This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Senior Jubilee yesterday was amazing! So grateful to see our senior community come together and show what makes Ward 4 so special. Special thanks to all the agencies who joined us to share resources and make the day possible!
Despite the federal shutdown triggered by Congress this week, DC government is continuing to operate as normal. As the shutdown continues, I know many DC residents employed by the federal government are concerned about how they and their families will be affected. As neighbors deal with the impact of federal actions, please visit my website for a list of resources that may offer assistance.
This week, I was proud to announce two bill introductions aimed at keeping our communities safe and healthy and supporting our seniors. Make sure to read more on the Shine Safely Act and Senior Tax Aggregation Act to learn about some of this work!
Community News
Read My Op-Ed on Cities’ Response to Federal Attacks
On Wednesday, I joined Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez of Los Angeles and Alderperson Andre Vasquez of Chicago to publish an op-ed on the strategy cities must take in response to threats from the Trump administration. This week, President Trump made headlines by announcing his intention to use Democratic-run cities as “training grounds” for U.S. troops. While this comes as no surprise for those of us living in cities that have been forced under occupation by National Guard and federal law enforcement, it is nonetheless a chilling escalation of federal overreach. This isn’t the first time Trump has hidden behind the lie of public safety to pursue unlawful and un-American actions against our people. Now is the time for us at local leaders to reinforce the rights of our people and fight back with every tool we have. In our op-ed, we outline the necessary path forward for local governments to push back against this blatantly unconstitutional overreach.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Introducing the Shine Safely and Senior Tax Aggregation Acts
This week, I was proud to announce two bills I have introduced for Council consideration: my Shine Safely Act of 2025 will move the District away from mercury-containing fluorescent tube lights, which can cause serious health problems, especially for infants and children. The Shine Safely Act would prohibit the sale of these mercury-containing light bulbs and encourage LED mercury-free bulbs that are more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and better for our environment. I’m proud to have worked with the Sierra Club on the Shine Safely Act, and I look forward to this bill becoming law.
Recently, I also introduced the Senior Tax Aggregation Act of 2025, aimed at helping more seniors stay in their homes and preserve DC families’ legacies. Many seniors in our community have inherited homes from their parents after they’ve passed, only to find that DC requires these homeowners to meet a 50% ownership requirement to access property tax benefits. This leaves out families in situations where three or more siblings jointly inherit a home, putting families at risk of tax sale and foreclosure.
Both bills reflect our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable residents, whether that’s children exposed to toxic chemicals, or seniors struggling to maintain homeownership in an increasingly expensive city. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to move these bills forward.
Community Resources
DC Employment First Summit
On Wednesday, October 8th from 9am to 3pm at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, the Employment First Planning Committee and DC Developmental Disabilities Council are joining to host a free summit with a vibrant resource and networking fair, interactive learning sessions, and opportunities to make a lasting difference in your community. To learn more about the event and RSVP, click here.
DDOT Notice of Intent for 1300 Block of Farragut St NW
This week, DDOT issued a notice of intent to convert the 1300 block of Farragut St NW to one-way westbound. This NOI was issued following traffic safety input submitted by neighbors and a DDOT investigation, and is intended to calm traffic in the school zone around John Lewis Elementary School. Comments can be submitted on this NOI until November 5th, 2025.
Leaf Collection and Other DPW Updates
Leaf collection season is coming soon! Stay tuned for more information from DPW in the coming weeks about how to be prepared and when DPW will be coming to your neighborhood. Additionally, DPW is reminding neighbors due to staffing shortages, some trash and recycling routes may be experiencing delays in collection. For affected neighborhoods, notifications will be sent to ANC Commissioners and MOCRs to share with the community.
Neighborhood Events
DC Pickle Bash at Merry Pin
On Saturday, October 4th, Merry Pin in Shepherd Park is launching an exciting new event: DC Pickle Bash! The event is open to all, celebrating all things pickle in a vibrant festival that brings together pickle enthusiasts. There will be pickle arts & crafts, vendors and artisans selling pickles and pickle-themed merchandise, a pickle making competition, pickle-themed board games, and much more. Stop by Merry Pin on Geranium and Georgia and check out the full lineup of events!
IYMA Daily Essentials Opening on Kennedy Street
On Saturday, October 4th from 11am to 5pm, IYMA Daily Essentials organic supermarket is celebrating their grand opening, with a ribbon cutting at 2pm. Celebrate with live music, vendors, art, food, and fun for all ages at their brand-new location on 400 Kennedy St NW!
Artist Talk at Zenith Gallery
On Saturday, October 4th at 2pm, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is hosting an artist talk for its current exhibit entitled “Women Artists of the DMV.” Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from features artists Margaret Polcawich, Hillary Steel, Jennifer Wagner, and Ashley Joi and see the exhibit, open now until October 18th.
Jazz in the Parks
In partnership with Blues Alley Jazz Club, The Parks at Walter Reed welcomes Blues Alley Youth Quartet and Herm Hopkins Soul Quartet for Jazz in the Parks on Saturday, October 4th from 4 to 7pm! RSVP here for the final Jazz in the Parks event of the year.
Friends of Shepherd Park Library Banned & Challenged Book Reading
To commemorate Banned Books Week (October 5th-11th), the Friends of the Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library will conduct a reading from banned and challenged books this Sunday, October 5th, at 1pm in the plaza outside the library, 7420 Georgia Ave. NW. If you would like to read during this event, contact Mark Pattison at pattison_mark@outlook.com. Some ideas for banned and challenged books come from PEN and from the American Library Association.
Takoma Park Street Festival
The 44th annual Takoma Park Street Festival is taking place on Sunday, October 5th from 10am to 5pm on Carroll Ave! Enjoy the day exploring 200 vendor booths and dancing in the streets to live music! Takoma’s unique shops and restaurants are all open and welcoming visitors. Come out and support DC and Maryland’s Main Street Takoma!
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
The Washington Post: Dogo du Togo and the Alagaa Beat Band want to transport you
WAMU: Get Out There: Fall music festivals around D.C.
Petworth News: Enjoy the new DC Pickle Bash on October 4th — enter to win All Access tickets!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Fridays through December 2025: Continue Supporting New UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market
The 51st: 11 things to do around DC this weekend
Ward 4 Dispatch: STEER Act Accountability, Senior Jubilee, and Ron Austin Memorial Park
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 Monday, I was grateful to swear in Alex Akalu, our newest Ward 4 ANC commissioner representing single member district 4A06. I’m looking forward to working with Commissioner Akalu to advocate for the needs of our Brightwood community in the years to come.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who joined last weekend as we officially designated the triangle park on North Dakota and 2nd St NW as Ron Austin Memorial Park. Ron was a cherished leader in our community who dedicated his life to improving the lives of neighbors, and I’m grateful this park will honor his legacy for generations to come.
Have a wonderful weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
