DC Government

“D.C. Statehood legislation, with historic number of original cosponsors, becomes one of the first bills introduced in the U.S. Senate during the 117th Congress”

By Prince Of Petworth

From Senator Tom Carper’s Office:

“U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), is, once again, leading a group of Democratic senators in re-introducing legislation to grant Washington, D.C. statehood. The bill, which Senator Carper first introduced in 2013, would make Washington, D.C. the 51st state, finally give its citizens full representation in Congress, and also ensure that the citizens and elected leaders of the District of Columbia have full authority overlocal affairs, including crucial safety and security matters. The Washington, D.C. Admission Act (S.51) would also designate the areas surrounding the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the National Mall as the seat of the federal government. That area would inherit the name the “Capital” and remain under the control of Congress, as mandated by the Constitution. (more…)

“Introduction of the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Rafa Aremu

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement on the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act, which was filed with the Council of the District of Columbia. The legislation proposes several innovative approaches to help rebuild the District’s economy by providing businesses and patrons with expanded opportunities; bringing essential services, including new full-service grocery stores, to Wards 7 and 8; and maintaining the city’s reputation as a top destination to live, work, and dine out.

“I have charged my Administration with developing bold, innovative solutions to ensure our businesses and the workers they employ can thrive beyond this pandemic. As we continue to focus on boosting the District’s economy, this legislation will move us in the right direction by removing hurdles for businesses and providing new ways to bring in revenue. Since the public health emergency began last March, the District has led the nation in pivoting to support restaurants and food service establishments through various funding opportunities, including the $100 million Bridge Fund, the $33 million DC Small Business Microgrant Program, the Ward 7 and 8 Microgrant Program, the Small Business Resiliency Fund, and the Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program. As we move toward a new normal, we will continue creating more innovative programs that help local businesses make it to the other side of this pandemic.”

Proposed provisions in the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act include:

Extending programs introduced on an emergency basis, including Streateries
Establishing a Commercial Lifestyle License that allows patrons to walk around and consume alcohol purchased from on-premises establishments within predefined boundaries
Creating a new 25 percent full-service grocery store Class A License to help attract new full service grocery stores to Wards 7 and 8; applicants interested in using this license to open a Class A grocery store in Wards 1-6 must first operate such a store in Wards 7 and 8 for at least six months
Amending several licensing operational requirements”

Indoor Dining is Back at 25% but “Several Activities to Remain Suspended”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From the Mayor’s Office:

“The pause on various Phase Two activities that began on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 will end on Friday, January 22, 2021, at 5:00 a.m. This means that beginning Friday, January 22, restaurants can allow indoor dining at 25% capacity or no more than 250 people, whichever is fewer people. Additionally, museums can open, but no more than 250 people allowed per floor and no guided tours.

DC Government services that were paused will remain suspended: (more…)

“Issue with developer and DCRA”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

We have been dealing with DCRA since fall 2019 to resolve an issue with a developer who has enclosed his parking pad which is the corner of the alley, forcing us and all our neighbors to now encroached onto the property on the other side of the alley.

DCRA has been useless and unresponsive and they are bow saying that they are not aware of our issue. We have been exchanging emails with several offices at DCRA and they have responded to us. (more…)

Fencing breakdown started at 6 pm (Wed.) and “will likely take about 36 hours.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Phil Yabut

“Dear PoPville,

Any idea when the fencing will come down?”

From Deputy Mayor John J. Falcicchio Wednesday:

“We are told that breakdown will start in earnest at 6 pm and will likely take about 36 hours.

That aligns with the end of the Inauguration Pause on indoor dining which is set to expire on Friday, January 22, at 5 am. Restaurants will then be able to return to 25% indoor. (more…)

“Beginning at 9:00 am on Thursday, January 21, 2,235 additional vaccination appointments will be made available for District residents who are 65 years of age and older and/or health care workers and who live in priority zip codes.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Health:

“Beginning at 9:00 am on Thursday, January 21, 2,235 additional vaccination appointments will be made available for District residents who are 65 years of age and older and/or health care workers and who live in priority zip codes.

The priority zip codes cover most of Wards 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 and include: 20001, 20002, 20009, 20010, 20011, 20012, 20015, 20017, 20018, 20019, 20020, 20030, 20032, 20039, 20040, 20056, 20059, 20060, 20064, 20223, 20242, 20260, 20306, 20317, 20340, 20373, 20375, 20422, 20441, 20509, 20542, and 20593.

Priority zip codes include areas of the city where residents are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including number of cases and mortality rate. (more…)

“Statement from Mayor Bowser on the Inauguration of the 46th President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris”

By Prince Of Petworth


via @MurielBowser

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement on the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States of America Joseph R. Biden and the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President, Kamala Harris.

“After a year unlike any other – one that challenged each and every American – today, we begin a new chapter. We join Americans nationwide in celebrating the resiliency of our democracy and an Administration committed to uniting and uplifting a nation deeply scarred by divisiveness, extremism, and a pandemic that rages on after already claiming the lives of more than 400,000 Americans.

“But today we feel hopeful. (more…)

Teachers to get the vaccine “beginning the week of January 25” but “Put bluntly: DC NEEDS MORE VACCINE.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, DC Health announced that beginning the week of January 25, in-person staff, including teachers and support staff, at DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter Schools will begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

This week, DCPS teachers and staff who are already reporting in-person, or who will return for in-person instruction in Term 3, will receive an email outlining the process for scheduling a vaccination appointment. Vaccinations will begin next week and will take place at Dunbar High School. DC Health and DCPS are partnering with Children’s National Hospital to vaccinate DCPS staff. Appointments will be scheduled directly with Children’s National Hospital. 

DC Public Charter Schools will receive guidance from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) regarding the vaccination program expected to start on January 25 for teachers and staff who are reporting in person.

Starting on January 25, other workers necessary for the preservation of societal functions will begin vaccinations, such as other public school staff and members of the Metropolitan Police Department. In addition, “Continuity of District Government” personnel will start their vaccinations next week with Kaiser. (more…)

View More Stories