’s name off a park under renovation in Lyon Park that bears the name of the Virginia-born slave owner and Kentucky senator who fought a duel in Arlington. And activists in the Douglas Park Civic Association are working with the county to add a second “S” to Douglas, to assert that it honors 19th-century orator and former slave Frederick Douglass. Clay’s name, in the proposal sent July 5 by the Lyon Park Civic Association, would be replaced by that of Zitkala-Ša (“Red Bird” in Sioux), a notable Native American writer, social activist and Bureau of Indian Affairs employee and who lived in Lyon Park from 1925-38. Resistance comes from civic activist Suzanne Smith Sundburg, who told me, “While I’m sure Lyon Park’s intentions are good, the suggested replacement could

be viewed as insensitive or a slap in the face to descendants of the Native American tribes who actually lived here.” The NAACP’s Spain said he realizes his branch “can’t change the logo overnight. There’s a place for Robert E. Lee, with the Park Service’s looking into its historical context,” Spain told me. But Arlington being a “a world-class, equitable community,” he hopes “the county will at least have a public discussion and think about doing something different.” As for excising Lee’s name from Arlington House, National Park Service regional spokesman Aaron LaRocca confirms that it “would require an act of Congress. The National Park Service does not take positions on potential or pending legislation unless we are called to testify on it before Congress.” The county, I’m told, plans to address renaming issues all together. *** One peril of owning a modern photo processing store (putting aside current struggles during the pandemic) is dealing with unclaimed pictures. Tony Awad, operator of Photoscope on Lee Highway at N. Edison St., tells me that for 15 years he has been sitting on wedding pictures of a happy family he cannot identify, not to mention locate. The shots were left by the photographer who has disappeared, Awad says. Not sure how much longer Photoscope can store objects that for some lost souls may be irreplaceable. Perhaps a crowd-sourcing contest?

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 14 | AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR In response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic affecting the globe and policies enacted to avoid social gatherings, the News-Press will publish a list of virtual events weekly in lieu of its regular listings. If you have a virtual event you’d like to see listed, please email calendar@fcnp.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday weekly.

CITYEVENTS SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Falls Church Farmers Market To Go. The Falls Church Farmers Market has converted to a preorder, to-go event. All orders must be placed in advance of Saturday’s market which will be open from 8 a.m. – noon for pre-order pickup only in front of City Hall (300 Park Ave.). A list of participating vendors and information on preordering can be found at fallsch-

urchva.gov/547/Farmers-MarketTo-Go.

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 New Yorker Discussion Group. If any residents enjoy The New Yorker but wish they had someone to chat about it with, they are encouraged to drop into the monthly New Yorker Discussion Group to share their thoughts on what they’ve read in a variety of articles. Article to be determined. This discussion will be held online. Visit fallschurchva. gov/LibraryAtHome for details. 2 – 3 p.m. Yarn Weaving Teen Crafternoon (online). Interested participants can spend a creative afternoon with Miss Laura on Mary Riley Styles Library’s Facebook page; all they need is one of the library’s Grab and Go Craft kits

and some supplies from around their house. Yarn Weaving Craft Kits will be available via curbside pickup. Additional supplies needed for this craft: Beads, sequins or other decorative elements (optional) and tape. Recording of the craft instructions will remain on the library’s Facebook page all summer in case someone misses the initial showing. 3 – 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 10 City Council Meeting (online). The City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. The public is welcome to address the City Council on any topic during the public comment period. Public comments will be accepted at cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, until the end of the meeting’s public hearing time, or by voicemail at (703) 248-5014 until 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting. The vir-

tual meeting will be held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. 7:30 – 11 p.m. ESOL Conversation Group (online). Interested participants can practice their English with a weekly ESOL conversation group. This program meets online via Zoom. To request a Zoom invite, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 Sean Tracy Acoustic. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

Jay Byrd & The Musical Trust (Bring your own chairs and enjoy our food trucks & free live music, even on the sidewalk. Providing summer fun for everyone’s socially distanced comfort level.) Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-858-9186.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Music in the Spirit Garden with Dangerous Dawn’s Cheesecakes (Bring your own chairs and enjoy our food trucks & free live music, even on the sidewalk. Providing summer fun for everyone’s socially distanced comfort level.) Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-858-9186.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 Open Mic with Grateful Jams (Bring your own chairs and enjoy our food trucks & free live music, even on the sidewalk. Providing summer fun for everyone’s socially distanced comfort level.). Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Save Now On Home Security Monitored by ADT ® the #1 home security company in the U.S.

