Falls Church News-Press 4-20-2023

Fairfax’s McKay Makes History

Ellie Bird’s Grand Opening

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay made an historic visit to Falls Church this week, in what was maybe the first time ever for the leader of the Little City’s gigantic neighbor to the northwest, with 1.2 million people the largest jurisdiction in Virginia.

Two issues he focused on were the 30,000 job vacancies in the region and the severe lack of affordable housing. They are, of course, interrelated.

McKay spoke at the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, and although the venue, the Italian Cafe, is a few yards outside the City, the Chamber is totally Falls Church-centric. But the powerful board chair exhibited familiarity with many issues joining the interests of his county with the Mouse That Roared Falls Church and its modest 14,800 residents.

Beyer Hails Another Big Fusion Energy Step

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer of

Northern Virginia, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus in the U.S. House, this week

hailed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) announcement that it would regulate fusion energy systems under

its existing byproduct materials regulatory framework. Earlier

A RIBBON CUTTING ceremony to celebrate the opening of Ellie Bird, the latest upscale restaurant in F.C. to open, was held outside its entrance on Founder’s Row Tuesday as local A-listers flanked the establishment’s owners, Falls Church natives Carey and Yuan Tang (in the center). Left to right, Korte Realty’s Mosi Shah, F.C. Council members Caroline Lian, Debbie Hiscott and Letty Hardi, owner Yuan Tang, the Eden Center’s Alan Frank, owner Carey Tang, the News-Press’ Nick Benton, F.C. Mayor David Tarter, Council member Marybeth Connelly, the F.C. Chamber’s Elise Benstson and F.C.Planning Commissioner Tim Stevens.. (Photo: Katherine Cotsonas)

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

Falls Church NEWS BRIEFS

VA Senate District Debate Moves to American Legion Post in Vienna

On Thursday, April 20th at 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m., there will be a debate between the Democratic candidates for the 37th Senate District of Virginia. The debate will take place at the American Legion Post 180 in Vienna, Virginia. The candidates will answer preselected questions posed by moderator Doug Francis, and field questions from the audience.

The candidates are: Chap Petersen, current 34th District Senator; Erika Yalowitz and Saddam Salim.

F.C. Ranked 2nd in U.S. for ‘Suburb With City-Like Lifestyle’

The City of Falls Church has been named second best in the U.S. for urban lifestyles in a suburban setting by StorageCafe, a national clearing house for rental storage units. The firm ranked the top 20 such candidates, and Falls Church came in second only to Edina, Minnesota.

According to its report on the rankings, StorageCafe said, “Boasting an ideal mix of diverse residential options, a growing business environment, plus lifestyle amenities, Edina, MN, Falls Church, VA and Palo Alto, CA, are the country’s top three suburbs for a city-like

The report says the following of Falls Church: “With around 15K residents, Falls Church, VA, is one of the smallest suburbs among the top 20 in our ranking, but it still managed to rank second nationally for a citylike environment. Falls Church is in fact packed with great amenities that allow a comfortable lifestyle. The housing inventory is equally divided between single family and multifamily options, adding a strong note of diversity to the local scene. Thanks to its growing appeal, new residential construction is booming in the area. As it turns out, Falls Church ranks fifth for new home supply among the suburbs analyzed, with 60 building permits per 1,000 people in 2022. Housing, however, is certainly not cheap, though the high incomes in Falls Church tend to bridge the affordability gap. The median household income is over $155K – more than double the national average – and the local economic sector counts over 44 businesses per

Funds Raised by Candidates In

First quarter 2023 fundraising numbers reported by candidates in this year’s elections were made public Tuesday, and for the races on the ballot in Falls Church

the totals look like this:

Senate District 37 Democratic primary: Sen. Chap Petersen $158,554 raised and $554,192 on hand; Salim Saddam $87,069 raised and $54,765 on hand; Erica Milena Yalowitz $42,487 raised and $27,336 on hand. Falls Church/Arlington Commonwealth Attorney: Joshua Katcher $105,526 raised, $84,268 on hand; Parisa Dehghani-Tafti $66,613 raised, $52,909 on hand.

Beyer Honors First-Responders At Arlington Retirement Village

As representatives of Arlington’s police, fire, sheriff and emergency services teams looked on, Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., on April 12 inaugurated plaques and a garden in their honor at the half-century-old Arlington retirement community Culpepper Garden.

In a sunny-day ribbon-cutting for its new Gibboney Walk Garden—to be lined with native plants—Beyer joined Culpeper’s board members and county board members Matt de Ferranti and Takis Karantonis as he praised the first-responders on whom senior citizens in particular depend. Beyer recalled being a small boy and tagging along on his father’s rounds as a military police officer. — Charlie Clark

Home & Garden Tour Scored Big Last Weekend

The 2023 Falls Church Home and Garden Tour raised over $35,0090 to support the Falls Church Education Foundation and the Falls Church City Public Schools. Organizers Jeanine Bonds and Cyndi Bohlin reported it drew the largest crowd for the event in its history with over 600 tickets sold.

Former U.S. Rep Moran Announces Consulting Firm

The launch of Moran Global Strategies, led by former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, was announced last week. “Through decades of experience in both the legislative and executive branches of government, and at the local, state, federal, and international levels, our team knows that personal relationships are the key to forging policy results,” the announcement stated.

“By leveraging our far-reaching, well-cultivated connections, institutional knowledge, and policy expertise, the team provides first-class government relations services such as lobbying, strategic consulting, advocacy, and policy development,” the announcement stated.

McKay carries a lot of weight in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) region, especially during the pandemic when cooperation was the watchword for government and public health entities. In contrast to a lot of federal officials in the region, elected and otherwise, leaders of local jurisdictions handle the bread and butter issues of accommodating peoples’ lives.

Since the City’s official founding in 1948, there have been over 20 Fairfax board chairs but this is the first time one accommodated an event in Falls Church as a speaker. Hanley was once a teacher at F.C.’s then George Mason High School, but that was long before she entered county politics.

It’s because the City and county are now in the midst of an era of good feeling with considerable mutual gains to be had by cooperation, a situation not always the case in the past. Acrimony, in fact, marred most of the past relations, until the

City and county finally came to an accord in January 2014 on the transfer of the massive City-owner water system to the county in exchange for some really valuable 10 acres of real estate by the West Falls Church Metro that is shaping up as a huge cash cow for the City.

At Tuesday’s luncheon, McKay was introduced by prominent F.C. Chamber Board member Andrew Painter, now a successful land use attorney in F.C., because when he was in high school in the county, a friendship between the two developed over their mutual interest in politics that has lasted over many years.

The two areas he identified where the county and City are now cooperating are both right on the City’s doorstep, one at the west end of F.C. adjacent the West Falls Church Metrorail station, and the other at the City’s opposite end, where after a decade of incremental planning, a county plan for a redo of the Seven Corners traffic entanglement is about to enter its first of four phases of devel-

opment with a ring road that stops just short of entering onto the City’s turf.

The west end plans are pressing ahead aggressively, not only with the numerous construction cranes that now dot the skyline there from the full-steam-ahead construction on the City’s 10 acres, but also because the plans for dense development of two adjacent parcels located in the county are making big gains in the approval process.

The plan being spearheaded by the EYA development team for over 20 acres right at the Metro station was approved by the county planning commission last month and will come to the county Board of Supervisors for a final vote of approval on May 23.

County action on the Virginia Tech site sandwiched between the City’s 10 acres and the EYA plan is due to begin approvals on June 7.

The three projects will form a seamless more than 40 acres of dense development, sewn together by a new boulevard that will run through them all

ranked from 1 to 10 in terms of urgency and seriousness, McKay gave a “10” to the challenge of affordable housing.

He said because of aggressive steps now being taken in the county, he said he would put that issue as a “5” there but a “10” regionwide. He said one of the ways the problem is being addressed in the county is by

FAIRFAX COUNTY Board of Supervisors chair Jeff McKay (left) posed with his long-time friend Andrew Painter, prominent Falls Church land use attorney. (News-Press Photo)

Beyer Hails New Fusion Boost

Continued from Page 1

this year, Beyer led a request along with his fellow Fusion Energy Caucus cochairs to the NRC seeking this outcome, which will support continued research and domestic commercial development of fusion energy technology.

“The NRC’s announcement is another big win for fusion and will help advance the development and eventual commercialization of this transformational technology,” said Rep. Beyer. “The regulatory certainty provided by the NRC’s decision will help create a path forward to build on last year’s fusion breakthrough and maintain American leadership in fusion development. Fusion’s promise includes a solution to the climate crisis, with extraordinary economic potential that could help alleviate poverty for billions. Fusion carries none of the risk of a nuclear meltdown or the long-lived radioactive waste products associated with fission, and we hope that the NRC’s regulatory announcement takes us a step closer towards the eventual construction of the first fusion energy plant.”

McKay Notes 30,000 Job Openings

Beyer is the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus. He was a leading governmental voice in celebrating the historic announcement of a net energy gain from a human-controlled fusion energy reaction late last year. He has continuously advocated for fusion energy research and funding as a long time member of the House Science Committee, with his colleagues in Congress, at the White House, in the pages of Scientific American, and elsewhere.

The bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus, which Beyer founded in 2021, has helped secure increased funding for investments in the Department of Energy’s Office of Fusion Energy Sciences through the annual congressional appropriations process, as well as in the Inflation Reduction Act, and authorized major expansions of the U.S. funding for fusion research in the CHIPS and Science Act. The Caucus has over forty members in the House, with a mission to educate Congress about the research and increasing potential of fusion energy, and to build support for research and development.

Continued from Page 3

measures to encourage the development of “auxiliary dwelling units” on private residential properties.

“It’s the fastest way to generate large levels of new affordable housing that will have the added benefit of enabling a lot of seniors to stay in their homes,” he said. But such a move is facing stiff opposition from residential homeowners.

It is like the opposition to zoning changes in both Falls Church and its much bigger southeastern neighbor Arlington County that are being forwarded as ways of addressing the crisis of the lack of affordability in housing.

McKay said his county’s role is to build 10,000 new affordable units by 2030 and that they will go all over the 406 square miles of the county and to also acquire existing affordable units.

Overall, he said, 80 percent of the county’s annual budget of over $5 trillion goes for personnel, with mental health and affordable living challenges atop the list of needs. There is a steep shortfall in the hiring of police, for example, along with the overall 30,000

job vacancies in the region.

It doesn’t help, he said, that his county gets back only 23 cents on each $1 it sends to Richmond.

Fox News Buys Its Way Into Retaining Power

This week, the major commentators for sanity in the U.S. were mightily disappointed when, at the proverbial very last minute, it was announced that a settlement was reached in the Dominion Voting System’s $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News.

Some sadly jaundiced observers noted that “money is everything” when it comes to just about anything in our culture these days, and therefore the settlement outcome came as no surprise. It is true that had a full trial ensued in front of a very interested American public that the extent to which Fox News had knowingly distorted and misrepresented the outcome of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, in particular, the result would have been truly explosive, and could truly have been the undoing of Fox.

But still, it is argued that all the proven facts of the case had already come into the public view through pre-trial depositions and that the only real matter to be decided by the court had to do with the level of Fox’s knowing intent to lie.

Nonetheless, it remains that the service this lawsuit, had it been carried out in court and with daily major news coverage, could have provided to the American people was beyond enormous in the effort to heal the nation’s divide over Trumpian/Fox alternative realities and the truth.

