This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
It was another busy legislative week on the Council, and we made important progress on several important issues, including passing legislation solidifying minimum salaries for our early childhood educators. We’re looking ahead to a busy stretch of hearings coming up, as all bills that haven’t been passed by the end of December will need to be reintroduced next year. It’s going to be a busy next few months, so make sure to stay tuned for more updates!
On October 25th and October 30th, I’m joining our and utility company partners to host two Utility Pop-Ups in the community. This is a great opportunity for Ward 4 residents to stop by and ask questions about their accounts and available resources and support services.
We have an exciting weekend of community events coming up, including Coolidge High School homecoming and the Chevy Chase Art Walk on Saturday. With sunshine and warmer weather in the forecast, make sure to get out and spend some time at some of these events!
I’m looking forward to Halloween in less than two weeks, one of the most exciting times of year for our community, with block parties, costume contests, and trick or treating in neighborhoods around Ward 4. In my upcoming newsletters, I’ll also be sharing more about events happening in the community around Thanksgiving and the holiday season, including annual events organized by my office in partnership with neighbors.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Supporting our Early Childhood Educators
The Council Committee of the Whole convened on Tuesday. We approved an important measure concerning the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, the monumental program I worked with my colleagues to develop in 2021 and fought to protect after the Mayor’s budget cut its funding earlier this year. The program helps DC’s childcare workers earn the wages they deserve by requiring pay equity between the salaries of early childhood educators and K-12 educators.
Part of the process of implementing this policy has been determining what changes need to be made in order for early childhood educators’ pay scales to match those of their K-12 counterparts. This decision was put in the hands of an Early Educator Task Force, responsible for bringing early childhood educators to the table to assess possible changes. At Tuesday’s session, the Council voted to adopt the recommendations of the task force, setting new minimum salaries child development facilities are required to pay their teachers.
The importance of early childhood educators to our families and communities, particularly for the crucial birth-to-three years of a child’s life, cannot be overstated. I’m grateful to the Early Educator Task Force for their hard work to reach this point and proud to make progress towards guaranteeing our early childhood educators’ compensation matches the immeasurable contributions they make to our community.
Community News
Standing with Survivors of Domestic Violence
Yesterday was Purple Thursday, a day recognizing survivors of domestic violence — part of our observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. It’s a day for communities and elected leaders nationwide to come together to affirm our solidarity with survivors of domestic violence and deepen our commitment to strengthening systems of support.
It’s also a time to reflect on how we can continue to support the people and organizations who are working every day to support survivors. In this year’s DC budget, the Council restored funding for vital support services for survivors of domestic violence, including civil legal services through the Access to Justice Commission, which helps low and middle-income DC residents access legal services. I’m also incredibly grateful for our partners in this work, organizations like DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and DC SAFE, who work every day to stand up for survivors.
For anyone who knows someone — or is themselves — in need of help, remember support is always available. You can call the DC Victim Hotline at 844-443-5732, access crisis housing, counseling, and legal services here, and access language access and interpreter services here.
Coolidge HS Homecoming!
One of our two Ward 4 DCPS high schools, Coolidge HS, is in the midst of homecoming week, culminating in its homecoming football game on Saturday against the Woodson Warriors! The game will kick off at 2pm at Coolidge, 6315 5th St NW. Come cheer on our Coolidge Colts!
Community Resources
Nearing Leaf Collection Season
As the leaves start to take their fall colors, leaf collection is kicking off in DC with collection set to start Monday, October 28th. Similar to last year, DPW will share weekly updates on its collection schedule for the upcoming week every Friday on its website, its leaf collection line (202-671-5323), and through neighborhood outreach. Once collection is underway, neighbors are asked to rake leaves into their treeboxes or curbs in front of their homes on the Sunday before collection begins in their neighborhood. Missed leaf collections can be reported to 311, and my team and I will closely monitor leaf collection and support residents with any issues that emerge.
Ward 4 Utility Pop-Ups
Over the next few weeks, I will be partnering with our DC utility companies to hold two utility pop-ups in the community. These pop-ups will give neighbors the opportunity to meet with representatives from Pepco, DC Water, DOEE, and other organizations to ask questions about their accounts and learn more about available resources and support. The pop-ups will be on Friday, October 25th from 3 to 5pm at Petworth Library, and Wednesday, October 30th from 6 to 8pm at Emery Heights Community Center.
