Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are finding ways to beat the heat! This week’s newsletter covers the logistics around the Citi Open, important public safety updates, and a major Tenant Resource Fair taking place in Ward 4. We also have resources for electronics recycling, preventing car thefts, senior dental care, bus lane enforcement, the hot weather emergency, and many neighborhood events. And I will be at Uptown Farmers Market on Saturday from 9am-10:30am and the Tenant Resource Fair after 11am if you would like to say “hello” and chat!
Ward 4 Hosts Citi Open Tournament
Starting this Saturday, July 29 through Sunday August 6, the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Ward 4 will host the annual Mubadala Citi DC Open Tennis Tournament — this year under a new name and as the only combined ATP-WTA 500 tournament in the world on the tour schedule. We are excited to welcome a world-class tennis event to our community and are simultaneously working together to mitigate the impact on neighbors in the area.
Here is what neighbors should know:
- Parking Restrictions. Starting the morning of Saturday, July 29 through Sunday, August 6, there will be strict parking restrictions across Sixteenth Street Heights and parts of Crestwood (see map below) in order to prevent visitors from parking in residential neighborhoods. During this time, vehicles that park in restricted blocks without Citi Open parking passes are subject to being ticketed and towed.
- Parking Passes. The Mayor’s Office is coordinating logistics for the tournament and has been distributing parking passes to homes, congregations, and businesses located on streets that have restricted parking. If you did not receive your passes yet, or if you need more passes, you can pick them up at Fourth District Station (6001 Georgia Ave NW).
- Reporting Illegally Parked Cars. To report illegally parked cars on your street with restricted parking, you can call DPW’s 24-hour hotline at 202-541-6083 to request ticketing.
- Resolving Incorrect Parking Tickets. If you were mistakenly ticketed for parking in restricted zones despite being a resident of that street, please share the ticket information with our Ward 4 MOCRs, Sophia and Derek, so they can work to have it dismissed: Sophia.Tekola@dc.gov and Derek.Johnson@dc.gov.
- Transportation to Citi Open. Onsite parking is very limited and pricey, so Citi Open attendees are encouraged to use one of the many other transportation options to travel to the tournament. Citi Open will have offsite parking at Friendship Heights Metro Station with shuttles traveling back-and-forth from the tournament, a bicycle valet for cyclists at the North Entrance by the Box Office, a geofenced rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone at the Carter Barron Amphitheater Box Office Circle, and the S2 and S9 buses that drop off at 16th & Colorado NW. And many Ward 4 residents live close enough to walk there!
- Rideshare Drop-off and Pick-up Zone. Rideshare facilities are located on the grounds of the Carter Barron Amphitheater, which is adjacent to the amphitheater’s box office. Rideshare drivers will be directed to the Carter Barron Amphitheater Box Office Access Road (also known as Carter Barron Amphitheater Box Office Circle), the entrance to which is located at 4850 Colorado Avenue NW. Due to the residential neighborhood, DDOT has geofenced all rideshare apps to only drop off and pick up along the Carter Barron Amphitheater Box Office Access Road. No pick-ups or drop-offs will be permitted on Colorado Avenue NW.
- Tickets to Watch Citi Open Matches. There are still tickets available for purchase via SeatGeek, with tickets running as low as $15 for outer court sessions and rising in price for higher-stakes matches. As of today, our Council Office and the Mayor’s Office do not currently have free tickets to distribute to the public.
Thank you to everyone across DC government who is working hard to make this tournament a success — and thank you to our community for welcoming this historic tournament to Ward 4!
Ward 4 Public Safety Updates
Our community is bidding farewell and sharing our gratitude with Commander Carlos Heraud, who was recently promoted and transferred out of Fourth District. We thank Commander Heraud for his excellent service to Ward 4, and we welcome new Fourth District Commander Nikki Lavenhouse. Commander Lavenhouse joins Fourth District with 15 years of extensive experience across several branches of MPD. She will be at Ward 4’s National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 1 at Hamilton Rec Center and looks forward to meeting community members. This month, MPD also announced arrests for several serious offenses that took place in our community, including: armed carjackings on the 6300 and 7400 blocks of Georgia Avenue NW, unauthorized vehicle use on the 6000 block of Sligo Mill Road NE, armed robberies of businesses on the 300 block of Riggs Road NE and the 400 block of Ingraham Street NE, and an armed robbery on the 800 block of Quackenbos Street NW. Fourth District has also expanded its Kennedy Street patrol to include Longfellow and Jefferson Streets after a disturbing gun violence incident on Longfellow Street with heavy gunfire but thankfully no injuries or fatalities. This case has been assigned to a detective, who has received footage from neighbors and the MPD camera deployed on the block to help identify and hold the individuals responsible. Additionally, DC is offering a $25,000 reward for information related to the killing of our neighbor, Dzhoy Zuckerman to bring the killer to justice.
Community Resources
Free Anti-Theft Software Update Installations for Hyundais
Owners of Hyundais that are vulnerable to theft can have free anti-theft software updates installed in their vehicles from 8am-7pm on Saturday, July 29, Sunday, July 30, and Monday, July 31 at an anti-theft mobile clinic at RFK Stadium Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave NW). This technology is being installed by on-site Hyundai technicians at no cost to DC residents in less than an hour. Check out the full list of impacted models in this press release. In addition, MPD Fourth District Station has additional free anti-theft wheel locks available for owners of Kia and Hyundai cars between the years 2011-2021 (metal turn key only). DC residents can pick them up at the station by bringing their photo ID, two proofs of address, and their car registration. Kias and Hyundais are being stolen with alarming frequency across the region, and these stolen vehicles are then being used to commit other crimes. If you own one of these vehicles, please take advantage of these opportunities to protect your car from theft.
Free Electronics Waste Collection Event in Petworth
Do you have electronics you need to safely recycle? There is a free E-Cycle Electronics Collection Event at Petworth Community Market this Saturday, July 29 from 9am-1pm. The collection vehicle will be located just south of the market on Taylor Street (east of 9th Street). Check out the event flyer for details and DOEE’s website on the program and future events.
Free Dental Services Available for Seniors
One of the most important investments we made in the DC budget was providing free dental services for seniors in DC through Community of Hope. Seniors aged 65+ and have no dental insurance coverage are eligible for all services — including crowns and dentures! Seniors with Medicare coverage or private insurance that does not include dental coverage may also be eligible for free dental services depending on their income. Interested seniors can review the flyer or call 202-540-9857 to get more information or book an appointment at one of two sites.
DDOT to Start Issuing Warnings for Bus Lane Violations
This week DDOT announced that it has begun issuing warnings to drivers who illegally drive, park, stand, or stop in dedicated bus-only lanes and bus zones in the District. Then, starting September 18, fines ranging from $100 to $200 will start being issued for violations. There are now cameras mounted on MetroBuses to identify violations, meaning cars receive warnings or fines when they have actively impeded bus travel. Despite improved bus infrastructure in DC, average bus speeds have crawled to less than 10mph, especially with the surge in ridesharing and delivery drivers on our streets. DDOT and WMATA believe that enforcement is necessary to ensure our transit system can be accessible and efficient. Read DDOT’s full announcement.
14th Street Bus Priority Project – Concept Selection Open House
DDOT is holding an open house on Tuesday, August 1 from 4:30pm-7:30pm at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library (3160 16th Street NW) to review the proposed roadway design concept for the 14th Street NW Bus Priority Project. The project aims to improve bus service and traffic safety along 14th Street from Newtown Street to Arkansas Avenue. DDOT had been considering three potential concept designs for the corridor and are close to finalizing a design.
Tuesday Deadline: DCPL Dinosaur Roaring Contest
DC Public Library’s fun and frightening dinosaur roaring contest is back this year. Just record a video of your best dinosaur roar (10 seconds or less) and upload your entry on DCPL’s website by Tuesday, August 1. There will be prizes and a compilation video with the best entries!
No Green Line Service from West Hyattsville to Greenbelt
All Green Line stations from West Hyattsville to Greenbelt are closed until September 5 while WMATA installs fiber-optic cables to improve its radio and signal capabilities. Free shuttles are available during the station closures. Please read WMATA’s full announcement with the details.
New Fourth District Citizens Advisory Council
A new Fourth District MPD Citizens Advisory Council (4D MPD CAC) is serving our community and has been recognized by Fourth District. The CAC works to build partnerships between the Fourth District and the residents and businesses who are within Fourth District boundaries. To get involved with the CAC, including its regular meetings, please visit their website. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to serve in the CAC or who has served in the CAC in the past!
Ward 4 Council Office Summer Recess Hours
Now that the Council is in recess, our team is taking extra time to plan for next year, draft new legislation, implement new programs funded in the budget, and be in our community over the summer months. Our office will remain open on Mondays-Thursdays from 10am-4pm. We will be closed on Fridays, but a staff member or myself will be on call to monitor for urgent requests. We will continue supporting Ward 4 residents with constituent services requests, agency oversight, legislative needs, and getting issues over the finish line all summer long.
Metropolitan Branch Trail: Fort Totten to Takoma
Last week DDOT held its first pre-construction meeting on the next phase of the Metropolitan Branch Trail that will connect Fort Totten to Takoma. The agency shared an overview of the project, design updates, construction logistics, and the project timeline. Construction will take place in phases, and its completion is expected in the latter half of 2025. If you missed it, you can watch the meeting recording on YouTube and learn more on the project’s website.
Hot Weather Emergency Through This Weekend
As you might have guessed, DC is currently experiencing a hot weather emergency through this weekend as temperatures rise to the high 90°s. During this emergency period, residents are urged to stay cool and hydrated — and to check up on vulnerable residents, like seniors and our unhoused neighbors. Residents can request transportation to a cooling center for themselves or someone else by calling 202-399-7093 or 311. You can find your nearest cooling center and its operating hours on this interactive map. Other helpful advice includes: staying indoors when possible, looking out for vulnerable residents, drinking plenty of fluids, keeping pets indoors during the day, and wearing lightweight clothing and sunscreen outdoors.
Neighborhood Events
ANC 4B & 1A Tenant Resource Fair at Emory Beacon
On Saturday, July 29 from 11am-2pm ANC 4B and 1A are co-hosting a massive Tenant Resource Fair in Ward 4 at Emory Beacon of Light (6100 Georgia Ave NW). The event will feature valuable information and resources from DC agencies, service providers, tenant advocates, and community organizations — as well as two panel discussions on TOPA (11:30am) and ending homelessness (1pm). And a brownbag lunch will be provided to all attendees. I’m thrilled to co-sponsor this event to support Ward 4 tenants. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Councilmember Office Hours at Uptown Farmers Market
On Saturday, July 29 from 9am-10:30am I will host community office hours at our Uptown Farmers Market at 14th & Colorado NW. I’m looking forward to hearing from neighbors on their ideas, concerns, and constituent services requests before going to the Tenant Resource Fair at 11am. My team will stay at the market until 12pm to reach even more Ward 4 neighbors.
Summer Saturdays with City Blossoms on Kennedy
On Saturday, July 29 from 10am-12pm City Blossoms will host Summer Saturdays in their studio garden at 516 Kennedy St NW (accessible through the alley on 5th Street). This is a free, kid-driven, community event with nature play, reading, recipe-making, garden art, plant care, and more summer activities. Check out all the details on the event’s flyer.
Sheridan Street Neighborhood Block Party
On Saturday, July 29 from 12pm-9pm the 600 block of Sheridan Street NW will host its annual Sheridan Street Block Party with live music, health screenings, children’s activities, free food, and much more! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy one of the best block parties in DC!
International Friendship Day Cleanup at Fort Slocum
On Sunday, July 30 from 10am-12pm 4B06 Commissioner Tiffani Johnson, Rock Creek Conservancy, and the Mayor’s Office of Clean City will co-host a community cleanup at Fort Slocum starting from the Fort Slocum Park Pavilion. A limited number of supplies will be available, so bring your own gloves and grabbers if you have them! Learn more from the flyer.
Fourth District National Night Out at Hamilton Rec
On Tuesday, August 1 from 4pm-8pm MPD’s Fourth District will host its National Night Out event at Hamilton Rec Center (1340 Hamilton St NW). There will be music, a special presentation from MPD’s Side by Side Band, moon bounce, face painting, games, and prizes.
Ward 4 CARE Community Day in Crestwood
On Wednesday, August 2 from 4pm-7pm I will be hosting our Ward 4 CARE Day for Crestwood, starting from Crestwood Triangle Park (18th & Argyle Terrace NW). Come find us there for resources from DC agencies, door-to-door outreach to neighbors, constituent services support, and a day of bringing our community closer together. RSVP if you plan to join us.
Life Success Center Train/We Work Experience Fashion Show
On Wednesday, August 2 at 5:30pm the Life Success Center for Children, Youth and Families will host a Train/We Work Experience Fashion Show at the Main Hall Auditorium of Trinity Washington University (125 Michigan Ave NE). Doors will open at 5pm ahead of the show, and there will also be a reception at 7:30pm with light refreshments and more. Life Success Center is a Ward 4 community organization that does incredible work supporting young people in our community and teaching them valuable skills and career disciplines.
Summer in the Parks at Fort Slocum Mini Oasis
On Thursday, August 3 from 6pm-8pm the Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service will host a Summer in the Parks event at Fort Slocum with picnics, music, games, and other activities. These Fort Slocum events will take place every Thursday in August, so stop by.
Riggs Park Backpack Giveaway and Cookout
On Friday, August 4 from 4pm-7pm there will be a free backpack giveaway and cookout in Riggs Park at 5581 South Dakota Ave NE (across from Walmart). Each backpack will be filled with school supplies and hygiene items, and kids must be present to get a backpack. This event is hosted by Symone’s Style Spot, Chick Fil A, Riggs Liquor, and The Parks Main Street.
Happy Hour on the Plaza: Beach Party
On Friday, August 4 from 5:30pm-7:30pm The Parks at Walter Reed will host a Happy Hour on the Plaza event at the newly-unveiled Marketplace Plaza (7175 12th Street NW). The event is free with food and beverages available for purchase. Bring a friend or pet with you!
Visit One of Our Ward 4 Farmers Markets
Get your fresh goods and crafty products at our Ward 4 Farmers Markets. Do not forget that there will be free electronics recycling at Petworth Community Market this Saturday, and that I will be at Uptown Farmers Market this Saturday to speak to neighbors 9am-10:30am.
- Uptown Farmers Market at 5501 Colorado Ave NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Chevy Chase Farmers Market at Lafayette ES on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Petworth Community Market at 9th & Upshur NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Takoma Park Farmers Market at 6931 Laurel Ave on Sundays from 10am-2pm
- Whittier Farm Stand at 6201 5th St NW on Tuesdays from 3:30pm-5:30pm
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and the Rock Creek Conservancy.
Ward 4 in the News
WTOP: According to a New Bill, Teaching Conflict Resolution Makes Schools and Communities Safer
Washington Post: At last, a diploma for Black deaf students who set historic precedent (featuring our Ward 4 neighbor Robbie D. Cheatham, who passed away last December)
DCist: “Why Is My Child Always On Lockdown?” Confinement At D.C.’s Youth Jail Worries Parents, Advocates
Eat DC: New Combined Coffee Shop, Bar, and Record Store Coming to 205 Upshur Street NW from the Owners of Slash Run and the Neptune Room
DCist: Everything You Need To Know About The Rebranded Citi Open Tournament
Next Stop: Riggs Park: New Faregates at Fort Totten Station and Other Metro News
Urban Turf: Raze Application Filed for 20-Unit Project at Georgia & Kennedy NW
Petworth ACE Hardware: CEO and Co-founder Gina Schaefer Who Transferred Ownership of Store to Employees Retires after 20 Years of Leadership
Next Stop: Riggs Park: Riggs Crossing Senior Residences Website and Apprenticeships
Washingtonian: 16 Decadent Ice Cream Shops to Try (featuring Everyday Sunday)
Newswire: Dr. Willie Jolley Makes History by Winning the Speaking Industry’s Top Award, the Cavett
Washington Spirit: Spirit Defender Tara McKeown Awarded for Community Work with Ida B Wells Middle School in Ward 4 and DC SCORES
DC OAG: Grant Available for Domestic Worker Rights Education and Outreach
DPW: All Special Waste Collection (Household Hazardous Waste, Electronics Recycling, and Document Shredding) Relocated to RFK Stadium Lot 3 (2400 East Capitol St NE)
Washington Post: Metro will roll out all-door bus boarding this fall
Ward 4 Dispatch: Conflict Resolution, Marketplace Plaza, Riggs Park Senior Homes, and Lots of Jazz!
After a temporary closure, I am excited to share that our beloved Takoma small business Donut Run reopens tomorrow for our community. Please stop by to welcome them back and enjoy their delicious vegan donuts!
July is also Disability Pride Month — an invitation to celebrate our neighbors with disabilities, amplify their voices, and deepen our commitment to dismantling the barriers that they face in the workplace, transportation, health care, and education. Wednesday also marked the 33rd anniversary of the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act. While the law prohibits discrimination based on disability, we know that people with disabilities still face significant barriers to accessing essential areas of life. This year, our thoughts turn to the late great Judith Heumann. While the world knew Judith as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” the District also reveres her as our first director of the DC Department of Disability Services. May her legacy continue to inspire change for generations to come.
Have a good weekend, stay cool, and look out for your neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