Sadly, we will not enjoy the benefits of that, and what it could have done in this desperately needed healing prospect, not this time, at least. There are those who are espousing the case for the enormity of the victory for the forces of truth, nonetheless, in Fox’s acceptance of the terms of the settlement, just under a half in dollar terms of Dominion’s demand for $1.6 billion in damages.

They also argue for how this opens the door for more suits against Fox going forward.

But in reality, this was one of the most

important opportunities the forces for truth, to put it simply, have had to strike a blow against their enemies. It could have have been of vital interest to the global forces in the struggle between the rule of reason and its democratic objectives, against those of its opposite being held up not by Fox alone but by cynical global forces, the same way they always have for eons, for imposed ignorance engendered against deluded masses.

There is simply no way to overstate the importance of this. What Fox’s Rupert Mordock and his ilk seek is little less than a “New Dark Age” to cast its pall against the advance of universal reason, the explosion of potential on this lonely planet for the fulfillment of the potential of evolved human minds for us all.

For the average person, this is an astonishing goal, which would stand in the way of everything that science and progress in the last millennium has brought us. World Wars that have annihilated hundreds of millions of educated peoples on this planet in the last century or more are nothing compared to what today’s purveyors of unreason and social divisions are seeking now. Donald Trump and Rupert Murdock are part of that hateful faction, as is Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

But they can and must be stopped. They still do not have the hearts and minds of an overwhelming majority of amazing human minds on this planet. They get their way through deceit and lies.

Therefore, it is more important than ever that their deceptions be exposed for what they are, and that Fox news and their ilk be brought to swift justice, if not legally, then in the minds of the public.

As always, they count on the ability to buy their way with the American people, the way that money bought the settlement in the Dominion Vs. Fox suit.

But the question for us all is whether that will remain the standard by which American justice and morality move forward in our culture. It is not an insignificant question. On the contrary, it is the most important question that confronts us as a people.

Our enemies are counting on their old ways of buying allegiances to hold onto power at our expense. But can they?

A New Era of City, County Cooperation

The genuinely congenial relations between the tiny City of Falls Church and its giant Fairfax County neighbor exemplified in the historic address to the F.C. Chamber of Commerce by Fairfax Board of Supervisors chair Jeff McKay this Tuesday (see article. Page One of this edition) is a new and very welcome thing when viewed from a longer term perspective. It may be hard for anyone who hasn’t been keen to the relations between these two jurisdictional bodies for longer than just the last decade to appreciate, but there used to be a genuine acrimony.

It culminated in early 2014 when Fairfax finally got its way with the transfer ownership of Falls Church’s sprawling 120-mile water system that had been servicing a major portion of Fairfax County and that the Falls Church government had been operating since the 1930s. It amounted to a ham-handed, litigious virtual forced confiscation of the system by the big bully county. But ironically, the final resolution of the deal to transfer the system has worked out for the best for Falls Church, at least for now and, looking forward, as the best we can see.

Notwithstanding the drum beat of naysayers who’ve long argued the City should allow itself to be absorbed into the county, McKay’s historic visit last week is like China finally conceding that Taiwan is an independent nation that China has no claim to. It’s on a far smaller scale, obviously, but that metaphorical point is not lost. The Little City has fought hard to retain its independence and its identity for the last half century, and the beneficiaries of its efforts are all the parties involved. We are just on the brink of glimpsing where this is leading for the region as a whole. The potential represented by the two big projects on either end of Falls Church that depend on good relations between the City and county is enormous. The West End project adjacent to the West Falls Church Metrorail station is pushing ahead full steam and will connect seamlessly with two county properties next to it that will bring over 40 acres of Metro station-linked dense development and thousands of new dwelling units.

On the other end of the City, the county is moving into the first of four stages of revamping the Seven Corners tangle to everyone’s benefit. A third project is along S. Washington Street (Route 29) where the interface between the City and county involves jurisdictional cooperation.

Falls Church has enjoyed vastly improved relations with longserving county supervisors John Foust and Penny Gross, both of whom are leaving office in the coming year, but are leaving legacies that we are confident will work to assure the continuation of this positivity. Also, new Providence supervisor Dalia Palchik, who has moved to new digs closer to the City, has also offered a more congenial relationship than before with Falls Church.

It all represents a happy prospect.

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Last week, in the weekly FACES blurb, the News-Press misspelled the first name of Diann Bullock. We regret this error and apologize to Ms. Bullock.

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Help Create a Roadmap for Reducing Community Carbon Emissions

Saturday is the 53rd Earth Day, a time when we come together to acknowledge the impact we have on our environment and advocate for solutions to issues like climate change. In that spirit, the City is creating its first Community Energy Action Plan, a roadmap for how the City will help residents and businesses lower their carbon footprint.

Join City staff and leaders as well as Meridian High students at an interactive, open house event at Meridian High School on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 7 p.m. — 9 p.m. Attendees will learn about climate change and the climate solutions happening now in our City. Participants will also have the opportunity to shape the City’s Energy Action Plan by sharing their thoughts on what the City should prioritize and how the City could help tackle any barriers to reducing their environmental impact.

The need for climate action within the City of Falls Church

and around the country is greater than ever. The effects of increasing greenhouse gas emissions are becoming more tangible every day, with extreme weather events around the country becoming a weekly headline.

The U.S. has recently experienced record-breaking droughts, wildfires, extreme heat, and severe storms like never before in our history. While our City has been spared these catastrophes seen in other parts of the country, the changing weather is hard to miss.

That said, the country is taking decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Falls Church joined other jurisdictions throughout the Washington, D.C. region by committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and 80 percent by 2050. And the even better news is that despite an estimated 34 percent growth in population between 2005 and 2020, the City of Falls Church achieved a 22 percent reduction in emissions through a cleaner electrical grid, cleaner trans -

portation modes, and energy efficiency improvements in our buildings – we are on our way! Nevertheless, we still need to make significant reductions to meet our goals, even while The Little City continues to grow. We need the Community Energy Action Plan to make both sustainable growth and emissions reductions possible throughout our City.

Three things make me optimistic that the City of Falls Church can succeed. First, sustainable technology is quickly evolving for both buildings and transportation. Heat pumps are more efficient than conventional home heating systems as they move heat instead of creating it. Rooftop solar has the potential to provide cheaper electricity and an independent source of clean power. Electric vehicles, which have no tailpipe emissions, are growing in popularity as more manufacturers start to deliver new models and people realize they’re fun to drive!

A second reason to be optimistic is that the federal government is providing unprec -

edented financial support for clean energy solutions through its recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). With the federal government’s help these investments can reduce our carbon footprint and save individuals and businesses money.

And finally, I believe that our community is a small but mighty force for change and environmental action. We have a long history of promoting sustainability among our residents, with a broad range of organizations and individuals advocating for the environment. Whether it’s the second highest recycling rate in the state, curbside composting, urban tree canopy protection, wildlife habitats certifications, or Operation EarthWatch for our students, we’ve already demonstrated what’s possible in a small community where individual voices and efforts come together to make a big difference.

The City’s Community Energy Action Plan will reflect all of these opportunities, and

more, to help it reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. Your participation in developing this plan will help the City identify key needs, potential challenges, and priority areas where they can support residents and businesses to reduce their climate impact.

Please stop by Thursday’s fun, Earth Day themed event where you will have the opportunity to:

Discover the sustainable features of Meridian High School.

Poke your head in the City’s new electric school bus and police vehicles.

Speak with the high school’s solar panel provider.

Provide your feedback on what you need to reduce your climate impact and what the City can do to help.

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you cannot attend, keep an eye out for our July town hall where we will present the first draft of the plan. In the meantime, feel free to provide your feedback on your community’s sustainability to environment@ fallschurchva.gov.

This Year’s Home and Garden Tour Promotes Inclusivity, Environment

BY KYLEE TOLAND FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

On Sunday, April 16th, The Falls Church Home & Garden tour held its eighth edition of highlighting various houses and gardens in the Little City. One important difference in this year’s tour is that it included the “widest variety” of areas, including houses, apartments and townhouses.

Debbie Hiscott, the executive director of the Falls Church Education Foundation, said this year’s tour highlighted the inclusivity of living locations in the city. From Founder’s Row apartments to a 1800’s farmhouse, Hiscott said the tour promoted a range of “budgets and styles” for participants.

Although the main goal for the tour is to raise money for the Falls Church Education and Falls Church City Public Schools with their various programs and funds, Hiscott said a secondary goal is to highlight

“what an interesting and unique city” Falls Church is. Hiscott also said the tour is a time to recognize the various architects, realtors, landscapers and more for their work in the city.

The tour featured eleven “stops” around the city, with most participants walking or biking to each house and garden. Volunteers greeted visitors at the front of each location, providing historical and general information about the house and/or garden.

The first stop was the “EverEvolving Garden” grown by Nancy Silva and Ed Jenkins. Located on 1110 Seaton Lane, the garden was once depicted as an “urban jungle” when purchased in 1997. Clearing away invasive and diseased plants, the duo now presents a landscape of native shrubs, including red camellia and Japanese holly.

Starting in the front of their house and leading into the corner of the backyard, the garden

also features river birch trees, sweetbay magnolias, winterberry holly and golden ragwort. Silva said being selected as a spot on the tour was “very humbling” and she was flattered to be asked.

“It’s my legacy when we leave this property,” Silva said when speaking about the garden. “I’d like to think that I’ve left it a lot better than we found it.”

A Contemporary Winter Hill Townhouse owned by Diane Bartley and Andrew Miller was the second stop, the only townhouse featured on the tour. Located on 331 James Street, this townhouse was redesigned and renovated by local land development company DuBro Architects in 2019.

Although seeming small on the outside, the inside of the townhouse features a large setting, with a custom designed dining table made from a “slab of claro walnut” by local furniture craftsman Jeff Spugnardi. When stepping outside the house, a wide deck allows visitors to enjoy the pollinatorfriendly plantings, herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Jeff Dubro, the founder and owner of Dubro Architects, said the original townhouse design had a compartmentalized interior that was both “disconnected” and “cut-up.” Dubro then worked with Bartely and Miller to “make a home” that was “well-crafted, functional and above all open for their family to stay connected.”

“One of the prime goals of the design was to share light between spaces and open up sightlines so as to create an open and warm interior that was conducive to gathering and shar-

ing,” Dubro said. “By removing the center load-bearing wall full of ductwork, pipes and wires, DuBro was able to open up the possibilities.”

On 312 East Broad Street, a registered Virginia historic landmark, the Birch House, was the third stop on the tour. Having been built over 150 years ago by blacksmith Joseph E. Birch, the feel of the house gives a visitor a historic and modern atmosphere both inside and out.

Owned by Sandy and Sam Mabry since 1984, the first two rooms entering the house have not been redesigned since initially purchased by Birch, as is the fireplace mantel in the parlor. An expansion to the house connected a small room adjacent to the kitchen, which was initially an “out-kitchen” with a tiny above room. The backyard features a large garden full of plants and even the original water pump house.

“We are happy to offer our home for the tour,” Sam Mabry said. “The organization and coordination by the Foundation

team was exemplary.”

A mid-century Modernized Ranch house located on 230 Buxton Road was the fourth stop on the tour, owned by “relatively new” Falls Church resident Scott Plein. When first walking up to the house, the outside deceives the inside as the former gives a mid-20th century suburbia feel, while the latter is more modernizedlooking with various artworks on display.

The house features rooms with high ceilings and a patio looking out at native plantings and pollinators. Plein said he was “honored” to be a part of the tour and be able to help raise money for FCEF and FCCPS.

