This Monday, another marathon Falls Church City Council work session inched toward a preliminary vote on a significant affordable housing plan for the 4.5-acre affordable housing site in downtown Falls Church. Incremental progress was made and eventually the “6-7” mantra was dominant. That is, whether a maximum height of buildings on the site will be six or seven stories.
Table Of Contents
Sports Page 5
Editoral Page 6
Our Man In Arlington Page 8
Business News Page 7
Real Estate Page 9-16
Calender Page 21
Gay News Page 23
DOUBLE RAINBOW
BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
LIFELONG FALLS CHURCH resident Teddy Wiant, writes “Last Friday, our little city was graced by the presence of not one, but two full rainbows. According to our accounting department, that comes to four pots of gold.” (Photo: Teddy Wiant)
On June 8, Falls Church’s State Legislator Marcus Simon presented Virginia House of Delegate resolutions honoring the work of five City of Falls Church residents at the City Council meeting here. All the resolutions were agreed to by the House.
The life of Edward A. Trott
Jr. (28 years of service) was celebrated in House Resolution 141.
Trott served Falls Church for 28 years as deputy registrar in the Office of Elections. He died on Jan. 6 of this year and was known, according to the resolution, as “not only an exceptional employee, but also a valued colleague and a true friend, remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and the warmth he brought to the workplace each day.”
It was also stated, “He was known for his deep knowledge,
reliability and commitment to ensuring fair and accurate elections.”
House Joint Resolution No. 160 commended Renee Bergmann Andrews for her 27 years of service on the Falls Church Electoral Board. Andrews joined the CIty of Falls Church as an officer of elections in 1998 and in 2003 was appointed to the Electoral Board where she served for more than 22 years, including as chair, and sec-
retary. Andrews guided the transition of City elections from May to November, leading the consolidation of voting wards from five to three, and twice overseeing the acquisition and implementation of new voting equipment. She also consistently championed recruitment, bipartisan balance, and high quality training of officers of election.
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Opioid Overdose Deaths Drop to Decade Low in Fairfax County
Fairfax County officials reported significant progress in combating the opioid crisis, with opioid overdose fatalities declining 52 percent since 2023, according to new Fairfax Health District data. County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay said 2025 recorded the lowest annual number of opioid overdose deaths in the past decade.
McKay credited the decline to coordinated efforts among healthcare providers, first responders, public health professionals, schools, community organizations, and residents. County initiatives have included prevention and education programs, expanded naloxone access, treatment and recovery services, and outreach efforts. Despite the progress, officials noted that fentanyl remains responsible for the majority of overdose deaths and emphasized the need to continue prevention and treatment efforts.
Delegate Paul Krizek joined Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Sen. Lashrecse Aird this week in announcing compromise legislation to establish a regulated adult-use retail cannabis market in Virginia.
The proposal would authorize up to 350 retail cannabis licenses statewide and increase the legal possession limit from one ounce to two ounces. The Virginia
Cannabis Control Authority would begin accepting license applications on Feb. 1, 2027, while preserving a pathway for up to 100 microbusiness licenses.
The legislation includes child-safety protections such as restrictions on cartoon advertising, child-resistant packaging requirements, and bans on cannabis products shaped like animals, fruits, vehicles, or people. It also imposes stricter penalties for underage sales and requires retail stores to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds, hospitals, and treatment facilities.
Revenue from cannabis sales would support early childhood education, K-12 schools, behavioral health programs, public health initiatives, and the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund. The proposal establishes a 6 percent state cannabis tax, increasing to 8 percent in 2029, with local governments authorized to add an additional 1 to 3.5 percent tax.
Falls Church Forward to Host June Happy Hour, Housing Presentation
Falls Church Forward will hold its June Happy Hour and Member Meeting on Thursday, June 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Café Zevian, 700 W. Broad St.
The evening will begin with a social gathering from 6-7 p.m., followed by a member meeting featuring a presentation by Falls Church Planning Director Matt Mattauszek on Virginia Village. Organizers say the event will offer residents an opportunity to discuss affordable housing and community development issues while meeting neighbors and enjoying drink specials.
TOM CLINTON, Falls Church’s Commissioner of the Revenue, was named the winner of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee’s Volunteer of the Year award at its annual potluck last week. He is shown here with Phil Duncan. (Photo: FCNP)
Recent graduates of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy pose with Falls Church officials and public safety leadership following a graduation ceremony recognizing the completion of their law enforcement training. Pictured are the academy graduates alongside city and department representatives. (Photo: Gary Mester)
Attendees gather in downtown Falls Church during Little City Sips on June 13, enjoying an evening of strolling, shopping, live music, and community connection. The pilot sip-and-stroll event showcased local businesses and the vibrant spirit of The Little City. (Photo: Courtesy)
Virginia Village Affordable Housing Inches Toward First Reading
Continued from Page 1
The City of Falls Church’s Virginia Village initiative is a multi-million-dollar strategic revitalization project aimed at addressing the severe loss of affordable housing in the Little City. Centered on a 4.5-acre site along South Maple Avenue, the initiative transforms an aging, early 1940s-era apartment complex into a vibrant, safe, and modernized mixed-income housing community.
A first reading on a convoluted document to redefine zoning and other aspects of the plan where twenty 1941-era fourplex apartments now exist could come next week. Despite all the seeming difficulties getting a comprehensive handle on the visionary project, there was demonstrable progress Monday night.
Falls Church is one of the most competitive and expensive real estate markets in Northern Virginia, with single-family home prices frequently surpassing $1 million.
Over the last decade, the city has experienced a steady decline in affordable living options.
To combat this, Falls Church established a revolving Property Acquisition Strike Fund and systematically purchased 9 of the 20 quadplex apartment buildings in the Virginia Village area. The strategic goal was to “land bank” these properties to prevent private luxury redevelopment, preserve existing naturally occurring affordable housing, and lay the groundwork for large-scale municipal redevelopment.
The Virginia Village redevelopment is a cornerstone of the city’s updated Affordable Living Policy, which mandates an increase in the city’s affordable housing inventory. Because the existing quadplexes are over 80 years old and require major, cost-prohibitive structural repairs, the city has opted to partner with third-party housing developers to maximize the site’s potential.
To invite creative and practical
solutions from prospective development partners, the city drafted a Request for Proposals (RFP) outlining multiple development scenarios:
1. Rehabilitation with Minor Expansion: Preserving the existing footprint of the city-owned properties while implementing modern updates, possibly adding an extra floor to the structures.
2. Low-Intensity Redevelopment: Razing the current structures and building new, low-density apartment communities reaching up to four stories.
3. Larger Infill Redevelopment:
A comprehensive teardown and rebuild featuring multistory structures, potentially up to seven stories high in specific zones.
City leaders, including Mayor Letty Hardi and the City Council, have strongly emphasized that Virginia Village should be more than just high-density, low-income housing. The overarching vision is to construct a mixed-income community. This approach integrates a
baseline of committed affordable units (for individuals and families earning 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income) alongside market-rate housing.
Furthermore, the redevelopment process incorporates important civic features. The prospective plans are evaluated on whether they include new park spaces, community centers, and commercial or retail components, such as ground-floor daycare and early-childhood education centers. This perfectly aligns with the city’s holistic philosophy that housing is deeply interconnected with education, transportation, and economic development.
As of mid-2026, the Virginia Village initiative has entered a critical logistical phase. City officials and the City Council are currently debating the exact “order of operations.” Leaders are facing a classic “chicken-and-egg” challenge: should the city lock down specific zoning and land entitlement changes first, or should
they partner with a developer and allow the partner’s vision to shape the zoning requirements?
