AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXVI N o . 27
ICE Assailed For Pulling Gun
Northern Virginia’s Newspaper
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‘Democracy Thrives In Sunshine’
VILLAGE’S FATE AWAITS
On Citizen In F.C. Area Beyer Denounces Incident Resident Caught on Tape by Nick Gatz
Falls Church News-Press
Federal immigration enforcement activity reached the immediate Falls Church area this week when an encounter involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and a Northern Virginia woman escalated to an agent drawing and pointing a handgun at the driver, according to cellphone and dashboard-camera video. Video of the confrontation has since circulated widely on social media, drawing attention across Northern Virginia and prompting responses from elected officials and local political organizations. The confrontation occurred Monday afternoon, Aug. 10, at the Rock Spring Professional Center along the 5600 block of Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads. The office complex carries a Falls Church, Virginia 22041, mailing address and is located immediately outside the City of Falls Church.
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Table Of Contents Our Man In Arlington Page 5 Editoral Page 6 Calendar Page 8-9 Classads Page 12 Critter Corner Page 14
THE STATE OF PLAY of the Virginia Village on S. Maple, currently, where the City owns nine of the 22 four-plex buildings erected in 1941. A number of key issues will take months to resolve, although the F.C. City Council has been able to advance the ball efficiently to date in the name of significantly expanding affordable housing. (City of Falls Church Graphic)
1st F.C. Summer Restaurant Week Begins on Aug. 21 by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
The City of Falls Church has announced its first-ever Summer Restaurant Week, running from Friday of next week, August 21, through August 30. This ten-day culinary cel-
ebration follows on from the last two years of successful Restaurant Weeks held in the winter. Its aim again is to highlight the “Little City” as a premier, walkable dining destination. The Falls Church Restaurant Week invites food enthusiasts
to explore diverse culinary traditions without requiring tickets, passes, or coupons. Over the ten-day period, participating establishments across West Broad Street and up to Founders Row will offer exclusive seasonal plates, discounts, and custom prix-fixe menus.
Diners can experience a vast array of global cuisines, including authentic Uyghur, Afghan, Bolivian, fine Italian, and modern Vietnamese fusion. Notable neighborhood highlights include Northside Social
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Falls Church News Briefs
Inova Children’s Hospital Hosts Teddy Bear Clinic This Sunday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital in Falls Church is hosting a Free Teddy Bear Clinic where children ages 3-8 can bring their favorite stuffed animal for a “check-up.” The event aims to help familiarize children with a hospital environment while enjoying a stress-free and fun activity. Walk-ins are welcome but RSVPs are preferred. The event takes place at 3300 Gallows Rd. Playground Entrance. Parking is $5 in the Green Garage.
community. By leveraging federal resources and local partnerships, Fairfax County continues working to expand housing opportunities for residents at different stages of life, according to McKay.
Shields Retirement Event Set for City Hall Aug. 27 Wyatt Shields’ 23 years with the City of Falls Church will be celebrated on Thursday, August 27, at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall. The public is invited.
White House Press Wants Role in Security Decisions The White House Correspondents’ Association is asking the Trump administration to establish new procedures for handling extraordinary security situations after reporters were kept unaware of President Donald Trump’s secret aircraft switch during a trip from Turkey last month. WHCA President Jacqui Heinrich met with White House aides Tuesday to discuss concerns about the incident. The presidential press pool, which normally travels with the president, was not told when Trump was moved to an alternate military aircraft because of security concerns. The association acknowledged that unusual threats may require temporary secrecy but said it wants a protocol that also addresses journalists’ safety and maintains an accurate independent record of the president’s movements.