“As one of the tour property owners, I thought the whole process was a success,” Plein said. “The docents were remarkable and the touring guests were diverse, friendly and engaging.”

323 Forest Drive hosted the fifth stop, as the “Grand Custom Home” owned by Simran

Continued on Page 9

Proud FCEF Home & Garden Tour Sponsor

coupardarchitects.com

F.C.’S HOME AND GARDEN TOUR highlights various houses and gardens, including apartments and townhouses. (P����: C���� S��)

VARIOUS GARDENS featured on the tour promoted the use of native plants and conservation landscaping, which are environmentallyfriendly ways to keep a garden healthy and happy. (P����: C���� S��)

2023 Home & Garden Tour Saw Largest Crowd in Event’s History

Randhawa gives a “New England” atmosphere to the city. Designed by two generations of architects and builders, intricate moldings, marble surrounds and custom built cabinets are hard-to-miss elements featured in the house.

“Net Zero Home” on 611 11th Street was the sixth stop of the tour, having been built in 2019 and being one of only 500 net zero, single-family passive houses in North America. Designed by Kaplan Thompson Architects and built by Metro Green of Falls Church, a visitor will notice triple pane windows and insulated doors; important factors in designing a net zero house.

One unique fact about this net zero house is that it is powered by a 10.5KW solar array. The house’s roof eliminates heat gain during the summer, while also allowing light and warmth during the winter months.

Kristen and Dan Ross’s “Revived Farmhouse” on 329 North Maple Avenue was the seventh stop, featuring a small, two-parlor house with an exterior Italianate design with original windows, front door and staircase.

The result of a “demovation” beginning in 2012, the farmhouse preserves the historical elements of the 1873 original design, with the hardwoods being the oldest part of the home. One of many highlights of the farmhouse is the kitchen and family room addition with a screened porch, a perfect view for the pool that was added in 2022.

Outside of Trammell’s Gate Condominiums on Great Falls Street is “Conservation Landscaping Gardens,” the eighth stop on the tour. Featuring the works of various homeowners and master gardener Sandy Tarpinian, the garden exemplifies conservation landscap-

ing, which utilizes the placement of native plants to help control stormwater runoff, prevent erosion and support pollinators.

The landscape features a variety of native plants such as sweetspire, inkberry and winterberry, as well perennial flowers. Tarpinian said she was “delighted” that her garden was featured on the tour this year, and hopes it will inform people on the benefits of conservation landscaping and native plants.

The ninth stop of the tour was located on 306 Great Falls Street, the “Custom-built Hideaway” owned by Sheila and Ford Newman. The allbrick house was built in 1981 and has won two design competitions for best contemporary home based on its “excellent floor plan and detailing.”

A large office space, home theater, and wood-burning fireplace are just some of the many compelling features of the hideaway house, while the outside offers a deck, fire pit and gazebo. Another unique feature of the house is a detached garage with a finished second floor apartment.

“Having been a board member with the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, I always like to promote the businesses within the Little City,”

Sheila Newman said. “We wanted to showcase the renovations that Foxcraft Design Group completed a few years ago.”

The second-to-last stop of the tour was the “One-of-a-Kind Bungalow” on 607 North Oak Street, completed in 2022 by Dubro Architects. Owned by Ellen Winchester, the house features high ceilings, architectural angles and abundant windows that allow natural light into the house. Wood features are everywhere in the house, as the prominent dining table and benches are made from pine and the custom light fixture made from reclaimed oak beams.

Jeff Dubro said Winchester’s

SADDAM SALIM IS READY TO LEAD ON:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

PREVENTING GUN VIOLENCE

PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

STANDING UP TO GLENN YOUNGKIN

goals were for the house to be “simple and elegant” that also connected with nature. Winchester said Dubro encouraged her to take part in the tour.

“In a region where over-building has become the norm, we wanted to make a home that was scaled to the human body and the fabric of the neighborhood.” Dubro said. “We aimed to create a reimagined bungalow that would be cozy in scale and yet soaring and full of life and light.”

The last spot, and certainly not the least, was an apartment at Modera Founders Row at 110 Founders Avenue. Built in 2021, the apartment is one of 322 units in the six-story building that also features a two-story fitness facility, clubroom and pool. The interior design of the apartment features a common room, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathrooms.

This year’s tour raised over

FIGHTING FOR VA'S CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE LEARN MORE

$35,000 to support the Falls Church Education Foundation and the Falls Church Public City Schools, with over 60 vol-

unteers helping. Hiscott said the tour also saw its largest crowd for the event in its history with over 600 tickets.

Home and Garden Tour raised $35,000 to support the Falls Church Education Foundation

HOUSES AND GARDENS featured on the tour spanned from Seaton Lane to Great Falls Street. (P����: C���� S��)

An Earth Day Refresher on Recycling in The Little City

BY BRIAN REACH FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Earth Day is a perfect excuse for a refresher on the City’s recycling services. Over 68 million tons of materials, accounting for one third of all solid waste, are recycled in the U.S. every year, primarily paper and cardboard (67 percent).

Readers are likely familiar with the Wednesday pick-up schedule for trash and recycling in the City, however requirements for recycling vary greatly from area-to-area, and the consequences of recycling inappropriate materials can significantly undermine the program’s benefits.

The City also offers a free Recycling Center, located at 217 Gordon Rd., open seven days per week from dawn to dusk to walk-up visitors (car traffic is limited to Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.).

Plastic bags and pizza boxes pose two of the greatest detriments to the recycling process. “Plastic bags, whether they are shopping bags or trash bags,

can cause the recycling sorting machine to break,” warns Susan Finarelli, Director of Communications and Public Information Officer for the City of Falls Church. “If you are unable to reuse your plastic bags… ask your favorite grocery store if they offer plastic bag recycling.”

In addition to adding another plastic bag to the mix, sorting machines need items to be loose to do their jobs, so never bag recyclables.

Pizza boxes are typically saturated in grease, which makes them highly combustible, and not recyclable. Recycling guidance says that the top of the box, or any portion that is free of grease, may still be included. “Pizza boxes cannot be recycled.” confirmed Finarelli.

Glass cannot be recycled in curbside boxes. It can, however, be dropped off in special purple bins at the City’s Recycling Center.

Other items that should never be recycled such as plastic bags, food wrappers, styrofoam, propane tanks, shredded paper,

hangers, charging cords, cables, and hoses. Most of these items should be thrown away, however plastic bags can often be recycled in designated containers at grocery stores. Takeout containers, unless fully clean and marked specifically for recycling, should be thrown out.

Items that should be taken to a landfill complex (such as the I-66 transfer station in Fairfax and the I-95 landfill complex in Lorton) include cellphones and other electronic devices, batteries, household hazardous waste and paint, cooking and motor oil, and scrap metal.

When in doubt on whether an item is recyclable, don’t just throw it in the bin and hope for the best (you could essentially be un-recycling something else)! Instead, visit fallschurchva.gov/recycling and use the extremely easy and convenient Recycle Coach tool (also a downloadable app).

Though recycling is an important part of efforts to make our world and community a healthier, more sustainable place, readers should keep in mind that, of the

three behaviors in the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” slogan (which is believed to have originated at the first Earth Day 1970), recycling is the final option; though recycling what we discard is a great habit, the planet-saving goals of

Earth Day are best served by first consuming less and reusing when possible. Also, please don’t try to recycle dirty diapers, which is apparently a real thing that’s been happening.

Happy Earth Day!

This April the City of Falls Church celebrates 45 years as a Tree City USA. To achieve that recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, the city committed to maintain a tree board or department, develop a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrate Arbor Day each year. The Tree City USA distinction provides a framework for the city to maximize the ecological and aesthetic benefits of the urban for est to our community. The city’s urban forestry initiative relies on expert staff and community volunteers to, among other goals, preserve and expand the city’s tree canopy coverage — to meet the regional recommendation of 50 percent tree canopy coverage — and to ensure that trees and green spaces are equitably distributed and accessible throughout the city.

The importance of trees in urban areas is tremendous. The well documented benefits that urban forests and green spaces provide include reduction of erosion and flooding from stormwater runoff; cleaner air (a mature tree absorbs more than 48 pounds of CO2 each year); and reduction of higher temperatures emanating from the concrete and asphalt of urban heat islands. Healthy urban forests and green spaces provide diverse habitats for wildlife and native plants. For people, spending time around trees and green spaces has been shown to reduce blood pressure and stress and improve mental health.

A host of compounding stresses complicate the preservation and management of urban trees. Among these are land use development that disrupts and removes native soils, increasing temperatures, torrential flooding followed by extended periods of drought, pests and diseases, and harmful lawn and gardening practices. Given the climate and biodiversity crises that we face, current regulatory tools and policies to address these issues may seem inadequate.

One of the most intractable problems that many localities, not just Falls Church, face is how to encourage preservation and growth of community-wide tree canopy coverage as a public common when the majority of trees are on privately owned residential lots. Mature trees are routinely cut down on private property when a new house is being built. The City

that trees be preserved as often as possible. The huge demand for larger homes makes tree preservation difficult. The expanded footprint of a larger house means that construction and stormwater grading requirements may affect critical root zones of trees. Sometimes, too, required removal of invasive plants or trees, may further denude a lot. The city’s main authority to address this situation is to require that a new residential development preserve or plant new trees to achieve 20 percent tree canopy coverage over the site within ten years. This minimum comes from Virginia Code 15.2-961 on the replacement of trees during the development process. Advocating for a higher tree canopy coverage minimum must be done at the state level, ideally working together with other local jurisdictions who also desire more flexibility in setting that requirement.

On new large commercial developments, the city has not adopted minimum requirements for tree canopy coverage or landscaped open space (aka greenspace), but instead negotiates these conditions with developers. The results have been mixed with some developments exceeding the state’s recommendation of 10 percent tree canopy coverage for commercial sites and other developments falling short. Presently, the city counts trees planted along the streetscape in the public right of way, outside of the development site lines, toward total coverage. The idea is to enroll the commercial manager’s assistance in caring for the street trees. The city’s Urban Forestry Commission is currently working on developing minimum tree canopy and

building and development codes.

If you love of trees, urban forests, and green space and want to join in the conversation on how to move our community forward in their protection and expansion, here are ways to participate:

Arbor Day Celebration in Madison Park (corner of Columbia and Lawton Streets) on Saturday, April 22, 1:00 pm. Come meet likeminded City residents, talk with UFC Commissioners, the City Arborist and City Council members.

Urban Forestry Commission meetings (third Wednesdays each month at City Hall, 7:30 pm). Attend and/or submit public comment to arborist@ fallschurchva.gov. The UFC advises the City’s Arborist, Council, and Manager on regulations, policies, practices, and plans for the care and improvement of the city’s urban forest. The Commission is the place to join the larger policy discussions as well as bring your ideas on prospective sites for street tree planting and on how to engage residents in conservation landscape practices.

City Council meetings (second and fourth Mondays each month at City Hall, 7:30 pm). Express your concerns and ideas during the public comment period. Send comments to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.

Preserving trees and green space in the City of Falls Church isn’t an easy task. Competing priorities, budget constraints, and staff shortages present myriad challenges. By working together, however, I believe that we can and must find solutions to many of these challenges.

