Dear PoPville

“Should I tip extra if places are already adding a service charge onto the bill?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Erin

“Dear PoPville,

Wanted to get the take of the hivemind. Last week, I was out at Dacha with some friends and was settling my tab. The server came over and informed me that there was an extra 20% service charge levied on the bill so the restaurant could pay staff $15 an hour. Although he didn’t inform us of this prior to settling my tab, in theory, I have no issue with this. I was a server before and think tipped employees deserve far more than they get. He turned the Clover around and presented me with a screen that then gave me the option to tip. I asked him if the 20% service charge was en lieu of a tip and he told me that it was not. He explained that the service charge gets split up amongst the staff and the tip would be directly for him. (more…)

“Clothing Donations?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’m looking for somewhere to donate clothing in DC other than those clothing donation bins. Does anyone know of women’s shelters, churches, etc. that are accepting donations?“

“Rats in car?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Everywhere I call for pest removal is sympathetic, but they only take care of homes/offices. We had a rat problem in the house but DCPH said they couldn’t do anything for our rat-heavy Petworth alley, and a professional service set some poison but that’s it. Who can I call to help me remove the rat nest in my car, sanitize it, and make sure they don’t come back?“

“just $45 short to call a locksmith”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Joanna Hiatt Kim

“Dear PoPville,

I was approached yesterday (Monday) around 4:30pm at 17th and P street with the same scam you’ve reported on before – A young guy saying “my wife is over there, we live in that tan building, just moved here a few days ago and are GW law students….locked our keys, phones, wallet and everything in the car…..just $45 short to call a locksmith…willing to give collateral if you help me out” (more…)

“shoe recycling?”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Lorie Shaull

“Dear PoPville,

My boyfriend and I are doing some end of the year cleaning, and we have a few pairs of old shoes that are far too worn to be donated (some have holes, etc). I’m hoping to avoid sending them to a landfill. Is there an organization in DC that will accept old shoes and recycle them? Thanks!”

“aggressive person in dupont?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

This might sound totally weird, but I hoped others might have information that could help! A few months ago, I was grabbing a coffee at Java House on 17th — I was in there with one other customer, who was doing finger guns and kicking their knees up. I didn’t think much of it until I realized they’d locked eyes with me and seemed to be threatening me in some way. I looked away, but as this person walked across the cafe to leave, they ran straight into me, knocking me off balance. (It was clearly intentional — we were the only two people inside, and this was out of view of the folks working behind the counter.) It weirded me out, but I left quickly and got out of there.

Fast forward to earlier this week, (more…)

View More Stories