DC Government

Real Talk: “I’ve been annoyed by the inability to buy alcohol in grocery stores before 9a when DC law allows it after 7am”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

For several years now, I’ve been annoyed by the inability to buy alcohol in grocery stores before 9a when DC law allows it after 7a.

See, say, Section 25-722

In normal times, no big deal, I’d go elsewhere. But in COVID-nation, I try to minimize the times I go out – and minimize the chances of encountering larger groups when I do go out. So, I’ve been grocery shopping around 7-8a on Fridays at the Giant in Columbia Heights. But the Booze Barricade is always up. (more…)

“Mayor Bowser Extends Public Health Emergency, Stay at Home Order, and Closure of Non-Essential Businesses Through May 15”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Bekah Richards

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-063 to extend the state of emergency and public health emergency for Washington, DC through May 15, 2020, as the District continues to fight the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Mayor extended the emergencies and issued new health and safety requirements in an effort to protect vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The new order clarifies that face masks are required for: (more…)

“Loving this but wonder is the Federal government doing anything like this for their employees?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Ron for passing on this letter Mayor Bowser sent District employees yesterday:

“Dear DC Government Employees:

Thank you for continuing to answer the District’s call during a time of need and serving our city’s residents. Since the beginning of the public health emergency, there have been many changes and I would like to thank you for quickly adapting to the evolving situation.

Almost overnight, we transformed many District government operations so our neighbors may continue to access the services and support that they need in this difficult time. As public servants, we play a critical role in serving, guiding, and protecting those who rely on us.

While many of you are working remotely, there are employees performing essential duties that must still leave their homes and come into work, often for extended shifts. We know that disruptions in public transit are making it difficult to get to work and accessing grocery stores during their operating hours can prove challenging right now.
To help alleviate these disruptions, I am authorizing a $14 a day per diem for employees who physically report to work to fulfill these duties. (more…)

“The rats have caused excessive damage to the car engines parked in the alley block.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

This was taken around 10pm [Ed. Note still taken from a video showing lots of rats] last night in the alley behind the restaurants (mostly closed) located in the 2300 block of 18th St NW and Champlain St NW. Although this has always been an issue, we have seen increased numbers and aggressive behavior from the rats. The city has provided the black boxes and visits by abatement trucks but the situation has worsened. The rats have caused excessive damage to the car engines parked in the alley block. We have tried high frequency sonar, moth balls, oils etc to no avail. Looking for any suggestions of who/where to turn for proven results?”

“I was kicked out of Lincoln Park this morning by National Guard for doing solo workout.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo over the weekend at Lincoln Park by Stuart E. Allen

Ed. Note: On Friday we noted an increased police and National Guard presence at NPS run parks like Lincoln Park and Meridian Hill Park.

Ed. Note also: Per the Mayor’s Stay at Home Orders: “Allowable Recreational Activities means outdoor activity with household members that complies with Social Distancing Requirements, as defined in section IV.8 of this Order, and includes the sanitizing of any equipment used both before and after the activity. Outdoor activities should not be conducted with persons other than those from one’s own household.

Examples: Walking, hiking, running, dog-walking, biking, rollerblading, scootering, skateboarding, playing tennis, golfing, [Ed. Note: I believe tennis and golf were since rescinded] gardening, and other activities where all participants comply with Social Distancing Requirements and there is no person-to-person contact.”

Brett reports: “I was kicked out of Lincoln Park this morning by Nat’l Guard for doing solo workout. I’m confused as to the guidelines but want to respect those who are working to limit the spread of COVID. Are parks completely off limits? (more…)

“Important News for This Weekend’s (Farmers) Markets”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Paul Fain

From FRESHFARM:

“We are now wrapping up week four since so much of the world has changed, and our market team and farmers and producers continue to adapt every day. Earlier this week, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued new orders requiring the implementation of social distancing protocols at retail food sellers, including grocery stores and farmers markets. We have applied for waivers for each of our DC markets and are pleased to announce that Monroe Street, H Street NE, Columbia Heights, and Dupont have all been approved to operate this weekend! We will continue to work closely with the Mayor’s office to ensure that our farmers markets can be in compliance with the new regulations. Stay tuned for additional announcements on social media and our website.

At ALL of our markets, we ask that shoppers please follow these rules: (more…)

Heads Up for Federal Coronavirus Relief Payment Scams

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

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

“District residents should be on high alert for scams related to federal coronavirus relief payments or “economic impact payments.”

As early as next week, millions of eligible Americans will begin receiving one-time payments from the federal government as part of the response to COVID-19. The exact timeline is still being worked out, but these payments will come through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) either through direct deposit or by check. Accurate information on these payments can be found on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Unfortunately, scammers are using the news of these relief payments as an opportunity to attempt to steal consumers’ money or personal information. Scammers may use the promise of these government checks or payments to trick people into giving out private information, such as bank account details or Social Security numbers. They may try to impersonate government agencies or promise to help consumers get payments faster. And scammers may reach out to consumers by phone, email, text, or social media.

In fact, the Office of the Attorney General has already heard of people receiving robocalls asking for financial information to process their stimulus payments. Beware: this is a scam.

Here is what you need to know to spot scams and stay safe: (more…)

“Update on unemployment benefits for 1099 and gig workers”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Clif Burns

“Dear PoPville,

I know a lot of readers (myself included) have been anxiously waiting for DC to update their system to be able to process unemployment claims for 1099 and gig workers. I found this update posted yesterday on Elissa Silverman’s website. Pretty crazy it’s taking them a whole month to roll this out since the legislation passed!”

Ed. Note: Elissa Silverman’s office and website have been very helpful answering folks various questions about unemployment.

Mayor Proclaims ‘CITYWIDE MOMENT OF PRAYER AND SILENCE’ at 11am Today

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Jim Havard

From Mayor Bowser:

“I proclaim at 11 am on Friday, April 10, 2020 in DC as a CITYWIDE MOMENT OF PRAYER AND SILENCE, and ask all Washingtonians to participate. Join us, wherever you are, to honor those who have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic and those on the front lines fighting this virus.”

Full proclamation: (more…)

“Mayor Bowser Launches the District Economic Recovery Team”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user DCbmyers

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that her Administration has launched a new District Economic Recovery Team (DERT) to proactively plan, strategize, and coordinate the economic recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“We are all in this together, we will get through it together, and when we get to the other side, we will recover,” said Mayor Bowser. “Starting now, this team will ensure that we are pursuing every local and federal program, leveraging data and resources, and engaging with our business community to recover and bring prosperity back to our residents and businesses.”

The DERT is a cross-agency team led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) that will also engage with non-governmental partners to support businesses, employers, workers, and housing needs. The goals of the DERT are to prepare the District to effectively deploy federal funds; coordinate agency efforts to accelerate, adjust, and create local programs as coronavirus containment measures such as social distancing requirements are eventually relaxed; and make and implement long-term plans to restart the District’s social and economic spheres, informed by the insights of other jurisdictions, economists, and practitioners. The DERT will coordinate with the recovery efforts of the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. (more…)

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