Red Robbers Grab Lead in Fourth Inning for Victory Over the Smurfs

by Erika Toman

The Red Robbers had an excellent day of baseball last weekend by winning both games in their double header. In the featured game, the Red Robbers (coached by Joe Greiner and sponsored by The Mount Rushmores) earned a big victory from the Smurfs (coached by Rob Fay, sponsored by Don Beyer Volvo) with a score of 11-7. The game was neck and neck until the fourth inning when John “Tig” Fatzinger singled on a 1-2 count, allowing one run to score. This was quickly followed by Aiden Ortiz crushing a double to center field on the first pitch, scoring two runs.

The base paths were crowded by both teams in this high-scoring game. The Red Robbers racked up nine hits with Hayes Vaughan leading the team by going 2-2. Aiden Ortiz, Jonah Molloy and Kaiden Caceres each had two RBI’s. The bats were hot that day and Dev Crance, Tig Fatzinger, Teddy Greiner, Jonah Molloy, Max Smith, Xander Wagner and Kaiden Caceres all contributed to the victory with a hit.

Teddy Greiner continues to be impressive on the mound this spring. As the starting Red Robbers pitcher, he struck out six. Hayes Vaughan pitched in relief and closed out the game by striking out three. Behind the plate, Tig Fatzinger was the team catcher for the entire double header because nothing got past him.

The Smurfs gave the Red Robbers a run for their money by tallying eight hits on the day. They had a three-run rally in the sixth inning, led by Eli Cannon’s single, but ultimately came up short. James Owen and Liam Horgan led the team with two hits each in the game. Also contributing hits were Drew Fay, Teddy Klousia and Simon Coho.

The Smurfs had a great defensive day as they also played a double header, proudly having zero errors against the Red Robbers. They were led by Drew Fay at SS who had two big plays to end both the 2nd and 4th innings. Liam Horgan was solid on the mound striking out 6 during his 3.2 innings pitching. Teddy Klousia and James Owen were also brick walls behind the plate splitting duties throughout the day.

Falls Church School News & Notes

Biggest Fundraiser of The Year Coming Soon

The HTG Games are the biggest fundraiser for the FCEPTA. Support the schools on Saturday, April 22nd, with spirit gear and cheer for the team in the stands at Meridian High School. All proceeds will fund teacher grants and school related materials.

Support Meridian Best Buddies Fundraiser

Meridian’s Best Buddies chapter is raising money for the Friendship Walk. The Friendship Walk is an annual National Mall walk supporting the regional Best Buddies organization. Please donate to their fundraising page at bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/ vadc/supporting/#meridianhighsc hool. The deadline to donate is Saturday, April 29.

Mustang Track and Field Honors 17 Seniors

After a long spring break week, the Meridian Track and Field team had perfect weather and great performances Wednesday night in front of the home crowd.

The Mustangs also recognized 17 Seniors for all their contributions to the program.

Overall, the Girl’s team beat Skyline and William Monroe, as the Boy’s team came in second, beating Monroe. There were 37 top-3 finishes with 12 event winners overall. The Mustangs will travel next week to Manassas Park for a tri-meet with Skyline.

8th Grader Places 2nd

In Cam Competition

StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about

Majors Division Season

Standings as of April 15

Hammerheads (sponsored by Chandler’s Heating and Plumbing)

2-4

Red Robbers (sponsored by The Mount Rushmores)

6-1

Cherry Bombs (sponsored by Anthony Wilder)

5-1

Greyhounds

(sponsored by Davis Laine, LLC)

2-4

Smurfs

(sponsored by Don Beyer Volvo)

3-4

Ranch Falls Church

(sponsored by NDI Custom Homes)

1-5

Notable performances this past week: Aiden Ortiz hit his first career home run for the Red Robbers. Kovas Plummer continues to rack up the home runs with his third for the season.

Mustangs Pick Up Where They Left Off After Spring Break

by Ryan McCafferty

After some time off for Spring Break, Meridian High School athletics activities resumed this past week. It’s been the baseball team making the most noise, capping off by winning the Grant & Danny Spring Showdown earlier this month, and picking up another win this week at WashingtonLiberty on Thursday by a score of 7-4. Unfortunately, they took a walloping the next night at home at the hands of St. Alban’s, losing 17-6, but they’re still 8-2 on the year heading into conference play, which begins Tuesday as they host Warren County.

It was a successful week for the boys on the soccer field, too. They beat Liberty of Bealeton 5-0 on Friday, moving to 4-1 for the season. They’ll visit Tuscarora on Monday. Meanwhile the girls played at Liberty and won 5-0. They will be at home on Monday, also playing Tuscarora.

The boys’ lacrosse team took its first loss of the season on Tuesday, falling 10-6 to

Alexandria City at home before bouncing back with a 9-6 win over Liberty-Bealeton on Thursday. The girls also saw their streak come to an end as they fell 13-12 at Independence on Tuesday, bouncing back by beating Liberty, 21-3. Both teams are now 4-1 on the year, with the boys set to conclude on Wednesday when they host Independence, while the girls face WashingtonLiberty at home on Thursday.

It was a busy week for girls’ tennis as well, as they lost a pair of matchups to Rock Ridge (on the road on Tuesday and at home on Friday), both by a score of 3-6. They beat Wakefield 7-2 at home on Thursday, earning their second victory of the year as they head into conference with a 2-6 record.

Finally, girls’ softball won its sole matchup of the week, beating Yorktown 2-1 at home on Wednesday. Now with a 4-2-1 record, they’ll host Annandale and Warren County on Monday and Tuesday to expand their winning streak.

issues affecting our communi ties and our nation. Middle and high school students were chal lenged to create a short docu mentary addressing the theme: “If you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your priority and why?”

8th grade Henderson MS student Sesh Sudarshan won 2nd Prize for his documentary on the federal recognition of religious holidays, “E Pluribus Unum: Who Gets Represented in America?”

OSE Odyssey Team Head to Championship

This weekend, three Oak Street student groups traveled to the Odyssey of the Mind Virginia State competition in Leesburg, VA. Congrats to Team Marlin, Team Dewhurst/

Bonds, and Team Donofrio/ Mathers for making it this far. Congratulations to Team Donofrio/Mathers, who competed in “The Classics — the Wall of Troy” problem and finished in second place — advancing them to the World competition in East Lansing, Michigan, in late May. We wish the best of luck to Nathan Donofrio (4th), James Labukas (3rd), Julia Kieffer (3rd), Kaitlyn Mathers

(4th), and Annie Novotny (4th).

MEHMS Spring Show Coming Soon

On Thursday, April 27th through Saturday, April 29th, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School’s Theatre Department’s production of “The Addams Family” will be held at the Meridian High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

M ERIDIAN’S BEST BUDDIES chapter is raising money for the Friendship Walk, which supports the regional Best Buddies organization. (Photo: Meridian High School)

NOVA NightSky’s ‘Talley’s Folly’ Proves That Opposites Attract

BY PATRICIA LESLIE

If you don’t believe that opposites attract, a new show in town may convince you otherwise.

NOVA NightSky Theater’s “Talley’s Folly” presents Sally Talley and Matt Friedman, a more unlikely couple than you can imagine, he, a Jewish immigrant from Lithuania, age 42, and she, a respectable Methodist nurse from Middle America, age 31, who does all she can to offend and shoo Matt away, resisting his persistence.

Each of the characters elicits deep, dark secrets the other holds to expose vulnerabilities and fears. For Sally, that’s the fear of being disappointed in love again, afraid to step into another embrace which may end in separation, afraid of failing to meet family expectations. For Matt, it’s his family’s background.

On July 4, 1944 the two rendezvous from the year before, at the same meeting place, an old Talley boathouse in Missouri (the playwright’s home state) to talk and try to settle differences.

In 1980 the show won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York

Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play. It’s the second of a trilogy by Lanford Wilson, the others, “Talley & Son” and “The Fifth of July.”

Jaclyn Robertson, who plays Sally and is the show’s producing director, emailed: “We decided to perform this show because we fell in love with the script and the depth of the characters. It’s not often that community theaters choose two person plays, but since we have a small space, we felt like this would be a good fit for us.”

Remnants of a boathouse fill the set situated on an elevated wooden platform in a clever design. (The creative team prides itself, rightly so, on its recycled, thrifted and upcycled props.)

Directors Ward Kay and Melody Dillon have the couple circling each other, as in a verbal boxing ring which the boathouse becomes.

The acting is superb. Adam Ressa (the design and technical director) is Matt who, in a monologue, moves and talks fast to the audience, introducing the show’s background and the length: 97 minutes, without intermission.

When she enters, Sally wants Matt to know she had no interest

in him whatsoever (hmmmm) and calls him several names during their discourse. The words she hurls hurt! But he wants this girl! His determination, drive, and perhaps some masochism keep him focused on the target.

Robertson is quite adept at changing her facial expression to express Sally’s inner feelings, becoming more distressed as they discuss, twisting her fingers to match her mental state. Sally constantly brings up her family and their resistance to anyone in their family who’s as different from them as Matt is.

What do prejudice and intolerance have to do with it?

As the minutes pass, the space between the two begins to shrink; Sally’s defense weakens.

Although billed as a comedy, “Talley’s Folly” is a dark one with some humorous lines, mostly by Matt.

Costuming is a bit perplexing. A long sleeve white dress shirt, tie, dress pants and suspenders at an old boathouse? But Matt is an accountant, after all. Sally wears a pretty new dress to impress, but she denies it.

At the end, joy comes in the

The Little Theatre of Alexandria

600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Children aged 3 through 10th grade are invited to join us for a memorable summer at our beautiful Old Town theater. Now in its 15th year, LTA is the premier Alexandria location for performing arts summer camps, featuring Acting; Musical Theater; Shakespeare; Improvisation; Playmaking; and a variety of specialty themed camps. Camps are full-day, mornings, afternoons and include an optional extended day program.

“I have seen my kiddo gain confidence but more importantly she has had so much fun."

For online registration go to: thelittletheatre.com/education

A limited number of partial scholarships are made possible through the generosity of The LTA Council. All students must show proof of COVID-19 vaccines to participate.

“TALLEY’S FOLLY” of an unlikely couple in 1944.

A Penny for Your Thoughts News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

The public hearings about the proposed FY 2024 county budget are history; now the Board of Supervisors will make adjustments to the County Executive’s proposals, with eventual adoption of the budget in early May. Last week, nearly 150 people spoke or presented video testimony during three afternoons, a far cry from the 800 speakers who signed up for the FY 1997 budget. That was my first budget as Mason District Supervisor, and the County Executive at the time had recommended a 17-cent increase in the real estate tax rate! The Board added a full Saturday hearing to accommodate the extraordinary number of speakers. I remembered that a few of the speakers last week also had testified in 1997.

Speaker comments focused on a few common themes: decrease the tax rate, increase compensation for teachers and county employees, invest more in schools, parks, and libraries. Some speakers wanted both tax cuts and pay increases. One speaker let his violin do the talking, with a beautiful rendition of a Bach composition on behalf of ArtsFairfax. There also were pointed comments about the Board’s recent action to increase salaries for the next Board of Supervisors. Since Virginia law permits Boards of Supervisors to increase salaries only for the next board, and

only between January 1 and April 15 of an election year, the system is set up to elicit howls, regardless of the amount of the increase. The Board’s action was only the fourth time, since 1991, that board member salaries were increased, and maintains Fairfax County Board salaries as the lowest of the four major jurisdictions (District of Columbia, Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties in Maryland) in the region.