Some council members argue that the zoning and height restrictions must be codified prior to accepting developer bids to prevent neighborhood friction. This cautious approach stems from historical precedent; in 2010, community pushback successfully defeated a similar 5-story affordable housing project—the Wilden project, proposed near the Virginia Village area. By locking down guidelines for building heights, density, step-backs, and neighboring buffers, the city hopes to streamline the development process while honoring community feedback.
A highly praised aspect of the Virginia Village initiative is the city’s proactive tenant protection framework for those residing in the city-owned quadplexes. Whenever renovation or redevel-
Continued on Page 22
Key F.C. Citizens Feted by Del. Simon, Virginia State Legislature
Andrews’ leadership extended statewide through the Virginia Electoral Board Association, where she served in various leadership roles, and nationally, as she represented the Commonwealth on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s Standards Board from 2009 to 2014. She has been deeply engaged in strengthening the election administration by serving on the State Board of Election’s General Registrar/ Electoral Board Workgroup, contributing to updates of the State Board of Elections’ Statement of Results and the Commonwealth’s Help America Vote Act plan, and supporting a number of statewide training programs.
In recognition of her leadership and legacy of service, Andrews received a Making Democracy Work Award from the League of Women Voters
in 2014 and the inaugural Community Impact Award in 2025.
House Resolution No. 143 commended Joe Carter for 25 years of service as a law enforcement officer and the city’s director of emergency management and security, demonstrating an unparalleled expertise in crisis management through a wide range of natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other adverse situations.
Carter joined the Falls Church Police Department in 2000 and quickly earned a reputation as a consummate professional and a trusted mentor, and he ultimately provided leadership to the police operations division, where he ensured that the department upheld a responsive, community-oriented public safety philosophy. He retired in 2018 and was appointed as the emergency management coordinator for the Little City
in 2019, and he was subsequently promoted to director of emergency management and security in 2023. In that capacity, he has planned, coordinated and directed the response to major snowstorms, floods, prolonged power outages, and public health emergencies.
For many years Carter has served as an instructor in the city’s Rape Aggression Defense course, which empowers women to recognize and avoid dangerous situations and effectively defend themselves against aggressors. Carter was selected as the 2020 Falls Church Employee of the Year in recognition of his outstanding leadership in helping staff and community members plan for, respond to, and recover from the COVID 19 pandemic.
House Resolution No. 140 commended Veronica Prince for 25 years of service. As deputy city clerk of the City of Falls Church., she has great-
ly served the citizens of this city for more than 25 years. She started working with the Little City in 2000 as a parttime employee in the Human Resources Department, becoming a fulltime administrative assistant in the Clerk’s Office in 2003, and later transitioned to the position of deputy city clerk in 2007. She serves as the main point of contact for staff liaisons to committee processes for appointing resident members to boards and commissions, and during COVID 19 worked tirelessly to coordinate and track more than 500 virtual board and commission meetings while ensuring that the meetings were in compliance with the state law and accessible to the public. She was named the City of Falls Church Employee of the Year in 2021.
House Resolution No. 281 commended Daniel J. Schlitt for 35 years of service. While
a graduate of Belmont Abbey College, Danny Schlitt joined the Falls Church Department of Recreation and Parks as a parttime recreation leader in 1999, proving himself to be an invaluable member of the department, earning promotions to senior recreation program supervisor in 1999, deputy director in 2007, and director in 2011.
Accomplishments during Schlitt’s tenure as director include a scholarship initiative to improve access to department programs, various park and playground improvements, and support of the Falls Church Farmer’s Market, which received a gold certification from the Virginia Farmers Market Association in 2024 and has been named Northern Virginia’s Best Farmers Market multiple times by Northern Virginia Magazine. Schlitt was named Employee of the Year by the City of Falls Church in 1998.
Meridian State Sports Tournament Runs Come Up Short
BY DINOS SIMCOX
After the boys lacrosse team’s loss in the state semifinals, two Meridian clubs, girls tennis and boys soccer, remained alive in their state tournaments. Unfortunately, both teams lost in the state finals and semifinals respectively.
On Thursday, June 11th, girls tennis lost 5-0 to Maggie Walker in the state championship, meaning Maggie Walker secured their fifth consecutive state championship, an undeniably incredible feat. Meridian had an incredible state tournament run to make the finals, bouncing back from a loss in the regional championship to sweep Tabb and Abingdon High Schools 5-0 in consecutive rounds. The Mustangs’ final overall record was 18-3, with all three losses coming at
the hands of the state champions. While the team wasn’t able to secure a championship, one of their star players, freshman Mia Vuckovic, won the regional championship in singles, with dominant wins all throughout the tournament, topped off by a 6-2, 6-2 win over Maggie Walker’s Ella Wiatt in the finals.
Vuckovic was unfortunately defeated in the state semifinals by Western Albemarle’s Blythe Sturman, who went on to win the championship.
On Friday, June 12th, boys soccer fell to Christiansburg, 2-0. This dropped their final record to 18-3-1. Christiansburg also went on to claim their first ever state championship over Brentsville, 4-2. Christiansburg was able to shut down the Mustangs’ offense, shutting them out for the first time since
Park View beat Meridian 2-0 in late March. Despite the bitter ending, the season will still be considered a resounding success, especially as the debut season for head coach Ronald Cruz-Rivas, taking over for former head coach Nathan Greiner, who led the team to state championships in 2023 and 2025 and named Coach of the Year in both seasons. After an excellent first season, coach Cruz-Rivas will certainly have this team ready to make another run at the state title.
With these teams’ seasons ending, that wraps up Meridian’s 2025-2026 sports campaigns. Despite no state championships being won, many teams claimed regional and district titles, as well as a plethora of individual awards for players.
A state tournament run that was the program’s deepest in 13 years came to an end at Liberty University in Lynchburg, where the Meridian Mustang girls’ tennis team fell to reigning champion Maggie Walker. (Photo: FCCPS)
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Vol. XXXVI, No. 19 JUNE 18 - 24, 2026
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The City of Falls Church made history with its pilot Little City Sips last weekend, a vibrant sip-and-stroll that proved our downtown is ready to embrace a more pedestrian-friendly, lively future. By allowing patrons to carry adult beverages between local shops and eateries, the city successfully transformed West Broad Street into an inviting, walkable celebration.
For years, surrounding Northern Virginia neighbors like Clarendon and Shirlington have capitalized on the open-container block party model, leaving Falls Church looking slightly behind the curve. But this past Saturday proved that good things come to those who wait. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the heart of the city pulsed with an electric community energy that is rarely seen in standard, static dining setups.
What made the evening truly spectacular was how seamlessly nine local establishments collaborated to support one another. Starting a warm Saturday evening with a Passionfruit Guava Spritz from Northside Social and simply walking to destinations like Dogwood Tavern or Clare and Don’s Beach Shack redefined the traditional Friday or Saturday night out. There was no frantic rushing to close tabs, nor was there the stark barrier of a rigid patio rope. The street felt unified. Patrons with official branded cups leisurely perused storefronts, bringing their drinks directly into participating businesses like Zoya’s Atelier or the Clay Café.
Adding to the ambiance were the diverse cultural and musical offerings. The Washington Sinfonietta provided an elegant classical soundtrack at The Falls Church Episcopal, while a more contemporary crowd enjoyed Justin Trawick at Mr. Brown’s Park, and the sounds of TUSK, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, filled The State Theatre.
Of course, any successful city pilot program brings vital lessons. Navigating the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) boundaries required a bit of getting used to, as the 21-and-over rule restricted sipping to clearly marked pathways. But local enforcement was fair and the community respected the rules with grace.
The success of this pilot means we must now look toward the future. Falls Church has long prided itself on being a small town with big-city charm, and this event brilliantly bridged that gap.
