One of Falls Church’s favorite sons was knocking on doors Sunday in the Little City, reminding voters about the primary on August 4 and to please vote for him!
Don Beyer is seeking his seventh term as the U.S. congressional representative from the Eighth District, which includes Falls Church, Alexandria, Arlington County, and parts of Fairfax County.
Volunteers gathered in the driveway at the home of a Beyer supporter on Claremont Drive in Falls Church where they could pick up campaign materials, blue and white sugar cookies, and lots of water from a table laden with the goodies.
Fairfax County Supervisor
Continued on Page 5
Northern Virginia’s Newspaper
F.C. BOYS OF SUMMER
League Team
Critter Corner Page 14
Our Man In Arlington Page 14 Calendar Page 15
By Adam Roy Falls Church Little League
“Go out and win this game for every FCKLL player that came before you.”
Those were the pre-game words from Assistant Coach Jon Labukas. And that’s exactly what
the Falls Church Kiwanis Little League Majors All Stars “White” Team did. They defeated the McLean American All Stars in front of more than 200 faithful fans at Westgate field to win the Virginia Little League District 4 Majors Championship, an accomplishment only repeated four times previously
in 1958, 1960, 2005 and 2006. The win sends the team to the state tournament, which begins July 17 at Patriot Park North in Fairfax where they will compete against 15 other district winners for the chance to head to Georgia for the Little League World Series Southeast Regional.
After six weeks of practices and scrimmages, the Majors team opened play against a tough Reston squad, falling 2-1 in extra innings. They bounced back with an extra-inning 6-5 win against Alexandria on two home runs, strong pitching,
LITTLE LEAGUE DISTRICT 4 Champions: (from left to right) Coach Alex Kuczkowski, Spencer Allan, Assistant Coach Brad Allan, Evan Iweagwu, Jay McKeown Jr., Andrew Quinn, Thomas Stewart, Hunter Roy, William Southworth, James Labukas, Timmy Verasin, Gavin Kuczkowski, Assistant Coach Chris Talbert, William Talbert, Colin Dailey, and Assistant Coach Jon Labukas. (Photo: Kari Forsee)
Falls Church News Briefs
8-Week Academy Program On F.C. Police Offered
The Community Police Academy (CPA) offers an eight-week program to learn about the role of the Falls Church Police Department and its many functions, services, and capabilities in The Little City.
Community participants will learn about patrol operations, criminal investigations, special operations, and internal affairs. Graduates of the program will become Academy alumni and be invited to attend and/or assist with future Police Department events and Community Police Academies.
Applications are open for Session Two of the Community Police Academy running from September 23 to November 18, 2026. Questions or more information about the program can be directed to Ofc. Feliciano, Community Service Officer at FCPDCSO@ fallschurchva.gov.
F.C. Council Office Hours For Public Next Week
The Falls Church City Council will be offering evening office hours on Wednesday, July 29 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack,130 N. Washington St. Vice Mayor Laura Downs will be present to answer questions and listen to feedback from community members. As this will not be a private setting, members of the community are also welcome to submit feedback by emailing: city-council@fallschurchva.gov
Annandale Road Upgrades Get $30 Million in Grant Funds
Transportation improvements on the Annandale Road corridor will be able to move forward in Falls Church, thanks to $30 million in newly approved regional funding.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s board of directors approved the funding on July 9 as part of a $776 million fiscal year 2026-31 package of projects for localities across the region. All told, $1.26 billion had been requested by participating localities.
The $30 million Annandale Road project was one of two funding requests made by Falls Church officials as part of the updated NVTA Six-Year Program. It will cover the estimated full cost of the improvements on Annandale Road.
The project will focus on the roadway between Washington Street and Hillwood Avenue, and also includes improvements to intersections along the route.
“See. Love. Vote.” Effort Launched This Month
The nonpartisan education and voter engagement campaign “See. Love. Vote.” launched on July 9 with a virtual event featuring religious and civil rights leaders, justice-seekers, and student advocates.
Led by Advocates for Catholic Social Justice, a 501(c)(3) organization, along with over 50 faith and secular partners across the country, “See. Love. Vote.” connects communities with the tools they need to be informed and engaged voters, inspired by the common good.
Speakers at the event shared the issues they see impacting their communities, how they’re responding with love, and what drives them to vote this year.
Arc Group Seeks Nominations Of Local Employers
The Arc of Northern Virginia has opened nominations for their Commitment to Employment of Persons with Disabilities Awards, recognizing local employers who hire and champion people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Nominations are open to the public through July 31st.
Thousands of Northern Virginia families face the “cliff” after their loved one with IDD leaves school, and local employers who offer meaningful work are changing that story. This is a chance to recognize the local businesses doing it right.
“So many families worry about what happens after school ends — meaningful work options seem out of reach for young adults with IDD. Yet across Northern Virginia, there are many employers committed to inclusive hiring, not for charity, but because people with IDD are talented and dedicated employees. Now is the time to recognize these
employers to thank them and to tell their story that inclusive hiring works. We need your help in identifying workplaces who are making a difference with a commitment to integrated employment for people with IDD. Nominate an employer, company or organization,” said Molly L. Whalen, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Northern Virginia.
AT THE CORNER of Lee and Park streets Sunday afternoon, Charlie Colangelo, 8, a rising third-grader at Oak Street Elementary School, was selling lemonade with the help of his dad, Andrew. The “real” stuff was $4; powdered, $2. The “real” was every bit as good as expected!. (Photo: Patricia Leslie)
“IGUANA,” AN ACRYLIC and mixed media work by Joan Slottow, is among the pieces featured in the Falls Church Arts All Members Show M–Z, which opens with a reception Saturday, July 18, from 7–9 p.m. at Falls Church Arts. (PHOTO: FCARTS)
F.C. Little League Team Begins Bid for Williamsport
Continued from Page 1
and error-free defense. They completed pool play with a solid 5-0 win against McLean National, earning the boys a spot in the district crossover and a date with arch-rival Vienna National at Nike field in Great Falls.
Historically a tough opponent with a long history of district championships, Vienna opened the game in a hurry with a first-inning five-run start. Falls Church stayed locked in and battled, putting four on the board in the second, tying the game in the third, and walking off the game with a 6-5 victory in the seventh inning on a timely single to center.
Two days later, the district championship game started similarly, with McLean American taking an early 2-0 lead. Determined to fight, Falls Church tied the game in the bottom of the first, then broke it open with a base-clearing triple in the second. The bats stayed hot and
after five innings Falls Church held an 8-3 lead heading into the last inning. McLean singled to open the inning, then a strikeout and ground out put Falls Church one out away from a ticket to the state tournament. But McLean wasn’t done, scoring on a double and loading the bases on a pair of walks and a hit by pitch. Tensions ran high. With the tying run at second and two outs, the game ended on a groundout and celebrations were heard across the little city.
