Dear Neighbor,

This Saturday, October 30, is the last day for in-person early voting. There are 16 early voting locations across the County, and registered voters can early vote at the location most convenient to them. The main Fairfax County Government Center is open for early voting tomorrow, Friday, October 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and all other 15 locations are open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 30, all 16 locations will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Continue reading below for a comprehensive voting section.

This week, the Board of Supervisors received an update from Police Chief Kevin Davis and a comprehensive overview of staffing challenges in our public safety agencies. The good news is that the serious crime rate is down and there are 3,614 fewer victims this year than last. I credit this decrease to the good work of our Police officers and the strong cooperation we get from the community. County policies like the Trust Policy signal our commitment to the safety and security of all residents, while reassuring residents who cooperate with the Police that their privacy will be protected.

Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in homicides driven largely by an increased number of domestic violence incidents. While this increase is likely driven by the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence will continue to be one of our greatest threats to public health and safety. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and I hope you'll join me in raising awareness!

We also received a briefing on staffing shortages in the Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Sheriff's Office, and Department of Public Safety Communications. Like every county agency and private-sector employer in our region, they are experiencing challenges recruiting and retaining talent. In the Police Department, Chief Davis has streamlined the hiring process, hired an Officer Retention Specialist, assigned mentors to Academy recruits, and established a goal for 30% of our officers to be women by 2030. Moving forward, we must ensure that we are offering pay and benefits packages that remain competitive in a rapidly-changing labor market.

I’m glad to announce the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is awaiting final CDC authorization for vaccination of children ages 5 – 11. Virginia could receive final guidance as early as next Tuesday. If approved, 97,000 children in Fairfax County will be eligible for vaccination. In anticipation, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) and VDH are working closely to ensure plenty of vaccines are available. I will share new information as soon as I receive it. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for daily updates.

Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID-19 for our families, loved ones, and our friends. If you or someone you know would like additional information on vaccines, please visit vaccines.gov. You can also find nearby vaccination clinics by using this search tool. Do not hesitate to call my office for additional vaccine resources and information at (703) 425-9300, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are happy to help.

After 2020’s quiet Halloween due to the pandemic, many families are eager to enjoy a weekend of celebrations, events, and trick-or-treating. Some families are curious if it is fine to celebrate Halloween, the short answer is yes, but with precautions. While trick-or-treaters under 12 aren’t eligible for vaccines yet, activities are safer if done outdoors and everyone wears a face covering (remember not to rely on a costume mask to protect you). People should avoid crowded doorsteps and wash hands before eating candy. Make sure to continue reading below for additional tips on staying safe this Halloween!

Whether you need a notary, a popular "Slow Down" sign, Mosquito Dunks, or you would like to reserve meeting space in Braddock Hall -- my office offers all this at no cost to you. Have road maintenance requests, zoning questions, environmental concerns, or need COVID-19 vaccine information? Stop by the Braddock District Office anytime Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or give us a call at (703) 425-9300. We are here to help!

Supervisor James Walkinshaw

If you received a COVID-19 vaccine, you have a much lower chance of developing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

However, as the length of time since vaccination has increased, the Health Department is starting to see reduced protection, particularly for mild or moderate COVID-19 infection. As a result, following FDA authorizations, the CDC has now recommended a booster dose for eligible individuals who have received any one of the three FDA-authorized vaccines.

For individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer or Moderna, the following groups are now eligible for a single booster shot at six months or more after completing their initial series:

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine to receive as a booster dose. Booster doses can be received before, on the same day or after getting the flu shot.

The Best of Braddock has been an annual event for residents to honor their neighbors who have shown remarkable community spirit. Each year, the Braddock District Council and the Braddock District Supervisor’s office join efforts to recognize those in the Braddock District who make our community a better place to live and work. Due to the pandemic, the annual Best of Braddock event was not held last year. It's coming back this year on Wednesday, December 8, as a virtual event. Please submit your nominations for the categories listed below:

Nominations should be submitted to braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov by close of business on Friday, October 29, 2021. A link to the December event will be posted closer to the event date.

