This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
As DC remains under an Extreme Heat Alert and we head into a busy Fourth of July weekend, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of important resources and tips on how to celebrate the holiday safely. I also have updates on the upcoming Mubadala DC Open tennis tournament, OAG action supporting Ward 4 tenants, and more.
Community News
Tips, Resources, and Events for Fourth of July Weekend
As we get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, I’m sharing a few important reminders to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday. DC is currently under an Extreme Heat Alert until the morning of Sunday, July 5th. As temperatures rise into the triple digits, it’s important residents check in on older neighbors, young children, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat. If you see someone in need of help, you can also call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093. For more heat resources and to locate your nearest cooling center, you can visit heat.dc.gov. Due to celebrations around the National Mall, there will also be significant road closures. If you’re traveling downtown, the best way is to ride Metrobus and Metrorail, which will be free from July 4th at 5pm to July 5th at 2am. Lastly, make sure to review FEMS guidance on firework safety and submit a 311 request if you see illegal use or sale of fireworks.
Fourth of July is an exciting time in Ward 4, with many community events happening over the weekend. Tonight, President Lincoln’s Cottage (140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW) is hosting an evening of storytelling, honoring Lincoln’s Act to Encourage Immigration, which was signed into law on July 4th, 1864. On Saturday from 4 to 9:30pm, the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Petworth opens its grounds for a celebration featuring a bike parade, kids’ obstacle course, bouncy house, DJ, food trucks, and more. There are plenty of Fourth of July weekend events happening around the District, with many opportunities to be in community together. See you out there!
Mubadala DC Open Tournament Updates
The annual Mubadala DC Open tennis tournament is kicking off later this month, running from July 25th to August 2nd! As we prepare for the event, organizers have been holding planning meetings with DDOT to minimize neighborhood disruption. I want to take time to share a few reminders, especially for neighbors in nearby Crestwood and 16th Street Heights who will be most impacted by the tournament:
- During the tournament, there will be limited parking at the Tennis Center. Offsite parking will be located at the DC USA parking garage in Columbia Heights.
- Now that construction in the area has been completed, fewer shuttle buses can be used between the parking garage and tournament, which means fewer vehicles congesting the area.
- Organizers have also been collaborating with DFHV and MPD to minimize drivers who circumvent the pickup and drop off locations. Riders and drivers will be directed to pick up passengers at Carter Barron.
- As with previous years, the DC Open is managed by the mayor’s office and the primary points of contact are the Ward 4 MOCRs, Letitia Acosta (Leticia.Acosta1@dc.gov 202-603-7182 and Zoey Lewis (Zoey.Lewis@dc.gov 202-436-2087).
- Over the next few weeks, MOCRs will be knocking doors to distribute parking passes to residents, businesses, and faith institutions. Passes will also be available for pickup at the 4th District Police Station.
Council News/Legislative Updates
OAG Win for Brightwood Tenants
On Monday, the DC Attorney General’s Office announced action against two Ward 4 landlords for dangerous and illegal housing conditions. For years, tenants at 1355 Peabody and 6000 13th Street have organized, spoken out, and demanded the safe, dignified housing they deserve. No family should have to endure prolonged outages, infestations, or retaliation simply for advocating for basic repairs. I appreciate OAG’s action to hold these landlords accountable and to protect tenants’ rights to organize without fear of intimidation. Ward 4 residents deserve safe homes, and landlords who fail to meet their legal obligations must be held responsible.
Community Resources
Ward 4 Roll Off Day at Emery Heights
Time to declutter! DC Department of Public Works Roll Off Days allow DC residents to safely dispose of certain large non-hazardous items. On Saturday, July 11th, bring old household furniture clothing, bed frames, old rugs and carpets, and other items to Emery Heights Community Center to safely dispose of them. For a full list of items that are not accepted at Roll Off Events, visit the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs website.
Lafayette-Pointer Community Walkthrough
On Tuesday, July 7th at 1:30pm, join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) for a walk-through of the Lafayette-Pointer Park to hear updated plans and share feedback about the Lafayette-Pointer Park Erosion Control project. To RSVP and learn more about the project, visit dpr.dc.gov/stakeholder.
