Author: Scott McCaffrey

A Northern Virginia native, Scott McCaffrey has four decades of reporting, editing and newsroom experience in the local area plus Florida, South Carolina and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. He spent 26 years as editor of the Sun Gazette newspaper chain. For Local News Now, he covers government and civic issues in Arlington, Fairfax County and Falls Church.

News

Giacobbe re-elected to a second term as Civic Federation president

By Scott McCaffrey
Civic Federation leaders Nicholas Giacobbe and John Ford (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

A mix of familiar faces and new names will serve in Arlington County Civic Federation leadership for 2026-27.

Federation delegates on June 9 reelected Nicholas Giacobbe (Aurora Highlands) for a second one-year term as president, and also re-elected Jean Henceroth (Leeway Overlee) as vice president.

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News

Advocates debate phase-out period for gas leaf blowers as County Board schedules vote

By Scott McCaffrey
Leaf blowing along Washington Blvd in Westover (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

County Board members have voted to consider a transition period of between 18 and 36 months to potentially phase out gas-powered leaf blowers.

On a 5-0 vote, Board members advertised a July public hearing for final action. The proposal features a potential implementation timetable that is longer than some environmental activists want but shorter than some industry leaders say is feasible.

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News

Increased traffic enforcement drove 43% uptick in Arlington DUI arrests

By Scott McCaffrey
Police Chief Andy Penn at 2026 budget work session (screenshot via Arlington County)

A 43% uptick in arrests for intoxicated driving across Arlington last year likely was due, at least in part, to increased enforcement efforts.

“Our midnight [shift] folks really focused on driving while intoxicated to make sure that we’re keeping our roads safe,” Police Chief Andy Penn told Arlington County Civic Federation delegates on June 9.

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Schools

APS graduation ceremonies celebrate achievements of 1,900 seniors

By Scott McCaffrey
Wakefield High School senior-class president Brianna GIlbert (screenshot via APS)

Members of Arlington Public Schools’ class of 2026 wrapped up their high-school lives last week with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment.

“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for what lies ahead,” said Evangeline “Evie” Price, one of Washington-Liberty High School’s seniors and a speaker at the school’s June 13 graduation ceremony.

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News

Arlington first responders honored at annual Public Safety Awards

By Scott McCaffrey
Arlington County Fire Department honorees at 2026 Public Safety Awards (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce saluted those who respond in times of crisis at the annual Public Safety Awards last week.

Personnel from the Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Fire Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Office and Arlington Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management were honored on Thursday for responses to critical incidents and overall excellence.

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News

Falls Church officials weigh order of operations for major affordable housing project

By Scott McCaffrey
Virginia Village properties on S. Maple Avenue, Shirley Street and Gibson Street (via City of Falls Church)

Which should come first for the Virginia Village redevelopment in Falls Church: Selecting a development partner, or considering zoning changes?

City leaders are facing a “chicken-and-egg”-type challenge as they tackle the major affordable housing initiative.

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News

De Ferranti touts resiliency efforts, defends tax hike in ‘State of the County’ remarks

By Scott McCaffrey
County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti at 2026 State of the County presentation (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti used his annual “State of the County” remarks to argue that Arlington is taking the right steps to address major economic challenges.

He pointed to the recent reaffirmation of Arlington’s Triple-A bond ratings as proof that “the state of Arlington remains strong.”

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Around Town

Culpepper Garden supporters double down on nonprofit’s goals after difficult year

By Scott McCaffrey
Dr. Robert Breiner was honored at Culpepper Garden event (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

Culpepper Garden boosters put a difficult year in the rearview mirror and looked to the future at the organization’s “BBQ & Blooms” summer fundraiser.

“We’re raising the bar and we’re hoping to do more” in support of residents, Culpepper Garden’s president, Marta Hill Gray, said at the June 6 event, held at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ.

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News

Local transit and housing advocate enters County Board race as independent

By Scott McCaffrey
County Board candidate David Sisson (via campaign website)

David Sisson has become the second independent to qualify for the County Board election in November.

Sisson — a member of the county’s Transit Advisory Committee and executive vice chair at the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) — joins perennial protest candidate Audrey Clement in having filed paperwork and the requisite 125 petition signatures.

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News

Arlington home sales and prices rose in strong May report

By Scott McCaffrey
Real estate for sale sign (photo illustration by ARLnow)

The Arlington real estate market saw a combination of more sales and higher average prices in May — pushing the sold dollar volume up by 21% year over year.

A total of 263 properties changed hands during the month, up 16% from 226 a year before, according to figures reported June 10 by MarketStats by ShowingTime, based on data from Bright MLS.

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News

County Board vote on Melwood site’s historic status set for next week

By Scott McCaffrey
Former Nelly Custis School in Aurora Highlands (via Arlington County)

County Board members are approaching a vote on whether to provide a historic designation at the Melwood property, where they previously approved an affordable housing project.

A final vote on the property at 750 23rd Street S., in Aurora Highlands, is likely to come at the Board’s June 17 meeting, following a required public hearing.

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News

Moped riders off-roading in Falls Church park dodge enforcement efforts

By Scott McCaffrey
Falls Church police officer at event (via City of Falls Church)

Falls Church officials say it’s time to double down on off-roading moped riders who are reportedly zooming around some of the city’s parks and sidewalks.

At the June 8 City Council meeting, Hardi pointed to concerns raised by residents about young people’s scooter use in several areas, notably Cherry Hill Park. Crackdown efforts have so far proved unsuccessful.

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