Report of Funnel Cloud Over Downtown F.C.
CNN-TV News reported at 3:35 p.m. EDT yesterday that a tornado funnel cloud had been identified by the National Weather Service directly above the intersection of Annandale Road and S. Washington St. (Rt. 29) in downtown Falls Church. CNN used “Google Earth” to pin-point the spot for viewers. An eyewitness at the scene said there were high winds, but no “rumble” sound usually associated with tornados. Power was lost to a number of establishments in the surrounding blocks.
Obama Rally Today at Nissan Pavilion
The importance of Virginia as a “swing state” in the November presidential election is apparently not lost on Sen. Barack Obama. The day after announcing he’d secured enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination this week, Obama announced two appearances in Virginia set for today, Thursday, June 6, one this morning in Southwest Virginia, and the other at 6 p.m. tonight at the Nissan Pavillion in Bristow, Northern Virginia’s premiere outdoor entertainment venue. Doors for today’s event at Nissan open at 3 p.m., and entry is on a first come, first served basis.
Kaine Hails Warner’s Lead in Climate Security Act
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine issued a statement yesterday hailing Virginia Sen. John Warner’s role as a lead sponsor of the Climate Security Act under consideration by the U.S. Senate this week. The bi-partisan legislation sponsored by Warner, Sen. Joe Lieberman and Sen. Barbara Boxer uses a market-based approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “It is a strong bill that will, over time and with complementary state and local actions, achieve the level of reductions that scientists say are needed to prevent the worst consequences of global warming,” Kaine said in his statement.
Foster Begins Tenure as City of F.C. Attorney
John E. Foster began his duties as the new City Attorney for the City of Falls Church this Monday, after being appointed to the position by the City Council last month. Foster replaces Roy Thorpe, who retired after serving as the City Attorney for the last decade. Foster becomes the legal advisor to the City Council, School Board, City Manager, City departments, and boards and commissions. His duties will also include drafting ordinances and reviewing proposed ordinances and contracts under consideration. Foster comes to Falls Church after serving as Assistant County Attorney with Fairfax County for more than eight years. According to a City release, “He has extensive first-chair civil trial experience in state and federal courts.” Foster holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia Law School.
F.C. Dems Host J-J Dinner Sunday
The Falls Church City Democratic Committee’s annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner will be held this Sunday, June 8, at the F.C. Community Center, 223 Little Falls St. A reception begins at 5 p.m., and the potluck dinner begins at 6 p.m. The speaker will be Rep. James Moran.
Fairfax PTA Council OKs Later Start Times
The Fairfax County Council of PTAs has approved a resolution supporting later high school start times and a new bell schedule, as recommended recently by the Fairfax County Public Schools’ Transportation Task Force. The recommendation is for start times between 8:35 a.m. and 8:55 a.m., ending 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Schools now typically start at 7:20 a.m., with bus pickups of high school students starting at 5:30 a.m. Elementary school times would remain the same, between 7:50 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and middle school times between 9:20 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. The task force took into account that the start times need to be staggered for three bus runs in the mornings and afternoons in the interest of efficiency and cost-savings.
