To Mull Big Change for Garbage
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
This Monday, Aug. 11, the Falls Church City Council will convene at Berman Park at 6 p.m. to participate in a ribbon cutting calling attention to improvements made to the much beloved neighborhood park located between 229 Kent St. and 234 Irving St. It will highlight the new playground equipment provided and pedestrian crossings adjacent to the park. Then the Council will come to City Hall to meet closed to the public at 7 p.m. to obtain legal advice. The regular business meeting will convene at 7:30.
Two foci of this meeting will be on modifications to the City’s Solid Waste Policy and affordable living policies. On the second matter, the Council will consider extending criteria for income-based exemptions to City real estate taxes to assist more retired, disabled and lower-income households.
The more consequential policy will involve a major modification in the City’s policy for collecting waste that over 3,000 household addresses in the City currently have picked up every week from their curbs.
The new plan that the Council discussed at its work session last week and will take up officially this Monday involves a shift away from including the cost of the service in the general real estate taxes that all citizens and
‘Fairer’ 3-Tier Individual Fee Structure Proposed Continued on Page 3
Many New Restaurants Opening, But to What?
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
At a recent lunch hour, the long-time manager of a highly regarded, somewhat upscale restaurant in downtown Falls Church turned and looked to the barren tables and empty chairs in the well-appointed room. There was not a single other person there to eat. “Where is everybody?” she asked, exasperated.
Sadly, this is an increasingly common scenario, not only in Falls Church, of course. And, in this region, it looks as if it’s only going to get worse as the extensions expire on thousands of federal workers and federal contract workers in this region who’ve lost their jobs to Trump.
The restaurant revenue decline has already begun, but by October it is expected that the impact of the closings and firings is going to peak, with no
recovery in sight. While rather pro forma efforts have been underway to address the problem in Virginia, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine took matters on with a roundtable this week hosted by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association in Burke, where he heard from restaurant and hospitality owners directly that they are at a breaking point, with not only federal layoffs, but rising costs, worker short -
ages and immigration enforcement, all the consequences of Trump policies, threats to their industry.
Among the top concerns raised were the aggressive immigration enforcement, which they said is deterring immigrant workers from showing up for shifts, rising costs due to tariffs, credit card processing fees, and the spread of
Falls Church Business News & Notes
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New Local Restaurants to Try
Arlington Magazine has published a list of new places to dine and drink this summer and a number of these are in Falls Church. Thise listed are Honoo Ramen Bar which offers sushi and ramen; Banh Mi Oi serves many varieties of its sandwich; Pop-Up Districts with Korean, Thai and Vietnamese vendors; Side Chick, Ellie Bird’s new pop-up serving friend chicken; Jubilee Ice Cream; Semicolon serving bingsoo; and Little Falls Café serving specialty crepes. The magazine also highlighted two that are expected to open soon: GrillMarx, a steakhouse out of Maryland, and Wonder, a food hall serving celebrity chef-partnered meals for dine-in, carryout, and delivery.
Dominion Grant Cycle Opens
The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has opened their Fall grant cycle. Applications will be accepted through September 15. The Foundation will host virtual office hours throughout the cycle for non-profits with questions about the application process. For more information, please visit this website: www.dominionenergy.com/foundation .
Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department Information Session
Monday, August 11, 7:00 – 8:30 pm – Are you interested in volunteering? Or interested in the Fire Department? Join the Department on the second Monday of each month to learn more about becoming a volunteer with FCVFD. Sessions will cover training opportunities, membership perks, and what it’s like to be a volunteer at our department. Visit fallschurchfire.org to learn more!
Marketing 101
Find your ideal customer, connect with them on the right channels through effective messaging and marketing strategies. Join Mason SBDC Senior Counselor, Bernard Ferret who will teach you about the following basics of small business marketing: how to choose your target group, communicate with your target, market segmentation, competitive analysis, company branding, online (SEO) and offline marketing, and more. The free webinar will be on August 13 at 10:00 am. The link will be shared upon registration. https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=110450026
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.
businesses pay, and to replace it with a special fee that would be paid only by those who use, or benefit from, the service.
This means that the multi-year complaint of residents of multifamily buildings, apartments and condos, have raised for many years, especially those from the Lee Garden condos on N. Maple St., that they’ve been required to pay for a service they don’t get, themselves.
The new policy would fix that problem, although it won’t extend the service to the multi-family buildings or the businesses. It simply would no longer include the cost of the refuse collection service from being included in the tax bills to those entities.
The new plan would involve a two-tier “pay as throw” fee program, based on what size cityprovided waste, or garbage, cart is used. In tandem with this, the overall real estate tax rate would be lowered for everyone.
“The City aims to realign the curbside solid waste program by replacing the uniform real estate tax rate for all taxpayers with a
fee structure,” a City staff memo to the Council succinctly states.
Additionally, a new ordinance would expand composting curbside service through a third cart for organics. As stated at the meeting this week, simply, “Those who get the service pay for the service.”
Overall, the cost involved is about $1.2 million.
The proposed new ordinance would involve a modification of Chapter 34 of the City code and would, if approved by the Council, go into effect this fall.
At the work session earlier this week, a preponderance of the Council appeared favorable to the change.
The cost of the annual fee discussed at the session would be $355 annually for those who use smaller 35-gallon carts, and $390 a year for those who use larger 65-gallon carts. In exchange, there would be an overall 1.8 cent reduction in the real estate tax rate.
