Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of June! Pride Month is in full swing, and I’m excited to tell you about some big events happening in the community this weekend.
Last week was a momentous week in the budget process, and next week will be yet another. The Council is holding its second vote on the FY25 budget on Wednesday, and we’ve been hard at work to make changes to bring the final budget closer to meeting the needs of every community in Ward 4.
Among my top priorities is getting an increase in SNAP benefits for our seniors, which would give another 47 dollars a month to anyone who is eligible. We’ve also been working with other Council offices to try to secure more housing vouchers, a crucial need for Ward 4 residents experiencing housing instability.
Here are my updates from the past week:
WMATA Better Bus Network Town Hall
On Thursday, June 27th, at 6:30pm, WMATA will be hosting a town hall at Coolidge High School to answer questions from community members about its proposed Better Bus Network Plan. This will be an excellent opportunity for community members to engage directly with WMATA on the details of the plan.
The biggest question that remains is how WMATA plans to accommodate travelers in Ward 4 whose regularly used routes are being cut in the proposed plan. These changes will affect everyone, from people commuting to get to work, to kids who take the bus to and from school. I look forward to getting answers to many of these questions at next week’s town hall. To RSVP to the town hall, click here.
Traffic Safety in Takoma
On Thursday morning, we held a traffic safety walk around Takoma Elementary School, along with DDOT, ANC 4B02 Commissioner Palmer, and Takoma neighbors. Over the last few years, residents have voiced many concerns about reckless driving in the area, especially around school drop-off time when traffic is heavy and students are crossing Piney Branch Road to get to school.
Thanks to the hard work of ANC 4B and members of the community, several improvements have been made, including through the Rock Creek East Livability Study, which identified concrete changes to improve safety in the neighborhood. Thursday’s walk was a productive opportunity to observe the persistent problems firsthand and identify possible solutions.
Here are a few possible fixes discussed at Thursday’s walk:
- Instituting daylighting to reduce parking near crosswalks and improve visibility
- Inserting flexposts to clearly designate pedestrian areas and slow down traffic
- Creating raised crosswalks to slow down vehicles and make pedestrians more visible
- Adding curb bumpouts to shorten crossing distance and improve pedestrian safety
As neighbors well know, these much-needed improvements rarely come as quickly as is necessary. However, the safety concerns around Takoma Elementary School and other neighborhoods throughout Ward 4 demand we respond with urgency.
As we work towards this shared goal, one important step is for neighbors to submit traffic safety input when they see traffic violations taking place, or witness other risks to the safety of drivers, bikers, or pedestrians. Community members sharing input directly with DDOT is one of the best ways to make sure traffic safety concerns are received, documented, and resolved.
Red Line Closures in Effect
As of this past weekend, Red Line closures are in full effect, with service between Glenmont and Fort Totten closed until June 29th, and between Glenmont and Takoma until August 31st. As a reminder, you can click here to see the alternative transit options being offered by WMATA while this work is being done.
Over the last few days, I’ve heard several concerns from neighbors about issues with the alternative transportation options offered by WMATA. Among the issues raised have been long wait times, overcrowding, and buses arriving and departing off schedule. All of us rely on public transportation to get where we need to go, and we can’t accept gaps in service, especially while the regular modes of transportation are unavailable. I have brought these problems to the attention of WMATA leadership and will continue to work with them to address issues as they arise.
Ward 4 Drug Free Zones
This week, MPD announced several new drug free zones in Ward 4, which will remain active until Monday, 6/10 at 8am. Here are the boundaries of the drug free zones that are currently in effect:
- 900 block of Upshur Street, NW, between Georgia Avenue, NW and Kansas Avenue, NW
- 4000 – 4100 blocks of Georgia Avenue, NW
- 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW
- 4000 – 4100 blocks of Kansas Avenue, NW
The creation of these drug free zones was authorized by the Secure DC omnibus bill in March and allows MPD to order individuals to disperse from the zone if an officer “reasonably believes” the person is there to commit a drug offense. There’s still much we don’t know about the impact of these policies as no comprehensive data has been released, but it remains imperative that we enforce illegal drug offenses, no matter the area, while continuing to push beyond enforcement to address the underlying causes.
Celebrating Pride this Weekend
Pride Month is in full swing, with events happening throughout Ward 4 and DC over the next few weeks. This weekend in particular will be an exciting one for Ward 4, as we have two major Pride events happening in the community on Sunday.