Neighborhood Events
Takoma Adopt-a-Block Community Cleanup
On Saturday, July 4th, join neighbors for a monthly Takoma Adopt-a-Block community cleanup at 10am at Van Buren Street and Piney Branch Road, NW (by Safeway). Neighbors will pick up litter, submit 311 requests for city services around the neighborhood, and chat about ways to stay engaged over the summer. All supplies are provided, as well as snacks, water, and community service hours. A great opportunity to connect with neighbors and show some love for the neighborhood!
Cookie Wear 26th Anniversary Celebration
On Saturday, July 4th, Cookie Wear Shop in Petworth (810 Upshur Street) is celebrating its 26th anniversary from 9am to 6pm with an event featuring a DJ and various vendors. All neighbors are invited to join!
DPR Jazz in the Park in Ward 4
Throughout the summer, the DC Department of Parks is hosting a series of pop-up jazz performances at scenic open spaces all over the District. These events are free, open to the public, and a great way to take advantage of DC’s park system. All you have to do is get there, sit back, and enjoy your local park and a free show. Check out the full schedule of events, including next Tuesday, July 7th in Takoma.
Thursday Music at Uptown Plaza
On Thursday, July 9th from 6 to 7:30pm, indie rock soloist Rugan Lewis and electronic artist Safety Bear take the mic at 14th and Kennedy St NW for a free outdoor show—no tickets, no cover, just good music and good neighbors. Thank you to Uptown Main Street for organizing!
Piney Branch Tunnel Groundbreaking Celebration
On Thursday, July 9th from 10am to 12pm, DC Water is hosting a groundbreaking celebration for the Piney Branch Tunnel Project on Piney Branch Parkway and 17th St NW. Once completed in 2029, the tunnel will provide a 96% reduction in the volume of combined sewer overflows in an average year of rainfall. The celebration will include remarks by DC Water officials and other community leaders, refreshments, and giveaways. To learn more about the project, click here.
Genevieve N. Johnson Wellness Fair Bazaar and Fish Fry
On Friday, July 10th from 10am to 3pm, the Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Center is hosting its annual Wellness Fair Bazaar and Fish Fry on the campus lawn, 4817 Blagden Ave NW. All are invited to enjoy the festivities and meet 60+ vendors, including free wellness resources. For more information or to sign up as a vendor, call 240-532-9796.
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit entitled “An Art Filled Life,” with new by artists Ram Brisueño and Ashley Joi. The exhibit has been extended until July 18th, with a closing reception on Saturday, July 18th from 2 to 5pm at 1429 Iris Street NW.
Christ Lutheran Church Neighborhood Cookout
On Saturday, August 1st from 6 to 8pm, Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW) is hosting a neighborhood cookout with free burgers, hotdogs, and snacks on the lawn. There will be a brass group playing tunes, yard games, and more.
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
The Washington Post: Celebrate July 4 in D.C. with these parades, concerts and festivals
Petworth News: Lincoln’s Cottage hosts free events for American’s 250th
Next Stop…Riggs Park: DPR Ward 4 Parks June 2026 Construction Update
Washington Jewish Week: Lois Goodman Ontell, Civil Rights Lawyer and Community Advocate, Dies at 81
Ward 4 Dispatch: Utility Transparency, Home Rule Music Festival, and Juneteenth!
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.
Despite a series of harmful rulings issued by the Supreme Court, this week, the court released an important decision upholding the constitutional standard of birthright citizenship. While our fight is far from over, this decision affirms a fundamental promise that everyone born here belongs here. As immigrant families in the District face unprecedented attacks, we must affirm their right to dignity, protection, and a meaningful roadmap to citizenship should they choose it.
As we celebrate Independence Day, I’m reflecting on the ongoing work of making our ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy real for everyone. That work happens not just in our courts, but in our neighborhoods, our organizing, and our commitment to one another.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese