F.C. Bulletin: April 7, 2026
1) Meet Two Candidates for the Proposed Va. 7th Congressional District: Va. Del. Saddam Salim and Former Fed. Prosecutor J.P. Cooney
2) New Meridian Baseball Field Inaugurated
3) Notices & Announcements
Meet Two Candidates for the Proposed Va. 7th Congressional District: Va. Del. Saddam Salim and Former Fed. Prosecutor J.P. Cooney
If Virginia voters approve the Virginia Redistricting Referendum – by voting "Yes" come April 21 – a new Virginia Congressional map will be drawn, carving out an intentionally gerrymandered Virginia 7th District. Though the district has yet to come into being, two highly qualified Democratic candidates have already thrown their hats into the ring: Va. State Senator (37th) Saddam Salim, and Former Federal Lead Prosecutor in Jack Smith's Office of Special Counsel, J.P. Cooney.
Here's a bit of background on each candidate:
Saddam Salim:
Va. Del. Saddam Salim to Run for Congress in Proposed Va. 7th
"Tysons state senator will run for Congress in proposed 7th district," announced Fairfax Now on Facebook yesterday, April 6. "State Senator Saddam Azlan Salim announced his candidacy for the proposed 7th Congressional District in Virginia, contingent on the approval of a redistricting amendment by voters later this month. A Democrat serving since 2023, Salim joins a competitive primary field and emphasizes addressing key issues such as rising costs, climate change, and income inequality."
Based on an April 6 press release from salimforcongress.com – and does not constitute an endorsement:
Fairfax, VA - Virginia State Senator Saddam Azlan Salim announced today his campaign for Congress, rooted in a message of empathy, justice, progress and bold leadership for working families across the Commonwealth.
“My family wouldn’t be here today if it wasn't for the goodness, empathy, and grace of the people of Virginia,” Salim said. “As a child, my family was homeless. The community opened their doors, public schools opened their classrooms, and the people of Fairfax refused to give up on a family like mine. That compassion gave us a chance to keep going – and it’s the reason I’m running for Congress today: to pay it forward and fight for your family the way you fought for mine.”
An immigrant who grew up in Fairfax County, Salim has dedicated his career to public service shaped by firsthand experience with the struggles of working families. “I’ve watched people I love work two or three jobs and still struggle to afford rent, health care, or a car repair,” said Salim. “Those experiences aren’t talking points, they’re why I serve.”
In 2023, Salim made history by defeating a Democratic incumbent in a competitive primary against overwhelming odds. Despite being outspent 15-to-1, his grassroots campaign focused on people, not money, and earned the trust of voters who sent him to Richmond as their voice for progress.
In the Virginia Senate, Salim has led efforts on housing affordability, passing bold legislation to build more homes so seniors can age in place and working families can live near jobs and schools. He also championed and passed a three-bill package to end ICE abuses, ensuring local law enforcement isn't used to terrorize immigrant families and bringing transparency and accountability to immigration practices in Virginia.
“With the challenges families face, rising costs, climate change, income inequality, and a broken justice system, we need leaders in Washington ready to take them head-on,” said Salim. “I never shy away from a fight. Every decision I make begins with one question: will this make life better, safer, and more secure for the people I represent?”
Salim is running for Congress as a proud progressive Democrat, promising to lead with empathy and fight for justice that delivers real progress. His campaign invites supporters to join the movement to build a future where everyone can thrive.
“If you believe everyone deserves a safe home, a good job, clean air and water, and a justice system that respects our rights, then I’m asking you to stand with me,” Salim said. “Together, we’ll build a future where every family doesn’t just get by but experiences progress.”
Empathy. Justice. Progress.
Salim's Background Story from Campaign Website
From Salimforcongress.com:
My American Journey
I am a first-generation Bangladeshi American who turned hardship into hope. After immigrating to the U.S. and facing homelessness as a child, I found opportunity in Fairfax County’s public schools and low-income housing programs.
