June 23, 2015

Youth Summit on rights & law enforcement

June 23, 2015/ Drew

So this is pretty interesting, and frankly, is something that everyone should attend. The USAO's office (United States Attorney's Office) is holding its 5th Annual United States Attorney's Office Youth Summit. The summit focuses on educating youth about understanding their rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement. The goal is to teach kids how to deal with the police so that interactions don't escalate. Read more for details:

June 15, 2015

Curbing the danger of speeding cars

June 15, 2015/ Drew

There's been a lot of conversation around the neighborhood and recently on area listservs about pedestrian safety conditions at Grant Circle. The most common complaint is that drivers fail to stop for people trying to walk across the circle.

People have told stories about walking across with their kids, have a car stop to wait for them, only to have another car come zipping around the first and almost hitting the pedestrians.

Residents have been asking for DDOT and Ward leadership to made changes to the Circle for years, and there is a plan that might help increase safety for pedestrians... Read the full article and see pictures of a proposed solution after the break:

June 03, 2015

A historic sleepover at the National Archives

June 03, 2015/ Drew

History, Heroes & Treasures: The National Archives Sleepover

Ever wanted to sleep with history? Well, maybe you can!

The National Archives is doing a "sleepover" for kids 8-12 years old to experience the museum at night and learn about history. It sounds cool. It comes at a price, though: $125 per person. At least you'll be able to say not only do you know the Constitution, but you've slept with it.

Have you ever wondered what happens in a museum after the building closes and the lights go out? Now’s your chance!

Join the National Archives for a special sleepover at the National Archives Museum in Washington DC, and spend the night next to America’s most precious treasures: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. (Cool, right?)

Throughout the night young explorers investigate some of the greatest adventures of all time through music, chats with historical figures, games, and more.

Have you ever wondered what happens in a museum after the building closes and the lights go out? Now's your chance! Join us for a special sleepover at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, and spend the night next to America's most precious treasures: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

When: July 25, 2015, 6:30pm Saturday until 8:30am Sunday
Where: National Archives Museum, Washington, DC
Price: $125 per attendee; $100 for Foundation members
Ages: Children 8-12 years old; Chaperones must be 21+

More information on the National Archives website.

Or, jump right to the registration page.

June 02, 2015

Brandon Todd's birthday bash at Sala Thai

June 02, 2015/ Drew

CM Brandon Todd held a birthday party at Sala Thai on Georgia Avenue this evening, and it was a full-house of supporters. He just turned 32 and is now on the DC Council: that's some accomplishment, and one that was extolled by several speakers. A couple of councilmembers attended the birthday celebration, including At-Large Councilmembers Vincent Orange and Anita Bonds (one of my favorites, very passionate, dedicated and such a genuine person) and Ward 7 CM Yvette Alexander. I'm quite sure there were more VIPs and dignitaries, but to be honest, it was crowded.

Read more and see lots of pics after the break:

June 02, 2015

CM Todd gets a birthday party & committee assignments

June 02, 2015/ Drew

Two updates on our new Councilmember, Brandon Todd.

First, he's celebrating his 32nd birthday tonight at 6:30pm-8:00pm at Sala Thai (3716 Georgia Ave NW) and is inviting the community to come join the party.

He also received his Council committee assignments:
- Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
- Education
- Transportation and the Environment

"I am looking forward to participating actively on these committees," said Councilmember Todd. "I will remain focused on my goals of ensuring government accountability, promoting business and economic development, and furthering our commitment to ensuring quality education for our children."

He also said he plans on attending the Petworth News Shindig on the 29th at Petworth Citizen. Hope you are too!

June 01, 2015

ANC Commissioner Joe Maloney resigns

June 01, 2015/ Drew

Alas, it seems Joe Maloney, ANC 4C Commissioner for 4C02 is resigning from the ANC. He and his family are moving out of the area. If you live in ANC 4C02 and are considering serving, they'll need a new commissioner. Joe sent an email to the 16th Street Heights listserv earlier today:

Read the full email after the break:

May 29, 2015

Free same day delivery for Amazon Prime members

May 29, 2015/ Drew

If you're an Amazon Prime member, the company is now offering same day delivery for orders above $35 (if under that, it's $5.99) if you live in DC. That's pretty cool.

