July 21, 2015

"A 2-year process for DDOT"

July 21, 2015/ Drew

While at a community event this evening, I met and spoke with DDOT Director Leif Dormsjo about some resident concerns that I've heard recently, as well as the issue of how DDOT conducts traffic safety analyses.

You may not know this, but Leif Dormjso is new to the job. He's been the Director of the DC Department of Transportation for only six months and already has a full schedule of work and changes identified. "There's a lot to do fix the department and make it more effective than it has been," he said. "I think it's a 2-year process for DDOT to improve."

I brought up the concern outlined in my article that DDOT may not be using the most complete set of traffic collision data possible. Mr Dormjso told me he read the article, "I agree with you," he said. "I don't think we're getting all the information we should be. It's something that I'm working to fix."

Read my full impromptu interview with DDOT's Director:

July 21, 2015

All I can think about is Tonka

July 21, 2015/ Drew

I was watching DPW working in the alley this morning, clearing out the old concrete (they're all about Alleypalooza and what not).

First they used a massive jackhammer to drill holes into the concrete, then they brought in the excavator to dig up said concrete, carting it away in a large dump truck.

All the things I loved when I was a kid. You know, big trucks making a lot of loud rumbling noise, shaking the house and breaking things apart? Yes!

July 20, 2015

Is DDOT using incomplete data for traffic safety analysis?

July 20, 2015/ Drew

While researching the article about the stop signs needed at Quincy Street and Kansas Avenue, I realized there might be a disconnect with how DDOT determines traffic safety measures for specific areas of the District.

From my interviews with MPD and DDOT as well as my own research, it seems that DDOT may be making traffic safety decisions based on analysis of incomplete crash data. The only way to know for sure is to have DDOT take a closer look at their reporting and analysis methodology.

Read the full article to learn more about my research into DDOT crash reporting and possible analysis issues:

July 14, 2015

Prince of Petworth moves out of Petworth... and?

July 14, 2015/ Drew

With the Prince of Petworth no longer living in Petworth, I've been repeatedly asked by people, and a couple of DC media outlets, over the past two days if I see this as an opportunity to "take over the Petworth blogging scene." First thing I'll say, as I've always said, is that Dan and I aren't rivals, and I don't believe our blogs compete. Others may disagree.

Read my full thoughts after the break:

July 01, 2015

There is such a thing as a free lunch

July 01, 2015/ Drew

There are many ways to help your neighbor, especially if getting a balanced meal for a child is a problem. To help, the DC government has a program called DC Free Summer Meals Program (FSMP) that offers free breakfast and lunch to all persons under age 18 who stop by the Petworth Rec Center (8th & Taylor NW). They serve meals Monday through Friday.

The program runs June through August with most sites opening June 22 and closing August 22. Meal times and dates vary by location.

Hunger doesn’t take a summer break.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), known in Washington, DC as the DC Free Summer Meals Program (FSMP), provides reimbursement for free nutritious meals and snacks served to children 18 and younger. These meals help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school.

When school is out, the meals served as a part of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are not available, and due to families' limited budgets, or other circumstances, children will often miss wholesome meals. The FSMP fills this gap and parents benefit from some help in stretching their food dollars and by knowing that their children are receiving healthy meals in a supportive environment.

The Free Summer Meals Program has served over 1 million meals to children and youth in the District of Columbia in the past three summers.

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.

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