5 min read

City of Falls Church Gov't Updates for Week of Aug. 28, 2024

City of Falls Church Gov't Updates for Week of Aug. 28, 2024
Entrance to City Hall for the City of Falls Church at 300 Park Ave. Photo by Chris Jones.

The following is based on press releases, and social media and website postings from the City of Falls Church.

Announcements: 


      
All-Way STOPs Installed and Active:
Three W&OD trail intersections in the City of Falls Church have new all-way STOPs. The intersections of Little Falls, Oak and Spring Streets now have STOP signs to increase safety.

The signs apply to vehicles and cyclists who are crossing those intersections in all directions. Pedestrians should follow all standard crossing laws and exercise extra caution when entering the crosswalks. The City thanks NOVA Parks for the collaboration on this initiative to improve safety at these intersections.  

See here for City plans for new all-way STOP signs at W&OD Trail Crossings: Little Falls St., N. Oak St., and N. Spring St.

A glance back: W&OD Trail Crossing at N. Spring Street. Courtesy City of Falls Church.


Board and Commission Vacancies:
The City of Falls Church is seeking applicants for vacancies on several local and regional public bodies. These groups hold a range of responsibilities including helping advise the City Council on key policies, providing representation for the community at the regional level, and offering the opportunity for community members to learn about and discuss local issues.

Applications are currently open for a variety of groups, including the Urban Forestry Commission, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation, the Continuum of Care Board, and more.

To review all available positions, learn more, and apply, visit https://fallschurchva.gov/BC
     
Fall Recreation Classes Commence:
Classes for kids, teens and adults start back with Falls Church Recreation and Parks next week. Registration is currently open to both residents and non-residents. When registering, check whether the class is full, waitlisted or open:
www.fallschurchva.gov/register 

Instagram photo courtesy City of Falls Church.

 
Safety First – Schools Are Back:
Falls Church City Schools and Saint James Catholic School are back in class – with students walking, biking, riding in cars and on school buses. Reduced speeds near schools, stopping behind buses when they stop, and taking direction from crossing guards are all measures that help ensure the safety of our students. Officers from our local police have been assisting in welcoming the students back to school and reminding commuters that in our community we put safety first. 

"Reduced speeds near schools, stopping behind buses when they stop, and taking direction from crossing guards are all measures that help ensure the safety of our students." Courtesy FCCPS.

For a primer on transportation and safety issues from FCCPS, go here.

48th Annual Falls Church Festival

Clear those calendars, the 48th Annual Falls Church Festival returns on Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From families to foodies, there’s something for everyone — dozens of vendor booths, delicious bites from local restaurants, a beer garden, and live music featuring local legends Ocho de Bastos, Mars Rodeo, and more! Kids will love the rides, inflatables, and dedicated children's stage. Don’t miss out on this awesome fun-filled day!

Instagram photo.

😎 All information at fallschurchva.gov/FallsChurchFestival.

Labor Day Closings

In observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 2, the following closures will take place:

  • The Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) and the Mary Riley Styles Public Library (123 N. Virginia Ave.) will be closed on Sunday, September 1, and Monday, September 2.
  • City Hall (300 Park Ave.) and all government programs and services will be closed on Monday, September 2.
Instagram photo.

City Council Special Election

Writ of Election has been ordered to fill a vacancy on the Falls Church City Council for a term expiring December 31, 2025, and will appear as a Special Election on the November 5, 2024, ballot. The deadline for candidates to file for ballot access is Friday, August 30, at 5 p.m.

If You Are Interested in Becoming a Candidate: Please review quick links for candidates. Questions? Email the office anytime at vote@fallschurchva.gov or call during business hours. 

See our article below on how the City Council seat opened up.

City Council Member Lian Resigns Following Moonlighting Accusations
The breaking news story seemed tailor made for Washington, D.C. – not Falls Church, Virginia. The Deputy Director of Buildings for the nation’s capital had been fined $25,000 for moonlighting as a risk management director with Freddie Mac while on the D.C. Government’s $175,000 a-year

Interested in Voting Early?

Remember, ballots for early, absentee and mail-in voting for the 2024 U.S. presidential and down-ballot elections are due to be ready by Sept. 20. See our interview with Chief Deputy Registrar for the City of Falls Church, Stacy Pilson, about "what sorts of questions people are asking the City’s Voter Registration and Elections Office at 300 Park Ave., City Hall, and what messages her office would like to disseminate to City residents during this heated time."

City of Falls Church’s Voter Registration Office Responds to Unsure Early Voters
The Falls Church Independent interviewed Chief Deputy Registrar for the City of Falls Church, Stacy Pilson, about what sorts of questions people are asking the City’s Voter Registration and Elections Office at 300 Park Ave., City Hall, and what messages her office would like to disseminate to City residents during this heated time.

Upcoming Cultural Events:

Get Ready for Sunset Cinema This Fall

Sunset Cinema: Free movies at Cherry Hill Park , 312 Park Ave.!

The 21st Annual Sunset Cinema Series Presented by Renewal by Andersen returns on select Fridays and a spooky Saturday in the fall. Movies start at dusk (between 7- 7:30 p.m.). 

  • Friday, September 20, 2024, 7:15 p.m. - Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
"People's Choice: The votes are in, and the winner is: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! Come see the People's Choice film during the September 20 Sunset Cinema." Courtesy City of Falls Church.
  • Saturday, October 26, 2024, 7:15 p.m. - Monsters University. SweetFrog onsite this date selling sweet treats.

Sunset Cinemas are presented next to the barn and playground. Arrive early to get a good spot! Viewers are encouraged to bring blankets, bug spray, and a picnic. Drinks, popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase (cash and card). In case of inclement weather, screenings will be rescheduled to the last Friday of the month OR the following Friday evening. 


For the complete public calendar listings for Sept. 2024 from the City of Falls Church, go here.


By The Falls Church Independent