Bonnie Hobbs

‘Don’t Replace Natural Resources with Townhouses’ in Fairfax City

City residents weigh in on Northfax West project.

Before Fairfax City Council last week approved the new plan for Northfax West, nearly two dozen residents called in with comments during the online public hearing.

‘It’s a Place Where We Can Support Growth’ in Fairfax City

Fairfax approves plan to revitalize Northfax West area.

It’s been years in the making, and last week, the Fairfax City Council greenlit a sweeping proposal to revamp and revitalize the City’s Northfax West area.

Malicious Wounding Charged after Stabbing at Chantilly Church

Fairfax County police have charged a local man with three felonies following the stabbing of an associate pastor, Saturday afternoon, at Grace Covenant Church in Chantilly.

‘An Unmitigated Disaster which Is Entirely Avoidable’ in Chantilly

Plan to build homes under flight path sparks outcry.

Yet another controversial residential project is being proposed for Chantilly’s Westfields area.

Rotary Club Honors Fairfax City Educators

Weaver, Borhauer named Teachers of the Year.

This year, the Rotary Club of Fairfax is honoring two Teachers of the Year from City of Fairfax schools.

Fairfax High Seniors Awarded Rotary Scholarships

Six Fairfax High graduating seniors recently received college scholarships from the Rotary Club of Fairfax.

Fairfax House Fire Causes $90,000 Damage

Fire officials say an early morning fire last Saturday displaced six people and caused approximately $90,000 damage to a Fairfax home.

Monetary Donations Needed for Fairfax County Students’ School Supplies

More than 30 percent of all children in Fairfax County Public Schools are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.

Rubinstein Honored as Sully District Officer of the Quarter

It’s pretty special for a police officer to be selected as his station’s Officer of the Quarter.

Fairfax City Officials Sworn In Online

Meyer recounts outgoing Council’s accomplishments.

Although it had to be done virtually this year, Fairfax City’s Mayor, Council and School Board were officially sworn in last Tuesday, June 30.

Sharing Acts of Kindness

To acknowledge and inspire kindness and good deeds, Volunteer Fairfax has launched the #GoodConnectsUs campaign, recognizing citizens connecting with each other through volunteerism.

‘Workers Have Been Hit Hard Financially’ in Centreville

Centreville Labor Resource Center holds a food drive.

For people living from paycheck to paycheck, a global pandemic makes things infinitely worse.

‘Because My Skin Is Black, Is My Life Worth Less?’

Black Lives Matter protest in Fairfax City.

Their voices were strong, and their message was clear: Black Lives Matter.

‘The Pandemic Has Really Changed Everything’ in Sully District

Kathy Smith discusses the ‘State of Sully.’

What’s happening in the Sully District, land-use cases and COVID-19’s effects on Fairfax County’s budget were discussed during Supervisor Kathy Smith’s (D-Sully) “State of Sully” talk.

Westfield Grad Receives Sheriffs’ Institute Scholarship

Westfield High grad Michael Corwin has just received a Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute scholarship.

Fairfax High Lions Instead of Rebels

Next name change could be Lanier Middle School.

In the wave of the Black Lives Matter Movement – plus the anti-Confederate sentiment sweeping the country – Fairfax High’s mascot and teams will no longer be the Rebels. Instead, they’ll be called the Lions.

Local Students Receive Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute Scholarships

Several local students recently received Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute scholarships. Given to students pursuing an education in criminal justice, they were presented by Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid.

‘People Stepping Up and Helping Out’ in Centreville and Chantilly

Families in need receive free dairy products.

When times are tough, people already having a hard time making ends meet need an extra hand. So last Monday, June 15, volunteers gave out free milk and other dairy products to Centreville and Chantilly families, plus the food pantries that support them.

Improperly Discarded Fireworks Cause House Fire in Chantilly

Fire officials say improperly discarded fireworks caused a house fire, June 13, in Chantilly’s Franklin Farm neighborhood.

‘This Was Something I Could Count On’ in Centreville

Paul VI seniors honored in neighborhood’s graduation parade.

Thanks to COVID-19, this year’s high-school seniors didn’t get to have their achievements and graduation recognized in a public way.

‘One Step in the Long Road to Recovery’ in Fairfax City

City creates grant program for its businesses.

Fairfax City received some $2.1 million of Virginia’s CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act funds. And last Tuesday, June 9, City Council approved using $1,150,000 of this money for a business-support grant program, Fairfax City ReConnected Grant, to help small City businesses impacted by COVID-19.

