Dear PoPville

“They are encouraging residents to police each other and threatening lease violations (eviction) during a pandemic.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by John Sonderman

“Dear PoPville,

I got this email from my property. Vague accusations and tone are concerning. Also property is declaring ALL forms of medical marijuana a violation of lease and also encouraging residents to report each other for suspected violations.

Is this legal? Is this the norm policy for private property owners in dc?

They are encouraging residents to police each other and threatening lease violations (eviction) during a pandemic. Very tone deaf and disappointing.”

Twelve12 – Smoking Policy Letter: (more…)

“More compromised COVID test results- this time from Engine 11 site”

By Prince Of Petworth


3420 14th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Just got the call from the DC Dept of Health – apparently even more COVID tests were compromised due to heat.

Last Thursday 6/11, I waited nearly 3 hours in line to get tested for COVID at Engine 11 on 14th Street in Columbia Heights. I just got a call from a DC Department of Health representative informing me that my test results were “inconclusive” due to the tests being exposed to excessive heat. I asked if that was the case for all of the tests conducted at that site on that day and she said that was likely the case, and estimated that approximately 500 other test results were similarly impacted. (more…)

“where to get a black lives matter yard sign TODAY in DC?” also “A Call to Action: Showing Solidarity with the Global Response against Racial Injustice”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Wondering if you or your readers have insight as to where I might pick up a BLM yard sign today. I was unsuccessful at the google. Heading out of town tomorrow morning and would love to bring the sign to my destination.”

Also another reader passes on “A Call to Action: Showing Solidarity with the Global Response against Racial Injustice

In response to the murder of George Floyd on May 25, millions of people around the country plan to commemorate JUNETEENTH (JUNE 19) to show solidarity and support to the African American community.

In agencies across the federal government, employees are exposing the disconnect between the agency’s stated commitment to diversity and inclusion and the daily employee experience. In solidarity with these employees, we must stand up for ourselves and for each other by building a workforce that reflects our nation’s diversity and leverages the creativity of diverse, talented groups to advance America’s foreign policy priorities.

If you plan to take leave on Juneteenth and want to be in solidarity, please consider including the below message as your out of office message: (more…)

“It’s time the National Park Service put that statue in a museum and replaced it with a new one worthy of the formerly enslaved people who paid for it!”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by James0806

“Dear PoPville,

Can we take this Nextdoor conversation about the Lincoln Park Emancipation Statue over to your website?

It’s time the National Park Service put that statue in a museum and replaced it with a new one worthy of the formerly enslaved people who paid for it!”

“We regret to inform you that your test sample, taken at either the Judiciary Square or Anacostia testing site, was unable to be processed due to heat exposure.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Judiciary Square testing site photo by Oliver Cox

“Dear PoPville,

I went to get a COVID-19 test at Judiciary Square last week because I participated in one of the recent BLM protests. I have not experienced any symptoms but just wanted to be safe. Well, I got this note from DC DOH today saying that my test results were compromised “due to heat exposure”. I’m wondering how many other people were affected and if this has happened before? Apparently this happened at both Judiciary Square and Anacostia.

Also from the note: “The Judiciary Square testing location (F Street, NW between 4th and 5th Streets, NW) will hold a special opening for those impacted tomorrow (June 17) and Thursday (June 18) from 3-7 p.m. You are already pre-registered. Please proceed to the registration tent and share that you are there to be retested due to this reason and you will receive priority placement in line.” ….Why not have extra hours at the Anacostia location too??”

Thanks to the many, many readers who passed on the following message they received from Coronavirus DOH:

“We regret to inform you that your test sample, taken at either the Judiciary Square or Anacostia testing site, was unable to be processed due to heat exposure. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. (more…)

“Local Jewelers?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Phil

“Dear PoPville,

My partner and I are looking for simple, affordable wedding bands (we’re low-maintenance and prone to losing things) and we’d love to buy something from a local D.C. jewelry maker/artisan but they’re hard to find with Eastern Market and other summer festivals closed. Online searches only seem to surface the really pricey and decidedly not artisan designer jewelry stores in the city.

Any idea if there’s any kind of an online database of artisans that are still working in spite of the pandemic or might the community have any recommendations?”

“Does anyone know whether construction projects have to register a sort of proposed ‘end date’ with the city?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Jordan Barab

“Dear PoPville,

First – let me say I am very blessed in these uncertain economic times to be able to work from home. I know how lucky I am!

That being said, the loud construction project in the alley behind my apartment is…less than ideal for concentrating (as is being roused daily by the noise at 6:30am, which is before I think they’re supposed to be allowed to start.) It would be nice to have an end date to look forward to. Does anyone know whether construction projects have to register a sort of proposed ‘end date’ with the city?”

“Do you have any advice about what I should do to get the tree taken care of?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My property is at the corner of 13th and W St, NW. In the backyard of a house on W is a dead tree leaning dangerously on a (Comcast?) power line / power line pole, which is leaning dangerously due to the weight of the trunk. The dead tree is about as tall as my house, and if it were to fall it would hit my upper floor.

I reached out to the owner of the house on W, who said: “The tree is located on the easement line and city has to address the issue. However, I was not able to resolve it, numerous attempts were made – we called the city and comcast several times, but without any result. Please feel free to investigate the issue since you property caries a direct risk of being damaged. From what I understand – unfortunately, no one really cares till the problem arises”

Do you have any advice about what I should do to get the tree taken care of?

I have a few updates (though no actual progress) since I sent this email: (more…)

What/where are the best places and times to go for walk up Covid testing?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Jaykwel “be prepared for a four hour wait”

“Dear PoPville,

I would love to hear what people’s experiences were at walk up covid testing facilities and get an idea of the best ones/times. I went to the fire station on Sherman Ave around 6pm and they were turning people away–line was back to Barry Place.”


Photo from earlier this morning at Judiciary Square by Phil Yabut “at least we’ve been sent good weather.”

“Any volunteer opportunities for Juneteenth?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

My employer just announced that they are going to observe Juneteenth and are encouraging us to use the day to reflect on important questions surrounding social inequities and, if inclined, to participate in constructive social activism. I’m interested in using the day to volunteer but am having trouble finding something on such short notice and considering the current pandemic situation. Any advice on how I can put the day to good use?”

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