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This great one from near U St, NW reminded me of the one in Bloomingdale that we looked at a couple of weeks ago.  This one even has a rug which really ties the whole patio together…

“Dear PoP,

The empty lobby of West 22, at New Hampshire and M, across from Meiwah, now has this sign in the window. They’re opening a new Rasika??? Any word on when?”

Back in Feb. ’11 we learned the great news. At that time we heard that Rasika West End was aiming to open in February 2012. Peeking in the window, it’s not clear that buildout has started. I’ll be sure to update as we get closer to an opening date.

“Dear PoP,

Last night at around 3 AM a drunk driver hit the dumpster in front of 1449 Harvard St NW. The impact moved the dumpster (which weighs several thousand pounds) almost six feet forward, where it then hit the BMW parked in front. The driver was in a black Cadillac Escalade, which had several empty beer cans on the front seat. He left the SUV on the scene and then fled. The police arrived shortly thereafter and are trying to locate the driver.”

That’s insane. And terrifying to think how bad this really could’ve been.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

A reader brought this up earlier in the week.

Sent from Chief Lanier to the MPD listservs yesterday:

“Lately I have received a lot of inquiries from members of the community about what the latest decision on the All Hands on Deck actually means to our crime fighting strategy. Since there is a lot of misinformation in the press I wanted to take a few moments to give you some accurate background on the issue.

In 2006, in response to a spike in violent crimes and homicides in the early summer, Chief Ramsey declared a crime emergency. By declaring the crime emergency the union contract was suspended and all members of the department were required to work 12 hours a day, six days a week. The Crime Emergency remained in place for nearly six months and cost the city 17 million dollars in overtime expenses. While I agree that the steps Chief Ramsey took at the time were necessary to keep our residents safe, it was very hard on the members of the police department, who had to cancel leave, vacations, and days off.

When I became the Chief in 2007, I proposed the concept of the All Hands on Deck to our labor union and their membership. I received their concurrence that violent crime spikes are predicable. As such, we did a detailed crime analysis and selected four to six dates a year, when violent crime was most prevalent, and scheduled the entire Department to work. On those dates, those not assigned to patrol (i.e. Administrative and support personnel) are deployed on the street to increase visibility and prevent crime. We publish these dates in January of every year so our members can schedule their vacations and personal time around them. This initiative requires a minimal time commitment, requires no overtime, and allows the officers to maintain two days off during the AHOD week. Lastly, only a small number of officers are impacted by the AHOD.

As far as the arbitrators ruling, and recent PERB decision, our attorneys assure me that they only impact two AHODs in 2009 and no others. Additionally, they in no way preclude us from holding future AHODS.

I am committed to continuing the AHOD initiative because it provides consistent results to our residents. A prime example of this is that during our last AHOD we had a 24% crime reduction compared to the same timeframe last year.

AHOD is one piece of my crime fighting strategy and I am happy to report that as a result of our collective efforts, residents and visitors to the District of Columbia are enjoying historically low homicide rates, unprecedented homicide closure rates, and huge decreases in gun crimes. There can be no dispute that our city is safer today because of our crime fighting efforts and strategies.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

From and email titled, “Shaw Community Takedown” by Chief Cathy Lanier:

“I would like to commend the MPD officers and FBI agents involved in a highly successful joint operation in taking down a drug ring. As a result of a three-year investigation, 17 people were arrested and 1/2 of kilogram of cocaine, 1/4 of kilogram of crack cocaine, 1 lb of marijuana, over $600,000 in cash and a variety of weapons and vehicles were seized.

Because of our continued focus in the Shaw community, we have seen a dramatic reduction in violent crime. These arrests are an example of the efforts of law enforcement working together to make our communities safer.”

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And this description from MPD made me a bit dizzy but great to hear an arrest was made:

“On August 5, 2011 around 10:45am the Complainant (C-1) reports to MPD that on the listed date and time he was walking eastbound in the 1400 Block of Florida Ave. C-1 reports that without warning he was tackled to the ground from behind by a suspect (S-1). S-1 assaulted C-1 and grabbed the listed items from C-1’s grasp. A witness (W-1) was standing nearby and observed the attack. W-1 also observed an additional suspect (S-2) standing next to S-1. W-1 stated that three additional suspects (S-3, S-4, S-5) were standing across the street watching the attack. After S-1 took the listed items from C-1 all of the suspects fled the scene on foot. C-1 and W-1 gave chase and caught up to the suspect’s in the rear alley of the 1300 Block of V St. NW. As C-1 caught up to S-1, C-1 pushed S-1 in an attempt to stop him. S-1 fell. C-1 and W-1 report that S-1 turned toward C-1 and put his fists up and stood in a fighting stance. C-1 yelled to S-1 to drop C-1’s property (bag). S-1 dropped C-1’s property and fled southbound toward the 1300 Block of U St. NW. C-1 recovered his property and returned to work. MPD responded to the scene but could not locate or contact C-1 to file a report. Later as C-1 was walking in the 1400 Block of U St. NW and observed S-1 standing at the location. C-1 flagged down an MPD Officer and advised the officer that S-1 had robbed him earlier in the day. The officer attempted to make contact with S-1. S-1 immediately fled on foot. S-1 was later stopped in the 1900 Block of 13th St. NW. C-1 positively identified S-1 as the person who assaulted and robbed him earlier in the day. S-1 was arrested.”

This home is located at 2346 S St, NW.

The flier says:

“Brick and limestone mansion exemplifies the best of Beaux-Arts architecture. First floor reception room and two powder rooms, 2nd floor offers dramatic public spaces with 13ft ceilings, reception room and formal living and dining rooms perfect for grand entertaining. 3rd level offers custom mahogany paneled library, master suite w/ dual baths. Garage & circular driveway. Elevator to all floors.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

This 6 bed/7.5 bath is yours for $4,995,000.

And for those looking for something a bit more contemporary:

This condo is located at 2328 Champlain St, NW.

The flier says:

“Spectacular penthouse! Incredible condo features 3200 interior square feet with an additional 1900 square feet of private outdoor space including a stunning roof deck overlooking the entire DC skyline. 2 levels, open kitchen, massive living room, 2 bedrooms plus loft and 3 full bathrooms. Soaring ceilings, bamboo floors, and garage parking included.”

You can find more info here and photos here.

This 2 bed/3 bath penthouse condo is yours for $1,995,000 ($1,551 monthly condo fee.)

Which do you like better?

I love this troika from Columbia Heights.