This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy Friday! Our DCPS community has been in the midst of spring break week, and I hope it’s been an enjoyable week for students and families, whether you’ve relaxed at home or traveled out of town. Meanwhile, the Council was on its spring recess this week, which means we took a pause from legislative hearings. However, there is still lots to report from the Council and the community, including updates on the DC budget. Lastly, with Earth Day coming up next week, make sure to check out the neighborhood events section to take part in some of our community clean-ups and other events this weekend!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Sharing the Latest on the DC Budget
The District is still stuck waiting on the House of Representatives to take up the DC Local Funds Act, which has continued to stall in Congress despite calls from the Council, Mayor, Senate leadership, and even the President. Every day puts real pressure on our ability to continue funding vital DC programs and services, and unfortunately, without action from Congress, we are in a position of needing to prepare for significant cuts to the FY25 budget. This week, the Executive announced preparations for “extraordinary measures,” including pauses in hiring for DC government and other possible actions to resolve the budget issue. Wherever possible, we must make sure any such actions keep vital programs and services intact for DC families and our most vulnerable citizens, and budget savings do not come in the form of cuts that would cost the District more in the long term.
This Congressional inaction is also stalling our progress on the upcoming FY26 budget, as we have still yet to receive the proposed budget from the Mayor for review and hearings for Council committees are still on hold. These unprecedented circumstances the District finds ourselves in demand as much transparency as possible from the Executive about the status and timing of the budget release so the public has every opportunity to lend its voice on one of the toughest, tightest budgets the District has seen in many years. Lastly, as we continue to see DC residents who work in the federal government losing their jobs and filing for unemployment benefits, I want to remind neighbors of the full list of resources on my website for federal workers facing instability.
Celebrating a New Hospital in Ward 8
Last week, the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center officially opened its doors to our neighbors in Ward 8, marking a bright spot and an exciting moment of progress for our entire District community. This opening marks the first new full-service hospital opened in the District in over two decades, and the first trauma center to open east of the Anacostia River. This state-of-the-art hospital will help improve access to healthcare for thousands of DC residents who previously lacked nearby health services.
This opening is especially meaningful as we recognized Black Maternal Health Week this week and welcomed the first baby born at Cedar Hill, at a time when the District is taking important steps forward to address the Black maternal health crisis. To all our neighbors east of the river and District-wide who will benefit from this new hospital for generations to come, congratulations on this momentous milestone!
Community News
Supporting the Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act, or “Bottle Bill” for DC
As we get ready to celebrate Earth Day on Tuesday, this year, I’m especially proud to have co-introduced legislation led by my Ward 1 colleague Brianne Nadeau creating a bottle deposit program in the District. DC has a significant litter issue, and beverage containers are a major factor, as many bottles end up as trash on the ground and in our waterways in huge quantities. Plastic bottles alone make up 60 percent of the weight of all trash collected from the Anacostia River.
Beverage container deposit programs have proven highly effective at boosting recycling rates and cutting down on litter. In the 10 states that have enacted bottle bills, there has been a noticeable reduction in bottles and cans ending up as waste. That’s because these programs motivate everyone — residents, tourists, and businesses — to return containers for a refund rather than toss them out. This bill could also lead to major savings for the District. With more containers being redeemed through the deposit system, less material will end up in the trash or standard recycling streams. In fact, D.C.’s curbside recycling volume, handled by DPW, is projected to drop by about 20%, not to mention generating income for entrepreneurs and people who can earn money by collecting litter from our streets. I’m excited to see this bill move forward to keep DC’s streets and waterways clean and encourage neighbors to sign up to testify once a hearing is scheduled!
Celebrate Earth Day by Joining a Neighborhood Clean-Up!
Earth Day always serves as a reminder for us to be good stewards of our environment, and this year, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of some of the many community clean-ups taking place around our community:
- On Saturday, April 19th at 10am, join the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City and the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs for a day of service, where volunteers will work side by side to beautify the city. Residents and partners will help clean up parks, streets, and public spaces, creating a clean, safe and healthy District of Columbia. Additionally, as part of this initiative, roll-off containers will be provided in strategic areas around the 8 wards to facilitate the disposal of bulk waste and promote efficient cleanup efforts. RSVP for the Ward 4 event here, which will start at 14th and Spring Road.
- On Saturday, April 19th from 10am to 12pm, join Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Weed Warrior Leader Kathy Sykes for an Earth Day invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. Invasive plants are a major threat to our fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory. RSVP here for event location, directions, and more information.
- On Tuesday, April 22nd from 4:30 to 6pm, help Uptown shine a little brighter by joining Uptown Main Street and Petworth Main Street’s Earth Day Clean-Up! Visit one of three meet-up locations (711 Kennedy St, 843 Upshur St OR 8th and Taylor St, or 3928 14th St) to help clean up trash and stick around for a happy hour afterwards. Cleaning materials provided! Thanks to Petworth Peanuts and the DC Office of the Clean City for co-sponsoring!
- On Saturday, April 26th from 9 to 11am, the Lamond Community Action Group will be hosting a Spring Clean Up and Earth Day event at Milligan’s Point on the corner lot of Rittenhouse and Sligo Mill Rd, NE. Stop by to connect with neighbors and help beautify the neighborhood. Thanks to LCAG for organizing!
- On Saturday, May 3rd from 9:30 to 10:30am, join the Sixteenth Street Heights Neighborhood Association and ANC 4E for a community clean up! Meet in front of Zeke’s at 9:30am with your gloves and trash bag to help make the neighborhood shine!
Get Ready for Petworth Porchfest Next Weekend!
Next Saturday, April 26th from 2 to 8pm, the incredible neighborhood festival Petworth Porchfest returns to Ward 4, with over 300 bands performing across more than 100 porches in Petworth, Brightwood Park, Sixteenth Street Heights, Columbia Heights, and Park View! Check out the full schedule and map of stages on the Porchfest website. We will have great music, friendly neighbors, and local businesses taking part in the festivities. If you live in the area, keep in mind that it may be harder to get around the neighborhood by car for a few hours due to streets being crowded. Let’s be neighborly to each other so we can all enjoy the day. Shoutout to all the volunteers and supporters who are making this day happen, including Lime, Eddie Suarez, Timber Pizza Co., Trent & Co., Petworth Main Street, DSLBD, De Colores, Petworth News, and more. I can’t wait!
Save the Date: Ward 4 Small Business Summit
Next month, I’m excited to host a unique and exciting opportunity for small business leaders, entrepreneurs, and neighbors: Our Ward 4 Small Business Summit! In partnership with our Ward 4 Main Streets, we will bring together key stakeholders to support our local businesses by providing essential resources and guidance to help them maintain and grow. The summit will focus on equipping Ward 4 business owners with the tools they need to thrive, as well as offering valuable information for residents interested in starting their own entrepreneurial journeys. Agency representatives will also join to share the services and training programs available to both current and aspiring business owners. RSVP here!
Community Resources
Red Line Closures This Weekend
If you’re traveling on the Red Line this weekend, keep in mind that on Saturday April 19th and Sunday April 20th, free shuttle buses will replace trains between Rhode Island Ave. and Takoma on the Red Line. The Brookland station will be closed and there will be no Red Line train service at Fort Totten. Crews will be working to replace the switch machines in the interlocking where trains are able to cross between separate tracks. Trains will continue to run as normal between Takoma and Glenmont and between Rhode Island Ave and Shady Grove.
Ward 4 Capital Projects Update
On Thursday, April 24th at 6pm, join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a virtual community meeting regarding the upcoming capital construction projects coming to the Ward 3 & 4 communities. For more information and to RSVP, click here.
DDOT NOIs for Ward 4
This week, DDOT issued several notices of intent (NOI) to begin roadway construction in several areas of Ward 4:
- New Crosswalk and “Daylighting” at the intersection of 8th Street NW and Highland Avenue NW (comments due to karyn.mcalister@dc.gov by May 14th)
- Speed humps and associated signs on the 2900 block of Northampton Street NW (comments due to Kornelius.anderson@dc.gov by April 27th)
- Speed humps and associated signs on the Unit Block of Whittier Street NW (comments due to Kornelius.anderson@dc.gov by April 28th)
Second Chance Hiring Alliance Event
On Tuesday, April 29th from 2 to 6pm, the Council for Court Excellence’s Second Chance Hiring Alliance is partnering with the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce and the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice to host a “Talent Beyond Barriers” event to empower DC-area business owners and employers to hire justice-impacted job seekers by providing them with real resources, networks, and support. The event will take place at the historic True Reformer Building (1200 U St NW). Register here.
Get Fresh Produce by Enrolling in Produce Plus!
The spring Produce Plus Season is here, and this week, the program officially opened for enrollment! Produce Plus is funded by DC Health and administered by FRESHFARM and provides locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to DC residents with limited access to fresh, healthy food. Learn more about the program and sign up here!
Register for Ward 4 Faith Leaders’ Peace Camp
Registration has opened for Peace Camp! Ward 4 Faith Leaders’ program for ages 9-13 is designed to engage young people and instill in them values to withstand violence to become leaders in our community. There will be field trips, engaging lessons, and fun games, and much more.
Washington Gas Rate Hearings
The DC Public Service Commission has announced a series of public hearings on Washington Gas’s request to increase rates. The hearings will provide consumers with a chance to comment on the gas company’s plan to hike the average monthly bill by about $15. This is your opportunity to make your concerns heard and let the PSC know the impact on Ward 4 households! The hearing schedule is as follows:
- Monday, April 21st at Petworth Library Meeting Room 1 from 5 to 7pm
- Tuesday, April 29th at Public Service Commission Hearing Room (1325 G St NW, Suite 800) from 6 to 8pm
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 Brightwood Park, Manor Park, Chevy Chase, and 16th Street Heights neighbors:
- As part of the Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform daytime work at the following locations for the duration of next week: Longfellow St from 2nd Pl NW to 3rd Pl NW, Missouri Ave and 5th St NW & to 5611 5th St NW APT L4 (On Missouri Ave NW), 5611 5th St NW APT L4 (On Missouri Ave NW) to 421 Missouri Ave NW, 16th St & Upshur St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on 8th St NW and Quintana Pl NW.
