Andres Jimenez

Mason District Supervisor

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Call: 703-573-5679

This Fall, my office will be hosting several FREE and exciting events right here in Mason. These events are designed to offer services to Mason District constituents, create community, and highlight various Fairfax County resources.

You said you needed shredding services and we said consider it done!

With record-breaking attendance, our recent Mason District Shredding Event collectively raised an astonishing amount of donations for the Annandale High School Food Pantry!

Thank you to everyone that came out and to those who donated. It’s an honor to continue organizing shredding events for everyone to enjoy, getting to know Mason’s incredible residents along the way!

See you at the next one...

Come enjoy the 2nd Annual Mason District Arts Festival featuring local and regional artists showcasing murals, paintings, prints, poetry, jewelry, pottery, and more, including an artist material exchange space!

• Date: Saturday, October 17th, from 10am-3pm
• Location: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)

View more: Instagram

Join us for the 3rd Annual Mason District Health Fair on Saturday, November 14th from 9am–12pm at the James Lee Community Center!

We’re partnering with amazing community groups, non-profits, Fairfax County departments, and schools to bring you FREE health resources and information including:

• Flu vaccinations
• Hearing and vision screenings
• Eye glasses and sun glasses distributions (post-vision screening)
• HIV testing (and prevention information)
• Hepatitis C testing
• Medicaid information
• Child dental checks
• and more!

Visiting the Culmore Clinic Open House

On Monday, October 5th, I had the chance to stop by the open house at the Culmore Clinic, and I’m so glad I did. I toured the space, met the staff and volunteers, and talked with neighbors about what having this clinic right here in our community means to them.

For those who don’t know, the Culmore Clinic is a nonprofit that provides free and low-cost healthcare to lower-income adults in Culmore, Seven Corners, and Bailey’s Crossroads. Its caring team offers primary care and counseling, with bilingual staff and interpreters so that everyone can be understood and feel welcome.

Much of this work is made possible by volunteers and generous donors. Access to good care close to home makes our whole community stronger, and I’m proud to have the Culmore Clinic as a neighbor.

If you or someone you know could use their services, I encourage you to reach out. Learn more at culmoreclinic.org

An Open House and Fire Prevention Week

Saturday, October 10th, I spent part of my morning at the Fire Station 10 open house in Bailey’s Crossroads. It was the last day of Fire Prevention Week, and all 39 fire stations across the county opened their doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for neighbors to meet firefighters, join activities, and learn about fire safety. It was great to see so many families stop by, and I was glad to thank the crew at Station 10 in person.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” and it’s one worth taking home. It’s about the lithium-ion batteries in so many things we use every day, like phones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, and scooters. A few easy habits go a long way:

• Only use the charger that came with your device, or one made for specifically for it.
• Don’t charge on a bed, couch, or under a pillow, and try not to charge while you sleep to avoid overheating your device.
• Stop using a battery that gets very hot, swells, or smells odd - call 911 if it starts to smoke or catch fire.

If you’re interested in learning more or in volunteering, the team at Station 10 would love to talk with you. Thank you to everyone there for keeping our neighborhoods safe!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Mason District Governmental Center

Fue un honor acompañar a la Federación de Asociaciones de Ciudadanos de Fairfax (Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations) en su celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana en el Centro Gubernamental del Distrito de Mason, el domingo 11 de octubre, y tener la oportunidad de dirigir unas palabras.

Nuestros vecinos hispanos y latinos son parte del corazón del Distrito de Mason, desde los negocios a lo largo de Columbia Pike y Leesburg Pike hasta las familias, las comunidades de fe y los grupos cívicos que hacen de Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, Culmore y Seven Corners lo que son. Noches como esta son una oportunidad para celebrarlo, para dar las gracias y para conectar con vecinos que trabajan por fortalecer nuestra comunidad.

Gracias a la Federación por organizar un evento tan acogedor, y a todas las personas que asistieron.

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I was honored to join the Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations for its Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Mason District Governmental Center on Sunday, October 11th, and to have the chance to say a few words.

Our Hispanic and Latino neighbors are part of the heart of Mason District, from the businesses along Columbia Pike and Leesburg Pike to the families, faith communities, and civic groups that make Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, Culmore, and Seven Corners what they are. Evenings like this are a chance to celebrate that, to say thank you, and to connect with neighbors who are working to make our community stronger.

Thank you to the Federation for organizing such a welcoming event, and to everyone who came out. 

As Supervisor of Mason District, I take tremendous pride in listening to community voices, voting on actions that better Mason District, and making sure that YOU hear about it.

In this new section of the Mason Matters newsletter, I'd like to share some "milestones" that are being accomplished right here in Mason.

If you have any projects or groups you'd like to nominate for this segment, please send them to my office via email Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or call our main line at 703‑256‑7717!

Riders set an all-time monthly record of 6,560 trips in August, followed by 5,770 trips in September, the highest September ridership ever and the third-highest month overall. Every month since June has set a new record for that month of the year.

