Manassas detectives arrested a suspect following a 48-hour investigation into a recent abduction and robbery incident of a girl waiting for a school bus.
Jesus Enrique Ramirez Cabrera, 23, of Manassas, was taken into custody on the evening of September 6 and is being held without bond at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center.
Cabrera is charged with felony abduction, robbery, impersonation of law enforcement, and petit and larceny. A search warrant was also executed at home in the 10000 block of Makelys Way in Manassas.
Police said they do not believe any other suspects are involved, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Cabrera is locked up at the Prince William County Jail and is scheduled to make his first appearance before a judge on Monday.
On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at 8:39 a.m., Manassas City Police responded to a call from a girl at the intersection of Quarry Road and Zebedee Street in Manassas. She told police a man forced her into a red Jeep SUV while walking to school in the 9400 block of Clover Hill Road in Manassas. The girl was able to escape her adductor and call the police.
The police have not released a mugshot of the suspect.
Happy Friday, Manassas!
Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Sept. 9 regular meeting. This is the first meeting of City Council since July, so there is a lot to cover. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center Street following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the renovated space.
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Important links
Key agenda items
Public hearing on EV charging station rates
The city will be holding a public comment period on rates to use city-issued electric vehicle charging stations.
According to the agenda packet, the city currently annually incurs approximately $18,000 in electrical expenses and $4,000 in software costs across five stations, as well as about $4,000 in equipment repair costs.
Staff is recommending City Council adopt a rate of $2 per hour for charging with a $2.50 per hour fee for idle parking following a 30-minute grade period.
In Prince William and Fairfax counties, the charging fee is 30 cents per kilowatt-hour, averaging about $2.64, on top of a $2 per hour idle fee. These counties also have a $25 max on charging. In Loudoun County, it is a flat rate of $2.10 per session with no idle fee.
The city estimates its revenue to be nearly $35,000 in the staff report to City Council.
Closing a portion of the Technology Drive right-of-way
City staff has recommended approval of ridding of a public right-of-way at the end of a cul de sac on Technology Drive and placing it further up on the road.
The public right-of-way was dedicated in 1987 and 2007 to the City of Manassas as a condition of site plan approvals, but the property owners, D2 Tech Park LLC, are proposing to close the current right-of-way and move it.
In the agenda packet, the proposed resolution states city staff has no objection to the requested change. The proposed resolution also states this will not impact other property owners and “appears to be in the best interests of the city.”
Amending the School Board’s FY2025 budget
The Manassas City Public School Board is requesting an amendment to its fiscal year 2025 budget to reflect an increase from $152.9 million to $156.2 million.
The additional $3.3 million is coming from the Commonwealth in revenue due to increased funding being received by MCPS. It has impacted its overall budget, not either the operating or capital improvement budgets.
Three new businesses have set up shop in Historic Downtown Manassas recently.
Premier Pools and Spas
Premier Pools and Spas opened their fifth franchise location, but this is the first in the City of Manassas. Their new storefront is located at 10381 Central Park Drive, Suite 111. A press release stated this location was selected based on customer demand. The business specializes in concrete and fiberglass pools, outdoor living and kitchens and hardscape landscaping.
The Virginia Justice Group
Award-winning trial lawyer Charles J. Nucciarone has opened a new criminal defense and personal injury law firm at 9116 Center Street, Suite 201. Nucciarone has represented businesses all over the Commonwealth and has experience in Northern Virginia courtrooms.
Fisher Auto Parts
The family-owned and operated business since 1929 has opened a new storefront at 9404 Center Point Lane. The company has more than 500 locations and has an exhaustive list of quality products available to businesses and individuals alike.
Welcome to Manassas!
On September 5, 2024, at 8:39 a.m., Manassas City Police responded to a call reporting a suspicious event near the intersection of Quarry Road and Zebedee Street.
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Braemar Park will be held on Thursday, September 26, at 11 a.m. at 12401 Braemar Parkway in Bristow. The park has seen several updates, including a new playground, repaved parking lot, renovated basketball and tennis courts, and the addition of two pickleball courts. The event is open to the public.
A new playground design has been finalized at Fairmont Park, located at 9801 Fairmont Avenue near Manassas. The community is invited to participate in Build Week from October 23 to 26. Volunteers are needed to help with tasks such as assembling equipment and mixing concrete. All necessary tools and safety gear will be provided, along with food and drinks for participants. Volunteers must be 18 or older, though those aged 14 and up are welcome to assist with certain tasks.
I’m excited to share that we’ve just published our sixth "Meet the Principal" post, and even more profiles are coming!
Our Manassas Local Editor, Caitlyn Meisner, is working diligently to spotlight nearly two dozen new principals who have just started their roles in Prince William County this year.
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Press Release:
Edutainment Productions at OSA (Open Space Arts) is proud to announce “Harmony of Horizons,” an innovative multidisciplinary performance that pushes the boundaries of artistic collaboration and explores the future of arts institutions. This captivating 25-minute production, written by veteran broadway theatre artist Herb Williams, will debut on September 14th, opening up the 2024 PWC Arts Alive Festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
“Harmony of Horizons” seamlessly blends music, dance, visual art, Fashion, and spoken word to create a unique and immersive experience. The performance features a diverse ensemble of talented artists, including singers, rappers, dramatic actors, ballet dancers, and live visual artists, all coming together to showcase the power of artistic synergy. Notably, Harmony of Horizons is set to spotlight a diverse cast including students from across Prince William County as they take the stage alongside seasoned professionals.
Key highlights of the performance include:
- Original musical scores arranged specifically for this production
- Live musicians (piano, bass, drums, saxophonist) accompanied by vocalists and a rapper
- Ballet dancers interpreting the music through expressive choreography
- Visual artists creating a live works
- A thought-provoking dialogue on the future of arts institutions, emphasizing accessibility, technology, and multidisciplinary collaboration
Christopher James, Development Director at Edutainment Productions, states, “With ‘Harmony of Horizons,’ we’re not just putting on a show; we’re presenting a vision for the future of the arts. This performance demonstrates how traditional and contemporary art forms can come together to create something truly extraordinary.”
The production aims to entertain while also informing the audience about the importance of forward-thinking in arts institutions. It serves as a model for how varied artistic expressions can unite to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
Open Space Arts invites media representatives to attend a special preview rehearsal of “Harmony of Horizons” on [Last Rehearsal]. This event will provide an opportunity for interviews with the creative team and performers.
For more information about “Harmony of Horizons” or to schedule an interview, please contact Isaiah Luckey at [email protected] or (703) 586-2540.About Open Space Arts: Open Space Arts is a leading cultural institution dedicated to promoting artistic expression and fostering creativity in Northern Virginia. Through innovative programming and community engagement, Open Space Arts strives to make the arts accessible to all while pushing the boundaries of artistic collaboration.
Prince William County residents are invited to attend a Multi-District Town Hall on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 7 p.m. Supervisors Yesli Vega, Tom Gordy, and Bob Weir of the Coles, Brentsville, and Gainesville districts will lead a discussion on community safety and the proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance.
The event, which will occur at Unity Reed High School near Manassas, is designed to allow residents to voice their concerns, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the proposed ordinance.
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House of Mercy, a longstanding food pantry and thrift store near Manassas, announced significant operational changes in response to a sharp increase in demand for its services. The organization will temporarily halt new client registrations and shift from offering free to discounted clothing.
“We’ve seen a 49% increase in demand just this year,” said Jessica Root, executive director for House of Mercy. “This year, we hit our capacity, serving over 134 families in a single day. We’re temporarily pausing new client registrations to focus on our current clients and ensure we maintain the quality of service.”
The changes reflect broader economic tensions in the community. Despite being located in one of the wealthiest counties in Virginia, House of Mercy has faced unprecedented challenges. “Even in wealthy areas, there are tens of thousands of people who need help,” Root explained. “The low poverty rate here doesn’t tell the whole story.”
Many clients at House of Mercy do not qualify for government aid, influencing the increased demand for their services. “About half of our clients are children,” Root noted. “We see families doubling up in homes to manage rent, and many have multiple jobs but still struggle to meet basic needs.”
The economic landscape has shifted dramatically, with rising living costs outpacing salary increases, putting additional pressure on families. “When I go to the grocery store, I see the price of eggs double what they were a year ago,” Root said, indicating a broader economic trend affecting the community.
House of Mercy relies heavily on community support to manage these challenges. Root called for increased community involvement: “We need more monetary funds, more volunteers, and more food. Our thrift store plays a crucial role too, as all revenue goes right back to our food pantry.”
The organization invites the community to donate items, volunteer, or shop at the thrift store. “If you love to shop, come shop and support our mission,” Root encouraged.
House of Mercy remains a vital resource for Prince William County and its surrounding areas, adapting its operations to continue supporting those in need during these challenging economic times.
Join Us for Mercy Fest 2024: A Day of Family Fun for a Greater Cause!
Join us on September 28th for Mercy Fest 2024, our annual fundraiser dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community. This year’s event promises a day packed with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and interactive fun for all ages!
There’s something for everyone, from exciting games and delicious food to engaging activities and local vendor booths. Your participation will ensure a fantastic day out and support a vital cause. All proceeds from Mercy Fest 2024 will go directly to House of Mercy’s programs, helping us support over 100+ families daily through our Food Pantry.
Come for the fun, stay for the cause, and help us continue our mission to assist those facing financial hardship. Please mark your calendars and join us in making a meaningful impact in our community!
Date: September 28, 2024
Location: 8170 Flannery Court, near Manassas
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Let’s celebrate together and make a difference! See you at Mercy Fest 2024!
WEBSITE: https://houseofmercyva.org/festival
