DC Government

“WSC Woes continue”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if any fellow ex-WSC members are being bombarded with multiple weekly voicemail messages trying to “win back their loyalty”. I’ve asked the Columbia Heights WSC folks to remove my information from their system three times already, but the calls have still been relentless. They’re clearly automated and come from different numbers each time with no discernable pattern, so blocking hasn’t helped. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!”

And earlier this week from the DC Office of the Attorney General:

“Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced the parent company of Washington Sports Club will be required to pay a $100,000 fine to the District to resolve allegations that the company failed to adhere to the District’s COVID-19 health and safety orders, misinformed its patrons, and put the heath of District residents at risk. (more…)

“DPR: Recreational Facility Reservations”

By Prince Of Petworth


via DPR

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if anyone else is having this problem or if this is somehow user error on my end. I’ve previously reserved lanes at indoor pools, as is required during COVID. However, for the last few weeks, I’ve been unable to do so. When I try to login, it says there is no account under that email. So then I tried to create an account, and it says there is already an account associated with that email. Then I try “forget password” and reset the password, but then get the same error message when I try to log in (no account under that email). Is anyone else having this issue reserving space through DPR?”

“Today, for the second time in two years, the U.S. House of Representatives has voted in favor of making Washington, DC the 51st state.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted 216-208 to pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51):

“Today, for the second time in two years, the U.S. House of Representatives has voted in favor of making Washington, DC the 51st state.

“This vote comes at a critical time when Americans nationwide are eager to deliver on the promise of liberty and justice for all. For centuries, an incremental approach to equality in America has delayed this promise for too many. Now is the time for bold action.

“We know well the grave injustices our nation was built on. We also know that progress has been made time and time again because elected leaders and everyday citizens had the courage and vision to demand a more inclusive democracy. (more…)

“COVID vaccine availability in DC?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I was hoping I’d find something about current vaccine availability (or lack thereof) in D.C., as I pre-registered with the D.C. government many weeks ago and I still haven’t heard anything from them since the April 12 public availability date. I’m not seeing much in local news stories either, so I’m wondering if it’s just me. Are you hearing anything about people actually getting scheduled for appointments in the last week?”

For those who’ve gotten vaccinated – did you get it through the DC registration portal or other ways like the one below?

Another reader passes on from their Federal office: “Thursday and Friday of this week, you can obtain a COVID-19 vaccination with no appt needed/walk-up at the Museum of Natural History on 10th and Constitution Ave. This opportunity applies to all federal employees and contractors.”

UPDATE from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “This site provides COVID-19 vaccinations to federal essential critical infrastructure workers whose job responsibilities put them at greater risk from the pandemic.

Agencies identified employees as essential critical infrastructure workers eligible to receive a vaccine at this time based on job duties and CISA’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response.

Other civilian Federal employees should make an appointment to receive their vaccinations in their state or local jurisdictions as eligibility has expanded to all Americans 16+ as of Monday!”

“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…)

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