Now the Board, under the leadership of Chairman Jeff McKay, who also chairs the Board’s budget committee, will spend the next couple of weeks making adjustments to the budget, including compensation increases, and determining the tax rate to fund county services in the coming year. Under Virginia law, county budgets must be balanced; counties cannot run a deficit like the federal government does. An unanticipated wrinkle in budget planning this year is the incomplete state budget. The General Assembly passed a “skinny budget” but disagreed on many other budget decisions, leaving localities without assurance of how additional state funds will be allocated. Whether the House and Senate conferees will recommend a budget package before the beginning of the new fiscal year still is in question. County budget mark-up is scheduled for May 2, with final

City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT

Week of April 10 - 16, 2023

Drunk in Public, W Broad St, April 10, 12:01 AM, a male, 65, of no fixed address, was arrested for Drunk in Public.

Fraud, W Broad St, April 10, 2:46 PM, an incident of fraud was reported.

adoption on May 9. The new budget becomes effective on July 1, 2023.

Some items for your calendar: The popular George Mason Regional Library Book Sale will be held Thursday through Sunday, April 27 to 30 at the library, 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Hours are: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. On Saturday, April 29, the Taste of Annandale will be held on Tom Davis Drive in downtown Annandale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, as are a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family.

The Art in the Mason District Governmental Center program features “Images of Green Spring Gardens,” a photo exhibit of seasons, foliage, and wildlife at one of our most picturesque local parks. Both color and black and white photos capture the variety of pleasures to be found at historic Green Spring Gardens. PJ Gross has a background in both design and history, and experiments with a variety of mediums. The artwork is on display at the Supervisor’s office, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, through May 31, 2023.

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

I have some major news to share with you this month. Last week, my colleague, Kaye Kory, announced her retirement after many years of dedicated service to the people of the Commonwealth. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Kaye for her service and leadership. Kaye has been a tireless advocate for her constituents and a fierce defender of progressive values in Richmond. Her leadership and contributions to the Virginia House of Delegates will be greatly missed.

As you may know, both of our homes were drawn into the new 13th District by the Redistricting Commission and we would have had to face each other in a primary on June 20th. However, with Kaye’s decision to retire, I am now the official Democratic nominee for the district. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve the people of the 13th District and to build on the progress we’ve made together.

In other big news, the Virginia General Assembly Session and Reconvened Session have both wrapped up, with more than 800 new bills becoming law this year. We reviewed 78 recommendations and 3 vetoes from the Governor during Reconvene – while we upheld his vetoes, we did not accept all of his recommendations, sending 16 bills back to him to reconsider. He now has until May 12th to either sign or veto those remaining bills. You can view all the legislation from that day online at lis. virginia.gov.

Driving under the Influence, E Broad St, April 10, 11:27 PM, a male, 36, of McLean, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Fraud, S Washington St, April 11, 3 PM, an incident of fraud was reported.

Drunk in Public, W Broad St, April 13, 11:08 PM, a male, 65, of no fixed address, was arrested for Drunk in Public.

One issue that drew a lot of attention during the Reconvene Session was the Governor’s attempt to amend legislation to prohibit Virginians from exercising their first amendment rights by making it a crime to picket near the homes of Supreme Court Justices. Thankfully, this measure failed, and Virginians can continue to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully.

However, there is still some unfinished business in the Commonwealth. Despite a revenue surplus of $3.6 billion, we still don’t have a supplemental budget bill to allocate this money to support public education and unmet needs for mental health services. Unfortunately, the Governor insists on using the surplus to cut taxes for giant, wealthy corporations,

while Democrats are advocating for investing in the well-being of our citizens. It’s crucial to prioritize the needs of our community, and I’m hopeful that we can reach a bipartisan agreement to use this surplus in a way that benefits all Virginians.

Finally, I want to draw your attention to an important issue that affects the rights of thousands of Virginians — the restoration of voting rights for former felons who have completed their terms of incarceration. The day before Reconvene Session, I participated in a news conference at the Bell Tower in Richmond, calling on the Governor to resume his predecessor’s practice of automatically restoring these rights. We had a big crowd, including Senators Dick Saslaw and Maime Locke, House Democratic Leader Don Scott, himself a former felon whose rights were restored by Governor Bob McDonnell, and dozens of advocates and other legislators.

It was heartening to see the strong turnout and support for this cause, especially from those who, like Delegate Scott, have experienced the challenges and barriers that come with having a criminal record and have worked so hard to overcome them.

The Governor recently changed the policy to individually review each case, with no clear process for applying for restoration of rights. This new policy creates significant obstacles for many individuals who are trying to move forward with their lives and once again engage in their communities, exercising their right to vote as citizens of the Commonwealth.

I am deeply troubled by this change in policy and the lack of transparency and fairness in the current process. It’s time for the Governor to live up to his values of forgiveness, mercy, and second chances and restore the rights of these individuals who have completed their sentences and are ready to fully participate in our democracy.

I urge the Governor to return to the automatic restoration of voting rights, as it’s a crucial step in promoting a more inclusive and just society. As always, I am committed to representing the interests of the people of the 13th District and to working hard to create a better future for all Virginians.

Delegate Marcus Simon’s Richmond Report

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

I’m honored to publish boyhood reminiscences from a quintessential Arlingtonian, one who, at age 95, can retrieve lost detail from settings that remain hometown-familiar.

Two decades before there was an Arlington Hospital, Charles Burton Meyer Jr was born Jan. 20,1928 in Garfield Hospital, Washington, D.C. His parents Charles Sr. and Ruth, moved to Cherrydale, Monmouth Ave. (now N. Kenmore St.). He attended Cherrydale Elementary, recalling its pair of buildings (now a rehab center on Langston Blvd.). After the family moved to 45 Prospect St. (now N. 23rd Rd.) in Maywood Thrifton (his home today), he attended Woodmont. Now a gymnastics facility and county archives, in the mid1930s Woodmont was “a two-room school with three grades in each room, one teacher per room and mass confusion,” he writes. “The Arlington school system was not the greatest during the 30’s and early 40’s,” though this would change after World War II.

“Politically, my folks were Democrats for the first three FDR administrations but became Republicans near the end of World War II due to the liberal leanings of the administration.”

In Depression-era Arlington, Meyer attended Sunday school at the Cherrydale Methodist but later switched to Grace Episcopal (which became St. Andrews).

“Cherrydale had Stratton’s Garage where my dad could get five gallons of gas for $1.00,” he remembers, plus Shreve’s Grocery Store, Simmons Candy Store, the Sanitary Market and a drug store. “One of my treats was a 5 cent ice cream cone on a Sunday afternoon.” The Halls Hill Fire Department (all black) “was usually first on the scene for local fires.”

Meyer and his dad hiked to the Potomac for fishing. In 1940 when Meyer was 12, another fisherman pointed to a teen who had fallen from a cliff.

“The injured boy was unable to walk. My dad hailed a man in a rowboat. We found an old Coke-Cola sign, moved the injured boy onto this makeshift stretcher

and put him on the boat. While he was being transported, my dad and I returned to our car, drove across Key Bridge to Georgetown, loaded the injured boy into Dad’s car and took him to Georgetown Hospital. The story made the D.C. newspapers with pictures.”

He recalls 15-cent movies (Westerns) at Clarendon’s Ashton Theatre and the Lee in East Falls Church. At Lee Highway and Kirkwood Rd. was the Shady Grove BBQ, scene of drunken fights on weekends. (It was replaced by a Howard Johnson’s.) A nearby nuisance was a rat-infested wartime-repository for crushed fruit and vegetables. He and friends snuck onto semi-pro baseball fields in Ballston and Rosslyn.

Because his mom was a teacher, Meyer could go tuition-free to D.C. schools Gordon Junior High and Western Senior High (now Duke Ellington). There he played football and made a life-long friend of Bob Baxter, also meeting “first love” Barbara King of Lyon Village. Meyer recalls using the D.C. trolley and nickel buses across Key Bridge. “One time I decided to hop a freight train of the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, which dropped me off at Edgewood St. two blocks from my home. My father found out, and I was grounded.”

In 1946, his friend Jim was working at the Rosslyn Post Office when Meyer dropped in and said,”Let’s enlist in the Army.” The two signed up the next day. After basic training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, he spent a year in U.S.-occupied Japan. Meyer went onto a 36-year career with local Verizon.

Granted, my wife and I are out of touch with Capital One Arena’s digital ticket and post-Covid security protocols. But the traps we hit at the March 27 Bruce Springsteen show were eye-openers.

No paper ticket printouts accepted (smartphones only). And the gatekeepers wouldn’t let my wife enter with her purse. So after wasting 20 minutes in a long line, we had to circle the building and deposit her purse in a locker that requires your Apple password.

Luckily, two young employees were cheerful in extracting us from these traps. They do it every night. I thank them.

Community News & Notes

THE DEDICATION AND CEREMONIAL RIBBON CUTTING for the long-awaited Falls Church multimodal transportation center at the intersection of S. Washington and Hillwood Avenues, long ago envisioned by former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (center) was held on a sunny Wednesday morning. Celebrities present included Moran, retiring State Sen. Dick Saslaw, State Sen. Chap Petersen, State Rep. Marcus Simon, F.C. Mayor David Tarter, F.C. Council members Letty Hardi and Marybeth Connelly, Fairfax Supervisor Dalia Palchick, Tinner Hill’s Ed and Nikki Henderson, and F.C. City Manager Wyatt Shields and Deputy Manager Cindy Mester, and many others. (SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE AT FCNP.COM). (Photo: Gary Mester)

Civil War Show and Sale Coming Soon

A Civil War Books, Relics and Memorabilia Show and Sale will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. at the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge (8421 Arlington Blvd). Admission is $5.00 per person. Vendors are welcome. Additional information may be obtained by sending an email to dhakenson@verizon.net and/or mayo5304@cox.net.

Tinner Hill to Host Workshop on Critical Race Theory

What is critical race theory (CRT)? Is it demonizing white individuals? Is racism really a systemic issue? These are burning questions one may ask. Led by local high school students from Meridian High School, the “Uncovering Critical Race Theory: POC Experiences and White Guilt” workshop is free and aims to provide a sociological framework for understanding and dismantling racism through POC experi -

ences and academic resources. The workshop will be held at Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 East Broad Street, Falls Church) on Saturday, April 22nd from 2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. Register at tinyurl. com/2mdk9j56 to hear from the youth of today.

NOVA Parks Adds Rare Trees to Old-Growth Forest Network

On Tuesday, April 18th, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) celebrated the induction of Hemlock Overlook Regional Park into the OldGrowth Forest Network by unveiling a permanent sign marking the forest’s location and importance. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay, Springfield District Supervisor Patrick Herrity, NOVA Parks Chair Cate Magennis Wyatt, and other local leaders participated in an Earth Day commemoration.

Old-growth trees like the Eastern hemlocks growing on the banks of Bull Run in Hemlock Overlook Regional Park are

exceptionally rare; less than 1 percent of these original forests are thought to remain in the eastern United States. These trees offer exceptional ecological value, such as providing valuable canopy layers that shelter hundreds of species of birds, insects, and mammals.

Taste of Annandale Celebrates a Diverse, Vibrant Community

The public is invited to the Taste of Annandale, a free family-friendly festival April 29, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., along Tom Davis Drive.

The Taste of Annandale features live performances, food trucks and restaurants, a 5K race, a best-dressed pet contest, a beer garden, dozens of vendors, a chili cook off, children’s entertainment and activities, and the police helicopter. If one would like to volunteer at the Taste of Annandale, sign up here: volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/ custom/1380/opp_details/188579.

