July 4 - 10, 2024
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 • Vol. XXXIV No. 21
The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia
Acosta Voted SUMMER MELODIES Statewide Chief of Treasurers F.C.’s Treasurer Since 2014 Hosts Huge Confab by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
Falls Church Native Daughter/Sister/Mom Jody Acosta, for over a decade now the elected Treasurer of the Little City, was elevated to standing as the elected president of the entire Treasurers Association of Virginia as the highlight of a three-day conference held in this area of some 120 treasurers and key staffers for a total attendance of 360 representing all the jurisdictions in the commonwealth. Acosta, first elected treasurer as a commonwealth official in 2014, hosted the event which included tours of the City of Falls Church, as well as Mt. Vernon and the Nationals’ ballpark in D.C. and a plethora of speakers where the conference was centered, at the Fairview Marriott. At her swearing in, Acosta was joined by Carla dela Para, the elected treasurer of adjacent Arlington County, who was a close childhood friend and was elected county treasurer the same year as Acosta. “What a whirlwind week it was,” Acosta commented on her Facebook page. “I am so honored to have been sworn in as president of the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia, after months of planning our annual conference, which was held in Falls Church.” She added, “Thanks to my amazing treasurer’s office staff.
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IT’S SUMMERTIME IN Falls Church and a favorite pastime here is hanging out in Cherry Hill Park on Thursday evenings to listen to live music. The weekly series is sponsored by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society. (photo: Gary Mester)
Del. Simon Reports on All the New Laws as of July 1 by Virginia Del. Marcus Simon
On July 1 this week, several new laws went into effect across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including some that may impact Falls Church residents as they go about their daily lives. The changes impact a wide range of areas, from animal welfare to higher education, reflecting the evolving priorities and values of Virginians. Here’s a look at some of the key legislative updates that Falls Church residents should be aware of.
Animal Welfare Fans of the News Press’ “Critter Corner” will appreciate a significant shift towards promoting animal rights and safety. Declawing cats is now illegal unless it’s deemed necessary for health reasons. This measure aims to protect cats from unnecessary harm and improve their welfare. Localities have been empowered to create public online registries for individuals convicted of felony animal cruelty crimes. This initiative seeks to enhance public awareness and prevent
further abuse. On a somewhat related topic, a change championed by some of our rural neighbors in the western part of the state allows residents to legally claim roadkill, such as deer or possum, for personal use.
may become relevant in our area someday says any jurisdiction that has had a failed casino referendum must now wait three years before attempting another vote. Petersburg will now take Richmond’s place as a potential casino location.
Casino Regulations While area residents continue to monitor efforts to allow a casino here in Northern Virginia, effective July 1, Richmond is no longer eligible to host a casino after two failed referenda. A related change that
Public Safety Efforts to enhance public safety and address crime have led to the following changes: One recommendation of the Governor’s Commission to
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