May 5, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
Following a nationwide search, the Board of Supervisors hired Kevin Davis on April 23 to lead the Fairfax County Police Department. He began his new position this past Monday, May 3. While this was truly a Board decision, I supported hiring Davis as his experience and abilities provide the opportunity for Fairfax County to be a national leader on police reform on items that really matter.
Davis is one of a very short list of large jurisdiction police chiefs who have implemented the reforms our communities and the Board have talked about in the last year and say we all want.
|
|
Watch this video to learn more about Chief Davis. |
|
These reforms include full implementation of body worn cameras, establishment of a compliance and accountability division, transparency in officer-involved shootings, data transparency on all use of force incidents, co-response with mental health professionals, de-escalation policies and training, etc.
The arc of Chief Davis’ career parallels the evolution of policing philosophy during the past three decades, and his performance will be measured by how effectively he implements necessary reforms to eliminate bias and unnecessary use of force while keeping Fairfax County the safest county of our size.
Community Meeting, Tomorrow, Thursday, May 6
As I did with former Chief Roessler last year, I will host a virtual town hall with Chief Davis later this summer. In the meantime, Chairman McKay and Public Safety Committee Chairman Rodney Lusk are hosting a community meeting tomorrow evening, Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m. to get your input and to address questions and concerns. I encourage you to participate or listen/watch the meeting.
To speak at the meeting:
- Sign up in advance to testify by phone or to submit your video or written testimony: email ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-3151.
- You may also call-in live at 703-324-1020.
To watch the meeting:
I have also received requests from Hunter Mill organizations to meet with Chief Davis and my office is helping to make those arrangements. If you are part of a group that would like Chief Davis to attend your organization’s meeting to hear about his plans and provide input on how FCPD could better serve the community , please email huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.
I recognize that there has been a considerable amount of pain and frustration in our community during the hiring process for the new chief, especially among people of color who have borne the brunt of government-funded bias and disrespect over the years. Now is the time for us to work together with our new chief and the Police Department to rethink community security while maintaining individual liberty and respect for all.
Respectfully,
Walter
|
|
Today's COVID-19 Updates (May 5) |
|
Phase 2 Vaccine FAQs: Second Doses
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions the county's Health Department receive about second doses. Learn more.
Make It Happen. Move Forward. New Northern Virginia COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Begins
Northern Virginia’s health districts launched a new media campaign to encourage everyone in the region to get vaccinated. The campaign encourages broad vaccination across the region while also focusing on various audiences who remain vaccine hesitant.
Contact Information
If you have questions about COVID-19, you can contact the Fairfax County Health Department:
- Call 703-267-3511 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends)
-
Email ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov (monitored 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays)
Vaccine Updates
Testing
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
-
Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here and scroll down to get to ZIP Code data.
-
Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here and ZIP Code data look for Data Download bar.
COVID-19 Case/Vaccine Information Chart
|
|
Renaming Southgate Community Center
To Recognize Catherine Hudgins
|
|
Yesterday, May 4, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my Board Matter (below) to rename Southgate Community Center in recognition of former Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins. I will provide updates as the process moves forward.
May 4 Board Matter:
Mr. Chairman, for two decades, Cathy Hudgins tirelessly served our communities in Hunter Mill District, from 2000 until 2019 when she retired from the Board of Supervisors. She was a community builder with a passion for improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods that are often overlooked. One of Supervisor Hudgins’ biggest accomplishments and one that is a lasting legacy is the re-creation of the Southgate Community Center as a County-owned facility in Reston in 2006.
From the day this renewed facility’s doors opened, Southgate Community Center has been a mainstay of the surrounding neighborhoods, providing residents of all ages a place to meet, learn and play. There is a gymnasium, teen center, computer lab, multi-purpose rooms, and other accommodations. Children in need have been fed, pro bono legal advice has been given, English lessons have been provided, COVID vaccinations delivered, and teens have had a safe place to go after school.
Supervisor Hudgins worked tirelessly to negotiate the land lease with the Reston Association, secure the financing, review the building design, monitor its construction, and support the center’s program activities. It was her vision and dedication that has made Southgate Community Center the success that it is.
Therefore, Mr. Chairman, in honor of Cathy’s passionate and successful efforts, I move that the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) work with the community to re-name Southgate Community Center in recognition of Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins, and I further request that NCS to report back to the Board about the name change and an implementation plan.
|
|
Tour de Hunter Mill May 15 |
|
More registrations are open to participate in the first-ever Tour de Hunter Mill. Sign up now if you are interested in participating in this fun community bike ride and join us on Saturday, May 15. The three routes include:
-
Family Route that is less than five miles, contained almost entirely within the Reston Association pathway system.
-
Long Route with Metro Option: 15 miles. This route takes the W&OD to Vienna for the first rest stop, then takes quiet roads and trails over to the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons Corner.
- Long Route: 20 miles. This route takes the W&OD to Vienna for the first rest stop, then takes quiet roads and trails over to the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons Corner for the second rest stop. From there the route uses paved trails, quiet roads, and roads with bike infrastructure to return to the W&OD and ride back to Reston to Hunters Woods.
|
|
Farmers Markets are Back! |
|
The Farmers Markets are back in Reston, Vienna, Herndon and countywide. The season got fully underway this past Saturday, May 1 and continues through the fall with seasonal produce and locally produced food.
Reston market master John Lovaas (center) reports that there were more than 2,200 shoppers on the first day at the location on Lake Anne Plaza. John is pictured with (left) market masters Keith Strange and (right) Fran Lovaas. Photo credit: Michael O'Connell /Patch. Patch article.
Learn more about our local Farmers Markets:
|
|
Tysons Partnership Survey |
|
Tysons Partnership has put together a survey to get input understand intentions and plans as the region begins to return to pre-pandemic daily activities such as returning to offices, shopping, dining and riding transit.
Please take a a few minutes to take the survey. Your participation is very important and will help community leaders plan to reopen in ways that best serve the Tysons community. The deadline for the survey is May 14.
|
|
Transportation and Land Use |
|
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meeting, May 10, 7 p.m.
The meeting will be hosted on the Webex platform. Details and the agenda will be found here. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to listen to the meeting on your phone, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use access code: 173 124 1927. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. (Please note that each meeting has a unique link and call-in information). You will also be able to watch a live stream of the meeting on YouTube Live, which is also where you can watch the April 26 meeting.
Reston Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Meeting, May 17, 7:30 p.m.
|
|
Assistance With Child Care Expenses |
|
Temporary Expanded Child Care Eligibility is Now Available
The Child Care Assistance and Referral Program may be able to help with your child care expenses. Legislative actions from the 2021 General Assembly session establish a new short-term eligibility category for parents seeing financial assistance for child care while they are looking for employment and temporarily expands income eligibility guidelines for families with young children.
|
|
Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs Hosts Virtual Event on LGBTQ+ Protections Monday, June 14, 6 p.m.
The Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), in partnership with Aging Rainbows, will hold a virtual event “LGBTQ+ Protections in Fairfax County” on Monday, June 14, 6 to 7 p.m. During the virtual event, attendees will learn about fair housing and employment laws, including new civil rights protections recently enacted in Virginia: source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Learn more.
Water Mine to Host Drive-Thru Open Hires for Lifeguards
The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole is hiring more than 150 lifeguards for the upcoming summer. Come out to the Water Mine for a drive-thru and socially distanced open hire event. Job seekers will have the opportunity to interview from their vehicle or socially distanced outside. Applicants could potentially be offered a job on the spot and will be able to complete hire paperwork the same day. More information.
REC-PAC Registration Underway for In-Person Summer Programs
After COVID-19 prevented in-person programs last summer, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec-PAC returns this summer at 30 elementary school locations across Fairfax County. Rec-PAC is an affordable, structured six-week summer program for children in grades 1-6 featuring a different theme each week. More information.
|
|
Stay Informed and In Touch |
|
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
