This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Now that we’ve reached September, students are back in classes, the weather is cooling down, and the Council is approaching our fall legislative session. However, for many in our community, the top issue on our minds remains the continued occupation of DC by National Guard troops and federal law enforcement. On Thursday, DC took a major step with our Attorney General filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its unlawful National Guard deployments. This week, the Council also had productive meetings with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other allies in Congress to reiterate the need for federal leaders to stand with the District in our fight against Trump’s authoritarian attacks.
Despite the circumstances we are facing as a city, DC residents are continuing to look out for one another and prioritize community. Next weekend, one of my favorite events of the year returns to Ward 4 in Art All Night 2025. On Friday and Saturday nights, come out and support our Main Street associations for a weekend of art, music, and fun. Lastly, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of several upcoming community events and ways to show support for our Ward 4 small businesses.
Council News/Legislative Updates
AG Schwalb Files Lawsuit Against National Guard Deployment
This week, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit pushing back against the Trump administration’s unjust deployment of National Guard troops to DC. As we know, the District has seen an over 50% decline in crime rates over the last two years, and while public safety remains our top priority, President Trump’s claim of an emergency in DC is wholly unjustified. No American city should have armed military patrolling its streets, especially out-of-state National Guard who are untrained in local law enforcement and unaccountable to the people of DC. These actions not only put District residents at risk and erode trust between our community and law enforcement but also pull guardsmen away from their families and communities and cost millions of taxpayer dollars. Now is the time for DC to stand united and use every tool at our disposal to challenge this occupation. I’m grateful to Attorney General Schwalb for taking legal action to defend our right to self-governance under the Home Rule Act.
Partnering with DC’s Congressional Allies
On Wednesday, I joined several of my Council colleagues on Capitol Hill to meet with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. I was grateful to hear Leader Jefferies affirm his support for Home Rule and District autonomy in the face of the Trump administration’s threats. Then on Thursday, I joined my Council colleagues for a rally at the Capitol with organizers from Free DC. We were also joined by Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Glenn Ivey, two of the District’s greatest allies in Congress. This is not just DC’s fight—it’s America’s fight, and I am grateful to have strong partners in it alongside us.
Important Reminders for DCPS Families
As students start returning to classes, I have heard many concerns from families who are worried about increased federal law enforcement presence, especially around school areas. This week, DCPS reached out to families and school leaders to share several updates. Here are a few reminders involving student safety in and around schools I want to make sure Ward 4 families are aware of:
- Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). DCPS can only provide student educational record information to comply with a judicial order, in the case of health or safety emergencies, or in order to comply with MPD’s safety duties owed to DCPS.
- Law enforcement officers need a valid warrant or court order to enter into a school building. MPD members are not allowed to make inquiries into immigration status for the purpose of determining whether an individual has violated civil immigration laws.
- School resource officers (SROs) are not performing any duties related to ICE.
- Students who use public transportation to or from school should remember to carry Kids Ride Free Cards to prevent evading fares. As a reminder, all enrolled District students who are also District residents are eligible for free fares to get to school and school-related activities. Students’ cards from the previous year will work through September 30th when they will acquire new cards.
As a parent, I share the profound concern many families are feeling during the current federal occupation and am here to support in any way I can. I am grateful to DCPS and everyone involved in our school communities for working to help students, families, and staff feel safe.
Community News
Public Safety Updates
This week, I was saddened and disheartened to learn about break-ins at two of our beloved Kennedy Street businesses. These incidents are deeply angering, not only because of the harm to our business owners, but as someone who knows how vital these small businesses are to our community’s fabric and strength.
I have reached out to MPD asking for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable and deter future incidents. I have also reached out to both businesses and offered my support. Our community’s strength lies in how we show up for and support one another, especially in difficult times. I encourage neighbors to continue showing their support for our local businesses to ensure our community remains a place where neighbors can feel safe and thrive.
Art All Night Kicks Off Next Weekend!
