Falls Church News-Press 6-29-2023

June 29 - July 5, 2023

Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee

Fou n d e d 1991 • V ol. XXXIII No. 20

The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia

Fireworks A CELEBRATION OF PRIDE Are Back!

Sunday In F.C. Show Resumes on H.S. Grounds as F.C. Favorite

by Kylee Toland

Falls Church News-Press

Fireworks are making a dazzling comeback as a part of the City of Falls Church’s Independence Day Celebration, and local residents are expressing their excitement for their return.

For the first time since the pandemic, the Little City is bringing back the fireworks show on Sunday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m. on the lawn of the Meridian High School stadium.

“A lot of individuals have come to me and said ‘Wow, we’re excited to have it back,’” said Daniel Schlitt, the city’s director of recreation and parks. “While a lot of things are exactly the same as they have been in the past, there’s going to be some major changes that’ll give us a good idea moving forward.”

The fireworks show has not taken place since 2019. 2020 and 2021 celebrations did not have a fireworks display due to Covid-19 precautions, and there were no fireworks in 2022 due to the construction of the new Meridian High School. Schlitt said his team met with the city’s fire marshall to “determine whether we could shoot any kind of fireworks on site.”

“After determining that we could continue to hold some kind of a firework show, we started the process of coming up with the funding,” Schlitt said. Funding for the fireworks show comes from the City of Falls Church and its annual operating budget.

To ensure that this year’s fireworks display follows typical safety guidelines, Schlitt said “professionally-trained” pyrotechnicians were

Continued on Page 4

A TALENTED DRAG host danced through the crowd at the Arlington Pride event last weekend. (News-Press Photo)

An Interview With Primary Winner Salim

by Charlie Clark

Falls Church News-Press

In the region’s most notable upset, state Senate candidate Saddam Azlan Salim beat 16-year incumbent Chap Petersen in the July 20 primary, taking the 37th District remapped seat by a decisive 64-36 percent. The son of Bangladeshi immigrants and a Democratic Party leader who was class president at Falls Church High School overperformed in greater Falls Church, where the Fairfax-based Petersen, 55, had not run before last year’s redistricting.

Salim, 33, a financial consultant who raised $188,653 by June, finished in the 60 — 70 percen-

tiles in Falls Church City’s three wards and the precincts of Pimmit, Graham-Greenway, Marshall and Timber Lane.

In a Monday interview with the News-Press, Salim discussed his plans for the November contest against Republican former Loudoun County supervisor Ken Reid. (Until January, the seat will remain filled by retiring Dick Saslaw.)

On his conversation with defeated Petersen: “It was a good call. He congratulated me and wished me good luck, and I thanked him. It may be some time before I reach out for his institutional knowledge and projects he’s working on. It’s my first time running, so I don’t know the

formalities. At the end of the day, there were a lot of committees he sat on, so I want to look at the unfinished projects. I will pick up the phone to have a relationship and get advice, but I want to give him a month or two.

On winning in November: My opponent is new too. I will campaign the same way, but I haven’t done research yet because my focus was on the primary.

It’s a very difficult process to take down an incumbent, let alone campaign.

On the key issues on which Salim, if elected, will concentrate: Preventing gun violence is one of my top priorities, followed by reproductive care and rights. There’s a growing number

of shootings across the country in public places in broad daylight.

So how do we make sure communities and public spaces are safe? Gov. [Glenn] Younkin may not be thinking about preventing gun violence, so we have to work toward keeping our Senate majority and getting the House back.

My priorities now are also going out to [localities] with tight races to see if I can help out. Another elected official or nominee can help, and I can talk to voters so we can get to a place in January where we can pass measures.

On issues that specifically help Falls Church: If we win in November, public safety will

Continued on Page 4

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VPIS Independence Day Reading Will Occur on July 4 at Noon

by Sam Mostow

Falls Church News-Press

The Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) will host their 40th annual Independence Day Readings on July 4 at 12:00 p.m. at the Falls Church Episcopal.

In the ceremony, which will last approximately 75 minutes, attendees are invited to read passages of the Fairfax Resolves, Virginia Declaration of Rights, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, Pledge of Allegiance and the 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th amendments to the United States Constitution.

Lou Olom and Sue Bachtel, former VPIS presidents, founded the event in 1984 after noticing similarities between the Fairfax Resolves, adopted in 1774, and the Virginia Bill of Rights, adopted in 1776. Keith Thurston, who serves on the VPIS Board of Directors, noted these local documents helped frame others that took effect in the rest of the colonies.

“It’s through those connections of our [local] history to the national history, we want-

ed to highlight that and create the Independence Day remembrance,” Thurston said.

The event has taken place in different venues around the city throughout four decades, including City Hall and The Falls Church Episcopal. The 2023 iteration will return to the Falls Church Episcopal, where according to Thurston the Declaration of Independence was read at the start of the Revolutionary War. Thurston estimates roughly 70 to 100 people attend the event each year. From the crowd, one person “chairs” the event, providing some historical context.

Attendees take turns reading a section, passing around the documents until all of them are read.

“Whoever attends are the people that read [the documents], and that’s very meaningful,” Thurston said.

Thurston and the VPIS believe the Independence Day Readings are important because the documents remind people of the roots of the holiday.

“You’ll see Fourth of July sales, you’ll see fireworks,

you’ll see concerts, but rarely do they include the original history of the founding of the country,” he said. “That’s what our event does. Our event goes back to the original grievances that we had with the monarch and the lack of representation in the parliament and the grievances over taxation and lack of representation. And from those grievances became a movement for freedom and independence.”

Thurston hopes the Independence Day Readings will provide participants with a renewed sense of patriotism and appreciation for the sacrifices that early Americans made.

“It’s important to remind people of the circumstances of the founding of our country and the reason why,” Thurston said. “And not only do they walk out with a better understanding, but they walk out with a great deal of refreshment, patriotism and hope.”

Although the event has taken place every year, the VPIS had to move the reading to a Zoom call during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eventually, it shifted to an outdoor in-person reading at the Falls Church Episcopal, allow-

THE VPIS’S annual Independence Day Reading will take place for the 40th time on July 4. (Photo: Claudette brown) ing people to space themselves out.

“Obviously, there were fewer participants during the pandemic, but our hardcore people still showed up and knew what to expect,” he said.

“And we’re grateful to be able to participate.”

In recent years, the VPIS added the 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th amendments to the United States Constitution – those pertaining to equality – to the program. They also added documents such as the

Emancipation Proclamation to the event.

“We know where the constitution got it right, and we know where there were omissions because of the lack of agreement between the states at that time, between the colonies,” Thurston said. “And those have slowly been adjusted with new constitutional amendments for equality.”

Those looking for more information about the Independence Day Readings can visit vpis.org.

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JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023 | PAGE 3

Fireworks Return for Little City’s Independence Day Celebration

Continued from Page 1

hired to set off the fireworks. The sheriff’s office and other emergency management personnel will also be on site to help people.

“Safety’s always a must, and so you always check the boxes on all the different areas of safety,” Schlitt said.

As for why the Independence Day Celebration is being held on Sunday, July 2 rather than the typical July 4 holiday, Schlitt said that due to the pandemic, smaller pyrotechnician companies able to shoot the fireworks “didn’t make it through Covid.” That left larger, “more experienced” companies to fill that role, which Schlitt said was difficult due to them being “already booked” for other local July 4 events.

“The only opportunity we had was to pick an alternative date,” Schlitt said. “Our preference would have been to shoot on the actual July 4, but we could not find a vendor that was willing to do it on that day.”

A big difference with the return of the display is that the city has been “restricted” down to the amount of fireworks let off, as well as how high they would be shot in the air. Schlitt

said his team “reduced down” to a smaller capability to get the fireworks up in the air “for a greater viewing.”