Share Comments on Piney Branch Tunnel Project
DC Water is currently accepting public input on the Environmental Assessment for the Piney Branch Tunnel Project, which is intended to keep 40 million gallons of untreated sewage & stormwater from pouring into Piney Branch. The project includes construction of a diversion structure at the Piney Branch outfall to redirect sewer flows to the storage tunnel and eventually convey to DC Water’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment. Comments can be submitted here.
Heat Requirements for DC Buildings
As the weather gets colder and buildings throughout DC begin transitioning from heating to cooling, reminder that landlords must provide heat starting October 1st, and the temperature must reach at least 68 degrees inside during the day, and 65 degrees at night. Find more information on tenant temperature rights here.
Visit our Ward 4 Farmers Markets!
With fall here, it’s a great time to get some fresh goods, crafts, and dose of community at our Ward 4 Farmers Markets:
- Whittier Farm Stand at 6201 5th St NW on Tuesdays from 3pm-6pm
- Uptown Farmers Market at 5501 Colorado Ave NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Chevy Chase Farmers Market at Lafayette ES on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Petworth Community Market at 9th & Upshur NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Takoma Park Farmers Market at 6931 Laurel Ave on Sundays from 9am-1pm
Share Feedback on 8th St Traffic Safety Changes
Earlier this week, DDOT announced its intent to install two speed humps on the 4800 block of 8th St NW. The decision was prompted by Traffic Safety Input submissions sent in by neighbors requesting additional calming measures. DDOT is now accepting comments from community members on the proposed speed hump installations. Comments can be emailed to kornelius.anderson@dc.gov or mailed in writing to the following address, no later than Friday, October 25th, 2024.
Office of the Director, District Department of Transportation
250 M Street SE, Suite 817-18
Washington, DC 20003
If no comments are received within this timeframe, DDOT will proceed with the design and installation of the recommended countermeasures.
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Brightwood Park, Sixteenth Street Heights, Crestwood, and Takoma neighbors:
- As part of the ongoing Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is expecting to perform daytime work at Georgia Ave and Gallatin St NW from Tuesday through Friday, and on 3rd and Tuckerman St NW throughout next week.
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to perform curb and roadway restoration activities on the 1300 block of Hamilton Street NW.
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to perform installation of a new water main on Shepherd Street NW, from Crestwood Drive NW to 17th Street NW.
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform installation of new water mains on the 300 & 400 blocks of Hamilton Street NW.
- DC Water is working to schedule a tie-in of newly installed water main at 5th and Kennedy Streets NW. More information on this portion of work will be shared in a future update
DCPL (Mis)Information Lab Seminar
On Tuesday, October 29th from 3 to 9pm, the DC Public Library is hosting a (Mis)Information Lab Seminar at the MLK Memorial Library downtown. The free seminar is a chance for educators, community members, government agencies and organizations to hear from keynote speakers, share their experiences with mis- and disinformation, and workshop solutions for mitigating their often-harmful effects. Learn more and register here.
Neighborhood Events
Share Your Neighborhood Halloween Event!
Over the next few weeks, neighbors throughout Ward 4 will be gathering to host block parties, costume contests, haunted houses, and all sorts of events for the Halloween season. If you are organizing a family-friendly Halloween event in one of our Ward 4 neighborhoods, email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov before Wednesday, October 23rd to have your event included in next week’s Ward 4 Dispatch!
Chevy Chase Art Walk
On Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th from noon to 5pm, Chevy Chase Art (Ch/Art) will host its Fifth Annual Art Walk. This amazing community event features dozens of local artists participating in 35 homes and studios and is a great opportunity to support our local art scene. You can see the full map and list of artists here.
New Zenith Gallery Exhibit
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit entitled “Under Spacious Skies: The American Landscape,” with art by landscape painter Bradley Stevens. The exhibit is open starting today until November 30th, with meet the artist receptions tonight from 4 to 8pm and on Saturday from 2 to 6pm. Additionally, there will be artist talks on Saturday, November 2nd at 2pm, and on Saturday, November 16th at 2pm.