F.C. Specialists Recognized as a Best Dumpster Rental

Bin There Dump That, a resi -

“You Don’t Belong Here.” is due out this summer shown here with husband Gordon Phelps, author Philip Clark, whose latest work is out now, a collection of the works of the late poet, Walta Borawski, and the News-Press’ Nicholas Benton. (Photo: News-Press)

dential dumpster rental franchise company with locations in the U.S. and Canada, has been recognized by Forbes HOME as a Best Dumpster Rental Company for 2023.

Forbes Home Improvement editorial team commended “Bin There Dump That” for the “most thorough services included in a residential dumpster rental package, including driveway protection and sweep up after every job.”

Volunteers Needed at Cherry Hill Farmhouse

Cherry Hill Farmhouse is a small historic house that relies on the hard work of its volunteers. They need local help.

Volunteer opportunities include: Farmhouse and barn docents, program and event assistants, history researchers and more.

Interested? Contact Holly Irwin or call 703-248-5171 (TTY 711).

Learn About Composting Through Workshop

Learn how to compost at the April 30 Backyard Composting Workshop. Topics include leaf

mulching in a yard, yard waste composting, hands-on composting demonstration, making compost tea, proper food waste composting, and vermicomposting. All participants will receive free backyard compost bins while supplies last. To reserve a spot, email Master Gardener Sandra Tarpinian or call 571275-8800 (TTY 711).

Inova

Bloodmobile Returns to Falls Church

The Inova Bloodmobile returns to the City on Monday, May 29. It will be set up outside the Community Center (223 Little Falls Street) from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. during the City’s 41st Annual Memorial Day Parade. You can visit the donor portal at inovabloodsaves.org/ donor/schedules/drive_schedule/32944 or call 866-256-6372 (TTY 711), sponsor code 0053, to schedule an appointment.

FCCDC Potluck to Feature Congressman Beyer

Join the FCCDC and special guest Congressman Don Beyer,

TWO FC based authors have books either just out or coming soon. Left to right: Jonathan Harper, whose latest novel ,

LOCAL

ON SATURDAY, April 16th, a group of Bike Falls Church members participated in the Falls Church W&OD trail cleanup. Bike Falls Church is a local community group seeking to promote safe streets and bike infrastructure for everyone. Recently, the News-Press spoke to the organization’s founder Andrew Olesen about Bike Falls Church and future goals of the group. Anyone who would like to know more can find the organization at bikefallschurch.org and sign up for our regular email updates. (Photo: Sarah Ruth)

featuring former Delegate and candidate for Attorney General, Jay Jones, for a potluck dinner to support the Falls Church City Democratic Committee. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, at 223 Little Falls Street.

Ticket pricing for one seat with a dish is $50; one seat with one dish is $75; 2 seats is $100; a table is $450; a Young Democrat member ticket is $15.

RSVP at secure.actblue.com/ donate/fccdcpotluck23. Questions can be directed to fallschurchdems@ gmail.com or 703-727-1843.

World Art Day Celebrated in Falls Church

World Art Day, April 15th, was celebrated for the first time in Falls Church this year. It was established by UNESCO, to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art. “Art nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue.” The Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church decided to engage in the day and feature artists around the Farmer Market area and close by at the Alexia Scott Gallery. The Falls Church Art Walk was highlighted with its website and map to walk throughout the City to see locations of public art as well as the galleries such as Falls Church Arts.

All Member Art Show Open to the Public

The Falls Church Art’s All Member Show is an annual event

open to Falls Church Arts member artists. Participation in this show is a benefit of membership, so no entry fee is required.

This year, the All Member Show has two sessions, with artists whose last names begin with A-K in the first session and those whose last names begin with L-Z in the second session.

A-K Artists show dates are April 22 through May 21, 2023. Meet the A-K Artists reception is 7:00 through 9:00 pm, Saturday, April 22.

L-Z Artists show dates are May 27 through June 25, 2023. Meet the L-Z Artists reception is 7:00 through 9:00 pm, Saturday, May 27.

A People’s Choice prize will be awarded for each session, courtesy of a donation from DuBro Architects + Builders.

The Boom that Silenced the Farmers Market

On a beautiful spring morning at the Falls Church farmers market on Saturday April 15 - a very loud boom pierced the social chatter. The noise sounded like a large cannon had been fired very close to City Hall. The crowd became totally silent — all looking toward the Cherry Hill Farm House. As some smoke drifted towards Cherry Hill park it was clear whatever exploded was very close to the market. A vendor said he saw a ball of fire roll out of a vendor’s tent - and speculation was that a propane canister had exploded. Actually it was a can of Pam cooking oil spray resting too close to a heated grill — and it exploded with force to sound like a cannon. The fire department responded but found the only damage was the grill operator hair was

singed — and food had been splattered around the tent. Within 20 minutes the world that is the Falls Church Farmers Market was back to normal.

DEA National Drug Take Back Day is April 22

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) annual Spring National Drug Take Back Initiative will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, and the City of Falls Church Police Department and Falls Church Sheriff’s Office will host a collection site near the police entrance outside City Hall (300 Park Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public can safely and anonymously drop off potentially dangerous prescription drugs or unwanted or expired over the counter (OTC) medications during Drug Take Back Day. Accepted materials include tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription or non-prescription drugs. Vape pens and liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. For more information about Drug Take Back Day and additional collection sites, visit dea. gov/TakeBackDay.

Free Shakespeare Event at The Little Theatre of Alexandria

On Sunday, April 23rd from 1-2:30pm, The Little Theatre of Alexandria will be observing Shakespeare’s birthday with a special event — The Blades of Shakespeare. This lecture & demonstration, pre-

THE TASTE OF ANNANDALE on Saturday, April 29th features live performances, food trucks and restaurants, a 5K race, a bestdressed pet contest, a beer garden, dozens of vendors, a chili cookoff, children’s entertainment and activities, and the police helicopter. The festival is organized by the Annandale-Mason Roundtable, a nonprofit formed by volunteers. (Photo: Ellie Ashford)

sented by The Noble Blades, will explore the history and significance of the various bladed weaponry that appears throughout the works of William Shakespeare. The event is free and open to all and takes place immediately before our matinee of Mary Stuart. We hope you can join us! RSVP to LTA’s Governor for Education Heather Sanderson at bardsplay@gmail.com.

Town Hall Meeting Focuses on Community Energy Action Plan

7:00 – 9:00 pm at Meridian High School, The City of Falls Church is kicking off the creation of a Community Energy Action Plan centered around green goals, resource needs, and vision for th city’s future. This is a flexible open house style event; drop in anytime this evening to learn about the City’s current climate change initiatives and provide your input! The City hopes to present a final Energy Action Plan to City Council in September and is seeking input.

THIS WEEK IN THE LITTLE CITY

ergy Plan Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Arts and Humanities Council Meeting

Arts and Humanities Council meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 9:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.

MOVED: VA 37th Senate District Candidate Debate

Previously scheduled in Falls Church, this debate has been moved to Vienna. The News-Pressstrongly encourages readers to attend this unique opportunity to see all three candidates prior to early voting, which begins May 5 ahead of the June 20 primary. American Legion Post #180 (330 Center St. N, Vienna, VA), 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Human Services Advisory Council Meeting

Human Services Advisory Council meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.

Community Energy Action Plan Town Hall

The Environmental Sustainability Council presents a Community En-

FRIDAY

APRIL 21

Budget and Finance Committee Meeting

Budget and Finance Committee meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.

La Valentia

An expertly constructed tale brimming with family feuds and supernatural secrets. This rollicking comedy finds sisters Trini and Guada battling over whether to sell their beloved family summer home that sits next to a bustling highway. With each increasingly absurd tactic they use to get their way, the sisters encounter mysterious visitors who provide hilarious twists and turns. Gala Theatre (3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.

Unnecessary Farce

An award-winning comedy by Paul Slade Smith, combines all the elements of classic farce with a contemporary plot. Two cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. Go! Set

in an economy motel, an embezzling small-town mayor is to meet with his female accountant. In the room next door, two inept undercover cops aim to catch the mayor on camera doing the guilty deeds. When the camera catches a bit of unrehearsed hanky-panky and a kiltwearing, bagpipe-wielding, hit-man stumbles into the fray, comic pandemonium ensues! Tickets at bit. ly/FCNP0423uf. Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA), 8:00 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.

MRSPL: Library Closed

Mary Riley Styles Public Library will be closed for a staff development and training day. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church), all day.

SATURDAY APRIL 22

Living Earth Festival 2023

Saturday and Sunday. From water scarcity to floods and erosion, Native nations are addressing climate change across Indian Country. During the Living Earth Festival, join the museum for a weekend of conversations, demonstrations, and artmaking to learn how Indigenous communities are stepping forward with aggressive plans to protect their ways

of life. Throughout the weekend, visitors can hear directly from Indigenous climate and agriculture experts as they discuss how their communities have always demonstrated respect for the Earth with sustainability in mind. Presenters show how traditional knowledge and practices are being adapted to a changing climate and feed the world’s growing population at the same time. Working artists will engage visitors in communal artmaking using found materials once destined for landfills to create new and unique works of art. The National Museum of the American Indian (Fourth St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC), 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

National Drug Take Back Day

For the DEA's annual Spring National Drug Take Back Initiative, the City of Falls Church Police Department and Falls Church Sheriff’s Office are hosting a collection site near the police entrance outside City Hall (same location as in the past – grassy area directly across from the community center). The public can safely and anonymously drop off potentially dangerous prescription drugs or unwanted or expired over the counter (OTC) medications during Drug Take Back Day. Accepted materials include tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription or nonprescription drugs. Vape pens and liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. For more information about Drug Take Back Day and additional collection sites, visit dea.gov/TakeBackDay. City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Earth Day Every Day

Join Mala Persaud, a communications consultant for global health, environmental, and global development nonprofits, for free program to learn about what you can do to live a more sustainable, less plastic and trash dependent life, no matter where you currently on in your zero waste journey! Persaid is the owner of Trace, the first zero waste store in Fairfax County where the community can refill containers with dry goods, soap, detergent, shampoo, and more in an effort to reduce the impact of plastic and trash on the planet. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 10:30 a.m.

East End SAP Pop Up at Eden Center

The East End SAP Team will be out for the final Pop-Up Eden Center with revised materials based on what was heard at the previous 3 pop-ups. Eden Center (6751-6799 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church), 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Arbor Day and Tree City USA Celebration

Join the City in the celebration of Arbor Day and the City's 45th year of Tree City USA in Madison Park Pavilion, with a host of speakers from the Virginia Department of Forestry, Village Preservation and Improvement Society, The Urban Forestry Commission, and others. Fun giveaways and prizes will be available for all ages! There will also be a public planting of the Tree of the Year, Nyssa sylvatica or black gum, selected by the Urban Forestry Commission for its ability to adapt to a changing environment, thrive in wet or dry soils, its tolerance of clay soil, and its subtle flowers are an excellent source of nectar for bees. Madison Park (334 Lawton St., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Brendan Slocumb

Brendan Slocumb performs. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m.

Poetry Reading: 'Alphabet of Mo(u)rning?'

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) host a poetry reading presenting Lily Press' first literary publication, Kari Ann Ebert's Alphabet of Mo(u)rning. Also featuring readings by poets Sandra Beasley and Carol A. Beane. This free event coincides with MPA's ongoing Spring Solo exhibitions. McLean Project for the Arts (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.