Lost Dog Cafe Celebrates 25 Years Saving Pets The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary after helping more than 50,000 dogs and cats find homes since its founding in 2001. The organization grew out of the animal rescue efforts of Lost Dog Cafe founders Pam McAlwee and Ross Underwood, who began fostering and finding homes for dogs while operating their Northern Virginia restaurant. They formally established the rescue foundation in 2001 and expanded its work to include cats in 2004. Today, the foundation operates facilities in Fauquier County and at 6801 Wilson Blvd. in Falls Church. Its Falls Church Rescue Care Center, which opened in 2018, serves as a central hub for the organization’s rescue operations. The nonprofit takes in animals from communities throughout Virginia, provides veterinary care and spay and neuter services, and works to place them in permanent homes. More than 5,000 volunteers support the organization and its adoption events. “For 25 years, our volunteers, fosters, adopters, donors, staff members, and community partners have stepped forward to give homeless pets the second chances they deserve,” Executive Director Dawn Wallace said in announcing the anniversary. The foundation is marking the milestone with 25th anniversary merchandise while continuing its rescue and adoption programs throughout Northern Virginia.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER — Jose Quinonez was selected as the People’s Choice Award winner in the Falls Church Arts All Member Show M–Z for his acrylic-on-board work, “Seeking Asylum.” The award was determined by votes from visitors to the exhibit, which remains on view through August 23. (Photo: FCNP)
Fairfax Gets $1.8 Million In Affordable Housing Help According to the weekly report by Jeff McKay, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County is accepting applications for approximately $1.8 million in federal funding to support affordable housing efforts throughout the county. The funding is available through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. These funds can support projects that acquire, develop, and rehabilitate affordable housing, helping expand housing opportunities for residents with low and moderate incomes. Eligible projects should align with Fairfax County’s housing priorities and long-term plans. Who can apply? Nonprofit organizations, developers, and other eligible applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that help preserve or create affordable housing options in Fairfax County. Affordable housing remains an important part of building a strong and inclusive
THE NEW SCHOOL year’s new editor of The Lasso Meridian High School student newspaper Layla Kozbelt (right) was on hand to interview school board member MaryKate Hughes at the conclusion of the meeting Tuesday. (Photo: FCNP)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 | PAGE 3
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
F.C. Serves Up Summer Restaurant Week, Sips & Community Events
Continued from Page 1
Falls Church, showcasing seasonal heirloom tomato pies and passionfruit guava spritzes, alongside local favorites like Ellie Bird and NUE: Elegantly Vietnamese in Founder’s Row. As an added incentive, diners can collect stamps from participating locations to enter a raffle for a $100 local gift card. The celebration also includes Little City Sips, a downtown sip-and-stroll event, on Saturday, August 22, from 5 to 10 p.m. For one evening, the core of downtown Falls Church transforms into an open-air social district. Adults aged 21 and older can purchase beer, wine, or craft cocktails from licensed establishments and carry their drinks outdoors in official, branded cups within designated event boundaries.
The pedestrian-friendly evening pairs local beverages with vibrant community entertainment. Guests can enjoy outdoor art displays, local murals, and live music performances at Mr. Brown’s Park and adjacent restaurant patios. Key participating establishments open for the stroll include: • Clare & Don’s Beach Shack • Dogwood Tavern • Ireland’s Four Provinces • Stratford Garden Residents and visitors are encouraged to use public transit or designated downtown parking structures along West Broad Street and the Founders Row development. Summer events are also coming up from the Falls Church Forward (FCF) group. Their 4th Annual Community Potluck is now slated for Sunday, August 16, from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Cherry Hill
Park Picnic Shelter at 312 Park Avenue. Participants are encouraged to register in advance and bring a musical instrument for an informal jam session. Also, the FCF monthly Happy Hour will be held Thursday, August 20, from 6 8 p.m. at the popular Stratford Garden, 300 W. Broad St. This will be a no agenda, come-asyou-are event to meet fellow members and friends at a gathering in the beer garden. Other upcoming Falls Church Forward events include a fundraiser to be held Sunday, September 17, from 3 - 6 p.m. at Audacious Aleworks Brewery, and the Halloween Bike Parade on Sunday, October 15, from 3 - 5 p.m. The FCF’s new website is now live. The City Meetings tab has plain-English summaries of 460 (and counting)
council and board meetings, and posts new meetings within hours, not the weeks that official minutes take. Want to be notified every time a new meeting summary or upcoming agenda drops? Sign up for the FCF Discord! The website’s Ask the Archive tab answers questions directly from thousands of city documents collected over decades of history in the city – meeting summaries, minutes, budgets, the zoning code, with
sources linked. Try it out with “What’s recently been top of mind for the city council?” Organizers encourage members and friends to stay in tune with the FCF news, and to check out the FCF calendar for what’s coming up next. Key organizers of FCF include Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi, City Council member Justine Underhill, and Economic Development Authority chair Ross Litkenhous.
