November 22, 2015

Funny cabbie, here's your pic!

November 22, 2015/ Drew

When I was at 7th and Decatur taking pictures around Sherman Circle yesterday, a city taxi drove up to the corner and started calling out to me. I realized he was saying "Take my pic!"

I went to oblige him when I noticed, sitting right above him on the roof, was his snack: a container of red grapes. "You might want this first," I said, grinning and handing it to him. He was totally confused at first, then he laughed.

"You're the Petworth News guy, right?" he said, "Yeah, I know you. I live right up there, a few streets back!"

We both had a good laugh, and I took his picture as he offered me a grape to share. Unfortunately, another car came along and I didn't get the chance to ask him his name, but he wanted to see his picture. So, here's your picture funny cab man!

November 22, 2015

New bookstore coming to Park View in December

November 22, 2015/ Drew

I heard from Brightwood resident Pablo Sierra today that he's opening a new, family-focused bookstore in Park View called Walls of Books. As an avid reader (and admitted Kindle addict), I'm thrilled at the idea of another hardcopy bookstore opening up in the area.

Learn more about the bookstore, after the break:

November 21, 2015

A terrible assault and a group of neighbors working for change

November 21, 2015/ Drew

I heard from two readers that there was an assault and attempted robbery in the early evening of November 19th just above Sherman Circle at 7th and Decatur, so I spent time trying to figure out what happened since it didn't appear in MPD's email crime stats. Here’s what I’ve pieced together from multiple sources about the assault.

Read about what happened, and what happened next, after the break:

November 19, 2015

Notes from ANC 4D November meeting

November 19, 2015/ Drew

The November meeting of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4D was a good evening, with all commissioners in attendance. ANC 4D has $12,572.80 in the bank — a big deal for 4D that shows their frugality with extraneous expenses has paid off. They've drastically reduced the amount of rent they pay and have decreased other office expenses. Now it’s time to give out some grants!

Read more from the ANC 4D meeting after the break:

November 17, 2015

Get your dance on and help support the Petworth Dance Project

November 17, 2015/ Drew

Sara Herrera-Kopetchny, who started the Petworth Dance Project this past summer, is looking for ways to bring the dance and non-dancing communities together, while supporting the Project. Her solution is a dance class series for all levels to enjoy. And while you dance and enjoy, you also get to help fund the 2016 season. Pretty cool. And it starts this Friday, Nov 20th at 7:30pm.

Learn more about the dance classes for everyone -- and how you can support this great Project >

November 14, 2015

A calmer evening: Notes from November ANC 4C meeting

November 14, 2015/ Drew

The November meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4C was, at least from the commissioners point of view, a calmer meeting than last time. Perhaps having the executive director of the Office of ANCs, Gottlieb Simon, watching with a video camera recording the proceedings helped. From what I hear though, the behind-the-scenes communications between the commissioners continues to be fraught with anger and accusations. Upon his own request, the ANC decided not to accept Taalib-Din Uqdah's resignation as Secretary and he remains in that position.

Read the full notes and see lots of pictures, after the break...

November 13, 2015

What's up with those lights? Getting a headcount of the nocturnal among us...

November 13, 2015/ Drew

Don't panic at the bright lights! Starting tonight and continuing tomorrow evening, the Fisheries and Wildlife Division (FWD) of the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will be conducting a nighttime survey of wildlife population in the area. They'll be driving around the area with spotlights looking in trees and around properties looking for deer, raccoons, foxes and other nocturnal animals...

Read more about the lights >

November 12, 2015

Resident calls about gunshots on Delafield lead to quick arrests

November 12, 2015/ Drew

I heard from several readers last night via Twitter about the sound of 7-9 gunshots near Delafield and Emerson Streets just past 11pm. No one was injured but several vehicles on the 4900 block of 7th St NW were struck by bullets.

Because of great police work and concerned citizens contacting 911, MPD was able to apprehend two individuals for gun and drug possession. Below is an edited version of what happened:

At approximately 11:18pm / 11:30pm, MPD received a call for "Sounds of Gunshots" in the 400 block of Delafield Place NW. Officers quickly responded and observed a dark colored SUV making a U-turn in the block. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle fled. The vehicle was observed coming through the rear alley of the 800 block of Crittenden St NW.

Officers observed a black male park the vehicle and flee through the rear alley of the 800 block of Crittenden/Decatur. A perimeter was established and a K9 unit was called.

A concerned neighbor stated that there was a man hiding in the backyard of Crittenden St NW. Canine units responded and located two suspects hiding in the yard. A gun dog was able to locate a Taurus Semi Automatic hand gun in the rear of a house on the 800 block of Crittenden St. under a trashcan.

An examination of the vehicle produced two eight-balls of crack cocaine.

Again, great work by MPD! And thanks to Marta, Brian, Zak and José for letting me know and for MPD leadership getting back to me so quickly.

November 08, 2015

Getting a taste of Alfie's Thai cuisine - a pop-up dinner with Alex McCoy

November 08, 2015/ Drew

I had the pleasure of going to a pop-up dinner hosted by Alex McCoy, the former Food Network Star competitor opening up the new Alfie's restaurant at 845 Upshur St NW. It gave me the opportunity to taste some of the dishes we should expect to see when Alfie's opens.

Read more about the dinner, the expected date of opening, see pics and more, after the break:

November 03, 2015

Draft ANC 4C agenda for November

November 03, 2015/ Drew

The following agenda is for the TUESDAY, November 10, 2015 public meeting of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4C. The agenda, which is set during an executive committee meeting, is referred to as the “draft” agenda until adopted by the majority of Commissioners at its official meeting

Read the full agenda, after the break:

November 03, 2015

Make a holiday card & make a vet happy!

November 03, 2015/ Drew

It's that time of year again! We are collecting handmade holiday cards for the residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home here in Petworth. This is a great activity to do with your kids or students -- or with your friends

Read more about AFRH holiday cards...

October 30, 2015

Notes from PSA 404/407 meeting

October 30, 2015/ Drew

The Police Service Area meeting for MPD PSAs 404 and 407 was crowded with more than 20 residents. That’s good and bad — it’s bad since it’s usually crowded when there’s strong concern about ongoing crime in the neighborhood. On the other hand, it was great to see so many neighbors out discussing their concerns and giving MPD praise for their hard work.

The new PSA 407 manager, Lieutenant Anthony Washington, introduced himself to residents at the meeting. Lt Raul Figueras, the PSA 404 manager was in attendance, as was Sergeant Schaut from 407.

Read the full notes, after the break: