Falls Church's Monument to White Developers at Tinner Hill

The City of Falls Church has a long record of whitewashing its history when it comes to race relations.  The City prides itself on its schools, and it downplays that the main reason behind its modern founding in 1948 was to better "control" its school system, meaning racial segregation.

Many years later, the City got on the PC train and belatedly recognized the long struggle the NAACP had fought in the area.  The City found a few feet at the grubby corner of a car dealership to put up a monument at Tinner Hill.  

Tinner Hill Monument at the former Saab dealership (Credit:  City of Falls Church)

Egged on by Falls Church Chamber of Commerce shill Nicholas Benton and his Falls Church News-Press, the City has continued nonetheless to "gentrify" and push out nonwhite undesirables, stomping even on the City's own so-called monument to Tinner Hill.  Benton claims to be color blind to this and says it's all about keeping taxes low.

It's just coincidence that the new Reserve at Tinner Hill multi-story mixed use development is in the same downtrodden part of town that City has been neglecting -- until white developers stand to profit.  

As you can see below, the Tinner Hill Monument is but a speck compared to the real monument here.  

Can't see it, right?

Look closer.  It's in that tiny wood crate.

As usual, when something seedy is going on in City politics, Councilor Phil Duncan is pretty close by.  Here's his take on the situation:

Notice how Duncan even doesn't even try to code what a "discerning" shopper is:  it's rich white people.  Behold, the new monument at Tinner Hill.

Phil Duncan Finally Appears in Public after Gardner Molestation Controversy

Falls Church City Council member Phil Duncan reappeared in public recently after a long hiatus.  He had been laying slow since the controversy stirred by his strong support of and advocacy for convicted serial child molester Michael Gardner during 2013-15.  

Duncan has been relying on Gardner pal Nicholas Benton, the "Owner-Editor" of the Falls Church News-Press, who has unabashedly vowed to "rehabilitate" Duncan.  Benton featured him prominently in the December 31, 2015 issue of his paper, as if to imply that Duncan is no longer a social and political pariah.  He is, however, so radioactive that no other politician would get near him, and he's in fact pictured with an Arlingtonian.  

Duncan took no chances in his first outing.  He appeared at the friendly crowd of Friends of Nick and Michael at the FCNP's annual holiday party (catered by longtime advertiser Ledo's Pizza).  

Duncan (left) chats with News-Press Contributor Charlie Clark.  (Credit:  FCNP)

If Duncan wants to retain his seat, he'll have to do more than go to Benton's family gatherings or stay home and stroke his kittens.  He'll need to speak to real voters, many of whom still have "We Support the Girls" signs in their yards.  Yes, they're aimed at Duncan and Benton's other BFFs.

Falls Church's Disgraceful Welcome Mat, Part 1

Behold, the main entry to the City from the south.  As you can see, Fairfax County has graciously provided new concrete up to the City line.  From there, as you enter Falls Church you get to trudge through mud, muck, and vegetation overgrowth.

The concrete belongs to Fairfax County.  The City of Falls Church begins at the dirt trail.  

And a warm welcome it is!

This is, by the way, the poorest part of the city. Houses are for sale in the $300,000s, according to Zillow.com, which makes them, by definition, teardowns.  Falls Church is, after all, this country's second-wealthiest county-size demographic area.  But the small neighborhood surrounding this sign is poor and underserved.  In practice, this means that the folks who live in these surrounding blocks are more likely to need a sidewalk, rather than the rich white folks who drive by in their luxury cars.

The neighborhood City Hall would prefer to forget.

The City can do better than this.  Growing the City isn't all about building monuments to developers.

Fairfax Times Aiding Anti-Abortion Protestors' False Narrative

The 22 December 2015 edition of the Fairfax Times picked up a non-story fed by anti-abortion protestors, which purports to portray Falls Church Police as anti-constitutional Nazis.

The original non-story took the form of an indignant press release to a biased media outlet that hopes its inflammatory postings will get picked up by more reputable media and eventually make the way to places such as Fox News.  The original posting is here at "Christian News Wire."

What's lost in all of this -- which is exactly the intent of the anti-abortionistas -- are the following facts:

• Women have a right to legal medical procedures in this Commonwealth.  Screaming "Christian" music -- or any other high-volume racket -- at them in violation of noise ordinances is illegal.  Period.
  
• This is not a case of religious freedom, and the officer was clear about that, and it's recorded in video.  The lawbreakers gloss over the fact that the officer was polite and went above and beyond by holding out the ordinance for inspection.  In fact, the exact ordinance was highlighted for them.  (When was the last time you ever demanded a cop show you the legal code on the spot?  These people did, and they got shamed for it.)
  
• Residents of Falls Church -- regardless of whether they have business at that clinic or not -- have a right to walk on that public sidewalk unmolested by noisy lawbreakers.  

The video bears out that the Police did well in this instance.

Kudos to the Falls Church Police for doing their jobs with professionalism and dignity in the face of the ugliness and disrespect of the so-called "Christians."

 

Benton Moves to Protect Tom Clinton, Rehabilitate Phil Duncan

After Phil Duncan won re-election -- barely -- to the Falls Church City Council, Nick Benton moved quickly just a week later to print a favorable fluff piece on him and Democratic Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton.  Both officials, along with Benton, are friends of convicted serial child molester Michael Gardner and are unrepentant in using their elective offices to bully the judicial branch into granting Gardner leniency in sentencing.

Clinton and Duncan are portrayed in the article as ostensibly doing a good deed in cleaning up political signage, but as the article points out, many candidates like to pick up their own signs and save roughly $8 a pop when they run for re-election.  You can see below that Clinton is preventing several candidates, among them -- just by coincidence, we are sure -- Duncan's political enemies, from realizing that savings. 

Next week in the News-Press:  Phil Duncan adopts a kitty from a shelter for abused animals.  "It's the right thing to do," says Duncan. 

Photo credit:  Falls Church News-Press

Falls Church Council Member Phil Duncan Ousted at Polls; Tom Clinton Next

Voters soundly tossed out Falls Church Council Member Phil Duncan in the City election on Tuesday, November 3rd. Many cited his unapologetic stance in support of convicted child molester Michael Gardner.

Phil Duncan was further done in by his smarmy interview with WUSA, in which he tried to hide behind his cat.  One critic said, "it was if he thought the kitty would humanize him.  Ugh."  Exit polling showed many voters held the sentiment that he "didn't get it."  Numerous citizens with "We Support the Girls" signs in their yards said he was tone deaf when it came to the issue of abuse of women and girls. 

Some 63 percent said that Duncan should have withdrawn from the race. A resounding 87 percent say he should resign immediately. Duncan says he has "technically committed no crime."

City activists have now trained their sights on Falls Church Commissioner of the Revenue Thomas Clinton (D). In that same interview on WUSA, Clinton ducked legitimate questions about his judgment and stonewalled on whether it was proper to use his status as an elected official to sway the judicial branch's sentencing of Democratic insider Michael Gardner.

Citizens are overwhelmingly calling for Tom Clinton's resignation too. Clinton has maintained his characteristic silence, relying on Democratic pal and mouthpiece Nicholas F. Benton to slant the news in his favor in the City's only "newspaper of record."

Nicholas Benton's Letter Supporting Child Molester Michael Gardner

Falls Church News-Press "Owner-Editor" Nicholas F. Benton wrote the following letter below (as reported by the Falls Church Post) in support of convicted child molester Michael Gardner. 

The full set of letters is a Who's Who of Falls Church Democratic elite, and this one is no exception.  Benton's coverage of the sad case of Michael Gardner was slanted from the start, with a slew of allegations that the charges should never have been filed.  

Gardner has confessed to the original crimes, and since this letter was written, he has confessed to even more sexual crimes against children.  

Tom Clinton's Letter Supporting Child Molester Michael Gardner

Falls Church City Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton (D.) wrote the letter below (as reported by the Falls Church Post) in support of convicted child molester Michael Gardner.  

It's worrisome whenever an elected official tries to use the weight of his office to sway the judicial branch.  Mr. Clinton makes a point of doing so in the first sentence.  

On the upside, he doesn't try to claim that Gardner was incapable of the crimes (cough, cough, as did Phil Duncan).  So on that count, at least Mr. Clinton is on the right side of history.

