This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of March! This was another busy week both on the Council and in the community. We’re now wrapping up performance oversight hearings and are looking ahead to budget season starting in April. This will be another opportunity for neighbors to share feedback, and it will be crucial neighbors show out to make our voices heard. This weekend, we’re welcoming several new businesses to Ward 4, and I’m also letting neighbors know about street sweeping now underway.
Community News
Responding to the Reinstatement of the MPD Officers Convicted in the Killing of Karon Hylton-Brown
On Monday, we learned of MPD’s decision to reinstate the two officers convicted in the killing of Karon Hylton-Brown in our Brightwood Park community in 2020. These two officers were tried and found guilty of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice for recklessly and unnecessarily engaging in a police chase leading to Karon’s death and attempting to cover these actions up after the fact. I join Karon’s family, friends, and every member of our community who is rightly angered by the decision to reinstate them to their law enforcement posts. Our community deserves better, and we cannot relent in our efforts to prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.
Entrusting individuals who have endangered our community with keeping the public safe is a direct threat to safety in the District and undermines the legitimacy of our justice system. Despite this outcome, we know that Karon Hylton-Brown’s life mattered. It mattered to his family, to his loved ones, and his community. We also know that keeping our community safe means accountability for anyone who puts our community in danger. I share the heartbreak and anger of many in our community and will work with my colleagues and the executive to ensure our law enforcement reflects this critical need for accountability.
Community and Government Coming Together to Support Our Federal Workers
As many in our community face unprecedented challenges in the wake of recent federal actions, I’m grateful to everyone who is stepping up to support neighbors. This week, Mayor Bowser 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.
We’re also seeing many residents stepping up to lend a hand in our communities, like Melissa Dorn, a photographer and longtime Petworth resident who is supporting neighbors by organizing a free headshot day next week to support those impacted by federal layoffs. If you or someone you know is seeking employment and interested in getting a new headshot taken, RSVP here and stop by Meeting Room 2 of the Petworth Library from 3 to 5:30pm on Tuesday March 11th. I’m also grateful to all the local DC businesses who are showing their solidarity with impacted federal workers with a range of offers and discounts.
As we continue navigating these difficult times together as a community, I want to uplift any services or resources that can be of support to neighbors. If you know of any other community resources and would like to amplify them through my newsletter, please email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov.
Ward 4 Business Openings This Weekend
This weekend, we will welcome several new businesses to Ward 4. On Saturday, March 8th from 11am to 7pm, Fia’s Fabulous Finds and Elephant In My Room are joining to host a grand opening event as Petworth’s Sustainable Fashion District. Neighbors are invited to stop by 806 and 834 Upshur St NW to see some of the selections these amazing stores have to offer! Also on Saturday from 11am to 3pm, neighbors can stop by the soft opening of upper 14th Street’s latest eatery, Casa Mia, on 4600 14th St NW for gelato and other treats!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Performance Oversight Ends, Budget Season Approaches
This week marked the last week of performance oversight hearings. Last Friday, I chaired the hearing for the Department of General Services (DGS), which is responsible for maintaining our government buildings, including our schools and rec centers. DGS has made notable progress over the last 12 months in completing work orders in a timely fashion. In the last year, we have seen a 7% increase in the number of work orders that were completed within their service level agreement, including a 13% increase for lock and door repairs, the most commonly requested work order in schools. However, there are still several areas where we need to see improvement, including ongoing modernizations staying on track and responding to facilities issues when they arise. Like many in our community, I have been disappointed with the pace of work on the DC Archives building renovation, which was scheduled to finish this year. I also underscored the need to increase support for schools awaiting modernizations by continuing to prioritize preventative maintenance and quickly and effectively closing work orders. I also emphasized the need for better communication with community members, so neighbors aren’t left in the dark when problems arise in our public spaces.
I also attended DC Public Schools’ oversight hearing on Friday, where I asked questions about several issues impacting Ward 4 schools. I asked about the District’s use of swing spaces — temporary learning spaces students are relocated to while their schools are undergoing modernizations — and how these spaces can be better suited to students, teachers, and families’ needs. Overall, DCPS needs to create better policies that allow for community engagement earlier, take into account the distance families need to travel, and expand the amount of swing spaces available for use. I asked about DCPS’ instructions to schools around potential immigration enforcement activity by ICE, emphasizing the need for DCPS to give clear and consistent public guidance to schools, principals, teachers and families. I also brought up the renaming of Sharpe Health School in Ward 4, a name which is rooted in a history of racial segregation in DC schools, and asked DCPS Chancellor Ferebee to begin this renaming process.