The service would center on the 80 percent of single family homes in the City that range in assessed value from $750,000 to $2 million, about 3,000 addresses.
Billing for the service would be included on the twice-yearly
bills for real estate taxes. There would also be fee relief provided for lower income, senior and disabled residents.
According to the report to Council, the idea of extending the service to include multi-family and condo units was not enthusiastically received by representatives of those units, so that, and the fact that providing that service would be “complicated” led to the deci-
sion not to include them in the new policy.
Plans for the change were hammered out by members of a Solid Waste Task Force that City Manager Wyatt Shields called into being earlier this year, headed by Deputy City Manager Andy Young and staff from the Department of Public Works, Finance, Treasurer and Communications offices.
Residents from single fam-
ily homes, condos and townhouses were also appointed, and its meetings were open to the public.
The Council is expected to grant first reading to an draft ordnance to implement the new policy this Monday, and to give it a second reading final OK in early September, which needs to happen by then in order to get the policy in place this fall for the December tax billing.
MEMBERS OF THE Solid Waste Task Force sat in on Monday’s Falls Church City Council meeting, (l. to r.) a non-task force citizen, task force members Fred Thompson, Mary Catherine Chase and Herb Holmes. (Photo: News-Press)
Plethora of New Eateries Opening in F.C., But How Will They Prosper?
laws requiring tipped workers to receive a full minimum wage. These factors, they argue, are pushing already-thin profit margins toward a breaking point.
An influential Falls Church restaurant owner told the NewsPress in the context of all this recently that shortages of workers has been his biggest problem since the Covid epidemic and it continues. His scaled back hours of operation are due to labor shortages more than anything else, he said.
This is on top of the estimate by the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia which projects the state could lose 30,000 jobs by the end of the year, devastating disposable incomes that the restaurant industry thrives on.
All this is happening while there is a veritable flood of new restaurants soon opening or just having opened in the City of Falls Church.
According to City Hall’s economic development office, there is a robust, to say the least, list of new food establishments in the 2.2 square miles of the Little City. Two paragraphs below list what’s recently opened and what will open soon.
Here’s what’s just recently come in Falls Church:
The Honoo Ramen and Bar (Japanese) at 153 W. Falls Station, the Ice Cream Jubilee 151 W. Falls Station, Little Falls Cafe (106 Little Falls St.),
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls (243 W. Falls Station), Paragon Theater (pizza, snacks, bar) at 112 Founder’s Avenue, the Pop Up District in the Eden Center, 6763 Wilson, housing Honey Pig Cupbop (Korean BBQ street food), Doppo, Eatsy (Thai street food), Sun-C (Viet street food) and The Beat (American bakery), RH Bistro at 912 W. Broad, Semicolon Cafe at 103 Founders Row, Side Chick (chicken pickup and delivery) at 125 Founders Row, Seoul Spice (Korean gluten free) at 156 W. Falls Station and Whole Foods (groceries, cafe and meals) at 103 E. Broad.
Here’s what’s coming very soon:
Burger Fi, 168 W. Falls Station), Dok Khao (180 W. Falls Station), Fish Taco (Mexican), Fresh Market (groceries, meals) 101 Haycock Rd., GrillMarx (steak house and raw bar), 510 S. Washington, Grocery Outlet (groceries, snacks) 500 S. Washington, iPanda Dumplings (Chinese) 106 N. West St., L’il Cakes and Creamery, 120 Founders Ave., Little Beast (American, pizza) 119 E. Broad, My Home Thai Bistro, 1009 W. Broad, Paris Baguette (bakery, cafe), 169 Hillwood, Kashfa Cafe (Yemeni coffee, cafe), 310 A. S. Washington, Stratford Garden (dining, beer garden), 300 W. Broad, Tatte (cafe, bakery), 1001 W. Broad, and The Cheese Cartel (cheese, wine and subs at 922 W. Broad.
How can the City act to help protect these many new establishments that all sound terrific? Surely, citizens can redouble their commitment to dine locally. But
otherwise, there has been a serious shortage of helpful initiatives being publicly discussed at City Hall to date, such as an aggressive marketing campaign
to attract outsiders to enjoy Falls Church food, even as the City Council counts on revenue from meals and sales taxes to sustain the City’s operating budget.
STATE SEN. SADDAM SALIM (right) and Falls Church Council members Justine Underhill (left) and David Snyder (second from right) sat with the owner Eric Shin and general manager Tiffany Do of the new Seoul Spice eatery in the West End project at a F.C. Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting event last week. (Photo: News-Press)
Trump is RICO Kingpin In the Epstein Affair
Nicholas F. Benton
It all points to the fact that the whole Epstein affair would, if brought fully to light, have Trump found guilty under federal RICO (Racketeering Influences and Corrupt Organizations) statutes as an organized crime kingpin.
Yes, everything Trump represents smacks of the lowest of mob behaviors and m.o.’s, as it is fear and intimidation that are his calling card. It is not complicated or sophisticated. The mob in its various iterations since the days of Prohibition has operated as a criminal enterprise outside the law, and the law, in fact, was its enemy. Contempt for the law. That’s how it worked.
There are a lot of people in this land who secretly, or not so secretly, admire the lawlessness of the mob, who would emulate it if they thought they could. Heck, who wants to pay income tax, anyway, or be held accountable in any way for their actions? Isn’t this what freedom is all about? Isn’t this what makes us Americans?
I firmly contend that the mob that has insinuated itself into the White House and in control of a quaking Republican Party that is being cowed into going along because it shares enough of the kingpin’s values, can be defeated. But we need more than a modern-day Elliot Ness to pull it off.
Ness brought down Al Capone, as he chronicled in the famous “The Untouchables” book and TV series from the 1950s. He was as tough at Capone, no nonsense and totally focused on taking down the mobster, no question.
Today, sad to say, too much of the law enforcement establishment in this country is on the side of the lawbreaker. It is important to understand how this came to be, but it is of much greater urgency that it be brought to a halt.
Everything that Trump represents and calls for – his illegal termination of funding that was voted by Congress, his illegal firings, his call for illegal redistrict-
ing of Congressional districts, his illegal abuse of executive powers in a wide range of cases, and now coming to light, his history of wildly illegal trafficking of minors for sexual exploitation – is premised on a hatred of the law, any law really, that contradicts whatever he wants.
So, who are today’s Elliot Ness figures in our civic life? Beyond, that is, the leadership of the Democratic Party, which I believe are doing a good job, generally, of focusing on ways to bring a majority alliance together.
The Trump problem for America is not a political problem, primarily. It is a law enforcement problem. It must be up to law enforcement to stop this insanity. Congress makes the laws, but a lot of us are going to have to put on badges and do what all those so-called friends of the sheriff in “High Noon” failed so miserably to do.
That classic film from the early 1950s, after all, was not so much about Gary Cooper’s memorable character or Princess Grace’s role, but about the words of Frankie Laine’s haunting lyrics, “Do not forsake me, oh my darling,” that echoed through the entire movie. The movie was about a forsaking, not by the sheriff’s wife but by all the cowering citizens who would not help.
We cannot sit around while children are being gunned down, as happened in Uvalde, Texas, when 19 children and two adults were killed while law enforcement did nothing for 77 minutes.
We cannot allow Trump and his gangsters to thumb their noses at the law to appease their lowest of desires. This is not what life is supposed to be about. Without law, nothing works.
Regulation, after all, is just another word for protection.
Regulations are in place because they are designed to protect people from danger. Those who want to remove them for their own selfish self interests really don’t care who gets hurt as a result.
Now, many millions are being hurt by what Trump and his gang are doing.They are the lowest of the low and it’s time folk stepped up to take it on. It is our duty as human beings not to let this corrupt filth keep getting away with it.
COMMENT
A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
Journalism in the United States is endangered. Never mind what the First Amendment says about freedom of the press, journalists are under attack simply for what they report on their various “beats” assigned by the news organizations that employ them. Sadly, as print newspapers fade, replaced by social media of both legitimate and dubious origins, the quest to find the truth is made even more difficult by the current president of the United States, whose favorite approach to any news item is to label it “fake news” unless it somehow glorifies him. Even that doesn’t last long. Case in point, his Fox News buddy Rupert Murdoch, now just another defendant in another Trump lawsuit. I grew up reading the newspaper every day. The Eugene Register Guard was an independent family-owned paper; the Oregon Daily Emerald was the campus news organ, and the New York Times had a western edition, so I had access to global, national, local, and campus news nearly every day. Today, the first thing I do every morning is collect the Washington Post from the driveway. I am not enamored of the Post’s new section format, and its typos and errata are increasingly frustrating, but the writing and op-ed pieces continue to be first-rate, despite several personnel changes currently underway. Hopefully, the new columnists and reporters will carry on the Post’s stellar reputation. National and global news items may be covered by multiple news orga-
nizations, but it’s the local news, politics, the neighborhood events, sports, obituaries, awards and sweet tidbits about the human condition that strengthen a community and foster our ties with each other. The Falls Church News-Press maintains that connection locally, but many communities have lost their local paper and the bond that comes with good local reporters who take pride in independent, fact-based reporting.
One of the papers of my youth, the Portland Oregonian, selected a new editor last month, a woman who, coincidentally, was on a family vacation visiting the National Archives and peering at the Declaration of Independence when she got the call.
In her first note to readers, Laura Gunderson noted that journalists “attend public meetings, fight for public records, and lead with dogged reporting that keeps powerful institutions and their leaders honest.” She went on to observe that “reporters are real people reporting real news about the place they call home.”
That last observation, about the place they call home, is important.
A reporter for a local news organization needs to know the community they report about, at least a little of the history, and seek to report facts, not something rumored or made up.
In our Metro region, it also helps to know the jurisdictional boundaries. Years ago, the Little City was declared the “most wired city in America” or something like that, based on the number of Starbucks in Falls Church. I think the report
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of July 21 - 27, 2025
Weapon Violation, W Broad St, Jul 28, 2:20 p.m., a male, 20, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.
Failure to Appear, Park Ave, Jul 28, 6:50 p.m., a male, 33, of Vienna, was arrested for Failure to Appear.
No Valid Operator’s License, W Broad St, Jul 28, 8:20 p.m., a male, 23, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.
No Valid Operator’s License, W Broad St, Jul 28, 9:59 p.m., a male, 29, of the City of Falls
Church, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.
