This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
The past week has been a deeply scary and precarious time for our DC community. On Monday, President Trump issued a series of harmful executive orders deploying the National Guard into our community and exerting control over the Metropolitan Police Department. In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing the latest information on the Trump administration’s actions, as well as resources for neighbors to look out for one another and stay safe during this time.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Keeping Our Community Safe Amid Weaponization of Home Rule
Like many of you, I am shocked and outraged at President Trump’s announcement of weaponizing the Home Rule Act by deploying the National Guard and exercising authority over the Metropolitan Police Department. This is a direct attack on the 700,000 residents of DC and we will not stand for it. I know many of you are likely feeling angry, worried, and deeply concerned about what this means for our city and our communities. Please know that I share your outrage, and I am working with my colleagues and community leaders to stand up for our rights and our city’s autonomy.
The facts have been clear: over the last two years, DC has seen a 52% drop in violent crime, and is now experiencing the lowest crime rates our city has seen in three decades. Trump’s claims of a public safety emergency are not only unfounded, they are more of the same fear, intimidation, and distraction we have seen from the Trump administration in the place of real governance. As these threats continue to escalate, I have also been deeply concerned to see the impact of these actions on our most vulnerable neighbors, including undocumented and unhoused residents.
As the Trump administration continues to push false claims and expand its attacks on DC autonomy, we also need to be clear-eyed about what is within the federal government’s power, and what is not. The administration is using Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, which allows the President to use “such services of the Metropolitan Police force as the President may deem necessary and appropriate.” However, Chief Pamela Smith and Mayor Bowser remain in charge of MPD operations, and any permanent changes to District autonomy would require an act of Congress.
Today, I was grateful to see the Attorney General file legal action challenging the Trump administration’s actions, a step I have been calling for since the executive orders were first released. I also joined Mayor Bowser, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, and other city leaders as we heard OAG’s complaint in court against the federal government to defend Home Rule. We cannot be complicit in this moment or bend our values to a President who is dead set on oppressing our most vulnerable neighbors.
While there are still many questions and the situation continues to evolve day by day, I want to help respond to neighbors’ questions and concerns as best I can. Tonight, I am hosting a Zoom town hall for Ward 4 residents, where I will share and answer questions from the community. I will also be reminding neighbors to be cautious and look out for one another and stay mindful as federal presence grows in our community. We are in this together, and together we will make it through this perilous time in the District’s history.
Launching School Readiness Tours
Even with the recent threats from the federal government, we are still showing up and doing the work on the ground to support our community. This week, I conducted my annual school readiness tours to check in on all the great work that has been done so far this summer and what needs to be completed before DCPS students return on August 25th. As always, I am grateful to DGS trade workers, contractors, and DCPS forepersons, custodians, and administrators who have spent all summer closing work orders, completing small capital projects, and identifying facilities priorities. This year, I focused on elementary schools because safe, healthy, and clean education spaces are vitally important to launch our young scholars’ academic careers for years to come. We toured Dorothy Height and Lafayette Elementary in Ward 4 and Patterson and Hendley in Ward 8.
At Dorothy Height, I was glad to see a long punch list of facilities issues will be fixed by the building contractor under warranty. For far too long, DCPS and DGS were accepting new and expensive modernized buildings with known facilities problems. My oversight highlighting the need to ensure the District gets what it pays for has led to more thorough inspections and more aggressive use of warranty options.
At Lafayette, I saw brand new playground surfacing, and construction underway for a new track. I was very pleased to see all of the ADA improvements, especially the new ramp in the main entrance. After hearing from community members about points of inaccessibility at the school, I dispatched the Office of Disability Rights to conduct a full assessment of the campus. I hope to see ODR, DCPS, and DGS continue to work this closely, so ADA Compliance is the floor and not the ceiling of the District’s level of accessibility.
At Patterson and Hendley, we saw work underway to fix several chronic issues, including HVAC. When a school’s central heating and cooling systems are known to break down often, it is essential DGS install functioning contingencies, such as spot coolers and space heaters, so instructional time is not lost. We also discussed the need for new approaches to older schools that are close to modernization or are not on the PACE list.
As in previous years, I used my School Readiness Checklist to quantify if and how schools are ready in eight key areas: Security, HVAC, Plumbing, Windows/Roofs/Floors, ADA Compliance, and Electrical. If you or your scholars notice a facilities issue, please promptly report them to school staff or administrators so a work order gets created ASAP. To track facilities issues at DCPS schools (and other government properties, including DPR centers), check out DGS’ new Work Order Dashboard, recently updated pursuant to my legislation that passed last year.
Community News
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways Continue
Now that school is about to start, back-to-school supply giveaways are in full swing! I’m excited to join the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association and neighbors tomorrow for our backpack giveaway at Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center. Check out the list of events and share with a neighbor:
- On Saturday, August 16th from 11am to 1pm, I’m joining the Lamond-Riggs Citizen’s Association and other community organizations to support their backpack giveaway at the Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center!
- On Saturday, August 23rd from 2:30 to 5:30pm, the Juanita E. Thornton-Lamond-Riggs Library is hosting a back-to-school uniform swap! Bring any lightly used school uniforms to the library. All clothing should be clean and free of serious wear and tear. Clothing should be sized to fit students aged 3-16. Accepted items include khaki pants, school shirts, belts, and school shoes. All leftover clothing will be donated to the PTA of the appropriate school.
- On Thursday, August 21st from 4 to 6pm, MPD 4th District officers will offer free backpacks and free haircuts while supplies last, at 6001 Georgia Avenue NW. Child must be present to obtain a backpack.
- On Saturday, August 23rd from 11am to 1pm, Fellowship Baptist Church is hosting a back-to-school drive at 5605 Colorado Ave NW. Come out and get the school supplies our young scholars need to start the school year, plus games, food, and free haircuts!
- On Saturday, August 23rd from 10am to 1pm, the Ward 5 Education Equity Committee is hosting its 5th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway (location TBD). Families will get the opportunity to receive free backpacks and school supplies ahead of the start of the school year. Rain or shine!
- On Saturday, August 23rd from 10am to 2pm, Zion Hill Baptist Church and Petworth Rec Center are hosting the 3rd Annual Community Outreach Day at Petworth Playground (801 Taylor St NW). Join for school supplies, family fun games, moon bounce, snow cones, and more! RSVP here.
While these are just a few of the backpack giveaways happening around DC, you can check out this list of events throughout the DMV for more events coming up. Thanks to A Wider Circle for compiling this list of giveaways for neighbors!

Community Resources
Free DC Orientation
Free DC is setting out to build the cultural and political power it will take to protect Home Rule and win lasting dignity for the people of DC. Campaign Orientation is the place to learn about the attacks DC is facing right now, the strategy to defeat them, and our organizing structures that will make it possible. On Wednesday, August 20th at 12pm, Free DC is hosting a virtual orientation for community members looking to get involved. You can also visit their website for more upcoming events and resources.
Visit OSSE-DOT’s New Parent Portal
Thousands of students with disabilities in the District are eligible for transportation service delivery from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This year, OSSE launched the OSSE Parent Portal for parents and guardians of transportation-eligible students to directly select their transportation option and input their contact information for the 2025-26 school year. For families that choose OSSE transportation, your school will need to confirm and verify the transportation request before the start of school. If you haven’t heard anything from your school about the OSSE Parent Portal, or if you have any questions, please email osse.parentportal@dc.gov.
2025 District Pediatric Vaccine Locations
With summer winding down and DCPS students getting ready to head back to school, it’s time for families to ensure their students are up to date on their vaccinations. If your child still needs to be vaccinated, visit DC Health’s website to find a list of vaccination sites in Ward 4 and across the District.