Guided by those experiences, I built a career as a federal contractor in public service. Now, I'm honored to represent Virginia’s 37th District in the State Senate. My work focuses on making housing, healthcare, and education more accessible for every family, driven by the same community values that helped my own family find hope.
An Immigrant Story
Senator Saddam Azlan Salim, a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh, grew up witnessing devastating climate disasters, including the historic 1998 flood. His family came to the United States in 2000 when he was 10, but soon faced eviction and homelessness. With help from a family friend and later Fairfax County’s affordable housing program, his parents worked minimum wage jobs with his father working his way from dishwasher to head chef.
Finding a Home in Falls Church
In Falls Church, community health centers provided his family with critical care, including finally diagnosing his mother’s long-standing reproductive health condition. Saddam became a student leader at Falls Church High School and chose to stay close to home for college so he so he could help his family during his mother’s recovery, attending Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. Affordable higher education allowed him to earn both a bachelor’s degree and later a Master's of Public Administration while supporting his family and giving back as an assistant track and field coach.
A Record of Service, Empathy, and Justice
Saddam built a career as a federal contractor working at the United States Institute of Peace and various other agencies. He has been a deeply engaged community and party leader, holding numerous roles in Democratic and civic organizations and founding key caucuses to elevate AAPI and Black voices. In 2023, he won a primary upset for State Senate District 37, then the general election. He now serves in the Virginia Senate and on regional boards, guided by his belief in public service shaped by his own experiences with housing, healthcare, education, and community support.
J.P. Cooney:
J.P. Cooney, Former Special Counsel Lead Prosecutor, Runs for Va. 7th
The following does not constitute a candidate endorsement of J.P. Cooney.
Falls Church City School Board Chair Kathleen Tysse recently told The Falls Church Independent that J.P. Cooney is "an exciting candidate for Congress in the proposed Seventh Congressional District." He's a "lifelong public servant with a very compelling background and recent experiences with the current administration," Tysse said. "I know him to be deeply principled, hard working, and inspiring. I think your (constantly growing!) readership would be very interested to read about his story and candidacy. I also think anything we can all do to bring attention to the [Virginia Redistricting] referendum vote [By April 21] is extremely important!"
Who is J.P. Cooney? Here's His Campaign Backgrounder
From the Cooney For Congress website:
Best known as one of the lead prosecutors in Jack Smith’s Special Counsel’s Office, J.P. Cooney was raised by a single mom in Arlington, Virginia, educated at the University of Notre Dame and UVA Law School, was a federal prosecutor for almost 18 years, and is a long-time Arlington community volunteer and youth baseball coach.
Described by the Washington Post as “a bold prosecutor who took on big cases,” The New York Times as a prosecutor “known for his aggressive approach,” and by Business Insider as a “top public corruption prosecutor,” Cooney served as a supervisor in the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section and as Chief of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C. before joining Jack Smith’s Special Counsel’s Office to help lead the investigations and prosecutions of President Donald Trump.
Throughout his career as a prosecutor, Cooney fought to make citizens safer and government more fair and honest. Starting in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., Cooney prosecuted murders and other violent crime. In 2012, he transferred to the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, where he held corrupt politicians of both parties accountable. Ultimately, Cooney returned to the D.C. United States Attorney’s Office to build its corruption and civil rights practice, and from there he took on Roger Stone and, in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol and its aftermath, supervised prosecutions of the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, Steve Bannon, and Peter Navarro. Cooney won hard-fought convictions and Talking Points Memo reported how Cooney distinguished himself as “a veteran federal prosecutor with a deep distaste for corruption.”
Talking Points Memo reported how Cooney was described as “fearless” by former colleagues and was known for “a willingness to take on high-level power players” no matter their political party. ABC News reported how even a senior Justice Department official during President Trump’s first administration described Cooney as a “nonpartisan career prosecutor” who is “focused on integrity.”
