Fairfax to Review Flock License Reader Program

A Fairfax County committee will review the county’s license plate reader program on Tuesday amid ongoing community concerns over privacy, data security, and information sharing. 

The Fairfax County Police Department has used automated license plate readers for years, incorporating Flock technology in 2022, and credits the systems with helping solve crimes. The department currently operates 84 Flock cameras and 714 Axon vehicle-mounted systems, alongside more than 120 privately owned cameras.

Police highlight significant successes with the technology, including the arrest of armed robbery suspects, the recovery of stolen goods from organized retail theft, and the retrieval of 573 stolen vehicles and 67 guns. The systems have also helped locate 60 missing people and contributed to 161 narcotics cases.

Leaf Collection Season is Here (So Is #LeaveTheLeaves)

From late October through early January, crews will pick up leaves throughout the Little City. Leaves are later composted into leaf mulch. Residents are asked to rake leaves to the curb and not to place them in the street, and to avoid piling leaves near storm drains and water meter covers. A reminder that this collection is only for leaves; no stones, litter, branches, yard waste, or other debris (they can damage the machines). 

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option that doesn’t involve a leaf blower, #LeaveTheLeaves encourages you to let leaves decompose naturally in garden beds and wooded areas. You can set your mower to mulch mode if you want to avoid raking. 

Whichever option you choose, please don’t park your car on a leaf pile, this can be a fire hazard. Learn more about the collection service and #LeaveTheLeaves at: fallschurchva.gov/leafcollection.

FC Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer October 27

This month’s networking mixer will be held at Murphys Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at 1102 W. Broad Street. Costumes are highly encouraged, guests and prospective members are welcome. We’re refraining from deploying a host of clever Halloween puns included in the official announcement for this event but you can read them for yourself (it’s worth it!) at: fallschurchchamber.org. Each networking evening is hosted by a different Chamber member on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 

FC City Council Offers New Evening Office Hours Beginning October 28

The Falls Church City Council is now offering evening office hours on the last Wednesday of the month. This month’s Office Hours will be held on Oct. 28th from 6:30-8 p.m. with Vice Mayor Laura Downs and City Council Member Marybeth Connelly at GrillMarX, 510 S Washington Street.  Ms. Downs and Ms. Connelly will be present to answer questions and listen to feedback from community members. As this will not be a private setting, members of the community are also welcome to contact the City Council individually. Contact information can be located on the Council’s web page at: fallschurchva.gov/384/City-Council

Grand Reopening of the Hilton Garden Inn on October 28

The Grand Reopening Celebration of the Hilton Garden Inn Falls Church will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 – 7 p.m. at 706 West Broad Street. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. with attendance by City Council and elected officials expected. Learn more about the amenities and services of the hotel, and celebrate with local business leaders, community members, and Falls Church Chamber of Commerce partners. Learn more at: fallschurchchamber.org.

Falls Church Hosts Public Works Hiring Fair on October 29

The City of Falls Church Department of Public Works (DPW) is hosting a job fair on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Property Yard, 217 Gordon Rd. Prospective job applicants will have the chance to meet DPW employees and hiring managers, learn about career opportunities, and see the equipment used in these jobs. Assistance will also be available to apply for jobs. Check their website for more information and a schedule that’s to be posted soon: fallschurchva.gov/m/calendar/event/detail/14826.