This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
It feels like summer only just started, and already it’s the start of a new school year. It was a joy to greet students returning to school this week and to help cut the ribbon at the newly modernized building for the Truesdell Elementary School community.
I want to acknowledge what a difficult week this has been for our city. D.C. is under siege in a very real way right now. Our neighbors are being subjected to unreasonable stops and swept off the street without probable cause. It’s important in this moment that we stay vigilant and keep showing up for each other.
This is a frightening time for our immigrant communities during the federal occupation, so I want to share recommendations for keeping safe during this period: 1) keep your loved one’s phone numbers on you in case you are detained, 2) make a family preparedness plan, 3) stay informed and vigilant, and 4) be sure to know your rights. If you are someone who is not likely to be a target during this occupation, check in with your neighbors and show up when you’re needed. And be sure to check out the resources and information we shared at our recent town hall.
While it’s been deeply disheartening to see and hear about more and more attacks on the District’s autonomy and our residents’ rights during this federal occupation, what has given me hope and carries me through Labor Day weekend is the incredible display of solidarity and community shown by neighbors across Ward 4.
Labor Day is a celebration of the power of collective action, of hard-won social and economic victories that have provided us with the vital protections we have today. As a Council, we must honor this legacy by continuing to do the work of the people of this great city, and ensure that the District is using every lever we have to protect our autonomy.
Check out this week’s newsletter for important community updates and happenings in Ward 4 this Labor Day weekend.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Ward 4 Incidents Raise Concerns About Constitutional Violations
This week I responded to an incident in Takoma where yet another community member was taken. He was delivering food to a resident when he was stopped, surrounded by multiple agencies of law enforcement, and arrested without justification. While this individual was released, the arrest and others like it have been deeply unsettling for community members who fear they’ll be targeted next.
These incidents along with dozens of others in Ward 4 raise serious concerns about racial profiling, lack of probable cause, unreasonable stops, and the infringement of our constitutional rights. I will continue to press Mayor Bowser, my colleagues on the D.C. Council, and the D.C. Attorney General to utilize every tool at our disposal to fight back to protect Home Rule and the rights of District residents.
Councilmember Lewis George Joins The Politics Hour
I had the chance to join The Politics Hour to talk about the federal occupation D.C. is under. I spoke about why it’s so important for DC’s leaders to resist and reject a federal takeover, and to not comply in advance.
Community News
Celebrating Truesdell’s New State-of-the-Art Home
I was overjoyed to celebrate Truesdell Elementary’s new state-of-the-art, Net Zero Energy building at its ribbon cutting ceremony today, both as the Ward 4 Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on Facilities. I want to congratulate DGS and DCPS on delivering another on-time, on-budget capital project.
I have been proud to be a part of the collaborative effort that made this vision a reality for our Truesdell community. Early on in this project, I worked with Principal Foster, Chairman Mendelson, and Truesdell families to ensure funding for Truesdell’s split swing space. My team has joined the many community meetings throughout the listening, planning, and construction phases of this project. This building is here because of the input and hard work of so many people from the Truesdell community – thank you!
Congratulations to Truesdell’s scholars and educators, the Truesdell FTO, ANC 4D, and countless others whose dedicated advocacy will have a lasting impact on the Truesdell community. This space is a manifestation of years of collective vision and hard work, and I am eager to see the success that it will generate for years to come.
Grant Circle Traffic Safety Project Update: Phase 1 Begins
DDOT has moved forward with the Grant Circle Traffic Safety Project thanks to overwhelming support from the community. Construction duration is expected to be approximately 6-8 months, weather permitting. Phase 1 (starting August 2025) is expected to take up to 2 months for completion and Phase 2 (to start in Spring 2026) is expected take up to 6 months for completion. The DDOT team will continue to share project updates on their website.
9th & Illinois Triangle Park Project Kick-Off Meeting
DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the DC Department of General Services will hold a community meeting to discuss upcoming renovations to the triangle park at 9th Street NW, Illinois Avenue NW, and Ingraham Street NW. Join on Tuesday, September 9 at 6pm at the park. (Rain backup location: Emery Heights Community Center, 5701 Georgia Ave. NW.) Click RSVP and learn more about the project.
Ward 4 Federal Enforcement Incident Report Form
My office has 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.
Community Resources
Out of School Time Family Survey
Do the District of Columbia afterschool and summer program options meet your students’ and family’s needs? If you are a parent/guardian of a school-aged child or youth (K-12th Grade) living in the District of Columbia, the D.C. Deputy Mayor for Education’s Out of School Time Office would like to hear from you! Please take a moment to share your anonymous feedback on what you need in an after school or summer program, your interests, and any barriers to your child’s participation. The survey closes September 26.
Visit OSSE-DOT’s New Parent Portal
Thousands of students with disabilities in the District are eligible for transportation service delivery from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This year, OSSE launched the OSSE Parent Portal for parents and guardians of transportation-eligible students to directly select their transportation option and input their contact information for the 2025-26 school year. For families that choose OSSE transportation, your school will need to confirm and verify the transportation request before the start of school. If you haven’t heard anything from your school about the OSSE Parent Portal, or if you have any questions, please email osse.parentportal@dc.gov.
Affordable Housing Available for Seniors
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences is newly open in Riggs Park and now leasing units for Ward 4 seniors (55+)! All units are income-restricted at 50% of Median Family Income or below. To avoid long wait times, schedule an appointment through the website. Floor plans are available there as well.
Neighborhood Events
Ward 4 Office Hours at Uptown Farmers Market This Saturday
We’re bringing our office to you! Stop by our tent at the Uptown Farmers Market (5500 Colorado Ave. NW) this Saturday from 9am to 1pm and speak one-on-one with a member of our team about DC government services or our work in the Ward 4 community.
DC Freedom Run
This Monday (Labor Day) 10am at 14th & U Streets, runners and walkers and even kids and dogs will be marching and running along 4.5 and 2.5 mile routes to take back our streets against fascism.
Friends of Petworth Library Back to School Used Book Sale
On Saturday, September 6th, the Friends at Petworth Library are hosting a back-to-school used book sale at the Petworth Library (4200 Kansas Ave NW) from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Kids’ books will sell for 50 cents, paperback books for $1, and hardbacks for $2. Plus, totes, t-shirts, and more, all benefiting library programming and the greater Petworth community.
Petworth in the Park: Dog Days of Summer
On Sunday, September 7th, Petworth Main Street and District Veterinary Hospital are hosting Petworth in the Park: Dog Days of Summer at Petworth Rec Center. The day will be packed with activities, including kids activities and lawn games from 12 to 2pm, dog show from 3 to 4pm hosted by Drew Schneider of Petworth News, and live music on the main stage from 4 to 6pm.
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.
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: D.C. must invest in local news
Petworth News: Learn to be a mentor and tutor for DC kids at the Petworth Library
Ward 4 Dispatch: Hands Off 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.
Every year, one of my favorite traditions is handing out pencils to DCPS students on their first day of school. It was a joy to visit Truesdell Elementary this morning to cheer on our Ward 4 scholars and see their excitement ahead of starting classes.
Have a good Labor Day weekend and check back next week!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
