This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
The Council began our fall legislative session this week, which means we’re back in the swing of bill introductions, hearings and legislative meetings.
On Tuesday, I joined the Council’s first legislative meeting since returning from recess. Several bills were approved by the full Council, and below, I discuss some of their contents and what it means for Ward 4.
On Wednesday we welcomed students from Powell Elementary School to testify in support of their legislation naming the red-backed salamander the official amphibian of DC. It was incredible to see our students so excited to share their knowledge and take part in the democratic process.
Lastly, on Thursday, I announced new legislation requiring DC’s Child and Family Services Agency to provide all children in foster care with new luggage, ending the practice of using trash bags for transportation of kids’ belongings.
Council News/Legislative Updates
First Legislative Meeting
Tuesday was an exciting day on the Council, as we officially began the new legislative session with our first Committee of the Whole and legislative meetings for the fall. These meetings are where we discuss and advance legislative proposals, and there several bills moved on Tuesday that will impact the lives of Ward 4 residents. Here’s a brief recap:
- General Contractor Licensing Amendment Act: Bans contractors from operating without licenses, a practice which can endanger residents and leave behind vacant or blighted properties. This legislation will help ensure construction takes place safely and under the proper oversight.
- Protecting Adjacent and Adjoining Property Owners from Construction Damage Amendment Act: Expands the criteria of developers who are required to be insured against damage they cause to adjacent properties. This bill will protect businesses and homeowners from paying the price when they’re impacted by construction happening next door.
- Certified Nurse Aide Amendment Act: Creates a standard license for home health aides and sets new living wage requirements. DC is in the midst of a direct care worker shortage, and this bill will help caregivers and the people they serve — many of whom are seniors and people with disabilities — get the support they need.
- Retired Firefighter and Police Officer Redeployment Extension Emergency Declaration Resolution: Removes barriers to retired police officers and firefighters taking jobs as 911 call takers. We need a greater supply of experienced first responders to make sure our 911 dispatch system is fast, reliable, and effective, and this bill will help meet this need.
- Cardiac Planning and Response (“CPR”) Amendment Act: Requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans and train staff in first aid, CPR, and AED use, making sure staff are trained and ready in the event of a medical emergency.
- Cost-Free Coverage for Prostate Cancer Screening Amendment Act: Provides free prostate screenings and bans insurers from imposing copayments on patients for these tests. Prostate cancer is detectable and often treatable and expanding access to testing saves lives — especially for Black men who are twice as likely to die from the disease.
- Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program Protection Temporary Amendment Act: Gives families in rapid rehousing the ability to apply for extensions if they are at risk of becoming unhoused.
- DDOT Director Confirmation: On Tuesday, the Council voted to confirm acting DDOT director Sharon Kershbaum as permanent head of the agency. Agency confirmations are one of the most important responsibilities of Councilmembers, as we’re responsible for approving someone who will not only lead the agency in a positive direction but will also show up for our neighborhoods when we need them most. While there are several areas in which we need to see concrete improvement from DDOT, I have been grateful to Director Kershbaum for her willingness to collaborate on important projects and am confident we will be able to work productively to make sure the agency is meeting Ward 4’s needs. As we move forward, there are several issues that we must continue to prioritize and make progress on.
- Grant Circle: Implementing a plan to improve traffic safety in Grant Circle is a top priority for the Petworth and Ward 4 community. DDOT has committed to moving forward with this project and is on track to present a revised plan to the community this fall.
- Traffic Safety Input: DDOT’s Traffic Safety Input (TSI) program has been an indispensable resource for community members seeking to submit concerns about driver, biker, and pedestrian safety. DDOT has maintained its commitment to evaluating 800 locations per year and expects to re-open TSIs on October 1st. We must continue to grow the program and create more opportunities for residents to share feedback.
- DC Circulator: DC Circulator drivers have served our community for decades, and they deserve to have their livelihoods protected. At the same time, riders deserve to retain access to the routes they rely on. DDOT’s current transition plan is insufficient to meet both of these goals. We need to see greater transparency from DDOT on this issue an a new plan that protects workers and customers alike.
- Alley and Sidewalk Repairs: We need to see continued progress made to repairing alleys and sidewalks in our communities. This particularly applies to requests submitted via DC’s 311 system, which must yield transparent and effective results.
- Crossing Guards: DDOT crossing guards keep our students safe, but currently, there are far too many crossing guard vacancies. DDOT must explore all possible alternatives to address this hiring challenge so students and families can be assured of their safety.
- I look forward to working with Director Kershbaum to make sure these bottom-line needs are met, and that we continue to advance policies that provide the people of Ward 4 with safe streets, reliable transportation, and transparent responses to their concerns. As Ward 4’s councilmember and a member of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, I am committed to doing this oversight work to make sure DDOT delivers for our community.
Because December marks the end of the Council period, Council rules state that all legislation that hasn’t been passed by the end of the year must be reintroduced. That means it will be a busy few months of hearings, votes, and legislative meetings. Make sure to check the list of upcoming hearings for opportunities to testify and stay tuned for more legislative updates!
Luggage for All Youth in Foster Care Act
This week, I was proud to introduce my first new bill of the fall legislative session, the Luggage for All Youth in Foster Care Amendment Act, or Lisa’s Law. The bill requires DC’s Child and Family Services Agency to provide children in DC’s foster care system with new luggage for use in transporting their belongings and bans the use of trash bags, a common practice in jurisdictions without foster luggage laws.
This bill is named for Lisa Cohen, a Chevy Chase resident and activist who grew up in foster care. As a kid, Lisa transitioned through 13 placements and has since dedicated her career to advocating for youth. Earlier this year, Lisa came to me and the Committee on Facilities and Family Services with the idea to pass legislation guaranteeing children luggage they could keep as their own as they moved from placement to placement. Her message was simple: when we treat kids with dignity and respect, it makes a world of difference.
Giving kids their own suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack might sound like a simple accommodation, but it has a profound impact of affirming their worth and offering stability during challenging transitions. I’m grateful to Lisa Cohen for her years of advocacy on this issue and her commitment to helping kids in foster care carry themselves and their belongings with dignity.
Official Amphibian Designation
Wednesday was the culmination of months of hard work for our Powell Elementary School students, who joined us to testify in support of the legislation they researched and wrote to name the red-backed salamander DC’s official state amphibian. Over the last several months, students have translated their interest into a desire to affect change and have translated that desire into concrete legislation and policy.
The idea for this bill began with Max Girshick, a Powell Elementary School 4th grader, who developed a fascination with red-backed salamanders during visits to Rock Creek Park during the pandemic. Max shared his interest with his friends Milo and Davi, and eventually spread to their entire class, who pushed forward with the idea to name the salamander — which can be found in wooded areas throughout DC — as DC’s official state amphibian. With the encouragement and support of their teacher, Ms. Pence, and school leadership, the students wrote their own legislation, composing “whereas” statements and proposing the bill to me for introduction. Once introduced, students kept up the work, and since the beginning of the school year, have been practicing their testimony after school several times a week.
Seeing students share their knowledge and enthusiasm during their testimony was a joy to watch. I’m also grateful to the parents, educators, and environmental activists who came to testify in support of our students. I’d also like to give a shoutout to our Whittier Elementary School student journalists, who joined us in the spring to report on the introduction of the bill. I’m so thrilled to see our Ward 4 scholars getting exposure to the democratic process and seeing how their voices can make a difference.
DC Auditors Report on MPD
Occasionally, the Council requests reports from the Office of the DC Auditor to inform our policy and budget decisions with data and evidence-backed policy recommendations. One such report was a request for analysis of the DC Police Department’s staffing policies and policies that can be implemented to put officers where they are needed most.
After extensive research and data collection, the Auditor’s Office released its final report last week. If you’re interested, I’d encourage you to give it a read here. Thank you to DC Auditor Kathy Patterson for her leadership on this report.
Community News
Honoring St. Anthony Wallace
On Saturday, it was my honor to join the retirement celebration of St. Anthony Wallace. St. Anthony has served as a recreation specialist at Petworth and Raymond Rec Centers for nearly four decades, providing a safe space for kids to play, feel seen, and know that they belong.
While we’re sad to see St. Anthony depart his official role in our Ward 4 community, his work has made it clear that when there’s a need in our community —especially for our youth—he’ll be there, just like he always has been. Congratulations on your retirement, St. Anthony!
Community Resources
Applying for Emergency Rental Assistance
Registration for Emergency Rental Assistance is just around the corner, with applications re-opening on Tuesday, October 1st at 12pm. For DC residents, ERAP is a vital program that helps residents avoid eviction or pay overdue rent. ERAP only opens once every quarter, and it’s incredibly important to have your materials ready to submit right at noon. Visit DHS’s website for more information and to submit your application.
Applying for Home Energy Assistance
DC’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program opens to new applications on October 1st. LIHEAP assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs. Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. This benefit is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling.
Special Waste Collection at Carter Barron
On Saturday, September 21st from 8am to 2pm, DPW is hosting a Special Waste Collection Event at the Carter Barron Tennis Center at 5220 16th Street NW. This is your chance to safely dispose or recycle household hazardous waste, electronics, and secure documents. To accommodate everyone in a safe and timely manner, DPW is now requiring registration, and will not allow entry past 2pm. Sign up here for a 15-minute entry slot.
E-Cycling at Takoma Rec Center
On Saturday, September 21st from 10am to 2pm, the Department of Energy and Environment is holding an e-cycling event for residents to safely dispose of electronic waste on the corner of Van Buren St NW and 4th St NW, near the Takoma Community Center. See more information here.
Riggs & South Dakota Park Meeting
On Tuesday, September 24th from 6 to 7pm, DPR and DGS are holding a meeting for community members to share updates on the future renovations to the green space at the intersection of Riggs Rd NE and South Dakota Ave NE. This meeting will be an opportunity to learn more about the project and discuss what you would like to see in the upcoming renovations. The meeting will take place in person at Riggs & South Dakota. RSVP here.
DC Water Updates for Ward 4
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Crestwood and Manor Park neighbors:
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to be conducting water main installation on Shepherd Street NW, from Crestwood Drive NW to 17th Street NW.
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to perform installation and pressure testing of a new 6-inch pipe and fire hydrant on Quintana Pl.
Upshur Park Modernization Updates
On Tuesday, DPR and DGS held a community meeting to kick off the Upshur Park modernization project. During the meeting, community members were presented with two proposals for the project, which is currently in the design phase. You can view the full presentation here!
Neighborhood Events
Chevy Chase Day
The Chevy Chase Community Association’s annual Chevy Chase Day celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st from 1 to 4pm! Whether you’re a Chevy Chase native or new to the community, make sure to stop by the Chevy Chase Community Center Commons for an afternoon of music, food, and community.
100th Anniversary Lincoln-Thomas Day
On Saturday, September 21st from 10am to 2pm at 13th and Quackenbos, the Military Road School Preservation Trust and the National Parks Service are holding the 100th annual Lincoln-Thomas Day. The event honors two individuals from the Civil War-era, President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, who shared a profound connection to Fort Stevens. The event will feature historical reenactors, music, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
New Zenith Gallery Exhibit
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park has a new show open starting today, entitled “We Are Not Going Back.” The exhibit highlights Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz, with art from dozens of artists. The show is open until October 12th and will have opening receptions to meet the artists tonight from 4 to 8pm and tomorrow from 2 to 6pm.
Shepherd Park Weed Wrangle
On Sunday, September 22nd from 2 to 4pm, the Shepherd Park Weed Warriors are hosting their 4th Annual Weed Wrangle at Shepherd Field. Neighbors are encouraged to assist with invasive removal, help plant new native plants and learn why caring for the land in our neighborhood is so important. Refreshments will be served!
Fall Fun Festival 2024
On Saturday, September 28th from 1 to 5pm, Friends of the Soldiers Home is hosting their annual Fall Fun Festival at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. The 10th annual event will feature food trucks, live music, kids’ games, craft beer, and more. Volunteers are also needed! Sign up to volunteer here.
Parking Day
Parking Day is scheduled for Friday, September 20th from 9am to 7pm. DDOT’s annual event co-sponsored by our Ward 4 main street associations temporarily converts on-street parking spaces into pop-up parks allowing people to visualize and explore alternative uses for curb space. Ward 4’s activation will take place on the 700 block of Kennedy St NW.
Art All Night
On the evening of September 28th, DPR is hosting the annual Art All Night event, with activations in all eight wards! I’m excited to have several events happening right in Ward 4 thanks to the support of our amazing main street associations. Make sure to stay updated with the event’s website for more details!
Takoma Park Street Festival
On Sunday, October 6th, the Takoma Park Street Festival is returning for its 43rd year! The event will take place from 10am to 5pm, starting on Carroll Ave in Takoma Park, MD, and ending on Carroll St NW in Takoma, DC. The festival will feature over 185 vendor booths, live music from 18 local bands, food trucks, and more. Check out the festival website for more details!
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Every Wednesday afternoon, our Ward 4 constituent services team holds office hours at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours atHattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Community members can stop by and speak one-on-one with a member of our team about DC government services or our work in the Ward 4 community.
Books From Birth Program
DC Public Library’s Books from Birth program is an incredible resource open to all children under the age of five who live in Washington, D.C. All enrolled children receive a free book in the mail each month from birth until they turn five. Register your kid here!
Bike Giveaway
As part of its Open Streets DC initiative, DDOT is giving away 51 bicycles at the upcoming 7th Street NW event on Saturday, October 5th. District residents are eligible to complete this survey by Wednesday, October 2nd to apply for the bicycle giveaway. Winners will be announced via email on Friday, October 4th, and must pick up their bicycle at the event on 7th Street NW.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Another successful Celebrate Petworth (gallery)
Next Stop…Riggs Park: September 24: Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue Park Community Meeting (In Person)
Casey Trees: Help Designate the Official State Amphibian of DC!
The Washington Informer: Collins Council Report: The Return from Summer Recess
Next Stop…Riggs Park: September 23: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Virtual)
DC News Now: ‘Celebrate Petworth’ hits new milestone, marks 10 years in Northwest DC
Head Topics: Celebrate Petworth Festival Returns for its 10th Anniversary
The Washington Post: Popular D.C. doughnut shop plays on with support from punk rockers
The Washington Post: D.C. officers sentenced to prison in fatal chase that sparked unrest
WJLA: 2 DC officers found guilty of 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown sentenced Thursday
Ward 4 Dispatch: Council Back in Session, New Ward 4 Small Businesses, and Celebrate Petworth!
These are news articles that mention Ward 4 or pertain to events in our community. Councilmember Lewis George does not write or endorse their content but shares them for community awareness.
It was a weekend full of activities in Ward 4! On Saturday, I stopped by Celebrate Petworth, and then joined neighbors for a block party in Chevy Chase. The map is officially out for the annual Art All Night event, so make sure to take a look ahead of next weekend’s exciting community event!
On Wednesday, it was lovely to spend the afternoon with our Hattie Holmes seniors, and extra special to be joined by my mom. Thank you to the Hattie Holmes Quilting Club for the beautiful quilt they made for Baby George!
Enjoy the weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
