Editorial: Unsung Heroes of Fairfax County Police Reform
Personal involvement of Culosi, Beltrante key to success of police commission.
The call for reform and transparency in Fairfax County Police began long before the shooting death of John Geer in August 2013.
Commentary: Comstock Addresses Top Priority Issues
Congresswoman’s report to the 10th district residents.
Police Say Burke and Springfield Homicides Appear to be Linked
Victims both 22, found with “upper body trauma”
On Dec. 22, Fairfax County Police responded to a call around 8:15 p.m. that Henok G. Yohannes, 22, had been found dead in his home in the 6400 block of Blarney Stone Ct. in Springfield.
Burke, Fairfax, Springfield: Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) joins ABLEnow in commemorating the opening of the first ABLEnow account in Virginia.
On Monday, December 19th, the 2nd year anniversary of the federal passage of the ABLE Act, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) joined ABLEnow for a press conference to commemorate the opening of the first ABLEnow account in Virginia. Fittingly, this account was opened for Natalie Beck, whose parents first came up with the idea for ABLE accounts several years ago.
Burke CARES Receives Toy Donation from Pack 1346
On Dec. 13, members of the Cub Scout Pack 1346 donated toys to the non-profit organization Burke CARES, that will then distribute them to children in need around the Burke Community. In addition to the annual gift drive, Burke CARES (Community Action Resources for Empowerment and Support) also partners with St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax each year to provide donated backpacks and school supplies to between 35 and 45 children in Burke.
Burke United Methodist Church hosts hypothermia prevention shelter.
Just before five p.m. on Dec. 14, the Burke United Methodist Church kitchen is bustling with volunteers. They’re preparing soup, snacks and dinner meals for between 25 and 30 homeless guests who will spend the night at the church.
Fairfax Station: Temple B’nai Shalom Students Build Canned Food Menorah
Hebrew School students at Temple B’Nai Shalom in Fairfax Station prepared for Chanukah by building a menorah from cans of food.
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting
Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicide was justified self-defense.
In a decision released Dec. 16, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh cleared Fairfax County Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez that took place Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Police Out to Catch Drunken Drivers in Fairfax County
Grant funds new DWI Enforcement Squad.
A new squad of police officers has started patrolling the county and they have only one mission: to combat impaired driving.
Holiday Grief
Workshop helps others deal with loss.
The holiday season is bittersweet for Jeanne Rorke.
Letter to the Editor: Protect the Consumer Protection Bureau
Consumer protection groups have grown increasingly concerned about Republican promises to cut back on financial regulations next year.
Commentary: Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway
I endorse the Connection Newspaper’s recent editorial on the progress Fairfax County has made implementing the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, on which I had the honor of serving as chairman of the Use of Force Subcommittee.
Commentary: Congress Coming Together to Find and Fund Faster Cures
On Dec. 8, I joined with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members, and the Speaker of the House, as the Speaker signed the 21st Century Cures Act.
Editorial: History in Police Reform Part 2
Civilian Review Panel — and they said it couldn’t be done ….
Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a Civilian Review Panel, part of a two-pronged concept of independent oversight of law enforcement recommended unanimously by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions
Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.
One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.
Lorton: Swim Teams Make Toys for Tots Splash
West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams
The South County and West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams donated gifts for the South Run RECenter Toys for Tots campaign prior to their meet against each other on Dec. 10.
Lorton: Exploring Pluto’s Secrets
Could Pluto once again be considered a planet?
Clifton scientist Dr. Michael Summers, also a professor of Planetary Science and Astronomy at George Mason University, said he still considers Pluto one of the nine major planets in the solar system. One of the foremost experts on Pluto, Summers is part of the New Horizon mission team, which has spent the last decade designing, preparing and maneuvering a space probe for the first ever close-up observation of Pluto.
Fairfax: ‘Just Pause and Don’t Do It’
Residents debate University Drive extension
The City’s proposal to extend University Drive has sparked strong feelings in Fairfax residents. They spoke both for and against it at the Nov. 1 community outreach meeting and before the Nov. 8 City Council meeting. But most of the speakers during Tuesday night’s public hearing were firmly opposed.
Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed
Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.
After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.
Burke: Surviving Brain Injury
New book shares stories of strength and inspiration.
A new resource is available to those who’ve been touched by traumatic brain injury (TBI) called “Surviving Brain Injury: Stories of Strength and Inspiration.” A collection of 90 stories, mostly by TBI survivors, “Surviving Brain Injury” personalizes life’s trajectory after a blast to the head, a fall or stroke.