2023 HTG Games School Fundraiser

The "Hippo, Tiger, Giraffe" (HTG) Games are the biggest fundraiser for the FCEPTA. Support your schools with spirit gear and cheer for your team in the stands at Meridian High School. All proceeds will fund teacher grants and school related materials. Buy your gear at fcepta.org/store/8120. Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church), 3:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

COMEDIC PANDEMONIUM ENSUES as inept cops attempt to catch an embezzling small-town Mayor in Unnecessary Farce, this weekend at Vienna Community Center. (Courtesy Photo)

EVENTS, MUSIC, ART & THEATRE

FCA Opening Reception: All Member Arts Show

Meet The A-K Artists. Reception for the annual All Member Show: a showcase of Falls Church Arts member artists. This year the All Member Show has two sessions, with artists whose last names begin with A-K in the first session, and those whose last names begin with L-Z in the second session. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

SUNDAY APRIL 23

Women of Temple Rodef Shalom Accessory Sale

The Women of Temple Rodef Shalom host the fifth spring Accessory Sale & More fundraiser, with proceeds to charity. Find an incredible assortment of fashion accessories for men and women, fine and costume jewelry, decorative household items, serving pieces, candlesticks, and more. Lovely Judaica, perfect for your holiday celebrations. All merchandise (new and gently used) will be reasonably priced and sold “as is.” Spread the word to your friends and neighbors and come early for the best selection. To paraphrase a well-known saying, “One woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure.” Temple Rodef Shalom (2100 Westmoreland St., Falls Church), 8:30 a.m. — 2:30 p.m.

Andrew Acosta Trio

Andrew Acosta Trio performs. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m.

Shakespeare Garden Spring Event

The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA), 1:00 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.

Hiccup!

It’s a perfect, balmy night in the outback. A sleep-deprived camper, a cheeky quokka and an emu with a penchant for creating wild inventions, awake to discover that a koala has come down with a stubborn and ear-shatteringly loud case of the hiccups! The three embark on an epic journey frantically eating, singing and inventing their way to-

wards a cure before the sun comes up. Hiccup is a hilarious rocking musical extravaganza about working together, finding friendship and how to, once and for all, stop the hiccups. The Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 4:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.

The Passing Zone Saves the World

In their latest show The Passing Zone Saves the World!, The Passing Zone delivers a pulse-pounding and riotously funny performance, combining juggling, comedy, and daredevil stunts. The dynamic duo of Owen Morse and Jon Wee met in 1986 at a juggling convention, and have been tossing bowling pins, sharp knives, lit torches, and even roaring chainsaws ever since. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 4:00 p.m.

Falls Church Democrats

Potluck & Straw Poll

Join FCCDC and special guest Congressman Don Beyer for a potluck dinner, and the first-ever FCCDC straw poll, also featuring former Delegate and candidate for Attorney General Jay Jones. Tickets at secure.actblue.com/donate/ fccdcpotluck23. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Kenneth R. Burnett Bldg., Falls Church), 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Military and First Responders Fundraiser

Open to the public and benefitting Vet's Retreat Virginia (VRVI), supporting military, first responders and their families. Featuring live music from Gigi Marie, Capt. Bob Shepart, and Sean Tracy. American Legion Post 130 (400 N. Oak St., Falls Church), 5:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

MONDAY

APRIL 24

City Council Meeting & Public Hearing

The City Council holds a public hearing on the proposed budget ordinance, tax rates, and Capital Improvements Program (CIP), during the normally scheduled City Council meeting. There will be a public comment opportunity. Sign up to speak at fallschurchva.gov/ publiccomment. All members of the public may view the meeting

at fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings or on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35) live or recorded. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

TUESDAY

APRIL 25

Government Operations Committee Meeting

City Council Government Operations Committee meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 12:00 p.m. — 1:00 p.m.

School Board Work Session

The public is invited to attend in person or by phone at (628) 4006639, PIN 390-107-562#. Falls Church City Public Schools - Central Office (150 S. Washington St., Suite 400 Conference Rm., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

APRIL 26

Ask the Council Session

The public is welcome to attend this session to meet with Council members and ask questions in an informal setting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.

Budget Town Hall

Meeting

The second City Council Budget Town Hall. City staff will present the proposed budget and answer questions from attendees. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Mary Stuart

One queen will win; one must fall. This highly-charged political drama is about two mighty royals – Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth I – and the power play between two of history’s greatest monarchs. With inspiring, powerful characters, and a theme grounded in the struggle between religion, womanhood and statesmanship, this play mirrors and explores many of the same issues present today. Contains adult themes; ages 13 and up. The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA), 8:00 p.m.

FALLS CHURCH ARTS hosts a reception for its annual Member Arts Show this weekend (pictured: TheWaySheSeesItby Deborah Conn).

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

The ordinances referenced below were given first reading on April 10, 2023. Public hearings are scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2023 and Monday, May 8, 2023, with second reading and final Council action scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard.

(TO23-03) ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024: GENERAL FUND; SCHOOL OPERATING FUND; SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND; SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE FUND; CABLE ACCESS FUND; SEWER FUND; STORMWATER FUND; AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS; AND ADOPTING THE FY2024-FY2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The FY2024 proposed budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) includes:

• $118,362,643 for the General Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $6,770,979 for the Sewer Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $1,845,000 for the Stormwater Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $247,938 for the Cable Access Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $120,000 for the Affordable Housing Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $61,442,261 for the School Operating Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $2,310,700 for the School Community Service Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $1,382,794 for the School Food Service Fund revenues and expenditures.

• The proposed FY2024 appropriation for the CIP includes $8,151,251 for the General Government and Schools, $23,898,716 for the Special Transportation Fund, $11,527,084 for the Sewer Fund, and $4,400,000 for the Stormwater Fund for a total of $47,977,051.

The CIP is funded with $31,866,166 in grants, $1,827,550 of General Fund revenues, $860,000 of General Fund Capital Reserves, $2,234,584 of Sewer Fund revenues and fund balance, and $9,292,500 of debt proceeds; $1,896,251 is unfunded.

• The proposed FY2024-FY2029 CIP includes $24,935,501 for the General Government and Schools, $92,763,818 for the Special Transportation Fund, $23,828,340 for the Sewer Fund, and $11,850,000 for the Stormwater Fund for a total of $153,377,659 to be funded with $81,162,935 of grants, $11,071,550 of General Fund revenues, $11,467,223 of General Fund Capital Reserves, $9,480,366 of Sewer Fund revenues and fund balance, and $26,315,084 of debt proceeds; $13,880,501 is unfunded.

(TO23-04) ORDINANCE SETTING THE RATE OF TAX LEVY ON REAL ESTATE FOR TAX YEAR 2024 AND ON PERSONAL PROPERTY, MACHINERY AND TOOLS AND ALL OTHER PROPERTY SEGREGATED BY LAW FOR LOCAL TAXATION IN THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA FOR TAX YEAR 2023

The proposed real estate tax rate for the tax year beginning July 1, 2023 is:

• $1.23 upon each $100.00 of assessed value of real estate in the City of Falls Church, which is a $0 (0%) change in the current tax rate.

The proposed tax rate for tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for the tax year beginning January 1, 2023 are:

• $5.00 upon each $100.00 of assessed value on tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for local taxation within the City, including the property separately classified by § 58.13500 et seq. of the Code of Virginia;

• $4.80 upon each $100 of assessed value for vehicles classified under § 58.1-3506.A.48.a

through 58.1-3506.A.48.d shall be levied at a rate of $4.80 upon each $100 of assessed value (increased from $4.30 current rate, an increase of $0.50 cents or 12%);

• and pursuant to § 58.1-2606 of the Code of Virginia, a portion of assessed value of tangible personal property of public service corporations shall be taxed at the real estate rate.

(TO23-05) ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REENACT AND RECODIFY CHAPTER 42, “UTILITIES” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH TO REVISE SEWER RATES AND FEES AS OF JULY 1, 2023

Under the legal authority granted by VA §15.22119, Sewer rates and fees are proposed as follows:

• an increase to the sewer commodity rate from $10.17 per thousand gallons of water billed (billing unit) to $10.48 is proposed, effective July 1, 2023, which would constitute an increase of 3% per billing unit.

• an increase to sewer availability charges from $7,680 to $8,860 for single-family dwellings and detached and semi-detached duplexes or townhouses; from $6,140 to $7,088 for apartment or condominium buildings; from $1,920 to $2,215 for motel, hotel units; and from $320 to $443 for each drainage fixture unit for commercial, industrial, and other uses.

(TO23-06) ORDINANCE TO SET THE STORMWATER UTILITY BILLING UNIT

RATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 42, ARTICLE VII OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA AS OF JULY 1, 2023

Under the legal authority granted by VA § 15.22114, an increase to the City stormwater utility unit billing rate from $19.28 per 200 square feet of impervious surface (billing unit) to $20.05 per billing unit annually is proposed, effective July 1, 2023, which would constitute an increase of 4% per billing unit.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

The ordinances referenced below were given first reading on April 10, 2023. Public hearing, second reading, and final Council consideration are scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard.

(TO23-07) ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REENACT, AND RECODIFY CHAPTER 2, “ADMINISTRATION,” ARTICLE II, “ELECTIONS,” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH TO ADJUST THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY VOTING WARDS IN ORDER TO REBALANCE THE POPULATION OF REGISTERED VOTERS WITHIN THE WARDS

The Falls Church Electoral Board (Electoral Board) and the Director of Elections and General Registrar of Voters (Registrar) recommend moving the boundaries of the City’s three voting wards in order to rebalance populations in each ward.

(TO23-08) ORDINANCE AMENDING AND ESTABLISHING POLLING PLACES IN THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH

The Electoral Board and Registrar recommend the following polling places: Oak Street Elementary School for Ward I, and the Falls Church Community Center for Wards II and III. The public hearing referenced below was continued to Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard:

(TR23-06) RESOLUTION TO AMEND SPECIAL EXCEPTION SE04-0162, AS PREVI-

OUSLY AMENDED THROUGH RESOLUTION 2012-01, TO FURTHER AMEND CERTAIN COMMERCIAL USE RESTRICTIONS ON THE GROUND FLOOR SPACES AT 400-412 SOUTH MAPLE AVENUE (PEARSON SQUARE)

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. 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

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Falls Church Historic Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM in City Hall’s Dogwood Room (first floor), 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22043 to consider the following:

PROPOSED ALTERATION OF 1011 FOWLER ST: Replace rotten 2 story screened porch with 2 story kitchen/primary bedroom addition in the same footprint. Additionally, replace rotten siding and trim, roof shingles, and paint exterior. All to be replaced with same/similar materials.

Information or copies of the proposed alteration can be viewed at the Community Planning and Economic Development Services (CPEDS) counter at City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA, Monday through Friday (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). You may contact the Planning Division at plan@fallschurchva. gov with any questions or concerns.

This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance.

(TTY 711)

EMPLOYMENT

Administrator of Strategic Initiatives

Legal Notice

Truist Bank, located at 5203 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310, is in possession of assets owned by the decedent, Daniel Mountain, who at the time of his death was domiciled outside of Virginia. In accordance with Va. Code Ann. §64.2-609(A), Truist Bank hereby gives public notice of its intention to deliver the decedent’s assets to the Administrator of decedent’s estate, Chris Mountain, who has qualified as Administrator in accordance with the law of the decedent’s domicile. Delivery is to be made after the lapse of thirty (30) days from the completion of due publication of this notice, pursuant to the Code, once a week for four successive weeks. Inquiries, including any notice of the appointment of a personal representative for decedent in Virginia or legal notice of any lien or encumbrance upon decedent’s assets, should be directed to Truist Bank at the address above.

