Dear PoPville

“Local scam — HVAC cleaning”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

There is a local scam going around that has now appeared on several listserves I’ve been on. A person joins a listserve claiming to be a member of the group, e.g. “a 20-something who attends XXX congregation,” then claims that they have a “group rate” for HVAC cleanings of $150. There is indeed a company that shows up and does something if you sign up, but it is tantamount to doing nothing and they are misleading about what services they provide. The original poster then tries to pressure you into signing more people up for the pyramid scheme. More details below. (more…)

“Question for DC landlords”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I am planning to rent out my home in DC and understand the DC law requires the landlord to deposit the tenant’s security deposit into an interest-bearing escrow account with a DC financial institution. My title company said they do not offer this service, and a bank I contacted said their escrow services are only for larger rental companies (not for an individual renting out one property). Wondering if anyone who rents out their home in DC has recommendations for DC financial institutions that will do this.“

“Fights every day this week – Roosevelt High School”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Robert Lintott

“Dear PoPville,

Sending a note to see if the community has thoughts and ideas for how we can come together to support our young people. For the past three days – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, there have been fights of high schoolers at dismissal time at Upshur/Georgia/Petworth Library area that have overwhelmed the Safe Passage team members and called for a large police response and presence. Given (more…)

“Half Pipe for Rollerskaters?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Rukasu1

“Dear PoPville,

I’m a park roller skater and I moved into the city about a year and a half ago. I was in Arlington for a while and had access to many more parks and while I love Shaw Skate park all I really want is a half pipe to practice tricks on. I’ve talked to quite a few rollerskaters in the area and none of us have seen one. If anyone in DC has a secret half pipe in their yard or knows of one anywhere please let me know! I’d be happy to help with maintenance costs or otherwise pitch in to have one to use regularly!”

Ed. Note: “Did you know there is a National Park in DC with roller skating? Now you do.”

“Wrought Iron Step repair?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Erin

“Dear PoPville,

I have a house that is located in the Shaw/ Logan Circle area and I have steps that have been in place since 1890. The Steps are now showing their age and they need some serious repair although we have been in the house since 1964 they’re beginning to lean in one direction. Could the community help me in deciding who to get to do the work. Your answer will be greatly appreciated.”

“DC Reptile Keeping?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by A. Drauglis

“Dear PoPville,

I’m a displaced Floridian living in the district. DC is great and all, but I really, *really* miss seeing reptiles all the time and was considering owning one as a pet, however, DC pet laws are a little vague if you know about animals… Here’s what they say: (more…)

“Looking for (or building) a one-stop DC support guide… Ways to help our neighbors?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Fritz Myer

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if there’s a resource that pulls together the many ways to support DC right now, not just a single calendar or organizing guide, but something broader for both people here and allies. I’ve seen lots of really helpful one off resources and awesome orgs, but I haven’t found one place that packages things together in a way I could share as a one stop shop for say, my mom.

I’m picturing (more…)

“Garage Parking Question: Would others say this counts as parking in a garage?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

Ran across a very DC problem. I need insurance on my car, and the quote asks if I park in a garage. Like many DCers, my backyard fence has a garage door on it, with alley access. There’s no roof to make it a full garage, but obviously no accidental or intentional harm can come to the car once I park it in my backyard behind the garage door.

Would others say this counts as parking in a garage?”

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