December 15, 2015

Walls of Books is your next neighborhood bookstore

December 15, 2015/ Drew

Besides staying up late to write blog posts, I also stay up way too late to read. For me, being in a bookstore, surrounded by books of all shapes, colors and sizes is a favorite past-time. I even managed a bookstore back in college for a few years. That’s why I was an early Kickstarter supporter of our first, very excellent neighborhood bookstore, Upshur Street Books. And it’s why I’m really interested and excited about the new Park View bookstore opening in January, Walls of Books.

December 15, 2015

Get your holiday dance on while supporting the Petworth Dance Project

December 15, 2015/ Drew

Whether you’re a fan of exercise, dancing or just the Petworth Dance Project, there’s a great way to support all three!

Petworth resident Sara Herrera is offering specially themed dance classes for the beginner and the dance diva, set up similar to Zumba, where choreography will be repeated with each song, so plenty of time to master the moves. The next class is Friday, December 18th at 7:30pm at Crossfit Petworth.

December 12, 2015

Photo gallery from successful Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair

December 12, 2015/ Drew

The Upshur Street Art and Craft Fair was packed -- the sidewalks along the north side of the 800 block of Upshur were filled with vendors selling handmade art, and people browsing and buying. See a photo gallery.

December 11, 2015

Ruta del Vino overview; owners craft settlement agreement

December 11, 2015/ Drew

Ruta del Vino is the new Latin American wine bar and restaurant coming to 800-802 Upshur Street NW in Petworth. The restaurant takes over the space previously occupied by the Riyad inconvenience store.

Justin Logan, one of the co-owners, met with 4C Commissioner John-Paul Hayworth and a few community members this week to talk through Ruta del Vino's settlement agreement. The agreement is needed for the restaurant to obtain a liquor license from ABRA, and helps establish a rapport and commitment with the community.

December 10, 2015

Don't miss the Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair on Saturday

December 10, 2015/ Drew

A lot of work has gone into Saturday's Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair, and from the list of music performers, artists, crafters and food vendors, it's gonna be a great event.

December 08, 2015

New development at 3701 New Hampshire gets approved

December 08, 2015/ Drew

The Zoning Board had its final hearing today about the redevelopment of 3701 New Hampshire Avenue. This is the former location of Sweet Mango Cafe, which went into foreclosure in March 2015. It was purchased by Rooney Properties, who have plans to raze the existing structure and build a 21-unit apartment building.

December 07, 2015

MPD steps up to the plate on Upshur Street

December 07, 2015/ Drew

School has been out since Thursday, December 3rd, with students returning to school today. Thursday was also the day a Powell Elementary 2nd grader was struck by a car as he darted across Upshur Street (reportedly with only minor injuries as a result).

With the return of students to Powell came the return of double-parked parents, people who apparently refuse to care about the dangers this action poses, not respecting others. This "me first" attitude is causing havoc on Upshur and Taylor, resulting in damaged vehicles and the potential for a more serious tragedy.

Waiting behind one of the double-parked cars this morning was an MPD SUV. But the officers weren't enforcing the law, they were waiting for the parent to off-load children before driving on, having taken no action.

So I contacted MPD leadership and received a quick response.

December 06, 2015

Petworth's own local holiday market: 10th Annual Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair (updated)

December 06, 2015/ Drew

This Saturday, December 12th on Upshur Street is the 10th Annual Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair, from 11:00am until 4:00pm along the 800 block of Upshur Street NW. Petworth News is one of the sponsors.

See a list of events and vendors, after the break:

December 05, 2015

Holiday book sale at the Petworth Library

December 05, 2015/ Drew

The Friends of Petworth Library is having a book sale at the library next Saturday, December 12th.

Stop by and find some really amazing deals on books, CDs and movies. Your money goes to support the non-profit Friends group. Win win.

December 04, 2015

Pics of the Upshur Holiday Window displays

December 04, 2015/ Drew

Tonight was the Holiday Windows event down on Upshur Street. I arrived late, but when I got there Willow Fashion was packed with people enjoying holiday snacks and what looked like some pretty good cheer.

Pics and more after the break:

December 04, 2015

Enjoy a Holiday Windows celebration tonight on Upshur Street

December 04, 2015/ Drew

It's getting to be Tis' the Season, and the Upshur Street businesses are celebrating with a Holiday Windows celebration. Come down to Upshur this evening at 6pm to stroll along the street and see the window displays, designed by local and well-known artists.

December 02, 2015

ANC 4C draft agenda for December meeting

December 02, 2015/ Drew

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission for 4C meets next week, Wednesday, December 9th at 6:30pm at the Petworth Library (4200 Kansas Avenue NW).

December 01, 2015

Leonardo Dorcett: helping to make a better neighborhood

December 01, 2015/ Drew

I'd like to introduce you to Leonardo Dorcett, a gentleman whom I've come to respect and appreciate, and someone who I believe deserves recognition for his work in the community. Work that most people don't know about.

This is the first Petworth News Video, a partnership between myself and another Petworth resident, Justin Dent. Our goal with this new video series is to shine a spotlight on the people, places and events that help make Petworth a great neighborhood, and who often go overlooked. We hope you get to know Leonardo and the other people we'll feature, and have a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes to make Petworth a better neighborhood for us all.

If you know someone you believe is a change maker in the community who might be interested in being interviewed, please submit a nomination.