Then, on Tuesday, I held the final performance oversight hearing of the year for the Committee on Facilities, where we heard from the Office of Disability Rights (ODR), the Department on Disability Services (DDS), and the Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (MODDHH). Over the last year, ODR has collected Americans with Disabilities Act compliance plans from 80 DCPS schools, up from zero last year. I was also happy to learn that MODDHH is in the process of creating its own compliance plans for agencies and look forward to those being implemented by the end of the year. We also discussed the looming threat of cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs, which will impact many agencies across the District government including DDS and ODR. I also made clear that my expectation for the Mayor’s proposed budget is that the District ramp up our investments in human services, not make cuts at their expense, including vital services expanding accessibility for residents with disabilities.
On April 2nd, Mayor Bowser will release her planned DC budget to the Council for review. Then, starting next month, we’ll hear from agencies again for budget oversight hearings to evaluate agency spending and plan for the coming fiscal year. This budget will be different from past years, as many in our community face the harsh realities of unemployment, economic uncertainty, and rising costs. As the District government starts setting our fiscal priorities for the year ahead, one thing is clear: we cannot afford to balance this budget on the backs of working families in DC and our most vulnerable residents. I’m looking forward to starting budget hearings next month and hearing from agencies and the people of DC about where investments are needed. More than ever, it will be essential we hear from the community and the Council does the thorough oversight work needed to assess each agency’s spending and determine the best path forward. In the coming weeks, I’ll share more about how residents can sign up to share their feedback.
Community Resources
Leaf Collection Wraps Up, Street Sweeping Begins
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is now in the process of winding down leaf collection, completing final passes to gather any remaining leaves. If there are any neighbors who still haven’t received collection, please reach out to my constituent services team as soon as possible and we will help escalate the issue with DPW. As leaf season comes to a close, spring cleaning services will begin, including street sweeping. Starting this week, DPW has begun street sweeping and ground maintenance. There is a two-week grace period for ticketing vehicles parked during posted street sweeping hours until March 14th. Starting on Monday, March 17th, DPW will begin parking enforcement, so make sure to move your car during street sweeping hours and remind neighbors to do the same!
Citywide Public Composting Locations in Ward 4
Recently, the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) installed new food waste “Smart Bins” around the District for neighbors to deposit food waste for composting. These bins are accessible 24/7 and can be unlocked using an app or an access code. To find more information on accepted material and how to unlock the bins, visit the Zero Waste DC Food Waste Drop-Off website. Here are the smart bin locations in Ward 4:
- Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at 14th Street NW & Kennedy Street NW.
- Georgia Ave & Van Buren St NW (6514 Georgia Ave NW)
- Takoma Park Neighborhood Library (416 Cedar St NW)
- Brightwood (130 Kennedy Street NW)
- Petworth Library (4199 Kansas Ave NW)
- Uptown Farmers Market (Staffed drop-off events every weekend)
OAG Mediation Resources
This week is National Consumer Protection Week, a good time to highlight the DC Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Mediation Program. OAG’s Mediation Program helps neighbors resolve consumer complaints without the need to go to court, including landlord/tenant disputes, contract/billing issues, scams, and other issues. Complaints can be submitted through the OAG Consumer Complaint Portal. OAG Mediation also staffs a hotline open from Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm to respond to requests for help and provide accurate information to callers. You can reach this hotline by calling 202-442-9828.
AARP Senior Tax Preparation Resources
Hey, Ward 4 seniors! We’re quickly approaching tax season, and DC is offering resources for seniors to get help filing their taxes. As always, AARP offers great resources for seniors to help file their taxes. If you are an individual or family living in DC with income less than $67,000, you can visit one of the following locations to get help filing your taxes from AARP:
- Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave, NW: Monday & Friday, 11am-4pm
- Appointment required (202-656-1341)
- Turkey Thicket Rec Center, 1100 Michigan Ave, NE: Tuesday & Thursday, 10am-2pm
- Appointment required (202-643-9519)
- Woodridge Regional Library, 1801 Hamlin St, NE: Monday & Wednesday, 10am-2pm
- Appointment required (202-643-4279)
DC Tenant Guide to the Eviction Process
The DC Pro Bono Center has announced the launch of the DC Tenant Eviction Defense Guide, a webpage sharing legal information for tenants on each stage of the eviction process with helpful graphics for tenants facing threat of eviction. All resources are available in Spanish and in plain text for accessibility. If you or someone you know is facing eviction, please make sure to share this resource to access support.