As Principal Deputy to Special Counsel Jack Smith, Cooney was a lead prosecutor in both criminal prosecutions of President Trump for retention of classified documents and efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Bipartisanship is a hallmark of Cooney’s life and career. As President of the College Democrats at Notre Dame, Talking Points Memo reported how “Cooney’s Democratic club strove to make its events ‘bipartisan,’ and they often incorporated participation from their Republican counterparts.”
Growing up in a two-bedroom Arlington home with his single mom and sister (and with the loving support of his father, who ran a small business in New Jersey), Cooney developed a lifelong commitment to Arlington Babe Ruth Baseball. After playing Little League himself, Cooney’s first job was as a youth umpire, where he first developed his passion for enforcing fair play. As an adult, Cooney has served as a long-time coach and ABR president.
After graduating from law school, Cooney started in public service as a law clerk to Judge Robert G. Doumar in the Eastern District of Virginia. After Cooney worked for a brief time in corporate law, his wife, Maureen, reminded him that his parents had sacrificed so that Cooney could prioritize service over money. So, Cooney took a 75% pay cut to work as a prosecutor. Now in his own small, service-oriented law practice and as a candidate for Congress in Virginia’s newly drawn 7th Congressional District, Cooney lives in the house he grew up in with Maureen and their three children, who all attend Yorktown High School — the same public school from which Cooney graduated.
New Meridian Baseball Field Inaugurated
Courtesy FCCPS Communications, April 6 Morning Announcements:
New Meridian Baseball Field Inaugurated
The newly redone Mustang Baseball Field was celebrated on March 25 ahead of the first home game of the season. Superintendent Terry Dade, City Manager Wyatt Shields, as well as City Council and School Board members, were on hand for the Athletic Boosters' ribbon-cutting ceremony. MHS Athletic Director Joanna Quirine did the honors by cutting the ribbon and thanked all the people involved in completing the exciting improvements to the team's home field. Assistant Athletic Director and Assistant Baseball Coach PJ Anderson added thanks from the team, coaches, and parents. Vice Mayor and former School Board Chair Laura Downs threw out the ceremonial first pitch (Ms. Downs was the SB Chair when the funding for the field construction was approved in Fall 2023). The FCCPS mascots joined in the fun with Mustang Sally fittingly leading the pack on a run to the outfield. It was a great night for MHS Baseball!
Thank you to the many sponsors and vendors who assisted with this project:
• Dan Littlefield, Scott Conn, and Freestate Electric
• Jeff Sole, Jeff Yoos, and FieldTurf
• Colin Rooney and Long Fence
• Mary Szwarc and Dant Clayton; Dean Mouritzen, Duncan Harker, and HITT,
• Aneura Phillips, Tyler Grillo, and Brailsford & Dunleavy, who managed this entire project.
Meridian Baseball Wins Home Opener on New Ballfield
In the inaugural game on Meridian’s new turf baseball diamond, the Mustangs christened their field in style, winning their home opener 10-0 against Millbrook. Junior Luke Greiner hurled a two-hit gem for his second complete game shutout in two starts. Sophomore Chris Capannola scored the first run of the evening on a wild pitch in the first inning on his way to reaching base four times in four plate appearances. Senior Andrew Niemi led the team with two hits, while Greiner and Sophomore Chris Thompson registered two RBIs apiece. Senior Atticus Kim reached base three times, while Senior Jack Mossburg stole two bases, including home plate on a perfectly executed double steal in the bottom of the sixth. Seniors Addison Gross and Ashok Radcliff and Freshman Nate Landers each recorded a hit against the Pioneers.
Notices & Announcements
Beware of Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement and Government Officials
Based on an April 2 City of Falls Church press release:
Thursday, April 2, 2026 – The City of Falls Church Police Department is alerting the community to recurring financial scams involving impersonators who claim to be police officers or other government officials. By identifying and recognizing the signs of a scam, the public can protect themselves from falling victim to malicious actors. Remember: no legitimate law enforcement agency or government official will ever call you demanding money or immediate payment under any circumstances.
What are the Scams?