Mark your calendars for next weekend: Art All Night is back! The annual fall event is a great opportunity to support our local businesses and artists as they showcase all the amazing art Ward 4 has to offer. Ward 4 is lucky to have three of our amazing main street associations leading the festivities — Uptown Main Street, Petworth Main Street, and The Parks Main Street — which are all hosting events throughout their respective neighborhoods. You can read about some of the events taking place on the Art All Night website. Here are just a few of the events you can take part in:
- An interactive open house at Dance Loft on 14th with all dance genres, demos, and free classes for all ages
- African dance, drumming, and storytelling from the Kulture Shock Movement and Protecting Our Heritage Drumming Academy on 14th and Kennedy
- Paint Little Libraries for the community at La Coop Coffee
- An interactive art exhibit at the Lamond-Riggs / Lillian J. Huff Library
- Two Friday night stand-up comedy shows at Room 808
You can check out the full list of events and locations here. See you there!
Community Resources
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Last month, my office launched an online reporting form for neighbors to report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. This information will be critical as we build our case, ensure organizations working on the ground are informed, and continue to hold this administration accountable. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
As our DC government works to keep our community safe, supported, and informed during this time, I also encourage neighbors to fill out my survey seeking input from residents to help shape how our office communicates around new federal developments.
Support Takoma ES Teachers
The Takoma Elementary School PTO is currently organizing a fundraiser to support teachers as they gear up for the new school year. The goal is to raise $100 per teacher to help cover classroom supplies and other essential needs. Every dollar goes directly toward creating a better learning environment for students, and every bit helps!
Neighborhood Events
Happy Hour at The Parks: 80s Night
Tonight, September 5th, at 5:30pm, visit The Parks at Walter Reed’s Marketplace Plaza on the corner of Georgia and Dahlia for a 1980’s-themed happy hour! The event is free, with beverages to purchase (so don’t forget to bring a friend; furry friends welcome). Bring your dancing shoes! It’s the perfect mix of smooth soul and high-energy pop to kick back, dance a little, and relive the magic of the ’80s. DJ Harry Hotter will be on the controls and beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Free DC Rally in Freedom Plaza
On Saturday morning, September 6th, Free DC is leading a march from Malcolm X Park (in Meridian Hill Park) to Freedom Plaza downtown in solidarity with neighbors to end the occupation of DC. The march will begin at 11am, and residents can sign up here.
Friends of Petworth Library Back to School Used Book Sale
On Saturday, September 6th, the Friends at Petworth Library are hosting a back-to-school used book sale at the Petworth Library (4200 Kansas Ave NW) from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Kids’ books will sell for 50 cents, paperback books for $1, and hardbacks for $2. Plus, totes, t-shirts, and more, all benefiting library programming and the greater Petworth community.
Conversations and Laughter at Lamond Recreation Center
Starting Saturday, September 6th through December 20th, every Saturday, Lamond Recreation Center (20 Tuckerman St NE) will host a Conversations and Laughter Book Club from 9 to 11am. Neighbors are invited to come read books that challenge perspectives and encourage meaningful conversation. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Petworth in the Park: Dog Days of Summer
On Sunday, September 7th, Petworth Main Street and District Veterinary Hospital are hosting Petworth in the Park: Dog Days of Summer at Petworth Rec Center. The day will be packed with activities, including kids activities and lawn games from 12 to 2pm, dog show from 3 to 4pm hosted by Drew Schneider of Petworth News, and live music on the main stage from 4 to 6pm.
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit entitled “Women Artists of the DMV,” which features works from more than 400 female artists from around the DC Metro area. The exhibit is open until October 18th, with Meet the Artist receptions on Friday, September 12th from 4 to 8pm and Saturday, September 13th from 2 to 6pm.
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
Petworth News: Sign up for the Dog Show on Sept 7th — you & your furry friend could win some awesome prizes!
The 51st: Occupation Safety: Your weekly Civics Roundup
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Updated Riggs & South Dakota Park Concept Plan
Petworth News: You can shape the future of museums (and gain free admission to popular Cottage programs)
Ward 4 Dispatch: Resist & Reject This Labor Day Weekend
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.
Every fall after the Council has completed our work on the upcoming year’s DC budget, I attend meetings of all our Ward 4 ANCs and the Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging to share a recap of the investments we secured for Ward 4. While this year’s budget was a particularly challenging one, I was grateful to speak with commissioners and residents at ANC 4A on Tuesday to discuss some of the investments impacting neighbors. Over the next few weeks, I’m looking forward to meeting with residents across the Ward to share these updates and answer questions about the work ahead of us.
Wishing you a lovely weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
