This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday brought good news for thousands of DC families, as DC government will use $30 million in local funds to ensure food assistance is paid out to families receiving SNAP. While this is a huge relief, it is only a temporary fix, as our community is still at risk from the continued government shutdown and federal interference. Neighbors should stay updated on the resources available for families in need, also available on DC’s LinkU website.
Next week, leaf collection kicks off across DC, so neighbors should get ready to have their leaves raked before DPW begins its first round of collection. We are also continuing our constituent services pop-ups, with support from agencies and plenty of resources for residents.
Lastly, with another weekend of spooky Halloween events coming up, make sure to check out all the events taking place across Ward 4!
Community News
Help is on the Way for Families Receiving SNAP
As the federal shutdown continues, the Trump administration is still withholding millions in emergency SNAP funds desperately needed by thousands of DC families. SNAP is a critical resource for our most vulnerable residents, and I have been proud to advocate for its protection and expansion over the years.
Here’s the good news: DC isn’t leaving families to face this alone. Yesterday, DC government announced we will use $30 million in contingency funds to ensure benefits are paid in November despite the shutdown.We also received good news from the courts after DC joined 25 states in suing to halt the suspension of benefits, as a federal judge indicated she would order the Trump administration to resume SNAP payments to states.
Despite this encouraging news, our community and millions across the country are still at risk as the Trump administration continues to threaten critical social safety net programs. Earlier this week, I shared a list of resources, including food banks and supply giveaways, that are taking place across our community. If you or someone you know relies on SNAP and needs assistance, I encourage you to take a look or visit LinkU, a DC Health website with food, health care, and housing resources available across the DMV.
To everyone facing the consequences of the federal government’s harmful actions, I want you to know you are not in this alone. Our strength as a community is defined by how we show up for one another in tough times, and I’m incredibly grateful to all the organizations who are working to make sure support is within reach for all our neighbors.
Leaf Collection Begins!
It’s that time of year — leaf collection is scheduled to begin next Monday, November 3rd. Starting next week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will make two passes to every neighborhood, starting with Section 4A, which includes parts of Brightwood, Shepherd Park, The Parks at Walter Reed, Colonial Village, and North Portal Estates. Neighbors west of Rock Creek Park (Chevy Chase, Barnaby Woods, and Hawthorne) are grouped in Section 3A and will also receive their first round of leaf collection starting next week. Before DPW begins its first round, I want to make sure neighbors are aware of a few important highlights:
- Locate your section and keep up to date on DPW’s progress via the leaf collection tracker at dpw.dc.gov/leaf.
- To ensure proper collection, make sure to have your leaves raked to your curbside or tree box at least 24 hours before collection is scheduled to begin in your section.
- To report a missed collection, call 202-737-4404 or submit a 311 request.
Pop-Ups in 16th St Heights, Crestwood, Takoma, & Manor Park
On Wednesday, I was grateful to see so many Chevy Chase, Hawthorne, and Barnaby Woods neighbors join us at our pop-up at Lafayette-Pointer Park. These events are always helpful to bring agencies directly into Ward 4 neighborhoods and help neighbors deal with constituent services issues on the spot. Next week, we’ll hold two more pop-ups: on Wednesday at the triangle park on 18th and Argyle Terrace, and on Friday at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center, both from 4 to 6pm. To all our 16th Street Heights, Crestwood, Takoma, and Manor Park neighbors, I hope you’ll join us!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Supporting the Rent Stabilization Protection Act
On Tuesday, I joined the Committee on Housing’s hearing on the Rent Stabilization Protection Act of 2025. Speaking with community members, I have heard too many stories of residents suffering because of the ways housing vouchers have been misused in our housing market. Over the last few years, I have heard from many long-term residents who rely on rent control but are being displaced so a landlord could collect higher voucher rents, or developers presenting themselves as “affordable housing providers” when in reality they target vulnerable residents only to abandon them in rapidly deteriorating conditions. These residents are being exploited for their high-value vouchers, and this practice must end.
This bill, introduced by Councilmember Frumin, would prevent exactly this type of exploitation carried out by companies like Petra Properties in our community. During Tuesday’s hearing, I asked questions of witnesses about how DC can strengthen enforcement and accountability, so every resident has a fair opportunity to live in the neighborhood of their choosing without facing exploitation. Our residents deserve better, and I’m grateful to everyone who has shown up to share their experiences on this important issue.
Community Resources
OAG Mediation Resources
As the weather turns colder, the DC Attorney General’s Mediation Program is an important resource for neighbors who are having heating issues. If you are a District renter and your landlord is being unresponsive, OAG’s Mediation Program will prioritize these complaints and contact the responsible party the same day. Complaints can be submitted through the OAG Consumer Complaint Portal. OAG Mediation also staffs a hotline open from Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm to respond to requests for help and provide accurate information to callers. You can reach this hotline by calling 202-442-9828.
Compost Your Pumpkins!
The Halloween season brings pumpkins to doorsteps across the District. When it comes time to dispose of them, please remember that some pumpkins are too large to drop off whole at a Food Waste Smart Bin. To drop off pumpkins for composting, remove all paint, glitter, and stickers, cut them into 3-inch chunks, and bring them to one of DPW’s 12 Weekend Food Waste Drop-off Events or a smart bin. Or visit the Mount Pleasant or Monroe Street Farmers Markets on Saturday, November 8th, 15th, or 22nd from 10am to 1pm for a Pumpkin Toss!
Free Fall Language Classes for Ward 4 Residents
The Global Language Network, a local DC non-profit, is currently offering free language classes for Ward 4 residents as part of their mission to connect people through language education. You can learn more about GLN’s range of language course offerings here. If you are interested in securing a spot, fill out this Google Form and you will be notified via email in the coming days.
2025 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Set for November 22nd!
Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away and is always a time to support our neighbors who may not be able to afford the cost of a Thanksgiving meal. This year, I am grateful to join the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association to host our annual Ward 4 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. On Saturday, November 22nd from 11am to 1pm, we’ll be at Riggs LaSalle Rec Center to hand out turkeys to neighbors in need. If you’re planning to attend, make sure to bring proof of Ward 4 residency. First come, first served, and one turkey per family. Help us spread the word!
Neighborhood Events
Screening of “Nosferatu” at Rhizome
Tonight, October 31st, visit Rhizome (6950 Maple St NW) for an outdoor projection of the classic 1922 film “Nosferatu” with live musical accompaniment by two all-star ensembles. The doors will open at 7pm, and the movie will start at 7:30pm. Learn more here!
Jefferson St NW Annual Block Party
On Saturday, November 1st, neighbors on the 400 block of Jefferson St NW will host their annual block party from noon onward. Events will feature a bounce house, potluck, kids’ arts and crafts, face painting, live music, and more. Have ideas for the party? Text (512) 751-1772!
Shepherd Park Weed Warriors Fall Hike
Plant lovers and nature nerds are invited to join Shepherd Park Weed Warriors for a fall hike in Rock Creek Park this Sunday, November 2nd, starting at 2pm. Meet at the Holly Trailhead on 16th St, where Liz Crafford will lead a walk where there will be plenty of fun leaf and tree identification to do thanks to the beautiful fall foliage! All are welcome for a leisurely walk along the 1.5-mile loop following the Holly Trail, along the Valley Trail, and then back up the Pine Trail. Wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Send Liz an email at shepherdparkweedwarriors@gmail.com if you plan to attend so she knows to expect you.
Friends of Shepherd Park Library Author Talk
On Wednesday, November 5th at 6:30pm, Friends of Shepherd Park Library will host a talk with Kyla Sommers, the author of When the Smoke Cleared: The 1968 Rebellions and the Unfinished Battle for Civil Rights in the Nation’s Capital. The talk will take place at the Shepherd Park Library in Meeting Room 2.
Free Brake Light Clinic
Broken brake or tail light? Metro DC DSA will replace it for free at their Brake Light Repair Clinic — Saturday November 8th from 11am to 4pm outside the Autozone at 955 Longfellow St NW. Request a repair here.
The Parks Holiday Market & Celebration
On Saturday, November 15th from 12 to 5pm, celebrate the holidays with friends and neighbors on the Marketplace Plaza with The Parks at Walter Reed’s Holiday Market & Celebration. There will be a magical visitor to get you in the holiday mood, and tons of local handmade goods and unique finds for your entire shopping list. Carpe Librum will also hold a bookstore pop-up on the Plaza with thousands of used books, CDs, and vinyl to benefit Turning the Page, a local nonprofit that promotes DC education and literacy. RSVP 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.
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Recently, my office 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. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
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.
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
Next Stop…Riggs Park: November 3: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Save the Date – November 7: UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market Celebration
The 51st: Tips for parenting during the federal occupation
The Washington Post: D.C. residents air grievances about federal surge in Council hearing
Chevy Chase News & Notes: October Edition
Ward 4 Dispatch: Supporting Our Community Through the SNAP Shutdown
Ward 4 Dispatch: MPD & ICE Coordination, Housing with Integrity, and Porchfest Permitting Act
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 Tuesday night, it was my honor to join DC Action’s Renaissance Awards and recognize trailblazing education leaders from across the District. Congratulations to all the outstanding honorees!
Last weekend, I had a blast kicking off Halloween celebrations at the Lamond Community Action Group’s Halloween Parade. I was so impressed by all our amazingly creative Halloween costumes this year!
This week, three of our community schools received incredible honors I want to spotlight. Both Whittier and Barnard Elementary School were named to EmpowerK12’s list of Bold Schools with Whittier winning the Enduring Excellence Award, and Barnard taking home the Most Inspiring School Award. Also, Alice Deal Middle School was named by U.S. News as the #1 middle school in DC! Congratulations to the entire Whittier, Barnard, and Deal communities on these amazing achievements!
Have a spooky Halloween weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