8th Annual Spookyville: Haunted Alley in Takoma
On Friday, October 25th at 6pm, join neighbors for the eighth annual Spookyville: Haunted Alley in Takoma where you can come for the fun and stay for the scares! The event will take place in the alley behind 715-719 Van Buren St, and feature music, food (including s’mores and a baking contest), an outdoor movie, and fortune telling. Organizers are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help with passing out candy, roasting s’mores, scaring guests in the terrifying tunnel, and more. Sign up to lend a hand here.
BOOchanan Halloween Block Party
Saturday, October 26th is the annual BOOchanan Halloween Block Party! From 5 to 8pm, join for a night of fun on the 1500 block of Buchanan St NW. There will be moon bounce, spooky box maze, games, live bands, and food for everyone. Costumes encouraged!
Jefferson Street Block Party
On Saturday, October 26th from 2 to 10pm, the neighbors on Jefferson St NW are hosting their annual block party, featuring music, face painting, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, and s’mores and a movie! The party will also feature a potluck, so make sure to bring a dish!
Sherman Circle Spooktacular
On Sunday, October 27th from 3 to 7pm, Petworth Peanuts, ANC 4D, Friends of Petworth Library, and several community organizations are joining to host the 2024 Sherman Circle Spooktacular, featuring music, giveaways, and lots of fun activities.
LCAG Halloween Parade and Party
On Sunday, October 27th from 4:30 to 6:30pm, the Lamond Community Action Group (LCAG) is hosting its Halloween Parade and Party on the corner of Rittenhouse St and Sligo Mill Rd. Join for loads of Halloween fun for the whole family!
AKA Xi Omega Chapter TRUNK OR TREAT Event
On Thursday, October 31st from 5 to 8pm, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Xi Omega Chapter will host its annual TRUNK OR TREAT event at Xi Omega Center (4411 14th St NW). Children of all ages and their families are invited to come fill their bags with lots of treats!
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Every Wednesday afternoon, our Ward 4 constituent services team holds office hours 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.
Applying for a Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption
DC’s Department of Public Works maintains a Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program which exempts disabled and senior residents from removing snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after the end of a storm. All you need to do to qualify is submit this form by the end of October!
Receive the Ward 4 Newsletter by Text
Reminder that neighbors can receive the Ward 4 newsletter by text message! To sign up, all you need to do is send a text to 202-286-5268 and request to be added to the list. Once you do, you will receive a text with the newsletter link on Fridays.
Apply to Join our Ward 4 Council Team
I’m excited to share that we have three open positions to add to our Ward 4 Council team, Legislative Director (one opening) and Constituent Services Coordinator (two openings). Click on each position for the full job posting, a description of the position, and instructions on how to apply. You can also find the postings under the DC Council’s list of job openings. If you have any questions about the openings, please email our Chief of Staff, Candace Tiana Nelson, at cnelson@dccouncil.gov.
We are excited to welcome individuals to the team who are committed to serving Ward 4 residents, supporting our communities, and advancing justice and equity in the District. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Council Approves Closure of Paper Alley for Affordable Housing Project on 1st Place & Riggs Road NE
Washingtonian: An Airstream Bar Just Opened on the Former Walter Reed Campus
Washington Jewish Week: You Should Know… Yael Shafritz
Ward 4 Dispatch: Traffic Safety Improvements, New Business Openings, and Indigenous Peoples 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.
On Wednesday night, I was humbled to receive the DC KinCare Alliance’s 2024 KinCare Champion Award. As Chair of the Council’s Facilities and Family Services Committee, one of my biggest priorities has been to support the countless grandparents, close relatives, or other kin caregivers who are doing the invaluable work of raising children who are not their own. It was humbling to hear from some of DC’s most steadfast advocates for our hero kin caregivers, and to receive this incredible honor.
Finally, this was an exciting week for all of DC, as we welcomed Giant Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao to their new home at the National Zoo! Make sure to get a time on the calendar to meet two of our newest neighbors!
Enjoy the weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
