February 21, 2016

Security camera rebates begin, just not for Petworth (updated: now it does!)

February 21, 2016/ Drew

When it was first announced, the idea behind the “Private Security Camera Incentive Program” was if you buy an outdoor security camera, DC would provide a rebate to cover the cost. All residents, businesses and churches were eligible — but now that the program launched this week, it seems not everyone is eligible, especially if you live in Petworth.

February 10, 2016

FD/EMS Medical Director resigns with a letter outlining dire issues

February 10, 2016/ Drew

In a scathingly critical letter that outlines the ongoing problems in DC's Fire and EMS system, Medical Director Jullette Saussy resigned her position as Assistant Fire Chief. The letter, dated January 29th and sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser, provides insight into the problems that are making the emergency medical response ability of the District not only ineffective, but life-threatening.

November 20, 2015

What happens when you call 911 or 311: An evening with the Office of Unified Communications

November 20, 2015/ Drew

I was invited to attend a tour of the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) along with MPD’s 2nd Cohort of the Community Engagement Academy. The OUC handles all 911 and 311 calls in DC, so when you call to report a crime or a broken street light, the call goes to a modern-looking building at 2720 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE.

We met the new OUC Chief Operating Officer and acting Director, Jeff Wobbleton. In the position for 11 weeks, he said his focus is on customer service and fixing the broken or ineffective processes and policies.

Read more about the OUC, after the break:

Live music, dancing, fitness, and a giant book sale: The Parks at Walter Reed

Summer isn’t over yet! The Parks at Walter Reed has a full lineup of family-friendly neighborhood events coming up from August and into November, including free concerts, outdoor fitness classes, dancing, flea markets, community festivals and a massive used book sale.

Lincoln's Cottage hosts free events for America’s 250th

The Cottage is hosting a series of fun, informative and free events for the neighborhood and friends to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday and shine a light on civic mindfulness.

Porchfest is Saturday, May 30th — get ready!

Petworth Porchfest kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, May 30th with 430 bands from 31 different musical genres playing on 164 porches across greater Petworth neighborhoods.

Check out 3 ways to find great Petworth Porchfest music on 5/30

Petworth Porchfest 2026 will feature more than 400 bands performing on over 150 porches. That’s a lot of free music within walking distance! This year, organizers have launched three new tools to explore the neighborhood and find the musicians, genres and porch locations for all the music and bands.

Take advantage of the DC Security Camera Rebate Program (updated)

Here’s how to take advantage of DC's Private Security Camera System Incentive Program. DC offers up to $500 to residents and up to $750 for businesses and churches to cover the hardware costs. Article includes background, how to sign up and camera suggestions.

The Parks at Walter Reed brings a full season of fitness, music, markets and community events

The Parks at Walter Reed has announced a packed calendar of events stretching from spring through late fall ensuring the Great Lawn and plaza remain the beating heart of Uptown. The calendar mixes free fitness classes, live music, cultural programming and fan-favorite markets. All events are free (or low-cost for fitness), all-ages and welcoming to all.