Stories for August 2020

Automated Justice?

Lawmakers to consider automatic expungements for misdemeanors.

Virginia is one of 10 states that offers almost no way for people convicted of misdemeanors to expunge their records, creating roadblocks for people trying to get a job or rent an apartment. Even when a jury finds defendants in Virginia not guilty or when prosecutors dropped charges, allegations remain on records as a stain that can cause problems for years to come. That’s why lawmakers are about to consider a proposal from the Virginia Crime Commission on automatic expungement, which is expected to be released early next week.

Opinion: Column: The Doggone Truth

I don't remember much substance from my freshman-level psychology 100 class at the University of Maryland in 1972 except that the lecture hall sat approximately 600 students, tests were graded on a bell curve (with which I was totally unfamiliar), the professor always wore black leather pants, and he brought his dog to every lecture.

Outrage Over Comments by Trustee on Fairfax County Library Board

Local organizations, unions and faith-based groups call for his removal.

In the aftermath of public concern following comments made by appointed Trustee Phillip Rosenthal (Springfield District) during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition sent a letter on Aug. 20 to Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fran Millhouser, Chair of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.

Fairfax County Fire Chief Honored

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) Fire Chief John Butler has been selected as a recipient of the 2020 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President’s Awards of Recognition.

For Seniors, Love Is Not Cancelled

This region is a prime location for meeting and dating other single seniors.

A 67-year-old widower, who lives in Old Town, met a woman who is divorced and 65 on eHarmony.

A Migration Miracle Is Underway

Small efforts can help monarch butterflies.

Bright orange and black butterflies are zigging and zagging through Northern Virginia in September and October headed south, the migration of monarch butterflies.

Free Help for Grocery Shopping and Pharmacy Pickup; Fairfax Area Neighbor to Neighbor and Village Programs

The Fairfax County Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Shopping Program just served its 100th resident!

Opinion: Commentary: Women’s Equality Day

Today, August 26, is Women’s Equality Day commemorating the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution which prohibits the federal and state governments from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

Opinion: Column: Narratively Speaking

After 11 years and almost exactly six months since being diagnosed with stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, the party is apparently over.

Governor Northam Signs Protection Bills For Dogs

Virtual ceremony held

In a signing ceremony, held virtually, and streamed from his State Capitol office, Governor Ralph Northam officially signed stronger protections for tethered dogs into law on Aug. 17.

Distance Learning for Children with ADHD

Decreasing stress and increasing success in a virtual classroom

Voncia Hartley and her 10-year old son Kelvin are dreading the first day of school this year.

Reforming the Police

Lawmakers consider sweeping set of proposals to change policing in Virginia.

Only a few hours into a special session of the General Assembly earlier this week, members of a Senate panel passed a sweeping bill on policing reform that does everything from banning no-knock warrants and limiting chokeholds to creating use-of-force standards and requiring de-escalation training.

Opinion: Commentary: Beyond Jefferson’s Manual

While serving as vice president of the United States from 1797 to 1801, Thomas Jefferson wrote down rules of parliamentary procedure as remembered from his days studying parliamentary rules while a student at William and Mary and from his experiences as serving as president of the United States Senate.

Doulas Launch Arrow Birth

Virtual education and consultations.

As mothers of seven children between them and long-time practicing doulas, Mari Stutzman Smith and Tara Campbell Lussier, two Herndon High School alumnae, ultimately knew what was missing for families on the path of parenthood to feel supported and successful.

EagleForce Warrior Foundation Donates $30K

Funds launch Capital Caring Health's ‘So No One Dies Alone Program.’

The local nonprofit provider of elder health, hospice and advanced illness care, Capital Caring Health, received a $30K donation from EagleForce Warrior Foundation to launch the provider's 'So No One Dies Alone Program' for Veterans from Northern Virginia and nearby areas and their families.

Black Interior Designers on Industry’s Lack of Inclusion and Diversity

Local tastemakers speak honestly about racial barriers within the profession.

As recent racial injustice protests have brought issues of diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness, local interior designers of color are voicing concerns about equity and underrepresentation within the industry.

Moving Fairfax County Schools to Dismantle Systemic Racism

NAACP holds virtual Town Hall.

Fairfax County NAACP held a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

OrthoVirginia Moves to New Offices in Northern Virginia

OrthoVirginia has relocated offices in Northern Virginia.

Reston Pride Runs Deep, Water or Not

Coronavirus collides with Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Reston Historic Trust & Museum canceled its fourth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Opinion: Commentary: Defund the Police: Oversimplifying a Complex Issue

’Defund the Police’ slogan in response to the real problems in policing may inhibit progress towards reform.

Communications experts advise that a message needs to be short and punchy to convey its intended meaning in a short period of time.

Opinion: Independent Progressive: Vote YES on Virginia Constitutional Amendment

As one looks out over the public policy landscape in the midst of a seemingly out-of-control pandemic, it is easy to feel powerless and distressed at the direction of the country’s drift.

Opinion: Column: Safeguarding My Future

Whether or not I'm certain about my attitude toward being a dual cancer threat (non small cell lung and papillary thyroid, cancer), only my subconscious knows for sure.

Fairfax County Park Authority to Honor Six Volunteers

The Fairfax County Park Authority will honor six individuals and groups with 2020 Elly Doyle Park Service Special Recognition Awards at a virtual volunteer celebration in November.

AAUW of Virginia Holds Summer Leadership Meeting

A record number of Virginia members of the American Association of University Women, a national advocate for women’s equity, attended their annual Summer Leadership Meeting on July 25, 26, and 27.

Back-to-School Vaccinations Required, Even with Distance Learning

Free vaccine clinics are designed to help ensure that all children are vaccinated.

While there’s a cloud of uncertainty over what the back-to school season will look like this year, one thing is certain: children still need to be vaccinated.

Senior Year Unlike Any Other

Recent high school grads, Class of 2021 face college uncertainty amid pandemic.

Senior year, 2020 T.C. Williams graduate Mikaela Pozo applied to 17 colleges.

Max Scherzer Signs Baseball for Women’s Education Fundraiser

There is an opportunity to own a baseball signed by Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer with “2019 World Series Champs!” and at the same time support women’s and girl’s education.

Gap Between Relief Funds, Eviction Moratorium Could Cause Mass Evictions in Fairfax County

Slow: 12,000 eviction cases in courts statewide while only 300 tenant households had received federal funds.

The expiration of the state eviction moratorium and the refusal of the Fairfax District Court to extend it locally past July 10 has sent Fairfax County legal aid attorneys and Health and Human Services Department staff into a flurry of action to try to get federal assistance to the 500 tenants currently on the docket for eviction proceedings.

Opinion: Commentary: Creating More Equitable Admissions Policies for Magnet Schools

We need more equitable admissions practices in what are called “Governor’s Schools.”

Hope and Joy in 625 Square Feet of Wings in Reston

Step in and be part of the art commissioned by American Real Estate Partners.

Reston, vocalist Taylor Swift, NFL Super Bowl XIV (54) and developer Howard Hughs have something in common: a mural by internationally acclaimed street artist Kelsey Montague.

Opinion: Commentary: Lifetime of Learning

My mom and dad had little or no formal education which was not that unusual for children in large families growing up in rural Virginia in the 1920s.

Community Needs in NOVA Spike

As nonprofits lose funding resources, the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce acts.

After it became clear that local Northern Virginia counties and towns could not provide nonprofits with resources at the level they did before COVID-19, business leaders in The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce stepped up.

Opinion: Commentary: The Path to Marijuana Legalization

The prohibition of marijuana in America has clearly failed.