Affordable Housing Available for Seniors
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences is newly open in Riggs Park and now leasing units for Ward 4 seniors (55+)! All units are income-restricted at 50% of Median Family Income or below. To avoid long wait times, schedule an appointment through the website. Floor plans are available there as well.
Free Resilience Workshop for Federal Workers
On Monday, August 18th from 1 to 3pm, the Center for Grounded Action and Grounded Resilience Training is hosting a workshop for federal workers. If you’ve lost your job or are impacted by the cuts to programs, this session can help. The event will be co-hosted by the Maryland Department of Labor and will provide opportunity to receive support, learn new skills and effective practices to manage stress. Learn more here.
Better Bus Network Community Feedback Session
Ward 4 bus riders! Now that you’ve had a chance to use the new WMATA bus network for a few weeks, the Friends of Bus Transit are devoting an entire meeting to learning how the new system is working for you. On Tuesday, August 26th at 7pm, stop by Blessed Sacrament’s 3630 Quesada Street location in the Parish Center for an opportunity to speak about what’s working for you, what’s not working well, and suggestions for improvement.
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:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform final walk-through activities on 7th St NW and Rittenhouse St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Chevy Chase Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer main lining activities at the following locations next week: 5400 block of 39th St NW, 5400 – 5500 blocks of Connecticut Ave NW, 3900 – 4100 blocks of Military Rd NW, 3700 block of Livingston St NW, 3600 block of Patterson St NW, 5800 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform final walk-through activities on 8th St NW and Quintana Pl NW
Neighborhood Events
Movie Night at Takoma Rec Center
On Friday, August 15th at 7pm, join DPR’s Roving Leaders for an outdoor movie night at Takoma Recreation Center (3rd and Tuckerman Streets NW). Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening with neighbors, with a showing of Kung Fu Panda 4.
Riggs Road Cleanup
On Saturday, August 16th from 8 to 9am, join ANC 4B, the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association, and The Parks Main Street for a community cleanup on the 600 block of Riggs Rd NE. Gloves, trash pickers, and bags will be provided. All ages are welcome and community service hours will be provided! RSVP in advance here.

Jazz on the Lawn at 19th Street Baptist Church
On Saturday, August 16th from 2 to 4:30pm, 19th Street Baptist Church is hosting Jazz on the Lawn at 4606 16th St NW. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an afternoon listening to The Crossfire Band with neighbors.
Jazz on the Plaza at The Parks at Walter Reed
On Sunday, August 17th from 4 to 6pm, join East Rock Creek Village for Jazz on the Plaza, an afternoon of live music, connection, and community. Enjoy a free, open-air concert featuring DC jazz vocalist James Zimmerman and his fantastic five-piece band. Seating for seniors and light refreshments will be available. This event is free and open to the public, and all are welcome! RSVP by emailing info@eastrockcreekvillage.org.
Kids Waterpalooza at Northwest Community Church
On Saturday, August 23rd from 12 to 3pm, Northwest Community Church in Crestwood is hosting its annual Waterpalooza event on the lawn of the church at 16th and Taylor St, NW. The event has been a great meeting space for our Crestwood and Petworth neighbors. The event is free, and will include a free snack bar on site. See more details here!
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
Black Enterprise: Women Of The Petworth Neighboorhood In Washington, DC, Are Building A Business Eco-System
Petworth News: Get ready for Petworth’s new “Dog Days of Summer” event on September 6th
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Upcoming Back to School Events/Giveaways
Next Stop…Riggs Park: August 16: Riggs Road Neighborhood Clean Up
Ward 4 Dispatch: Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways, Traffic Safety Prioritizations, and Emery Heights Community Day
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.
Even amid the attacks our city has seen from the federal government since Monday, I am feeling grateful for the strength so many in our community have shown over the last week. Over the coming days, I hope you’ll find time to relax and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
As we continue to navigate these challenging times together, I want to highlight any services or resources that may support our neighbors. If you know of any community resources you’d like to share through my newsletter, please email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov.
Wishing you and all our community a peaceful weekend, as always.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
