Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Dec. 2: DCCA Meeting

AN ARTFUL EVENING AT THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION

Join the Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) for a tour of the "Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Over The River" exhibit on Tuesday evening, December 2.

Following the tour, we’ll gather for a reception at the wonderful Mark & Orlando’s Restaurant, 2020 P Street NW.

When: Tuesday, December 2, 7:00 – 9:00PM
Where: Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW

**This event is free** and open for all to enjoy. Come and find out what DCCA is all about and meet your neighbors!

DCCA brings people together to enjoy and improve the quality of life in our diverse urban neighborhood. Join or renew today: www.dupont-circle.org

Borderstan Crime Meeting Recap

This was also posted on Borderstan.com:

On Thursday, November 13, about 35 residents and community leaders gathered at the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church to follow up on an August 6 meeting about ongoing and growing crime in the Borderstan neighborhood. Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans participated in the meeting as well (Borderstan Neighbors thank his staff for helping plan the meeting.)

Four Goals
The meeting was called to note progress on four main issues that the community requested at the August 6 meeting:
  1. Commitment from MPD for coordinated, regular, permanent Borderstan patrols on both the Police Service Area (PSA) 307 (East Borderstan) and PSA 208 (West Borderstan) sides of the border.
  2. Stepped up drug enforcement efforts in the entire Borderstan area, to include vice operations and plainclothes officers on an ongoing basis.
  3. To hold owners and management of the buildings on the 1400 block of R Street accountable for enforcement of laws and rules of Section 8 housing.
  4. Increased and institutionalized communication and coordination of initiatives between PSA 208 and 307.

Progress Review
It was obvious that there is still much work to be done by MPD and city officials to bring down crime in the neighborhood, and the community needs to continue to apply pressure to ensure that our repeated requests for action are answered.

Patrols. PSA 208 has kept routine patrols in the area, and has in face increased police presence in the Borderstan neighborhood. There are now four officers from PSA 208 assigned either full- or part-time to Borderstan. On the PSA 307 side, the Third District had assigned no permanent full or part time officers to Borderstan, though we were assured that several officers do patrol the neighborhood, none are dedicated to Borderstan.

Special Units. There have been several vice and crime suppression unit operations in Borderstan by both PSAs 208 and 307. They have achieved some degree of success, and we encouraged them to continue and for MPD to relay successes to us.

1400 R Street. The buildings on the 1400-block of R Street NW continue to be a source of crime in the area. The city has taken no action, and there seems to be no desire to address the problem forcefully, either on the part of city leadership or MPD. As one way to begin dealing with the problem, ANC Commissioner Jack Jacobson requested that MPD send information to Borderstan when criminals who live on the 1400-block of R Street NW are sentenced, so that residents could submit Victim Impact Statements to judges hearing those cases. This is one way to attack crime that the community can be involved with, and more information about that will be forthcoming on Borderstan.com.

Communication. Both the Second and Third District leadership at MPD admitted that they have not institutionalized communications between PSAs 208 and 307. Inspector Klein from the Secondd District gave his word that he would work to make these communications more routine and effective.

Moving Forward. There is obviously much work to be done, and as a community, we need to keep pressure on MPD and our elected officials to attack crime in our neighborhood and to forge better community partnerships and communications between the PSAs and community members.

Action Item: Residents Can Testify on D.C. Crime Bill
Councilmember Jack Evans invited Borderstan representatives to testify at a December 5 roundtable on the Omnibus Crime Bill ( ”Omnibus Anti-Crime Amendment Act of 2008″, Bill 17-951). The roundtable will be at 12:00 pm in the 5th Floor Council Chambers; participants can contact Heidi Tseu at 202-724-8038 or at htseu@dccouncil.us to request to testify. If you are unable to attend but would like to submit testimony, please email testimony to Tseu and to borderstan@gmail.com so we can ensure that she receives it.

Future Meetings
Borderstan Neighbors public safety meetings will need to continue in order to achieve success in our neighborhood. Borderstan is committed to holding our politicians and our police force accountable and will continue to press for positive action to bring down crime. Please check back for additional updates.

Holiday Season: Be Extra Careful
In the meantime, the holiday season always brings an upsurge in crime. Please be wary of holiday scams, and make sure you keep your home and car secure at all times. And most of all, help your neighbor by reporting suspicious activities and crimes in the neighborhood. It’s better to be safe then sorry.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Crime Report 11.23.08

Robbery occurred in the 1800 block of T St. NW on 11/22/2008 at 1040pm. Citizen reports he was approached from the rear and knocked to the ground by 4 suspects who took his wallet, cash and cellphone. CASE CLOSED with the arrest of 3 suspects for Robbery.

Theft occurred in the 1500 block of K St. NW on 11/20/2008 at757pm. Citzen reports that cash was stolen by a black male, 5'11, 180 lbs, dark complexion, who was an employee of the store.

Theft occurred in the 1300 block of Connecticut Ave. NW on 11/23/2008 between 215- 230am. Citizen reports cash, cell phone, keys and assorted papers were stolen when left unattended inside the restaurant.

Theft of a Bicycle occurred in the unit block of Scott Circle on 11/23/2008 between 6-630pm. Citizen reports the bike, a dark green "IRON HORSE", was stolen from where it was parked and secured to a light pole.

Theft from Auto occurred in the 1600 block of Massachusetts Ave. NW between 11/22/2008 1115pm- 11/23/2008 1am. Citizen reports the vehicle, a '02 Toyota HIGHLANDER, 4 door bearing DC. tags, was entered by smashing the passenger window and property (not listed) was stolen.

Theft from Auto occurred in the 2000 block of K St. NW on 11/22/2008 715pm- 925pm. Citizen reports the vehicle, a '02 Mitsubishi 4 door bearing Md. tags, was entered by smashing the drivers window and a coat and cash stolen.

Stolen Auto occurred in the 1600 block of Connecticut Ave. NW between 11/22/2008 1130pm- 11/23/2008 318am. Citizen reports the vehicle, a '02 Honda ACCORD, 2 door, black in color bearing Md. tags, was stolen from where it was parked.

Two Photos & Goings On

I've been bad about posting information lately, but here are a couple of things I've been involved with.


On Thursday, November 13, Borderstan had a meeting with MPD, concerned residents and Councilman Jack Evans about ongoing crime along 15th Street. The meeting was a follow up to an August 6 meeting on the same subject.

There was limited success achieved in the three months between the meetings, and we need to continue to press MPD and the city to adequately address crime concerns in our neighborhood. You have my commitment to continue to push for adequate resources to keep crime under wraps.

The photo is me speaking at the event. Photo copywrite Luis Gomez Photography.


Last week my office went to the Washington Children's Hospital to volunteer for Glories Happy Hats. We made over 400 hats that went to patients and families of folks at the hospital, and it was a great morning. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to participate.

Photo copywrite Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Dec. 11: Marriage Equality Town Hall

I hope you can attend this town hall meeting on marriage equality. I will be there.

DC for Marriage is organizing a community forum on marriage that will be on Thursday, December 11 beginning at 7pm. The forum will be held at the HRC Equality Center located at 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW. Sean Bugg from MW will be the moderator.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Crime Report 11.20.08

Theft occurred in the 1700 block of 17th St. NW on 11/19/2008 between 1150-1155pm. Citizen reports 4 male suspects entered the store and stole assorted food items. The suspects fled and no better description was given.

Theft occurred in the 1100 block of 17th St. NW between 11/20/2008 320pm- 330pm. Citizen reports the property was stolen when left on the floor behind a chair in the store. Property was a backpack containing a laptop computer, wallet, cash and debit cards.

Theft from Auto in the 2100 block of R St. NW on 11/19/2008 between 9pm- 1130pm. Citizen reports the vehicle, a '02 Lincoln LS, 4 door bearing Md. tags, was entered by smashing the rear passenger window and a GPS was stolen.

Theft from Auto occurred in the 1000 block of 16th St. NW between 11/19/2008 1045pm- 11/20/2008 7am. Citizen reports the vehicle, a '06 Mitsubishi SUV, silver in color bearing Md. tags, was entered by smashing the front passenger window and a GPS was stolen.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Nov. 22: Walkathon Reminder!!

Charlie's Place is within 60 walkers of a $10,000 bonus from the Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Walkathon on Saturday. Can you help us find walkers? If they don't want to register and pay, they can walk as guests of DCCA.

To participate, go to www.charliesplacedc.org or call me at 202-251-7644.

Crime Report 11.19.08

Assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 1700 block of I Street NW on 11/19/08 at 12:00 am. Three citizens report that after being involved in a verbal disagreement with two subjects, a fight ensued. The complainants were struck about their heads and faces with a shoe. The subjects fled on foot from the location. One adult female was arrested. The other subject is a known adult female.

Theft from auto occurred in the 1700 block of Connecticut Avenue NW between 11/12/08 at noon and 11/14/08 at noon. A citizen reports that unknown subject(s) stole US currency from the citizen's account by using his identity.

Theft from auto occurred in the 1700 block of Road Island Avenue NW on 11/19/08 between 3:11 pm and 3:55 pm. A citizen reports that unknown subject(s) smashed the window and stole a computer bag, a laptop, an external hard drive and sprint card. The subject is described as a black male, 5'10" and 150 lbs.

Theft from auto occurred in the 1700 block of M Street NW on 11/18/08 between 7:26 pm and 9:18 pm. A citizen reports that unknown subject(s) smashed the window of his vehicle and stole a digital camera, two lenses, two flash cards and a messenger bag.

Theft from auto occurred in the 1600 block of M Street NW on 11/19/08 between 7:05 pm and 10:20 pm. A citizen reports that unknown subject(s) smashed the front passenger window of his vehicle and stole a laptop computer.

Theft from auto occurred in the 1300 block of 18th Street NW on 11/18/08 between 7:10 pm and 10:10 pm. A citizen reports that unknown subject(s) smashed the right rear window and stole a medical textbook.

Theft from auto occurred in the 1900 block of Sunderland Place NW on 11/19/08 between 3:10 pm and 3:15 pm. A citizen reports that unknown subject(s) smashed the rear passenger window of his vehicle and stole a leather briefcase.

Crime Report 11.18.08

Burglary occurred in the 1500 block of 17th St. NW on 11/18/2008 at 215am. Citizen reports the suspect attempted to enter the residence through a window but was stopped by the citizen. The suspect, a black male, 6'1, 210 lbs., dark complexion, wearing a black leather jacket fled the scene.

Robbery occurred in the 1600 block of R St. NW on 11/7/2008 at 1201am. Citizen reports the suspect approached him, displayed a handgun and demanded property. The suspect, a black male, 20's, 5'10, 180 lbs., wearing dark clothing obtained a wallet, cash and credit cards.

Assault occurred in the 1000 block of 17th St. NW on 11/7/2008 at 915am. Two citizens were involved in a verbal altercation which resulted in the suspects assaulting each other. CASE CLOSED with the arrest of both suspects by US Secret Service.

Theft occurred in the 2100 block of R St. NW between 11/17/2008 6pm- 8pm. Citizen reports her locker was entered with force by an unknown suspect and a wallet containing cash was stolen.

Theft from Auto occurred in the 2000 block of L St. NW on 11/7/2008 between 730-945pm. Citizen reports the auto, a '04 Honda 4d door bearing Va. tags was entered in an unknown manner and a laptop computer, camera and books stolen.

Theft from Auto occurred in the 1800 block of Massachusetts Ave. NW on 11/17/2008 between p-11pm. Citizen reports the vehicle, '99 Nissan MAXIMA bearing Va. tags was entered by smashing the passenger window and a briefcase was stolen.

Theft from Auto occurred in the 1600 block of N St. NW on 11/18/2008 between 4-730pm. Citizen reports the vehicle, a '07 Chrysler SEBRING bearing Va. tags was entered by smashing the front passenger window and a GPS was stolen.

Theft from Auto occurred in the 1100 block of 15th St. NW on 11/18/2008 between 645am- 315pm. Citizen reports the vehicle was entered by smashing the front passenger window and a GPS was stolen. No description of the vehicle.

Theft from Auto occurred between 11/17/2008 730pm- 11/18/2008 740am. Citizen reports the vehicle, a '08 Mazda 3, bearing Md. tags was entered by smashing the passenger window with a rock and a gym bag with clothing was stolen.

Stolen Auto occurred in the 1600 block of I St. NW between 11/15/2008 1130pm- 11/16/2008 230am. Citizen reports the vehicle, a "00 Volvo 580, 4 door black, bearing Va. tags was stolen from where it was parked.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Crime Report 11.17.08

Burglary occurred in the 1700 block of R St. NW between 11/15/2008 6pm- 11/17/2008 645am. Citizen reports the premises entered with force and cash was stolen from the office.

Assault occurred in the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave. NW on 11/15/2008 between 225-230am. Citizen reports he was assaulted following a verbal altercation. CASE CLOSED with the arrest of an Asian male, 26 years of age.

Theft occurred in the 2000 block of L St. NW on 11/15/2008 10am- 2pm. Citizen reports cell phones were stolen from the store by unknown suspect.

Theft occurred in the 1500 block of K St. NW on 11/17/2008 between 3-310pm. Citizen reports that a wallet, cash and credir cards were stolen from an office when left unattended.

Attempt Theft occurred in the 2100 block of M St. NW on 11/17/2008 at 538am. Citizen reports the suspect, a black male, 5'7, 150 lbs. went behind the counter of the store and attempted to steal cash. Suspect fled without property when the clerk returned.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

ANC Meeting Recap 11.12.08

Last night's meeting was jam-packed, and there wasn't much to discuss of particular note. A couple of things:

I made points of order on Commissioner Stephens' resolutions/letters on the Hilton Hotel and 18th Street DDOT/WASA issues. It's not that I don't support my fellow Commissioner, but he knew these issues were of concern ahead of time and it was unclear as to what the Commission was indeed voting on. I made a point that, moving forward, I would only be able to vote for language that was set, and not simply granting carte blanche to a Commissioner to write a letter expressing what may be a viewpoint that isn't shared by the majority of the Commissioners. We need to be clear and speak with one voice when we approve or disapprove issues, and I was glad to hear many of my fellow Commissioners in agreement.

On the new redevelopment along 14th Street, I was entirely in agreement with Chairman Estrada's original motion, which would have approved the parking reduction, approved the height increase for elevators, approved the variance for lot occupancy, and not approved the excemption for liquor licensed establishment increases. Unfortunately, the applicant had not worked with the Commission in good faith ahead of time, and we were not able to have a full dialogue and discussion on the issue. Had they worked with us, I'm sure we would have given full support to three of their requests, and that's unfortunate.

Finally, on the request to put in a permenant awning at the property on 1666 Connecticut, I was not able to support what I'm sure would eventually become a permanent structure enclosing an outdoor sidewalk cafe. The charm of sidewalk cafes are that they are open and lend life to the street and neighborhood. I'm fearful of more Annie's on our streets. I love Annie's and they're a great neighbor, but the enclosed front of the building impedes the sidewalk and doesn't fit with the charming character of the rest of 17th Street. It's grandfathered in, however, and I must say I eat and drink there frequently, and shall continue to do so!

11.15.08 Protest Against Prop 8

I hope you can make this protest, starting at the Capitol Reflecting Pool and ending at Layfette Park on Saturday. Make your voice heard!

This Saturday will be National Protests Against the Passage of California's Prop 8.

Please consider joining the protestors in DC.

For more info, please see http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/District+of+Columbia

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Today 11.11.08

Things are going well in 2B04, but there's a lot going on.

This morning I had breakfast with Mike Feldstein, an incomming Commissioner in Dupont Circle. He's replacing Curt Farrar on the Commission. The other 8 of us were reelected by large margins last week. I'm excited to have Mike on the Commission, and look forward to working with him on behalf of the neighborhood.

I'm also getting ready for a community meeting on crime on Thursday that I'm helping organize. This is to help communications across 15th Street - the "Borderstan" neighborhood. To the east of 15th Street is the 3rd Police District, and to the west of 15th (my district) is the 2nd Police District. 2D has dedicated officers to the 15th Street neighborhood, but it's my understanding that 3D has not held up its side of things, which has led to increased crime on both sides of 15th. I'm hoping this meeting will help keep us on track.

Last night I attended the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club meeting and election of officers. None of the positions were contested. On Saturday night I attended the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, which was exciting as well.

I'm still working on some crime issues, including trying to find out what happened to a constituent's stolen car when it was located and then lost again, trying to get a lawn mowed by DCRA (this has been pending for months), and getting to know Councilmember Evans' new director of constituent services, so that I can help get better constituent services for the neighborhood.

15th Street Traffic Reconfiguration Progress

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has held meetings and conducted extensive research about changing traffic flows on 15th Street. As many of you know, 15th Street serves as a 1-way, 4-lane thoroughfare to shunt commuters and residents from downtown DC to upper 16th Street and into Maryland. Along 15th Street, particularly between Massachusetts and Florida Avenues, traffic frequently speeds, and DDOT is working to slow traffic and make the area more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

DDOT presented 4 alternative plans to 15th Street, including turning the street into a 2-way street. None of the 4 alternatives recieved overwhelming support from the community, so DDOT decided on a 5th, hybrid version that is now open for public comment.

The version DDOT has under consideration at this time is to keep the street 1-way traveling north, and adding a northbound bicycle lane. Additionally, there will be a southbound "contraflow" bike lane that is shielded from the main roadway by a divider.

More information on the proposal can be found HERE, and comments on the proposal can be sent to christopher.ziemann@dc.gov, or can be sent to me at jack@friendsofjack.com, and I can forward them to Mr. Ziemann.

Molostky Career Shift Party

Last week the owners of Mark & Orlando's hosted a party for Michele Molotsky, who resigned her post as constituent services director for Councilmember Jack Evans to take a position with DC Parks and Recreation. Though we are sad to see Michele go, we look forward to working with her at P&R.

Me and Commissioner Victor Wexler. Photo copywrite & courtesy of Phil Carney.

Nov. 13: Public Safety Meeting

The next Borderstan Neighbors public safety meeting is this Thursday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m. Location is the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church at the northeast corner of 15th and R Streets NW.

This is a follow up to the first Borderstan meeting on August 6. Ward 2 Council Member Jack Evans and representatives of the Washington MPD will attend.

Remember that Borderstan is split between two MPD districts and two PSAs: West Borderstan (west of 15th Street NW) is in the Second District and PSA 208; and East Borderstan (east of 15th Street NW)is in the Third District and PSA 307.

Visit www.Borderstan.com for more information and/or send an email to borderstan@gmail.com.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Crime Report 11.07.08

Theft - 1600 B/O 17th St NW, 10/24/08, 10AM - Unknown. Employee reports he sold porperty to a person that didn't pay the full value.

Theft f/ Auto - 1700 B/O n St NW, 11/5/08 10PM - 1AM. Citizen reports that someone stole property from his vehicle.

Theft - 1600 B/O K St NW, 115PM - 130PM. Citizen reports someone stole his bike.

Stolen Auto - 1700 B/O Willard St NW, 8/9/08, 5AM - 9AM. Citizen reports someone attempted to steal her vehicle.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Reelection Thanks

Friends and Neighbors:

I wanted to extend a brief word of thanks to you all for reelecting me as your neighborhood commissioner. I'm absolutely humbled at the support I received from so many of you -- I received the most votes of any commissioner in Dupont Circle, and I can't thank you enough.

Over the next two years I hope to expand my leadership role on the Commission. I currently serve as the public safety liaison for the commission, a role I hope to continue in. But I also hope to build on the great work I've already started on smart growth initiatives, supporting our schools, and focusing on constituent services from the city.

Please, always feel like you can reach out to me at any time. I've been elected to serve you, and will do my best to represent you over the next two years to make Dupont Circle an even better place to live, work and visit.

Kindest regards,
Jack

Green Door Wish List for November 2008

Green Door prepares women and men with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses to work and live in the Washington, D.C. community. For information, visit us at www.greendoor.org.

We accept fully functioning, gently used, and new items. Please contact Megan Butler at Megan.Butler@greendoor.org or 202-408-1977 x2 before donating.

Metro cards for members without income to get to their doctors, jobs, or school. Please send all metro card donations to the attention of the Development Office @ the address listed below.

We are accepting winter coats (full length) for men (all sizes) and women (size large and up). On hangers, in a plastic container, or neatly folded in a closed plastic bag. No paper bags or open containers, please.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer for the Holiday Gift Wrapping at Barnes and Noble in Georgetown Dec, 14-18 as a way of helping us get the word out about Green Door. Please contact Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977 x1 for more information.

We are in need of Guest Chefs/Servers for our monthly Education and Employment dinners. Please contact Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977 x1 or Ashawnda.fleming@greendoor.org for more information.

Have you always wanted to see what’s behind the Green Door? Come take a one-hour tour of our Clubhouse which is changing the way people with mental illness recover, live, and work in the community. You are welcome to bring a friend (s). If you have any questions contact Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977.

November 13 @ 8:30am
December 11 @ 8:30am
Jan. 8 @ 8:30
Jan. 28 @ 11:30

Join the Green Door Team at Fannie Mae’s 21st Annual Help the Homeless Walkathon on November 22nd. Register at www.helpthehomelessdc.org or contact Megan Butler at Megan.Butler@greendoor.org or 202-408-1977 x2.

Antonio just moved into an apartment and is in need of pillows, towels, washcloths, silverware, sheets, and a comforter (full-size) to make his home complete.

Zjamal is a hard working person and needs sheets and a comforter (full size), pots and pans, utensils, a night stand, and TV to make his home complete.

Barbara has been living in her apartment with very little furniture. She would like to get a small kitchen table and chairs (seat 2-4) so she has somewhere to eat her meals.

Nancy would like a winter coat (size large) to help her stay warm. She lost a lot of weight and her old coats no longer fit.

William is currently working part time at Green Door and would like to sustain a full time job. He is in need of five pairs of slacks (size 40 waist and 32 length) and five dress shirts (18 inches).

Charlene is in desperate need of bunk beds for her 2 sons (2 and 4 years old). Charlene feels that if she can fulfill their wish and see them smile she would be less depressed.

Pamela is a single mother to 5 children and is in need of a sleeper sofa or a futon. She has been sleeping on the floor because she gave the bedrooms to her kids.

Wanda has made great progress since being at Green Door and is currently employed at Giant. She is in need of an answering machine so she can keep up with her appointments.

Annette has been taking such good care of the spider plant in the Communications Unit that it has begun to grow new baby plants! She would really like 10 medium size plastic pots to transplant some of the baby spider plants into for other members to take home.

Young Persons Group would like 10-15 movie passes so that they can plan a social event. Social outings help foster a safe, healthy and supportive network among the young members while they work toward their vocational and/or educational goals.

Charles is currently in the Supported Employment Program and needs a Sport Coat (size 42 or 44) and a tie so that he looks nice at job interviews.

Susan is working as a receptionist and needs thermals (size 1-2X), socks (size 9-11), and women’s cotton thigh high underwear (size 8-10). These items will help her get through the winter months of working and volunteering on the weekends as a nursing aid.

Gary has been working and just got his apartment after being homeless for 3 years. He needs a small refrigerator to keep his groceries fresh.

Regina is moving into her own apartment after living with family for the past 3 years. She needs a dinette set (seats 2-4), dishes, silverware, couch, TV, TV stand, full-size bed (mattress, box spring, and frame), dresser, and bookshelves to furnish her house.

Sandra would like a small/medium sized purse that she can put over her shoulder. This will help her get organized and help with the arthritis in her fingers.

Lawrence needs a TV because his has started to lose its color. He also needs a full or queen size bed (mattress and box spring).

John just moved into his apartment from being homeless. He has very little to furnish his home. He really needs dishes and glasses, bed sheets, blankets, and a comforter for the winter.

Michael has recently moved into an apartment and needs a vacuum to help keep his home neat. He also needs a winter coat (size 2x) to help him stay warm.

Sherman is currently homeless and is in desperate need of a winter coat (size 2x).

Berkeley and Lindsay need a couch, living room chairs, coffee table, and small dining table so they can have a place to relax in their apartment, which will decrease their stress levels.

Kenny, Genoa, Bernardo, and Raymond need pots and pans, spatulas, spoons, silverware, cups, plates, and bowls. They are trying to learn how to cook for themselves, and having the proper tools would really help.

Nov. 22: Charlie's Place Walkathon

I hope you'll consider coming out to this walkathon later this month. I've volunteered at Charlie's Place and it's a great organization within our community. They had a mini walk this past weekend that raised $1,200, but it's not nearly enough, given the greater need in the community during this economic crisis. Please do what you can to help.

What: Help empower homeless men and women in Washington, DC by walking with Charlie's Place at the 2008 Help The Homeless Walkathon. Your donations will be matched by Fannie Mae and 100% of the proceeds go to the charity fo your choice.

When: November 22, 2008; 8:30 am

Where: The National Mall

Information: Register at www.charliesplacedc.org and click "Walkathon 2008"

Questions: tgoss@stmargaretsdc.org; 202-355-1017

Nov. 12: ANC Agenda

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2B

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m.

DC Jewish Community Center, 16th at Q Streets NW

General

  • Update on Hilton Hotel issues
  • Presentation by DDOT (Chris Ziemann) on 14th/15th Street projects & T Street resurfacing
  • Consideration of resolution re: 18th Street DDOT & WASA projects
  • Consideration of resolution re: green taxi initiatives
  • Consideration of resolution supporting use of Dupont Circle underground trolley station as art exhibition space
  • Presentation by Sam Williams (DCRA), New Vending Regulations
  • Consideration of grant request by Dupont Village
  • Introduction of Ross School Principal, Amanda Alexander
  • Consideration of a resolution requesting that the Council hold a hearing on Councilmember Barry’s religious land use bill & consideration of Commission action in appeal and District Court case (Third Church)
  • Presentation by Center for Strategic and International Studies, 1616 Rhode Island Ave, N.W. to propose a Second Stage PUD (2B05)

Regulatory

  • 1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW, HPA #09-036, concept/alterations to sidewalk café (2B02)
  • BZA Application #17850 for one variance and three special exceptions to permit the redevelopment of the structures located at 1407 S Street, NW and 1802, 1804, 1810, 1816, and 1818 14th Street NW. (2B09)
  • Public Space Application #40570 for six parking spaces at 1926 16th Street NW (2B09)
  • ABRA Application #080149, JPA Hospitality, Inc t/a Aioli, 2153-2155 P Street NW, for “C” Restaurant license. New restaurant with sidewalkcafé (34 seats). (2B02)
  • ABRA Application #080501, PQ Blaine Mansion, Inc. t/a Le Pain Quotidien, for “C” Restaurant license, New restaurant with bakery (2B02)

ABRA Renewals

  • Application by 1807 Corporation for renewal of Class B Retailer License #ABRA-021578 for the Dupont Market located at 1807 18th Street NW. (2B01)
  • Application by 2130 P Incorporated for a Class B Retailer License#ABRA-074057 for the Metro Supermarket at 2130 P Street NW. (2B02)
  • Application by H. S. Lee Corporation for a Class B Retailer License#ABRA-060741 for Prego Again at 1617 17th Street NW, (2B04)
  • Application by Moon Run Inc for renewal of a Class B Retain License#ABRA-060717 for the 1500 Market at 1500 Massachusetts Avenue NW,(2B05)
  • Application by Hyk, Inc. for renewal of a Class B Retailer License#ABRA-071148 for Marbi’s Newstand at 1730 Rhode Island Avenue NW.(2B05)
  • Application by Oasis, Inc. for renewal of a Class B Retailer License#ABRA-014153 for the Oasis at 2024 P Street NW. (2B06)
  • Application by Freedom Market, Inc. for renewal of a Class B RetailerLicense for Freedom Market, Inc at 1901 New Hampshire Avenue NW.(2B09)
  • Application by Bella Investments, Inc. for renewal of a Class B Retailer License for the New Hampshire Market at 1900 16th Street NW.(2B09)

Administrative Matters, Commissioner and Committee Reports

Unfinished/New Business

Approval of Minutes/Financial Matters

Monday, November 3, 2008

Today 11.03.08

Things have been very busy heading into the election. On Saturday, I partnered with Commissioner Will Stephens to canvass and knock on doors for At-Large Council Candidate Mark Long. It was a lot of fun, and I'm happy I had the opportunity to help out someone whom I believe to be a great candidate.

I've also been dealing with an ongoing unkempt lawn issue, some public safety issues, a "party house" just outside of my SMD that was causing problems on Halloween, and generally trying to get folks out to VOTE TOMORROW!

On a serious note, this morning an article appeared on GreaterGreaterWashington.org with some serious allegations against the Dupont Circle ANC's Chairman, who may be ignoring the votes and will of the ANC in favor of his own views on certain issues. David's post includes an admonishment to the rest of the ANC as well, and I'm glad he included it. I've spend much of the day working on the issue, and will continue to work with my colleagues over the coming days and weeks to resolve the issue so that we can all continue to work together to make our neighborhood a better place.

As I stated in response to the article, this is a very serious matter indeed, and one that the Dupont Circle ANC does not take lightly. I've spoken with several of my fellow commissioners today, in addition to reaching out to Mr. Estrada multiple times in an attempt to discuss the details from his point of view. This will be addressed is the upcoming Dupont Circle ANC meeting next Wednesday, November 12. I brought the issue up briefly at our last ANC meeting, but unfortunately there was insufficient time to adequately address it due to time constraints.

The Dupont Circle ANC, as well as most other ANCs throughout the city, often complain that our votes and resolutions are ignored by most Councilmembers and most city agencies. If indeed our actions are being ignored by our Chairman, that is something we will address after careful and thoughtful investigation and deliberation.

Respectfully,
Jack

Nov. 7: PSA 208 Casual Corner

A note from our MPD PSA Community Liaison.

Good afternoon! The 2nd District's Community Outreach Team is excited to begin its series of "Casual Corners". This week, on Friday afternoon, we will be out and about in PSA 207 and PSA 208. We look forward to talking to you and to hearing your ideas for increasing the partnerships between your neighborhood communities and the 2nd District, to create an even more accessible law enforcement presence in your neighborhoods.

As your Outreach Officers, we are also eager to share with you some safety tips (including theft prevention, pedestrian safety, personal safety, holiday shopping safety, and robbery prevention) and some easy tips for emergency preparedness.

We look forward to meeting you at the following location this week:

PSA 208 – November 7th; 3:15 – 4:15

Dupont Circle (Connecticut Avenue, NW, from N Street to S Street)