Thanks to a reader for sending the news:

“I just went to check out their website and noticed it says their Qualia Coffeehouse on Georgia Ave is opening in mid-april!”

And they got a great new awning! I’ve been dreaming of an awning like this in Petworth for years!


The winner with 39% of the vote is Petworth! Columbia Heights came in second with 27% of the vote and Mt. Pleasant squeaked by Park View for third place with 7% of the vote. I suggest we do the first cleaning from Grant Circle to the Petworth Metro (however, if large numbers turn out we can split up and send folks in other directions as well). To allow for planning purposes we’ll do the first cleaning Sat. April 25th. Please allow 2 hours for the cleanup – say 10am -12pm?

May’s cleanup will be in Columbia Heights and June’s will be in Mt. Pleasant. We will then re-vote to see where we’ll hit in July. So for those that volunteered to help with logistics – thanks! I’ll post a few reminders as the date approaches. Thanks to all who voted and hope lots of folks will be able to participate.


Say what you will about Councilmember Jim Graham, but when violent crime occurs in his Ward I usually receive an email very quickly thereafter. Sadly I can’t say the same for getting official reports for violent crime in Ward 4. I have emailed Councilmember Bowser so hopefully she can give me an update soon.

So, I have received numerous emails about a shooting(s) last night. It is not clear to me if there were multiple shootings or just one that people reported from different locations. Following are some of the emails I received:

“Lots of craziness going on Randolph and Quincy, between Georgia and Kansas. Came home just now to find whole streets entirely sectioned off. When tried to get around, found the surrounding area, around 10th also sectioned off. There is a police van with one of those giant stadium lights set up illuminating Randolph street, and parked police cars and crime scene tape blocking off the whole area. When I asked if there had been an accident, or a shooting, the policeman I spoke with paused a bit, then responded “both”.

and

“Wanted to let you know of a shooting at 10th and randolph/quincy nw about 7:15pm tonight. Local crew reports someone was hit, cops finally here with some tape. If you find any good details we would really appreciate a post. Local news probably wont cover.”

and

“Just wondering if you heard anything about the gun shots in the neighborhood behind Raymond Recreation Center. I heard four shots last night (Saturday) just before sundown and called the police (so did several other people they said). Response time was immediate, but I saw nothing in the news this morning.”

I myself saw police tape and a floodlight at New Hampshire and Shepherd around 1:30 am last night. There were multiple yellow numbers on the ground which I assume indicate shell casings or some other evidence. So if anyone has more info please add to the comments. If I hear back from Councilmember Bowser, her staff or MPD I will add an update here.

Update: From Councilmember Bowser and Cmdr Brown:

“At approximately 8pm, we received a call for shots fired in the 900 blk of Quincy St. NW. Preliminary investigation revealed a veh fired shots at another car and both cars fled the scene. As one vehicle was fleeing, the driver struck several parked cars and a pedestrian. The pedestrian is in stable condition at a local hospital. The driver of the vehicle exited his vehicle in the 1300 blk of Randolph ST NW and made good his escape. We are seeking any information in reference to this case. Please call 1-888-919-CRIM(E)”


Ed note: This post was submitted by Eric (not guest contributor Eric Nuzum).

While our neighborhood is full of little, under-explored gems, I’d have to give my vote to the Lincoln Cottage as the best and least well known spot around. It is located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, just through the entrance at Upshur and Rock Creek Church.

I had visited the cottage back in September with some friends, but had my camera fail me that day, and this being my last day of unemployment, returned for some more photos and a chat with the visitor’s center staff. It is a worthwhile visit, both to better know the neighborhood, and as 2009 is the Lincoln Bicentennial, to better know a bit of this eminent president’s history. Recognizing that event, this sculpture and a new exhibition in the visitor’s center were added.

To escape the stifling heat of downtown, riverside D.C., and the pleading crowds that at the time were able to call upon the White House, Lincoln and his family spent the summers of 1862-1864 at the cottage. The home had been used for disabled and retired soldiers from 1852, until being made a summer cottage first for President Buchanan. Continues after the jump. (more…)


I’ve always been a fan of El Torogoz located at the 4000 block of 9th Street (around the corner from Domku). Thanks to a reader for sending an announcement stating that El Torogoz is looking to add karaoke. Anyone think this is good idea? I think it could be awesome. I used to be a regular at a Korean karaoke place downtown, back in the day. I’m not sure if I’ve asked before, but where are your favorite spots for karaoke in the city? Full notice after the jump. (more…)


A cab driver was taking me home the other night and said, “oh you live near the new stadium”. I was like what? He was talking about the top of the building that we’d discussed in the past. I never thought of it as stadium like before. But I guess I could see it a bit. What do you think – stadium like?


Dan Searing is one of the best bartenders (general managers) in the city. We were lucky to have him for so long at Temperance Hall and then Looking Glass Lounge. The only solace in his departure is that he won’t be going far. For those who are looking for classic posts/comments, surely, you remember this epic battle?

From the man himself:

“Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Some of you know me as the former General Manager of Temperance Hall and its successor the Looking Glass Lounge. Since stepping down as manager this summer to work on the soon-to-be-open wine bar, Room 11, (in Columbia Heights at 11th and Lamont) I have continued to work as a bartender. Tuesday, March 31st is my last shift. Please come by to say farewell and enjoy a free taste of some homemade limoncello and other drink specials. To receive updates about Room 11 please email me at [email protected]. To all I had the pleasure of serving, thank you.

Cheers,
Dan Searing”


This home is located at 610 Upshur Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“REALLY NICE HOME NEAR PETWORTH METRORAIL AND ON BUS LINES. IN THE BEAT OF THE CITY WITH FOUR BEDROOMS ON UPPER LEVEL COUNTRY KITCHEN AND ROUGHED-IN THAT’S EASY TO FINISH.”

More info but no photos here.

I was curious about this house because it is a standalone. But I’m starting to get frustrated with listings that don’t have photos. So let me ask you, should I not post GDoN homes if photos aren’t available?

Well, for the curious, this home is going for $375,000. Do you think there is a premium because it is detached? It says there are 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms – does this sound like a reasonable price?


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