34th and M Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I’m so torn on this one. Will I really miss it? Sort of. But every time I have walked by this space, either as the now-gone Starbucks, or as Capriotti’s sandwich shop before it, or that godawful Philly Pizza where students, tourists, high school drinkers, and young military types splashed ranch dressing on 2 a.m. slices before barfing them on the street, I have longed for something more in the spirit of (more…)


“Dear PoPville,

I’d like to crowdsource a jeweler recommendation for a small, but perhaps odd, custom project. I have a monogrammed ring in what looks like bronze or copper, and it has an empty pronged setting. The ring is quite old, likely late 19th century. I’d like to place a gemstone in the setting, and have the ring resized without damaging the monogram.

I asked one jeweler (more…)


“Dear PoPville,

This website is a resource for families to prepare the legal paperwork they need to have someone else take custody of their kids and finances if something happens to them, like being hit by a bus or dragged into the back of an unmarked van. (more…)



photo by Rich Renomeron

“Dear PoPville,

It seems that the DPW Special Waste collections have been selling out quickly now that you have to register. Any suggestions for the community about how to best recycle a broken TV? I’m aware of BestBuy’s program that you have to pay.”


“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…)


“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.



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…)


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