Learn more at Amazon.com

May 26, 2015

Video of WW2 plane's emergency landing at Reagan National

May 26, 2015/ Drew

Did you watch the Arsenal of Democracy flyover on May 8th? If you did, then you saw one of the WW2 fighters, the TBM Avenger, peel off from formation as it was coming over the city and head south. The pilot of the TBM Avenger had to conduct an emergency landing at Reagan National airport due to a hydraulic fluid leak. He posted a video of the event on YouTube. It's pretty interesting.

In the video, you can see the pilot open the canopy wider as what appears to be smoke starts to fill his cockpit. The pilot thought his passenger had passed out (in fact, the passenger was looking at what he thought was a fire).

"A 1500 psi pinhole hydraulic leak vaporized in the cockpit, appeared like smoke, and prompted a decision to abort the flyover and land at Reagan DCA airport," text accompanying the video says

Use Pause for lessons learned. This is the Emergency Landing at DCA, Reagan National, of the Military Aviation Museum TBM Avenger during the 70th anniversary of VE Day, Arsenal of Democracy flyover. A 1500psi pinhole hydraulic leak vaporized in the cockpit, appeared like smoke, and prompted a decision to abort the flyover and land at Reagan DCA airport.

May 25, 2015

Memorial Day 2015

May 25, 2015/ Drew

Thank you to those who served and sacrificed for freedom. Today is about remembering who gave their last full measure to protect and defend.

May 23, 2015

Backward SUV, a helicopter and not acquiescing

May 23, 2015/ Drew

So I see police lights outside, and being the intrepid blogger that I am at 1am, went out to see what was happening. I found a DC Metro Transit Police SUV parked backwards at the bus stop around the 4200 block of New Hampshire Ave. An MPD PSA 407 patrol car rolled up, so I waited for them to talk with MTPD before I approached. Just me with a camera slung across my back, looking casual. At 1am.

A MTPD officer came up onto the sidewalk from the street, so I approached her and asked politely what was going on.

"What's it to you?" she said.

Full story after the break:

May 22, 2015

CM Brandon Todd's first communication (mainly who & whats)

May 22, 2015/ Drew

Newly elected Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd has sent out his first official communication. He shared a quick status update, but mainly a list of contact names and numbers for his office, including his new Director of Constituent Services, Jackson Carnes.

Councilmember Todd's full email and info is after the break:

May 21, 2015

Summer may be hot, but winter should be cool

May 21, 2015/ Drew

Even though we're headed into what will probably be a hot hot summer, there's good news for winter time fun.

The US House of Representatives has passed a measure that would allow sledding at the Capitol grounds again (it basically instructs the Capitol Police to ignore a provision of the law).

From the DCist.com article:

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who lead the charge to allow sledding on Capitol Grounds, is stoked about the provision.

“Today the commonsense non-enforcement of the sledding ban on Capitol Hill, the way it has been for many years, is assured,” Norton said in a statement. “District of Columbia families can also pat themselves on the back for organizing strong community support for non-enforcement of the sledding ban. Now I will be working in the Senate to have them follow suit and ensure that our kids have a ball on America’s front lawn next snowfall.”

Source: DCist

May 13, 2015

Chief Cathy Lanier hosts crime meeting on Kennedy St violence

May 13, 2015/ Drew

I was invited to attend a crime briefing at MPD’s Joint Operations Command Center this morning with Chief Lanier, 4D leadership, Deputy City Administrator Kevin Donahue and about 20 other residents and various DC officials, including Councilmember-Elect Brandon Todd. The topic was recent crimes along the Kennedy Street corridor. Mr. Donahue opened the meeting and said the purpose was...