No Valid Operator’s License, W Broad St, Jul 29, 4:21 a.m., a male, 38, of Alexandria, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License. Destruction of Property, Jul 29, 3:16 p.m., victim reported an unknown suspect keyed their car after an altercation over a parking spot. A male, 47, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Felony Destruction of Property.
Animal Cruelty, Jul 30, 11:25 a.m., a male, 25, of Alexandria, was arrested for Animal Cruelty after leaving a dog in a hot car.
Larceny from Building, W Broad St, Jul 30, between 2:16 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., an unknown
was ten in the city! The reporter failed to question the number before putting it on the news, but my quick check revealed that only four of the ten were located within the city boundaries. All had postal addresses of Falls Church, but the other six were in Mason, Providence, and Dranesville magisterial districts of Fairfax County. A minor issue, perhaps, but accuracy counts, in darts, horseshoes, and news reporting.
It’s often overlooked that the Watergate scandal that culminated in Richard Nixon’s resignation was first reported by journalists assigned to the Metro desk of the Washington Post, not its national desk. Former Virginia Delegate Bob Hull reminded me of that a few days ago. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein went on to international fame and fortune, but they were young and uncelebrated reporters toiling in what was a crime beat in 1972. Likewise, Peter Baker, award-winning New York Times reporter and author, got his start at the Washington Times and the Washington Post, covering the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as part of his “courthouse” beat. Following Watergate, journalism majors soared in colleges and universities; everyone wanted to find the next great scandal!
There is a difference between reporting the factual news, as a journalist does, and opining about the news, as a columnist, including this one, might do. The former is objective, the latter subjective, but the same rules should apply – honesty, accuracy, appropriate use of language, and respect for both the subject and the reader. Whether we agree or disagree, our treasured First Amendment freedoms must be protected and honored, by presidents, reporters, columnists, and ordinary citizens alike.
suspect stole the victim’s purse.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jul 30, 5:02 p.m., an unknown male suspect stole merchandise without paying.
Fraud, Flagmaker Dr, Jul 31, 9:13 a.m., a report of fraud was taken.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jul 31, 12:51 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise without paying. The suspect is described as a black male approximately 5’9”–5’10” in height, medium build, wearing a black shirt, black Adidas shorts, black hat, white sneakers, and carrying a blue bag.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Aug 1, 9:11 p.m., two unknown suspects stole merchandise without paying.
Larceny, Cleave Dr, between 7:00 p.m. on Aug 1 and 9:00 a.m. on Aug 2, an unknown suspect stole a black electric Cannondale bicycle and accessories from the victim’s open garage.
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E ditorial
A Determined Turn to Tyranny
The significance of Trump’s firing last week of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics cannot be overstated. It is a move that profoundly undermines the ability of anyone participating in the investment world to know with any degree of confidence what is going on, and the result will soon be catastrophic for the U.S. economy.
It is certainly not pleasant to be watching what is happening in this country and to be reporting it in as honest and straightforward a fashion as warranted. Nobody likes bad news, much less doom and gloom in general. But we have no choice but to share what we see happening in a generally unfiltered manner. If we stand any chance at all of holding onto our cherished values and systems of democratic functioning in this nation, we have no option other than truth to guide us, and hopefully to trigger us into action.
This is unprecedented. It is wrong to equate what’s now happening with any period in the 1930s when Hitler rise to power in Germany and systematic advance of fascism and genocide were advancing. This is worse than that. It is not merely Trump, though he is the unique leader who sets the tone for legions of others, cowards though they may be, who are carrying out the march to a destiny for America that not even the word ‘fascism’ can adequately describe.
This is an end time. This is the Titanic. There is the moving around of furniture and efforts through the media to translate it all into comforting terms of relative normalcy and familiar ways of appreciating it all, but it is none of that. The forces of greed and cruelty have seized the reins of power and are determined not to let go this time.
Frankly, we may never have another honest and fair election beyond 2025. What Trump and the Republicans are doing in terms of undermining any shred of integrity of the system for allocating electoral districts in Texas, and soon elsewhere, is wildly relevant to this. Those who are complicit or governed by fear may be howling that such an analysis is too extreme, that if we just hold out, things will get better, maybe even after the midterm elections next year. Fear is the consequence of these horrible moves, and for many people, acknowledging that fear is the hardest for them to even contemplate, even when the choices are clearly evident from the standpoint of even the most basic right or wrong.
It would be the normal pollyanna point now in this essay to turn to some way to fight back, to win the day for democracy. “This is the time for the courts, or for the ‘people’ to step up and defend our system,” comes the calming assurance that all is not lost after all. But while these are brave and encouraging assertions, are they real in the face of such a determined turn to tyranny?
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The Naked Gun Reboot Misfires Despite Star Power Spark
By Lisa Sinrod
The reboot of the The Naked Gun, released nationally August 1, doesn’t have quite the appeal of the original film series. The zeitgeist of the times has changed, and this movie doesn’t keep up. Although there were some good laugh out loud moments scattered throughout the relatively short film, not much felt particularly innovative or updated despite new lead actors and plot lines. Much of the slapstick seemed tired and dated, although true afficionados of the genre may find it quite funny. With a three-decade gap between film iterations, the continuation of this series has been highly anticipated. At times, The Naked Gun 2025 seems to be going for a noir feel, with Liam Neeson portraying the son of
the original star and Pamela Anderson playing the femme fatale. Perhaps more interesting than the film itself is that the two current lead actors are now in a real-life romance. They met on the set of The Naked Gun, and this may account for their seamless onscreen chemistry.
