ANC2C02 Forum

DC's first legal "No-Leash" dog Park is located here in Shaw.

"It's been a long time coming," said Clark E. Ray, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Washington Gas reports that due to operator error a gas line has been damaged. 400 homes in the Shaw neighborhood are without service, area affected is from U Street to Rhode Island Ave NW and from 8th St. to Vermont Ave NW. Washington gas is going door to door making notifications to customers. Expected restoration time is within 24 hrs. additional gas crews are in route. Staging area is 931 R. St NW. HSEMA in route to scene.

Update:

If you live in the affected area, you might want to try to get home early, as Washington Gas will need access to your home in order to restore your service, re-ignite pilot lights, etc. There will be a door hanger on your door knob with the phone number you will need to call so that Washington Gas can come to your home.
— ANC2C01 Commissioner Alex Padro

Update 2:

Emergency Management officials have obtained space at the Kennedy Recreation Center to be used as a warming center. Kennedy is located at 1407 7th Street, Northwest. The Kennedy Recreation Center will remain open until all gas is restored. Cots, meals, water, and blankets are available.
Officials are surveying individual residences in the affected area to determine their heating needs. Many residents may be using alternate heating methods, such as space heaters. Fire officials remind that if space heaters are being used, at least three feet of space should be allowed around the heater. Also, if you leave the room, you should turn the heater off.
Fire officials also remind that if anyone ever smells an odor of natural gas, please call 9-1-1. If anyone is in need of medical transport, call 9-1-1.
Should residents have any questions for Washington Gas they are advised to call 703-750-4831.

6pm, Wednesday, November 19th
The Goethe Theater, 812 7th Street, NW

This presentation of "The Garden" will benefit the 7th Street Garden's fundraiser to prep their new site. Seasonal foods and drinks will be served. Check the America the Beautiful Fund's web site for tickets (Note: you must write in the Comment box that you are purchasing tickets for The Garden movie).

The Garden, and award winning documentary by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, features award winning actor and civil justice activist Danny Glover, among other community activists in a film that chronicles the complex and emotional story of the destruction of Los Angeles' South Central Farm.

You can view trailers of the movie here:
TheGardenMovie.com/trailer
WomensGardenCycles.wordpress.com/

5pm, Thursday, November 20
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, N.W.
Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis Board Room (South Building - East Mezzanine Level)

Come learn about the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and share your comments with key decision makers. A portion of the meeting is devoted to Citizen’s Participation, which is an opportunity to have your voice heard. Representatives from the Mayor’s office, City Council designees, and WCCA staff are routinely present to address issues such as traffic, parking, public safety, and event-related activities that may affect the community.

The WCCA serves as the official community liaison for the Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel which will have a Zoning Commission hearing on Monday next week.

6:30pm, Monday, November 24, 2008
Office of Zoning Hearing Room
441 4th Street NW, Suite 220-South

Although the District has not yet finalized plans for street closures and parking regulations for next January's Presidential Inauguration events, this might be a good opportunity for local residents to bring their concerns to the Advisory Committee so that they can pass along local questions or concerns to District officials. Between one million and five million visitors are expected to visit the District for Inaugural events. There are no Inaugural events currently listed on the Walter E Washington Convention Center's schedule or the Official Inaugural Events site, but past inaugural balls have been held at the DC Convention Center. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton has suggested that the Convention center be used as a satellite viewing venue for the swearing in ceremony.

TheOther35Percent gives a near daily update about LIfe in DC focussing on local government and neighborhoods, and the issues such as public safety, small businesses, neighborhood development, educational opportunity, nuisance properties, and good government. Bookmark the site and check it often for important developments in and around Ward 2 and across the city.

Among other important information about our area, it gives a heads up about the Nov. 24 Zoning Commission meeting on the plan for the Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel.

View of the future Washington Convention Center Hotel from Mount Vernon Square.

8am-8pm, Saturday, November 15th
5th Street Ace Hardware
1055 5th Street NW | (202) 682-4570

As noted by Si at LifeInMVSNA and MVT Bill, 5th Street Hardware, at CityVista, is having a one day bag sale. Savy shoppers will get 20% off everything you fit into one paper shopping bag (Power tools and small appliances are 10% off.).

A big bag full of batteries might be a bit heavy, so bring your shopping carts.

