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Virginia Del. Marcus Simon celebrated the decisive “Yes” vote in the April 21 redistricting referendum, calling the result a victory for responsive government and federal checks and balances.
In an April 27 constituent newsletter, the 13th District delegate said the outcome could encourage national reforms banning gerrymandering in federal elections across every state. Simon argued that Virginia’s vote has already prompted some Republicans to reconsider the issue.
Opponents had warned that the referendum could allow state lawmakers to redraw U.S. House districts for political advantage ahead of the November election. Supporters presented it as a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts elsewhere, including Texas.
Falls Church confronts its ties to slavery
The City of Falls Church released the fourth installment of its “Reflections at 250” video series on April 23, examining The Falls Church Episcopal’s historic connections to slavery.
“Confronting Enslavement at The Falls Church” features the Rev. Burl Salmon, Racial Justice Ministry member Amy Marshak, and museum curator and historian Kim Robinson. The video details research drawn from tax documents, probate evidence and other scattered records.
Researchers found that every colonial vestryman examined—including George Washington and George Mason—was a major enslaver. They also determined that the parish’s rectors from its founding in 1732 through 1865 held significant numbers of enslaved people.
Salmon said enslaved labor supported the tobacco economy that financed the parish and contributed to construction of the church building, which began in 1767 and was completed in 1769. Researchers are now beginning to identify by name people enslaved by the congregation’s rectors and vestry members.
The episode also considers the broader Episcopal Church’s role in providing religious support for slavery and the Confederate cause. Participants argue that institutions must fully disclose painful history and translate acknowledgment into meaningful action.
Falls Church Community Television began the monthly series in January with a video about local democracy. Later installments highlighted women in historic preservation and the city’s continuing civil rights legacy.
Residents invited to shape policing review
Falls Church residents will have two opportunities in May to comment on police services, staffing priorities and possible service gaps.
The meetings are scheduled for Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 16, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Both will take place at City Hall, 300 Park Ave., and are open to everyone.
Matrix Consulting Group will facilitate the sessions as part of an independent Organizational Review Study examining the Police Department’s current and future workload and staffing requirements. Participants can offer views on police visibility, responsiveness and unmet community needs.
Police Chief Shahram Fard said combining public feedback with data analysis would help produce an evidence-based operational plan reflecting community expectations.
People who cannot attend may submit comments to police@fallschurchva.gov through Sunday, May 17. The study is expected to be completed during the summer and will inform future department initiatives and budget planning.
Virginia Dream FC explodes for nine goals
Virginia Dream FC remained perfect three games into the 2026 spring UPSL season after overpowering North Stars FC, 9-1, on a chilly Sunday night.
Ahmed El-Manialawy opened the scoring in the seventh minute and added another goal near the end of the first half. Jonathan Kanagwa scored in the 31st minute, sending the Falls Church club into halftime with a 3-0 advantage.
Diarra Zoumana and Mike Akinkoye also recorded two goals apiece, while Ahmed Mohamed and Bernardo Majano each scored once.
The Dream will visit Los Toros on Sunday, May 3. Its next home match is scheduled for 8 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at “The Cloud,” Meridian High School Stadium.
Founded in 2022, Virginia Dream FC is a Falls Church-based semiprofessional club that covers player costs to reduce financial barriers. Its achievements include defeating the professional Richmond Kickers in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, winning the 2024 NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference and collecting multiple UPSL, VSSL and Washington Premier League titles.