The original Naked Gun film trilogy was a police squad spoof starring Leslie Nielson as Lieutenant Frank Drebin. Priscilla Presley portrayed bombshell Jane Spencer in the series. In comparing the earlier films to 2025’s creation, the fresh edge of the originals (released in 1988, 1991 and 1994) is sorely lacking in the current incarnation. The Naked Gun origin story dates back to the 1982 Police Squad! television show, which also starred Leslie Nielson. It lasted only
six episodes, but it spawned the film series.
The current plot centers on Frank Drebin, Jr.’s efforts to follow in the footsteps of his father in dealing with various absurd situations which require the help of the police squad so as to avoid a catastrophe with global implications. The set-up begins with the suspicious death of a brilliant tech engineer, whose electric vehicle went off the road. The victim’s sister, Beth Davenport (Pamela Anderson), seeks Frank’s help in investigating what she’s convinced was murder. He tells her to leave the detective work to the professionals, but they both turn up at a jazz nightclub run by her brother’s boss, Edentech founder Richard Kane. This role is adroitly played by Danny Huston, who’s intensity practi -
cally jumps off the screen in a good way. Anderson is a standout in the nightclub scene when she takes the stage for a scripted impromptu performance.
I appreciated the clever bits in The Naked Gun, such as when Drebin, Jr. and his partner cry in front of wall plaques of their departed fathers (former detectives) while dishing out some funny lines. There were also some playful cameos, including Priscilla Presley. These touches along with other laughs were too few, however, to be fully redemptive of what is otherwise a mediocre script. This does seem to be the summer of movie reboots of the same name (Superman, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and now The Naked Gun). Of the three, this one gets my lowest rating.
Liam Neeson, a seasoned film actor at 73, is known for his many action roles. In The Naked Gun, his acting is competent but somehow uninspired. The deadpan brilliance which Leslie Niesen lent to his role doesn’t reappear with Neeson in the lead, even though I’ve been a fan of many of his other performances. Admittedly, he had big shoes to fill in taking on this one and I applaud him for switching genres in such a big way. Pamela Anderson’s comedic timing is both a surprise and much appreciated, as she added some sparkle to the film. Her star has been shining brightly since receiving critical acclaim in 2024’s film The Last Showgirl. In the end, however, The Naked Gun’s latest installment misfires more than it hits the target.
News & Notes
F.C. Forward Hosts Potluck This Weekend
Falls Church Forward hosts a potluck this Sunday. Those wanting to participate are asked to sign up, and will be told the location and other details once they do.
The group, according to City Council member Justine Underhill, “has been working to create welcome kits to the city for new people moving in.” As part of the welcome kit, the organization has partnered with 13 different local businesses to give discounts for those new to the city (including Ellie Bird, Cafe Kindred, Dogwood Tavern, Falls Church Massage, Karma Yoga, Preservation Biscuit, Scramble, Balanced Female Fitness, Pilates at Stacey’s, Stylish Patina, Thai Time, The Falls, and Solace Outpost).
It will be launching the campaign at the potluck, with a goal to welcome at least 100 new residents in the next 3-5 months through our neighborhood ambassadors program. According to Underhill, “This is part of a grassroots effort to build community block by block across the entire city, and to get people to visit our local shops.”
Kaine Submits Bill to Repeal Health Care Cuts
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine this week introduced legislation to repeal the health care provisions in Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” including what he called “their reprehensible cuts to Medicaid.”
“Medicaid was signed into law by LBJ 60 years ago, and helps more than 70 million people around the country afford life-saving health care. This program is wildly successful, and is relied on by so many Americans to stay healthy, catch illness early, and get the medical care they need,” he said, adding “Despite their promises to ‘make America healthy again,’ Trump and the GOP are doing the exact opposite, kicking more than 15 million people off their health insurance and making it harder and more expensive to access care under the ACA.
”That’s not leadership, and it’s definitely not ‘beautiful,’” he said.
GMU Sets Up Hubs of Support for Job Displaced
George Mason University has compiled a central hub of support tools and services, tailored to the needs of federal workers and others facing job displacement.
These include: Career services to assist with job searching, resume building, and interview preparation, workforce development programs offering upskilling and retraining opportunities, mental health and wellness resources to support emotional well-being during periods of unemployment, educational pathways for those considering a career shift or returning to school, and access to university-hosted job fairs and networking events.
These services are designed to empower individuals and connect them with the tools they need to move forward professionally and personally.
For more information and direct access to available GMU resources, visit: Displaced Workers Support | George Mason University.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Begins
The Virginia Office for Aging Services, in partnership with FRESHFARM, is offering the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP) to eligible older adults and seniors in Fairfax County. This program provides a $50 benefit to help seniors purchase fresh produce and herbs from participating farmers at local farmers markets.
Senior FMNP offers financial support to improve food access and nutrition for older adults by: providing a $50 benefit to eligible seniors for purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, partnering with local farmers markets where seniors can redeem their benefits, aiming to enroll up to 772 older adults and seniors before the application deadline on September 30.
This program encourages healthier lifestyle habits and supports local farmers, creating a winwin for the community. How can seniors apply or learn more? Interested seniors can apply for the Senior FMNP benefit until September 30th. For more information and application details, visit Virginia Senior FMNP – FRESHFARM.
