October 11 – 17, 2007
F.C. Mayor Unhurt in Traffic Accident
City of Falls Church Mayor Robin Gardner was unhurt when her car was struck while she was driving east-bound in the 800 block of W. Broad Street late Monday afternoon. According to Gardner’s account, she was driving alone in a silver Mercedes when a car making a left turn out of the parking lot at 803 W. Broad St. drove into her right passenger seat door. While significant damage was done to the car, she was unhurt. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, she described the incident and thanked Falls Church Police for their swift and attentive response.
Byrne Plans Run for 11th Congressional District
Former U.S. Congresswoman Leslie Byrne, a Democrat, sent out a broadcast e-mail to supporters this week announcing her plans to seek the Democratic nomination next spring to run for the 11th Congressional District seat. She served between 1992-1994, and the seat been held by Rep. Tom Davis since. Davis has made it known he is considering not seeking re-election to the seat and making a bid for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated next year by Sen. John Warner. If that happens, according to reports, then not only Byrne, but Fairfax County Board chair Gerry Connolly may also vie for the Democratic nod to fill the 11th District slot, although he’s currently involved in a re-election effort to retain his current seat in this November’s election. The district is now reportedly tilting pro-Democratic by 52-48%.
Mobile Skate Facility Up & Running in F.C.
A mobile “skate features” facility is now operational under the auspices of the City of Falls Church’s Department of Recreation and Parks. The facility is now parked at the Madison Park on N. Washington Street and is available for skateboarders during the park’s hours of operation, closed at dusk. Expected to attract mostly middle school-aged users, the facility includes signage urging use of helmets and safety equipment and Rec Department field monitors will make spot checks. The facility will be moved to other suitable locations around the City on a periodic basis.
Sanchez Book Signing Set in D.C. Oct. 17
The release of Alex Sanchez’ latest book, The God Box, is timed to correspond with the annual Oct. 11 “National Coming Out Day” for gays and lesbians. Next Wednesday, Oct. 17, he will bring his book signing tour to the Washington, D.C. area at the Lambda Rising bookstore, 1625 Connecticut Ave. NW, at 7 p.m. The book is the latest by the award-winning author on the subject of “coming of age” for gay teens. This one focuses on reconciling faith and sexuality.
Mason District Police Arrest 7 in Alcohol Sting
Fairfax County Police in the Mason District made seven arrests at five 7-Eleven locations on Oct. 9 for “illegal purchase of alcohol.” Underage undercover police cadets approached adults outside the stores revealing their age and asking them to purchase alcohol for them. 57 adults were approached, and seven arrests resulted.