Brandywine Valley SPCA Resources
As of January, the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) has taken over all animal care and control services for DC. In the first month, BVSPCA has also launched adoptions for dogs, cats, and other animals, Express Pet Health Services for family pets, as well as volunteer and foster programs to engage the community in our work. BVSPCA is already celebrating reuniting lost pets with their worried families, adoptions of pets needing a new home, and lifesaving medical care for DC animals in need. You can learn more about Brandywine Valley SPCA and its services at www.bvspca.org/dc. To report an animal in distress in the District, please call BVSPCA at (202) 888-PETS.
Shepherd Elementary School Toiletries Drive
Shepherd Elementary School is currently organizing its annual Toiletries Drive in honor of Women’s History Month, running through Friday, March 28th. Neighbors can drop off items like body soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Band-Aids, feminine hygiene products, hair combs and brushes, and other similar items, which will be donated to the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH). Drop off items at the toiletry drive bin at the main entrance of Shepherd ES!
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 Chevy Chase neighbors:
- As part of the ongoing Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project in Chevy Chase, DC Water is scheduled to conduct sewer cleaning activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: 5400 – 5500 blocks of 39th St NW, 3700 – 3800 blocks of McKinley St NW, 3700 block of Northampton St NW, 5500 block of Nevada Ave NW, 5700 – 5800 blocks of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW, and 3700 block of Oliver St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on 8th St and Quintana Pl NW and the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on the 1300 block of Gallatin St NW.
Neighborhood Events
Zenith Gallery 47th Anniversary Gallery
This weekend, Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is celebrating its 47th anniversary with a new exhibition and artist talks on Friday, March 7th from 4 to 8pm and on Saturday, March 8th from 2 to 6pm. You can read more about the upcoming show and Zenith Gallery’s history in Ward 4 on its website here. Congratulations to Zenith Gallery and founder Margery Goldberg on this incredible achievement!
Blacks in Wax
The Southeast Tennis and Learning Center’s (SETLC) Annual Blacks in Wax living history program is one of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s most unique and successful educational programs. The 2025 Blacks in Wax marks the 19th year of the program. Ordinarily, this program takes place at the Kennedy Center but take place this year at The Arc and Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Let’s make sure to come out and support this incredible community event! Find more details on the events on DPR’s website.
DPR Youth Basketball Championships
Next week, DPR is holding Youth Basketball Championships, on Tuesday, March 11th for 10U and 14U at Emery Heights Rec Center, and on Wednesday March 12th for the JV Girls Championship at Lamond Rec Center. Players will build coordination, speed, and strength while developing bonds with their teammates and playing against other registered teams throughout the city. Learn more on DPR’s website.
Petworth Spring Clean-Up
On Saturday, March 22nd at 9am, Project Petworth is organizing an all-day spring cleaning event around the entire Petworth neighborhood. Bring trash bags, gloves, trash pickers, a dustpan and broom, and lots of friends to welcome in the spring season and help keep our neighborhood beautiful. You can RSVP for the 2025 Petworth Spring Clean event on Facebook or Eventbrite, and remember to spread the word!
Senior Bingo at Emery Heights
On Thursday, April 3rd from 11am to 2pm, join my office and DPR for an unforgettable day of excitement, games, prizes, DC resources, and the thrill of the win at Bingo games at Emery Heights Community Center! Get your daubers ready and mark your calendars for an evening filled with anticipation and fun! RSVP is required.
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.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Timber Pizza takes over the Slash Run location — kitchen & back office use for now
Petworth News: Join a neighborhood clean up on March 22nd
Petworth News: Councilmember’s Corner: Reimagining the Future of Georgia Avenue
Next Stop…Riggs Park: District Resources for Former Federal Government Workers
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Citywide Public Composting
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Neighborhood & ANC Email Lists
PoPville: Casa Mia coming to 14th and Buchanan
DC Policy Center: State of D.C. Schools, 2023-24: Strong system health and modest progress
Office of the DC Attorney General: Attorney General Schwalb Releases 2024 Impact Report
The Washington Post: Eastern boys and girls complete their rebuilds, sweep DCSAA Class A titles
Ward 4 Dispatch: Library Updates, Coffee on Kennedy, and TranspoBINGO Begins!
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.
As we welcome in Women’s History Month, let’s all take time to honor the brave and brilliant women who have shaped history, stood up for justice, and affected change in our communities. This month and all months let’s continue to share their stories and ready the next generation of history-makers.
On Tuesday, the Council also approved my resolution recognizing March 2025 as Developmental Disability Awareness Month. In honor of this month, we uplift the important role people with developmental disabilities play in advocating for positive change and enriching our communities.
Wishing you a great weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