The City of Falls Church Police Department has received reports of a suspect calling victims by phone, spoofing a legitimate government phone number while posing as an actual police officer or sheriff’s deputy to gain the victim’s trust. The scammer informs the victim that there is a warrant out for their arrest due to an outstanding “legal matter” or for missing jury duty, then demands the victim pay immediately to resolve their legal obligation by purchasing gift cards or cryptocurrency, initiating a bank transfer, providing their debit or credit card numbers, or depositing cash into a Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency ATM. The scammer will often use intimidation tactics, such as threats of jail time, to pressure victims into complying with their demands.
Another scam involves suspects impersonating City officials to solicit fraudulent payments from victims with active planning and zoning permits. Victims receive unsolicited emails citing their publicly available permit information or zoning application numbers. These emails contain accurate information about planning and zoning requests and the true names of City officials, but are sent by email addresses with non-governmental domains (such as “@usa.com”). Victims are instructed by scammers to pay itemized invoices for permit-related fees via wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment, or cryptocurrency, and to request payment instructions only via email correspondence to create an “audit trail” which deters the victim from calling the legitimate City Zoning Office to verify the fees.
Prevent and Protect Yourself from Scams
Reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a scam by following these crime prevention tips:
- Always Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Phone Calls: If you receive a suspicious call from an individual claiming to be a City of Falls Church police officer or law enforcement official, ask for the caller’s name, badge number, and department or agency. Hang up and confirm their identity by calling the City of Falls Church Police Non-Emergency Line at 703-241-5053 (TTY 711).
- Independently Verify Phone Numbers and Emails: Be cautious of mimicked telephone numbers, websites, and email addresses. Do not trust emails just because they use City letterhead, seals, or names. Confirm domains match official addresses and contain no extra characters or spelling errors. Never use a number provided by the caller to verify their identity.
- Avoid Unusual Payment Methods: No government agency will instruct you to resolve your debt using a payment method such as cryptocurrency, money wires, Cash App, inserting cash into a Bitcoin ATM, or gift cards where PIN numbers are provided over the phone.
- Don’t Panic: Stay calm and cautious if you suspect you’re talking to a scammer. Legitimate authorities will never demand that you make payments or divulge financial information over the phone. Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller for any reason.
- Check with Friends and Family: Consult people you trust before making major financial decisions, especially with new technologies or large amounts. Talk about scam awareness with loved ones who may be vulnerable.
The City of Falls Church Police Department does not call, text, or email individuals to solicit funds or collect fines under any circumstances.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect a scam or have fallen victim to one in the City of Falls Church, you are encouraged to file a report by calling the City of Falls Church Police's Non-Emergency line at 703-241-5053 (TTY 711).
Visit consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts for more information on scams from the Federal Trade Commission.
Falls Church Forward Announces April Events
From an April 5 Falls Church Forward announcement:
Howard E. Herman Park Clean Up & Nature Walk ~ Saturday, April 11
Join us this Saturday for some spring cleaning at Howard Herman Park. Our meeting point will be at the park entrance closest to Timber Ln. and S. Oak St. at 10:00 a.m. The clean up will take place from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. followed by a nature walk. We'll close with a fun group activity — painting a rock snake for the park! All supplies will be provided, just be sure to wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty.
️April Happy Hour
Join us for our monthly happy hour, Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Ireland's Four Provinces (105 W. Broad St.), outdoor patio.
Cheers,
Pat, Ross, Evan, Andrea, Naudy, Justine and Letty
Virginia Dream FC to Host Fan Fest at West Falls Ahead of 2026 Season Home Opener, April 12
Meridian I.B. Art Show, Public Opening Nights, April 15-16
League of Women Voters Falls Church to Hold Film Festival Fundraiser, April 19
Va. Redistricting Referendum: April 21 Early Voting
Based on a press release from the League of Women Voters Falls Church:
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
A Special Election on Redistricting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Under consideration:
Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?
