County Briefs: La Voz, flu shots, fire ban
By Jason Jacks
La Voz director resignsThe executive director of La Voz of Loudoun, a nonprofit group that assists the local immigrant community, has resigned her position to become more politically active.
Laura Valle, who founded La Voz in 2002, had been serving as its interim executive director, a position that restricted how outspoken she could be because of federal tax-exempt status laws. Valle announced her resignation Oct. 9.
In a brief interview, Valle said she left La Voz for personal reasons and to become more "politically active" in light of the county's tougher stance on illegal immigration.
"I'm going to keep tabs on Help Save Loudoun," she said, referring to a group that supports local governments enforcing immigration laws.
In response, Help Save Loudoun spokesman Joseph Budzinski said: "I salute Laura for everything she has done and I can't think of a better person to keep a close eye on Help Save Loudoun."
Earlier this summer, Valle announced at a community meeting in Leesburg that La Voz volunteers were not checking the immigration status of the people they assist. In response, Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) threatened to cut county funding to the group.
Of her next role as political activist, Valle said: "It should be fun."
La Voz's board of directors is searching for a replacement.
Flu shots offered
Inova Health System is now offering flu shots to the public. For a complete list of times and locations, go to www.inova.org/flu . To schedule an appointment, call 703-204-3325.
Record temperatures
The high reached 93 degrees at Washington Dulles International Airport Oct. 9, a record for the day, according to National Weather Service. A record of 92 was also set at the airport on Oct. 8. The average highs for early October at Dulles are in the low-70s.
Ban on open burning
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal has issued an indefinite ban on open burning countywide, including in Loudoun's seven incorporated towns, because of the drought.
The ban applies to all open air fires, including bonfires and campfires as well as burning of leaves and tree trimmings. The burning of land clearing debris, known as pit burning, is also banned.
Violating the ban is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.
Call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600 for more information.