“Now that the new school is in place, it also sits on some of the old viewing areas,” Schlitt said. “We’re trying to reset some of those good viewing areas.”

Schlitt said the “best place” to view the fireworks this year would be the stadium turf field at Meridian High School, also noting that the Virginia Tech parking lot may have an “obstructed view” due to where the new Meridian building was constructed.

Reactions to the return of the fireworks have been mostly positive, as locals have taken to social media to express their excitement. On the Live Local Falls Church Facebook group, people commented on a post by the News-Press asking for locals reactions.

“It brings everyone together,” Facebook commentor Linda Hart said. “It finalizes a great ending to a day-long celebration with family and friends.”

“Like Memorial Day and so many other events, [the fireworks show] is one of the things that makes

this community special,” Facebook commentor Dave Crance said.

“Whether watching from down on the field or on top of the metro parking, it was always a great evening for us and the kids.”

Along with the fireworks show, the city’s celebration will also host live music by Uncle Jesse — a D.C. ‘90s and ‘00s cover band. The Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society will also be hosting their 40th annual Independence Day Readings on July 4 at 12 p.m. at The Falls Church Episcopal (see page 2 for story).

As for how to get to Meridian to see the fireworks, Schlitt said another difference this year is that there will be no parking site “whatsoever,” so he encourages locals to come off of Haycock Road and up to Mustang Alley, which is shut down but has a main walking area to get into the site. He further stated that people are encouraged to “adhere to the rules” when entering or exiting the site.

“This is something that a lot of people think of when they think of the City of Falls Church,” Schlitt said.

“It’d be nice to kind of get back to where we were the last time we shot.”

AFTER FOUR YEARS, the city’s �irework show is coming back for the annual Independence Day Celebration, much to the excitement of local residents. (P����: D����� S������)

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Salim Discusses Plans for November Contest Vs. GOP’s Reid Continued from Page 1

A hot bowl of pho at Eden Center.

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definitely be a big issue—traffic lights, sidewalks, bike lanes. There’s a number of new traffic lights compared with sidewalks and new development, so the city’s going to need funding and will benefit from me. We haven’t had congestion throughout the city, but usually on Route 7, so we’ll look at how transportation funding plays out with new homes and apartments. It increases the number of people and families, so we’ll look at the safety component. Given my background in budget and appropriations, I can weigh in for funding.

On working with Gov. Youngkin: I met him only when he spoke at events, so there’s no relationship. But I think I can work with him. I’ll ask, what’s better for the Commonwealth and my constituents who need help? The governor will be forced to work with us to get things he wants, so there will be dealmaking, and bipartisanship is better for the Commonwealth.

On consulting with veteran colleagues: I have spoken to Saslaw and soon-to-be colleagues. They’re very welcoming. They understand it was a tough primary, and some may have been my side

or the other side. I appreciated that. Prior to announcing, some said don’t think they’re all friends just because they talk to you. It’s a tough process. Almost all offered advice, navigation, phone numbers. I spoke to [Sens.] Scott Surovell and Jennifer Boysko, and [Del.] Marcus Simon, pretty much all the Democrats.

There’s a lot of coalition building with folks who’ve been there for years.

On cultural barriers to his immigrant identity and name: During this campaign it was only an issue for people not even in my constituents’ area, which surprised me. No one asked. Our area is so diverse, whether you’re here from South Asian countries or Europe. I have [neighbors] from South America and South Africa. I don’t think anyone in this area cares. Because of diversity, people don’t feel worried about someone’s name.

It reflects on how well voters in this area are informed, educated and aware of cultural sensitivities.

On complaints that Chap Petersen spoke at the Memorial Day gathering: Some of my supporters expressed concern, but I didn’t weigh in. I kept campaigning. I was there when he spoke and it wasn’t political. We forget we’re all human.

2023 Summer Real Estate Section Coming July 13

Sue Johnson: sjohnson@fcnp.com 703-587-1282

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JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023 | PAGE 5

FCPD’s Less-Lethal Shotguns to Fa l l s C h u r c h Replace Traditional Shotguns NEWS BRIEFS

by Phebe Fahmy

Falls Church News-Press

The Fairfax County Police Department has recently made a significant switch, repurposing 800 shotguns for less-lethal bean bag shotguns. While the officers would previously deploy 12 gauge Super-Sock bean bag rounds from their shotguns occasionally, the 12-gauge shotguns were primarily used with regular lethal rounds. Now, the weapons have been repurposed to solely exist as a less-lethal platform.

“We used our existing shotgun platform and painted them orange, and now they’re being used exclusively for less-lethal ammunition and less-lethal capacity,” said Sergeant Jacob Pearce.

“There were roughly 800 shotguns that were repurposed as part of this.”

In addition to the bright orange stock and fore-end, the repurposed shotguns are emblazoned with “Less Lethal” written on the stock. Officers were all required to undergo training with the less-lethal shotguns before putting them to use. They were furthermore taught the proper areas to target to help reduce major injuries. Upon impact, the bean bags should leave a mark and disable the individual.

The change partially took place as a result of past input from patrol officers. The police department examined deployment data from patrol officers on their previous lethal platform and concluded that the shotguns would be better applied in the less-lethal capacity.

“There was an internal look at the deployment data, and we gathered feedback from the patrol officers—so the officers who would be responding to calls and deploying these assets…

That data helped inform our decision to make a transition,” said Pearce.

The change resulted from an assessment of what tools patrol officers have at the moment. Currently, officers have handguns, which exist as a lethal option, as well as a patrol rifle program. The new less-lethal shotguns serve as a way to bridge the gap between existing gun options for patrol officers.

“Currently, patrol officers have side arms; they do have a lethal option there,” said Pearce. “We do also have a patrol rifle program, which is a little bit different than a shotgun. So kind of to bridge that gap…it was decided that it made a lot of sense to have a less-lethal option ready to go in every patrol cruiser.”

The switch to the less-lethal bean bag shotguns came from the police budget. With a shotgun platform that was already in use, as well as lesslethal bean bag rounds that were periodically employed, the switch did not seem to be a financial burden on the department. The bean bag rounds cost approximately $6.20 per round. “[Funds] came from the police budget, and the shotgun was a platform that we already employed,” said Pearce. “And we also employed the less-lethal bean bag rounds that we could deploy in those shotguns.”

Drug Overdose Leaves One Deceased

by Fairfax County Police Department

Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau, Crime Scene Section, and Opioid Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal overdose that left one juvenile dead.

On June 25, at 7:21 p.m. officers responded to the 5700 block of Columbia Pike, Falls Church for two juveniles unconscious and foaming at the mouth inside a vehicle. Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures by administering multiple doses of Narcan and performing CPR. Both juveniles were transported to local hospitals, where one juvenile was pronounced deceased. The other juvenile remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this overdose to contact them at 703-246-7800, option 5. Tips can also be submitted

anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-4118477), and by web. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

If you feel you may have overdosed or are concerned someone around you has, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Fairfax County Police Department personnel carry Narcan and are trained in its use.

Symptoms of an opioid overdose may include some of the following: Face is pale or clammy, breathing is infrequent or has stopped, deep snoring or gurgling (death rattle), unresponsive to any stimuli, slow or no heart rate and/or pulse, bluish purple, or ashen skin color, fingernails turn blue or blue-black.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.

Noonan Contract Extended Through June 2027 In a specially convened meeting this Tuesday, the Falls Church City School Board unanimously voted to extend the contract for Peter J. Noonan as Superintendent of Schools through June 30, 2027.

In endorsing the new contract, board members highlighted Dr. Noonan’s commendable leadership in transparent budget management and advocating for teacher and staff pay raises, navigating a successful passing of the school’s first draft resolution for collective bargaining, the successful completion and opening of Meridian High School and cultivation and mentoring of school leaders which has led to yet another mark of growth for district student performance.

Laura Downs, School Board Chair, expressed her delight at Dr. Noonan’s continued engagement. “We’re thrilled that Dr. Noonan has chosen to carry on his impressive work with Falls Church City Public Schools,” she said.

“His undivided dedication to educational equality and attention to every student’s needs is truly unmatched. Dr. Noonan has cultivated a culture of perpetual improvement, driving our superb schools to reach even greater heights. We’re truly lucky to have him at the helm of FCCPS.” In his statement, Dr. Noonan expressed gratitude and pride at the opportunity to continue in his role. “I’m both humbled and honored to be entrusted with the ongoing stewardship of Falls Church City Public Schools,” he said. “The reputation we’ve built is unrivaled, and I’m excited further to strengthen our community relationships over the next four years.”

Before joining Falls Church City Public Schools in May 2017, Dr. Noonan served the City of Fairfax school system. This upcoming term will mark his seventh year as the ninth Superintendent of FCCPS. With the Board’s vote on Tuesday, Dr. Noonan’s original contract will be replaced with the new one that will be in effect from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027.

— John Wesley Brett, F.C. Public Schools

F.C. Council Unanimously Adopts East End Area Plan Following a lengthy public comment period during which representatives of the region’s Vietnamese American community expressed concern for the future of the Eden Center, the City of Falls Church’s unique home to scores of small predominantly Vietnamese-American owned businesses, the F.C. Council was unanimous in its adoption of the City Planning Department’s proposed East End Small Area Plan.

Vietnamese-American community leaders who lined up to address the Council were reso-

lute in their remarks, noting that while the plan up for the vote this week does not suggest any displacement or other steps that could erode what is called the east coast’s most active and vital gathering point for their wider community in the U.S., they said they were concerned for the impact on the center of potential longer term consequences of economic development in the region. Some suggested the center be renamed Little Saigon East.

The Council expressed strong support for the concerns of the spokespersons led by Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, whose Chinese-American parents were immigrants who successfully ran a number restaurants in the region, and who made the motion, as well as by Alan Frank, spokesman for the owners of the Eden Center.

The East End Small Area Plan was unanimously adopted as “a guiding document in decision making for planning zoning, and development review, capital improvements, City regulations and policies.”

Diversity in Democratic Primary Wins Hailed The historic diversity in the Democratic slate of nominees for the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate was hailed in comments made following last week’s primaries, as well as the lack of diversity in the Republican slate.

“We are so proud to have so many talented, qualified, hard-working individuals running for the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate,” said Democratic Party of Virginia chairwoman Susan Swecker. “This historic slate of candidates is extraordinarily prepared and ready to serve the commonwealth because it represents all Virginians.”

Fifty six percent of the Democratic candidates running for the Senate and 50 percent of those running for the House are female; and 49 percent of Democratic candidates for both the Senate and the House are candidates of color.

“The Democratic slate reflects the exceptional diversity of the commonwealth,” said DPVA Press Secretary Liam Watson. “It’s crucial for the General Assembly to look like the commonwealth it represents – it’s the single best way to ensure leadership that responds to the values of Virginians.”

Cauldron Named 2nd Best Theater Venue in N. Va. Falls Church’s iconic black box theater, the Creative Cauldron, has been named the second best venue (to the Signature Theater) in the entire Northern Virginia region. The Northern Virginia monthly magazine made the call.

The Cauldron’s Summer Cabaret season kicks off next weekend, July 7.

PAGE 6 | JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023

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E ditorial

E D I TO R I A L

A Falls Church Mini Woodstock

Of course the weather was a big factor. It was a perfect day. But what made this year’s annual Tinner Hill Heritage Music Festival — held earlier this month at Cherry Hill Park in the center of Falls Church — such an amazing success and triumph for the values that the Little City stands for was not just the music, or the food, or the venue, or the organizing that went into it. It was the makeup of the participants.

By that we mean it was one of the most fully racially integrated events anyone could hope for. And that was truly beautiful.

Such a makeup is a rarity even in the big cities, but to accomplish this in this Little City, suburban as it is and still overwhelmingly white in its demographic makeup of residents, offered a hopeful glimpse of what the future will hold for us.

Kudos go to the founders and earliest organizers of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, steadfast civil rights advocates Ed and Nikki Graves Henderson, for their vision and efforts to launch the annual event, and for the irrepressible Rock Star realtor Tori McKinney for her mammoth organizing effort pulling the whole thing off. She told the News-Press that about 2,000 people participated in what we thoroughly hope will be a growing annual event.

One is tempted to evoke the memory of Woodstock, when the peace, love, racial justice and anti-war sentiments of the 1960s peaked at that historic musical event in upstate New York. It’s hard to fathom how few among us these days are old enough to remember that seminal event. An excellent documentary made about it did not address the social context that produced it, which was in full flower then.

No, the little Tinner Hill Festival in Falls Church was no Woodstock, and the comparison is, admittedly, laughable. Not only was our event obviously much smaller, it was less messy (there was no big rainstorm), with far fewer varieties of psychedelic libations and no sex on site that we heard about. The main similarity was the copacetic atmosphere, the peace and love vibe, that despite everything is still alive and struggling to grow amongst us.

To be sure, we’re not hippies here. Yet the tendency to hold out the kind of event that happened here does evoke a notion of the possibility that nourishes the soul and inspires us to try even harder to make for a just and compassionate society. It comes as the furies of hateful reaction have been staging a comeback of their own, and so not a moment too soon.

If this year of the James Webb telescope has reminded us of anything, its that this little spinning globe on which we live is lonely and isolated. But it’s ours, and we need to nurture all the love we can on it.

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Campaign Statement of Falls Church

City Council Candidate Justine Underhill

by Justine Underhill

A year ago I never envisioned running for Falls Church City Council– but as I became more deeply involved in the Falls Church Housing Commission and local civic groups, I realized there was a lot of space to have a positive impact on the city.

I am a second generation Washingtonian, currently living about six miles from my childhood home and seven miles from my grandparents’ original home. My partner and I moved to Falls Church several years ago because of our love for the city’s walkability and access to the W&OD Trail. I was inspired to get involved with civic life and began my journey by joining the Housing Commission, Bike Falls Church, and most recently, organizing the new group Falls Church Forward.

I am excited about the city and its future. I care deeply about making our streets and sidewalks safer, implementing the city’s bicycle plan, reducing traffic congestion and parking issues, reaching our 2030 greenhouse gas emission goals, diversifying the tax base, maintaining our high quality school system and city services, supporting our community businesses and expanding affordability and diversity in housing, all while maintaining the charm of our city.

Alongside my priorities, I

aim to lead with transparency and communication. Nearly a decade ago I was one of the youngest officials representing Dupont Circle as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. I was primarily elected to negotiate between my neighbors and the developers of a multi-million dollar project. The biggest lesson I learned from that project was the importance of frequent and clear communication. With that experience in mind, I recently brokered dialogue between the residents of The Broadway and the neighbor planning to develop their adjacent lot. While the project has a long way to go, the good news is that they are now communicating with each other in the hopes of finding a compromise. I would bring this level of transparency and spirit of collaboration to all of my work on city council, and as a journalist, I have the skills and experience of getting the full story from all sides of an issue.

So far, my favorite part of running for city council has been meeting so many amazing neighbors in the city. That can include you too!

If you would like to learn more about me or share your thoughts– even if you don’t regularly engage in city affairs– I would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me at www.JustineUnderhill.org.

I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to the opportunity to serve you on city council.

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Trump’s Ongoing Crimes: On Behalf of Whom?

Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

As the indisputable evidence mounts that Donald Trump, America’s regrettable former occupant of the White House, stole a multitude of classified documents to share with whomever, it is appearing certain that DOJ Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is going to bring espionage and a multitude of other charges.

It looks now like Smith is determined to round up not only Trump, but concentric circles of co-conspirators in a classic organized crime-style “racketeering” RICO prosecution that will be air tight and unforgiving against all the Trump underlings, as well as himself as the “kingpin.”

It is completely and totally apropos that this form of prosecution of this crime syndicate operation be tried in this manner. It is what the early 1970s RICO statutes were designed to address, and the only difference between its other applications and this one is that the “kingpin” just happened to be the president of the U.S. Ironically, Trump could have avoided all this as a small-time criminal conspirator had he not run for president. But given that his ego, predictably, he was unable to resist that opportunity, notwithstanding what considerable damage he’s done to the U.S. and millions of its citizens (the estimate is that anti-vax theories cost about 250,000 U.S. lives), he’s now looking at a shame-ridden legacy if not a few years in the slammer.

That’s because Smith is driven by a passion for justice himself, in defense of countless associates in the U.S. justice and intelligence communities on whose behalf he’s felt obligated to act. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am willing to wager that our once lamentable president may actually wind up facing years behind bars.

Others argue that will never happen, and they may be right. But it goes to how resolute those who are seeking justice will be. I for one think he should be fully prosecuted and made to do time.

Never have I encountered

someone so personally deserving of such a fate, at all levels not excluding his totally reprehensible personal lack of any civility in dealing with women generally, that should subject him to the full force of the law, which in addition may be the only way to bring thousands of his hapless supporters to their wits.

If anything, the whole last near decade of coping with Trump at the highest levels of our nation should result in a lasting object lesson that will serve decades to come. The upcoming so-called Gen Z is already finding troubling evidence of what permitted the rise of Trump, and it is not a pretty picture of those who succeeded the Baby Boomers.

Let us step back and take stock of how the entire nation, the world’s greatest hope for democracy and fair play, was hijacked by a charlatan and, actually, a quite common breed of con man thug who was handed way too much power by NBC in its “Apprentice” TV show. Even after he came back from a trip to Moscow in the late 1980s, he was openly identified by this nation’s strategic enemy No. 1, the residual Stalinist faction in the USSR, as its best hope for undermining and overthrowing our most valued democratic principles.

While the nation coped with the real challenges in the late 1960s of addressing social justice issues, it would end up, under Nixon, unleashing an operation in the guise of this era’s social justice concerns, to upend earlier pro-peace and justice activism with a new toxic brand that was advanced with the help of an influx of the Russian mafia.

It was a “Stalinist” brew of right wing counterculturalism that noodled its way into the corridors of power beginning with the right wing workers strike in 1972. By the late 1970s, it became the new movement of the so-called “silent majority” and the first ever politicization of the rightwing church.

It magnified the concerns of citizens opposed to the advancement of civil, womens and gay rights, catalyzing their growing causes in the 1970s, including by the obliteration of progressive countercultural alternatives that included the massacre at Jonestown and assassination of gay rights leader Harvey Milk within two weeks of each other in November 1978.

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JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023 | PAGE 7

and wanted ily structures gets out of hand, she Missing Middle said, there is an” emergency brake,” Our Man in Arlington angry canceled, she told and the ordinance could be revamped

By Charlie Clark

Libby Garvey, a county board member of 11 years, batted one for two in the June 20 Democratic primary that elevated two likely newcomers to the board come January.

She had endorsed Susan Cunningham and Natalie Roy— both critics of the Missing Middle housing rezoning that Garvey voted for—but only Cunningham was declared a winner in the state’s firsttime use of ranked choice voting. That means the winning pro-Missing Middle candidate Maureen Coffey will also be on the November ballot for Arlington’s predominantly Democratic electorate, facing independent Audrey Clement and Republican rookie Juan Carlos Fierro.

Garvey said she admired the maturity and “life experience” of Cunningham and Roy, “whose hearts are in the right place,” but is “comfortable” with the 28-year-old Coffey’s “different perspective” and sees the results as “reflecting the county.” Yet Garvey plans to do further analysis of how the ranked choice voting formula worked with two open seats calculated together compared to how it might work if calculated as two separate seats. (Roy herself told her disappointed supporters that she has heard skepticism toward the multi-round method of tabulation.)

Though many voters backing Garvey’s endorsees were

me she didn’t believe either Roy or Cunningham would try to undo it, nor would her current board colleagues. But she’s comfortable that the newly allowed multi-family units “will have to fit the same footprint” as single-family homes.

And she views the current policy with its annual permit cap of 58 disbursed around the county as a pilot to be monitored closely.

Garvey predicts that builders, with whom she has spoken, will produce “some duplexes and triplexes,” and that, with interest rates currently high, demand for smaller units will make them easier to sell than McMansions.

But the board will now watch results for a few years. “Nobody really knows—not the staff, not the YIMBYs nor the Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future—until we try it.”

“Expanded Housing Options” as the rezoning is called in the ordinance, is “a tool” aimed at “an end,” Garvey said. But it was enacted without a clear vision of what Arlington should look like in, say, 2050. Garvey for years has been encouraging the county to create “an overall vision and strategic plan” to supplement the departmental plans that have long existed with multiple goals. But she wasn’t pleased when the two anti-Missing Middle advocacy groups at their January rally showed video of her appearing to say “the county has done no planning,” which, she said, “was taken out of context.” But she hopes to do more on future visioning.

If the construction of multi-fam-

with one month’s notice.

Garvey has lived in the Fairlington subdivision for more than 40 years.

“It’s Missing Middle housing,” she said. But in her 25 years in office (counting 14 on the school board), Missing Middle became “the most difficult issue she dealt with,” including school boundary changes, the (canceled) Columbia Pike streetcar, and the arrival of Amazon. “We can’t stop change, but we must manage it,” she added. Given the housing shortage, “there was not a choice of doing nothing.” *** My spring column on Yorktown High School grad and Olympic swimmer Torri Huske reminded a reader of a Washington-Lee (now Liberty) grad who reached a similar pinnacle.

Shelley Mann, W-L ’55, starred in the world-class pool for the 1956 games in Melbourne, Australia, where she won a gold medal in the 100 meter women’s butterfly. The lifelong Arlingtonian who attended Thomas Jefferson Junior High as a child actually trained downtown at Walter Reed Hospital’s pool. There she would help win national titles with the American Athletic Union, according to the Center for Local History.

Mann’s performance in Melbourne brought her home for an audience with Vice President Richard Nixon, a key to the city of Washington D.C., and plaudits from Arlington officials.

She retired from swimming at 20 to attend Cornell University.

Mann died at 67 in Arlington in 2005

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes organize and update the chapter’s website.

Five Excellence in Arts Scholarships Awarded

THE DEDICATION OF the Eileen Levy & Andrzej Żmudziki Gallery was held on Sunday, June 25 at Art and Frame Falls Church. Pictured above (from l. to r.) are artists Andrea Uravitch, Meaghan DeCelle, Julia Bezgacheva, Kelsea Hubel, Casey Wait, Stuart Hindle, Mara Flynn, Irene Gutierrez, Maureen Minard, John Ballou, Saaraliisa Ylitalo and honoree Andrzej Żmudzki. (Courtesy Photo: Art and Frame Falls Church)

Giant Food Round up at Register to Benefit FCEF Fund Giant Food is, once again, partnering with the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) on a program to help support children facing food insecurity.

Through July 27, everyone who shops at Giant Food will be invited to “Round Up at the Register” and donate the round up amount of their grocery purchase to FCEF. Shoppers can also donate online through Giant Delivers and Giant Pickup or by using FLEX points that are converted to grocery dollars. FCEF asks for help to spread the word to ensure that this program is a great success. The funds will be provided directly to FCEF for use to address food insecurity in the school community through the Family Assistance Fund. FCCPS is pleased to partner with Giant Food in the fight against childhood hunger.

