This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
What an amazing turnout we had at Petworth Porchfest and Riggs Park Day last weekend! Thanks to all the neighbors who showed out and joined in our celebration of community. Monday marked the start of Pride Month, and there are so many opportunities to celebrate across Ward 4 and DC. I also want to share important updates on capital project progress and work we are doing to keep Ward 4 neighborhoods safe.
Community News
Working Together to Keep Ward 4 Neighborhoods Safe
Following several alarming incidents of gun violence in our community, I know public safety is top of mind for many neighbors across Ward 4. On Tuesday night, I was grateful to join a public safety meeting convened with 4th District Commander Hong, where MPD shared the latest updates on their work to investigate these incidents and keep our community safe. In response to last week’s shooting near John Lewis Elementary School, MPD has increased law enforcement presence in the area and dispatched an additional crime suppression team. MPD is also asking neighbors to pass along any relevant information and share MPD resources with neighbors. Thank you to everyone who is doing their part to help make our community safer.
Pride Month Begins!
Monday marked the beginning of Pride Month, a time to celebrate the history, spirit, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community in DC and beyond. I’m proud that DC is an inclusive community where people can be who they are and love who they love—and I’ll fight to make sure LGBTQIA+ voices are seen, heard, and celebrated. The festivities kick off this weekend with Takoma Pride on Sunday, June 7th from 10am to 2pm. Poster making starts at 9am at the parade start (201 Ethan Allen Avenue) and the street fair will take place at 6929 Laurel Ave. You can check out more Pride celebrations happening across the DC area on Capital Pride Alliance’s website. I can’t wait to celebrate Pride with you all throughout June!
Final Pop-Up on Thursday at Abrams Hall
Next Thursday, June 11th, join us for our final agency pop-up at Abrams Hall at The Parks at Walter Reed to meet with agency representatives and get help with constituent services. We’ll be meeting from 3pm-5pm at the entrance to Abrams Hall, 1322 Main Dr NW.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Council Advances Eric’s ID Act
On Thursday, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a hearing on Eric’s ID Act, legislation I introduced to support residents with developmental, intellectual, sensory, or other non-apparent disabilities. Eric’s ID Act would allow District residents to voluntarily add a symbol to their driver’s license or identification card—an entirely voluntary, discreet tool that lets first responders and service professionals know that a thoughtful, informed approach may be needed.
I have been proud to work with Eric Carpenter-Grantham and his mother Linda, who crafted and advocated for the legislation, and can’t wait to see the bill move forward—making sure every member of our community can feel seen, understood, and safe. Thank you to Councilmember Allen and the Committee on Transportation and the Environment for convening Thursday’s hearing!
Community Resources
Upshur Recreation Center Construction Update
This week, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of General Services shared a construction update for the Upshur Recreation Center project. For complete information about the project, visit DGS’s website, and visit DPR’s website to be added to the list to receive updates.
Report Issues to OAG’s Consumer and Tenant Response Team
The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia runs a Consumer and Tenant Response Team that is ready to help with individual landlord-tenant issues, including concerns about housing conditions. By completing the form, residents can report issues for OAG escalation like safety violations or request an inspection from the Department of Buildings.
Greater St. Paul’s Baptist Church Grocery Giveaway
On Saturday, June 20th from 10am to 2pm, Greater St. Paul Baptist Church is hosting a grocery giveaway at 5720 New Hampshire Ave NE. Please help spread the word to neighbors who could benefit from this effort.
Act Now to Protect Your Home from a Tax Sale
If property taxes on your home are past due, the lien to your home might be sold at the annual DC Property Tax Sale in July. This puts your home at major risk for foreclosure—which means you could lose your home. Legal Aid DC and Legal Counsel for the Elderly can help check if you should get property tax benefits or exemptions, apply for a payment plan or tax relief, and/or file an application for forbearance to stop a sale from happening. If you need legal help: please call Legal Aid DC at 202-628-1161 ext. 7 if you are younger than 60 years old. Call Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120 if you are 60 years old or older. You must call by June 10th, as the deadline to apply for tax forbearance is June 15th. Please do not delay. Calling now could help save your home.
Neighborhood Events
Jazz on the Plaza at The Parks at Walter Reed
On Sunday, June 7th from 4:30 to 6:30pm, join East Rock Creek Village for an afternoon of live jazz, community, and summer fun at Marketplace Plaza! This free, open-air concert features DC jazz vocalists James Zimmerman and Shirletta Settles, backed by a fantastic band. Bring friends and family, a folding chair, and your love of great music. In addition to great music, attendees can connect with local organizations serving older adults in Ward 4. Community partners from the Ward 4 Senior Social Hub initiative—including Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Center and Vida Senior Centers—will host information tables with resources, programs, and opportunities for connection. RSVP here.
June 9th: Chevy Chase Community Center Meeting
On Tuesday, June 9th at 6:30pm, join DC Public Library (DCPL) and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for the first community meeting launching the planning and design process for the new Chevy Chase Library and Community Center. This kick‑off event will introduce the project, highlight modern approaches to library and recreation center design, and invite residents, including frequent users, occasional visitors, and neighbors who want to help shape the future of the Civic Site, to share what they want to see in their new library and community center. Learn more and RSVP on DCPL’s website.
St. Paul’s 158th Annual Strawberry Festival
On Saturday, June 13th from 4 to 8pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (inside Rock Creek Cemetery) invites neighbors to its 158th annual Strawberry Festival! There will be a DJ, food, pony rides, moon bounce, face painting, and more. This is a family event, and all are welcome.
June 18th: Wards 3 & 4 Construction Update
On Thursday, June 18th, the Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting an update on capital projects in Wards 3 and 4. This virtual meeting is an opportunity for residents to engage with DPR and gain insight into construction projects coming to our ward. Visit DPR’s website to learn more and receive the Zoom link.
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
The 51st: Opinion: Eric’s Law is vital protection for D.C. residents with disabilities
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Riggs-LaSalle Field Closing June 1 for Renovations
Washingtonian: A Japanese-Inspired Record Bar Opens Near Petworth
Ward 4 Dispatch: Promoting Safety in Ward 4, Petworth Porchfest, Budget Priorities
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 afternoon, I had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated Petworth Library, which is scheduled to reopen to the community later this summer. The upgraded space includes upgraded windows and flooring, new furniture, and a brand-new teen center I worked to fund in the DC budget. Dedicated spaces for young people to gather, learn, and build community are essential, and I’m especially excited to see a teen center included in this project. I can’t wait for neighbors to benefit from this space for years to come!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