The Gardners (Mike and his wife) and Clinton are all unabashedly part of the Falls Church Democratic Party elite.  They circled the wagons and fought to the end.  Their trust was misplaced.  

Now voters need to decide whether their trust in Mr. Clinton is warranted.

Phil Duncan's Letter Supporting Child Molester Michael Gardner

Falls Church City Council Member Phil Duncan wrote the letter below (as reported by the Falls Church Post) in support of convicted child molester Michael Gardner.  

As Mr. Duncan says, he never saw "anything" that could "hint at the possibility that [Gardner] could be capable of the offense for which he was convicted."  

Michael Gardner freely confessed to those crimes -- and others against more children -- later, making clear that Mr. Duncan's judgment was misplaced.

Mr. Duncan is running again for City Council.  Good judgment will certainly be on the minds of many voters as they select among the candidates.

Falls Church's United Methodist Church and Rent-a-Car

Christ Crossman United Methodist Church, at Washington and Columbia Streets, has found a continuing stream of revenue from its largely unused parking lot.  Previously, it rented out space on the Q.T. to the construction company building the nearby apartments.

Now it's using its ample tax-exempt parking lot as a full-scale satellite facility for the Hertz rental car location down the street.

This is a questionable linkage that deprives Falls Church City taxpayers of a generous stream of revenue.  There is also a notable lack of comment about the financial arrangement on the Church's website.

To get your car, turn left at the church.

Christ Crossman Church and Rental Agency

Longtime residents will recall that this brings to mind Rosslyn's Our Blessed Lady of Exxon, at yet another United Methodist Church.  But that deal was so blatant that it must have been approved by The Powers That Be.  This one in the back lot of a church raises a lot of questions.  There are three parking lots closer to the Hertz office than Christ Crossman, so clearly someone's getting a good financial deal -- and it's not the taxpayers.

  

Photo credit:  Washington Post

The Garages of Falls Church

Falls Church City used to have nice, moderate-sized houses on nice, moderate sized lots.  Developers are now tearing down those houses and putting up long, narrow garages that people live above.  This one, below, has charming faux stonework.  There is actually a tiny pedestrian door to the right, by the two mini shrubs.  The most prominent feature of this house, though, is the vinyl garage door with faux walnut stain.  

There goes the neighborhood!

And the house's twin is going up next door.  Looks like it will have the much-coveted "jutting out double-length garage with tiny study on top."  I'm sure it'll be snapped up soon.  

Falls Church Taco Bell -- Crime and Trash

Long time residents recall the great controversy surrounding the arrival of Taco Bell in Falls Church.  All the old folks were worried about crime and trash.  Taco Bell management promised a "trash squad" that would regularly patrol the area.  

A decade later, the old folks turned out to be right.  There was the attempted homicide in the Taco Bell parking lot that was -- and continues to be -- the City's most violent incident in living memory.  

Now, with the restaurant's cosmetic makeover (they added a "handle" to the roof), Taco Bell has removed all trash cans outside, inviting patrons to throw their trash anywhere they like.  Many patrons dump their trash on City streets.  

So much for being a partner with the Falls Church Community, Taco Bell.  

Unsuspecting Patron Enters Taco Bell

Now!  New and Improved!  With Handle!

"I'd like Meal Number 4, Hot Bullets Doritos Locos"

Two-alarm Incident at the Pancake House

Two Falls Church City Police cars -- outside of City limits -- on a recent Saturday morning.  I'm sure they were on their own time, but it still doesn't look good.

Lazy Saturday in Fairfax County

Falls Church City Comment Box: #522. (Oldie.) Partier Loses Camera

Submission ID: 522 Date Submitted: 1/1/2013 2:24:08 PM Status: Closed (2/1/2013 3:27:53 PM) Location (if any): Details: Happy new year! During Watch Night, I lost a camera case and battery somewhere along Broad Street or in the parking lot behind Hunan Cafe. Does the City or the Police Department collect items found at the event and offer a way for people to refind these items?

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 2/1/2013 3:27:48 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. Sometimes items are turned in to the Police Department but unfortunately a camera has not been turned in. Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #521 (Oldie). (In)Action on Predatory Towing

Submission ID: 521 Date Submitted: 1/1/2013 12:15:38 AM Status: Closed (2/1/2013 3:35:29 PM) Location (if any): Falls Church City Details: My car was towed and I noticed that the towing company went into my car to retrieve my parking pass. I (registered owner) nor anyone else was present - is this even legal? Thank you

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/27/2013 8:28:24 AM Update Type: User Feedback Details: Hello was there an update on this request or further information regarding the legality of them entering my vehicle? Please advise. Date of Update: 1/7/2013 6:17:45 PM Update Type: User Feedback Details: Hi, I was located at 513 West Broad Street. The towing company's name was Pete's Towing. I used a building/management issued parking permit and placed it on my dash. When I went to retrieve my car from the towyard, the parking permit had been removed (which means they entered my car). I am not debating the towing of my car, but I am concerned that they entered my car. Thank you for any information you can provide. Date of Update: 1/2/2013 12:15:06 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. Would you please provide the location of your vehicle when towed and the towing company?

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Leave a comment for Falls Church City Hall here.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #520 (Oldie). No Feedback For You!

Submission ID: 520 Date Submitted: 12/31/2012 10:51:15 AM Status: Closed (1/2/2013 12:10:50 PM) Location (if any): Details: I appreciate the ability to provide comments and feedback via the CLASS system. I would like to get greater feedback from the system. For instance, to be able to login and see all the cases I've submitted along with their resolution. I often get feedback via emali that my submission was forwarded to the appropriate party but I rarely get any more feedback on it unless I try to find the receipt email with the tracking number and login to see what has happened.

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/2/2013 12:10:45 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately with staff limitations, feedback won't necessarily be provided for all submissions.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Falls Church City Comment Box: #516 (Oldie). In the dark.

Submission ID: 516 Date Submitted: 12/11/2012 7:53:41 PM Status: Closed (12/12/2012 9:32:47 AM) Location (if any): Cavalier Trail Park Tennis Court Details: My wife and I walked to Cavalier Trail Park this evening at 7:00pm to play tennis and the lights were off on the courts. The lights on the basketball court were on. We typically don't get home from work until six. Please ensure the tennis lights are on later. Thanks, James

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 12/12/2012 9:32:39 AM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. The lights at the Cavalier Park tennis and basketball courts are controlled individually. The on and off control for the tennis court lights is on the post by the gate where you enter the courts. If there is someone waiting to play tennis after you, do not turn the lights off as it will take 25 minutes for the lights to come back on. If someone does not turn off the lights, they will stay on until 10:15 p.m.

Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.

Hubcap Street Art Demolished in Arlington / East Falls Church

Hope you caught the display we reported in March.  The I-66 widening project has since wiped it out.   

Back then:

Washington Boulevard (at 27th St., N.)

Now:

The reticent artist, who goes by the single name, Flaco, told us, "Art is, by its very nature, fleeting and ephemeral, like life.  They are as one."

Falls Church Utility Pole Beautification Project

Residents of Dorchester Road, with the cooperation of the Public Works Department, have been making that street a miniature Avenue of the Americas.

All 50 state flags are available, as are all four branches of the US armed services.  If you want just a simple US flag, that is also allowable, but the neighbors look down on that as being "insufficient flair."

Risking the neighbors' wrath with just one flag.

This resident doubles up on American flags.  One on the porch; one on the pole.  Just to be safe.

"Welcome to Dorchester Rd., where our utility poles are the most patriotic in the metro area."

Contact the Falls Church Public Works Department here to get your flag(s).

Falls Church City Comment Box: #519 (Oldie). Kudos

Submission ID: 519 Date Submitted: 12/31/2012 10:45:31 AM Status: Closed (1/2/2013 12:11:44 PM) Location (if any): Details: I really appreciate the notices from alert_DQ@alert.fallschurchva.gov about the water line break this weekend. The email notices were timely and extremely helpful. Keep them coming!

Submission Updates

Date of Update: 1/2/2013 12:11:39 PM Update Type: Message from CFC Details: Thank you for your submission. I have forwarded the comment on to our Communications Department since they issue the alerts. Note:  This is a freely obtainable matter of public record.