Dear Neighbors,
There were no hearings on the Council this week, which meant it was a big week for our work in the Ward 4 community, with ANC meetings, public safety touchpoints, and addressing constituent needs.
But even with the brief hearing pause, we are still at the height of the budget process, and our work is cut out for us. Next week, I’ll be chairing the third budget oversight hearing of the Committee on Facilities and Family Services, where we’ll be hearing from the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children, which was defunded in the Mayor’s proposed budget. I look forward to fighting to make sure we can continue to provide this critical support for DC’s most vulnerable children.
On Wednesday, there will be an oversight hearing for the DC Public Library, where I’ll be underscoring my support for the Kennedy Street Library project in Ward 4, which was also cut in the proposed budget. If you’re able, please sign up to testify here to help defend this crucial project.
Here are my updates on the past week on the Council and in Ward 4:
Protecting the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund
Tuesday was Emancipation Day in DC, the 162nd anniversary of the freeing of 3,100 enslaved people in the District through the DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862. This bill was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln eight months before he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which liberated enslaved people in the South. You can learn much more about the incredible history of DC Emancipation Day here.
Each year, we take joy in celebrating Emancipation Day, but are also reminded of the racial inequalities that persist in DC and throughout the country. Just as the history of Emancipation Day is flawed (DC was also the only part of the United States that compensated slaveowners for freeing the enslaved people they held), we have to reckon with the aspects of our society that remain prejudiced against people of color.
For decades, early childhood education has been one of the sectors employing the highest percentage of women of color. Black and brown women are the backbone of our childcare economy and are responsible for giving our children the nurturing support and care they need in their earliest years. As the granddaughter and niece of childcare workers, I know firsthand how hard these educators work, day in and day out, to make sure our kids receive the best care possible. However, these vital workers have historically been undervalued, especially when it comes to compensation. We were reminded of this hard reality two weeks ago, when the Mayor’s proposed budget defunded the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, which helps make sure early childhood educators are paid equal wages to their K-12 counterparts.
This week, I wrote an op-ed in The DC Line discussing the impact this program cut would have on our kids and the hardworking educators who help them succeed and grow. If you’re interested in the significance of this vital program, or simply about the history of Emancipation Day, I encourage you to give it a read here.
Public Safety Updates
This week, there were several public safety incidents in our Ward 4 community. On Saturday, there was a burglary on the 1400 block of Madison Street NW. MPD has released pictures of the suspects and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating them.
On Monday night, there was a shooting on 13th Street NW in Brightwood, with an 18-year-old male and 17-year-old female sustaining gunshot wounds. The victims were later placed under arrest for illegally possessing a firearm and a moped that was reported stolen. While the male victim sustained serious injuries, both are expected to survive. MPD is still looking for the suspect in the shooting and is requesting the community’s assistance in finding the vehicle involved.
Following the 13th Street shooting, my team knocked doors in Brightwood and spoke with neighbors to assess their needs and offer support. Later, my team attended a 4th District commander’s walk in Riggs Park to evaluate the area and determine improvements that can be made to improve public safety and met with leadership from The Parks at Walter Reed to discuss ongoing safety concerns in the area. Keeping our neighborhoods safe is a collaborative process, and I’m grateful to all of our community members who continue to serve as partners in achieving this goal.
Joining ANC 4B’s Community Safety and Support Committee
Earlier this year, ANC 4B passed a resolution establishing a community safety and support committee with the goal of promoting safety by making strategic recommendations on policing, legislation, and education. ANC committees like these are critical to informing public policy and are an opportunity for community members to provide direct feedback on proposed legislation.
I strongly believe that we achieve the best policies around public safety when community members are directly involved in the process. This committee will directly engage the community and collaborate with various groups to promote safety initiatives. The committee will consist of seven members and be chaired by Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson. Residents of ANC 4B, which encompasses Brightwood, Takoma, Lamond Riggs, and Manor Park, are encouraged to apply here.
Rock Creek Golf Course Rehabilitation
On Wednesday, the National Parks Service (NPS) and National Links Trust (NLT) approved plans to move forward with the rehabilitation of the Rock Creek Golf Course. The over 100-year-old course serves an invaluable role in the heart of Ward 4, and I’m excited to see it receiving the funding required to make much-needed upgrades. These upgrades include constructing a new clubhouse, building a new driving range, and creating new paths providing access to the course.
While I am glad to see this important public space receiving upgrades, I also recognize some of the harms that will come in the process of making these changes. Specifically, I have been strongly opposed to the removal of over 1,000 trees in Rock Creek Park, a step I believe to be excessive and potentially harmful to the park’s ecosystem. During NPS’s comment period over the last few months, I joined members of our community in expressing opposition to these changes being made and was disappointed to see it included in the final plan. However, I’m also grateful to see the number of trees that will be removed reduced slightly from previous projections, and I’m encouraged by the concrete steps that are being taken to strengthen mitigation measures and reduce environmental impact. These include planting hundreds of new native trees and improving drainage and irrigation to reduce run-off into the park.
The golf course rehabilitation is expected to start late this year and will take approximately two years to complete. I look forward to keeping this accessible and affordable public space in the best shape possible to benefit generations of District residents to come.
Community Resources
DCPL Budget Oversight Hearing
On April 24th, the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs will hold a budget oversight hearing on the DC Public Library’s FY25 budget, which will be open to virtual public testimony. One of the topics of discussion will be the Kennedy Street Library project, which had its funding eliminated in the Mayor’s proposed FY25 budget. I encourage all community members to sign up to testify at this hearing in defense of this important project. To register to testify at the hearing, or to submit written testimony, click here.
DPW Community Conversation
The Department of Public Works will be holding its second 2024 quarterly Community Conversation on April 24th at 6:30pm. The conversation will be a chance for residents to learn about what DPW has been doing in their communities and hear directly from DPW leaders about the services they provide. Sign up here!
Riggs Park Traffic Control Box Art
The application deadline has been extended for proposed designs to wrap traffic control boxes in Riggs Park! If you’re an artist who would like to see your work displayed around restaurants, businesses, and transit stops throughout Riggs Park, this could be the project for you. Artists of all ages are welcome! Applications can be submitted here.
Lamond Rec Center Capital Bikeshare Station
Last week, Capital Bikeshare added a new station on Kansas Ave and Tuckerman Street NE next to the Lamond Rec Center. Be sure to check out this new station in Lamond Riggs for easy bike access! For Capital Bikeshare plans and pricing, click here.
DC Water Rate Adjustment Town Halls
DC Water will be holding its final town hall on April 30th at 6pm to give community members more information about DC Water’s budget and proposed rate adjustment for next year. The meeting will take place on Microsoft Teams. Learn more about the town hall and sign up here.
Roosevelt High Host Families
From May 28th – June 1st, Roosevelt High School will host 16 students and 3 chaperones from Homburg, Germany. Roosevelt High is looking for families who would be interested in hosting students in their homes for the duration of their stay. Responsibilities would include providing dinner during the week and meals on the weekends, taking part in activities on the weekends, and answering questions about DC and the United States in general. For families who are interested, sign up here!
Shepherd Park Library Tech Assistance
The Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library will be hosting drop-by technology assistance sessions on May 5th and May 19th, from 1:30 to 3:00pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn technology skills like uploading and downloading, saving documents, submitting online applications, and more. Be sure to bring your device with you and reach out to shepherdparklibrary@dc.gov with any questions!
Rock Creek Green Infrastructure Project Comment Period
Two weeks ago, DC Water published a draft project description for its Green Infrastructure Project in Rock Creek Park. Among other things, this project will help upgrade Rock Creek’s stormwater management. As part of its process, DC Water must accept comments from the public until May 10th. You can find the project description here and send comments to cleanriversgi@dcwater.com.
Apply for Tuition Support from DC
Applications opened last month for DC Futures, DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), and the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program. These are three popular tuition support programs for DC residents pursuing higher education. Applications will close on Friday, September 6th. Learn more and apply!
Disputing a DC Water Bill
A number of community members have expressed confusion or concerns about how to dispute charges with DC Water. After receiving a charge, occupants have a 20-day period to submit a dispute and should submit it in writing with reasons why the bill is believed to be incorrect. Disputes can be filed via mail, email, or through DC Water’s dispute form. Learn more here.
Neighborhood Events
ANC 4B Community Clean-Ups
There are still two community clean-ups left on the calendar for ANC 4B’s Spring Clean Up Week! Join on Saturday at 10am on 9th and Quackenbos for a clean-up followed by food and drinks at Oohhs and Aahhs, and on Sunday at 4pm on Cedar St and Piney Brand Rd for a clean-up at Takoma Elementary School followed by food, drinks, and prizes at Takoma Station Tavern!
Upshur Park Cleanup and Community Picnic
With Earth Day coming up, the 16th Street Neighborhood Association will be organizing a spring cleanup on April 20th in Upshur Park, followed by a community picnic. Meet at the playground picnic tables at 10am to help with some spring cleaning, and then head to Piney Spring Green for a grill lunch with burgers, hot dogs, and kids’ activities. Both activities are free and open to everyone. RSVP here to attend!
William Beckett Project Conversation and Reception
On Saturday, April 20th, the Friends of Peirce Mill and HumanitiesDC will be hosting an event at Picnic Grove #1 in Rock Creek Park to share the life story of William Beckett, a former enslaved DC resident who went on to become a distinguished DC business owner, presidential coachman, and doorkeeper at the Library of Congress. The event will begin with a conversation about Beckett’s life at 1pm, followed by an exhibit and reception at Klingle Mansion in Rock Creek Park starting at 2:30. Learn more here!
Earth Day DIY Planters
On Sunday, April 21st from 1:30 to 3:30pm, Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library will be hosting an Earth Day event offering attendees the chance to upcycle a tin can into a do-it-yourself planter. All materials are included, and all ages are welcome to attend. Learn more and register here!
Petworth Porchfest
It’s almost that time of year! Petworth Porchfest is set for Saturday, April 27th. Local bands will be performing throughout Petworth, with residents hosting performances on their porches. Porch performances will go from 2 – 6pm, and main stage performances from 5 – 8pm. It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer, host, or even perform. Click here for all the details on this exciting event.
Takoma ES Hype Squad
Takoma Elementary School students begin CAPE (Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education) testing this month, with 3rd and 4th graders testing on April 23rd and 5th graders on April 30th. To kick off testing, TES is seeking volunteers for a “hype squad,” where participants will give high fives, hold inspirational signs, and cheer on students. Volunteers are encouraged to rep TES’s colors, blue and yellow. Sign up here!
Senior Fest at Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center
In preparation for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Senior Fest on the Yard event on May 29th, DPR is doing a tour of all eight wards, with Ward 4’s stop taking place on May 1st at the Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center. The event will go from 12 to 2pm, with fitness demonstrations, line dancing, and more! Learn more and RSVP for Senior Fest here.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
The Washington Informer: Spelling Bee Winners Credit Persistence, Collaboration and Reading With Their Victories
Petworth News: Some in 16th Street Heights want to hire private security to patrol their streets — should they?
PoPville: Rehabilitation of Rock Creek Park Golf Course to begin in 2024
NBC 4: One of DC’s oldest golf courses is getting a makeover. Environmentalists are concerned
The Washington Post: Rock Creek Park Golf Course to undergo major, two-year renovation
DC Witness: Document: MPD Searching for Suspect’s Vehicle in Brightwood Shooting
Last weekend was packed full of events in the community, with neighborhood clean-ups, a used book sale, and DC’s Emancipation Day celebration. On Saturday, I was excited to join the grand opening of Beautie Essentials beauty supply store in Petworth and take part in the ribbon cutting. I always love welcoming a new Black-owned business to the vibrant small business community we have in Ward 4 and enjoyed meeting the wide array of community members who showed up to see the store’s offerings.
DCPS students were off of school this week with Spring Break, and I hope students were able to take some time to relax and have fun before heading back to classes on Monday.
We’ll be back in hearings next week, with my Committee on Facilities and Family Services holding its third budget oversight hearing on Thursday. There will be many more updates to share, and I’ll be keeping you updated on all the latest!
Have a relaxing weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
