Dear PoPville

“Instead of being in Section 111 Row B at the Fleetwood Mac(ish) concert, here I am, in the stillness of remembering what I had, and what I lost. Which was $125.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“So I’m back to the velvet underground / back to the floor, that I love / to a room with some lace and paper flowers / back to the gypsy that I was.” -Stevie Nicks

“Dear PoPville,

Just wanted to put a PSA out there so no one repeats my dumb mistake.

The TL;DR: never ever, ever ever use Zelle or Venmo to buy stuff off craigslist until you’ve got the thing in hand. They don’t have payment protection. Paypal does.

Anyway, I decided to try and get some last minute tickets to Fleetwood Mac tonight. Went on Craigslist to buy tickets. Messaged this legit-seeming post. The tickets in the post said “Mike” on them. The person texted like a Dad. It seemed legit until…they asked if I had Zelle. I thought it was weird. Their excuse was “Unfortunately they hold payments on new accounts for 21 days which is absurd.” Something about the word “absurd” seemed real to me. Almost disarming. You’re right! It is absurd. But they wouldn’t go along to get along: they refused to send the ticket before I sent payment despite my offer to send a drivers license picture. There were too many flags. I let the conversation end there.

Reader, I’d love to tell you that I, having learned my lesson and stopped right here.

I did not learn my lesson, nor did I stop right here. (more…)

“We’ve lived in a few other neighborhoods in DC and never seen them before.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My husband and I recently moved to the Brightwood Park/Petworth area (Emerson St) and have noticed that many houses in the neighborhood have colorful tire planters out front, like the one attached, both in flipped and older homes. We’ve lived in a few other neighborhoods in DC and never seen them before. Do you know anything about their history? (more…)

“The Zoo fencing plan is back at the National Capital Planning Commission.”

By Prince Of Petworth


3001 Connecticut Ave., NW

“Dear PoPville,

The Zoo fencing plan is back at the National Capital Planning Commission.  The TSA-style security gate is gone from the front entrance (yay!), but the ridiculous fencing everywhere else remains.  Comments are due by noon on Wednesday!

Here’s what I got from NCPC:

At its Thursday, March 7 meeting NCPC will review revised preliminary and final site development plans for supplemental perimeter fencing at the National Zoo.

The project was original submitted for approval in July 2018, when the Commission postponed action due to outstanding questions from the public and Commission regarding the need for the enhanced security measures. The Smithsonian Institution indicated that this revised submission responds to feedback received from local leaders, civic groups, and the public. Major changes include the elimination of permanent security screening pavilions from further consideration.

The Executive Director’s Recommendation is available online, as is the final agenda. Both may also be accessed from https://www.ncpc.gov/. The meeting will begin at 1:00 pm and be streamed live at https://www.ncpc.gov/live/.

If you wish to provide comments on this revised submission, or register to speak on the submission, you may do so through noon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Further information is available here: https://www.ncpc.gov/participate/guidelines/.

NCPC Office of the Secretariat

And here’s a copy of what I just submitted: (more…)

“I usually bike down 3rd but I might start crossing over to 5th just so I can see her even when I don’t take the bus.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Whether driving, biking, walking, or riding public transit in D.C., most of our commutes are frustrating in some way. I usually bike from Manor Park to Crystal City, but sometimes I take a break. When I do, I catch the 63 bus from 5th and Oglethorpe NW. The sweetest dog is almost always in the front yard of a house near that corner, and she (not sure if it’s a boy or a girl, and the tag doesn’t have a name on it) greets me and lets me give her a few pats on the head and neck. No matter what else the rest of the commute or day may bring me, interacting with this beautiful pup is my favorite part of my morning routine. I usually bike down 3rd but I might start crossing over to 5th just so I can see her even when I don’t take the bus.

So, PoPville, what small part of your commuting routine do you treasure and look forward to most? “

Paczki Day returns to Ivy & Coney March 5th. Prepare Thy Selves. Where Do You Get Your Paczkis? and King Cakes?

By Prince Of Petworth


via Ivy & Coney

“Dear PoPville,

Mardi Gras is almost here and two traditional treats that are served are Paczkis (almost like a jelly donut) and king cakes. Does anyone know of bakeries in DC that will be selling these? Much appreciate.”


Ivy & Coney at 1537 7th Street, NW – middle

From Ivy & Coney:

“Paczki Day (Fat Tuesday to you regular people) is nearly upon us! Nothing says fat like eating a pile of tasty donuts and pierogis. join us March 5th from 4 PM to close while supplies last.”

“Leaving D.C. after 18 years – replace me at a few of my favorite places”

By Prince Of Petworth


1807 18th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

My husband and I have lived here since 2001 and have loved being here in the city. So many reasons to love living here- museums, parks, ability to walk everywhere. We’ve managed to be car-less for 15 years. Go ZipCar!

But I have a small list of favorite places I want others to love too, and to replace me as student/client/purveyor.

Favorite things (more…)

“Unfortunately, resources on the subject seem thin, and the practice in general doesn’t seem very common in the US”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Jim Havard

“Dear PoPville,

I’m a single gay man living in DC, seriously researching various options for starting a family. One option I’ve begun looking into is co-parenting – i.e., finding a woman who’d like to raise a child with me as equal partners. Unfortunately, resources on the subject seem thin, and the practice in general doesn’t seem very common in the US, unlike other countries.

Does anyone know of resources on this practice in the DC area (websites, Facebook communities, etc.) or could point me to someone who’s knowledgeable about the subject?”

What’s going on with the new construction in the triangle where N Capitol and Blair Rd come together N of Madison St, NE.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

This house was under construction for a while, but for the last few months there hasn’t been any activity. When it was first breaking ground there were rumors of permit issues and that the neighbors were upset that it was built on a former small grassy area. Does anyone know what’s happening with it?”

View More Stories