Buttigieg Summarizes Impact Of Tariffs: “3rd Rate Country”
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg summed up the end result of Donald Trump’s latest move to conceal economic data in just two words: “third-rate country.”
Buttigieg took to social media to post about how Trump fired Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer this past Friday after she reported employment data that showed a weaker U.S. economy than what was predicted.
Arlington, Fairfax Move On Key Housing Projects
According to the Northern Virginia chapter of the pro-growth group YIMBY, at the County Board Meetings on July 19 and 22, the Arlington County Board took important steps forward for Arlington’s supply, and Fairfax County officials did likewise.
In Arlington, the board approved the One Rosslyn project that will add 845 homes, including 73 condo units, across three buildings at 1901 and 1911 Ft Myer Drive. The residential complex will replace a defunct office building.
The Board approved a seven-story apartment building to replace an office building at 4601 Fairfax Drive in Ballston. The Ballston One project will have 328 homes.
The Board approved a plan to add 73 new homes at Shirlington House, including 14 three-bedroom units in a townhome style.
The Board approved office-to-residential conversions in Crystal City and Virginia Square neighborhoods. These projects are the first to use an expedited review process through the County’s new Adaptive Reuse program.
The Board also adopted the Vision and Goals for the updated Master Transportation Plan. This represents a major shift from the 2007 version, which explicitly called out retaining low-density car-oriented neighborhoods. Having a transportation system “with desirable options beyond the use of a car” - as the Vision now reads - is a necessary condition to achieve housing abundance without sprawling into oblivion.
In Fairfax County, YIMBY announced it is “monitoring developments across the county as the Planning Commission, the County Board, and Fairfax City continue to assess proposed housing projects on an ongoing basis. It noted, “Some proposals we have our eyes on this month: the AT&T Oakton redevelopment is continuing to take shape. An updated plan was submitted to the county to begin the rezoning process, where more specific design elements are approved.
“In response to the feedback from the plan amendment process this spring a number of changes have been made, including a small drop in the number of homes (from about 850 to 804) in order to accommodate an increase in green space.”
The developer, EYA, will hold a public community meeting with full details on Wednesday, August 27 at 7PM at the Jim Scott Community Center (3001 Vaden Drive, 22031).
A redevelopment of the so-called Davies Property in Fairfax City was approved 4-3 by the City Council. This mixed use plan will create 276 new homes right near the walkable core of Old Town Fairfax.
A second proposal in Fairfax City to redevelop Courthouse Plaza was deferred to October.
OVER 50 PEOPLE showed up to help Shaun Van Steyn (orange shirt in the front row) celebrate his 82nd birthday at Pistone’s Italian Inn last weekend. (Photo: News-Press)
Falls Church National Night Out Draws Families to Cherry Hill Park
Families gathered at Cherry Hill Park for Falls Church’s annual National Night Out, where residents met local police and sheriff’s personnel, explored emergency vehicles, and enjoyed community fun focused on public safety awareness. (Photos: News-Press & Gary Mester)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP COM
Th is We e k A round Falls C hu
Thurs, August 7
Summer Storytime
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA
Description: Interactive storytime for toddlers and preschoolers with books and songs.
Big Ocean: Ride the Wave U.S. Tour
Time: 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Crescendo Studios, 8101A Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA
Children’s Theatre: Miss Tutti and the Fruity Band
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Wolf Trap Children s Theatre-in-the-Woods, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA
Description: Colorful musical for kids with fruit-themed characters and fun songs.
Falls Church Fiber Artists
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Descr ip t ion : Weekly kni t and c roche t drop-in session A ll s k ill level s welcome
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Meeting
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
Description: City s BZA convenes to review appeals and zoning-related items.
Arts & Humanities Council Outreach Committee Meeting
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting
Description: A public meeting of the City s Arts & Humanities Council. Fri , Augu s t 8
Kensington Memory Café
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Kensington Falls Church, 700 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA
Description: A social gathering for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers.
Children’s Theatre: Gary the Great Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Wolf Trap Children s Theatre-in-the-Woods, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA
Description: Magic, laughter, and illusion in this kid-friendly performance.
76th Annual Prince William County Fair Opens
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA
Description: Carnival rides, food, animals, and live entertainment. Opening day of the region s largest county fair
Lena Seikaly ‘Ella Sings Duke'
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Creative Cauldron, 127 E.
Broad St in, Falls Church, VA 22046
Description: A celebration of two of the greatest artists of the jazz age Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Lena Seikaly is the master jazz vocalist bringing to life themusic of the greats.
Sat, August 9
Fit and Functional Bootcamp
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
Description: Community outdoor fitness session designed for all levels.
Free to Be Me: Artist Reception
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA
Description: Meet artists and view works exploring identity and expression at this group exhibit.
Family Day: Celebrating Baseball
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Library of Congress, 10 1st St SE, Washington, DC
Description: Create baseball cards and meet Washington Nationals mascots during this family day event.
The Rock-a-Sonics
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Creative Cauldron, 127 E.
Broad St in, Falls Church, VA 22046
Description: Atomic-age rock n roll, classic country, rockabilly and rhythm & blues, led by Willie Barry just back from their West Coast tour the band are rockabilly festival regulars playing events in Las Vegas, Spain New England, Florida and Nashville.