City leaders and the Economic Development Office should take notes from the high turnout and positive feedback to make this a recurring seasonal fixture. Expanding the boundaries to include more of Park Avenue, or hosting these strolls once a month during the summer, would be a tremendous boon for the local economy. It encourages residents to shop locally instead of fleeing to Tysons or Washington, D.C., for their weekend entertainment.
Saturday night was a resounding win for The Little City. By opening our sidewalks to this pedestrian-friendly social model, the city has injected a refreshing new spirit into our downtown core. Let’s raise our official cups to this forward-thinking initiative and hope it is the first of many such evenings.
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Juneteenth Celebration
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation celebrates Juneteenth this Friday, June 19, Noon - 5 p.m. at 106 Tinner Hill Road. Enjoy family games, storytelling, history, live music and more. Special guest performances by re-enactor Darius Wallace, Carley Harvey, and the DC Retro Jumpers are scheduled. More information is available at www.tinnerhill.org.
Father’s Day Brunch
Sunrise Senior Living Falls Church is hosting a special chef-prepared menu for a Father’s Day Brunch on Saturday, June 20, Noon - 1:30 p.m. To celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have made a lasting impact on our lives, make reservations with the concierge at 703-534-2700.
Local Summer Music Series
A number of locals are bringing new music this summer to The Little City. On Thursdays, locals have two options for enjoying music. Founders Row presents Founders Groove through August, 6:30 – 8 p.m., while VPIS and the Falls Church City Recreation and Parks Department co-host music in Cherry Hill Park 7 - 8 p.m. for the 34th year. The West Falls Community presents live music on Friday evenings in Commons Park, 7 - 10 p.m., and Saturday, June 20, Solace Outpost has live music from 8 - 11 p.m. with Acoustic Aubrey. Also, Casual Pint begins its Summer Music Series this Sunday, June 21, 4 - 6 p.m. with the live music of Felix Pickles.
Workshop: Make Your Oracle Cards
Miraim Cutelis leads a new creative and intuitive workshop with oracle cards on Sunday, June 21, noon - 1:30 p.m. Join her at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment to design your personalized oracle cards. You will explore symbols, colors and intuitive imagery, connect with your guides, higher self and ancestors, and create your own reading rituals. Visit thecse.org.
Sunrise of Falls Church “Dog Days of Summer”
Sunrise Senior Living is partnering with a local animal shelter that will bring several friendly dogs to visit the community on Monday, June 22, 3 - 4 p.m. Residents, families and friends will have the opportunity to interact with the dogs and hand out treats. Families are also welcome to bring their own well-behaved dogs to participate in the festivities. Spend time together, meet fellow families, and enjoy the many benefits that animal companionship can provide.
The Best Ice Cream Shops Around Arlington, VA
Arlington Magazine gave coverage to cooling off with local ice cream shops, several of them located in Falls Church. The following new flavors at Lil City Creamery were highlighted: Peanut Butter Cups, Key Lime Pie and Cardamom, as well as a scoop of ice cream with a pour-over double shot of espresso. The waffle bowl of Banana Bourbon Caramel or Mint Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Jubilee was noted, and readers learned that Jake’s Ice Cream is making Valrhona chocolate waffle cones for new flavors with Central and South American fruit vibes.
Arts & Humanities Grant Opens
The City of Falls Church Arts & Humanities Grant Program has opened the application period. Funding is available for projects, programs, events, and initiatives that celebrate arts, culture, theater, and history while enriching our community and making these experiences accessible to all. The deadline is July 31, and the details are available via the link.
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.
Our Man In Arlington
As I continue to explore the various parts of our County government at work, I am perhaps subscribing to too many County email lists. The County sends out many requests for public feedback, which feels a bit overwhelming at times. On one hand, the County’s efforts to engage the public are admirable – how can I complain about too many requests for comments? And yet, might that devolve into something like “engagement fatigue?”
I would suggest that you check out the County website with the
heading of “Engage Arlington.” It is a terrific “one-stop shop” for discovering the issues that the County posts for public comment. Currently there are twelve items listed as areas for citizen engagement, covering a broad range, such as housing, transportation, parks, trails, and the Legislative Package the County Board will be working on. For some issues, a person likely needs to have familiarity with some complicated matters. Comments are requested for updates to the Comprehensive Plan, for example, and I do wonder whether people might be reluctant to jump into learning about the plan. I find it easier to comment on matters of personal interest (such as traffic
circles and trail improvements).
I do find it helpful to click on the links of Engage Arlington. In their request for feedback on the proposed Climate Action Plan, there is a link to the 2019 Community Energy Plan that is being updated (and re-named as the Climate Action Plan). I learned that in 2019, the County Board created a goal to become a carbon neutral community by 2050. This 2019 goal included interim milestones: (i) that 100% of Arlington’s electricity will be from renewable sources by 2035; and (ii) that County Government operations will achieve 100% renewable energy by 2025. While those milestones sound ambitious, I would note that the 2025 goal of 100% renewable energy was met by the County in 2023.
I would be remiss if I did not
include the efforts of the Arlington County Public School system to engage the public. Yes, APS has its own Engage page on its website, broken down into ten specific categories of topics. Ther separate section of engagement opportunities by the month. Among assorted topics, one that stood out related to the APS Capital Improvement Plan. It is a ten-year plan with many details dealing with infrastructure issues. There are a lot of acronyms tossed in that plan that make it harder to figure out the topic at hand (though some of you might be able to decipher the slide for the “Legacy ACC Renovation for MPSA”).
All these engagement efforts must involve a lot of staff time in creating the engagement requests and then analyzing the requests. And then, I imagine at some point
reports are made, going up the chain of command. All this information must be a huge burden at the top of that chain; that is, for the County Manager and the School Superintendent, who must keep up with everything going on in the County. In turn, our elected officials – our County Board and School Board members – are also responsible for keeping up with this information, which requires much time and effort for those officials. Who would want that job of elected officials? That question provides a segue for me to point out that the primary election season is upon us. And there are a respectable number of folks who are indeed willing to run for office! Keep your eyes open for various debates and forums (some have already started). And beware– those median signs will be coming soon!
Hashmi Touts Virginia Democratic Momentum
BY DAVID HOFFMAN
“Virginia leads the way to fulfill the vision of the America that we all believe in, our ideals, our very democracy itself!”
With those stirring words, echoing like a bell tower and ringing the sound of triumph, Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi held attendees at a recent luncheon entranced, captivated by her bold and eloquent prophecy of continued political success for Democrats in the Midterm elections coming to Virginia voters in November.
on the ground, in one-on-one interactions, reaching voters directly and personally, not just through paid TV ads,” Hashmi continued. “Because the more we get in front of voters, the more hearts and minds we can win.”
And she added, “We’re aimed at reaching young voters in particular, because it’s they who are now making such a big difference in so many elections.”
She was speaking at the Woman’s National Democratic Club, the historic progressive organization established in Washington D.C. in 1922 by the generation of suffragists who fought for and won the right for women to vote in 1920 with the final ratification of the 19th constitutional amendment.
“Why am I so sure?” Hashmi asked. “Because we are going to tell our excellent story in clear and effective terms, through our great candidates who will campaign hard on the key issues, and who will pledge to represent real Virginians, and not, like MAGA Republicans, Donald J. Trump. We will draw direct and unmistakable lines linking the individual Republicans now in office who vote in lockstep, like sheep, with Trump.”
“It’s our plan to campaign
Hashmi is a quiet yet compelling personality, speaking softly but carrying a big message. She is enormously fluent in telling and selling her own individual story: how, as a Muslim herself, she was born in Hyderabad India in 1964, and moved at the age of four with her family to America, and that in 2017 she finally decided to run for elective office in Virginia, spurred by her visceral anger aroused by President Trump’s Muslim travel ban. From the very beginning, she had soared as a student, eventually earning her doctorate in literature from Emory University in 1991, with a dissertation on the 20th century American modernist poet William Carlos Williams. What followed was a three-decades-long career as a literature professor at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College in Richmond. Also In 1991, she married Azhar Rafiq; they have two adult daughters.