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AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 | PAGE 5
Our Man In Arlington Calls for Investigation Grow After ICE Gun-Pointing Incident
Continued from Page 1
Carolina Molina, a licensed professional counselor and Northern Virginia native, said she was visiting law offices in the area at about 3 p.m. to distribute business cards. Molina conducts psychological evaluations in connection with immigration cases. Molina said she saw ICE agents detaining two men in the parking lot. As she drove past, dashboard-camera video shows her shouting profanities at the agents before continuing through the lot. She subsequently turned her vehicle around. What happened next is the subject of differing accounts from Molina and the Department of Homeland Security. Video from the encounter shows two unmarked SUVs positioning themselves near Molina’s vehicle. Several masked agents approached her car, and one agent can be seen holding a handgun and pointing it toward Molina while questioning whether she had been following them. An agent accused Molina of nearly striking officers with her vehicle. Molina denied the accusation and told the agents her dashboard camera had recorded what happened. Another agent told Molina the officers had the authority to arrest her. Molina was not arrested, was not ordered out of her vehicle, and was ultimately permitted to leave. The Department of Homeland Security provided a different account. In a statement provided to news organizations, DHS said ICE officers were conducting “targeted immigration enforcement” when Molina allegedly drove around the officers and attempted to harm them with her vehicle. DHS said officers conducted the vehicle stop because they feared for their safety. The agency said background information was taken from Molina and that she could face criminal prosecution. Molina denied attempting to strike the agents and told officers during the encounter that she had dashboard-camera footage. The incident drew the attention of U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, whose 8th Congressional District includes Bailey’s Crossroads. In a statement posted to X, Beyer said his office had been in contact with Molina. “My office has been in contact with the woman who recorded this video of an ICE agent drawing a gun on her,” Beyer said. “She is a Northern Virginia native and a mother.” Beyer described what was shown in the video as a “dangerous and unjustified esca-
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elected sheriff, Howard Fields, was a bit of a character (or caricature might be the better word). As recounted in an interview with long-time Arlington attorney Tom Phillips,Sheriff Fields was the picture of a small-town sheriff – a slightly overweight man in his middle 50’s, just under six feet tall, with an imposing walrus mustache. Fields never carried a gun but used “the strength of his personality and a poison-eyed stare” to enforce the county’s laws. By 1939, Sheriff Fields realized a change was needed. In a letter to the county board in January of 1940, Fields stated, “Because of the growth of the county ... I agree with the general trend of public opinion that there should be a change in the police set-up and would like to request that the administration of the police department, including the recommendation of men for appointment thereto, be transferred to the county manager.” A separate county police department was formed on February 1, 1940, with nine officers. I hesitate to make this summary of law enforcement responsibilities more confusing, but I must add that the stories of other Virginia jurisdictions can be even more bewildering. Loudoun County has a sheriff’s office, but no police department. Some cities have sheriffs and a police department, and some cities have only a police department. Some cities have jails, while other cities rely on using county jails. But let me circle back to my original question: What is the difference between the police department and the sheriff’s office? The most succinct answer lies in their mission statements. The mission of the Arlington County Police Department is “... the reduction of the incidence of crime and the improvement of the quality of life in Arlington County by making it a place where all people can live safely and without fear.” The mission of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is “ ...to make the justice system work, and foster Commitment, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, and Teamwork.” What comprises this “justice system”? Next week I will explain this term and write about the main duties of the sheriff’s office.
lation.” “This kind of misconduct and threat of What is the difference between the force against members of our communities cannot be tolerated,” Beyer said. “I will be police department and the sheriff’s office? That is a complicated question, demanding answers and consequences.” due to the evolution of Virginia’s local Beyer’s office confirmed the statement governments. The short answer to this to the News-Press and said additional infor- question is that the police department mation about the situation is expected to be falls under the control of the county, and released. For now, the office said the statement the sheriff’s office is subject to the conposted to X represents what it has available to trol of the state. As for the long answer, let’s start with a little history, taking you share publicly. back to 17th century Virginia. In 1634, The Fairfax County Democratic the Colony of Virginia was divided into Committee (FCDC), the local Democratic eight shires (a fancy British word for Party organization in Fairfax County, also counties). The shire form of government issued a statement following the encounter, included the appointed position of shersaying it was “deeply troubled” by the footage iff. In England, the “High Sheriff” collected royal taxes, managed the king’s and calling for a federal investigation. FCDC said it believes Molina’s dashcam estates, kept the peace, and ran local courts (surely you remember the Sherfootage contradicts the federal agents’ account iff of Nottingham from various Robin and called for a “full and transparent investi- Hood movies). Following the American gation” into the incident, including the agent’s Revolution, the Governor of Virginia use of a firearm. The committee also thanked appointed sheriffs for fixed terms. The Beyer for his response and joined his call for Virginia Constitution of 1830 shifted the office, making the sheriff an elected