This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a busy week so far, and there’s even more to come tonight and tomorrow! On Tuesday, the Committee of the Whole met to confirm the schedule for Agency Performance Oversight Hearings. Sign up to testify here. Tonight is our first Ward 4 listening session in Petworth and Brightwood Park. Make sure to check the calendar below and spread the word so every neighbor has the opportunity to share their thoughts! Lastly, I’m sharing an exciting announcement about an opportunity to get involved in reimagining one of our vital Ward 4 commercial corridors.
Community News
First Ward 4 Listening Session Tonight!
Our 2025 Listen As We Climb listening sessions kick off tonight at Roosevelt High School! Every year, these listening sessions are our opportunity to hear from community members about what issues are on their mind, and ways DC government can improve services. Each year, conversations we have at these events help shape our work on new legislation, providing oversight of government agency performance, constituent services, and budget priorities. I’ll also be sharing new ways to get engaged in the community and help reenvision our commercial corridors. Make sure to RSVP for an event in your community and share with a neighbor!
After tonight, our next listening sessions will be on Wednesday in Takoma and Manor Park, and on Friday in 16th St Heights, Crestwood, and Brightwood. Remember, you can see the full list of dates by visiting www.janeeseward4.com/listen. Hope to see you at one of our events soon!
Reimagining Georgia Ave
The Georgia Avenue corridor is rich in history and culture, and is home to countless local businesses, homes, and community gathering spaces. As we continue to build vibrant and healthy communities together in the new year, I’m excited to announce a new initiative to reimagine strategies to support our Georgia Ave businesses and community spaces and create a thriving Georgia Ave for generations to come.
To kick off this process, I’m inviting neighbors to share their feedback on what they envision for the future of Georgia Ave, ways we can support new and existing businesses, and how we can expand opportunities for business owners and neighbors. You can fill out our survey and share your thoughts by visiting www.janeeseward4.com/georgia.
I’m also excited to announce the formation of a committee to guide our work, the Georgia Ave Revitalization Advisory Group. If you are a neighbor who works in the areas of: Small Business Management, Law, Finance, Banking, Neighborhood Development, Real Estate, Technology, Grants (management and writing), Project Management, Investments, Policy, Budgeting, Fundraising, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Legacy Building, and your willing to lend some time in service to the vision of revitalization and reimaging Georgia Avenue, please reach out to join by contacting my Chief of Staff, Candace Tiana Nelson. Send her an email, cnelson@dccouncil.gov, or call, (202) 741-0896.
Responding to Pardoning of MPD Officers Convicted in the Death of Karon Hylton-Brown
On Tuesday, we learned of the decision to extend a presidential pardon to the two MPD officers who were convicted in the death of Karon Hylton-Brown in 2020. In the wake of this devastating news, my heart is with Karon’s family and friends who are still mourning his loss, and everyone in our community who united and fought valiantly for justice for four years, only to see it undermined.
The officers convicted in this case were found guilty of second-degree murder, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice by a unanimous jury of their peers. The decision to pardon their offenses puts political agenda above the integrity of our justice system, endangers our community, and sends a dangerous message that justice can be subverted. My heart is with Karon’s family, loved ones, and everyone who is hurting in this difficult moment. Karon’s life mattered, and we will continue to fight for a government that puts no one above the law.
Public Safety Updates
Keeping our neighborhoods safe is a collaborative process, and I’m grateful to every member of our community who continues to help us achieve this goal. With that in mind, I am organizing a Winter Public Safety Meeting to be held on January 30th. I will share more specific information about the time and location shortly. As the season began, we were optimistic reviewing crime data. However, over the last few weeks, neighbors have shared concerns about back-to-back robberies that have taken place in Ward 4. In response, MPD has deployed the citywide Operation ATLAS (Action Teams Leaving Areas Safer) and Robbery Suppression Teams to enhance safety and increase police visibility. If you have any information on these incidents or have relevant camera footage that can help MPD identify the offenders, reach out to MPD’s Command Information Center at 202-727-9099, or send an anonymous text to 50411.
Last Friday, we got some positive news to end the week: DC’s Crime Lab has gained accreditation to test fingerprint evidence, meaning most of the lab’s units are now accredited. Recently, the crime lab’s lack of accreditation has made prosecutions harder and slower, which has exacerbated public safety issues in our city. During this period, prosecutors have had to rely on federal labs and private labs to test evidence at a reduced capacity. This news will mean DC can speed up prosecutions and better hold individuals accountable when they endanger our communities. I’m looking forward to continuing the work to ensure the Crime Lab is fully operational, staffed with qualified experts, and prepared to do the work to keep our communities safe.
Updates on Missed Trash and Recycling Collection
Over the last few weeks, I have received concerns from neighbors about trash and recycling collection being missed on their streets. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is aware of this issue, and due to the remaining ice and some routes being longer than others, is working to ensure no households have been missed. Due to the MLK holiday on Monday and collection schedules sliding forward this week, Saturday will be a regular collection day, and DPW is bringing in extra crews on overtime to work through all the 311 requests throughout the weekend. If your home still hasn’t received collection, please submit a 311 request (my office is happy to help as well!).
Ward 4 Wins Big at Standing Ovation for DCPS!
On Thursday, DC held its annual Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools, dedicated to honoring the outstanding educators, staff, and school leaders who make a transformative impact in the lives of our students every day. I was thrilled to see our Ward 4 educators take home more awards than any other ward in the District and shine some light on their incredible work. Our community is lucky to have so many smart, caring and dedicated teachers who help our students succeed inside the classroom and out. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
- Outstanding Educator of the Year: Kerel Thompson, Teacher, Whittier Elementary School
- Excellence in Teaching Award: Jennifer Schroeder, Science Teacher, Ida B. Wells Middle School
- Outstanding School Staff of the Year: Liana Castro, Bilingual Counselor, MacFarland Middle School
- Excellence in School Leadership Award: Assistant Principal Ramona Hutchins, Ida B. Wells Middle School
- Force for Good Award: Principal Shelly Gray, LaSalle-Backus Elementary School
- Boldest School Award: Whittier Elementary School, Principal Tiffany Johnson
Council/Legislative Updates
Sign Up to Testify in Performance Oversight Hearings!
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Committee of the Whole, the Council confirmed the schedule for agency performance oversight hearings, which are just around the corner! Every year, these hearings are our opportunity to speak directly to agencies and discuss areas of improvement for the services they provide to DC residents. I’m particularly looking forward to chairing the hearings of the Committee on Facilities, where we’ll discuss ways to improve facilities maintenance, make our public spaces safer and more accessible, and uplift our communities. You can see the full list of Committee on Facilities hearings in the image below. Anyone is eligible to testify at these hearings, and you can sign up at www.janeeseward4.com/testify. Next week, I’ll share information on what hearing testimony looks like, and how neighbors can prepare. Stay tuned for more!
Community Resources
Final Week to Enroll in DC Health Link
DC Health Link open enrollment closes on January 31st! DC Health Link is the District’s online state-based health insurance marketplace with subsidized health care plans and provides health care for thousands of DC residents. Residents can apply by visiting www.dchealthlink.com to explore plans and enroll. Many DC residents are also eligible for Medicaid coverage. Please visit the District Direct website to enroll in Medicaid or submit your Medicaid renewal forms to keep your Medicaid coverage.
Immigration Defense Hotline
Over the last week since the presidential inauguration, fears have grown in communities around the country of potential raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If you or your loved ones are without documentation and are at risk of being targeted, you can call the Virginia Immigration Rapid Response Hotline at 855-298-3271 to quickly and reliably get connected with urgent legal resources and assistance in case of ICE encounters. Please see the flyers below for more resources, compiled by Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid.
Upshur Park Community Meeting
On Wednesday night, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of General Services (DGS) held a community meeting to share the latest plans on the Upshur Park modernization project. If you weren’t able to attend, you can view the slideshow from Wednesday’s meeting here.
Ward 3 and 4 Capital Projects Meeting
On Thursday, February 6th, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is hosting a virtual meeting to update community members on capital projects underway in Wards 3 and 4. All meetings start at 6:30pm. Click here to find more information and register.
Apply for Reduced Rates on DPR Programs
With registration for Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) spring and summer programs coming soon, now is a great time to see if your family qualifies for reduced rates and save 50-75% on DPR programs. Remember, your application must be submitted and approved before enrolling in programs in the coming months. Find more information and see if you qualify here.
Apply for the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program
On Monday, January 27th, applications open for the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program for DC youth ages 14-24! This program is a great way for young people in the District to earn pay, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the work of our agencies, local businesses, and community organizations. Youth can apply for SYEP through March 7th and organizations can also apply to host SYEP participants.
Receive Ward 4 Updates by Text!
With our Listen As We Climb events kicking off tonight, our Senior Fest event taking place tomorrow, and many more exciting events just around the corner, now is a great time to sign up for our Ward 4 text list! By signing up to receive updates on news, resources, and upcoming Ward 4 events by text, you’ll be the first to know about all the important updates for members of our community. If you’d like to be added to our Ward 4 text list, simply reply to this newsletter or email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov with the best phone number to reach you at.
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Keep in mind that construction activities are highly dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Crestwood and Chevy Chase neighbors:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform service reconnections to individual properties on Shepherd St from Crestwood Dr to 17th St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer cleaning on Oliver St NW, Patterson St NW, Northampton St NW, and McKinley St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Fort Stevens Family Line Dance
On Friday, January 24th from 5 to 6:30pm, DPR is hosting a family line dancing event at the Fort Stevens Rec Center (1327 Van Buren St NW). Come out for an evening of music and family fun — all ages and skill levels are welcome!
Senior Fest at Fort Stevens
On Saturday, January 25th from 10am to 2pm, I am joining with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to host a senior event at the Ft. Stevens Rec Center, complete with games, line dancing, door prizes, and giveaways. Hope to see our Ward 4 seniors there!
Winter Reading Challenge Party
On Thursday, January 30th from 4 to 5pm, the Shepherd Park-Juanita E. Thornton Library is hosting a Winter Reading Challenge Party. Kids and teens are invited to join for snacks, instant snow, hot cocoa, and winter crafts, and will learn about DC Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge.
Intro to Hand Dancing at Fort Stevens
On Wednesday, February 5th from 5 to 7pm, DPR is hosting an Intro to Hand Dancing event at Fort Stevens Rec Center (1327 Van Buren St NW). Community members are invited to discover the world of hand dancing and the music associated with it. RSVP here.
New Exhibition at Zenith Gallery
Ahead of Black History Month in February, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is hosting a new exhibition featuring work from over a dozen acclaimed artists entitled “Hold On, Change is Coming.” The exhibition is open now until March 1st at Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris St NW.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Ward 4 office hours are back in the new year, happening every Wednesday afternoon at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours at Hattie 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.
Register for DC School Lottery
Applications are now open for the MySchoolDC Lottery, the school lottery system for families planning to enroll their children in DCPS or PCS schools for grades PK3-12 next year. Families will have until February 3rd to submit high school applications and until March 3rd for PK3–Grade 8. Visit the MySchoolDC website for more information, and please strongly consider listing our incredible Ward 4 schools in your top choices!
District E-Bike Incentive Program
The DC Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) E-Bike Incentive Program is returning this year to help residents buy electric bicycles and support bicycle businesses in the District. The application window will be open Saturday, February 1st, through Friday, February 21st, 2025. DDOT will use a lottery system to select applicants to receive a voucher for an E-Bike. Find more information on what you need to apply here.
Ward 4 in the News
Eat DC: Ididos is opening at 201 Kennedy St NW this Friday, January 24th
Next Stop…Riggs Park: January 27-March 6: Apply for DC Summer Youth Employment Program
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Riggs Crossing Senior Residences Interest Form Still Open (January 2025)
NBC 4: Trump to pardon police officers convicted in DC man’s death
The 51st: What to do if your apartment doesn’t have heat
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.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been grateful to partner with the Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha to organize a Senior Fest event for our Ward 4 senior community this Saturday, complete with games, dancing, prizes, and refreshments. Make sure to spread the word to make this a great event for our Ward 4 seniors!
Have a wonderful weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