Summer
Home & Real Estate
Dr * Falls Church City
Dr * Falls Church City
Falls Church City Real Estate Update: There is No “Off-Season”
BY TORI MCKINNEY
Everywhere I go, the conversation finds its way to the same question. Someone leans in at the coffee shop or catches me at the farmers market and asks, “So what is the market really doing right now?” Most people expect me to say summer is the slow stretch, the season when real estate takes a breather while everyone heads to the beach. I have good news for anyone holding that belief. Around here, the summer market still has a full line-up.
Falls Church City does not have an off-season. This is a year-round sellers’ market, and it has been that way for a long time. New homes keep going up for sale, and buyers keep showing up ready to compete. The sellers who prepare well are walking away thrilled. The band has not left the stage. If anything, the encore is the best part of the show.
June deserves a special mention. It tends to be the headliner of the entire year, quietly pulling in some of the strongest sale prices we see, and this season is following the same melody. Smartly-priced properties are moving in a matter of days, and many of them are closing at or above asking. A market that behaves like this is not winding down. It is playing to a full house.
So why does the Little City keep drawing such a crowd? People really want to live here. Falls Church offers something unique, a place with small-town charm that still gives you big-city access. You can walk to dinner or hop on the Metro into the city, then bike home along the W&OD Trail as it runs right
through the middle of town. Saturday mornings bring the farmers market, and summer evenings bring live music close to home. There is almost always something worth walking to within a few blocks. Neighbors actually know each other here, and that sense of community is hard to put a price on. That kind of lifestyle does not go quiet when the temperature climbs. If anything, summer is when the Little City shows off.
The city’s growth is turning the volume up even higher. West Falls, the largest development this city has ever taken on, is bringing new housing and retail to the corridor near the Metro, along with a hotel and fresh gathering spaces. The food scene just hit a record, with more than 150 restaurants now packed into two square miles. This tells you how alive this place has become. Each new café, shop, and community space gives another household a reason to put down roots. All of that interest keeps the pressure on an already tight market.
• If you’re selling: your window is wide open. Buyers are active and good inventory is scarce, so a home that shows well still commands real attention.
• If you’re buying: don’t give up hope. Fresh listings keep arriving all summer, and a little preparation puts you in a strong spot the moment the right one appears.
So here is the honest answer I give the folks who stop me on the sidewalk. Falls Church City real estate never packed up for the season. The lights are still on, and the music has not stopped.
F.C. Approved ADUs, Will We Ever See Them Catch On
BY FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Falls Church leaders opened the door to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, with the hope that homeowners would embrace a new housing option that could benefit families, seniors, and renters alike. Yet so far, ADUs have not emerged as a significant trend, suggesting that legalization alone may not be enough to spur widespread construction.
That raises an important question: If ADUs offer so many potential benefits, why aren’t more homeowners taking advantage of them?
The answer appears to lie in a combination of cost, complexity, and caution.
For many residents, the advantages are easy to understand. An ADU can provide space for aging parents, adult children, caregivers, or tenants. It can create supplemental income for homeowners while offering a smaller housing option
in a community where housing costs continue to rise. For families hoping to remain in Falls Church for years to come, an ADU can provide flexibility that evolves as needs change.
In many ways, ADUs seem well suited to the character of Falls Church. The city has long valued neighborhood stability, walkability, and thoughtful growth. ADUs offer a way to add housing without dramatically changing the look and feel of established neighborhoods. Rather than replacing homes with larger developments, they allow homeowners to make better use of the property they already own.
Yet the decision to build one is far from simple.
Even homeowners who like the idea may hesitate when they begin considering the expense of construction, the time required to navigate planning and approvals, and the disruption that comes with a major building project. Adding a second living space is a significant
undertaking, and many residents understandably want confidence that the benefits will outweigh the costs.
Lot size and property layout can also present challenges. Not every yard is well suited for a detached cottage, garage conversion, or separate living space. Homeowners often find themselves balancing the desire for additional housing against the desire to preserve outdoor space, privacy, trees, gardens, or recreational areas.
There is also the simple reality that many people are still unfamiliar with ADUs. While the concept has received increasing attention in recent years, it remains relatively new to many homeowners who have never considered adding a second dwelling to their property. For some, the idea may seem appealing in theory but intimidating in practice.
Others may simply be waiting to see how early adopters fare before moving forward them-
selves. That is often how change occurs in established communities. New ideas take time to gain acceptance, and residents frequently look to neighbors for examples of what works and what does not.
Still, the potential benefits remain difficult to ignore.
As housing affordability continues to challenge families throughout the region, communities everywhere are searching for ways to create more options without sacrificing neighborhood character. ADUs may not solve every housing problem, but they can provide one more tool in the toolbox. They can help families stay together, create opportunities for aging in place, and offer homeowners additional financial flexibility.
Perhaps most importantly, ADUs allow growth to occur gradually. Instead of reshaping entire neighborhoods, they provide a way for individual homeowners to make choices based on their own
needs and circumstances.
For Falls Church, that may be one of the strongest arguments in favor of encouraging greater adoption. The city has often succeeded by embracing practical solutions that balance growth with preservation. ADUs fit squarely within that tradition.
The challenge now is not whether ADUs should be allowed. That question has largely been answered. The more important question is whether homeowners see enough value in them to move from curiosity to action.
If they do, ADUs could become an increasingly useful part of Falls Church’s housing landscape. If they don’t, the policy may remain an idea with considerable promise but limited impact.
Either way, the conversation is far from over. As housing needs continue to evolve, ADUs may prove to be an opportunity worth another look from homeowners across the city.
Meet Your Home Experts
A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial
CHRIS & MATT EARMAN - Weichert Realtors - Falls Church
As Lifelong residents of Falls Church City, we’ve experienced first hand the growth and changes to the local and regional Real Estate Market. My past experiences in Mortgage & Finance, running local small businesses, volunteering, being involved in the local school systems, and building relationships over the decades, gives us a unique perspective and advantage in representing our clients in the local Northern Virginia Real Estate Market. We are fully committed to providing you with a higher level of service that will make your real estate experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team of experienced Agents, gives us additional flexibility and availability for our Clients. Please call us for a “No Obligation” consultation for all of your Real Estate needs.
With two decades of experience in the real estate industry, I am committed to providing my clients with the highest level of service and expertise. My journey as a real estate agent has been driven by a passion for helping people find their dream homes and make sound investments. Honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of my practice. I believe in building strong, lasting relationships with my clients based on trust and open communication. My deep knowledge of the local market allows me to guide you through every step of the buying or selling process with confidence and clarity. I take pride in going above and beyond to ensure my clients’ needs are met. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to sell, or seeking an investment property, I am here to provide personalized support tailored to your unique situation. My dedication to your success is unwavering, and I am always ready to advocate for your best interests. Let’s work together to turn your real estate goals into reality! Call or text me for a free and confidential conversation.
Cell 703.307.7003 • bethany.ellis@paulwesley.com
FOXCRAFT Design Group
FOXCRAFT Design Group is in their 37th year as an award-winning design/ build firm and general contractor.
FOXCRAFT is among the most creative, experienced design/build firms in the region, specializing in meeting clients’ budget expectations and overcoming ever changing national and county codes, regulations and guidelines. Chandler Fox, the owner at FOXCRAFT, is also a licensed real estate agent, so his expertise in both building and real estate provides the best of both worlds for the client. Fox analyzes the property for current and future marketability and helps his clients make an intelligent decision about whether or not a renovation is the best investment for their property’s future value. “We build relationships with every client, based on their individual needs and wants, and advise them honestly, as to the best path for their family’s future.”