poaccountability. The committee’s assertions about the sition in the counties and cities. Sheriffs handled all law enforcevideo represent its interpretation of the footment roles, but by the late 19th century, age. DHS has maintained that officers stopped some cities created separate police deMolina after she allegedly attempted to harm partments. The City of Alexandria had them with her vehicle, an allegation Molina the first police department, starting in 1870. In the early 20th century, Arlingdenies. The encounter follows recent congressio- ton County’s laws were enforced by one nal attention to ICE operations in Northern sheriff, one deputy sheriff, and about twelve special officers whose job was to Virginia. On Aug. 6, Beyer joined Reps. patrol one of the fastest-growing counJames Walkinshaw and Suhas Subramanyam ties in America. The population grew for an unannounced oversight visit to an ICE from 6,430 in 1900 to 57,040 in 1940. temporary holding facility in Chantilly. Arlington’s proximity to the District of Monday’s encounter did not take place Columbia made it a haven for gamblers, within the boundaries of the independent City and for bootleggers during Prohibition. of Falls Church. Rock Spring Professional Arlington’s sheriff’s office was made up of men whose method of operation Center is in Bailey’s Crossroads in Fairfax had not changed since the early 1900’s. County but carries a Falls Church mailing They were not paid salaries; instead, address and is only minutes from the City. No they earned money for every arrest made injuries were reported, and Molina was not or warrant served. At a time when much of Arlington still had no indoor plumbtaken into custody. For residents seeking official information ing, the deputy sheriffs supplemented about Virginia laws and regulations, the Code their income by being paid to inspect the county’s outhouses. The long-time of Virginia and Virginia Administrative Code are available at: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/ The Virginia Judicial System Court SelfHelp website provides information about court procedures, legal resources, and finding an attorney: https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/ See the News-Press Online, Just Like you See it in Those resources provide general legal Print With our information and are not a substitute for individual legal advice. Federal immigration matters may involve separate federal laws, regulations, and procedures.
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Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general interest community newspaper. Vol. XXXVI, No. 27 AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Member, Virginia Press Association •
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Generosity Watchword For Uncertain Times
With the new school year set to begin in under two weeks, on August 24, there goes the month of August from our traditional calendars. Football season will be well underway and all the trappings of what historically has been a post-Labor Day era will be proceeding. The School Board’s first meeting of the new year was held this week, characterized by a lengthy closed session and usual platitudes to the process by existing board members. While snapshot numbers will be available from opening day, official student enrollment numbers for the new school year will not be counted until the last day of September and we await what they will show about new trends in this region. We know that rental unit costs are tilting downward, though home prices remain at record highs for now. As supplementary income sources dry up for the thousands who have been laid off from government jobs due to Trump administration politics, forced involuntary evictions are on the rise throughout the region. This portends a period of great uncertainty, and we can only hope our public officials are geared up for it. There are not the cushions needed to weather this transition and we fear that more people than usual, including of course, our kids, are going to be hurt. We hope we are wrong. A robust growth of the health care sector in the region may offset some of the cuts in government spending and the retail markets must certainly be prepared for adjustments. Not all the wonderful new restaurants in Falls Church are going to survive this period, even as we remain hopeful that government-organized initiatives, like the upcoming summer restaurant week, will help. Our citizens are challenged with high tax rates and surging real estate values and can respond only by trying to keep money local as much as possible. As for vacations, we do not yet have data to suggest whether those numbers are up, not yet anyway. A lot of pool parties and summer season barbecues may be substituting for expensive travel abroad, which would not be a bad thing from our point of view. We need to make sure our most needy citizens have enough to get by and that a generosity of spirit is maintained through tough times. These are factors over which we do have control and we call on this community in particular to maintain that spirit as the school year gets underway and demands for results begin to encroach. There are enough investments in schools and private entities here to pick up slack from economic stumbles, at least as long as they don’t snowball into something more serious. So please may the watchword of this season be generosity. It’s something we all need and can do after all.
WWW.FCNP.COM The News-Press is certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to publish official legal notices including probate, abc notices, small and foreign estates. We will provide the appropriate paperwork. A comprehensive book on the 36 year history of the News-Press, “The Life and Times of the Falls Church NewsPress”: by Charlie Clark (History Press, 2023), can be purchased at local bookstores or online. The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area to over 140 locations. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2025 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper. A searchable archive of all issues of the Falls Church News-Press since 1991 can be found at bit.ly/44kt6Sc.
P������� 1. Keep the news clean and fair. 2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy. 3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial content. 4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe. 5. Accept no charity and ask no favors. 6. Give ‘value received’ for every dollar you take in. 7. Make the paper show a profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.
