Public Education Outreach on Panhandling Moves Forward – At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board continued to punt on proven solutions to address the public safety issue of panhandling, except for my motion to conduct a public education campaign. Under Chairman McKay’s direction, the Board has continued to ignore this issue, despite most of the legwork on solutions already laid out by the former Board which discussed the ramifications of a draft ordinance, piloting a sign program, and conducting a public education campaign back in 2019. Now the Board has asked that before any actions are taken, that the issue be discussed during a closed session meeting so that newer members of the Board can better understand the legal ramifications of an ordinance. After three years, we cannot move forward with a solution because Board members have not taken the time to familiarize themselves with this issue despite the constant demands from residents across the county to deal with panhandling. With as many tragic pedestrian fatalities as we have had in this County, including one panhandler, it is appalling that we have not done more to protect our residents on this issue. For background on ways I have pushed forward panhandling solutions since 2017, including a work program for people experiencing homelessness and a curb-to-curb ordinance, see my past newsletter. This is not a new issue; it is one that the County has received numerous complaints about over the years.

While this will not be the first time the County has done outreach on panhandling, I want to share some key components of its outreach with you. The County’s Office of Public Affairs (OPA) plans to first update the County webpage on panhandling. The webpage emphasizes that giving small cash donations cannot fulfill the service needs of people who are panhandling. The County discourages residents from giving to panhandlers, but also shares existing resources that can help people in need for the long term. If you want to help others in need, the best way to do so is by volunteering or donating to our local nonprofits. Additional information and a list of organizations that provide services is available online. As OPA shares this information with our residents and businesses, hopefully more people will give toward local nonprofits instead of incentivizing the dangerous activity of panhandling. If you have ideas on information you would like to see from the County on this issue, please share them with me at [email protected].

In-person early voting for the Local and Congressional races is ongoing at three locations in Fairfax County. I know some residents were redistricted and may want to confirm their polling place, so please use this link to find your voting precinct: Lookup (virginia.gov). Additional early voting locations will open on October 27^th. Please see the chart below for full details on times and locations:

Weekdays: 1 - 7 p.m.

Two Saturdays (October 29 & November 5): 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

One Sunday (October 30): 1 - 5 p.m.

From early childhood education and mentoring to cancer research and STEAM camps, there are countless nonprofits in our area creating a better future for the next generation. If your nonprofit is one of them, apply for a Cox Charities Community Grant by 11:59 p.m. October 17, 2022 at https://www.CoxCharitiesVA.org/grants. 

PLUS Transition with Release 4 and Permit Delays Expected Beginning on October 21^st

PLUS is an online system that acts as a central platform for zoning, permitting, environmental health, and land development. It has been releasing in phases, with phase 4 launching on October 21^st over a ten-day period to October 31^st. This will integrate five agencies and multiple systems of the county including Code Compliance. For more information on PLUS, you can click here.

After the transition to the new system, plans and documents for permits and applications that were in process but not finalized prior to the shutdown will be migrated into the new system between October 31 and November 29^th. Land Development Services (LDS) staff has indicated they will be available to expedite processing on time-sensitive cases. This will be an incredibly busy time and delays should be expected. You can find their contact information at the link below:

For more information on their bi-weekly webinars and how to use PLUS, you can go here to participate.

Fairfax Wellness Center Hosting AARP Courses on October 18^th and October 25^th

AARP Virginia and Senior Planet from AARP are very excited to educate our older adults’ community as they are a great resource for our seniors. At the Wellness Center for Older Adults, on October 18^th and October 25^th, they will be hosting two free courses focused on understanding technology and social media. Please see the details below to RSVP:

Tuesday, October 18th | 1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

This free class will introduce you to streaming: what it is, how to use it, and

the variety of content available. You’ll also learn how to watch live TV

without cable and how smart TVs and streaming devices can let you watch

videos from the internet on your television.

RSVP: events.aarp.org/SPstreaming or call 1-877-926-8300

Tuesday, October 25th | 1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

During this free hands-on workshop, you will sign up for Facebook and begin

building your profile. You’ll also learn how to find friends and use Facebook’s

privacy settings.

RSVP: events.aarp.org/SPfacebook or call 1-877-926-8300

4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax, VA 22032

Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Hosts Fairfax’s Finest Donation Drive on October 28^th

The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is hosting a donation drive to support our local police and fire departments. Fairfax’s Finest will be held on October 28^th to honor First Responders Day. It is great to see organizations and community members working together to support our men and women who work to protect us each day. If you would like to see what items they will need and/or to contribute, click here. It will also have details for drop-off in case you’d like to bring other supplies not listed too.

If you are a business that provides discounts for First Responders or would like to, you can fill out this form to be shared.

Entrepreneurship 101 Webinar on Starting a Business on November 8^th

Interested in learning more about the requirements and available assistance associated with starting a business in Fairfax County? The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), in partnership with Fairfax County’s Department of Economic Initiatives, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Community Business Partnership (CBP), presents a free bi-monthly workshop for individuals interested in starting a business. The remaining 2022 webinars are scheduled for September 13 and November 8, Registration is required and opens a few weeks prior to each session. Search “Entrepreneurship 101: on the FCEDA website for details.

More details can be found via the County website here.

Scout Night at West Springfield Police Station on November 15^th

Meet Casper, the friendly dog! To Casper, strangers are just friends he hasn't met yet. He loves everyone and can't wait for them to give him lots of pets and scratches. He will make an excellent adventure buddy for walks, hikes, runs, or just playing in the yard. Casper's owner brought him to the shelter because she couldn't provide him the exercise and activity he needs to thrive. She said he's a great dog who is housebroken, knows lots of basic commands, is friendly with everyone, and loves getting attention. If you would like to meet Casper, click here to arrange a visit.