703.536.1888 • foxcraft.com
The Gaskins Team
The Gaskins Team has been serving clients throughout the Metro DC area for more than 40 years. Based in Falls Church, they are deeply familiar with the neighborhoods, schools, and market trends that shape local real estate decisions. Their team approach provides clients with responsive service, expert guidance, and consistent communication from start to finish. Whether buying, selling, or simply exploring options, clients benefit from decades of experience and a commitment to personalized service. Be sure to check out their 400+ Zillow reviews to see what friends and neighbors have to say about working with The Gaskins Team.
703.722.0725 • team@thegaskinsteam.com
Miller & Smith • Feels Like Coming Home
Beacon Park at Belmont Bay offers a limited collection of distinctive four-level townhomes featuring rooftop terraces, elevator options, and waterfront-inspired living in Woodbridge. Sales Manager Debora Flora helps homebuyers find a home that blends style, convenience, and low-maintenance living.
Dflora@millerandsmith.com (703) 300-1333
At Birchwood at Brambleton , one of Northern Virginia’s premier 55+ communities, only four homes remain. Sales Manager Eric Hansen assists active adult buyers seeking a vibrant lifestyle with resort-style amenities and a strong sense of community. 571.835.4422 • Ehansen@millerandsmith.com
Tori McKinney & ROCK STAR realty group
Your Home. Your Move. Let’s Make It a Hit. I’m Tori McKinney, CEO and Realtor® with ROCK STAR realty group. I’ve been in real estate for over 21 years and I’ve called Falls Church home for 28. This is my community. I know the streets, the market, and the people. The summer real estate market is sizzling. Right now, homes in Falls Church City are averaging about one week on market and inventory is tight. Sellers who are prepared are coming out on top, and buyers who show up with a strategy are the ones winning. My team and I make sure you’re ready for either.
Got real estate questions? I’ve got coffee. Swing by ROCK the House, Wednesdays from 10 to 11 AM at Northside Social. Let’s chat about your next move.
Tori McKinney | CEO, Realtor® | ROCK STAR realty group
703.867.8674 • Tori@ROCKSTARrealtygroup.com
Saint Exclusion Pest Control Services – Family Owned & Operated
Founded in 2023, Saint Exclusion Pest Control Services is a family-owned and operated company serving Northern Virginia. Owner Tim Saint Rounds brings over 15 years of experience in pest management, rodent control, exclusion services, and pest prevention. Fully licensed and insured in Virginia, we specialize in identifying and sealing pest entry points, rodent control, rodent clean-up, sanitation and disinfecting services, and general pest management. Our mission is to provide honest service, quality workmanship, and longterm solutions that protect homes, businesses, and families from unwanted pests year-round.
703.929.3387 • Saint-Exclusion.com
Zimmermann Homes
Zimmerman builds custom luxury homes of unmatched performance, beauty, and durability. Every home features upgraded products and advanced building techniques for exceptional energy efficiency, low maintenance, and timeless appeal. Work with our talented architect to design your dream home from scratch or select from dozens of proven plans. We can help secure the perfect lot or offer fair market value for your existing property if you’re ready to sell.
Right now, we have exciting off-market opportunities: multiple luxury homes under construction and available for sale in the City of Falls Church & the Haycock School Pyramid—ideal for this spring buying season. We also have select off-market lot opportunities for those seeking prime build sites. Don’t miss these exclusive new-build options! Contact us to learn more!
Sales@ZimmermannHomes.com • zimmermannhomes.com
Able Archer 1983’s Brush With Nuclear War
Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
While the president is wandering around the site of the annual G-7 meeting in the French Alps, with plenty of security around to make sure he doesn’t get too far off track, the question arises of how dangerous the current world situation is, compared to other major crises in the last half century or more.
Certainly, we’ve never had a situation quite like the present, where the president of the most powerful nation in the world is so demonstrably off base and hurtful to the nation he purports to lead. But the best experts also contend at this point the threat is not as critical as it has been at points in our past because everyone now knows just how clinically insane Trump is, and is making accommodations for that.
It doesn’t mean that those around him are any wiser, but that even they can see a train wreck when one arrives at their feet, enough at least to say, “Nope.”
That goes for the entire world, too. Any confidence that Putin might have had in a cavalier deployment of his man in Washington has vanished as he is fighting for his political life in the losing war with Ukraine and his swagger is gone.
Sit down with the top U.S. foreign intelligence figures these days, and the recollections of much riskier times past go to two seminal events in our post World War II history, the Cuban missile crisis and, more seriously, a U.S. military exercise called the Able Archer operation of November 1983, when all the Cold War alarm bells went off and the world faced a very real threat of a thermonuclear holocaust.
There has been little authoritative writing about the Able Archer exercise, and much of what exists has appeared only in recent years. In an article published in Smithsonian Magazine, Francine Uenuma wrote, “Fearful that the Able Archer 83 exercise was a cover for a NATO nuclear strike, the U.S.S.R. readied its own
weapons for launch.” The article appeared on April 27, 2022.
Able Archer 83 was a NATO military command-post exercise conducted in November 1983 as part of the annual Able Archer series. It simulated a period of heightened nuclear tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact and later became notable because some analysts believe the Soviet Union may have mistaken the exercise for preparations for an actual nuclear attack.
Like previous Able Archer exercises, its purpose was to simulate the escalation of a conflict, culminating in a scenario in which U.S. and NATO forces reached DEFCON 1 and prepared for a coordinated nuclear response.
The five day exercise, which began on November 7, 1983, introduced several new elements not seen in previous years, including a new, unique format of coded communication, radio silences, and the participation of heads of government. This increase in realism, combined with tense relations between the United States and the Soviet Union and the anticipated arrival of Pershing II nuclear missiles in Europe, led some members of the Soviet Politburo and military to believe that Able Archer 83 was a ruse of war, obscuring preparations for a genuine nuclear first strike.
In response, the Soviet Union readied their nuclear forces and placed air units in East Germany and Poland on alert. The Soviet 4th Air Army began loading nuclear warheads onto combat planes in preparation for war.
The apparent threat of nuclear war ended when U.S. Lieutenant General Leonard H. Perroots advised against responding to the Warsaw Pact military activity, which ended with the conclusion of the exercise on November 11.
The exercise attracted public attention in 2015 when the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board’s 1990 report on the exercise was declassified. Some scholars have argued that Able Archer 83 was one of the times when the world has come closest to nuclear war since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The declassification of related documents in 2021 supported this notion.
What were you doing that week?
A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
In a town where cover-ups have spelled the end of many political careers, Trump Administration cronies brag that they are the most transparent White House in history. If transparency means you can see right through Mr. Trump and his minions, transparency may be the correct term.
They’ve made no attempt to hide the selling of White House access to enrich the Trump family and their wealthy pals. Synonyms for transparency include clarity, lucidity, and precision, concepts that seem to elude spokespersons and Cabinet members alike. Their word salads would make any grammar teacher apoplectic, but worse is the idea that they actually believe the rubbish they spew. Selling access is bad enough; selling your soul is depraved.
The latest cover-up is literal: a giant white tarp installed over scaffolding erected to remove Donald Trump’s name from the facade of the Kennedy Center. After multiple lawsuits and appeals by the Trump Administration, the courts declared what many knew all along – that adding his name to the memorial to a slain president was illegal, as only Congress can authorize a name change. The deadline for removal was last Saturday, but thunderstorms delayed the work.
Television coverage showed workers ascending the scaffolding in full view but, in the middle of the night, that giant tarp was installed, hiding whatever was going on behind it. The court was advised that the Trump name has been removed, but the tarp blocks any eyeball confirmation of that contention. Maybe Mr. Trump’s ego is so fragile that he can’t abide the idea of his name coming OFF of a building. There’s sure to be another word salad explanation for maintaining the tarp while the search goes on for another way to put his name back on the building.