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������ �� ��� ������ On Sam Mabry Dear Editor, The Sam Mabry obituary is wrong in the headline and in substance. Sam was always pro-growth, but favored “smart growth.” He was particularly concerned about wide-spread building of apartments in the Little City since the tax revenue benefit to the City is rather thin once counting all costs included with more people. Furthermore, the City’s quality of life is degraded by heavy traffic and strain on
City resources. The over-development is one reason Sam sometimes called Falls Church City ‘fallston’. I know all of this since I worked very closely with Sam on a number of his initiatives. Along with Ira Kaylin, Sam tried his hardest to make the Little City a better place. As a friend of Sam, I can state the City has lost a great guy with a crystal clear mind and keen sense of observation. Mark Kaye Falls Church City, VA
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This Week Around Falls Church
Thursday, August 13
Concerts in the Park
Saturday, August 15
Walk, Talk & Connect with AARP Virginia
Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave.
Falls Church Farmers Market
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Dr. McLean
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy the music of the Andrew Acosta String Band, whose sound is described as American roots bluegrass with banjo, violin, bass, and guitar. Free.
All ages and fitness levels are invited to join this free 45-minute community walk, with an optional coffee break afterward. Meet in the atrium near the escalators closest to Neiman Marcus on the ground floor. Visit aarp.org for more info and to register.
Old Town Alexandria Sidewalk Sale
Falls Church Fiber Artists
(varies by store) Old Town Alexandria, along King St.
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 210 N. Virginia Ave. Informal meet-up for knitters and crocheters. Adults 18+, free.
All Member Show M-Z 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Falls Church Arts Gallery, 700-B West Broad St. The Falls Church Arts Gallery All Member Show continues daily through August 23. See fallschurcharts.org for hours. Free.
Founders Groove Concert Series 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Founders Row, 100 Founders Ave.
Friday, August 14
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
More than 30 businesses are participating in this 17th annual summer sale through Sunday. Check oldtownboutiquecommunity.com for exact store hours.
Friday Night Meditation Hour Tune in: 7:15 p.m./ Meditation: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Online via Zoom
The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment offers this free mediation class via Zoom. Donations are welcome. Visit their website for the class link at thecse.org.
The Guitar Renegades 7:30 p.m.
Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St.
Route 66 performs classic rock and pop Creative Cauldron’s Passport Music at this free outdoor concert in the Market Festival features the DC area’s only guitar Square. “orchestra” playing music from gypsy jazz to Simon & Garfunkel.
Visit us at: fcnp.com
8:00 a.m. – Noon
City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave. Award-winning market, open year-round.
Mt. Vernon Vintage Antique Artisan Market 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
8717 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria Up to 45 vendors take part in this antique/ vintage/collectibles market, with both indoor and outdoor space so it happens rain or shine. Appraisers are also available for a fee.
Free Kettlebell Intro Class Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Functional Fitness VA, 2840 Graham Rd., F.C. This free class will cover the basics, including the kettlebell swing, deadlift, squat and press. No experience necessary.
Be Brave Day 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Brown’s Park, 100 Block of West Broad Street, Falls Church Meet like-minded people, make and take a button, and vote for a local hero. Visit tinyurl.com/be-brave-falls-church for more information. “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” — Thomas Jefferson
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 | PAGE 9
This Week Around Falls Church
Summer Music Series 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Mosaic District, 2905 District Ave., Fairfax All ages are welcome to this free outdoor summer concert that kicks off with a local talent showcase followed by the live music of Proverbs Reggae Band at 7p.m.
Beyond the Frame Opening Reception 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas The ARTFactory and The Black Art Today Foundation present an exhibition featuring the work of accomplished artists Levi Robinson and Dion J. Pollard. Exhibit runs through Sept. 19.
Jason Paul Curtis and DC Martini 7:30 p.m.
Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St. This band is described as the ultimate café lounge jazz cabaret experience, and they’re taking part in Creative Cauldron’s Passport Music Festival.
Sunday, August 16 Teddy Bear Clinic 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Inova LJ Murphy Children’s Hospital, 3300 Gallows Rd., FC Children ages 3-9 are welcome to bring their favorite stuffed animal for a free check-up. The event helps to familiarize kids with a hospital environment.
Monday, August 17 German Conversation Group 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, main level conference room, 102 N. Virginia Ave. Foreign language discussion group for adults 18+. Designed for intermediate level but all are welcome. Free.
Economic Development Authority Meeting 7:00 – 10:30 p.m.
City Hall, 300 Park Ave., Laurel Room
Regular monthly EDA meeting. Virtual link available at fallschurchva.gov.
Urban Designs Guidelines Master Plan Meeting 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Falls Church Episcopal, Nicolson Hall, 115 E Fairfax St. Discussion to shape the upcoming master plan that covers streetscape, store frontage, green infrastructure, and site layout. Public is welcome.
Wednesday, August 19 Mindfulness Meditation 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N Virginia Ave.
Take some time to slow down with this free meditation workshop for Adults 18+. No prior meditation experience necessary.
Tuesday, August 18 Welcome to a Native Place 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Potomac Atrium This free 30-minute presentation includes tribal songs with Dennis Zotigh, and time for visitors to ask questions about the Indigenous culture. Repeated on Wed. August 19. Presentations may be cancelled without notice so check online.
Italian Conversation Group 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, main level conference room, 102 N. Virginia Ave.
Have events? Send an email to calendar@fcnp.com
Foreign language discussion group for adults 18+. Designed for intermediate level but all are welcome. Free.
Free Events to the public postf or free. Or $20 for paid events.
PAGE 10 | AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026
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3 Key Reforms Needed From November’s Election Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
The widely circulated but false report that was touted as one of the strongest non-electoral political moves in recent times, the new Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as the southside Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, was reported to have countered the hostility of Republicans in the U.S. Congress by extending a warm personal welcome to U.S. public health advocate Anthony Fauci to visit him in Rome. Sadly, the report turned out to be false in any formal sense, although Fauci did deliver key remarks at a 2021 conference in Rome led by Leo’s predecessor Pope Francis on the role of public health. Still, however, I contend that the false rumor remained true in the spiritual sense that it reflected the sentiments of a pontiff who is clearly aligned with the social movement for scientific progress and against those in the Trump administration who continue to rely on dangerous mythologies to justify policies that are killing people. Among the worst of these is Samuel Alito, the U.S. Supreme Court justice who framed the argument used to undo the critical Roe Vs. Wade decision on the legal rights of women’s bodies. Justice Samuel Alito was forced to revert to the 13th-century English cleric, judge, and royal justice Henry de Bracton to argue that abortion restrictions have deep roots in English common law. The right to abortion has been the ardent target of key factions within the Republican Party for years. And the untimely death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg allowed former President Donald Trump to deploy judicial appointments to deliver Roe’s execution notice in late 2020. When Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed this out at oral argument in Dobbs, she was only stating what every single participant in the confirmation battles of the last several years well understood, and only the willfully blind could deny. Bracton is famous for compiling De Legibus et Consuetudinibus Angliae (“On the Laws and Customs of England”), a massive and influential 13th-century legal text that blended English custom with Roman and
canon law. Alito quoted Bracton’s treatise to establish historical precedent, noting the text’s assertion that if a person strikes a pregnant woman or gives her poison to cause an abortion—specifically if the fetus is “formed and animated” (quickened)—the perpetrator commits homicide. But legal historians and Bracton scholars criticized Alito’s reading. They pointed out that Bracton’s text made a sharp distinction regarding “quickening” (when movement is felt), and that medieval canon law typically treated early-stage termination through a lens of religious penance rather than secular capital murder. Critics argued that citing a medieval cleric’s ecclesiastical-influenced text misrepresents how the common law actually operated regarding reproductive autonomy before the modern era. Active during the reign of King Henry III, Bracton served as a judge on the King’s Bench and as an itinerant justice. Like many educated professionals of the Middle Ages, he was also an ordained Catholic priest holding high ecclesiastical titles, eventually becoming the chancellor of Exeter Cathedral. But it is patently absurd that an issue of vital importance to more than half the entire population has to be based on shady references to something written 800 years ago. The American Revolution, after all, was fought to expel the remnants of a corrupt anti-democratic British system. So the solution to what Alito did now awaits critical reforms here that I believe need to be implemented having nothing to do with political labels but solely with justice and fair play. The reforms we need are three. Expand the Supreme Court to 14 justices, correlated to the 14 court districts of the nation, end the Electoral College and go instead to a popular vote policy, removing the fact that states like Wyoming and North Dakota have the same number of U.S. senators as California or New York, and enlarge the Congress to take population growth into account. These changes do not signal any change in our basic Constitutional system, but expand the reign of equality while removing some egregious stumbling blocks to justice. In other words, the charge of socialism need not apply at all.
COMMENT
A Penny for Your Thoughts
AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 | PAGE 11
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
Senator Ted Cruz (R-T) should be ashamed of himself. And Senators Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), too. The vote count for the Michigan Senate primary hadn’t even been certified when Cruz appeared on FOX television to denounce Dr. Abdul El-Sayed as a communist and an Islamist, invoking the type of hate speech that was rampant in the 1950s during Joe McCarthy’s (D-WI) “Red Scare” campaign. Cruz’ reprehensible comments are part of his usual pattern, demonizing people and denigrating issues. Respectful dissension is part and parcel of being a United States Senator in either party, but the emphasis should be on the “respectful” part. Responsible discourse demands respect, a virtue missing in current debates. Respect also was in short supply when 85-year-old Dr. Anthony Fauci was summoned to testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in late July about his role in the global COVID pandemic six years ago. Sensing that committee chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) was setting a potential perjury trap, Dr. Fauci
invoked his Fifth Amendment protections to every question, including cheeky questions from Senator Hawley about the day of the week, the color of his tie, the carpet, etc. Hawley wasn’t seeking answers; he was performing for the television cameras, using Dr. Fauci as his foil. It was a shameful episode with a brash younger man berating a renowned scientist almost twice his age, several times referring to Dr. Fauci informally as “Doc.” While Hawley’s routine was condescending and loud, Senator Moreno’s comments at the Fauci hearing were crude and vulgar. Maybe Moreno hasn’t been a Senator long enough to learn the rules of Senate decorum, but using four-letter words (f-bombs and s-words) in official Senate proceedings is a no-no. Had he uttered those words on the Senate Floor instead of a committee hearing, he might have been called out by other Senators for his use of language, and his words “taken down” (taken out of the written Congressional Record). In the late 1950s, Senator Wayne Morse (D-OR) termed Senator Homer Capehart (R-IN), who was rather portly, a “tub of
rancid ignorance” about some long-distant disagreement. That comment on the Senate Floor elicited a brief tempest, but no rebuke to the maverick from Oregon who was well-known for his mastery of language and forceful comments, almost always said with a measure of respect for the audience or the witness. Like it or not, election to public office automatically confers leadership responsibility. Election makes you a role model, especially for young people. Elected officials who squander the opportunity and responsibility may get some notoriety and more “clicks” temporarily, but the broader impact is on political attitudes and society in a race to the bottom. The only political context for many younger people has been the past ten years or so, as Donald Trump has coarsened the political dialogue and made lies and vilification – of women, the press, immigrants, disabled persons, other nations – the everyday coinage of his regime. Is it any wonder, then, that chaos and disrespect have become normalized in lieu of the respect and decorum that should govern discourse as well as disagreement? Senators Cruz, Moreno and Hawley should look in the mirror and ask, “Am I a good role model for children?” That would be a useful question to ask ourselves, too.
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of AUGUST 3 - 9, 2026 Shoplifting, W Broad St, Aug 4, 11:54 a.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a black male, approximately 18-25 years of age, with short black hair, wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and gray shoes. Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, Park Ave, Aug 4, 7:27 p.m., a male, 33, of Jacksonville, FL, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for another jurisdiction. Shoplifting, W Broad St, Aug 5, 12:00 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a black male with short hair, wearing a gray shirt and black pants. Arson, S Washington St, Aug 6, 12:50 a.m., officers discovered burnt material
in a parking garage. A male, 47, of no fixed address, was arrested for arson. Grand Larceny of Motor Vehicle, S Washington St, Aug 6, 2:57 a.m., officers responded to a commercial burglary alarm. A male, 26, of Fairfax County, was arrested for grand larceny of motor vehicle and enter property with intent to damage. Larceny of Vehicle Parts, S Maple Ave, between 5:00 p.m. on August 5 and 11:00 a.m. on August 6, an unknown suspect stole a license plate from the victim’s vehicle. Larceny of Vehicle Parts, E Broad St, Aug 6, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:33 a.m., an unknown suspect stole all four tires from the victim’s vehicle. Simple Assault, Wilson Blvd, Aug 6, 6:20 p.m., victim reported a coworker assaulted them.
Destruction of Property, W Broad St, between 7:00 p.m. on August 8 and 8:00 a.m. on August 9, an unknown suspect broke a glass door of a business.