Sun, August 10
Back to School
Community Event
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Minnie H. Peyton Community Center, 5920-A
Summers Ln, Falls Church, VA
Description: Free supplies, food and community resources for families preparing for the school year
Mon, August 11
City Council Meeting
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
Description: Monthly City Council meeting with public comment and legislative session.
Berman Park Playground Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Location: Between 229 Kent St. and 234 Irving St., Falls Church, VA
Description: Ribbon-cutting with speeches, music, Kona shaved ice, and family fun.
Volunteer Info Session
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department, 6950 Little Falls Rd, Arlington, VA
Description: Learn how to get involved with local fire and EMS services.
Senior Day – Free Admission for 55+
Time: All day
Location: Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA
Description: Fair admission is free for seniors with ID.
Tues, August 12
PWR Parkinson’s
Support Class
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Body Grace Fitness Studio, 929 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA
Description: Fitness and mobility support class designed for those living with Parkinson s. Play On! Opens
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA
Description: A jazzy musical adaptation of Shakespeare s Twelfth Night set to Duke Ellington s music.
Half-Price Fair
Admission
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA
Description: Discounted afternoon admission at the county fair
Weds, August 13
Informal Networking Mixer
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Location TBA via Falls Church Chamber of Commerce
Description: Monthly mixer for local professionals and business owners.
Kids Day – $15
Admission
Time: All day
Location: Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA
Description: All guests pay $15. Children under 4 are free.
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation Meeting
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting
Description: Public virtual meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation to discuss local transportation
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following public hearing was set at the June 16, 2025 City Council Meeting. Public hearing and possible City Council action are scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TR25-12) RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO UPDATE CHAPTER 10: “HOUSING A COMPLETE COMMUNITY” TO ADD “AFFORDABLE LIVING POLICY”
The following were given first reading at the July 14, 2025 City Council meeting. Public hearings, second readings, and possible City Council actions are scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO25-10) ORDINANCE TO VACATE A 4,133 SQUARE FOOT PORTION OF A PLAT THAT ESTABLISHED THE SIDEWALK LOCATION AT 111 EAST BROAD STREET; TERMINATE THE PUBLIC SIDEWALK EASEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE VACATED SIDEWALK; APPROVE A REVISED PLAT ESTABLISHING A 4,092 SQUARE FOOT RELOCATED SIDEWALK LOCATION AT 111 EAST BROAD STREET; AND ACCEPT A PUBLIC SIDEWALK EASEMENT OVER THE RELOCATED SIDEWALK
(TO25-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, CHAPTER 26 “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC” ARTICLES I AND III, TO GRANT CERTAIN ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY TO PUBLIC SAFETY AIDES EMPLOYED BY THE CITY’S POLICE DEPARTMENT
(TO25-12) ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 1321 TO INCREASE THE SALARIES FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH
The proposed increase would raise the salaries for Planning Commission members from $100 per month to $250 per month, and for the Planning Commission Chair from $150 per month to $300 per month.
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 703-2485014 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
Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.
Architectural Advisory Board
Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Board of Equalization Historical Commission Housing Commission Public Utilities Commission Urban Forestry Commission
Regional Boards/Commissions Coordinating Council for the Aging and Adults with Disabilities Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia Northern Virginia
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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”
This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.
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Our Man In Arlington
Bill Fogarty
When does a “community event” transform into an “important annual community institution”? The answer might simply involve two factors: longevity, and the extent of community participation. How long has the event been taking place? How many people are involved?
In the City of Falls Church, these standards are likely met every year with its annual Memorial Day Parade, which dates back to 1985. In Arlington, a case can be made that the annual Arlington County Fair meets those standards of a long-running event with significant community participation. From its beginnings in 1977, the Arlington County Fair has grown into one of the largest free fairs on the East Coast, welcoming more than 150,000 visitors each year.
This year the Arlington County Fair runs from Wednesday, August 13 through Sunday, August 17, at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center. With free admission every day, and many new features along with the old favorites, the Fair promises to have something for everyone to enjoy.
I am always fascinated by the “origin stories” of our many community organizations in Arlington. The Fair’s origin story provides a spotlight on a theme that is a thread throughout Arlington’s history: remarkable volunteer-driven community engagement The first Arlington County Fair, held in 1977, was a modest affair, held in the Thomas Jefferson school parking lot, without rides or a midway. The idea for the Fair emerged from the County’s community gardens program, with resident gardeners planning a Harvest Day to display their produce. The plan expanded with outreach to other community groups, including a request to Floyd Hawkins, a long-time resident of Green Valley, who had a small farm on his property since 1925. Mr. Hawkins was best known as a beekeeper, and he donated a door prize of honey. As noted in the local paper, “...bees usually pollinate within a three-mile area, making this real Arlington honey”.
The Fair was organized by volunteers who stepped up and created a non-profit organization, with Mr. Hawkins as its treasurer for the first ten years. The Fair grew in size and popu-
larity each year. Rides were added in 1983. The gymnasium in the community center became the focal point of all the exhibits and community booths (with air-conditioning to help cool off everyone). Gradually, the small band of volunteer gardeners were able to grow the County Fair into a “must-attend” event, getting more and more support each year from fellow community members, and the Arlington County government.
