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Bonnie Hobbs

Stories by Bonnie

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‘A Great Place for the Courts and the County’ in Fairfax

Sweeping changes planned for Fairfax County Judicial Complex

The Fairfax County Judicial Complex is 48 acres of county land adjacent to downtown Fairfax City.

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‘Pretty Much Every Drug on the Street Is Counterfeit’

Fairfax County Opioid Unit detectives share cold, hard facts.

Fairfax County has a serious, undeniable, drug problem.

‘People Are Still Hurting and Struggling Financially’ in Fairfax City

City’s advertised real-estate tax rate is $1.08

In February, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer proposed a residential real-estate tax rate of $1.08 per $100 assessed valuation, as part of the City’s FY 22 budget.

‘People Will Change Their Behavior and Slow Down’ in Fairfax City

City installing photo speed cameras

Heads up, drivers in Fairfax City – photo speed cameras are headed your way.

Car Crash Kills Centreville Man

A Centreville man died following a vehicle crash, early Monday morning, March 29, at the intersection of Arlington Boulevard and Javier Road in Merrifield.

Trail Improvements at Random Hills Park

The trail in Random Hills Park will be improved, and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking public input on its design.

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‘A Reminder of Our Sense of Community’ in Fairfax City

Fairfax High School students’ murals adorn Boulevard VI construction site

Multi-use development Boulevard VI is replacing the former Paul VI High School along Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax City.

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Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center Planned

State-of-the-art building slated for E.C. Lawrence Park

The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to construct a groundbreaking and innovative new building in Chantilly’s Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

Students Shine in Art, Talent Show in Centreville

Students in the Upper School of Ad Fontes Academy in Centreville got to display their creative expertise during the school’s recent art and talent show.

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Digital Arts Students Explain their Murals in Fairfax City

Digital Arts Students Explain their Murals in Fairfax City

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Judicial Drive Trail Connection Moves Ahead in Fairfax City

Complete trail construction anticipated in spring 2023

As things stand now, people wishing to walk or bike between Hallman Street and Judicial Drive in Fairfax City are unable to do so without having to leave the existing trail and get back on elsewhere.

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‘We Want this to be a Gateway when Finished’ in Fairfax City

Fairfax City residents updated on Old Lee Highway improvement plan

“Multimodal” means the variety of ways people travel in an area, such as by car, bus, bike, scooter or on foot.

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Fairfax City Police Members Are Honored

Fairfax City Police Lt. Michael Bartholme and Dispatcher Cynthia Tetterton were honored, last Tuesday, March 2, with the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) Silver Patrick Henry Medal.

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‘He’s Devoted His Whole Life to Being a Pastor’ in Centreville

CPC members discuss Bromhead’s merits, their favorite memories.

Retiring after more than three decades as pastor of Centreville Presbyterian Church (CPC), Rob Bromhead’s final day there was last Sunday, Feb. 28.

‘Unwavering Motivation to Keep Residents, Neighborhoods Safe’ in Sully District

Viar is Sully District Station’s Officer of the Quarter.

PFC Henry Viar has been named the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2020.

‘Winter in Fairfax City’ Restaurant Blanket Campaign

The Winter in Fairfax City campaign launched Tuesday, March 2.

‘A Way for Us to Get Back on Track’ in Fairfax City

Fairfax City manager unveils proposed FY 22 budget

Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer unveiled his proposed City budget for FY 22 at last Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Fairfax City Restores Some FY 21 Budget Cuts

Concerned about a potential shortfall of nearly $18 million in its FY 21 budget, the Fairfax City Council took decisive action during its Jan. 5 quarterly budget review.

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‘I’m Excited about the Church’s Bright Future’ in Centreville

Centreville Presbyterian pastor retires after three decades there.

The Rev. Rob Bromhead has been a pastor for nearly 40 years – 31-1/2 of them at Centreville Presbyterian Church.

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‘This Gives Me the Opportunity to Follow My Dreams’

ITServe Alliance donates new laptops to Britepaths.

Valentine’s Day was Feb. 14, but a sweet treat came a few days earlier for Fairfax-based nonprofit Britepaths.

Fairfax Teen Is Killed; Death Ruled a Homicide

Fairfax County police are investigating last week’s murder of a local teen.

New Series Highlighting Fairfax City Businesses

Fairfax City’s Economic Development Office last week launched a photo and interview series, “Faces of Fairfax City,” to spotlight the City’s business community.

Construction Begins Soon on Route 28 Widening

Fairfax County’s Department of Transportation will soon begin construction to widen Route 28 in Centreville.

‘Tireless Devotion to Traffic Safety and the Community’ in Sully District

Whisenhunt is Sully District Station’s Officer of the Year.

Police Officer First Class (PFC) Richard “Rick” Whisenhunt has been selected as the Sully District Police Station’s 2020 Officer of the Year.

More Performance Dates for City of Fairfax Theatre Co.’s Magic Show, ‘Spellbound’

Due to popular demand, the City of Fairfax Theatre Co. (CFTC) has added extra performance dates to its production of “Spellbound,” magician Lars Klores’s one-man show celebrating the art of magic.

Is it ‘A Solution Looking for a Problem’ in Fairfax City?