‘We’re Grateful You Were our Theater Director’

Zoom retirement party for Centreville High’s Mike Hudson.

Mike Hudson’s taught for 40 years – the last 30 as Centreville High’s theater teacher/director. And he and his students have always had such a strong bond that they didn’t call him “Mr. Hudson,” but “Huddy,” as a term of endearment.

Fairfax City: ‘No Lives Matter Until Black Lives Matter’

People speak their minds during a powerful event.

Not even the 90-degree heat could match the fire and passion of the nearly 3,000 people who gathered Saturday afternoon in Fairfax City’s Old Town Square to show that Black Lives Matter.

Centreville: ‘As a Family, We Take a Stand for Justice’

Black Centreville residents respond to racism in America.

Jamie and Erik Gadley and their daughter, Kayla, a rising sophomore at Westfield High, live in Centreville’s Sully Station II community. And as a black family, the recent, unprovoked deaths of black people such as Breonna Taylor and George Floyd have both angered and saddened them.

Fairfax City Helps Restaurants Serve Customers Outdoors

With Northern Virginia now in Phase I of reopening – and rapidly heading toward Phase II – the Fairfax City Council last week approved two emergency ordinances to help local restaurants serve customers outdoors.

‘We Didn’t Know it Would End that Fast’ in Centreville

Gate Post Estates holds a graduation parade.

Thanks to COVID-19, this year’s high-school seniors didn’t get to have their achievements and graduation recognized in a public way.

‘Kids Outside Will Get Full Force of the Sound’ in Westfields

Jumbo jets would fly just 950 feet above Westfields homes.

Like global warming, people may choose to ignore airport noise contours – but their effects will still happen, nonetheless.

‘Today We Honor Those That Made the Ultimate Sacrifice’ in Fairfax City

American Legion Post 177 holds Memorial Day ceremony.

Normally, Fairfax City officials, residents, and various politicians gather for a Memorial Day ceremony. This year, COVID-19 prevented it from happening, but a small group from American Legion Post 177 still made the day special.

‘It Felt Good to Be Recognized and Appreciated’ in Fairfax County

County thanks its Public Works employees with food.

National Public Works Week was May 17-23; and as COVID-19 has revealed whose labor is essential – not just in a crisis, but every day – Fairfax County celebrated workers in a category that doesn’t immediately spring to mind.

Chantilly High Grad Is New Firefighter

Chantilly High grad Christopher Wolf is among 53 new recruits who recently graduated from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) Basic Training.

Harmon, Ross Join Incumbents on Fairfax City Council

Meyer and School Board members all re-elected.

Fairfax City re-elected its mayor, City Council and School Board incumbents, Tuesday, May 19, and added Joe Harmon and Tom Ross to the Council, replacing Jennifer Passey and Michael DeMarco who chose not to run. And despite the pandemic, which caused many to vote by mail, more votes were cast than in 2018.

‘Great Value for Citizens’ Tax Dollars’ in Fairfax City

City adopts budget for FY 21.

It wasn’t the bright, hopeful document they’d expected to pass before COVID-19 gripped the nation, but last Wednesday, May 13, Fairfax City Councilmembers approved the City’s FY 2021 budget.

Centreville Man Charged in Female Jogger’s Assault

Fairfax County police have arrested a 21-year-old Centreville man in connection with an assault last week on a woman jogging in Franconia. He is Vincent Wesley, and police charged him with malicious wounding and strangulation.

‘More Traffic Will Go Down Galesbury’ in Chantilly

VDOT’s proposals for Route 50 intersections.

Under normal traffic conditions, the two-mile segment of Route 50 between Route 28 and Stringfellow Road in Chantilly is clogged during the morning and evening rush. It also averages 71,000 vehicles a day and has a high number of crashes.

‘Circumstances Have Changed, and They’re on the Frontline’ in Fair Oaks

First responders salute healthcare heroes at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

It’s nice to be appreciated – and, last Tuesday, May 5, at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, local first responders let healthcare workers there know exactly how much they’re valued. At the 6:30 p.m. shift change, staff members walked outside and were greeted by fire engines, police cruisers, a gigantic American flag and about 100 first responders applauding them and holding signs and banners of appreciation.

Robots Bring Meals to Fairfax Residents

There’s a robot invasion in downtown Fairfax! Well, no, not really; but friendly robots delivering delicious meals to City residents have definitely become part of the local scene.