“We’re extremely proud of these boys. Beating Vienna, then McLean, is no small feat. I invite all FCKLL alumni and the Falls Church community to the state tournament and wish our team success,” said Whitney Owen, FCKLL Board President.
The championship roster includes Spencer Allan, Colin Dailey, Evan Iweagwu, Gavin Kuczkowski, James Labukas, Jay McKeown Jr., Andrew Quinn,
Hunter Roy, William Southworth, Thomas Stewart, William Talbert, and Timmy Verasin. The team is coached by Alex Kuczkowski and assistant coaches Brad Allan, Jon Labukas, and Chris Talbert.
In related All Stars news, Falls Church’s “Red” Team, made up of the league’s best 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds, completed pool play with a 3-2 record. The league’s “Blue” Team, a roster of 10- and 11-year-olds, finished pool play with a 4-1 record, unfortunately missing district crossovers on run differential rules. FCKLL also fielded a first-ever intermediate 13 and under “Grey” Team for graduated Little Leaguers. They completed pool play with a 2-2 record, helping notch another successful spring season for the league.
As Virginia’s oldest operating league, FCKLL’s 78th season this spring welcomed more than 575 players across 49 teams competing at different age and skill levels.
Registration for the fall season is open. Learn more at: .fckll.org.
In reflection, the district championship is an incredible accomplishment and a memory many will hold close for years to come, especially for those 12 boys who get up every day, play the timeless game, and continue to believe. Even more, it represents the broader value Little League baseball brings to communities like Falls Church.
Beyond the wins and losses, youth baseball teaches kids teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, while creating friendships and memories that often last well beyond childhood. That was apparent last Friday night. You only needed to scan the stands to see the outpouring of support from current and former players, and board members and FCKLL families who have and will continue to show up and create a special space where young athletes can become legends.
Join in keeping the dream alive
this Friday at 9 a.m. at Patriot Park North when they open state tournament pool play against Bedford Little League, District 2 champs.
Rosters of FCKLL Little League
Grey, Blue, and Red Teams:
Intermediate All Stars
Grey Team
Liam Arias
Trace Beaty
Jude Blanchard
Evan Campbell
Harry Keel , Nolan Klein
Gabriel Madrid, Cristopher Vasquez
Caleb Reyes
Hunter Seymour
Preston Tilson, Paul Thiede Manager:
Ed Blanchard
Assistant Coaches:
Fred Keel, Mike Thiede
Will Beaty, Lauren Hoeck
Continued on Page 14
Beyer Re-Election Push’s Big Day of Focusing on Falls Church
Continued from Page 1
Dalia Palchik introduced Beyer, who welcomed the group and urged them to “go out and have fun!”
“It’s a good time to be canvassing, not selling anything or asking for money, but meeting voters,” Beyer said. “This is not complicated. Just remind them about the vote on August 4 and to vote for me!”
Before the canvassers set out on their mission, Beyer thanked them for their time and efforts.
Luck was with them since it was a mostly cloudy day with a high in the low 80s.
With so much attention devoted nationally to “progressive” candidates, the Falls Church News-Press wanted to know if the volunteers think Beyer fits the charge. Not surprisingly, they said “Yes”!
Supervisor Palchik said Beyer is “absolutely” progressive enough for her. “He’s done so much to fight in Congress, for immigration rights, for schools, human services, the things that really matter to people in our community.”
Local Democratic leader Matthew Savage said, “This is not Manhattan. Don has sponsored legislation that’s progressive. I think he has the right policies that represent the views of this district. People here care about fighting for federal workers, they care about returning money to Northern Virginia, fighting for people with disabilities. Don is a champion for them. It’s about whether the incumbent is doing a good job. Despite all the uneasiness in Washington, there is no reason to let go of Don’s seniority, to let go of his fierce activism for his constituents.”
Gennet Nagussie from Ethiopia has canvassed in the past for Beyer. “In the times we’re in right now,” she said, “we need a stable person. I think he’s progressive enough. We need someone who will speak up for us. I don’t know how we can afford having a new person compared to someone who knows the system
and can advocate for us. That’s why I’m here today.”
It’s a first for a primary in August, usually held in June, due to a change Virginia legislators made last February to an appropriations bill with a redistricting plan tucked inside.
Early primary voting has already begun and ends August 1. July 24 is the last day to register to vote for the August primary and it’s also the deadline to request an absentee ballot. No reason is necessary to vote early or vote absentee.
Falls Church residents may vote early at City Hall Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on two Saturdays, July 25 and August 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ballots may also be left in the drop box in the parking lot at City Hall.
Beyer has four opponents in the Democratic primary whom Supervisor Palchik welcomes. “I’m glad others are stepping up, getting involved, building name recognition, but Don has done so well.”
The other candidates are Lorena Thorne Bruner, a community advocate; Michael Christian Duffin, a former U.S. State Department official; Adam M. Dunigan, a former U.S. Marine and CIA case officer; and Mo Seifeldein, a former Alexandria City Council member and former Department of Labor attorney.
Since Beyer first ran for Congress in 2014 and received 63.1% of the votes cast, he has had no trouble keeping his seat. In 2016, his winning percentage was 68.4%; followed in 2018 by 76.1%; in 2020 it was 75.8%; in 2022 it was 73.5%; and in 2024 it was 71.52%. But nobody, especially this year, is taking anything for granted, hence: Knock! Knock!
Who’s there?
I’m Don Beyer running for Congress!
The winner of the August 4 primary will face Tony Sabio, the only Republican nominee, in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
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The work accomplished by the Falls Church City Council at its behind-closed-doors session Monday night was important. It led to passage of an item by the Council tasking the City Manager and City Attorney to draft an overlay district ordinance with a special exception requirement that goes into effect on July 1, 2027, prior to which time development within the overlay district was by right, and draft the special exception regulations that they may apply to any type of development proposing to utilize the rights afforded by the overlay district. The vote by Council to advance this process was unanimous.
Beyond that, there were two important annual reports that took up most of the time at the meeting, one by Dana Jones on the affordable living status in the City and the other by Police Chief Shahram Fard on crime rates in the past year in the Little City.
The biggest news that came out of the police report was the news that the population of the Little City has now officially surpassed 18,000.
But overall crime in Falls Church has reached one of its lowest levels in history with 93 of 208 larcenies attributed to shoplifting, and only 87 crimes against persons.
There were 29,000 calls to service and of 3,000 vehicular stops in town 1,500 resulted in citations being issued. Traffic collisions were down 22 percent.
Chief Fard said he expects the City’s department to achieve accreditation by the end of next year. Achieving and maintaining that goal required arduous attention to detail and reporting, and in the last decade, the process of maintaining that standing lapsed.
Chief Fard also said that existing red-light cameras will be moved in the coming period. While the Broad and Washington intersection is the busiest, the second busiest is E. Broad at Roosevelt and followed by W. Broad at West Street. He implied that’s where the red light units will be installed.
Jones responded to the notion from Council members Arthur Agin about the “K curve” impact of rising real estate values on the one hand, and declining availability of truly affordable housing on the other. The City’s overall residential real estate values have climbed to above $1 million, the highest in Virginia, on the one hand, and there are only 336 affordable residences in the City, on the other.
Most of the “affordable” units are affordable to those earning between 60 percent and 80 percent of the regional median annual income, which now is above $100,000 for a family of four.
She said without an aggressive effort, another 159 units currently deemed affordable will be lost by 2040, including 96 units at The Fields. Affordability is measured by homes that can be held by persons based on 30 percent of their total income.
Jones said the affordable housing crisis is “one of the City’s greatest challenges.”
The Dark, Unbound Remains a Falls Church Mystery
BY AMY BOWKER
If you stroll down West Broad Street, near the reopened Antique Annex and the closed Brown’s Hardware, you’ll notice an intriguing awning over the space once occupied by Dominion Camera. Bold letters on the black canvas spell out “The Dark, Unbound” and “Books and Curiosities.”
However, the store’s front windows are obstructed with brown packing paper and the display case to the right of the door holds only a simple glass end table and rainbow-hued decorations.
This is all mysterious given how long the store at 112 W. Broad Street has been scheduled to open its doors. The first grand opening was slated for July/August of 2025 per an Instagram comment posted by the store’s two owners. Despite the awning appearing sometime around that date too, the store’s opening was delayed. In January of 2026, social media posts predicted
the store would open in “a couple months,” and most recently, an Instagram post in April teased there would be “good news very soon.”
So, what is The Dark, Unbound and why hasn’t it been unbound yet? While there aren’t many clues as to the last part of that question, the first part can be found on the store’s website. Margaret Ngin and Annette Gumm are the owners of the planned store they describe as a “proudly feminist and queer fantasy bookstore, shop of miscellanea, and host for metaphysical and educational events.” They envision their venture as both a place to shop and a place to gather, with the intention of creating “a cozy and moody environment.”
According to the website, The Dark, Unbound plans to sell books by underrepresented authors across a selection of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, speculative, and horror. The merchandise on sale will include art, décor, candles, tarot decks, and metaphysical sup-
plies. Notably, the store also aims to establish itself as a gathering place by offering classes and programs and facilitating a comfortable space where patrons can lounge with a cup of coffee or tea.
I reached out to the owners of The Dark, Unbound for comment. They responded, “We are diligently working towards a quiet opening before the end of August, with a Grand Opening to follow shortly after.”
There are plenty of reasons to anticipate the store’s grand opening. The closest metaphysical store is all the way out in Fairfax, namely Sticks and Stones, itself a magnificent buffet of tarot decks, crystals, metaphysical books, and regular events that bring together the spiritual community. And wouldn’t it be wonderful to have something like that here in the Little City?
Falls Church resident Mary Hale, who leads a popular Mindfulness Meditation workshop at the Mary Riley Styles Public
Library, is among the prospective patrons who await the grand opening. “In my experience, it’s the nature of these types of stores to be welcoming and open to fostering kinship in support of a wide range of spiritual interests,” Mary said. “I look forward to having a gathering place of this type right on our doorstep.”
Another local resident, Cindy Wargo, shares the same sentiment. Cindy is a writer and spiritual wellness coach who teaches yoga and offers tarot and oracle card read-
ings. “I’m really looking forward to meeting more like-hearted souls through their events and gathering spaces,” Cindy said of The Dark, Unbound store. “And it’s a bonus to be able to peruse spiritual books and Tarot decks so close to home.” Hopefully, one day soon we’ll stroll by that storefront on 112 W. Broad Street, and the brown paper will have been liberated from the windows and The Dark, Unbound will no longer be a mystery but a thriving retail space and meeting spot.
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National Chicken Salad Day at Chicken Salad Chick
During this national celebration on Thursday, July 16, Chicken Salad Chick Rewards members can sign up on the app to receive a free scoop of chicken salad, as well as exclusive merchandise giveaways. In-person visitors to the restaurant can also pick up a brand sticker. The Falls Church restaurant in this franchise is owned by Devon Chamberlin and is located at 7505 Leesburg Pike. Be sure to check out the local photos in the restaurant by photographer Gary Mester.
SBA Guest Speaker at Luncheon
The Falls Church Chamber luncheon hosts Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, Economic Development Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration next Tuesday, July 21, at the Hilton Garden Inn. He will share programs and resources available to small businesses. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch, ending at 1:15 p.m. There will be time for questions. Reservations are requested by Monday at noon. For more information, visit them online at: business.fallschurchchamber.org/events/details/luncheon-at-hilton-garden-inn-sba-programs-resources-for-small-businesses-81846?calendarMonth=2026-07-01.
Results of the Q2 Business Leader Survey
The Falls Church Chamber participated in the Q2 2026 Business Leader Survey with a coalition of nine local chambers led by the Northern Virginia Chamber and Pinkston last month. The results reveal that Northern Virginia corporate executives and business owners are feeling more positive about the future of their businesses and the economic direction of the region. Of the 185 corporate executives and business owners responding, 90 percent planned to keep staffing the same or hire people, an improvement over Q1 when 83 percent did. Also, 76 percent of respondents were very or somewhat optimistic about their own business’ near-term performance, up from 67 percent in the last survey. In terms of state policy priorities, 35 percent of business leaders responded with reducing taxes, 31 percent said keeping right-to-work, 22 percent named housing affordability, and 22 percent named reducing regulation as most pressing. The full Q2 2026 NVC/Pinkston Northern Virginia Business Leader Survey results are available online at: nvcbusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Q2-2026-NVC-Pinkston-Business-LeaderSurvey-Final-Report.pdf
Talk Tiles to Me Announces Membership Enrollment
If you missed the social media announcement, Talk Tiles to Me has announced its first Membership program with enrollment opening August 1 and closing August 15. The studio teaches American Mahjong. Membership offers early registration for events and leagues, members-only gatherings, birthday month Open Play, discounts on studio merchandise, and more.
