This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
I share the shock and sadness with people in the District, Kansas, and across the country by the horrific collision between an American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that occurred on Wednesday night. I am praying for all those impacted, especially those who have lost loved ones, and extend my sincerest gratitude to the first responders who worked heroically in dangerous conditions.
My newsletter this week covers our continued Listen as We Climb community meetings for Takoma & Manor Park on Wednesday and for 16th Street Heights, Crestwood, & Brightwood tonight, as well as our Winter Public Safety meeting on Thursday. With performance oversight hearings in full swing, I’m also sharing updates for neighbors on how to testify in these hearings.
Community News
Takeaways from Thursday’s Public Safety Meeting
On Thursday evening, I convened a public safety meeting with MPD leadership, the Office of the Attorney General, neighbors, and agency partners to discuss the recent muggings, robberies, and incidents of crime that have taken place in our community. This situation requires an urgent and robust response from our public safety agencies so that Ward 4 can feel safe in our homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
I am grateful for MPD, OAG, and all our community partners for joining me in answering neighbors’ questions about MPD’s response to these incidents and informing community members about how they can take part in these efforts. Thursday’s meeting further made clear what I have long believed: residents know the issues in their neighborhoods more closely than anyone else and must be at the core of the District’s public safety strategy. Responding effectively to crime in our communities requires a whole of government response, and I’m grateful for MPD’s ongoing investigation into the recent muggings, and strategic staffing increases in Ward 4.
One of the best ways to stay engaged and informed as neighbors is to connect directly with our 4th District MPD, who offers several helpful resources for community members:
- 4th District Community Group
- 4th District MPD operates a community listserv, providing residents with the latest public safety updates. Through this group, community members can also ask questions and get answers directly from MPD. To join the community listserv, click here.
- 4th District Commander’s Walks
- Each week, 4th District Commander Lavenhouse organizes public safety walks in the community, bringing together law enforcement, ANC commissioners, and neighbors. The location for the walk is chosen based on the events of the previous week, and my team also joins these walks to give the latest updates on our public safety work. You can join the 4th District listserv to get updates on when and where these walks will be scheduled.
- 4th District Sector Meetings
- In addition to Commander’s walks, 4th District MPD holds regular sector meetings to engage with the community to help better understand the events and processes happening in our neighborhoods. To attend these meetings, join the listserv or reach out to Community Outreach Officer Robert Hamrick at Robert.Hamrick@dc.gov. To locate your PSA and sector, click here.
- 4th District Citizens Advisory Council Meetings
- The 4th District Citizens Advisory Council is a non-government community organization that works to communicate, collaborate and coordinate information with MPD. 4th District CAC meets every month, excluding July and August. You can join by reaching out to 4dcacdc@gmail.com.
DC Attorney General Filing Lawsuit Against Petra Properties
This morning, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced his office is filing a lawsuit against Petra Properties. According to OAG’s investigation, Petra has engaged in a deliberate scheme to exploit District law, preventing low and moderate-income tenants from accessing housing in order to charge higher rates subsidized by the Federal and District government. Petra’s conduct has made rents two to three times more expensive in some cases, putting rents out of reach for working families and senior citizens without housing vouchers.
As a councilmember, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of Petra’s conduct on our community. For too long, tenants and neighbors have voiced concerns about unsafe building conditions, lack of security, and criminal activity taking place on Petra property, including several buildings in Ward 4. The residents I have spoken with in these buildings are desperate for interventions. Companies that profit from our community have a responsibility to do their part in maintaining the health and safety of our neighbors. In my opinion, Petra has failed to be a good steward to its tenants or a good neighbor to those surrounding their properties.
There’s still more work to be done to address the issues facing tenants like those impacted in our community. DC needs to move more aggressively to address building units that undermine the safety and wellbeing of other residents. We also need to expand access to case work, addiction counseling, mental health care, and job support. I commend Attorney General Schwalb for initiating this investigation and lawsuit and look forward to pursuing additional strategies to protect tenants from exploitation and keep our communities safe.