Birthdays are, and should be, celebratory events, especially those that end in a zero. The average lifespan for an American male is 76.5 years. Genetics and a healthy lifestyle may extend lifespans, while stress and obesity can shorten them. Presidential birthdays may be private, with family and friends only, or public, as when Marilyn Monroe serenaded President Kennedy at Madison Square Garden on his 45th birthday in 1962.
Donald Trump has turned birthday celebrations into huge, often taxpayer funded, spectacles that reflect his monstrous ego and desire for the spotlight. Lest we forget, his 79th birthday last year involved a massive and expensive ($25 to $45
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of JUNE 8 - 14, 2026
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jun 9, 4:36 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’0” in height, weighing 170 pounds, with a goatee and black medium-length dreadlocks, wearing sunglasses, a white t-shirt, orange light weight jacket, jean shorts, black and white shoes, and carrying a backpack.
Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, N Washington St, Jun 11, 12:33 a.m., a male, 30, of no fixed address, was arrested on two outstanding warrants for other jurisdictions.
Destruction of Property, Little Falls St, Jun 11, between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., an unknown suspect damaged the victim’s fence.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jun 11, 3:10 p.m.,
million estimate) military parade that he hoped would rival classic European victory celebrations. (Note: it didn’t). For his 80th natal day last week, Trump took it many steps further – a purported $60 million cage match on the grounds of the White House, with advertising sponsorships, a million-dollar-aplate dinner, hand-picked military troops in dress uniforms (they had to pay for their own tickets), aerial flyovers, etc. Thunderstorms threatened and delayed the fights for several hours, but the grotesque exhibition called attention, again, to the coarse and vulgar nature of this presidency, and the collateral damage to our democracy and America’s reputation around the world.
Despite the Trump excesses, there is reason to celebrate a more important anniversary: Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates a final freedom from slavery. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 took the first steps to end slavery, but more than two years passed before slavery ended in some Confederatelycontrolled states. When Union troops reached a final outpost at Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865, they announced that both the Civil War and slavery had ended. Juneteenth has been celebrated ever since then, but it was President Joe Biden who signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that created the federal holiday. Mr. Trump did not issue a Juneteenth proclamation in 2025. Any bets on whether he issues one in 2026?
an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a white male, approximately 55 to 60 years of age, approximately 5’8” in height, with gray hair, medium build, wearing glasses, a dark longsleeve shirt, beige pants, and dark-colored shoes.
Destruction of Property, Park Ave, Jun 11, 10:24 p.m., a male, 59, of no fixed address, was arrested for destruction of property.
Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, W Broad St, Jun 11, 6:43 p.m., a male, 26, of no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for other jurisdictions.
Larceny from Vehicle, Wilson Blvd, Jun 12, between 6:59 p.m. and 8:06 p.m., an unknown suspect stole a wallet from the victim’s vehicle.
Driving Under the Influence, W Annandale Rd, Jun 13, 12:56 a.m., a female, 36, of Arlington, was arrested for driving under the influence.
Larceny from Vehicle, Ellison St, between 12:00 p.m. on June 10 and 11:30 a.m. on June 13, an unknown suspect stole a pair of AirPods and fishing poles from the victim’s vehicle.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jun 13, 3:32 p.m., a black male, 31, of Spotsylvania, was arrested for shoplifting.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jun 13, 4:25 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a black male with long black dreadlocks, wearing a white shirt, gray shorts, and black shoes.
Domestic Assault and Battery, S Maple Ave, Jun 14, 8:21 p.m., a female, 42, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for domestic assault and battery.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jun 12, 8:54 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30 to 35 years old, between 5’8” to 5’10” in height, between 210 to 230 pounds, with black facial hair and dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt and jacket, a white and black backpack, white and black camouflage joggers, and white sneakers.
Epstein Files Exhibit Draws Survivors, Lawmakers and Calls for Transparency
by Patricia Leslie
At the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room in Washington D.C. last week, several Epstein survivors were present to give U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) a personal tour of the temporary exhibition.
At the ground-level space a few steps from Capitol One Arena, the design and layout of the facility presented what seemed like a heavy investment by the sponsor, the Institute for Primary Facts, a nonprofit, non-partisan group aimed at government transparency. An IPF founder, David Garrett insisted, “You can do a lot with IKEA.”
It may have been a reading room for the survivors, their families, law enforcement, the press and Congressional members, but the 3,437 volumes of approximately 3.5 million pages of the Epstein files were off-limits to the public. Garrett explained the restriction was in place because “many of the survivors’ names are not redacted,” contrary to what the U.S. Department of Justice said it would do when it released the files.
Each volume in the reading room was 800 pages and weighed about five pounds. Flipping through one volume for a few minutes (no pictures), the names of Woody Allen, Noam Chomsky, Larry Summers, a Woods Hole researcher, academics, several women, and banking and investment figures popped out before pornographic wording was seen.
The exhibition was spread over two floors, handsomely designed with the volumes on the first floor, and a wall with a huge timeline of Trump and Epstein’s relationship, their alleged crimes, misdemeanors and assaults. To ensure accuracy, the IPF hired Glenn Kessler, the former “Pinocchio columnist” for The Washington Post, to fact-check the timeline.
Upstairs, hundreds of handwritten messages were posted on a wall, larger than the side of a tractor trailer truck. Across from the wall,1,400 artificial candles represented the victims. Not all the victims have
come forth, with some wishing to remain anonymous. Between the candles and the message wall, visitors sat at tables to compose personal messages on pre-addressed and stamped birthday postcards for Trump. Soft music played.
Congresswoman Jayapal took her time to view the presentation, walking slowly from section to section and listening to survivors.
She asked them questions and spent several minutes studying the artwork made by Maria Farmer, the first publicly named survivor who contacted the FBI in 1996 about Epstein. From one volume, Rep. Jayapal later read aloud sections dealing with multiple groups of women.
Liz Stein of Philadelphia and Marijke Chartouni of Seattle were two survivors present last week, unenthusiastic about telling their stories again and reliving the pain of their experiences. At the 2026 State of the Union address, Chartouni, a constituent, was Rep. Jayapal’s guest.
“It is hard to walk through the trauma all the time,” Stein said. “We were all young adults. Things like this happen because we don’t know what we’re looking at. It’s very subtle and intentional. It looks like friendships, like romantic relationships.”
Stein and Chartouni recoiled at the question of their ages at the times of their Epstein encounters. “What difference does age matter?” Chartouni asked.
“I’ve told my stories since 2019,” Chartouni said and directed questions to her website.
Many of the victims have become friends, Garrett said, and are “very successful” in their occupations, like Stein, who works as a human trafficking specialist. When she learned of it, Stein praised the Fairfax County Police Department’s human trafficking awareness programs.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act was signed into law last November and required the DOJ to release all unclassified Epstein files by Dec. 19, 2025.
“We don’t know if Epstein deleted a lot [of files],” Garrett said
in an interview at the exhibition. “We have all the files that DOJ released in January and a few more … If you ask Pramila or Robert Garcia, they will tell you they think there are millions of additional files.”
Garcia (CA-D), also at the reading room that day, is the ranking member of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform investigating the files.
“I don’t know [but] it certainly seems as if the DOJ does not follow the law,” Garrett said.
Garrett explained that one purpose of the exhibition is to “drum up public support and put pressure on DOJ to follow the law.”
Garrett is the father of two daughters and said he “started to do some of the research [on the files] because I was curious, but I don’t have the stomach for it,” he said three times.
“It was painful before but now that I know a lot of the survivors, it is so sad, it’s heartbreaking,” Garrett said. “They’re [the victims] are all incredibly successful, bright. That’s who Epstein was looking for, to show off. It’s amazing what they’ve done with their careers. I couldn’t ask for better role models for my daughters.”
Garrett said the timeline is very popular and viewers “can look at it and draw their own conclusions about whether Donald Trump participated in these crimes.”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t there,” Garrett said. “What you do know is that Donald Trump is, at the very least, a part of the investigation. He was a good friend of Jeffrey Epstein for decades. His family knows Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. He’s deeply involved in this case and he’s also in charge of the investigation and influencing it.”
Garrett continued, “That’s the epitome of corruption, right? Using the power of the federal government to protect yourself and your friends. To have the federal government which is supposed to be protecting us, and protecting our children, to have them stand in the way of an investigation because they want to protect their friends [is
something] that we need to fix and the only way to do it in a democracy is through us.”
The display was up for only six days in DC before it closed Sunday. Advance registration was required to visit and security was
tight. The exhibition is going on the road, probably to Texas and Ohio next, and looking for donations. Its first stop in New York City attracted 10,000 visitors last month. Five thousand visitors came to D.C.’s display.
Epstein victims in Washington last week at the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room included from left, Marijke Chartouni and Liz Stein and third from right, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal. (Photo: Patricia Leslie)
The timeline at the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room. (Photo: Patricia Leslie)
A volume at the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room. (Photo: Patricia Leslie)
Guest Commentary: One Nation, Out of Many: Why Dialogue Across Difference
BY CAILYN MURPHY
This spring, I was invited to offer a student perspective on civil discourse during a panel discussion at our local library. I was nervous. My knee bounced anxiously as I waited for my turn to speak. As I listened to other speakers, I heard a variety of viewpoints, some I disagreed with, and others made me uncomfortable.
When my name was called, my stomach tensed. It wasn’t stage fright; I don’t normally feel nervous speaking in front of a group. What unsettled me was the topic itself. I had never been asked to speak out about my political opinions in class, or how my views shape the way I think.
As I looked around the library, I recognized faces I have grown up with since we moved to Falls Church City when I was in the second grade. Despite this familiarity, I felt a nagging feeling that sharing my political opinions would lead to tense conversations with my peers or even make me lose friends. But I had no choice.
I shared how growing up in a home with a liberal parent and a conservative parent impacted me. I then expressed my thoughts on some politically charged issues. I waited for the whispering to begin or confused faces to appear, but, to my surprise, neither happened. In fact, another student raised their hand after my response and shared that they, too, had navigated a similar divide in their house growing up.
That was one discussion in one classroom in one small city in America - a country founded on the idea of pluralism, but now seemingly headed in a very different direction.
It’s no accident that our national motto, “e pluribus unum,” means that we are one society made up of many different people. This reminds us that diversity is our strength. We see it all around us, on our currency, our passports, and our government buildings. And our democracy depends on our ability to resolve our differences without violence.
To be clear, engaging across differences is not an exercise of validation but of scrutiny. It does not mean legitimizing hate or normalizing those who deny others their humanity. Rather, it is about holding ideas up to the light of examination and discarding those that are flawed. In fact, in-depth conversations (aka deep canvassing) are among our most powerful persuasive tools, as the movement for marriage equality famously showed.
I was lucky enough to have grown up in a home where I was encouraged to speak up. But today, growing political polarization, misinformation and disinformation in our news media environment, social media that promotes anger, and increasing censorship make it hard for us to tolerate, much less appreciate, different opinions. The frightening outcome is encroaching totalitarianism and increasing political violence. Because of this threat, many of us feel uncomfortable speaking about sensitive subjects but discussing these issues is key to broadening our understanding and stopping the spiral.
As we celebrate America’s 250th, we should focus on restoring our ability to process differences and resolve them amicably. Our nation’s future is at stake.
The City of Falls Church, located just a few miles from the nation’s capital, is the perfect place to advance this work. Our city has a rich history of civic engagement and is home to a sizable chunk of people born in other countries. Our school system is built on an academic foundation designed to develop well-rounded citizens who can respond to challenges with hope and curiosity. Indeed, our district is one of only nine in the country that offer an all-inclusive international baccalaureate curriculum, a program that emphasizes inquiry, critical thought, reflection, risk, and open-mindedness.
And yet, even here I occasionally encounter not an embrace of new ideas but a fear of them and, sometimes, even disdain. During my time in high school, some people formed cliques with those who
not only shared similar interests, but also similar beliefs. I have heard countless rumors and conversations centered on which politicians or social movements other people support, often focusing more on speculation and assumptions than on issues or ideas themselves. It sometimes feels like political beliefs define a person’s entire identity. I, too, have fallen victim to stereotyping my peers and making false assumptions, solely based on who they choose to support.
As my fellow graduates and I head off to college, the workplace, and the military, many of us will encounter environments where we, too, may fear expressing our ideas. Indeed, fewer than half of students feel comfortable expressing political opinions on college campuses, according to a 2024 BestColleges study. This is not a partisan problem, both liberals and conservatives express this fear. I don’t blame them in a world where every word can be recorded, distorted, and spread far and wide for the world’s reaction and rejection.
I specifically felt this threat when trying to find a college roommate. I found myself stalking girls’ social media accounts, trying to find whom they affiliate with, hoping to choose someone with my beliefs. But then I realized something: I do not want to keep surrounding myself only with people who think exactly like I do. If I limit my relationships to those who are like me, I will never get the chance to challenge my beliefs and grow as a person.
This is one reason why I was excited to participate in a panel discussion last spring hosted by We the Neighbors, a local initiative that aims to strengthen our civic and community bonds through “dialogue across difference.”
During the event, Noah Bopp, founder of the School for Ethics and Global Leadership, led a panel discussion that featured me, along with Jared Peet, a teacher of Individuals & Societies at Meridian High School, and
Marybeth Connolly, a Falls Church City Council member and longtime leader across Falls Church and in our schools. It was quickly agreed upon that differences in political viewpoints often attack personal identity rather than the ideas themselves. Fellow panelists stressed that dialogue, not debate, is essential for bridging divides. Asking questions and working to avoid the “danger of a single story” allow us to better understand each other and move beyond assumptions. The goal is not to convince someone else that you are right and they are wrong. It is to move beyond your echo chamber in order to work towards collaboration.
The group is also planning an interactive booth at Falls Church City’s Civic Jam on July 3 and exploring partnerships and other opportunities to share civil discourse skills.
The research behind this kind of dialogue is promising at both the individual and societal level.
Preparing youth and adults to constructively engage across differences better enables us to thrive in communities, classrooms, and workplaces. What’s more, civil discourse has proven persuasive powers.
In other words, changing minds about divisive policy issues begins with changing words and listening. Beyond that, dialogue across differences has the power to reduce polarization and bring us closer to our longstanding ideal: one nation, out of many. As we toast a quarter of a millennium this July 4, that’s a history, and a future, worth celebrating.
Cailyn Murphy recently graduated from Meridian High School and is attending the University of Miami in the fall. This oped was developed with support from We the Neighbors, a collective of bridge builders in Falls Church. To learn more, email co-founder Komal Bazaz Smith at komalbazazsmith@gmail.com.