The Fairfax County Confederate Names Task Force wants to hear from County residents on whether Lee (Route 29) and Lee-Jackson Memorial (Route 50) highways should get new names. The task force is looking for feedback in various ways, including an online survey, and community listening sessions.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held a Design Public Meeting on the Shirley Gate Road Extension Project. FCDOT presented Preliminary Design plans for the project and is seeking public input. Comments will be accepted through tomorrow, Friday, October 29, 2021.

Traditional jack-o-lanterns with candles are a tremendous fire hazard. A better way to light up your jack-o-lantern is to use a small string of holiday lights with yellow and red flashing bulbs. Additionally, small battery powered candles can be used.

The Board of Supervisors authorized a public hearing for Tuesday, November 9 to consider proposed redistricting plans.

These plans propose new local election districts for the Board of Supervisors and School Board, and after the new districts are adopted, they will be in place for the next 10 years. Please note, the County's redistricting effort will not change school boundaries.

There were 64 plans submitted in total by the Board-appointed committee established to recommend new maps and the public, and these plans may be reviewed through an online dashboard.

The public is strongly encouraged to submit input or comments on these plans before the hearing, as well as provide testimony on November 9. Submit input by email, mail, video or phone, or sign up to speak at the public hearing.

Learn more by visiting the County's website.

Friends of the Kings Park Library will be hosting a book sale at the Kings Park Community Library (9000 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015) on:

Proceeds go to support the Library. Books will be sorted into many categories and it will be easy to find what you want.

Fairfax County is beginning a new initiative called Parking Reimagined, to assess regulations for off-street parking and loading. While some changes to the off-street parking and loading regulations have occurred over the years, overall rates and regulations have not been comprehensively reviewed since 1988. The Parking Reimagined project aims to evaluate existing parking rates and determine if changes to meet current demand may be appropriate.

To kick off the project, a series of town hall meetings will be held in each district. Supervisor Walkinshaw will be hosting a virtual Braddock District town hall meeting on Monday, November 8, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. When the link is available, it will be posted on the Braddock District website. It will also be in the November Braddock Beacon.

With the school year in full swing, it's important to know who your School Board Members are. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors works closely with Fairfax County Public Schools, but are actually separate entities. Feel free to reach out to the following Members for FCPS related inquiries.

Here in Braddock District, you are represented by the following members:

Megan McLaughlin

(571) 423-1088

Karen Keys-Gamarra

(571) 423-1091

Abrar Omeish

(571) 423-1089

Rachna Sizemore Heizer

On October 18, 2021, DRPT released the Springfield to Quantico Enhanced Public Transportation Feasibility Study Executive Summary for a 30-day comment period. Please send any comments to drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov by Wednesday, November 17, 2021. 

Complete information about how, when, and where to vote can be found at the Fairfax County Office of Elections website.

In Virginia there are three different ways to vote:

Fairfax County is now offering In-Person Early Voting at 16 locations (please see list below).

What You Need to Know:

Fairfax County Government Center - 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Conference Rooms 2/3, Fairfax 22035

Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (All Locations)

Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (All Locations)

There is still time to vote early or deliver your mail-in ballot. You may no longer request a mail-in ballot.

Visit the Vote by Mail page at the Fairfax Office of Elections website for complete details. Ballots can be returned by mail, by commercial delivery, or at Drop Boxes.

*Ballots must be postmarked on or before November 2. * 

Ballot Drop-Off Boxes

On Election Day, ballots may be brought to your regular polling place when the polls are open.

• Before you vote, check your registration status

• Find your polling place

• Make sure you bring an acceptable form of identification

Friends of Accotink Creek and the Fairfax County Restoration Project will be holding another Clean Up event along Americana Drive in Annandale on Veteran’s Day, Thursday, November 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Interested in helping out? Sign up to volunteer!

Sign in will be set up at Americana & Patriot Drive. All volunteers MUST sign in as part of their VDOT permit requirement. Students needing community service hours must sign in AND sign out at that location. Friends of Accotink Creek will be forwarding more information as they get closer to the event.