From 10am to noon on Sunday, the third annual Petworth Pride in the Park celebration will be taking place in Sherman Circle. And from 10am to 2pm, Takoma Pride will be kicking off at with a parade starting at the TPSS Co-op on 201 Ethan Allen Ave, and finishing at the Takoma Pride Street Fair on Laurel Ave. Both will include activities for all ages, including live performances from Ward 4 icon Tara Hoot!
One of my favorite things about Pride is how much it brings out the spirit of our community — one of welcoming, celebration of differences, and dedication to taking down barriers to equality. I can’t wait to celebrate with you all this weekend!
Community Resources
Emory Beacon of Light Food Distribution
On Saturday, June 8th, from 9 to 11am, the Emory United Methodist Church will be distributing food to community members in need. The event will take place at the Emory United Methodist Church at 6100 Georgia Ave NW. Register here.
DDOT Presentation on Grant Circle
On June 17th at 7pm, DDOT will be presenting their revised traffic safety plan for Grant Circle at Center City PCS in Petworth (510 Webster St NW). This meeting, organized by ANC 4C, will give community members the opportunity to hear directly from DDOT about their proposed changes to address traffic safety concerns in and around the circle. (Note: this event was postponed from its prior date of June 5th.)
DCPS Afterschool Program Registration
Registration opened this week for afterschool programs for the 2024-25 school year. These programs provide students with academic support, a free meal or snack, and a variety of enrichment activities provided by DCPS teachers, paraprofessionals, and partner organizations across 10 schools in Ward 4. To learn more and register your student, click here.
OAG Community-Based Grant Programs
The Office of the Attorney General is currently seeking proposals from non-profit community-based organizations interested in operating the FY25 Cure the Streets, Domestic Workers Employment Rights, Leaders of Tomorrow: Youth Violence Prevention, and Workplace Rights grant program. OAG will be holding virtual and in-person pre-solicitation conferences to discuss application requirements, program guidelines and to answer questions about each grant program. Click here to see the full schedule of meetings.
DPR Summer Programs
Registration is open for DPR’s summer programs! These programs are geared towards people of all ages, and include programs for yoga, theater, nature photography, aquatics, and so much more. Additionally, reduced rates are available for qualifying families. Check out the full list of programs and register here!
DPW Helping Hand Neighborhood Clean-Up
Each year from March 1st to October 1st, DPW supports community groups organizing Saturday neighborhood clean-up projects through the Helping Hand Program. The program lends toolkits with five rakes and brooms, two shovels, and 20 trash bags. DPW will send trucks to collect the bagged trash and a SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) inspector will collect the tool kit. To receive an application for a Helping Hand toolkit for your neighborhood clean-up project, contact the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311.
DPR Boost Camps
Registration is open for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Summer Boost Camps! Boost Camps are specialty enrichment camps geared toward tweens ages 11-13. Each day is a combination of enrichment and social-emotional learning with additional access to physical activities like swimming, dance, and group fitness. There will also be time for arts and crafts, games, puzzles, and free play. Click here for more details and to register.
Apply for Tuition Support from DC
Applications are open 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!
Free Counseling Services for Medicaid Recipients
Olive Tree Counseling Services provides District youth and families with mental and behavioral health supports and offers convenient telehealth visits without the lengthy delay for appointments. This is a free service funded via Medicaid. Olive Tree takes a trauma informed approach with licensed professionals expanding access and reducing barriers to assistance with continuity across the patient’s medical care including family therapy to strengthen the family unit. Learn more on Olive Tree’s website here.
Neighborhood Events
Barnard PTA Yard Sale
Today, June 7th, from 3 to 6pm and Saturday June 8th, from 9am to 12pm, the Barnard Elementary School PTA will be hosting a yard sale. Shop for toys, books, baby/kid/adult clothes, housewares and other treasures, all at low prices! Proceeds support the Barnard PTA’s work, including making sure all our families have warm clothes, a “librarian’s fund” so every kid can get a book at the book fair, school garden, meeting our teachers’ needs, refreshments at academic events, and much more.
Fourth District Movie Night
MPD’s Fourth District Outreach team will be hosting a movie night at the Fourth District Station, at 6001 Georgia Ave. NW (North Lawn), tonight, June 7th at 8:30 pm. The movie will be “Finding Nemo”. Attendees are advised to bring their own seats on the grass so please bring either blankets or foldable chairs. See you there!
Strawberry Festival at St. Paul’s Rock Creek
Join St. Paul’s Rock Creek Episcopal Church on Saturday, June 8th from 4 to 8pm for their 156th Annual Strawberry Festival! The Strawberry Festival will be at the St. Paul’s Center located at 201 Allison St NW on St. Paul’s grounds. There will be pony rides, moon bounce, crafts and games, and cemetery walking tours. Food will be for sale including delicious BBQ and of course… strawberries!
Jazz at the Parks at Walter Reed
On Saturday, June 8th, come to the Great Lawn at The Parks at Walter Reed for the ever-popular Jazz in The Parks! Bring your neighbors and friends for the city’s favorite laid-back summer evenings. Bring your own picnic, blanket and refreshments, and enjoy popular local food vendors and giveaways. The events start at 5pm with a children’s performer (get ready to dance!), followed at 6pm by the headliners.
MacFarland MS PTO Meeting
The MacFarland Middle School Parent Teacher Organization invites any families considering or planning to attend MacFarland next year to join on June 11th from 6 to 7pm for the festive final meeting of the school year! This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow parents, share ideas, and learn more about how you can get involved in supporting the school. Families can attend in person at the MacFarland library, or virtually. To receive the virtual meeting link, email macfarlandmspto@gmail.com.
Live Jazz on Kennedy Street
Over the next few months, Home Rule Records will be organizing monthly live jazz performances on the 700 block of Kennedy Street NW, with sponsorship from Uptown Main Street, DSLBD, Realtor Eddie Suarez, and others. Performances will be continuing through September with free live jazz performances each month. The next performance is on June 12th at 7pm with saxophonist Elijah Easton!
Summer in the Parks at Carter Barron
Every Thursday evening in June, Rock Creek Park and Rock Creek Conservancy will be hosting free, family-friendly events at Carter Barron. Come out and join us for music, fun-for-all-ages games, and activities. The next event will be on Thursday, June 13th, from 6 to 8pm. Learn more and register here.
Defend Yourself Bystander Training
On Saturday, June 15th at 1:30pm, join ANC 4B for an empowering bystander training session at the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library! Learn practical skills to intervene safely and effectively in situations of harassment or violence. This in-person event will equip you with the tools and confidence to make a difference in your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to defend yourself and others. Learn more and register here. The event will also have a virtual option. To log in, click here.
Home Rule Music Festival
The third annual Home Rule Music Festival is just around the corner! The main event is an all-day outdoor, family-friendly music festival that includes a Youth Village with kid-focused activities and games, a Record Fair with local shops and vendors, superb food trucks and drink vendors, and of course terrific live jazz and go-go music. You can get your free tickets for June 22nd at The Parks at Walter Reed here. Mark your calendars to celebrate the best of Washington, D.C.’s music and culture!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: PSA: Beware scam police phone calls
Washingtonian: Meet the Kids Behind the Movement to Designate an Official DC Amphibian
WTOP: Should this salamander be the District’s official amphibian?
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Qualia Coffee Wednesdays at Hellbender
Next Stop…Riggs Park: ANC 5A06 & 5A07 Seats Vacant Rest of Year
The Washington Post: Rhizome is D.C.’s best music venue. And now it’s here to stay.
Chevy Chase News and Notes: May 2024 Issue
Tzedek DC: Director Ariel Levinson-Waldman Awarded 2024 Kutak-Dodds Prize
This week, there were reports of scam calls from a person contacting residents claiming to be a DC police officer and mentioning a warrant for their arrest. If you receive this call, hang up immediately and contact MPD to report it. Thank you to Drew Schneider of Petworth News, who brought this incident to the community’s attention yesterday.
On Thursday, registration opened for DCPS afterschool programs for the 2024-25 school year. Shortly after registration opened, DCPS’s website experienced malfunctions for a period of time, and some families were unable to register their kids. The website is now back up, and I encourage all Ward 4 families to sign their students up for these amazing programs for next school year!
There is something happening in nearly every neighborhood in the Ward this week, from outdoor movie nights, to yard sales, to live music. Make sure to check out the full list above and stop by some of these amazing events!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