DCBOEE has updated ANC2C Election Day results today with absentee ballots. Mr Thorpe gained more absentee ballots (+61) than I did (+31), but I still hold a 25 vote lead (down from the 55 vote spread from Nov. 4). These leaves the current margin at 2.74%; if the margin of victory is less than 1% of the total votes cast, the Board of Elections and Ethics shall conduct an automatic recount according to § 3-815.

These results are not yet official since it looks as if "provisional/special" ballots still need to be tallied. Other ANC2C updated results still show an advantage for Nov. 4 winners. The certification of Nov. 4 results is expected next Tuesday, but the certification date has not been officially announced.

Dates yet to be announced:

• Certification of November 4, 2008 General Election results. [D.C. Official Code § 1-1001.05(a)(11)].
• Deadline to file challenge to certification of election results [D.C. Official Code § 11001.11(b)(1) (within 7 days after the certification)].
• Deadline to request a recount of the election [D.C. Official Code § 1-1001.11(a)(1) (within 7 days after the certification)].

Provisional (or "Special Ballots") according to DCBOEE rules are used when:

• Your name is not on the voter registration list but you believe you are a registered voter and eligible to vote in this election and in this polling place.
• You applied to vote absentee but did not receive your absentee ballot in the mail.
• You are physically unable to vote at your assigned precinct because of age or disability.
• You believe the voter registration list is incorrect.
• You have moved and are updating your address information.
• Your right to vote has been challenged by the Precinct Captain, by a registered voter, or by the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics for administrative reasons.
• You are a first-time voter who registered by mail but you did not bring the required documents with you.

6:30 - 8:00 pm, Thursday November 13
PSA 308 Meeting
Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th St NW

If you plan to attend this meeting and have specific concerns about crime in the area, please contact PSA 308 Lt. Micah Pate, micah.pate ]at[ dc.gov, so he can be prepared to answer your questions.

6-8pm, Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (Download program)
Scott Montgomery Elementary School & KIPP DC: WILL Academy
421 P Street NW, Washington DC 20001 | (202) 673-7245

When a lot of people get together and do small things, they can make great things happen. Warm thanks to Scott Mongtomery's Media Specialist and Librarian, Frances Evangelista, other teachers and staff, and to local community supporters and liaisons who helped to make this happen. This is a great event that began earlier this year for students and their families and any local kids who enjoy reading. It's great to be a part of these events and I look forward to many more in the future. Tonight, I'll be joined by ANC2C04 Commissioner-Elect Theresa Sule who's son at KIPP DC will be receiving an award.

Tonight's event will feature a shoutout to readers from the principals, award presentations, a Free Bookstore, dinner, literacy art activity to make and take home, family portraits in front of book, shelves, digital storytelling and podcasts.

November has been a good month for the school. The successful Politics & Prose book drive and donations from the Capital's hockey charity go a long way to support events and activities like the Reading Night.

Local Contributors
Safeway
Chef Jean Claude Le Lan
Good Libations Wines & Spirits
The7thStreetGarden.squarespace.com
ThinkFoodGroup.com (Jaleo, Café Atlantico, Oyamel, Zaytinya)

Communiity Liaisons
ANC2C04 Commissioner-Elect Theresa Sule
The Convention Center Community Association
The Downtown Neighborhood Association
Friends of Scott Montgomery

The majority of books were provided by
First Book FirstBook.org
Hyperion Books for Children

Other donors of books and raffle items
Simon & Schuster
Daedalus Books
Target
Timberland
Harcourt Brace
Penguin Books
Steptoe & Johnson
The National Zoo
Politics & Prose Bookstore and Café

Update to fundraising effort, Monday, Nov. 10:

The librarian/media specialist at Scott Montgomery wanted me to extend her thanks to the members of the community who supported the school's book drive at Politics and Prose bookstore. The event was a huge success adding over $2,000 $3,000 in new books to the Scott Montgomery library. Apparently, more than half of that amount came from contributions and purchases from patrons which complimented the generous contributions of the sponsor, Steptoe & Johnson.

I'd also like to extend my thanks to those who supported the students in our community.

Many of you may have noticed that students from Scott Montgomery have been walking to the Kennedy Recreation Center on school days for recess and breaks. This will be the case until the new school annex is completed sometime in May 2009. I'd appreciate it if neighbors would be extra careful when driving in the area, following traffic signs, and keeping a look out for local kids.

I've been working with Scott Montgomery and their Safe Routes to School program to look at ways to provide more traffic calming measures around the school. This week's discussion focussed options such as extended curbs and raised and more visible cross walks.

