News - Page 754 of 1916 - Potomac Local News

Stafford schools urged by legal counsel not to pass transgender protections

Published January 16, 2020 at 6:02PM

Stafford School Board in September 2019.

Newly unsealed documents show the Stafford County School Board’s legal counsel advised against passing protections for transgender students.

It did it anyway, after more than 400 people filled the Board Chambers and, after six hours of public testimony at a Sept. 10, 2019 meeting. The most polarizing additions to the school division’s existing policy that came with the decision now provided protections for “sexual orientation” of students, staff, and faculty, and addressed “gender identity” in the updated policy.

City signal light ‘beyond repair,’ alternatives considered

By Potomac Local News

Published January 16, 2020 at 11:49AM | Updated January 16, 2020 at 3:05PM

Traffic signal set to flashing red at the intersection of George and Prince Edward Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. [Submitted]

Fredericksburg press release | The signal cable and equipment at Prince Edward and George streets near Hurkamp Park are beyond repair.

Our Public Works crew has set the signal to flashing red on both the Prince Edward Street and the George Street approaches and has added temporary stop signs to the intersection. The City is working with Kimley-Horn consultants to study whether the signalized intersection is warranted or if it can be decommissioned and another method of traffic control be implemented.

‘The Alpine Chef’ dishes on changing the name of his authentic German restaurant in Fredericksburg

By Rick Horner

Published January 16, 2020 at 8:00AM

Alpine Chef in Fredericksburg

Figuratively speaking, Jannec Hornig has German cuisine in his blood.

Originally from Berlin, Jannec traveled throughout Europe and learned how to be a chef. His wanderings eventually brought him to Virginia where he built a life for himself and met his wife, Katherine.

Manassas eagles documentary wins film fest grand prize

By Potomac Local News

Published January 16, 2020 at 7:50AM | Updated January 16, 2020 at 11:37AM

Press release | The nature documentary “Who’s Protecting Our National Bird?” has been awarded the grand prize for the Virginia film contest of the RVA Environmental Film Festival in Richmond.

“I am humbled and honored to have received the award of the grand prize for our documentary on the plight of bald eagles nationwide. Though they have returned in numbers, bald eagles are increasingly challenged by habitat loss as developers encroach upon their large territories. When I saw what was happening to our only eagle pair in Manassas, Virginia, I knew I had to document and investigate it. This film is a first-hand account of citizens taking on local, state, and federal agencies that are failing to protect the environment for these wonderful, majestic creatures,” said film producer Victor Rook.

City residents respond: ‘Manassas Park without a library is a very shortsighted decision’

By Olivia Aveni Briscoe

Published January 15, 2020 at 11:43PM | Updated March 31, 2020 at 2:13PM

Central Library on Mathis Avenue in Manassas.

As Manassas Park considers getting out, its residents are urging it to stay in.

City residents were asked to weigh in on the Prince William Public Library System, of which the city is a member, recently courtesy of a survey from the Manassas Park Community Center.

Virginia General Assembly ratifies ERA: ‘The end is in sight’

By Potomac Local News

Published January 15, 2020 at 6:30PM | Updated January 15, 2020 at 11:11PM

Caroll Foy

Resolutions to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment swiftly passed the General Assembly Wednesday. The House version passed 59-41 and the Senate bill cleared with a 28-12 vote. The next step will be for each resolution to pass the other chamber, sometime in February.

“As the House sponsor of the bill, it is an honor to lead the effort in this historic moment for women,” said Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, in a released statement. “This vote demonstrates how greater female representation in government can significantly improve the lives of women across the country. We are here and will be heard.”

Stafford school officials feared lawsuits sparked by transgender policy, unsealed docs show

By Susie Webb

Published January 15, 2020 at 6:02PM | Updated January 16, 2020 at 11:52AM

In a 4-3 vote, the Stafford School Board voted to waive their attorney-client privilege and make the attorney’s opinion on the on its hotly debated transgender non-discrimination policy open to the public.

Until now, that opinion has been sealed from public view.

‘Cinderella’ by Virginia National Ballet coming to the Hylton

By Potomac Local News

Published January 15, 2020 at 10:12AM

Press release | See the magic when the clock strikes midnight in this brand-new production of Cinderella by Virginia National Ballet on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 2 pm and 6:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.

VNB, led by the award-winning Artistic Director and Choreographer Rafik Hegab, is known for presenting full-length story ballets such as Aladdin, Snow White, The Nutcracker, La Boheme, and Aida, as well as unique contemporary ballets such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Life in the Fast Lane, Carmina Burana, Carmen, and more.

Fredericksburg Area Food Bank to layout 2020 vision at 2 public meetings

By Potomac Local News

Published January 15, 2020 at 9:55AM | Updated January 15, 2020 at 10:13AM

Roland

From Fredericksburg Area Food Bank General Manager Chris Roland | As we turn the page on the calendar and enter a new year (a new decade!), it’s normal to reflect a little. 2019 saw some interesting things for the natural-foods grocery world. There was the continued revolution (or, maybe de-evolution) of Whole Foods by Amazon, and the plant-based meat explosion, but maybe none as powerful as the “zero-waste” movement’s growth throughout the grocery store.

In 2019, towns across the country enacted taxes on bags, berry producers developed plastic-free strawberry containers, and in New York someone even opened a completely package-free store. So, how “green” should our store be? Well, the cool thing is that we get to decide for ourselves because it’s our store.

Northam to ban guns from Capitol grounds ahead of planned rally

By Potomac Local News

Published January 15, 2020 at 9:46AM

Northam

Fearing a repeat of the deadly violence that engulfed Charlottesville more than two years ago, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam plans to declare a temporary emergency Wednesday banning all weapons, including guns, from Capitol Square ahead of a massive rally planned next week over gun rights.