Call for “Made in Virginia” Submissions Virginia Living Magazine is celebrating the commodities made in the state by accept-

ing nominations for Made in Virginia Awards. The nominations are open to any Virginiabased business whose products are manufactured in-state and will be available for retail purchase Nov. 1 — Dec. 31, 2023, at minimum. Categories include food, drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), style and beauty, and home and lifestyle.

The winners will be featured in the December 2023 issue. The deadline for submissions is July 7 and winners will be notified in mid-July. Questions may be directed to Vayda Tarleton at VaydaTarleton@CapeFear.com.

Arlington Civitans Host Open Air Flea Market From 7 a.m. — 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, The Civitan Open Air Flea Market, one of Northern Virginia’s largest and oldest public flea markets, will be located in the I-66 garage in North Arlington adjacent to WashingtonLee high school and the Arlington Planetarium at 15th and North Quincy Streets, in Arlington, Virginia.

The Arlington Flea Market has

become the “mother” of all flea markets in the local community.

Here one will find over 150 vendors selling a variety of goods ranging from books, clothes, furniture, garden tools, household goods, jewelry, shoes, toys, records and much more.

Every dollar made at the Arlington Flea Market, from the sale of the rental spaces to vendors and the monies made from the sale of refreshments, goes to support the causes espoused by Civitans.

Assistance League Celebrates Another Successful Year Assistance League of Northern Virginia recently capped off another successful year with a celebratory luncheon at a local restaurant. In addition to enjoying the good food, members relished the camaraderie of great friends while reflecting on their impressive accomplishments over the past 12 months. At this event, the chapter also thanked the outgoing members of the board and welcomed the new board members, and recognized some of the marvelous members who

contributed to those successes.

The Assistance League provided two awards originated by the National Assistance League. The continuing president, Gina Glenn, received the Ann Banning Award for her leadership during the past two years in guiding the many ways the chapter has expanded.

Carol Tether received the Ada Edwards Laughlin Award for her past service as a board member and sustained commitment to the chapter more recently in a ‘behind-the-scenes’ capacity.

The nonprofit also recognized six other members with chapter awards for their contributions to its achievements.

Three members were recognized as Shining Stars for their dedication to a particular program or issue: Betsy Brand, Janet Fortney, and Carrie Sawicki.

Two newer members, Josephine Johnson and Debbie Doody, received Supernova Awards for their willingness to begin helping with various programs with great enthusiasm almost as soon as they became members. Also, Doug Ross was recognized as an Unsung Hero for the many improvements he has made to

Falls Church Arts recently announced that five recipients of its first “Excellence In Art” scholarship grants have been chosen. These $1,000 awards are going to local high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding artistic talent and dedication to study and are choosing to pursue their artistic endeavors in higher learning.

Applications came in from high schools across the local region, with four different schools being represented by the awardees.

Through programs like this, Falls Church Arts continues to instill an appreciation for the visual arts in the community and, with these awards to high school seniors, Falls Church Arts champions the dedication of those considering a future in the arts.

“Street Life: Real Life Reimagined” at F.C. Arts Thirty-seven artists’ impressions of street life are featured in the all-media exhibition Street Life: Real Life Reimagined, on view at Falls Church Arts gallery from July 1 — August 13.

The show will open on Saturday, July 1, with a reception from 7 p.m. — 9 p.m. The Juror’s Choice Award will be presented at that time. Participating artists will be on hand to answer questions about their process or inspiration. Members of the public are invited.

Juror Adam Odomore described the 42-piece show as a “marriage of styles and media that range from abstraction to still life, sculpture, figurative, and landscape art. It is all at once bustling with energy like a crescendo yet contemplative and mellow like base movements in a symphony. In short, it is a show that speaks to the humanness of creation and the possibilities that can be when artists are free to contemplate and interpret a theme broadly. Ultimately, Street Life is real life.”

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

July Public Meetings Coming Soon

Residents are invited to a city board or commission meeting to get to know the issues being discussed in the community and enjoy the A/C in city facilities.

July offers a variety of opportunities to stop in for a meeting and dip out of the summer sun.

Join the Aurora House Citizen’s Advisory Committee to hear updates on what’s happening at the house this summer. Take a stroll over to the library to observe the Board of Trustees meeting. Whether coming in to just cool down, or ending up so enthralled to apply and serve on a board, everyone is always welcome at the city’s public meetings. The city’s calendar, fallschurchva. gov/Calendar, hosts a number of other meetings that one can attend as well, so check it out for more information.

(8,000 lbs.) of food scraps during the month of June.

Perch Houses has created a unique co-living service for 55+ women in spacious suburban homes.

Perch Houses leases single family homes and rents out individual bedrooms to qualifying, compatibility-matched women. They provide affordable rent, shared utilities and services, and community support through co-living. Perch Houses manages marketing and renter acquisition, renter compatibility matching, and lease management.

Perch Houses was developed in the Healthworx Venture Studio in early 2023. After a successful launch in the DMV area, Perch Houses will bring affordable living with community for 55+ women to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Arlington Firefighters Sign With County Since 1975

In a rematch of the game on May 20, Virginia Dream FC hosted its cross county rivals, the Alexandria Reds, at Meridian High School. Virginia Dream FC tied the defending conference champions on a dramatic late game goal by Demetrius Shepard-Lewis ending the game at 2-2. They were rewarded in the seventh minute when Paul Bangura scored on a shot from 18 yards out, past the diving Reds goalkeeper.

The second half started in the same manner as the first with Virginia Dream creating momentum and chance after chance. Both teams had multiple opportunities to score, but possession favored the Dream.

Virginia Dream FC’s next home game is this Saturday June 24 at 7 p.m. against Annapolis Blues.

The Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association, Local 2800 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and Arlington County have signed their first collective bargaining agreement since 1975, the culmination of a multi-year effort that began with the repeal of the statewide ban on local government collective bargaining in 2020.

The three-year agreement effective July 1, ushers in multiple improvements and protections including: -Improved benefits for firefighters disabled or killed in the line of duty and their families -The implementation of a step and grade pay scale -Health and safety improvements -A committee structure to enhance labor-management collaboration -The introduction of neutral mediators and arbitrators to resolve grievances and disputes In an economy characterized by a tight labor market and persistent inflation, both the union and the county have pledged to work collaboratively to improve firefighter salaries over the next three years. In its most recent budget guidance to the county manager, the county board directed the manager to work with the county’s police and fire unions on pay enhancements to address recruitment and retention problems in public safety.

Be an environmental hero and compost. Drop-off food scraps at any of the 10 Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets (fairfaxcounty.gov/ parks/farmersmarkets) before July 1 and get a free countertop compost bin.

Additionally, market-goers that drop-off scraps before July 1 will be entered into a drawing to win a free bag of compost.

As they enter the summer season, Fairfax County Park’s goal is to collect four tons

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023 | PAGE 9

Perch Houses Launches New Co-living Service for Women

Virginia Dream FC Earns Tie Against Alexandria Reds

Help Fairfax County Parks Collect Food Scraps

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A GRAND TURNOUT for Cameron VanSteyn’s fourth birthday party was assembled for this beginning of summer photo at a local park last week. (Courtesy Photo)

VICE MAYOR HARDI poses with volunteers while refreshing the Pride crosswalks outside City Hall, including a new Progress Pride design in the pictured crosswalk in front of the Community Center.