Council/Legislative Updates
How to Testify in Performance Oversight Hearings
Performance oversight hearings are kicking into gear, with the first hearings taking place this week. Every year, these hearings are our opportunity to speak directly to agencies and discuss areas of improvement for the services they provide to DC residents. Check out the images below for some guidelines on how to sign up to testify at a hearing, prepare your testimony, deliver testimony, and finally submit it to the relevant committee.
Reintroducing Accelerating a Lead-Free DC Amendment Act
On Wednesday, I announced my reintroduction of the Accelerating a Lead-Free DC Amendment Act. This bill would take decisive action to accelerate DC’s lead pipe replacement timeline by requiring replacement of lead pipes by 2028 on public property and 2030 on private property. It would also create dozens of new green jobs by expanding the lead remediation workforce through the DC Infrastructure Academy.
While DC has set out goals to remove all lead pipes in the District by 2030, currently, we have completed just 18% of this work. There is no amount of lead that is safe to be in our drinking water, and I look forward to working with all my colleagues to move forward with this crucial piece of legislation.
Community Resources
Listen As We Climb Continues!
Next week, I will hold two listening sessions for Ward 4, on Wednesday, February 5th from 6:30 to 8:30pm at St. Johns College High School for Chevy Chase, Barnaby Woods, and Hawthorne, and on Friday, February 7th from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Shepherd Elementary School for North Portal, Colonial Village, Shepherd Park, and The Parks at Walter Reed. See the full schedule of listening sessions and RSVP here.
Leaf Collection Continues in Section 4B
On Monday, February 3rd, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will start its second pass of leaf collection for neighbors in Section 4B of the leaf collection map, which includes 16th Street Heights, Crestwood, and parts of Petworth west of Georgia Ave. If you live within Section 4B and haven’t already, make sure to have your leaves raked to your tree box or curbside to ensure DPW picks them up during their second pass. If you live in one of the neighborhoods that has already received a first pass but have not yet received collection, you can submit a 311 request (my office is happy to help too!). Remember, DPW is sharing regular updates on their progress and completed streets on its leaf collection website.
Upcoming Community Roll-Off Days
On Saturday, February 22nd at 10am, the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City and the Department of Energy and Environment will be holding a roll off day at McFarland Middle School for community members to dispose of bulk trash and other waste. Community members will also be able to drop off and properly dispose of covered electronic equipment, including TVs and computers. Learn more here.
Takoma Aquatic Center Closures
This week, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced the Takoma Aquatic Center will be closed from February 3rd-13th for scheduled annual maintenance, from February 14th-16th for the 38th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet, and on February 17 for President’s Day. The Aquatic Center will reopen to the community with standard operating hours on Tuesday, February 18th.
Apply for Reduced Rates on DPR Programs
With registration for Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) spring and summer programs coming soon, now is a great time to see if your family qualifies for reduced rates and save 50-75% on DPR programs. Remember, your application must be submitted and approved before enrolling in programs in the coming months. Find more information and see if you qualify here.
Apply for the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program
On Monday, January 27th, applications open for the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program for DC youth ages 14-24! This program is a great way for young people in the District to earn pay, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the work of our agencies, local businesses, and community organizations. Youth can apply for SYEP through March 7th and organizations can also apply to host SYEP participants.
Roosevelt HS Class of 2025 Clothing Sale
The Roosevelt High School Class of 2025 is currently holding a clothing sale to raise funds for senior activities, including Senior Prom. Make sure to get your Roughrider gear before it runs out! Neighbors can submit their order by Thursday, February 6th by reaching out to Vanessa Rubio at 202-492-5051.
Join the Ward 4 Volunteer Corps
If you’re looking for more ways to get involved in serving our community, I’m inviting neighbors to join our new Ward 4 Volunteer Corps! We can always use an extra hand with events in the community, whether our Listen As We Climb listening sessions, Ward 4 CARE Days, or our events for seniors. If you’re interested in lending a hand, email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov!
Receive Ward 4 Updates by Text!
Now is a great time to sign up for our Ward 4 text list! By signing up to receive updates on news, resources, and upcoming Ward 4 events by text, you’ll be the first to know about all the important updates for members of our community. If you’d like to be added to our Ward 4 text list, simply reply to this newsletter or email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov with the best phone number to reach you at.
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Keep in mind that construction activities are highly dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Manor Park, Brightwood Park, 16th Street Heights, and Petworth neighbors:
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer main lining activities on Illinois Ave from Kennedy St NW to Jefferson St NW, and on Decatur St from 8th St NW to 9th St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on 8th St NW and Quintana Pl NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on the 1300 block of Gallatin St NW.
- Next Monday through Wednesday, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on the 300 and 400 blocks of Kennedy St NW.
- Next Thursday through Saturday, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
Neighborhood Events
New Exhibition at Zenith Gallery
For Black History Month in February, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is hosting a new exhibition featuring work from over a dozen acclaimed artists entitled “Hold On, Change is Coming.” The exhibition is open now until March 1st, with artist talks on February 1st, 8th, and 22nd at 2pm at Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris St NW.
Petworth Peanuts Children’s Book Exchange
On Sunday, February 2nd, Petworth Peanuts is hosting a children’s book exchange at Hook Hall (3400 Georgia Ave NW), including tons of free kids’ books, book readings from Tara Hoot, kids’ games and activities, and more! Admission is free for Peanuts members and $5 per family for non-members. Surplus books will be donated to Petworth Library.
Intro to Hand Dancing at Fort Stevens
On Wednesday, February 5th from 5 to 7pm, DPR is hosting an Intro to Hand Dancing event at Fort Stevens Rec Center (1327 Van Buren St NW). Community members are invited to discover the world of hand dancing and the music associated with it. RSVP here.
Ward 3 and 4 Capital Projects Meeting
On Thursday, February 6th, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is hosting a virtual meeting to update community members on capital projects underway in Wards 3 and 4. All meetings start at 6:30pm. Click here to find more information and register.
Fort Stevens Valentines Day Card Making
On Tuesday, February 11th from 5 to 6pm, neighbors are invited to Fort Stevens Senior & Recreation Center (1327 Van Buren St NW to make handmade cards for Valentines Day. RSVP on the Department of Parks and Recreation website.
NSO In Your Neighborhood 2025
From February 13th-19th, the National Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with communities in Ward 4 and Takoma Park, MD to amplify joy, unity, and shared humanity through music and the arts. Partnering with local schools, community spaces, and organizations, NSO will honor the history of our neighborhoods, while also building new connections and relationships. Learn more about the exciting events happening in our Ward 4 community and how to attend here.
Black History Invitational Swim Meet
From February 14th-16th, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the United Black Fund, Inc. (UBF) are hosting the annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet in honor of Black History Month. The event will take place at Takoma Aquatic Center in Ward 4 and will be open to all swimmers. USA Swimming membership is not required for entry into the meet. Find more details on the event website.
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.
Immigration Defense Hotline
Over the last week since the presidential inauguration, fears have grown in communities around the country of potential raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If you or your loved ones are without documentation and are at risk of being targeted, you can call the Virginia Immigration Rapid Response Hotline at 855-298-3271 to quickly and reliably get connected with urgent legal resources and assistance in case of ICE encounters.
Register for DC School Lottery
Applications are now open for the MySchoolDC Lottery, the school lottery system for families planning to enroll their children in DCPS or PCS schools for grades PK3-12 next year. Families will have until February 3rd to submit high school applications and until March 3rd for PK3–Grade 8. Visit the MySchoolDC website for more information, and please strongly consider listing our incredible Ward 4 schools in your top choices!
Ward 4 in the News
Washington Post: Creature gets legal nod, becomes D.C.’s official amphibian
Washington Post: Pardons of D.C. officers leave city at civil rights crossroads
Washington City Paper: AG Brian Schwalb Accuses Petra Management of Gaming D.C.’s Housing Voucher System
Next Stop… Riggs Park: Give Input on Metro’s FY2026 Budget Proposal by February 10, 2025 – Public Hearings Begin February 3
Next Stop… Riggs Park: Lamond-Riggs Library Friends 2025 Black History Month Events Schedule
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.
Saturday marks the first day of Black History Month. This February and throughout this year, we reflect on the profound impact of Black history and culture on our city and our nation — and we draw on that history to effectuate change. We proudly remember that Black history is American history, and that Black history is also DC history. There is no shortage of ways to engage Black History Month this year across the District, so make sure to check the neighborhood events section of my newsletter and stay tuned for more!
Have a wonderful weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
