DC Government

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rob Cannon

From Mayor Bowser:

“I will declare a snow emergency effective tomorrow morning at 9:30 am. Residents will need to move their cars from snow routes before then.”

“Due to the blizzard, @dcpublicschools will be closed tomorrow and DC government will close early.”

“If you or someone you know is homeless or needs shelter, call the shelter hotline at 1-800-535-7252 or 311. Help is available 24/7.”

Update – full press release:

“Today, due to the National Weather Service forecast of an imminent, major winter storm that is approaching the District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a public emergency in the District, effective immediately. As a result, DC Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 22 and the District Government will close at noon for non-essential and non-emergency personnel.

Additionally, the Mayor has declared a snow emergency that will be in effect beginning tomorrow, January 22, 2016, at 9:30 am. By declaring a snow emergency, the District Snow Team (Department of Public Works and Department of Transportation) will be able to clear snow emergency routes curb to curb. Drivers are advised to remove cars from snow emergency routes starting Thursday night. Otherwise, they will be towed. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Clif Burns

From a press release:

“On Tuesday, Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd introduced, along with Councilmember May, the “Anti-Graffiti Amendment Act of 2016.” The legislation would, in part, increase the fines for those who willfully place graffiti on a property without an owner’s consent to $2,500.

Since taking office, Councilmember Todd has committed to ensuring ‪Ward 4 remains a safe place for residents to work, live, and thrive. Additionally, the Councilmember has made the concerns and upward development of small and local businesses a top priority. Graffiti is prevalent throughout the District, and threatens both of these areas of focus – costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Today, Councilmember Todd has taken tangible steps towards deterring would-be bad actors in the community from participating in these widespread acts of vandalism. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Lorie Shaull

From DPW:

“The DC Department of Public Works announced today that employees will continue to collect holiday trees and greenery through Saturday, January 23. Trees and greenery should be stripped of all lights, ornaments and tinsel and should not be put in plastic bags. Trees and greenery should be placed where the resident’s trash and recycling are collected. Residents also may bring their trees and greenery to the Ft. Totten Transfer Station*, weekdays between 1 pm and 5 pm and Saturdays between 8 am and 3 pm. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

First let me say – yes change the name – the name should be changed. Just so I’m clear and officially on record. It’s just so bizarre to read a press release where the mayor of a city won’t say the name of the team. It’s bonkers. Right? Having said all that – go Burgundy and Gold!!

Now read the prose of one writer in a precarious situation – from the Mayor’s office: (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

From Council Member Allen’s Office:

“At today’s legislative meeting of the DC Council, Councilmembers voted unanimously to pass Councilmember Charles Allen’s bill, the Private Security Camera System Incentive Program Emergency Act of 2016, to create an incentive program for residents and neighborhood establishments to purchase and install security camera systems.

Councilmember Allen said, “It is clear that security cameras deter crime and help MPD hold individuals accountable for criminal acts by adding extra eyes on the street. This program will put cameras where they’re needed most by targeting the highest crime areas in each Ward and nearly doubling the number of maximum rebates available.” (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user LaTur

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Please join Mayor Muriel Bowser at the entrance of the Eastern Market Metro Station at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, January 6th for a press conference to discuss public safety and the new Robbery Intervention Partnership Task Force.

The Bowser Administration is launching the Robbery Intervention Partnership Task Force to help combat an increase in robberies and to stop those repeat offenders who go on robbery sprees targeting several victims in a short period of time.

The Metropolitan Police Department will work with Metro Transit Police Department, the Office of the Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure that all resources in the criminal justice system are working together effectively to focus on robberies.”

Updates after tomorrow’s briefing.

The Mayor tweets:

“In August, I proposed #SaferStrongerDC, a comprehensive public safety agenda to combat violent crime.

All these months later, the Council has failed to act. Today I will make stops across the District to highlight the need for action.”

From a press release:

“On Monday, January 4 starting at 10:30 a.m., Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Kevin Donahue will host a “Safer, Stronger DC Tour” to highlight the legislative package proposed by Mayor Bowser in August. The proposal includes increasing police presence on streets and in communities, getting tough on the relatively small number of repeat violent offenders who continue to bring harm to the DC community, and providing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with the tools and resources it needs to protect neighborhoods. For more information on Safer, Stronger, visit here.

Mayor Bowser will start the day by visiting the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), where she will meet with Director Jenifer Smith and two of the city’s crime scene investigators. Passage of the legislation would provide incentives for MPD officers nearing retirement to join DFS without the risk of negatively impacting their retirement benefits. (more…)

Foam Info Sheet (PDF)

From a press release:

“December 30, 2015 – Starting January 1, 2016, District businesses and organizations that serve food will no longer be able to use containers or other food service products made of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as foam or Styrofoam™. Passed by the DC Council in June 2014, the ban will reduce trash pollution in the District’s waterways. Foam litter is consistently one of the most prevalent types of trash pollution in the Anacostia River.

“Foam is easily blown by wind or washed by rain into our storm drains and waterbodies,” said Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director Tommy Wells. “Over time, foam litter breaks into small pieces that are difficult to remove from the environment and are harmful when eaten by wildlife. Other pollutants like oil, grease, and heavy metals can adhere to these small pieces, causing the contaminants to bioaccumulate in the food chain. The foam ban is an important part of the District’s ongoing efforts to reduce litter in our communities and to restore our rivers and waterbodies.”

Another provision of the law requires businesses and organizations to only use recyclable or compostable disposable dining products by 2017, which will help the District achieve its Sustainable DC Plan goal of 80% waste diversion by 2032. (more…)