Mason District is a big part of that growth. This summer, the county added 27 new Capital Bikeshare stations, including seven in Annandale, five in Bailey’s Crossroads, and four in Seven Corners. The station at Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and Jefferson Street in Bailey’s Crossroads has been the busiest of all the new ones, with 857 trips starting or ending there between May and the end of September. The expansion also brought 45 new e-bikes and 134 classic bikes to the county’s fleet, bringing the total to 126 stations countywide, including one at every Metrorail station in the county.

These stations connect riders to bus routes, Metro, shopping centers, schools, parks, and trails, and to the wider regional network that reaches Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and the National Mall.

Riders can buy single trips, day passes, or memberships and use the Capital Bikeshare app or station kiosks to find and unlock a bike, with real-time bike and dock availability in the app. Through the Capital Bikeshare for All program, eligible residents can get a deeply discounted annual membership that includes unlimited 60-minute classic bike rides, reduced e-bike rates, and a $40 monthly credit toward e-bike rides and out-of-station parking charges. Learn more at Capital Bikeshare DC

Thanks to Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine, whose congressionally directed funding made this expansion possible.

View the full report here: Newly Installed Capital Bikeshare Stations in Fairfax County Exceeding Ridership Expectations | Transportation

Mason District has another reason to be proud of its dining scene! Lighthouse Tofu on Chatelain Road in Annandale was ranked No. 22 on the Washington Post’s 2026 list of the 40 best restaurants in the D.C. area. It’s the first list from the Post’s new food critic, Elazar Sontag, who dined at 189 restaurants across the region to put it together.

Paul Shin opened Lighthouse Tofu in 2002, and it has been an Annandale favorite ever since. The specialty is sundubu-jjigae, a Korean tofu stew with a peppery broth and silky-soft tofu, and the menu also includes Korean barbecue staples like bulgogi and bibimbap. Sontag called the stew a dish that sends diners into a happy stupor.

Congratulations to Paul Shin and the whole Lighthouse Tofu team on this well-deserved recognition. If you haven’t been in a while, or ever, now is a great time to stop by and see why the critics are talking about it.

Location: Lighthouse Tofu, 4121 Chatelain Road, Annandale

View their website: Lighthouse Tofu – Annandale

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month

I was proud to congratulate Nicole Wright Patrick, Mason District’s appointee to the Fairfax County Commission for Women, as she accepted the proclamation on behalf of the commission.

Nicole, thank you for your service and for the care and commitment you bring to this work on behalf of Mason District. Your efforts help make our community safer and more supportive for everyone.

Domestic violence touches every community, and ending it takes all of us. Fairfax County offers activities, resources, and services this month to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote healthy relationships.

If you or someone you know needs help, the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 703-360-7273 (TTY 711).

Learn more at Domestic and Sexual Violence Services | Family Services

George Mason Library Is Closing for Renovation, and the Friends Are Still Here for You!

George Mason Regional Library in Annandale will close after Friday, October 23rd, for a two-year renovation. The $15 million project, funded by the library bond voters approved in 2020, will give the building a more logical layout, small rooms for quiet study and meetings, a dedicated teen space, an upgraded children’s area, a maker space, flexible meeting space, and rooftop solar panels. The renovated library is expected to reopen in fall 2028.

While the library is closed, the George Mason Friends will keep supporting it!

Join them on Monday, October 19th, at 11:00 a.m. for a ribbon cutting for the group’s new book donation bin at United Baptist Church, 7100 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Everyone is welcome, and light refreshments will be served. Donations will be accepted at the new location starting October 19th.

You can still use your library while George Mason is closed. Materials can be picked up and returned at any Fairfax County library branch, staff can help redirect your holds, and e-books, audiobooks, and online databases are available 24/7 with your library card. Some materials are also available at the Health & Wellness Hub at Culmore Methodist Church, and the Thomas Jefferson Library will have extended hours beginning in early 2027.

Once again, you have the chance to claim Top Haunt in their Halloween Decorating Contest!

The Greater Hillwood Citizens Association is accepting entries now through October 20. Not into decorating your home? You can still be part of the fun by judging our contest entries and picking the winner! 

Furry Friends can get in on the Halloween fun by joining their Pet Costume Contest. Send a photo of your pet dressed in their Howl-oween best! Pet photos will be on display at the Azalea Park Halloween Rodeo on Saturday October 31 for voting! Accepting entries now through October 24. 

Mosey on over to Azalea Park on Halloween - Saturday October 31 from 1PM - 3PM for the Hillwood Halloween Rodeo. Music, games, treats and neighbors are sure to make this a spooky rodeo to remember…hopefully not your last (cue evil laughter). They will be announcing the winners of the Halloween decorating contest and pet contests at the event. 

For contest entries, more details, questions or want to get involved, email Heather Mazen at hillwoodhalloweenevents@gmail.com or at heathermazen@gmail.com. 

Most of us never think about our sewer line until something goes wrong. A little knowledge now can save you a lot of stress and expense later!

Who is responsible for what? The pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the public sewer main is called a sewer lateral, and in Fairfax County it is the property owner’s responsibility. That covers the entire lateral, including any part that runs under a public easement or roadway. The county maintains the main line. Repairs can be costly, and they require a Fairfax County plumbing permit, plus a VDOT permit if the work is in the public right of way. Recurring clogs, sewer odors, or basement backups can be signs of a failing lateral, and a licensed contractor can inspect it with a video camera.

If you have a backup, call the county first. Before you call a plumber, call the 24-hour Customer Communications Center at 703-323-1211 (TTY 711). If the problem is in the county’s main line, the county will fix it. If the backup happens only when you use your sinks, tub, or toilets, the issue is likely in your own lateral, and you’ll be advised to contact a plumber. While you wait, plug your drains and don’t run any water until the blockage is cleared.

Check your insurance. Standard homeowners’ policies generally don’t cover sewer backups or lateral repairs. Water backup coverage and service line coverage are optional add-ons, so ask your insurer, especially if you have fixtures below ground level.

Help keep the system flowing. Keep fats, oils, and grease out of your drains, and don’t flush wipes, rags, or other items that don’t belong. Not sure whether your home is on public sewer or septic? You can look up your property on the county’s ICARE site.

Call 703-324-5015 with questions about sewer laterals. For emergencies, including backups, overflows, missing manhole covers, and sinkholes, call 703-323-1211 any time, day or night.

Learn more at Residential Wastewater Management | Public Works and Environmental Services

You may soon see new 20 mph signs on Mason District streets

Fairfax County is launching a pilot study to learn whether lowering the speed limit from 25 to 20 mph makes neighborhood streets safer for walking, biking, and driving. In 2024, the Virginia General Assembly gave localities the authority to make this change on residential and business roads, and the Board of Supervisors approved the ordinance for the pilot in June.

Mason is one of the first three districts to take part, along with Dranesville and Providence.

The Mason District streets in the pilot are:

• Patrick Henry Drive, from Leesburg Pike to Beachway Drive
• Peace Valley Lane, on the west side of Justice High School
• Beachway Drive, from Patrick Henry Drive to Nevius Street
• Nevius Street, from Leesburg Pike to Beachway Drive
• Blair Road, from Beachway Drive to Glen Carlyn Drive

Blair Road was added after residents shared their input in the county’s community surveys, so thank you to everyone who took the time to weigh in. The first three zones are expected to be installed this fall, and the county will collect traffic speed and volume data and public feedback before and after the change. The pilot will not include any other changes to the roads.

The evaluation period will run into early 2027, and the pilot will expand to other districts after the first three are in place.

Questions or comments? You can reach the study team through the county’s 20 mph Pilot Study contact form on the Fairfax County Department of Transportation website.

Fairfax Connector Expands Transit Fare Assistance With TRIP100

TRIP100 is a new ridership incentive program that provides qualified county residents with a 100% fare discount (FREE) on Fairfax Connector bus service.

Participants must meet one of several criteria, such as income, disability or receive help through another county agency.

The program, supported by a grant from the state, replaces the previous TRIP program, which provided a 50% fare discount on Fairfax Connector.

Learn more and apply here: Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP100) | Connector

Attention Student Bus Pass Plus Metrobus Users!

Fairfax County's Free Student Bus Pass + Metrobus program has expanded to include a total of five schools: Justice High School, Annandale High School, Falls Church High School, George C. Marshall High School and Davis Center.

Students who attend these schools can ride Metrobus for FREE in Northern Virginia, along with Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE. When you sign up for the pass, you'll receive a specially designed and programmed Smart Trip card. Interested? Get started by completing the application with permission from a parent/guardian. Then turn in the form to your school's administration office and you're good to go!

The application is also available in Spanish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic and Chinese. To request a copy in one of these languages, email Saul.CiezaMejia@fairfaxcounty.gov 

Fairfax County Offers Free Trees to Community Organizations

Community-based organizations in Fairfax County can apply to receive free trees for planting on private properties in the fall, through a program by Fairfax County’s Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).

The “Free Trees to Community Organizations” program, offered in partnership with Casey Trees, is designed to help community organizations in Fairfax County – such as volunteer groups, civic associations and faith-based organizations – obtain high-quality, professionally grown trees suitable for planting. Purchasing top-quality trees can be a challenge for these organizations.

UCFD will prioritize applications for tree-planting sites within or adjacent to Fairfax County-designated highly vulnerable communities, as defined by the county’s One Fairfax policy and its associated Vulnerability Index. While planting in highly vulnerable communities will be prioritized, all community organizations are encouraged to apply for tree delivery, regardless of where tree planting is proposed.

The costs of the trees and delivery are covered by the county’s Tree Preservation and Planting Fund and will be offered at no cost to participating organizations.

Applications for the Fall 2026 planting season are due by October 30. APPLY HERE!