DC Government

“spraying serves to reduce the formation of mature ginkgo fruit, which emits an offensive smell”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin the annual spraying of the female ginkgo street trees on April 19, 2021. The spraying will occur overnight from 9:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m., weather permitting.

The annual spraying serves to reduce the formation of mature ginkgo fruit, which emits an offensive smell when it falls on sidewalks and roadways. DDOT will use the same spray it has used for the past 20 years, Shield-3EC 24(C).

Residents are advised that spraying will begin in Ward 5 and proceed to Wards 4, 3, 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8. Spraying will occur during the evening for several nights. There is no need to move vehicles.

For questions, please contact DDOT at (202) 671-5133 or visit ddot-urban-forestry-dcgis.hub.arcgis.com/app/dc-female-ginkgo-trees for a map of all the female ginkgo trees, and other information.”

Heads Up, On June 1st “all parking enforcement” resumes as well as Street sweeping (and more)

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a four-month amnesty program giving drivers the opportunity to pay outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement (including speed, red-light, and stop sign), and minor moving violations. The amnesty program will run from June 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021, and includes tickets issued before September 30, 2021. This program is launching as the District plans to restart on June 1 several government functions– such as all parking enforcement, towing of illegally parked vehicles, and requirements to renew vehicle registrations and inspections– that had been suspended during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. More functions will be restarting July 1.  (more…)

“Covid Vaccination Volunteering”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Wondering if you can survey your readers for this one….I have extra time and would very much like to volunteer to help people get vaccinated. Surprisingly, I’ve had trouble finding local opportunities by searching online. Wondering if readers know of any tips on places I can help — mass vaccination sites, smaller clinics, DC government/Dept of Health (or VA/MD for that matter)…etc.”

Last night the Mayor tweeted the graphic above: (more…)

New Mask/Distancing Signs in Logan Circle, Mayor Bowser Announces New Walk-Up Vaccination Sites for DC Residents 65 and Older

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Ed for sending, the sign says: “Masks are required outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained.”

And from the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Bowser and DC Health, led by Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, announced that beginning Monday, April 19, DC residents who are 65 and older will be able to get vaccinated without an appointment at walk-up sites across DC. Each site, which will administer either the two-dose Pfizer vaccine or the two-dose Moderna vaccine, will be able to accommodate up to 30 walk-in appointments each day. Residents 65 and older can walk up during the days and times listed below while appointments last. (more…)

Developer Must Pay $400,000 for Allegedly “Violating District Lead Laws and Deceiving Homebuyers”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Diane Krauthamer

Ed. Note: DCRA recently launched a new Contractor Rating System

From the D.C. Office of the Attorney General:

“Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced that a DC-based real estate developer will be required to pay $400,000 in penalties and increase its health and safety protocols for violating District laws protecting residents from toxic lead and for deceiving homebuyers about potential lead paint hazards. (more…)

“DOEE Bans Sale of ‘Moss Ball’ Aquarium Plants Due to Infestation of Invasive Zebra Mussels”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Miki Jourdan

From DOEE:

“The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) joins federal and state fish and wildlife agencies in banning the sale–and ordering the proper disposal of–live “moss ball” aquarium plants, which may be infested with invasive zebra mussels. The moss balls are often sold under names such as “Betta Buddy Marimo Balls” or “Mini Marimo Moss Balls” and may be included with the purchase of betta fish.

The zebra mussel is a small, freshwater, bivalve species of mollusk native to Eurasia. Classified as an aquatic invasive species, zebra mussels are impossible to eradicate once a colony is established, thus causing irreparable damage to habitats and ecosystems critical to the survival of native species.

Consumers are not to purchase aquarium moss balls and are required to safely dispose of recently purchased moss balls using biological guidelines and industry-accepted best management practices.

DESTROY, DISPOSE, DRAIN

To ensure all life stages of this invasive species are destroyed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advises anyone who has recently purchased moss balls to follow these guidelines (ensuring that your chosen disposal method meets local state laws and animal welfare regulations).

DESTROY in one of three ways: (more…)

New DCRA Contractor Rating System Launches

By Prince Of Petworth

From DCRA:

“Owning a home requires maintenance, repairs and renovations. How do you know if you are hiring the best contractor to do the job? To help District residents and businesses hire contractors and building professionals with more confidence, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is introducing the new DCRA Contractor Rating System.

DCRA frequently hears the real life nightmares of District residents, oftentimes senior citizens, who pay for renovations and repairs, but don’t receive the work for which they have paid. Unfortunately, the options for recourse after the fact are sometimes limited, and always a headache. The DCRA Contractor Rating System arms residents with information to hire contractors who possess a proven track record of proper licensing, construction and inspections, thus preventing lots of pain and hassle.

The DCRA Contractor Rating System provides unprecedented free access to an inventory of contractors, architects, and other building professionals.

Building on our expressed policy of transparency, the DCRA Contractor Rating System uses objective data to assign a rating using between one and five stars to building professionals doing business in the District. 

Benefits of the DCRA Contractor Rating System (more…)

View More Stories