PUBLIC
NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA PLANNING COMMISSION
A Planning Commission public hearing and possible recommendation to City Council is scheduled for July 1, 2026, at 7:30 pm, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the following:
(TR26-18) Resolution to Amend Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5, “Environment for Everyone: Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, And Natural Resources Chapter of the City’s Comprehensive Plan” to Add Required Elements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Program
(TO26-09) Ordinance to Amend the Code of The City of Falls Church, Virginia, Chapter 38, “Subdivisions,” Article II “Requirement for Plats,” Section 38-30 “Preliminary and Final Plats Required,” And Section 38-34, “General Regulations,” To Comply with The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) And Correct City Code References
(TO26-10) Ordinance to Amend The Code Of The City Of Falls Church, Virginia, Chapter 48 “Zoning,” Article V “Supplementary Regulations,” Division 7 , “Site Plans,” Section 481134, “When Required,” to Comply With The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA); And Section 48-1135, “Preliminary Survey Documents,” Section 48-1137, “Required Information,” Section 48-1141, “Considerations;” And Division 8, “Landscaping,” Sections 48-1179 “Intent And Objectives,” And Section 48-1180, “Tree Canopy Coverage,” to Correct Typographical Or City Code Section Reference Error
For more information on the Chesapeake Bay Amendment to Chapter 5 of the Comprehensive Plan, “Environment for Everyone: Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, And Natural Resources Chapter of the City’s Comprehensive Plan”, visit the project webpage at: www.fallschurchva.gov/ChesapeakeBayAmendment.
The materials for the above item will be available on the city’s webpage prior to the public hearing: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/PC. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. For copies of materials and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/pc. For copies of legislation and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 571-421-7943 or e-mail jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov.
Shekar Kollabatula and Parimala Kollabatla, owners of Kollabatla LLC, trading as Kollabatla LLC, 2251 Pimmit Drive, Suite A, Falls Church, Fairfax County, Virginia 22043, are applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Retail Off License. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Southeast South Riding LLC, trading as Southeast Impression, 23710 Schooler Plaza, Suite 180, Brambleton, Loudoun County, Virginia 20148, is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Beer and Wine On-and-OffPremises and Mixed Beverage license to sell alcoholic beverages. Kam Y. Wong, Managing Member. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to the ABC Authority no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or by calling 800-552-3200.
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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.
ABC NOTICE
This Week Around Falls Church
Thursday, June 18
Falls Church Fiber Artists
10 a.m.–noon
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
New Toys: Things That Go!
10 a.m.–noon
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Concerts in the Park
7–8:30 p.m.
Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave.
Friday, June 19
Tinner Hill Juneteenth Celebration
Noon–5 p.m.
Tinner Hill Historic Site, 106 Tinner Hill Rd.
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation hosts its annual Juneteenth Celebration featuring nationally renowned Frederick Douglass reenactor Darius Wallace, performances by Carly Harvey and the DC Retro Jumpers, historical reenactments, vendors, artisans, family activities and more. Free admission. Rain or shine.
Juneteenth Holiday
Mary Riley Styles Public Library closed in observance of Juneteenth.
Saturday, June 20
Falls Church Farmers Market
8 a.m.–noon
City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave.
Sing Books with Emily 11–11:30 a.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Divided We Stand — CANCELLED
2 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Bill Schneider, Professor Emeritus at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, was scheduled to discuss whether this is the most divided the United States has ever been. The program has been cancelled due to an unexpected personal issue with the presenter.
Monday, June 22
Summer Storytime
10:30–11 a.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Playtime with Early Literacy Center
11 a.m.–noon
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Family Movie Night: Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper
6–7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
6–7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
German Conversation Group
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Tuesday, June 23
Great Books Discussion Series: The Library of Babel
6–7:45 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Thursday, June 23
Mindfulness Meditation for Everyday Life
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
FC History Room WalkIn Hours 4–8 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
June Book Discussion: Gender Explained 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
The Falls Church Concert Band takes the stage tonight at Cherry Hill Park as part of the City of Falls Church’s Concerts in the Park series. Enjoy an evening of classical favorites featuring blues and jazz influences, along with a special performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The concert begins at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music under the summer sky. (Photo: Bill Douthitt)
Virginia Village Debate Continues
Continued from Page 3
opment schedules are approved, the city has guaranteed:
• Extensive Advance Notice: Months of warning before any relocations are required.
• Relocation Support: Financial and logistical assis -
tance to help renters secure temporary housing within city limits.
• Right of Return: Priority placement in the new, modernized buildings once construction is complete.
The Virginia Village initiative is a comprehensive strategy for addressing the pressing
regional affordable housing crisis. Through public-private partnerships, strategic land acquisitions, and rigorous community engagement, the City of Falls Church is taking decisive action to guarantee that affordable living remains a foundational pillar of its vibrant, growing community.
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Capital Pride Weekend Set for June 20-21
The streets of the Nation’s Capital will transform into a vibrant sea of color this weekend as hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and advocates converge on Washington, D.C., for the pinnacle of Capital Pride 2026, namely the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 20, and the Capital Pride Festival and Concert on Sunday, June 21.
The highly anticipated two-day block of massive civic events, themed “Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity,” was shifted to the third weekend in June to avoid infrastructure conflicts with the city’s early preparations for the U.S. 250th anniversary.
The Capital Pride Parade
Kicking off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, the iconic Capital Pride Parade remains one of the largest and most politically significant processions in the country. This year’s 1.4mile route will commence at 12th and T Streets NW and wind its way through the historic U Street corridor and Dupont Circle before culminating near Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street NW.
Attendees can expect the traditional hallmarks of the DC parade: over a hundred colorful floats, marching bands, community groups, and high-energy spectators crowding the sidewalks and adjacent patios. Local trans advocate Monroe Alise and singer-songwriter David Archuleta will headline the procession as this year’s official Grand Marshals, leading the march with a display of unity and visibility.
For those looking to secure a prime, stress-free viewing location, reserved bleachers and grandstands are available for purchase at Franklin Park through tickets.capitalpride.org. Countless local bars, restaurants, and cafes along the 14th Street corridor and 17th Street NW will also be hosting official and unofficial watch parties throughout the afternoon.
Block Parties and Nightlife
The celebrations spill seamlessly from the parade route into neighborhood block parties and major after-parties. On Saturday, the 17th Street Block Party—traditionally one of the city’s most popular grassroots celebrations—will take over 17th Street NW (between P Street and Riggs Place) from Noon to 10 p.m.. Attendance at the street festival is free and features food, drinks, and local entertainers.
For the nightlife crowd, massive dance parties and curated events will dominate the weekend. Official events produced by KINETIC Presents, in partnership with the Capital Pride Alliance, will host several massive events at venues like Echostage and A.i. Warehouse. These ticketed events feature internationally renowned DJs and performers, with full weekend passes available at: eventbrite.com/e/kinetic-pride-2026-dc-weekendpass-feat-alaska-tickets-1984509509364
Sunday Festival & Concert
The weekend’s grand finale takes place on Sunday, June 21, with the FREE Capital Pride Festival and Concert along historic Pennsylvania Avenue. Spanning from Noon to 10:30 p.m., the festival grounds stretch across Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues NW, offering attendees access to hundreds of artisan booths, nonprofit exhibitors, multicultural performance stages, and food vendor areas.
The evening will conclude with the star-studded Capital Pride Concert across multiple stages. Organizers have curated a diverse and celebrated lineup this year, featuring Grammy-winning country star Maren Morris, acclaimed queer rapper Leikeli47, pop icon Lisa Lisa, Juno-nominated producer Harrison, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 winner Myki Meeks. For specific stage times and VIP viewing access, visitors are encouraged to visit: downtowndc.org/events/capital-pride-concert.
Logistics and Transit Tips
With hundreds of thousands of attendees expected, navigating D.C. over the weekend requires some planning. The Capital Pride Alliance and the D.C. Department of Transportation strongly urge festival-goers to utilize the Metro for all weekend events.
Stations nearest to the Saturday parade route include U Street and Archives (Green/Yellow lines) or McPherson Square, Metro Center, and Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange/Silver lines). For the Sunday festival on Pennsylvania Avenue, the most convenient Metro stops are Federal Triangle, Archives-Navy Memorial, and Judiciary Square.
Whether attendees choose to cheer from the sidewalks along the 14th Street parade route or take in the music at the Sunday concert, Capital Pride 2026 continues to serve as an indispensable pillar of visibility, resilience, and joy in the Nation’s Capital.