This year, Cole Shows Amusement Company will return to provide amusement rides and midway games for all ages. There are entertainment stages, both inside and outdoors, with musical performances, eating contests, magic shows, and much more. The food offerings will range from nostalgic treats like funnel cakes and fried Oreos, to a food lineup featuring everything from Thai noodles to lobster rolls. “Children of all ages” can enjoy the carnival rides, hands-on exhibits, cultural performances, and annual favorites, like the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. You may ask, what is an “Entrepreneur Market”? Well, come on out and discover something new.
Each day offers free admission and a full slate of activities, but I advise that you check out their website for all the relevant information, especially regarding transportation: (www.stayarlington.com/events/annual-events/arlingtoncounty-fair). The indoor exhibits are open Friday to Sunday; the outdoor portion of the Fair is also open on Wednesday and Thursday starting at 5:00.
Fair warning: Saturday is especially stacked, from the Pie Eating Championship to the kids’ foam party, along with a packed lineup of performances and demonstrations. Something new this year is the “Vienna Princess Glam Tent”, with face painting, hair-braiding, and balloon animals fit for royalty. I did a quick internet search of those four words and was amazed to learn that certain super-heroes and princesses (from Vienna, Virginia) might be making an appearance. However, with respect to glamorous royalty, nothing can top the 1978 Fair, when the famous actress, Elizabeth Taylor, showed up for the opening of the Fair. You may ask, who was Elizabeth Taylor? Well, if that is your question, I can only refer you to the good old internet for another search.
In Memoriam: Jeff Thompson
This world lost a local legend with the recent passing of Jeff “Joker” Thompson – a long-time resident of Lincoln Avenue in Falls Church and the loving partner of Joani van Steyn for 36 years.
Jeff was also a step-dad, a granddad, a brother, a son, a leader and brother to his Boozefighter family, and a friend to people of all walks of life.
Arriving in the Little City in 1989 –by way of Somerset, Kentucky (where he was born); San Jose, California (where he grew up); and Dallas, Texas (where he unfortunately became a Cowboys fan) – Jeff brought a bounty of personality, charm, and a rock n’ roll way of life to his new community.
Alongside Joani, he soon cultivated a bohemian scene with his house serving as a haven for all manner of merrymaking. Birthdays, Kentucky Derbys, Super Bowls, New Years Eves, and Memorial Days served as the back-drop to many festive scenes carrying on into the wee hours under the warm glow of their courtyard lights.
At the center of it all was a man who was larger than life and overflowing with spirit.
Jeff was one of the funniest people you’d ever come across. Whether it was a party at the Lincoln Avenue house, a Boozefighter celebration, a jobsite, or just an average Wednesday night dinner, he brought THE STORIES. They had you buckling over with laughter, trying to catch your breath. The tale itself was one thing, but his telling of it was another dynamic all together. The voices, the gestures, the smoothness honed from perfecting a craft for decades, it all came together with sincere, deep belly laughs that can never be replicated.
All of this humor was in many ways a vehicle to share his immense wisdom. Like Aesop’s Fables, there was another layer to his stories, one that conveyed observations about human nature, people’s character, and little nuggets of universal truths.
Jeff drew these stories from his life less ordinary. He hoisted the Jolly Roger long ago and set his course for lands
uncharted and a bit more outlaw. He chose life experience over riches, true friends over pretense, rock n’ roll over conformity, and soulfulness over everything else.
He lived this way, but he also encouraged others to find their own path to being themselves.
No telling of Jeff’s story is complete without mentioning the Grateful Dead. From his first time seeing them in the Bay Area in 1977, he developed a life long passion for their songs that told timeless stories rooted in Americana, but also the countercultural mythology that Deadheads, Jeff included, built over generations. In recent years he traveled extensively – seeing Dead & Company in cities all across the land.
Underlying all of these fun times and wild exploits was a solid work ethic. Jeff was a successful entrepreneur, having founded an exterior renovation company, which he ran for over 30 years. Jeff’s business was renowned for its high quality work and was sought after for repairs to numerous historical buildings in DC. His workers Jairo & Roger played a big part in this success.
And then there’s the Boozefighters. Joker joined the motorcycle club 20+ years ago and had the time of his life with that two-wheeled, fun as hell green & white band of brothers. The Original Wild Ones. Whether it was a ride through a brutal blizzard in Colorado, a trek up the gorgeous Northern California coast, a winding trip along the backroads of rural Virginia, revelry at the Highlander, or a Thursday night meeting in his backyard, Joker loved all of it, and especially his Chapter 186 crew. On his motorcycle and with his brothers, he saw the twists and turns, the big cities and beautiful vistas of the country he loved. The road was wide open before him…with miles and miles and memories behind. There was thunder in his heart.
Jeff is survived by his partner Joani; step-son, Simon; daughter-in-law, Shelly; grandkids Sila Cameron Childs and Nevin Finley Thompson; brothers Bill, Bobby, and J.D., nephews and nieces Casey, Justin, Cecily, and John Jr; numerous cousins in Kentucky and elsewhere; and his faithful black lab, Sammy. Jeff was preceded by his father Bobby; mother Donna Jean; sister Becky; uncle Walter; aunt Carolyn; his grandparents; and many other dear family and friends. Jeff had a strong relationship with Jesus Christ through his Baptist faith. Please make any donations in Jeff’s name to Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, Virginia.
Jeff, Jeffro, Joker, Papa we love you more than words can tell. We know the river of life is singing sweet songs and rocking your soul. Until we see you again…Fare thee well, and may the four winds blow you safely home. Our love for you will not fade away…