Webinar: Financing Your Small Business
On Wednesday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Mason Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will offer a webinar for financing small businesses. Learn about different types of financing, funding sources and financing programs, bank financing basics, and strategies for making a bank presentation. The link for this free webinar will be shared upon registration.
Nominate a Business Icon Today!
Virginia Business magazine has opened nominations for the Virginia Icon Honors Awards. The Icons awards recognize current or retired Virginia business leaders over the age of 60 for lifetime achievement, celebrating their overall success and strong leadership in their chosen fields, as well as their civic engagement and impact. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and will be profiled in the November issue of Virginia Business magazine. The deadline for nominations is July 24, 2026. Visit them online at: virginiabusiness.com/event/icons-honors/
Arts & Humanities Opens Grant Applications
Applications are now open for the City of Falls Church Arts & Humanities Grant Program. Artists, historians, cultural organizations and all who are creative are encouraged to submit applications. 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 with information available at: fallschurchva.gov/ AHGrants?ct=t(FocusOnFCJan9_COPY_01)
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.
Simon Says: Independence Means Investing in Our Future
BY DEL. MARCUS SIMON
Sometimes what you learn in civics class about how the government is supposed to work doesn’t seem to match up with the reality of policymaking you see play out in the news. Particularly at the national level.
When asked why I decided to run for the state legislature I often tell people that I fell in love with the lawmaking process when I went to work for my predecessor Jim Scott back in 1992. The thing I loved about it was that it actually worked the way you imagined it would in a 4th grade government class, or watching the story of “Bill” on School House Rock.
Last year I got a visit from a class of 5th grade students from Falls Church City who were engaged with a “write our own law” project. Their project: find a way to spend more time learning outside. Thanks to their advocacy and Governor Spanberger’s signing of our biennial budget, they’ve succeeded and
we’re going to make that happen.
They came to Richmond to lobby me and other legislators, prepared talking points for me to use in testimony before the budget committee, and as a result, we now have a $100,000 grant program for school systems to create outdoor learning spaces. And that’s just a fraction of new education funding that Virginians will receive over the course of these next two years. Teachers can expect to receive a 4% pay increase per year (from 2026 to 2028), with state employees receiving 3.5% raises.
This budget is historic: it allocates almost $2 billion to our education system, which currently stands as the biggest investment into Virginia’s public education and children since its founding. This includes specific funding for special education students and English learners. As a Virginian, I serve to protect and uplift young learners and will continue to do so in the face of Republican opposition and malpractice.
Higher education will also receive economic aid, as we’ve allocated $346 million over our previous baseline to facilitate operations and reduce tuition costs for undergraduates.
I am proud to support this investment in higher education not only because it makes students’ lives easier, but because it works towards an academic culture that protects young learners against political attacks. Young Virginians must be provided learning spaces which protect their freedom and intellectual curiosity. And this budget is going to help make that happen.
Over the past few years, we’ve experienced rapid healthcare cuts by a Republican Congress and President Trump. With the aid of data center consumption taxes, Virginia will provide $150 million to help those who will experience economic hardship first.
While my district in Falls Church and Fairfax County isn’t impacted as heavily as our neighbors in rural Virginia, I am extreme-
Love & Miller, PC
ly proud of the work we did to cushion the blow delivered by the HR 1 (The Big . . . I’m going to go with UGLY . . . Bill) to patients and health care facilities dependent on Medicaid. This budget invests $350 million in a Medicaid Emergency fund to backfill some of the money that disappeared from the system. We’ve got to do everything we can to offset the effects of those MAGA lawmakers who are working to dismantle our national health insurance benefits. They do not have our best interests at heart.
The biennial budget also addresses homelessness prevention, eviction, and skyrocketing housing prices. We’re investing over $90 million in affordable housing options, homeless services, and eviction prevention programs. This means more resources all over: stabilizing workers, building new homes, and protecting families from separation. This means affordability in a very real and tangible way.
Then there’s the marijuana question: what’s happening and how
Drs Love and Miller provide a family practice with special emphasis on healthy and beautiful smiles for adults and children Both doctors graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and have been practicing together in Falls Church for over 25 years
We take time to listen to our patients so that we truly understand their needs With emphasis on overall health, we o er services including composite restorations, metal-free crowns, implant restorations, veneers and other cosmetic procedures. Our oral hygiene program excels at understanding the vital relationship between oral health and other systems in the body. Drs Love and Miller, along with our amazing team, greatly appreciate the community’s trust and support.
does it affect Virginia? This budget has helped facilitate a smart solution to adult-use cannabis markets that are research-driven and informed.
Dispensaries are state-regulated and prioritize the safety of all Virginians - especially children. Academics have proven over decades that more government oversight on marijuana means kids have less access to cannabis on the streets.
This is a system which also protects consumers, fosters accountability, and contributes to our state earnings. With the help of this Democrat-driven budget, we’ve given adults a place to safely purchase cannabis, as is protected by Virginia law.
This budget is a culmination of everything that Virginians represent. Compassion and courage in the face of adversity, protection of children and families, and continued support for front-line workers. I like the direction we’re moving in. And I’m excited for what these next two years bring to Virginia.
Washingtonian Best Dentists; Washingtonian Best of Hall of Fame. Best Dentist of Falls Church 2013–2021; Virginia Living Magazine and Nor thern Virginia Magazine Best Dentist, 2016–2024
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Warner Assails Trump Election Takeover Push
Nicholas F. Benton
Virginia’s Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement after a judge dismissed the federal government’s lawsuit seeking access to Virginia’s unredacted voter rolls:
“Donald Trump, Todd Blanche, and Harmeet Dhillon tried to seize Virginians’ voter data through what we successfully argued was a contrived demand with no basis in law. The court saw through the ploy and rejected their attempt to attack our electoral system. We are proud of the secure, professional way elections are run in Virginia, and grateful to the attorneys in the Office of the Attorney General whose work stopped Trump’s partisan operatives from dragging our system into their campaign of chaos and distrust.”
Virginia’s U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, was scheduled to hold a remote media availability from the U.S. Capitol today to discuss growing threats to the integrity of the midterm elections – an alarm he has been sounding for months. Ahead of President Trump’s primetime address tonight, which reports indicate will focus on voting machine security and alleged foreign efforts to influence U.S. elections, Sen. Warner is concerned that the administration is going to take its most significant step yet to interfere, “take over,” and “nationalize” our upcoming elections.
Sen. Warner will underscore that public, unclassified assessments from intelligence agencies have consistently found no evidence that foreign actors altered vote totals, hacked voting machines to change election outcomes, or otherwise compromised the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. Instead, he will share his concerns that persistent efforts by domestic actors to undermine public confidence in free and fair elections pose one of the most immediate threats to America’s democratic institutions.
What foreign adversaries have not done, according to repeated public, unclassified assessments from the U.S. Intelligence Community, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and
bipartisan state election officials, is alter vote totals, hack voting machines to change election outcomes, or compromise the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. The clearest pattern across recent elections is not successful vote manipulation, it is sustained influence operations, aided and abetted by domestic actors, designed to convince Americans that their elections cannot be trusted.
These facts matter because conspiracy theories about stolen elections cannot become a pretext for weakening our democratic system or stripping states and local election officials of their longstanding constitutional role in administering elections. The answer to foreign threats is to strengthen election security, support state and local officials, and combat foreign influence operations – not to “take over” or federalize election administration based on claims that have been repeatedly investigated and debunked.
Journalists should approach extraordinary claims with the same rigor they would apply to any other allegation: demand credible evidence, consult the extensive public record, engage subject-matter experts with experience tracking foreign intelligence operations, and provide audiences with the full context of repeated findings from the Intelligence Community, federal cybersecurity officials, bipartisan state election administrators, audits, recounts, and the courts.
Careful, evidence-based reporting is one of the strongest defenses against efforts to undermine confidence in American democracy.
The Warner fact sheet on claims of foreign interference in U.S. elections rebuts the claims that China interfered in the 2020 election to help Biden, that Venezuela, Dominion or Smartmatic hacked the voting machines, that Georgia proves the voting machines were wrong, that foreign interference proves that votes were changed or elections are illegitimate, that foreign actors can easily flip a federal election, that states cannot be trusted to administer elections, that dead people or non-citizens voted in large numbers or there are more ballots than registered voters, or that mail-in ballots or ballot drop boxes are inherently insecure.
The factual record is clear: Foreign adversaries try to influence Americans and undermine confidence in our elections, but unclassified government assessments and state audits have not shown that China, Venezuela, or any foreign actor hacked voting machines or changed vote totals in 2020.
A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
There are plenty of characters (persons playing a role) in Washington, but not much character (moral and ethical structure; integrity) among many of them. Every administration and every congressional session can be illustrative but the latest, and most egregious, example is the Trump Administration. A president sets the tone for his administration; cabinet secretaries and other officials follow suit. Policy disagreements create lively internal debates, but integrity – doing the right thing even when no one is looking –is not open to debate. A strong moral code used to be required of our elected and appointed leaders. Sadly, that appears to have changed, but it’s up to the voters to insist on that basic tenet when they go to the polls – and afterward.
Bending to the whims of the president is nothing new, but good governance is more than someone’s whim. Good governance must be based on understanding your role and the needs of the public, not your own. Making money from negotiated deals as you travel the globe representing the United States of America is not ethical, nor is allowing your children to tag along and make money for themselves. Official travel means doing the nation’s business, not your own. News reports about the
Trump sons and special envoy Steve Witkoff’s son profiting from their fathers’ positions should be the subject of congressional investigations.
Donald Trump likes to say that “I alone can fix it,” but it also appears that he does little alone. His cabinet secretaries and agency heads are seen so often as props on his stage that one wonders when they get their work done. Maybe backing up Trump is their work. Why does Secretary of Defense Hegseth need to appear when the subject is Wall Street, and why is Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick there for military discussions? Secretary of State Marco Rubio almost always is there, maintaining the same facial expression, but looking slightly more nauseous each passing day, perhaps watching his presidential aspirations fade away.
Elected leaders should be role models for the next generations. Without a moral code, the normal filters around vulgar language often are forgotten. Coarseness is not a virtue.
A song from Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” reveals that “children will listen.” They do, and can emulate what they hear, whether from a president, a parent, or a teacher. Lyndon Johnson was known for his Texas-sized ego
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of JULY 6 -12, 2026
Larceny/Fraud – False Pretenses, Little Falls St, Jul 7, 10:26 a.m., victim’s power of attorney reported an identified suspect stole financial information and identity documents from the victim, and subsequently cashed numerous fraudulent checks.
Hit and Run, Park Ave, Jul 7, 10:13 p.m., a white male, 72, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for hit and run.
and pithy tongue in private, but he knew how to be respectful in his public statements. Not so with Messrs. Trump and Vance, who use “s-hole” and “a-hole” and other derogatory language in interviews and speeches. The public airwaves are not locker rooms, even though FBI Director Kash Patel may think they are one and the same.
There are examples of ethical backbone in Washington. The most celebrated may be the infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” on October 20, 1973, when Attorney General Eliot Richardson chose to resign immediately rather than accede to Richard Nixon’s order to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox. Nixon then moved to Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus. He, too, refused the order and resigned on the spot. Finally, Nixon ordered Solicitor General Robert Bork to carry out the firing, which he did. It’s hard to imagine that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, or his predecessor, would resign rather than accede to Trump’s whims, although some U.S. attorneys have taken that step and exercised their legal and moral obligation to uphold the Constitution.
Potomac fever can be intoxicating, but thousands of officials and government employees serve the nation without violating a moral code. They are characters in the long-running drama that is the United States, but they demonstrate character every day. It’s a shame our top officials can’t do that.
Trespassing, E Broad St, Jul 8, 8:31 a.m., a male, 30, of no fixed address, was arrested for trespassing, possession of drug paraphernalia, and served with an outstanding warrant for another jurisdiction.
Trespassing, E Annandale Rd, Jul 9, 6:25 p.m., a black male, 52, of no fixed address, and a female, 53, of no fixed address, were arrested for trespassing and public intoxication.
Larceny, Roosevelt Blvd, Jul 9, 8:07 p.m., an unknown suspect stole the victim’s package from a mail room.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jul 11, 6:19 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a black male, approximately 25 to 30 years of age, between 5’8” and 5’10” in height, weighing approximately 150 to 170 pounds, with short black hair and black facial hair, wearing a dark gray tank top, gray shorts, and white sneakers.
Domestic Assault and Battery, S Washington St, Jul 12, 2:12 a.m., a white male, 32, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for domestic assault and battery.
Fraud – False Pretenses, Little Falls St, Jul 12, 8:13 p.m., victim reported sending money to an unknown suspect due to a text scam.
ABC NOTICE
Panda Scout LLC, trading as Ipanda Dumpling, 9524 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax VA 22031, is applying to the Virginia Alcohol beverage control (ABC) Authority for a Beer and Wine on and off premises, Mixed Beverages Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Kam Y Wong, managing member. NOTE: objection to issuance of this license must be submitted no later then 30 days from the publishing’ date of the first of two required news paper legal notice, objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or by calling 1-800-552-3200
Music Thanks LLC, trading as Music Thanks, 6795 Wilson Blvd., Suite 18, Falls Church, VA 22044, is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Beer and Wine Restaurant license to sell alcoholic beverages. Hung Yen Nguyen, Owner.
NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted 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 1-800-552-3200.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION
PORTER CAPITAL CORPORATION, Plaintiff v. GENERATIONAL HEALTHCARE STAFFING, LLC; BRITANNY KEITH; JARED STEINER; & GOUCHEV LAW PLLC, Defendants.
CIVIL ACTION NO.: 2:23-CV-01227-MHH
NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
To: BRITANNY KEITH, whose whereabouts are unknown and whose last-known address is 2121 North Westmoreland Street, Apt. 347, Arlington, Virginia 22213.
Be advised that on May 7, 2026, the Honorable Madeline H. Haikala, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, entered an Order on Plaintiff’s Motion for Service by Publication on Defendant Britanny Keith (the “Order”) in the pending case styled Porter Capital Corporation, Plaintiff, v. Generational Healthcare Staffing, LLC; Britanny Keith; Jared Steiner; & Gouchev Law PLLC, pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division, Case No. 2:23CV-01227. The Order authorized Plaintiff Porter Capital Corporation to perfect service on Britanny Keith by publication pursuant to Ala. R. Civ. P. 4.3.
Pursuant to the Order, BRITANNY KEITH is hereby notified that on the 26th day of June 2025, an Amended Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, against you in the above-styled action asserting claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, civil theft, trespass to property, and civil conspiracy, seeking monetary damages at least in the amount of $543,997.24, plus interest, fees, and costs, and an award of punitive damages.
You are required to answer the Complaint within thirty (30) days after the last publication of this notice, or no later than August 15, 2026, or thereafter a judgment by default may be entered against you. This notice is being published pursuant to Rule 4.3 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
If you require a copy of the Amended Complaint and the exhibits thereto, please contact
Plaintiff’s counsel, Danielle E. Douglas with the law firm of Adams & Reese, available by phone at 205-250-5000 and by email at danielle.douglas@arlaw.com.
This Notice shall run in the Falls Church News Press for four consecutive weeks on June 25, 2026; July 2, 2026; July 9, 2026; and July 16, 2026.
Submitted this 19th day of June, 2026, /s/ Danielle E. Douglas
Danielle E. Douglas
ADAMS & REESE LLP
1901 Sixth Avenue North, Suite 1110 Birmingham, AL 35203-3367 (205) 250-5000
danielle.douglas@arlaw.com Counsel for Plaintiff
Invitation For Bids (IFB) IFB 0730-26-BSMI
Broad Street Multimodal Improvements Project City of Falls Church
PASSWORD PROTECTED ELECTRONIC BIDS (SEALED) will be accepted by the City of Falls Church by electronic submission to the Purchasing Agent, James Wise, jwise@ fallschurchva.gov (email) for the provision of Broad Street Multimodal Improvements Project.
Due date for the electronic submission of Bids is Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 11:00
A.M. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on July 9, 2026 (see the IFB for details). A copy of the IFB which includes all details and requirements may be downloaded from the City of Falls Church’s procurement website: www.fallschurchva.gov/Bids. Notice of the IFB may also be accessed via eVA, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s electronic procurement portal for registered suppliers, www.eva.virginia.gov.
For more information and/or questions regarding this IFB contact the City’s Purchasing Agent; (703) 248-5007; jwise@fallschurchva. gov. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703 248-5007 (TTY 711).
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH,
VIRGINIA
The following were heard at the June 22, 2026, City Council meeting. Public hearings and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TR26-23) Resolution to Adopt Amendments to the Downtown and South Washington Street Small Area Plans Relating to Land Use, Zoning, and Related Guidance for the Virginia Village Area
(TR26-24) Resolution to Amend the City of Falls Church Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 Addendum, “Revitalization Areas, Small Area Plans, and Urban Development Areas,” In Order to Relocate the Following Parcels Out of Planning Opportunity Area 5, “City Center/ Downtown,” and into Planning Opportunity Area 6, “South Washington Street Corridor”: 202 Gibson Street (RPC #52-309-002), 204 Gibson Street (RPC #52-309-003), 206 Gibson Street (RPC #52-309-004), and 208 Gibson Street (RPC #52-309-005), and to Incorporate by Reference All Small Area Plans Adopted by City Council into Chapter 4 of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
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 cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 703-248-5014 or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LINCOLN AVENUE ROADBED RECONSTRUCTION –GREENING OF LINCOLN Project
The City of Falls Church will hold a Public Hearing regarding the Lincoln Roadbed Reconstruction Project, also known as the Greening of Lincoln Project
The project extends generally along Lincoln Avenue from North West Street to Greenwich Street within the City of Falls Church, Virginia.
The purpose of the project is to improve stormwater infrastructure, roadway conditions, pedestrian safety, accessibility, and streetscape features along the corridor. Planned improvements include replacement and enlargement of storm drainage infrastructure, roadway reconstruction and resurfacing, pedestrian and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, traffic calming features, utility coordination, landscaping, and related corridor enhancements.
DATE: 07/30/2026
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: City Hall
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear an update from City staff of current construction activities as well as a chance to review project information, speak directly with project staff, and learn about the planned improvements, anticipated construction activities, and project schedule.
Project materials, including design plans and supporting information, will be available for public review at the public hearing and online prior to the hearing date at: https://www.fallschurchva.gov/2196/Greening-of-Lincoln-Avenue
The project is currently advancing through final design and implementation coordination. The public hearing is intended to provide project information and communicate upcoming activities associated with project delivery.
Oral and written comments regarding the project may be submitted at the hearing.
Written comments may be submitted within ten (10) calendar days following the hearing to:
Tony Dudley
City of Falls Church Department of Public Works
300 Park Avenue Falls Church 22046 adudley@fallschurchva.gov
Comments must be received by 07/25/2026.
The City of Falls Church and VDOT ensure nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Persons requiring special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Tony Dudley, 571-238-6370, adudley@fallschurchva.gov at least five days prior to the hearing.
State Project No. 6774-110-R17, P101, R201, C501 (UPC 121749)
AUCTIONS
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LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF THE PETITION OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL TO REINSTATE AND UPDATE THE RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE DESIGNATED RIDER RGGI, PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1 A 5 E OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2026-00085
On June 5, 2026, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) a petition (“Petition”) to update and reinstate its rate adjustment clause, designated Rider RGGI, pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 5 e of the Code of Virginia (“Code”). Through its Petition, Dominion seeks to recover projected costs related to the purchase of allowances through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) market-based trading program for carbon dioxide (“CO2”) emissions.
On February 20, 2026, the Budget Bill (House Bill 29) was signed by the Governor, requiring Virginia to re-join RGGI in 2026 and directing the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) to reissue or reinstate a final rule establishing a state carbon regulation program linked to RGGI (“DEQ Carbon Rule”) within 90 days of the bill’s signing. The DEQ Carbon Rule was published in the Virginia Register on May 18, 2026. Dominion asserts that it owns regulated emissions sources, so it must comply with RGGI by obtaining and surrendering a CO2 emission allowance for every short ton of CO2 emitted during a control period. Dominion also avers that it must comply with the DEQ Carbon Rule.
Code § 56-585.1 A 5 e permits a utility to seek approval of a rate adjustment clause for the recovery of:
[p]rojected and actual costs of projects that the Commission finds to be necessary . . . to comply with state or federal environmental laws or regulations applicable to generation facilities used to serve the utility’s native load obligations, including the costs of allowances purchased through a market-based trading program for carbon dioxide emissions. The Commission shall approve such a petition if it finds that such costs are necessary to comply with such environmental laws or regulations.
Dominion projects approximately 51 million CO2 allowances will be required from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. This includes approximately 10.4 million CO2 allowances from July to December 2026; 21 million CO2 allowances from January through December 2027; and 20 million CO2 allowances from January through December 2028. The Company states that it intends to follow a programmatic approach by purchasing most of the required allowances in the quarterly RGGI auctions and using the secondary market to fill any auction deficiencies. The Company states that it assumed prices ranging from $37.04 to $38.32 per CO2 allowance over the July 2026 through December 2028 period. According to the Petition, these assumptions are based exclusively on forward price data obtained from the Intercontinental Exchange Futures Daily Market Report as of April 28, 2026.
In this proceeding, Dominion seeks approval of a revenue requirement for the rate year of March 1, 2027, through February 29, 2028 (“Rate Year”), consisting only of a Projected Cost Recovery Factor. The Company’s calculated revenue requirement is $1,179,089,492, which includes: (i) projected RGGI allowance costs incurred during the eight-month period of July 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, which is the time from when Virginia rejoins RGGI through the start of the Rate Year (“Pre-Rate Year Costs”); (ii) financing costs; and (iii) the cost of RGGI allowances during the Rate Year. The Petition states that approval of this revenue requirement would result in an increase to the average monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours (“kWh”) of electricity of $13.00 per month, effective March 1, 2027.
The Company states that it recognizes the customer bill impact from these compliance costs is significant. To mitigate this impact, the Company also offers in its Petition a voluntary proposal that would spread recovery of the Pre-Rate Year Costs over a two-year period (“Mitigation Proposal”), rather than recovering those costs over a standard one-year period. The Mitigation Proposal would lower the Rate Year revenue requirement to $939,747,667. According to Dominion, approval of this lower revenue requirement would increase the average monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity by $10.36 per month effective March 1, 2027, rather than by $13.00 per month. The Company notes, however, that if prices in the upcoming RGGI auctions continue to increase such that a significant under-recovery would be expected for the Rate Year, the Mitigation Proposal may no longer be in customers’ best interest. The Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing issued in this proceeding recognizes that a new law effective June 29, 2026, requires that “45 percent of all revenue collected pursuant to [the RGGI Program], shall be remitted by the Commonwealth to any Phase I [Appalachian Power Company] or Phase II [Dominion] Utility, which has a rate adjustment clause petition approved or pending approval by the [Commission] pursuant to subdivision A 5 e of § 56-585.1 of the [Code] for recovery of the costs of emissions allowances.” In addition, Dominion is required to “subsequently distribute such funds received from the Commonwealth as a credit to its customers in the residential, Small General Service, and church classes in a manner approved by the Commission, including that such credit shall be reflected as a line item on the customer bill labeled RGGI Credit. Such credit shall only be distributed to Virginia customers.” To the extent practicable, the Commission directs that the record developed in this proceeding reflect a Rider RGGI rate that is consistent with this new provision of law.
Interested persons are encouraged to review the Company’s Petition, testimony and supporting exhibits for additional details concerning this matter.
TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/ or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Petition and supporting documents and
thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Petition and supporting documents
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on Dominion’s Petition. On October 28, 2026, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner appointed to this case will hold a telephonic portion of the hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before October 21, 2026, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide required contact information to the Commission. This information may be provided to the Commission: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/case-information/webcasting; or (ii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/case-information/ webcasting
On October 28, 2026, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence offered by the Company, respondents, and the Commission’s Staff on the Petition.
To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.
An electronic copy of the Company’s Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the Petition and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/case-information
On or before October 21, 2026, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/caseinformation/submit-public-comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2026-00085.
On or before August 28, 2026, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding must do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties and their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation electronically on counsel for the Company, any other respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 5 VAC 5-20-10 et seq. (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any notice of participation filed by a person not represented by counsel shall also set forth why the filer’s positions in this matter are not adequately represented by another party to this proceeding and cannot be expressed through written or oral public comments as provided for in this proceeding. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2026-00085. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.
On or before September 30, 2026, each respondent may file electronically with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served electronically on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneously with their filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2026-00085.
Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.
The Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, the Petition and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/case-information
F.C. Little League Teams
Continued from Page 4
10- and 11-Year-Old All Stars Blue
Team
Max Adler
Will Berthiaume
Michael Christian
William Jenkins
Luke Lopez, CJ Mullin
Tommy Ollinger
Andrew Owen
Faris Sarsour
Michael Sawyer
William Strong
John Sutton Manager:
Alex Strong
Assistant Coaches:
Steve Adler
Sean Mullin
Jay Owen, Mike Sawyer
8-,
9-,
and
10-Year-Old
All Stars Red Team
Brooks Baker
Cormack Beaty
Sean Campbell
Sam Dagan
Jacob Edmonds
Austin Iweagwu
Nicholas Keefer
Lleyton LaBeau
Landon Moore
Remy Neveu
Thomas Pumroy
Ryan Santos Manager:
Lauren Hoeck
Assistant Coaches:
Matt Baker
Bill LaBeau
Andre Neveu
Nelson Santos
Our Man In Arlington
The recent news that the Ayers Variety and Hardware store in the Westover neighborhood is closing, after 78 years, has sparked many media stories about the store. The store has truly been a “family business,” serving as an anchor for Westover (which has a good share of other family businesses). Today I would like to share some stories about the namesake of the business, John W. Ayers.