In regard to public safety, I would like to point out that residents of Second Northwest Coop and Mark Bjorge, from the Mayors office, have been working to bring speed humps to the streets around the Coop. These new traffic calming features were installed on Friday.

New speed humps installed on Friday, Nov. 7 around 2nd NW Coop.

1812 Fifth Street NW
Price: $799,000
List date: October 2, 2008
Taxes are $5,157.94 annually

This 4BR, 3.5 BA, 3000 sq ft. home will be open this weekend for anyone interested in just how much 3/4 of a million dollars can buy in Shaw these days. . There is potential for 2 car off street parking in the back and an English basement rental unit.

420 Ridge Street NW
Price: $879,500
List date: October 29, 2008
Taxes: 3508.56 annually

This Mt Vernon Square home with 4 BR, 4FB, is also on view this weekend.

Saturday & Sunday, November 8 & 9, 2008
Washington, D.C. Hosts Fifth Annual Green Festival
Walter E Washington Convention Center

Busboys and Poets owner (and a local business owner hero to many) Andy Shallal will be one of the guest speakers that will include national figures such as Cornell West and The Nation Editor/Publisher/Owner Katrina Vanden Heuvel. Be sure to check out some of the great exhibits on national and local environmentally friendly initiatives. Folks who bike to the convention center will be able to get discounts on entry and have the luxury of using the free bike valet service. There will also be a Memorial Bike ride tonight to kick off the festival starting at 8pm at 11th & K Streets NW. See details below.

Andy Shallal: Social Entrepreneurship: A Washington, DC Story

The founder of the region’s most exciting eateries will discuss how he combines social justice, a diverse crowd and great food at three locations in the DC area. From providing a space for art and books you won’t find at area chains to his long-standing commitment to peace cafes, Shallal will address the whys and whats of combining social justice and good business practices.

Green Festival will provide a complimentary bike valet in room 102B. Arrive green and receive a discount on the Green Festival registration fee with the valid token.

Once again, the good folks at College Park Bicycles and Mt. Airy Bicycles, in cooperation with Hosteling International’s Potomac Council will be hosting this year’s bike valet. Visit Bike123.com. Green Festival wants to extend a special thank you to Larry Black!

Cyclists are invited to the Annual Moonlight Memorial bike ride in DC the Friday before Green Festival. Join College Park Bicycles and Mt. Airy Bicycles on Friday, November 7, 2008 for refreshments, fun, and great company info on bike Bike123.com. Meet at 11th and K St. at 8 pm.

ANC 2C: Free at Last!
If Tuesday’s poll results hold, “Mahdi” Leroy Joseph Thorpe Jr.’s reign of insanity over the affairs over Shaw’s advisory neighborhood commission 2C will be over. ... The 2-2 stalemate appears to have been broken, barring an absentee-ballot-fueled miracle.

After a hard fought campaign and a historic election, change is coming to our country, our city and to ANC 2C.

The unofficial results indicate that my colleagues ANC 2C01 Commissioner Alex Padro, ANC 2C03 Commissioner Doris Brooks and I all won re-election and Theresa Sule was elected to represent ANC 2C04. I wish all of ANC 2C candidates well, especially Jessica Lanza who was unsuccessful in her bid to represent ANC 2C03.

It is my belief that ANC 2C will now become the functioning ANC that this great community deserves. We must be responsive and accountable to our constituents and motivate them to take a greater involvement in the direction of our ANC and the improvement of our community.

To all of those who voted for me, who made campaign donations, who bravely displayed my campaign signs, who helped put up signs, who talked to neighbors on my behalf, and in anyway supported my re-election campaign, words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for the support you have given me. I will do my best to live up to your expectations.

To those who did not vote for me, I extend my hand in friendship and promise you that I will represent your interest to the best of my abilities, be attentive to your concerns, and always be open to your constructive criticisms.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and the community to continue to move Shaw forward.

4:45 pm, Wednesday, November 5
Shaw Field, 1600 block of 11th Street NW (between Q and R Streets)

I am pleased to announce that Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Clark E. Ray, Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation will host a “leash-cutting” ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Shaw Dog Park, the District’s first off-leash public dog park, located at the Shaw Recreation Center field. The public is invited to attend, with or without dogs.

The 15,000 square foot dog park, which will allow dogs to run off leash behind fences, includes a separate dog run for smaller dogs under 25 pounds. Bag dispensers for collection of dog waste and trash receptacles are on site.

This is the second major 'first' at Shaw Rec. The city's first skate park opened in 2003 at Shaw Rec, replacing underutilized tennis courts. I, as the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in whose jurisdiction the Shaw Rec field is located, helped work with DPR to bring these innovative facilities to our neighborhood. Just as was the case with the Shaw Skate Park, the Shaw Dog Park will allow neighborhood residents to enjoy a healthy activity in a purpose built, conveniently located environment. Previously, dog walkers found themselves in confrontations with school principals and police officers when attempting to use other green spaces for canine recreation.

This facility would not have become a reality without the personal involvement of both Mayor Fenty and Councilmember Evans, who responded to my numerous requests for their intercession on a number of occasions when the integrity of the project appeared to be compromised. I'd also like to thank George Kassouf, founder of Dog Owners of Greater Shaw, for his years of engagement on this issue and his countless of hours of work on the citywide dog park initiative, as well as the many other DOGS members and the hundreds of community residents who supported this initiative.
In addition to Fenty and Ray, other guests invited to the opening include Jack Evans, Ward 2 Councilmember; Harry Thomas, Jr., Ward 5 Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation; Jim Graham, Ward 1 Councilmember; Dog Owners of Greater Shaw (DOGS); and Mary V. Jarvis, Director of Animal Welfare, Washington Animal Rescue League.

As part of their ongoing Meet Your Match campaign, the Washington Animal Rescue League will be at the opening event with adoptable puppies and dogs.

— Alexander M. Padro, Commissioner, ANC 2C01

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C Public Meeting
6:30pm, November 5, 2008
Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street NW

See the full agenda here.

At close to midnight, some ANC2C races were still too close to call with only 13.66 percent of registered voters' ballots counted, but with record turnout so far, Alex Padro seems to be a shoe in at this point. Absentee ballots have not been added to the tally at this point. Get the latest official count at DCBOEE.

More here.

By the close of polls, election-watchers estimated as many as 135m of the 188m registered had cast their ballots.
That would represent the largest percentage turnout in a US presidential election for 100 years.
— Financial Times

Between 9pm and 10pm this evening, shots were fired in the parking lot of the Kennedy Recreation Center on the 600 block of P Street NW. This block has been closed to traffic by the MPD.

Update: Police dogs are on the scene. The target is not being cooperative with the authorities.

Update from MPD Inspector Delgado at 11pm:
An officer at a post nearby the Rec Center heard what the was first thought to be the sound of fireworks but later turned out to be the sound of at least five shots into a vehicle parked at the Kennedy Recreation Center. The target of the shooting was not injured. After shots were fired, two suspects tried to get away in their vehicle only to crash into a Mercedes E320 which stopped them. They attempted to escape the MPD on foot. One of the two suspects was taken into custody. Apparently the nearby MPD officer responded to the scene directly even before Shotspotter alerts sent the police to the scene.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, Update from witness:
Apparently, there were a lot of young men actually closely watching the historic election results on the big screen tv at the Kennedy Recreation Center up until it closed just before 9pm. As some of the young men left the building, some out the front door, some out the back near the parking lot, persons, reportedly from a "5th Street" gang (members of which do not come to the Kennedy Recreation Center), came onto the grounds and started the attack on their target who was ultimately unharmed.

- - - - - - - - -

On a personal note, it's a real shame that as the nation is on the verge of electing the first African American president that some people in the African American community, right here in the Capitol of the world's superpower, are still so out of touch with the rest of society (not to mention the importance of the election) that they have nothing better to do than play stupid ass games with guns. The official excuses for being idiots are rapidly disappearing. The African American child of a single mother, once on welfare, can now be a president of the free world (with the support of a lot of non African Americans).

ANC 2C candidates Alexander M Pador (2C01), Theresa Sule (2C04) and Kevin Chapple (2C02) and CCCA VP Charles Walker at Precinct 143 in Shaw today.

Jessica Lanza and Theresa Sule's campaign signs surround columns outside the voting precinct at Martin Luther King Library.

LEROY THORPE HAS A CHANGE OF HEART?

Leroy Thorpe encouraged me to take a picture with him as he posed with with a supporter outside the polls today. He usually goes to great lengths to prohibit such things (photo, recordings, having his image posted on a community blog), but he seemed to welcome it today. Maybe this is the beginning of the Change we want to see in the community.