Legal Notice

After almost 40 years of practice Fairfax Orthopaedics will be permanently closed as of June 9, 2023. Dr. Michael Cassidy has decided to retire. It has been a privilege to provide orthopaedic care to the Falls Church community for such an extended period of time. Patient records are available upon request at 703-560-9495. After the office closes I have made arrangements with The Anderson Clinic to be the custodian of all records. You may request a copy of your records by emailing The Anderson Clinic at FXO-medicalrecords@ andersonclinic.com. It has been a pleasure providing care for the community. Sincerely,

Michael P. Cassidy MD

Responsibilities include: document, research, grow & improve key initiatives; member of strategic development team; provide direct support & report to COO; research & review new concepts for innovation; research market conditions, collect info to determine markets for new concepts/services, demand & pricing; research, gather & analyze data on competitors/products, current & future market conditions, sales trends & methods of marketing & distribution; build frameworks, develop plans, transition business objectives & goals into cohesive plans & recommendations using quantitative & qualitative analysis; structures actionable solutions, use different drivers from a plan & develop executable large action items with internal teams; measure results, analyze findings, measure impact & removes roadblocks; develop relationships with potential clients; client relationship management; collect data & feedback for analysis & critique; track marketing programs effectiveness & strategies & recommend improvements; develop new solutions to problems through direct contact with market & clients & data analysis; analyze & create demographic targeting for expansion, new markets & products; establish relationships with stakeholders; communicate effectively in a structured manner; lead projects end to end, assist as needed in different areas of the business & lead mission critical areas; and use qualitative analysis with customer communications to analyze & improve experience. Min. education & experience: 4+ years responsibility performing market research for growing companies; min. BA degree business administration. P; Strong written & verbal communication skills; Possess organizational, analytical, & problem-solving skills, & strong attention to detail; experience managing multiple, concurrent projects involving crossfunctional teams with budgetary & schedule constraints; proactive problem-solving skills with ability to anticipate client & project needs; ability to resolve unexpected problems quickly & effectively; resourcefulness amid challenges with limited resources; ability to manage project teams supporting leaders & managers; ability to handle dynamic work environment, prioritize & pivot when needed; proficiency in Microsoft Excel & spreadsheet applications, SaaS programs & contracts, data analytics & SPSS tools. $86,278/yr. Health, Vision & Dental Insurance Plans, matching 401K after 1 year, unlimited time off. Located in Reston, VA. To apply contact Sean O’Reilly COO at SmartRoof: hiring@smartroofinc.com

AUCTIONS

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Falls Church

Business News & Notes

Ribbon Cutting Today: Skin Lab Med Spa

Join the Falls Church Chamber in the ribbon cutting at Skin Lab Med Spa today at 5:00 pm. Andres Gonzalez and Dr. Patricia Ladisa-Gonzalez are opening their medical spa with services for the face and body. They previously owned another business in the same space at Birch & Broad, Profile by Sanford. Please join the celebration and tour the facilities at 1140 W. Broad Street, Birch and Broad.

Taco Bamba Tops with ZZ Top

Falls Church local, Taco Bamba, is expanding. ZZ Top’s guitarist-vocalist Billy Gibbons enjoyed a meal during the 2018 tour in the original restaurant and has persuaded his friend, chef and founder Victor Albisu, to open a restaurant in Nashville. The chain has taquerias in Northern Virginia and Maryland. The Nashville site is expected to open later this year.

Lynk Contract to Bring Services to Ghana

Lynk Global, Inc. of Falls Church and Vodafone Ghana have signed another contract that will bring mobile service to 100 percent of Ghana’s population. Lynk is the world’s leading satellite-direct-to-standard-phone telecoms company and operates cell towers in space with the goal of extending mobile coverage in rural areas.

Warden Receives Wash100 Award

Kathy Warden, president and CEO of Northrop Grumman, has received the 2023 Wash100 Award. It was personally awarded at Northrop headquarters by the founder of the award, Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic. Regarded as the Capital region’s highest honor, the winner is selected among the top government contracting practitioners, technologists, company leaders and supportive government agency directors with a banner year who are committed to continue making a significant impact in the sector in the coming year. This marks Warden’s eighth win.

 Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@ fallschurchchamber.org.

NO ONE GETS A DIPLOMA ALONE.

The Weekly Diplomatic Reach

by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press

from 5 — 8pm. Congressman Don Beyer, former Delegate and Attorney General candidate Jay Jones, and many primary candidates will speak.

Today’s

Big Senate Debate Moved Out of Falls Church

Campaigns were notified, as was the public, just two days before the event that the venue had changes for the VA 37th Senate District Candidate Debate.

Though hosted by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, the event was moved from Falls Church to the American Legion Post 180 in Vienna.

The debate is open to the public. Candidates will answer pre-selected questions posed by moderator Doug Frances, and field questions from the audience. Saddam Salim and Erika Yalowitz are both challenging “incumbent” Sen. Chap Petersen.

With redistricting leaving Petersen, the most conservative Democrat in Virginia, seeking support in a district that retains only 40 percent of his previous district — and with the new portions including the deepest blue areas of the states — this is a debate worth attending.

Readers are encouraged to attend the event on Thursday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m., at American Pegion Post #180 (330 Center St. N, Vienna, VA).

Candidates Release Fundraising Numbers

The quarterly fundraising numbers are out! In the race for VA Senate District 37 last quarter, Chap Petersen raised $158,554.00. Saddam Salim, who has recently won straw polls and seems to be gaining traction, raised $87,069. Erika Yalowitz, also seeking the seat, raised $42,487.

Petersen, who started the race with a strong financial advantage due to years of incumbency in Western Fairfax County (and Virginia’s lack of contribution limits), sits with just over $500,000 in the bank, a stark contrast to Salim ($54,000) and Yalowitz ($27,000).

Josh Katcher, running to unseat Parisa Dehghani-Tafti as Arlington County Commonwealths Attorney, outraised and outspent his former boss by about 50 percent.

Falls Church Democrats Host Pot Luck This Weekend!

The Falls Church City Democratic Committee (FCCDC) hosts its annual potluck dinner on Sunday, April 23rd,

This year the event also includes the first ever FCCDC Straw Poll, so don’t miss out on this early (unofficial) opportunity to weigh in on the upcoming Senate and Commonwealths Attorney primaries! Bring a dish to share for a discounted price. More at fallschurchdems.org.

Warner Supports Local News Resolution

U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) joined multiple colleagues in designating April 2023 as “Preserving and Protecting Local News Month” in a press release praising the resolution, which officially recognizes the role of local news as an essential function of democracy.

“In Virginia and across the country, local news outlets are relied on to keep our citizens informed, combat disinformation, and serve as a crucial check on our government institutions,” said Sen. Warner.

“It is important that we continue to honor the hard work that local journalists do for our Commonwealth and for our democracy in the face of continued budget cuts, newsroom closures, and staff reductions that have made their work more challenging.”

In the past 15 years, employment in the sector has dropped over 25 percent , and the full effect of local newspapers closing on communities, now left without a reliable and community-defining publication, is still unfolding.

Fox News Settles Dominion Lawsuit

Dominion Voting Systems, which sued Fox News over repeated lies regarding their voting machines and the 2020 election, accepted a settlement from the “news” entity, for roughly half the amount initially claimed by Dominion. The total? $787,500,000.

Though many Democrats wanted this to go to court, this writer is glad there’s been accountability... and that there are several other similar lawsuits underway that could further expose the way that the alleged news organization deliberately undermined the truth in service to Donald Trump.

We’ll see whether the admissions of deliberate lies and manipulation have any notable impact on their viewers....

If you’re thinking of finishing your high school diploma, you have more support than you realize. Find teachers and free adult education classes near you at FinishYourDiploma.org.

In Memoram: Nancy Hoffman McCray

Nancy Hoffmann McCray was born on February 21, 1937 and passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023.

Loving wife of the late Robert McCray; proud mother of Kathleen McCray and Jeanne McCrayYon; beloved sister of Suzanne Marold and William Hoffmann; cherished grandmother of Lu, Blaise and Jo Sevier and Michael and Natalie

Yon; and cherished great grandmother of puppies Jack, Max and Buddy.

In the care of Murphy Funeral Homes, Nancy’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday,April 29th, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church 905 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Just

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER CCR, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING DECEMBER 1, 2023 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00022

Virgnia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has filed a Petition with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for an annual update with respect to its coal combustion residuals (“CCR”) rate adjustement clause, designated Rider CCR, for the recovery of costs incurred to comply with the requirements of Virginia Senate Bill 1355, codified as Code § 10.1-1402.03.

Dominon requests approval for recovery in Rider CCR of a total revenue requirement of $194,193,980. According to Dominion, this amount would decrease the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.58.

• A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on August 9, 2023, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. An eidentiary hearing will be held on August 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

• Further information about this case is available on the Commission website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

On February 28, 2023, pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 5 e of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) (“Subsection A 5 e”), Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed a petition (“Petition”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for an annual update with respect to its coal combustion residuals (“CCR”) rate adjustment clause, designated Rider CCR, for the recovery of costs incurred to comply with the requirements of Virginia Senate Bill 1355, codified as Code § 10.1-1402.03.

On October 26, 2021, by its Order Approving Rate Adjustment Clause in Case No. PUR-2021-00045 (“2021 Order”), the Commission approved the Company’s Petition for a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider CCR, pursuant to Subsection A 5 e for the recovery of costs associated with certain environmental projects involving CCR removal (collectively, “Projects”) at the Company’s Bremo Power Station, Chesterfield Power Station, Possum Point Power Station, and Chesapeake Energy Center (collectively, the “Power Stations”). On October 20, 2022, by its Final Order in Case No. PUR-2022-00033, the Commission approved the first annual update to Rider CCR and directed the Company to “file its next Rider CCR application on or after February 28, 2023.”

Dominion states that it is filing this annual update to inform the Commission of the status of the Projects at the Power Stations, and to provide the proposed cost allocation, rate design, and accounting treatment for service rendered during a proposed rate year commencing December 1, 2023 and extending through November 30, 2024 (“Rate Year”) as related to proposed Rider CCR.

In this proceeding, Dominion asks the Commission to approve Rider CCR for the Rate Year. The Company states that the two components of the revenue requirement are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-Up Factor. The Company requests a Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of $222,922,398, and an Actual Cost True-Up Factor revenue requirement of $(28,728,418). Thus, the Company proposes a total revenue requirement requested for recovery in this Rider CCR proceeding for the Rate Year beginning of $194,193,980.

Dominion asserts that, consistent with the Company’s 2022 Rider CCR proceeding, the Company continues to allocate Rider CCR costs on an energy basis using a Factor 3 non-bypassable allocation methodology, as approved by the Commission in the 2021 Order.

If the revised Rider CCR for the 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 revised Rider CCR on December 1, 2023, would decrease the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.58. Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Petition and supporting documents in full for details about 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 Petition and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Petition and supporting documents.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Petition. On August 9, 2023, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before August 3, 2023, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141.

This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting

On August 10, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Petition from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.

Electronic copies of the public version of the Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

On or before August 3, 2023, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-202300022.

On or before May 31, 2023, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 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 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00022.

On or before June 28, 2023, each respondent may file electronically with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling 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. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, including, but not limited to: 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-2023-00022.

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 Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and the public version of the Petition and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/CaseInformation.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY