Federal Government

“a sad day for D.C. home rule and D.C. residents’ right to self-governance”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement upon learning that President Biden told Senate Democrats that he will not veto the disapproval resolution that would nullify the local D.C. Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA) and that the president tweeted he will sign the disapproval resolution if it comes to his desk. If enacted, it will be the first time a disapproval resolution has nullify a local D.C. law since 1990. (more…)

“Norton Introduces Bill Requiring Helicopters to Fly at Maximum Permissible Altitude in D.C. Airspace”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Eric P.

From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), the co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus and a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, today introduced a bill to require helicopters in District of Columbia airspace to fly at the maximum altitude permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with limited exceptions. The exceptions would include active law enforcement investigations, transporting the president and vice president, and safety. (more…)

Council Chairman Mendelson “Blasts Congressional Republicans Over Interference in DC Laws”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Ted Eytan

From the office of Council Chairman Phil Mendelson:

“DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson released the following statement in response to House Republicans’ disapproval resolutions for two District laws:

“It is deplorable that Republicans in Congress are attempting to substitute their judgement and completely disregard the government of the District of Columbia by attempting to overturn our laws,” Mendelson said. “Congress delegated home rule to us 50 years ago and have had no hand in our public safety and should not now seek to interfere piecemeal. Keep your hands off our Home Rule. (more…)

“Norton Kicks Off Black History Month by Introducing Bill to Remove Emancipation Statue from Lincoln Park”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by James0806

From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today kicked off Black History Month by reintroducing her bill that would remove the Emancipation Statue from Lincoln Park in the District of Columbia, a federal park, citing its problematic depiction of the fight to achieve emancipation. The statue would be placed in a museum with an explanation of its origin and meaning. (more…)

Congresswoman Norton, hears our pleas, again, and “Urges National Zoo to Evaluate Entry Pass Policy”

By Prince Of Petworth

On November 1st we had a lively discussion about “I would like to see the zoo rescind the ticket requirement for people entering the zoo on foot.” It seems EHN agrees – from her office:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) urged the National Zoo today to reevaluate its policy requiring visitors to reserve passes ahead of time, saying the policy deters both visits from those without access to a smartphone or the internet and spontaneous visits. In addition, the requirement differs from the standard Smithsonian policy of not requiring passes for entry.

“The National Zoo, which is in a residential neighborhood, is popular with both tourists and District of Columbia residents, and both should have easy access to the National Zoo,” Norton wrote. “I am concerned that the entry pass requirement may be limiting access or deterring visits to the National Zoo, especially for people who cannot get online, whether because they do not have a computer or smartphone or are unable to use such devices, for people who want to spontaneously visit and for people who have been led to believe by the website that entry passes are available only online.”

The full letter follows. (more…)

“guy literally has a master key to our mailboxes…”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update: “got a call from a MPD detective is looking into the case. Just wanted to note they did reach out this morning.”

“Dear PoPville,

This issue started for me in October, when I woke up one Monday morning to an email from my bank saying my checking account had a low balance. But how could that be, I just got paid from my two jobs on Friday? Ultimately, a check I wrote to a nonprofit was intercepted in DC, never made it to its destination, and we didn’t know how the check got into the wrong hands.

Flash forward to 11/7, I’m working from home next to my window that faces our cluster community mailbox. There is one on my side of the street and one directly across 3rd place, both within view of my window. I happened to glance up and notice a person dressed in all black, with their hood up, and a COVID surgical mask on (solo an outside mind you) check the mail of the box on my side of the street, and then go to the other side, and check that box. I thought, why would someone have a key to two mailboxes? I then realized the person hadn’t opened a personal mailbox compartment, but the outgoing mailbox compartment where letters are placed for pick up. And they had a key. Voila – I got my answer to how my check was stolen. (more…)

The Latest Effort to Extend Zoo Loop Trail Hours

By Prince Of Petworth

From the office of Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a letter requesting that the final fiscal year 2023 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill direct the National Zoo to extend the hours of the Zoo Loop Trail in a manner that allows the National Zoo to maintain accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Norton met this week with the AZA. The AZA said the National Zoo has two options to extend the trail’s hours and maintain accreditation: extend the National Zoo’s hours of operations or build new fencing around the trail. The National Zoo has rejected both options.

The trail, which runs through the Nation Zoo’s grounds in Rock Creek Park and recently reopened to the public, is only open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The National Zoo has tied the trail’s hours to the National Zoo’s hours of operations. (more…)

“Norton Disappointed National Zoo Refuses to Extend Zoo Loop Trail Hours, Will Explore Legislative Options to Extend Hours” and “Norton to Invite National Zoo, NPS, and DDOT to Participate in Town Hall Meeting with D.C. Residents to Discuss Zoo Loop Trail Hours”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: The recent Beach Drive reassessment gives a bit hope this wrong will be righted too!

From the office of recently re-elected Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who met with the National Zoo, the National Park Service (NPS), and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) to discuss the Zoo Loop Trail’s limited hours, today said she was disappointed the zoo rejected her request to extend the hours. Norton said she will explore legislative options to extend the hours and continue to have discussions with the zoo, NPS, DDOT, and the community on options for extending the hours.

The trail, which runs through the zoo’s grounds in Rock Creek Park and recently reopened to the public, is only open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (more…)

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