This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
It’s now been over a week since the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops to DC and attempted to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Since then, the District has seen a surge in federal presence, and along with it, disturbing reports of residents — particularly unhoused and immigrant neighbors — being harassed, assaulted, and detained by federal law enforcement. On Friday, I held a webinar town hall to share resources and answer questions from the community, and below, I’m sharing updates and information on how our community can stay safe and look out for one another during this unprecedented federal incursion. But we won’t let this hateful attempt to take over DC stop us from doing the people’s business while we’re fighting off these attacks. This week’s newsletter also includes important updates on new legislation supporting local news in DC, progress on our oversight of DPR, and back-to-school resources.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Protecting Our Community During Trump’s Attacks on DC
Over the last two weeks, I’ve heard from countless neighbors who have expressed their fear and outrage following President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and attempt at taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Despite clear evidence showing local crime rates declining in DC over the last two years, the President has chosen to deploy troops from across the country, sending servicemembers away from their families and communities to occupy and police their fellow citizens in the absence of any real evidence supporting an emergency.
I have been horrified and outraged by the conduct perpetrated by federal law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, targeting our most vulnerable neighbors — especially unhoused and undocumented residents who are simply trying to live their lives. This cruelty is the opposite of who we are as a District and as a community who has long stood up for those who need protection most. As our students prepare to return to classes, I’ve heard heartbreaking accounts from families who are afraid to send their children back to school. In dozens of neighborhoods across the District, we have seen residents detained, unmarked vehicles surveilling our streets, and neighbors harassed and assaulted by federal law enforcement. These attacks — in schools, workplaces, and community gathering spaces — are making our community less safe, undermining our right to autonomy, and diverting resources away from real needs in our communities.
As Ward 4 Councilmember, my goal is to support, inform, and advocate for our community. And while our lack of statehood makes us particularly vulnerable to the President’s attacks, now is not the time to back down or give in to this administration’s threats. Now, more than ever, we need to keep showing up for our community, looking out for our neighbors, and holding the federal government accountable for its conduct.
One of the most important things we can do as neighbors is stay informed and look out for one another — in our schools, parks, places of worship, and across our neighborhoods. On Monday, I 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. 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.
At the same time, we need to stay safe and mindful as federal activity increases in our community. That means traveling with others when possible, carrying ID when away from home, and being mindful on public transportation and federal land. This especially applies to Black and brown communities across the District who have been historically targeted by law enforcement and borne the brunt of aggressive policing tactics.
DC is starting to fight back — both through legal action and community mobilization. On Friday, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, an important step I have been calling for since the administration’s actions were first announced. Since then, I’ve been calling on the Attorney General and every official in District leadership to deploy every legal tool at our disposal to challenge this unconstitutional overreach.
I’ve been inspired and motivated by our community’s response. On Friday, I held a webinar town hall and was moved by over 300 neighbors who came ready to learn how they can support one another during this crisis (if you weren’t able to make it, you can watch the recording here). Organizations like Free DC are doing incredible work by holding regular Ward 4 meetings to educate neighbors on how to resist attacks on DC autonomy, while groups like Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid are providing essential services to immigrant neighbors who are at risk of being targeted by federal law enforcement. This is the DC I know — a community that shows up when it matters most and stands up for moral integrity.
Our lack of statehood may make us vulnerable to Trump’s attacks, but we are not powerless in the face of his threats. We have our community, we have legal avenues at our disposal, and we have the strength that comes from knowing we are fighting for what is right. We will continue to stand up for our values, protect our neighbors, and demand the respect and autonomy we deserve, and I will be with you every step of the way.
Supporting DC’s News Ecosystem with the Local News Funding Act
As threats continue to escalate from the federal government, one thing that has been clear is the essential role of local news outlets in supporting our community. When strong, local news keeps our community informed and holds those in power accountable. When local outlets suffer, constituents know less about what their government is doing and politicians become less responsive to the people. Over the last several decades, DC, like countless other communities across the country, has experienced a drastic decline in local journalism, largely due to corporate interference, mass layoffs, and public defunding of broadcast grants.
That is the reason I’m introducing the Local News Funding Act of 2025. This bill would create a system where residents decide which news outlets receive public grants through “news coupons.” Each registered voter receives five news coupons, each representing a fraction of the total grant funding available. If more residents allocate coupons to a particular outlet, that outlet receives a larger share of the funding. To participate, news outlets must register with the Board and meet basic requirements: reporting news as their primary activity, making local news available for free to District residents, clearly distinguishing news from advertising, and disclosing their ownership structure. The bill allocates 0.1% of the District’s general fund budget, approximately $11.6 million based on FY25 figures, for this program.
When I first introduced the Local News Funding Act alongside Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau two years ago, there were troubling signs on the horizon for local journalism. Two years later, there’s an all-out assault on our news institutions, making local news more important than ever. I urge the Committee on Business and Economic Development and Committee of the Whole to hold hearings this fall on this critical bill and ask my DC Council colleagues to join me in preserving local journalism by supporting the Local News Funding Act.
Improving Equity and Access to DPR Summer Camp Programs
This week, we received great news from the DC Auditor’s recent audit of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)’s summer camp lottery. The report shows DPR’s new system has made access to camp fairer and more equitable and the registration process easier to use for families. As Chair of the Council Committee on Facilities which holds oversight over DPR, this is encouraging feedback for our community and families across the District.
While there are still improvements to be made to the lottery registration and summer camps as a whole, I am encouraged by DPR’s cooperation during the audit and willingness to make additional changes. I’m looking forward to speaking to DPR about these findings and other areas to improve equity when my RECHARGE DPR oversight roundtable series resumes after the Council returns from recess.
Community News
Get Ready for Start of DCPS with Weekend of Backpack Giveaways!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing details on back-to-school backpack giveaways happening around the community. Ahead of DCPS beginning classes next week, check out the following giveaways, all happening this Saturday, August 23rd in and around Ward 4:
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
Huge thank you to all the neighbors and organizations committed to ensuring our students have what they need to succeed this school year. Wishing all our Ward 4 students a great year ahead full of learning, friendship, and growth!
Community 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.
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.
Vote on the Exterior Design of Metro’s New Rail Fleet
Metro is currently considering new designs for the exterior of its new 8000-series rail fleet. The designs are part of a broader branding refresh that includes refined Metro logos and illustrations that reflect our city’s heritage. With this final step in the process, customers will see a revamped color scheme in a warm palette that embraces modern design principles and pays homage to the standards set by Metro’s founding designers. Customers can now vote for one of three design options here. Voting will close at 11:59pm. on Friday, August 22nd.
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.
Neighborhood Events
Free DC Ward 4 Community Meeting
This past week has been tough for all of us who believe that our community deserves autonomy. Channel your frustration into action by joining neighbors and putting your talents to work resisting federal overreach, protecting your community and defending DC rights! On Tuesday, August 26th at 6pm at Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW), join Free DC for a Ward 4 Community Meeting to discuss all these issues and more.
Ward 4 Day at National Children’s Museum
This year, DC’s National Children’s Museum is introducing DC Ward Days! Each DC ward is assigned a special day, a time when respective residents are invited to the Museum for a free day of play! Ward 4’s day will be Saturday, August 23rd. Click here to reserve tickets and remember to bring day-of proof of residence when checking into the museum.
Volunteer at Whittier ES Beautification Day
On Saturday, August 23rd from 12 to 4pm, Whittier Elementary School is hosting a Beautification Day. This event is open to all ages, but for those students who need to complete community service hours, this is a great opportunity. All the students need to do is show up on Saturday morning and get working. All volunteer paperwork will be signed off on by someone on the Whittier ES Administration Team.
Jazz at Triangle Park
Crestwood Jazz Night is back on August 23rd with an enjoyable evening of live jazz and R&B favorites performed by Kim & Friends. Award winning keyboardist and producer, Kim Jordan will be joined by Saleem Waters (sax) and Vernon Love (vocals). Come to Crestwood Triangle Park (18th & Argyle) at 6pm to set up your chairs and picnic items and mingle with neighbors. The evening of exceptional music will start at 6:30pm and play until 8pm.
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!
Metro Transit PD Back to School Event
On Saturday, August 23rd from 11am to 3pm, Metro Transit Police Department is hosting its annual Back to School Event at Fort Totten Metro. All families and children/students are welcome. School supplies provided while supplies last!
DC Tutoring and Mentoring Event at Petworth Library
DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative is hosting a volunteer tutoring and mentoring info session this Saturday, August 23rd from 12:30 to 1:30pm at the Petworth Neighborhood Library (4200 Kansas Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011) and you’re invited! This is a great opportunity to learn about becoming a mentor or tutor in Petworth and the DC area. DCTMI partners with over 50 non-profit organizations across more than 100 locations in DC and the surrounding suburbs. With neighborhood-focused initiatives that let you get involved right in your community. This Saturday will be your chance to learn how you can support youth of all ages through these different programs. Get your free tickets and RSVP here!
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing an exhibit featuring several artists, including new artist Ashley Joi. The exhibit is open until August 30th at 1429 Iris St NW.
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.
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.
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: Councilmember’s Corner: How DC is responding to Trump’s attacks and how we must move forward
The 51st: Opinion: D.C. must invest in local news
Petworth News: Learn to be a mentor and tutor for DC kids at the Petworth Library
Next Stop…Riggs Park: August 26: Riggs & South Dakota Triangle Park Initial Design Public Meeting
Chevy Chase News & Notes: August Edition
Black Enterprise: Women Of The Petworth Neighborhood 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
Ward 4 Dispatch: Fighting for DC’s Autonomy
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.
This past weekend was a busy one in the community. On Saturday, I joined the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, DPR, and other community organizations to host a backpack giveaway at Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center. Grateful to see so many families show up and help get our students ready for the school year!
Then, on Sunday, I visited the Takoma Community Triangle Park to cut the ribbon on the new Little Free Library. Huge shoutout to Erin Palmer, Main Street Takoma, and all the neighbors who worked tirelessly to make this space meet the needs of the community!
Lastly, I was grateful to visit the new location of Wings on Deck, now located in Takoma just steps from the Metro station. Make sure to stop by to try some delicious wings and show your support!
Have a good weekend and check back next week!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