GREAT

LOW PRICE

MONITORING

ADT® 24/7 Monitored Home Security 24/7 monitoring provides peace of mind Yard sign and window decals help deter crime Quickly connect to emergency response May qualify for a homeowners insurance discount

PER MONTH

FREE HOME SECURITY SYSTEM ®

FREE SECURITY SYSTEM

New customers only. Early termination fee applies. Installation starts $ at $99 with 36 monitoring 850 VALUE agreement. See all offer

details below.

FREE VISA GIFT CARD From Protect Your Home —$100 Value

FREE WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL —$139 Value

FREE 7 WIRELESS FREE INDOOR HD CAMERA DOOR/WINDOW When you upgrade to ADT Video Lite —$299 VALUE! SENSORS —$695 VALUE!

LIMITED TIME OFFER—CALL TODAY!

1-888-614-5578

See all offer details below. Ask about same-day installation! Reply By Oct 30, 2020

GIFT CARD: $100 Visa Gift Card fulfilled by Protect Your Home through third-party provider, Mpell, upon installation of a security system and execution of monitoring contract. $4.95 shipping and handling fee, gift cards can take up to 8 weeks to arrive after following the Mpell redemption process. BASIC SYSTEM: $99 Installation. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Offer applies to homeowners only. Basic system requires landline phone. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $27.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. ADT Pulse: ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Pulse”), which help you manage your home environment and family lifestyle, require the purchase and/or activation of an ADT alarm system with monitored burglary service and a compatible computer, cell phone or PDA with Internet and email access. These ADT Pulse services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/systems that are connected to the ADT Pulse equipment. All ADT Pulse services are not available with the various levels of ADT Pulse. All ADT Pulse services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the ADT Pulse features you desire. ADT PULSE + VIDEO: ADT Pulse + Video installation is an additional $299. 36-month monitoring contract required from ADT Pulse + Video: $59.99 per month, ($2,159.64), including Quality Service Plan (QSP). Doorbell camera may not be available in all areas. GENERAL: For all offers, the form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account, satisfactory credit history is required and termination fee applies. Certain packages require approved landline phone. Local permit fees may be required. Certain restrictions may apply. Additional monitoring fees required for some services. For example, Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert monitoring requires purchase and/or activation of an ADT security system with monitored Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert devices and are an additional charge. Additional equipment may be purchased for an additional charge. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Prices subject to change. Prices may vary by market. Some insurance companies offer discounts on Homeowner’s Insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact product/service actually provided. Licenses: AL-21-001104, AR-CMPY.0001725 AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DC-EMS902653, DC-602516000016, DE-07-212, FL-EC13003427, EC13003401, GA-LVA205395, IA-AS-0206, ID-ELE-SJ-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-C.P.D. Reg. No. – 19-08088, City of Indianapolis: LAC-000156, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1914, LA-F1915, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1626, ME-LM50017382, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC#354, St. Louis County: 100194, MS-15007958,MTPSP-ELS-LIC-247, NC-25310-SP-FA/LV, NC-1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ Burglar Alarm Lic. # -NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-0068518, City of Las Vegas: 3000008296, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID#12000317691, NYS #12000286451,OH-53891446, City of Cincinnati: AC86, OK-AC1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA022999, RI-3582, RI-7508, SC-BAC5630, SD- 1025-7001-ET, TN-1520, TX-B13734, ACR-3492, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382(7C),WA-602588694/ECPROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: PAS-0002966, WV-WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499. 3750 Priority Way South Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46240 ©2017 DEFENDERS, Inc. dba Protect Your Home DF-CD-NP-Q320

twitter.com/fcnp

facebook.com/fallschurchcity

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h

NEWS BRIEFS F.C. Historical Panel Calls for ‘Hanging Tree’ Plaque Removal By a unanimous vote last week members of the City of Falls Church’s Historical Commission forwarded a recommendation to the Planning Commission that a plaque marking the location of a so-called “Hanging Tree” at the corner of W. Broad and N. Virginia Ave. be removed as a relic with a tacit pro-Confederacy message. Legend held that a tree once located there was used by Confederate Gen. Mosby to hang Union spies during the Civil War, although it has been disputed that the tree in question, removed in 1968 having died, was the authentic site. The concern expressed has been that the tree and subsequent plaque, dedicated in 1985, represent a pro-Confederacy “taunt, akin to displaying a noose, and reminder of lynchings in general.” The call for removal of the plaque came first in a July 9 News-Press editorial, “Hangman’s Tree Plaque Must Go,” in the context of removing pro-Confederate names and monuments throughout the region and nation in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd and the rise of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. Keith Thurston, a member of Historic Falls Church, said his organization is willing to replace the plaque with one that honors the City’s role encouraging tree growth and nurture.

Mill Creek Makes Deposit on Vacant Rite Aid Site Joe Muffler of Mill Creek, developers of Founders Row, the 4.2-acre mixed-use project now coming out of the ground at the W. Broad and N. West Street intersection, has reported to the F.C. Economic Development Authority that his group has made a deposit toward the acquisition of the Rite Aid site and carpet store catty-corner from Founders Row at the same intersection. The project, informally being called Founders Row 2, would involve a $130 million buildout, it was reported at Tuesday’s EDA meeting that Muffler claimed.

F.C. Gets Another $1.25 Million Cares Act Tranche The City of Falls Church will receive another $1.275 million from Richmond to cover the cost of Covid-19 mitigation expenses, it was announced at the City Council meeting Monday. That brings the total of federal Cares Act money to $2.550 million and the City Council will act on how the funds will be allocated at its meeting this Monday.

F.C.’s EDA Gives Moral Boost to West Falls Church Project Falls Church’s Economic Development Authority, at its virtual meeting Tuesday night, voted unanimously to forward a letter of encouragement about the 9.3-acre West Falls Church project to the F.C. City Council in the face of difficult economic times. The team of EYA, Hoffman and Regency seeking final site plan approval from the Council to commence work next January “is an absolutely top notch team,” remarked EDA chair Bob Young Tuesday night. In its letter, the EDA says it “is supportive of the project design, density and place making plan, which will help in creating a successful mixed-use development,” and praises “the efforts made by the developer to continue to make adjustments to their development plans in view of rising construction costs and the unknown long term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

F.C. Youth E-Learning Center Registration Opens August 13 The City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department has announced that it is offering “Rec Connect,” a supervised e-learning center held at the Falls Church Community Center, supervised by Recreation and Parks Department staff. The program provides a supervised environment for children to complete their school led virtual instruction. Staff will provide recreational activities during breaks. Program waivers, child information forms, including virtual platforms will be sent to all registered participants prior to the start of the program. Registration opens to City of Falls Church residents August 13. Those wishing to register their children should call 703-248-5027 (TTY 711) or visit www.fallschurchva.gov/rec-connect starting August 13. At this time, there are no plans to open this program to non-City residents. Organizers note that the program “is only for those who truly need it. If your family has an available caregiver in the home, the child should not be enrolled.” The initial term of the program will run from September 8–October 30. The cost is $800 for this 8-week period. The program will continue or modify as needed for the second quarter. The progam hours will be from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for Grades K through 5, and from 7:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for Grades 6 through 8. Children must bring their own laptop (and charger), and headphones/headset fully charged each day and bring their own lunch and snack.

AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020 | PAGE 15

PAGE 16 | AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020 HELP WANTED SEEKING ELEMENTARY TEACHER to facilitate MDES virtual learning in our CDC guideline-following home. Up to $1500/week. 703-835-1136

We need a full time/part time Nanny/

Babysitter or driver needed apply with their resume and years of experience matters. Interested person should contact me via email: brizendinevi@gmail.com

AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

HOME IMPROVEMENT Vinyl Replacement Double Hung Window $249* Installed w/Free Trim Wrap. Call 804-739-8207. Siding, Roofing and More!

ATTN. CONTRACTORS: Advertise your

business statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach Homeowners. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

REAL ESTATE ATTN. REALTORS : Advertise your

listings regionally or statewide. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Cleaning Services

CLASSI F I E DS materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing on the BZA webpage: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/BZA Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on July 13, 2020. Public hearing, second reading and final Council action is scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2020 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard. (TO20-17) AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, BY REZONING A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 1.7 ACRES OF LAND TO REMOVE THE EXISTING PROFFERED DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS WHILE MAINTAINING THE B-3, GENERAL BUSINESS ZONING DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTIES AT 116 EAST FAIRFAX AND 130 EAST FAIRFAX (REAL PROPERTY CODE 53-108-007 AND 53-108-009) ON APPLICATION BY FAIRFAX ONE, LLC AND THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on July 27, 2020. Public hearing, second reading and final Council action is scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2020 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard. (TO20-19) ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VI OF THE FALLS CHURCH CITY CODE, “PUBLIC

PROPERTY AND FACILITIES” TO ADD A NEW SECTION 2-211 PROHIBITING WEAPONS ON CITY PROPERTY, IN CITY FACILITIES, AND AT CITY EVENTS Public hearings will be held electronically at www.fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings. Unless the Governor’s state of emergency is lifted, public hearing comments will be accepted only during the meeting and only electronically at cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Public Hearing process: During the meeting, the Mayor will ask that public comment be e-mailed when the public hearing item is introduced and will later announce when the time for comment on the item has ended (generally after staff has made their presentation about the item to City Council.) E-mails received will be presented before final discussion. Comments submitted to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov before noon on the day of the meeting will be provided in their entirety to the City Council and summarized at the meeting. Council members will attend the meeting through electronic means and members of the public may view the meeting at www. fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings and on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

SERVICES DIVORCE-Uncontested , $395+$86

court cost. WILLS $195.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-490-0126. Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https://hiltonoliverattorneyva.com. EBAY CONSIGNMENT SERVICE Downsizing? Decluttering? Profit from your collectible toys, antiques, electronics, other items. I do the work. Penrose Trading Co. penrosetradingcompany@gmail.com (571) 271-1543

LEGAL NOTICE Variance application V1616-20 by Jeff and Katie Skalka, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-238, to allow 27.4% lot coverage instead of 25% maximum permitted by code, and 37.2% impervious lot coverage instead of 35% maximum permitted by code, for the purpose of constructing a front porch on premises known as 205 Patterson Street, RPC #52-113-008 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential. Public hearing on the above matters is scheduled for August 13, 2020, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard. All participating members of Board of Zoning Appeals will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view the meeting virtually via this Skype link: https://meet.lync.com/fallschurch-fallschurchva/arouzi/68C78B7J. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@ fallschurchva.gov until 7:00 pm on August 13, 2020. Meeting agenda and application

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

Other Services

House Cleaning Service Available 7 days a week Weekly - By Weekly - Monthly or by Time Move Out - Move In • 14 years Experience Good References • Senior Discount For Further Information: Call Susy • Cell (703) 901-0596

A CLEANING SERVICE 703-892-8648

Home Improvement

Licensed, Bonded and Insured since 1985 www.acleaningserviceinc.com

Over 30 years of providing cleaning services to NOVA, DC and MD Best Cleaning Company Award winner 2011-2017 If you like our service, please leave a review on Google or Yelp. If you have concerns about our service, please give me the opportunity to address it.

Attorney

Robert Beatson II Attorney/Accountant, Former IRS Attorney All Federal, State, Local & Foreign Taxes Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars 703-798-3590 or 301-340-2951

www.beatsonlaw.com

RBeatsonatty@netscape.net

Visit us at fcnp.com

Handyman Service All repairs, plumbing, drywall, windows, doors, rotted wood, siding, lighting + FREE estimates, Licensed & Insured

Call Doug (703)556-4276 www.fallschurchhandyman.com

KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG By Eileen Levy

It’s a lovely day for walking And maybe talking! Just do your thing, I will sing!

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

22 27

32 35

36 40

47 50

49 53

1. “Surely you don’t mean me!?” 4. Wearying routine 11. Therapists’ org. 14. Jump shot’s path 15. Nook, e.g. 16. “____ favor” 17. Repeated cry in a 1973 fight 19. Ball ____ (play area) 20. City with two MLB teams 21. Wriggly reef resident 22. Operates, as a booth 23. Like cornrows 27. Having no illusions or pretensions 29. Cleveland NBAers 30. Bronx-born congresswoman, familiarly 32. Be dishonest with 33. Oktoberfest exclamation 35. Set overly easy goals 36. NFL team mentioned in the lyrics of Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” 38. As well 42. PBS series that jumped to the big screen in 2019 47. Orbicularis ____ (eyelid-closing muscle) 48. “Sprechen ____ Deutsch?” 49. “Field of Dreams” locale 50. Popular yoga pose 53. Like some sloths 55. Actress Hathaway 56. Like sashimi 58. 2/

STRANGE BREW

59. Oxygen, for one 60. Annoyed moviegoer’s shout ... or what 17-, 27-, 33-, 42- and 50-Across all lack 65. Ending with “umich.” 66. Image in a psychoanalysis test 67. Boating blade 68. Weaken 69. Not about to betray 70. Snorters’ quarters

Down 1. GQ or O 2. Top prize in los Juegos OlÌmpicos 3. Glacial chamber 4. Overhaul 5. Part of ETA: Abbr. 6. Spill the ____ (gossip) 7. Demolish 8. On ____ (trying to lose) 9. Green with the 2010 hit “Forget You” 10. Blunder 11. Duds 12. Indicate, as with one’s finger 13. Gallery event 18. ____ kebab 22. Severely injure 23. %: Abbr. 24. “Well, ____-di-dah!” 25. 1984 hit with the lyric “Have a banana, have a whole bunch” 26. Loading zone 28. Donovan of “Clueless” 31. Some poker payments 34. Steer clear of

JOHN DEERING

Sudoku

AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020 | PAGE 17 35. Veep under Nixon 37. “____ cannot be!” 38. Hauler’s charges 39. National anthem adopted in 1980 40. Gets really angry 41. Ye ____ Shoppe 43. Dog that needs a muzzle, say 44. Owies 45. Palindromic animal 46. ____ Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial 51. University of Maine town 52. Lacking grace 54. “We’re ____ see the Wizard ...” 57. Hoops grp. since 1996 60. Tommy’s kid brother on “Rugrats” 61. Under the weather 62. “As if!” 63. 2019 World Series champ 64. Sample Last Thursday’s Solution S T A H M C R A S U R V A A C O Y N U N E A P O D A N Y E T S U R V C L O S

L E I B E R

I S E E I F L A T T A I D E N E O N

B Y R D F O E R V A L T A A K A K S S B E T H S U E E O C R L I N E F L O W Y S T A O N E S D I E T E N T H E L E N A S R A S

P S S T I K E A C T I C S A E R C A N S N A V Y A D F E E R S G M A I N E R S C O R T S E R A C U R V E A S D A Y P H O N E

By The Mepham Group

Level 1 2 3 4

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

8/2/20

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 18 | AUGUST 6 – 12, 2020

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C�� C��

25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. XX, No. 23 • August 5, 2010

Falls Church News-Press Vol. V, No. 20 • August 3, 1995 Final OK For Grad Center Reached By Fairfax Supervisors

The Wilden Senior Housing Project Dies, Lacking Votes on F.C. Council

Groundbreaking for the N. Virginia Graduate Center will take place next month now that the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech have cleared their final zoning hurdle. Despite some final pleas by citizens concerning rezoning, Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors voted Monday night to grant the universities’ request for the land which will house $16.8 million, 105,000 square foot educational center which will be built on Haycock Road next to George Mason Middle and High School.

The Wilden senior affordable housing project, pursued incessantly by the Falls Church Housing Corporation and its collaborators since 2007, officially died yesterday when a statement from FCHC Board President Dr. Steve Rogers was issued exclusively to the News-Press. “We have ended our efforts,” Rogers’ statement said, and a request was made to City Hall that an item on the agenda for Monday’s F.C. City Council meeting on the subject be withdrawn.

Council Seat

Continued from Page 5

be to provide consistency, to be part of the current great team and to collaborate on the work already in progress during this challenging time.” She also received a strong statement of support from Vice Mayor Connolly, who wrote in a submission to the News-Press, “Having worked with Debbie Hiscott on many projects in her long tenure in the City, I’m excited that she is stepping up to run for City Council. She has great ideas, knows how to get things done and is a proven team player.” Shokoor told the News-Press, “I am going to be speaking to the moment we’re in right now. I’m not looking to maintain the status quo.” As a member of the Housing Commission he was an author of the City’s current “Affordable

Living” policy document. The qualifications to get on the ballot for the special election are so relatively simple that,

even with only a week or so to go before the Aug. 14 filing deadline, other citizens could throw their hats in the ring. NEIGHBORS Flora (left) and Buddy splash away the heat in their own pool. Seen here during a Fourth of July pool party, the paparazzi wondered why they didn’t have a bigger guest list (or a guest list at all, for that matter). They responded by barking “Who are you? How did you get in here? Security!”

Status Update on Wednesday, August 5 City of Falls Church Date

Cases Hospitalizations

Deaths # Cases per 100,000 People

Wednesday, August 5 Monday, August 3 Wednesday, July 29 Monday, July 27 Wedneday, July 22 Monday, July 20 Wednesday, July 15 Monday, July 13

59 59 54* 55 54* 55 54 53*

5* 6 6 6 6* 7 7 7*

9* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

399.4 399.4 365.6 372.3 365.6 372.3 365.6 358.8

*NOTE: These numbers went down as the Virginia Department of Health found that the individuals lived in the Fairfax County part of Falls Church, not the City of Falls Church.

Make Your Pet a Star! Critter

Corner

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Snap a pic of your critter and email it to: CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM OR mail it to Critter Corner c/o Falls Church News-Press 200 Little Falls Street #508 Falls Church, Va 22046

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020 | PAGE 19

Fa l l s C h u r c h

Business News & Notes Falls Church City EDA Provided $2,000 Grants to 126 Small Businesses The Falls Church City Economic Development Authority provided $2,000 grants to 126 small businesses that have experienced significant financial challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDA authorized up to $250,000 for the program which was augmented by a $4,000 donation from the George Mason High School 2020 seniors. The FC EDA also funded posters for businesses outlining safe opening procedures and the 3 hand sanitizer stations located in downtown Falls Church. For more information, visit www.ChooseFallsChurch.org.

Timeshare Cancellation Get your free information kit and see if you qualify:

888-670-0602

Code Ninjas Hosting 3 Virtual Open Houses Code Ninjas is hosting 3 virtual open houses over the next week during which they will provide a dojo walkthrough and information about their classes, camps, and programs. The 30-minute virtual tours are scheduled for Thursday, August 6 at 10 am, Sunday, August 9 at 2 pm, and Tuesday, August 11 at 7 pm. Code Ninjas teaches kids to learn code while building their own video games and learning problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills. For more information or to register, go to https:// www.codeninjas.com/va-falls-church.

Ad Network

Eden Center Sponsoring Creative Cauldron’s New Outdoor Concert Series The Eden Center is sponsoring Creative Cauldron’s new outdoor socially distanced cabaret and concert series. Concerts this weekend include Indigo Blvd on Friday, August 7 at 8 pm and Nataly Merezhuk on Saturday, August 8 at 8 pm. Both concerts are scheduled to take place at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church. Creative Cauldron is a Falls Church-based nonprofit theater dedicated to providing affordable, enriching, and diverse performance and visual arts. Eden Center (www.edencenter.com), also located in Falls Church, is the DC area’s premier destination for Vietnamese cuisine and specialties. For tickets or more information, visit www.creativecauldron.org.

FREE!

Savings Include an American Standard Right Height Toilet FREE! ($500 Value)

Walk-In Tubs

WALK-IN BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,500 ✔ Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience ✔ Ultra low entry for easy entering & exiting ✔ Patented Quick Drain® Technology ✔ Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard ✔ 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage

Washington Business Journal Recognizes Polu Kai Services CEO Sean Jensen, founder and president & CEO of Polu Kai Services in Falls Church was recognized by the Washington Business Journal in its July 10 edition piece on Veterans in Business. Polu Kai is a construction and disaster response company with 75 employees, approximately half of whom are veterans. For more information, visit www.bizjournals.com/washington/ and www.polukaiservices.com.

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

877-691-5591

Or visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/vapa

Northern Virginia Magazine Highlights Audacious Aleworks and Settle Down Easy

INSTALLS ON NEW & EXISTING GUTTERS

Audacious Aleworks and Settle Down Easy, both in Falls Church, were highlighted in Northern Virginia Magazine’s August Brewery Day Trips edition as dog friendly places to “bring fido.” Audacious Aleworks is located at 110 E Fairfax Street in the City while Settle Down Easy is at 2822 Fallfax Drive between the City and Merrifield. For more information, visit www.NorthernVirginiaMag.com.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

ter

AFTER LeafFil

ter

BEFORE LeafFil

LIFETIME WARRANTY

OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*

AND!

OFF

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

OFF

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS!**

Promo Number: 285 CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-877-614-6667

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. ** Oﬀer valid at estimate only. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suﬀolk HIC License# 52229-H

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 20 | AUGUST 6 - 12, 2020

N OW L O CAT E D @ 1 1 1 9 W. B ROA D ST.

C o m e s e e o u r s t a t e - of - t h e - a r t n e w S h o w ro o m & S e r v i ce C e n t e r

Just Listed in Falls Church

ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

Virtual Tours

ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com/Open-Houses Open Sun 2-4

FOR SALE !

$1,449,900 710 Timber Ln, Falls Church City

Brick rambler on lovely tree-lined street located in the desirable Fenwick Park neighborhood of Falls Church. Living room has hardwood floors and a large front window for lots of natural light, separate dining room also with hardwood floors and updated kitchen with dishwasher installed in 2020. The family room addition has a gas corner fireplace with sliding glass door leading to a 2 tiered 800 square foot deck with retractable awning and private back yard. A total of 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths (includes master bedroom and bath) office and den. There are pulldown stairs for easy access to the attic and ample extra storage space. Location has easy access to 495, I-66, Rt. 50, and The Dunn Loring Metro is just a couple of miles away with a bus stop just up the block. Walkable to the adjacent Shops at West Falls Church center for groceries, restaurants, and other conveniences. Priced at $599,900. Call Karin to see 703-626-3257

Open Sun 2-4

FOR SALE !

$849,900 1001 Seaton Ln, Falls Church City

5 Bed

He/She Shed

4 Bed

Renovated Kitchen

3.5 Baths

Sport Court in back

3 Baths

Surprise Backyard

FOR SALE !

$368,900 3729-A Madison Ln, Falls Church

REALTOR®

2 Bed

Large, Private Balcony

2.5 Baths

Great Investment!

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

CALL 703-867-TORI

Falls Church News-Press 8-6-2020

Articles inside

P�������

P��