Columbia Heights

Readers Report Shots Fired around 11th and Florida Ave, NW at 8pm Tues. Night

By Prince Of Petworth


11th and Florida Ave, NW. Mike sent us the above at 8:02pm. I’ve never seen police tape close a road for fireworks.

“Dear PoPville,

I heard a LOT of gunshots (20-30) in rapid succession (or loud fireworks?) today at around 7:20pm from our home on Euclid and 12th. Seemed to come from south or southeast from us, and may have been a few blocks away (we’re on a hill so sound travels pretty far). Called it in but did not see anything posted on the MPD feed. Was wondering if others heard the same and know what was going on?

“It is in great condition and could be used for: Any and all 19th and early 20th century hygiene needs”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Clif Burns

hahaha thanks to a reader for passing on from Craigslist:

“Take my old (never used) bidet (Columbia Heights)

Redid my bathroom which used to have a bidet in it. Plumbers pulled it out and it is currently sitting on my porch. It is in great condition and could be used for:

– Any and all 19th and early 20th century hygiene needs
– Modern installation art
– Venting your frustration at the world by smashing it to pieces, Office Space style
– Constructing an advanced birdbath

It’s yours if you can take it home. It’s solid porcelain so I’ll help you load it into your bidet-carrying machine.”

Sad update: “Someone responded to the CL post and picked it up on Friday!”

“What’s the etiquette when a neighbor repeatedly knocks on your back door to ask for money?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Miki J.

“Dear PoPville,

Odd question. What’s the etiquette when a neighbor repeatedly knocks on your back door to ask for money?

Longtime DC resident/renter, but my wife and I just bought a small row home on a mixed income, mixed age, mixed race, mixed family, block in Columbia Heights earlier this year. Within our first couple months in the new house some young neighbors that we had not previously met, but share an alley with, began coming through our back patio gate unannounced (the fence and gate are chest height and easily jumped over, so we don’t bother locking it), knocking on our back door, and asking for money (for diapers, auto repairs etc.).

My wife obliged and gave them a little money once or twice, but declined the third time. (more…)

ANC Rep Accused of Using a Racial Slur at the Columbia Heights Farmers Market Resigns

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

On September 27th we posted Community Foodworks Alleges ANC Rep Used Racial Slur at the Columbia Heights Farmers Market. You can read the full allegations here. ANC1A06 Commissioner Richard DuBeshter has now resigned his seat.

Thanks to a reader for sending word.

Kent C. Boese | Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A confirms to me via email:

“A short moment ago I received a copy of a letter that Commissioner DuBeshter sent to the Board of Elections stating that he was stepping down from ANC1A.”

About those Helicopters Last Night – Missing Person Assist AND “searching for a prisoner who escaped from police custody”

By Prince Of Petworth


stock photo from a previous search

I received numerous messages last night like this one:

“Helicopters have been circling Columbia Heights/Petworth/Park View since last night. My wife heard it was due to a search for a missing person who was found, but they’re still circling. Anyone know what’s going on?”

MPD first reported:

“Fourth District Officers were searching for a missing person with the assistance of the MPD helicopter. The missing person was located”

Then:

“Officers of the Third Police District are searching for a prisoner who escaped from police custody. The suspect is described as an African American male, 5’10”, 155 pounds, dark complexion, wearing a white t-shirt, black pants, and dark shoes. The suspect was last seen running eastbound in the 600 block of Lamont Street, NW. He is wanted on drug, theft, and traffic charges.

Anyone with information regarding this escaped prisoner is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Department’s Command Information Center at 202-727-9099.”

Fundraiser for Puerto Rico at GALA Theatre Oct 7 at 7pm

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women – DC Metro Chapter and GALA Theatre are hosting a fundraiser (3333 14th St, NW) for Puerto Rico October 7 at 7pm! $25 suggested donation, with live music and a cash bar. Can’t make it? Donate here. Funds going directly to local organizations working in towns outside metropolitan areas, and NACOPRWDC is coordinating with the Hispanic Medical Association and Mercy Corps.”

Community Foodworks Alleges ANC Rep Used Racial Slur, “tar baby”, at the Columbia Heights Farmers Market

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

I’m reaching out to share information about a recent incident involving ANC1A06 Commissioner Richard DuBeshter.

Letter Regarding ANC1A06 (PDF)

Attached to this email, you’ll find the letter we have sent to ANC1A, Councilwoman Nadeau, and the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions describing the incident. I have redacted the name of the community member about whom Commissioner DuBeshter was speaking from the letter. The Councilwoman’s office responded with concern, but noted they have little power over ANCs. ANC1A responded by thanking us for making the Commission aware and offered no further information. We have yet to hear from the Office of ANCs.”

Community Foodworks writes this letter to inform you of an incident that occurred between Margaret “Maggie” Frey, our Market Manager, and Commissioner Richard DuBeshter on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Columbia Heights Farmers Market located on the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza.

Commissioner DuBeshter came to speak with Maggie regarding an issue with the electricity connection on the Civic Plaza. In the course of their conversation, he referenced a community member who often volunteers at the market, [a community member], whom Commr. DuBeshter knows as [nickname]. Maggie mentioned that she has noticed that [she] has fallen on hard times and has appeared at the market looking dishevelled recently. Commr. DuBeshter responded by saying, “She’s a mess! She looks like a tar baby!”

We are appalled by the Commissioner’s words. That he would use a racial slur to describe a community member is shocking and disgusting. It is even more disturbing that Commissioner DuBeshter is using this language during polite conversation in a public setting and in his official capacity. This behavior flagrantly violates the ANC 1A Code of Conduct clauses 5.7, 7.1.b, 7.1.d, 7.3 and 7.7.

Letter Regarding ANC1A06 (PDF)

Ed. Note: Upon receiving the letter yesterday I sent an email to Commissioner DuBeshter asking for comment and he replied:

“Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I intend to address the allegations right away.”

I have not received a further follow up today but will update the post with his comment should he send one.

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