The Washington Blade today published an article about the upcoming DCCA election. It should appear in tomorrow's print edition. I will write more here this weekend, but I generally think contested elections are good for our community, if those running are open, honest and transparent about their goals and vision, and do everything they can to include a larger electorate in participating.
Anyone who is a DCCA member, regardless of your views on the election, should get out and vote on Monday night. A short segment from the article follows:
But other civic activists in the area say Mallof and his allies in the DCCA are pushing overly restrictive regulatory policies that could hurt local businesses at a time when the economic downturn is already threatening to force neighborhood businesses to close.
“The slate selected by the nominating committee has exhibited a willingness to work with businesses and residents to address neighborhood challenges,” said Jack Jacobson, a gay member of the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission and a DCCA member.
“The other slate seems to have a history of hostility toward LGBT businesses and other businesses that cater to a gay clientele,” Jacobson said.
Mallof declined to comment and other candidates running against the DCCA slate could not be immediately reached for comment.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Inviting DCCA Candidates' Statements
Today I sent the following email to the DCCA candidates for whom I had email addresses; I asked that the email be forwarded to those for whom I did not have email addresses. I'll post responses as they are recieved.
DCCA Candidates:
If you're interested, I would be happy to post a short (200 word) statement from each contested DCCA candidate on my Web site. This weekend I will also likely be posting a short piece on the elections as well with my own personal views. In doing so, I would paint with a broad brush and not single out individuals, but rather speak to the competing [slates] candidates in generalities.
But I wanted to give each of you the opportunity, if you chose, to get your message out about how you would lead DCCA forward to a broader audience... not that that many people read my blog, but if you're interested, I'm glad to post what you say, within 200 words, verbatim and without commentary. I will post anything recieved by Saturday morning at 10 am.
Regardless of the outcome of next week's elections, I look forward to working with each of you in the coming months and years ahead to help make Dupont Circle a better place.
Best,
Jack
UPDATE: Phyllis Klein has informed me that she is not part of a slate, but rather is running independently for a seat as 2nd Vice President.
DCCA Candidates:
If you're interested, I would be happy to post a short (200 word) statement from each contested DCCA candidate on my Web site. This weekend I will also likely be posting a short piece on the elections as well with my own personal views. In doing so, I would paint with a broad brush and not single out individuals, but rather speak to the competing [slates] candidates in generalities.
But I wanted to give each of you the opportunity, if you chose, to get your message out about how you would lead DCCA forward to a broader audience... not that that many people read my blog, but if you're interested, I'm glad to post what you say, within 200 words, verbatim and without commentary. I will post anything recieved by Saturday morning at 10 am.
Regardless of the outcome of next week's elections, I look forward to working with each of you in the coming months and years ahead to help make Dupont Circle a better place.
Best,
Jack
UPDATE: Phyllis Klein has informed me that she is not part of a slate, but rather is running independently for a seat as 2nd Vice President.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
May 2: Servathon!
Please join the Dupont Circle ANC for a day of community service in and around our neighborhood THIS SATURDAY, May 2nd!
We have created a Dupont Circle Neighborhood team for the 2009 Servathon -- hosted by Greater DC Cares. Through the Servathon, Greater DC Cares connects willing volunteers to much-needed community projects around the city and metro area.
Please join our Servathon team by following this link:
http://servathon2009.kintera.org/dupontcircle
Or just go to our ANC homepage and click the link at the bottom:
www.dupontcircleanc.net
Our team will be able to help with projects in and around Dupont Circle and the surrounding neighborhoods -- including cleaning up Rock Creek park or fixing up the Central Mission, Lincoln Theater, and neighborhood schools, among others!
Please share this notice with your friends and neighbors and encourage them to join the Dupont Circle Neighborhood team at the link above! Our goal is to put together a team of at least 100 neighbors. We will be adding additional team projects as our team grows this week.
If you have any questions, please contact Dupont Circle ANC Vice Chair Will Stephens (will.stephens@dupontcircleanc.net).
We have created a Dupont Circle Neighborhood team for the 2009 Servathon -- hosted by Greater DC Cares. Through the Servathon, Greater DC Cares connects willing volunteers to much-needed community projects around the city and metro area.
Please join our Servathon team by following this link:
http://servathon2009.kintera.org/dupontcircle
Or just go to our ANC homepage and click the link at the bottom:
www.dupontcircleanc.net
Our team will be able to help with projects in and around Dupont Circle and the surrounding neighborhoods -- including cleaning up Rock Creek park or fixing up the Central Mission, Lincoln Theater, and neighborhood schools, among others!
Please share this notice with your friends and neighbors and encourage them to join the Dupont Circle Neighborhood team at the link above! Our goal is to put together a team of at least 100 neighbors. We will be adding additional team projects as our team grows this week.
If you have any questions, please contact Dupont Circle ANC Vice Chair Will Stephens (will.stephens@dupontcircleanc.net).
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ross Elemantary Books for Mother's Day
Please Support our
SIXTH ANNUAL ROSS ELEMENTARY BUY A BOOK FOR KIDS
DONATE A BOOK IN YOUR NAME AND THE NAME OF A LOVED ONE TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL.
HELP US MEET OUR GOAL OF 200 BOOKS!
Ross Elementary School, at 1730 R Street, N.W., needs books for its library and reading enrichment program for students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Ross has one of the finest public elementary school libraries in the city, due largely to our two fine volunteer librarians and your community support.
For this sixth annual “Buy-a-Book-for-Kids” drive, Ross teachers have provided lists of specific books that are fun, have literary value and are ideal for regular instructional periods and for the school’s tutoring and mentoring programs. While there is no minimum contribution, for a requested donation of $25, from the teachers’ lists of needed books, you may select a book for the school library. To your selected book, we will add an inscribed bookplate in your name only or dedicated in your name to your loved one. If you wish, we will send an acknowledgement letter to your Mother or to whomever you dedicated your book. Make many kids happy and show your support for our fine public elementary school.
REMEMBER: Mother’s Day is May 10.
COME TO OUR TABLES, STAFFED BY NEIGHBORHOOD VOLUNTEERS:
SATURDAY_____APRIL 25_______10 am-2 pm
Safeway, 17th and Corcoran NW
SUNDAY________APRIL 26_______ 9 am-1 pm
Farmer’s Market, Dupont Circle, 20th & Q NW
100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE
ALL PROCEEDS GO FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS.
CASH OR CHECKS ACCEPTED.
CHECKS PAYABLE TO ROSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA.
For more information, please call (202) 244-5117.
SIXTH ANNUAL ROSS ELEMENTARY BUY A BOOK FOR KIDS
DONATE A BOOK IN YOUR NAME AND THE NAME OF A LOVED ONE TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL.
HELP US MEET OUR GOAL OF 200 BOOKS!
Ross Elementary School, at 1730 R Street, N.W., needs books for its library and reading enrichment program for students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Ross has one of the finest public elementary school libraries in the city, due largely to our two fine volunteer librarians and your community support.
For this sixth annual “Buy-a-Book-for-Kids” drive, Ross teachers have provided lists of specific books that are fun, have literary value and are ideal for regular instructional periods and for the school’s tutoring and mentoring programs. While there is no minimum contribution, for a requested donation of $25, from the teachers’ lists of needed books, you may select a book for the school library. To your selected book, we will add an inscribed bookplate in your name only or dedicated in your name to your loved one. If you wish, we will send an acknowledgement letter to your Mother or to whomever you dedicated your book. Make many kids happy and show your support for our fine public elementary school.
REMEMBER: Mother’s Day is May 10.
COME TO OUR TABLES, STAFFED BY NEIGHBORHOOD VOLUNTEERS:
SATURDAY_____APRIL 25_______10 am-2 pm
Safeway, 17th and Corcoran NW
SUNDAY________APRIL 26_______ 9 am-1 pm
Farmer’s Market, Dupont Circle, 20th & Q NW
100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE
ALL PROCEEDS GO FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS.
CASH OR CHECKS ACCEPTED.
CHECKS PAYABLE TO ROSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA.
For more information, please call (202) 244-5117.
17th Street Liquor Moratorium Renewed
On Wednesday, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) issued an emergency ruling renewing the Dupont East liquor moratorium for a 3-year period.
The renewed moratorium contains several modifications, including the addition of 1 restaurant license, serving beer and wine or full bar, including liquor. The Board also granted 2 lateral expansions of existing license holders (note that lateral expansion can also mean vertical).
The Board left questions as to additional outdoor seating, entertainment endorsements, and summer gardens to the "Substantial Change" and "Voluntary Agreement" processes already in place.
While this is not exactly what the ANC had requested in our petition to the Board, I believe that the Board's order will allow protection for residents while at the same time helping to revitalize the 17th Street commercial corridor over the coming three years. The ANC shortly will convene a working group on the future on 17th Street, in an attempt to attract retail to 17th Street.
It should also be noted that of the two existing licenses along 17th Street that were unused at the beginning of this process, Java House has reportedly chosen to excercise its license and begin serving wine. Also, the Chaos restaurant license was sold at auction two weeks ago to help repay taxes that were in arrears. It appears that in addition to the license added by the ABC Board, the Chaos license will also be put into use in the coming months to add new dining options to 17th Street.
The renewed moratorium contains several modifications, including the addition of 1 restaurant license, serving beer and wine or full bar, including liquor. The Board also granted 2 lateral expansions of existing license holders (note that lateral expansion can also mean vertical).
The Board left questions as to additional outdoor seating, entertainment endorsements, and summer gardens to the "Substantial Change" and "Voluntary Agreement" processes already in place.
While this is not exactly what the ANC had requested in our petition to the Board, I believe that the Board's order will allow protection for residents while at the same time helping to revitalize the 17th Street commercial corridor over the coming three years. The ANC shortly will convene a working group on the future on 17th Street, in an attempt to attract retail to 17th Street.
It should also be noted that of the two existing licenses along 17th Street that were unused at the beginning of this process, Java House has reportedly chosen to excercise its license and begin serving wine. Also, the Chaos restaurant license was sold at auction two weeks ago to help repay taxes that were in arrears. It appears that in addition to the license added by the ABC Board, the Chaos license will also be put into use in the coming months to add new dining options to 17th Street.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
ABRA Moratorium Hearing Prepared Remarks
Below are my remarks before ABRA yesterday during the hearing on the 17th Street moratorium. I will try to post on the overall hearing, which was only two hours (I was shocked it finished so quickly). Enjoy! -Jack
Commissioner Jack Jacobson
Chairman, ad hoc Committee on the Dupont East Liquor Moratorium
Hearing before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Opening Statement
April 15, 2009
Chairman Feather, Members of the Board, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you this afternoon. As Chairman Silverstein stated, I was selected to chair the ANC's ad hoc Committee on the Dupont East Liquor Moratorium with four of my colleagues. With so many competing voices and opinions on the effect of the moratorium, and with little hard data available to substantiate individuals' opinions and personal ideals, it was a monumental task indeed.
But, in the end, we crafted a set of recommendations that were endorsed for the first time by all nine of the Dupont Circle ANC Commissioners. And believe me: the views expressed among Committee members at the outset of our open, transparent and inclusive process were as diverse among Commissioners as they were in the general public. I'm proud of the work we were able to accomplish, and I believe the recommendations we endorsed deserve the strong consideration of this Board.
The Committee held several events to receive a wide range of information from the community before creating our recommendations.
We began by reaching out to the Dupont Circle Citizens' Association, Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, and the Dupont Circle Merchants and Professionals and held two "fact finding" tours of 17th Street. I participated in both. The tours allowed us to observe the perceived problems and trouble spots along 17th Street, catalogue the existing licenses, and take stock of the commercial space available within the moratorium zone. It also allowed us to see and better understand the tension between the commercial and residential buildings and their impact on each other.
Following that, we held a community meeting to solicit input, in addition to conducting media outreach in an effort to gather more information and comment from residents and businesses through our public comment period. The great amount of public input helped us chart a course forward. I also held my own listening session within my SMD on the issue, and widely publicized it to my constituents.
The fact finding tours, public meetings and public comment period, in addition to research by committee members and other participants, helped to educate us and develop our Committee Findings, which are noted in full detail in the Committee Report.
Our findings include the fact that there exist within the moratorium zone 2, 343 seats at peak capacity when the weather cooperates – this includes seats in public space. Of those seats, at the outset of our process 274 seats were unused. We understand that Java House will shortly begin selling beer and wine, however, taking those 56 seats off the table. Additionally, I understand that yesterday, Club Chaos's license sold, putting into play some, if not all, of the 198 seats available under that license.
We also concluded that there are four (4) vacant storefronts within the moratorium zone, up from four years ago when we appeared before you when only a single vacant storefront existed.
Additionally, it was brought to the attention of the Committee that there was a 2005 unscientific traffic study undertaken by DCCA which indicated parking problems within the moratorium zone, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. The Citizen's Association further commissioned a single sound study during the current moratorium period which indicated noise levels in front of a particular establishment that were above what was legally allowable.
Finally, we were able to obtain from the Metropolitan Police Department statistics that have shown that since the PSA serving the Dupont East Moratorium Zone transferred from the 3rd to 2nd Police District, response times have improved by 25%. All of these and some additional information are reflected in the full Committee Report before you. The findings helped us develop our recommendations.
Once we had a draft committee report and recommendations, we released it to the public and held another community meeting on our recommendations, which were then amended where appropriate. Each fact finding tour, public meeting and public comment received helped to perfect the recommendations the ANC made to this Board.
I would like to address those recommendations in order.
1. We requested a five year moratorium in order to see us through the streetscape project and allow for a period of time to assess its impact on businesses before considering another moratorium.
2/3. Following the streetscape project, we understand that there may be an impact on businesses – likely a negative impact, unfortunately. To that end, we would consider additional restaurant licenses after three years. If the economy continues to deteriorate and/or some other unforeseen event would impact the moratorium, we understand that the ANC could petition to open up the moratorium after two years, and we stand ready to exercise that authority if the situation warrants.
4. We simply recognize that JR's Bar and Grill may execute its approved lateral expansion at any time, if it so chooses. As a Commission, we would like to see the storefront next to JR's occupied in some manner, but understand and respect that it is a business decision of JR's, which holds the lease, as to whether they would like to occupy the space, lease it to someone else, or keep it vacant.
5. We would like to allow lateral expansion for successful businesses within the moratorium zone. We have recommended limiting lateral expansion to two businesses in an attempt to retain vital retail and service space. We have also recommended limiting expansion to historic row houses. Since we want successful businesses to be able to expand, we would request that any lateral expansions be required to utilize only a single entrance. In that way, the successful business can expand without bringing what might be perceived as or operate as a "new" business – with a different business model and different impacts on peace, order and quiet – to the neighborhood. Commissioner Meehan may speak more eloquently on this subject than I have.
6. We wanted to encourage entertainment endorsements with reasonable limits within the moratorium zone. Certain types of entertainment at certain times have a greater impact on peace, order and quiet than others. In an attempt to keep restaurants from morphing into clubs, we have recommended that entertainment only occur while the kitchen is open. However, instituting sound-dampening tools – such as double door systems – will keep the impact on peace, order and quiet at a minimum, and we want to support responsible businesses taking such action.
7. Because of the number of existing outdoor seats in public space along 17th Street between P and Q Streets, we have recommended that no more outdoor seating in public space be granted between P and Q Streets. The negative impact seats in public space on this block have in terms of noise on neighbors directly across the street from them should be kept to a minimum.
8. We have recommended allowing summer gardens overlooking Stead Park. For several years, 17th Street has struggled to incorporate Stead Park more fully into our neighborhood, and this would be a great opportunity to do so. Because of the noise that could carry to residents also facing Stead Park, we have recommended reasonable restrictions on hours of operation. Furthermore, we see these summer gardens overlooking the Park as having a positive impact on the trash and rat problems in the alley adjacent to the Park. Also, when and if the streetscape keeps customers from occupying public space along 17th Street when they want to dine outdoors, summer gardens would provide an alternative outdoor space for customers to enjoy. We request that no summer gardens be directed toward 17th Street for the same reasons I stated previously.
9. Our final recommendation is simply a reiteration of what the ANC's entire goal was during this process: to provide the ability for us to be flexible and exercise our duties as commissioners on a case-by-case basis, allowing successful businesses to grow and prosper, while at the same time instituting rules and recommendations that protect residents and retail diversity.
Chairman Feather and Members of the Board, I thank you very much for your indulgence today and for your consideration of our recommendations. I believe they provide the flexibility, protection and vision to sustain a vital corridor along 17th Street for the next five years. After Commissioner Meehan speaks, we would be happy to address any additional questions you may have.
Chairman, ad hoc Committee on the Dupont East Liquor Moratorium
Hearing before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Opening Statement
April 15, 2009
Chairman Feather, Members of the Board, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you this afternoon. As Chairman Silverstein stated, I was selected to chair the ANC's ad hoc Committee on the Dupont East Liquor Moratorium with four of my colleagues. With so many competing voices and opinions on the effect of the moratorium, and with little hard data available to substantiate individuals' opinions and personal ideals, it was a monumental task indeed.
But, in the end, we crafted a set of recommendations that were endorsed for the first time by all nine of the Dupont Circle ANC Commissioners. And believe me: the views expressed among Committee members at the outset of our open, transparent and inclusive process were as diverse among Commissioners as they were in the general public. I'm proud of the work we were able to accomplish, and I believe the recommendations we endorsed deserve the strong consideration of this Board.
The Committee held several events to receive a wide range of information from the community before creating our recommendations.
We began by reaching out to the Dupont Circle Citizens' Association, Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, and the Dupont Circle Merchants and Professionals and held two "fact finding" tours of 17th Street. I participated in both. The tours allowed us to observe the perceived problems and trouble spots along 17th Street, catalogue the existing licenses, and take stock of the commercial space available within the moratorium zone. It also allowed us to see and better understand the tension between the commercial and residential buildings and their impact on each other.
Following that, we held a community meeting to solicit input, in addition to conducting media outreach in an effort to gather more information and comment from residents and businesses through our public comment period. The great amount of public input helped us chart a course forward. I also held my own listening session within my SMD on the issue, and widely publicized it to my constituents.
The fact finding tours, public meetings and public comment period, in addition to research by committee members and other participants, helped to educate us and develop our Committee Findings, which are noted in full detail in the Committee Report.
Our findings include the fact that there exist within the moratorium zone 2, 343 seats at peak capacity when the weather cooperates – this includes seats in public space. Of those seats, at the outset of our process 274 seats were unused. We understand that Java House will shortly begin selling beer and wine, however, taking those 56 seats off the table. Additionally, I understand that yesterday, Club Chaos's license sold, putting into play some, if not all, of the 198 seats available under that license.
We also concluded that there are four (4) vacant storefronts within the moratorium zone, up from four years ago when we appeared before you when only a single vacant storefront existed.
Additionally, it was brought to the attention of the Committee that there was a 2005 unscientific traffic study undertaken by DCCA which indicated parking problems within the moratorium zone, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. The Citizen's Association further commissioned a single sound study during the current moratorium period which indicated noise levels in front of a particular establishment that were above what was legally allowable.
Finally, we were able to obtain from the Metropolitan Police Department statistics that have shown that since the PSA serving the Dupont East Moratorium Zone transferred from the 3rd to 2nd Police District, response times have improved by 25%. All of these and some additional information are reflected in the full Committee Report before you. The findings helped us develop our recommendations.
Once we had a draft committee report and recommendations, we released it to the public and held another community meeting on our recommendations, which were then amended where appropriate. Each fact finding tour, public meeting and public comment received helped to perfect the recommendations the ANC made to this Board.
I would like to address those recommendations in order.
1. We requested a five year moratorium in order to see us through the streetscape project and allow for a period of time to assess its impact on businesses before considering another moratorium.
2/3. Following the streetscape project, we understand that there may be an impact on businesses – likely a negative impact, unfortunately. To that end, we would consider additional restaurant licenses after three years. If the economy continues to deteriorate and/or some other unforeseen event would impact the moratorium, we understand that the ANC could petition to open up the moratorium after two years, and we stand ready to exercise that authority if the situation warrants.
4. We simply recognize that JR's Bar and Grill may execute its approved lateral expansion at any time, if it so chooses. As a Commission, we would like to see the storefront next to JR's occupied in some manner, but understand and respect that it is a business decision of JR's, which holds the lease, as to whether they would like to occupy the space, lease it to someone else, or keep it vacant.
5. We would like to allow lateral expansion for successful businesses within the moratorium zone. We have recommended limiting lateral expansion to two businesses in an attempt to retain vital retail and service space. We have also recommended limiting expansion to historic row houses. Since we want successful businesses to be able to expand, we would request that any lateral expansions be required to utilize only a single entrance. In that way, the successful business can expand without bringing what might be perceived as or operate as a "new" business – with a different business model and different impacts on peace, order and quiet – to the neighborhood. Commissioner Meehan may speak more eloquently on this subject than I have.
6. We wanted to encourage entertainment endorsements with reasonable limits within the moratorium zone. Certain types of entertainment at certain times have a greater impact on peace, order and quiet than others. In an attempt to keep restaurants from morphing into clubs, we have recommended that entertainment only occur while the kitchen is open. However, instituting sound-dampening tools – such as double door systems – will keep the impact on peace, order and quiet at a minimum, and we want to support responsible businesses taking such action.
7. Because of the number of existing outdoor seats in public space along 17th Street between P and Q Streets, we have recommended that no more outdoor seating in public space be granted between P and Q Streets. The negative impact seats in public space on this block have in terms of noise on neighbors directly across the street from them should be kept to a minimum.
8. We have recommended allowing summer gardens overlooking Stead Park. For several years, 17th Street has struggled to incorporate Stead Park more fully into our neighborhood, and this would be a great opportunity to do so. Because of the noise that could carry to residents also facing Stead Park, we have recommended reasonable restrictions on hours of operation. Furthermore, we see these summer gardens overlooking the Park as having a positive impact on the trash and rat problems in the alley adjacent to the Park. Also, when and if the streetscape keeps customers from occupying public space along 17th Street when they want to dine outdoors, summer gardens would provide an alternative outdoor space for customers to enjoy. We request that no summer gardens be directed toward 17th Street for the same reasons I stated previously.
9. Our final recommendation is simply a reiteration of what the ANC's entire goal was during this process: to provide the ability for us to be flexible and exercise our duties as commissioners on a case-by-case basis, allowing successful businesses to grow and prosper, while at the same time instituting rules and recommendations that protect residents and retail diversity.
Chairman Feather and Members of the Board, I thank you very much for your indulgence today and for your consideration of our recommendations. I believe they provide the flexibility, protection and vision to sustain a vital corridor along 17th Street for the next five years. After Commissioner Meehan speaks, we would be happy to address any additional questions you may have.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Apr. 21: PSA 208 Meeting Reminder
PSA 208 Residents, we would like to remind everyone that next week, Tuesday, April 21st 2009 at 7pm we are having our monthly PSA 208 Meeting at the Stead Recreation Center located at 1625 P St NW.
During this PSA meeting we would like to discuss a variety of community topics, such as recent crime activity, preventative measures, safety tips, information sharing, and community partnerships.
In regards to information sharing and partnerships, we strongly encourage our PSA 208 Neighborhood Block Captains to please attend. This would be a great opportunity for Block Captains to meet as a group as well as discuss best-practices. As a reminder, the Neighborhood Block Captains Group is a program managed and coordinated by citizen activists. We appreciate the energy and dedication of these citizens and Block Captains. Also, if you are interested in joining the Block Captains’ contact list or for more specific information, please come and speak with a Block Captain.
As a reminder, we would like to encourage citizens to learn more about Alert DC by visiting the following link; https://textalert.ema.dc.gov/index.php?CCheck=1.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our next PSA 208 Meeting. If you have any questions, please contact the following police personnel.
Lt. Erich Miller erich.miller@dc.gov
Sgt. John McDonald johnc.mcdonald@dc.gov
Ofc. Steven Fletcher steven.fletcher@dc.gov
During this PSA meeting we would like to discuss a variety of community topics, such as recent crime activity, preventative measures, safety tips, information sharing, and community partnerships.
In regards to information sharing and partnerships, we strongly encourage our PSA 208 Neighborhood Block Captains to please attend. This would be a great opportunity for Block Captains to meet as a group as well as discuss best-practices. As a reminder, the Neighborhood Block Captains Group is a program managed and coordinated by citizen activists. We appreciate the energy and dedication of these citizens and Block Captains. Also, if you are interested in joining the Block Captains’ contact list or for more specific information, please come and speak with a Block Captain.
As a reminder, we would like to encourage citizens to learn more about Alert DC by visiting the following link; https://textalert.ema.dc.gov/index.php?CCheck=1.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our next PSA 208 Meeting. If you have any questions, please contact the following police personnel.
Lt. Erich Miller erich.miller@dc.gov
Sgt. John McDonald johnc.mcdonald@dc.gov
Ofc. Steven Fletcher steven.fletcher@dc.gov
Monday, April 13, 2009
May 4: DCCA Annual Meeting
When: Monday, May 4, 2009, 7:30 pm
Event: Annual Meeting & Elections—Members Only
Where: Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th Street, NW
(the northwest corner of 16th and S Streets)
DCCA’s Annual Meeting is a members-only event at which DCCA officers report to the membership and the membership elects officers and Directors to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors.
Event: Annual Meeting & Elections—Members Only
Where: Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 16th Street, NW
(the northwest corner of 16th and S Streets)
DCCA’s Annual Meeting is a members-only event at which DCCA officers report to the membership and the membership elects officers and Directors to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Apr. 21: Spring Fling!
The Historic Dupont Circle annual Spring Fling event!
A friendly reminder to buy your tickets NOW to HDCMS's Spring Fling, being held at the historic Carnegie Institution on April 21 from 6-9 pm (1530 P Street). $25 tickets include an open bar, lite dinner, desserts, and access to the largest Silent Auction we have ever assembled. A GREAT value in these harsh economic times! Buy your advance ticket for quick admittance at www.dupontcircle.biz.
Everybody is welcome, and you just may go home with a value priced vacation, oriental rug, restaurant meals, original artwork, gym membership, a house history, a sailboat cruise on the Chesapeake Bay, a great vacation in Cape May, or even a new bike! We’ll also be revealing our completed landscaping and irrigation plans for the Connecticut Avenue median project (between R and T Streets)!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
May 1: DC Courts Open House
The D.C. Courts are holding an Open House.
When: May 1, 2009, Law Day; 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Moultrie Courthouse; 500 Indiana Avenue NW
Parking very limited in area, metrorail (Judiciary Square) or metrobus suggested.
There will be programs for D.C. residents of all ages, including an information fair and a job fair, panel discussions with the chief judges and presiding judges of the divisions, hearings and trials to be observed, educational sessions for adults and mock trials for elementary and high school students, and information provided by courthouse clinics that serve those without an attorney.
There will be several sessions including ones of interest to seniors:
· “I’m Not Rich, Why Do I Need a Will?” 10:00 -11:00 a.m. and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
· Family Concerns for Seniors (child support, child custody, and elder abuse) 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon
· Judges’ Panel – judges from all divisions will be taking questions 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
· Pro Bono clinics from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
· Stay on the Right Side of the Law – observe local third grade students learn about the DC Courts and conduct a mock trial of The Three Little Pigs – 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon and 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Please call 202- 879-1700 for more information.
When: May 1, 2009, Law Day; 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Moultrie Courthouse; 500 Indiana Avenue NW
Parking very limited in area, metrorail (Judiciary Square) or metrobus suggested.
There will be programs for D.C. residents of all ages, including an information fair and a job fair, panel discussions with the chief judges and presiding judges of the divisions, hearings and trials to be observed, educational sessions for adults and mock trials for elementary and high school students, and information provided by courthouse clinics that serve those without an attorney.
There will be several sessions including ones of interest to seniors:
· “I’m Not Rich, Why Do I Need a Will?” 10:00 -11:00 a.m. and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
· Family Concerns for Seniors (child support, child custody, and elder abuse) 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon
· Judges’ Panel – judges from all divisions will be taking questions 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
· Pro Bono clinics from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
· Stay on the Right Side of the Law – observe local third grade students learn about the DC Courts and conduct a mock trial of The Three Little Pigs – 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon and 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Please call 202- 879-1700 for more information.
Turmoil and Confusion at Monday's DCCA Meeting
Monday evening's Dupont Circle Citizens' Association meeting was our first opportunity to hear about and meet the new slate of officers and board members being nominated to replace expiring and/or vacant DCCA board seats. Bear with me through some "inside baseball" here for a moment. (I'm not privvy to many internal issues at DCCA, but I am a member in good standing, and know several board members and long-time members who help educate me on specific goings on with which I may not be familiar.)
Each year 2 three-year at-large board seats expire, and each year the entire slate of officers (president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary, and treasurer) expire. And each year the board appoints a 3-member Nominating Committee to nominate a slate of officers and board members for vacant or expiring seats.
This year's Nominating Committee was chaired by Ellen Mercer, who is greatly respected, along with Jerry Wnuck and Patrick Sheehy. They put forth a slate of officers, which follows:
President: Ron Clayton
First Vice President: John Hockensmith
Second Vice President: Susan Dunn
Secretary: Judith Neibrief
Treasurer: Nancy Hartsock
The Office of President has been vacant since Joel Lawson resigned in February, so Ron Clayton was a new nominee. Also, Susan Dunn was nominated for Second Vice President and would replace Phyllis Klein. John Hockensmith, Judith Neibrief and Nancy Hartsock were re-nominated for the positions they currently hold.
For the at-large board seats, the following were nominated:
Marisa Uchin, 3 Year Term
James Dudney, 3 Year Term
Haru Shimura, 1 Year Term (Susan Dunn's vacant seat, if she's elected)
Maureen McLellan, 2 Year Term (Don Marion's vacant seat, who resigned shortly after Joel Lawson)
As a bit of background before going further, it's important to note that several current DCCA members were disappointed - to put it mildly - at the position DCCA's board took on the moratorium renewal, where the board voted 7-1-1 to endorse basically what the ANC adopted with a unanimous vote of 9-0: a 5 year renewal, two lateral expansions, summer gardens overlooking Stead Park, etc. Which board member voted each way is evidently not public information, even for DCCA members, so I'm not aware of which Board Member voted against the proposal and which voted present/abstained. From a transparancy standpoint, I believe that the minutes of board meetings should be available to the membership at large, but I digress.
At any rate, DCCA members who oppose any relaxation of the current moratorium, it is my understanding, coordinated to nominate several individuals for the board who would be more involved in liquor licensing, liquor protests, and moratorium issues, making five positions competitive at DCCA's annual meeting next month. I have no problem with contested elections - in fact, I generally believe that competition improves the quality of leadership in elected positions.
Nominations came from the floor with many questions and little apparent organization, either from a Board standpoint or from a membership standpoint. There was confusion as to the positions the floor nominations would fill, with final decisions seemingly arbitrary. One at-large nomination was offered, but it took several tries before the nominee and the nominator could decide how long the term he was being nominated for should be - 1, 2 or 3 years. The full floor nominations include the following:
President: Robin Diener
Second Vice President: Phyllis Klein
Secretary: Carol Mitten
3-year term: Dave Mallof
2-year term: Lex Rieffel
With these nominations, Phyllis Klein would retain her role as Second Vice President and Susan Dunn would retain her seat on the board as an at-large member. Robin Diener would move from an at-large member to president. If successful, she would appoint her own replacement to the board, as the Association's by-laws allow the President to fill vacancies without board consultation. Carol Mitten, Dave Mallof and Lex Rieffel would be new to the board.
Robin Diener's nomination was a bit of a surprise. I know Robin well and have worked with her and been supportive of many of the library and adult literacy issues she works tirelessly to promote. And she is Chairing the House Tour this year - a huge undertaking, to say the least. But my understanding is that the Nominating Committee had been considering her, but she took her name out of consideration (if this is incorrect, someone please correct me). And then she was nominated from the floor and accepted the nomination. I think her election would have been all but assured had she allowed the Nominating Committee to put her name forward as had been planned.
All of this background is important to note a few things that I believe might improve the process:
1) Make board minutes available on the DCCA web site and available to the public - or at the very least to DCCA members. Members' votes and statements at board meetings on important issues should be public knowledge, so that we as members can know who to support in contested elections, and so that members can know the direction the Association is headed and why.
2) The Nominating Committee should provide their report to the DCCA Board - and to membership - at least two weeks before a major meeting where DCCA members may have the opportunity to nominate alternate board members. To be presented with a slate of candidates is fine, but with no knowledge of nominees, how can DCCA members know if they would like to nominate alternatives for given seats? It leads to chaos and confusion, as was evidenced on Monday night.
3) Become involved! Several of the nominees - both from the floor and from the Nominating Committee - I have never met before at a DCCA function or have not attended or volunteered at a DCCA function in months or years. I have a difficult time voting for someone I haven't met before, or who only comes to one meeting a year. That's not to say that DCCA board members have to have lived in Dupont for 30 years. I could care less how long they've been in the neighborhood. But I need to know that they have a desire to be involved and to move the neighborhood forward in a constructive manner. I don't think I saw many of the nominees as volunteers for the house tour last year when I was volunteering under Robin Diener, who was the house tour volunteer coordinator last year...
4) Nominees - beit from the floor or the Nominating Committee - should be required to attend the nominating meeting. One of the nominees was not even at the meeting, though I guess DCCA can assume this individual accepts the nomination and is running for the position for which the individual was nominated. However, if a nominee were to decline nomination, membership would have no way of knowing.
5) I hope that nominees in the contested seats will have an opportunity to speak and lay out their vision for DCCA before the vote next month. Actually, I hope they will be required to do so. There are some very stark contrasts here, and I would like to know for whom I'm voting and what they would be prioritizing as board members before I cast my ballot.
My final suggestion is simply to please attend the meeting and vote for the candidate(s) you support. There are two very different groups of candidates from which to choose - and indeed individuals among the groups who have greatly different skill sets and visions for Dupont. The single caveat: You have to have been a DCCA member in January to vote next month. This is to keep any factions from "buying" a board in a given year. I think it's a good policy to have.
UPDATE: It has been pointed out that DCCA has an 11 member board - 5 officers and 6 at-large members. This article has been updated to reflect that.
Each year 2 three-year at-large board seats expire, and each year the entire slate of officers (president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary, and treasurer) expire. And each year the board appoints a 3-member Nominating Committee to nominate a slate of officers and board members for vacant or expiring seats.
This year's Nominating Committee was chaired by Ellen Mercer, who is greatly respected, along with Jerry Wnuck and Patrick Sheehy. They put forth a slate of officers, which follows:
President: Ron Clayton
First Vice President: John Hockensmith
Second Vice President: Susan Dunn
Secretary: Judith Neibrief
Treasurer: Nancy Hartsock
The Office of President has been vacant since Joel Lawson resigned in February, so Ron Clayton was a new nominee. Also, Susan Dunn was nominated for Second Vice President and would replace Phyllis Klein. John Hockensmith, Judith Neibrief and Nancy Hartsock were re-nominated for the positions they currently hold.
For the at-large board seats, the following were nominated:
Marisa Uchin, 3 Year Term
James Dudney, 3 Year Term
Haru Shimura, 1 Year Term (Susan Dunn's vacant seat, if she's elected)
Maureen McLellan, 2 Year Term (Don Marion's vacant seat, who resigned shortly after Joel Lawson)
As a bit of background before going further, it's important to note that several current DCCA members were disappointed - to put it mildly - at the position DCCA's board took on the moratorium renewal, where the board voted 7-1-1 to endorse basically what the ANC adopted with a unanimous vote of 9-0: a 5 year renewal, two lateral expansions, summer gardens overlooking Stead Park, etc. Which board member voted each way is evidently not public information, even for DCCA members, so I'm not aware of which Board Member voted against the proposal and which voted present/abstained. From a transparancy standpoint, I believe that the minutes of board meetings should be available to the membership at large, but I digress.
At any rate, DCCA members who oppose any relaxation of the current moratorium, it is my understanding, coordinated to nominate several individuals for the board who would be more involved in liquor licensing, liquor protests, and moratorium issues, making five positions competitive at DCCA's annual meeting next month. I have no problem with contested elections - in fact, I generally believe that competition improves the quality of leadership in elected positions.
Nominations came from the floor with many questions and little apparent organization, either from a Board standpoint or from a membership standpoint. There was confusion as to the positions the floor nominations would fill, with final decisions seemingly arbitrary. One at-large nomination was offered, but it took several tries before the nominee and the nominator could decide how long the term he was being nominated for should be - 1, 2 or 3 years. The full floor nominations include the following:
President: Robin Diener
Second Vice President: Phyllis Klein
Secretary: Carol Mitten
3-year term: Dave Mallof
2-year term: Lex Rieffel
With these nominations, Phyllis Klein would retain her role as Second Vice President and Susan Dunn would retain her seat on the board as an at-large member. Robin Diener would move from an at-large member to president. If successful, she would appoint her own replacement to the board, as the Association's by-laws allow the President to fill vacancies without board consultation. Carol Mitten, Dave Mallof and Lex Rieffel would be new to the board.
Robin Diener's nomination was a bit of a surprise. I know Robin well and have worked with her and been supportive of many of the library and adult literacy issues she works tirelessly to promote. And she is Chairing the House Tour this year - a huge undertaking, to say the least. But my understanding is that the Nominating Committee had been considering her, but she took her name out of consideration (if this is incorrect, someone please correct me). And then she was nominated from the floor and accepted the nomination. I think her election would have been all but assured had she allowed the Nominating Committee to put her name forward as had been planned.
All of this background is important to note a few things that I believe might improve the process:
1) Make board minutes available on the DCCA web site and available to the public - or at the very least to DCCA members. Members' votes and statements at board meetings on important issues should be public knowledge, so that we as members can know who to support in contested elections, and so that members can know the direction the Association is headed and why.
2) The Nominating Committee should provide their report to the DCCA Board - and to membership - at least two weeks before a major meeting where DCCA members may have the opportunity to nominate alternate board members. To be presented with a slate of candidates is fine, but with no knowledge of nominees, how can DCCA members know if they would like to nominate alternatives for given seats? It leads to chaos and confusion, as was evidenced on Monday night.
3) Become involved! Several of the nominees - both from the floor and from the Nominating Committee - I have never met before at a DCCA function or have not attended or volunteered at a DCCA function in months or years. I have a difficult time voting for someone I haven't met before, or who only comes to one meeting a year. That's not to say that DCCA board members have to have lived in Dupont for 30 years. I could care less how long they've been in the neighborhood. But I need to know that they have a desire to be involved and to move the neighborhood forward in a constructive manner. I don't think I saw many of the nominees as volunteers for the house tour last year when I was volunteering under Robin Diener, who was the house tour volunteer coordinator last year...
4) Nominees - beit from the floor or the Nominating Committee - should be required to attend the nominating meeting. One of the nominees was not even at the meeting, though I guess DCCA can assume this individual accepts the nomination and is running for the position for which the individual was nominated. However, if a nominee were to decline nomination, membership would have no way of knowing.
5) I hope that nominees in the contested seats will have an opportunity to speak and lay out their vision for DCCA before the vote next month. Actually, I hope they will be required to do so. There are some very stark contrasts here, and I would like to know for whom I'm voting and what they would be prioritizing as board members before I cast my ballot.
My final suggestion is simply to please attend the meeting and vote for the candidate(s) you support. There are two very different groups of candidates from which to choose - and indeed individuals among the groups who have greatly different skill sets and visions for Dupont. The single caveat: You have to have been a DCCA member in January to vote next month. This is to keep any factions from "buying" a board in a given year. I think it's a good policy to have.
UPDATE: It has been pointed out that DCCA has an 11 member board - 5 officers and 6 at-large members. This article has been updated to reflect that.
DC Marriage Moving Ahead
I was thrilled yesterday with the Council's actions as a first step to recognize marriages - including same sex marriages - performed in other jurisdictions. I don't think we need to continue to couch them as "gay marriages" or "same sex marriages". In my mind, and many, many people's minds, they're just marriages. Period.
I'm very disappointed that the Mayor didn't choose to excercize the power that he had been granted many months ago to do the same thing. And I'm disappointed that the Spagnoletti Memo that the Williams Administration refused to release (and the current Mayor - when running for mayor - promised to release and then did not) regarding recognition of marriages in other jurisdictions has not been and never will be made public. They Mayor has had real opportunity to lead here on LGBT issues - and in fact basic civil equality issues - and has failed to do so. I was slightly encouraged that the Mayor has indicated that he would sign the Council's legislation, but again, that's not leading. That's taking a position once 13 other major city leaders have already done all of the work.
What was most encouraging to me was that Councilmember David Catania was able to amend the legislation that was introduced to recognize marriages AS MARRIAGES. The original legislation would have recognized marriages as domestic partnerships. That's sort of like becoming the vice president of a company and having the title "intern" just because you move to Washington. Talk about an unacceptable demotion.
Last month I was in the Councilmember's office and I spoke about a particular issue that friends of mine had. They were married in California when it was legal. However, when they moved to DC their marriage wasn't recognized, nor could they apply for a domestic partnership - since they were already married. They had fewer protections and liberties than if they had never gotten married in the first place. The Councilmember was unaware of this technical problem with the law, and I'm hopeful that their story helped direct some of yesterday's policy direction.
Make no mistake - there is MUCH work ahead of us. Congress can overturn our laws - something they cannot do in any other state or jurisdiction. And I have no illusions that the Democratic majority wouldn't throw us under the bus at the first opportunity they have. But the alternative is to do nothing. I'd rather have a fight in the open and change some minds along the way than sit idle and wait for that day - decades from now - when the LGBT community will truly be equal. Which is why I'm working very closely with DC for Marriage. Get involved! Let's change some hearts and minds... together.
I'm very disappointed that the Mayor didn't choose to excercize the power that he had been granted many months ago to do the same thing. And I'm disappointed that the Spagnoletti Memo that the Williams Administration refused to release (and the current Mayor - when running for mayor - promised to release and then did not) regarding recognition of marriages in other jurisdictions has not been and never will be made public. They Mayor has had real opportunity to lead here on LGBT issues - and in fact basic civil equality issues - and has failed to do so. I was slightly encouraged that the Mayor has indicated that he would sign the Council's legislation, but again, that's not leading. That's taking a position once 13 other major city leaders have already done all of the work.
What was most encouraging to me was that Councilmember David Catania was able to amend the legislation that was introduced to recognize marriages AS MARRIAGES. The original legislation would have recognized marriages as domestic partnerships. That's sort of like becoming the vice president of a company and having the title "intern" just because you move to Washington. Talk about an unacceptable demotion.
Last month I was in the Councilmember's office and I spoke about a particular issue that friends of mine had. They were married in California when it was legal. However, when they moved to DC their marriage wasn't recognized, nor could they apply for a domestic partnership - since they were already married. They had fewer protections and liberties than if they had never gotten married in the first place. The Councilmember was unaware of this technical problem with the law, and I'm hopeful that their story helped direct some of yesterday's policy direction.
Make no mistake - there is MUCH work ahead of us. Congress can overturn our laws - something they cannot do in any other state or jurisdiction. And I have no illusions that the Democratic majority wouldn't throw us under the bus at the first opportunity they have. But the alternative is to do nothing. I'd rather have a fight in the open and change some minds along the way than sit idle and wait for that day - decades from now - when the LGBT community will truly be equal. Which is why I'm working very closely with DC for Marriage. Get involved! Let's change some hearts and minds... together.
Apr. 21: PSA 208 Meeting at Stead Park
I provided the incorrect address at last night's ANC meeting. My apologies.
PSA 208 BLOCK CAPTAINS-AND YOUR NEIGHBORS
Please Come To The April PSA Meeting If You Can Possibly Make It.
When: April 21st, 7:00 pm
Where: The Stead Recreation Center on P Street, Located Half Way In Between 16th And 17th Street.
The number of thefts from homes and businesses has increased dramatically since late last year. Robberies, including robberies in which citizens have been hurt are up. The economy could play a major factor in crime trends in the near future.
Please insure that anyone in your building and on your block who is interested in their personal and public safety is aware of the meeting, and that they are invited to attend.
Come with questions. Come with problems and concerns.
Anything that is not the responsibility of the MPD, such as streetlights that are burned out or non-existent will be forwarded for action by the appropriate District department. Where there is more light and more information, there is less crime.
Thank you to Sgt. Mcdonald for securing the venue.
PS: On another note, there are almost a dozen new officers, fresh out of the academy, in PSA 208 teamed up with veteran officers patrolling the streets. If you see any of them, please say hello.
PSA 208 BLOCK CAPTAINS-AND YOUR NEIGHBORS
Please Come To The April PSA Meeting If You Can Possibly Make It.
When: April 21st, 7:00 pm
Where: The Stead Recreation Center on P Street, Located Half Way In Between 16th And 17th Street.
The number of thefts from homes and businesses has increased dramatically since late last year. Robberies, including robberies in which citizens have been hurt are up. The economy could play a major factor in crime trends in the near future.
Please insure that anyone in your building and on your block who is interested in their personal and public safety is aware of the meeting, and that they are invited to attend.
Come with questions. Come with problems and concerns.
Anything that is not the responsibility of the MPD, such as streetlights that are burned out or non-existent will be forwarded for action by the appropriate District department. Where there is more light and more information, there is less crime.
Thank you to Sgt. Mcdonald for securing the venue.
PS: On another note, there are almost a dozen new officers, fresh out of the academy, in PSA 208 teamed up with veteran officers patrolling the streets. If you see any of them, please say hello.
Apr. 11: Easter Egg Hunt!
Dupont Circle's 4th annual EASTER EGG HUNT for Children
Saturday, April 11th at 11:00 AMSTEAD PARK Field (Entrance on P street, between 16th and 17th streets)
The annual Easter Egg Hunt will occur at Stead Park on April 11th at 11:00 am. Bring your friends and family to celebrate spring with a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt in the park. Enjoy snacks, treats, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny! The hunt will begin promptly at 11:00 am, so please be sure to arrive before 11:00 so you do not miss the start.
PLEASE HELP MAKE THE EVENT A SUCCESS, by bringing an egg donation. We suggest plastic eggs filled with individually wrapped candies or treats. It would be great if parents with toddlers can bring one dozen eggs and attendees with older kids could bring 2-3 dozen donated eggs. This will ensure enough eggs for everyone to enjoy the hunt. Please bring your egg donations by 10:30 AM to Stead Park Field, so the Easter Bunny has the opportunity to hide the eggs before the start of the hunt.
The event is BYOB - Bring Your Own BASKET. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
May 2: Servathon in Dupont
Join the Dupont Circle ANC and your neighbors for a day of community service in our neighborhood!
When: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Why: Part of the 2009 “Servathon” Organized by Greater DC Cares
Join our Dupont Circle neighborhood team at: http://servathon2009.kintera.org/dupontcircle.
Testimony before the Committee on Aging
Last week, ANC Chairman Mike Silverstein and I testified before the City Council's Committee on Aging and Community Affairs about how ANC 2B is running. Following our testimony, we had a very productive Q & A with Councilwoman Alexander. Below are my prepare remarks for that hearing:
Commissioner Jack Jacobson
Treasurer, ANC 2B
Opening Statement
Before the Committee on Aging and Community Affairs
April 2, 2009
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for that introduction, and thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity to speak before you this evening.
As my Chairman said, it was indeed a dark and stormy night when our impeccable accounting record was disrupted. Our executive director had been locked out of our offices, because the lock had been broken, and whether it was the pouring rain, the blinding wind, or just an unfortunate oversight, we lost a $40.00 receipt for the locksmith who let him in. And out of $78,000 in allotments over a three year period, that $40.00 receipt - in the rain - was the only thing missing.
Indeed, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our compliance with applicable laws and regulations that govern our Commission. For the last several years we have employed a bookkeeper to keep us on track and ensure our accounting was accurate and complete. I took over those duties when I became Treasurer in January.
Speaking of which, Lynnard Barnum and the DC Auditor’s Office have been a pleasure to work with. In the short time since I assumed the office of Treasurer, the Auditor’s office has been responsive to requests and more than helpful with questions that I’ve had in my new position.
As Chairman Silverstein stated, the Dupont Circle ANC does not manage a grant program for community entities. The lack of a grant program was one of my first questions when I was elected to the Commission just a year ago. However, we are able to get exponential “bang for the buck” when we leverage our money in the way Chairman Silverstein explained.
Every year we create and vote on an annual budget, which lays out our expected expenses by month. This year’s budget is just under $23,000. Our annual allocation from the city is just under $26,000, as a comparison. This has allowed us to bank modest but important reserves in a savings account, in the event we need to engage in multiple legal battles in a given year to protect and enhance our neighborhood.
Our annual budget has several main components. We pay our executive director, Alfred Blicher, around $8,000 annually. Along with applicable wage taxes and workers compensation fees, this accounts for the majority of our budget. To ensure that state and local taxes are paid in a timely manner and in correct amounts, we utilize a service called “PayChex”. Each month they call me, confirm his payment amount, then provide us via U.S. mail information regarding the payroll and income taxes owed to him. Quarterly they send us the information on the income and payroll taxes owed so that we can pay them promptly and accurately.
We also occupy as office space and pay liability insurance on the property at 9 Dupont Circle, NW – the Community Resource Center. The Resource Center is shared with Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets and is provided for our use by the National Parks Service. We also allow other community groups to utilize the space as requested and necessary. It is also used as a substation by DC Metropolitan Police and the Park Police.
A small amount each month – roughly $100 – goes to printing, postage and office supplies.
The remainder of our budget is directed towards technology to make our Commission run more smoothly and to allow more interaction with our constituents.
For our internal communications, we subscribe to software called “BackPackIt”. BackPackIt allows the sharing and modification of documents, a shared calendar, and a message system for Commissioners. The program has proven most helpful in modifying and discussing resolutions and possible amendments prior to our monthly meetings.
We also maintain a Web site, www.dupontcircleanc.net. The site houses our minutes, our agendas, and now important documents that we want to make available and accessible to the community. We have plans in the coming months to make our Web site even more robust, with a goal of having all of our voluntary agreements posted on the site and additional information it would be helpful for the community to have access to.
In summation, Madam Chair, from a financial standpoint, Dupont Circle is running like a well-oiled machine. We believe that the systems we have developed and processes we have put in place – with much appreciated input from Gotlieb Simon and Lynnard Barnum – have allowed us to focus our efforts more broadly on working with our community to solve shared problems and address constituent problems.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify before you this evening. Chairman Silverstein and I are happy to answer any questions you or the other Committee Members may have.
Commissioner Jack Jacobson
Treasurer, ANC 2B
Opening Statement
Before the Committee on Aging and Community Affairs
April 2, 2009
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for that introduction, and thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity to speak before you this evening.
As my Chairman said, it was indeed a dark and stormy night when our impeccable accounting record was disrupted. Our executive director had been locked out of our offices, because the lock had been broken, and whether it was the pouring rain, the blinding wind, or just an unfortunate oversight, we lost a $40.00 receipt for the locksmith who let him in. And out of $78,000 in allotments over a three year period, that $40.00 receipt - in the rain - was the only thing missing.
Indeed, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our compliance with applicable laws and regulations that govern our Commission. For the last several years we have employed a bookkeeper to keep us on track and ensure our accounting was accurate and complete. I took over those duties when I became Treasurer in January.
Speaking of which, Lynnard Barnum and the DC Auditor’s Office have been a pleasure to work with. In the short time since I assumed the office of Treasurer, the Auditor’s office has been responsive to requests and more than helpful with questions that I’ve had in my new position.
As Chairman Silverstein stated, the Dupont Circle ANC does not manage a grant program for community entities. The lack of a grant program was one of my first questions when I was elected to the Commission just a year ago. However, we are able to get exponential “bang for the buck” when we leverage our money in the way Chairman Silverstein explained.
Every year we create and vote on an annual budget, which lays out our expected expenses by month. This year’s budget is just under $23,000. Our annual allocation from the city is just under $26,000, as a comparison. This has allowed us to bank modest but important reserves in a savings account, in the event we need to engage in multiple legal battles in a given year to protect and enhance our neighborhood.
Our annual budget has several main components. We pay our executive director, Alfred Blicher, around $8,000 annually. Along with applicable wage taxes and workers compensation fees, this accounts for the majority of our budget. To ensure that state and local taxes are paid in a timely manner and in correct amounts, we utilize a service called “PayChex”. Each month they call me, confirm his payment amount, then provide us via U.S. mail information regarding the payroll and income taxes owed to him. Quarterly they send us the information on the income and payroll taxes owed so that we can pay them promptly and accurately.
We also occupy as office space and pay liability insurance on the property at 9 Dupont Circle, NW – the Community Resource Center. The Resource Center is shared with Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets and is provided for our use by the National Parks Service. We also allow other community groups to utilize the space as requested and necessary. It is also used as a substation by DC Metropolitan Police and the Park Police.
A small amount each month – roughly $100 – goes to printing, postage and office supplies.
The remainder of our budget is directed towards technology to make our Commission run more smoothly and to allow more interaction with our constituents.
For our internal communications, we subscribe to software called “BackPackIt”. BackPackIt allows the sharing and modification of documents, a shared calendar, and a message system for Commissioners. The program has proven most helpful in modifying and discussing resolutions and possible amendments prior to our monthly meetings.
We also maintain a Web site, www.dupontcircleanc.net. The site houses our minutes, our agendas, and now important documents that we want to make available and accessible to the community. We have plans in the coming months to make our Web site even more robust, with a goal of having all of our voluntary agreements posted on the site and additional information it would be helpful for the community to have access to.
In summation, Madam Chair, from a financial standpoint, Dupont Circle is running like a well-oiled machine. We believe that the systems we have developed and processes we have put in place – with much appreciated input from Gotlieb Simon and Lynnard Barnum – have allowed us to focus our efforts more broadly on working with our community to solve shared problems and address constituent problems.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify before you this evening. Chairman Silverstein and I are happy to answer any questions you or the other Committee Members may have.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Apr. 7: Dupont Circle ANC Agenda
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2B
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
DC Jewish Community Center, 16th at Q Streets NW
Call to Order and Introduction of Commissioners
Approval of Minutes
Public Announcements
Public Safety
Remarks by Councilman Jack Evans
Committee Reports
Commissioner Reports
General
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
DC Jewish Community Center, 16th at Q Streets NW
Call to Order and Introduction of Commissioners
Approval of Minutes
Public Announcements
Public Safety
Remarks by Councilman Jack Evans
Committee Reports
Commissioner Reports
General
- Remarks by DDOT Director Gabe Klein.
- Presentation by Eric Reader of Capital Pride and request for letter of support for this year’s Pride Festival.
- Consideration of resolution on final DDOT design proposal for 18th Street Reconstruction Project.
- Consideration of resolution requesting D.C. Council committee hearings to provide priority to testimony by ANC Commissioners.
- Consideration of resolution expressing ANC 2B appreciation to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Consideration of resolution re: proposed regulations on establishment of historic districts.
- Request for exemption from Single Sales Ban, Dupont Fine Wine, 1325 Conn. Ave, N.W. Meenu Sabhorwal, Owner and Operator (2B05)
- Request for exemption from Single Sales Ban, VT&B Inc t/a State Liquors, 2159 P Street NW, Bob Nguyen, Owner and Operator (2B02)
- Consideration of application for substantial change to ABC license – CR (restaurant) to CT (tavern), 1624 U Street, Inc. t/a Chi Cha Lounge (2B08)
- Consideration of application for substantial change to ABC license – CR to CT Cafe Saint Ex and Bar Pilar (2B09)
- Consideration of application for CR license by Mesa 14 (2B09)
- Consideration of request by E&C Eye Street LLC t/a Elephant and Castle Pub Restaurant, 900 19th St NW, seeking support to an amendment to already granted stipulated license for entertainment endorsement.(2B06)
- Consideration of a letter to request relief of tax penalties for businesses impacted by P Street Streetscape: Oasis Market (2B06)
- Policy & Procedures Manual – Version 1.0
Green Door April 2009 Wish List
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.
Items should be fully functioning, gently used, and new items that are only on the wish list. Please contact Megan Butler at Megan.Butler@greendoor.org or 202-408-1977 x2 before donating.
We are in desperate need of a Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer for the Clubhouse Training Kitchen because the current refrigerator and freezer have been breaking down daily.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for Guest Chefs/Servers and Speakers 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). Please RSVP with Ashawnda Fleming at 202-408-1977
Thursday April 9, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday April 22, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday May 14, 2009 at 8:30am
Wednesday May 27, 2009 at 11:30am
Thursday June 11, 2009 at 8:30am
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.
Toiletries, especially toothpaste, for our men’s and women’s emergency closets.
Safeway/Giant cards for members without income that are awaiting approval of their benefits.
Renee’s TV was struck by lightening so she is in need of a TV. She also needs a vacuum cleaner so that she can keep her home clean.
Tracy has struggled with forming relationships, maintaining sobriety, and being proactive in her own treatment. She has reconciled her relationship with her children and is actively working with Clubhouse staff to engage in daily activities to promote her own well being. Tracy gave her bed to her daughter when the family reconciled and now she is need of bed (full or queen size).
Lawrence is in need of a bed (queen size), TV, and couch. He is disabled with diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and major depression. He does not have a bed right now and is sleeping on a couch with holes in it.
Abeba needs a telephone so that she can keep in touch with friends and family. She also needs some items for her kitchen such as silverware and a blender.
Matovia has just moved in to an apartment and has obtained a lot of furniture, but still needs a few lamps (either floor or table) and rugs (size 4x6) for her hardwood floors (in both the living room and the bedroom).
Tyrone has been working for a number of years and is currently employed with Goodwill. He needs a TV (19” or larger).
Brenda is currently in recovery and a coffee pot, full size sheets and comforter, microwave, and iron will help her concentrate on her recovery.
Susan has just completed her 6 month paid job placement as a Receptionist at the McClendon Center, and is working on updating her apartment. Since she is on a limited budget and does not receive full Social Security Benefits, she would greatly appreciate a blender-12 speed (black), steak knives, baking pans, measuring cups, spoons, cutler set, tupperware, strainer, mixing bowls, cheese grater, 2 dinner plates, pots and pans (with lids in a variety of sizes).
Michael and Linda are starting classes this month along with other members of the Green Door Supported Education Program. They need adult-sized book bags, new pens and pencils (black or blue ink, No. 2 pencils), and paperback dictionaries to get back to school.
Michael and Emily are planning for a basic math class at the Clubhouse. They are hoping to use the work of the café unit for real life lesson plans. The Green Door Clubhouse really needs a cash register that is in good condition. Using the cash register and counting back correct change would be a fantastic way to practice addition and subtraction.
Green Door housing needs five vacuums for the five housing units. The vacuums consistently break from the constant use. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy home.
The Green Door Clubhouse is having a crocheting class, to enhance life skills for members. This would be a great way for members to relieve stress and gain a sense of accomplishment. Items needed are various colors of yarn, 2.55 mm needles, 4.25 mm needles, and Head start crocheting book.
One of the Green Door Clubhouse member’s is starting a 30’s and over group. They are in need of table games, such as monopoly and scrabble, so they can play games and socialize when they meet weekly.
Oliver recently moved into an apartment and needs a vacuum cleaner to keep her new place clean.
George recently moved into a room in a friend’s apartment. All he has is a twin mattress and he really needs a bed (queen-size). A dresser and chairs is also needed.
Ruth is a long time member at the clubhouse. A hobby that she enjoys is baking cupcakes and cakes for the Green Door Clubhouse. She needs a muffin pan and a cake pan (9 inch) in order to bake.
At the clubhouse, we recognize there is a shortage of activities in the afternoon, which plays a significant role in members leaving early. The Clubhouse would like a ping pong table to help increase the member activity in the afternoon.
The Transitional Employment Coordinator at the Green Door Clubhouse would like to host a dinner. He needs 10 table cloths (cloth material and all one color) to dress the tables. This dinner is intended to bring in more Transitional Employment positions to the Clubhouse, which in turn gives members more opportunities to get back to work.
Yogi is disabled and only has the use of his right hand. He is in need of a vacuum to assist him with maintaining his apartment.
Michelle is moving and is in need of a bed (queen size), pillows, dinning room set, silverware, bookcase, desk, and chest of drawer.
John has recently moved into an apartment and is in need of a comforter (full or queen sized) and 2 sets of curtains (any size) to match the grey and black color scheme of his apartment.
The Green Door Clubhouse is in desperate need of a vacuum because they break from constant use. This makes it difficult for the members to keep their units and the Clubhouse clean.
We would like to give welcome gift bags to those who successfully complete orientation at Green Door. We are looking for any small toiletry items/grooming kits (soaps, shampoos, shavers, chap stick, etc) or knick knack items (pocket calendars, diaries, key chains, t-shirts, pencils, tote bags, etc). These welcome items would serve as “Thank You” items, and would also assist members with obtaining items that are often out of their budgets.
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