Ayers was born in Georgia in 1902, one of thirteen children of a Baptist minister. In 1919, he got a job in Atlanta as a store clerk for the F.W. Woolworth Company, where he worked his way up to the position of man-
ager, starting in Richmond, and then Alexandria. Woolworth stores were known as “fiveand-dime” stores, selling discounted general merchandise at fixed prices (often five and ten cents). Among other strategies, Woolworth was one of the first retailers to put merchandise out for the shopping public to handle and select without the assistance of a sales clerk. After World War Two, Ayers returned to Northern Virginia, and in 1948 he opened his own store, known as “J.W. Ayers 5 and 10 Cent Store.” It is interesting to note that he used his initials in the name, perhaps as a comment of some sort regarding his feelings for F.W. Woolworth’s?
Ayers remained in business under that “five-and-dime” name for the duration of his owner-
ship. He quickly became known for his civic engagement and his generosity, earning the nickname of “the Mayor of Westover.” He died in 1976, leaving behind a grateful community, expressed through several stories in his obituary. Ayers served on the board of many community organizations; a friend said that Ayers “belonged to everything.”
Ayers was especially generous with the Boy Scouts, and the local schools. One friend noted that, on the opening day of school, Ayers would “take a wheelbarrow load of supplies – pencils, notebooks and other things – to the schools.” Ayers was a thoughtful employer, starting a profit-sharing plan for his employees, and a training program for high school students. It was said that eighty percent of those students went on to college.
In tribute to Ayers, a plaque was mounted on the wall outside
the store, with these words: “In memory of a man whose dedication to Westover’s children was of paramount importance. He used his commercial establishment as a platform for service to his community. His love and dedication to Westover will radiate as long as he is remembered – and we won’t forget.”
Ironically, one thing Ayers forgot to do was to make plans for the succession of the business. I found a remarkable letter to the editor in the November 3, 1976 issue of the Northern Virginia Sun, written by Dean Ayers, a nephew of Mr. Ayers. The letter had the following headline: “Apology For Not Attending Funeral.” It turns out there was a real “failure to communicate” among the siblings of Mr. Ayers, which resulted in his body being quickly shipped to Knoxville for internment, leaving no opportunity for the folks in Westover to properly pay their respects.
This long letter also recounted the controversy about the will of Mr. Ayers, acknowledging that “...we have been told for several years by Uncle John the store would go to the employees, or at least a percentage of it.” This letter came three months after the death of Ayers, and at that time no will had been found.
Ultimately, a will was found, written in 1942, when Ayers joined the Army. This was a basic will, leaving everything to only a few of his siblings. Eventually, the courts stepped in to resolve numerous estate issues, and the business was sold to Ronald and Wilma Kaplan. Somewhere during this period, the business name lost the “fiveand-dime” name, and took on the name known today: “Ayers Variety and Hardware.”
There is more to this story, but having run out of space, I will have to relate “the rest of the story” next week!
MEET DOLCE , CEO of judging, napping, and demanding treats.
Coach Alex Kuczkowski delivers his post-game victory speech. In his �inal season coaching little league, Alex has previously coached four All Stars teams and countless seasons of baseball and has served on the FCKLL board for �ive years in multiple roles, most recently as board vice president of administration. (Photo: Kari Forsee)
This Week Around Falls Church
Thursday, July 16
Arts & Humanities
Council Meeting
9:30 – 11 a.m.
City Hall, Dogwood Rooms A & B Public meeting of the Arts & Humanities Council.
City Council Special Meeting – City Manager
Interviews
12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall Falls Church City Council will convene a special meeting to conduct interviews with applicants for the City Manager position. Interviews will be held in closed session as permitted by Virginia law.
Human Services
Advisory Council Meeting
6:30 – 8 p.m.
City Hall, Laurel Room Regular meeting of the Human Services Advisory Council.
Concerts in the Park
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Cherry Hill Park
Enjoy a free outdoor summer concert. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Environmental Sustainability Council Meeting
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers Regular meeting of the Environmental Sustainability Council and Energy Transition Subcommittee.
Friday, July 17
Friday Night Live Music at West Falls
7 – 10 p.m.
Commons Park at West Falls
Enjoy an evening of free live music featuring Josh Walker as part of West Falls’ weekly Friday Night Live Music series. Grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants and enjoy music under the stars.
Saturday, July 18
Falls Church Farmers Market
8 a.m. – Noon
City Hall Parking Lot
Shop fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, prepared foods, and locally made products from area vendors.
Used Book Sale
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
Browse gently used books, DVDs, audiobooks, and more during the library’s quarterly Used Book Sale. Proceeds support library programs and services through the MRSPL Foundation. The sale continues Sunday and Monday.
Water Mania
Noon – 2 p.m.
Cherry Hill Park
Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month with family-friendly water games and summer activities.
Falls Church Arts All Members Show M–Z
Opening Reception
7 – 9 p.m.
Falls Church Arts Gallery, 700-B W. Broad St.
The second installment of the Falls Church Arts All Members Show opens with a free public reception featuring artists whose last names begin with M–Z. The exhibit showcases members’ latest works across a variety of media.
Still We Sing Concert
7:30 p.m.
Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046
Details: Experience Still We Sing, an evening concert celebrating the power of music, community, and resilience. Presented by Creative Cauldron. For tickets and additional information, visit Creative Cauldron’s website.
Sunday, July 19
Used Book Sale
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
The quarterly Used Book Sale continues with books, DVDs, audiobooks, and more benefiting library programs and services.
Monday, July 20
Electoral Board Meeting
2 – 3 p.m.
City Hall, Dogwood Rooms A & B
Regular meeting of the Falls Church Electoral Board.
Used Book Sale
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
Final day of the library’s quarterly Used Book Sale.
City Council Work Session (Joint Session with Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation)
7:30 – 11 p.m.
Council Chambers/Court Room, City Hall
Falls Church City Council will hold its regular work session, including a joint session with the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation. Work sessions are open to the public and focus on upcoming legislation and policy issues; public comment is generally not taken. The meeting will be streamed live on the City’s website and FCCTV.
Tuesday, July 21
Falls Church Chamber of Commerce
Networking Luncheon
11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, Falls Church
The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce will host its July Networking Luncheon featuring guest speaker Nirav ‘Nick’ Rajpara, Economic Development Specialist
with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Rajpara will discuss SBA programs and resources available to small businesses and answer questions. Marci Posey, Economic Development Specialist in the SBA’s Richmond office, will join virtually. Advance RSVP is required through the Chamber.
Wednesday, July 22
Falls Church Writers Group
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Lower Level Conference Room
Aspiring writers are invited to share their work, exchange feedback, and connect with fellow authors. Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a current writing project. The group typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