City enacts new firearms ordinance

Virginia recently adopted legislation allowing localities to enact ordinances prohibiting firearms and ammunition in and on certain public properties or at permitted public events.

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Fairfax Academy Students to Hear from the Pros

The Fairfax Academy’s 3rd annual Career Experience Expo is next Monday, Feb. 22.

A Landmark Achievement in Sully District Scouting

First female Eagle Scouts in the Sully District

Four local teens have completed all the requirements to become Eagle Scouts.

‘This Is an Opportunity for Connections’ in Fairfax City

Council extends City’s e-scooter pilot program

Fairfax City has extended its pilot program for e-scooters in the City through the end of this year.

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Fairfax Mayor, Council Discuss Capital Projects

City Police Station, Property Yard both need improvements

Besides working on the upcoming FY 22 budget, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer and his staff have also been preparing the City’s draft FY 22-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

‘The Victims Don’t Choose that Lifestyle’

Local police detectives discuss human trafficking

When it comes to human trafficking, no part of the U.S. is immune to it – even Fairfax County.

GMU Homecoming and Valentine’s Day Fun

To support George Mason University’s annual Brave and Bold Homecoming celebration, Fairfax City is again partnering with GMU to showcase its Patriot Pride with the program “Patriots in the City.”

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Fairfax City Charges into the New Year

Electric-vehicle charging stations are now available.

As more and more automakers transition to electric vehicles – and their popularity rises with consumers – the City of Fairfax is joining the charge.

Fairfax City Manager: ‘We’re Slightly, Cautiously Optimistic’

Stalzer gives quarterly review of FY 21 budget.

In just a few weeks, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer will present his proposed FY 22 budget.

‘A Much-Needed Project’ to Relieve Traffic in Centreville

Plans for Route 28 widening are moving along.

Eventually, the pandemic will subside, and rush-hour traffic – with all its headaches and frustration – will resume on Route 28 in Centreville.

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‘The County’s in Dire Need of these Kinds of Facilities’

Affordable senior apartments proposed for Centreville

There’s good news on the horizon for local senior citizens looking for affordable housing.

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‘Small-Batch Roasts with Consistent Flavor’ in Fairfax City

Foundation Coffee Roasters finds success.

Foundation Coffee Roasters may not be the easiest place to find, but customers say it’s definitely worth the effort.

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Providing Hope to Neighbors Facing Eviction, Homelessness

Centreville Presbyterian Church raises rent-relief funds for WFCM.

It’s tough being poor – and it’s even worse if you’re cold and homeless.

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Sunrise Senior Living Proposes Fairfax Facility

City Council hears plans for 90 assisted-living units

Sunrise Senior Living is considering building a facility in the City of Fairfax, and the Fairfax City Council heard about the proposal during a pre-application discussion, last Monday, Jan. 5.

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‘Reality-Bending Acts of Magic and Mindreading’

City of Fairfax Theatre Co. presents ‘Spellbound’

​The City of Fairfax Theatre Co. (CFTC) is kicking off its 2021 season with a magical production called “Spellbound.”

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Bates Is Named Sully District’s Officer of the Quarter

His “Experience, dedication and hard work” paid off on patrol.

MPO Scott Bates has been named the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2020.

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‘Using 21st-Century Technology on a 19th-Century House’ in Fairfax City

Uncovering Civil War graffiti at Fairfax’s Historic Blenheim

At Fairfax City’s Historic Blenheim, technology is meeting history, and Mike Toth is the modern-day archaeologist making it happen.

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‘No Accountability, No Guts, No Leadership’ in Centreville

Residents decry Fairfax County’s lack of action on Route 28 Bypass project.

Imagine your neighbor decided to build a second garage and use your side yard for its driveway.

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Fairfax City Homes All Decked Out for Christmas

Colorful lights and whimsical inflatables fill Fairfax City’s Mosby Woods neighborhood with holiday cheer.

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Snowflake Trail Fun by Cub Run RECenter

The Fairfax County Park Authority is offering a free scavenger hunt with video clues in the Cub Run Stream Valley.

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Reflecting on 2020, Looking to the Future in Centreville

Centreville Immigration Forum still has more work to do.

Despite the pandemic, the nonprofit Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) and its Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) are pressing on, as best they can.

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‘The Audience Will Go on the Journey with Us’

Fairfax Ballet Company presents reimagined ‘Nutcracker’

The Fairfax Ballet Co. (FBC) presents an all-new holiday experience with its virtual performance, “Nutcracker: Dancing in the City.”

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Fairfax Pyramid Performs Virtual Winter Concert

The Fairfax Pyramid choral singers performed their virtual winter concert Dec. 10.

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‘We’re Better Off Because He Protected Our Country’

Fairfax City honors WWII vet with 100th-birthday parade

As the Knights of Columbus marched past his Fairfax City home last week, Marine Corps and WWII veteran Jim “Horse” Smith raised his arm and saluted.

Lt. Laitinen Gives Sully Police Station Update

Warns residents to lock their cars to prevent thefts

At the Dec. 2 meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), Lt. Josh Laitinen, the assistant station commander, gave local residents an update on crimes in the community.