"Night on Ninth" Gallery Receptions - Thursday, July 20th

Roxanne’s ARTiques, located at 3426 9th Street NE, on Historic Brookland’s Gallery Row, across the street from the neighborhood landmark Colonel Brooks Tavern, will feature original photographs by six Washington-area photographers. The show features photographs and manipulated images of summer, including children at play, bridges and alleys, fireworks, flowers, and other scenes.

The photographers represented in the show are Ted Austin, Melissa Covington, Gloria Kirk, Otis Motley, Kelly Perl, Ph.D., and Leonard Tate. An opening reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20th.

Ted Austin owns Pro Photo Images, a full service photography studio, including complete digital imaging facilities, in the Takoma neighborhood in Washington, DC. Over his career, he has gravitated towards fine arts photography and now, after further study and experimentation, digital imaging.

A retired teacher and photographer for a federal government agency, Mr. Austin teaches at his studio and for the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. His work has been displayed in numerous exhibitions. As a retired teacher and educator, Austin prefers photography, saying that "A bad day in the darkroom is better than a good day in the classroom, although now, instead of eight hours in the darkroom, it's eight hours at the computer."

Melissa Covington, a speech-language pathologist, took up photography in 1995, and is a partner in Beyond Photography. She prefers to shoot odd architectural angles, unusual objects, and scenes in nature.

Gloria Kirk is a native Washingtonian. While focusing today on photographing vintage vehicles and creating conceptual photographic art, Ms. Kirk's photography includes weddings, photojournalism, portraits, architectcure, and abstracts. She has had work published in various media, and has exhibited in galleries in the U.S., Africa, and Cuba.

Otis Motley is a freelance and press photographer, specializing in portraits, news, sports, dances, weddings, and special events, and travel. A graduate of the New York Institute of Photographer, his assignments have included Hoops for the Homeless, Cherry Blossom Festivals, Fourth of July Celebrations, and activities in Germany including the Michael Jackson concert tour in 1997 and President Clinton visiting U.S. troops.

Kelly Perl lives in the the Brookland neighborhood in Washington. She has photographed a wide variety of New York City landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge, the now abandoned Bethelehem Steel Works in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Her work in the show can be described as "industrial pastoral," juxtaposing industrial subjects and infrastructure with nature.

Leonard Tate was born in Detroit, Michigan and works as a psychologist in Virginia. His photographic eye captures people, nature, and odd and weird objects. He is also a partner in Beyond Photography.

The "Summertime: Six Photographers" show will be displayed from Thursday, July 20th through Thursday August, 31st. A closing reception will be held on Thursday, August 31st, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Roxanne’s ARTiques is owned by Roxanne Carter, a long-time resident of the Michigan Park neighborhood in Greater Brookland, in the northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. The gallery features artifacts and works of art by national and international artists. The Gallery is open from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, and is located one block from the Brookland/CUA red line Metro subway station. For more information, contact Roxanne Carter at (202)-526-7020, by email at roxannesartiques@hotmail.com, and on the internet at www.roxannesartiques.com.

Also see the Summer Art! blog for additional gallery openings in Brookland this Thursday.

Man Missing from NE

Missing Person: Jerome John Baker

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in attempting to locate a missing person. Jerome John Baker was reportedly last seen at approximately 8:30 am, on Monday, July 17, 2006, in the 400 block of W Street, NE.

Jerome John Baker is described as a black male, 48 years of age, 6'0" tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. He is further described as having a dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair and a scar on his left cheek. He was reportedly last seen wearing blue jean shorts, a red baseball hat and black slippers. He is also said to use a black metal cane for walking.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Jerome John Baker is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

Prisoner Escapes in NE During Transport

***UPDATED***

I just put two-and-two together: this is the man who torched Kathy Henderson's car just over two weeks ago! I wonder if this qualifies her for a police escort home?



From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in helping to locate an escaped prisoner.

At approximately 3:30 am, on Friday, June 30, 2006, a 1991 Mercury Capri was set ablaze at 1807 L Street, NE. A second vehicle, a 1999 Suzuki Vitary, was also damaged as a result of the fire.

A subsequent investigation by members of the department's Fifth District led to the arrest of 34-year-old James D. Bell, of no fixed address. He was arrested, without incident, at 19th Street and Maryland Avenue, NE, at approximately 4:24 pm, on Saturday, July 15, 2006, and charged with Destruction of Property. At approximately 10 am, on Monday, July 17, 2006, Mr. Bell was being transported from the Fifth District station, located at 1805 Bladensburg Road, NE, to the department's Central Cell Block, located at 300 Indiana Avenue, NW. While in the 1300 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, Mr. Bell apparently managed to force or kick open the back door of the transport wagon and make good his escape.

James D. Bell is described as a 34-year-old black male, 6'1" tall, approximately 150 pounds with braided type hair. He has a tombstone-shaped tattoo with the letters "RIP" on his upper right arm and a heart-shaped tattoo with the word "TANYA" on his upper left arm. He was last seen wearing a black jump suit.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of James D. Bell, or who sees him, should take no direct action but should call police at (202) 727-9099 or 911.

From WTOP:

D.C. police are looking for a prisoner who escaped from a transport vehicle Monday morning.

Police say 34-year-old James Bell managed to kick open the door of the vehicle in the 1300 block of Maryland Avenue, Northeast around 10:30 a.m. Bell was being moved from the Fifth Police District to police headquarters.

Bell also goes by the first name Marcell. He was arrested on Saturday on charges of setting fire to a vehicle on L Street, Northeast.

Police say Bell is a black man, about six-foot-one and 150 pounds. He has braided hair, a tombstone "RIP" tattoo on his upper right arm and a heart with the name "Tanya" in it on his upper left arm.

Bell was last seen wearing a black prison jumpsuit and may still have the plastic handcuffs he was wearing when he escaped.

I have a hard time believing the plastic 'cuffs are still on....

ANC-5A07 Meeting - Tuesday, July 18th

What: SMD-5A07 Meeting

When: Tuesday, July 18th, 2006, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Slowe Elementary School, 1404 Jackson Street, NE (not at the library this time - the entrance is on 14th Street next to the playground)

Agenda: Charlie Robinson to discuss the Police Report; John McGaw and Brookland CDC Board to discuss questions about the CDC and the Brookland Main Street Program; Community Concerns

This meeting appears to have been called in response to what Commissioner Boston feels are "issues with the Brookland CDC." Pleaes note that the letter below states Boston's feelings, not mine, verbatim:

Hi everyone,

On Tuesday, July 18th, 6;30p, I will be having an ANC meeting at Slowe Elementary Library. I decided not have a meeting in July, but the issues with the Brookland CDC are very important for the neighborhood. I have invited the Brookland CDC and its board members to the meeting. They have yet to confirm. Yet, they send out this message talking of answering questions.

Why does it take over 2 weeks to answer simple questions on your dealings in the Brookland community? I have great concern for a 501c3 that continuously hides public information.

John McGaw who oversees the MainStreet programs under the office of Economic Development will be attending the meeting to answer questions. He told the community at the CDC annual meeting they were getting $300,000.00 to invest in the Brookland community. He is directly responsible for renewing the Mainstreet contract with the CDC,and helping them get these monies.

I am very concerned over these matters. The CDC could not answer one question concerning their finances at their Annual Meeting. Lavinia would not explain why Deans is still sitting empty. We know they are making money off that lease.

I want to understand who is responsible for the Brookland Parade and how we can improve it?
Lavinia is our Ward 5 Rep to the City for the Complehensive Plan, is a conflict of interest?
Where is the money their making off the parade going?
I would like to know how the art galleries are tied to the CDC?
I want to know what are their plans concerning Historic Preservation?
What is the make up of the Board?
Why are the volunteers and employees not from the Brookland community?

There are several more questions that I have been asking for over a year. Many of you have seen the emails. The CDC keeps trying and doing business concerning the community behind the community's back. This has to stop, especially since they are getting 300 grand. I want to see the Deans contract, everyone should have a copy.

Once again, I am inviting Lavinia Wohlfarth and the Board of Directors out to the July 18th meeting. If John McGaw can come to the meeting. Certainly, Lavinia can come and answer all of our questions.

If you do not see this on the Listserv, someone please post this email for me. Thank you

Please come out to this meeting and support YOUR community. I look forward to seeing everyone there. 6:30 - Slowe Library

ANC Boston

Trinidad-Ivy City Garden Club Annual Yard Sale Saturday, July 15th

Frozen Tropics point us to tomorrow's Trinidad-Ivy City Community Garden Club Annual Yard Sale, as well as their blog/site and listserv. Also note Trinidad's website, with Elise's wonderful neighborhood pictures, and the Ivy City-Trinidad Citizens Association website (though I don't know how often this site is updated).

TRINIDAD-IVY CITY GARDEN CLUB

2nd ANNUAL YARD SALE

JULY 15, 2006, 10am – 3pm

1100 Block Montello Ave. NE

All proceeds support the planting projects of the Trinidad Garden Club.

trinidadivycitygardenclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://ticgardenclub.blogspot.com/

Sometimes We Hear the Victims' Stories

Today's Post article, "13 Days, 14 Homicides: Each Victim In the City's Violent July Has a Story" laments:

Their cases received little attention compared with the slayings of a convenience store owner, a community activist and an aspiring British politician. But they created the same kind of anguish for the people they knew.

True, but can we now expect WaPo and other local media to give us this kind of detail going forward? Though doubtful, this piece does offer some insight into the lives of those murdered in the past two weeks - victims' whose names were likely found only in MPD press releases.

5 People Shot Overnight in DC - 4 of Them in NE

From NBC4:

D.C. police said one person is dead and four others wounded following four shootings that took place in different parts of the city.

About 10:44 p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the 1200 block of Morse Street Northeast, where they found an adult female who had been shot. Police said her injuries were not life-threatening.

Then about 11:30 p.m., police were called to 8th and Xenia streets in Southeast and found an adult male shot. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, police said.

Eight minutes later, officers were called to the 1800 block of Lincoln Road Northeast and found an adult male who had been shot. Police said he was also transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Another shooting victim later showed up at the hospital and was linked to Lincoln road, police said.

Finally about 2:10 a.m. Wednesday, police said [23-year-old Michael Dorsey] was shot in the 1900 block of Gallaudet Street in Northeast. Investigators said he was shot in the street and stumbled into a building where he collapsed and died.

The shootings happened just hours after D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey declared a crime emergency in the city, in response to this month's jump in violent crime.

The District is, at this very moment, at 14 homicides for the month of July. Courtland Milloy notes that the recent surge in violent robberies has "[shaken the] sense of security among the affluent and influential....The city is being terrorized - and, as residents of many low-income neighborhoods will tell you, it's been that way for years."

Vote for Dwellings in the Washington Post's 2006 Best Bets (and more!)

Do it now and do it often! If you haven't yet been to Dwellings, try to stop by this weekend. The owner, Roz Moore, and her staff are extremely helpful and kind, the products are lovely, and the prices are very reasonable (I wouldn't be surprised if you've seen a number of their accessories at other boutiques for twice the price). What a gem on 12th Street!

- - -

While I'm in endorsement mode, sneak a vote or three in for Washington Improv Theater. I've been a WIT student and volunteer - and soon to be class TA - for over a year-and-a-half. In that time I've made a number of great friends, reclaimed my "funny," and gained confidence I knew was hiding in me somewhere. Looking ahead, I'm partnering with their staff to fulfill their mission in the community by sharing the gifts of improv with local youth.

And, finally, take a look at the Best of Washington, DC Shop run by Brooklander dc gal. A comprehensive online shop for DC merchandise and political gear - t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, ringers, baseball jerseys, tote bags, messenger bags, mugs, stickers, teddy bears, and more. Look no further for your neighborhood gear....

Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Monthly Meeting TONIGHT

What: Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, July 10th, 2006, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (18th and Rhode Island Avenue), 202.541.6226

Agenda: MPD-5D - Public Safety Update; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton; Ron Magnus - Candidate for Ward 5 Council; Ron C. Claiborne - On Financial Safety, Public Affairs Specialist with the DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking

Contact: 202.882.1683 or concernneighbors@aol.com. Additional questions or concerns, please call Ms. Llyod at 202.903.6197 or 202.257.0001

* Note: The ANC Citizen Conference has been postponed until July 29th, 2006 at McKinley Tech High School. Please stay tuned for more information.*

Also of note tonight at the Woodridge Library: The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is teaming up with the DC Public Library System and the Investor Protection Trust (IPT) to provide the Investor Education @ Your Library® seminars. The 60-minute seminar (7-8pm) includes a presentation on the regulation of securities by DISB, investor protection and education initiatives that can benefit District residents, and investor education exercises. Contact: Mary Cooper mary.cooper@dc.gov or (202)541-6226

Brookland Main Street Committees Looking for New Volunteers

The new Executive Director of the Historic Brookland Main Street initiative, Lee Alexander, sent out a message last week:

We are actively scouting for new volunteers to join the community working within our four main program committees. We seek volunteers with all types of backgrounds and experiences -- people who want to be part of the action; people who want to be "in-the-know"; people who are looking to become active and involved and give back to the community!

Here's just a taste of how to get involved:

Promotions Committee: Creates the excitement for our commercial district. Coordinates our street festival, parades, retail events and promotional campaigns. This committee meets the first Thursday of every month. This committee is meeting Thursday, July 6, 2006 at 7:15 PM! (apologies for my tardiness on this one -jaime)

Organization Committee: Involves creating a framework for our community that is well represented by businesses, property owners bankers and neighbors. In other words, a strong organization provides the stability to build and sustain long-term success. This committee meets the second Tuesday of every month. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, 2006!

Economic Restructuring Committee: Gets involved in analyzing current market forces to develop the long term success of our merchants as well as becomes active in helping to recruit new businesses to our neighborhood. This committee meets the third Tuesday of every month. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2006!

Design Committee: Works to enhance the street appeal and attractiveness to our business district. This committee meets the third Thursday of every month. Our next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July, 20, 2006!

Our meetings are held at the Brookland Visitors Center, 3420 9th Street, NE, and typically begin at 7:00 PM. If you would like more information about each committee, please contact me, Lee Alexander, Executive Director - Historic Brookland Main Street/CDC. I can be reached during normal business hours Monday through Friday at (202) 529-8400.

Please plan join us at one, two, or all program committee meetings this month!

More info about the Historic Brookland Mainstreet intiative here, here, and here (from 2004).

Homicide Inside 534 23rd Place, NE

This makes six homicides in the past seven days (NE and the NW section of Ward 5 combined - five if you want to stay within the bounds of NE). From MPD:

At approximately 9:45 last night, Thursday, July 6, 2006, police were called to 534 23rd Place, NE, for the report of an unconscious male. Upon arrival officers located a district male in an unresponsive state. DC Fire Department emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, but found no signs consistent with life. He was taken to the DC Medical Examiner's office and pronounced dead. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

The case is under investigation by members of the department's Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

All I can bring myself to say at this point is that I hope the community has a safe and peaceful weekend.

1 Dead, 3 Injured In Northeast Shooting

It seems we are having a record-breaking homicide week here in NE. From MPD:

Homicide in the 1400 Block of Duncan Street, NE

At approximately 11:42 last night, Wednesday, July 5, 2006, police were called to the 1400 block of Duncan Street, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival officers located 30-year-old Darryl A. Hill, of the 1400 block of Duncan Street, NE, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was taken to the Washington Hospital Center's MedStar Unit and pronounced dead. Police also located a 22-year-old male, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body along with a 30-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the body and a 37-year-old man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the ankle. All the victims were taken to area hospitals. The 22-year-old male was admitted in critical but stable condition, the 30-year-old male and the 37-year-old male were admitted in stable condition.

Their names are being withheld because they are considered witnesses at this time.

The case is under investigation by members of the department's Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

I missed this last week on the eve of the holiday weekend - with a juvenile victim; from MPD:

Homicide at 1506 45th Street, NE

At approximately 10:43 pm, on Thursday, June 29, 2006, Metropolitan Police were called to the front of 1506 45th Street, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, police located 17-year-old Carl George Whitfield, of the 4600 block of Blaine Street, NE, suffering from an apparent multiple gunshot wound to the body. He was taken to the Howard University Hospital and pronounced dead.

Also located at the scene was a 19-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the foot, and a 16-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the heel. Both victims were taken to area hospitals, treated and released.

The preliminary investigation reveals that, while the three victims were standing in front of 1506 45th Street, NE, an unknown person or persons drove up to the location in a dark-colored car and started to fire at the victims, before fleeing the scene.

The case is under investigation by members of the department's Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

By my count - excluding any activity tonight and any I may have missed - NE has had a grand total of 5 homicides in the past 7 days. Add Maurice Darnaby's slaying (NW in Ward 5), and we're averaging nearly 1 homicide per day in the past week. Unacceptable. Much like the thanks citizens and community leaders get when they push for positive change.

Kathy Henderson's Car Set on Fire

***UPDATED***

Proof that it's not easy being a Ward 5 ANC Commissioner or Council candidate. Henderson's (5B-10) demeanor in the NBC4 footage is the same that has impressed me in various meetings. Also noted in The Examiner, the Post, and on WUSA9. It should be interesting to see where the investigation leads.

Hat tip to Elise for pointing out a WaPo article written a little over a year ago, "Hazards of ANC Job Outlined."

Zipcar vs. Flexcar - Help Me Decide!

I'm hoping some of you out there have already made a decision - that you either regret or not - on whether Zipcar or Flexcar was the right choice for your carsharing needs. Maybe you're still trying to figure it out yourself....Either way, I need your help taming my indecisive mind!

Not long after we moved to the District, we realized we didn't need our second car, Sparky the Saturn. To avoid the perceived hassle of selling it ourselves, and without the easy switcheroo of trading it in for another car, we took it to the nearest CarMax and left with the spare change they offered. While we're hardly in the position where we physically need two vehicles at the same time, it has happened a couple of times in the past year, and one of us has been SOL for the day - or relying on the generosity of a coworker or friend. The fact is, sometimes we still need two cars, most importantly for vet and dentist visits in the burbs, neither of which is Metro accessible or readily available to see us on a Saturday. And this post isn't to argue why my dentist and vet are still in a Red state; if I'd found an amazing gynecologist while we were out there, I'd need carsharing for yet another appointment. Point being, some doctors are worth the trouble once you find them. Now I just need help deciding which company is going to get me there....

House Fire at 1310 Monroe Street, NE

While devastating, and one of my biggest fears, luckily no one was killed in an early morning fire Saturday, July 1st. Two firemen suffered potentially serious injuries, and the three occupants are now homeless. If anyone has additional info on how we can help any of them, please let us know in the comments.

Weekend Ward 5 / NE Murder Roundup

Unfortunately there was enough activity over the holiday weekend thus far to call this a "roundup" - and it doesn't include the bulk of the regional weekend violence - (all info below from MPD):

• At approximately 10:15 on the night of Friday, June 30, 2006, police were called to the A & L Market, located at 2007 First Street, NW, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival they located the owner of the store, 35-year-old Maurice Darnaby of the 11000 block of Old York Road in Mitchellville, Maryland, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. DC Fire Department emergency medical personnel responded to the scene but found no signs consistent with life. Local news coverage from WaPo, ABC7, WUSA9, and NBC4.
• At approximately 12:15 on the morning of Saturday, July 1, 2006, police were called to the front of 2012 Maryland Avenue, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival they located 25-year-old Ronald Anderson, of the 2000 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was taken to the Washington Hospital Center's MedSTAR Unit and pronounced dead.
• At approximately 1:44 on the morning of Saturday, July 1, 2006, police were called to the front of 4119 Gault Place, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival they located 23-year-old Francis E. Watkins, of the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE, suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was taken to the Howard University Hospital and pronounced dead.
• At approximately 1:35 am, on Tuesday, July 4, 2006, 27-year-old Robert W. Allen, of the 400 block of Mellon Street, SE, was driven by a private vehicle to the Greater Southeast Community Hospital and admitted in critical condition with apparent multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was later pronounced dead at 2:14 am. The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Allen was shot while standing in front of 380 Eastern Avenue, NE.

Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

And they do solve homicides with our help.

Art Opening in Brookland TONIGHT - "Night on Ninth"

What: Golden Dream Pop-tail, featuring artwork by Clark, Billy Colbert, Emily Greene Liddle, Mary Annella Frank, Chris Lee, and Candice Keegan. Live music by the Gulley Jimson Quartet.

When: Opening reception Friday, June 30th, 2006, 6-9pm. Runs through July 15th, 2006. Regular gallery hours: Thursday & Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 12-4pm.

Where: Washington Works on Paper, 3420 9th Street, NE (same as the Brookland CDC)

About: This is part of the six two-week summer art exhibitions: Shaken, Not Stirred...An Ephemeral Cocktail. Washington Works on Paper is a not-for-profit gallery; all proceeds go to cultural art programs in Brookland.

Environmental Community Mayoral Forum Thursday, June 29th

I know it's been circulating around the local interwebs, but I wanted to give credit to a neighbor from Friends of the Earth who passed this info along to me. Thanks, neighbor!

D.C. Environmental Network

American Rivers - Anacostia Coordinating Council - Anacostia Watershed Society Audubon Naturalist Society - Beyond Pesticides - Bluewater Network - Casey Trees Endowment Fund - Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Center for Food Safety - Chesapeake Climate Action Network - Clean Water Action - Coalition for Smarter Growth - Container Recycling Institute - DC Environmental Education Consortium - DC Fiscal Policy Institute - DC Smart Schools - DC Statehood Green Party - Friends of the Earth - Global Green - Green Spaces for DC - Howard Environmental Law Society - Institute for Local Self Reliance - No DC Taxes for Baseball - Safer Neighborhoods Campaign - Sierra Club - Washington Area Bicyclist Association - Washington Parks and People - Washington Regional Network - Watts Branch Alliance - Wholeness for Humanity

D.C. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNTIY TO HOLD MAYORAL CANDIDATES FORUM AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Who: Michael Brown, Chairman Linda Cropp, Councilmember Adrian Fenty, and Chris Otten

What: District of Columbia environmental organizations, individuals and activists to hold a Mayoral Forum featuring issues highlighted in the soon to be released DC Environmental Agenda. Candidates will have an opportunity to present their environmental vision for the District to residents and explain their thoughts on issues that most directly impact the environmental health of our communities. Organizations that are interested in tabling at the event should contact the Washington Area Bicyclist Association / WABA.

When: Thursday, June 29, 2006, 6:30-9:00pm

Where: Cramton Auditorium, Howard University, 2455 6th Street NW (The Howard University Office of Parking and Shuttle Operations will provide complimentary shuttle service from the Howard University/Shaw Metro Station)
Free valet bike parking will be available at the forum courtesy of WABA.

Why: In 1999, twelve District environmental organizations created the first ever Environmental Agenda for the District of Columbia. This agenda was a collaborative effort of citizen activists to chart a course for environmental protection. It recognized that a new Mayor and Council would have an opportunity to reverse some of the negative trends of years past and promote working towards a more livable city for all residents. It made recommendations, for action and drew upon the collective wisdom of many District environmental leaders as well as successful initiatives in other parts of the country.

Today in 2006, the Summit Fund of Washington and over 30 environmental, health, faith, citizen and civic organizations are answering a call to action by participating in creating a new environmental agenda for the District. This new agenda will build on the successes of the past six years and will set a new standard of environmental excellence for the District. A preview of some of the focus areas include:

· Clean Rivers - While some progress has been made cleaning up the Anacostia River, Potomac River and Rock Creek, much work still needs to be done. Recommendations will include doing more to effectively manage stormwater and increase efforts to find funding for important repairs to our aging infrastructure.
· Safe Drinking Water - With efforts to decrease the amount of lead in our drinking water under way, recommendations will focus on making sure we avoid a future drinking water crisis.
· Solid Waste - Making sure real progress is made in implementing both curbside and commercial recycling efforts will be an agenda focus. Ways in which the District can expand and enhance other successful solid waste programs will be highlighted.
· Public Health - With the increased prevalence of toxic chemicals in our communities and bodies the public health section will focus on implementing a biomonitoring program that will test for toxics in people. A first step towards developing effective policies that will protect District residents.
· Protection of Parks and Trees - Although significant progress has been made, we still have much to do to reverse 30 years of tree canopy loss. Recommendations focus on the development of comprehensive strategies and management systems to plant and care for trees on both public and private property.
· Transportation - Creating Complete Streets: DC transportation planning, design and construction should result in streets that are designed with bicyclists, pedestrians and transit users in mind. The use of alternative modes of transportation should be encouraged through changes in parking and tax policy, and zoning regulations.
· Green Schools - Greening D.C.’s schools and making sure our children have a safe place to learn and grow will be a focus.
· Global Warming - A new and significant addition will be global warming recommendations for candidates about local solutions such as clean car legislation.
· Smart Growth Platform - Directing the region’s growth near metro stations, reinvesting in parks and public spaces, implementing the Comprehensive Housing Strategy and increased support for walking, bicycling and transit will be incorporated.
· Homeland Security - Implementing policies that stop terrorists from having the tools to create chemical and other environmental threats that could potentially kill thousands in our region will be an important element.
· Food Safety and Security - Promoting greater food nutrition education, bringing local healthy food to school cafeterias, securing markets for local producers, and increasing the availability of fresh produce to lower-income neighborhoods is the focus of our recommendations in this section.
· Budget Transparency - Recommendations to make the DC government’s budget process more accessible and transparent.

Together, these proposals will chart a course toward excellence in the provision of city services and the protection of public health. As we believed in 1999, restoration of environmental quality in the District is a pro-business, pro-economic growth platform that more and more public officials are starting to embrace and act on.

I've also been alerted that both Marie Johns and Vincent Orange may be able to attend. Finally, I'm available to attend a forum; personally, I want to hear what Johns has to say. At the same time, I look forward to the amusement Orange's environmental platform would bring...I envision something along the lines of, "I brought you a Home Depot [insert pat on back]. Only in Ward 5 can you purchase their sustainable wood and lead-free pipes....What about that Giant? They have three organic cereals! And no trees were hurt in the process of plastering my campaign swag across the District...."

McMillan Community Stakeholders Briefing Wednesday, June 28th

What: Neighborhood residents and the communities surrounding the McMillan Sand Filtration Site are invited to come hear about National Capital Revitalization Corporation's (NCRC) plans for the site

When: Wednesday, June 28th, 2006, 6:30-8:00pm

Where: Catholic University's Life Cycle Institute (enter from Harewood Road, first driveway after Hartke Theatre)

Contact: Tiffany Simms at 202.530.5750

I haven't been keeping up on this debate as much as I should, but there's been a bit of grumbling on the Brookland listserv about what should be done with site. The DC Preservation League continues to list McMillan as one of DC's most endangered places (page 4) and "...welcomes limited development on this site, and encourages NCRC to work with preservationists, the city's Office of Planning and Historic Preservation Office, and the interested community groups for a mixed use development that preserves the historic character of this site as well as open space for the community." Now that NCRC owns the site, I imagine community input is critical at this stage. If you are able to attend, please leave your observations/opinions in the comments.

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting Wednesday, June 28th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting (this link shows you the 2006 schedule - no meetings in August and December)

When: Wednesday, June 28th, 2006 at 7pm

Where: Hospital for Sick Children, 1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE

Agenda: TBA