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PAGE 12 | AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF FAYETTE COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA IN RE: PETITION OF YVONNE PHILLIPS, for Adoption of: E.Z.C., a male Minor Child ADOPTION NO. 2026-A-0009 NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: Jaya Dominique Jenkins Unknown Address Notice is hereby given that YVONNE PHILLIPS, Petitioner in the above-styled case, by and through the undersigned, filed her Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and Petition for Adoption in the Superior Court of Fayette County, Georgia, on or about April 21, 2026, seeking to adopt the Minor Child, E.Z.C., a male Minor Child born in 2019. You are hereby summoned and required to file an Answer in writing with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Fayette County, Georgia, whose address is One Center Drive, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214, within sixty (60) days from the Notice for Service by Publication, and serve a copy upon Petitioner, by and through her attorney of record, Chloe James, Esq., Slepian & Schwartz, LLC, 42 Eastbrook Bend, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269. This 15th day of July, 2026. SLEPIAN & SCHWARTZ, LLC /s/ Chloe James CHLOE JAMES, ESQ. Georgia State Bar No. 553364 Attorney for Petitioner 42 Eastbrook Bend Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 Phone: (770) 486-1220 Facsimile: (770) 631-2340 Email: chloejames@slepianfirm.com
PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with VA 15.2-1720, the public is hereby notified that the City of Falls Church Police Department has recovered the following bicycles MAKE MODEL COLOR TREK BLU EUROBIKE RED/BLK HUFFY SEASTAR BLU/WHI NISHIK PUEBLO TEAL/YEL TREK 730 BUR MONGOOSE SIL HYPER RED/BLK TREK MARLIN BLU/BLK KENT 700 BLU MURRAY USA EAGLE RIVER BLK/RED TOMCAT
To claim any of these items, please provide proof of ownership to: City of Falls Church Police Department Property/Evidence Unit 300 Park Ave., G2 Falls Church, VA 22046 703-304-1991 (please call for appointment)
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AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026 | PAGE 13
PIPER IS A 5-year-old Jackapoo. She is a fetch master, loves her toy raccoon, and hanging with her daddy.
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L S F F Y R K T L H
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Inova
Teddy
Stuffed
Childrens
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Hospital
Clinic
Check-up (no hyphen)
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Let’s get off on the right foot: this is a rave review. Nick Benton’s newly updated third edition of Extraordinary Hearts (BCI Books, Falls Church) is an ambitious, provocative, and deeply personal work that deserves a wide readership. While readers may disagree with some of its arguments—and Benton occasionally presses his case with unmistakable polemical zeal—the book is a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about LGBTQ history, culture, and the forces that have shaped civilization. Best known as the publisher and editor of the Falls Church News-Press since 1991, Benton brings to this volume the perspective of a seasoned journalist, social observer, and lifelong advocate. The third edition revisits and expands essays written over many years, presenting a comprehensive statement of his philosophy concerning what he calls the “gay sensibility” and its enduring influence from classical Greece to the modern era. The book’s subtitle, Reclaiming Gay Sensibility’s Central Role in the Progress of Civilization, signals the breadth of Benton’s ambitions. His argument ranges across philosophy, literature, politics, religion, and history, connecting figures as diverse as Socrates, Plato, Walt Whitman, Oscar
Wilde, Tennessee Williams, and E.M. Forster. Whether readers ultimately embrace all of his conclusions or not, Benton consistently challenges conventional assumptions and invites serious engagement. One of the book’s central themes is the distinction Benton draws between two competing visions of love. On one side is a higher, civic-minded ideal rooted in justice, creativity, compassion, and the advancement of society. On the other is a more narrowly individualistic pursuit of pleasure detached from a broader ethical purpose. This framework provides the intellectual backbone for much of the book and gives coherence to its wide-ranging historical discussions. Among the most compelling sections is Benton’s treatment of E.M. Forster. He recalls Forster’s celebrated injunction in Howards End to “Only connect,” linking it to the author’s later essay “What I Believe” and its vision of “an aristocracy of the sensitive, the considerate and the plucky.” Benton argues that Forster’s appeal was never simply about romance or physical intimacy but about bridging the divide between intellect and emotion, private fulfillment and public responsibility. If the book has a weakness, it is that its sweeping historical claims occasionally move faster than some readers may wish. There are moments when Benton states broad conclusions with greater confidence than the available evidence may persuade every skeptical reader to accept. Yet even where one questions his conclusions, the arguments are thoughtful, passionately presented, and intellectually engaging. That is ultimately the achievement of Extraordinary Hearts. It is not content merely to recount LGBTQ history; it seeks to reinterpret it and to place it at the center of the larger story of human progress. Whether one agrees with every aspect of Benton’s thesis or not, the book rewards careful reading and reflection. It is an important work by one of Northern Virginia’s most distinctive journalistic voices, and one well worth adding to the conversation.
I O
BY DAVID HOFFMAN
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‘Extraordinary Hearts’ Makes a Provocative Case for Gay Sensibility’s Role in Civilization
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