Students Isabella Bolanos, Alessandra Bolanos, Adi Rose Henderson, Liam Manwaring, and Noah Hardi made sure the colors popped again. (Courtesy Photo: Letty Hardi)

AT LAST TUESDAY’S Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Italian Cafe, Mary Beth Avedesian (left), vice president of the Hoffman company and the principal developer of the 9.7 acre West End project, spoke and shared comments with the Chamber’s Andrew Painter (center) and Bob Young, chair of the city’s Economic Development Authority. Avedesian reported that the project is ahead of schedule. (News-Press Photo)

Outside Dining • Delivery Food • Farmers Market Vendor • Tacos • C Craft Beer • New Restaurant

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 10 | JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023

WHO’S THE BEST?

The News-Press BEST OF FALLS CHURCH reader vote is back and it’s time to cast your ballot for your Falls Church-area favorites! Our 14th annual contest features a host of categories — now 36 in all — for readers to vote on the best eating, drinking, shopping and more in and around the Little City.

Winners will be featured in a special BEST OF FALLS CHURCH edition of the News-Press on August 17!

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH ISSUE COMING AUGUST 17!

BEST of

FALLS CHURCH BE

2023

STOFFC.COM

Vote for Your Falls Church Favorites:

FOOD & DRINK American Outside Dining International • Brunch Bar/Brewery Treats and Sweets Favorite Little City Experience New Restaurant Lunch Spot

1ST ROUND VOTING ENDS JULY 23! #BESTOFFC2023

CAST YOUR BALLOT NOW AT BESTOFFC.COM

Outside Dining • Delivery Food • Farmers Market Vendor • Tacos • C Craft Beer • New Restaurant

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023 | PAGE 11

WHO’S THE BEST?

Vote for Your Falls Church Favorites: RETAIL & SERVICES

Mortgage/Bank • Professional Services Real Estate Agent • Real Estate Group • Property Management Doctor • Dentist • Orthodontist • Ophthalmologist Therapist • Physical Therapist/Chiropractor Auto • Dry Cleaners • Retirement Community Hair Salon/Barbershop • Gym/Fitness/Yoga • Nail/Day/Skin Spa • Live Entertainment • Pet Services • Specialty Store • School • Camp Home Improvement • Landscapers/Garden services Architect • Builder/Remodeler • New Business •

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH ISSUE COMING AUGUST 17!

BEST of

FALLS CHURCH BE

2023

STOFFC.COM

1ST ROUND VOTING ENDS JULY 23! #BESTOFFC2023

CAST YOUR BALLOT NOW AT BESTOFFC.COM

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

THIS WEEK AROUND THE DMV THURSDAY JUNE 29 Piano Happy Hour with Yumi

SATURDAY JULY 1 F.C. Farmers Market

Yumi performs while guests enjoy the full food and drink menu. Hilton Garden Inn F.C. (706 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year-round! City Hall parking lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Big Howdy

Author Event: Diana Goetsch

Big Howdy performs.

Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY JUNE 30 Suessical: The Musical

A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza for all ages! Tickets at keegantheatre.com. Keegan Theatre (1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC), 7:00 p.m.

Lesson Zero

Lesson Zero performs. Fort Hunt Park (8999 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, VA), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Free Outdoor Movie: The Iron Giant

A giant metal machine falls to Earth in 1958 and befriends a boy named Hogarth. The REACH Video Wall at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:30 p.m.

Part of a "Red State Library Tour" to support libraries and minorities being targeted by book bans. This Body I Wore chronicles the budding trans communities of the late 20th century and today’s struggle for trans equality. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.

McLean Independence Day Fireworks

Food trucks, DJ, giveaways, and fireworks! Free shuttle from satellite parking. Langley High School (6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA), 6:30 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.

Meet The Artists: Street Life

Meet the Artists Reception for Street Life: Real Life Reimagined.

Many artists' impressions of street life are featured in this all-media exhibition, on view at the FCA gallery through August 13. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 2 Capital Blend

D.C.’s all-female a cappella group will knock your socks off with their original arrangements and mash-ups. Free to attend. McLean Central Park (1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, VA), 3:00 p.m.

Town of Vienna Independence Day Fireworks

Vienna festivities start with kids activities at 4:00 p.m., live music at 7:00 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

More at viennava.gov/fireworks.

Yeonas Park (1319 Ross Dr., Vienna, VA), 4:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

City of Falls Church Independence Day Fireworks

Free family fun, live music by Uncle Jesse, and a fireworks display at 9:20 p.m. Arrive early and use public transit, or park free at West Falls Church Metro. Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

City of Fairfax Independence Day Fireworks

The City of Fairfax hosts its annual Fourth of July fireworks at the Fairfax H.S. front parking lot. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m., and the 15-minute fireworks show starts at

9:30 p.m. See fairfaxva.gov for more information. Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA), 6:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Soul Divas Reprise

A tribute to phenomenal divas of soul, with unbelievable voices and songs toasting luminaries from Aretha Franklin to Whitney Houston to Tina Turner and all the incredible divas in between and since. Tickets at sigtheatre.org.

Signature Theatre (3200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA), 7:00 p.m.

MONDAY JULY 3 Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Every summer since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival brings together artisans, musicians, cooks and storytellers from around the world on the National Mall for performances, workshops, and demonstrations of living cultural expression. June 29 through July 9. festiva.si.edu for more information. The National Mall (Between the U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC), 11:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m.

TUESDAY JULY 4 Independence Day

Celebrate the 247th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which formally established the United States of America.

Everywhere (Anywhere, All Over, USA), all day.

Independence Day Closures

City offices and services, including City Hall, MRSPL Library, and the Community Center are closed for Independence Day. American Disposal curbside services are delayed one day; other waste services will be serviced July 6. City-wide (Everywhere, Falls Church), all day.

Mount Vernon All-American Celebration

THE MAIN MUSIC STAGE at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, starting this week, includes a dance floor for visitors. (Photo: Stephen Kolb, Smithsonian Institution)

What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than at George Washington's home? Mount Vernon hosts their All-American Celebration” all day long! Meet “George Washington,” watch a naturalization ceremony for new

U.S. citizens, hear live music and see a made-for-daytime fireworks display at 1:00 p.m. Visit mountvernon.org for more information. Mount Vernon (3200 Mt. Vernon Mem. Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA), 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

VPIS Independence Day Remembrance

A meaningful way to celebrate Independence Day by revisiting the circumstance of the nation's founding based, including the local contributions. Includes unsolved issues and the ongoing effort to move America towards equality and justice. Free, all are welcomed. More at VPIS.org Falls Church Episcopal Church, 115 East Fairfax Street, City of Falls Church, 12:00 p.m. — 1:15 p.m.

SoberRide: Free Rides Home The

Washington Regional Alco-hol Program (WRAP) partners with Lyft to offer free rides up to $15 for those who imbibe while celebrating the holiday. Visit soberride.com for a code. Greater D.C. Area (D.C., VA and MD, DMV), 4:00 p.m. — 4:00 a.m.

July 4 Fireworks on the National Mall

The National Park Service hosts a 35-minute fireworks display with D.C.’s monuments as the backdrop.

Fireworks start at 9:09 p.m. See nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th for details and tips on getting there.

Multiple locations in Arlington provide an excellent view without going downtown, including Gateway Park, Long Bridge Park, Gravelly Point Park, Mt. Vernon Trail, and the Iwo Jima Memorial. The National Mall (Between Independence Ave. and Constutition Ave., from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC), 9:09 p.m.

WEDNESDAY JULY 5 Garden Talks: Garden Safety

Master Gardners of Northern Virginia and other speakers participate in weekly presenting classes on topics that fit the season. This week's topic is Garden Safety. Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

The Nighthawks

The Nighthawks perform. Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station, VA), 7:30 p.m.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023 | PAGE 13

FCPD Public Safety Aides : Directing Traffic by Day, Recharging by Night

by Catherine Kane

Falls Church News-Press

After two longtime crossing guards — who had worked with the Falls Church City Police Department for over five decades — retired Captain Stephen Rau knew it was time to rethink the role.