In-Person Early Voting Information
Skip the lines on Election Day by voting early at City Hall. Early voting is available to all registered voters; no reason or application is required.
- Dates: Friday, March 6 – Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 11 and 18: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16 open until 7:00 p.m.
- Location: City Hall, 300 Park Ave (Main Hall)
City of Falls Church Arts Day, April 18
The City of Falls Church Arts Day is sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church and will take place on April 18, 2026, with a rain date of April 25. Artists are invited to submit works for display on the scenic grounds of the Cherry Hill Farmhouse. Visitors from across the region will enjoy not only the featured artwork, but also Falls Church’s public art installations and live musical performances scheduled throughout the day.
Arts Day will coincide with the City’s popular Saturday Farmers Market and is expected to draw a large audience. Events like this not only provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, but also foster community engagement and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Artists interested in participating in the event should complete an application.
Information for Artists:
- Display time 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- A $15 non-refundable entry fee for participating artists to cover operating costs.
- Set-Up starts at 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the entrance to Cherry Hill Farmhouse grounds at 312 Park Ave.
- Artists must bring their own set-ups (table, easels, display, chairs, or tent/ umbrella with weights).
- Direct sales (without commission) are allowed.
- Artists must have an online payment method.
- First come basis for location set up after payment.
- Parking is available along Park Ave., the Community Center/City Hall Campus, or the Kaiser Permanente parking garage.
- Artwork should reflect a variety of price ranges for different buyers.
For our reporting on last year's 'Arts in the Park' Event see below:
Christopher Jones
Attend the Home for Life Expo, April 10; Quinn's Exec. V.P. to Present on 'What's Hot?'
The Home for Life Expo will feature four expert talks and 30 exhibitors from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. April 10 at the Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax. Admission is free.
11:00 a.m. "What's Hot? What's Not?" presented by Matthew Quinn, Quinn's Auction Galleries
11:45 a.m. "What Your Pelvic Floor is and How to Keep it Healthy as You Age" presented by Dr. Kristin Dunn, physical therapist, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
12:30 p.m. "Lifetime Learning Institute - The Best Deal in Town" presented by Dr. Derick Malis, Lifetime Learning Institute
1:15 p.m. "Aging with Dignity and Independence" presented by Joanne McCarty, Independent You
Learn more about Fairfax Village in the City.
Providence District Earth Day Celebration, April 18
To register go here.
Idylwood Studios Earth Day Pop-up, April 22
Following is based on a March 29 Idylwood Studios press release:
Idylwood Studios of Falls Church is pleased to announce its “Earth Day Pop Up Event,” a celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, from 3 – 7:00 p.m. The event – free and open to the public – will be at 7617 Idylwood Road, Falls Church.
Idylwood Studios will host several artisans, vendors and community activists whose work focuses on reuse and recycling.
Berryfine Goods is an ethical estate service that addresses waste diversion and reuse and Jenny Newberry Art is the owner and artist whose art is made from what others leave behind.
Fillagreen is a zero-waste, refillable health and beauty shop in Manassas that offers sustainable home and personal care products to help customers reduce plastic waste.
Future Acres Farm will be present to discuss best practices for composting.
Luci’s Mobile Library is a Springfield-based nonprofit that fosters a love of reading by providing free, gently used books to children.
Mend a Hand teaches individuals to repair, revive and reimagine their treasures. By passing knowledge down, Mend a Hand ensures that more people know how to fix the things they love and already have rather than buying new.
Paloma Vintage Designs transforms vintage and reclaimed costume jewelry into bold modern accessories and décor. Every piece is sustainably handcrafted.
Rokatree empowers people to level up their living spaces with textile art.
Scout troops and community groups will attend to learn more about sustainability, so there will be great opportunities for engagement and connection. Hands on demonstrations will be offered.
For media inquiries contact: Pamela Huffman, pamelahuffmanart@gmail.com, 703-362-4078. Instagram: @idylwoodstudios.
Compiled by Christopher Jones
Member discussion