This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of February, and Happy Black History Month! We’re now in the thick of performance oversight hearings on the Council, and in the community, we are continuing our Ward 4 listening sessions through the rest of the month. Make sure to RSVP for a Listen As We Climb in your neighborhood and sign up to testify on a that matters to you! This week, I’m also sharing important information on votes taken by the Council at Tuesday’s Legislative Meeting and guidance from the DC Attorney General on immigration enforcement in DC schools.
Council/Legislative Updates
Voting to Expel Councilmember Trayon White
As elected officials, the integrity of our government rests on the trust of the people we serve. On Tuesday, I voted alongside my Council colleagues to expel Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, a somber vote I believe is necessary to uphold accountability, transparency, and public trust in District government.
Councilmember Trayon White has been an important voice for the people of Ward 8 who have elected him to serve for the past eight years. I am grateful for Councilmember White’s partnership on many crucial issues impacting District residents and his profound dedication to his community.
While I respect the will of Ward 8 voters and the presumption of Councilmember White’s innocence, the nature of these allegations, including additional evidence uncovered by the independent investigation, demand action to restore trust in District government. Through my work on the Committee on Facilities and together with my colleagues, I’m committed to ensuring the people of Ward 8 continue to have a seat at the table and have their voices heard.
Vote to Approve Transfer of RFK Stadium Land to the District
During Tuesday’s Legislative Meeting, the Council voted to approve the transfer of the RFK Stadium land to District control. This is a significant step forward for this important parcel of land, and I look forward to exploring the many exciting possibilities for how we can use it to serve the people of the District.
As we consider the role the RFK land will play in our city’s future, it’s important to assess which avenues will most benefit our families, seniors, young people, and all DC residents. Already, there has been discussion of a new stadium for the Commanders, potentially bringing them back home to the District. While this possibility is exciting, I believe meeting the needs of the people of DC means asking the team, valued at $6.3 billion, to be responsible for building their own home. Particularly given potential cuts to federal funding that many in our city rely on, now is the time to prioritize continued investments in our schools, roads, libraries, and recreations centers, and ensure development of the RFK land supports these goals. The opportunities ahead are exciting, and I am looking forward to working with the Mayor and the Council to make truly transformation investments in this land to serve our communities for generations to come.
Upcoming Performance Oversight Hearings
Trash collection, parking enforcement, rec centers and parks, and child welfare are just some of the issues you can weigh in on in next week at the Council. Check out the full performance oversight hearing schedule for February and sign up to speak at the hearing that matters most to you. Even if you cannot make it to a live hearing, you can still submit written comments by selecting “Submit Testimony” and then choosing “Record Testimony.” Key upcoming hearings include:
- Monday, 2/10 at 9:30am: Department of Motor Vehicles
- Monday, 2/10 at 9:30am: Department of Employment Services
- Tuesday, 2/11 at 11am: Department of Public Works
- Thursday, 2/13 at 11am: Children and Family Services Agency
- Friday, 2/14 at 9:30am: Department of Parks and Recreation
Community News
Immigration Enforcement in DC Schools
Over the past few weeks, I have shared the deep concerns of community members about the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented members of our community. In the face of any potential action, the Office of the DC Attorney General has issued guidance on immigration enforcement in DC schools. Here are some key points:
- DC Schools are not required to ask about the immigration status of their students or their families. Moreover, it is the policy of DCPS not to ask about a student’s immigration status, and therefore DCPS personnel should not request this information.
- DC Schools do not allow access to student educational records without either written authorization granted by the parent/guardian or adult student, or a court order compelling access to the information.
- DC Schools may require warrants before permitting law enforcement, including ICE, to enter any school area, such as school buildings, classrooms, and fenced-in areas that may include schoolyards, playgrounds and parking lots.
As a reminder, if you or your loved ones are without documentation and are at risk of being targeted, you cancall the Virginia Immigration Rapid Response Hotline at 855-298-3271 to quickly and reliably get connected with urgent legal resources and expertise in case of ICE encounters. Lastly, next Monday, February 10th at 1pm, ACLU DC is hosting a Zoom webinar for educators to discuss practical guidance and resources to help educators serve their immigrant students and their families while understanding legal obligations. You can learn more and access the link to join here.
Community Resources
Listen As We Climb Continues!
Tonight is our third Listen As We Climb is tonight at 6:30pm for North Portal, Colonial Village, Shepherd Park, and The Parks at Walter Reed at Shepherd Elementary School. Next week, I will hold two more listening sessions, on Thursday, February 13th at 10am at the 4th District Police Station with the Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging, and on Tuesday, February 11th at 6:30 at Knollwood Life Plan Community for Chevy Chase, Hawthorne, and Barnaby Woods. See the full schedule of listening sessions and RSVP here.
Leaf Collection Continues in Section 4B
This week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) began its second pass of leaf collection for neighbors in Section 4B of the leaf collection map, which includes 16th Street Heights, Crestwood, and parts of Petworth west of Georgia Ave. If you live within Section 4B and haven’t already, make sure to have your leaves raked to your tree box or curbside to ensure DPW picks them up during their second pass. If you live in one of the neighborhoods that has already received a first pass but have not yet received collection, you can submit a 311 request (my office is happy to help too!). Remember, DPW is sharing regular updates on their progress and completed streets on its leaf collection website.
Reimagining Georgia Ave
Last month, I announced a new initiative to reimagine strategies to support our Georgia Ave businesses and community spaces and create a thriving Georgia Ave for generations to come. To kick off this process, I’m inviting neighbors to share their feedback on what they envision for the future of Georgia Ave, ways we can support new and existing businesses, and how we can expand opportunities for business owners and neighbors. You can fill out our survey and share your thoughts by visiting www.janeeseward4.com/georgia.
I also announced the formation of a committee to guide our work, the Georgia Ave Revitalization Advisory Group. If you are a neighbor who works in the areas of: Small Business Management, Law, Finance, Banking, Neighborhood Development, Real Estate, Technology, Grants (management and writing), Project Management, Investments, Policy, Budgeting, Fundraising, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Legacy Building, and your willing to lend some time in service to the vision of revitalization and reimaging Georgia Avenue, please reach out to join by contacting my Chief of Staff, Candace Tiana Nelson. Send her an email, cnelson@dccouncil.gov, or call, (202) 741-0896.
Public Safety Meeting Takeaways and Resources
Last Thursday, we held a productive public safety meeting alongside the Office of the Attorney General, neighbors, and agency partners to discuss the recent muggings, robberies, and incidents of crime that have taken place in our community. In my last newsletter, I shared some takeaways from this meeting, and additional ways to stay engaged and informed, including connecting directly with our 4th District MPD, who offers several helpful resources for community members. You can read the full list of takeaways and resources by clicking here.
DPR Summer Camp Lottery
On Friday, February 14th, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Summer Camp lottery will open and accept applications until March 3rd. When completing the lottery application, families can select up to four locations per child per session. As a reminder, the deadline to apply for reduced rates for summer camp is February 24th.
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 Manor Park, Brightwood Park, 16th Street Heights, Crestwood, and Chevy Chase neighbors:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work and tie-ins of newly installed water mains on Shepherd St from Crestwood Dr to 17th St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on the 1300 block of Gallatin St NW.
- Next Wednesday through Friday, DC Water is expecting to perform roadway restoration work on the 300 and 400 blocks of Kennedy St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on 8th St NW and Quintana Pl NW.
- As part of its Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project in Chevy Chase, DC Water is expecting to perform sewer cleaning work at the following locations for the duration of next week: 5600 block of 39th St NW, 3700 block of Connecticut Ave NW, 5500 – 5600 blocks of Connecticut Ave NW, 3700 – 3800 blocks of McKinley St NW, 3700 block of Northampton St NW, 5600 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW, 5500 – 5600 blocks of Nevada Ave NW, 3600 block of McKinley St NW, 5500 block of 42nd St NW, and 3900 block of Morrison St NW.
Neighborhood Events
New Exhibition at Zenith Gallery
For Black History Month in February, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is hosting a new exhibition featuring work from over a dozen acclaimed artists entitled “Hold On, Change is Coming.” The exhibition is open now until March 1st, with artist talks on February 8th and 22nd at 2pm at Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris St NW.
Fort Stevens Valentines Day Card Making
On Tuesday, February 11th from 5 to 6pm, neighbors are invited to Fort Stevens Senior & Recreation Center (1327 Van Buren St NW to make handmade cards for Valentines Day. RSVP on the Department of Parks and Recreation website.
DPR Fun Day
On Friday, February 14th, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is offering a Fun Day Camp, a single-day program offering fun and enriching activities like sports activities, arts and crafts, and more for children 6–12 years old while DCPS schools have planned closures. Families can sign their student up for a session at one of several DPR rec centers here.
NSO In Your Neighborhood 2025
From February 13th-19th, the National Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with communities in Ward 4 and Takoma Park, MD to amplify joy, unity, and shared humanity through music and the arts. Partnering with local schools, community spaces, and organizations, NSO will honor the history of our neighborhoods, while also building new connections and relationships. Learn more about the exciting events happening in our Ward 4 community and how to attend here.
Adopt-a-Block Cleanup at Takoma Elementary School
On Sunday, February 16th at 4pm, the Takoma Elementary School PTO and neighbors are hosting an Adopt-a-Block cleanup at Takoma Elementary. Neighbors will clean for the first hour and then gather for food and drinks at El Sabor a Mexico. Supplies and community service hours provided. RSVP is helpful but not required!
Black History Invitational Swim Meet
From February 14th-16th, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the United Black Fund, Inc. (UBF) are hosting the annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet in honor of Black History Month. The event will take place at Takoma Aquatic Center in Ward 4 and will be open to all swimmers. USA Swimming membership is not required for entry into the meet. Find more details on the event website.
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.
Join the Ward 4 Volunteer Corps
If you’re looking for more ways to get involved in serving our community, I’m inviting neighbors to join our new Ward 4 Volunteer Corps! We can always use an extra hand with events in the community, whether our Listen As We Climb listening sessions, Ward 4 CARE Days, or our events for seniors. If you’re interested in lending a hand, email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov!
Receive Ward 4 Updates by Text!
Now is a great time to sign up for our Ward 4 text list! By signing up to receive updates on news, resources, and upcoming Ward 4 events by text, you’ll be the first to know about all the important updates for members of our community. If you’d like to be added to our Ward 4 text list, simply reply to this newsletter or email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov with the best phone number to reach you at.
Ward 4 in the News
The Washington Informer: Collins Council Report: Second Legislative Meeting of Council Period 26
Greater Greater Washington: On Transit Equity Day 2025, the District’s Olmstead Plan provides meaningful guidance
Petworth News: Crafting Connections with Your Neighbors and the Future (Cottage Corner)
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Give Input on Metro’s FY2026 Budget Proposal by February 10, 2025 – Public Hearings Begin February 3
PoPville: “Poplar soft opened in Brightwood Park”
DC Policy Center: Housing affordability for early childhood educators in DC
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.
Last week, people in DC and around the world celebrated Lunar New Year, welcoming in the year of the snake. To all who celebrate, may the new year bring peace, hope, and prosperity to all.
Wishing you a relaxing weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