It was difficult to hire and retain employees in the position, as it had odd hours: two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon with nothing in between. Capt. Rau had similar issues trying to hire parking enforcement officers for the city.

“No one was biting,” Rau said of the lack of applications.

In 2020, the crossing guard and parking enforcement positions were combined into three full-time Public Safety Aide positions.

“We actually saved the city money by combining the positions,” Rau said.

City residents may recognize PSAs by their unique patrol vehicles: the electric

2022 Chevrolet Bolt. The Bolt is outfitted with a police radio and orange emergency lights, but Rau wanted to ensure their appearance was distinct from a sworn police officer.

“They have different uniforms and even a different patch,” he said.

The PSAs are civilian employees and don’t have the power of arrest or to write tickets beyond parking violations.

They also don’t carry handcuffs or guns.

The three PSAs work in 10 hour shifts, beginning with crossing guard duty at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and Meridian High School in the morning and ending at Oak Street Elementary in the afternoon. In the intervening time, they conduct parking enforcement throughout the city and assist with special events.

Neighboring jurisdictions have similar public safety aide roles, but unlike sworn police officers who receive state-mandated training to become certified, the state of Virginia leaves

the PSA position unregulated.

“We create our own training module,” Rau said.

New PSAs learn city geography, parking ordinances and traffic directing skills. They also go through the same driving training that the department’s sworn officers do.

Initially, the PSAs were given 13-year-old hand-medown Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars. In 2022, Rau sought new vehicles for his division and the city asked him to consider electric cars.

Because the PSA vehicles would only be in use for 10-12 hours during the day, Rau said they would be the “perfect fit” to try EVs for the department.

The Chevrolet Bolts charge overnight in the police station parking lot. He also got unmarked ones for himself and the police chief.

“I call it my squirrel car,” Rau said of his Bolt. “It’s small and efficient; I love it.”

Public Safety Aide Connor Kaygusuz said he loves the zippiness and maneuverability of

Falls Church Kiwanis Little League All-Stars Cap Off Successful Weekend of Play

by Erika Toman

Falls Church Kiwanis Little League All-Stars capped off a successful weekend of play with three victories. The 8-9-10 year-old “Red team” had a mighty 12-2 win over neighboring McLean National, as well as an 8-4 victory over Arlington American, and the 9-10-11 year-old “Blue team” won in walk-off fashion against Arlington National.

The Red team saw Mikey Baltrym start on Saturday against Arlington American. The ace delivered three and one-third innings of one-run ball while only walking one batter. Aidan Izawa dominated at the plate with three doubles on the day, while Finn Thompson and Max Caddy were also hot at the plate with two hits each. Defensively, Stanley Lu made two amazing catches in the outfield and Paul Thiede, who caught six strong innings, threw out two runners. On Sunday, the Red team starter Franco Perez dealt a 0-0 tie through three innings. Falls Church broke the game open with excellent hitting and baserunning in the last three frames. Will Schiffer and Aidan Izawa had multiple hits. Max Caddy,

Adam Dunbar, and Emmet Grenfell kept the line moving with multiple walks each. Will Schiffer shut the door with two closing innings on the mound.

On Saturday, the Blue team had a come-from-behind win in the bottom of the sixth inning, winning 7-6. The sixth inning saw Falls Church down 5-3, when Luca Pipia doubled to lead off the inning. James Owen then doubled, scoring Pipia. Evan Toman singled, scoring Owen. Anthony Verdi kept the rally alive with a

single to third base, scoring Toman.

Calvin McEwen had a key lineout, advancing Verdi. Simon Coho then hit a hard hit ball to first base, allowing the final run to score. The team had 10 hits, and only struck out three times against a formidable Arlington team. Pipia, Verdi, Coho, and Toman all spent time on the mound contributing to the win.

The Majors (12-year-olds) “White Team” starts play in July against Reston-Herdon American at Westgate Park at 1 p.m.

THE RED TEAM had a mighty 12-2 win. (Courtesy: Erika Toman)

PUBLIC SAFETY AIDE Conor Kaygusuz (left) talks with PSA Division Commander Capt. Stephen Rau (right) in front of the EV patrol cars. (Photo: Catherine Kane) the Bolt.

“I would choose it any day over the Crown Victoria,” Kaygusuz said.

Both Rau and Kaygusuz acknowledge the Bolt doesn’t have the authoritative look of a

traditional police car, but that’s the point.

“We want to ensure they do not look like police cars,” Rau said. “These are public utility vehicles — they are not pursuit rated.”

PAGE 14 | JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023

PR I D E

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Colorful Scenes From Arlington’s 2nd Annual Pride Festival

SHOTS FROM the second Arlington Pride, run by events company The Polished Kreative, which took place in Gateway Park on Saturday, June 24. (Photos: Brian Reach)

PAGE 16 | JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Where To Find The News-Press

• 24 Hour Fitness, 1000 E. Broad St.

• Giant Food, Loehmann’s Plaza

• PNC Bank, 402 W. Broad St.

• 450 W. Broad St. Lobby Building

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• Idylwood Towers Condominium, 2300 Pimmit Dr.

• Read Apartments, 402 W. Broad St.

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Leesburg Pike

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Arlington Blvd.

Knollwood Dr. • Yayla Bistro, 2201 N. Westmoreland St.

Interested in a subscription, please email us at delivery@fcnp.com or give us a call 703-532-3267

LE NO. 188

FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

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

C L AS S I F I E DS EMPLOYMENT

Integration Technologies Group, INC. located in Falls Church, VA is seeking a Software Developer with a Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other related fields and 2 yrs. Experience as a Software Developer. Email resume to Constantinos. nicolaou@itgonline.com

AUCTIONS

The City of Falls Church Historic Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM in City Hall’s Dogwood Room (first floor), 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22043 to consider the following:

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

PROPOSED ALTERATION: Move the historic barn currently on 1011 Fowler St Lot B

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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)

ABC NOTICE Logos LLC Trading as Godfrey’s Bakery Café, 419 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046-3387. The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Mixed Beverage Restaurant with Catering License. Mariano Diaz-Bonilla, Member Logos LLC. 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. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

HELP WANTED Graphic designer, experienced with Photo Shop and Excel, wanted by calendar publisher in Sleepy Hollow section of Falls Church, to work in our home office 4 or 5 hours on either Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Hours flexible. Hourly rate negotiable. Call Mr. Scafetta at (703) 533-8064.

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PAGE 18 | JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023

LO CA L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Art and Frame Dedicates New Gallery C ������ C ����� to Two Local Artists

BY CATHERINE KANE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Art and Frame of Falls Church’s new location features a gallery dedicated to two local artists who were instrumental in owner Tom Gittins’ career.

The Eileen Levy & Andrzej Żmudzki Art Gallery will feature works from various Falls Church artists.

The dedication ceremony, which took place on Sunday, June 25, featured music from the Andrew Acosta Trio and appearances from most of the artists who have studio space in Art and Frame.

“The gallery is something that’s brand new [and] will add another dimension,” Gittins said.

Eileen Levy was the first artist to rent space at Art and Frame’s original location on Broad Street. “[Levy] painted and taught with joy and inspired her students to explore their creative nature,” Gittins said.

Andrzej Żmudzki, who also celebrated his 92nd birthday on the day of the dedication, is a print artist who had his first show at Art and Frame in 2016 and is a friend and mentor to Gittins. “[Żmudzki] stubbornly creates

visual representations of something invisible: words, meanings, phrases that characterize us, human beings,” Gittins said.

In a letter to the News-Press, Żmudzki had similarly fond words for Gittins.