- As part of the Chevy Chase Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer cleaning activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: 3700 block of McKinley St NW, 3900 block of McKinley St NW, 3500 block of Livingston St NW, 3800 block of Livingston St NW, 3300 block of Military Rd NW, 3700 – 3900 blocks of Military Rd NW, 4100 block of Military Rd NW, 5300 block of 38th St NW, 5300 block of 39th St NW, 5500 block of Nevada Ave NW, 3800 block of Kanawha St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform new water main installation work on the 5000 and 5100 blocks of 13th St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on the 300 and 400 block of Hamilton St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Peach Cobbler Factory Grand Opening in Takoma
On Saturday, April 19th, come welcome our newest business to Ward 4, the Peach Cobbler Factory on 6908 4th St NW in Takoma! The grand opening will take place from 12 to 10pm, with plenty of Peach Cobbler for neighbors to try out. Make sure to pay them a visit!
Zenith Gallery 47th Anniversary
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is celebrating its 47th anniversary with a new exhibition and a final artist talk on Saturday, April 19th. You can read more about the upcoming show and Zenith Gallery’s history in Ward 4 on its website here. Congratulations to Zenith Gallery and founder Margery Goldberg on this incredible achievement!
Genevieve N. Johnson Egg Hunt & Open Jam Sessions
On Tuesday, April 22nd from 10:30am to 2pm, the Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Center is hosting its annual Egg Hunt and Magic Show at the senior center (4817 Blagden Ave NW). Then on Tuesday, April 29th at 1pm, they are hosting the second of two Open Jam Sessions for neighbors to enjoy an afternoon of jazz! For more information, check out Genevieve Johnson’s website.
Free Author Talk at Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library
On Wednesday, April 23rd, at 6:30pm, the Friends of Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library will host Ward 4 resident Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor of The Atlantic, for a discussion of issues that have led to the nation’s housing crisis and lack of upward mobility. Appelbaum is the author of the new book “Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity.” His book includes an analysis of housing issues in the Ward 4 neighborhoods Takoma D.C. and Shepherd Park. The talk is free and will take place at the Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library.
Truck Touch 2025
On Saturday, May 3rd from 8am to 2pm, visit RFK Stadium’s Lot 8 for DC’s annual “Truck Touch” celebration — a high-energy, hands-on experience for all ages! Kids will get the opportunity to explore nearly 30 types of impressive vehicles from DC government agencies — from street sweepers and snowplows to dump trucks, police cruisers, fire engines, and even mobile medical units. This is your chance to hop inside, honk the horn, and learn about the tools that keep our city moving. Thanks to the Department of Public Works for hosting!
Donate to Ward 4 Mother’s Day Free Market
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and on Saturday, May 10th, from 12 to 4pm, Petworth Peanuts and Ward 4 Mutual Aid are hosting a Free Mother’s Day Market at Emory United Methodist Church (6100 Georgia Ave). The organizers are currently seeking donations of clothing, books, toys, car seats, strollers, and more, until Thursday, May 8th. Click here to see the map of drop-off spots.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Ward 4 office hours are 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.
Support for Federal Workers
As many in our community face unprecedented challenges, I’m grateful to everyone who is stepping up to support neighbors. The Office of the Mayor has rolled out fedsupport.dc.gov, sharing resources for federal workers who have been laid off or impacted by recent cuts. I also want to remind neighbors of resources on my website for federal workers impacted by recent actions and neighbors facing the threat of immigration enforcement, compiled with the help of Councilmember Nadeau. DC government and the DC Council are also hiring for a range of positions, and I encourage community members to take a look at the open positions and share with a neighbor.
Ward 4 in the News
NBC 4: Free and cheap things to do with kids on spring break in DC, Maryland and Virginia
WUSA 9: Here’s how to get involved in DC’s spring cleaning initiatives
The 51st: Five spring staycation ideas around D.C.
Next Stop…Riggs Park: LRCA Scholarship Application Due May 16, 2025
Next Stop…Riggs Park: DC 2050 Comp Plan Update Resources & Survey
Next Stop…Riggs Park: April 19-20: No Red Line Service at Fort Totten or Brookland Station
PoPville: Yo!! “Hazel’s Hardware + Blue’s Coffee & Tea Co. are coming to The Parks”!!
Ward 4 Dispatch: Budget Delays, Senior Bingo, and Ward 4 Construction Updates
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.
Tuesday is Earth Day, a day to appreciate all the natural beauty around us and recommit ourselves to being good stewards of our public lands. As a Ward 4 community, we are lucky to be home to countless beautiful green spaces from Rock Creek Park to Fort Slocum and beyond. I hope you’ll take this day to appreciate our amazing green spaces and come together to support the goals of environmentalism and sustainability, including through one of the many neighborhood clean-ups taking place in the community.
Lastly, to everyone in our community and beyond who is celebrating, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyous Easter. May this day bring together people we love and inspire hope, peace, and renewal in our world.
Have a wonderful weekend, Ward 4.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
