DC Government

If You’re Interested in DC’s Street Car Developments – DDOT has Scheduled a Series of Meetings

By Prince Of Petworth

I know the rails have started to go in on H Street, NE. (Pictured above is an old school line from Georgetown.) Any predictions on when they’ll go live? How did they resolve the overhead wires debate?

Press release from an email:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is embarking on a public outreach tour to all eight wards of the District to engage residents and businesses in the implementation of improvements proposed for the transit system for the city, including streetcars.

DDOT will be holding a series of open houses beginning later this month to present the findings of the DC’s Transit Future study. DC’s Transit Future studied short-term and long-term surface transit improvements for the District, potentially including additional limited-stop bus services, bus rapid transit (BRT) and streetcar services. The open houses will focus on DDOT’s proposed streetcar network.

DDOT initiated the study in 2004 as a joint effort with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). It included a comprehensive public outreach program and a multi-corridor Alternatives Analysis that evaluated modes of transportation (bus and streetcar) and an implementation schedule for transit improvements in the District. The Interim reports of the study recommended a number of improvements, many of which DDOT has already implemented, such as bus improvements on Georgia Avenue/7th Street, 16th Street, and the Metrobus 30s Line with the launch of express services.

DDOT has already initiated construction on two streetcar lines, and the open houses will give District residents an opportunity to hear about the current progress and view updated plans for future streetcar lines and other exciting transportation investments across the District. Schedule after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoP – Controversy around the City Council rejecting the confirmation of Dr. Ximena Hartsock as Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from DC DPR biography

“Dear PoP,

I noticed you hadn’t mentioned the latest controversy around the City Council rejecting the confirmation of Dr. Ximena Hartsock as Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Many are decrying this action of the Council to be a slight against Mayor Fenty and not Dr. Hartsock, who has worked tirelessly to improve DPR’s services during the summer.. She was appointed by the Mayor in late April during the peak of the busy summer season and an outstanding job by most accounts, including many of the Councilmembers who voted against her (see Washington Post editorial on vote here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/06/AR2009100603070.html).

During her confirmation hearing, she was subjected to extremely harsh treatment from Councilmembers Harry Thomas, Jr. and Marion Barry that included several sexist remarks suggesting she would not be able to understand sports administration as a female and was told by Barry that she could not “understand black and brown culture” of DC, particularly in Ward 7 and 8 because she is a Latina. They also suggested that she was unfit because she has no qualifying experience in recreation (see Washington Post editorial on the hearing here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/05/AR2009100503182.html).

Many folks are outraged by this because Dr. Hartsock has been a dedicated public servant to this city for 15 years. She served as a Parent Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Principal at DCPS and went on to lead the DCPS Office of Out-of-School Time (managing all of the after-school, Saturday, and summer programs for DCPS) as a key member of Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s transition team.

I could go on and on about her as could the many residents and CBO leaders who voiced their support for her on Friday, but I would love it if you could post something about this travesty to see if others feel the same way. I think the comments about DC culture are especially damaging to the progression of this city.”

Has anyone followed this controversy? Do you support the Council’s decision in this case?

Dear PoP – DC Pins?

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Christina

“Dear PoP,

Saw a guy on the metro this morning wearing a largeish lapel pin. It had a silver rim, a blue field, silver outline of the District, and red bars and stars. It looked expensive and official, and like it was meant to remind us of the pins members of Congress wear.

Any idea what this is?”

Hmm, I haven’t seen one of those before.  Perhaps they are given to Council Members?  Anyone know?

Ed. Note: Couldn’t find a DC lapel pin on flickr…

Did You Know There Was a “Multi-Door Resolution Division” To Deal With Neighbor Disputes?

By Prince Of Petworth

I thought this was pretty interesting. From an MPD email:

“We get inundated with calls for service in regards to neighbor disputes. DC Superior Court’s developed the Multi-Door Resolution Division to assist in cases that are outside the realm of MPD. This is NOT meant to replace our responsibilities to investigate alleged criminal allegation. It’s just another tool that we can utilize. Below is a brief description off their website along with a link to their website.

Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division

Hours of Operation

Mondays-Fridays: 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m.
No appointment necessary

Location

Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
D.C. Superior Court
515 5th Street, N.W.
Suite 105
Washington, D.C. 20001

Main Contact

Phone: (202) 879-1549
Jeannie Adams, Director

The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division (Multi-Door) helps parties settle disputes through mediation and other types of appropriate dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitration, case evaluation and conciliation. The name “Multi-Door” comes from the multi-door courthouse concept, which envisions one courthouse with multiple dispute resolution doors or programs. Cases are referred through the appropriate door for resolution. The goals of a multi-door approach are to provide citizens with easy access to justice, reduce delay, and provide links to related services, making more options available through which disputes can be resolved. The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the D.C. Superior Court assists parties to reach agreements that meet their interests, preserve relationships, and save time and money. Our mediators and dispute resolution specialists are trained at Multi-Door to serve in a wide range of cases, from civil to small claims, to family.”

What are the scenarios in which you think this service would be helpful?

Friday Question of the Day – Does Council Member Jim Graham Deserve This?

By Prince Of Petworth

I was sent a tip today that these posters were plastered all over the Adams Morgan plaza at 18th and Columbia. By the time I got there all the posters had been removed. I did however spot this one on 16th Street. CM Graham sent out an email today saying:

“In regards to the recent arrest of Teddy Loza, we should all be patient while the authorities conduct their investigation. Corruption is a very serious matter. As much as anyone else, I want this investigation to be thorough and all guilty parties held to account. I have pledged 100% cooperation to the FBI.

I have committed no wrongdoing or crime.

Please also keep in mind that the Washington Post on September 30 reported—based on law enforcement sources– that I am neither a “target” nor a “person of interest” in the FBI investigation.”

While the charges against his chief of staff – Teddy Loza, are very serious, I’m wondering if Graham deserves this treatment? If Graham truly did have zero involvement in this incident, if I were a Ward 1 voter, I’d vote for him again. I’d say Graham’s net contributions to the improvement of Ward 1 far outweigh his poor judgment in choosing a chief of staff.

I have heard in the comments that some readers have received robocalls denouncing Graham in Ward 1. I think I read that they were sponsored by the DC Republican Party. So for the FQoTD – who do you think paid for and posted these signs around Adams Morgan? Do you think they are appropriate?

This is Insane – Can It Be True?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from PoPville flickr user *tinadelarosa

“Dear PoP,

Just found this in the D.C. Municipal Regulations, which appears to remain
the rule of the land…

From Title 22

103.15 Any dog going at large between May 15 and October 15th in any year
that is not properly muzzled shall be taken up by the pound master, who
shall charge the dog’s owner one dollar ($1) for its redemption.

103.16 Any dog that is not redeemed within twenty-four (24) hours after
being taken up by the pound master may be shot by the pound master.

I assume they don’t just shoot dogs any more.”

What’s the significance of May 15 and October 15th? Is that when dogs are in heat or something? There’s no way they still shoot dogs is there?

City Paper Has Crazy Updates on CM Graham’s Chief of Staff – Teddy Loza

By Prince Of Petworth

You have to read the full article from Loose Lips here. But here’s the craziest part:

After she arrived, Loza pressured the woman to abort the baby, according to court records. Part of Loza’s coercion, the woman would later testify, was physical. “On one occasion, after the parties had driven to get [the woman] a burrito, [she] reiterated that she did not want an abortion,” a judge wrote. “[Loza] became upset and pushed the defendant out of the car. She was not injured. The car door was open, she said.”

Graham put the $3,200 late-term abortion onto his personal credit card, according to a receipt included in court records.

Is Mayor Fenty Doing a Good Job?

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week WJLA released a poll saying that Fenty was at a 51% disapproval rating. I’m not sure how much stock to put into these polls but when I unscientifically chat with neighbors and friends, most seem to echo this poll. So I also noticed a bunch of these Draft Kwame Brown For Mayor signs this weekend. So couple of questions – Is Fenty doing a good job? If you think not, is there a good alternative?

Mock Responder Exercise this Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

Don’t be alarmed!  From an email:

“In observance of National Preparedness Month, law enforcement and first responder agencies will conduct mock emergency exercises in the Downtown Area on Saturday, Sept. 26th, from 8 AM until 3 PM. Law enforcement and first responder agencies are conducting drills only. All drills will conclude at 3 P.M.”

Full Indictment of Ted Loza, CM Jim Graham’s Chief of Staff

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the full indictment of Ted Loza, Chief of Staff to Council Member Jim Graham. There is a very interesting transcript of a taped conversation. Here’s a taste:

“Individual No. 1: Definitely, and I want to thank you very much for this, and, you know—

LOZA: Thank you very much.

Individual No. 1: Very helpful for us, you know. Uh, and [Individual Number 2] wanted to really thank you as well for this.

LOZA: He does? What, didn’t he thank me or didn’t you guys thank me already?

Individual No. 1: Here – here. This is for you. And, uh, thank you very much for him. [Individual Number 1 handed $500 in cash to LOZA.]

LOZA: You know I need it. That’s why I take it, you know.”

You can read the full indictment from the pdf below:

Loza Indictment

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