“In Falls Church City, Tom Gittins created and operates one of the vital centers of activity of our local artistic community, where your artwork, and you, matter,” Żmudzki wrote. “All four consecutive iterations of Gittins center worked, and still work, in rented buildings. He rents a building, but the foundation — integrity — is always his own.

THIS 2 1/2 YEAR OLD CUTIE is well loved by the Jaffer family in Winter Hill. Tamu (his name means Sweetness in Swahili) was adopted from WTAR when he was six months old. He was a rescue from Mississippi.

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TOM GITTINS, OWNER (pictured left) dedicates Art and Frame’s new gallery to local artists Eileen Levy and Andrzej Żmudzki. (Photo: Catherine Kane)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

The LGBTQ+ Reach

by Brian Reach

We Need to Talk About Twitter Let’s ignore the billionaire cage fight drama for a minute, because something very dangerous is happening on Twitter, and is poisoning the public dialogue.

In April of last year, Elon Musk sold about $8.5 billion in Tesla stock, purchased about nine percent of Twitter, then offered to buy the platform at a premium. He then tried to backpedal; there was a whole spectacle about whether Musk was manipulating the price and so on. When it became clear that the law was on Twitter’s side, Musk sold off more Tesla stock — totaling about $7.5 billion — ostensibly to fund the purchase.

Musk acquired Twitter last October, making the company private, and quickly laid off half of the workforce. He disbanded Twitter’s Trust and Safety Council. He described himself as a “free-speech absolutist.” He criticized the suspension of accounts; in particular Donald Trump’s, which has since been reinstated.

Musk tweeted a statement about the purchase. “The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner, without resorting to violence. There is currently great danger that social media will splinter into far right wing and far left wing echo chambers that generate more hate and divide our society,” the statement read, before pivoting into blaming “traditional media” for fueling polarization.

Musk continued that Twitter “cannot become a free-for-all hellscape, where anything can be said with no consequences! In addition to adhering to the laws of the land, our platform must be warm and welcoming to all…”

If you think this might be gaslighting, you’re right.

In April, Musk rolled back rules banning intentional misgendering of trans people.

Trans folks are regularly antagonized by individuals who invade their social media space to invalidate their identity. It’s cruel, unprompted behavior that is wholly appropriate to ban.

Twitter Policy on Hateful Conduct Twitter’s “Hateful Conduct” policy includes “sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity,” and commits to “combating abuse motivated by hatred, prejudice or intolerance, particularly abuse that seeks to silence the voices of [the] historically marginalized” or “abuse based on their perceived membership in a protected category.”

The policy also bans “inciting fear or spreading fearful stereotypes about a protected category, including that members… are more likely to take part in dangerous or illegal activities,” “inciting others to harass members of a protected category on or off platform,” “inciting others to discriminate in the form of denial of support to the economic

enterprise of an individual or group because of their perceived membership in a protected category,” though the statement continues that this doesn’t include boycotts or protests (forgive me, but what’s the difference?).

Also prohibited is “targeting others with repeated slurs, tropes, or other content that intends to degrade or reinforce negative or harmful stereotypes,” “the dehumanization of a group of people,” and hateful imagery “whose purpose is to promote hostility and malice against others.”

Twitter Hate Speech Soars Under Musk According to the BBC, a full third of formerly banned accounts reinstated under Musk are clearly violating Twitter guidelines. Tweets referenced include depictions of child exploitation, rape and violence directed at women and LGBTQ+ folks, and incessant labeling of queer people as “groomers” or, ultimately, some sort of pedophile. They’ve also brought a resurgence of vaccine disinformation and conspiracy theories about Covid-19 and the 2020 election.

According to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, since Musk’s Twitter takeover the average daily tweet presence of slurs has increased dramatically: use of the racist ‘n-word’ increased 202 percent to 3,876, use of the homophobic ‘f****t’ word increased 58 percent to 3,964, use of the misogynistic ‘c**t’ word increased 33 percent to 17,937, and use of the transphobic word ‘t****y’ increased 62 percent to 5,117. Perhaps most upsetting is that the average number of engagements (replies, retweets, and likes) on these tweets increased 273 percent, from 13.26 to 49.5 engagements per tweet.

It’s Time to Leave Twitter For Good Last week, Musk announced that the words “cis” and “cisgender” would be considered slurs on the platform. Cisgender is a medical term for “not transgender.” The “cis” just means “the same.” I’m a cisgender gay male. I don’t call myself cisgender regularly, but technically it’s accurate. It isn’t a slur.

Musk has, ironically, turned Twitter into the “free-for-all hellscape” he warned of; where transphobia is allowed, trans-inclusion is banned, and division and hate are cultivated, amplified, and weaponized. I have deactivated all but my primary account, which I have ceased using, but left active to prevent a copycat account being created.

The decision to leave the platform is an individual one, and I understand that many rely on Twitter in some way; many are frustrated with feeling “trapped” on the platform, which for some has become their primary way of keeping in touch or informed. This column is not meant to demonize those who choose to remain. Leaving was a hard thing for me to do that took months to decide.

My remaining account displays the following final statement as its bio: “Due to rampant disinformation and xenophobia, Twitter is no longer a platform that anybody should use. If you’re reading this, please leave Twitter.”

JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023 | PAGE 19

Falls Church Business News & Notes NUE Ribbon Cutting – Thursday

Thursday, June 29, 5:45 p.m. — NUE is celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting by Falls Church City Council and the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce Board. The event runs 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. and will feature a selection of Vietnamese cuisine, live music, an Ao Dai Fashion Show, and more.

Tickets may be booked through Eventbrite: eventbrite.com/e/nue-grand-openingtickets-661183807567

Last Call for “Made in Virginia” Submissions Virginia Living Magazine is celebrating the commodities made in the state by accepting nominations for Made in Virginia Awards. The nominations are open to any Virginia-based business whose products are manufactured in-state and will be available for retail purchase Nov. 1 — Dec. 31, 2023, at minimum. Categories include food, drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), style and beauty, and home and lifestyle.

The winners will be featured in the December 2023 issue. The deadline for submissions is July 7 and winners will be notified in mid-July. Questions may be directed to Vayda Tarleton at VaydaTarleton@CapeFear.com.

Local Sites Among Favorites Northern Virginia Magazine released the readers’ favorite entertainment sites, and several Falls Church venues were noted. Creative Cauldron was runner up in the favorite Theatre House and Cherry Hill Park was named as both the top Public Park and top place to enjoy Picnics. And Arlington Magazine named Dogwood Tavern as having one of the top rooftop bars in the area.

Call for Nominations: Women Who Mean Business The Washington Business Journal has announced the 20th annual Women Who Mean Business Awards with a call for nominations of executive women who have made an impact in their communities. Nominations are encouraged from every profession and industry and will be judged on professional accomplishments, community leadership, awards and milestones. The deadline to nominate is July 7 and honorees will be announced on the website on August 25. The recognition event is scheduled for October 5 at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC. Full details are available via bizjournals.com/washington/nomination/87421/2023/2023-women-who-mean-business.

Small Business Awards Deadline The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched a new awards program for small businesses, America’s Top Small Business (ATSB), formerly known as the Dream Big Awards. The awards will recognize small businesses that do big things in their industries and communities through innovation, job creation, and commitment to being part of a thriving business ecosystem. Ten top businesses will be selected in each of the seven regions and one finalist will win America’s Top Small Business of the Year Award and a $25,000 cash prize. The deadline is July 7 and you can learn more at uschamber.com/co/good-company/americas-top-small-business/americastop-small-business.  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.

The City’s fireworks are back after 4 years!

If you are attending the fireworks show, please send your pictures of this dazzling event to ktoland@fcnp.com for a chance to be in the paper.

PAGE 20 | JUNE 29 - JULY 5, 2023

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM