Dear PoPville

“Dear PoPville,

As much as I hesitate to post a picture of a man clearly going through a tough life situation, it needs to be done. This man was on the same Red Line Metrorail car as my social work colleague yesterday. She called an outreach employee, called 911, and the Metro Transit Police (911 EMS told her to call them). She got off the train to try to halt the train, called for the conductor, etc. The train ended up leaving, but she talked to the Metro station employees about her fear of the man potentially dying (he was unresponsive)– one laughed at her, (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Jordan Barab

“Dear PoPville,

A neighbor of mine owns a nail salon. She’s run into some troubles and asked for assistance. I’m hoping someone here might be able to help:

1. She has sublet a portion of her salon’s lease to someone else (legally, owner of the building is aware) who has not paid her rent and owes $7k. I assume she needs to take her to small claims court, but does not believe her English is good enough to contact attorneys. Does anyone know of a resource that might help her?

2. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user brunofish

“Dear PoPville,

Hoping someone can help me getting recommendations on window replacement.

I have a large vinyl double hung window (48×72 est). This window no longer seals, window pane is cracked and counterbalance system is busted. Repairing window would be a giant waste of time. Window is located in the dining room and we have a separate renovation project in this room and this is the perfect time to swap out the window since new drywall will go up. I’ve called around and some companies won’t come out because it is only 1 window. Others come across like snake oil salesman trying to upgrade me on options over the phone. So does anyone know of a good company/individual? I live in Columbia Heights and would like to get this done before the first cold spell.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley

“Dear PoPville,

A month or two ago, a friend of mine proposed to his now fiance, in Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park. He had his guitar and sang a song he’d written, they were picnicking, and he had a friend of his hiding in the bushes to take photos. There was a stranger (a female) nearby who realized his friend hiding in the bushes, quickly caught on about what was happening, and ended up taking a video of the proposal (how sweet and thoughtful!)! She approached my newly engaged friend to ask for his email address so she could send the video… but she never did! I’m hoping to help a friend out and see if we can track the video down so my friend and his now fiance can appreciate it together for years to come.”

Please if you’re out there, please email [email protected] and I’ll put you in touch with OP.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rich Renomeron

“Dear PoPville,

In a very DC problem, the “NE” version of our “NW” address is apparently a very popular Air BnB. Clearly the owner doesn’t have great instructions on how to find the house that clarify between NE and NW addresses, so we get 6-8 visitors a month ringing out doorbell at all hours looking to “check in”. (more…)

“Dear Popville,

Please help. About two months ago our neighbors adopted a cat from the Humane Rescue Alliance as part of DC’s Blue Collar Cat program, which is aimed at helping to curtail DC’s rodent problem. Sounds great, right? Well, the cat has decided to make the back entrance of our building it’s outdoor litter box. (more…)