This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a relaxing Fourth of July holiday! Hopefully you were able to avoid the rain and enjoy some of the neighborhood events we had taking place around Ward 4.
Late Wednesday night, DC Water issued a Boil Water Advisory, which impacted all residents in DC. Luckily, the issue was quickly addressed, and the advisory was lifted early Thursday morning. When notices like these are issued, it’s helpful to sign up for alerts from AlertDC to get the news and subsequent updates directly to your phone or email.
On Sunday, I joined WUSA9 to talk about the impact of the WMATA Better Bus Network on Ward 4, including major cuts to important lines community members rely on. WMATA has given the public until July 15th to submit comments on the plan. If you ride the bus, I encourage you to share your feedback.
This week, wearing my Committee Chair hat, we kicked off District-wide facilities tours, aimed at making sure our schools are in the best shape possible for the start of the school year. Over the next few weeks, I’m looking forward to visiting schools throughout the District to assess fixes that need to be made this summer.
My newsletter today includes a brief summary of Monday’s Summer Public Safety Meeting, new wage laws effective in DC this week, a reminder of the Council’s upcoming oversight hearing regarding DPR’s community engagement, updates on the Red Line shuttle service, the latest on what to expect from the Mubadala Citi DC Open Tournament later this month, as well as a change to my team.
Community News
Summer Public Safety Meeting
On Monday, I held my Summer Public Safety Meeting alongside Chief of Police Smith, 4th District Commander Lavenhouse, and Assistant Chief Robinson. We were also joined by representatives from the Department of Behavioral Health, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, and ANC commissioners from across Ward 4. The primary goals for holding this meeting were to answer community members’ questions about actions being taken to reduce crime and enter into the summer with a concrete plan to improve public safety. Through these strategic meetings and 4th District MPD’s neighborhood-focused weekly Commanders walks, we also aim to bring together people involved in all aspects of our response to crime — from residents, to ANC commissioners, to law enforcement — to share the latest information and improve collaboration between government and neighbors.
Safety Strategies and Interventions
During the meeting, we discussed actions being taken to reduce crime, both immediate steps to deter violence, and long-term solutions to support our young people and keep them on a positive path. Here were a few of the safety interventions discussed at Monday’s meeting:
- Hiring more 911 call-takers and dispatchers. During the meeting, MPD announced the hiring of 10 new 911 dispatchers at the Office of Unified Communications. The approved DC budget also includes $1 million to hire additional call-takers and dispatchers. While we need to continue to invest in staffing at OUC, this funding will help reduce 911 wait times and help law enforcement more quickly respond to emergencies.
- Using AirTags to respond to crime. Over the last few months, MPD has held several AirTag giveaways for neighbors. Residents can set these AirTags to help law enforcement respond to instances of package theft, car theft and help locate other tagged property. I have asked MPD to hold another distribution event in the near future and encourage all community members to attend once a giveaway is scheduled.
- Supporting the Real Time Crime Center. MPD’s Real Time Crime Center has shown proven results in combating crime. One of the ways it operates is through MPD’s CameraConnect program, which allows law enforcement to use CCTV footage from homes and businesses to better solve cases. Programs like these are a tangible way community members can play a direct role in improving public safety in our neighborhoods.
- School-based supports. The approved DC budget maintains funding for violence interruption programs, leadership training, and Safe Passage programs in Ward 4 schools. These interventions in cycles of violence lift up our young people and prioritize community well-being.
- Nuisance properties. The Council has formed a working group to draft legislation addressing nuisance properties. I am working closely with the Chairman and diligently reviewing the latest proposals.
- Increased resources and patrols in specific areas. As part of their hot spot policing, MPD is constantly reassessing and redeploying officers to certain areas based on real time data and crime trends. During the meeting, MPD confirmed they are conducting increased policing around Nicholson St NW, Kensington Pl NE, and Kennedy St NE.
In order to build communities that will be safe in the long-term, we need to be clear-eyed about the impact crime has on our communities, and the solutions that have proven successful in decreasing it. Thank you to MPD leadership, DBH, ONSE, and every community member who is engaging in our collective efforts to improve safety in Ward 4.
Council News/Legislative Updates
DCPS Facility Tours
This week, I kicked off my annual school readiness tours with visits to Anacostia High School in Ward 8 and Mann Elementary School and Deal Middle School in Ward 3. As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Facilities and Family Services, these tours are an essential part of my committee’s oversight and legislative work, to make sure agencies responsible for maintaining our schools and facilities are proactive in their work.
During these tours, I join school leaders, maintenance staff, and leadership from DGS and DCPS to follow up on incomplete work orders, identify important repairs that need to be made, and create contingency plans for each school. Well-maintained schools promote higher student attendance and better learning outcomes, and through these tours, we can identify recurring problems that can be addressed to promote safe, comfortable learning environments for our students. While these tours won’t fix every issue, they are crucial in escalating urgent repairs and creating a roadmap for improvements that need to be implemented city-wide.
One of the issues that came up during this week’s tours — and the most commonly requested work order in schools — is repairs to locks and doors. Addressing lock and door repairs is crucial to keep our students safe and secure, and in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, I fought to secure $250,000 dedicated to making these repairs quickly and not letting safety concerns linger. Another common issue in our schools is damaged or broken water fountains. Keeping water fountains functional and in good condition is essential to keeping students hydrated and healthy. Both of these issues highlight the importance of preventative maintenance, making sure building systems are in regular working order before they break down. It’s students’ learning that suffers when things break in our schools, and by investing in routine maintenance, we can keep these damages from happening in the first place.
We also need to make sure our schools are fully ADA compliant. Non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, whether through broken elevators or lack of accessible ramps in our schools, prevents students with disabilities from accessing an education that is on par with their peers. Students have the right to a learning environment that meets their unique needs, and making repairs helps address these barriers to learning.
Next week, I’ll be visiting schools throughout the District, including Ida B. Wells, Coolidge, Brightwood, and LaSalle-Backus in Ward 4 to assess school readiness and ongoing facility needs. Thank you to Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin, and DGS and DCPS leadership for joining our tours this week and contributing to our efforts to improve school conditions.
New DC Wage Laws in Effect
On Sunday, The Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act officially went into effect! I was proud to co-introduce this bill led by Councilmember Bonds last year and am confident it will improve workers’ access to fair wages and benefits. Here’s what the new law does to support job seekers in DC:
- Prohibits employers from asking about the wage history of a potential employee or screening candidates based on their wage history;
- Requires employers to post a salary range in all job postings and share the existence of healthcare benefits before the first interview;
- Authorizes the Office of the Attorney General to enforce violations of these laws.
For many people on the job market, it’s all too common to spend months of time and energy searching for jobs, only to discover they won’t be able to earn a living wage or have access to healthcare. On top of that, employers having access to a candidates’ salary history can worsen wage disparities, especially for women and people of color. This new law will ease the burden on job seekers, promote fair hiring practices, and prevent employers from discriminating against prospective employees.
Also this week, DC’s minimum wage increased from $17 to $17.50, and from $8 to $10 for tipped employees. Having worked on a tipped wage, I understand the difficulties that come with relying on tips as a significant portion of your salary. This bill is a crucial step forward to increase economic security for thousands of employees throughout the District who rely on tips to earn a living wage.
DPR Public Hearing
Recently, there have been significant concerns around the Department of Parks and Recreation’s engagement with the public, particularly concerning splash park and pool closures around Ward 4. On July 10th at 12pm, the Council will hold a public oversight hearing on these concerns. If you’d like to give testimony to the Council, I encourage you to sign up to testify or submit written testimony here.
Community Resources
WMATA Better Bus Network
Reminder that community members have until July 15th to submit comments on WMATA’s Better Bus Network Plan! This plan makes significant cuts to important Ward 4 bus routes like the E4 and 63, while fully cutting routes like the D33 and W45. You can see the new route proposals here and submit comments here. If you are having difficulties navigating the website, reading the new route map, or submitting feedback, reach out to teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov for assistance.
- On Sunday, I joined WUSA9 for an interview about the WMATA Better Bus Network Plan, where I discussed some of the biggest problems the plan poses for Ward 4 residents, especially seniors and students. If you’d like to watch the full interview with WUSA9’s Marcella Robertson, you can check it out here.
Mubadala Citi DC Open
The annual Mubadala Citi DC Open tournament is taking place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center from July 27th to August 4th! During the tournament, parking restrictions will be in effect for most of 16th Street Heights and Crestwood. This week the Office of the Mayor released the planned map of areas with restricted parking. Prior to the tournament beginning, the Mayor’s office will distribute parking passes to homes, churches, and businesses on the restricted blocks. These parking passes must be displayed on your vehicle to avoid being ticketed for the duration of the tournament. If you live in the area and are issued a parking ticket, email our Ward 4 MOCRs, Yamileth and Derek, at yamileth.escobar@dc.gov and Derek.Johnson@dc.gov. If you see an illegally parked vehicle or signage removed, reach out to DPW at 202-541-6083. Click here for more information on the upcoming tournament.
Changes to Red Line Shuttle Service
Starting this past Monday, WMATA has adjusted its shuttle service to improve travel times while construction continues on the Red Line. As part of these changes, WMATA will replace the current Limited 2 shuttle with two new shuttle routes: the Forest Glen Express, which will operate directly between Forest Glen and Fort Totten, and the Silver Spring Express, which will operate directly between Silver Spring and Fort Totten. To see the full list of operating shuttle routes, visit WMATA’s website.
ANC 4B Tenant Fair
On Sunday, July 14th from 11am to 2pm, ANCs 4B and 1A will hold their second annual Tenant Resource Fair at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library downtown. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with government agencies, service organizations, and community groups focused on housing, and to join practical sessions about tenants’ rights and panel discussions on affordable housing. Participating organizations include the Office of the Tenant Advocate and Legal Aid DC. Plus, stop by our Team Purple table to learn about support resources for Ward 4 tenants!
Giving Feedback on New Bike Parking Options
On July 10th from 3 to 7pm at the NoMa-Gallaudet U Station, WMATA will host a public demonstration of options for bike storage at rail stations. Bicyclists will be able to try out and provide in-person feedback on the options from multiple vendors that include standard and oversized bike lockers and different types of self-locking bicycle racks. New bicycle parking upgrades will begin later this year. Learn more about WMATA’s bike program and the event here.
DCPS Afterschool Program Registration
Registration is open for afterschool programs for the 2024-25 school year. These programs provide students with academic support, a free meal or snack, and a variety of enrichment activities provided by DCPS teachers, paraprofessionals, and partner organizations across 10 schools in Ward 4. To learn more and register your student, click here.
DPR Summer Programs
Registration is open for DPR’s summer programs! These programs are geared towards people of all ages, and include programs for yoga, theater, nature photography, aquatics, and so much more. Additionally, reduced rates are available for qualifying families. Check out the full list of programs and register here.
DPR Boost Camps
Registration is still open for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Summer Boost Camps! Boost Camps are specialty enrichment camps geared toward tweens ages 11-13. Each day is a combination of enrichment and social-emotional learning with additional access to physical activities like swimming, dance, and group fitness. There will also be time for arts and crafts, games, puzzles, and free play. Click here for more details and to register.
Apply for Tuition Support from DC
Applications are open for DC Futures, DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), and the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program. These are three popular tuition support programs for DC residents pursuing higher education. Applications will close on Friday, September 6th. Learn more and apply!
Neighborhood Events
Red White and Go at Emery Heights
On Saturday, July 6th from 11am to 3pm, DPR’s Roving Leaders program will host a “Red, White, and Go” Power Wheel Derby at Emery Heights Rec Center. Families can RSVP for kids to join and enjoy the fun of Power Wheels!
Sheridan Street Block Party
On Saturday, July 6th from 12 to 9:30pm, neighbors on the 600 block of Sheridan St NW will be holding a neighborhood block party with moon bounce, horse and pony rides, free food and drinks, and health screenings. Plus, music from DJ Ric and DJ Sachmoe!
Commemoration of the Battle of Fort Stevens
This year is the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Stevens, which took place during the Civil War from July 11th to 12th, 1864. Although the battle is lesser known, it is of special significance to Ward 4, with much of the land now in Shepherd Park being involved in the battle. To commemorate this moment in Ward 4 and DC history, the National Park Service and the Alliance to Preserve the Civil War Defenses are organizing several events next weekend:
- Friday, July 12th, 4 to 7pm: Symposium on the Battle of Fort Stevens and the Election of 1864 at the Lincoln Cottage (140 Rock Creek Church Road NW). Register here.
- Saturday, July 13th, 8 to 10:30am: Hike from Fort Reno to Fort Stevens with the Potomac Region chapter of the Sierra Club. More details here.
- Participants will be able to see the site of Fort Reno, defenses at Fort DeRussy, and Battleground National Cemetery, where 41 of the city’s defenders are buried.
- Saturday, July 13th: Activities at the historic Fort Stevens (Quackenbos St between 13th and Georgia Ave NW)
- 10am: Opening ceremony featuring Civil War music and talks by historians and other Civil War experts.
- 12 to 3 pm: Living history demonstrations with military and civilian reenactors, more historical talks, Civil War-era activities for kids, books for sale and signing by authors, organizational tables, and more.
- 3pm: Walk with NPS Ranger Bryan Cheeseboro to Battleground National Cemetery, followed by a 3:30pm presentation at Battleground by historian Gordon Berg.
Late Night Hype at Emery Heights Community Center
On Friday, July 12th from 7 to 11pm, DPR will host an after-hours Late Night Hype event at Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Avenue NW) as part of its weekly summer activation. Late Night Hype is a nighttime carnival-style event featuring bounce houses, music, food, video games, and much more! Check out the details on DPR’s website.
Disinformation: How to Recognize and Disrupt It
Starting Saturday, July 13th at 2pm, Petworth Library will host a three-part workshop series on identifying and dispelling disinformation. Deanna Troust, founder of Truth in Common, will help participants understand what disinformation is, its impact on communities and democracy, and how to disrupt its spread – online and in conversation with others. Learn more and sign up to attend here.
Uptown Farmer’s Market
The FRESHFARM Uptown Farmer’s Market is happening every Saturday from 9am to 1pm through November! Stop by for high-quality fruits, vegetables, meats, and breads, and to support local producers. All FRESHFARM markets accept SNAP/EBT, WIC and Senior FMNP checks. Learn more here.
Live Jazz on Kennedy Street
Over the next few months, Home Rule Records will be organizing monthly live jazz performances on the 700 block of Kennedy Street NW, with sponsorship from Uptown Main Street, DSLBD, Realtor Eddie Suarez, and others. Performances will be continuing through September with free live jazz performances each month. The next performance is on July 17th at 7pm with jazz musician Harlan Jones!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
WUSA9: WMATA Bus Routes Impact: Ward 4 Councilmember talks to WUSA9
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Boil Water Advisory Issued for All of DC July 3, 2024
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Boil Water Advisory Lifted Effective 7:30am, July 4, 2024
DC News Now: DC ice cream shop owner making life sweeter for his neighborhood
Petworth News: Ethiopian pizza parlor Ice ‘n Slice finds its footing in a post-pandemic Petworth
Washingtonian: The Merry Pin Gives Craft Enthusiasts a Place to Sip, Shop, and Get Creative
Axios DC: New D.C. crafting & community space blends making, art and cocktails
Petworth News: There’s a new Facebook Group for Brightwood and Upper GA Ave
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Run for ANC – Petitions Due August 7, 2024
Petworth News: The benefits of a rock garden (it’s easier to do than you may think)
As a final note, I’d like to recognize a member of my team — my Chief of Staff, Kelly Hunt — who departed the Council last week after a decade of public service. Kelly has been instrumental in every element of our work for the people of Ward 4, from guiding legislation to working directly with neighbors to solve problems in our neighborhoods. I’m sad to see her go, but grateful for her profound impact and lasting contributions to our community. Her expertise and dedication will be missed!
On Monday, we welcomed our new Chief of Staff, Candace Tiana Nelson! Some of you may already know Candace as commissioner for ANC 4A’s SMD 4A06 in Brightwood, where she has been an incredible legislative partner and public servant. I’m thrilled to welcome her to the Council and have her serving Ward 4 in this new capacity.
Check back next week for more updates and have a great weekend!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
